What Mary Loves

Summer is here and so is the detestable unbearable heat it comes with. But summer is also the perfect excuse for me to indulge in cold treats every day. And it was timely that I spotted a new favorite bingsu place.

Hello, Seol Bang!

It’s not hard to miss this new dessert shop if your goal is to just have your photo taken by the picturesque “Venice Grand Canal”. This place is located a couple of meters away from on the selfie stick zone of the mall and that instantly warrants +10 points from me as I do not have to dodge phones and sticks on my way here.

You’d definitely want to drop Seol Bang if you want to escape the crazy heat waves as this place serves not only cold desserts but also offers a dining area that would make you feel like it’s spring or autumn in Manila. But since I dropped by early March where the cold holiday breeze still filled the air, I opted to sit outside.

I wasn’t feeling adventurous during my visit so I went with Mango Granola (PHP199, small | PHP299, big).

Service was very quick as order was served in less than 10 minutes. This stellar service is perfect for those who are dying due to the Sahara Desert level heat we are experiencing right now.

My bowl of happiness was generously topped with beautiful yellow mango bits and granola chunks. And it was love at first bite.

The mango bits were so sweet and reminded me of why foreigners go gaga over our national fruit. The granola added crunch and gave the dessert more character while the finely shaved milky ice made me feel like I was in winter wonderland.

Though most of its bingu bowls are pricier than its competitors with Triple Berry Cheesecake (PHP259, small | PHP439, big) and Strawberry Granola (PHP319, small | PHP429, big) as examples, its premium ingredients will guarantee you that you get your money’s worth.

You know where to get your summer treats next time you’re in McKinley!

Seol Bang is located at 2nd Floor, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill, Taguig City.

One clear sign that you love Japanese food is when you crave for ramen on a hot day. I get that a lot and I just can’t help it. I need my noodle fix before I go crazy and one of my go to places is Nadai Fujisoba.

Hello, Nadai Fujisoba.

I still remember the delectable bowl of udon I had from its High Street branch. Its delicate broth taste and delicious tempura left quite an impression. This time around, I was in the mood for more than a bowl of noodles.

Its SM Aura branch has a similar ambiance with its light wood colored furniture, black and white Japanese comic walls and touches of colorful Japanese art.

The friendly server who assisted us suggested Niku Fuji Soba (PHP260), O-Ebi Ten Mori Udon (PHP260) and Ten Mori (PHP390). I've already tried the first two but I’m a sucker for anything tagged as bestsellers so I gave in. I also added Gyudon (PHP100, small | PHP190, regular), Kuro Goma Ice Cream (PHP100) and Macha Ice Cream (PHP100).

Service was delightfully fast and we got all savory dishes in less than 15 minutes.

The Niku Fuji Soba was like the noodle version of gyudon. The thin slices of meat were tender and had a nice light taste which was complemented by the delicate broth, egg and perfectly cooked soba.

I liked the O-Ebi Ten Mori as it is like tsukemen. I enjoyed dipping the thick and slightly chewy udon on the sweet and salty dip. I munched on the tempura from time to time for extra texture.

An order of Ten Mori or mixed tempura includes ebi ten, ika ten, chikuwa ten, yasai kakiage,oba ten and beni shoga. Though all were beautifully coated with crisp batter, I only liked the ebi tempura. Then again, I’m a bit biased here as I don’t really appreciate other kinds of tempura.

Gyudon, on the other hand, was bang for the buck! If you have a small appetite, you only pay a hundred for a filling bowl of rice topped with flavorful tender meat. It’s best to eat this with some pickled ginger for additional taste and sharp contrast in flavors.

Though stuffed and about to burst, we jiggled our tummies to make space for ice cream.

If I were to choose between black sesame or macha, I’d go with the former anytime. The sweet and grainy black sesame was a delightful way to cap dinner. Hardcore macha lovers would enjoy this green piece of heaven as its tea taste is very pronounced.

It was yet another pleasant experience. I can’t wait to try the other noodle bowls and curry!

Nadai Fujisoba is located at Lower Ground, SM Aura Premier, McKinley Parkway, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

An imperfect paradise would best describe Les Maison d’Itac, a humble resort located at the less popular part of Cebu.

Hello, Les Maison d’Itac.

We chanced upon this resort while checking Deal Grocer for our Cebu hotel accommodation. Since we saved a couple of thousands from our airfare and figured that a 3D2N accommodation with full- board meals and transfers for PHP15,000 sounded like a steal, we bought a voucher the same night we saw the deal.

Booking was a breeze as Bryan, the resort manager, was quick in replying to my inquiries. The supposed airport transfer is also flexible. Instead of picking us up from the airport, we were picked up from the first hotel we stayed at and very promptly at that.

I made a terrible mistake though in booking our first hotel in Mactan. For some reason, I thought that Les Maison d’Itac is also in Mactan but it turned out that it is at the opposite side of Cebu, just an hour and a half drive to Oslob! In the end, we took a 3 hour drive to and from the resort.

Tired from the long (and slightly crazy drive) to the resort, we were warmly greeted by Maritess who gave the impression of being the head housekeeper of the resort. She briefed us of some rules with “no swimming allowed 150 meters from the shoreline” as the most important one. Lame rule? Well, not exactly as the place is rich with coral reefs!

As soon as we were done sorting our stuff, we were called for lunch and it was a simple yet good food. We had shrimps and chicken pochero.

For dessert, we had ripe mangoes which, sadly, were a bit sour as it is no longer in season.

Throughout our meal, we were accompanied by the resident friendly dogs Itac and Stacy. Note that Stacy is such a glutton and she will keep pestering you once you give in to her charm.

After a short nap, R and I decided to walk around the beach and take a quick dip in the pool.

As we were about to head back to the pool, we spotted a paddle board which apparently anyone could use for free! We decided to take advantage of it and went past the roped area. (Note: It is still shallow past the roped area especially during low tide so take caution when paddling your way to the deeper part of the sea as you might hit some of the coral reefs with the fin of the paddle board.)

We had a short chat with some local fishermen while there but we quickly headed back when we saw the water getting darker which means that we were on deep water, which was very scary especially after seeing the sky getting darker as well as it was about to rain.

We were lucky that there were no guests using the pool when we took a dip. Given that the pool is quite small, having other people around could make things slightly awkward due to lack of space to swim or float around.

Dinner was served promptly (or too promptly) as we were still full from lunch when we had to eat our next meal. It felt like we were at a retreat where we had to eat at a specific time whether we’re full or not.

We didn’t stay out that long after dinner as there were a lot of mosquitos during our stay. We borrowed one of the boardgames instead and played all night inside our air-conditioned mosquito-free room.

The second day though was different as we had insect repellants on the whole day! In terms of activities, it was pretty much the same— wake up, eat, nap, eat, swim, eat and sleep.

Unlike our first night though, we decided to spend our second night by the common area to use the wi-fi and watch a long movie.

On our last day, the car bringing us to the city arrived a few minutes before 12 noon and they were very patient with us checking out a bit over the agreed check out time.

Though food was just so-so and the beach wasn’t exactly swimmable, R and I liked that we practically own the place during our visit. We loved that we could use the paddle board, life vests, scuba shoes and other facilities without extra charge.

Before booking Les Maison d’Itac for your next getaway, take note of the following:

-Les Maison d’Itac is located at Ronda, Cebu which is roughly 3 hour drive from Cebu City.

-It might be best to bring your own food if you do not want to avail of the meals offered by the resort. Les Maison d’Itac is quite far from other establishments so it could be a hassle to keep going out for meals.

-Wi-fi doesn’t reach the room furthest from the dining area. Also, that same room’s lounge chair outside has been deemed as Itac’s bed at night. There is no way to shoo him away.

-Insect repellant is a must if you decide to book here.

Les Maison d’Itac is located at Santa Cruz, Ronda, Cebu. For inquiries, contact them at +639 17 624 5774.

I love sweets and I can't resist it when someone offers me some. And when I got an invite to visit Sugar Factory, I replied with a big, fat YES. Indulging in huge milkshakes and childlike creations always sound like a good idea.

Hello, Sugar Factory.

I was greeted by a well-lit and spacious dining area that seemed to be a combination of a fancy diner, Vegas and candy land.

Since we were a huge party of foodies, we were moved to the second floor dining area which gave us a nice view of the whole place. On the other hand, the second dining area is a bit cramped and it was hard for us eager (and aspiring) food photographers to move around and take photos of the fun dishes served to us. But if you're there to simply enjoy the food, you'll be fine.

We were in for a treat that night as FOURTEEN specials were prepared for us with six of those as signature drinks. I couldn't contain my excitement when I read "Make a Wish" as I'm a sucker for blowing candles.

First dishes served to us were the fluffy Gigantic Buttermilk Banana Walnut Pancake (PHP340) and Red Velvet Pancakes (PHP320). Though these breakfast staples may seem expensive, one bite would convince you that both are worth every peso.

The banana walnut pancake was heavenly and I love the beautiful contrast between the sweet banana slices and toasted walnuts. The cinnamon sugar and maple syrup tickled my sweet tooth and made me eat more than I intended. (But it was worth the calories)

An order of Red Velvet Pancakes comes with three thick pancakes topped with white chocolate chunks, orange zest, maple syrup and whipped cream, quite fitting for a hungry duo or even trio. It was pretty good too but I would have loved it more if there were some fruits or nuts for added texture or flavor. The orange zest didn't really have much kick.

The Bruschetta (PHP280) was quite light on flavor as it didn't have the usual smoked salmon. Instead, the warm baguette was topped with tomato chunks drizzled with basil, extra virgin olive oil and parmesan cheese. Though this dish serves as a nice appetizer, it would not be my top pick as I prefer something tastier and more sinful.

If you visit this place with friends, I highly recommend Sugar Factory Party Nachos (PHP440). Aside from it being good for sharing, it also has generous toppings. The delectable ground beef, jalapeños, sour cream, salsa and melted cheese would definitely make any gathering or catch up sessions a lot more interesting and enjoyable. Just don't let the nacho chips sit too long as you wouldn't want soggy chips.

We also tried the Signature Sugar Factory Chef's Salad (PHP495) perfect for those "trying" to diet but could wolf down a humongous bowl of greens. The mixed greens with mouthwatering Jamon Serrano, shaved parmesan, poached egg, candied walnuts, cucumber and tomatoes drizzled with raspberry balsamic vinaigrette is a great balance of healthy and yummy. The crisp greens were simply addicting and the tangy yet sweet dressing made me eat two or three servings.

The Signature Sugar Factory Burger (PHP445) is yet another sinful dish we ate during our visit. The thick Angus Beef patty with your usual greens and cheese (with your choice of cheddar, Swiss or blue cheese) sandwiched by potato buns would make two fellows burp with glee. The patty was juicy and not overly seasoned allowing diners to appreciate its natural flavor.

This dish comes with golden brown fries and you just have to get milkshake for this one for that extra guilt that is not even worth regretting.

Speaking of milkshakes, we sampled two huge milkshakes namely Make a Wish (PHP335) and the Instagram famous Giggles Snickers Milkshake (PHP795).

Make a Wish was the drink that made me giddy as you could literally make a wish when you order this drink. I loved the vanilla ice cream they used as it was not too sweet hence making it a breeze for me to gulp down every single drop. Since I was saving room for other munchies, I opted to skip the vanilla cake chunks.

The giant tower of mug covered in chocolate and topped with a whole Snickers bar, waffles and Blow Pop sure made me a bit scared for my blood sugar level. The cookies and cream, though not overwhelmingly sweet, had too much sugar-loaded ingredients with it. I think titas like me are just not cut out for this kind of drink.

And speaking of wild, things just got weirder when Sugar Factory served Grilled Cheese and Spaghetti Sandwich (PHP385).

Your usual grilled cheese sandwich got a one of a kind makeover with spaghetti bolognese as one of the fillings. Then again, it's not as weird as it sounds. We usually eat spaghetti with buttered bread. It's just that some brilliant mind thought of having both in one bite with a bit of extra cheese.

Safe eaters would enjoy Orange Chicken and SF Fried Rice (PHP565). There are no surprises with this one as it is what it is called. The delectable crunchy marinated chicken went well with the flavorful rice. One order could stuff at least three foodies.

We started to sip some of the cocktails namely Watermelon Rancher Martini (PHP450, with alcohol | PHP200, without alcohol) and German Chocolate Cake Martini (PHP320, with alcohol | PHP200, without alcohol) while trying to digest all the food we ate and as we wait for the highlight of the night.

Though I love refreshing drinks and watermelon, I'd go with the chocolate martini as it's just tol heavenly! It's like drinking cold thick chocolate in a martini glass. The sweet chocolate and coconut-y taste of it also went superbly well with the savory dishes.

As we indulge in the remaining food and drinks, we were treated to a mini show... that is, filling of the huge Sugar Factory goblets.

I wasn't able to try the Energy Bear Goblet (PHP870, with alcohol | PHP490, without alcohol) but I did get a sip of Sunshine Tea Goblet (PHP790, with alcohol | PHP400, without alcohol) and I liked it! It tasted like brewed iced tea with lemon. In fact, I like it so much that I could finish a goblet on my own.

Overall, it was a great dining experience. I loved the savory and sweet dishes as well as the drinks. Though food and drinks are on the expensive side, you'll get your money's worth with its huge serving sizes (except for the martinis).

Sugar Factory is located at Ground Floor, Shangri-La at the Fort, 3rd Avenue, Fort Bonifacio.

Summer is here and I now have the perfect excuse to eat cold treats 24/7. Halo-halo, bingsu, ice cream, you name it, I’d most likely want it. And a few weeks ago, I discovered a new favorite. It comes with an adorable mascot and an interesting name.

Hello, Vampire Penguin.

An adorable Vampire Penguin greeted us as soon as we approached its store located at Ayala on 30th. A display shelf with the different flavored ice, toppings and macarons were among the first things we noticed as we stepped inside the corner store.

Its name sure made a lot of diners curious. Thankfully, Leo, one half of the duo who conceptualized Vampire Penguin, was there to entertain all our silly questions. He enlightened us by sharing a little story about themselves and how related it is to Vampire Penguin.

Vampire Penguin is an oxymoron of sorts as it offers dessert that taste like ice cream but not quite. Just like its name, an adorable penguin was bitten by a vampire turning it into a fanged creature. And since he doesn’t want to cause any harm towards his family and fellow penguins, he left South Pole and went to the North Pole, an area where no penguins live. There, he met his love, a polar bear and also made a few friends over some of his delectable flavored ice treats. After several years of being in the North Pole and realizing that he’s not exactly a threat to anyone, he decided to return home and bring with him his sweet icy discovery.

This story is quite similar with how Vampire Penguin started. This shaved ice shop is a concept that started in California by two Filipino brothers who migrated to the US over a decade ago. After its success in the West, they figured that it is time to bring their well-loved products to the Philippines and I am so thankful that they did. (See the similarities?)

Leo and Amica sure spoiled us that afternoon with several desserts. We started with Strawberry Cheesecake (PHP280 | + PHP40 for extra cheesecake), Smoreos (PHP200, small | PHP260, large) and a delectable four layer flavored snow with Honeydew, Lychee, Mango and Strawberry.

The Strawberry Cheesecake would definitely tickle your sweet tooth with the scrumptious combination of strawberry and vanilla snow topped with crushed graham crackers, strawberry and raspberry bits, drizzled with white chocolate and strawberry sauce and condensed milk. Though it was a bit too sweet for me, I was able to finish half of it because it was just too irresistible. (Tip: Scrape off the sauce to make it less sweet.)

Smoreos would be an instant hit for kids and chocolate lovers. This one had more variety in terms of texture as one order includes cookies and cream snow, crushed graham crackers, Oreos and marshmallow drizzled with chocolate syrup. Though good, I think I’ll stick with fruit flavored treats as I find it more refreshing and more suitable to beat this scorching summer heat.

I fell in love with the four layered shaved snow. Unfortunately, this is not available for ordering. Leo and Amica offered it so that we could sample more flavors and all were heavenly! Quite light in terms of flavor but you could definitely taste which one’s which. My favorites are honeydew and lychee. (Pro tip: Amica strongly suggests lychee with popping boba and I wholeheartedly support it! It’s spectacular!!!)

We also tried the summer staple Halo-Halo (PHP225, small | PHP280, large) and it was love at first bite! This deconstructed halo-halo was not just tasty but also fun to eat. I didn’t mix the ingredients together as I like having full control on the portions of the ingredients I love. It was bliss munching on taro snow with munggo beans, taro paste, white beans, flan and jackfruit.

The Thai Tea snow (PHP125) was also something else. It tasted just like your usual milk tea but in shaved ice form on a plate. To make it a bit more interesting, you could add some toppings like crushed Oreo (PHP20) for texture.

But here’s the most interesting part of our visit... Secret keys.

Yes, we were confused at first too. Desserts and secret keys? Did they collaborate with Mystery Manila or something? Well, no. This is one of Leo’s ideas to reward loyal customers. After a certain number of visits, you get to have a secret key or pass to one of the off the menu treats. And we got a sneak peek with its Green Mango with Bagoong combination which was really good! (Just don't tell Leo I told you, okay?)

I definitely cannot wait to visit again soon to try the other flavors and shakes. I’ll try to get as many as I could so that I get a key after a few visits.

Vampire Penguin is located at 3rd Floor, Ayala on 30th, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City

I’ve never been a chicken wings fan as I always feel that I get less for paying the same amount for a piece of chicken. I’d always go for breast or thigh as these parts have more meat. This is also the reason why I’ve never been interested to try Sunrise Buckets. But I guess I’m fated to dine here as this is one of the food stops of Food Hop 2017 by Zomato and The Grove by Rockwell.

Hello, Sunrise Buckets!

We were greeted by interiors in nautical theme and a retro looking open display chiller filled with various canned and bottled drinks.

The place is a bit dim giving it a slight pub ambiance which is much favored by its patrons who like to stay for some wings and a few drinks to pair it with.

We were treated to a bunch of dishes during our visit but since there wasn’t enough food for everyone, I wasn’t able to try all. But here are the ones I’ve tried:

Boneless Jack Daniel’s Wings (PHP275, single | PHP505, double | PHP735, triple | PHP955, bucket load)

This dish may not look photogenic and it may sound like it’s made for JD (that’s not Justin Dieber) fans but it was surprisingly palatable. Glazed with Jack Daniel sauce (sorry to be a party pooper but it’s non-alcoholic), it was something that I’d want with rice. It would have been a lot better though if the white meat was a bit juicier.

Nachos Overload(PHP225)

It felt like my plastic glove was made for this messy dish. I was pleasantly surprised with the generous serving of nachos and chili concarne. It is a must-order when you are with a big group of friends. With one or two orders of this, you are set for a long chat with them, sober or not.

Poutine Fries with Gravy

A refreshing way to enjoy your deep fried potatoes is by turning it Canadian. How? By topping it with light gravy sauce and cheese curds.

It may seem foreign to some (as it really is) but some of us have been doing the fries and gravy pairing even before we hit puberty. Remember KFC or Jollibee days where we dip everything (except sweets) in gravy?

Best to have a fork ready when indulging in this dish.

Chili Con Carne Fries

Yet another dish perfect for plastic gloves is this huge plate of Chili Con Carne Fries. This love child of nachos and fries was delightful and great for sharing as well. Actually, one order of this is enough to make two foodies full or one foodie, uhm, really full.

But you have to eat it fast as the melted cheese could make the fries very soggy and I only know very few friends who enjoy or prefer soggy fries.

Flavored Beer Shots

Not so fond of bitter beer but want to have a drink with your beer-loving friends? Fret not as Sunrise Buckets offers flavored beer that comes in different flavors. We were lucky to try caramel, mango, peach, raspberry and strawberry.

Though the shots got a bit of mixed reviews as some were reminded of cough medicine, I loved it! I could be a bit biased here though as I love gulping down my mini bottle of Robitussin.

Sunrise Original(PHP175, half pound | PHP315, one pound | PHP675, two and half pound | PHP1,315, five pounds)

Sunrise Bucket’s signature dish was served last and we were all excited to take a bite.

Though not as crunchy as I thought, I loved that the meatwas juicy and flavorful. It was seasoned just right and would go well with any of the beverages Sunrise Buckets offers.

Though I wasn’t able to try all dishes, the Sunrise Original bucket is good enough reason for me to head back for more. And try this pork dish with fried garlic I wasn't able to try during my visit.

Sunrise Buckets is located at Ground Floor, The Grove by Rockwell, E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Ugong, Pasig City.

I always see Main Street whenever I pass by Tuscany. I also noticed it while making my rounds in Kapitolyo when I hunt for new restaurants. But for some reason, I was never lured to pay this restaurant a visit. It may be because I was in the mood for something else whenever I see it or perhaps because of the several lukewarm reviews about its food I've read online. But food gods paved the way for me to find out myself if I'm missing out or not at all.

Hello, Main Street!

I was greeted by a well lit black and white signage and a dining area with warm yellow lights. The brown tables, lovely natural stone tiles and tan couches added warmth to the space making it quite homey and quite fitting in Kapitolyo.

We were in for a treat as we were served a lot of dishes!

First served were the poutinerie bowls-- Bacon (PHP230) and Smoked Pulled Pork (PHP240).

Both fries are hand-cut and topped with mozzarella cheese curds. But the bacon bowl, aside from homemade applewood smoked bacon bits, had dark gravy while smoked pulled pork had barbecue sauce, chipotle mayo and chives.

Despite both bowls sitting for over half an hour because of our passion for flatlay, I was impressed that the fries were not soggy at all and were still enjoyable.

Though both had a note of sweetness and have similar taste, I'd go with smoked pulled pork as it had more flavor and the chipotle mayo and chives made it not your usual fries.

For pasta, we sampled Italian Sausage Penne (PHP290) and Classic Carbonara (PHP320).

The Italian Sausage Penne was the least popular dish that night as it was the only plate that we were not able to finish. Though the sausage was juicy and flavorful, the tomato basil cream sauce was too overwhelming. In fact, it had that pungent smell that I'm not fond of.

The Classic Carbonara on the other hand was a crowd favorite. The creamy sauce overloaded with eggs was delightful and made extra delectable with bacon bits and parmesan cheese.

While waiting for the pizzas, we feasted on Main Street's bestselling Buttermilk Fried Chicken (PHP290) and Spicy Chicken Sandwich (PHP260).

The Spicy Chicken Sandwich was stuffed with one overwhelmingly huge chicken fillet topped with buffalo sauce, shredded cabbage, ranch sauce and pickles. I loved that the sandwich was just mildly spiced and that the chicken was juicy. However, it would have been better (and easier to eat) if the chicken fillet was a bit thinner.

I was a bit underwhelmed with Main Street's bestselling fried chicken. Though good as it was crispy and juicy, it wasn't extraordinary or something that would make me go back for more. In fact, it was overshadowed by the Classic Carbonara.

Chef Adam must be enjoying our company when he served all four pizzas for us to try.

Meat and cheese lovers would love Steak and Gorgonzola (PHP350). The perfectly baked pizza was topped with succulent sliced kitayama flank steak and gorgonzola cheese drizzled with olive oil and balsamic reduction. The strong taste of gorgonzola and balsamic were balanced by arugula allowing the taste buds to appreciate the flavor of the steak.

My favorite pizza that night was Bacon and Rosemary (PHP280). Topped with applewood smoked bacon, mozzarella, white cheese and rosemary drizzled with olive oil and honey garlic, it was a harmonious blend of flavors! The slight saltiness of the bacon was beautifully balanced by honey and rosemary added that delectable herby taste which made this pizza a winner in my book.

The Italian (PHP290) was pretty good too. The sausage slices were juicy and I find it a safe order when with kids.

Seafood Lovers (PHP360) was the most expensive among the pizzas and you'd understand why when you order it. Topped with fresh mussels and shrimps, this pizza good for 2-3 is actually bang for the buck. However, I found this dish to be on the bland side. Best to drizzle some chili oil to enhance the seafood's taste.

I was a bit iffy to try the Miso Glazed Salmon (PHP390) as it looked a bit overcooked and the miso mustard sauce seemed a bit too thick and could overpower salmon's natural taste.

I was pleasantly surprised though that it was quite good. The salmon remained moist despite the outer layer being too fried. The sauce also did not mask the fish's taste.

For desserts, we had Apple Crumble (PHP200) and Fudge Brownie a la Mode (PHP190).

Both sweets were pretty good! I loved that the apple crumble's spiced apples remained crunchy and not mushy. It was also bliss eating it with ice cream.

But I enjoyed the fudge brownie a lot more than the apple crumble as I'm a hardcore chocolate lover. But aside from it being so chocolatey, I loved that the edges of the brownie were crunchy. I'm not sure if it was intentional or if it was over-baked but I like it that way.

I also tried Margarita (PHP180) and got slightly tipsy when I reached the half of my glass. I'm not sure if I was too tired from work or if the drink was too strong. But if you want cheap cocktails, Main Street is a great option for you and your friends!

Overall, it was a pleasant dinner. Though no savory dish particularly stood out for me to go back anytime soon, I'm glad I was able to join this fun looloo rendezvoos. I'll definitely swing by for more of the fudge brownies!

Main Street is located at 10 East Capitol Drive, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

I've been a fan of Chef Ed Bugia's Pino and Pi Breakfast & Pies restaurants for years and I was so giddy to try Backyard Kitchen + Brew back in 2015. And it was a memorable experience at that as one year later, I could still remember its succulent baby back ribs and delightful cheddar chips till now. But just to make sure, let's do a second take on the baby back ribs.

Hello, Backyard Kitchen + Brew!

This homey restaurant known to serve comfort dishes was one of the stops of Zomato's Food Hop 2017, in partnership with The Grove by Rockwell.

Aside from its bestselling Coffee-Crusted Baby Back Ribs (PHP450/850), we also sampled its Nose-to-Tail Fettuccini (PHP275) and signature Backyard MargaritaFishbowl (PHP495).

R has a very strong sense of smell and a sensitive one at that hence he didn’t like the Nose-to-Tail Fettuccini as this dish has everything good in between our favorite meats’ nose to tail. Yes, this includes pork cheek, beef brisket, ox tripe and chicken liver.

Don’t get me wrong. It doesn’t smell foul at all. But the smell it exudes isn’t exactly the type that falls under the category “mouthwatering”. Taste-wise, it had a nice tangy taste from the tomato sauce. However, they could have been a bit more generous with it as the pasta was quite dry.

The delectable baby back ribs were still as delightful as how I remember it to be.

Each rack was beautifully glazed with rib sauce and the rub added subtle spice to it.

I also liked the grilled corn and potato salad.

The Backyard MargaritaFishbowl reminded me of the popular margarita fishbowl from Pino. The only difference was that the one from Backyard has a beer bottle inside the fishbowl; that is most likely for aesthetic purposes only.

Not much of a drinker? Don’t fret as you don’t really have to gulp the whole thing down yourself as it’s made for sharing. But hey, no one’s stopping you if you want all of it.

Planning to drop by Backyard soon? Pro tip: Order the baby back ribs!

Backyard Kitchen + Brew is located at Retail Row, The Grove by Rockwell, Barangay Ugong, Pasig City.

Chaya is my favorite Japanese restaurant in Baguio and I was excited to share this wonderful find with R’s parents. I had no idea though that a lot of locals and tourists also know my secret Legarda Road gem. The place was packed on our first night in Baguio and we were gently turned down to dine there for dinner when the front host found out that we didn’t have any reservation on its busy night. I had to think of another restaurant quick before R’s parents turn from hungry to hangry. And the first restaurant that came to mind was Sakura Terraces.

Hello, Sakura Terraces!

This restaurant has been highly rated on its Facebook page and looloo. There was even one Japanese reviewer who mentioned that Sakura Terraces offer the real deal while giving Chaya a very low rating. I then thought that Sakura Terraces might be my new favorite.

As we drive our way to the restaurant, I gave it a call to make a seven-minutes-till-we-get-there reservation. Luckily, we got a go signal from the restaurant and soon, we found ourselves right in front of it.

I got a bad feeling about the place though when we stepped inside a barely packed restaurant but I quickly shrugged it when I saw its Salmon Mania platter for only PHP1,100. (The platter consists of salmon nigiri, broiled salmon nigiri, salmon maki, salmon kani maki, and salmon sashimi.)

We decided to order that one along with Sukiyaki Hot Pot with Clear Noodles (PHP650, good for 3 pax). R also ordered a glass of Watermelon Shake (PHP60) while everyone else settled with house tea.

First served was R’s shake and though it tasted sweet and all, I really do not like fruit shakes with milk so I just had one sip and was done with it.

Salmon Mania was served next and it looked pretty nice! I kept thinking that we did the right decision as I took more photos of the platter. But it was a different story when we started eating.

The salmon sashimi was frozen and you could actually feel and hear the ice crystals crush every time you take a bite. The maki rolls were just so-so and the nigiri was a letdown.

I then thought that its sukiyaki might be better than Chaya though it’d be hard to beat as I love Chaya’s flavorful hot pot.

Our hotpot was served when we were halfway done with our platter and after a quick photoshoot, we split the hot pot to four.

I could tell right away that it wouldn’t be as good as Chaya’s as the supposedly thin slices of meat were all lumped together. R’s mom commented that the restaurant didn’t even properly defrost it hence having huge balls of shredded meat. The meat too was not fresh. It was too chewy that some of us had to spat it out.

At least the broth had the enjoyable sweet and salty taste that I like; but aren’t we paying for the meat more than the broth?

Overall, it was a terrible dinner and I wouldn’t go back for more.

Sakura Terraces is located at 168 Military Cut-off Road, Baguio City.

It is always fun to visit Cebu as it is turning into a foodie destination with new concepts opening here and there. But there are a few classics that I missed out from my previous trips and I made sure that I’d drop by a few of them during my last Cebu visit. And for R’s late birthday celebration, we opted to have lunch at Circa 1900.

Hello, Circa 1900!

We were greeted by beautiful two ancestral homes (turned dining halls) as soon as we entered the restaurant's huge compound.

Unfortunately, Circa 1900 was closed when we visited and will be closed throughout our stay in Cebu. On the bright side, its tapas restaurant, Cicada was open and we could dine there instead.

Though I was a bit heartbroken for not being able to sample the delightful dishes of Circa 1900, spotting Cicada’s Roast Tomato Soup (PHP125) and Spice Rubbed Baby Back Pork Ribs with Roast Corn and Potato Wedges (PHP485) turned my frown upside down.

While waiting for our food, I roamed around the restaurant and noticed that there’s a bar and pool a few steps away from the dining area. We found out that guests could actually take a dip in the pool for a small fee. Quite weird but I guess it works as there were several kids splashing around when we passed by it.

Soon, our refreshing drinks Watermelon and Mint Frappe (PHP95) and Banana Mango Apple Whip (PHP95) were served.

My Banana Mango Apple Whip was perfect to beat the endless summer heat. It was sweet yet still thirst quenching.

I was a bit iffy to try R’s Watermelon and Mint Frappe at first as I wasn’t sure if it’ll go well together but it was a lot better than my drink! It was super refreshing and the type that I could have gallons of! I loved its light yet sweet taste with that cool kick from mint made it unforgettable!

Our huge bowl of tomato soup was served next with herb focaccia bread on the side.

It was love at first slurp! The thick, tangy and creamy soup was heavenly! I fell for its rich taste which somehow reminded me of spaghetti tomato sauce sans meatballs.

Cicada’s bestselling baby back ribs was huge and bang for the buck! One order is good for at least two.

We feasted on succulent meat glazed with sweet and mildly spiced sauce topped with shredded veggies with corn and potato wedges on the side.

As I munched on the flavorful baby back ribs, R went crazy with the beautifully spiced wedges.

We were hoping to get a small pastry for dessert but we were too full already that we had to bill out after our main dish.

Overall, it was a lovely meal. With Cicada's delightful dishes, restaurant’s ambiance and prompt service, I’d definitely visit again!

Cicada Tapas & Bar is located at Sanjercas Ville Extension Road, Lahug, Cebu City, Cebu.

I’ve never been a beach loving person till a few years back when I was dragged out of my house to bask under the scorching sun. The usual me would dread the idea of being burnt black and having to cut down on carbs just to look decent in photos. But for some reason, it became a lot more interesting. I’m not sure if it has something to do with getting older but the relaxing sound of the water hitting the shore or boat and having a carefree life (for at least a few days) were just some of the things I look forward to whenever I visit an island. Of course, good food is also in the picture. And a trip to Bohol is not complete without visiting Bohol Bee Farm.

Hello, Bohol Bee Farm.

This popular dining destination in Panglao has been a favorite of tourists and locals alike. Aside from its spacious restaurant, the huge compound also houses a nursery of herbs and various plants, spa, and several cottages as B&B accommodations. There are also water sports equipment available for rent for those interested to enjoy the sea.

Since we already booked somewhere near Alona Beach, we decided to just enjoy Bohol Bee Farm’s mouthwatering dishes.

R went with the bestseller Spare Ribs (PHP290) while I ordered Grilled Fish (PHP360). Both are served with organic red die and a choice between garden salad or cassava fresh lumpia. For drinks, we got Lemongrass Juice (PHP80), Bee Fi (PHP120) and Watermelon Ginger(PHP100).

While waiting for our meal, we were given complementary cab-cab (or cassava paste turned into crackers) with squash bread, mango and malunggay spreads.

The cab-cab reminded me of fish crackers as it was quite airy. But it has a faint sweet taste which I liked. The soft and fluffy squash bread was baked to perfection and went well with the spreads.

Our drinks were very refreshing and made us feel a bit more comfortable in the very humid al fresco dining space.

R’s Bee Fi, a blend of camote, mango and pineapple, may sound weird at first but all ingredients work together.

But I prefer my watermelon ginger which had simpler taste.

I wasn’t able to try the lemongrass juice as it belonged to R’s dealer. But based on how fast he drank it, it must be very good as well.

Soon, our mains were served.

We were surprised with our huge plates of spare ribs and grilled fish as both seemed to be good for sharing. Even R’s dealer was overwhelmed and asked us to help him finish his order of spare ribs.

The spare ribs were tender and each bite was packed with flavor. However, I was expecting a barbecue type of sauce instead of something that tastes mechado as it was on the sweet side. It was a very Filipino take on spare ribs. Nonetheless, it was pretty good and we managed to finish all of it.

My grilled fish was divine! I loved how flavorful my blue marlin was and that I didn’t have to scrimp on fish per spoonful of rice.

The garden salad was good too though nothing extraordinary.

It was just really pretty to take several photos of.

After our meal, we decided to go down to the dive shop for a few snapshots.

I noticed that there are also a bunch of lounge chairs you could laze around on while sunbathing and enjoying the picturesque view. I’m just not sure though if non-resort guests could use it but I didn’t see any sign saying such.

Overall, it was a fantastic lunch and I’d definitely dine here again on my next Bohol trip.

Bohol Bee Farm is located at Dao, Dauis, Panglao Island, Bohol.

While researching for things to do in Balanga, Bataan, R spotted a review on the Bataan World War II Museum which is just a few blocks away from The Plaza Hotel. R’s interest in World War II grew ever since we visited Corregidor last December 2015. And after watching all the documentary and series focused on WWII, we both became even more fascinated with the bravery and perseverance of the soldiers and made us thankful for being alive during this time of relative peace. And since we had nothing else better to do, we decided to drop by the small museum.

Hello, Bataan World War II Museum.

It is quite easy to miss this small museum as it is located behind Balanga Elementary School compound which is being renovated. At first, we thought that the museum was closed given that we dropped by on a Sunday afternoon. Luckily, it was open.

We were asked to sign in the log sheet and pay PHP50 per person.

As we roam around to check the donated artifacts, the lady who was manning registration joined us inside and told us a bit more about the photos and items on display.

One of the things that struck me the most was the diorama of the Bataan Death March. The 120 dolls gave a clearer photo of the torture and pain the captured soldiers endured. (Sorry, no photo of this as we’re not allowed to take photos inside the museum.)

After our quick tour, we also watched a short video about the war.

We also managed to head up to the second floor which showcases several photos from World War II. Some of the photos could be described as grotesque as you’d see dismembered bodies of adults and infants alike. It sure was depressing to see it.

As we head back down, we were told that some of the nearby buildings were used to house the comfort women and some were even used as torture chambers. Our guide also mentioned that some visitors claimed that they saw some ghosts during their visit. Hearing that spooked me a bit. We didn’t really check those places anymore as these places are no longer open to the public.

On our way out, we checked out the spot where the Filipino and American troops finally surrendered to the 14th Imperial of Japan. The engraved sentences, “ No one surrendered but me. If there’s any blame, it’s mine. I ordered you to surrender. You did not do anything but take orders.” gave such a strong impact and made me feel the emotion people felt during this historical time.

Overall, it was PHP50 well spent!

Note: Bataan World War II Museum is open Mondays to Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm, except holidays. Entrance fees are as follows: Students (PHP40), Senior Citizens (PHP40), others (PHP50).

Bataan World War II Museum is located at Jose Basa St., City of Balanga, Bataan.

I’ve been hearing a lot of great reviews about this South American joint in Kapitolyo. I got so curious that I always drag people and convince them to try it out with me. But my first two attempts were not successful. The first one was because of parking and the second one was because we were too full from our first stop. But third time’s the charm.

Hello, Tittos Latin BBQ & Brew! (Finally.)

The spacious restaurant is one of the few that offers a handful of parking spaces in Kapitolyo. But on a good day, the place gets really packed and you’d be lucky if you could score one of the “double parking” spots. Inside, you’d be welcomed by vibrant colors and very South American murals.

Since it was already 10 pm, we just went for light late dinner and ordered Four Cheese Quesadilla (PHP270), Steak Burrito (PHP245) and Frozen Brazo de Mercedes (PHP190). For drinks, we went with Almond Cinnamon (PHP125), Tamarind Cola (PHP95) and Tittos Iced Tea (PHP95).

The quesadilla was pretty straightforward. The soft thin tortilla was stuffed with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, quick melt, and cheddar. It was a good appetizer as it was quite light in flavor. Best to eat it with creamy garlic dip.

I was not too crazy with the steak burrito as the grilled skirt steak bits were not spread evenly. Most were just on the ends and the middle was all fried rice and chili beans. I was disappointed with this one as I was expecting a lot more given all the positive reviews. Sadly, I could get a better one a few blocks away at a way cheaper price.

But my frown was wiped away by the heavenly frozen dessert. The buttered graham base with custard, meringue and vanilla ice cream made me go straight to dessert heaven. The crushed Oreo added texture and the blueberry and strawberry bits gave the dessert a bit of tangy kick which I love.

I also enjoyed my Tamarind Cola which was a weird but delectable combination. It reminded me of that popular tamarind candy Moniegold but submerged in cola. The house blend iced tea was pretty good too as it had a strong tea taste (and made classier with chia seeds). I couldn’t say the same though with the almond cinnamon. I might be biased though as I am not fond of almond flavored drinks or desserts.

I’d definitely swing by again for desserts but it might take a while for me to visit again to try the other savory dishes.

Tittos is located at 16 East Capitol Drive, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

We were in for a treat as we were served a lot of dishes!

First served were the poutinerie bowls-- Bacon (PHP230) and Smoked Pulled Pork (PHP240).

Despite both bowls sitting for over half an hour because of our passion for flatlay, I was impressed that the fries were not soggy at all and were still enjoyable.

It has been a crazy for me since I left the corporate world. I was painting a picture of a very relaxing and carefree life but it turned out that I became busier than ever with meetings, shoots, and events. I’m not regretting my decision to become a full time blogger and freelance marketer though as I finally got to become my own boss. And to reward myself on taking the big jump, I feasted on some succulent ribs (at very pocket friendly price, coz, you know, I’m still kind of jobless).

Hello, Brad and Pits Ribshack.

It was my first time to visit Brad and Pits’ Kapitolyo branch and it gives the same vibe as its Marikina branch. However, this one is more spacious and has more parking space for diners. Its private function room is also slightly bigger and it has its own bathroom too.

We were spoiled by the 1/2 of Brad and Pits, Mr. Bradley Pineda, with a huge feast.

First up were the appetizers Mount Nachos (PHP195) and Caribbean Wings (PHP200, 6 pcs | PHP385, 12 pcs. | PHP545, 20 pcs.)

The plate of nachos was literally a mountain of nacho chips covered with pulled pork, cheese and jalapeño. I loved the generous serving of toppings making each bite packed with flavor. I enjoyed munching on the sweet pulled pork bits which went well with the melted cheese.

It could easily stuff two foodies so make sure you share it with others if you plan to have this as your appetizer.

The Caribbean Wings were pretty good too. The sweet glaze was so addicting and it made me crave for rice. (Sorry, my inclination for rice is very strong.)

I also sampled the Cubano (PHP135) which was really good as well. Though it’s not your traditional Cuban sandwich as it’s not very flat, I enjoyed the crunchy baguette stuffed with grilled pork and sweet ham. I would have just liked it a bit more of there was more mustard on it for that delectable tangy taste.

A trip to Brad and Pits would not be complete without sampling its ribs and we had the Rib Mountain (PHP275, 2 pax | PHP445, 3 pax | PHP635, 5 pax | PHP875, 7 pax | PHP1,395, 12 pax | PHP1,725, 15pax | PHP2,250, 20 pax). And it was as good as the first time I had it. The meat was tender and oh so flavorful. I love the sweet barbecue sauce with very mild spice. It was definitely, sorry for reusing this term, finger licking good!

They also offer spicy ribs for those who like things... hot.

But we were really invited here to sample Brad and Pits new offering and that is--TUNA. This ribshack figured that it’s time to spread its wings, rather fins, and offer something new to the market and also address foodies’ woes on what to eat during Lenten season.

Grilled Tuna Belly (PHP385) was launched last February and it was deemed to be a successful dish which will be a staple in Brad and Pits menu. And I could tell from one bite why it became a regular offering. It was pretty good! Though pricier compared to the other dishes, you’re guaranteed a huge slab of tuna belly. I liked it more in cream sauce than barbecue sauce but it could be because I’ve been savoring dishes with the thick brown sweet sauce for over half an hour already.

And to cap our meal, we sampled Brad and Pits Lava Cake. It was very chocolatey and I like the contrast between the warm cake and the cold vanilla ice cream. Just make sure to eat it fast as the cake tends to get hard after it cools down.

Oh, and they also have cocktails. I just was not able to try it as I was taking antibiotics then. (It sucks, I know.)

Overall, it was a lovely lunch. Definitely bang for the buck dishes worth trying!

Brad and Pits Ribshack is located at 35 East Capitol Drive, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

I hardly frequent San Juan as traffic there gets too insane at times. I still remember the times when I get stuck in standstill, no thanks to a certain school. But thanks to Waze, I discover new routes in order to get around its small streets filled with good food finds. And a few weeks back, I discovered this new restaurant that offers everything from breakfast to bar chow that is worth braving the traffic for.

Hello, AM:PM Brunch Bar and Cafe.

It'd be easy to miss this restaurant as it is located on the second floor of the newly built TNA Building. But the intense desire for ribs was so strong that I sniffed my way to this restaurant. Okay, I kid. I saw a signage on the side of the building and I know that the restaurant is on the second floor.

I was greeted by a floor that seemed quite bare which reinforced the idea that the place is very new. As I turned left, I spotted AM:PM Brunch Bar Cafe.

The first thing I saw was a bar which serves coffee, milkshakes and cocktails. I was warmly greeted by the staff who led me to the table where Noah and his partners were meeting.

I was given a cup of Caramel Macchiato (PHP145) for starters.

Despite the not so good latte art, the coffee's not bad at all. In fact, it would be something non-coffee lovers would love. It had a nice note of caramel which I love.

As I continue to sip my cup of coffee and learn more about how AM:PM came about, plate after plate of savory dishes were served.

I had my eyes on American Corned Beef (PHP220) and Bangus (PHP230) as I just love anything breakfast. And when I was told that their corned beef is different and that the bangus is boneless, I was even more convinced that I just have to sink my teeth into those goodies!

The American Corned Beef was not as oily as the usual but was equally flavorful. It would have been better though with a dash of garlic powder. But that's just me, a garlic addict.

I absolutely love the boneless bangus. The tangy flavor of the milkfish is something that I always look forward to when eating this breakfast favorite. I could easily eat two plates of this in one sitting.

The Cereal Chicken Salad (PHP159) was pretty good too. It's a must order dish for those who want to "try" to be healthy. The deep fried chicken bits covered in crunchy corn flakes were really good and something I'd love to munch on a lazy afternoon.

Drizzling it with thick salted egg sauce made it even more delectable and went superbly well with the crisp greens.

If you have kids with you, ordering Chicken Cordon Bleu (PHP185) would be a great idea. The chicken rolls with ham covered in crisp batter and made extra flavorful by garlic mayo would delight any kid who loves poultry.

The AM:PM Baby Back Ribs (PHP300) was bang for the buck! I still can't believe that one order only costs PHP300.

The delectable sweet barbecue sauce and succulent ribs were the highlights of my visit! The meat was so tender that it was a breeze munching on it.

I also loved AM:PM Signature Burger (PHP220) which happens to be one of the restaurant's bestsellers. The combination of hickory pepper, caramelized onion and cheese sauce with the delightful no extenders patty easily made this burger one of my favorites! Though this one could also be for sharing, I have no plans of sharing the wedges.

The Salted Egg Wings (PHP165) is another crowd favorite; and for wings, it was pretty big and meaty!

Though the sauce tasted a bit too sweet for my liking, the salted egg taste and texture was evident making this dish perfect as bar chow.

But the best dish to pair with beer would be the Crispy Chicken Skin (PHP89) which remained crunchy after an hour of sitting on the table. I absolutely love this one and I wouldn't mind ordering 3 or 4 plates with 2 extra cups of rice.

I totally forgot that I was taking antibiotics when I gulped down the refreshing glass of Blue Mojito (PHP150). It tasted just like your ordinary juice but I'm quite iffy with good tasting alcohol. I tend to drink a wee bit too much and then it'll hit me hard to the point of blacking out.

I tried to wash down my tasty mistake by finishing a glass of Original Custard (PHP130). This simple, no frills milkshake is my kind of shake. It was straightforward and very basic. The smooth vanilla custard texture was a winner and delighted the tita in me.

I would definitely swing by again and get more of those ribs, bangus, chicken skin and milkshake! Thank you, AM:PM Brunch, Bar and Cafe for the generous invite!

AM:PM Brunch Bar and Cafe is located at 2nd Floor, TNA Building, 17 Jose Abad Santos, Little Baguio, San Juan.

It sucks to be in such a gorgeous city yet not know where to eat. I tried to look online but there are not a lot of sites that offer restaurant suggestions. And since we wanted to maximize our day and not waste it looking for a place to have lunch, R and I settled with the café beside The Plaza.

Hello, Plaza Brew!

This café was still in its soft opening when we visited. Aside from the other table near the counter, we were the only diners during lunch. I’m not sure if locals find the place intimidating given that it is right beside a hotel or if they are not adventurous enough to try a new restaurant.

R wasn’t really hungry then but I was so I ordered Beef Kebab (with an option of buttered rice or pita bread PHP220, add PHP20 for iced tea or orange juice) and Green Tea Latte (PHP120, over ice).

While waiting, R took advantage of the complementary wi-fi. I, on the other hand, went crazy with some of the nifty displays of the cafe

Service was quick and our drinks were served in less than 10 minutes. My plate of kebab was served a couple of minutes later.

The beef kebab was not as tender as I wanted it to be. It had a faint taste of herbs and spices but not strong enough to say that each bite was oozing with flavors. I had to drown each mouthful with yogurt sauce for more taste.

But it did its job in satisfying the grumpy tummy.

My green tea latte was watered down and had no flavor whatsoever. I had to ask for some syrup to add taste to it.

Thankfully, the liquid magic did make my beverage better.

Overall, food was below average. However, this place is not a hopeless case. It’s just a matter of adding a bit more taste to its food and drinks. Maybe I’ll go back here to give its pastries a try.

Plaza Brew is located at The Plaza Hotel, Ground Floor, Bonifacio Street, City of Balanga, Bataan.

SUSI has captured my heart ever since I saw a bunch of its mouthwatering dishes on Instagram and Facebook. However, I hardly frequent Burgos Circle and eventually forgot about visiting this quaint restaurant. It was until a few weeks back when I finally spotted SUSI. I had no plans of dropping by though as I was expecting a hefty dinner from another restaurant which recently opened. But I was still hungry after what I would describe as a disastrous dinner and ended up craving for more food. And if that’s not a sign to visit SUSI, I don’t know what else to call it.

Hello, SUSI!

We were greeted by smiling faces behind the counter and were immediately ushered to the dining area on the ground floor which was dimly lit.

Since R and I were trying to catch a movie in Uptown, we just ordered desserts and went with Eat Your Feelings (PHP245) and Willy Wonka (PHP295) for a quick chocolate overload to help drown our sorrows.

There were only two other tables occupied when we went and so our cake and drink were served in less than 10 minutes.

I was excited to take a large forkful of cake as I have been eying SUSI’s desserts for months. But I was overwhelmed by the richness of the cake. I love dark chocolate but this was something else.

The thick dark chocolate cream covering the semi-moist chocolate chiffon made me pause for a minute or two.

It was rather cloying if you take a mouthful after another. And that made me realize that it was such a wrong move to order chocolatemilkshake.

I normally love chocolate milkshakes. What’s not to love? Creamy and milky chocolate goodness in liquid form is always a heavenly thought. But SUSI’s version tasted weird. It had this artificial banana candy taste that R and I didn’t like.

Actually, it wasn’t even in the drink’s description that it has bananas. Nonetheless, we were disappointed with this one as the overall taste was too artificial. For PHP295, we expected something a lot better.

I’m not sure if we just ordered the wrong dishes or if healthy and organic gluten-free sweets are just not meant for me. But I will definitely not head here for desserts.

SUSI is located at Bellagio 2, Forbestown, Burgos Circle, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

I'm so thankful that I live in a country that has access to several kinds of seafood. However, some of my favorites cost me an arm and leg (at times two legs). But that was about to change thanks to this new Todd English concept called Hook.

Hello, Hook!

Just like the other Todd English restaurants, Hook has dark interiors and a bit of pub/bar vibe to it but with a touch of class.

I was first greeted by a beautiful showcase of seafood ranging from humongous fishes in different colors to the freshest oysters I've laid my eyes on.

Eric welcomed us and ushered us to our table and suggested that we try the Three Tiered Seafood Platter (PHP3,500) and (Not) Paella (PHP750). As clueless diners, we let him surprise us with his choices.

While waiting for our food, we were given glasses of champagne to pair with our meal. And it was a pretty good way to cap the week.

After a few minutes, one of the friendly staff members served our three tiered platter and we were pleasantly delighted by it. The fresh seafood platter was a beautiful sight.

Mouthwatering oysters, scallops, salmon, tuna, shrimp, uni, crab, snapper and mussels filled all three trays and it made us feel that we were in seafood heaven. And apparently, we were! Who knew heaven has a satellite branch in Uptown Parade?

I first sampled the oysters and it made me tear up with its freshness. Its slight sweetness was simply addicting. I skipped the sauces for me to fully enjoy its divine taste.

Up next were the white clams which had a rich taste that reminded me of pico de gallo. I loved the snap I get from munching these little goodies!

One of my favorites was the scallop motoyaki. It also had that desirable snap I like from seafood and the creamy taste made this seafood a winner in my book (and R’s).

The chilled shrimps were excellent as well and I loved it with the Yuzu sauce for additional taste.

The mussel with what tasted like Korean ssamjang was among my top 3 favorites. I just loved how the fresh mussel and slightly spiced thick red paste created a gastronomic party for my taste buds.

The snapper topped with chopped onions was also fantastic. Its soft and smooth texture turned me into a snapper fan.

After unbuttoning our pants, we started to feast on the topmost tray which had crab with uni slab, tuna poke and salmon with ginger scallion jam.

I am quite a purist when it comes to my seafood so I was overwhelmed by the strong tastes of the tuna poke’s dressing and the ginger scallion jam on the salmon sashimi.

Though both were amazing, I had to wipe off some of the dressing or topping from these two seafood favorites for me to enjoy.

The crab meat placed on the crab shell and topped with uni slab and ikura was another story though. These three loves were served plain and fresh, just the way I like it.

The place became crowded around 8 pm so it took a bit before our (not) paella was served but it was definitely worth the wait.

Okay, you must be wondering why it is not called paella when it looks like one. Well, one word... risotto. Though other places do offer paella with risotto instead of paella rice, I guess Hook is being very transparent that they don’t use the latter. Taste-wise, it was amazing. The flavorful grain topped with seafood and saffron ticked my taste buds with glee and made me utter delicioso!

But this beautiful pan was overshadowed by Mr. Penguin (PHP450). This dessert, inspired by Todd English’s to die for chocolate dessert, is a combination of black and white cake, caramel sauce, dark chocolate ganache and truffle oil. And it was love at first bite. I was ready to dance like Michael Jackson (which was planned to be the dessert’s name till they realized it might leave a racist impression) after one spoonful. It was so chocolatey but not the type that would make you gasp for water. The rich tastes of chocolate ganache and caramel were beautifully balanced by the cake. I can’t wait to have more of this!

It was definitely one dinner to remember. I will be back soon, Hook!

Note: Hook has a delectable happy hour where you could score your fresh oysters from Aklan for only $1 instead of PHP70 per piece. It’s a steal!!!

Hook is located at Ground Floor, Uptown Parade, 9th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

I miss living close to Kapitolyo, one of the best food havens in the metro. Though it’s technically just 20 minutes away from where I live now, the traffic makes it seem a far away land. But good food conquers all and I found myself in front of this new restaurant in Kapitolyo one Tuesday afternoon.

Hello, Bistro United.

This new restaurant by Chef Mia of The Round Table is one of the handful delectable additions in Kapitolyo.

I was greeted by a beautiful marriage of industrial and garden-ish interiors that made the tita in me very happy.

While waiting for our Pinoy feast (with a twist), we sampled some of Bistro United’s refreshing drinks. I went with Dalandan Juice which was perfect in quenching my thirst.

I let the ice melt a bit as it was a bit too sweet for my liking at first.

For starters, we had Smoked Fish Pockets (PHP125), Nacho Poppers (PHP105) and Crispy Ubod Salad (PHP125).

I had smoked fish pockets during my super quick visit before and fell in love with its tangy tinapa taste. However, it tasted different this time. The delectable tangy taste was toned down a lot due to feedback that it was a bit too sour for most diners. *cue sad music* I guess I have to request for some vinegar or calamansi juice for that tangy kick I fell in love with.

The nacho poppers may sound Mexican but it definitely tasted a lot Pinoy with the minced pork being topped with mango-tomato salsa and bagoong!

Just be careful in getting your portion as the wonton cups are very thin and fragile. Mine broke down into two pieces just like how Moses split water.

The ubod salad was a sinful take on your usual bowl or plate of greens. The deep fried wanton was stuffed with your usual ubod ingredients namely heart of coconut palm, carrots, squash and kamote beans. Instead of dipping it in vinegar, the “salad” was drizzled with balsamic vinegar. It was pretty good and it could really turn non-salad eaters enjoy their portion of greens.

I got so giddy when they served Arroz Caldo Overload (PHP155). The deconstructed arroz caldo allowed me to go crazy with calamansi and garlic. However, try not to put too much of the other toppings/ingredients as the congee itself is already flavorful enough.

I sampled the sandwiches next and loved the Spiced Salmon Burger (PHP340) a lot. The delectable dense salmon patty was super flavorful that it didn’t even need the spiced kesong puti spread to enjoy it. The patty’s texture somehow reminded me of squid balls, in a good way.

The Fried Chicken Sandwich (PHP225) was quite filling for a sandwich with a thin pita bread for carbs. The thick boneless chicken fillet was like a Super Sized McNugget but made better with melted cheese, homemade srisacha (don’t worry, it wasn’t crazy spicy) and fried egg. I think it would have been better though with ketchup too.

But if I were to choose my meal, I’d definitely go for The Amazing Roast Beef (PHP415), Adobo sa Mangga (PHP395) and Porchetta Kare-Kare (PHP345). Yes, I could not make up my mind on what I like best as these three are superb!

The roast beef of Bistro United is one of the best I’ve tasted. The US prime roast beef belly was so succulent that it made me tear up a bit. It was not surprising though on how Chef Mia got such heavenly result after finding out that they marinate the beef belly overnight and slow roast it for 6 hours.

Though other places also claim to do these things, Bistro United is one of the handful that mastered this.

Adobo sa Mangga surprised my taste buds and made me love the delicious green mango and bagoong combination in a whole new level. This dish didn’t use the traditional soy sauce and vinegar for its adobo as it turned to shrimp paste and green mango for the divine blend of salty and tangy flavors. And I absolutely love it! The grilled chicken was packed with flavor and the thick sauce was perfect with rice.

The porchetta kare-kare was another instant hit. I fell in love with the soft texture of the pork and its crispy skin.

The thick peanut-y sauce was perfect as well and it didn’t even need bagoong anymore! It was that good.

I wasn’t too crazy with the Bagnet Ravioli (PHP245) and Dalandan Chicken with Ube Rice (PHP245) as these were overshadowed by the other dishes. But I’ll give these two another try soon.

And I have to savor the ube rice in its fresh from the cooker state!

For desserts, we had the famous Tilapia ice cream, Turon, Carrot Cake and Brownie.

I was taken aback when I had a bite of the turon. It was quite tangy as Bistro United went with mangoes instead of langka.

Though good, I still prefer my turon with jackfruit.

The chocolate brownie was pretty good. Moist, had a bit of crunch on the edges and very chocolatey!

The carrot cake is divine! It was moist and have a lovely texture. It made a non-carrot cake lover like me want one whole order for myself.

But the winner for best dessert that night was the weird fish ice cream. I still could not comprehend how this fish turned into a delightful ice cream. I could definitely taste the tilapia and the texture was very evident but for some reason, it just worked. I love every bit of it and I will definitely order this again.

Overall, it was a pleasant dining experience. The dishes served were great and I loved the twist done for some. Each dish were priced at very friendly rates and it makes it a perfect place for family meals or reunion with friends. It’s even a great place for meetings as the function room can be used for just PHP5,000 (consumable). Winner? Definitely!

Bistro United is located at Ground Floor, D Strip, United Street, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

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