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Nomiya Izakaya: A Japanese Restaurant + Sake Bar in QC

Our Score

Japanese Restaurant in Tomas Morato: Nomiya Izakaya

Kon’nichiwa! Don’t you just love Japanese food? It’s fresh, delicate, and definitely IG-worthy. Surely, everything is mouthwatering about this East Asian cuisine. And I’m happy I found a new gem budding in the foodie heaven of the North. Located along Sct. Tobias in Tomas Morato, Nomiya Izakaya is a Japanese Restaurant and Sake Bar in Quezon City one ought not miss!

Nomiya Izakaya: A Japanese Restaurant + Sake Bar in QC

My family frequents the area and one thing I noticed is that it’s located in the quiet side of Tomas Morato. Which is a good thing because of two things. First, the street is wider and has ample parking space. And second, the place is more suited for easy leisure dining – away from the throng of bars and busy restaurants just 2 to 3 streets away.

It was a rainy day when I visited and seeing the legit (yet unassuming) mini-Sake Bar look of Nomiya Izakaya instantly made me all warm and fuzzy inside. As the name doubly suggests, Nomiya Izakaya is meant to highlight the liquor (Sake + Beer) to be paired with awesome bite-sized Japanese treats.

Well, no bottles were popped that day for us (too early). But I can totally see this as a good hangout joint for some good conversations over great Sake + Japanese Food during weeknights and even more so over weekends. So without further adieu, let’s get those makis rollin’!

Top Food Picks at Nomiya Izakaya

Appetizer: Salmon Aburi Maki (Php 340.00) – HTD Favorite!

Salmon Aburi Maki

They say first impressions last. And rightly so, I must say. First roll and I was totally hooked on what Nomiya Izakaya had to offer. 8 big rolls of melt-in-your-mouth salmon and popping roe goodness!

Appetizer: Takoyaki Maki (Php 310.00)

Takoyaki Maki

Love Takoyaki? Go for the hybrid Takoyaki Maki at Nomiya Izakaya. Takoyaki Balls turned Sushi topped with the classic bonito flakes, pickled ginger, sweet takoyaki sauce, and Japanese Mayo.

Appetizer: Umaki Tamago (Php 300.00) – HTD Favorite!

Umaki Tamago

A classic made 10x better! I super loved Nomiya Izakaya’s take on the rolled up omelette. They were huge, buttery-soft, and sweet with grilled Japanese eel in the middle. Talk about an electrifying innovation!

Appetizer: Spicy Salmon Nori Fries (Php 140.00)

Spicy Salmon Nori Fries

If you love tempura like I do, you have to try Nomiya’s Spicy Salmon Nori Fries. Fresh salmon slices rolled in nori, coated and fried in tempura batter. I can totally see me munching on these while watching movies!

Sashimi: Meguro Nuta (Php 220.00) – HTD Favorite!

Meguro Nuta

Next to tempura, I love indulging on a good plate of sashimi. And Nomiya Izakaya surely indulged me on some. Their Maguro Nuta is basically tuna sashimi in sweetened miso sauce with seaweed, topped with onion leeks. Fresh and tasty!

Sashimi: Spicy Tuna Salad (Php 240.00)

Spicy Tuna Salad

Got a thing for spice? Opt for Nomiya’s Spicy Tuna instead of the Maguro Nuta. Same fresh taste with a kick!

Mains: Yakitori Sticks

Chicken Yakitori

Beef Yakitori

Just like our local beer sessions that call for barbecue as pulutan, Sake is best enjoyed with Yakitori. Soft, well-seasoned meat skewers grilled to savory perfection. We had the chicken (Php 45.00) and Beef (Php 65.00/stick).

Mains: Beef Gyutan (Php 240.00)

Beef Gyutan

One fine example of how delicate Japanese cuisine can be is the Gyutan from Nomiya Izakaya. Thin slices of ox tongue sauteed in oroshi sauce and toasted garlic.

Mains: Seafood Teppan (Php 350.00)

Seafood Teppan

Do you sea all the fresh goodness in that plate? Grilled salmon, squid, and prawn paired with butter-sauteed vegetables.

Mains: Chirashi Don (Php 345.00)

Chirashi Don

How beautiful is this bowl? Fresh sashimi slices topped on soft Japanese Gohan (rice).

Sides: Magic Mushrooms (Php 140.00) – HTD Favorite!

Magic Mushrooms

If you like a crunch on your food, go for the Magic Mushrooms by Nomiya Izakaya. Shiitake mushrooms coated in tempura fried to a crisp! They were so good and addictive, I must have finished half of the plate. Oops!

Dessert: Cuban Pastelitos!!!

Cuban Pastelitos by Hey Flaco

We were full to the brim and good thing they had our dessert for takeaway. And they were the bomb! Crunchy, flaky puff pastries with sweet cream cheese filling. Took these home for my mom and sister and they were gone in 5 minutes! The best pastelitos in town, yo! Get them from Flaco Pasteleria (@heyflaco.ph).

Been to Nomiya Izakaya? Comment down your favorites.

CONTACT:

Nomiya Izakaya

Location: 36 Scout, Sct. Tobias St, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Contact Number: (02) 954 7055

Follow Nomiya: Facebook | Instagram (Closed on Mondays)

August 4, 2018 0 comment

Quezon City

Japanese Restaurant in Timog Ave: 81 Sehai Sushi Lounge

written by HungryTravelDuo

Where to Eat in Timog Ave : 81 Sehai

by: Audrey Trinidad

Japanese cuisine has to be one of the most well-loved cuisines in Manila. You can find everything from quick service to premium to specialty restaurants, all catering for a taste of the land of the rising sun.

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81 Seihai Sushi Lounge sets itself apart by offering fusion Japanese food. Like many new restaurants these days it also takes into account how many Filipinos love taking photos by creating a space that is very instagrammable.

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Aside from the sleek interiors, there are also some very attractive murals of dragons, koi fish, and yes, even cherry blossoms. Created by artist Mandy Martinez, the murals give the place a youthful vibe and an indication that 81 Seihai is not your usual Japanese restaurant.

What I found particularly interesting, is that the restaurant also caters to a lot of young professionals and students that frequent the Timog Ave restaurants. Aside from the standard restaurant table setup, they also have elevated tables that have built in outlets with USB ports. So if you happen to need to have a working lunch, this restaurant is definitely a good place to go. You can even choose from a variety of their smoothies and frappes. I preferred the mango smoothie but they also have banana and watermelon. If you like coffee, you can get the vanilla frappe, mint choco frappe, strawberry Okinawa or caramel frappe.

81 Seihai also has the advantage of switching from a restaurant during the day to a bar at night, with a DJ booth and a full bar setup inside. So once they turn the lights down low, it becomes a more intimate venue.

But we need to talk about the food.

ngrytravelduo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/81-Sehai-Hungry-Travel-Duo21.jpg”> Miso Salmon Steak with Mashed Potato (P520)

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For the starters, I liked the Jalapeno Poppers and the Shitake Termidor. The Jalapeno poppers had a mix of jalapeno and cream cheese that gave the right amount of heat and crunch, without overwhelming the spicy tuna on top. The Shitake Termidor, is basically a shitake mushroom head with a cheesy topping. So if you like cheese and mushrooms, you should definitely try this dish.

duo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/81-Sehai-Hungry-Travel-Duo8.jpg”> Jalapeno Popper (Php 280)

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The Spicy Beef Ramen featured a spicy and hearty broth that was topped with slices of beef and kimchi. I can imagine, it would be popular on rainy days or after a night of drinking.

/uploads/2018/07/81-Sehai-Hungry-Travel-Duo17.jpg”> Spicy Beef Ramen (P310)

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And at the end of the meal and feel like you need a little sweetness, try the cheese cake or tempura ice cream. Both desserts are served with whipped cream and cherry on top and they’re likely to be a hit, especially with kids.

So the next time you’re in Tomas Morato and have a hankering for Japanese food, you ought to drop by 81 Seihai.

Details:

Address: 81 Timog Avenue

Instagram

July 16, 2018 0 comment

Quezon City

Hungry Samurai: Japanese Restaurant (Tomas Morato) [UPDATED]

written by HungryTravelDuo

Our Score

WHERE TO EAT IN QUEZON CITY: Hungry Samurai, Tomas Morato

A downpouring rain sometimes pokes you to crave for a bowl of steaming hot Japanese Ramen. The thought then will invite its cousins sushi and sashimi. Or, maybe a thought of trying out new and other Japanese flavors. Japanese Flavors are well-loved by the Filipinos. So, the Japanese-themed restaurants are common in the Philippines, especially in Metro Manila. Sitting almost shoulder-to-shoulder along the Tomas Morato, Quezon City alone is a bunch of Japanese restaurants. Some of these offer buffet style and fine dining options. And most recently, a moderately-priced option opened up: The Hungry Samurai.

Affordable and Fast Japanese Restaurant

For an affordable and fast Japanese dining option in Tomas Morato, you may want to drop by the Hungry Samurai. The Hungry Samurai is actually the revamp of the Ryu Ramen & Curry Restaurant – Tomas Morato.

Two more branches of Ryu Ramen & Curry Restaurant are in UP Town Center, Quezon City and SM Jazz Mall, Makati City.

Back at Tomas Morato, the Hungry Samurai relaunched only last June 2018. The Hungry Samurai is still co-owned by comedienne/singer/songwriter, Mr. Ogie Alcasid. It retains as well their former team. The interior of the Hungry Samurai maintains the minimalist Japanese design. To contrast the meditative vibe, they brighten the room by using colored seats. And, they added Japanese inspired murals on its walls.

Aside from these, the Hungry Samurai promises anew to serve meals on a quicker and efficient pace. This is without jeopardizing the quality of the Japanese comfort food which matches the Filipino taste buds.

This June 15, we dined in here to try out their opening promo set meals. The promo is buy one take one deal on their set meals. And, the promo ran last June 15 until 17 only. Anyway, the Hungry Samurai offers Japanese meals at affordable prices.

Japanese Comfort Food Experience

A Hungry Samurai set meal comprises of your choice of one Chahan (Fried Rice), one Yakisoba (Noodles), and one meat or seafood dish. This set also comes with miso soup, coleslaw, and iced tea.

This is super sulit since it cost only Php 198 per set meal. This price is particularly for the set meal with Chicken or Pork dish. A set meal with beef or seafood dish charges an at least extra Php 40.

Hungry Samurai Menu

An extra order of beef or seafood dish costs another Php 88 per servings. On the other hand, an add-on order of Chicken dish, Pork dish, Yakisoba, or Chahan is cheaper by about half, or at least Php 48 per servings.

Our Hungry Samurai set meals

For my meat dish, I got two (2) pieces of Kushi Katsu which are deep fried pork skewers with sauce. I ordered Miso Itame (Miso stir-fry) for my Yakisoba and turned out to be a bit spicy. I then partnered them with Chasyu Chahan which is actually a Japanese – style fried rice with pork.

For me, this was the perfect combination. The sauce of the Kushi Katsu complemented the rice. I loved the combination I chose.

In her order, Tina got Honey Orange Karaage which is Japanese style chicken and comes in 3 pieces. She then matched it with Chicken Teriyaki Yakisoba and Seafood Chahan.

I also liked the Seafood Chahan with a fair quantity of seafood mix. But, I prefer my Chahan with the pork more.

As for Tina, she best enjoyed the sweet and tangy Honey Orange Karaage. My friends Chel and Neil also share the same sentiment. But, for me, the crispy Kushi Katsu that I ordered has won me.

We also tried a bowl of Tantanmen. It was served hot which was perfect for our day with the stormy weather. This ramen has a balance of savory and spicy flavor.

The servings were huge! Tina said it reminded her of Panda Express. I couldn’t agree more. Actually, one plate can already be shared by two people and maybe just some few add-ons like meat items.

Aside from the Ramen, a la carte options are pork gyoza, sashimi, sushi, donburi, stir-fried meals, and salad.

The salad could use a little more dressing. But, you can ask the server and she will gladly add.

[UPDATE!] Other Menu Items from Hungry Samurai

Recently, we paid another visit to Hungry Samurai to sample the rest of their food menu. It was a night of fun with fellow food bloggers and the man-of-the-hour, owner/singer Ogie Alcasid. We were given the freehand to order whatever we wish. So naturally I went for those I haven’t tried in the past like the Gyoza, Hamburger Curry, California Maki, and Gyudon. I loved the Hamburger Curry the best – real beef and the spice and aroma in the curry sauce was just perfect! ,

Other Sides and Hungry Samurai Favorites

Aside from their mains, Hungry Samurai also has delicious sides to complete and/or enhance your meals.

End Notes

All in all, we were happy with our food. The set meals, as well as the a la carte meals, are good value for money. Feels like a good affordable Japanese comfort food which can be shared by two.

The meals are high carbs but are really flavorful. The meals resonates the Japanese style and flavors with a few adjustments on flavors for Filipino likings. The Hungry Samurai is located in the former spot of Ryu Ramen & Curry Restaurant. Specifically, it is situated in the Tomas Morato corner Dr. Lazcano, Quezon City. It is only across the Alfredo’s Steak House.

For updates, you may also directly reach them through their official Facebook page.

July 1, 2018 0 comment

Featured Quezon City

Ayala Vertis North Restaurants : Kureji, A Japanese Ramen Restaurant

written by HungryTravelDuo

Our love for Ramen and Japanese cuisine is undeniable as evident by our other features about Japanese restaurants, and our quest for the most Oishī (delicious) Japanese dish continues. Kureji means crazy in the Japanese language, and that’s what exactly you would describe their new concept of ramen which is the Sizzling Ramen. Served in sizzling stone bowl, the Sizzling Ramen seems like the lovechild of the Pinoy Sisig we all know and the Ramen we all love. But before we indulge ourselves to this “crazy” dish, let us take a peek at some of the other dish that makes Kureji the place to be.

Entrance of Kureji

For our appetizer, we had their Potato Salad ( Php180). This wasn’t so creamy which is good for me. I was actually surprised that I liked this, it wouldn’t be something that I would normally order.

Potato Salad

We also tried the Chicken Karaage (Php250) which are marinated bite-sized chicken cuts and then deep fried, this was their Japanese version of chicken nuggets if you would ask me. These tender and juice chicken pieces is served a special dipping yuzu mayonnaise sauce. The sauce is not overpowering unlike most sauce out there, rather, it brings out the flavors from the chicken.

We also tried their Chicken wings for Php250. It comes in three choices of sauce; Soy Garlic Youzu for a savory experience, Sriracha if you want that extra kick of spiciness, and Salt and Vinegar for that tangy and salty flavor. The sauce compliments well with the crispy chicken skin and the juicy meat. All the sauce that comes with it are great but I specifically loved the Sriracha one the most because of its well-balanced amount of spice.

They also have Gyoza which I think could be better if they experiment a little bit with the flavors too. Nevertheless, the Gyoza they have is very close to the traditional Gyoza which is perfect for those looking for an authentic taste and the sauce was absolutely good.

For our soup, we had the Tori Chicken Paitan which is a white creamy sauce reminiscent of the chicken soup we loved growing up especially during the cold season. The fact that the broth is chicken-based and not pork makes it a better choice for it is healthier and lighter for the stomach to handle.

And for our main course and star of our Kureji experience, we tried two flavors of their famous Sizzling Ramen. The first one we had was their Garlic Miso Ramen, it has a very strong flavor of garlic. This is perfect for those who loves garlic and those who are not that fan of spicy food. The broth was a little thicker than regular ramen but it packs a richer and creamier flavor.

For seafood and spicy lovers, they have the Tomato Seafood. It is served with fresh shrimps, salmon, squid, and other ramen toppings. It has a mild spicy flavor which does not overpower the other flavors of the dish but rather complements it well.

We were also served Sizzling Pork Chashu (Php 320) . This was just all right, I guess for those who would love a balanced flavor and those who enjoy meat would go for this dish.

and Tantanmen (PHP420).

For those who doesn’t consider a meal to be complete without rice, they serve a variety of Chahan or Rice bowls. We tried their Kureji Ebi Fuiai Rice bowl served with lemon or ebi sauce. I specifically love the miso butter on the rice but you can also order it without rice or ala carte if you are on a diet.

For our dessert, we had three flavors of their ice cream; Sesame, Cheesecake, and Orange. You might think that even their choice of flavors for ice cream is quite unusual and crazy but they were all so good and refreshing. I liked and highly recommend the Orange flavor because it was really great.

If you are looking for a Ramen fix but also want to try something new, Kureji is the place to go. Their concept of Sizzling Ramen might sound crazy, but the taste was also crazy good. They are located at 4^thFloor Vertis Ginza Japan Town, Ayala Malls Vertis North, Quezon City.

June 14, 2018 0 comment

Quezon City

Botejyu Tepanyaki- Japanese Restaurant in Vertis North

written by HungryTravelDuo

Our Score

There’s just something about Japanese food that tickles the Filipino palate. With so many “Japanese” restaurants out there, it seems setting up one is a surefire business idea! There’s only one catch, though. Most of the Japanese-style chains out there really have nothing Japanese aside from their names. It takes something special to achieve that fresh, flavorful, and exotic Japanese taste that most just don’t care to work on. In fact, most of these chains taste more Western than anything!

So if you’re in the Bagong Pag-asa area and have a hankering for something really Japanese, head over to the 4th floor of the Ayala Vertis North and look for Botejyu Teppanyaki Restaurant. Unlike many others in the field, Botejyu has a history reaching back to 1946, when it rose to popularity as a driving force behind the progress of Osaka’s gastronomic scene. Now, Botejyu has taken root in many other parts of Asia, and is known all over for serving the best, authentic, okonomiyaki anywhere! In cooperation with VIVA International Food & Restaurants, we finally get to see what real okonomiyaki tastes like!

The Art of Okonomiyaki, and More

And no, real okonomiyaki isn’t something that you order as an add-on or side-dish with your oil-soaked tempura. Making it is an art on its own, and that’s where Botejyu specializes in. At their invitation, we got to see that just like other forms of art, one who is masterful enough can pull off unusual ideas that would still work marvellously. Such was Botejyu’s combining of yakisoba and okonomiyaki, their use of mayonnaise as flavoring, and their concept of the “modern” okonomiyaki: the “okosoba”.

Of course, before that, we had a sampling of their other signature treats. First up was a platter of takoyaki, all garnished in various ways from the common mayo and spicy mayo to the more unusual garlic sauce, umami sauce, and tomato sauce. This version of the takoyaki is a far cry from those sold in mall stands. Yes, it is similarly light, though this lightness is not empty but highlighted by its savory ingredients. There is enough balance that you can appreciate the taste not just of the takoyaki itself but also the toppings.

Takoyaki All Star (Php 245)

Up next is one of their many okonomiyaki versions, the “Premium Moonlight Okonomiyaki”. It’s an unusual combination of pork. beef, squid, shrimp, and fried egg, but the taste is oh-so-heavenly! The “moonlight” in the name might be referring to the egg, but it may also refer to that celestial sensation you feel when the okonomiyaki hits your tongue.

Botejyu-Japanese-Restaurant-Vertis-North

Premium Moonlight Okonomiyaki in Botejyu (Php 360)

There’s also the Premium Okosoba, which is a delightful combination of the two famous Japanese merienda fare: yakisoba and okonomiyaki. The noodles are also seasoned with pork, beef, squid, and shrimp, and are made to be thick and deliciously tasty. Just one of this would definitely fill anyone’s appetite!

We also had the Mentaiko and Potato Mochi Yaki, which as the name implies is made with mochi (not the ones that come in plastic wrappers) and crispy potato. It is flavored with cheese and a spicy sauce (Hakata spicy cod roe). While it looks like crispy noodles at first glance, this meal is a feast not just of flavor but also texture. It’s light and airy, crispy and chewy, spicy and savory, all in one!

Botejyu-Vertis-North-Japanese-Restaurant

Mentaiko and Potato Mochiyaki (PHP 270)

Carbs is Life

Beef Sukiyaki (Php 395)

Of course, rice is something that both Japan and the Philippines share in their meals. It makes sense that Botejyu offers rice as part of its menu. The Beef Sukiyaki Rice Set and the Amiyaki Grilled Pork Rice Bowl both elevate the humble rice into a part of a heavenly ensemble, guaranteed to whet your appetite just by looking at its pictures! The tender meat, savory sauces, and perfectly balanced flavors would make you want to eat again and again, diet be damned.

Amiyaki Grilled Pork(PHP 325)

Then there are the newer offerings, which have been added since the renowned Japanese restaurant in Vertis North opened last 2016. The Beef and Shrimp Teppan rice bowls, along with the Hamburger Steak with Mushroom Gravy, are sure to keep you coming back! There are also classic ramen offerings like the Pork paitan Curry Ramen and the Soy Sauce Ramen. Both are hearty and refreshing, which is what true Japanese ramen should be.

Mushroom Gravy Hamburger

Shrimp Teppan

And if you want something else to fill in your carbs cravings, there’s the unforgettable Honey Toast with Brown Sugar Syrup and Creamy Kinako for dessert. This is one of those times when you would really want to eat the dessert first, but with the fine meals that should come ahead of it you would have a hard time doing just that!

If ever you drop by at Vertis North and are looking to go Oriental, keep Botejyu in mind. It’s authentic, it’s divine, and its taste will remain with you for a long, long time!

May 28, 2018 1 comment

Featured Food Events San Juan What's New

Dohtonbori Eat All You Can Okonomiyaki and Yakiniku

written by HungryTravelDuo

Our Score

Food Promos: Dohtonbori Eat All You Can Okonomiyaki and Yakiniku

PONPOKOPON! Whether you’re a proud fan or yet to try Okonomiyaki, Dohtonbori has something deliciously exciting for everyone! In the spirit of Christmas and gift-giving, Dohtonbori is having an EAT ALL YOU CAN OKONOMIYAKI AND YAKINIKU promo for only Php 699.00! Yes, you heard that right! You can eat ALL YOU WANT from Dohtonburi’s selected Okonomiyaki and Yakiniku choices. Available all day, everyday, in all Dohtonbori stores!

What is Okonomiyaki and Yakiniku?

Now before I get you excited and all, let’s get foodie terms straight. What exactly is an Okonomiyaki and Yakiniku? According to Wikipedia, Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savory pancake containing a variety of ingredients. The name is derived from the word okonomi, meaning “how you like” or “what you like”, and yaki meaning “cooked”.

While Yakiniku literally means “grilled meat”. Sounds great, right? Now here’s greater news: both Okonomiyaki and Yakiniku are specialties of Dohtonbori Philippines!

And now, here’s our chance to do that Dohtonbori Eat All You Can Okonomiyaki and Yakiniku experience. For only Php 699.00 per person!

The Dohtonbori Eat All You Can Okonomiyaki and Yakiniku Promo

Want to take on the #UltimateOkonomiyakiExperience? We recently got invited to do a promo preview in Dohtonbori Greenhills and I only have one word for it: BUSOG! Just six (6) promo guidelines to remember:

For only Php 699.00, diners can feast on the Dohtonburi Eat All You Can (EAYC) menu:

Okonomiyaki: Butatama (Pork), Pepper Kalbi (Beef), Four Cheese and Veggie Supreme
Yakiniku: Chicken Shio, Kalbi (Beef) and Pork
Rice (Yes, Unli-RICE, y’all!)

Feast for 2 whole hours. Maximum eating time is 2 hours per person.
Kids Discount. Kids get a special discount at only Php 299.00 (with height restrictions).
Not valid in conjunction with other promos or discounts.
No leftovers please! Additional ₱1,000.00 per 100 grams of leftovers and for not observing the no sharing, no takeout policy. So make sure to order only what you can eat!
Promo Duration is from November 15, 2018 to January 31, 2019.

Availability of Dohtonbori Eat All You Can Okonomiyaki and Yakiniku Promo

Availability of Dohtonbori’s EAYC promo is based per store:

Greenhills – All Day from Monday to Sunday
SM City Fairview – All Day from Monday to Sunday
SM Mall of Asia – All Day from Monday to Friday
UP Town Center – All Day from Monday to Friday
SM North EDSA – All Day from Monday to Friday
SM Megamall – All Day from Monday to Friday

Promo is valid until January 31, 2019 only. DTI – FTEB Permit No. 13980 Series 2018.

Our Review of the Dohtonbori Eat All You Can Okonomiyaki and Yakiniku Promo

My first Dohtonbori Philippines experience was when I dined with some friends at UP Town a few months back. We took a Tatami table which required us to take off our shoes and sit on the floor. While we found some of the items to be a little pricey, the quality and taste was well worth it. I’ve always enjoyed having my food cooked fresh in front of me (also called Teppanyaki) so dining in Dohtonbori was a real treat.

And lucky for me, I get to try Dohtonburi’s unique dining experience yet again with the Dohtonbori Eat All You Can Okonomiyaki and Yakiniku Promo. First things first, I loved the variety of the Okonomiyaki options – pork, beef, four cheese, and veggie. While I enjoyed all four choices, my favorites would have to be the beef and four cheese. Beef for it’s savory taste and cheese for the light and ooey-goeey flavor.

Craving for more meat? Go for Dohtonbori’s best-selling Yakinikus. Out of the three, our group seem to have enjoyed the pork best – tender, sweet and savory. Just make sure to request that their wait staff toast it a little bit, to shrink the fat and make the bacon-like strips a little crispier. The beef was also good, just a little dry, and best when eaten fresh off the grill. Perfect with a cup of steaming white rice!

EAYC Dining Tips

Since there’s a 2-hour limit on the Dohtonbori Philippines’ Eat All You Can Okonomiyaki and Yakiniku promo, make sure to get things going on for you fast. Which means, you need to order all their okonomiyaki and yakiniku as soon as you get your table (or at least your favorites)! Just make sure you order only what you can eat afterwards (no to food wastes). Not a fan of salty flavors? Feel free to instruct your attendant to go easy on the okonomiyaki sauce. Want to try your hand at the tepanyaki cooking experience? You can, just let your attendant know and be a chef for a day!

So what are you waiting for? Tag the person you would want to do this with! Follow Dohtonbori Philippines’ Facebook Page for more updates.

#UltimateOkonomiyakiExperience #EAYCOKAY #DohtonboriPH

December 2, 2018 0 comment

BGC

Nomu : A speakeasy Bar in BGC

written by HungryTravelDuo

Light and Darkness. Yin and Yang.

Walk through the bright and cheery interiors of Nomi, and hidden behind an unsuspecting door with a solitary fan towards the back of the restaurant is BGC’s newest speakeasy—Nomu.

Nomu is the second brainchild of Nomi’s owners Take Hosomi and Asuka Hosokawa who both wanted a second place that contrasted against the bight mood of their first concept, Nomi—basically, a yang against Nomi’s yin. Nomu is designed as a cozy haunt after work hours made especially if you’re already in BGC and don’t want to have to fight your way through traffic just for a drink over in Makati.

Walk right in and you’re greeted with a glowing yellow wall behind the bar, stocked full of Japanese whisky. Drinks at Nomu are all prepared by Cedric, the head bartender, who is a 2016 La Maison Cointreau champion. So expect the drinks here, especially the Signature Cocktails, to be quite unlike what you can find in other bars around Metro Manila.

Ducky Punch (Php980)

A conversation starter (yes, that rubber duck is placed in the punch bowl on purpose), and made with a combination of Vodka, Watermelon, Basil, Fresh Lemon, and Simple Syrup. Each glass is made to be sweet and refreshing, masking most of the Vodka, making this drink a good start to your evening (but if you want to go straight for something strong, go for the Takeroni)

Matcha Amaretto Sour (Php450)

This is the only place I know that serves Matcha-infused alcohol. Mixing together Concoction, matcha powder, amaretto, bourbon, lemon juice, syrup, choco bitters, and eggwhite, you’re treated to a surprisingly just right bitter-sweet boozy concoction.

Through Sweet and Sour (Php350)

But in case you’d like a bit more sweetness for your evening drink, Nomu’s Through Sweet and Sour combines Rum, lemon, simple syrup, cinnamon, egg, chocolate bitters

Sweet and coffee liquor. But best be careful, just because it’s sweet doesn’t mean that a couple glasses of this drink won’t make you tipsy.

A secret drink available off the menu is a mix of gin, lavender, mint, apple and lemon juice. Served in a dainty teapot and teacups, this drink is perfect for any self-professed Tita of Manila itching for spiked afternoon tea. But this drink still doesn’t have an official name, so you just have to tell Cedric that you’d like the drink served in a teapot.

Nomu is sure to be popular with the BGC crowd for their boozy alcoholic drinks prepared by award-winning bartender Cedric, but if you’re anything like me, an evening out drinking with friends is not complete if not accompanied with tasty bar chow. Staying true to its Japanese concept, Nomu also serves tasty Japanese and Japanese-inspired dishes that pair great with their drinks.

Yakitori Chicken Stix (Php260)

Yakitori

The classic Chicken Yakitori, cooked in sweet teriyaki sauce, skewered together with green peppers, and sprinkled with sesame seeds, makes for a great food pairing to your drink at Nomu.

Jumbo Chili Pepper Rolls (Php250)

Coated in breadcrumbs, each giant (easily two fingers big) green chili pepper is generously stuffed with pork and mozzarella cheese and served with tartar sauce. Each bite starts quite like any chili finger but watch out for the spicy kick towards the middle.

Nomu Club Sandwich (Php330)

Challenge: How do you make a club sandwich, something distinctly American, Japanese? Nomu’s answer, incorporate a layer of succulent chicken katsu in between layers of bread, egg, and salad. The end result gives a delightful crunch and bite to the familiar club sandwich.

Nomu

Address: Ground Floor, W City Center, 30^th Street corner 7^th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City

Phone Number: (02) 821 8769

Average Cost: Php700 – 900 per person

October 30, 2018 0 comment

BGC

Soru Izakaya

written by HungryTravelDuo

I have been craving for some Japanese dish lately and given that I am leaving for India, I wanted to have a taste of Japanese before I head out to the land of curries. Don’t get me wrong, I love curry but then I also am a big fan of Japanese cuisine.

So when I got an invite from Trish to try out Soru Izakaya, I immediately said yes.

Soru Izakaya located in the rotunda, flanked with a big sign outside, is one of the easy to spot restaurant around BGC. Upon entering, you will immediately notice the quite dark ambiance inside giving it an elegant and sleek appeal.

The restaurant has two floors, each having a sushi bar of their own. You can watch their chefs prepare your food if you are curious.

True to their name which means “New Japanese”, Soru Izakaya offers authentic Japanese cuisine experience with some modern touch to it. All the dishes are made delicately and you can see the artistry of the chef preparing them. Their sushi plates are presented in an elaborate, almost like a painting manner.

We started with their Spicy Maguro Salad (Php290) which truly looks appetizing. The usual greens are topped with generous amount of fresh tuna sashimi cubes and tempura flakes. The crunchy black tobiko or flying fish roe, gave a salty and smoky flavor to the dish which really complemented the tuna. The dressing is made of spicy mayo and miso giving all the components stand out more. It has a bit of an aftertaste, the smoky and spicy flavor lingers a little longer in the tongue.

The next one we tried was their Poke Bowl (Php290) which is like the alter ego of the Spicy Maguro Salad. This dish has a sweeter and more refreshing taste. The greens are topped with fresh tuna and salmon cubes. I really like the salmon cubes in this one because it has that melt in your mouth feel to it. It also has black tobiko and onions giving it a savory flavor, as well as sweet mango cubes which really complements the other ingredients. The addition of cucumber balances all the different flavors well. But what made this dish really stand out is the dressing made of Sriracha mayo and mango sauce, it got hints of sweet and spicy which feels like having the best of both worlds.

Moving on, we had the Cold Soba (Php180). If it’s your first time trying this dish, make sure to dip your noodles in the soba sauce they provided or else you will end up with a bland tasting noodles. Their noodles are made of buckwheat flour and it is gluten free and cholesterol free. It is topped with Ebi tempura and enoki making the dish more satiating. The noodles are cooked al dente and has a slightly nutty flavor and the soba sauce tastes like light broth but a little saltier.

And what is a Japanese cuisine experience without Tempura. Their Nori Tempura (Php360) here is just one of the best. Tiger prawns are used for the core dipped in batter with added nori making the final product really delicious. It got a really crispy outside but the shrimp are perfectly cooked, tender, and tasty. The dish comes with a tempura sauce dip, but I think they just as great on their own. You can order in different serving sizes; Shou for 3 pieces (Php240), Nami for 5 pieces (Php360), and Dai for 8 pieces (Php520).

The next dish we had was their Udon Carbonara (Php450). This meal is quite heavy and really satisfying. The udon noodles are cooked just perfectly while the wasabi cream sauce really takes this dish on a whole new level. The sauce has shitake mushrooms and cooked salmon cubes added giving an additional flavor and balance to the dish. It also has uni and ikura which complements well adding some character to the taste. Topped with parmesan cheese, this dish is absolutely everything.

For me, I think this dish is one of highlight of our Soru Izakaya experience. Made of the finest wagyu beef from Japan, the Wagyu Steak (Php990) is their crème de la crème offering. The price is a little steep for some 200 grams of meat but considering that this is wagyu – wagyu is one of the most sought after and expensive meat – the price is pretty justifiable. The meat was seasoned and cooked to perfection making every tender bite a burst of flavor.

We then moved on to one of my favorite part of this experience – trying their famous Maki. We first had their Lava Maki (Php380). The first thing you will notice is how beautiful the plating was, I even feel guilty eating it because it feels like ruining an art. The sushi with salmon skin and tamago inside are arrange in a volcano-like shape, topped with fresh tuna and salmon cubes, and drizzled with mayo and teriyaki sauce to make it look like a volcano overflowing with lava with a flying dragon circling it. And true to its name, this one is really hot, like spicy hot.

Next, we had the Avocado Maki (Php480) with this one served in the shape of a rooster. It has deep-fried unagi or freshwater eel, mangoes, and avocado, each having a distinct flavor on their own but blends together to create an amazing taste. It is topped with cream cheese which makes it even more delicious.

Up next were their Spider Maki (Php380) which is a combination of crab meat and mango which perfectly complement one another. The black tobiko and ikura gives a refreshing burst with every bite and the nori gives the dish a savory taste. The Japanese mayo and teriyaki sauce absolutely made this dish even better.

We had the Aburi Moriawase before we do dessert. It is a platter of aburi with different fish in it. They have shake, maguro, saba, tako, and horse mackerel you can choose from. You literally need to hold yourself back trying everything once you ordered this.

Lastly, we had our desserts. We were served with their Tiramisu (Php220) and Rising Sun Takoyaki Desserts (Php180). The tiramisu was delightful as expected with all the cream cheese, coffee flavored ladyfingers, cocoa powder, mint leaves, and blueberries working perfectly together.

The takoyaki dessert is quite new for me, it’s made of takoyaki balls with cream cheese and red velvet filling. It is served topped with slices of strawberries and peach, peanuts, marshmallow, and drizzled with ganache.

Overall, Soru Izakaya is a feast for the senses. You will get dishes that taste as delightful as they look for a very reasonable price. I will definitely would love to back again.

October 28, 2018 0 comment

Featured Pasig

Asakusa House of Tempura (Ayala Malls Feliz, Pasig)

written by HungryTravelDuo

Our Score

Japanese Restaurant in Pasig: Asakusa House of Tempura

What makes a food business successful? Is it mere luck, quality of product, or price perhaps? I’m no food entrepreneur but in my opinion, it’s always a mix of all those things, coupled with grit, consistency, and passion. This is the same story the fueled the success of Asauksa House of Tempura. First opened at the Grove by Rockwell August 2015, Asakusa is proud to open its third branch in the new Ayala Malls Feliz, Pasig. Check out all the must-eats at this highly-rated Japanese Restaurant in Pasig.

Bestseller: Emperor Set (Php 638.00) – HTD Favorite!

Asakusa’s Bestseller: Emperor Set

I normally order pure EBI Tempura but during the grand opening of Asakusa Feliz, I decided to mix things up a little bit. After going briefly through Asakusa’s menu, I decided to go with the Emperor Set.

For just Php 638.00, indulge on a plate of two black tiger prawns, scallop, shiitake mushroom kani, fish, zucchini, and French beans.

Being the house specialty, I have to commend Asakusa House of Tempura for living up to its name. Crisp batter, fresh ingredients, and a special tempura blend like no other (the perfect blend of sweet, salty and seafood aroma). Truly, one of the best in the industry!

Feeling greedy with your prawns? Go for the 3-pc and 5-pc Shogun Set for Php 388.00 and Php 608.00, respectively.

Side: Cold Soba (Php 138.00)

I’ve had cold ramen before but never cold soba. I ordered a set of Asakusa’s cold soba as a side to my tempura.

Basically, you’re given a big twirl of cold soba and a dipping sauce with wasabi. Maybe it’s just me, but I didn’t enjoy this one too much. I found it bland and texture was a bit off for me. (Or maybe I was eating it wrongly? If yes, feel free to enlighten me!)

Salmon Salad (Php 258.00)

In any Japanese restaurant, it’s a must for me to have my share of Salmon Sashimi. If I’m lucky enough, I’ll get to savor it as a salad mix-in. Think sashimi x poke bowl in one. So good!

Australian Beef (Php 618.00) – HTD Favorite!

Asakusa House of Tempura Australian Beef

Australian Beef. Photo courtesy of Asakusa’s Instagram Page.

Japan is known for its Kobe beef. In Asakusa House of Tempura, they offer an Australian counterpart. And I can totally say it’s just as good. It’s soft, tender, almost buttery-melt-in-your-mouth. I also enjoyed the buttered vegetables on the side. You can request their staff for the doneness of your meat.

Wagyuni (Php 388.00, 3 pieces)

OMG, this one you cannot miss! Get this: Torched Wagyu Beef + Uni + Nigiri Sushi. And although the order arrived almost at the end, it was totally worth the wait. I don’t even know how to describe it, except you must try this! A little expensive for three pieces, yes, but definitely worth every cent!

Wagyuni. Photo courtesy of Asakusa’s Instagram Page.

Overall, I’ve always enjoyed the authenticity of flavor and presentation of Asakusa’s food. The freshness of the ingredients, the quality of food, and the service makes Asakusa: House of Tempura a must for any Japanese food or Tempura lover. Come and visit Asakusa Feliz soon! (Plus the new Ayala Mall is huge, so there’s lots to see!)

Asakusa House of Tempura’s third branch is located at the 3rd floor, Ayala Malls Feliz Pasig. Follow Asakusa over Facebook or check their website for updates.

#AsakusaHomeOfTempura #AsakusaFeliz

October 22, 2018 0 comment

Featured Food Events Local Eats Quezon City

Calle Bistro Grand Food Crawl [UPDATED!]

written by HungryTravelDuo

Where to Eat in Calle Bistro Commonwealth QC

A new lifestyle-cum-dining strip has just opened in the northern part of the metropolis. Calle Bistro is a collection of dining establishments that aims to deliver good fun and great eats for the entire family. It’s ideally located in Commonwealth, Quezon City, just beside the popular Ever Commonwealth Mall. I only live 15 minutes from the spot so I dropped by for lunch with my family a few months back. My verdict? Must come back! And come back I did! This time with fellow foodies for a Grand Food Crawl along the Calle Bistro. Read on where to eat at the newly-opened Calle Bistro Food Hub in Quezon City.

Calle Bistro: A Must-Visit Lifestyle/Dining Strip in North Quezon City

Being in real estate, I already found out about the new development that was about to take place in the iconic Ever Gotesco Mall earlier on. I just didn’t know exactly what it was. Thankfully, it’s a fresh concept that should be able to pique the interest of residents within the area.

Located along the parking side of the mall, Calle Bistro is a breath of fresh air with its open all-glass exteriors. A stark contrast to the more traditional look of the old mall.

Calle Bistro features a dozen distinct tenants that range from Chinese to Filipino restaurants, cafes and wine bars. Its perfect mix of stores and shops create an ideal community where customers can dine, meet, relax and enjoy a variety of flavors and experiences with family and friends. From breakfast, lunch, and even to after-dinner drinks.

“We aim that Calle Bistro will become the favorite destination of families and friends. Who are looking for a foodie adventure in this side of the city,” said Chie Arao-Santos, Corporate Marketing Manager of the Ever Group of Companies. “We welcome everyone especially those who live in the northern Metro Manila. Who wants to have a good time and memorable dining. Calle Bistro is perfect for those living in Commonwealth and nearby areas. As they don’t have to travel too far and endure the heavy traffic.”

An All-Day Dining Experience at Calle Bistro

To showcase this new food attraction, EVER Group recently held its first-ever Calle Bistro “Food Crawl” where we were treated to a “full” day of food, music, and fun festivities. Everyone had a delightful time visiting the restaurants as we got a bite at some of the mouth-watering selections of the restaurants. It was an intense 5-hour foodcrawl that featured the restaurants’ best-selling appetizers, classic meal favorites, popular desserts and signature beverages. Among the participating restaurants are Sisig Society, ELM’s Kapihan and Winery, Adobo Connection, Ima Kitchen, Gerry’s Grill and Restaurant, PUB Express, Hap Chan, Macao Imperial Tea, Cook the Bread, among others.

Soon to open within the year are Tim Hortons, After Twelve Bar, and Teriyaki Boy.

Calle Bistro Quezon City Great Eats Grand Food Crawl

The Calle Bistro Grand Food Crawl Foodie Group. Photo courtesy of Whatshappening.com.ph

“If you look at the tenant mix at Calle Bistro, you can see that we took a lot of effort to make sure that there is something for everyone. From breakfast, you can have your coffee and bread at Starbucks. Eating lunch? Try the Japanese dishes at Teriyaki Boy or the Chinese fare at Hap Chan. Time for merienda? There are cold drinks at Tim Hortons or Macao Imperial Tea. Finally for dinner, try Filipino food at Gerry’s Restaurant and Bar or Ima’s Kitchen. Lastly, you can enjoy chill moments with cocktails at After Twelve Bar,” said Santos. “For the young to the busy professional to seniors who just want to enjoy the night, there are treats waiting for them at each Calle Bistro tenant.”

Great Eats at the Calle Bistro Grand Food Crawl

1st Stop: Sisig Society

You know it’s going to be a good foodie day when you start off with something classic: Sisig. And our Great Eats adventure at Calle Bistro hit off at Sisig Society. Sure, sisig might be common but have you ever had it apart from the classic sizzling on a plate? Bet you haven’t. But luckily, you can now do so with Sisig Society’s wide array of sisig-based innovative dishes.

We had a good time time biting into its array of homegrown flavors: Tusok-Tusok Platter (an assorted platter of dynamites,chicken skin, bacon cracklings and Kikiam), Sisig Nachos, and the Classic Pork Sisig.

We also had the spicy sisig, which actually turned out to be my personal favorite. The kick of spice definitely complimented the savory taste of the sisig. I also enjoyed the bacon cracklings, they were thin and tasty, actually quite addictive! I definitely can see Sisig Society as the perfect place for a no-frills inuman place with friends.

2nd Stop: ELM’s Kapihan and Winery

We then proceeded to our next stop, which was ELM’s Kapihan and Winery. Honestly when I first visited Calle Bistro, I found the place quite interesting from the outside. I just didn’t know what to expect, given the name. Turns out,ELM’s Kapihan and Winery is a coffee-cum-bar spot that combines amazing cuisine with cozy interiors.

Among the surprising menu that greeted us was an eye-popping mix of Chicharon Bulaklak, Pritong Hito & Burong Mustasa, Beef Kare-Kare, Pritong Native Itik, Palabok, Rib Eye Steak, plus Margaritas. I like my food either meaty or savory. So I’d have to say I loved ELM’s Beef Kare-Kare and Rib Eye Steak best.

The Kare-Kare had a good portion size, was generous in meat, and had a good sauce to it. Just the right balance of sweet, salty, and peanuty. I also loved the consistency of the sauce, not too thin or thick. The Rib Eye was also mouthwatering – well-seasoned, juicy, and tender. Good thing I didn’t have rice or else I would have been stuffed earlier in the game.

“Our restaurant serves authentic Filipino cuisine, mostly Kapampangan dishes, and a steady mix of Western cuisine as well. We also offer Unli Wine for those who want to just relax amid a cozy dine-and-chill vibe,” said Bernadette Almodiel, manager of ELM’s Kapihan and Winery.

3rd Stop: Ima’s Kitchen

Our third stop took us to the flavorful doors of Ima’s Kitchen. It’s a dining place that offers a wealth of modernized Filipino native cuisine and honors a grandmother’s legacy. We were fortunate to be joined by Chef Carlo Yabut, owner of Ima’s Kitchen. What started as an online business, turned into a showcase of great food heirlooms.

Ima’s Kitchen has an original menu lineup composed of Ube Bibingka Cinnamon Roll, Tortang Talong at Itlog na Maalat Ensalada, Pork Adobong Puti, Sinigang na Baka sa Ube at Pakwan, Banana-Rum Turon and Street Skewers (Pork BBQ, Chicken Isaw, Liver Betamax and Pork Walkman). By this time, we were able to take time to sit down and savor the feast.

And I found myself loving the Pork Adobong Puti and Tortang Talong most. The pork adobong puti was perfectly seasoned (sans the soy sauce) and was so tender that I’m aching to re-create it at home. I also loved the unique taste of the Tortang Talong as it was a little cheesey and sweet. And complimented well with my favorite adobo. While the others liked the combination of sweet and sour flavors in the sinigang, I found it lacking the asim I look for. The Banana-Rum Turon was also good throw in the mix, mainly because of the cinnamon. But would have preferred for it to be little crispier.

“Through homecooked meals with creative twists, Ima’s Kitchen wants to pay homage to families, elderly people, and generally Filipinos who are far away from their home and crave for native flavors. We started as an online business initially selling desserts and, a year later, we now have two branches, the first one located in UST,” said Yabut.

4th Stop: Adobo Connection

We then carried on with our Calle Bistro food adventure and reached Adobo Connection. I’ve actually eaten in Adobo Connection a few times before when I was in corporate. And I fondly remember how sulit their meals are, considering the taste, variety, and price. It’s actually quite surprising how Adobo Connection gets creative crafting innovative meals from classic Pinoy food favorites. Franchise owner, Atty. Julia C. Bacay-Abad treated everyone with hefty servings of Adobo Flakes with matching Buko Pandan dessert.

I, however, preferred the Crispy Kare-Kare and the Ginataang Liempo. Just like in Sisig Society, I loved the crispy bacon-like texture of the meat. While the Ginataang Liempo combines the rich milky taste of coconut and the salty savor of adobong liempo.

5th Stop: Macao Imperial Tea

I have heard so many raves about how good milktea in Macao Imperial Tea is. So finally, when I had the chance, I just had to taste it in Calle Bistro! And now, I am totally hooked!

I ordered the Cream Cheese Milk Tea (Php 120.00) during my last visit. Which only took five minutes to prepare. And guys, it was SOOOOOO GOOD! It wasn’t overly sweet so you can still taste the quality of the tea. The cream cheese was the best part – making the drink very very addictive! Plus points for good service and the cute coziness of the place.

This time around, I loved the fact that they prepared everything on the menu for us. So each one in the group got to taste the different flavors that Macao Imperial Tea has to offer. We were served the Instagrammable line of fancy sodas (Blue Curachao, Midsummer, Cherry Blossom, Over the Rainbow, Green Apple and Lemon Fizz). As well as their milk teas (Cream Cheese Cocoa, Cream Cheese Sea Salt Jasmine Green Tea and Original,) and special drinks For Me and For You.

I also enjoyed munching on their snack bites. Like the Kurobota Sausage (Top 1 Fave), Smoked Sausage, Cheese Sausage, Lobster Balls, and Cheese Balls (Top 2).

6th Stop: Hap Chan

Adding up some more authentic Asian gastronomy to the food tour is long-time favorite Hap Chan. We had their classic Chinese specialties: Yang Chow, Sauteed Beef with Broccoli Flower, Beef Haofan, and Pork Siomai. As always, the Yang Chow plus Beef and Brocolli combination won our palettes.

7th Stop: Gerry’s Grill

Another foodie hotspot not to be missed at Calle Bistro is the famous Gerry’s Grill. Perfecting classic Pinoy favorites, Gerry’s Grill, proved yet again to their guests why they remain a leading destination of choice amongst Filipino diners. We had their well-loved Filipino menu favorites: Crispy Pata, Fried Chicken, Kare-Kare, Sisig and the thirst-queching Watermelon Juice. If there’s one thing I’d have to commend about Gerry’s Grills is their commitment to quality and consistency.

My family frequents dining in their outlets. And their Crispy Sisig and Kare-Kare are always must-order dishes. Well-seasoned, served fresh and hot, and well-portioned.

8th Stop: PUB Express

During my previous visit, I personally wanted to try something new for lunch when I visited with family. So I decided to go with the best-lit/most playful-looking restaurant: Pub Express. I loved the modern-industrial look of the place, especially the cool contrast of the red, gray, and yellow interiors.

Food-wise, Pub Express serves quick and cheap meals with a twist.

Calle Bistro Pub Express Baby Back Ribs Meal

Pub Express Baby Back Ribs Meal (Php 129.00)

There were three of us so we ordered a rice meal each and a basket of wings for everyone. My mom had their bestselling Baby Back Ribs with Java Rice for Php 179.00. I found it tasty and the meat very tender. The sauce was also the perfect blend of salty, savory, and sweet. No wonder it’s a bestseller for just Php 179!

Calle Bistro Pub Express Creamy Kawali Meal

Pub Express Creamy Kawali (Php 129.00)

Calle Bistro Pub Express Bourbon Chicken Meal

Pub Express Bourbon Chicken Meal (Php 129.00)

We also had the Bourbon Chicken and the Creamy Kawali for Php 129.00 each. While a half-dozen Garlic Parmesan Chicken wings only cost us Php 179.00.

Calle Bistro Pub Express Garlic Parmesan Wings

Half-Dozen Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings (Php 179.00)

Loved how the ribs were so flavorful and the meat so tender. The portion was also big and can easily be shared by 2 people. The chicken was so-so while the cream in the lechon kawali was a good spin to the classic favorite.

The wings were pretty good and big-sized too!

9th Stop: Cook The Bread

By this time, we were already quite full but as they say, “the show must go on”. So off we went thrilled upon reaching our final stop at Cook the Bread. I loved how cozy the whole place looked, welcoming diners with a fascinating array of quintessential Korean breakfast fares, coffee, teas, and all-day brunch specials.

Cook the Bread prides itself with an assortment of freshly-baked goods like cakes, pastries,and buns both savory and sweet, sans any milk and sugar! Yet everything tasted so good, with a hint of natural sweetness in the bread. A perfect meeting or study nook, this charming cafe is the first and only branch outside its main branch in South Korea.

Since Cook the Bread was our last stop, owner Cai Tariman made sure our visit was icing on the cake. We had all the bestsellers of Cook The Bread: Buttered Curry Chicken, Beef Tomato Stew, Bulgogi Rice, and Pane Cream Pasta. I super enjoyed the unique ingenuity and creativity behind their dishes. I, for one, enjoyed the sweet/savory taste of the Bulgogi Rice most. As well as the sweet creamy flavor of the Pane Cream Pasta.

Afterwards, we feasted on their flavored Bingsoo (Blue Raspberry, Red Bean, Snow Coffee, White Snow, and Strawberry Mango). Just as everyone did, I enjoyed the Strawberry Mango Bingsoo best as it was the perfect mix of sweet and sour flavors. The coffee was also a unique blend while I thought the Raspberry would have been better with vanilla ice cream instead of ube.

To cleanse our palette, we had a mini-tea party. Having Garlic Baguette, Coffee Toast, and refreshing Four Berries Infused Tea as a proverbial ending to the day-long resto hopping.

Tasty Preview of Flavorful Discoveries in Calle Bistro

The recent Grand “Food Crawl”, according to Chie Arao-Santos, Corporate Marketing Manager of EVER Group of Companies, is a tasty preview of the many flavorful discoveries that await diners at Calle Bistro. Being a new foodie hub with diverse cuisine offerings.

“As the newest food destination north of Manila, Calle Bistro offers a variety of culinary options for the large neighborhood along Commonwealth Avenue, from breakfast to chilling at midnight. As a brand, Calle Bistro is family-oriented, sincere and down-to-earth. We aim to create not just a space for food, but a community through Calle Bistro where people gather for Great Eats and Great Meets – to exchange stories, make memorable moments and enjoy the best of life without driving too far away from their homes,” said Santos.

‘Eats an Affair’: November 30 to December 2

For the holidays, Calle Bistro invites EVER mall goers to its grand food and music extravaganza dubbed ‘Eats an Affair’. To be held from November 30 until December 2. Apart from restaurant hopping, visitors will be entertained by live band performances. While surprise guest celebrities will be participating in the Star Bazaar activity as well.

Built to complement the group’s Ever Commonwealth mall, Calle Bistro hosts more than a dozen of distinct food spaces that range from Chinese to Filipino restaurants, cafes and wine bars.

Extra Christmas Cheers at Calle Bistro Quezon City

And because the Christmas season is not without spreading joys and spending quality time with those we cherish the most, EVER Malls goes the extra mile in giving loyal customers a memorable time. Kicking off the long list of festivities was the grand launch of the ‘Give Love this Christmas’ campaign. Along with the much-awaited Christmas Tree Lighting held last November 17.

Everyone is invited to take part in EVER Commonwealth’s Yuletide attractions. Such as the colorful parades, feasts, and live music. There are also other fun spectacles for the holidays on the following dates:

INSTA-BIDA Shopper, EVER Department Store’s 46th Anniversary: The Great Holiday Shopping Spree play-to-win game show for all lucky shoppers (December 1)
Christmas Party with a Star! Meet and greet party with celebrity guest Jolina Magdangal-Escueta (December 2)
Gift-Giving Shopping Week with special promo products offered under P300! (December 3-8)
Christmas Hymns featuring Banda Malabon playing beautiful carols (December 8 and 22)
Christmas Parade of Joy featuring cute mascots (December 9)
Meet and greet with Santa Claus (December 15 and 23)
Star Serenade Presents: Matteo Guidicelli (December 16)
and Holiday Goodies: A Food Bazaar featuring well-loved holiday cakes, pastries, and other perfect gift-giving treats by #WeekendGourmetProject (December 17-January 4).

Get into the Yuletide spirit by visiting EVER Commonwealth and Calle Bistro. For updates and information, visit Calle Bistro’s Facebook and Instagram pages @CalleBistroPH. Don’t forget to use the hashtags #CalleBistroPH and #GreatEatsThisWay!

Calle Bistro is located at Ever Commonwealth Parking Grounds, Quezon City.

October 13, 2018 0 comment

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