Berde @ Ayala Triangle Gardens: DIY Salad Bowls
July is Nutrition Month and this calls for more conscious consumption. More times than one, I found myself drawn to Berde over at Ayala Triangle Gardens to enjoy a nice colorful bowl of salad. There are the pre-made bowls like Manok Out and Bangka but after a few times eating here you can more or less have a gauge of what flavors you like and would complement the other items in your bowl. My personal favorite is Monggo Kare-Kare with Berde’s signature red or green sauce. Try the bangka (fish) if you’re not ready to go meat-free just yet.
Neil’s Kitchen @ Top of the Glo, Glorietta 4: Sinigang Paella
This popular restaurant in Westgate Alabang found another home at Glorietta 4’s Top of the Glo. It’s both a blessing and a shame that it’s tucked in a hidden corner of the new area—fingers crossed that people realize that the food and mood is good here so that the restaurant can both have its traffic and keep its hidden location. The Sinigang Paella with Grilled Pork Belly was a star (although I didn’t taste any trace of the Sinigang…)
Their take on Puto Bumbong is quite interesting too so consider ordering their Puto Bumbong with Buco Jelly
Va Bene @ Central Square, BGC: Organic Eggs Tagliatelle
Huge disclaimer: I know, this restaurant sorely lacks in ambiance. And at the prices it charges it would make anyone think twice about dining here…but I believe they have the best Eggs Tagliatelle in Manila and unless anyone can suggest another restaurant that serves better pasta, Va Bene still tops my list for Italian food.
Eggs for Breakfast Café @ Santo Nino, Marikina: Classic Pancakes
I like my pancakes less on the fluffy side and you rarely find something like that in Metro Manila. So if you’re like me and want pancakes that are more on the filling side (but not as the ones you get at any fast food restaurant), take a short drive out of Metro Manila and order a plate of Classic Pancakes from Eggs for Breakfast. The restaurant is quite cozy—it seems like wedding receptions are held here once in a while—and since you’re already up in the mountains, take a short drive, go around Antipolo, and enjoy the panoramic views of bustling Metro Manila.
