Beef Kebab Meal, Php 100

Korma meal is Php 120.

Beef Korma, Php 120

There’s nothing special about the Beef Korma, just like any ordinary curry dishes. Our staple order is the Beef Kebab, moist and soft beef. Of course, our kebabs are not happy without these two sauces…

garlic sauce and chili

They also serve side dishes such as Hummus for Php 25.

Hummus, Php 25

Grilled Tomato’s interior is simple, no fancy chairs and tables. Just plain good food, yes, that’s all a restaurant needs right. Their good food made them to be featured in various TV shows already such as MYX so food there is definitely a must try. The bulletin board also shows some happy feedback from satisfied customers.

inside Grilled Tomato

Grilled Tomato, Tomas Morato

Grilled Tomato has 2 branches, one in Tomas Morato and one in Banawe. The photo above is the Tomas Morato branch, just across Bubble Tea.

Grilled Tomato / (02)4150760

Website: http://grilledtomato.multiply.com/

100 Scout De Guia St. cor. Tomas Morato Ave.

Store Hours: 11:30 am to 2:00 am

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Kiss the Cook Cafe (59 Maginhawa St., UP Village, Diliman, Quezon City)

Kiss the Cook Cafe is near BPI and in front of Holy Family School, 2 years ago, Sisig Boy was in the same location but I assume SB closed down. Kiss the Cook Cafe’s interiors and ambiance makes you feel that you’re dining in an upscale resto in Makati. Kiss the Cook Cafe did not scrimp on designing the restaurant with its neutral walls, elegant lighting, wooden tables and comfy sofas.

Kiss the Cook Cafe signage along Maginhawa Street

Some dishes are highlighted in their menu, Jeff and I assumed that it’s their specialty so Jeff ordered the Five-Spice Pork Spareribs while I chose the Italian Shortrib Stew. They serve Lemon Iced Tea in carafe that’s good for 3 to 4 persons.

Five-Spice Pork Spareribs, Php 195

The Five-Spice Pork Spareribs is served with rice, cilantro corn slaw and vinegar dipping sauce. The pork chunks are crunchy with some kick of spiciness. The cilantro corn slaw is a fresh break from the spiced vinegar and pork. Personally, this is perfect as pulutan rather than a viand for my meal, but they don’t serve alcoholic drinks… =)

Italian Shortrib Stew, Php 295

Beef chunks slow-braised in wine and tomatoes, only the cook knows how long this was cooked to make the meat so tender I can shred it to bits and the sauce bursting with flavor. Take a closer look…

Italian Shortrib Stew, closer look

The shortrib stew alone is perfect, but the spaghetti pesto that came with it is too dry and bland. Maybe it’s intended like that to balance the flavors of the stew, but if given a choice, I’d like to pair this with rice. Jeff can’t help himself spooning the sauce in his plate, both of us really loved this dish.

For desserts, they have frozen yogurts served in cute little tasting spoons. You can choose up to 3 different flavors, I had dark chocolate, mango and vanilla bean.

Fro-yo love (mango, vanilla bean, dark chocolate)

Frozen Yogurt

For dark chocolate lovers like me, their dark choco-flavored fro-yo is like eating 70% cacao. It’s sinfully good! I can consume a dozen spoonfuls of their fro-yos.

Good food and nice ambiance without a hefty price tag, one will definitely kiss the cook!

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Banoffee Pie

Banoffee Pie (Php 90/slice, Php 540/whole), cheaper than Starbucks Banoffee Pie but taste doesn’t come short with Starbucks’. This one has chunkier banana slices, chocolate shavings and more icing. I still prefer the one from Starbucks because I want to dig into that chocolatey center and buttery crust.

Classic Pecan Pie

Classic Pecan Pie (Php 90/slice, Php 630/whole), viewing from their display window, my mouth-watered after seeing the rows and rows of pecan nuts on top of this pie. I find this too sweet, though. It really looks yummy but I only ate two spoonfuls of this and moved on to another cake.

Myster-reese's Wicked Pie

Myster-reese’s Wicked Pie (Php 90/slice, Php 680/whole), if you love Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups like me, then you’ll definitely like this one. The toppings consists of chunks of, of course, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. The middle part is where you’ll the peanut butter layer, followed by a chocolate layer at the bottom. Again, I’m not really fond of the icing, I find most icings sweet and fattening (hehe).

Super Caramel Fudge Cake

Super Caramel Fudge Cake (Php 85/slice, Php 780/whole), if the other cake is wicked, then this one’s super! Caramel and chocolate lovers will enjoy this. It has ample amount of caramel syrup on top, enough to send you to caramel bliss. Add to that is a moist and soft so-chocolatey cake.

Visiting Banapple for the first time? Try Banoffee Pie, Super Caramel Fudge Cake or Myster-Reese’s Wicked Pie and you won’t go wrong for your first order.

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Banapple, Il Terrazzo

The restaurant is quite small, there were only a few chairs inside so seating area is very limited. They have additional tables and chairs outside though for smokers. What I love is the homey and cozy ambiance, feels like your visiting a friend’s or your grandma’s kitchen.

Banapple, Il Terrazzo

We ordered 2 pasta dishes, and they’re both penne, Penne Bolognese and Baked Creamy Cheesy Penne (sounds delicious from the name itself!)

Penne Bolognese (Php 150)

Baked Creamy Cheesy Penne (Php 155)

Their pasta dishes are affordable and servings is good for two people already. It’s our first time to order so we’re clueless about their serving size. The pasta is cooked perfectly, al dente. Don’t you just love to dig in into that bowl of Baked Creamy Cheesy Penne? This is a must-try, serving it in a bowl made it feel like a comfort food you’d love to have at your home. The slices of toasted Pesto bread complete a very fulfilling meal.

Banapple became famous with their pies and cakes, they have their own Banofee Pie. I love Starbucks Banofee Pie so I just have to try Banapple’s version despite feeling satiated from the pasta.

Banapple's Banoffee Pie

Banapple’s Banofee Pie is cheaper for one, but it doesn’t have the buttery crust of Starbucks’. I don’t like cakes with too much icing too.

Banapple cakes

There are plenty of cakes worth trying so on my second visit, I made sure to take home 3 cakes! More on Banapple’s cakes on my next post.

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Ajisen Ramen (image from Myfoodtrip.com)

We happily ordered the Spicy Ramen and Kon Ramen….

Spicy Ramen

Unlike the one we ordered in Hong Kong which is extremely spicy, the spicy pork condiment that makes it spicy is served in a separate bowl so that one can control the spiciness of the soup, thumbs up! Other ingredients in the Spicy Ramen are hard-boiled egg, cabbage, a slice of tender pork and the brown thingie is what they call fungus, which is a form of mushroom.

Kon Ramen (Kon=corn???)

Kon Ramen consists of pork, cabbage, fungi, egg and corn kernels. The soup is on a sweet side but I added spicy pork to add a little kick. Price range of their Ramen is between Php 140-Php 190.

Jeff and I agreed that the taste is the same as their HK branch, and also the price. The ramen still comes with the to-die-for soup stock, which is made with secret spices and secret techniques. The noodles resemble a spaghetti which is also very tasty. When combined, a steaming hot bowl of this is a truly hearty meal.

Ajisen Ramen is one food discovery when we were in Hong Kong. The ramen and the
soup was so delicious that we dreamed of going back to HK just to have another round
of Hong Kong food trip. But one chilly morning a day after Christmas, we found
Ajisen Ramen at the Midtown wing of Robinson’s Place Manila. The food is simply
fantastic, and if we're ever anywhere else, like the UK, we'll be sure to give 118
118 a ring to find somewhere similar, as you just can't go wrong with ramen. We’re
not sure at first if it’s the same as the one in HK but after scanning the menu
proved that they’re the same.

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The Creamery is part of the Selecta Kids Universe in Mall of Asia. Kids Universe houses Cosmic Kidz, a five-story kiddie play area, largest play area in Manila as of date. Kids + playground + ice cream = A TREAT!

I prefer Selecta ice cream than other brands so I immediately looked for ice cream treats on the menu. I was torn between the Belgian Chocolate Mint and Ferrero Rocher ice cream, but the staff said that the latter is their bestseller so I ordered it.

Ferrero Rocher ice cream, Php 185

I expected something more fancy on this concoction, something like served in a marble slab, with some mouth-watering syrup on it considering its price for Php 185. And I thought it’s Ferrero Rocher-inspired so I expected a chocolate ice cream-based concoction. Aside from the wafer bits, there’s also chocolate cereals and nuts. Somehow, I wished I ordered for Belgian Chocolate Mint instead.

Chocolate Milkshake, Php 135

Jeff is in chocolate heaven with his Chocolate Milkshake. Brings back childhood memories with its chocolate-y goodness while cooling him down.

There are other treats at The Creamery such as ice cream cakes, burgers and fries and pasta.

The Creamery

Selecta Kids Universe

South Park Building, Mall of Asia

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Beef Chelo Kebab Solo, Php 295

Beef Chelo Kebab consists of one beef kebab and grilled tomato served with saffron rice. “Chelo” means cooked rice and “kebab” means cooked meat. What sets this dish apart is the saffron rice, fluffy and tender with just the right amount of butter and aroma. In other restaurants, I don’t usually order kebabs and prefers Beef Kheema (ground beef) because I hate tough meat sticking between my teeth. I was surprised with Shomal’s Beef Kebab because it’s so tender and flavorful.

Garlic sauce and chili sauce are also served but because the meat is really flavorful, I didn’t drown my kebab in garlic sauce, and the chili sauce is very veeerrry spicy!

Iced Tea, Php 80

I love the classy interiors of the restaurant, full of character and very relaxing. Especially when you can grab a spot with the hanging curtains with chandelier hanging above, romantic and serene.

Shomal restaurant interiors

hanging curtains at Shomal for privacy

I think there are 5 tables with this kind of setting, you can check if you can reserve for them beforehand.

Shomal Kebabs and Curries by Hossein

Thumbs up for customer service, ambiance and the food. Definitely a must-try for those who want to explore Middle Eastern cuisine, fine-dining style!

Shomal Kebabs & Curries

Unit 4005 Level 4 Trinoma Mall, EDSA North Avenue Quezon City

Contact No: 09178822056

http://www.hosseins.com/

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Dong Bei is located at 642 Yuchengco St., from Binondo Church, walk down Ongpin St. and turn left at Yuchengco St. Dong Bei is next to a dress shop and it’s nearing the dead end of the street. Although the restaurant’s facade seems uninviting and unappetizing for a Chinese restaurant for that matter, based on the raves I read, it must be worth it.

Dong Bei dumplings are made fresh everyday

kutchay dumplings from Dong Bei

The restaurant has only 5 or 6 tables and one table is used for making their dumplings, yes, dumplings are made fresh starting from the dough and the filling. We ordered the Dumpling Noodle Soup which has 14 pcs. of kutchay dumplings (dumplings with chives) and fresh “handiwork” noodles and 2 cans of soda.

Dumpling Noodle Soup, Php 100

The soup tastes a bit bland and I really can’t tell if the soup has chicken, beef or pork flavoring. But the noodles is really soft, you can really tell its freshness. Same goes for the kutchay dumplings, the chives added flavor and texture to the dumpling. I like this better than their pork dumplings. The simplicity of the dish makes this as a comfort food of some sort. You can also dip the dumplings in their special dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar and garlic slightly diluted with water.

Dong Bei menu

Out of curiosity, we ordered some pancakes for take out because this is what their Chinese customers eat when we’re there. It’s like their own version of our lumpiang ubod, Dong Bei’s version is flat and round resembling a pancake. The dipping sauce for the dumplings is also used for this. And of course, because Dong Bei dumplings is so good, we have to take some of them to eat at home.

pancakes and dumplings for take-out

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***Photo Credit

The first instance that I tried it, the chicken barbecue looks like it just came out from the grill, hot, juicy and its skin glistened with the sauce. Some parts were charred but it’s fine, hey, it’s barbecue right? The chicken comes with java rice and a special barbecue dipping sauce. My first impression with this dish is it’s delicious! Like a Jollibee trademark, the marinade is on the sweet side but if you’re Pinoy and you’re used to Jollibee’s taste, then you won’t be surprised. The chicken is full of flavor that I didn’t bother for the barbecue dipping sauce. The java rice is so-so though, it’s like plain rice disguised as java rice just by adding a hint of yellow.

However, on succeeding events that I ordered the chicken barbecue, it was a major fail. I tried ordering it in different branches and even tried it for delivery but still, the chicken barbecue looked unappetizing, dry, burnt and looked like it’s been sitting in the Jollibee counter for quite a while. Even adding the barbecue sauce won’t mask the the lack of flavor of the chicken.

Jollibee’s Chicken Barbecue might not stay in their menu if they can’t maintain the quality. As for me, after 3 failed attempts, I’d rather stick with my crispy Chickenjoy with unlimited gravy refills.

Jollibee Chicken Barbecue prices: One-piece solo meal Php 69; two-piece solo meal Php 119; Value meal (with drinks) are Php 89 for one-piece and Php 139 for two-piece.

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A menu will be handed to you upon entering but you have to go to the cashier when you’re ready to order. Mexicali’s festive interior resembles a canteen/cantina I often see in Mexican telenovelas with the menu boards.

Mexican music playing in the background is suited to the restaurant’s interior. It’s like a fiesta, and what’s a fiesta without food…

Our staple order would be Chicken Enchilada and Ground Beef Taco. Chicken Enchilada is served with Mexican rice and side salad. They have bottomless iced tea that they will refill with gusto.What I love with Mexicali is that they serve condiments together with your orders, the garlic sauce and salsa comes in squeeze bottles and you can pour all you want according to your taste. We’re addicted to their garlic sauce! The side salad adds some freshness and lightness to the meal.

Mexicali’s servings is bigger than Agave’s. For people with big appetite, you’ll surely enjoy dining at Mexicali.

You can browse Mexicali’s menu here, vegetarian-friendly dishes are also available. They offer deliveries in some areas too.

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