We’re regular diners of Sizzling Pepper Steak but ironically, I seem to forget to blog about it. You see, I’m not a fan of sizzling plates, not until Pepper Lunch arrived, and Sizzling Pepper Steak.
One thing I like about Sizzling Pepper Steak is their modern asian interiors, unlike PL’s fastfood ambiance. Some SPS branches in malls already have comfort rooms so you don’t have to walk around the mall and then go back to eat.
Sizzling Pepper Steak at The Atrium, Megamall
I just unearthed my food photos of Cocina Juan, finally! We visited this place months ago based on a friend’s recommendation. And we’ve been back for a few times since then, affordable and good food. Perhaps this is one of the pre-requisites in opening a resto in Maginhawa St., food should be affordable for UP and other university students and must meet their discerning tastebuds. Cruising along Maginhawa St. is surely an adventure for food lovers like me, from Kiss the Cook Cafe, let me introduce you to Central American cuisine of Cocina Juan.
Cocina Juan according to Openrice.com:
Cocina Juan is a central American Inspired restaurant for the Filipino thus the tag line “Inspiration De Centro America, Plato para La Filipino”. The Dish Insipiration revolves around the use of Limon, Tortilla, Celantro, Cumin, Chilli, Chilli Tomate, Parsley, Basil, Tomate, Ajo, Mantikelya and Sibuya. Cocina Juan’s value proposition is to bring you to experience and taste central american inspired food “Comida”. Our concept is simple “We are here to serve Latin American inspired Food so that you may experience the latin Colors, Music, Culture and Art in each bite of each dish we bring out. Bienvendo Cocina Juan”.
Cocina Juan has no-fuss interiors, just plastic tables and chairs but they painted the walls with Mexican inspired colors. They also set up an outdoor dining area because the indoor dining area can only accomodate around 15-20 people. The waiters are very friendly and are pretty much in-the-know with their menu.
complimentary nachos
Finally a food post! It is evident that Jeff and I love Persian food, our ultimate Persian food discovery is Shomal Kebabs and Curries but it’s admittedly so expensive and we can’t afford to dine there whenever we crave for some Persian food. Grilled Tomato is the answer for our Persian food cravings, it’s along Tomas Morato that’s why it’s near the office and the price is really affordable. The Beef Kebab meal that comes with iced tea is only Php 100.
Beef Kebab Meal, Php 100
Maginhawa Street is a foodie’s paradise. I often pass by Maginhawa St. 2 years ago when I was still working along C.P. Garcia. Lunch time and after office hours, you’ll find me and Jeff at one of these places, Friulli Trattoria, Sisig Boy, Ababu or Tomato Kick. Now, although our office moved to a different place, we pay Maginhawa St. a visit after jogging in UP to rediscover old places and find new food joints that surely adds charm in this busy street.
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
Banapple cakes deserves a separate post! We love their pasta dishes, and also their cakes! A trip to Banapple rewards you with a gastronomic treat because all the food in the menu is good. After a satisfying meal, try one of the these cakes to top off your lunch or dinner.
Banoffee Pie
Banapple, I first heard of this restaurant from friends and colleagues but since the first branch is in Katipunan, I never got to visit this place. Fortunately, Banapple has another branch in Quezon City, located at the 2nd Floor of Il Terrazzo along Tomas Morato. I visited Banapple to prove all the props received by this restaurant.
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
