Category: Restaurant Reviews

Highway Ribbery Grille: Haven of Criminally Delicious Comfort Food

After a long and exhausting day at work, most people combat stress by stuffing their mouths full of delicious and filling food. We are guilty as charged! My sister and I are big stress eaters, and it’s  a crime we’re more than happy to repeatedly commit at restaurants that serve straightforward comfort food like Highway Ribbery Grille in Quezon City—the latest brainchild of Chef Niño Runas, who is the same chef behind El Cangrejo in Tomas Morato.

Highway Ribbery Grille Restaurant in Quezon City

 

Highway Ribbery Grille

Highway Ribbery Grille first opened its doors May of 2015 and has become one of the newest and hippest hangout place to hit La Loma, Quezon City. Its industrial-themed interior design, together with the wooden tables and chairs, delivered a rustic yet modern appeal. The restaurant is not air-conditioned, but don’t worry; they have enough cooling fans to keep the area at a tolerable and comfortable temperature. They also have more tables on the second floor, including a rentable function room that can accommodate up to 35 people.

Highway Ribbery Grille Restaurant Dining Area in Quezon City

For our refreshments, my Nanay and I ordered two glasses of their House Blend Iced Tea (PHP 125), which arrived ice-cold and had this super refreshing citrusy flavor. Mhel, on the other hand, asked for a bottle of the Belgian craft beer, Brew Kettle (PHP 55), that turned out to be incredibly light and tasty. Highway Ribbery Grille has a limited line-up of alcoholic beverages, since they want the restaurant to become more of a dining joint than an inuman spot. Aside from Brew Kettle, the other beer they offer is San Miguel Light for PHP 50 a bottle.

Beverages at Highway Ribbery Grille Restaurant Quezon City

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Taal Vista Hotel Tagaytay: A Relaxing Escape from Manila’s Summer Heat

Aircon on full-blast and electric fans on their maximum speed, yet here we are still soaking wet in a pool of our own sweat. It is days like this that a quick getaway to some place colder like Tagaytay is more than a welcome respite from the scorching heat in Manila. And that is exactly what we did last March when we packed our bags and fled to spend a weekend at one of the oldest and quintessential hotels in Tagaytay City, Taal Vista Hotel.

Facade of Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City Philippines

 

Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City

From the year it was established in 1939, Taal Vista Hotel has been recognized for having the best vantage point to enjoy a mesmerizing view of the Taal Volcano—famous for being the world’s smallest active volcano within a lake, which is within a volcano in the middle of a larger lake. It’s truly a breathtaking sight that has never failed to amaze foreign and local tourists alike.

Taal Lake View at Taal Vista Hotel Tagaytay Philippines

The English Tudor Mansion-style hotel perfectly marries timeless architecture and design with modern amenities. The spectacular view of the Taal Lake and the crisp, cool climate of Tagaytay just add to the magical appeal of Taal Vista Hotel, making it the top choice for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Manila.

 

Rooms at Taal Vista Hotel

The rooms of Taal Vista Hotel are divided into two areas – the Lake View and the Mountain View wings. The Lake View Wing, the older between the two buildings, boasts of rooms with a gorgeous view of the Taal Lake.  The Mountain View Wing may not have a view of the lake from its windows, but it makes up for being located closest to the hotel’s amenities like the outdoor swimming pool, gym, playroom, spa, game room, the view deck, and it’s only a short walk away from Taza Fresh Table Restaurant.

Lake View Building and Viewing Deck of Taal Vista Hotel Tagaytay City Philippines

We stayed at the Deluxe Queen room in their Lake View Wing. Our room had one single bed and one queen-size bed with clean linens and plush pillows.

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Nadai Fujisoba: No Ramen Here, Just Soba and Udon

Last month, I took my Nanay out to see a movie. We still had an hour to waste before the screening, so we decided to have dinner first. We headed down to the ground floor of SM North EDSA The Block because I remembered a number of restaurants are scheduled to open in February. When we got there, we saw two new Japanese restaurants standing adjacent to each other. It was a tough choice to make, but we ended up choosing Nadai Fujisoba since my Nanay wanted to eat some ramen (or so we thought).

Nadai Fujisoba Japanese Restaurant SM North EDSA The Block

When we were handed the menu, I asked the server what their bestselling flavor of ramen is. She was quick to inform us that they don’t serve ramen and that they only use udon and soba for their noodles. At that point, I still had no idea what she was talking about. It turns out, udon is a thick noodle made from wheat flour, while soba is thin and made using buckwheat. Well, I was extremely glad I learned something new about Japanese cuisine that day.

Nadai Fujisoba is a popular restaurant chain in Japan, which was established in 1966. The Philippines is only the second country they have entered after Taiwan. Now they have five branches in Metro Manila: Bonifacio High Street, Lucky Chinatown Mall, SM Aura Premier, SM Mall of Asia, and SM North EDSA The Block.

Dining Area of Nadai Fujisoba Japanese Restaurant SM North EDSA The Block

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Claude’s Le Cafe de Ville for USPB Potato Safari 3

Last December 2015, I was invited by the US Potato Board (USPB) to join their Potato Safari 3 in Davao City. After a brief introduction to frozen US Potatoes, we were then into vans, traveled back in time, and landed at the front gate of Claude’s Le Cafe de Ville Restaurant.

Facade Claude’s Le Cafe de Ville Restaurant Davao City

Claude’s Le Café de Ville has become a household name in Davao City and Davaoeños recognize it as the quintessential fine-dining restaurant in the city. A colonial house transformed into a dining spot, its atmosphere evokes a laid back and relaxing feel. It is known for its unparalleled French and Mediterranean cuisine and excellent service.

 

Chef Claude Le Neindre

After looking around this Instagram-worthy locale, we were introduced to owner and chef, Claude Le Neindre, from Loire Valley in France. He started his culinary career at the Hotel de L’Univers and the L’Etoile d’Potel in Paris. He soon went on to work with five-star chains such as the Hilton, the Inter-Continental, and the Sofitel and Novotel of the Accor Group. After a short three-year stint managing a 16th century property called Hotel Du Dauphn in L’Aigle, Normandy, Claude sold his shares and decided to settle down in Davao City with his wife. He worked for two years as the resident manager of Pearl Farm Resort before he started building his namesake restaurant in November 1995. The restaurant officially opened on the 1st of May 1996.

Chef Claude Le Neindre of Claude's Le Cafe de Ville Restaurant for USPB Potato Safari 3

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My US Potato Board (USPB) Potato Safari 3 Experience in Davao City

While everyone was busy with their holiday preparations last December 2015, I, together with other Manila food bloggers, flew to Davao City to join the Potato Safari 3, coordinated by the US Potato Board (USPB), the organization who handles the promotion and marketing for US Potatoes across the globe.

United States Potato Board (USPB) Potato Safari 3

 

About US Potatoes

The third of the Potato Safari began with the Global Marketing Manager of USPB, Susan Weller, giving us a brief and informative introduction to US Potatoes.

Susan Weller Global Marketing Manager of USPB

The potato is an integral ingredient used in cuisines all over the world. It is so versatile that it can be used in appetizers, soups, main entrées, or even desserts. But do you know what the world’s favorite way to eat potatoes? Of course, as French fries!

The most important thing I learned from Susan was that it’s NOT true that fresh local potatoes are superior over frozen potatoes in terms of quality and nutritional content. Frozen US Potatoes are, in fact, a whole lot better because they meet strict FDA and USDA specifications—a reason why they have become the top choice of renowned chefs all over the world.

US Frozen Pototoes from USPB

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Celebrate Christmas Early at Vask Tapas Room’s Sunday Brunch Buffet

Only in the Philippines can you witness people embracing and celebrating the Christmas spirit as early as September. And it’s not unusual at all to see decorated Christmas trees and hear joyous holiday jingles in homes, malls, and anywhere else in the country. Joining in with the Filipino’s contagious holiday vibe, Vask Tapas Room in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig has opened their doors for people who wish to celebrate Christmas early with their ‘Comida de Navidad’ Sunday Brunch Buffet.

Vask Tapas Room Comida de Navidad Spanish Tapas Brunch Buffet BGC Taguig

 

Comida de Navidad Sunday Brunch at Vask Tapas Room 

Vask Tapas Room launched their ‘Comida de Navidad’ Sunday Brunch Buffet last November 15, 2015 and it will run until the 27th of December, making Vask the perfect venue for a pre- or post-Christmas celebration with your friends and family.

Facade of Vask Tapas Room Spanish Restaurant BGC Taguig

Allow us to walk you through the delectable spread of holiday favorites you can enjoy at Vask this Christmas season.

Dining Area of Vask Tapas Room Restaurant BGC Taguig

After making ourselves comfortable in our seats, our server asked us to choose between their free-flowing white or red wine sangrias. Since Mhel’s palate is more familiar with the flavors and tannins in wines, she went for the red wine sangria, while I played safe with the white.

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Dencio’s Bar and Grill: Chillax Inuman Spot For The Barkada

There’s no better way to blow off some steam after a hard day’s work than chillaxing with your barkada over good food and strong booze. That is exactly what we did when Dencio’s Bar and Grill invited me and my friends to visit their Eastwood branch to try their bestsellers and latest food and beverage offerings!

Facade Dencios Bar and Grill Restaurant Eastwood Taguig City

Dencio’s at Eastwood Citywalk has a simple yet inviting façade that attracts big groups of friends or officemates, who are out for a few rounds of drinks. But that doesn’t mean you can’t drop by just to have lunch or dinner because, after all, do they have a sumptuous line of dishes and drinks that greatly appeal to the Filipino appetite.

Dining Area of Dencios Bar and Grill Restaurant Eastwood Libis Taguig

The interior is very straightforward with its harmonious combination of wooden furniture with natural design pieces, giving it a comfortable and very Pinoy atmosphere. The al fresco dining area is ideal for groups with smokers. For non-smokers like me, they have two spacious air-conditioned rooms on the second floor, which can also be booked for private events.

 

Dencio’s Bar and Grill

Now onto our drinks! We were quite parched when we arrived at Dencio’s, so we ordered four of their bestselling fruit shakes (PHP 85 each). One sip and we knew that they use only the freshest fruits and ingredients in whipping up these refreshing beverages.

Fruit Shakes at Dencios Bar and Grill Restuarant Eastwood Taguig City

Can’t decide between ordering nachos or pork sisig? Don’t fret; you can now enjoy both with Dencio’s Macho Nachos (PHP 175). At first, we had no idea why it was named as such, until we took our first bite and realized that the dollop of meat on top of the nacho chips was actually made with sisig.

Macho Nachos from Dencios Bar and Grill Restaurant Eastwood Taguig City

The next dish that landed on our table was the Pancit Dencio’s (Platter PHP 205 | Bilao PHP 449). It’s a plate of canton noodles with fresh vegetables, pork, and seafood, all tossed in a thick and super flavorful sauce that I seriously wanted to eat it with a cup of rice. Haha!

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Gandiva Café Archery Range Reopens in Ortigas, Pasig City

Archery has suddenly boomed in popularity, all thanks to the bad-ass bow-and-arrow-wielding book and movie characters like Legolas, Hawkeye, and Katniss Everdeen. I’ve been seriously curious of trying this sport since I’m a huge fan of the Hunger Games Trilogy! Good thing I was invited to attend the grand re-opening of Gandiva Café Archery Range in Ortigas, Pasig City. It was the perfect time to bring out my inner Fatniss Everdeen! Haha!

Facade Gandiva Cafe Archery Range in Ortigas Pasig City

 

Gandiva Café Archery Range

Named after a mythical bow in the Indian epic poem, Mahabarata, Gandiva Café Archery Range has brought new meaning to archery as a sport and as a hobby in the Philippines when they opened their first branch in 2009 at SM Mall of Asia. It didn’t take long before they were able to put up another branch in Ortigas, Pasig City, to cater to the growing interest of Filipinos in archery.

Gandiva Cafe Archery Range in Ortigas Pasig City

Their Pasig branch had to close temporarily because the management has decided to transform the area into a fully air-conditioned international standard archery gym, which can accommodate up to 18 meters of shooting.

Gandiva Cafe Archery Range Facilities

It’s not just the archery range that went through a major overhaul. They’ve also added an Archery Armory, where people can avail archery equipment and get repairs or servicing.

Vegetarian Food at Gandiva Cafe Archery Range Ortigas Pasig City

In case you didn’t know, they also have a vegetarian café, serving meatless food choices and an array of refreshing beverages. I particularly enjoyed their vegetarian buffalo wings. They were made from gluten, which had the texture and consistency of chicken meat. If faux meat dishes are this good, I wouldn’t mind going full vegetarian. I swear!

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Master Garden: Authentic Filipino Food in Malabon City

In the 8 years that we’ve been living here in Malabon City, we witnessed it transform into one of the hottest foodie spots in Metro Manila. What this city lacked, however, was a casual dining restaurant that we can proudly call an original Malabon food concept, until Mr. Ernesto Chan, the genius behind the Master Siomai dynasty, has decided to establish Master Garden Filipino Specialty Restaurant, with the ultimate goal of putting our humble city on the Philippine culinary map.

Facade of Master Garden Restaurant in Malabon City

Last week, we were invited by the Master Garden team to visit their restaurant and try their sumptuous dishes. Of course, I said yes! We only live 15 minutes away, so I would be crazy to turn down that offer!

Their spacious dining area blends natural furniture and design pieces with modern architecture, creating an inviting and cozy place to enjoy authentic Filipino food. The similar design concept can be observed at Master Garden’s second branch, which has recently opened last October 9th in Tomas Morato.

Dining Area at Master Garden Restaurant in Malabon City

We began our lunch with a plate of their Pinakbet (Php 175) with a generous mix of vegetables sautéed in their homemade bagoong and crispy pieces of lechon kawali, making it the perfect dish to jumpstart anyone’s appetite.

Pinakbet from Master Garden Restaurant in Malabon City

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Kuya J Restaurant Names Jericho Rosales as Their New Celebrity Endorser

Kuya J Restaurant, formerly known as ‘Ang Kan-anan ni Kuya J,’ has started as a modest family business in Cebu, which quickly blossomed to becoming the Cebuano’s favorite restaurant. And now they’re finally taking over Metro Manila with the help of the new ‘Blockbuster Bida ni Kuya J,’ Mr. Jericho Rosales!

Facade Kuya J Filipino Food Restaurant SM Megamall Mandaluyong City

 

Blockbuster Bida ni Kuya J

When I arrived at Kuya J Restaurant in SM Megamall for their event and saw a standee of Jericho Rosales outside, I initially thought the restaurant was owned by Echo. That assumption was put to rest when our host, Sam Oh, called in Mr. Winglip K. Chang, the President of Kuya J Restaurant, and Chef Sheena Koseki, their Executive Chef, to present us Kuya J Restaurant’s newest celebrity endorser.

Jericho Rosales Chef Sheena Koseki Winglip Chan for Kuya J Restaurant in SM Megamall MandaluyongJericho Rosales, Chef Sheena Koseki, and Winglip K. Chang

Putting a face on Kuya J has two main criteria: one, his first name should start with the letter J (obviously hehe); and two, he must be someone people can consider as the “kuya ng bayan” for his good track record and his irresistible charm. With those two things in mind, Jericho Rosales was definitely the perfect choice!

Kuya J Restaurant proves that they know the recipe for the next viral TV commercial by putting Jericho Rosales together with some pretty girls, catchy music, and Kuya J’s mouth-watering dishes! By the time you’re reading this, you might have already seen their new TVC, but if you haven’t, well, you can watch it below:

Kuya J Restaurant

Kuya J Restaurant is definitely one of the fastest rising Filipino restaurants in the country that offers delicious and authentic Filipino food in a simple yet relaxing locale that will surely make you feel right at home!

Interior of Kuya J Restaurant Filipino Food SM Megamall Mandaluyong City

Their SM Megamall branch has just recently opened in June. And as if their 18 branches in operation are not testament enough on how successful the Kuya J Restaurant is, they surprise us by announcing that they are opening 50 additional stores nationwide before 2015 ends!

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