Dinner at Bulgogi Brothers

I was tasked to pick the restaurant that night and I chose Bulgogi Brothers in a blink of an eye. It's been a while since I've been to any Korean restaurant and I was longing for Kimchi and the smell of grilled meat.

Aside from the food, what I love about Bulgogi Brothers is how attentive that staff are. Unlike in other restaurants where you have to exert all effort to get their attention (Read: wave like crazy and/or almost shouting "Waiter!" but still pretend not to hear anything -- you know the drill), all the staff here are always ready to be at your service.

Banchan (Korean appetizers) were placed on our table as soon as we were seated.

What we ordered

Premium Boneless Shortribs - Php895.00

I usually detest the smell of smoke in my clothes and my hair but this Premium Shortribs are so good that I couldn't care less.

Seoul Style Bulgogi (Good for 2 to 3 persons) - Php595.00

This always hits the spot!

Seoul Style Bulgogi is basically sliced beef with vegetables. But this is not your typical (dry) Bulgogi because BB's version is cooked with a special broth made from fruits, onions and soy sauce. No visit here is complete without a potful of this Bulgogi.

Bulgogi Brothers is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Manila. You should try it too!

~o~o~o~

Bulgogi Brothers

2L Entertainment Mall, Mall of Asia
Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 823-2778

Bag of Beans, Tagaytay

Bag of Beans is probably in the list of the more famous restaurant destinations in Tagaytay City, now dubbed as the City of Character. With its close proximity to Manila, it is becoming a popular alternative for people who love the countryside and of course, cool weather.

Most restaurants in Tagaytay, like Bag of Beans, offer al fresco dining in order to enjoy the chilly weather in the city. I would love to stay in one of these cottages but unfortunately, all of them were taken when we went there.

I barely slept the night before due to a bad case of stomach flu hence the puffy eyes. My parents were urging me to go to the hospital but I was too stubborn and pretended I was fine. Who would want to spend the weekend in a hospital gown? Not me!

What we ordered

Seafood Pasta with Cream Sauce - Php350.00

It was too creamy my tummy started having painful cramps after a few forkful. On a regular day, I know I would love this because I love my pasta rich and creamy!

Steak and Mushroom Pie - Php130.00

Major disappointment! I was leaning towards ordering Shepherd's Pie but DB was insistent that we try something new so with a heavy heart, I told the waiter to bring the Steak and Mushroom Pie instead. I know Bag of Beans is known for their pies so I don't know what happened here -- sadly, it was too dry and too bland.

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce - Php295.00

The kid in me is always looking for something sweet and meaty in my Spaghetti. Good thing DB let me order the Spaghetti with Meat Sauce which surely surpassed my expectations. The pasta was cooked al dente and the meaty sauce had the right amount of sweetness.

After lunch/merienda, we went to the souvenir shop to buy some breads to take home.

My parents loved the Raisin Bread but I still think that Camp John Hay's version is the best.

I vowed to try their sumptuous buffet on my next visit. Till then!

~o~o~o~

Bag of Beans
3650 Aguinaldo Highway, Mendez Crossing
Tagaytay City, Cavite, Philippines
Tel.: (6346) 413-2724

A Slice of Heaven

I urged my friends to try Slice, a restaurant owned by fitness advocate and Philippine Senator Pia Cayetano, after visiting a site for their prenuptial pictorial nearby. Knowing how health-conscious the good senator is, I know that this is exactly what we needed with my friends' forthcoming wedding -- hearty and delicious meals!

Since it was a hot afternoon, we decided to wait for a table inside the air-conditioned restaurant to appease our overworking sweat glands. The wait took longer than expected since diners preferred to take their time -- have coffee and dessert or just lounge there while we wait outside the scorching heat. After gulping two tall glasses of water with lots of ice (and lemon), my name was finally called and we were ushered inside.

What we ordered

My friend D ordered the Brown Arroz Caldo (Php150.00), a traditional Filipino favorite. What makes Slice's Arroz Caldo so unique is that they use brown rice instead of the usual sticky rice. L, the bride to be, had Tuna Panini with Side Salad (Php200.00) that she loved to bits!

Turkey Panini - Php150.00

I already had lunch prior to meeting them so I was still quite full even after a few hours have passed. I ordered the Turkey Panini which was superb but after finishing half of it, I can barely touch the other half so I just asked the waiter to pack it for take out.

Yema Cheesecake - Php280.00 per slice

Now this is something I wouldn't dare miss no matter how stuffed I am because their Yema Cheesecake is divine! The cake was perfectly sweetened and I love the smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake, not to mention the sinfully delicious Yema with nuts on top.

I would definitely go back to Slice just for the desserts!

~o~o~o~

Slice
G/F Bonifacio High Street Central
7th Ave corner 29th Street, Fort Bonifacio
Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 553-7783

50% Off at Watami Japanese Restaurant

I love Japanese food.

As much as I want to eat excellent Sushi and Sashimi all the time, I have to limit myself as I don't want to burn more holes in my pocket. Delicious and exceptional Japanese food are reserved for special occasions or whenever we feel like we deserve a reward for working hard. *ehem*

You can just imagine how happy I was when The Bistro Group posted this in their Facebook account! That's a 50% discount off your bill if you use your Citibank credit card on all Bistro restaurants which includes TGI Friday's, Fish and Co., Bulgogi Brothers, Italianni's, Village Tavern, Modern Shanghai, Flapjacks and Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant.

The mechanics of the promo states that we have to spend a minimum of Php2500 in order to avail of the 50% discount -- perfect excuse for me to order as much Japanese food as I could possible eat, which in my vocabulary means a lot!

What we ended up ordering

Green Citruz Yuzu - Php145.00

Mango Yakult - Php150.00

I rarely order any type of beverage whenever I'm out as I prefer to drink water or if available, hot tea. But this time, DB convinced me to try Mango Yakult which according to the waitress is one of their bestsellers so we can hit the minimum amount. One sip and I knew I should have listened to my instinct because I didn't like it. It was too sour for my taste and the combination of Mango and Yakult wasn't a match made in heaven. Such a waste of money and calories if you ask me.

Sapporo Seafood Ramen Salad - Php375.00

Now this Sapporo Seafood Ramen Salad is one of the many things why we keep coming back to Watami. Iceberg Lettuce, Cherry Tomatoes, Hard-boiled Egg, Ramen Noodles, Shredded Crab Sticks and Shrimps drizzled with  Sesame dressing -- still healthy but a yummier alternative to your usual salad!

5 Kinds Sashimi - Php425.00

We decided to have two orders of their 5 Kinds Sashimi because we don't feel like sharing that night. No more fighting over the last piece of Salmon! *wink*

Sukiyaki - Php365.00

Watami's Sukiyaki was sweet and tasty just how I like it! Been ordering this for the last couple of times we've been here and it's as delicious as it was the first time.

Cold Soba with Tempura - Php295.00

DB and I shared this and we both love that the Soba was cooked perfectly and they offer generous servings of Tempura. One order is good for two even if it doesn't say it on the menu.

Deluxe Assorted Sushi - Php395.00

Another constant order on our table is Watami's Deluxe Assorted Sushi with Ebi, Salmon and Scallops.  Just by looking at it, you can really tell that you're in for a deluxe treat!

Thanks to The Bistro Group for offering the 50% discount last February! We certainly ate to our hearts and tummies' content without too much damage in our pockets. Hope to hear more promos like this in the coming months! *wink*

~o~o~o~

Watami
2L Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia

Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel.: (632) 836-7141

Blackbeard's Seafood Island Northshore Grill

I've been hearing a lot of good things about Seafood Island from friends who frequent Alabang Town Center. They say that if you love seafood and rice and prefers to eat with your bare hands, this is the best place to go.

The last time I was in ATC was way back in college and knowing that traffic is terrible going to Alabang, I only dreamt of going there anytime soon. Then it hit me! I saw a Seafood Island signage in the San Mig by the Bay area at the Mall of Asia not too long ago. So one rainy evening, I asked DB if we could check it out and see if there is really a branch this side of the Metro.

Upon seeing the menu, my hunch was right as this is indeed another branch in the Mall of Asia!

What we ordered

Magellan's Landing (Good for 3 to 4 persons) - Php965.00

The order comes with Kinilaw na Tangigue, Grilled Shrimps, Steamed Crab, Grilled Squid, Chicken Inasal, Danggit Chips, Steamed Eggplant and Bagoong Rice. The rice may be good for 3 to 4 but DB and I agreed that if we invited 2 more friends to dine with us, we definitely need to order more seafood ala carte.

Everything was okay, nothing worth raving about or would make us imagine to be transported to the beach. The seafood were not the freshest which is quite understandable because we got what we paid for, DB and I went here for the experience anyway. So if you prefer fresh seafood and you're dining with a group, Dampa is a better option.

Everything seemed to taste so much better with the perfect sawsawan!

Carbo loading a week before my Boracay trip, what was I thinking??

~o~o~o~

Blackbeard's Seafood Island Northshore Grill
San Mig by the Bay, SM Mall of Asia Complex
Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines

V-Date at Kyo Hachi Japanese Restaurant

“So it's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard; we're gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you forever, everyday. You and me everyday.” - Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

I remember watching and crying over The Notebook when I was in high school and no matter how many times I've seen the movie, the ending always bring tears to my eyes! Now that I am older (and wiser), there are only a handful of things that can make me cry --  whether it be tears of joy or tears of pain.

One of the things that really makes me happy to the point of crying in delight is real good Japanese food! With the influx of expats in Cavite (courtesy of CEPZA), it's no surprise that authentic Korean and Japanese restaurants and grocery stores have opened in the area. I've been to some of them and what made a distinct impression to me and my taste buds is Kyo Hachi Japanese Restaurant.

Since we were the first few customers that night, our orders came out fast and once again, we were treated to a delicious Japanese meal!

Hiyashi Chuka

While most people are bitten by the Ramen bug (I know a few friends of mine are), I on the other hand can eat Hiyashi everyday! Ukokkei's is hands down the best I've ever tried in my quest for the perfect Hiyashi Ramen but Kyo Hachi's version is up there in my list as well. Just look at the bountiful toppings that literally drowns the cold noodles with the creamy Goma (Sesame) sauce and tell me if this isn't drool-worthy.

DB was starving so he ordered the Chirashi Bento which comes with Miso Soup, a plate of fresh Tuna, Mackerel and Salmon Sashimi, a bowl of rice and a slice of Watermelon for dessert.

He was so hungry that he failed to share even a piece of Sashimi with me. I guess his conscience hit him because a couple of minutes later, he called the waitress and ordered more Sashimi to share! I guess my big cute puppy eyes gave it away. *wink*

You can read my first dining experience in Kyo Hachi here.

~o~o~o~

Kyo Hachi Japanese Restaurant

EPZA Diversion Road-Bacao
General Trias, Cavite, Philippines

Papa John's Pizza

DB and I visited a friend in Parañaque and thought of having an early dinner in the area before going home. It was a Friday and upon checking at the MMDA App on his phone, it was color red from South to North which only means that its traffic everywhere!

Our initial plan was to go to BF Homes where a lot of hole in the wall and specialty restaurants have sprouted, but upon seeing that traffic was not moving to that way either, we decided to just look for a familiar place to eat along the way.

What we ordered

Bread Sticks - Php80.00

We were supposed to order the Herbed Parmesan Bread Sticks which DB was raving about, but the staff at the counter told us that they only have the plain ones. Since I already set my mind on eating Bread Sticks, we settled with what they have and ordered the Baked Italian Meatballs for additional flavoring.

Baked Italian Meatballs - Php140.00

Sweet and Sour Thai Pasta - Php240.00

This Thai Linguini Pasta with Shrimps, Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, Onions and Sweet & Sour Thai Sauce is too spicy that I had to drink loads of water on every forkful! As with every time, I had to finish it no matter what.

Super Papa's Pizza (Small) - Php370.00

According to the menu, Super Papa's Pizza is the ultimate combination of tasty Pepperoni, Italian Sausage, Ham, freshly sliced Mushrooms, Onions, Green Peppers and Black Olives. I initially thought that it was another misleading description of the dish but to my surprise, Papa John's really do live up to anyone's expectation including mine!

The freshly baked Super Papa's Pizza is indeed a legendary taste treat. I now understand what the rave about Papa John's is all about!

~o~o~o~

Papa John's Pizza
G/F Waltermart Center Sucat
Dr. A. Santos Avenue, San Isidro
Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 801-7272