Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Size Matters at Nadai Fujisoba

At last! A place that specializes in soba and udon has made its way to the Manila restaurant scene. I've been waiting for one like this for so long as I prefer cold soba over ramen (even on rainy days) that's been dominating the noodle craze in the country for the past years. Luckily, we chanced upon Nadai Fujisoba in the Mall of Asia recently only to learn that it has been operating here since April last year with its first branch in Bonifacio High Street. In fact, Manila is just the 2nd international franchise, next to Taipei, after its establishment in Shibuya back in 1966.




Menu is affordable and serving is huge. You're totally getting your money's worth if you ask me.


What we ordered

Cold Mori Udon - Php180.00

CS got the Mori Udon with fat, firm and chewy noodles dipped in Nadai Fujisoba's delicious cold sauce. On the contrary, their version of Inari Sushi is probably the worst we've tried so far. The Aburaage (fried and seasoned tofu pouch) was dripping wet while the sushi rice was served hot and overcooked. Just stick to the noodles, skip this and you're good to go.

Inari Sushi - Php90.00

Teisyoku Set - Php250.00 (Cold Mori Soba + Gyudon)

As I was torn between Soba and Gyudon that day, Nadai's Teisyoku Set was the best option to avail both! I was expecting to get 2 mini servings only to get a full size of Mori Soba that I ate with much gusto, I wonder how big their ala carte will be. Sadly, the rice on my Gyudon was also overcooked just like the sushi, hope they correct this fundamental piece of any Japanese menu asap.

Gyudon

I can't wait to be back again soon, I finally found my happy place!

~o~o~o~

Nadai Fujisoba
G/F North Wing, Mall of Asia
Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 556-0680

Monday, March 21, 2016

Sunday Treats No. 54

Sabich (Eggplant) - Php185.00

~o~o~o~

Beni's Falafel
G/F South Wing, Mall of Asia
Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 834-9069

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

All-Day Goodness at Pi Breakfast and Pies

Where to eat waffles at 12 midnight?

We went to 3 Starbucks before we found one that's still open and has available waffles to satisfy my cravings. It was literally drenched in rich whipped cream and strawberry sauce but I still ate it anyway. The following day, the desire to eat waffles became even stronger so I went ahead and googled a place that serves breakfast all day. The list came back so I asked CS if we can have lunch at Pi Breakfast and Pies at Malingap, just a corner away from the famous Maginhawa Street.

CS and I were greeted by Pi's friendly staff upon entering the place. They only have about 5 tables in the air-conditioned area so better reserve a table before you go. More tables are located at the back but with summer approaching, it would be best if you book a table indoors.

What we ordered

Lemon Basil Fritz (Php75.00) and Cranberry Celery Cooler (Php75.00)

The thing is we've always been adventurous when it comes to food (or beverage) but I guess we have our limits too. The combination was so bad that even CS who has more tolerance to unique and peculiar tastes and will try to finish our orders so it won't go to waste only had a couple of sips off his Cranberry Celery Cooler. My glassful of Lemon Basil Fritz was more bearable but still an acquired taste. Just stick to iced tea or fresh orange juice for a safer choice.

Eggs Sammy - Php255.00


CS settled for the Eggs Sammy, English muffins topped with tomato, salmon gravlax, five-minute eggs, dill hollandaise and asparagus with spiced shoestring potatoes on the side. It was okay but could use some more sauce to maximize the play in flavors.


Chicken and Waffles - Php165.00


Finally, some freshly-made waffles to start my day! I love that Pi's waffles were cooked just right with its crunchy sides but still soft inwards with just enough blueberry sauce. The presentation was too pretty to eat so I made sure to cut evenly so as not to dismantle its appearance and prettiness. Only downside was that the chicken it came with only had the skin and no meat at all. To avoid misleading and deceit, the dish should be named Waffles and Chicken Skin.


~o~o~o~ 

Pi Breakfast and Pies
39 Malingap Street
Teacher's Village, Quezon City
Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 931-2337

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Rib City: A Crowd Favorite for Fall-off-the-Bone Ribs


After our bitin lunch at Morganfield's, I was craving for more baby back ribs but can't find a place to appease our appetite so we decided to just skip it and go Japanese for dinner instead. A week after, I came across an article featuring some of the best places to try in Maginhawa Street in QC, a foodies dreamland famous for being a playground for budding entrepreneurs with interesting and unique food concepts. Of the numerous establishments in Maginhawa, Rib City kept standing out and is consistently bagging the top spot of the best and highest rated restaurant in the area.


As most establishments in Maginhawa have no allotted parking lots, make sure you come early because street parking is limited. Better yet, just hail a cab or get an Uber ride to drive you to your destination. With that in mind, we left early and got to the restaurant at 630PM. The diners' happy faces and the restaurant being a full house that early were positive signs that we've made the right choice. A pop-up menu of Rib City's offerings was handed to us as soon as we were seated.


Interiors were simple yet functional. The urban-inspired wall decals reminded me of my room some few years ago when I was first bitten by the travel bug (I have yet to find a cure for this though). Customers can also play with Lego pieces placed on each table while waiting for your orders.


I read that first timers must order the Twin City, a combination of chicken and ribs which comes with 2 sides, for a full experience of their best sellers. But since we came here for the smoked BBQ ribs, we agreed to get the Big City instead -- a huge plate of RBCTY ribs with 4 side dishes. The serving was good enough for 4 people but we wanted to play safe so CS and I won't have to fight over a slab of ribs if it wasn't enough. Besides, the prices were reasonable enough so Big City it is!

Big City - Php718.00

RBCTY Ribs

Corn Cobette and Veg & Garlic Mushroom

Pesto Pasta & CTY Rice


Food was delicious, service was fast and the staff are attentive but one thing that kept bothering me was the horrible acoustics. It was a challenge to have a decent conversation as it is but what's worse is being seated next to a loud group who cannot keep their voices down. Would I dine here again? Heck, yes! I'd just have to go during off-peak hours or maybe bring an ear plug to have a peaceful and enjoyable dining experience. But for an eat and drink all you can promo, I guess I'd make an exception. Hurry as this celebration of RBCTY's anniversary is valid until March 3 only!


~o~o~o~ 

Rib City / RB CTY
63 Maginhawa Street
Diliman, Quezon City
Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 238-0844
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