Between Bites

Posts Tagged ‘Garden’

Cafe Leona

Tuesday, May 13th, 2008

Friday dinner was spent at Café Leona.  No, no, we weren’t in Vigan, Ilocos Norte.  It is the Café Leona in the metro, conveniently situated along Katipunan Avenue.

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It looks like a garden restaurant from the outside.  The restaurant is open and airy with large windows, beautiful woodwork and a friendly homey atmosphere.  Several paintings were displayed on the wall, some quite peculiar piece of art (the pig art was creepy according to CW), but artistic nonetheless. 

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During this dinner, CW breaks to me that we won’t be able to go with the DEFTAC group to the Anawangin trip because he had to work over the weekend.  Too bad because I’ve bought groceries (chips, jams, 2 kilos of liempo, wheat bread, drinks) and CW ordered 3 frozen bangus from Pixies solely for this trip.  But then, as always, work comes first before leisure.

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On the Table:

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Pepperoni Pizza PHP 180

Thin crust pizza where some parts of the dough were crunchy while other parts were soft.  Better to order a Margherita pizza at Bellini’s for PHP 170.

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Quesadilla PHP 100

Basic tortilla dough with cheese and cilantro inside.

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Mozzarella Chicken PHP 150

The waiter said that this is one of their bestsellers.  It didn’t taste like it was a bestseller at the time we dined in.  The chicken was dry and tasteless with a pitiful layer of mozzarella on top of it.

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Maria Shrimp PHP 200

Other than the melon shake, this dish is the highlight of the dinner.  White mushroom sauce on fettuccini pasta with generous helping o f fried shrimps.  I have to note though that the pasta was drowning in the sauce.

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Melon Shake PHP 35

Fresh melon with milk.  CW can taste artificial melon flavoring but I disagree.  There were bits of melon flesh for this to come from a pack.  *Shrugs* Maybe they added melon powder to spike up the taste.  Overall, this was a saving grace.

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Strawberry Shake PHP 35

Kool-aid strawberry added to crushed ice.

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On our way out, we saw Tiffany and her boyfriend ordering dinner.  It was also their first time that night to dine there and asked us how the food were. 

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 Café Leona is located at 137 Katipunan Avenue, St. Ignatius, QC.

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Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/435 

Choi Garden

Thursday, February 21st, 2008

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My top favorite Chinese restaurant is Shang Palace.  If there is any other Chinese restaurant that gives a similar ambience, it is the newly opened Choi Garden in Annapolis, Greenhills.  

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I first discovered this place early January when we were driving along Annapolis and I suddenly had the urge to eat there.  That time, they were still in their soft opening.  There were only but a few choices available in the menu.  The first floor is the area for Shabu-Shabu while the second level is strictly for fine dining, which is only open during lunch and dinner.  Even during the dry run, almost all the tables were already reserved.

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Now that they are fully operational, reservation is a must since it is always packed.  No reservations after 630pm since they can’t spot a table for someone who isn’t there when there is an active line waiting in the wings.

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Last time I had Shabu-shabu were years ago and I remember that I had so much fun cooking and eating as well.  It takes a while yes, but watching the food sizzle in the hot soup and adding your own condiments and what nots dissipates the anxiety. 

Short orders that are a must –Baked seafood rice, fried wanton, beef curry and salted garlic squid.

When you’re planning to eat at Choi Garden, make sure it’s not on an empty stomach.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/343/08_0119-_Choi_Garden

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/358/08_0203-_Choi_Garden_CW_Fam