Guess where I was again last Tuesday night? 

 

I guess this entry’s title kinda give it away huh?   Patrick and Eric invited me out to celebrate Mr. Engineer’s birthday (referring to the latter because Pat still hasn’t found the need to take the board exams).  The initial plan was to have dinner and drinks somewhere in Eastwood (which is nearer to my area) but plans suddenly changed because Eric and Jaja were coming from the South.  Eric asked if we could meet at the Fort and wanted my suggestion on where to eat.  I wasn’t answering his numerous calls.  I was about to throw a bigger tantrum (these two mongrels had to make up for something else too) since I wasn’t in the mood to drive all the way to the Fort. 

 

 

However, writing Gino’s Eats and Beats entry yesterday got me craving for their dishes.  And I suddenly didn’t mind driving to Makati.  Not even the ghastly strong winds could stop me. 

 

As Fate would have it, it was a fairly easy drive to Makati –with moderate moving traffic, it took us only 20 minutes to get to Gino’s.  When we opened the door, Gino recognized Bubba and waved “welcome” with a smile.  I was a bit surprised to see him there on a Tuesday night but it’s noticeable that passion fuels the fellow.  Soon after, Patrick arrived.  Not long after, Eric and Jaja arrived.  As usual, I took care of ordering the dishes… and I kept one eye closed not minding the prices.  Pat said that Eric was footing the tab… and this was part of my “punishment.”

 

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On the Table

 

Mushroom and Artichoke Spread PHP 160

Buttered slices of bread toasted and cut into soft bread logs creatively stacked Jenga-style.  Sliced artichoke hearts and mushroom in a creamy cheese mixture –smooth with a bit of body in the texture.  Certainly one of the appetizers you’d want the group to start with.

 

 

Truffle Mushroom Pasta PHP 245

Eric, Jaja and I kept grabbing this plate almost like we were doing a hand dance routine.  Al dente pasta cooked soft but with a bite is fragrantly tempting the senses due to the aromatic truffle cream base teamed up with sizeable button mushroom (and bits of cheese and onion and bacon?).  Feel luxury brimming in your taste buds in a simple pasta dish.

 

 

Grilled Angus Belly PHP 305

Three palm-sized Angus belly square chops grilled to the right doneness that doesn’t make the meat dry.  Get an ample amount of grilled fat together with the tasty beefy meat.  I didn’t even touch the sauce that accompanied it.  I fervently wish there were more.

 

 

Angus Belly Salpicao PHP 270

I asked the wait staff the difference between the Greatest Salpicao (what we had last time) and the Angus Belly Salpicao.  Greatest Salpicao’s cut comes from the tenderloin part, which means it’s leaner while the Angus Belly Salpicao is from the belly which has fatter parts.  Fatty parts bring music to my ears so I decided to try that one this time.  Life is too short to worry about grease.  The Angus belly bits are soaked in this brown garlicky sauce and Bubba and Pat just had to each get a cup of white rice to soak that flavor in.

 

 

Shrimp Poppers (Free)

Gino was kind enough to send over a plate of shrimp poppers.  Semi-crispy and crumbly exterior with delectable shrimp inside served with what I think is light mayo with blue cheese.  Wipe-out in a flash.

 

 

Wings Platter (9 pieces) PHP 405

I ordered 5 pieces of Buffalo and 4 pieces of Honey Mustard for variety. 

 

 

Greatest French Toast PHP 150

One warning: do not leave Gino’s without having dessert… or rather without having his Greatest French Toast.  It’s basically French Toast lavishly spread with addicting Nutella for sheer pleasure.  It’s topped with slices of banana and whipped cream with cherry on top.  I’m not big on desserts but this one keeps me all happily frenzied with not being overly sweet which also reveals varied layers of flavor from the banana, whipped cream and nutella.

 

 

Oh, and you can cross order cocktail drinks from Distillery.  I had an apple martini and it was interestingly perfect with the French toast.  The boys had 8 bottles of beer between themselves.

 

At half past 10pm, our usual chatter goes nonstop but the place transformed into a cozier lodge.  The lights dimmed while the brilliant music continued.  I looked at Eric and he seemed to be enjoying a fab post-birthday dinner –casual and laidback as it is.  It’s not like this every day in Tacloban I guess –that’s where he is based for work now.  He returns home to Manila at least twice a month.  I think what he appreciates most is the company of friends.  He has made new friends there but nothing beats home or the comfort of old friends.

 

 

Because I cannot let the evening pass without Eric making his celebratory “blowing the birthday candle” moment, I ordered another plate of the Greatest French Toast and Bubba had the wait staff prop a lighted candle there.  Maybe it’s also my excuse to have one wrapped to go because I knew Eric and Jaja enjoyed the dessert so much.  Right on cue, Jaja and I (with Pat and Bubba chiming in) started singing the Happy Birthday song (albeit too loudly I think) and after a string of blowing (Bubba claims the air kept coming from Eric’s nose) and relighting the “question mark” candle, Eric finally made his 2010 birthday wish.

 

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Light’s out

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Again, again, again

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Make a wish!

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It’s my turn!

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HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY ENGR.IC!

BIG HUG!

Engr. Eric and Janey

Eric’s Bday 2008

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Celebrating Passing the Board

Moomba | Embassy 2005

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The Flash and Me After Embassy

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Have you tried Gino’s?  Slouch back on your seat and feel the beats featuring the best of House and Hip Hop music and get into the eating groove with the best comfort food in Makati.  Visibly and tastefully a one-stop shop for all your favorite comfort dishes.  

 

 

 

Gino’s Eats and Beats 

Unit A, Ground Level, Valdelcon Bldg., 

20 Jupiter St. Bel-Air Village, 

Makati City, Philippines 

(632) 519 1272 / (63) 917 885 6969 

 

 

Eric Lopez Bday at Gino’s Album

 

 

Related Entry:

Gino’s Eats and Beats: Don’t Miss a Beat with the Showstopping Eats

EL’s Birthday at Bugsy’s 2009

Friday Night with the Engineers

Eric’s Lopez Birthday at Oyster Boy 2008

In Crumbs: July 2009

Misato

 

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10. King One’s Shabu Shabu

 

That Sunday lunch at King One’s Shabu Shabu (PHP 529 per head) was a wonderful lunch where the food were abound and of good quality –prepared well I should say.  I get turned off with restaurants that offer buffet sometimes because of the way the food is prepared… but in this case, King One’s staff handles the food properly.  Service was friendly, prompt and inclined –more reason to enjoy your King One feast.  Don’t forget to order fresh prawns, mozzarella balls, tao pao and lamb!  Oh lamb!

 

 

 

READ MORE!

Foodie Club Series: The Shabu Shabu Fit for a King

 

 

King One Rotary Hot Pot

M2-A Lower Hobbies of Asia

#8 Macapagal Ave., Pasay City

(632) 556 1370

 

 

9. Sweet Revenge of Maitre Chocolatier

 

Sweet Revenge is Maitre Chocolatier’s Lindt Molten Lava Cake -dark chocolate molten lava cake made from Europe’s finest Lindt Excellence Dark 70%, filled with oozing sweet and vengefully spicy chocolate served with vanilla ice cream

 

Sweet Revenge was the unanimously favorite on the table with its gooey warm chocolate that ruptures from the moist cake that’s bittersweet dark and spiced with chili.  Midway when the chocolate flavor sinks in, the chili essence abruptly creeps in creating a sweet heat inside your mouth.  Cool off with the vanilla ice cream that soothes your taste buds to a calm reverie.  Bubba, Zipster and I loved the yin yang taste of darkness and sweetness, as well as the heat and arctic feel.

 

 

The spunk of the chili in the luscious chocolate liquid inside and the vanilla ice cream bring it all together in sweet harmony. 

 

 

READ MORE!

Exquisitely Choco Loco at Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Café

Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Café

 

 

Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Cafe by Eva Wong 

2A (Beside Starbucks), No. 28 Jupiter Street 

Bel Air, Makati City, Philippines 

(632) 897 8559 

 

 

8. Minato’s Great Korean Barbecue

 

Other than the smorgasbord of side dishes that includes Kimchi, spiced green vegetables, peanuts, bean sprouts, marbled potatoes among a variety of other side accompaniments, it is really the barbecue that’s quite good at Minato.  It has to be one of the best in town.

 

 

Kimchi Pancake

The Kimchi Pancake is oil-fried pancake with bits of beansprouts and cabbage flavored Kimchi-style.  And I think it’s free.

 

So Kal Bi PHP 350

Marinated beef short ribs –has a shadow of sweetness, garlic and soy.  It’s hard to restrain oneself from gnawing the large bones with charred meat.

 

 

Sam Gyeop Sal PHP 240

The plate had thick, fatty slices of pork belly (almost looks like uncured bacon) alternating meat and fat and then skin.  Meat is left unseasoned and usually cooked on a grill at the diner’s table.  In this case, the wait staff helped in cooking the pork belly slices.  On the side, green onion leeks and lettuce are served in case you prefer to wrap your meat inside.  Customize it and add different side dishes or Kimchi and dip in sesame oil with fine black pepper and salt for a perfect finish.

 

 

 

READ MORE!

Foodie Club Series: Great Korean Barbecue at Minato

 

 

Minato Korean Restaurant

Escriva Road (between Furu Restaurant and Agua Vida)

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

 

 

#8 is a toss-up between Minato and Chic Boy

tied at the same number.

 

 

8. Tasty Lechon Liempo at Chic Boy

 

Great food doesn’t necessarily have to come at a price.  There’s a new affordable (almost dare to say cheap) food discovery along Jupiter Street in Makati.  Call on the Chic Boy.  Chic-Boy is actually a play on the words Chicken and Baboy (pork) –the meats that are quite popular in the Filipino community particularly when it’s grilled.

 

Chic Boy is putting a whole new turn on chicken inasal, lechon manok and lechon liempo like you’ve never tasted before.  They’ve taken a special secret recipe of tasty lechon manok and lechon liempo in Cebu and chicken inasal of Bacolod and put it all in one easy-breezy and affordable restaurant here in Manila.

 

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Must-orders include their Cebu Lechon Liempo and Salmon Sinigang (PHP 45).  With those affordable prices and flavorsome and satisfying meals, how can anyone go wrong?

 

 

READ MORE!

Tasty Lechon Liempo at Chic Boy

 

 

Chic Boy

Jupiter St., Makati City

 

 

7. 22 Prime’s Tomahawk Chop

 

Quick-fire thoughts:

I love the ample size of fat that adds a buttery texture  

and heightens flavor of the meat 

Peppercorn sauce bursts a bouncy flavor that goes perfectly with the chop 

The salad is a good pause in between bites of meat as a cleanser to the palate 

Side of baby vegetables had the right crisp and seasoning  

–the lone brussel sprout was my favorite!  Quite tasty!!!  

 

 

 

Don’t miss out on ordering my FAVORITE Chef Rick’s Cheese Bread!

 

 

Chef Rick’s Cheese Bread PHP 140

Gooey warm cheese topped on three breads, soft and bursting with tantalizing flavors.  Served with baby greens in a mild citrus dressing sparkled with pink peppercorn.  Sun dried tomato and broiled four cheese together?  It’s an exercise in indulgence.

 

READ MORE!

22 Prime’s Tomahawk Chop is a Prime Mover

Premium Night at 22 Prime

 

 

22 Prime 

22^nd Level, Discovery Suites 

25 ADB Avenue 

Ortigas Avenue, Ortigas Center 

Pasig City, Metro Manila 

(632) 719 8888/ (632) 719 6821 

 

 

6. Ya Kun Kaya Toast –Ortigas

 

Want a great breakfast that lifts you up at any time of the day?  Head over at Ya Kun Kaya!

 

Kaya Toast (Half PHP 115, Set Menu PHP 140)

2 slices of delicious Kaya toast with butter –has the right lightly toasted crunch of the bread, slathered with butter and just enough green sweet coconut spread.  Satisfies when washed down with Ya Kun’s famous coffee tarik or the traditionally pulled coffee.  It’s not on their menu, but you can change your coffee to Yin Yang, which is this delicious half-coffee and half-tea drink. 

 

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Noticeably, the Ya Kun eggs were cooked perfectly, which other Kaya stores can’t quite get, where the eggs usually come out with still some raw uncooked parts.  My little spoon broke into that fountain of yolk and I was soaked in sunshine delight.  There’s no brighter day than eating wet and perfectly prepared eggs with the crunch of your toast.

 

 

READ MORE!

Ya Kun Kaya -Ortigas

In Crumbs: Ya Kun Kaya, Taverna Verde and Taal View Heights

 

 

Ya Kun Kaya Toast 

G/F AYK Bldg., Escriva Drive (Right beside Astoria Plaza) 

San Antonio Village, Ortigas, Pasig City 

(632) 470 4285 

7AM-11PM 

 

 

5. Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice

 

Suffused in its natural chicken juice/broth, the chicken meat was very tender and delectable –quite tasty for what can be considered a “healthy food.”  The exquisite and juicy flesh of the steamed chicken is finely balanced with the fragrant rice sprinkled with green onions.  Add a splotch of color and taste by blending in the ginger in sesame oil, chili and sweetened soy sauce. 

 

 

Ooh, the appetizing smell and pleasant gingerly-sesame light taste mixed with a touch of soy and red spice… makes you definitely bite off more than you can chew.

 

 

READ MORE!

In Crumbs: Stevie’s Hainanese Rice, Clawdaddy and Cibo

Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice: Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

 

 

Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice (For pick-up orders only)

21 Libra St. Bel Air,

Makati City

(0906) 508 4155

 

 

4. Legend of India

 

Next to my favorite cuisine, I think Indian cuisine is one of the most interesting and flavorful fares in the world.  Indian cuisine uses various spices, herbs, and vegetables and fruits sometimes grown only in India.  It also has a wide assortment of cooking techniques. 

 

Kadai Paneer PHP 260

Cottage cheese cooked in a traditional kadai masala paste

 

 

Rogan Josh PHP 450

Rogan Josh is an aromatic curry meat dish cooked with a mixture of strong Indian spices where the fat of the meat is usually roasted first in yogurt marinade.  Legend of India tamed their version for our group, which mean it wasn’t intensely hot, but it was still intensely enjoyable paired with the vegetable biryani or the naan.

 

 

Sweet Lassi PHP 110

It was my first time to actually drink a whole glass of sweet Lassi.  I’ve tried it before in other Indian restaurants but found the others’ version too sour for my taste.  Lassi is a popular and traditional Indian yogurt-based drink.  I tremendously enjoyed Legend of India’s sweet lassi since it has a perfect blend of yogurt, milk and sweetener.  There’s a bit of tangy taste to it but it mellows down with a frothy sweet milky flavor.  It fully relaxes your taste buds from the spices.

 

 

 

READ MORE!

Legend of India is Legend of Taste

 

 

Legend of India

114-B Jupiter St.,

Bel-Air II, Makati City

(632) 836 4232

 

 

3. Tsumura’s Wagyu Beef Usuyaki

 

Other than the sushi and sashimi…

 

 

It’s the Wagyu Beef Usuyaki that’s memorable at Tsumura!

 

Wagyu Beef Usuyaki PHP 600

Supple mushrooms wrapped in thinly sliced Wagyu beef –very tender, flavorful that it’s mighty impressive.  The mushrooms were very light, in mellow contrast of the excellent beef.  It is simply an indulgence in fine food.  The taste is divine.

 

 

 

READ MORE!

The Way a Sushi Should Be at Tsumura

 

 

Tsumura 

2^nd Level 88 Corporate Plaza 

Sedeno corner Valero Streets, 

Salcedo Village, Makati City 

(632) 887 4848/ (632) 4850 

 

 

#3 is actually a toss-up between Tsumura and Serenitea

tied at the same number.

 

3. Serenitea’s Okkinawa or Hokkaido Milk Tea

 

Serenitea is your one-stop shop for all things serene about tea.  They have different variants of tea that will help boost a definite change of drinking lifestyle.  It is the healthy alternative to colas, coffee and sugar-loaded smoothies.  We visit 3 to 4 times a week to get our “Serenitea fix,” which is usually their Okkinawa milk tea drink with nata or pearls (depending on what topping you want) or Hokkaido with pearls.

 

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READ MORE!

Different Tea Assortments to Love at Serenitea

A Sunday Afternoon Picnic

 

 

2. Frazzled Cook’s Paella

 

In terms of taste and price, I consider Frazzled Cook’s Seafood Paella as the best in my book so far.

 

Seafood Paella PHP 550

For those diners who love their seafood paella with the full generous portions of mussels, squid rings, shrimps, chorizo and egg, this is their best bet for paella and huge value for money.  I love the fact that they serve it on the paellera since I enjoy most my paella with the burnt crispy part at the bottom. 

 

 

For other recommended orders, below are some dishes worthwhile to try:

 

Wagyu Salpicao PHP 550

When the serving arrives on your table, initial thought would be, “this dish is pricey.”  If you’re being served with quality Wagyu that certainly softens in your mouth in a buttery texture without any effort, then your money is good.  Have no qualms being served only a few flavorful cubes of beef drenched in its sautéed oil with lightly fried chips of garlic and slices of button mushrooms.  Superb.

 

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Peruvian Hot Pot PHP 400

The Peruvian Hot Pot is their version of spicy lamb stew.  This was Bubba’s favorite as the spicy invigorating flavors all come together from the lamb, olives, bell peppers and wine –great flavor and unbelievable rich sauce.  The lamb meat had no gamey aftertaste that will surely convert those non-lamb eaters.

 

 

 

READ MORE!

The Frazzled Cook and His Dazzling Dishes

 

 

The Frazzled Cook

#916 Luna Mencias Street, Baranggay Additional Hills,

Mandaluyong City

(632) 782 5980

 

  

1. La Tienda Steak

 

Chuleton PHP 2,150 (PHP 425/100 grams)

It was the steak that was the highlight of this dinner date for me (okay, plus Bubba’s adoring chinky eyes).  One of the best steaks I’ve tasted in Manila is not found on a focused steakhouse.  It’s at a Spanish restaurant called La Tienda.  I was pleasantly surprised how the steak gratified my meaty cravings.  I think we had it cooked in medium doneness.  The delicious steak was quite tender –glistening with appropriate grease and seemingly lightly salted while being cooked.

 

 

 

READ MORE!

La Tienda

 

 

La Tienda

43 Polaris St. Bel-Air

Makati City, Philippines

(632) 890 4123

 

 

Because I love food so much, I have #11-#20 but I’ll save it for another post.  Watch out for that soon!

 

For the meantime, here’s looking forward to the wonderful eats and gastronomic experiences for the next half of the year!  Food Highlights from July-December 2010 –2^nd half version!  And finally, by the end of the year, TOP 10 of 2010!!!  I’m so giddy with excitement!  CHEERS!

 

THANK YOU Ming for this photo!

 

 

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE and EAT!!!

 

Photo Credit:

Carlos Palma of Foodie Manila

www.FoodieManila.com

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2 Sets of Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice Aren’t Enough

May 30, 2010 –2 weeks ago, we ordered Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice yet again.  This time, scared to run out of it, we ordered two sets (plus an extra cup of ginger, as usual).  It was the highlight of Sunday family lunch at Bubba’s place.  We learned that Sundays are usually the busiest day for Stevie since a lot of people call in for orders during this family day.  That specific Sunday, there were 8 orders called in for pick-up in Bel-Air, including 2 that were ours.

 

 

Bored of the usual lunches in the office?  Order Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice, pick it up, and share a great lunch at work.  That’s what we did in April.  Karen was stuck somewhere so the HCR lunch was shared with our COO and my boss.  I’m glad they both loved it.  Karen followed afterwards and ate a hefty share as well.  I had three helpings myself.

 

I had more than three helpings 2 Sundays ago…

 

Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice (For pick-up orders only)

21 Libra St. Bel Air,

Makati City

(0906) 508 4155

 

READ MORE

Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice: Bite Off More than You Can Chew

 

 

 

Venting out on Food @ Clawdaddy Crab House and American Grill

 

May 31, 2010 –My make-up was lost one day and replaced the next day (Monday).  And that brought a string of good luck with it in the weeks that followed. 

 

 

But that Monday night, I can’t help but do a vent-out dinner (where I eat my heart out literally –I choose the restaurant and not look at the price tag when ordering and just eat what I want).  I treated Bubba at ClawDaddy Crab House and American Grill.  We rarely eat at seafood restaurants (Bubba is not a shellfish fan) but this time, I just wanted to get my hands messy with crabs and ribs.

 

Crab Maritess PHP 120/100 Grams (I think our crab was at 900grams so that was about PHP 1,080)

Crab sautéed in olive oil, white wine, garlic and chilies

 

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What I do every time I visit is order Crab Maritess and requests for the sweet and spicy Sze Chuan sauce on the side

 

Smoked Baby Back Ribs (Half) PHP 398

Smoked, slow-cooked, and char grilled baby back ribs basted with ClawDaddy’s BBQ sauce –with 2 side orders of dirty rice

 

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Rustic Mashed Potato PHP

 

ClawDaddy Crab House and American Grill

6^th Level, The Ledge, Shangri-la Plaza Mall

EDSA Cor. Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong City, MM.

(632) 636-5679

 

READ MORE

ClawDaddy Crab Buffet

ClawDaddy Crab

 

 

 

Meann’s Birthla at Cibo

June 3, 2010 –It was Meann’s birthday.  I surprised her at the office with some Machiavelli chocolates and a banner with the Happy Birthday sign.  Lunchtime, we headed out to Shangri-la Plaza for Meann’s birthday lunch treat from dee boss (CGS).  It was a toss between Agave or Cibo.  We ended up in Cibo.

 

We bumped into Pebs (AFC’s Senior Sales Affiliates Manager) and Michelle (wife of Chef Bruce of Tablescape) at the restaurant.  Pebs used to be my religious supplier of Royce chocolates from Singapore back when she was still based there for work.  And Pebs also used to work for SKY as airtimes sales head.  She’s now with Asian Food Channel.  I’ve met Michelle once when we dined at Chef’s Table.

 

 

Pebbles briefly shares that a good friend of hers and her husband’s suggested a place to dine at and when he sent the link of the place –it was my Between Bites site’s link he sent.  She laughed a bit because we knew each other.  What a small world after all.  They tried Frazzled Cook and were really happy about it.  I flushed a bit when Pebs said that I got many readers.  I delight in the honor of being read… but alongside it is the “invisible” pressure of improving my writing and making good recommendations –those that are deserved. 

 

We ordered one appetizer and a pizza to share among the four of us.  As usual, I had my favorite, Pasta dela Terra.  Meann asked me what’s good to order and I suggested either Pasta Dela Terra or Pasta Al Telefono.  She got the latter while CGS and Karen got two other pasta plates I wasn’t able to note.

 

Pasta Dela Terra PHP230

Mushroom trifolati, stewed tomato, goat cheese, Parmesan, cream

 

Tegamino Di Formaggio Fuso Mozzarella PHP 230

Mozzarella, white cheese, tomato, anchovies, basil

 

 

Cibo

2nd Level Shangri-la Plaza Mall

Shaw Blvd. cor. EDSA, Mandaluyong City, Philippines

(632) 631 7753

 

READ MORE

Agave Mexicana Cantina

Gastronomic Indulgence at the Chef’s Table

Pebbles and Royce Nama Chocolates Bitter

Frazzled Cook and His Dazzling Dishes

Cibo

Two Italians in One Night

Thursday Club Series: Agave Mexican Cantina

 

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Thursday saw me and a few other food aficionados at the Yummy Magazine Get-together Event at Mr. Jones.  Mr. Jones is creating quite the buzz in the restaurant scene since this recently opened contemporary diner brings the diner experience to a whole new eating level.

 

An open-air front creates a bright and airy feeling when you decide to dine in one of the tables or booth areas outside.  Space is warm and comfortable.  There are also booth areas available in the dining area inside this Greenbelt 5 restaurant.  Customers can sit down and enjoy a skillfully prepared meal from a menu designed for serving at any time of the day.

 

 

Definitely, there’s culinary prowess to back up the urbane diner concept.  Mr. Jones is another collaboration of the same group that brought us Chelsea, M Café, and MoMo –managed by Raintree Restaurants’ Martin and Andrej Wisniewski with chef Kalel Chan.  That day, we were served with their house specialties found in the menu as well as new dishes prepared exclusively for this particular Yummy event.

 

On the Table

 

The Threesome PHP 395

Sweet and Creamy Pineapple Apricot and Canadian-style Double Smoked Bacon Macaroni, Old Bay and Fresh Dill Prawn “Louie” with Caper Berries and Truffled Egg Salad with Black Caviar… Definitely a Mr. Jones’ house specialty!  Three’s a good company especially with these wonderful starters!

 

Photo source

 

“Yummy” Buffalo Drum Pops

Tagged under specially-made-for-Yummy, chicken drum pops marinated “Buffalo wings” fashion served with French fries and bleu cheese on the side.

 

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Melted “Old Bay” Crab and Dory Thermidor PHP 375

Hollandaise and Mornay sauce, Wilted Spinach, Herb Rice Pilaf and Fresh Lemon

 

 

Wicked Truffled Mac and Cheese PHP 375

Mac and Cheese is definitely an American diner’s favorite but Mr. Jones version is sinfully delicious being baked with 3 types of macaroni, 4 cheeses, Canadian-style double smoked bacon, baby Portobello mushrooms, green peas and drizzled with Truffle oil.  Now who wouldn’t love that gourmet addition of truffle and Portobello mushrooms?

 

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U.S. Beef Ribcap “Tapa & Garlic Overload” PHP 295

Topped with a heap of crispy garlic chips, garlic fried rice, Mr. Jones’ special MoMo, atchara and 2 eggs (choose your style of cooking)

 

 

Mini Black Forest Mud Pie

 

Photo source

 

The “Yummy” Funky Monkey

 

 

Every single detail conspires to create the “sophisticated but youthful” taste both in atmosphere and in the dishes Mr. Jones’ kitchen ingeniously whip up. 

 

Mr. Jones

G/L Greenbelt 5,

Makati City

(632) 501 3682

 

 

Yummy Magazine’s MAY Issue

 

This month’s issue gets us quite excited when Yummy provides us with super saver recipes that we can crack for weekday cooking.  Dining out comes as second option since eating good food can get very expensive, especially when there’s that 12% VAT always imposed.  Good food doesn’t always have to come at a price since Yummy Magazine’s May issue features low-spend, high flavor recipes all under PHP 125 and 50 restaurants that please both tummy and wallet. 

 

 

This has got to be the ultimate in anything that’s about “Cheap Eats.”  Find the best spots to eat without breaking the bank.  Yummy food editor Rachelle Santos also teaches you how to keep your food budget down by cooking smart and choosing the right ingredients.

 

 

Be sure to grab a copy before it runs out!

 

Yummy Popcorn by Chef Tony

 

You think you’ve tasted it all?  I’m sure you haven’t tasted this yet!  And it’s really something to be excited about!  Yummy Magazine in collaboration with Chef Tony presents the Southern French Herb with Cream Cheese flavor!  It’s a mouthful because it’s done in good taste!

 

 

The Yummy Popcorn by Chef Tony in Southern French Herb with Cream Cheese will be available in select Chef Tony stores starting June for only PHP 200 a bucket!!!  I’ve got my fill but I want more!!!  Can June come any sooner?

 

Thanks to Ro Manalo and Fran Haw of Summit Media for the invite!

 

 

Yummy Magazine Media Event Album

 

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As soon as my family and Bubba arrived at that quaint spot along Luna Mencias Street in Addition Hills in Mandaluyong, “Moms” as what I fondly call my mom, immediately asked, “I thought this was an antique furniture shop?”  “Yes moms, this used to be the location of that antique store that had large vases displayed by the gate.  It’s now a restaurant!”

 

 

Behind The Frazzled Cook is the same folks who brought us Fat Michael’s –whose patrons have constantly requested to have the same restaurant opened near the north.  Owner Jude Mancuyas has such a passion for their restaurant that it reflects from the shabby chic interior to the creative and delicious food that their regulars have come to love –that is unchanged in The Frazzled Cook.

 

 

The unique and artsy dining room was designed with some vintage chairs and comfortable couches, a varied collection of nostalgic memorabilia that include books, paintings and other trinkets.  The medley of furniture is quite an eye-ppetizing treat in itself.

 

A quick review of the menu shows a variety of dishes that the “frazzled” kitchen can whip up on the fly.  From Spanish, Italian, Mediterranean, Filipino and American cuisines, there is something for every individual with a discerning taste.

 

 

On the Table

 

Grilled Cheese Stacks PHP 130

Started with a lighter fare. 

 

 

Seafood Paella PHP 550

For those diners who love their seafood paella with the full generous portions of mussels, squid rings, shrimps, chorizo and egg, this is their best bet for paella and huge value for money.  I love the fact that they serve it on the paellera since I enjoy most my paella with the burnt crispy part at the bottom. 

 

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The traditional saffron seasoning is evident in this colorful Spanish dish providing the delightful piquant taste.  What I like best is the several lemon wedges that garnish the top.  Bubba knows how I love a liberal squeeze of lemon that adds the zesty kick.  This paella, similar to the one I remember enjoying at Fat Michael’s in 2007, was the very equal highlight of the entire meal for me.

 

Spicy Cajun Fish with Saffron Rice PHP 375

Get a shade of Southern cooking by ordering their spicy Cajun fish with saffron rice.  In our case, the saffron rice was substituted with French fries. 

 

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Peruvian Hot Pot PHP 400

The Peruvian Hot Pot is their version of spicy lamb stew.  This was Bubba’s favorite as the spicy invigorating flavors all come together from the lamb, olives, bell peppers and wine –great flavor and unbelievable rich sauce.  The lamb meat had no gamey aftertaste that will surely convert those non-lamb eaters.

 

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Wagyu Salpicao PHP 550

When the serving arrives on your table, initial thought would be, “this dish is pricey.”  If you’re being served with quality Wagyu that certainly softens in your mouth in a buttery texture without any effort, then your money is good.  Have no qualms being served only a few flavorful cubes of beef drenched in its sautéed oil with lightly fried chips of garlic and slices of button mushrooms.  Superb.

 

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Pork Chop PHP

This was another one of Bubba’s orders, which I really didn’t get.  Pork Chop would really be the last on my list when eating out unless I know for a fact that the place makes really damn good tender pork chops.  They have a tendency to easily dry out.  I didn’t get to taste the dish but with Joyce and Bubba’s approving smiles, I know that the pork chop didn’t disappoint.

 

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Iced Tea (by the pitcher) PHP 275

 

 

Jude probably wanted their restaurant to reflect the cozy, casual atmosphere of Fat Michael’s.  At The Frazzled Cook, one can enjoy a hearty meal that’s quite exceptional while relaxing in a “home away from home” environment.

 

Twas Bubba’s celebration treat of my Glutamax win

Great bonding time with Shobe Joanne

 

The Frazzled Cook’s cooking expertise comes through in every dish he carefully prepares –begging you to wonder if he’s frazzled in the kitchen at all.

 

 

 

The Frazzled Cook

#916 Luna Mencias Street, Baranggay Additional Hills,

Mandaluyong City

(632) 782 5980

 

 

The Frazzled Cook Album

 

Fat Michael’s 

 

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