August 5, 2010 –The Thursday group attended the Worship Night at VCF Fort.  It was one of the most moving evenings I’ve had in quite some time.  I didn’t know most of the songs sang that night but I just sang my heart away anyway without care if I might have been out of tune (okay not maybe, I was totally out of tune)… I know that when I sing song of praises, the one who sits in the front row of my audience is God. 

 

My heart totally goes out to the ladies who I share this wonderful experience with –PL Marge, Doc Maan, Pearly Shells, Maddie-line, and Poet Rasia (soon, maybe Kennykins?).  I’m giving you each a big squish in my mind right now –redeemable also at Big Bang Studio (tee-hee).

 

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Right after Worship Night, we headed out for dinner since most were famished.  I suggested Shiok since I’ve been meaning to try it out.  FoodieManila.com invited me a few times to visit with him before but it kept getting pushed back.  Perfect timing that we were at the Fort that night and I was able to invite the Thursday group to grab dinner at Shiok.

 

 

Shiok is a small fast-dining restaurant tucked in the Bonifacio Stop Over area (near St. Luke’s Hospital).  Urban Dictionary says Shiok is a word used to convey a feeling of sheer pleasure and happiness or tingling taste bud.  Even at half past nine, the place was crawling with customers.

 

 

On the Table

 

Roti with Ham and Cheese PHP 75

It baffles me that CW ordered this appetizer because we always have our roti plain, ready to be doused in curry dip.  He obviously enjoyed this variation of ham and cheese sandwich but inside the soft roti as he downed the whole plate on his own.

 

 

Murtabak PHP 85

Pearly followed CW’s suit and ordered an appetizer of Murtabak.

 

 

Roti

Maan ordered roti to serve as her “rice” for her entree (I forgot!)

 

 

HK Luncheon Meat Rice PHP 105

Marge’s order –usually a breakfast treat but noteworthy to enjoy also during dinner

 

 

Nasi Lemak PHP 165

Pearl’s order –Nasi Lemak is one of the more popular Malaysian dishes with a lot of versions (slightly resembles Indonesia’s Nasi Campur).  It’s usually a platter of food with small dried anchovies, peanuts, egg, pickled vegetable or cucumber slices, sambal (hot spicy salty sauce) and accompanied with chicken or pork. 

 

 

Crispy Pork PHP 110

Kenny’s order –pork cuts with chewy meat and crispy fat skin.  Kenny gave a thumbs-up!  He took a few pieces from my Sambal Kang Kung to combat the dryness of the pork.

 

 

Hainan Chicken PHP 245

CW’s order (although I was also eyeing this) –Chicken set complete with Hainan rice and soup as well as the trio of condiments regularly associated with any Hainanese chicken.  CW said the chicken was moist and tender.  I didn’t get to try even a bite since I was so immersed with my curry beef brisket with rice and sambal kang kung.

 

 

Curry Beef Brisket with Rice PHP 200 (Baked with Rice PHP 230)

The baked curry beef brisket with rice is the headliner for me on this first trip to Shiok.  Stewed beef brisket with curry powder, garlic, onion and other spices and chunks of potatoes and carrots.  It’s a creamy and savory dish with a liberal layer of melted cheese on top (with parts that are charred –my exact preference).  It’s quite saucy that it will prompt you to finish your rice.

 

 

Sambal Kang Kung PHP 65

If there’s one delicious dish that everyone agreed with, it’s the Sambal Kang Kung I ordered.  It got quite the attention on the table and despite everyone taking tabs at the leafy vegetable, it never seemed to finish.  It was filling and serving was generous.

 

 

Milk Tea PHP 55

The milk tea was another hit on the table and I almost ordered another glass.  Pearly had horlicks for her second glass.  Shiok’s milk tea wasn’t overly sweet and had enough milk component in it without ruining the tea taste.

 

 

I wasn’t able to take note of the others’ orders but almost all the dishes were wiped out.  The Thursday group was happily satisfied with the late dinner at Shiok, affordable price on scrumptious SG dishes. 

 

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Shiok

0105 Fort Forum Bldg.,

31^st and 2^nd St, Fort Bonifacio Global City

Taguig City, Metro Manila

 

Shiok Album

 

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I know you’ve probably gotten whiff of the news that there’s a new Charlie’s Grind and Grill branch somewhere in Ortigas Avenue.  There is!!!

 

 

Charlie’s Grind and Grill

RONAC Building,

Ortigas Avenue, San Juan.

 

 

Don’t miss out to order:

 

Buffalo Wings (one of my favorites!)

 

 

Black Angus Burger with Fries PHP 175

 

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Clam Chowder PHP 150

 

 

Panko Crusted Deep Fried Cheese Stuffed Portabello Mushroom Black Angus PHP 350

 

 

Filly Cheesesteak Hungry Size PHP 220

 

 

Fish and Chips PHP 180

 

 

 

Have you paid the new branch a visit?

 

 

 

Read More:

Charlie’s Grind and Grill with Joyce

Charlie’s Grind and Grill

In My Restaurant List This Coming Quarter

 

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Singapore – Bali, Indonesia Series

 

Oh Hello Again Singapore (1^st of 3 Parts)

Sentosa in Singapore (2^nd of 3 Parts)

Singapore Sistah Lah

 

 

My Love Affair with Bali (1st of 3 Parts)

Memoirs of the Affair (2^nd of 3 Parts)

A Whole Lotta Bali Lovin’ (3^rd of 3 Parts)

 

 

Sneak Peek:

 

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Vietnam – Cambodia Series

 

Ho Chi Minh City’s Hidden Charm

Traveling to Cambodia

My Tuk Tuk Moment

Angkor Wat: Journey to the Lost City Begins

Inside Angkor Wat and the Beauty of Rain 

Moving to Angkor Thom Aboard Big Feet

The Bayon

The Elephant Terrace, The Leper King and Phimeanakas

Back to the Roots: Ta Prohm

More of Angkor Wat in Stills 

The Afternoon After Angkor Wat

Explore. Dream. Discover.

Stay Tuned: The Last Leg of the Cambodia Series

Returning Home to Vietnam. Coming Home to Manila

Day 4: Living La Vida Local

 

 

Sneak Peek:

 

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Macau Series

 

Peanut to Acorn (Teaser)

The Sun Shines Bright in Macau (1st of 3 Parts) 

The Sparkle of Macau (2nd of 3 Parts)

After the Jump in Macau (3rd of 3 Parts)

 

Sneak Peek:

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Singapore Series

 

Singapore and the Nuffnang Blog Awards

Day 2- Tour de Singapore Lah

Singapore in Lights

Singapore Day 3- IKEA and Connection

Indulge in Uniquely Singapore Experience

 

Sneak Peek:

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Image Source: Sexy Nomad

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Thailand Series

 

Bangkok Day 1

Thailand Day 2- Reclining Buddha, Siam Niramit and the Ping Pong Show

 

Sneak Peek:

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Malaysia

 

Malaysia Truly Asia

 

Sneak Peek:

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Hong Kong Series

 

Hong Kong Day 2- Ocean Park

Hong Kong Day 1

 

Sneak Peek:

 

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Japan

 

Japan and Jane- The Kooka Boora Tales Begin

Reminiscent- Icy Cold Japan

Reminiscent- Kagawa Perfecture Japan

Reminiscent- NTT Docomo Japan

Genky Umby Contest of Anton Diaz

 

Sneak Peek:

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The Latest from the Best Value Hotel in the Metro:

 

 

Rates vary per night and availability of the rooms for promo is limited.

Be one of the firsts to book!

For more inquiries:

0922-GOHOTEL

 

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Bubba and I drove to Tagaytay last Saturday and checked in at Summit Ridge Hotel around 3pm.  Right before we reached Summit Ridge, we noticed the low lying clouds from the other side of the hills and the road started to be really foggy.  Not long before I got worried about road visibility, Summit Ridge was within sight.

 

 (from Summit Ridge website)

 

Robinsons Land Corporation opened the doors of Summit Ridge Hotel in June 2009 and guests who visit Tagaytay for its picturesque view of Taal Volcano and its refreshing surroundings and want the modern convenience of a hotel have been welcomed since.  It perfectly sits atop Tagaytay Ridge that’s actually 2,000 feet above sea level –the very incentive to take a short drive to Tagaytay, cool climate.

 

Right beside the hotel is the Summit Ridge Promenade, which is a commercial complex that has quite a number of interesting restaurants that include both the new and the familiar.  The roster of dining venues includes Classic Cuisine (C2), Giligan’s restaurant, The Sizzling Pepper Steak, Ted’s Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy (perfect for cold weather) and The Coffee Beanery.  I was wondering where Sanctuario restaurant was since it wasn’t in its location near the Rotonda.  I’m glad to see that it has moved to a better location at the Summit Ridge Promenade.  

 

 

They also have a few stores for shopping and Fun Time amusement center for the kids or kids at heart.  What’s wonderful about this hotel and promenade being owned and managed by the Robinsons group is the fact that they also built a Robinsons Supermarket right next to it, which makes it so convenient to buy necessities that you may need while traveling.

 

 

Hotel staff welcomes you by the drop-off point at the car lobby.  Step into the sprawling hotel lobby of Summit Ridge that swiftly spells hotel elegance.  If only the personnel by the reception is as welcoming and friendly as the ones that greet you by the door, EVEN with a warm smile from ME and a quick pip about the weather outside, I would have definitely felt right at ease.  But no.  I’ve had friendlier and more accommodating reception from two different lodging places in Tagaytay.  I’m happy to note though that that was the only hiccup from our wonderful and relaxed stay at Summit Ridge last weekend. 

 

 

Our room reservation for that day was for a Twin Classic but since that room specifically offers two single beds, we asked to be upgraded to King Classic that has one King size bed –which is more ideal for vacationing couples. 

 

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The difference in the rates between a Twin Classic and the King is only PHP 600.  You can also get 64sqm suites at PHP 12,000 – PHP 14,000 a night with two balconies, kitchen implements, dinnerware set-up, microwave oven for your leftover food and reheating needs and a built-in kitchen hub –a complete set-up for those who travel and want to play cook or house whichever is the case. 

 

Room Rates:

Twin Classic – P6, 550

King Classic – P7, 150

Twin/ King De Luxe Room – P7, 550

Two-Bedroom Suite – P12,000

Summit Suite – P14,000

 

The 32sqm King Classic room looked bigger than its actual size.  The room is suitably equipped with 32-inch LCD TV with cable including a channel guide, in-room coffee and tea facilities, a safety box, a spacious shower, telephone, personal fridge, and split-type AC!  Best of all, which is really a come-on for folks like me who want to be connected online or do some work on the side, Summit Ridge hotel has in-room Wi-Fi Internet access!  And connection is gooooood.  *nods*

 

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Bubba enjoying the Wi Fi and plurking

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Squeaky clean bathroom with no moldy smells!

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I like that they provisioned for a bag rack

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As mentioned, every room has a balcony overlooking the beautiful and scenic Taal Lake, which is especially lovely in the morning.  Bubba spent a good time by the balcony Saturday afternoon as well as Sunday morning. 

 

Another thing that rocks about Summit Ridge is the 24-hour gym!!!  I actually brought gym clothes including my iPod and work-out gloves but incidentally, I left my new running shoes!  Bubba brought everything from head to toe for workout but guess what, the bed was too cozy that he slept in and ignored his alarm the following morning.  Folks who are gym buffs or those who have incorporated working out in their everyday lifestyle need not worry even if they stay out too late exploring Tagaytay –the gym is open anytime if you want to break out a sweat.

 

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View of the pool deck from our floor

 

During that weekend, I think there was a wedding ceremony in Tagaytay (probably Chapel on the Hill) and they decided to do the wedding reception at Summit Ridge.  Bubba and I saw the wedding car at the parking lot and guests that were dressed in the nines.  Summit Ridge also offers ballrooms for your birthday, wedding and other celebrations, as well as training and functions rooms for business seminars, conferences and team building sessions.  What better way to throw a party or an event than in the cool and breezy Tagaytay City, a natural escape from the city.

 

(from Summit Ridge website)

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That evening, we were tempted to go to Antonio’s like last time but we decided to try something new.  Bubba and I headed out to dine at Taj of Tagaytay (more on this on a separate post) and had a wonderful dinner of Mutton Biryani Rice and Chicken Vindaloo.  After stuffing ourselves silly, the comfort of our room was suddenly heavily missed that we decided to head back right after dinner.

 

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Summit Ridge Promenade offers live acoustic nights every Saturdays in its open-air lifestyle center from 7pm to 12mn.  We caught a bit of the music on our way back to the hotel.  The Sky Lounge on the roof deck is also worth a look.

 

Wine and Coco Bella Chocolates

 

That evening, Bubba and I mused whether to read our own books while drinking wine or watch a movie on his laptop.  As usual, the latter won and we were immersed with the movie, Uncertainty, starring Joseph Gordon Levitt (who I think is as deep of an actor as Heath Ledger, with deep penetrating eyes and facial expression) until midnight.  Movie somehow reminded me of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Sliding Doors.

 

 

After a long prayer for both our families, sleep beckoned us and we were off to dreamland.  A long satisfying, uninterrupted and restful sleep followed and we stretched out our arms to a beautiful sunny morning around 9am.

 

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Breakfast that gorgeous Sunday was spent at Annie’s/C2 at the ground floor of Summit Ridge Hotel.  There was a lean breakfast buffet set-up awaiting the morning people such as us. 

 

 

Bubba had a plateful helping of longganisa (local pork sausage), garlic rice, 2 sunny side-up eggs, ham, danggit/tuyo (dried fish) and a bowl of milk and cereals.  I wasn’t in a big mood to eat so I had something light –omelet and 1 slice of wheat bread.  Bubba had mango juice and hot chocolate while I had pineapple juice.  

 

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After breakfast, we went to check out the pool area and still spent some quality time lounging in our room before heading out for lunch.  Lunch was spent at the enchantingly charming Marcia Adam’s Tuscany (more on this on a separate entry).

 

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Having been to Tagaytay countless of times, I thought that I’ve already combed Tagaytay to the grits but there is still so much to discover in the city on the hills –even lofty accommodations in a hotel category such as Summit Ridge Hotel as well as fantastic restaurants around the bend.  Tagaytay still never fails to exude that harmony of natural beauty with a bit of urban style.  The Summit Ridge Hotel and Promenade is one of the best Tagaytay bets for any weekend warrior.  Room accommodation is quite sufficient. 

 

 

Summit Ridge

Km. 58, Maharlika West

Gen. Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City, Philippines

(632) 240 6888

(63) 922 852 6800

reservations@summitridgehotel.com

 

Summit Ridge Album

Marcia Adam’s Tuscany Album

 

 

How to get to Summit Ridge/Directions:

Via SLEX (South Luzon Expressway)

Take the Sta. Rosa exit and turn right after the tollgates. Keep following the path and you will see signposts along the road directing you to Summit Ridge.

 

Via Aguinaldo Highway

Go straight towards the Rotonda, then turn right towards the direction of PAGCOR Casino. The hotel is located in front of Josephine’s Restaurant beside Robinsons or Summit Ridge Promenade.

 

 

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