I have scoffed, gobbled, munched, wolfed down different dishes in many, almost countless, restaurants that I have to really organize my food thoughts. That is the reason time and again I come up with these Between Bites Top 10 lists.
READ MORE:
Between Bites TOP 10 Food Highlights of 2010 (1st Half)
Between Bites TOP 10 Best Japanese Restaurants
BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST DATE PLACES
BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST FILIPINO EATS
BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST PAELLA
BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST Buffalo Wings
TOP 5 Sultry Strawberry Treats
Mercato Centrale, Where Food Lovers Meet, The TOP 10
Between Bites TOP 10 Things About Bali
And here we go again! This time I have dubbed my annual list as “MUST BITES” in line with the Between Bites “brand.” Yuck, brand daw oh. Haha.
10. Rub Ribs and Barbecue
A simple duplex with a red signage that spelled RUB stands in Tomas Morato. With more comfortable dining area on the 2nd floor, the small space has quotable quotes in frames adorning the wall. Their menu offers wings, potato wedges, pastas, pork belly, among others but obviously, it is a no-nonsense restaurant devoted to the love of ribs and barbecue.
I still say that Naughty Nuri in Bali is the best barbecued ribs I have ever tasted and only one I can lip-smack to whenever I daydream about mouthwatering ribs. I haven’t found anything close to Naughty Nuri’s. I’m happy to bring news though that RUB restaurant is worth a shot. It has good value for money and their ribs are pretty good.
The plate of baby back ribs was really a huge SLAB, not the sordid slabs restaurants try to convince people are sharing sizes. The meat that surrounds the bones is packed –thick that you can actually rip off a big tender bite out of it. Ribs are coated with a delectable sweet and peppery basting.
At times, the thick pork meat needs more of the barbecue sauce so don’t hesitate to ask for extra sauce on the side
READ MORE! Rub Ribs and Barbecue
RUB Ribs and Barbecue
64 Scout Rallos,
Tomas Morato, Quezon City
(632) 622 6352
9. Maimee’s Garden
Maimee’s Garden Café is a garden-setting restaurant situated in a converted portion of a 50-year old house of Maimee. The home garden café to a degree reminds me of Lemuria –you know, partially hidden, somewhat secret, but open and eager to welcome guests.
Cream of Three Mushroom Soup PHP 100
Creamy bisque made with 3 kinds of mushroom, served with garlic bread. My tongue was still able to feel a bit of texture from the other mushrooms while I dig the chock-full of sliced button mushroom. Cream was light and perfect for a Sunday lunch. The crusty bread was toasty yet soft to the bite.
Oriental Citrus Salad PHP 275
Beautiful bright color specks of mango, cranberries and mandarin orange and white chicken meat spread out in the field of crispy fresh greens. The citrusy sesame seed oil dressing has a tendency to be on the sweet side instead of counterbalancing against the acidity.
READ MORE: Maimee’s Garden Café
Maimee’s Garden Café
20 E. Jacinto St., Little Baguio,
San Juan City, Metro Manila
(632) 724 1538 / (63) 917 500 6208
maimeesgardencafe@gmail.com / https://www.facebook.com/maimeesgardencafe
It’s a tie (no, not liver)! I have another one in mind for spot #9.
9. Raku Hokkaido Ramen
Other than Taiwanese milk teas sprouting like stray mushrooms in the Metro, ramen houses have also started lining up and grazing the food landscape. The arrival of this renewed fondness for ramen could not be a better timing… especially this year, when the weather is much colder and rains have soaked the city. Imagine the calming flowing almost mute sound of a ladled soup with the steam wafting across your face.
Raku Hokkaido Ramen in the midst of bustling Makati City aims to give just that. The interior can easily transfer one to a quaint ramen restaurant in Japan. Modish framed photos of beautiful geishas and scenic Japan facets complete the concept. Space can be limited and cramped but this fact soon forgotten with what the kitchen can put forward.
Yakitori PHP 145
Yakitori makes great appetizers, dampening your tongues with that touch of barbecue sauce covering succulent chicken meat. The grilled chicken skewers of Raku Hokkaido Ramen seemed perfectly grilled over hot charcoals with taste highlighting smoky charred flavor embraced with the slightest sweetness of teriyaki sauce.
Scallop Lemon Butter Gyoza Kyo PHP 158
The scallop lemon butter gyoza kyo is another revelation. If you think I was impressed with their affordably priced scallop gyoza, I was even happier with this one and together with the rest of the table, we gave thumbs up for this. It is a new take on gyoza and the lemon butter sauce just makes it richer without overpowering the inherent delicateness of the dish.
READ MORE: Raku Hokkaido Ramen
Raku Hokkaido Ramen
G/F Le Grand Condominium, 130 Valero Street,
Salcedo Village, Makati City
(632) 553 6632
8. B&T Mexican Kitchen
Burritos and Tacos are what they do best here. If you’ve been exposed to the other Burrito place, then you’re definitely not new to the oversized and overstuffed burrito that gives you the power of choice when it comes to the stuffing.
Bubba and I have frequented B&T quite a number of times and although we are hooked in ordering our usual favorites, I deviated a bit and got something that I have never tried before. What was on my plate this time was an order of B&T’s Chicken Mole. Mole is known to be a famous Mexican Spanish mixture of sauces where the combination of a variety of chilies and chocolate is predominant among the other numerous spices it’s mingled with. Chicken Mole is traditionally chicken, more often deboned, covered in the “mole” mixture and baked until it’s done.
B&T’s Chicken Mole Meal PHP 320
Chicken was tenderly cooked and coated copiously with this dark brown “mole” sauce that has a burst of different flavors, from sweet to spicy to piquant. Complex flavors with a tad hint of chocolate. The medium thick sauce can get overwhelming that’s why it’s good to pair it with rice. I think the cilantro lime rice would work better since the trace of acidity will balance off the sweetness and spiciness of the dish. The chicken mole was also served with 3 flour tortillas to wrap your chicken mole with.
READ MORE:
B&T Mexican Kitchen’s Chicken Mole, Deliciously Like No Other
B&T Mexican Kitchen, All About Burritos and Tacos
B&T (Burritos and Tacos) Mexican Kitchen
G/F Sekai Building (same bldg. as Masuki)
Ortigas Avenue, San Juan, Philippines
7. Bistecca in Joya, Rockwell
What brought us to Bistecca are their rumored heavyweight steaks. As a huge meat lover, I wanted an up close and personal experience… to get a visual and a taste myself. The chandelier of transparent bottles still remains to be one of the main eye-drawers of the dining interiors. That is, until the steak arrives.
Parma Ham, Asparagus and Poached Egg PHP 350
This second dish with Parma ham, asparagus and poached egg picked up the mood. I love the long and ample slivers of Parma ham that almost disappears in your mouth in an instant. The asparagus gives a wonderful crunch contrast to the thinness of the ham and the supple tenderness of the poached egg. The poached egg was already running when it arrived on our table, breaking already the suspense that we should be experiencing ourselves as our fork and knife cut into the white flesh.
I pierced through the imperfect white dome with my knife and fractured it open, still waiting hopefully that I’d see sunshine gush out. I’d cut a stem piece of the asparagus, a fragment of the egg and a smaller slice of Parma ham and fork it all together into one scrumptious bite. Light, tasty and delicious.
They drizzled a bit of olive oil on my plate and served us a rack of three kinds of salt: truffle salt, spicy salt and one that has some herb or garlic in it. The meat speaks for itself. It was massive, tender and flavorful. It had a good charred crust on the outside and a good red color on the inside. But to bring some pizzazz to the meat, sprinkle a bit of the truffle salt or spicy salt.
I savored every mouthful of the mouthwatering steak. Here’s the beef on Bistecca 122 –it’s irresistible. My gluttonous heart wanted more than 1 kilo of Bistecca 122. I wanted more. I am salivating for more as I type this and reminisce about that glorious steak.
And don’t forget to order this!
READ MORE!
Bistecca and My Gluttonous Heart
Bistecca
122 Joya Tower,
Rockwell, Makati
(632) 403 5231
It’s a tie (no, not liver)! I have another one in mind for spot #7.
7. Yabu, House of Katsu
There is this place called Tonkichi in HK and I absolutely loved the Tonkatsu and Katsudon there especially with freshly pounded-sesame sauce and unlimited cabbage salad dressed in this lip-smacking cream-based dressing that’s light and peppery…
So imagine little dancing happening in my heart when I found out that there is a newly-opened authentic Katsu place in town, with EXACTLY the same concept! More than me, I was extremely excited for Bubba to try it, knowing Katsudon is his favorite order (to the detriment of me) in any Japanese outings and all things breaded or Panko-crusted.
Chicken Katsu Set (120g) PHP 290
Served with Japanese rice, Miso soup, Japanese pickles, unlimited cabbage, with sesame dressing, a bowl of fruit
READ MORE:
Yabu: House of Katsu
2/F Mega Atrium, SM Megamall,
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
(632) 576 3900
6. Achiote
I heard about Achiote Taqueria from fellow foodie, Joel Yaptinchay, who also recommended another Mexican place at the Fort. Since Chef Robby Goco of Cyma and Charlie’s fame is behind the newly-opened Achiote Taqueria, I couldn’t wait to check it out.
Guacamole Bar PHP 155
Roasted tomato guacamole with just-baked tortilla chips and achiote-chipotle salsa.
Soft Taco Carnitas PHP 330
I particularly loved biting into the almost paper thin tortilla and getting a spring of flavor, both peppery and citrusy, from the well-marinated threads of pork, a good crunch from the Jalapeno chips, pickled onions, (and was that violet-rimmed white chip a slice of raddish?) and just the cool presence of the chihuahua cheese. The pulled pork was so tender, piquant and fragrant.
READ MORE:
Achiote Taqueria (beside Mamou Too! -adjacent to Via Mare)
Ground Level, Rockwell Powerplant Mall
Makati City, Philippines
(63) 915 922 9336
5. Nomama Ramen
Artisan means someone who has a skill in a trade. Chef Him Uy de Baron is definitely skilled in the kitchen, without a thread of doubt. Count the number of people who recognize him as the genius behind East Café and you’ll be counting more than the fingers on your hands and your friends’ hands.
Soft Shell Crab PHP 260
The plate arrived with such a burst of color whetting my appetite all the more. The soft shell crab looked like a crab cake, circular, with the crab legs tucked neatly on one side. It had a good crunch and perfectly complements the fresh greens and the tomato and onion salsa. The dairy buttermilk dressing had a tinge of spice to it that was such a good flavor I wanted to order another plate. The few pieces of arugula leaves gave a minty counterbalance to the seafood taste… and just cleansed the palate even for just a while.
Nomama Ramen PHP 290
House pork stock, special miso-sesame blend, chasu, tamago. One sip from the bowl and I slurped bounty of flavors that are milky and rich, nutty and porky. The Chasu was tender and completely stole the show from the rest of its comrades (soft-boiled egg, shredded lettuce and seaweed sheet).
Thai Green Curry Ramen PHP 310
Homemade green curry paste in coconut broth, seared chicken fillet, bok choy and peas. The Thai Green Curry ramen was also a revelation. I’ve heard and tasted curry ramen but not Thai green curry. If you’re a fan of Thai Green Curry chicken dish, this is it translated to a ramen bowl. It has that subtle green curry taste that is well-compensated by a shade of saltiness from the chicken fillet.
READ MORE:
Nomama Restaurant
G/F FSS Bldg. 2, Scout Tuason cor. Scout Castor St.,
Quezon City, Philippines
(632) 542 2558/ (63) 917 522 8272
4. GoodFellas
What I love about the advent of deal coupon sites is the fact that it gives an opportunity for me to try new restaurants at a fraction of the actual cost or retail price.
Such is the case with GoodFellas Steaks and Burgers. This restaurant has been under my radar for quite some time and we finally got the chance to try it last weekend. There was a deal a few months ago at one of the deal sites taking 40% off their regular Prime Rib, which we grabbed the chance. GoodFellas has an indoor and outdoor dining area and that specific Sunday, we decided to watch the rain while we ate our late lunch.
GoodFellas seemed very simple at one glance but it has that dapper feel from its wooden accents, dark upholstered furniture and Mafia-themed menu.
Wise Guy Burger PHP 295
200-grammer honey cured bacon cheeseburger. You get the 200 grams weight you pay for as the thick charbroiled patty manifests that it’s a heavyweight. It IS meat alright –without evident taste of extenders. This bacon cheeseburger is dressed with lettuce, tomatoes and onions and all walled by the soft burger buns. Thick and juicy, GoodFellas does know how to make ‘em burgers.
Michael’s Prime PHP 995 (with deal coupon, it’s only PHP 445)
12-14 oz. US CAB (Certified Angus Beef) Prime Rib. Bubba and I were both happy with the Prime Rib, although a thicker cut would have been better. The 12-14 ounces at Mamou seemed much bigger. The beef was succulent and cooked perfectly medium as we preferred it that day.
The steak was well seasoned and had enough fat to add flavor to it. The mashed potato was creamy and smooth, good side dish to Michael’s Prime Rib.
The Freshman PHP 185
Grilled fish skewers / lemon butter served with rice pilaf and mixed vegetables. The Freshman dish got me squealing in delight. Big chunks of fish meat alternating with green and red bell peppers, and onions were grilled with a beautiful char and had that light citrus buttery flavor without overpowering the delicateness of the fish. The fish was moist with slight smoky notes. The grilled onions and bell peppers’ natural sweetness came out and I couldn’t help finishing them too.
READ MORE: Goodfellas Steaks and Burgers
GoodFellas Steaks and Burgers
36 T. Gener cor. K-1st,
Kamuning, Quezon City
(632) 413 3187 / (632) 964 5385
3. H-Cuisine
My first time with the Food Club at H-Cuisine was ONLY four days before the 2nd one. Yes, I liked it that much that it was still top of mind barely a week after. H-Cuisine is a small but charming newly-opened restaurant right beside RUB resto within the Tomas Morato area. Behind the famous “Most Awesome Angus Beef Belly” of H-Cuisine is Chef Hannah Herrera – Bagatsing, who also had other dishes that my taste buds delighted in.
Most Awesome Angus Beef Belly PHP 288 / Single | PHP 428 / Sharing
The Angus beef belly had that irresistible sheet of cooked fat that keeps the meat moist and flavorful. It renders the meat with so much beefy goodness that’s fork-tender, there is no restraint against a little pressure. I absolutely love H’s Angus beef belly’s tenderness and the charred notes that just add that smoky layer.
Trafalgar Fish with Fettuccini Pasta (2) PHP
Al dente fettuccini pasta tossed in a truffle cream-based pasta sauce with sole fish. One big serving dish of this was not enough for our group of 7, even with the above pasta dish, that we had to order another Trafalgar fish pasta to satisfy us. It had just the right creaminess with the hint of truffle aroma seducing the senses once again. Like the Angus beef belly, this too, was a winner.
Choco Lava Dessert
If you miss the molten chocolate cake at Mogwai, this is much better! It’s ultra moist and almost like a mousse but with body. I’m not a big fan of desserts but I love this!
READ MORE:
H-Cuisine by Chef Hannah
64 Rallos ST., Cor. Tomas Morato,
Quezon City, Philippines
(632) 413 0347 / (63) 917 590 8000
2. 2nd’s is a Charm
The book shelf appears to be the focal point with its shelves containing Bread of Life book among other books, pyramids, old Batman photo, classic aluminum movie tape cases, old monopoly, encyclopedias, and 3-tiered silver tin lunchboxes of forgotten times. It just completes the whole brown motif and makes me wonder if that shelf is actually a secret door to another era. 60s blues music plays in the background.
The Lamb Caldereta arrived in a brown casserole served with steamed rice on top of a wooden cutting board. This style actually reminds me of Chelsea’s. The lamb was fork-tender and barely needed any chewing. It was coated with this delicious smoky tomato sauce and the Swiss cheese on top adds a layer of sharpness and gooeyness that is mouthwatering. It can get you eating heaps of rice, I tell you. From chunky cubes of potato and carrots to the meat, to the last drop of the tomato stew, this was wiped clean. Last skids of sauce polished clean with the bread that went with the Truffled Three Cheese Mac. Some might say it’s a bit on the pricey side but no regrets here.
2nd’s
2/F Wumanco Building 1, Quadrant 3,
9th Avenue Bonifacio High Street
(632) 846 5293, Fax: (632) 846 5286
1. Cirkulo
I admit, it ain’t that new for 2011 but I cannot help but include Cirkulo in this list. A circular glass door opens to a handsome, plush, and elegantly dramatic restaurant that exudes class and excitement, especially when we start talking about their dishes. Innovative restaurateur and Executive Chef J Gamboa, marked by his education at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park in New York, created a sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance at Cirkulo.
Cabeza de Cerdo (Sisig) P445
Spicy sisig from suckling pigs. Considered as the best beer chow in the country, Cirkulo’s Cabeza de Cerdo consists diced parts of a pig’s head, that is, the snout, cheeks, ears sizzled to a beautiful crisp with some citrus and spicy hints. The crispiness is a soft whimper of crackle and then porky goodness just dissolves leaving you with a wanting memory.
Don’t be afraid to bite into the specks of crispy red chili resembling temperamental garlic. It brings pleasurable spice in the mouth, somewhat akin to playing with tempered fire.
Sepia ala Plancha (grilled cuttlefish) P695
Grilled fresh cuttlefish (750g), olive oil, sea salt. The grilled fresh cuttlefish breaks the cannibalistic mood in this meaty roster of dishes. Seared so lightly and perfectly on the grill, the cuttlefish was so uncomplicated to eat and soft to the bite. Lined with a green pap that added color to the dish, it had a faint basil pesto essence that isn’t overpowering –a welcoming dim glow of mint and pepper.
READ MORE:
Cirkulo Restaurant, Taste Comes to Full Circle
Cirkulo
G/F Milkyway Bldg., 900 Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road)
Cor. Paseo de Roxas, Makati City 1200
(632) 810 8735 / (632) 810 2763
Hey, you think Cirkulo is fantastic? Wait til you read my entry on Tsukiji… sleepless nights fantasizing about their Ohmi Wagyu. Cheers! XOXO
how come you still look fit amidst the wave of delectable dishes…? 😉
Oh my! Why am I reading this at time (11:30pm)? I. am.now.drooling. Hahaha!!! I really have to drag my feet all the way to North area to taste all those! Bakit ba kasi wala sa South ng mga ganyan! Nyahahaha!! 😉
Hi thanks for adding us Nomama.. We have a new land line 9214913 for reservations, follow us on tweeter nomamaramen. Also website nomamaramen.com.
Honored to be on your list.. We have so many new things coming up for 2012.. Looking forward to your visit then. Thanks again and Merry Christmas.b