burgers Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

The True Mettle of Comfort Food at Kettle

November 26, 2013 by Janey

Routine brings us to welcome and dive into the unknown and take pleasure in the unfamiliar. That is precisely the reason I love traveling so much, a momentary or season-long escape, or else, hunt and enjoy varying degrees of adventure from around. Yet at the end of the day, most of us are creatures of comfort. I am and it is no less than true when it comes to food.

I find myself easing into the seat of Kettle at East Wing of Shangri-la Mall. Where many restaurants claim to dish out comfort food, only a few could push past asserting and make bold statements not out of their mouths but into yours.

On the Table

Oven Roasted Squash Soup P249

Shrimp salad, lemon oil, tarragon

Similar to how Anzani, one of my top 3 favorite Cebu restaurants, does it with a bit of flair, the actual soup gets poured from a small ceramic flask into a bowl. Roast squash suffused into the creamy liquid deliver that delightful slightly sweet taste with only a bit of tarragon scent swinging from time to time. In between the smooth creamy soup are munches of shrimp that texturally play with your tongue.

Clam Chowder P229

Served on sourdough bowl

Pork and Potato Strips P399

Crunchy pork belly and fresh potato strips, fried herbs, red onion, aioli

Like a hot woman in a tight fitting dress that shows off all the right curves who walks into a bar with long sexy strides, this appetizer cum perfect beer chow takes breaths away. It can also get you sinning all the time –with all the beer you want to guzzle down to partner this. I don’t mind getting punished with the consumption of this sin.

Fresh potato strips with webs of shaved parmesan are non-stop mouth poppers. Add to it the salty tones from the crisp pork belly that I also love nibbling and gyrate my incisors with until every whisper of fat excretes onto my wanting tongue. I realize then I was born to be bad.

Poco Deli, A Revisit

September 5, 2013 by Janey

It’s been a while since I last ate at Poco Deli but I was able to visit again sometime mid-July. Parking is still tough around this part of Kapitolyo but luckily, we were able to park right out front. I walk in the familiar dining area with the display case and counter on the right and a huge shelf of wine at the far end.

READ MORE:

Take a Poke at Poco Deli

In Crumbs: Poco Deli

Dig Into Pop Culture Cuisine with Fast Food Mania

November 22, 2012 by Janey

Guess what almost got me jumping outta my seat today? 5 of the best fast food burgers in town! It was delivered in a brown bag with an interesting logo in front, Fast Food Mania. I’ve seen a plug very briefly over the tube. Get ready for some finger-licking series as TLC brings us another crave-inducing show!

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We’ve grown up with America’s favorite treat – fast food. From beloved childhood memories to classic Americana, the art of quick and delicious fare represents some of life’s greatest pleasures and often marks milestone moments. TLC invites fans to dive into the pop culture world of fast food and dig deep into its cuisine. Say, did you know that the signature red and white KFC bucket was designed by Dave Thomas of… Wendy’s! They operated one of the largest KFC franchises! You think you know all there is to know about the subject, but FAST FOOD MANIAalso reveals behind-the-scenes stories and little known facts.

SM Mega Food Sale Gives Big Bites at Best Value

February 21, 2012 by Janey

Memorable food trips are best experienced with friends and what else, GREAT discounts! It’s all happening under one roof –where the best of the best fast casual, specialty restaurants, ethnic, semi-casual and pizza and burger joints converge. Yes folks, the SM Mega Food Sale is back.

I’ve got my taste buds hooked on visiting three of my favorite restaurants there and it’s also the perfect time to try out at least 2 NEW restaurants at the Atrium.

Event: SM Megamall’s Mega Food Sale

Date: February 24, 25, 26, 2012

EXPECT: HUGE DISCOUNTS and PRICE-OFFs, BUY 1 TAKE 1s, EAT ALL YOU CAN, FREE APPETIZERS, FREE DESSERTS, FREE DRINKS, AND MANY MORE!

When I was in Hong Kong for the Asia Pacific Cable Convention 2 years ago, my friend Pebbles brought us to this place called Tonkichi where I absolutely loved the Tonkatsu and Katsudon with freshly pounded-sesame sauce and unlimited cabbage salad dressed in this lip-smacking cream-based dressing that’s light and peppery… I loved the food concept, including service and ambience! So imagine little dancing happening in my heart when I found out that the same can be found in Megamall!

Yabu, House of Katsu, is located in Mega Atrium. Its interiors are casual minimalist with a modern vibe apparent in the Anime comic strip on one wall and the handsome brown leather chairs. Let’s get down to business: FOOD.

Boulevard Diner

May 23, 2011 by Janey

Sometime July last year, I was invited for a “Secret Taste Test” and fortunately, I came out of it alive –alive and ready to kick for some more! I tasted a range of burgers and wings that Saturday and left the venue panting because I was working hard… eating… and eating… I couldn’t stop eating, even if my belt was complaining of near explosion. This got me eagerly anticipating for the opening of that restaurant.

READ MORE:

The Secret Taste Test

Now, the diner that haunted my burger/fries/wings fantasies stands like a small David in Xavierville. The small diner offers only approx. 30-seating capacity but don’t let the cramped space deceive you. It offers a Goliath of taste and personality that will make you change your mind about other burger places.

To simplify, everything almost starts with the Hero Burger, which is Boulevard Diner’s classic recipe of green ice lettuce, fresh tomatoes, beef patty, and pickle relish. It’s that familiar comfort taste that your taste buds would time and again come home to… that classic burger that withstood the test of time. Boulevard Diner cooks it medium to medium-well so as to keep the savory juices in. If you like it well-done, the kitchen can grill it some more upon request.

Let’s line-up again the full cast below:

Larry Lana’i PHP 175

Hero Burger, cheese, smoked bacon, grilled pineapple, red onions

Different layers of flavor in one simple Hawaiian burger. Dig the crunch of the crispy smoked bacon and contrast it with the soft sweet and citrus mellow of the pineapple… then sprung to a biting tinge of the red onions. As all other bacons, this one also can’t stay in place. Definitely one of my Boulevard Diner favorites!

Gorgon-zola PHP 180

Hero Burger, cheese, sautéed oyster mushroom, gorgonzola dressing

Using the classic burger taste as the foreground, bite into a chunk of tender oyster mushrooms that doesn’t compete with the meat’s beefy-ness and instead compliments it. The gorgonzola dressing is the tie that binds it all with its partly sharp and creamy essence.

Sgt. Slaw-ter

Classic burger coupled with cheese, red cabbage slaw, peanut-sesame dressing

This burger gives a pleasant surprise with its red cabbage slaw is tossed in a delightful peanut-sesame dressing that has a touch of citrus and tang that tastes refreshing.

Nuclear Bean

Hero Burger, cheese, special chili beans, chopped jalapeños

It’s definitely a number of things. The special chili beans aren’t soggy at all and add a depth of texture to the burger with an unusual bite. I’m not a big fan of beans unlike Bubba but this one caught my interest and opened my mind a bit. The chopped jalapeños make it more appealing to me. It’s such a happy mess to eat. You cannot miss not to try it.

Sha-Zam!!! PHP 195

If you’re like me that sometimes opens the top bun and puts fries in the burger for that extra layer of starch and bite, Sha-Zam is a must-order. The burger served with crispy potato strings and a fried egg in its ingredient roster.

Wingerangs PHP 130 / ½ lb and PHP 255 / 1lb

Their heat-o-meter ranges from the cowardly Hickory to Lust, Fury, Love, Smoked, Death and Better than Hell. As the name implies, you’d actually get what you’re asking for. If you’re Lust-ing for buffalo wings with just enough heat that’s tolerable, then this is what you should gun for. Lust has chili and lime flavor to balance out the taste.

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, or so they say. Level with a scorned woman’s anger with Boulevard Diner’s Fury Wingerangs. Love Wingerangs is their chocolate-spiked wings while Death and Better than Hell is the heat torture that you’re aiming for.

Cheddar Charles PHP 170 / ½ lb

Other than the flavorful wings, these cheese-stuffed potato tots are my favorite sides to my burger at Boulevard Diner.

So if you’re a big grub eater like me who LOVES, LOVES, LOVES cheeseburgers, fries and wings, Boulevard Diner is going to be one of your top favorites. You will be so happy like me every time you see that Boulevard Diner is OPEN 😉

Yes, you know me too well, my dear readers, you’d probably bump into me at Boulevard Diner again. SOON.

Photo Courtesy:

Richard of TalesfromtheTummy.com

Carlos of FoodieManila.com

Related Entries:

The Secret Taste Test

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Chuck’s Deli

January 26, 2011 by Janey

Located alongside the driveway of Market Market, Chuck’s Deli is tucked quietly behind the main walkway of Serendra. Despite being partially hidden at a corner, the freshest sandwiches are creating quite the flavor fireworks catching huge attention in the area.

Chuck’s Deli Owner Kat Kuhn-Alcantara of famed Culliere recently opened a deli in Serendra that specializes in gourmet sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, sides, desserts, and irresistible milkshakes. Let me first introduce the kinds of sandwiches that Chuck’s Deli offers.

The Slab-wich is a massive slab-like sandwich, consisting of two ten-in long tablets of homemade, crunchily toasted ciabatta (like you’ve never tasted ciabbata as good as this before) with a pile of top-quality ingredients between them eaten as a hefty meal. Chuck’s Deli’s slab-wich is my favorite among the four kinds since I love the crusty texture of the ciabatta on the outside and the soft fluffy inside. The size of the slab-wich is tantamount to four-quarter pounders. Big appetites can easily find the satisfaction in these massive slab-wiches. Go ahead and dare.

The Ground and Pounder is a mean and heavy-handed burger, made up of two firm homemade buns and half a pound US Angus beef. Whether pumped up by bacon strips, and cheese or not, it will twist your taste buds into submission. All of Chuck’s Deli’s burgers are served on poppy and sesame seed-sprinkled buns fresh from Chuck’s oven. This is also served with homemade chips.

Ground and Pound

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Sub-wich is a torpedo-shaped sandwich, consisting of a streamlined hull of homemade hoagie, equipped in its core with the finest selection of meats or sausages. Flat-wich is conceptually a sandwich that uses flat bread.

Spunk up your sandwiches, whether slab-wich, flat-wich or sub-wich, even your ground and pound burgers, with Chuck’s Deli zesty garlic sauce! It is readily available on the table for your liberal consumption.

On the Table

The Buffy PHP ½ Slab PHP 255 1 Slab PHP 445

A slab-wich that’s composed of Buffalo chicken, garlic sauce, and fresh coleslaw

It’s no secret that I am a sucker for Buffalo wings and Chuck’s Deli’s the Buffy won my approval. It’s getting the best of Buffalo wings without the mess of greasy fingers and picking out the meat. Big chunks of Buffalo-ed chicken meat with the brisk of garlic sauce and freshly cut lettuce in a crusty yet soft ciabatta bread is truly memorable.

The Pilgrim ½ Slab PHP 255 1 Slab PHP 445

Choice of dark or white roast Turkey meat, stuffing, cranberry jelly, and gravy

Faking Duck ½ Slab PHP 175 1 Slab PHP 335

A peking-style inspired slab-wich with roast pork, lettuce, hoisin sauce, leeks and crispy noodles

For people who like highly flavored Peking slash roasted duck but don’t like the high-cholesterol it brings, the Faking duck is the perfect sandwich for you. Instead of using duck meat, Chuck’s Deli uses roast pork slathered with tangy semi-sweet and peppery hoisin sauce coupled with lettuce and leeks. The crispy noodles give a nice contrast against the soft roast pork.

Reuben ½ Slab PHP 275 1 Slab PHP 495

Homemade Angus corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, mustard, and Chuck’s sauce

I wasn’t able to try this but Richard felt that this was his top 1 out of the Chuck’s Deli sandwiches on the table. I’m really eyeing to try this on my next visit at Chuck’s Deli.

California Waki ½ Slab PHP 255 1 Slab PHP 445

Slabwich with mango, kani, egg, lettuce, and Wasabi mayo

I didn’t get to try this as well but alongside Reuben slab-wich, the California Waki is also on my priority list.

Philly Cheesesteak Subwich PHP 295

Beef, American cheese, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms

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Roast Beef ½ Slab PHP 255 1 Slab PHP 445

Generous layers of good, juicy Angus roast beef and Chuck’s sauce

Other than the hefty and sumptuous sandwiches, one thing you shouldn’t miss out at Chuck’s Deli are the Arcy Dairy Milkshakes (PHP 165) which is 3-scoops of Arce Dairy Ice Cream blended with fresh Carabao’s milk! The ice cream flavors include Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Caramel, Coffee Crumble, Quezo Real, and Avocado.

Chuck’s Deli is also the home of Pauline’s chocolates. Get an easy access to ordering these delectable chocolates at Chuck’s Deli.

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But hey, don’t leave without ordering the BUFFY!

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Chuck’s Deli

G/F Serendra (along the driveway of Market Market),

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

(632) 576 4210/ (0923) 398 6378

Chuck’s Deli Album

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B&T Mexican Kitchen’s Chicken Mole, Deliciously like No Other

January 7, 2011 by Janey

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.

READ MORE:

B&T Mexican Kitchen

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. Mine was served with brown rice but my friend Richard had it with cilantro lime rice when he visited B&T. 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.

Even if the dish can get pretty heavy midway, I thoroughly enjoyed B&T’s chicken mole. It would be perfect to wash it down with the Horchata drink or in between sips of margarita. I’d like to try it again with the cilantro lime rice next time, more timid than the Mexican brown rice. If it becomes too rich midway, just ask for a wedge of lemon to spritz on your mole from time to time or just add a touch of the fresh salsa. While you’re at it with all those testing of flavors, why not try it with their sexily addicting garlic sauce? 😉

Let your imagine-taste-tion go overdrive. Create your own wrap.

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My previous entry on B&T Mexican Kitchen mentioned that they didn’t have brown rice. They have since added it in their roster that’s why Bubba’s favorite burritos now come with brown rice.

Steak Burrito with Cilantro Lime Rice

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Steak Burrito with Mexican Brown Rice – Bubba’s ultimate favorite!

If you want a rich taste of Mexico on a plate, head over to B&T Mexican Kitchen and order the must-try Chicken Mole Meal.

B&T (Burritos and Tacos) Mexican Kitchen

G/F Sekai Building (same bldg. as Masuki and Maki Place)

Ortigas Avenue, San Juan, Philippines

B&T Mexican Kitchen Album

Many thanks to Philip for the Chicken Mole!

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6 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, address, Authentic, B and T, B&T, B&T Mexican Kitchen, Baby Tan, barbacoa, berks, best, best burritos in town, Best Mexican, best Mexican restaurant in Philippines, blogger, BnT, BnT Mexican Kitchen, branch, branches, burgers, burrito, Burrito and Taco, Burritos and Tacos, Burritos and Tacos Mexican Kitchen, butch, Cali Mex, California, celebrity, Charlie’s, Charlie’s Grill, Chef Rob Goco, chorizo brown rice, cilantro wild rice, cris darwin lim, Cyma, darwin, delivery, DLSU, dogs, Eric, eric ryan tang, ERT, expensive, Filipino, food, food blog, food review, garlic sauce, Good Service, grand opening, grill, guacamole, hotdogs, how much, how to create a burrito, how to make, image, in town, J. Abad Santos, Jalapeño, jim, jim harold lim, la salle, latest, location, Makati, management, Manager, Manila, Map, marie, marinade, masuki, math, meat, menu, Metro Manila, Mex, mexicali, Mexican, Mexican Kitchen, Mexican restaurant in Manila, Mexican restaurant in Philippines, nachos, ortigas, Photo, photos, pinoy, previous owners of Ristras, price, prices, promotion, Quezon City, red cross, restaurant, Restaurants, Ristras, Ristras at the Fort, Ristras Fort, salsa, service, split up, taco, Taste Manila, wait staff, where, Zapata's, Zapata's new location. 2011

B&T Mexican Kitchen – Burritos and Tacos Mexican Kitchen

December 7, 2010 by Janey

One lazy Saturday, Bubba and I decided to check out the newest burrito place to hit the town. If you’re familiar with the building that’s frequented for the chicken wanton mami (noodle soup made famous in Binondo/Chinatown), siopao and siomai of Masuki that are easy on the palate as well as the pockets, this is also where B&T Mexican Kitchen recently opened.

B&T Mexican Kitchen interiors include orange chairs matched with black tables and elements of Mexico in certain aspects of the restaurant like the Mary by the door. Menu is written on a chalkboard with colored chalks. The concept looks familiar –word from the foodie grapevine is, the owners of the “OTHER” Burrito place had split up.

Rumor has it that Chef Rob Goco is supposedly opening his own Mexican place at the Fort to rival the newly opened Ristras. And B&T Mexican Kitchen is also from another previous partner of Ristras. But who actually knows? *shrugs* I only get my insider dibs from foodie friends.

It’s been quite a long while since I last visited Ristras –even before the rumored split up. I just found the quality not the same as the initial months it opened when Bubba and I used to visit at least twice to thrice a week. When I heard a new one opening, I was quite excited to see how B&T Mexican Kitchen will fair.

Step 1: Choose your meal

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. Stuffing starts off with Cilantro White Rice and then choice of meat, salsa, toppings, and sauces.

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Guacamole!

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Cheese!

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From choices of DIY Burrito, Frito Burrito, Burrito Bowl to Mexican Taco, BnT Mexican Kitchen also offers Mexican favorites like Quesadilla, Chimichanga, Fajitas and Guaca de Frito.

But hold up, there’s MORE… you can get your Burrito or Taco all fused up with Asian flavors –whether it’s Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian, Korean (with Kimchi), or Thai.

There are also other dishes to try like the Mexican pizza, Mexican burger, Mexican franks and adobo pizza. Vegans are also welcome here with B&T’s vegetarian pizza and vegetarian burgers and franks.

Step 2: Choose your meat

Al Pastor PHP 310

Barbacoa PHP 320

Carne Asada PHP 320

Carnitas PHP 310

Chicken PHP 300

Chicken Mole PHP 320

Fish PHP 330

Shrimp PHP 350

Vegetarian PHP 290

Step 3: Choose your sides

Chips and Guacamole PHP 95

Chips and Pico de Gallo PHP 95

Chips with Chili Con Carne PHP 150

Ball Park Nachos PHP 220

9-Layer Dip Nachos PHP 220

Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Sauce PHP 95

Step 4: Choose your drink

Other than the usual colas, they also serve Horchata, Agua de Melon, Agua de Tamarind, Margarita among other drinks.

Step 5: Choose your dessert

Quesadilla de Fruta PHP 115

Mexican Fritters PHP 115

Chocolate Nachos PHP 105

Mint Nachos PHP 105

Strawberry Nachos PHP 105

Tres Leches

Don’t get overwhelmed as the steps are easy as 1-2-3. In our case, Bubba and I skipped Step 5 since we expected that we’d be full by the end of our meal. But there are people who always have room for desserts.

On the Table

Steak Burrito PHP 310

B&T Mexican Kitchen only had one choice for rice, compared to a brown rice option before at the other place. I think brown rice has more flavor and presentation value because of its color. Nevertheless, B&T’s Steak Burrito was what Bubba missed a lot at the other place. Quality beef merged with a mélange of flavors and textures from the corn, salsa, guacamole, cheese, beans. It was as mouthwatering as it looked as it tasted.

The exploding taste and spices from the steak burrito is tamed a bit by the Cilantro White Rice portion. Add the winning garlic sauce and you’re in for a surefire treat!

Nachos with Salsa PHP 95

Notice that the nachos are in three different colors –same colors that represent the flag of Mexico. I’m sure kids would find a kick out of eating these colorful chips but I prefer it in just 2 colors at most.

Mexican Burger with Potato Fries PHP 310

Cooked medium rare, the burger was superbly juicy and had brisk meaty flavors. The tomato onion lettuce salsa on top was a refreshing gradation of taste while the melted cheese that seeped onto the outer layer of the meat almost made me finish it in record time but I had to restrain myself since Bubba wanted a bite.

Never had garlic sauce on your burger? I gave mine a dunk on the sauce and it added a creamy garlicky kick to my burger. I’m craving for it as I type this.

Horchata PHP 50

Milky sweet rice drink –we were given a sample of their Horchata which cooled all the flavors from the burritos and burger.

The wait staff is eager to please –maybe a little too eager at times but you can’t fault them. Better eager than lazy. There are tables also for big groups so it’s easier to sit everyone. Prices are relatively lower than the other place.

I’m visiting B&T again really soon for the Mexican Burger and I also got an eye for the burrito with kimchi. Sounds intriguing to me!

B&T (Burritos and Tacos) Mexican Kitchen

G/F Sekai Building (same bldg. as Masuki)

Ortigas Avenue, San Juan, Philippines

B&T Mexican Kitchen Album

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11 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, address, Authentic, B and T, B&T, B&T Mexican Kitchen, Baby Tan, barbacoa, berks, best, best burritos in town, Best Mexican, best Mexican restaurant in Philippines, blogger, BnT, BnT Mexican Kitchen, branch, branches, burgers, burrito, Burrito and Taco, Burritos and Tacos, Burritos and Tacos Mexican Kitchen, butch, Cali Mex, California, celebrity, Charlie’s, Charlie’s Grill, Chef Rob Goco, chorizo brown rice, cilantro wild rice, cris darwin lim, Cyma, darwin, delivery, DLSU, dogs, Eric, eric ryan tang, ERT, expensive, Filipino, food, food blog, food review, garlic sauce, Good Service, grand opening, grill, guacamole, hotdogs, how much, how to create a burrito, how to make, image, in town, J. Abad Santos, Jalapeño, jim, jim harold lim, la salle, latest, location, Makati, management, Manager, Manila, Map, marie, marinade, masuki, math, meat, menu, Metro Manila, Mex, mexicali, Mexican, Mexican Kitchen, Mexican restaurant in Manila, Mexican restaurant in Philippines, nachos, ortigas, Photo, photos, pinoy, previous owners of Ristras, price, prices, promotion, Quezon City, red cross, restaurant, Restaurants, Ristras, Ristras at the Fort, Ristras Fort, salsa, service, split up, taco, Taste Manila, wait staff, where, Zapata's, Zapata's new location

Charlie’s Grind and Grill in Ortigas Ave, San Juan

August 13, 2010 by Janey

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? 😉

And if Charlie’s is full or if you want a new taste other than burgers, CHECK OUT B&T Mexican Kitchen which is 2 minutes away from Charlie’s.

B&T Mexican Kitchen

B&T Mexican Kitchen Chicken Mole

Charlie’s Grind and Grill

In My Restaurant List This Coming Quarter

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9 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: address, affordable, american, area, Baranggay Kapitolyo, beef, best, best Angus steak, best blog, Black Angus, Blog, buffalo wings, Burger, burger joint, burgers, Cafe Juanita, car wash, Charlie, Charlie's, Charlie's Grind and Grill, Charlie's new branch in San Juan, clam chowder, contact number, counter, credit card, delivery, fish and chips, food blog, food review, foodie, fries, Good Service, Grilled, joint, location, malt vinegar, Manila, Map, meat, menu, new branch, new items, order, Panko Crusted Portabello Mushroom cheese stuffed burger, Pasig, Pasig City, Pasig number coding, pay as you order, phone, Photo, price, pricey, renovated, Restaurants, restos, self service, service, Steak, Taste Manila, Wednesday, week

The Secret Taste Test

July 6, 2010 by Janey

Saturdays are made for sleeping in but what better reason to wake up early (okay, 11am is not early) than to get ready for a Secret Taste Test that afternoon? My friend ZP (a.k.a Carlos Palma) invited me to this Secret Taste Test he’s been harping about for a couple of weeks now.

Bubba and I reached the place without any hitches and were happy that the house door opened to a table of burger selections. Burgers of sorts are laid on the table and they seem to call out my name. I was sorta snobbish at first… say, a bit guarded. It was the first meeting after all and I can’t be too easy. I was in love with a burger once… and before “burger” broke my heart, it first broke my belt.

But then, as Mariah Carey belts out, a hero comes along…

Hero Burger is Alvin Ong’s recipe of green ice lettuce, fresh tomatoes, beef patty, and pickle relish. This hero is the burger classic –simple but with a lot of class, an unbroken taste. And that’s where the clan of supreme burgers comes from.

Let’s meet the rest.

On the Table

Gorgon-zola

Hero Burger, cheese, sautéed oyster mushroom, gorgonzola dressing

Using the Hero Burger as the foreground, get a chunk of tender oyster mushrooms that doesn’t compete with the meat’s beefy-ness and instead compliments it while the gorgonzola dressing unifies all the taste with a partly sharp essence.

Larry Lana’i

Hero Burger, cheese, smoked bacon, grilled pineapple, red onions

Cat got my tongue? No, this burger got my tongue. Different layers of flavor in one simple Hawaiian burger. Dig the crunch of the crispy smoked bacon and contrast it with the soft sweet and citrus mellow of the pineapple… then sprung to a biting tinge of the red onions. As all other bacons, this one also can’t stay in place.

Sgt. Slaw-ter

Hero Burger, cheese, red cabbage slaw, peanut-sesame dressing

This burger was a nice surprise especially when people are used to red cabbage slaw slathered with mayo. The red cabbage slaw is tossed in a delightful peanut-sesame dressing that has a touch of citrus/tang that tastes refreshing. Simple but still different and holds its own.

Nuclear Bean

Hero Burger, cheese, special chili beans, chopped jalapeños

Wings of Fury

½ lb chicken wings with extra hot chili sauce

It’s another happy mess to eat. Finger-licking good wings coated in extra hot chili sauce that drips on my fingers and I don’t mind at all. It kinda reminded me of this or this and this but difference is, I had maybe 8 pieces that Saturday afternoon. 8 pieces in one sitting!

Justice Fries

½ lb imported potato fries with grated parmesan cheese

Photos and styling are greatly done by ZP (these are photos from the previous taste tests). The burger flavors aren’t that complicated and you can taste freshness in each bite like it was made simply from home.

But I’m glad that it won’t be made only from home anymore… a restaurant/diner will soon open that serves these burgers and wings -in probably 1-2 months. Crossing my fingers tight that the same will be for the diner! 😀 I’m thrilled that it will open around the area I frequent. At least, that’s what the owner is currently trying to work out.

It was a scrumptious afternoon of secret taste test. It’s the secret you want to be in.

–

And while I wait eagerly for the diner’s signage to light…

I’m off to find a new belt. A longer one, in fact.

I might be in love again.

Photo Credit:

Carlos Palma of FoodieManila.com

*Thanks to Carlos Palma and Alvin Ong for the invite. And congrats to Joe Kuan, hope you had a great graduation dinner last Saturday 😉

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3 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: best food blog, best wings, buffalo wings, burger ville, burgers, Carlos Palma, cheese, diner, Discovery, food, food blog, food review, foodie find, gorgonzola, Manila, Metro Manila, new finds, new restaurant in Metro, Philippines, photos, restaurant, San Juan, Secret Taste Test, wings of fury

Take a Poke at Poco Deli

June 17, 2010 by Janey

Bubba invited out to lunch and I can only be a happy beaver to get out of the office environment and enjoy a slow lunch with him. Away from the tall buildings of Ortigas Center, we found ourselves at a small deli near Charlie’s Burger (our usual for lunch dates on weekdays).

Poco Deli, situated unassumingly along East Capitol Drive in Pasig City, has only 5-6 tables including those outside. Upon entering, you’d notice Dave’s Natural Yogurt stand near the counter, display cases of cheeses and other deli products like sausages, and wine display at the end of the dining area.

—

Their menu consists of pasta, pizza and sandwiches as well as cheese boards and cold cuts of Mickey Deli’s products. Dave’s Frozen Yogurt for dessert and a list of wines are also available.

On the Table

Pomodoro PHP 155

The pasta pomodoro arrived 5-8 minutes after ordering. It had that sweet light tomato base on angel hair pasta.

Pizza Margherita PHP 280

The pizza took approx. 20-25 minutes before it arrived that Bubba and I only had a slice each before we had it wrapped.

Glass of Wine PHP 140

Pistachio Yogurt PHP 80

I’d probably do a repeat once there’s another lunch out invite, especially if I wanted to stay off the crowded areas like Charlie’s Burger (unless I’m craving for Charlie’s!).

21 East Capitol Drive,

Barrio Kapitolyo, Pasig City, Philippines

(632) 664 0519

Poco Deli Album

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2 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: address, affordable, american, area, Baranggay Kapitolyo, beef, best, best Angus steak, best blog, best food blog, best yogurt in town, Black Angus, buffalo wings, Burger, burger joint, burgers, Cafe Juanita, car wash, Charlie, Charlie's, Charlie's Burger, Charlie's Grind and Grill, cheese, cheese boards, clam chowder, contact number, counter, credit card, Dave's Frozen Yogurt, dave's natural yogurt, delivery, dessert, dining place, Discovery, East Capitol Drive in Pasig City, Filipino, find, fish and chips, food blog, food blogger, food review, foodie, fries, frozen, Good Service, Grilled, hole in the wall, joint, location, malt vinegar, Manila, Map, meat, menu, Mickey Deli's, new items, order, Ortigas Center, out of the way, Panko Crusted Portabello Mushroom cheese stuffed burger, Pasig, Pasig City, Pasig number coding, pay as you order, Philippines, phone, Photo, pizza, pizza place, Poco Deli, Poco Deli menu, Poco Deli restaurant, Pomodoro Pasta, price, pricey, Products, quiet, renovated, Restaurants, restos, secret, secret dining place, self service, service, Steak, Taste Manila, Wednesday, week, Wine

Charlie’s Grind and Grill with Joyce

August 26, 2009 by Janey

Charlie’s Grind and Grill is a stone throw away from the office that that has been the perpetual excuse to have lunch breaks there. It’s always at least half full –full when we dine there.

Bubba invited out for lunch that Wednesday, which is a QC holiday (he still went to work though), and by 12nn was already at the lobby area to pick me up. I got in the car and after a few seconds of dead air, a hooded person sitting at the back surprised me that made me shriek out loud. It was my sister Joyce. Bubba went to pick her up since QC schools were also on holiday.

On the Table

Black Angus Burger with Fries (2) PHP 175

Bubba and Joyce both got a burger set each. Juicy meaty hamburger patties that make you want to come back for more –grilled to perfection. Get it with fries and you add only PHP 20. Burgers can’t get any better than this especially when priced only this much.

Clam Chowder PHP 150

I had a heavy breakfast (Read: probably almost 2 cups of rice) so I decided to get something light. Clam chowder served in a bread bowl was creamy and tasted fresh –had generous amount of clams.

Key Lime Pie PHP 200

It was too sour for my taste that I didn’t get to finish even half.

This was also the time Bubba surprised me with the Nokia N95 Soul of Manila Wireless Adventure Race Part 1 televised video! 2007, Moi was fatty fat then but yay!

Even if it was a holiday, Bubba wanted to go back to ABS to work so I brought Joyce to my office instead after lunch. She had her own space, table and desk. She was so behaved and cute!!! Karen loved her and gave her many items to tinker with.

Other stuff to try at Charlie’s (ordered in previous visits):

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

We ordered this the last time we were at Charlie’s. That’s a mouthful of a description! And indeed it was. The cheese stuffed portabello mushroom was deliciously stunning in appearance and taste. You get a bite of layering flavors and textures leaving you hankering for more. The burger’s name is a mouthful but the taste can leave you mouthwateringly speechless.

Filly Cheesesteak Hungry Size PHP 220

The white bread was topped with local sirloin meat and charged with loads of tasty caramelized onions and green bell peppers. It was as good as the Black Angus burger –it will be quite difficult to make one a favorite over the other.

Fish and Chips PHP 180

Generous serving of dory fried to a golden crisp. Add malt vinegar.

Next on my list are the Meatballs Marinara and the Pulled Pork Sandwich. I can just hear my stomach grumble in anticipation. Executive Chef Rob Goco really knows how to tickle our fancy with great food from Cyma, Ristras to Charlie’s.

And if Charlie’s is full or if you want a new taste other than burgers, CHECK OUT B&T Mexican Kitchen along Ortigas Avenue.

B&T Mexican Kitchen

B&T Mexican Kitchen Chicken Mole

Charlie’s Grind and Grill

16 East Kapitolyo Drive,

Pasig City.

(632) 635 4857

Charlie’s Album

Charlie’s Panko Crusted Portabello Album

Charlie’s Fish and Chips Album

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2 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: address, affordable, american, area, Baranggay Kapitolyo, beef, best, best Angus steak, best blog, Black Angus, buffalo wings, Burger, burger joint, burgers, Cafe Juanita, car wash, Charlie, Charlie's, Charlie's Grind and Grill, clam chowder, contact number, counter, credit card, delivery, fish and chips, food blog, food review, fries, Good Service, Grilled, joint, location, malt vinegar, Manila, Map, meat, menu, new items, order, Panko Crusted Portabello Mushroom cheese stuffed burger, Pasig, Pasig City, Pasig number coding, pay as you order, phone, Photo, price, pricey, renovated, Restaurants, restos, self service, service, Steak, Taste Manila, Wednesday, week

Buffalo Wings and Things

August 25, 2009 by Janey

The Food Street in Ortigas Home Depot is becoming more of a foodie haven with so many good restaurants to dine in close to each other. Another glutton discovery leads us to Buffalo Wings and Things. Spanx invited me to this restaurant’s event last May, but my schedule didn’t permit me. Too bad I didn’t get to attend because I would have uncovered this Buffalo wings gold mine months ago.

Nevertheless, Bubba and I figured we could have a much closer examine on our own personal visit. The restaurant is more of a duplex diner joint with an open glass kitchen. The menu is simply written on the chalkboard. The female wait staff are dressed in red or blue shirts and micro shorts that tally the whole American diner look and vibe.

On the Table

Basket of Fries PHP 75

Thin cut fries that are deep-fried. We found it too oily and a little on the burnt side. T’was very oily that you can feel the oil in your tongue.

Triple Sampler PHP 365

There’s a choice to go ½ pound or 1 pound but I decided to get the sampler. Champion Buffalo wings with choice of sauces: spicy sauces include The Rookie, New York’s Finest, Firehouse Classic, Dial 911, The Nuclear, while the regular sauces consist of Java Jime, Garlic Parmesan, Honey BBQ, and Teriyaki.

You also have 3 choices of dips. Their dips include Buffalo Ranch, Bleu Cheese, Cheese Sauce, Salsa and Texas Chili. We opted for 2 Bleu Cheese (knowing Bubba loves his cheese and might not share) and Buffalo Ranch.

For our Triple Sampler, we chose New York’s Finest, Garlic Parmesan and Honey BBQ. While Bubba takes the alternate route, I prefer eating the wings with my hands.

New York’s Finest

Original buffalo style wings, which is medium hot. This is their best seller and rightfully so. Amusingly, it reminds us considerably of our favorite Sandy’s Pizza buffalo wings –resembling the taste so much. The spicy treat satisfies more when washed down with their margarita or orange vodka mix.

Garlic Parmesan

The Garlic Parmesan has a buttery taste impeccably marrying the flavors of garlic, parmesan and herbs. Bubba finds it a bit too calorific but I didn’t mind since both garlic and Parmesan essence are evident in the coating.

Honey BBQ

Sweet hickory barbeque flavor, smoky taste but has the right hint of sweetness. Good to pair with the Buffalo ranch dip or even the Bleu cheese.

Orange and Vodka PHP

Minute Maid PHP

Service was quite fast and efficient especially from the wait staff named Joy. If there’s one thing to harp about, it’s the displeasing attitude of another server without a nametag but with a charm/name necklace that starts with a C. We asked to be transferred to another table before our orders were served due to the AC water drip. She frowns and places our food on an un-cleaned table first before picking up the litter, instead of the other way around. We ask for another order of drinks, which we thought she took note of. Joy comes to our table asking for our orders again. I just laughed it off because I was enjoying the food, but the ever patient Bubba got irked over that wait staff’s attitude that I would have to force another visit from him.

Buffalo Wings and Things is the place to be for a great delicious “wings” fix. Eating with your bare hands is such a happy mess when dining at BWNT, as one can get as devouringly close to the contrast of flavors and chicken goodness. There are so many more to try in the diner, burgers and hotdogs are next on my hit list.

Buffalo Wings and Things

Food Street, Ortigas Home Depot

Julio Vargas, Pasig City, Metro Manila.

(632) 994 8887

Buffalo Wings and Things Album

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5 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 721-8334, American diner, best buffalo place in town, best Buffalo wings in Manila, bleu cheese, Buffalo Wings and Things, burgers, Chips, different, diner, drinks, Food Street, Manila, menu, Ortigas Home Depot, Photo, pizza, pizza delivery, price, ranch, restaurant, salsa, San Juan, Sandy, Sandy's, Sandy's Pizza, sauces, service, something new, Taste in Manila, Taste Manila, telephone number

Past Love Rekindled at Pasto

August 14, 2009 by Janey

Previous to the discovery of Ristras, Pasto was frequent in the call log. Bubba and I were reminiscing the other night how much we crave for Pasto before. Pasto was our favorite go-to-restaurant for DVD food. The Greenhills branch is rung ahead of time to order 2 batches of crostinis with chicken pate and pomodoro salsa dips. Grab, pay and off to home movies.

I also like eating at home since Bubba finishes most of the salsa, so I have to replicate with a homemade one. Diced tomatoes, diced red onions (nominal), fresh basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar, (mmm-mm!) I can have as much as I want. Soon, we were pairing our Pasto “to-go” order with Sandy’s Pizza’s buffalo wings, which we also got quite akin to. Interestingly, we only order the wings (they deliver for 2 orders) and not the pizza.

Another favorite in Pasto is their Romano entrée (PHP345). Romano is crusted chicken breast with spinach and roasted mushrooms in a Gorgonzola cream sauce served with fettuccine.

On the Table

Zuppa di Pomodoro PHP 95

Pasto has the best roasted-tomato cream soup in the Metro. Its semi-smooth thickness is exactly right without making it appear like a tomato puree. There’s a hint of Parmesan and cream taste in the roasted tomato soup. Garnished with fresh basil on top that adds a minty flavor perfect for that hot soothing spoonful.

Crostini, Pasto’s famous version of Italian crostini served with your choice of “dips.” One order is equivalent to 8 pieces of crostini shaped like a pizza slice –thin, toasty and crispy. Price of crostini depends on the dip.

Chicken pate PHP 125

Pomodoro Salsa PHP 105

En Route to the Perfect Bite

Spread the chicken pate on the crostini
Put a bit of the tomato salsa on top with a drip of the balsamic olive oil dressing

First layer of taste is good enough for me.

3. Add another layer of flavor by adding grated Parmesan cheese.

4. To add some heat, add the chili flakes

Before Ristras’ burritos and nacho chips, this was our comfort food.

Ortaggi PHP 225

Spaghetti cooked with artichokes, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese. The usual order is Romano, Vongole or Frutti di Mare, but we took a detour and ordered a pasta dish we haven’t tried –Ortaggi. It was a tad bit on the sweet side (probably from the sun-dried tomatoes which I really love) that I wasn’t expecting. We only finished half of the pasta, partly because we needed to run off to watch GI Joe.

Pasto

Greenhills Theater Mall

Unit F&B-5, Greenhills Theater Mall

Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan

(632) 722 4992

El Pueblo

Julio Vargas Ave cor. ADB Ave

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

(632) 634 0157

Paseo Center

3^rd Floor, 8757 Paseo de Roxas

Salcedo Village, Makati City

(632) 893 0588

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9 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2009, 2010, affordable, Agave Mexican Cantina, andrew tan, August 1, Authentic, barbacoa, berks, best, best Italian, Best Mexican, branch, branches, burgers, burrito, butch, Cafe, Cali Mex, California, celebrity, Charlie’s, Charlie’s Grill, Chef Rob Goco, chorizo brown rice, cilantro wild rice, coffee, cris darwin lim, Cyma, darwin, delivery, DLSU, dogs, Eric, eric ryan tang, ERT, expensive, Filipino, food review, garlic sauce, Good Service, grand opening, grill, guacamole, hotdogs, how to create a burrito, how to make, image, in town, Italian, J. Abad Santos, Jalapeño, jim, jim harold lim, la salle, latest, location, management, Manager, marie, marinade, math, meat, menu, Mex, mexicali, Mexican, Mexican restaurant, new, new branch, number, opening, Pasto, Philippines, Photo, pinoy, pre-nuptial photos, price, recent, recipe, restaurant, Restaurants, Ristras, salsa, San Juan, San Sebastian Church, service, shredded beef, Steak, supplier, take out, tang, Taste Manila, Venue, Video, wedding, wedding season, weddings in Manila

Addicted to Ristras

July 30, 2009 by Janey

I seriously cannot count how many times I’ve been to Ristras. I’ve had one too many visits since it opened. I would have gotten a loyalty card by now if they have such customer management system.

July 24, Friday night, we are back again in Ristras but not for our usual “to go” food to be gorged on a DVD night. We were there to give Butch a congratulatory pat on the back for his upcoming wedding on August 1, Saturday.

It’s already this week and just 3 days ago, I attended Didi’s wedding. I still shake my head in disbelief knowing at least 9 people who are getting married between today until mid next year. It’s the wedding season!

Butch and Marie, who I had some time to bond with during a spontaneous Tagaytay getaway, are one of the nicest and most sensible couples I know. Both are currently working at P&G and have been together since 3^rd year college.

Other than Andrew, it was Cris Darwin, Eric, Butch and Jim’s first time at Ristras. We were just here 2 nights ago (err… every 2 nights before that as well?)

The boys were a bit overwhelmed with the array of delicious ingredients in front of them. Same sentiment I had when it was my first time there not so long ago. I’m glad I was assisted during my selection of what’s going inside my burrito from Chef Rob. I was glad to give the same assistance to the berks.

Create Your Own Burrito

First: Choose Bowl or Burrito

It’s a matter of eating it in a bowl or in a wrap

Second: Choose Your Rice (Easiest!)

2 choices: Cilantro White Rice or Chorizo Brown Rice. (You can also forego if you’re on a no-rice diet)

I go for the chorizo brown rice, wonderful color, fantastic grain.

Third: Choose Your Meat (or Go Vegetarian)

Steak –good quality meat soaked in hours in Chipotle Adobo marinade and then grilled medium rare. Very tender and tasty

Chicken –grilled chicken meat in jalapeno marinade

Carnitas –free-range pork braised and seasoned with thyme, bay leave, orange juice

Barbacoa –slow braised shredded beef with cumin, cloves and other spices

You can choose 2 meats for your burrito, which will be separated on each side.

**Go Vegetarian and pack on the bell peppers, black beans and red beans or you can just add it all to your meat

Fourth: Add-ons!

Choose your add-ons: Jalapeno, pico de gallo salsa, tomatoes, tomatillo green chile salsa, roasted chili corn salsa, sour cream, grated cheddar and white cheese, guacamole or no need to choose, you can go with “all the works!”

The serving is good for a hungry one or best shared with a good friend! Now it’s time to order your nachos!

On the Table

Steak slash Barbacoa Burrito PHP 290

Bubba and I decided to split a burrito. It was steak, brown rice and all the other works on one side while it was barbacoa and brown rice on the other. Savor every mouthful

9 Layer Dip with Nachos PHP 255

I really love Rockefeller’s 7-layer nachos but being so far away in Makati, I’ve replaced it with Ristras’ 9-layer dip. 9-layer-dip is brimming with 9 colorful layers of fresh ingredients starting from 2 kinds of beans, sour cream, tomatoes, pico de gallo salsa, onion, corn, chopped olives, jalapenos and guacamole if you wish. Create a perfect bite by getting a piece of everything. We usually ran out of chips but we just grab a Tostitos Hint with Lime tortilla chips from our stash at home and it heightens eating this delicious comfort food. It’s actually more perfect with Tostitos.

Whatever you decide, the garlic sauce makes all the mix and matches come together. The white yogurt sauce suffused with loads garlic has the right consistency compared to other garlic sauces that are diluted. It gives a softer and creamier supplement to each textural bite.

(Chris said that after that Friday visit he finally hit the mark and would probably visit after a month. Newsflash: we were at Ristras last night, only 5 days after that vow.)

If Meg Ryan is addicted to love, she definitely needs to pay Ristras a visit.

CHECK OUT B&T Mexican Kitchen along Ortigas Avenue.

B&T Mexican Kitchen

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J. Abad Santos St. Corner Lopez Jaena

San Juan City

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8 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2009, 2010, affordable, Agave Mexican Cantina, andrew tan, August 1, Authentic, barbacoa, berks, best, Best Mexican, branch, branches, burgers, burrito, butch, Cali Mex, California, celebrity, Charlie’s, Charlie’s Grill, Chef Rob Goco, chorizo brown rice, cilantro wild rice, cris darwin lim, Cyma, darwin, delivery, DLSU, dogs, Eric, eric ryan tang, ERT, expensive, Filipino, food review, garlic sauce, Good Service, grand opening, grill, guacamole, hotdogs, how to create a burrito, how to make, image, in town, J. Abad Santos, Jalapeño, jim, jim harold lim, la salle, latest, location, management, Manager, marie, marinade, math, meat, menu, Mex, mexicali, Mexican, Mexican restaurant, new, number, opening, Philippines, Photo, pinoy, pre-nuptial photos, price, recent, recipe, restaurant, Restaurants, Ristras, salsa, San Juan, San Sebastian Church, shredded beef, Steak, supplier, take out, tang, Taste Manila, Venue, Video, wedding, wedding season, weddings in Manila

Thursday Club Series: Ristras

June 18, 2009 by Janey

All of us have cheerfully approved of meeting every other Thursday for dinner. The choice of restaurant will rotate among its few insatiable members. Thursday Club was officially born.

Fran, Sab, Didi and I started building the friendship over the love of good food. The journey began at Abbondanza about a year ago (it was on the same night I shockingly learned that my former boss has resigned… 🙁 -same night I followed to Chelsea). We are missing Sabs because she is currently in Canada tending to her second pregnancy. (Sab, come back soon okay?)

Fran, Didi, Bubba and I met up at Ristras June 4^th, 3 days after Fran’s birthday and 2 days after the Yellow Cab dinner at Glorietta 5 (about 3 weeks ago). It was Fran’s idea to have dinner at Ristras and what a fantastic choice it was as we were introduced to a Burrito paradise!

Ristras are decorative dried chilies strung together like an ornament. It is usually hung in front of your home to welcome visitors and bring good fortune to the house. Ristras is a fresh take on burrito spots because it gives you the all-out preference on your Mexican burrito.

There is a selection of fresh tasting ingredients right before our eyes. It was hard to contain the excitement as I peer through the glass and count the ways on how to make my signature piece.

To start with, pick between Cilantro Wild Rice or Chorizo Brown Rice. During my first visit I chose the Chorizo Brown Rice. I am salivating remembering my first taste of Ristras.

Choose your meat, chicken, steak, carnitas and barbacoa. You can also opt to go vegetarian. I went for the Barbacoa, slow braised shredded beef with cumin, cloves and other spices. Good thing that owner Chef Rob Goco was around to tell me that I could have two options for my meat. He recommended the steak. The steak is soaking for hours in a Chipotle Adobo marinade before hitting the grill.

hmm... what to get?

This is where the fun starts. After the two basics, you can now choose all the wonderful add-ons from a mix of guacamole, fajitas or sautéed bell peppers and onions, tomatoes, black beans, jalapeno, and condiments of sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cheese and hot garlic sauce.

On the Table (will post photos once I uploaded it, for the meantime, these are the photos from the second visit)

There are two Corona bottles on the table, one is the white garlic sauce and other is the red spicy garlic sauce.

Jane’s Burrito (Barbacoa and Steak with Brown Rice and all the works) PHP 290

I only finished half of my burrito because it was so filling! I can usually hold my ground with spicy ingredients but the jalapeno used felt so fresh that it really burned my tongue! Fran laughed at me because I was teary-eyed yet calm about asking for water. Ha ha ha. Nevertheless, the spice didn’t ruin the taste at all. I went right back to my burrito with vigor and enthusiasm. The beefy waft of the Barbacoa coupled with the perky flavor creates a cascade of taste. The grilled bell peppers and onions are also delish.

Bubba’s Burrito (Barbacoa and Steak with Brown Rice and Cilantro Rice and beans) PHP 290

He did not share but he was so happy he was tugging me to go back the next day!

Chips and Guacamole PHP 95

I like my guacamoles chunkier than Ristras’ version. Chips are amazing, surprisingly not oily at all.

Brahma Beer PHP

It was my first time to drink beer again after sooo many years. I love Brahma because it’s so light and no bitter taste! Might develop a beer belly because of it.. eeps.

Corona Beer PHP

It wasn’t even a week yet and Bubba and I went back to order two burritos to go. Unfortunately, they ran out of Brahma beer, which I wanted paired with my delicious burrito again. Next week, we are bringing Bubba’s DLSU group to try it out.

Come experience different wraps of good eats at the Burrito Paradise, Ristras!

Ristras

J. Abad Santos St. Corner Lopez Jaena

San Juan City

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4 Comments Filed Under: (NEW HERE??) TAKE A BITE OF THE FAVORITES FIRST!!!, Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: Agave Mexican Cantina, Authentic, barbacoa, branch, branches, burgers, burrito, Cali Mex, California, Charlie’s, Charlie’s Grill, Chef Rob Goco, chorizo brown rice, cilantro wild rice, Cyma, dogs, Filipino, food review, garlic sauce, grand opening, grill, guacamole, hotdogs, how to make, image, J. Abad Santos, Jalapeño, latest, list, location, marinade, meat, menu, Mex, mexicali, Mexican, Mexican restaurants, new, opening, Photo, price, recent, Restaurants, Ristras, salsa, San Juan, shredded beef, Steak, Taste Manila, Video

Charlie’s Grind and Grill

January 22, 2009 by Janey

Last week, Mr. Pogi invited to have lunch somewhere near my office. He said that we were going to a burger joint in Pasig.

Pogs first discovered the burger place from reading Fran’s post. Pogs is a regular anonymous reader of Fran, Didi and Sophie’s blogs –my group of foodie friends. He beat me to reading the entry first as I haven’t been able to blog hop for quite a long time. It took us a while to spot Charlie’s as we took a right at United St. as soon as we saw Café Juanita (our landmark) when we should have taken a right instead. Finally, tucked inside a car wash, we spot Charlie’s. The joint was small but vibrant as the orange walls give light to the tiny room.

On the Table

Black Angus Burger with Fries (2) PHP 175

Freshly grilled burger patties, thick and juicy. The mere sight will make your mouth water in anticipation of the first bite. The meat was packing and the flavor didn’t hold any preservatives. Of course being the fast eater that I am, I finished my burger first before Mr. Pogi Wogee did. I sank my teeth into the delicious grilled burger embraced in soft buns and the rest was history. Pogs loved everything about the burger but noted that the bun would’ve been better thinner.

At PHP 150 without the fries, Charlie’s Black Angus Burger is the best burger in town for your buck. The well seasoned plump fries weren’t that oily and it was the perfect combination to the prominence of the burger.

Buffalo Chicken Wings (Half Dozen) PHP 150

BCW is not an unusual order for Pogeeeee and I. We actually have 3 favorites on our list and Charlie’s made that count 4. Served with bleu cheese dip and vegetable sticks.

More than the good food, Pogs spotted Charli’s cooler jam-packed with imported brews, among those include Gordon Biersch Marzen.

Fran’s recommendation was a winner and Pogs found a new burger joint to love. While in the area, you might also consider getting a sparkling carwash for PHP 120.

Charlie’s Grind and Grill is located along East Kapitolyo street, Pasig City.

In Food This Week Album

4 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: american, beef, buffalo wings, Burger, burgers, car wash, Charlie, Charlie's, fish and chips, fries, Grilled, joint, malt vinegar, Manila, meat, Pasig City, Taste Manila

Another One Bites the Club

July 25, 2008 by Janey

YAY!!! It’s Friday, after work, and I get to blog again!!! I was coping better at work this week. Thank God. I’ve upped my “stress” ante.

Okay, this is obviously a backlog since I ate here 2 Wednesdays ago, July 16. It was one of the more stressful weeks of this month and the middle of the week felt like Friday –this is because I felt like I’ve been working for 5 days already on the 3^rd day of the week! I look at a worksheet and go, “I love Excel. I love Excel… Excel is my friend…” You see, I’m not a Finance major and even if I topped my Algebra class in college and 80% of the class copied off my final exam, I don’t really like math that much. I mean it challenges me but I’d rather stare at words than numbers. Obviously MS Word is my ally because I love to write. Overall, I can’t complain though because I’m learning a lot about different businesses –and learning a lot fast. And this week wasn’t so bad. Excel’s beauty grew on me and now I can’t take my eyes off worksheets. I’m really more of a strategic thinker and negotiator than a finance analyst. Having to study the different factions of a business operation piqued my interest over the past 2 weeks. I feel all revved up ready to be thrown to the wolves. Financial analysis??? Chicken feed. Haha. I wish I can carry this cheerfulness over to next week. I hope it’s not only Friday babble.

I digress…

Back to Bite Club, Bubba had that evening all planned out, which was great because I didn’t have to stress over picking where to eat. The location of choice that night was the Katipunan area. The first stop over was Banapple to get some dessert. 2^nd stop was at Kopi Roti for some Kaya. Finally, we arrive at the destination, which was Bite Club. I’ve read about Bite Club and that prepared my appetite for some good things to come.

On the Table:

Bombarella PHP 185

Their claim to fame is their 1-pound burgers. I was expecting a thick burger but the 1lb was actually spread out thin. The Bombarella is a half-pound burger stuffed with mozzarella cheese enhanced by a Frommage Bleu sauce. This was Bubba’s choice. We had the burger cut into halves so we won’t have to strain our fingers trying to grope a big burger.

Bomb PHP 150

Half-pound Beef Patty, which was my order. I was debating between their Sgt. Pepper Mushroom sauce or the red hot Cajun. I love pepper but since I wanted something with a real Muay Thai kick, I opted to go Cajun. There was something in the sauce that tasted a little cheaply familiar to me. Anyway, for PHP 150, I have no complains. Bubba ate the other half and he liked it. I ate half of his burger and liked his order.

Potato Wedge PHP 50?

Thick potato wedge cuts that made eating the humongous burger not too boring.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/516/08_0716-_Bite_Club#

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 1 Lb, Banapple, Bite Club, burgers, Katipunan Ave, Kopi Roti

Mr. T- Bob

May 6, 2008 by Janey

Sunday dinner was spent at Tender Bob’s. We were planning to hit Steak Town in QC, but the hungry pangs made us end up in Tender Bob’s in Greenhills. Tender Bob’s very first branch was in Greenbelt 3 before when it still had its food court. It was pretty strong then as people kept piling up in front of their counter. I remember I used to love ordering the spaghetti, roasted chicken and potato chips from Tender Bob’s.

On the Table:

Potato Chips (I forget the actual name) PHP 145 ++

Obviously it was popular on the table and to me too as it was finished before I can take a snapshot of it. Serving is good size and comes with sour cream (which used to be thicker before) and cheese dip. I love ordering this and bringing it to the movie as my nibbles.

Lean Tenderloin Steak PHP 270 ++

Porterhouse Steak PHP 270 ++ (2)

Joanne and I ordered 1 Porterhouse Steak each. Hers was hard to cut into but mine was okay. The steak is about 5 oz and for PHP 270, you’d expect it to be ordinary.

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Chicken Steak PHP 165 ++

Breaded Chicken Steak PHP 165 ++

All steak orders come with vegetables (which are bland and unseasoned) and one order of side dish, which can either be fries, mashed potato, garlic or java rice. It was once a favorite fast food outlet for me. But Tender Bob’s is not how I used to remember it, at least not with the food. I also used to like the burgers from Tender Bob’s because their beef patties are of premium quality. I’m not sure if that has changed over the years with the cost of prices nowadays.

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