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

Munchtown, Everything’s Waiting For You

March 13, 2014 by Janey

Idle time is something I can’t stand. I’d rather be eating than be idle. That’s why I’m game, set and match to try any new activity, learn a new skill or pick up a new hobby. The only time I can sit still is when I’m watching a movie. And even then, I’d still be eating.

Growing up exposed to all kinds of films available to me at my Tita’s video store, I became a movie fanatic. In college, I would not let a week go by without watching at least one or two movies –if not, all that’s showing. My boyfriend (MB) then also loved catching the latest flick. Greenbelt 3 Cinema was our favorite for a number of reasons but firstly, the concessionaires can deliver food inside the theater.

We’d get lemon grape juice and corn dog from Muscle Beach, some Wrapwich (which I think we’ve tried all variants), Wasabi popcorn and Wasabi Tofu Chips (and almost everything on their menu) from Taters, burgers from Sliders, and potato skins from Tender Bobs with cheese sauce and sour cream.

He’d even walk to Segafredo just to get me my Margherita or Napoletana pizza with a request of a slightly toasted crust. Yes, I eat pizza inside the cinema. One whole box. And yea, even rice sometimes. I simply cannot let dimness get in the way. Others follow their heart, I follow my craving.

Munchtown opened at the Cinema level of Greenhills Promenade and I got pretty excited since a brilliant mind is behind it, Chef Robby Goco. I can’t deny the fact that I’ve frequented (became my 2^nd home) the restaurants that have opened with him at the helm.

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On the Table

Munchtown Fries P195

Fresh Igorota Idaho potatoes with rock salt, black pepper, bacon bits, paprika, chili flakes, sour cream, dill and cream cheese

Love the fresh French fries where each is covered fairly with the wet ingredients. The specks of red from the paprika and green from the dill add a bit of appeal while the meat candy, that is bacon bits, added the charm.

Coco Asian Kitchen, Asian Dishes Merge in One Kitchen at Promenade

March 10, 2011 by Janey

Bubba was the first one who tried Coco Asian Kitchen and he’s been a fan ever since. Each time we are at Promenade and need to eat somewhere quick before a movie, his first pick is always Coco Asian (that almost sounded like always Coca-Cola. Har-har.) I only got to try Coco Asian dishes last January 2011 after a very tiring day at work (and yes, this is an overdue blog post like a dozen others).

With its own semi-private seating area adjoining the order counter, Coco Asian Kitchen is located in the mini common area of Promenade along with the other restaurants. Its signage alone lighted that corner of the Promenade and boasts of dishes from cuisines of Shanghai, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Manila. It was such a bright and refreshing addition to the roster that’s already there.

On the Table

Ube Ubod PHP 120

Quite an original dish, it’s the classic Filipino “lumpiang ubod” modernized in presentation and taste. The “lumpiang ubod” pouches will never bore especially its wrapper is made out of purple yam. Interesting take on a healthy dish –unless you doused in peanut sauce.

Cha Gio PHP 90

Coco Asian Kitchen’s version of the Asian spring rolls served with onion rings.

Tom Yum PHP 90

Coco Asian’s Thai hot and sour soup with shrimps, mushrooms and fragrant herbs was quite enjoyable. It had the right balance of spice and sourness with a touch of creaminess. I was serving myself cup after cup of the Tom Yum, competing with Rowena who seemed to enjoy it as well.

Dory Ala Coco PHP 290

Breaded dory fillets tasted light on its own but wonderfully palatable with the delectable coconut cream sauce. The dory was tender but without completely falling apart and it tasted fresh.

Goat Kaldereta (Stewed Goat) PHP 260

I didn’t try this because I don’t eat goat meat but the big serving dish was completely wiped out by Carlos and his comrades at his end of the table. They said it was one of the best tomato goat stew dishes they have ever tried and would definitely be back to Coco Asian Kitchen just to order it again.

Seafood Rice PHP

Fried rice mixed with a variety of seafood like shrimps, fish and clams

Sweet Potato Prawns PHP 360

I love Tempura a lot unless I’m cutting down on my starch intake because it makes me feel so bloated right after. The Sweet Potato Prawns were an intriguing alternative when I want to sink my teeth into medium-sized prawns.

It’s certainly not your usual tempura batter that’s soft and starchy but I welcome the crunchy texture it brings to my mouth. Think cereal prawns but smoother and thinner.

Green Chicken Curry PHP 260

I think it needed more color to pop out and make it look more appetizing

Tinumok PHP 260

Similar to the famous signature Bicol dish comprised of taro leaves simmered in coconut cream, Coco Asian Kitchen’s Tinumok is minced meat wrapped delicately in layers of taro leaves. Flavorful with good textural pieces of meat and leafy vegetable, it’s so rich and creamy that it’s perfect viand for steamed white rice.

Crispy Tilapia Fillet PHP 190

Bubba is a fan of their crispy Tilapia fillet. He’d knick and knack on it until he finishes the whole plate. ‘Nuff said.

Prices indicated are the price for the regular dishes/”for sharing” size. They also have personal size or “solo” meals that already come with rice. Coco Asian Kitchen also serves Bubble Tea Boy, a contender in the Bubble Tea scene that’s taking Manila by storm. Their ingredients come from Japan and bestsellers are Harajuku and Osaka.

Abet quite happy with his Bubble Tea Boy

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With my crazy smile, it looks like I am too 😉

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BUBBLE TEA BOY – 80

Kyoto – Royal Milk Tea

Harajuku – Caramel Milk Tea

Osaka – Honey Roasted Milk Tea

Uji Matcha – Green Milk Tea

Asakusa – Strawberry Milk Tea

Hakodate – Chocolate Milk Tea

Try Coco Asian Kitchen at the Promenade, Greenhills. Whether you’re craving for a little Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Malaysian or a twist of a Filipino classic, it’s all under one reliable roof called Coco Asian Kitchen. You’d certainly have your favorites soon.

Coco Asian Kitchen / Bubble Tea Boy

FC-1 G/F The Promenade

Greenhills Shopping Center

San Juan City, Philippines

(632)

Coco Asian Kitchen Album

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A Glich’s Life

Photo Credit:

Richard of www.talesfromthetummy.com

Carlos of www.foodiemanila.com

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3 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, address, Asian cuisine, Asian fusion, best, best Asian restaurant, bestsellers, blogger, Bubble Tea Boy, Bubble Tea Boy drinks menu, casa san pablo, Coco Asian Kitchen, Coco Asian Kitchen food review, Coco Asian Kitchen menu, contact number, date, discount, event, feature, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, food review, Fort, Greenhills, Greenhills restaurants, how much, january 2011, list, location, Makati, Manila, Map, menu, Metro Manila, ortigas, Philippines, Photo, photos, pinoy, price, Promenade, Promo, promotion, Quezon City, restaurant, Restaurants, review, service, Taste Manila, time, Ube Ubod, Venue, where

Happy Lemon

December 1, 2010 by Janey

After our wonderful lunch at Lugang Café, Richard invited to happily hop over Happy Lemon that recently opened in Promenade in Greenhills. Happy Lemon is a local franchise from Hong Kong that has also branched out to Singapore, Australia, Japan, Shanghai and New York.

With good initial feedback from Irene and Richard who tried the place once before hauling us there, Abet and I were excited to try it out. Upon reaching the Happy Lemon restaurant/café, we were greeted with its happy sunshine-y interior. It was mostly white and yellow hue inside while it was a mix of orange and white in their outside sitting area.

Following Irene’s lead who said they were happy with the Green Tea with Rock Salt and Cheese drink, I opted to get that exact one. I didn’t find it weird at all when I heard there’s going to be rock salt in my drink since from watching Modern Family (which I absolutely love and find hysterically funny with relatable family issues and touching family moments), I learned from Manny that rock salt actually brings out the flavor more of chocolate drink. So I guess the same goes for another drink.

Green Tea with Rock Salt and Cheese PHP 90

The Green Tea with Rock Salt and Cheese needs to be consumed quickly, otherwise all the elements will separate and it will not be as enjoyable. I love the drink. It has this foamy layer on top followed by smooth creamy drink that has shade of green tea.

It might be hard not to order this again next time I’m at Happy Lemon but I want to try out their other drinks. They have other interesting drinks that I’m tempted to try. Matcha with red bean and pudding is on my hit list!

What’s on your drink hit list?

I wonder if Happy Lemon will soon be a favorite of mine. Since Serenitea increased their prices, I have only visited once or twice. I miss their peppered corn a lot though but sometimes their brewed teas are too strong that I have difficulty sleeping. And I don’t need to aggravate my difficulty in sleeping since I haven’t been sleeping well since that fateful 5^th of September.

So I might be hitting Happy Lemon more often especially when I’m in Greenhills.

Besides, Happy Lemon’s Green Tea with Rock Salt and Cheese made me a happy drinker. It’s as simple as that.

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12 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, address, best, contact number, drinks, Filipino, flavored drink, flavors, food, food blog, food blogger, food review, green tea with rock salt and cheese, Happy Lemon, Happy Lemon drinks menu, Happy Lemon in Greenhills, Happy Lemon local franchise, Happy Lemon owners, Happy Lemon price, location, Makati, Manila, Map, menu, Metro Manila, Philippines, Photo, price, Promenade, Quezon City, restaurant, serenitea, Taste Manila, tea, where

Not So Tender at Tender Bob’s

July 28, 2008 by Janey

July 25. After the Poohkwang show, my mom suggested to have dinner at Tender Bob’s. I really like Tender Bob’s (Link: https://www.janedchua.com/2008/05/06/mr-t-bob/) ever since I was in college and first tried their potato skins in their foodcourt branch in Greenbelt 3 (before it was renovated). Being a frequent customer, the attendants there befriended me. The crew was really nice that I even brought them food once in a while –same thing I do with the counter girls from Wrapwich every time I watch a movie. Since GB 3 renovated, I have not heard from them since. Maybe 2 years later, Tender Bob’s opened a food court stall in Glorietta 4 and I ordered my usual favorite. Somebody from the crew said hi. I barely remembered the face but he told me he worked for the GB3 branch before. The service has always been great –fast and friendly. I can’t say the same for the consistent poor service at their Greenhills branch.

That service at Tender Bob’s almost ruined my dinner. Good thing I eat fast. *Chuckles*

Seriously, the last bad incident here was a few months ago when I asked to be transferred to a booth area once it was available. There was an empty booth area but there was a reserved card on top of it. My scoliosis was acting up that night and my back was in pain. I wanted to be seated where I can rest my full back. 15 minutes later, nobody has occupied the empty booth area. Another booth table opened up and I was waiting for them to transfer us after getting it cleaned. They didn’t. I had to call the attention of the wait staff. 10 minutes passed by and still they haven’t gotten back with an answer if they can transfer us. I called their attention again and they said they couldn’t transfer me anymore because the newcomer is getting it.

After finishing our meal, I had to call the attention of 2 wait staff who already drew my ire. They were just waiting for me to finish what I had to say. I had to call the attention of the manager, who wasn’t much of help either as he looked lost as to what to do. 2 months ago, my mom invited to eat here. Bubba and I looked at each other and I shrugged. Service was bad again. Drinks took a while to get to us and other little strains but we overlooked it as we just enjoyed each other’s company, making fun of Joyce.

When my mom said T-Bob’s, I was really about to say no. But gave it another try since she was paying anyway. I really regretted not saying no as the whole dining experience is ruined by slow, inefficient and frowning service. Bob, the waiter, who continues to get dismal ratings from diners, still disappointed me with not getting back to us with another bowl or the drinks. When Bubba asked him to wrap our untouched mushroom soup and potato skins, he gave a look and a curt nod that says “what an additional work for me.” Bubba is naturally patient especially with poor customer service. He doesn’t want to waste time being nit picky, but when I saw his face and he muttered, “wow, sorry ha.” I knew he was disappointed by Bob’s attitude. That was the last straw for me. When Bob gave us our bill, I had to point out to him that dining there with him around frowning at every customer makes for bad dining experience.

I was hoping to say something like, “I’m sure you’re having a rough day as I am, but I came here today cause maybe just maybe I can get some friendly smiles from here, cause I heard service was pretty darn good here.” But I realize, I’ve never heard of any one say that T Bob’s has good service. Tsk-tsk, that Bob guy is a poor representation of Tender Bob’s, to think that he carries the same name.

On the Table:

Mushroom Soup (2) PHP 100

Potato Skins PHP

Porterhouse Steak Hungry Serving PHP 270

Tenderloin Steak Hungry Serving PHP 270

3 Cheese Burger PHP 190 (?)

I was so disappointed that I forgot to even say anything about the food. The Porterhouse I had this time around was tender and cooked just the way I want it -Medium-well. My mom very much enjoyed her Tenderloin steak. Bubba finished his 3 cheese burger without even letting me have a taste.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/522/08_0725-_Tender_Bobs_GH

1 Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: Bad Service, Bob, Greenhills, Meat Plus Company, Poor Service, Promenade, Tender, Tender Bob's

Penang Hill

July 28, 2008 by Janey

July 15. On a Tuesday night, after running a quick errand in Greenhills, my mom treated us to a dinner at Penang Hill. Since she already ate dinner, she only ordered dessert while Bubba and I ordered meals. Penang Hill is the only restaurant in Promenade that I haven’t tried yet. From the name of the restaurant, one can deduce that it offers Malaysian cuisine.

Penang Hill is a hill resort comprising a group of peaks, the major hill system of Penang, Malaysia. It is located six kilometers from the city centre of George Town. It stands out prominently from the lowlands as a hilly and forested area. Penang Hill is also known by the Malay name Bukit Bendera, which refers to Flagstaff Hill, the most developed peak.

Upon examining the menu, I saw that the dishes are Singapore-Malaysian fare.

On the Table:

Crispy Catfish Salad PHP 195++

Crispy catfish topped with green mango with a Thai style fish dressing. The slight saltiness of the dish and the balancing sourness of the green mango made me finish this dish in New York minute.

Spicy Crablets PHP 95++

Crablets glazed in honey chili sauce. I have only tried crablets only once before and it was one measly bite. Something about crablets’ appearance makes me feel weird eating it. I was feeling adventurous that night so I ordered one. The honey chili sauce gave me that Malaysian savory flavor while the crunchiness of the crablets made for happy chewing.

Hainanese Chicken PHP 260++

This is a dish that I really would not considering ordering since I’m an all flavor girl. Maybe I’d order once a year but not more than that, unless I’m on a diet. Bubba on the other hand is a fan of Hainanese chicken, so when I heard him order that, I had to look the other way to hide my frown. This simple chicken dish was matched with a clear soup, three sauces, and chicken flavored rice. The three sauces heightened my Hainanese experience, but the chicken meat itself satisfied Bubba already. It didn’t stop him though from finishing the ginger sauce.

Pisang Goreng PHP 85

You typical Asian combo dessert of vanilla ice cream and fried banana, drizzled with syrup and topped with cherry.

My desserts were Beard Papa’s cream puff and Hizon’s Yema Mamon. After dinner, we watched the Mama Mia movie, where Bubba and I fell asleep. My mom enjoyed the movie thoroughly and was still singing Abba on the way home. Penang Hill is located at Unit 3, Promenade Greenhills. Contact number is 7253727.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/515/08_0715-_Penang_Hill

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: Greenhills, Malaysian, Penang Hill, Promenade, restaurant

Las Paellas

June 10, 2008 by Janey

Arrived from HK yesterday and I’m still so tired…

May 31. Saturday morning was supposed to be spent getting a check-up at the Intercare Center in Annapolis Greenhills. It’s been years since I last had my scoliosis checked. We got there at 10am and found out that the doctor had a car accident so we had to reschedule. CW and I got our dental check-up instead at 11am.

Lunch was at Las Paellas at the 2^nd level of Promenade.

On the Table

Mozzarella Sticks PHP 130

Four pieces of average size mozzarella cheese sticks served in a bed of shredded lettuce with marinara sauce.

Calamares Fritos PHP 125

Small pieces of squid rings served with citrus mayonnaise dip. I like the batter of the Calamares Fritos, crunchy and with right amount of saltiness. Adds flavor to the squid rings.

Paella Valenciana PHP 450

This was the winner among those that were ordered. Generous helping of seafood and vegetable

Hot “Spanish” Chocolate PHP 85

We asked what kind of chocolate they use. The waiter said “Hershey’s” but retracted and said he’d check. When he returned, he said they use Spanish chocolate. When the drink arrived, it tasted Hershey’s. *Grins*

Grape Shake PHP 80

Very refreshing and not too sweet

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/467/08_0531-_Las_Paellas

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: Greenhills, Intercare, Las Paellas, Promenade, Restaurants, Scoliosis, Spanish Cuisine

2 Italians in One Night

December 12, 2007 by Janey

What do you do when you want to eat at two good restaurants in one night? Have your favorite pasta from Cibo to go (since it’s always so full and noisy there) and dine at Pasto. In my case, it was Pasta Dela Terra of Cibo.