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

Oooh Mama Ooma!

October 13, 2015 by Janey

“Oooh mama!,” exclaimed by someone excitable. That excited, jumping person happens to be me. I’d be highly strung if we are talking about Ooma in this case. People have anticipated the opening of Ooma restaurant since it’s the second partnership between two geniuses, Bruce Ricketts and The Moment Group. The first one, a favorite of mine as well, is Mecha Uma.

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Ooma is a play on the Japanese word “umai” which translates to good. At Ooma, they take good seriously. But not too serious that you take the fun and warm comfort out of it. Like most Moment Group restaurants, Ooma is hip and almost avant-garde… always in the trail of something new, bold and flavorful.

I missed going during their media invite as I was traveling in July but glad to go on a personal visit where it will be more relaxed. I tried to have dinner twice (once with Merry and another one with Dave) but the queue was super long that I ended up eating at Lugang Cafe during both missed opportunity. Finally, early September, somebody was able to reserve seats. I couldn’t sit still all day, excited for dinner.

Using the blueprint of Japanese cooking, much thought and passion are injected into each dish. Bold flavors built together to create something familiar and comforting, with new tastes based on the modern day palate.

On the Table

O Gyoza (5 pieces) Php 235

Gratinated mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Scallion. Togarashi. Unagi sauce.

Uni Sashimi Php 195

Fresh uni. Shiso. Ponzu Sauce. White Truffle Oil.

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Love that slithery silky texture of uni

Hanger Steak Php 495

Sous vide hanging tender. Sauteed mushrooms. White truffle oil. Sweet potato mash. Crispy baby potato. Pickle dressing. Ponzu butter.

Mmm-delish! My second or third favorite dish on the table.

Uni Udon Php 495

Fresh Uni. Shrimp. Onion. Fresh mushrooms. Nori crumbs. Scallion. Uni cream sauce.

This is probably my favorite dish in the menu. I love uni and I love udon. I remember learning how to make udon in Osaka back in 2005. These find silk threads with veneers of creamy and briny white sauce coating it, cuffed with uni, shrimp and mushroom bites, punch luscious luxury in my mouth.

Scallop and Tuna Aburi Maki Php 295

Torched scallop. Tuna. Cucumber. Sesame seeds. Nori crumbs. Scallion. Teriyaki Sauce. Spicy Mayo. Kimchi aioli.

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Aburi, meaning to burn something, is a traditional Japanese method of blowtorch, direct flame to burn. It can be destructive or tame and the art of aburi brings out amazing things – a different flavor and an enticing aroma that fills the entire place. An Ooma signature dish, the Aburi Maki list includes a full range of the best ingredients including top shelf delights such as hamachi, uni, scallops, and soft shell crab.

Ooma’s Scallop and Tuna Aburi Maki is also a favorite of mine. Love the taste of burnt something in my mouth, deeply smoky, faintly bitter and indistinctly sweet. Ooma provides a jar of soy sauce with a brush to lightly brush your maki with. It’s probably good training for folks not to dip their maki and overly doused it in sauce.

Your Local Restaurant, Makati

October 8, 2014 by Janey

My first visit at Your Local was a confusion of sorts. After the 9am CCF Service that Sunday, my sister, the baby popeye and I usually hunt down new restaurants to try. The restaurant “Your Local” is in my short hit list, but I haven’t had the chance to go since it’s located in my favorite “most light traffic” place, Makati. I was unusually game to drive to Makati that day, since it’s Sunday, and Waze my way into finding Your Local. My sister was the one helping me navigate through Waze. We finally hit Esteban street and Shobe pointed that we’ve reached the place upon seeing the signage. I parked the car and we entered the door excitedly.

The restaurant was quite spacious with high ceilings to boot. We picked a corner table and settled. I think it was self-service so I went to the counter to order. Perusing their menu, I couldn’t quite grasp why they only have sandwiches and not main dishes. I asked if that’s all they have in their menu and got confirmation. A few moments later, I realized we were not inside Your Local but Yardstick. Mortified, we gathered our things and walked out quietly, but given away by our loudly grumbling tummies. We finally figured that its entrance was inside the building. We went in and wondered why Your Local’s door was closed even after an eager nudge. The building guard informed us that it’s closed on Sundays. Tug-dug-toinks!

Blackbird Fly at Ayala Triangle, Makati

September 30, 2014 by Janey

I love the movie “I Am Sam” and the fact that throughout the movie, they used cover versions of Beatles songs. One of the songs I love in their soundtrack is Blackbird, which could actually be a song about the civil rights movement.

“Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Take these broken wings and learn to fly

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment to arise.”

Another Blackbird is grabbing my attention and can get me singing all dining service long. Formerly The Library at Ayala Triangle in Makati, Blackbird is the newest restaurant of Chef Colin Mackay of Sala, Sala Bistro and People Palace fame. But prior to being “formerly The Library,” it was “formerly Manila International Airport” back in the day.

The very spot is the same location as the Neilson Tower that’s why the restaurant draws its inspiration from an aviation concept. Even the menu supposedly is inspired by the aviation tower with international flights, carrying European and Asian-influenced dishes.

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There is a bar and lounge fronting the restaurant and a hallway leads you to the main dining area with a beautiful winding staircase as a focal point leading to a second floor for dining and private functions.

There is also an al fresco area which has a second bar outside.

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The view from top will also show that Blackbird actually looks like a motored bird, an airplane-shaped restaurant with a cockpit, left and right wings. There are two clocks on display, one is Manila time and other set to California time. It reminds me of my clocks at home which are set Manila and Paris.

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Hands down, Blackbird has to be one of the top three most beautiful and interesting dining destinations in Manila. If you’re looking for a date place to impress a date or celebrate with a loved one, your layover should be at Blackbird.

On the Table

Grilled Octopus, Cucumber Pickle, Sesame Soy P580

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Flat Iron Steak, Kimchi, Green Onion and Ginger, Lettuce, Hot Sauce P980

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The First Slurp of IPPUDO Ramen Philippines

September 10, 2014 by Janey

IPPUDO known as one of the most popular Hakata-style Tonkotsu ramen has finally opened in Manila, Philippines. It literally translates to “One Wind Hall,” Ramen King-awarded Shigemi Kawahara went against the wind in revolutionizing ramen in 1985, offering specially crafted bowls in a comfortable setting. IPPUDO Philippines first restaurant is located at 3/F Mega Fashion Hall. It is very spacious and can sit close to 80 guests.

The dining room is divided into the smaller area and the main dining area for bigger groups. There is also a bar fronting the kitchen for those who’d like to eat and run after the last drop of their ramen.

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With IPPUDO opening, it just reinforces that the ramen craze in Manila isn’t over and in fact, would likely to stay for good as Pinoys have given a space for it in the culinary landscape. Numerous folks were very excited with news that the same group behind the tremendously successful Yabu: House of Katsu, pioneer of the Tonkatsu craze in Manila, is bringing Ippudo to the local scene.

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At IPPUDO, each bowl must have a delicate balance of ingredients, broth and finely-crafted noodles. The ramen chef acts as the consummate story-teller in the kitchen, spawning art in every hot bowl. IPPUDO welcomes its patrons with much enthusiasm, knowing that every move from cooking to serving should be choreographed to perfect timing even down to the moment when the staff bids the customer, “…until we meet again.”

Mecha Uma with Chef Bruce Ricketts, Fort Bonifacio

September 4, 2014 by Janey

Nestled amid the high-rise towers that pepper Bonifacio Global City, Mecha Uma is located in a seemingly quieter corner of 25^th Street at the Fort. Almost hidden, it is a cut-stone requiring to be uncovered. The dining room is minimalist with elaborate wood frames hanging from the ceiling and the open kitchen as the focal point. The setting is comfortably intimate wherever you sit, even if you perch at the bar.

The interior allows the simplistic beauty of the dishes to really shine, same as Sensei Sushi where the background is thrown to oblivion, except for the food that inspiringly stands out.

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On the Table

Tuna P255

Coconut, foie gras mousse, roasted pineapple

Diced tuna, fresh and trumpeting with flavors inside a tuile-sandwich. The thin crisp wafer breaks gently exposing a bit of sticky sweetness, citrus, and a dissolving line of richness. The two nutty bites felt like every sense of taste was there, even a nearly imaginary heat. There was a crunch, then the flesh of tuna, the flavors, and instantaneously, a pleasing memory.

Ippudo Ramen Hong Kong – Manila opening soon

September 3, 2014 by Janey

Ippudo hails from the ramen capital in Japan, Hakata (Fukuoka), and opened its doors in October 1985. Its popularity in Japan counting 65 branches all over the country made its founder Shigemi Kawahara the Ramen King of 2005. The restaurant has since then branched out to Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, China, Australia and New York. This September, Philippines will be added to that list.

Excitement has been stirred up with news that the same group behind the tremendously successful Yabu: House of Katsu, pioneer of the Tonkatsu craze in Manila, is bringing Ippudo to the local scene. Ippudo will join the early starters Tim Ho Wan, Lugang Café, 8Cuts, Osaka Osho, Boqueria and newly opened Saint Marc’s Café in the SM Mega Fashion Hall.

During a business trip in Hong Kong last year, I picked Ippudo as venue for a lunch meeting. We ordered deep fried oyster with wafu tartar sauce (HKD 38), Ippudo’s salmon cutlet (HKD 82), the Ippudo BBQ Pork Buns (HKD 28), Eel Rice in Stone Pot (HKD 68), Ippudo Karaka Ramen (HKD 78) and another ramen which name escapes me.

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[Read more…]

Boqueria, Restaurante Chocolateria in Megamall

May 28, 2014 by Janey

The target to hit was really Tim Ho Wan, on its official second day of operation, but the long queue drove me off to wander and check out other restaurants at the SM Mega Fashion Hall. My friend Nat was luckier since she was able to secure a table last Saturday around 4pm with only 20 minutes of wait. I’d probably wait when all the hype has died down or when they open their SM Mall of Asia (MOA) branch or when I fly off to Hong Kong again in a few months where I originally had it. Maybe I should check out their branch in Singapore when I go middle of June.

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Boqueria is a Spanish restaurant con chocolateria that looked promising but had easily disappointed as soon as we got the menu. The restaurant’s interior was nice with the striking open kitchen being the focal point. Service could’ve been more inclined and friendlier.

We had to ask for the menu even if we have been sitting there for a good 5 minutes with them barely being 1/3 full. When the tall wait staff finally reached our table, I asked them for their specialty and what he can recommend to order. He grunted a few dishes. When I ordered an item he said, he then tells me that it’s not available.

I clarified a few items on the menu but he wasn’t keen on answering staring at an empty table instead. I gave up trying to figure out the best dishes to order and finally decided to just order what strikes my eye. I was on the 5^th dish (3 tapas and two entrées) when I realized that he wasn’t listening to me. I asked him what he had listed down so far and he gave me only 2. I had to call him out for not paying any attention at all. He didn’t even apologize or tried to get the other order he missed since I only repeated one.

On the Table

Albondigas con Foie Gras P288

Foie Gras Meatballs

Tim Ho Wan Opens in Megamall

May 21, 2014 by Janey

The biggest buzz of the week, Tim Ho Wan finally opens in Manila. Its first location is at the newly opened Mega Fashion Hall in SM Megamall. I dared to visit during lunch hour and not surprisingly, a huge crowd has already gathered. Expect long queues to go on for months. These pork buns sell for P50 a piece, just a tad bit pricier than the HK price which sells P120-P130 for one order / 3 pieces.

Tim Ho Wan apparently means “add good luck” in Cantonese. It’s supposedly the cheapest or most affordable Michelin star restaurant. I’ve tried Tim Ho Wan in Hong Kong during a business trip where I forced my former boss and COO to hunt it down for dinner – I’m that goal-oriented, not only in business but especially when it comes to good food. We had to wait 15 minutes to get seated but it was fairly quick. We ordered quite a number of dimsum items, almost everything in the menu since everything seemed dirt cheap.

Boon Tong Kee Philippines

March 20, 2014 by Janey

The first time I tried Boon Tong Kee was in Singapore sometime 2010. It started as a small chicken rice stall in Singapore’s Chinatown in 1979 and since then has grown into an international franchise with branches in the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia. There are 7 successful branches in Singapore but the branch I dined at is their first full-service restaurant at Balestier Road, which opened as far back as 1983.

Follow the Road to the Yellow Chicken at Wee Nam Kee

May 29, 2013 by Janey

Remember that Last Song Syndrome (LSS) after watching The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, one which Dorothy kept singing as she used it as a guideline to lead her to Emerald City. Follow the Yellow Brick Road? Well, my version lately is Follow the Yellow Chick Road.

After Anti-Gravity Yoga class at Beyond Yoga BHS Central, Isis and I walked the road that led to Wee Nam Kee, where we anticipated finding an emerald of a dish. The imported Yellow Chicken, deemed as the Wagyu of Chicken, that can get anyone fixed on a new high with Hainanese Chicken Rice.

I find myself back in the modern and clean interiors of Wee Nam Kee but this time, at their Serendra branch. From entering Manila shores some 2 years ago, the restaurant has already expanded to 6 branches. There are only two branches that serve the highly acclaimed Yellow Chicken, Wee Nam Kee Serendra and Glorietta branches. For something as good as this, it has every right to be a bit elusive.

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The restaurant’s interiors give off a clean-cut contemporary feel with beautiful bird cage drop lights, but more than the comfortable setting to bring family or close friends to, it is what’s placed on the table that’s the main highlight and loyal patrons keep coming back for. On a late Sunday lunch, the place was packed.

On the Table

Chili Crabs with Fried Mantou Bread (4pcs) – Price varies on weight

Wee Nam Kee has an extensive menu but we had to stick with its house specialties like their Singaporean Chili Crab and Cereal Prawns to accompany what we targeted for that day – Yellow Chicken.

Isis had her eyes set on this dish as soon as she opened the menu and even if I had crabs the day before, I did not back down. Wee Nam Kee serves a mean Chili Crab dish that has all that sweet spicy mixture of garlic, shallots, sesame sauce, ginger, oyster sauce, tomato and of course chili sauce that I don’t mind getting my hands dirty on.

By now, you know the drill, soak up the chili crab sauce with the fried mantou bread and if there’s a drop on your plate, mop it off and place it in your mouth.

No wasting that red sticky goodness that strikes just the right punch of sweet and spicy. I also love that the good-size crab had hefty meat inside that’s not overcooked but tender and still retained its integrity. I could finish heaps of white rice with this or a basketful of fried mantou.

Brotzeit Opens in Manila

April 4, 2013 by Janey

“Prost!” Throughout dinner, I keep hearing and exclaiming, “Prost!” toasting to the delicious Bavarian dishes in front of us and imported quality bottles of beer clinking. Brotzeit, a German Bier Bar and Restaurant, opens at the street level of Shangri-la Plaza Mall, aiming to bring the widest selection of German Beers in Manila.

Brotzeit literally translates to bread (brot) and time (zeit), referring to a traditional Bavarian expression for small meals or snacks that is usually accompanied with fresh, pure beer. As it is in the 11 branches in 7 different markets, all beers served at Brotzeit are brewed according to the German Purity Law of 1516, 100% natural, made with pure spring water and imported from Germany.

The casual dining atmosphere is accentuated with German-inspired wooden benches and a long wooden bar counter, which makes Brotzeit an ideal restaurant for families or groups of friends.

Not being a big beer drinker, although I love its malty scent, I focus heavily on the authentic Bavarian cuisines served by Brotzeit. These dishes are perfect to be accompanied by the world famous German beers.

Gerry, or GSM as the group fondly calls him, my favorite foodie seatmate as of late, seems to thoroughly enjoy his meals with his beer. I take a more conservative route and ordered the Sanpellegrino Limonata.

Spectrum at Fairmont Makati

January 21, 2013 by Janey

Last Thursday, Spanx invited to try out the latest buffet joint to hit Makati. It is located at Fairmont Makati, which is also home to Raffles Residences that houses 200+ bedroom residences for both short and long-term stays. With a contemporary design amidst the modern surroundings, the newly opened Fairmont Makati is adding another hotel destination for the city.

Raffles is a sister brand under the parent company Fairmont Raffles Hotels International. Raffles sounds familiar since it’s one of the more upscale hotel chains also found in Singapore, made famous for its Long Bar. Before dinner, the group first whilst away the time at the Long Bar here in Makati, which is only the 2^nd one after Singapore.

While everyone was ordering liquored drinks from left to right, I satiated my thirst with non-alcoholic drinks like their warm calamansi dalandan juice. It was so good I had to get two glasses. I’m recovering from a severe flu last week that’s why I had to beg off with the Long Bar’s signature drinks. I heard praises though for their Singapore Sling and mostly, this Makati Luxury Sling that had some gold flakes to finish it off.

Between Bites TOP 10 MUST BITES 2011

December 22, 2011 by Janey

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.

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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

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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 2^nd 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.

Pond’s White Beauty Naturals and Promo on Kylie Minogue Concert in Manila on July 5

June 30, 2011 by Janey

Pond’s brings to the Philippines the new Pond’s White Beauty Naturals with Camellia leaf extract, which is a NATURAL powerful ingredient that lightens skin. The Camellia leaf supposedly only grows in the foothills of the Himalayas and this extract helps prevent skin darkening –which is common if you are living in a tropical country like the Philippines.

Filipinas have a difficult time finding that one moisturizer that will keep their complexion fair and their face free from feeling sticky throughout the day.

More than the other whitening products, the New Pond’s White Beauty Naturals apparently works double time since the Camellia leaf reduces the formation of melanin deep within your skin. Add the proven skin lightening technology of the Pond’s White Beauty range to this equation and you get this new fresh skin lightener.

Pond’s new line is being endorsed by celebrity Angelica Panganiban. Yes, she is Derek Ramsay’s beau. Angelica explained that while she is very fortunate to be blessed with very good skin, Pond’s provides the pinkish-white glow to her complexion.

Pond’s White Beauty Naturals include:

+ Facial Foam: 5g Sachet (P6), 50g Tube (P80), 100g (P150)

+ Moisturizer: 10g No Mess Sachet (P20), 20g Tube (P70), 50g Jar (P249)

Current Promo: Buy P300.00 of any Pond’s White Beauty Naturals Products in leading supermarkets and drugstores nationwide and you will automatically receive a Rhett Eala Eco-Chic Bag. Promo runs until supplies last

While a Rheatt Eala eco-chic bag adds primness to your bagging and shopping needs, you might want to catch the Kylie Minogue concert in Manila on July 5. This time, it is the brand Pond’s Flawless White, who is giving a once in a lifetime treat to its loyal consumers. Prepare to be enthralled and electrified with the performance of famed artist and icon Kylie Minogue as Pond’s Flawless White co-presents the much anticipated Aphrodite world tour concert here in Manila this coming July 5.

Beyond her chart topping hits and lasting career, Kylie Minogue is known for her beauty who has captivated the eyes of many. Now in her 40s, she revealed last year her secret to flawless radiant glow. Following her mom’s skin regimen, Kylie attested that she uses Pond’s Cold Cream on a regular basis and is one of the reasons for her beautiful and youthful skin.

Known to lighten skin and reduce dark spots in just 7 days, Pond’s Flawless White will be giving away more than 300 tickets to Kylie Minogue’s concert on July 5, 2011 8.00 P.M. at the Araneta Coliseum. I’m sure you will be interested so here are two ways to join the promo:

Online:

Follow Pond’s Philippines on Twitter (username: pondsph) and retweet this message: I use the Unbeaten power of Pond’s Flawless White to whiten everyday. Now I can use it to meet Kylie Minogue too! #Pond’s_KylieMinogue 3 lucky winners can win 2 lower box tickets plus a chance to meet and greet Kylie Minogue on the day of the concert. Winners will be announced weekly (June 17, June 24 and July 1) on Pond’s Twitter and Facebook account.

In-store

More chances of winning when you buy P500 worth of Pond’s products inclusive of any Pond’s Flawless White in leading supermarkets, department stores and drugstores in GMA. After purchase, shoppers shall accomplish the official raffle entry form from the Pond’s beauty advisor. 150 lucky shoppers will win 2 tickets (mix of upper A, upper B and lower box tickets) via a raffle supervised by a DTI representative. Winners will be contacted and will be announced on Pond’s facebook page (www.facebook.com/pondsphilippines) on July 2 and can claim their prizes at the Pond’s booth stationed in Araneta Coliseum on July 5, 2.00 P.M.

So try the unbeaten whitening of Pond’s Flawless White and you might have a chance to catch Kylie Minogue live in Manila! Visit www.facebook.com/pondsphilippines or ask our Pond’s beauty advisors for more information.

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Tao Yuan Restaurant in Malate

May 2, 2011 by Janey

Tao Yuan made quite a stir in Malate late 2009 when Chinese folks started raving about their Singaporean dishes cooked by authentic Singaporean chefs who flew in from Singapore. I’ve been to Tao Yuan a couple of times but this is my first time to write about them.

Tao Yuan HCR

The first time I tried Tao Yuan was at their branch at Resorts World. I wasn’t too impressed thinking that I actually liked STV’s Hainanese Chicken Rice better. It’s no secret that I’m such a big fan of Stevie’s, having ordered it countless times since early 2010. However, when I visited Tao Yuan with Bubba 2^nd week of April, I had a change of heart and liked Tao Yuan much better in their Malate branch.

Thanks Pat and Eric for the surprise! 🙂

It was the weekend where Bubba and I stayed at Sofitel –free accommodation, thanks to my Accor Advantage Plus Card (hey Joan Lim!). I invited to have a late lunch in Malate before checking in the hotel but unfortunately, my first choice of restaurant, La Scala Café and Music Bar was closed and won’t open until 6pm. Good thing that Tao Yuan was open and that’s where Bubba and I detoured for lunch.

Tao Yuan Restaurant Hainanese Chicken Rice

On the Table

Pickled Peanuts – Free

Since it was already past 3 in the afternoon, Bubba and I snacked on the pickled peanuts first while waiting for our food.

Bah Kuh Teh PHP 180

Bah Kuh Teh is a clear pork ribs stew that’s usually peppery. The pork ribs are simmered in a broth of mixed herbs and spices for a long time incorporating a strong pork flavor into the soup.

A small version is cooked or reheated near your table and served in a nice pot. Tao Yuan’s version of Bah Kuh Teh had a robust flavor of pork and spices. The meat off the lone bone was tender. It was such a comforting starter.

Tao Yuan Bah Kuh Teh

Singapore Hainanese Chicken PHP 450/Half

I ordered the same at their Resorts World branch but interestingly found the taste at Tao Yuan Malate branch more pleasing to the palate.

The chicken was flavorful and tender. Bubba finished the whole plate and even said the taste was comparable to Stevie’s. He loved it.

Cereal Prawns 2 pieces PHP /piece

Bubba let me have this plate all to myself and only took half a bite of the cereal prawn. He didn’t like the cereal that came with the prawns at first but eventually enjoyed munching the crunchy cereals after a while. The cereals coating the prawns and laid out generously on the serving plate was both sweet and savory.

Tao Yuan Cereal Prawns

Service at Tao Yuan Malate was really impressive, very different from the Resorts World branch. The wait staff assigned to our table was very attentive and helpful.

Albeit very hungry, Bubba and I enjoyed our late Tao Yuan lunch and would definitely be back if we find ourselves back in the Malate area. I look at trying the Black Pepper Crabs of Tao Yuan next time.

Tao Yuan Restaurant

508-512 General Malvar Street corner A. Mabini Street,

Malate, Manila, Philippines

(632) 522 7009 – 10

Tao Yuan Restaurant Album

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Between Bites TOP 10 Best Things About Bali

November 2, 2010 by Janey

I had reservations when I first set out in Bali. What could be more exciting to see in Indonesia that didn’t already excite me here in the Philippines or elsewhere? Our beaches in the country are definitely beautiful and almost non-par with what the rest of the world can offer but there’s something about the verve in Bali, both easy and vibrant, that melted memories of chasing deadlines and working hours… and created memories of delightful bliss.

This Indonesian Island noticeably caught my interest from Day 1. There is a good mixture of different things to do, eat and experience in Bali –each place has its own personality and it’s only within each other’s striking distance. Ubud is a place full of things to love. There’s a lot of splendor to be found in Ubud –from food to talent. Below is a list of things to do, spots or sites to visit, and reasons that made me have an affair with Bali.

Between Bites TOP 10 Best Things in Bali

10. Pura Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot Temple is located in the coastal side of the countryside which is about 1 hour and 15 minutes ride from Ubud. Tanah Lot means “Land in the Sea” while Pura means temple, this temple sits atop a large offshore rock being shaped continuously over the years by the ocean side. It’s located in Tabanan, about 20km from Denpasar.

Image Source: Wikipedia

For divers, Tanah Lot would resemble a coral reef near a coastal lip. Catch a spectacular view of the sunset behind a dry reef minus the swimming fishes. This is also considered as a “holy place” where some locals worship the Balinese sea gods. Check the corners around the Tanah Lot Temple and notice that holy tame snake in black and white color surrounding it as a seemingly guard of the temple.

9. Going Around

Going around Bali is as easy as 1-2-3. One has at least 3 choices of transport. If you decide to travel to Ubud and other parts of Bali, it is best to contract a hired vehicle with driver, which can approximately cost PHP 1,600 –a group of four friends can break this amount down to only PHP 400 per head. That’s 9 hours of touring around at your own disposal –without worry of getting lost, carrying your things/shopping bags around and flagging down cabs. That includes a trip to Tanah Lot Temple and Ubud which are at least an hour away from the central of Bali.

Other than taxi cabs, tourists can also flag down motorbikes for a cheaper ride (something similar to going around Boracay). Get the actual thrill of gusting wind on your face while speeding up when you rent a Vespa instead. If you can’t afford to own a Vespa in Manila (at least 300K for brand new) like me (I seriously want a vintage one with a basket in front), then renting it in Bali is the next best thing.

And of course, wandering aimlessly by foot gets you to see the heart of Bali.

8. Ubud, the Art Village

Take a short 1-hour drive to Ubud, the art village of Bali, and soak in the creativity and visions that unfold through dozens of art galleries in the area. Almost everyone seems to be an artist in Ubud and they rightfully have a knack at it.

Antonio Blanco Museum is one of the more famous art museums in Ubud. Antonio Blanco was born by Spanish parents who settled in the Philippines in 1911. He moved to Bali penniless, befriended the King and became the confidant of many powerful folks in Indonesia. His museum displays most of his paintings and artwork that involved baroque pornography, mostly women with exposed breasts. It has a wonderful garden patio that also has a corner for petting bird station.

Image Source: Blanco Museum Website

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There are a lot of other galleries to go to in Ubud. It’s such a groovy artist village with numerous stores showcasing the Balinese creativity. Paintings/sculptures are not only a feast for the eyes –they also stimulate the mind and sometimes spark the heart.

7. Outlet Stores

Shop until you literally drop! There are dozens of outlet stores scattered all over Bali! A lot of those include surfing brands like Billabong, Surfer Girl, Rip Curl, etc. Head to the Billabong Factory Outlet to get the best discounts since the prices are cut by 30%, 50% and 75% depending on the items!!! What a steal!!!

6. Nightlife

The Night Life in Bali is pretty happening too. The energy varies where you choose to spend the evening. The Legian area has a much tamer crowd while Kuta, on the other hand, is the actual epicenter of night life in Bali. Eventful clubs and bars are lined up along its streets. Think of Boracay’s party center and that’s exactly what Kuta is. Sky Lounge is one of the popular bars in Kuta, Bali. They have several levels for different type of music and crowd. The party never stops here.

Since Kuta is party-bustling until midnight or past it, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and shops nearby also close late. Drop in a massage parlor for a Balinese massage that will kneed your tired muscles after a long night of dancing. Balinese massage is on the hard side that concentrates on pressure points on your feet.

5. Ubud Botanical Garden

Botanic Garden describes itself as a palace with the sky as roof and many different rooms, secret chambers, galleries and staircases. It is a lush and tranquil sanctuary just 1.2 kilometers from the heart of Ubud. The Garden serves as a unique tourism destination as well as a retreat for Ubud’s residents.

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Men like Bubba would probably find the need to snooze here but I appreciated the live paintings of beautiful flowers, greenery and flowing water that energized my chi that perfect cool morning.

Botanical Garden

Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (80571), Bali, Indonesia

Phone: +62 (361) 970951

Email: info@botanicgardenbali.com

4. Bebek Bengil Dirty Duck Diner

Anthony Bourdain featured Bebek Bengil Dirty Duck Diner in his show No Reservations. Bebek Bengil opened in 1990 and has made the restaurant a popular spot for tourists to visit.

They are quite known for their Bebek Bengil Crispy Duck IRP 68,000 (PHP 340), which is half a duck steamed in Indonesian spices and then fried for a crispy finish with choice of sautéed potatoes and a side salad or steamed rice and Indonesian vegetables.

The brown fowl with glistening crispy skin and very lean duck meat was served with rice and vegetable side dishes. It has to be the crispiest duck Bubba and I ever tasted. Bubba almost didn’t want to share as he kept pulling at the meat, one bite after the next. Quite primitive with his bare hands but goes to show how much he enjoys the duck. Savor a decadently rich skin where taste is divine and almost melts in your mouth.

Bebek Bengil Restaurant

(Dirty Duck Diner)

Phone: 62-361-975-489

Padang Tegal, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Anthony Bourdain’s Bali Special on No Reservations

3. Surfing

Bali is the best spot to learn surfing for beginners. Odysseys Surf School is a surfing school supported by the Academy of Surfing Instructors Australia, Hard Rock Cafe, Surftime-Surf Mag and has a reputation for its open, fun and friendly atmosphere. It offers surfing lessons for beginners and intermediate.

Look at the waves

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I didn’t think I could do it

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Gearing up for a second run

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I had reservations about surfing since I am not a strong swimmer (I’m not a swimmer period) but Odyssey’s surfing instructor was really attentive and I felt safe under his watch. Their school is conveniently located in front of Kuta Beach, a beach very famous for its white sandy bottom, breaking waves and waist deep water, making the school the perfect and suitable place to learn surfing. It pumped the adrenaline and is one of the best activities I did in Bali.

Odyssey’s Surf School

G/F Mercure Hotel Arcade, Kuta Beach, Bali

2. Naughty Nuri Ribs

Naughty Nuri is a hole-in-the-wall resto with the exterior looking like a small unassuming shack fronted by a smoking barbecue grill and an unmistakable queue. No matter how intimidating the ribs might look like at first or how full you are, a person will be able to finish a plate of full slab barbecued ribs in New York minute –that’s how fantastic their ribs are.

My Love Shack

Naughty Nuri’s Barbecue Ribs, priced at IRP 85,000 (PHP400), give you three choices, pork, beef or lamb ribs. The perfectly smoked barbecued ribs exude sweet, smoky and piquant flavors. I didn’t fight the urge to grab it with my hands (more primitive than Bubba actually) –staining my small fingers with the barbecue sauce and charred flakes.

The ribs were well-coated with their special barbecue sauce from meat to the bones. Fall-off-the-bones tender ribs… it seems like my barbaric hunger for it will never end.

Oh and you might also want to order that with a dry dirty martini. New York Times claim they have the best in the world… along with those ribs. I’m willing to go back to Bali in a heartbeat if only for those mouthwatering and dream-inducing ribs.

Naughty Nuri’s Warung and Grill

Jl. Raya Sanggingan (Across the road from Neka Museum), Ubud, Bali

Phone: (361) 977547

Open Daily: 8AM-10PM

http://www.naughty-nuris.com/

1. Jimbaran Sunset

Jimbaran is known for the seafood restaurants along the long stretch of stunning white sand. The sky is painted with red, pink, orange and blue hues. It was literally the BEST sunset I have ever seen. And I’ve seen a few… in the most beautiful places in the Philippines –Boracay, Anawangin, Calaguas, Bantayan, Malapascua, etc. I don’t think my photo serves it justice but the actual sight keeps me in awe.

In accord, the heavens seem to expose more of its beauty as its palette change from gray and blue tone… to gray and pink tone with a stroke of blue… to an orange pink and off-whitish hue… magnificently whipping fragments of mixed shades making me think an invisible painter is standing close by.

The crab and chicken dishes at Aroma restaurant are delicious and inclined service is adequate and friendly. Don’t miss out in trying out the corn that vendors sell on the beach. It’s grilled corn on the cob basted with an Indonesian gingery spice that’s delightful tasty.

This was the most relaxing part of the trip. We stayed in Jimbaran for almost 3 hours soaking in the evening’s quiet breeze and the sea’s lovely presence.

Are you ready for a Bali trip? 😉 Armed with these must-visit places, I think you definitely are. Take me with you? I can fit in a 30-lb luggage mebbe? 😀

READ MORE:

A Whole Lotta Bali Lovin’

Memoirs of the Affair

My Love Affair with Bali

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21 Comments Filed Under: Walk the World: A BITE of Travel Tagged With: 2010, accommodation, account, address, ancient stone relics, Antonio Blanco, art gallery, artist village, Bali beach, Balinese paintings, Balinese spa, bathing pools, Beach, beach blog, beaches, Bebek Bengil, best food, best foodie blog, best grilled smoked barbecue ribs, best hotel rates, best Travel blog, best vodka martini in the world, Blog, blogger, Breakfast, bridge, Bridgette, Bubba, budget, cheapest, chicken kebab pepper rice, clean, cocktails, contact numbers, country, Crispy Duck, dining, Dirty Duck Diner, dirty hands, Dollars, duck skin, Elephant Cave, Elephant Temple, entrance fee, Experience, experiences, famous, Filipinos, food tour, Goa Gajah, Good Service, grill, grit, guests, history, Hotel, houses, how to get there, Indonesia, IRP, Jimbaran, Kuta, Kuta best bars, Kuta party scene, Kuta Town House, landmark, landmarks, list, location, Love, lover, Made's Warung, Madz Alsola, Manila, Map, Massage, menu, Monkey Forest, My Love Affair with Bali, Naughty Nuri Warung and Grill, Naughty Nuri's, Neka art museum, official, owners, painters, patrons, payment, Philippines, point pressure, price, private car, private driver and can, Pura Goa Gaja, rate, recipe, restaurants in Bali, review, Rexie Alsola, room rates, rooms, Rupiah, safe, safety, sex, sex appeal, Siem Reap, sights, Singapore, smoky flavor, stretch, surfing, Temple, temples, thai, theme song, Tips, Top 10 best sites, TOP 10 best things to do in Bali, Tour, tourist sites, tourist spots, tours, travel blog, travel review, travel tips, traveling, traveling on a budget, travelogue, Ubud, Ubud Botanical Garden, Ubud Street cocktail drink, Vilarisi Hotel, Warung Made, website, White Sand

Walk the World: Between Bites Asia Travel Omnibus

August 11, 2010 by Janey

Get a piece of my travel adventures from the compiled list of links below.

Listed according to my favorites! 😉

Singapore – Bali, Indonesia Series

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

Sentosa in Singapore (2^nd of 3 Parts)

Singapore Sistah Lah

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

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

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

Sneak Peek:

Wow.

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Zipline over the forest then over the beach is MEGA-adventure!!!

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Songs of the Sea

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Cambodia

Watering grounds at the Temple

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Art Museum in Ubud art village

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Stretched! My first time surfing!

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Get swept away!

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Ribs that didn’t make me sleep. DROOL!!!! I want to go back for this!

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Best sunset ever! Sweet, romantic meal I will never forget.

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—o—

Vietnam – Cambodia Series

Ho Chi Minh City’s Hidden Charm

Traveling to Cambodia

My Tuk Tuk Moment

Angkor Wat: Journey to the Lost City Begins

Inside Angkor Wat and the Beauty of Rain

Moving to Angkor Thom Aboard Big Feet

The Bayon

The Elephant Terrace, The Leper King and Phimeanakas

Back to the Roots: Ta Prohm

More of Angkor Wat in Stills

The Afternoon After Angkor Wat

Explore. Dream. Discover.

Stay Tuned: The Last Leg of the Cambodia Series

Returning Home to Vietnam. Coming Home to Manila

Day 4: Living La Vida Local

Sneak Peek:

Great Steak at 3rd World Price! 😉

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A Kiss at the Ta Phrom

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I think I like you.

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Unleashing energy by the ruins 😉

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—o—

Macau Series

Peanut to Acorn (Teaser)

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

The Sparkle of Macau (2nd of 3 Parts)

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

Sneak Peek:

Venetian Macau at Night

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Guess what we are doing? Haha

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Getting crazy randomly in the streets of Macau

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Where we stayed, Venetian Macao Hotel

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Highest SKY Jump ever! 🙂

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I love you.

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—o—

Singapore Series

Singapore and the Nuffnang Blog Awards

Day 2- Tour de Singapore Lah

Singapore in Lights

Singapore Day 3- IKEA and Connection

Indulge in Uniquely Singapore Experience

Sneak Peek:

Makasuntra Glutton Bay is the best hawker center at night!!! 😉

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Singapore Flyer

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At Chinatown Chinese Museum

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At Nuffnang Blog Awards Asia Pacific (thanks to Nuffnang for flying me here!)

Image Source: Sexy Nomad

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Singapore at Night

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—o—

Thailand Series

Bangkok Day 1

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

Sneak Peek:

Temples and seeing a Monk’s passage

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Muay Thai dance ritual

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After Muay Thai Competition at Lumpini Stadium

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Foot Massage before the best Thai massage ever

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—o—

Malaysia

Malaysia Truly Asia

Sneak Peek:

First dinner in Malaysia. Indian resto, super yum!

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Clubbing in Malaysia

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Tandem Parasailing at Kota Kinabalu

—o—

Hong Kong Series

Hong Kong Day 2- Ocean Park

Hong Kong Day 1

Sneak Peek:

Cute Panda

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I still can’t believe I rode this at Ocean Park

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Streets of HK

—o—

Japan

Japan and Jane- The Kooka Boora Tales Begin

Reminiscent- Icy Cold Japan

Reminiscent- Kagawa Perfecture Japan

Reminiscent- NTT Docomo Japan

Genky Umby Contest of Anton Diaz

Sneak Peek:

At Universal Studios, Japan

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With Nino at Universal Studios

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with Ronald making some Udon

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Narita Airport with other exchange studes

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Mount Fuji at the background supposedly. Gangsta style!

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Biggest Koi Pond I’ve seen

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Having fun with the kids of my “adopting” family

—o—

11 Comments Filed Under: (NEW HERE??) TAKE A BITE OF THE FAVORITES FIRST!!!, Walk the World: A BITE of Travel Tagged With: A Ma Temple, accommodation, account, address, ancient stone relics, Antonio Blanco, art gallery, artist village, Asia, Bali beach, Balinese paintings, Balinese spa, bathing pools, Beach, beach blog, beaches, Bebek Bengil, best food, best foodie blog, best grilled smoked barbecue ribs, best Hainanese chicken rice, best Travel blog, best vodka martini in the world, Blog, blogger, Boon Tong Kee, Breakfast, bridge, Bridgette, Bubba, budget, bungee jumping video, Casino, cheapest, chicken kebab pepper rice, Chrissy, Cirque de Soleil, city of lights, clean, cocktails, contact numbers, conversion, country, Crispy Duck, Din Tai Fung, dining, Dirty Duck Diner, dirty hands, Dollars, duck skin, egg tarts, Elephant Cave, Elephant Temple, entrance fee, exclusive, Experience, experiences, famous, Filipino, Filipinos, food blog, food tour, Fortress, gambling, ginger, Goa Gajah, Gondola ride, Good Service, Grand Lisboa, grill, grit, guests, history, Hong Kong, Hotel, houses, how much, how to get there, in Singapore, Indonesia, IRP, items, itinerary, Jimbaran, kitchen cow, Kuta, Kuta best bars, Kuta party scene, Kuta Town House, landmark, landmarks, Las Vegas, location, Love, lover, Loy Kee, Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, Macau restaurants, macau tower, Made's Warung, Madz Alsola, Manila, Map, Massage, Maxwell Center, Mega Zip, menu, MGM Grand, Monkey Forest, Mount Fortress, My Love Affair with Bali, Naughty Nuri Warung and Grill, Naughty Nuri's, Neka art museum, North South wing, official, owners, painters, Pasalubong, patacas, patrons, payment, Philippines, Photo, photos, pinoy, point pressure, price, private car, private driver and can, Pura Goa Gaja, rate, rates, recipe, reservation, restaurants in Bali, review, Rexie Alsola, rice, room rate, room rates, rooms, Rupiah, safe, safety, Sentosa, sex, sex appeal, shopping, shops, Show, shuttle service, Siem Reap, sight seeing, sights, Singapore, Singapore best hawker place, Sky jump video, smoky flavor, South East Asia travel, souvenir, sparkle of Macau, St. Paul Ruins, stretch, suites, surfing, Taste Manila, Temple, temples, thai, The hotel, The Macau Tower, The Ruins, Theme Park, theme song, Tian Tian, Tian Tian Chicken Rice, ticket, Tickets, Tips, Tour, tourist, tourist attraction, tourist sites, tourist spots, tours, travel, travel blog, travel review, travel tips, traveler, traveling, traveling on a budget, travelogue, trip, trip advisor, Ubud, Ubud Botanical Garden, Ubud Street cocktail drink, Venetian hotel, Venetian Macao, Video, Vilarisi Hotel, vintage, visit, Warung Made, website, where to shop, White Sand, Wynn, xiao long bao, YouTube

Between Bites’ TOP 10 Food Highlights of 2010’s 1st Half: What a Mouthful!

June 23, 2010 by Janey

Between Bites TOP 10 Food Highlights (2010 -1st Half)

10. King One’s Shabu Shabu

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

King One Rotary Hot Pot

M2-A Lower Hobbies of Asia

#8 Macapagal Ave., Pasay City

(632) 556 1370

9. Sweet Revenge of Maitre Chocolatier

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

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

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

Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Café

Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Cafe by Eva Wong

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

Bel Air, Makati City, Philippines

(632) 897 8559

8. Minato’s Great Korean Barbecue

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

Kimchi Pancake

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

So Kal Bi PHP 350

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

Sam Gyeop Sal PHP 240

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

Minato Korean Restaurant

Escriva Road (between Furu Restaurant and Agua Vida)

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

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

tied at the same number.

8. Tasty Lechon Liempo at Chic Boy

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

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

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

READ MORE!

Tasty Lechon Liempo at Chic Boy

Chic Boy

Jupiter St., Makati City

7. 22 Prime’s Tomahawk Chop

Quick-fire thoughts:

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

and heightens flavor of the meat

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

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

Side of baby vegetables had the right crisp and seasoning

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

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

Chef Rick’s Cheese Bread PHP 140

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

Premium Night at 22 Prime

22 Prime

22^nd Level, Discovery Suites

25 ADB Avenue

Ortigas Avenue, Ortigas Center

Pasig City, Metro Manila

(632) 719 8888/ (632) 719 6821

6. Ya Kun Kaya Toast –Ortigas

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

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

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

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

READ MORE!

Ya Kun Kaya -Ortigas

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

Ya Kun Kaya Toast

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

San Antonio Village, Ortigas, Pasig City

(632) 470 4285

7AM-11PM

5. Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice

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

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

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

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

21 Libra St. Bel Air,

Makati City

(0906) 508 4155

4. Legend of India

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

Kadai Paneer PHP 260

Cottage cheese cooked in a traditional kadai masala paste

Rogan Josh PHP 450

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

Sweet Lassi PHP 110

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

READ MORE!

Legend of India is Legend of Taste

Legend of India

114-B Jupiter St.,

Bel-Air II, Makati City

(632) 836 4232

3. Tsumura’s Wagyu Beef Usuyaki

Other than the sushi and sashimi…

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

Wagyu Beef Usuyaki PHP 600

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

Tsumura

2^nd Level 88 Corporate Plaza

Sedeno corner Valero Streets,

Salcedo Village, Makati City

(632) 887 4848/ (632) 4850

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

tied at the same number.

3. Serenitea’s Okkinawa or Hokkaido Milk Tea

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

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A Sunday Afternoon Picnic

2. Frazzled Cook’s Paella

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

Seafood Paella PHP 550

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

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

Wagyu Salpicao PHP 550

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

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Peruvian Hot Pot PHP 400

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

The Frazzled Cook

#916 Luna Mencias Street, Baranggay Additional Hills,

Mandaluyong City

(632) 782 5980

1. La Tienda Steak

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

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

READ MORE!

La Tienda

43 Polaris St. Bel-Air

Makati City, Philippines

(632) 890 4123

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

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

THANK YOU Ming for this photo! 😉

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE and EAT!!! 😉

Photo Credit:

Carlos Palma of Foodie Manila

www.FoodieManila.com

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14 Comments Filed Under: (NEW HERE??) TAKE A BITE OF THE FAVORITES FIRST!!!, Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: address, affordable, after clubbing, after gimmicks, all you can eat, alternative, american, assortment, Authentic, award, awarded, beancurd skin, bel air, best blogger, best buffet in Manila, best chicken, Best Chicken Rice in Manila, best chocolate fondue, best crab restaurant, best date place, best food, best food blog, best food blogger, best food review, best foodie, best hot chocolate, best in Metro Manila, best milk tea, best steak house, best tea drink in town, Between Bites, Between Bites's Top 10 Food Hitlist, blogger, boiling, branch, branches, Breakfast, breakfast fix, brewed tea, Buffet, call centers, Carlos Palma, chairs, champions, cheap, cheap finds, cheap food, cheap good food, cheap thrills, cheese, cheezy toast, Chef Bruce Lim, Chef's Table, Chic Boy, Chic Boy Pier One bar and Grill, Chic Boy Restaurant, Chicken and Baboy, chicken inasal, chili sauce, Chinese, chocolate cafe, chocolate shops, Chocolate stores in Philippines, Chocolates, Chuleton, Clawdaddy Crab House and American Grill, Clawdaddy Crab restaurant, coffee, contact number, creative chocolate, Cuisine, customized, date, davao, delicatessen, delivery, dessert place, different dinner, dining, dining club, dinner, discount, discover, dish, dishes, distributor, drink, drinks, Eva Wong, exclusive, Fat Michael's, Filipino, Filipinos, food blog, food blogger, food blogs, food finds, food review, foodie, foodie blog, Foodie Club, foodie club series, foodie find, FoodieManila, foodies, for orders, Fort, Fort Bonifacio, franchise, Frazzled Cook, freestyle cooking, fresh seafood, freshly brewed tea, Garden, ginger, good, grams, grill, grilled cheese sandwiches, group, guests, Hainanese Chicken Rice, hawker, healthy lifestyle, Hobbies of Asia, Hokkaido Milk Tea, homemade iced tea, hotspot, how to get there, how to go, Ilonggo chef, ingredients, inquiry, interactive, interesting, Irene Co, jelly, Joan Lim, Jok Bal, Jude Mancuyas, Jupiter Street, Kalayaan, Kaya, kimchi, King One, King One price, King One Rotary Hot Pot, King One Shabu Shabu, kitchen, Korea Town, Korean, Korean cuisine, Korean grilled barbecue, Korean schools, La Tienda, La Tienda restaurant, lamb, lamb stew, Lechon Cebu, lechon liempo, lechon liempo tasty, Lindt, Little Korea, live music, location map, Luna Mencias street, Macapagal Avenue restaurants, Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Café, Makasuntra, Makati City, Makati restaurant, Makati restaurants, Malate, Mango strudel, Manila, menu, Metro Manila, Michelle Lim, Minato Korean restaurant, Minato Ortigas, new restaurant in Metro, now delivers, open 24 hours, operation hours, order, outdoor, owner, paella, Paella Mixta de la Tienda, paella valenciana, Party, party orders, Pasig City, peanut butter, pearls, perfect, perfectly cooked egg, Peruvian Hot Pot, Photo, photos, picnic, pinoy, play catchy words, Polaris street, premium, Press, price, Promo, pulled coffee, Quezon City, restaurant, review, ribs, romance, romantic, rooftop, Sam Gyeup Sal, San Juan, Seafood Paella, serenitea, service, Shabu Shabu, shangri-la plaza, shrimps, side dishes, Singapore, soft boiled eggs, Sol Kal Bi, South, Spain, Spanish, Spanish Cuisine, Spanish restaurant, Spanish rice, Steak, steak place, Stevie, Stevie Villacin, stevie's, Stevie's Hainanese Chicken Rice, street, sweetened soy sauce, Sweets, Sze Chuan sauce, Taiwan, Taiwanese, Tao Pao, Tao Yuan, Taste Manila, tea drink, telephone number, the best Korean restaurant in Philippines, The Frazzled Cook, toast, Tofu, Top 10, Top Korean Restaurant, top restaurants in Manila, TOP TEN BEST FOOD HIGHLIGHTS in Manila, unique, Valentine's, Wagyu Salpicao, website, what to order, where to go, where to order, whistlestop, Ya Kun Kaya in Singapore, Ya Kun Kaya Ortigas, Ye Dang Korean restaurant

In Crumbs: Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice, Clawdaddy Crab House, Cibo

June 11, 2010 by Janey

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

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

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

I had more than three helpings 2 Sundays ago… 😉

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

21 Libra St. Bel Air,

Makati City

(0906) 508 4155

Venting out on Food @ Clawdaddy Crab House and American Grill

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

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

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

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

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

Smoked Baby Back Ribs (Half) PHP 398

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

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Rustic Mashed Potato PHP

ClawDaddy Crab House and American Grill

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

EDSA Cor. Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong City, MM.

(632) 636-5679

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ClawDaddy Crab Buffet

ClawDaddy Crab

Meann’s Birthla at Cibo

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

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

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

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

Pasta Dela Terra PHP230

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

Tegamino Di Formaggio Fuso Mozzarella PHP 230

Mozzarella, white cheese, tomato, anchovies, basil

Cibo

2nd Level Shangri-la Plaza Mall

Shaw Blvd. cor. EDSA, Mandaluyong City, Philippines

(632) 631 7753

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Agave Mexicana Cantina

Gastronomic Indulgence at the Chef’s Table

Pebbles and Royce Nama Chocolates Bitter

Frazzled Cook and His Dazzling Dishes

Cibo

Two Italians in One Night

Thursday Club Series: Agave Mexican Cantina

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Dear Jane: Stingray –Please No! Part 2

May 25, 2010 by Janey

Dear Jane: Stingray –Please No!

May 21, 2010

From: Shella

foodtrip.blogspot.com

Hi Jane,

I initially wanted to comment on your latest post but I didn’t want to start a nasty thread of comments as pinoys are very emotional when it comes to these and it’s common that certain posts become very controversial when readers get into heated arguments. I wrote you an email as one foodie to another. As far as I know, stringrays are indeed endangered. However, after moving to Malaysia I somehow forgot about this because ikan pari (stringray) is everywhere. As you have mentioned you wanted to try it in Singapore. It’s a common dish in this side of Asia. I don’t even think it’s considered a delicacy. After reading your post I googled stingrays and found that wikianswers provide conflicting info one says 5 species, the other one says 50 species. But the point is, i am not guilty of eating stingray. It is one of those dishes that has made me enjoy Malaysian cuisine. I believe that they use/cook the prolific species of stingray and not the endangered ones. Why? Because they are too damn cheap to be endangered and it’s availability could equate that of chicken or beef so I don’t think the ones being sold and cooked here are endangered. The big question is where does Nasi Lemak gets its supply and what species do they use. I just hope that the information/e-mail of your other reader will not deter you from trying this fish especially in MY or SG. That’s all. Happy eats.

Shella

-End-

I received an email from another reader. I’m posting this on the site with her permission to give everyone else the other side of the coin. This is for readers’ further information. Readers, the decision have always been yours. Like my decisions have always been mine 😉

You guys can do your further research and decide for yourselves.

I haven’t really found the time to do my own research about stingrays. But I did ask myself this question: Singapore –the country of rules and fines allows restaurants to serve endangered stingrays? *scratches head*

Maybe, maybe not. For some people, anything that can help helps. I get that from the point of Lav as well.

Thanks Shella for your email! I appreciate your information as I take another look at the matter.

Happy Eats!

Janey