Big Better Burgers

            It was our second visit at Big Better Burgers at SM North Edsa Annex located at the upper ground level. We went back because the grilled burgers were satisfying and delicious.

Hahalapeno Burger

            During our first visit I had the Mushroom Loco Burger and the Hahalapeno Burger (both costs 152 Pesos each). 

Mushroom Loco Burger

            On our second visit, we ordered the two Hahalapeno burgers and two 16 oz. Pepsi Colas (@ 35 Pesos each); since we ordered two premium burgers we get free french fries. 

Hahalapeno Burger

            

Chuck's Grub Fish and Chips

            I tried Chuck’s Grub Fish and Chips for the second time at the 2^nd floor food station at Trinoma Mall yesterday. I purchased the 4 sampler which included cream dory, snapper, cobbler and halibut. For me the tastiest was the cream dory that I tried for the first time a week ago. How should I describe it? Oh, it was heavenly with tartar sauce!

Chuck's Grub 2nd flr. Trinoma Mall

            The regular cream dory fish and chips cost 130 Pesos it comes with one dip. The 4 sampler costs 280 Pesos with 2 free dips. There are 3 available dips to choose from: tartar sauce, garlic mayo and vinegar.

The Full Monty

The Full Monty, a 4 Sampler of Cream Dory, Snapper,  Cobbler and Halibut

Octoboy

            I only learned about Octoboy, a Japanese restaurant from ensogo.com.ph. I wanted to try it first before buying vouchers. I have 2 OFW/ balikabayan friends who are visiting the country and since they took me and my partner out I want to return the favor.

            Octoboy is located at Unit 2-C, 2^nd flr. No. 186 Tomas Morato Avenue Corner Scout de Guia St., Quezon City.

            Since they are famous for their octopus takoyaki (@120 Pesos for 6 pcs.) we ordered one. My partner ordered the roast pork ramen (@295 Pesos). I ordered the octopus okonomiyaki (@ 285pesos). The octopus okonomiyaki is a pancake with mozzarella, Japanese mayo, octopus, dried seaweeds, okonomiyaki sauce and bonito shavings. 

             We also ordered and shared the tuna sashimi (@175 Pesos), chicken yakitori (@105 Pesos) and yakimeshi rice (@95 Pesos). Too bad they didn’t have the fried gyoza and the salmon belly teriyaki that we wanted to order. At first bite, the octopus takuyaki and octopus okonomiyaki tasted real good but after a second and third serving it became repulsive (tagalog translation nakakaumay na) to our taste buds and tummy too because it had too much mayonnaise and sugar. In comparison, I went to Robinsons Galleria the day after because I was really craving for a good takoyaki. I always frequent a certain takuyaki stall there and I ordered 2 sets of takuyakis (@27 Pesos for 1 order). It’s different with its flavor and sauces; I chose the beef flavor for the 2 orders and a mixture of sweet and spicy sauces. Well, it was a lot cheaper and tastier than the one we had at Octoboy.

            Back to my Octoboy review, I must say the tuna sashimi was delectable. The yakitori chicken and yakimeshi rice were also good. The roast pork ramen was a disappointment because it was just too sweet.

            Our overall experience with Octoboy was alright but next time I have to tell the chef to hold off the mayo and the sugar.

           

Flower Stories Cafe

             I bought two vouchers from Metrodeal at 199 Pesos each (4.72 USD) The catch was European and Asian Fusion. The restaurant is called Flower stories located at 423 Magallanes St. Intramuros, Manila. A 24 hour reservation is required before using the vouchers.

            My friend and I tried it for the first time yesterday. The buffet is located on the 6^th floor. The elevator had to be opened manually by the security guard. I gather that they don’t make use of the elevator frequently. Upon entrance, we were greeted by a lady and we were led at the al fresco dining which is the rooftop of the building. The deal said that the views are spectacular but much to my dismay we just saw the nearby rooftops of the buildings around and it’s not really a pretty sight.

            At the buffet table, they had mushroom soup which tasted heavenly. For the salad, they had fresh slices of carrots, cucumbers and turnips and Thousand Island dressing. For the main course they had spaghetti which was sour for my taste, Java rice, then beef and chicken bulgogi with bean sprouts, bits of fried fish fillet with onion rings and roast beef with mixed vegetables on the side. For dessert, they had a chocolate fondue that was not heated and a bowl of pastillas de leche, marshmallows and I think Monde breadsticks that we dipped into the chocolate.

            There weren’t as much of a food selection but for 199 Pesos (4.72 USD) we can’t complain. We were full. I would recommend this restaurant if one is looking for an adventure inside the old Intramuros.

Draft Gastropub

            My partner purchased a voucher at Deal Grocer for Draft Gastropub for 850 pesos (20.14 USD) good for two people. Last week, we went to the restaurant which is located at Unit C The Fort Entertainment Center, 7^th Ave., Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

            Our reservation was between 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. but we were running late due to the heavy traffic at C-5 and I had to turn around to Edsa which also had heavy traffic. I called the restaurant and asked if we could extend our reservation but the lady on the phone said that they would not be accepting vouchers after 3:00 p.m.

            We got to the restaurant at 2:45 p.m. and a waiter greeted us. I showed him the voucher and he said that he would check. The lady cashier said that it was already late but I told her that I called and said that we were stuck at C-5 and Edsa. They made us wait just standing by the bar for almost 10 minutes. For a restaurant, that was mere empty and only had 3 tables to wait and tons of available chairs. They should have at least asked us to sit for while waiting as a sign of courtesy.

            We were finally approached by the waiter and he led us to our table. Our voucher included a breaded camembert cheese with some greens for appetizer, for drinks they made us choose between iced-tea and Pilsner Urquell beer. I chose to have iced-tea and my partner had the beer.

While waiting for our order, my partner saw a mouse running around our couch. I hope they could address this problem by having a better exterminator.

 After a few minutes, our drinks were served. The iced-tea tasted fine at the beginning but as it progressed it became bitter with an after taste. I just asked for 2 glasses of water instead.  For the main course, we had the chicken schnitzel with fries and salad. I must say the chicken schnitzel was tasty. After 20 minutes or so, the spaghetti meat balls were served. They put too much herb on the meatballs and we were not able to enjoy and savor it because it was just too strong.

            I would rate the Draft Gastropub a 6 out of a scale of 10. It was alright to try it once but that’s it.

Bellini's

            For our 10^th anniversary, my girlfriend and I are both looking for a restaurant wherein we could celebrate with our family and friends. On a rainy Tuesday night, fresh from typhoon Gener, we trooped to Cubao Shoe Expo at an Italian restaurant called Bellini’s. We would sometimes hang out in the area and we'd pass by the restaurant; but since we're not really a fan of Italian food, we haven’t tried dining at Bellini’s. I went inside once out of curiosity and the room smelled like an old kitchen and mold. I went out as fast as I could.

            Last Tuesday night was different because we're on a hunt for a venue. As we entered the restaurant it smelled like an old moldy kitchen again. A waiter greeted us and we were led at a room at the back. The walls are decorated with paintings. There was a heavy downpour and from the window, I could see raindrops. It was quite romantic.

            As we sat down, the waiter gave us the menu. We had complimentary bread sticks while waiting.The menu was all in Italian so I asked the waiter for the English translation. I ordered the seafood pasta in tomato sauce (at 300 Pesos), then, Bellini’s special pizza (topped with sausage, pepperoni, cucumber, tomatoes, eggplant and onions) (at 350 Pesos) and a glass of iced tea (at 60 Pesos). My food was delivered on our table within a few minutes. The pasta was inside a foil guaranteed for freshness. It was good; but since I like my food spicy, I asked them for a hot sauce and they gave me a small bottle of olive oil with some chili peppers in it. Truly Italian! My girlfriend ordered grilled steak with a vegetable side dish and garlic rice (at 450 Pesos); she had Bellini's own concocted red wine (at 80 Pesos a glass) it was really sweet and it tasted like Dimetapp according to her. For me, it tasted like sugar. She really wanted to try the house wine from Italy (at 180 Pesos a glass). She preferred the latter. For our dessert, we had the tiramisu (at 150 Pesos) it was really good. We were both so full. The total bill including tax amounted to 1,600+ Pesos. In Philippine standard, it's quite pricey but it's worth it. The service was good and the food was sumptuous. We will definitely go back. We still have one more place to visit before making our final decision.

         

Dimsum In Ongpin

Before going to the boxing gym, I met up my friend at her workplace and I wanted something hot to eat like arroz caldo or chicken mami. So, I drove back to Sta. Cruz for breakfast at Ambos Mundos. Sadly, the restaurant was still closed at 7 a.m.

            We agreed that we’re better off going to Chinatown. We parked just outside a pharmacy and proceeded to walk to Ongpin St. most restaurants were closed. Finally, we saw MXT Teahouse. For dimsum, we had chicken mami, siomai, fried dumplings and chuen yuen rectangular fried sticky rice with chives and brown sauce and Chinese mustard). I excused myself to find my favorite fried siopao and there it was two doors up at stall no. 918. They are selling 4 pieces of siopao for 62 pesos.

            The chicken mami was alright not as good as I thought. The fried dumplings were a winner. The chuen yuen was an acquired taste I didn’t like it. It really had a strong Chinese flavor. The siomai according to my friend was just fine. The total bill was 353 pesos which is relatively cheap for two people.