Froya - Frozen Yakult @ Sebastian's Ice Cream

Location: 3rd Floor Center Atrium
Trinoma Mall, EDSA
Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone: (63) - 915 - 2324253
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/Sebastians.Ice.Cream
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Yakult: a Japanese pro-biotic-like product made by fermenting a mixture of skimmed milk with a special strain of the bacterium Lactobacillus Cassei Shirota, created by Minoro Shirota. 

* Source: Wikepedia.org

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Our family LOOOOOVES Yakult! After hearing of FRO-YA (Frozen Yakult) from one of my foodie acquaintances, we headed to Sebastian's Ice Cream station at Trinoma to try it out for ourselves. For me, the words "Frozen" and "Yakult" together makes the perfect combination, especially since I always freeze my tiny bottles of Yakult, to a slush-like consistency, before drinking it. :-)

 2-scoops of FRO-YA

(Php 150.00)

So what have I to say about FRO-YA? Well, it was... just OK. Yeah, it was good, as frozen yogurt, but not really as Frozen Yakult spot on. It actually tasted like the usual plain and tart frozen yogurt you get from your fave frozen yogurt shops.

Mmmm! Mexicali @ The Block, SM City North EDSA

Location: 4/F SM City North,

North Ave. cor. EDSA

Quezon City, Philippines

Telephone: (63) - 2 - 4420096
Hours:
Sunday to Thursday / 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday to Saturday / 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
FanPage: http://www.facebook.com/mexicaliphilippines
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Mexican Food has got to be my Food for the Year (2011). I just seem to be craving for Mexican food more often than usual. Of course, this plus my regular cravings for crispy pata and pancit. :-)

After our first round of shopping on a Sunday, we had to decide on where to go for lunch. We seriously went around all the floors of the block, undecided, since nothing really seemed to appeal to me. One thing I don't like when shopping at a place I'm not that familiar with... I just can't decide in a snap as to where I'd want to eat for lunch or dinner. Hahaha!

Good thing Wowie remembered that there was a Mexicali branch on  the 4th floor. Score! An easy YES for both of us :-) Again... Pardon the grainy low-res photos... forgot to bring my camera.

Grilled Chicken Plate (Php 199.00)

Crave Burger - Not Really "Crave-Worthy"

Location: G/F Shopwise SuperCenter
150 E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue
Libis, Bagumbayan
Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone: (63) - 917 - 5626612
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After doing our grocery shopping at Shopwise Libis one stormy weekend, we decided to just have lunch at Crave Burger. I was looking forward to having a nice and heavy burger lunch since I wasn't able to have breakfast that day. Again, like what I always do when eating at a place we've never tried before, I ordered the basic... Crave Burger's CC1 Crave Combo meal which had a Crave Burger, a side order of Skinny Fries, and a 12oz drink.

CC1 Crave Combo (Php 190.00)

So how did I like it? Well, I sure wasn't happy with my lunch that day. The Crave Burger was quite disappointing. The bun was dry and crumbly. The burger patty was small, despite their tag line that they had "bigger" burgers... ummmm.. Not really! It also lacked flavor... bland, to say the least.

Nakakawiling Tinapay na "Lechon" sa Kawilihan (Kawilihan Bakery, Anonas Quezon City)

Location: Anonas Street corner Chico Street
Quezon City
Popular Products:
- "Lechon" Bread (roasted-pig-shaped bread)
- Kalihim
- Lakas
- Pianono (sugar coated chiffon roll slice)
- Kababayan (sweet muffin)
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Tagalog/Filipino Words:  
" Nakakawili " ~ one that pleases or gives pleasure
" Tinapay " ~ bread
" Lechon " ~ whole roasted pig
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I am just so fond of our local bread sold at old-school bakeries. Buying bread from the  " panaderia  " (bakery)  has always been such a treat for me... looking at the bread through the glass display, and getting to choose your favorites. When I was a kid, your 10.00 pesos could buy you an assortment of bread... from hopia, pan de coco, monay, and my all-time favorite kababayan. Today, my favorites are still there... with a few creative additions... and I have a new favorite bakery too... Kawilihan Bakery! In my opinion, they're one of the best non-commercial bakeries in Metro Manila. The bread products they sell and bake are consistently tasty and baked properly (products intended to be fluffy are fluffy, chewy bread are indeed chewy, and crunchy types are really crunchy).

Just the other day, we passed by Kawilihan to buy our staples... Kababayan, Lakas, Ensaymada, and Pianono. As we were about to leave, our eldest son asked if he could buy the "PIG" bread. I didn't really know what he was talking about... I immediately thought of Hopiang Baboy... but to my surprise and delight, he was referring to the Lechon-shaped bread!

"Lechon" Bread (Php 40.00)

Our Take-Out Dinner - Tom's Crispy Pata

Location: Congressional Avenue,
Quezon City, Philippines
(and in other Q.C. areas too!)
Price: Php 350.00
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Whenever I'm too tired or lazy to cook, and waaay too hungry to wait for food delivery... we decide on ordering from any of the Take-Out Food stalls around Q.C. Choices range from Lechon Manok, Liempo, Lechon, Sisig, Pork Barbeque, or Crispy Pata. If I get to pick, and if my husband doesn't try to talk me out of the "cholesterol" bit, I'd always choose CRISPY PATA! I already mentioned I LOVE CRISPY PATA right? Hahaha :-)

We've already tried ordering from different Crispy Pata take-out stalls, but this was our latest Crispy Pata order since I started publishing my blog entries last month... so Tom's Crispy Pata is now the first Crispy Pata take-out I'll be reviewing :-)

Yummy Chinese Dishes @ Red Palace Seafood Restaurant

Location: #132 Malakas Street
Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone: (63) - 2 - 6642735
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I tried looking for other reviews on this restaurant online, but I'm afraid there aren't that much, let alone 1 or 2 entries which are 3-4 pages into the search results page. Too bad as Red Palace Seafood Restaurant offers really yummy Chinese food. I believe it's about time that I post an entry about the delicious food here.

Lechon Macau, Hakaw (steamed shrimp dumplings),

and Ripe Mango Shake

Crispy Pata, Kare-Kare, and Bagoong Rice @ Bagoong Club

Location: 122 Scout Dr. Lazcano, Sacred Heart

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Philippines

Telephone: (63) - 2 - 9290544 / (63) - 2 - 9295450

Website: http://bagoongclub.multiply.com

Hours: Daily / 11:00 am - 3:00 pm / 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm

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Here we go again on my Crispy quest. What can I say, I really am A BIG FAN of Crispy Pata. So browsing the internet in search of a new place to satisfy my Crispy Pata craving, we decided to try Bagoong Club in Quezon City. Since they serve crispy pata AND is known to have great tasting bagoong rice... sounds like a winner in my book! Hello cholesterol and high-blood! Hahaha :-)

 Crispy Pata (Php 425.00)

I know it might seem totally silly of me to order the usual Crispy Pata and Kare-Kare in a restaurant offering a wide array of Filipino Food and bagoong-infused dishes... but hey, you can't blame me... don't worry, we'll make sure we try the other specialties next time.

On to the Crispy Pata... or Crispy Pork Leg (and knuckles) in English

Affordable Mediterranean Meals @ Mister Kabab

Location: 95-A West Avenue

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Philippines

Telephone: (63) - 2 - 3735941
Hours: 24-hours Daily
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 Chicken Korma, Shawarma, and Plain Rice

If you're on a budget and want to try Mediterranean Food, then set a date to check out Mister Kabab at Tomas Morato, Quezon City or head to their other branches in UP-Ayala Technohub and Ortigas. Your Php 100.00 - 250.00 will surely make you one satisfied camper here with a yummy meal, drinks, and perhaps a dessert (depending on the main dish you order). You can choose from several vegetable, beef, lamb, and seafood dishes here. There's also the all-time favorite Shawarma served on a plate as well as Kababs :-)

Average Tasting Steaks & Ribs @ Alfredo's Steaks - Tomas Morato

Location: Tomas Morato Avenue

corner Sct. De Guia and Dr. Lascano Sts.

Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Telephone: (63) - 2 - 7829862

Hours: Daily / 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

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Tenderloin and Ribs Mashed Potato Steak Duo

 

Alfredo's Steaks in Tomas Morato is an OK place to satisfy your steak cravings. Like I said, it is an "OK" place... but not exactly our favorite, definitely not the best (in our opinion)... and if I may say, I find it quite overrated. So my apologies to all their fans. I'm just giving my truthful opinion.

Sambo Kojin - A Scrumptiously Satisfying Smokeless Grill Spot!

Location: 201 EDSA

Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila

Philippines

Telephone: (63) - 2 - 7264520
Hours: Daily 11:00 am - 2:00 pm / 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Price Per Person: 
Monday to Friday Lunch - Php 495.00
Dinners and Weekend Lunches Php 595.00
Children’s Rate: Php 295.00
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Looking for a new Eat-All-You-Can Smokeless Grill restaurant to try out? The put Sambo Kojin Yakinuku Smokeless Grill next on your list of fun smokeless grill spots in the metro! If you love YakiMix, I believe you'll have a great time at Sambo Kojin too :-) In case you didn't know, Sambo Kokin is also from the Dad's-Saisaki-Kamayan-Somethin' Fishy family... so "satisfaction guaranteed" if I may say :-)

We already had several dinners at their Eastwood Branch (but wasn't able to take photos, since we were always late, thus... overly hungry whenever we finally get seated)... so we thought of checking out their EDSA branch, right above Dad's.

Family and Kid-Friendly Fare @ Pancake House

Location: #1 Capitol Green Street, G/F Floor Commercial Center
Capitol Hills Golf & Country Club, Capitol Hills Drive, Old Balara Ave.

Quezon City, Philippines

Telephone: (63) - 2 - 9319938

Website: http://www.pancakehouse.com.ph/

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Ask my 3 boys where they want to go for lunch or dinner, and they'll all say Pancake House! 

This place is such an easy choice for my boys because all their favorite food are in the menu. Waffles, Pancakes, Milkshakes, Ice Cream, Fried Chicken, Spaghetti, Fish N Chips, and Fries! Whew! 

Fun Place... But Don't Be Late! @ YakiMix Smokeless Grill

Location: 2nd Floor, Forum Building
270 Tomas Morato Avenue
Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone: (63) -2 - 3328073 
Hours: Daily
11:00 am - 2:00 pm / 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Price per Person: 
Php 499.00 - Mon to Sat Lunch
Php 599.00 - Dinner, Sunday, & Holidays
+ Php 65.00 for bottomless drinks
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I was trying to decide on whether to mention the good points or bad points first. I chose to start with their bad POINT since there's only 1 to mention. :-)  I know you've heard a lot about YakiMix and are excited to try it out, that's probably why you're reading this entry right? Hehehe :-) Anyway, my FIRST and MOST IMPORTANT TIP OF ALL: Be sure to get to there EARLY is you want to get seated at once, especially on weekends, holidays, or special occasions like Valentine's Day, Mother's & Father's Day, and Easter.

De-Lish Dishes @ Pho Hoa - Eastwood City Walk, Libis

Location: Eastwood City Cyberpark,
E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Libis

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Philippines

Telephone: (63) -2 - 4212046

Website: http://www.phohoa.com/

Hours:

Sun-M-T-W-Th / 11:00 am - 12:00 mn

F - Sat/ 11:00 am - 2:00 am

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Pho Hoa has got to be one of our few favorite restaurants in Eastwood (and perhaps one of my top 20 easy tried and tested comfort food spots). I just love the food here, always freshly cooked and very flavorful. Each time we eat here, I always order my favorite, Fried Squid with Chili and Green Onion which goes perfect with their Shrimp Paste Rice. Ijust noticed though that their servings seem to have somehow shrunk in size... but still filling enough for one... perhaps I just can't get enough of their Squid dish and rice:-)

Fried Squid with Chili and Green Onion (Php 220.00),

and Shrimp Paste Rice

FishBowl Iced Tea (Jack's Loft)

Sicilian Chicken Sandwich @ Sicilian Express - Katipunan

Location: Petro Gas Station
Katipunan Avenue,
corner Mangyan Street
Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone: (63) -2 - 9280000
Hours: Daily / 10:00 am - 3:00 am
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 Sicilian Chicken Sandwich (Php 85.00)

Just a quick bite before heading home :-)

Filipino Fare & Boneless Crispy Pata @ Finio - Tomas Morato

Location: Tomas Morato Avenue,

corner Dr. Lazcano Street
Quezon City, Philippines

Telephone: (63) - 2 - 4151278

Website: http://www.finioresto.com/

Hours: Daily / 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

---------------------------------------------

We decided to try having dinner at Finio one night when we were supposed to eat at Yakimix, Tomas Morato (but the place was packed as always)... and I suddenly remembered that there was this restaurant nearby serving Boneless Crispy Pata.

Excited, we ordered their Boneless Crispy Pata, Gambas Finio, Pork Bbq Batchoy, Bagoong Rice, and Banana Fritters (Php 58.00) and Leche Flan (Php 58.00) for dessert. Unfortunately, I, again, forgot to bring a camera. All the photos here are all from my trusty iPhone.

Boneless Crispy Pata and Bagoong Rice

(Php 438.00 and Php 50.00/cup)

Devilled Crispy Pata @ Krocodile Grille

Location: 2/F Trinoma Mall

EDSA corner North Avenue

Quezon City, Philippines

Telephone:  (63) - 2 - 9018754
Hours:
Sun-M-T-W-Th / 10:00 am - 12:00 mn
F-Sat / 10:00 am - 1:00 am

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Devilled Crispy Pata (Php. 420.00)

Ooops, I forgot to bring my camera again here. Had to settle with my phone's camera... so pardon my low-res photos... hehehe :-)

Any-hoo... On my quest to find the best Crispy Pata ever, we decided to go to Krocodile Grille in Trinoma to try their famed Devilled Crispy Pata... said to be so good and spicy too... I thought to myself, let's see...

Shangri-La Finest Chinese Cuisine - West Triangle

Location: 4 Times Street, West Triangle

Quezon City, Philippines

Telephone: (63) - 2 - 3739888

Website: http://www.shangrilafinestcuisine.com/
Hours: Daily / 10:00 am - 2:00 pm / 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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 Fried Boneless Chicken with Chili and Garlic

Everytime our family eats here, we usually order from the Set Menus. Set Menus range from Php 2,240 to Php 10,324 for about 10-12 people per table. Food here used to be more delicious than it is now. I can't really say that this is the place to go for authentic tasting Chinese dishes. Nevertheless, Shangri-La Finest Chinese Cuisine is still a good place to go to for average-yummy Chinese fare.

I love their Fried Boneless Chicken with Chili and Garlic... it doesn't have that oily, thick breading taste.

Pancit Canton (Shangri-La Style) is just so-so. I've had more scrumptious pancit dishes at Ongpin... and If you want me to suggest the best tasting pancit I've ever tasted, just go to the New Toho Food Center in Binondo.



Pancit Canton (Shangri-la Style)

Sauteed Sliced Beef with Mushroom

As for their Yeung Chow Fried Rice (Yang Chow), tastes average. It doesn't taste as delicious as it did about 5 years ago. In my opinion, you can get yummier Yang Chow Fried Rice at Panciteria San Jacinto where it is just heavenly. I believe the flavor quality of their food has declined through the years... perhaps they have new cooks... I'm just not sure.

Yeung Chow Fried Rice and Sweetcorn with Crabmeat Soup

Chopsuey Guisado ... average... nothing spectacular...

Chopsuey Guisado

MY VERDICT

What I Like:
> Price - Reasonably priced, especially when you order from the Set Menus
> Food - Fried Boneless Chicken with Chili and Garlic

Will I Go Back?:

> Yes, especially for family get-togethers

Do I Recommend This Place?:
> Yes. This is also a good place to hold your Christening parties, for those old-school peeps (like our family) who believes it's good luck to have it in Chinese Restaurants :-)

* your feedback, comments, opinions, and suggestions
are highly appreciated... 

feel free to post it on the form below

OR

Dad's Ultimate Buffet - West Avenue, Quezon City

Location: West Avenue,
Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone: (63) - 2 - 4136360

Website: http://www.kamayansaisakidads.com/
Hours:
Daily / 11:00 am - 2:00 pm /
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Price per Person: 
Php 665.00
(Php 565.00 for Monday-Thursday Lunch)
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I should really try to remember to ALWAYS have a trusty digital camera in my bag, lest I end up with more crappy photos like the ones I have here... hahaha :-)

Tempura and Sukiyaki

Anyway... back to good ol' Dad's Ultimate Buffet...

Well, what else can I say... Dad's has always been there for everyone wanting to pig-out on a buffet. It's relatively affordable for a crossover buffet offering more than 200 dishes at Php 665.00 (and Php 565.00 for Monday-Thursday Lunch). Not bad right? You get to eat all the Tempura, Saisaki Steak, Lechon, Pasta, Roast Beef, Lengua, and Dessert you want and more for less than Php 700.00 per person.

Yummy Japanese Fare @ Louisam - Quezon City

Other Name: Maguro Japanese Restaurant
Location: Matalino Street, Baranggay Pinyahan
Diliman, Quezon City Philippines
Telephone: (63) - 2 - 3813209 / (63) - 2 - 4352998 /
+ (63) - 922 - 8003165 / + (63) - 927 - 5574827
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California Maki (Php 79.00)

Whenever I crave for Sukiyaki, California Maki, and other basic Japanese food, Wowie and I head straight to Maguro / Louisam Japanese Restaurant. Japanese fare here is really a bang for your buck... super affordable and scrumptious compared to majority of the Japanese restos or Japanese fast food places in town... PLUS, serving size is generous for one person and everthing is freshly cooked... YUMMY! =)

Army Navy Burger + Burrito - Tomas Morato

Location: Popular Bookstore Building
305 Tomas Morato Avenue,
Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone: (63) - 2 - 3536361

Website: http://www.armynavyburgerburrito.com/
Hours: Daily / 9:00 am - 2:00 am

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Burger (Php 145.00), Additional Bacon (Php 30.00) Onion Rings (Php 65.00),

Large LiberTEA (Php 65.00)

To this day, I am still on the lookout for new burger joints to satisfy my burger cravings. However, I can't say that Army Navy Burger + Burrito will be added to my list of faves.