A One Time Affair

For Anya's (Kyle's sister) birthday, we had a lunch celebration at Tim Ho Wan, SM Megamall. Tim How Wan is known as the “cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in the world” that specializes in dimsum. Being fond of Chinese food, and being Chinese myself, I had high expectations for this place.

Since it was a Saturday, and we knew that there's always a queue here, we made it a point to be at SM Megamall before it even opens. We arrived at the mall with 10 minutes to spare, but when we got to Tim Ho Wan, there was already a queue before us. I think we were ninth or tenth on the list. In just a few minutes, the queue extended all the way to Chez Karine.

They have a very strict policy on their accommodations. The entire dining party must be present at the time your name is called, otherwise, only those present will be seated. They also don't do reservations. I think having quite a limited seating capacity and a massive crowd to serve called for this strict policy.

Lunch service starts 10:45 AM, so we had to wait for another 45 minutes. We were finally seated and we placed our orders using the order sheet that was set on the table. Customers just need to write the quantity of the item that they would want to order. This was actually more convenient and made the ordering process more efficient.

It just took a short time before our orders arrived.

Baked Bun with BBQ Pork (Php145 - 3 pcs) is their signature dimsum

     

The bun was soft and flaky, while the bbq pork was a bit too sweet for my liking. There wasn't really anything special with this, it's like eating pandesal with sweet barbecue. Oddly enough, the taste reminded me of Goldilock's asado roll.  >.<

I also tried their Pan Fried Carrot Cake (Php 145). Also nothing special about this. If you frequent Ongpin or Binondo area, you'd be able to find something better than this.

Next is the Steam Spinach Dumpling with Shrimp(Php 120)



I guess the name of the dimsum itself is self-explanatory. Also nothing special.

For our rice toppings we had the Pork Rib Rice and the Rice with Beef & Fried Egg (Php 180)

    

The pork ribs were ok. It was tender and had a nice amount of heat. Then again, I've had better. The rice with beef on the other hand was just a huge disappointment. The beef had no flavor whatsoever! We had to add an ample amount of their soy sauce just to be able to eat this dish.

I am no food critic, but you don't need a sophisticated palate to know what good food tastes like. Having traveled to both Hong Kong and Singapore, I would say that the taste of the food at Tim Ho Wan was just really mediocre.

Overall, we just found it overrated. As Anya said, it's one of those places that you just have to try once, just to say that you've been there. It's definitely not worth the long queue.

Tim Ho Wan

SM Mega Fashion Hall (SM Megamall Bldg. D)

A Touch of TORCH

Torch was introduced to us during a car-club meet. Ever since that event, we've been coming back here when we're within the Greenhills area.

It's located along Connecticut Street and can be a bit tricky to see because it's signage is covered by a tree branch.

The interior has a casual and comfortable feel.



Their menu is also quite interesting, it's like East meets West.

We were in the mood for a heavy lunch so we got quite a lot from their menu.

For starters, Volcano Roll (Php 369.95) and Buffalo Asian Wings (Php 324.95).

    

The Volcano Roll is a baked sushi with tempura, tamago, topped with spice-baked scallops and smothered with cheese and Japanese mayo. I love their presentation! Overflowing, lava-like cheese that makes this dish just delish!

For the Buffalo Asian Wings, we requested it to have less heat, they happily accommodated our request. :) The crispy wings were coated with a sweet glaze, followed by a subtle kick of spice that balances out the flavor. Perfect.

Next dish we tried was the Philly Cheesesteak Pizza (Php 369.95).



Simply put, it's your favorite philly cheesesteak sandwich turned into a pizza. You can never go wrong with this one.

For our main dishes, we got the Beef Short Plate (Php 249.95) and Salpicao Medallion (Php 449.95).



The Beef Short Plate (left) had hefty servings of tender beef belly with a generous amount of fat in it, served with garlic parsley rice with a side of beans and carrots. This was probably the best dish I had during our meal. The beef was just bursting with flavor and the fat, oh the fat, the words escape me.



The Salpicao Medallion is certified Angus Beef wrapped in bacon also served with garlic parsley rice with a side of sauteed French beans and carrots. We preferred it well-done. They serve this dish on a sizzling hot stone to prevent it from getting cold and greasy easily. The plating gives this dish a good first impression, but there was really nothing special with the steak.

Torch is a good place for simple, casual dates and budget friendly, feel-good food trips. We really enjoyed and were greatly satisfied with our lunch.

TORCH

Home Studio Building, 63 Connecticut Street, Greenhills, San Juan City (02-4773771, 02-5020000)

Eat like a Mafia

I'm a huge fan of deal sites. I really do a lot of shopping here, specially for restaurant discounts.

I was lucky enough to find one for Goodfellas. :D

We frequent this place because of their excellent and budget friendly menu. The menu is quite interesting since it is named after famous Italian mafia bosses. Goodfellas is basically a house that was converted into a resto-bar. The interior design took its inspiration from the 50's, and depicted a somewhat manly atmosphere.

Now, on to the food. Since we were a group of four, we ordered the following: Grilled Bacon, Chicken Finger Mafia, Pat & Geno's Sandwich, Gambino, Jimmy Two Times and House Steak (Don). (Whew! That was a mouthful!)

The appetizers along with the sandwich were served first.

     

Grilled Bacon (Php 245). My only complaint about this is that there's too many burnt edges that affected the taste of the bacon.

Chicken Finger Mafia (Php 385). Five (5) huge chicken tenders served with fries. The chicken tenders were crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside, however, the meat itself lacked seasoning. It came with gravy and hot sauce, which could compensate the underseasoned meat.

      

Pat & Geno's (Php 295 - Solo) is their version of a philly cheesesteak sandwich. This is by far my favorite! Liberal servings of angus beef strips and caramelized onions, drowned in their cheese sauce. (drooling right now...)

The Gambino (Php 425) was delightful ! Loaded with shrimps, mushrooms and garlic, soaked in olive oil with a hint of spice.

While we were munching on our starters, the main dishes were served.



Jimmy Two Times (Php 465) is their 2-way pork chop served with pilaf rice. I was taken aback when I saw how thin the cuts were. I remembered it being a lot thicker and meatier before. :( The grilled pork chop became just an ordinary dish, nothing special, unlike how I remembered it. The deep fried chop was a bit too oily and was also horribly underseasoned! I could only taste the breading and it was also tough and hard to chew. I also remembered that the fried chop should have a layer of melted cheese on top. A lot of things went wrong with this dish.



The House Steak (Php 495 - Don size) was Kyle's order. It was served with mashed potatoes and buttered corn and carrots. The steak was cooked well-done. It had just the right amount of seasoning with the meat still being tender.

Overall, my pre-birthday celebration was satisfactory. I just hope that they bring back how Jimmy Two Times should be served. For that price, customers should enjoy a more appealing dish.

GOODFELLAS

56 T Gener Corner, Kamuning, Quezon City

B & B

Burgers & Brewskies is the name that has been haunting me for a long time.

I've read (and seen) a lot of good things about this place, and being burger fans, it's a must that we go for a visit.

Located within Burgos Circle, B&B is among the first noticeable establishments because of its well-lit signage.



We were seated in the second floor dining area and handed their menu.

Choices were overwhelming, but I got my eyes fixed on Call The Nurse and Kandi. To compliment our choices, we got the Cuban Missile (shredded) and Onion Strings.

While waiting for our dinner:

   

Starters!



The Onion Strings (Php 95) were well-seasoned and had a nice crunch. The Cuban Missile (Php120) was something delightfully different! Creamy, cheesy, corn with the right hint of spice. I couldn't get enough of this, in fact, I finished this on my own!

On to the main course!

Kandi (Php 265), 1/3 pound burger patty, roasted garlic aoili, cheese sauce, onion confit, topped with spiced CANDIED BACON!

   

In a word, AWESOME! The patty was grilled to perfection, with the meat almost crumbling. The candied bacon was beautifully caramelized and the sweetness was just right for me!

Now for the well renowned, Call the Nurse (Php 280). 1/3 pound burger patty, spiced mustard aoili, cheese sauce, topped with mac and cheese and honey Sriracha bacon,



It had the same perfectly grilled patty. The honey Sriracha bacon had a very smooth sweet-mild spicy flavor, while the mac and cheese had the right mix of milk and cheese. The components of the burger, taken individually, were all good. But when you put it all together in one bite, there's just too many things going on. In our opinion, we found it best to eat the mac and cheese separately from the burger.

B&B is a competitive burger joint against our favorites, Charlie's and Zarks. They also serve various imported beers.

Will be going back here soon to try their other creations.

BURGERS & BREWSKIES

Bellagio II, Forbes Town Center, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City (02-4034038)

 

A Not So Happy Meal

I’ve done a lot of research on good places to dine at the Tuscany. My interest was caught by SF Bistro by Rue Bourbon and The Burgery. Having just dined at Burgers and Brewskies a few days back, I settled with SF Bistro.

I had high hopes with the restaurant, specially when I saw that they had Grilled Cheese Sandwich on their menu (courtesy of zomato)

Since Kyle was getting out of work late that night, I made my way to Tuscany, Mckinley Hills.

I was greeted by a cheerful interior and very accommodating staff.

I was initially seated beside the window, but the outside diners were rather rude and just kept on banging on the window. So, I was offered the corner table. When I had myself settled, I ordered the Nutella Funtella.

   

For food items, I had my mind fixed on ordering the Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Mushroom Duo Rockefeller and Boston Pork Steak...but to my disappointment, all three items were no longer part of their menu. I was heartbroken when I realized that they trimmed off so many good items from their menu and left the ordinary ones. I felt so lost and I just didn’t know what to order. Well, I guess I didn’t do enough research *sigh*.

I reluctantly chose the Slow Roast Beef Brisket and Roast Beef Sandwich, and guess what? Both items were also not available. I seriously wanted to walk out of the place, if not for my Nutella shake. I kept my calm and decided to check the menu again. This time I ordered the Beef and Mushroom Pot Roast, and guess what? It’s also not available. I just irritatingly asked the waiter what meat items were available at that time, and he suggested the Sizzling Beef Ala Pobre, which I obliged to get (as if there was much of a choice). I requested that the food be served for later since I didn’t want it to get cold before Kyle arrives. Apparently, the waiter was quite inattentive and served the food just after 10 minutes. Good thing that it was served on an iron skillet which kept the food warm for another 15 minutes.



The Sizzling Beef Ala Pobre (Php 295) was composed of chunks of beef belly, accompanied by a lot of vegetables and drowned in olive oil, with a serving of pilaf rice. It was just an ok dish.

The second dish I ordered was the Chicken Mac and Cheese (Php 295). They offer you a choice between Italian style and country fried chicken, I chose the country fried chicken.

  

I loved the chicken! It was golden brown and had a nice crunch and the meat was tender with a delightful flavor. This happiness was short-lived when I tasted the Mac and Cheese. I couldn’t really understand why the Mac and Cheese tasted a bit sour. I had no recollection of ever eating Mac and Cheese that had sour flavor. I knew it wasn’t spoiled, but it just tasted wrong…

To cap off our already disappointing experience, they allowed their 2 foreign guests (Koreans) to smoke inside the restaurant (they have an al fresco dining area for smokers). Mind you, their restaurant had no exhaust! We were seated beside these two Koreans and requested to be transferred since we could not stand the fumes.

I found this experience horrible! The food was just mediocre-to-bad and the management is very disappointing. This is a restaurant I would not go back to.

SF Bistro

Tuscany, Upper Mckinley Road, Mckinley Hill, Taguig City

Celebrating Life at Octoboy

Last night we celebrated my dad's 63rd birthday at Octoboy, Tomas Morato. Octoboy is an establishment specializing in Japanese food.

My brother bought a couple of vouchers from Ensogo. The voucher was limited to the following food items: Okonomiyaki, Udon, Ramen and Sushi Rolls.

From that selection, we ordered the following:

Ramen - Roast Pork (Php 295) and Seafood (Php 285)

Udon - Beef Udon (Php 335)

Okonomiyaki - Octopus (Php 285) , Bacon (Php 290), Peppered Beef (Php 340) and Mushroom (Php 285)

Sushi Rolls - Unagi (Php 195), Philadelphia (Php 195) and California Crunch (Php 165)

The ramen were served first.

         

The Roast Pork Ramen had thin pork slices that had a decent amount of fat on it while the Seafood Ramen had kani, naruto maki and fish fillet. Both the Roast Pork Ramen (left) and Seafood Ramen (right) used miso as soup stock, and were garnished with spring onions and dried seaweed strips. The broth was really flavorful and it was a nice way to start our meal and warm our tummies.

The Beef Yakiudon came in next.



Stir fried noodles topped with beef strips, vegetables, Japanese mayonnaise and okonomiyaki sauce (I think). I couldn't really understand the overall flavor that it had, but it didn't taste bad. I guess it just had too many flavors in it.

Okonomiyaki (clockwise: Octopus, Bacon, Peppered Beef, and Mushroom) is basically like very soft and savory pancake wit toppings

            

The Octopus Okonomiyaki (octopus, mozzarella, okonomiyaki sauce, bonito shavings, Japanese mayonnaise and dried seaweed) had a very similar taste with their takoyaki.

The Bacon Okonomiyaki (bacon, mozzarella, okonomiyaki sauce, onion mayonnaise, lettuce and toasted cheddar) was very cheesy and was loaded with bacon in every bite.

The Peppered Beef Okonomiyaki (gyudon beef, mozzarella, black pepper sauce, miso mayonnaise, crispy onions and corn kernels) was the crowd favorite. It had a generous amount of beef with a peppery flavor that was balanced out by the mayonnaise.

Last was the Mushroom Okonomiyaki (sauteed mushroom, mozzarella, tonkatsu sauce, garlic mayonnaise, sauteed leeks and bacon bits). Unfortunately, this was the least liked and most forgettable among the four.

On to the next set, Sushi Rolls (left to right: California Crunch, Philadelphia Roll and Unagi Roll)



California Crunch is a variation of the traditional California Maki. This is basically california maki that's been fried and topped of with spicy mayonnaise. This one delivers a "kick", brought about by the spicy mayonnaise.

Philadelphia roll had salmon and cream cheese fillings and was also fried. I practically like almost anything with cream cheese in it, so this one's a keeper.

The Unagi Roll was the biggest disappointment of the night. The piece of eel that's used as the filling was tiny, and you could hardly taste the flavor of the eel. It was like eating a roll of rice with sweet sauce on it.

Over all, the food was just ok, nothing extraordinary.

 

Advisory: Certain portions of Tomas Morato's undergoing drainage improvements. Traffic is pretty heavy and parking is more limited than the usual.

OCTOBOY

Tomas Morato Branch - 186 Tomas Morato Corner Scout De Guia, Sacred Heart, Quezon City (02-9902357)

Banawe Branch - 670 Banawe Street, Santo Domingo, Quezon City (02-4092704, 02-5835496)

Libis Branch - Fourth Floor, Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City

Eyeliner Alert!

I normally apply eye make up when I get to the office because I'm very prone to rubbing my eyes, and yawning (which makes my eyes watery) when I still feel sleepy.

Today I decided to make a short review on the eyeliner that I've been using for a couple of months now.

I bring you, Etude's Drawing Show Creamy Pencil. It's a pencil-type eyeliner that you can sharpen. It has a creamy consistency and glides easily

 



 

What I have here is the black shimmer eyeliner (shade code: BK 801). As you can see below, it has a very solid shade of black and visible shimmer. What I love about this is that if you let it sit for about a minute or two, it doesn't smudge anymore, no matter how hard you rub it. Just be careful not to wet it, because it gets real runny when you get your eyes wet.

       

So here's me just with my basics on:

 

Eyeliner applied (I like doing just a mini winged style). My technique is to apply it from the inner corner, and just work my way to the outer corner.

Tip: If you have a liquid eyeliner and aren't that comfortable with using it on its own, you could use an eyeliner pencil first for the basic layout and just layer the liquid liner on top. 



I really love how bold the shade is! The shimmer is not that visible once you apply it on the crease of your eyes.

Finished look (with guest appearance of my hair brush, LOL)

             

I love how the eyeliner made my eyes pop and look a bit bigger!

I normally just stick to this look during weekdays since its simple and perfect for the office.

Next time I'll be sharing my weekend/night look. :)

Product Rating: 4 /5

2015 Philippine Holidays!

Hear ye! Hear ye! Early announcement of the 2015 Philippines Official Non-Working Holidays!!

Now you can plan your 2015 getaways!

A. Regular Holidays
New Year’s Day	-	1	January (Thursday)
Maundy Thursday	-	2	April
Good Friday	-	3	April
Araw ng Kagitingan	-	9	April (Thursday)
Labor Day	-	1	May (Friday)
Independence Day	-	12	June (Friday)
National Heroes Day	-	31	August (Last Monday of August)
Bonifacio Day	-	30	November (Monday)
Christmas Day	-	25	December (Friday)
Rizal Day	-	30	December (Wednesday)
B. Special (Non-Working) Days
Chinese New Year	-	19	February (Thursday)
Black Saturday	-	4	April
Ninoy Aquino Day	-	21	August (Friday)
All Saints Day	-	1	November (Sunday)
Additional special (non-working) days	-	2	January (Friday)
	-	24	December (Thursday)
Last Day of the Year	-	31	December (Thursday)
C. Special Holiday (for all schools)
EDSA Revolution Anniversary	-	25	February (Wednesday)

Please click here for the actual Proclamation

 

Dining at the BACKYARD

During our drive home from work, we stumbled upon a hidden gem along the lines of Sgt. Esguerra. We normally shy away from this street because parking is just really bad. Luckily there was an available street parking that seemed to be awaiting our arrival.

Backyard Burgers is a small quaint restaurant besides a car wash station.  It offers a wide selection of burgers, sandwiches, sides and drinks. They also allow customers to use their creative juices and customize their own burgers with their wide array of add-ons.

For starters, we got the Onion Rings (Php 60) and Buffalo Wild Wings (Php 150).



I love that the Onion Rings are cut thin and with the right amount of breading. We requested for some ketchup and mayonnaise to be used as dip. The Buffalo Wild Wings was served with bleu cheese dip. It was a bit too spicy for my liking. Given that Kyle doesn't like and has a low tolerance with spicy food, he didn't give it a try.

For our main dish, we got their Truffle Burger (Php 215) and Beef Belly Cheesesteak (Php 150)

    

Both sandwiches were served on some kind of wax paper. This was actually a turn-off for me since the cheese stuck on the wax paper, which made it messy and quite hard to eat. I hope that they improve on how they serve their food.

Kyle's Truffle Burger had a 1/2 pound, mozzarella stuffed patty, and was loaded with shiitake mushrooms on top of the cheddar cheese. The burger patty was well seasoned and perfectly grilled preserving all of its juices. The mozzarella oozed out from Kyle's every bite.

My Beef Belly Cheesesteak was filled with beef strips (Yes, there's meat hiding underneath :p ) and loaded with mushrooms, bell pepper and onions with a generous amount of cheese sauce. The beef was just so tender with the right amount of fat, and the veggies and cheese gave out complementing flavors. This sandwich made my night.

Backyard Burgers offer affordable, quality and delicious food. It's really a bang for the buck!

You don't need to break your budget just to get good food, you just have to look for the hidden gems ;).

BACKYARD BURGERS

52 Sgt Esguerra Street, South Triangle, Quezon City (02-3844140)