food

Macaron at Mixin Bowl SM North EDSA

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Mixin Bowl Cafe just recently opened at SM North EDSA Sky Garden.  This one of a kind hang out place serves premium hot and cold beverages and to die for pastries – one of which is French Marcarons.
 
The place is a bit small and can accommodate up to 25 guests including the tables in its open air area.  Despite of its limited real estate, the modern and cozy interior makes the place looks high end and expensive.

mixin bowl sm north
We were lucky to meet the owner of the place – Ms.Tet. She was nice and even shared a couple of information about macarons. Well, macarons are often mistaken by Filipinos as the Pinoy meringue or even macaroons.  Macarons are totally different as they are actually French-meringue pastry varying in colors and flavors.  By the way, Mixin Bowl’s macarons are authentic and 100% Parisian.

Since it is my first time to try macarons, I did not really expect that it would match its pretty appearance with its delightful taste.  The shell and the cookie of the macaroons is a bit soft and very delicate.  It slowly melts into your mouth while satisfying your tastebuds with its rich and unique flavor. According to the owner, this what makes Mixin Bowl’s premium macarons different from other macaroons around the metro. 
Mixin Bowl’s macaron premium flavors – Rose, Pistachio, Espresso and Salted Caramel.

Pistachio – a white chocolate pistachio ganache
Rose – Iranian rose syrup gentlyflavors a delicate buttercream

Salted Caramel – smooth golden caramel salted with flakes  of French sea salt
Espresso – a strong espresso buttercream

My friend and I ordered a dozen of macarons, Café Latte and Mocha Frapuccino.  I personally liked Pistachio and Salted Caramel.  The filling screams intense flavor and makes you want to take another bite.  The sweetness is not too strong and is just perfect with hot coffee.

While we were enjoying the macaroons, to our surprise, Ms.Tet handed us a plate of Mixin Bowl’s Mochi donuts for free.  (PS. Thank you Ms.Tet!)
Mixin Bowl’s Cream Cheese and Nutella doughnuts are unique and delicious! Ms.Tet told me that the dough is actually made of wheat. That makes these Mochi doughnuts not just mouth-watering but also a healthy choice of dessert.

Mixin Bowl Menu
Macaron – 45Php
Café Emericano – 85Php
Café Latte – 90Php
Cappucino – 105Php
Mochi Doughnut – Cream Cheese – 39Php
Swiss Meringue – 39Php
I would definitely recommend Mixin Bowl.  The ambiance, service and of course the macarons and Mochi doughnuts are good.  I have yet to try other macaroon places, but so far, I have already set my standards to that of Mixin Bowl’s delicious and premium macarons.

Contact Mixin’ Bowl
Sky Garden,
SM City North EDSA
Quezon City

For reservations call or e-mail:
(632) 464-9338
[email protected]

Brasas SM North EDSA, Latin American Streetfood

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Carne Asada Brasas

Located at the 4th floor of The Block, Brasas is one of the newest and one of its kind restaurant in SM North EDSA. Perhaps the first restaurant to offer authentic Latin American cuisine in Manila.  Brasas promises a taste of street food Latin American dining experience.Brasas’ limited real estate is compensated by its unique interior.  High end wooden tables are perfectly positioned giving diners enough space to freely move.  Walls are eye catching.  There is a part in the area where a number of Portuguese and Spanish words are artistically written.  The entire restaurant is also well lighted.

Brasas the block interior

As first time diners in Brasas, I was shocked when there is a sign in the table saying “Please order at the counter.”  We hurriedly went to the counter and one of the waiters handed us the menu.  At the counter, you will see how they prepare these to die for Latin American cuisines.  It amazes me that their chef is a Latina.

Brasas SM North Counter

I ordered Carne Asada Platter, a charcoal grilled sliced beef sirloin with South American slaw, a single Patacones and Yellow Latin rice.  The platter is also served with a Chimichurri sauce.  My friend ordered Pollo Asado Platter, just the same thing with Carna Asada except for the grilled chicken.  It took just about 15 minutes when our orders were served.

brasas rice meal

Carne Asada Platter is priced at 250.00 Php.

I immediately tasted the chargrilled beef the moment the platter was served.  The beef is perfectly cooked, very tender and generously on top of the delicious Latin yellow rice.  Because of its green color, Chimichurri intrigued me.  Well, needless to say, its goes perfectly with the delicous chargrilled beef.  For the side dish, Patacones, a yellow chip made of sliced green plantain serves as the appetizer.  The healthy and fresh Latin slaw is also perfect!

pollo asado brasas

Pollo Asado is priced at 210.00 Php

Latin iced tea brasas

Latin Iced Tea is priced at 80 Php.

I also loved the Latin Iced Tea. I actually had two orders of this.

Since there is a wide array of authentic Latin American food in Brasas Menu, I would definitely come back to try their other dishes. Aside from this, with the price, serving is generous. The ambiance is good, except that I did not hear any music to set the mood of the diners. Customer service is also good. The counter lady and the servers were all accommodating. I would highly recommend Brasas!

Aside from The Block SM North EDSA, Brasas Philippines branches also include SM Aura Premier and The Podium.

 

Visit Brasas Facebook Page.

 

 

Whistletop Alabang

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Our friend who lives in Alabang was supposed to bring us at Vivere Hotel’s Sky Lounge.  When we arrived at 12 MN, unfortunately, the Sky Lounge is already closed. To our dismay we continued driving around the area to find a good place to spend Saturday night, unfortunately there are only a couple 24 hour restaurants in Filinvest Alabang, one of which is Whistletop.

Whistlestop – 24/7 Since 1977

There’s nothing fancy with Whistletop’s interior except for a few interesting areas showcasing old school cameras, vintage luggages and a wall of vintage posters and logos.

Since we arrived at 1:00 AM, there were only few guests in the area.  The place is a bit small and with its limited real estate, I’m wondering what it’s like at Whistlestop during peak hours.

Whistletop Iced Tea – 80 Php
Bearing the name of the restaurant, I didn’t hesitate to order this drink.  We were all surprised when it was served in a super tall glass.  Not the best iced tea I’ve ever tasted but it was good.
Whistlestopper (Bacon, Cheeseburger, Egg and French Fries) – 210 Php
The name caught my attention while browsing the Whistestop menu. The thick-cut fries is crispy and perfectly cooked. The burger’s tender and juicy patty is delicious but there are parts that are a little overcooked.
Whistlestopper could be something I’d highly recommend if only the burger patty is perfectly cooked.. but it’s delicious nonetheless.
Morning Heavyweight – 165 Php
The super large corned beef is the star of the meal coupled with fried rice.  Morning Heavyweight is also served with a fried egg and tomatoes.  Intended for breakfast but my friend ordered this for dinner.
Strawberry Margarita – 140 Php
Weng Weng – 140 Php
Buttered Corn – 120 Php
Mojito – 120 Php
Since it’s one of the few 24 hour restaurant in the area, the surrounding is very quiet.  A perfect place to chill and indeed spend a Saturday night in Alabang with friends.

Pan de Amerikana Marikina

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer

We were looking for a unique yet homey restaurant around the metro and a friend suggested Pan de Amerikana in Marikina.

 

This one of a kind restaurant offers a wide array of foods, from their authentic 1950’s Pan de Sal to Filipino, Chinese and Italian dishes. 

pan de marikina in marikina city
Apart from this, Pan de Amerikana’s façade is a showstopper in the area.  A large Netherlands windmill welcomes guests and the façade itself is really fascinating.  The baker statue reminds me of Baker’s Hill in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
 
There are many things going on with Pan de Amerikana’s interior.  Wooden furnitures, antique tables and chairs, traviesa benches, swing, Koi pond, Italian colonnade European ruins, waterfalls, colorful stained glasses, hanging bridge and a life size chess board.  Truly appealing!
 
 
Pan de Amerikana is a non-smoking and an open air restaurant.  Although there are electric fans everywhere, I guess it’s not advisable to dine here during extreme hot weather condition.. unless you’ll bring a hanky to wipe off your sweat.  Anyway, there’s also an ample parking space just outside the restaurant that also serves as a smoking area.lol
 
 
 

The place looks expensive but their menu is surprisingly cheap and affordable!  It’s weird that with it’s classy restaurant setting, you have to pay right away as you order.

I ordered Carbonara for only 60 Php

Carbonara was okay.  There’s nothing special with it and the serving is too small for me.  I did not expect too much since the price is very affordable compared to other restaurants.

Calamansi Juice – 30 Php
Sardines Pan de Sal for only 30 Php
 
My friends liked their pandesal.  I must say that it was good and quite special.  I guess this is the most favored food in Pan de Amerikana. 
 
Pancit Bihon –  40Php
 

                                                                   Spaghetti – 40 Php

Palabok – 40 Php
 
Me and my friends agreed that with the price, the food is not bad at all.  Since we were there for merienda, it’s not fair to say that Pan de Amerikana’s dishes are just okay-ish. Perhaps we should visit the place again for dinner.
 
The service was superb.  The security guard and  waiters were all attentive and the front desk/counter was very welcoming.  With the visually appealing façade and interior, Pan de Amerikana is a place worth visiting!
 
 

By the way, we also enjoyed the hanging bridge in the second floor of the restaurant . 🙂

Pan de Amerikana Schedule

Monday to Saturday 6:00AM to 7:00PM

Sunday 7:00AM to 3:00PM  

Bakery: Monday to Sunday Opens at 5:00AM

Pan de Amerikana Locations

  • Main: #92 General Ordoñez Corner Maroon St. Marikina Heights, 1800 Marikina City
  • Katipunan Avenue Quezon City
  • Wilson street GREENHILLS San Juan
  • Makati Avenue corner constellation St. beside Savory. 

Visit Pan de Amerikana Facebook Page.

Pan de Amerikana  Menu.

Bulalo at Mahogany Market Tagaytay

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Aside from its cold weather, Tagaytay is also famous for its Bulao – a famous Filipino dish made up of beef shanks and marrow bones boiled with veggies.

If you are looking for an affordable Bulalo experience in Tagaytay, Mahogany Market is the perfect place.  Just across the market offering fresh beef is an array of food stalls offering local delicacies including Filipino’s all time favorite and most favored – Bulalo. 

We arrived at Mahogany Market at around 9:00 PM and since there are approximately a dozen of food stalls, we tried to look around and find the best food stall in the area.  Well, they all look the same and appear to offer exactly the same menu.  The question is which offers the best Bulalo?  There was a vendor who kept on peddling her Espasol when we arrived at Mahogany Market, we asked her and she recommended Barboza’s Kitchenette.

Cheap Bulalo in tagaytay
tagaytay bulalo at mahogany market
350 Php – Special Bulalo at Barboza’s Kitchenette in Mahogany Market, Tagaytay
Serving: 5 in our case lol.. but the serving is generous and it’s actually good for 6 – 8 persons 
Special Bulalo at Leslie’s and Josephine restaurant – Tagaytay’s famous Bulalo houses are priced at P450 up.  Well, that makes Mahogany Market’s Bulalo more affordable.
crispy shrimp filipino dish
We also ordered Crispy fried shrimps.  A perfect combination with Bulalo’s hot and rich flavored soup.  I super loved this dish!
filipino dish caldereta
Caldereta
Pinapaitan – An exotic Filipino dish made up of cow or goat innards.  I never tried this dish since I’m not really a fan of this exotic delicacy.
affordable place to eat in tagaytay city
At 900 Php, we had a sumptuous dinner at Barboza’s Kitchenette, Mahogany Market
1 Special Bulalo
2 Crispy Shrimp 
1 Caldereta
1 Papaitan
12 Rice (We’re only five lol)
1 1.5 Coke
Barboza’s Kitchenette also offers unlimited banana to its diners.

Jatujak SM North EDSA, Thai Food

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Jatujak, pronounced as cha-tu-chak is the largest weekend market in Bangkok.

This Thai restaurant is located at the 4th Level of SM North EDSA The Block. The restaurant itself is small and the interior is simple and a bit modern showcasing a number of Thai displays on it’s main counter.

Thai Iced Tea – 85 Php
Surprisingly, at 85 Php, the Thai iced tea is served in a very tall glass.  It tastes like milk tea and I really liked it!  This is a must try at Jatujak!
Fried rice with shrimp (Kao Pad Goong) – 175 Php
serving: good for 2
Although a bit watery for me, this Thai fried rice was good.  It surprised me that this rice with tasty and juicy shrimps is coupled with a Calamansi.
Chicken with cashew nuts – 210 Php
Serving: good for 2
This dish was my friend’s choice. There’s nothing special with the chicken but the sauce along with my favorite cashew nuts makes this dish special.
Stir fried kangkong (Pak Boong Fai Deng) – 105 Php
Serving: good for 2
Kangkong is perfectly cooked. I’m pretty much sure that the sauce is not the typical soy sauce (not salty at all) and something Thai.  I just can’t describe the taste but it was really good.
Since I opted for safe dishes, I’d definitely dine again at Jatujak for their iced tea and to try some Thai noodles and appetizers.

Visit munchpunch for Jatujak Menu – SM North EDSA.

4 Fingers Crispy Chicken at SM City North EDSA & SM Mall of Asia

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
4 Fingers Crispy Chicken offers Korean-style fried chicken is located at the ground floor of SM City North EDSA and at the at the Entertainment Mall Ground Floor of SM Mall of Asia.  Founded by 4 friends, this one of a kid fast food is originally from Singapore and is currently serving crispy chicken in Southeast Asia.

 
 
Aside from the tasteful ‘soy garlic’ and ‘hot & spicy’ crispy chicken flavors, the New York subway inspired interior makes 4 Fingers Crispy Chicken interesting.

(Photo from 4 Fingers Crispy Chicken’s Facebook page)

 (Photo from 4 Fingers Crispy Chicken’s Facebook page)
 
 4 Fingers Crispy Chicken Menu & Price
   A budget 150 Php to 300 Php is good for one meal
 
 
4 Fingers Crispy Chicken Meal (6pcs. Wings/Drummettes Soy Garlic/Hot/Mix)- 229.00 Php
Includes a small soda or iced tea and fries/rice            
 
Chicken Drumsticks Meal (3pcs. Soy Garlic/Hot/Mix, includes)  – 229.00  Php
Includes a small soda/iced tea and fries/rice            
 
1 Pc. Drumstick Rice Box Meal (Soy Garlic/Hot/Mix) – 99.00 Php

Includes a small soda/iced tea

2 Pc. Drumstick Rice Box Meal (Soy Garlic/Hot/Mix) – Php – 149 Php
Includes a small soda/iced tea

Katsu Chicken Sandwich Meal   – 199.00 Php
Includes a small soda/iced tea and fries            
 
Chicken Burger Meal (Soy Garlic/Hot)- 199.00 Php                 
Includes a small soda/iced tea and fries            
 
Chicken Chop Meal (Soy Garlic/Hot)- 209.00 Php                
Includes a small soda/iced tea and fries            
 
Seafood Rice Box Meal (Soy Garlic/Hot)- 229.00 Php                
 Includes a small soda/iced tea            
 
Chicken Rice Box Meal (Soy Garlic/Hot/Mix) – 139.00 Php                
Includes a small soda/iced tea            
 
Calamari and Shrimp Meal (Soy Garlic/Hot) – 229.00 Php                
 Includes a small soda/iced tea and fries            
 
Crispy Calamari Meal (Soy Garlic/Hot)- 229.00 Php               
includes a small soda/iced tea and fries
 
Battered Shrimp Meal (Soy Garlic/Hot)- 229.00 Php                 
 Includes a small soda/iced tea and fries
 
Chicken Wrap Meal – 229.00 Php                  
Includes a small soda/iced tea and fries
 
 

2 orders of 2 Pc. Drumstick Rice Box Meal (Soy Garlic/Hot/Mix) at Php 149 Php each and Skinny Fries at 65.00.  Meals are served on a stainless lunch boxes.

 
I must say that the chicken is really crispy outside and juicy inside! I was blown away by the Soy Garlic flavor but never tried the ‘hot & spicy’ due to  my taste buds intolerance of spicy foods.  The skinny fries didn’t impress me, it was like a regular fries you can buy in supermarkets.  Overall, the ambiance, menu and the price is worth it.  I would definitely return to 4 Fingers Chicken to try their other meals.

 


 For a complete list of menu, visit Munchpunch.

Like 4 Fingers Crispy Chicken’s Facebook page or visit 4 Fingers Crispy Chicken website.
 
 
 
 

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Bilao at Palayok Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Aside from the breathtaking Underground River, white sand beaches, exciting zip line adventures and friendly locals, Palawan vacation would not be complete without dining in the city’s restaurants.

Bilao at Palayok Seafoods & Native Restaurant is located along Rizal Avenue and just about 5 minutes away from Puerto Princesa Airport.  This Filipino restaurant is one of Puerto Princesa’s finest restaurants. 

Bilao at Palayok Puerto Prinsesa City
 
 
A huge “Palayok” or Earthen Pot outside the restaurant. We visited Bilao at Palayok for our first dinner at Puerto Prinsesa.  Since I’m only using my smart phone for photographs, pictures are dull due to lowlight conditions.
 
Huge Palayok outside the restaurant
 
 
Bilao at Palayok’s interior is very native and “Filipino”.  I was impressed and amazed by the overall design and feel of the restaurant. Tables, chairs and even flooring are made up of wood mostly bamboos.  Too bad that we were the last guests that night and lights were dimmed on other areas of the restaurant. 
Short bridge heading to the main dining area of Bilao at Palayok.
 
 
 
At the heart of the restaurant are wooden crafts.  Bilao at Palayok looks like a mini Filipino art gallery to me.  I highly recommend visiting this restaurant during daytime to appreciate the ethnicity and beauty of the area.
 
 
We ordered “Bulalo” – kneecap, a famous dish in the Philippines. 
 
 
 
Boodle feast at Bilao at Palayok.  We were all shocked by the generous serving of this group meal for five persons.  Food presentation is perfect!
 
  
This group meal we ordered consists of Sisig, boneless Bangus, Inihaw na Pusit, Inihaw na baboy, fried danggit, Adobo, Hipon, Laing  etc.  I should say that their rice is the most tasfeful and delicious rice I’ve ever tasted!
 
My friend wanted to bring home this water pitcher covered with a woven rattan.hahaha
 
 
Bilao at Palayok Puerto Prinsesa Menu

Aside from the menu below, the restaurant also offers sizzling, fish, pork and vegetable dishes ranging from 170 Pesos to 450 Pesos.  Desserts are also available starting at 70 Pesos.

 

Puerto Princesa’s Bilao at Palayok is a must try to those who will visit the city.  The resto’s interior, ambiance and feel looks expensive but for the delightful and delicious food, Bilao at Palayok dining experience is actually affordable!