~ Reviews by leyz ~

Showing 1 - 10 of 27 reviews

  • 2 of 2 people found this helpful:
    Getting better and better...
    In-Yo Fusion Cuisine, Katipunan
    Rating - 4.5 - 4.5 - 4.5 - 4.5 - 4.5
    Food - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Service - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    Ambiance - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    Value - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    It was a friend's birthday celebration when I dined at In-yo last night.. Frankly, I wasn't as excited as I normally am since I've tried it a couple of times and I feel, back then, being a fine dining restaurant, they can still improve on some basic things.

    Last night wasn't a disappointment though. They've come a long way from the first time I tried it (more than 5 months ago).

    1st time: I love the concept behind it; garden & outdoor dining; ambiance & food presentation; even the bathroom I love! But food taste & service needed some improvements... I ordered their sea bass. Nice presentation but it wasn't fresh, taste was bland and I got a small portion w/ a lot of fish bones in it. A big disappointment (since it’s the only time I was served sea bass that way). Waiters were still clumsy, unsure how to serve and take orders. They have to be asked for water (and would refill my warm with iced water), plus they were not familiar with what's on the menu.

    2nd time: Better. Service improved a little, waiters were more familiar w/ what they are offering. The sea bass (yes, I can't get enough of it!) is a lot better.. Bigger portion, whiter meat, pleasantly firmer in texture but so tender and yummy (they finally found good supplies). And ++ points for the wasabi fried oysters! I just love it. I'll go back for this one!

    3rd time: Last night, I had the wasabi fried oyster again! =) Too bad I just got a piece since it their amuse-bouche...

    We order their degustation:
    Aligue Wasabi Caesar Salad – very good w/ grapes, quail egg & fried dumplings;
    Prawn Bisque w/ Shrimp Gyoza - a bit salty w/c I love;
    Calamansi Sorbet ;
    Pili Crusted Unagi Fillet – a masterpiece..visually enticing and delicious!
    Yuzu Parfait w/ Basil Compoté of Pineapple Sago & Strawberry Jus – really good but would personally prefer it more chilled.

    *Degustation for P1,100 all in - is worth it!

    Only one thing that didn’t change… that is the waiting time for dishes to be served.. so don’t come here when you’re really hungry!!!

    Oh, and maybe the amuse-bouche can be paired with a complimenting wine... =)
    (HEY, IT'S JUST A THOUGHT! Is it too much to ask??.. I’m sure I’m not the only one who’ll find it a lovely surprise if they do!)

    Overall, I’m happier w/ their service. They improved a lot. I never had to ask for water refill. They remember my preferences. Food is delicious! And the presentation.. it's like every dish is a work of art!

    It's nice to see a restaurant (and the whole team behind it) that evidently gets better and better in time!

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  • 1 of 1 people found this helpful:
    ..this is one of QC's Best Kept Secret
    Zucchini's, Quezon City
    Rating - 4.25 - 4.25 - 4.25 - 4.25 - 4.25
    Food - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Service - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    Ambiance - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Value - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Zucchini's has been a favorite of mine since they were still located in a small and cozy commercial unit beside Santis Deli along East Ave., then they transfered to a new building near Roces Ave. (in front of Max's Restaurant). It's so much bigger and the fine dining ambiance has improved.

    Their food is delicious. Haven’t tasted anything I didn’t like so far… I love their Chilean Sea Bass and the Pesto Pasta! Since I love both but can't finish 2 dishes. I'd often share it with a friend. We would ask the waiter to split those dishes into 2 to combine the pasta and sea bass together. I love the combination! If I remember correctly, expect to pay P750/person for that dish -which might be priced higher at P1000-1500 in other fine dining restaurants. Their steaks are good too!

    Service is commendable. So far, many times I’ve dined there, never been disappointed. The waiters are well trained. They listen attentively and can explain further the food choices in the menu. They seldom get your orders and special requests wrong.

    For years, they maintained the quality and consistency I’ve known the restaurant for. Fine ambiance. Delicious and better quality food. Good service. With these factors in mind, I’d consider it good value-for-money for a fine dining restaurant.

    It’s a gem in QC!
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  • 1 of 1 people found this helpful:
    The Perfect Cheesecake!
    Fleur de Lys, Tomas Morato
    Rating - 4.25 - 4.25 - 4.25 - 4.25 - 4.25
    Food - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    Service - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Ambiance - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Value - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    The Cheesecake by Request is really good... ask for the one topped with fresh slices of fruits. This is my favorite cheesecake until now!

    I'm not a fan of super sweet dessert... that is why I love FDL's cheesecakes. The light sweetness and texture of the cake is just perfect for me! You can choose from different toppings available but I always go for the one with fresh fruits. It's a delightful round piece of cheesecake topped with fresh slices of different fruits like mangoes, kiwi, strawberries etc - they are spread beautifully on top..so colorful and festive!

    It's also wrapped in a cute and fresh looking applegreen & hotpink box. Often the first thing that comes to mind when friends and relatives are celebrating birthdays! I'd always get a big 'thank you' and 'yummy' response every time!!!
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  • 2 of 2 people found this helpful:
    A delicious merienda on a Sunday afternoon...
    Mom & Tina's Bakery Cafe, Makati
    Rating - 4.25 - 4.25 - 4.25 - 4.25 - 4.25
    Food - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    Service - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Ambiance - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Value - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    I love Makati on a weekend. You get to enjoy dining without the traffic and the crowd. Not too many establishments are open on a Sunday though.. it's a good thing Mom & Tina's is. Plus this place is very homey. A nice and quiet place to spend a lazy afternoon alone, with family, or with friends..

    Me and my 'matakaw na friend' ordered the Shepherd's Pie. It was served with 2 pieces of Garlic Cheese Roll. I love the bread.. it looks already appealing but taste much better than it looks. It looks tough.. yet it's very soft and tasty. It can be eaten on its own, but perfect with their Shepherd's Pie (a mashed potatoes baked with ground beef and cheese on top). Paired with coffee and a platter of fruits, I'm sure it's ideal for a hearty breakfast too.

    It's so good my friend ate so much of it and left me scraping the side and the bottom of the bowl for the remnants!
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  • 1 of 1 people found this helpful:
    Gutom na.. Pares tayo!!!
    Jonas, Robinsons Place Pioneer
    Rating - 3.75 - 3.75 - 3.75 - 3.75 - 3.75
    Food - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Service - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
    Ambiance - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
    Value - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    I consider Jonas the cleanest pares house in the metro..

    It's fast. It's hot. It's cheap and it's a lot!!!

    It's a place I'd stop by when I'm hungry and I want to have a simple meal... a hot bowl of clear soup, a bigger bowl of fried rice topped with crunchy garlic bits and paired with another big bowl of beef stew.. + an order of their 2 pc. big siomai.

    With a hundred peso bill, you'll surely leave the place stuffed - patting your big tummy with a smile and a loud burp!

    Now, not only the Retiro folks get to enjoy the comfort of a clean simple 'sarap' pares haus!
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  • 3 of 3 people found this helpful:
    DITO MASARAP KUMAIN!
    Jay-J's Inasal, Timog Ave.
    Rating - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Food - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    Service - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
    Ambiance - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
    Value - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    'Dito laging ubos ang order at laging busog! Sulit pa!'

    * * *

    Jay-J's is one of our favorite Filipino restaurant. We've been going to Jay-J's for years since they opened this branch. They have a lot of good Filipino food. Their dishes are delicious, the portioning is just right, and it is consistent.

    Food: We would usually order the Crispy Pla-pla, Kare-kare (choice of Beef, Beef with Vegetables, Vegetables Sisig, and Sinigang. Pork BBQ is also good. They do have a lot of good dishes. In here, my tummy is very satisfied and stuffed every time!

    Service: To get the attention of food servers, you can't just glance and make eye contact but you have to wave and even shout to get their attention. Expecting a prompt service is not possible during peak hours. Service is acceptable though...since the place are almost always full. You know they are trying their best. So good enough for me.

    Overall, this is a good place to dine! Heavy for my already big appetite but light on my small and slim pocket.

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  • 1 of 1 people found this helpful:
    Go for Cheese Steak Sandwich!
    Brothers Burger, Trinoma
    Rating - 3.75 - 3.75 - 3.75 - 3.75 - 3.75
    Food - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    Service - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
    Ambiance - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
    Value - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    I'm trying to cut back on beef and other meats, but it's so hard to control when you're craving their delicious Cheese Steak Sandwich. More expensive than other fast food burgers but better quality food. They don't skimp on the the ingredients and they use oatmeal buns. I've tried their other burgers, haven't been disappointed so far.. really juicy patties!

    The thing I noticed in this branch is dine-in area is too small and the chairs are uncomfortable so I usually just buy and bring it to chow when I watch a movie... even the short wait can be irritating with the chairs though.
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  • 2 of 2 people found this helpful:
    Sumo's Getting Tired???
    Sumo Sam, Shangri-la Plaza Mall
    Rating - 2.5 - 2.5 - 2.5 - 2.5 - 2.5
    Food - 2 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 2
    Service - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
    Ambiance - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
    Value - 2 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 2
    I had a chance to visit Sumo Sam again the other night. Some friends would complain about the service (which I understand can be a struggle for the kitchen and dining staff when it's packed for lunch and dinner). For its food, this restaurant used to be one of my favorites. But the last time I was there - it was a disappointment.

    The Gohan rice was like a day old and it has a strand of hair in it. The Osuyaki Beef Rolls (my favorite) taste bland... I don't know what's missing... The Las Vegas Roll (the first time to try it) looks different from the menu photo. The cheese on top wasn't melted enough and the presentation just different. We ordered other dishes too, taste nothing special.. Overall, I felt disappointed with the experience. What happened??

    I mentioned this observation to my sister, she thinks so too and the same reason she stopped going for some time now.

    I still wish to dine again next time.. Boy, I sure hope Mr. Sumo gets back to his feet again for the next round!
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  • 1 of 1 people found this helpful:
    The Best FASTFOOD!
    Burger King, St. Luke's
    Rating - 4.5 - 4.5 - 4.5 - 4.5 - 4.5
    Food - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Service - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    Ambiance - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Value - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    I'm currently in BK St. Lukes, using their free wi-fi!

    Lunch is really good! I had their delicious VK Chicken Sandwich Meal (w/ small hash browns and a regular softdrink). It's quite big, I had it cut into two, ate 1/3 of the sandwich plus the hash browns and gave the drink and 2/3 slice to my driver. For 125.00 for 2 person. I'd say it's super worth it!

    Plus the fact that I turned their restaurant to my office. They got a fast wifi and their staff would go around once in awhile to distribute a cup of water, no need to ask! It's a delight.. I was surprised and commended the server that I find their service very very refreshing and above standard!

    Guess what?! I even got myself a BK Joe & Pie (worth P125.00 - for a cup of American coffee an a York Peppermint Pie) - for FREE! Courtesy of their manager Alvin and served by a beautiful Belle. Happy to be dining in a place surrounded with smiley staff-very courteous, accommodating and beautiful people! Very delightful experience indeed!

    My first time here today..will definitely be coming back! Worth every peso and the walk from St. Lukes!
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  • 1 of 2 people found this helpful:
    ..at the Kuatro Kantos Bar in ILUSTRADO.
    Illustrado, Intramuros
    Rating - 4.25 - 4.25 - 4.25 - 4.25 - 4.25
    Food - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Service - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Ambiance - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    Value - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Just came from Ilustrado for a gathering with friends. It's located along Juan Luna Street (near San Agustin Church) inside the walled city of Intramuros. It's beside the Silahis Arts and Artifacts.

    Ilustrado isn't just one restaurant. It's actually a big place with a garden courtyard, a main restaurant, function rooms, a ballroom, cafe, and a bar.

    I had an early lunch at the bar. They call it Kuatro Kantos Bar. We ended up there because the main dining (which opens 11:30am) is still close. It's was a beautiful dining experience, with the historic old manila setting, it's collection of old interesting posters are displayed in all four corners of the small restaurant, its more like a cozy and intimate cafe than a bar.

    I ordered the Salmon Fillet. It was sumptuous! The service is impeccable. Love the place, the food and the service. No complaints here, even parking is not a problem.Perfect hideaway if you hate crowded places and allergic to the holiday rush!
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