~ Reviews by aly ~

Showing 1 - 10 of 13 reviews

  • 1 of 2 people found this helpful:
    One proud mama & Galileo Enoteca
    Galileo Enoteca, Mandaluyong
    Rating - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Food - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    Service - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Ambiance - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Value - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
    One proud Mama & Galileo Enotica .. By Aly Abaquin http://alyabaquin.blogspot.com

    My mom and i like food and we share the taste of good food so when i was in manila and before i left for Saigon, Vietnam or Ho Chi Minh city (HCMC) i dated my good old proud mama to Galileo enoteca ( phone number 534-4633 for reservations).

    A wine cellar and italian resto in one. We started the diner with a freshly baked bread and red wine with cheese and cold cuts as appetizers. Galileo Enoteca's interiors are of a vintage wine cellar in brown reddish brick colors and the table and chairs in good old oak very hard and not good for seating long hours but the food is very Italian. You are transported to Italy and beside that Mandaluyong enclave as if the vineyards are right beside you and waiting for our Host to show the finest wine and grapes freshly picked at the vineyards and are stored in oak barrels below the bricks enclave... sort off.....

    But the bricks and the venus mural gave me and my mom the feel of the Sopranos dining here...

    Free diner and fine dining at that what a wonderful feeling to be bonding with your Proud Mama.... The food is exquisite and the spaghetti and penne is al dente and the red wine perfect... I shall return good food finds plus the finest cheese selection & great wine represents Galileo Enoteca.

    Kudos to the friendly staff and very accomodating i wish they have soft chairs for the oldies...
    But overall Galileo Enoteca proves that you have to date someone special to this very special place for that memorable once in your life experience.
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  • 1 of 1 people found this helpful:
    A PinOY FOOD FIESTA STYLE -only P 1,500 for 5.
    Gerry's Grill, 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 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
    Value - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    GERRY’s GRILL: … A Pinoy FOOD FIESTA STYLE for only P 1,500 for 5.

    By aly abaquin http://alyabaquin.blogspot.com
    Excerpts from my blog...

    A visiting friend from Jersey was hooked by gerry's grill...and here's our 2nd taste of gerry's grill...in Tomas morato.

    Finishing our tour and photo- op of the ABS CBN Big brother house…He noticed in the corner of Tomas Morato the familiar sign of you know what???- GERRY’s GRILL… Yup- its the same resto in Trinoma but a little bigger… I told my friends he was hooked with the GRILL THING… so its our time to treat the guy.

    But wait no time to go to the nearest ATM.. and with 1,500 budget this friends of mine really left me to order what he would like…and since I’m good at cheap eats but great food kidda thing I was head on serious with the role…and….

    Since I know him better a- HALF PINOY DIBA.. so enough of the griller food he always have back home and lets get his heart stopping Pinoy food on the table…DEVILISHLY plotting that he should taste pinoy food once in a while and good native… so to speak…

    Since he tasted grilled chicken kebab and mussels earlier why not take him the PINOY way to celebrate friendship and set a place for surprise…

    A FILIPINO FOOD FIESTA STYLE for only P 1,500 for 5.

    I ordered for 2 servings of that PUSONG ADOBO (P140each) P 280,CRISPY PATA P390, SISIG P157,BAKED SCALLOPS. P165 - My favorite!!!,300gTUNA BELLY P225 and CALAMARES P 135 with drinks of Bottomless Iced TeaP66, Buko Juice P 55, San Mig light P 39.00 + VAT and the other two took water… he.he he…

    GRAND TOTAL P 1,511.00 Not bad for FAB 5 and to top it all no service charge.. Its really value for money. Enough said what about the taste….

    The Pusong adobo is abodo rice wrapped in banana leaves –feeling your eating your BINALOT days in the province and the Chichken and pork adobo is imbedded inside the steamy brown rice. YUMMMY…farmers food never tasted so good.

    The Scallops are my favorite which is baked and on top is overload of cheese and the taste is sweet and the scallops are freshly brought to Manila from Davao.

    The Cripy Pata is hands down crispier to the touch and much delightfully crunchier while dipped in vinegar and soy sauce with chopped onions, garlic and sili as floaters. The Tuna belly is succulent and very delicious- grilled comfort food indeed plus the SISIG is heart stopping wonderfully served in hot plate… Grabe sa RAPSA….

    As silence filled the air we noticed that no one was saying a thing.. Then laughter beamed as are tummies are literally full. BUSOG na BUSOG!!!

    The Jersey guy was asking if they have branches in the states I think so… he just dreams that this resto should be in New Jersey soon….

    AGAIN… VALUE MEAL FIESTA STYLE !! DELUXED you bet your bottom dollar I Did it my way… Gerry’s Grill is no doubt a proud KAPAMILYA AT KAPUSO!!!

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  • 1 of 1 people found this helpful:
    Jersey Guy got hooked by Gerry's grill
    Gerry's Grill, Trinoma Mall
    Rating - 4.25 - 4.25 - 4.25 - 4.25 - 4.25
    Food - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    Service - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Ambiance - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
    Value - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    Jersey guy got hooked by gerry's grill
    By Aly Abaquin

    Excerpts from my blogspot: http://alyabaquin.blogspot.com

    A jersey guy who is a grill freak A.K.A. Bobby FLAY freind of mine came to visit....and got hooked with gerry's grill here's our story....

    I remember that Sunday afternoon grills at his crib when I spent time in jersey that summery June. He knows a thing or two about grilling…. So I met him up and we went to Trinoma the newest mall near my new manila residence to tour him of our emerging MALL-ECONOMY that is…and bet you I’ve convince him to stay put since lunch weather at where we at is pretty cooler and the breeze touches your face like a kiss HMMMP good INTROO… and diversion so instead of going to Tagaytay that is hours away and due to my prodding and vivacious talkativeness.

    I recommended that he try and take a look at this casual fun resto… so we have a beautiful scenic lunch in GERRY’s GRILL in Trinoma. Good thing we have our seats in al fresco area overlooking verdant hills from afar. And not bad for mimicking TAGAYTAY…and the weather -good airy and with a whip of cold swaying air touches your head now and then…. He smiled as our lunch was being served we ordered the Chickhen Kebab and the Mussels in spicy sauce and two iced tea and two garlic rice and a buko pandan. Since he is FILAM by the way and likes what he tasted and was so surprised as the dish- the mussels are really fresh and spicy with its chopped siling labuyo (Chili), toasted garlic, onions leaks and special spicy ketchup concoction of Soy sauce, sugar and ketchup - was a great lunch combi with the Chunky Chicken skewered in sticks with mushrooms, onions and green and red pepper grilled to perfection was appetisingly gorgeous plus as if he grilled it himself.

    He confessed he like what he see and tasted. So while munching and drinking my way out of lunch we immersed ourselves of the times I’ve spent in jersey city and how I done a side job a “day” at the Baby gap store for a while then decided that I need to go to cape cod and try out Black Dog in Martha’s Vineyard so on with our delightful lunch conversation till we notice that its already 3pm….

    Talk, talk and lunch was superb and the servers are at tentative. Good and to top it all. Our bill is just P 500++ pesos,as I peek-ka boo at the receipt that is since this jersey guy is footing the bill…. Great food. Great Price value for money indeed..

    But wait he like it so much that he wanted more I told him later for dinner since we need to tour him in Trinoma and later a stop over ABS CBN since he like to see the Big Brother house… Gerry’s grill is indeed a place where friendship is forged again and a place to simmer good conversation.

    Up next Jersey guy got hook with Gerry’s grill 3 times over….. wait till we met our barkada at Gerry’s grill Tomas Morato… he really like what he tasted…what can we do... ibigay and hilig... 2nd stop Gerry's Grill Tomas Morato..
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  • 1 of 3 people found this helpful:
    SOLIHIYA: ALY's TASTE TEST CHALLENGE in G5
    Solihiya, Greenbelt 5
    Rating - 4.5 - 4.5 - 4.5 - 4.5 - 4.5
    Food - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    Service - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Ambiance - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    Value - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    ALY’s DISH - THE TASTE TEST OF G5 RESTO CHALLENGE continues….
    BY: Aly Abaquin http://alyabaquin.blogspot.com

    2nd stop : Solihiya. Let’s find out… if Solihiya is worth your Benjamins baby….

    When I was a kid I was always a “ tag along” by my Dad who loves eating Chinese in the Resto “estero” of Old Binondo and in Ma Moon Luk in Cubao with its own kind of cafeterias/ pacinterias – the noise, crowd, steamy/ smelly dimsums, siopao and pancit that until now remains in my consciousness. I love Binondo but due to the excruciating traffic, parking problems and busy lifestyle- no time to go there.
    But wait...if you like to eat out in Binondo minus the hassle try this newest resto Solihiya in G5.

    “ SOLIHIYA is a weave of different flavors that has shaped Filipino cuisine” Its a Traditional Pinoy + Chinoy comfort food that are mystically woven together.
    The menu speaks of HOTOTAY a old time Ongpin favorite soup, assorted HALO (Lechon Kawali and Pata hamon crunchy and chewy dynamic duo!)cold cuts with Solihiya’s own cold cuts sauce and intersperse with Binagoongan belly and Pata Tim.

    How I love to partake on this sumptuous dishes but bearing in mind I have only P 300 pesos lunch money for my own version of TASTE TESTING G5 Challenge. I need to pick something I like. So since I like dory fish, I’ve chosen their Steamed Dory Fish with soy sesame oil sauce to give my arteries a rest from last weeks KONG HAI FAT CHOI celebrations.

    THE FEEL: Its Contemporary Tropical-Urban. The interior design presented an elemental style that delights in nature, air and water. It made use of natural materials- like wood, marble and bamboo. The high ceiling dining area overlooking lush green bamboos swaying and the use of tightly woven light colored solihiya chairs paired with pressed brown bamboo laminated tables against egg white walls then accented with colorful old Chinese poster ads- gives us the glimpse of old Binondo but with a modern 20th century sensual yet practical zen like atmosphere.
    English please again... It has the Binondo ancestry with a hip and modern attitude. A new kid in the block kindda thing.

    THE FOOD : You’ll be surprised the server serves you three kinds of appetizers FOR FREE!!! Hard Boiled Quail eggs floating in sugarcane vinegar garnish with chopped green and red tomatoes underneath sliced cucumbers are sweet and tangy. It’s just right.

    The pickled singkamas is stoically white and while the freshly made crispy candied spicy dilis is crunchier in every bite. Are great starters while waiting for Nemo’s friend to appear. For only P 210 .The Steamed Dory Fish is relatively simple but utterly, wonderful, fresh and succulent amazing indeed: SPA FOOD ANYONE? :)

    Enjoy the beautiful clean fish swimming in its soy sesame oil sauce and steamed with julienned ginger and onions leaks. The dish brought a satisfied hush to this talkative foodie and is discerning to the most discriminating taste palette.

    THE PRICE:The menu is reasonably price

    THE SERVICE: Cheerful and helpful servers.

    Overall: Solihiya is indeed a conglomeration of the Filipino and Chinese cuisine-it’s so woven tastefully with modern and hip vibe of the 20th century. Good Food! Good eats! I shall return.
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  • 1 of 1 people found this helpful:
    DAMASO: GOSSIP + DINNER=$8/P300 dish
    Ristorante Pia y Damaso, Greenbelt 5
    Rating - 3.5 - 3.5 - 3.5 - 3.5 - 3.5
    Food - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
    Service - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Ambiance - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    Value - 2 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 2
    Let us see if the Restaurants in G5 is ready for a fun challenge- A P300 PESOS/ $8 DOLLARS ($1:P42) DINNER DISH CHALLENGE of my kind that is.

    As a foodie my mantra is GOOD FOOD! CHEAP EATS!

    Here’s a TASTE TEST, so to speak…..

    First Stop : Pia y Damaso

    THE FEEL : If Marie Antoinette is to be exiled in our lovely tropical island- she would feel comfortable and at home in Restorante Pia y Damaso. The interior is a Colonial Contemporary Baroque with tropical flair- that’s just what I felt when I dined here.
    English please…as you enter the grand enclave you would notice chandeliers, pattern of floral/rounded- swirl in the chairs and ornate seating which are prominent as decorative motifs. Baroque impulse found its way to some extent into the details of the interior and exterior such as the architecturally black and white ornate edifice welcoming you plus evoking a feel of tropical flair with the use of rattan chairs inside.

    OPULENCE in a fine way. The resto is so small in size that is to difficult to navigate when you dine.

    Your personal bubble is invaded when you choose to take the long comfy bench. Why may I say this- coz if you are seated in the bench you are but a few centimeters from the other tables and you can hear the gossipy matriarchs chopping away. The table is also to big inside.

    Maurice Arcache I hope I got his surname right- will surely love to be in my seat. I am not eaves dropping mind you but due to the closeness -you can hear your seatmates whisper juicy gossips of the Manila’s elite society… here goes a certain ambassador was cruel to their ALIPING SAGIGILID and a high profile businessman is philandering a demented SISA. QUE HORROR!!!

    And this is being mouthed by a regal bearing matriarch with coiffeur head gear and impeccably dressed with astonishingly mother of pearl matching earrings and necklace.

    See Marie Antoinette and her court will be regulars here.

    Don’t fret more seating outside but wishing free Anahaw fans are to be given away for this INDIO with Maharlika lineage( yeah dream on aly) will perspire in this humid country of ours.

    THE FOOD : As a INDIO of course I have only P 300 pesos to spare so pick the best dish..
    Remember this is ALY’s DISH THE TASTE TEST OF G5 RESTO CHALLENGE.
    I’ve picked the Chicken Parian – the new level of culinary delight- a modern but rustic take on
    HAINAISE CHICKEN style a pretty simple dish that appeals to everyone. Its simple but taste great.
    Pristinely white steamed chicken with sticky brown rice, Chinese sausage, chestnut, mushrooms and ham for only P275. Every bite and swallow has texture but I wish for a chunkier Chinese sausage and chestnuts for that chewy experience. And add a mango chutney perhaps for that little sting. Well that only arty bitsy me.

    Elaborate background but this dish is stunningly minimalist.

    THE PRICE : The menu is a little bit pricey

    THE SERVICE: Informative and helpful servers.
    I vowed to come back with more money and taste their dessert: SISA’s dementia is a truffle cake with white chocolate almond pastille, dark chocolate mousse and ganache. P 160. Soon I’ll be looking for Crispin and Basilio.

    OVERALL: Honestly DAMASO is worth going back for if you want to splurge and if you like your dinner spiced up with gossip that is.

    Thought bubble: Imagine what power lunches had been served here… and juicy secrets mouthed in their nook and cranny ….HMMMM deliriously intrigues… Enough said…. I need to brush up on my NOLI and EL FILI….. ADIOS…
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  • 1 of 2 people found this helpful:
    MY illy Story: My love affair at M cafe'
    Museum Café, Greenbelt 4
    Rating - 3.5 - 3.5 - 3.5 - 3.5 - 3.5
    Food - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Service - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Ambiance - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Value - 2 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 2
    MY ILLY STORY: My love affair with Illy at M café
    By: Aly Abaquin http://alyabaquin.blogspot.com

    My love affair with the Illy coffee brand started a year ago when I was actually waiting patiently for a business meeting in one of the best and amazing Art/Culture hip place in Makati- The M cafe which is situated right beside the Ayala Museum.

    It was a late afternoon meeting wherein the sunset is about to give its rays a rest after overcastting it lights on M Cafe’s massive glass panels.

    Mind you the place is not hot but comfortably cooler in Manila’s humid atmosphere.

    I love the manner of how the M cafe welcome its patrons with clean modern lines that is artistically accommodating while the impeccable minimalist interiors hugs you as you enter the premises.

    I feel like in MOMA in New York that unforgettable AHA factor again as

    I reminisce my days in New York and enjoying the art and culture of Cosmopolitan MANHATTAN but in humid but equally energetic Greenbelt in Ayala Makati.

    I immediately ordered for espresso since I’m a little bit loopy. I need a kick of some sort to regain my energy level since I’m presenting a Marketing plan.

    And being “low bat” (Filipino term for Low energy) is not a way to go.

    The server after brewing the best espresso- presented to me a cup of Illy that is highly aromatic and elegantly exciting in a clear white ceramic cup. That’s not all - on its side is a CHOC- NUT. A little surprise very Filipino indeed.

    The smell is enticing and while drinking my Illy coffee sip by sip - It becomes an intense experience as in many ways to partake my brown, bittersweet and sinful infatuation of the decadent espresso from the Arabica bean.-

    Love at first sip I supposed.

    “By the way espresso or more properly known as caffé espresso refers to the concentrated flavourful “essence” brewed from the beans.” The amount of coffee used is roughly 2/3 the amount used for a single serving of drip coffee, but with far less water.

    I’m not an expert in coffee but only a passionate coffee aficionado.

    And one sip I immediately transported to coffee heaven, the pleasure you get from every sip is sensationally satisfying.

    ILLY-I am mesmerized with your quality and beauty, and you engage in all my senses which cultivates and inspire my creativity along with your perfect cup.

    I AM TRULY IN LOVE! I told myself.... not only that I am also forever grateful for I did clench a business deal that eventful day.

    My love affair with Illy -just started.....till we meet again....Ciao... ;)
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  • 1 of 2 people found this helpful:
    MAX BRENNER : ORGASMIC CHOCOLAT
    Max Brenner, Trinoma Mall
    Rating - 3.25 - 3.25 - 3.25 - 3.25 - 3.25
    Food - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Service - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Ambiance - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
    Value - 2 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 2
    MAX BRENNER : ORGASMIC CHOCOLAT
    By: Aly Abaquin http:alyabaquin.blogspot.com

    ** edited version log on to my blogspot for more***

    Have you tasted the SUCKAO or the HUG MUG in Max Brenner? If not your missing one great orgasmic experience.

    EXAGGERATED!!! You might say. But No I’m not like Meg Ryan in the date flick movie of Harry meets Sally wherein she turns in a convincingly fake orgasmic take on harry for that great dinner date. Mind you this one for real.

    “Your shitting me!!!” and “Shut up!!!” said a friend of mine until we trooped down to Max Brenner in Trinoma. But I got de-virginize last time at Max Brenner Greenbelt branch years ago so which by the way is more appealing in terms of location and ambiance, but we are saving our gas money to get that sensual, delightful, after sex feeling- so we trooped to Trinoma instead.

    OKEY FOLKS !! With that Flowery anecdotes we are admittedly a chocolate addict and we are in love with chocolates & any cacao concoctions.

    I did spend my Play money (Harv T. Ecker : Secrets of the Millionaire Mind term) of this fabulous dessert drink for that Kodak moments in my life as a foodie.

    Here’s the feeling both me and a friend got when we did have that elicit affair with the SUCKAO and the HUG MUG.
    The Suckao is the elaborate Do-it yourself (DIY) espresso of chocolate drink. It is placed in an egg-shaped mug with a tea-light candle underneath along side some freshly blocks of chocolate and a small jug of milk.

    Feel free to mix your own- dense, concentrated shot of rich chocolate or a more milky concoction.
    “The term SUCKAO is made up of two words that describe the utensil and the unique drink it contains. Suc-to draw the dense liquid through the metal tube and Kakao the Spanish word for cacoa beans from which the rich chocolate drink is made.” Really Really Really Good. Did I mention that 3 times. ;) Yes you did…..

    The Hug Mug – a light and frothy beverage, wherein the chocolat is made of 100% chocolate from cocoa beans of Venezuela in origin and is served in a specially design mug for hugging by both hands so that it creates that ultimate drinking experience of coziness, warmth and fragrance. We suggest go for the Dark chocolat rather than the Milk chocolat to get your money’s worth.
    The place are painted dark brown to convey the idea that they carry chocolate but modernly MOD/hip and is accented with the local solihiya chairs to evoke some Cosmo Manila Vibe into this haven.

    That’s Chocolate by the Bald Man.
    It’s addictive at first taste so save up for that Sex in the city Drink Thing.
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  • 2 of 3 people found this helpful:
    Craving's EAT ALL YOU CAN SALAD!!!
    Cravings Restaurant, 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 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
    Value - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    CRAVINGS: EAT ALL YOU CAN SALAD & P1,000 Lunch for 3!!!
    BY: ALY ABAQUIN http://alyabaquin.blogspot.com

    My Family dines-out a lot and we are considered to be a bunch of picky eaters. So choosing a restaurant is a bit difficult. It must be a nice place that is not crowded, but accessible, good ambience and value for money should be taken into account. These are the criteria that we look for when we dine out.

    We can’t help it. We love the thrill of a GOOD FIND, GREAT FOOD but CHEAP EATS!!

    We love a great adventure of a lunch-out that does not strain the wallet. And today SUNDAY Feb 3, 2008 lunch time- My mom was craving for salads- and with a budget of only P 1,000 pesos. She can proved to me that today a family of three can have a FUN DINING experience for only P 1,000 pesos.

    WOW really!!! You are kidding me I told my MOM.

    You heard it right folks!!! P 1,000 lunch GOOD FOR 3!!! So what are we waiting for let’s go!!!

    So Mom, I and my DAD drove up to CRAVINGS in Tomas Morato branch- this is just beside the French Fries Edifice building of McDonalds’ Tomas and at the back of UCC Tomas Morato.

    THE FEEL: As we enter we are greeted with friendly smiles and full of warmth- as if we are just visiting a relative’s house on a Sunday lunch. They have a good seating set-up -an elongated comfy seat and a large table with modern wooden chairs of some Italian designer is readily available. The staff is very accommodating and we feel at home.
    Unique dining Experience: “EAT ALL YOU CAN SALAD & Soup for every main course”

    THE FOOD: FREE SALAD and SOUP BUFFET for every main course- REAL VALUE FOR MONEY!!!
    Our main course: Seafood Brochette IS GOOD TO SHARE and Chicken Cordon Blue SINGLE SERVING.

    THE SALAD BAR : Garden Salad, Penne Salad & Potato salad is readily available or you can- Make your own salad : on buffet are the garnish in full force : sweet corn kernels, sliced ham, chunky tuna, brown mushrooms, coleslaw, lettuce, tomato, chopped boiled eggs, julienned singkamas, carrots, round cucumber and gelatin.

    THE DRESSINGS: Caesar salad dressing, thousand island, Asian and citrus vinaigrette.
    THE BREAD: Large cut crostini and freshly baked bun breads. With butter or fruit jam.
    THE SOUP: A choice of SUPA de Ajo and Cream of Corn.
    With the buffet my mom whips up a casting call for her version of the Caesar Salad and then on her second take whips up her own Garden salad. Remember we only ordered two main courses. But wait with my savvy mother he amaze me of her Mini Crostini tuna sandwich concoction - all from the buffet table.
    Ina Garten of the Famed Barefoot Contessa show will surely agree.

    MY MOM’s CREATIVE Mini Crostini Tuna Sandwich: Buttered Crostini bread in between of Dijon mustard, lettuce, tuna chunks plus potato salad. Presto a quick and easy sandwich that goes well with her salads- no main course needed. (Note: the Crostini are larger here and can be use as a mini sandwiches.)
    As for my Dad he settled for the cream of corn soup. Since dad just wants the soup and waited for his Seafood Brochette.

    As for me- I’ve chosen the Penne Salad which I topped off with mushroom, tuna chunks ,drizzled with cheddar cheese and Asian dressing . SARAP!!! I want more but opted to make my own concoction of my Mini Crostini HLT not BLT mind you : Not to be out savvied I made my own version of that Crostini HLT sandwich: Ham lettuce, cheese, tomato, cucumber and thousand island sauce. Now I know where I got that foodie genes in me.

    Remember it’s an eat all you can salad buffet and show them your creativity….

    THE MAIN COURSE: The Chicken Cordon Bleu: Chicken breast stuffed with the finest ham, cheese and spinach -deep fried for a sealed in flavor. It’s crispy & tasty. Served with an artistically swirled mashed potato and buttered veggies of carrots and string beans on its side placed in a large platter for that perfect presentation. Yummy and artsy as well.

    The Seafood Brochette- Skewered Fish fillet, squid and prawns flavored with mixed herbs and spice then grilled and served with sautéed vegetables laid on top of the rice pilaf. My dad is smiling and very much satisfied. While for my mom she’s satisfied her craving for salad and her Crostini Sandwich is filling.

    THE PRICE: FOR ONLY P 869 pesos we have 3 meals…. Hurray for my MOM!!!

    Here’s the math: Chicken Cordon Bleu P 375,+ Seafood Brochette P 415 + 10 % service tax+ local tax of 1.75% = P 869.( prices as of Feb 3, 2008)

    Remember the main course comes with a free EAT ALL YOU CAN SALAD & SOUP. GREAT DEAL indeed.

    OVERALL RATING: 5 SPOONS the highest.
    ALL THE MORE REASONS TO CRAVE FOR CRAVINGS! CRAVING’S EAT ALL YOU CAN SALAD & SOUP with every order of a main course IS VALUE FOR MONEY. A must try. We vowed to be regulars.
    Happy Eating.
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  • 2 of 3 people found this helpful:
    Chelsea Market: A trip back to Manhattan
    Chelsea Market and Cafe, Serendra
    Rating - 3.75 - 3.75 - 3.75 - 3.75 - 3.75
    Food - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Service - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    Ambiance - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
    Value - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
    Chelsea Market: a nostalgic trip back to Manhattan
    By : Aly Abaquin http://alyabaquin.blogspot.com

    THE FEEL : The owners of this Serendra sensation tries to replicate that New York feeling. It is a quintessential modern industrial American restaurant.
    The dining is casual and fun but still a little elegant with its familiar menu yet sophisticated. SIMPLE AND STRAIGHT FORWARD pretty like much what a market should be.

    THE CHALLENGE: P1,000 pesos- Dinner for two is it conceivable in Chelsea?
    So here’s what we ordered: Main Dish: Grilled Roasted Gourmet Sausage which he like - plus “pogi” points to me, then the Salad: Granny Smith Apple Shreds & Gorgonzola and 2 Red Wine/Shiraz. Later on we will let you in with the price.

    THE FOOD: The resto’s cuisine prides itself of the Italian-American classics meets sensible Mediterranean accents and the creative energy of CosMo Manila, in dishes like....Moroccan Food, Lamb Shack Tanjine, Five Cheese Pizza and the Meat Ball Pasta, Seafood Linguini and Fettuccini are the favorites.
    But we took the different route due to the P 1,000 pesos challenge and to proved my MANTRA : GREAT FOOD CHEAP EATS…exists.

    Firstly our server Leo gave us the freshly baked Foccacia bread with black olives and dipping it in EVOO and balsamic vinaigrette with powered parmesan cheese is just the start of a perfect dinner.
    We opted for the Red Wine: Full bodied Grant Burge, Benchmark Australian red wine or simply SHIRAZ is good for the meat dish.

    Our salad is the Granny Smith Apple shreds & gorgonzola- fresh arugula, toasted walnuts drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette with sliced green apples is served topped with gorgonzola. This salad is not for everybody due to its sour leafy arugula(over grown leaves) so to mystify the sour we needed a little kick so we ask for a little more salt, pepper, brown sugar and more vinaigrette and presto sweet and sour just right but the crumbled gorgonzola was “bitin” too little was on top of the salad. Instead of toasted walnuts I prefer candied walnuts- Filipino taste buds are really different.;)

    The Grilled Roasted Gourmet Sausages was served on top of homemade sauerkraut and classic mashed potatoes with Dijon mustard and red peppercorn cream sauce. The techniques in cooking the sausages are basic, not fussy, the ingredients easy-to-find, not esoteric, but the flavors are bold not flighty.
    So as we divided and tasted each one, the English pork, the Shulib and the Hungarian sausage are divine, each with its own distinct flavor and is good with the Foccacia bread with black olives, ask your server to bring you another round.

    The food is simple, It looks simple but when you dig in it. Your instantly satisfied.

    THE SERVICE: Friendly, Informative and helpful.

    THE PRICE: Reasonable and competitive but they need to incorporate the vat in their menu price and add on the 10% service charged later.
    So not to irritate Budget Conscious diners.
    Here’s the math : Grilled Sausage P 495 + Salad P 295 +2 glasses of shiraz at P160 each equals total of P 1,110 not bad a little over by P110 but wait we need to pay the vat and service charge of P 244 oh no….;(.

    Note: Weekends they do not take reservations. Please add more seats…..;)

    Overall CHELSEA MARKET & CAFÉ will continue to provide comfort food and delight its patrons with superb service. It was a nostalgic trip to Manhattan after all. Despite the non-inclusion of vat in their menu price. Its worth the trip.
    With out the jet lag.




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  • 1 of 2 people found this helpful:
    Trinoma's ABE P1,000 pesos dinner date.
    Abe Restaurant, Trinoma
    Rating - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Food - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Service - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 4
    Ambiance - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5
    Value - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3 - 3
    Trinoma’s P 1,000 pesos dinner date Challenge continues….
    By Aly Abaquin

    4th stop: PINOY PRIDE- ABE

    If you and your date dig Filipino feel good cuisine and being patriotic about your meals don’t miss out on this resto-ABE’s excellent home cooked meals from the Capampangan region.

    The resto is a tasteful tribute of a loving son to his passionate father. Mr. Larry Cruz of the LJC group of restaurants who owns Café Adriatico in Malate is behind this very successful restuarant which pays tribute to his dad Emilio Aguilar Cruz who is fondly called ABE.

    Abe by the way is also capampangan word for friend and companion. So let the old champ enthralled us with his Capampagan Filipino cooking at its freshest and best . Newly opened in TRINOMA at the third (3rd) level.

    THE FEEL: At first glance Abe’s location is prime with a breathtaking view of the hills from afar and lush greenery from a nearby Golf course- a perfect AL FRESCO dining under the stars.
    The interiors is Filipino contemporary with its cool and soothing beige walls mix in with browns plus a dash of richly colored paintings in the walls makes you feel welcome. The “BANIG” inspired chairs are very comfortable, indigenious and durable amidst the multi-colored window seal reminiscing of a visit to some ancestral house in the proverbs but this is more hip and inviting.

    Coveted seating : Forget about the Serendra branch you have more seats waiting for you here.Highly recommended is the dinner by candle light. AL fresco dining at its best . Take the leftside most table for clearer view then pray that it does not rain on your parade.

    PRICE: Since we only have P1,000 pesos to spend –this really had my brain cells working. The price is reasonable but some of the items in the menu are a little bit pricey, but worth it. So many good dishes to choose from- but with a budget we need to spend wisely.

    DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!
    I opted for the house specialties good for two DUHHH! NO BRAINER . Ben Cab’s Lamb adobo and Thelma San Juan’s mom rellenong mais that we love to try and SWAK na SWAK sa budget.

    Remember this is a date not a pig-out. Coupled with a shake all these for only P 1,014.20 ( price based on Jan 12, 2008 inclusive of taxes)

    Recommended menu : Rellenong Mais P 196, Lamb adobo P 392, 2 unlimited rice at P 62/pax (P 124)then 2 glasses of tamarind shake for the dessert flavor ala drink P 105/glass (P 210) + 10% service charge : Total: P 1,1014.20 not bad for a friendly date.

    We wanted the Abellini cocktail drink - a refreshing white rum, cantaloupe, middle with shaved ice and laced with crush fresh mint leaves but on that day they run out of mint leaves too bad!!! So we opted for the tamarind shake which they recommended or the red wine- shirak at P 175/glass but hold on budget budget remember….. Boo!!! Hoo!!!! A challenge really.

    The FOOD : The 3 pieces rellenong mais is a combination of sweet corn, tidbits of fresh catch shrimps, and cheese/ flour - all mix with farm fresh eggs then skillet fried for that omellete Filipino stlye.
    It is good with tomatoe ketchup rather than soy sauce. ( If I could only improve it- I will add to its filling or topped it with crumbled goats cheese, freshly chopped basil and button mushrooms well that’s only artsy me-and only if Thelma’s MOM approved of it. He he he … DREAM ON ALY- dream on... . But the taste is classic and standard.

    I just wanted to taste it after all. To find out whats the craze all about.

    The Lamb adobo: it’s the sauce that is a mystery to me which you can drizzle to your unlimited rice ration and chow all you want. The lamb chops is succulently soft and amazingly chunky.

    Hmmmh…. The secret is on how they marinated it with their secret spice mixture and how they slowly cooked/simmer in over medium low heat until the meat is almost tender then if my guest is right the spice mixture is not just your regular adobo mix but with-special kosher rock salt, pepper, turmeric, freshly ground white pepper, finely chopped red onions with garlic then mix with fine siling labuyo then sauted in oil and butter in a large sauce pan then slowly add the soy sauce, dried basil leaves and whole cloves garlic then simmer till the lamb is almost done… Hungry ka na -ha!!! . Hmmmh your guess is as good as mine…… we might have decoded the secret of this signature dish.

    So far the LAMB ADOBO should be in any BALIKBAYAN’s itirenary. Superb !
    Kudos to Ben Cab.

    The tamarind shake is the local take on the green mango shake sweet and tangy just right for the dessert drink combi. While your server also serves each one of you a free burong mangga ( pickeled green mango over beer with sugar and salt). Okey but no thanks we had the tamarind remember…

    SERVICE : Helpful, friendly and informative

    ABE’s truly makes us proud to be PINOY!! HAIL THE LAMB ADOBO as Filipino culinary discovery ! 5 spoons.
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