They are conveniently located at one of the many entry points of MOA. I don’t know how to tell you exactly where they are but I’ll try – ground floor, walkway entrance, to your right, near Ace or was it True Value. Hahaha. Just ask.

A few interesting points from this dining adventure:

• According to our waitress – one of the owners is Japanese and the partner is Chinese. Interesting ey?
• This is the tastiest looking menu that I have ever seen. You will be overwhelmed.
• They have plastic renditions of their dishes laid out behind a glass window – looks amazingly real
• Cozy and lighting – excellent

Moving on the food, we ordered the following:

• Chicken teriyaki salad
• Garlic and Shrimp Pasta
• Forgot the name of the Burger – but its the one with the meat sauce
• Pork Cutlet
• Burger Steak

The chicken teriyaki salad good. I just hoped it had more teriyaki flavor. I could taste it, but I wanted more. Haha

Garlic and Shrimp Pasta… hmm. I guess I’m used to having garlic pasta paired up with really tasty items like steak or something grilled. Normally, if its paired with shrimp, I fancy having a tomato based sauce paired with it. Reason I’m saying that is because the shrimp got easily overpowered by the garlic – this is literally garlic, pasta, and a few additional ingredients – so if you love garlic, then go for this one. But I would still recommend that you pair it with one more dish. That’s just me.

Burger with meat sauce – this is your typical Japanese burger. I like it. It tastes like the one from Sango at Milelong but I like that one more. It has that distinct pepper taste that I find common in Japanese hamburger versions. Its not that big, but it satisfies your pallet. It comes with fries – not much, but we all know it pairs great with burgers.

Burger steak – hehehe, I was still hungry so I decided to try it out. 2 burger patties will fill you up quick! Same pepper taste that I love but this time it came with a tonkatsu like sauce sprinkled with spring onions. By the way, japanese rice was excellent!

Breaded pork cutlet (ordered by Jojo) was exactly what you would expect. There’s nothing extraordinary about it. No big deal, you can order it if you want a safe order that satisfies your cravings – you can never go wrong. It comes with a simple sauce so ask for some tonkatsu sauce to make it a bit more interesting.

Biscotti (Jhanki) ordered hot choco to finish the deal – as usual, chocolate is chocolate… yumyum.

Monster Recommends:

• July 26, 2008 — Hooters at Mall of Asia (1)
• June 13, 2008 — Friday’s MOA – Carewell Fundraising Dinner (0)
• May 19, 2010 — Malcolm’s Wagyu Burger (0)
• August 14, 2008 — Japanese FastFood by Karate Kid – Wacha! (50)

Last Saturday after waking up at 2 in the afternoon with a nasty hang over, I started to crave for some good old beef mami noodle soup. And I was really hungry so it had to be some place with huge servings or a buffet! All you can eat! Or Eat all you can! Whatever! Haha

Good thing I remembered the merienda buffet of Dads that starts at 3pm and ends at 5pm. Yahooo! Just in time. So I hopped in the shower, and before you know it, I’m on my way to a great buffet. I must say that not all dishes served in their merienda buffet are good but at Php139 pesos I think it won’t hurt to try it out – look at me, I fell in love with their beef mami. Simple and tasty.

If you do decide to go and check it out, the beef mami noodle soup is right beside the gyoza and dimsums. You’ll see small bowls filled with noodles and beef – I like the beef because they are using Pares (Filipino Beef Stew) which is really good. All you have to do is add the hot soup. And don’t worry about the small serving, its a buffet, no one’s gonna stop you from getting more. Yumyum.

I apologize for not putting up some photos – I forgot. Ha ha ha. Maybe next time – I’ll just update this post.

Anyway, other items included in the buffet (note: only food served on the right side wall are included in the buffet)

• kakanin
• pandesal with ground beef
• spaketchup (kiddie spaghetti)
• carbonara (eks, tastes like cream and sugar)
• siomai
• siopao
• gyoza
• BEEF MAMI
• bananaque (fried bananas with brown sugar)
• arrozcaldo
• Lumpiang Togue
• Tofu
• Many more

Php 139 only at Dads. I tried the one at Glorietta (Kamayan, Saisaki, Dads)

Monster Recommends:

• June 30, 2008 — Pacquiao, Diaz and an Italiannis Brunch Buffet (2)
• May 25, 2008 — Kublai’s Rock (2)
• May 19, 2010 — Malcolm’s Wagyu Burger (0)
• July 18, 2008 — Tokyo Cafe at Mall of Asia (2)

Secret Recipe started in Malaysia and has setup shop across Asia. They have excellent baked goodies and they take pride in their Asian dishes.

We went there on a Saturday night at around 10pm and good thing for us they were still open. It was raining and I was craving for some soup. We passed 32nd street and saw the name tickled our curiosity – Secret Recipe.

I ordered the Noodles in Tom Yum Kong – it just felt right because of the weather. It was delicious! Spicy with a sour tamarind taste and you can also clearly taste the lemon grass. A good mix of flavors that is truly Asia. It also had 2 big prawns – Yummy!

The Chicken Cordon Bleu was undercooked so we sent it back. The ham (I think) over powered the flavor of the chicken. It became a ham and cheese dish. That’s just me.

Oooh Lasagna! I know.. I know… chicken cordon bleu and lasagna aren’t exactly asian dishes but we just had to try them. If you saw the pictures you’ll surely understand why. Anyhow, the lasagna was cheesy! Too cheesy. If you love cheese, then you’ll probably enjoy this one. For me, its a bit on the bland side – I kept looking for that tomato taste.

Here’s a list of their award winning recipes – I only tried the tom yum soup and it satisfied me so I’m assuming that the rest in this list are truly award winners. Oh and I tried the marble cheesecake – superb!

• Irish Lamb Stew
• Marble Cheese
• Noodles in Tom Yum Kung
• Choc Mud Cake

And of course, dessert! Classic cheesecake, marble cheesecake and Chocolate cake. Cheesecakes gets a thumbs up! Chocolate cake – too fluffy for me… But who am I to turn down chocolate. It rests happily in my belly.

They also have this promo – for 100 bucks you get a beverage and a slice of cake! Yes!

There might be a store near you:

Ground Level, 32nd St. cor. 5th Ave.
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Philippines
TEL NO: (+632) 856-2953

Level 4 Robinson’s Midtown,
Ermita, Manila
TEL NO: (+632) 567-2042

Level 5, Shangri-La Mall, EDSA corner Shaw Blvd.,
Mandaluyong City.
TEL NO: (+632) 637-0367

Monster Recommends:

• July 13, 2008 — Gerry’s Grill – New Chili Cheese Sticks (3)
• June 24, 2008 — Cont’s Pastry Shop and Restaurant – Serendra (3)
• June 21, 2008 — Home Cooked Beef Rendang by Jhanki (0)
• May 19, 2010 — Malcolm’s Wagyu Burger (0)

If you’re planning to order the caesar salad and just salad for your meal – you should order the “to share” one because the single order, well, its not much if you ask me.   But the dressing was good and tasty.

Here are some shots of my Arroz ala Cubana.  It tasted real good and I wish I had more.  I remember when I first fell in love with this dish in the canteen of CSA when I was still in grade school.  It was served with fried eggs and fried bananas.  The bacon was a bonus – I think.  For those of you who have no idea what Arroz ala cubana is – its groud beef or pork cooked with raisins and some tomato sauce and spices.  I tried cooking one yesterday and I’ll post that later.

Most of the items on their menu range from 150 to 300 bucks.  For dessert, New York Cheesecake! Yummy! Just right.

Salad: Php 80 (not much)

Arroz ala Cubana : Php 150

New York Cheesecake : Php 100 plus (I forgot)

Conti’s first opened their doors in BF homes Paranaque, its sad that I lived for more than 20 years in BF Homes but was not able to try it out.  Ha ha ha.  But that’s ok.

I heard that their pasta is really good so I’m planning to try that out next.  Looking at their menu, I think its cheaper if you order the family size and just share.  For example, Angel Hair Puttanesca is 160 bucks a la carte, but if you order the family size good for 6-8 persons, its only around Php 340.  Amazing right?

Anyway, they have tons more of dishes that you can choose from.  You can order family size, take outs, frozen foods, baked goodes, and set menus.

BF Homes Parañaque
(02) 842-5265

Serendra
(02) 856-2352

Greenhills
(02) 774-4184

Trinoma Mall
(02) 900-5013

Monster Recommends:

• July 18, 2008 — Tokyo Cafe at Mall of Asia (2)
• June 14, 2009 — Kaya – Yum Korean (0)
• August 14, 2008 — Japanese FastFood by Karate Kid – Wacha! (50)
• July 26, 2008 — Hooters at Mall of Asia (1)

Yesterday, the Bistro Group hosted a benefit dinner for Carewell at the opening of their TGI Friday’s restaurant at the Mall of Asia. Proceeds from the dinner all went to Carewell so that they can continue to support persons with cancer and their loved ones free of charge. A set dinner was available for adults at P1,000 per person, and a kiddie meal for children 10 years old and below went for P500 each

For the P1,000 ticket price, we were entitled to a FULL MEAL: salad, appetizer, main course and dessert from their set menus.

Here are some pics of the food served:

Crunchy chicken with a sweet tangy sauce! yum and nice with the caesar salad.

Half slab ribs with java rice. I want more sauce!!!

Spicy Pasta with chicken and bellpeppers. I didnt like this so much, but Arn loved it coz it was simple and peppery.

And ofcourse, DESSERT, my favorite part of the meal!!! Twas a night of good food and good vibes. Burp!

If you want to volunteer at Carewell or you need Carewell’s assistance, check out their website for details: http://www.carewellcommunity.org/

Monster Recommends:

• July 18, 2008 — Tokyo Cafe at Mall of Asia (2)
• July 26, 2008 — Hooters at Mall of Asia (1)
• May 19, 2010 — Malcolm’s Wagyu Burger (0)
• July 13, 2008 — World Cyber Games (WCG) Mall of Asia (1)

We were on our way to another weekend adventure (T House in Tagaytay) when we passed by Magallanes to grab a quick lunch. And there it was – Racks. Oooh-la-la. Its been years since I last dipped some meat into that sweet tangy spicy barbecue sauce.

Anyhow, they have a combo platter which is roughly around Php 250 for a half slab of Baby Back Ribs. You get to chose one siding – I had the corn on the cob, but I had it stripped down for easy access (Hehehe).

Here’s one more shot of my mouthwatering half slab baby back ribs. If you like it hot, then you should try the Extra Hot barbecue sauce. They sure weren’t kidding when they decided to label it “Extra Hot”. I just mixed the 2 after a few bites with the extra hot sauce – whew!

Its amazing how the meat just slides off the bones. For a moment there, life was simple and easy.

THE END

South Park Plaza, Paseo de Magallanes Commercial Center, Makati

Phone Number: (63 2) 854-6622

Monster Recommends:

• May 25, 2008 — Kublai’s Rock (2)
• May 26, 2008 — Burger Avenue – Grilled Burgers Galore! Take the Ridiculous Challenge (30)
• May 19, 2010 — Malcolm’s Wagyu Burger (0)
• June 14, 2009 — Kaya – Yum Korean (0)

Platito is one of the restaurants that is within the confines of the Cliff House in Tagaytay, Philippines (of course). Its a small kitchen with tables out in the open with huge umbrellas to shade you from the sun.

They have a hefty menu creatively labeled to stimulate your taste buds. Its a bit pricey in my opinion (read on, I’ll tell you why), but what do you expect when you’re in Tagaytay. So anyhow, Biscotti ordered the intriguing Brazilian Rib Eye Steak – sounds good eh’. It tastes good too. Costs around 358 pesos. Its smothered with garlic – nice. And its didn’t come in a platito. Hahaha. (buti na lang)

I had a heavy breakfast from the THouse where we were staying – smoke tapa with garlic rice and eggs. I had 2 cups of garlic rice and I’ll tell you all about it in another post. Moving on, as I was looking at the menu I kept arguing to myself to order something from the “all time favorites” part – this way, I get to taste the favorites (obviously). But my eyes keep going back to that one item on the signboard (see first photo on top). Second to the last, under “Also Available” was a “Humongous Hotdog” for just 198 bucks. I thought to myself, “a humongous hotdog for just 198 pesos – sweet deal!”. The practical side of me won – I should try this – its humongous… SO THEY SAY! Here’s a close up:

Keep scrolling…..

What the hell!??! It was literally served on a PLATITO! Picture this – it was on a platito and they even managed to squeeze in some fries. I’m sorry… but this does not fall under the category of humongous – maybe “jumbo” but not “humongous”. And it tastes like a your average jumbo hotdog – surprise! I was at least expecting a foot long or a ridiculous fat hotdog. Hahaha!

I guess the name got me. Lesson learned. Next time, stick to the all time favorites.

I give Platito a rating of “Cute”. That’s just me ok… try it out – let me know what you think.

Here’s a shot of their menu: (click to enlarge)

Monster Recommends:

• June 14, 2009 — Kaya – Yum Korean (0)
• January 18, 2009 — Santis Deli – rockwell (1)
• June 30, 2008 — Cliffhouse Tagaytay (0)
• June 24, 2008 — Cont’s Pastry Shop and Restaurant – Serendra (3)

They also have “The Ridiculous Challenge!” – here’s how it goes: Order a Ridiculous Burger (3 big burger patties in one great burger). Let the counter know that you are up for the challenge. Start chomping on this ridiculous burger and finish it in less than 5 mins. EASY! Run back to the counter and let them know – YOU GET A FULL REFUND! 200 bucks back in your pocket. I’d use it to order one more. Ha ha ha.

I didn’t have a camera by my side so I just took home a flyer and here’s a picture of this glorious burger monstrosity.

I tried out there Cheese and Garlic burger which set me back 99 bucks – but it was worth it It was huge, it came with an oatmeal bun and you can really savor that great grilled flavor. And of course, whenever I try a new burger place – I always try out their spaghetti. Don’t ask me why – I just think its a good benchmark. That’s around 70 bucks and it did the trick for me – reminded me of childhood. Its like that home cooked spaghetti I used to order back in grade school (CSA).

They also have shakes – which will probably be in my list when I go back there. They have a good variety which includes potato wedges, onion rings, sloppy joes, hotdog on a bun and many more!

Before I forget, the Ridiculous Challenge – if you succeed, gets your picture up on their board. We’re planning a comeback for that coz we weren’t that hungry and that means our chances are slim. But I was able to finish my burger and spaghetti in less than 5 mins – with casual conversation. Its not gonna be a problem. Mu-wah-ha-ha-ha.

They’re located along the side street surrounding A.Venue Mall – newest addition in Makati Ave. Exact Address is A Venue Mall, B. Valdez St corner Makati Ave. Its quite small with tables just enough for your burger and shakes. The kitchen took up much of the space – but no worries, I’m sure everyone would want to go for a walk after the meal.

Delivery Number: 729 9108 (Min. 200, Prices not inclusive of VAT)

A few weeks after, we took on this challenge. Read it here :

http://monstercomments.com/blog/food/taking-on-the-ridiculous-burger-challenge/

Monster Recommends:

• June 12, 2008 — Back to Racks – Baby Back Ribs (1)
• May 26, 2008 — Pizza Niro – Big Pizza! (6)
• May 25, 2008 — Kublai’s Rock (2)
• May 19, 2010 — Malcolm’s Wagyu Burger (0)

We heard about Kublai’s Rock through a TV show where they were featured as having one of the best burgers in town. Since we’re always looking for good eats, we decided to go to Magallanes to check out the place.

Not in the mood for burgers that night, we decided to try out the “eat all you can mongolian bbq”. For P349 per person, sulit naman. Although I remember eating for much less a couple of years back… mahal na talga ngayon.

What’s good though, Kublai peeps are very generous in heaping in the beef, pork, chicken, squid, even oysters. The ladies at the counter were also very helpful. If you dont know how much teriyaki or oyster sauce to put, just hand over your bowl to the lady and just tell them what your preference is. I prefer my bowl to be a little sweet spicy and garlicky.

Pic below after stirring my bowl:

Since we went on a Sunday night, service was quick and good. Ambiance is also quite cozy for a resto/bar.

Will definitely be back to Kublai’s but will try the burgers naman that other food lovers have been raving about.

Kublai’s Rock. 6/F Oakbridge Building, Paseo de Magallanes. Tel. 851-6086

Monster Recommends:

• June 12, 2008 — Back to Racks – Baby Back Ribs (1)
• July 8, 2008 — My Favorite Beef Mami – Merienda Buffet at Dad’s (0)
• June 30, 2008 — Pacquiao, Diaz and an Italiannis Brunch Buffet (2)
• May 26, 2008 — Burger Avenue – Grilled Burgers Galore! Take the Ridiculous Challenge (30)

Pepper Lunch is a newly opened franchise from Japan. It features a Do-It-Your-Own concept of dining and brings a new meaning to the term “fast food”. You line up the counter and choose from their various combinations, pay then wait a couple of minutes.

We ordered the cut steak and hamburger combo (P350 with rice and drink) and the pork and hamburger combo (P325).

Our meats arrived raw and heaped on to their patented sizzling plate (heated at 270 degrees celsius), which guarantees that you can cook your meat just the way you want it. We had to stir and turn the meat fast to maximize the heat of the plate as the sizzling dies down a little too quickly. If you want your meat really well done (as in tustado) I dont think you can achieve it on this plate. Add Amakuchi (honey brown sauce) or Karakuchi (Garlic Soy Sauce) to your steak or burger while cooking. You may also opt to throw in your rice on to the sizzling plate to absorb the juices.

The verdict: the food was pretty tasty! We loved the freshly cracked pepper taste and the steak sauces. If you’re just ordering the hamburger combo, you might find it quite pricey, but if you order the rib eye, for P600+ it’s quite a good deal. Note that their meats are all imported so quality is excellent.

We finished eating everything as fast as we cooked it. If you want to get take away food, they have prepared rice and steak bowls.

Btw, it’s guaranteed that you get to take home the smell of your food from Pepper Lunch! You will really smell like a sizzling steak after dining here. sarap!

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