First Bite: Poke/Poke

You know that the local food scene is getting crazier when more and more cuisines and dishes are being introduced to the market. Just a few months ago, I had my first ever poke bowl and I fell in love with the concept of rice topped with fresh raw fish. It’s like the Japanese chirashi but casually plated. As a hardcore sashimi lover, I instantly said yes when I got an invite to Poke/Poke’s preview event last Thursday.

Hello, Poke/Poke!

Okay, poke may not exactly be an entirely fresh concept here in Manila as there are already a handful of restaurants offering this Hawaiian treat. However, Poke/Poke is the first of its kind to offer Create Your Own Poke Bowls. For those who do not want to think of the ingredients to put in their bowls, fret not as Poke/Poke also has nine standard signature bowls to choose from.

Restaurant Favorite: Locavore

After an afternoon date with my mom and sister, I headed to Kapitolyo for dinner with R’s family at Locavore. Auntie C made reservations but since the place was so busy during Mother’s Day, we were given seats at the al fresco area. At least we didn’t have to wait.

Hello, Locavore! It has been a while!

I think my last visit here was December 2014. It was memorable because it was the first time I met some of R’s friends. He made such a smooth move by asking me to recommend places to eat around my area. As an always-giddy-when-food-is-involved person, I recommended a handful and told him which dishes to order per restaurant. Then he asked me to join them so that they do not order the wrong ones. How can I turn down free food?! Anyways, fast forward to May 2016, I was back!

We ordered quite a lot as everyone was famished. Of course, part of the list were the bestsellers Lechon and Oyster Sisig (PHP360) and Sizzling Sinigang (PHP475). We also ordered Boneless Lechon Belly (PHP495), Baked Scallops with Aligue (PHP500), Garlic Baby Squid (PHP440) and Mac’s Boneless Fried Chicken (PHP220). For dessert, we got Sorbetes Gatas and Tsoknut (PHP150). 

The Baked Scallops with Aligue was served first and it was pretty good. It was buttery and the aligue added flavor to the typical baked scallops. There was also a generous serving of rock salt. However, the scallops were too small and too few for its price. 

The entrees were served next. 

The Sizzling Sinigang and Lechon Oyster Sisig were delightful as always. 

I loved the tanginess of the sinigang’s gravy. The crunchy veggies also added bite to the tender meat. This is best enjoyed with rice given its rich taste. So forget your no rice diet when you order this dish.

Now Open: Locavore BGC

Locavore has been one of the hottest restaurants since 2014. With its crazy wait list and social media buzz, foodies and not-so-foodies flocked to the humble industrial looking restaurant along Brixton, Pasig to taste its delectable (and photogenic) sizzling sinigang and equally delicious but not so photogenic lechon oyster sisig. Two years passed and people still line up just to dine here. And it turned crazier when it opened its newest branch in Forbes Town, BGC. 

Hello, Locavore BGC! 

I have been planning to visit this place for weeks now. I already had my fair share of its famous sinigang and sisig but I was so curious with its new dishes exclusive to its brunch menu which is only available from 9 am to 2:30 pm daily. 

Since having brunch here is near impossible given that I'm a corporate slave with a one hour lunch break, I figured visiting here on a weekend would be my only option. And since my weekends have been already planned out for the rest of July, I thought that I'll have to delay my duck congee calling for a few more weeks till... today. 

I was supposed to be feasting in Aguirre with some of my favorite foodies but due to transportation challenges, we made last minute changes and ended up in BGC with Locavore as our first stop. 

I hurriedly walked (because Uber was not cooperating and kept on insisting that there should be surge at 10:30 am) to Forbes Town thinking it will be packed with diners by lunch time. I got to the place glowing with sweat with a few tables still vacant. 

I was quickly ushered to the nearest vacant table and I ordered Duck Lugaw (PHP320) and Champorado ni Speedy (PHP280) thinking it'll take them quite a while to prepare it especially since the place was quite busy that time. 

Restaurant Love: Locavore

Locavore is love. I always recommend it to everyone I know when they ask me where to eat in Kapitolyo. One night, R messaged asking where to bring his friends and I recommended Detalle and Locavore. (I love it when people ask me where to eat. It feeds my foodie persona’s ego. So feed it, people!!! Kidding!) Unfortunately, Detalle was closed that night. Fortunately, Locavore was busy as always that evening.

Hello, Locavore!

The place was packed (again)! We had to wait for over 20 minutes just to get seats. So while waiting, we decided to order. R ordered for his friends and they got Sizzling Sinigang (PHP530), Ginataang Kaldereta (PHP570), Street Food Platter (PHP200), Leche Flan (PHP200) and Turon con Leche (PHP220). I also got a cocktail drink with pomelo but I forgot the name and price.

First served was the street food platter (no photo because I didn’t get some). I think that this dish was made for those who do not really eat street food on the street. I do so I couldn’t avoid computing how much it really costs if I buy from Mang Larry in UP.

The main dishes were served next. C and E enjoyed the Sizzling Sinigang (click here for my review on the dish) and the GInataang Kaldereta.

It was my first time to try the Ginataang Kaldereta and for the serving and taste, PHP570 wasn’t a bad price to pay. The tender short ribs with stewed tomatoes, marbled potatoes, crunchy French beans, garlic and shallot confit swimming in coconut milk was L-O-V-E. Okay, I’m a bit biased given I love dishes with coconut milk.

Now for the desserts…

Foodie Guide to Kapitolyo Food Trip (or Restaurant Hopping)

Living near Kapitolyo has its perks. It turned from residential to a must visit foodie destination. Since I have blogged about so many Kapitolyo restaurants, let me do a rundown of the different establishments and my personal favorites.

HARU

I absolutely love Japanese cuisine. If I could only choose one food to eat for the rest of my life, I would choose salmon sashimi. And Haru’s salmon sashimi is fresh and milky! Another must order is the beef teppanyaki.

Total damage: PHP500-1000 per head

Haru Sushi Bar and Restaurant is located at 9 West Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

CAFÉ JUANITA

The eclectic and popular Filipino restaurant first started in Kapitolyo before it branched out to the busy Bonifacio Global City area. Do try their kare-kare and halo-halo.

Total damage: PHP700-1,500

Café Juanita is located at 19 West Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

RAMEN COOL

Ramen Cool is your simple no-frills Japanese restaurant. I was pretty disappointed with their ramen noodles but the other dishes like tempura and teriyaki are pretty okay. The one I love most though is their iced coffee.

Total damage: PHP500 per head

Ramen Cool is located at 25 East Capitol Drive, Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

ВÀ NÔI’S

This place has been my favorite Vietnamese restaurant since I visited its Makati branch. The Bo Lu Lac is to die for. Tender and flavorful, every bite is such a delight!

Total damage: PHP500 per head

Вà Nôi’s is located at East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City. It is on the same side as Three Sisters and across Milky and Sunny. 

NAV

One of the early players when Kapitolyo started to become a foodie hotspot, Nav serves modern Thai cuisines that are drool-worthy. I love the Son-in-Law Eggs as I looove century eggs. The Catfish salad is of course another staple order.

Total damage: PHP500-700 per head

Nav is located at United St. Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City (Across Pioneer Center and Ace Water Spa).

LONGGANISA SORPRESA

Been craving for Vigan, Lucban or what-have-you longganisa? You don’t have to drive all the way to those provinces just to taste those delectable longganisa. All you have to do is pay Longganisa Sorpresa a visit.

Total damage: PHP500

Longganisa Sorpresa is located at United St. Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City (Across Pioneer Center and Ace Water Spa).

RED PANDA

This restaurant is fairly new in the area. If I got it correctly, Chef Boy Logro is part owner of this restaurant. I only got to try a few dishes but the Chinese Style Ossobucco left a good impression.

Total damage: PHP500-700 per head

Red Panda Bistro is located at 48 East Capitol Drive, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City. For reservations, please call 475-0877.

CALDERON

The well-loved Spanish restaurant in San Juan is now in Kapitolyo as well. I wasn’t able to try the churros but everyone was raving about it. And the mere fact that it was sold out at 3 p.m. proves that it really is something worth trying. (Oh, and the paellas are amazing!)

Total damage: PHP500-1000 (depending on how many will be sharing the bill)

Calderon is located at 12-C East Capitol Drive, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City. You may reach them at 0905 266 6982 or 0999 703 3299 for reservation or advance order.

OPEN KITCHEN

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Kapitolyo. The anise pork belly and the vanilla pumpkin soup are just so delicious. Plus, those not so hidden stick figures on the brick walls are adorable! Do try the beef shanks!

Total damage: PHP800-1,200

Open Kitchen is located at 71-B East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City

SILANTRO

The always jam-packed restaurant is not just some one-night hype. It actually serves really good Mexican food. You won’t go wrong with the stuffing as every single one is delicious! I’ll try oxtail next time. (They were out of that one as early as 11:30 am!!!) The mojito’s pretty refreshing too!

Total damage: PHP250-500

Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina is located at 75 E. Capitol Drive, Pasig City, Metro Manila.

POCO DELI

I witness this small restaurant start from being a quiet player in the market to a very popular and successful one. Who wouldn’t when its bacon slabs are to die for? The refreshing iced tea is such a delight as well. The sausage platters are really good too and a nice meal to share with friends. Plus, the cakes! Oh the cakes… <3 You might want to visit Epic Coffee for Poco Deli’s cakes too and pair it with coffee.

Total damage: PHP500-1000

Poco Deli is located at 21 East Capitol Drive, Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City. 

CAB CAFÉ

A café that serves la paz bachoy? Yes, there’s one! Enjoy side by side some cakes and a warm bowl of la paz bachoy (though not recommended) in Cab Café! They also have burgers which are loved by my sister. [Sister Approved!]

Total damage: PHP300-500

Cab Café is located at 18 East Capitol Drive, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

GOSTOSO

Gostoso’s dishes are awesome! Priced at friendly prices, ordering two dishes for yourself isn’t such a bad idea. Try the Piri Piri Chickena dn the Porco Gostoso. And get the creamy corn as side dish. <3

Total damage: PHP500-700

Gostoso is located at 51-B East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

CHARLIE’S

Yet another popular joint in Kapitolyo is the burger place called Charlie’s. The wagyu burgers are juicy, thick and flavorful. It’s hard to be girly while eating their burgers but who cares? It’s party in the mouth!

Total damage: PHP500

Charlie’s Grind and Grill is located at 16 East Capitol Drive, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

MAD MARK’S

This sandwich and ice cream place is also always packed with hungry diners. It is not a surprise at all as the place serves awesome sandwiches, steaks, fries and ice cream! I love the man sandwich and the Javan Hot Chocolate ice cream!

 

Total damage: PHP300-500

Mad Mark's is located at 23 East Capitol Drive, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

THAI DARA

Thai Dara is another Thai restaurant in the area and compared to Nav, it has a homier feel. Simple plating and well lit restaurant, this place screams comfy. Their iced teas are also very refreshing!

Total damage: PHP300-500

Thai Dara is located at 23 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City.

Love at First Bite: Locavore

I seriously love my area. Crowd favorites such as Silantro, Poco Deli, Rub Ribs, Calderon and Mad Marks can all be found in Kapitolyo. My new favorites Avi, Haru, Open Kitchen, Gostoso, and Tomahawk are all in the area too. And last Friday, I discovered a new favorite, Locavore.

I've heard of Locavore from my friend F who randomly messaged me if I have tried eating there. Curious, I made my research and upon seeing the photo of the Sizzling Sinigang, I was convinced that I have to dine there soon.

However, I failed on my first try. Locavore was packed and waiting time could be half an hour to over an hour. My mom and sister were already hungry then so we went to Pearl Drive instead for some chi-mek (chicken and beer).

I was informed that the best way to secure seats is to make a reservation. It’s not really my habit to do so unless I feel that the place is awesome and always packed. I could still count how frequent I made reservations. I recall I did with Your Local, Haru, Bistecca, House of Wagyu, and Nav.

When we arrived, the place was still spacious with only a few tables occupied. However, we did notice that almost all tables were tagged “reserved”.

Since I already have a copy of the menu, I already “planned” on what to order. I got Sizzling Sinigang (PHP530), Lechon and Oyster Sisig (PHP400), Crispy Tilapia (PHP280), Mac’s Boneless Fried Chicken (PHP240) and Calamanjito (PHP280 for two glasses during Happy Hour).