First Sip: Joe's Brew

A Poblacion food crawl is never complete without dropping by a bar or pub. As one of the hottest spots for a night cap, you'd be surrounded by several establishments that offer superb food, beer, cocktails and everything you need to paint the town red. And we made sure to include the popular Joe's Brew in our Poblacion food crawl last month.

Hello, Joe's Brew.

Joe's Brew is tucked inside the quiet side of Poblacion. It may be a bit hard to find this place with its modest signage but Google Map or Waze's pin are pretty accurate and will lead you to this quirky pub. 

First Bite: Churchill

Capitol Commons has been my go to place whenever I want to have a relaxing shopping spree. With the place barely packed on any day of the week, it was the ideal shopping destination for those who want a break from socializing. However, this place changes at night! It evolves into this party hot spot filled with millennials. So what we thought to be a relaxed get together turned into something more than what titas and titos in us could handle. 

Hello, Churchill. 

Churchill is one of the most recent additions to the Capitol Commons dining and drinking scene. Positioned as a not so hidden speakeasy bar behind Highlands Bistro, R's friends figured that this would be a great place for a mini reunion. 

First Bite: Salamangka

I rarely drink these days as I am fully embracing the fact that I'm now a certified tita who enjoys tea sessions at home with biscuits. But I was feeling a bit down a few weeks back and needed the companion of friends. And since we haven't been to Eastwood as a group, we opted to have our long overdue bonding session there. To our surprise, there are a lot of new establishments around and one that caught my interest was Salamangka. 

Hello, Salamangka.

Salamangka is the newest brainchild of 121 Group. Positioned as a restaurant, cafe and bar in one, expect a good variety of comfort food, specialty coffee and cocktails under one roof. Named after the Filipino word for magic, Salamangka aims to enchant its guests with its offerings that are not usually offered by other establishments in the market. 

First Bite: The Belle and Dragon

We often associate bars and pubs with just drinks and maybe a handful of bar chows. But I've noticed lately that several drinking spots have been paying close attention to their food offerings and making it not just good pairings with their drinks but superb too for dinner! And one of the places worth visiting for dinner (or even lunch) is The Belle and Dragon. 

Hello, The Belle and Dragon.

Located along the busy street of Carlos Palanca, its green facade would be the first thing to catch your attention, a nice contrast against the urban concrete city like Makati. 

First Sip: Yes Please

I occasionally drink and when I do, I always stick to my usuals--margarita, amaretto sour, wine and Patron XO. These past months though, I grew to like other drinks thanks to various events I've attended. And thanks to Zomato, I had deeper appreciation for whisky last Monday. 
 
Hello, Yes Please.

I was lucky to be invited to a whisky appreciation night hosted by Auchentoshan. Though I've never heard of the Scotch brand before, the idea of learning more about something made me clear my schedule and brave the traffic.

First Sip: Bitters Bar

Who says it's too early for cocktails? It is always five thirsty in my clock! 

Hello, Bitters Bar.

Quite hidden on top of 2nd's new home is Bitters Bar, one of the newest bars in BGC with an interesting apothecary theme. 

First Bite: After All

I love knowing every restaurant's back story as it gives it more character and allows me to have a better grasp on what it aims to be. Some started out as passion projects while others wanted to fill the market's unmet needs or wants. One establishment I've recently visited sprung from the idea of the owners wanting a place to hang out and enjoy their favorite dishes. It turns out though that the food they always crave would be a hit with people outside their circle. After all, their favorites are classics.

Hello, After All Bar & Grill. 

This restaurant and bar in SM Jazz opened its doors to the public last month and it has been getting a steady following since then. It isn't surprising as After All offers a wide variety of dishes and drinks. 

I was greeted by dim lights and dark hued furniture when I stepped inside After All. It was still very quiet around 6 pm with only some of the owners at the other side of the restaurant. Diners came in around 7:30 pm and the place became very busy around 8 pm. 

First Sip: Selu's Bar

What's a better way to cap the work week than to enjoy a cocktail or two? Though I usually head straight home after work on Fridays to avoid the nasty Manila traffic, spending Friday nights over some drinks ain't a bad idea. And a few Fridays ago, I capped the week at Selu's Bar. 
 
Hello, Selu's Bar.

This is the second stop of the Summer Soiree organized by Discover MNL and Valerie Montenegro which is located a floor below Unna's Corner.

First Bite: Cicada Tapas & Bar

It is always fun to visit Cebu as it is turning into a foodie destination with new concepts opening here and there. But there are a few classics that I missed out from my previous trips and I made sure that I’d drop by a few of them during my last Cebu visit. And for R’s late birthday celebration, we opted to have lunch at Circa 1900. 

Hello, Circa 1900!

We were greeted by beautiful two ancestral homes (turned dining halls) as soon as we entered the restaurant's huge compound. 

Unfortunately, Circa 1900 was closed when we visited and will be closed throughout our stay in Cebu. On the bright side, its tapas restaurant, Cicada was open and we could dine there instead. 

Night Cap: The Penthouse 8747

People close to me know that I'm far from being tagged as a party person. Born as a certified tita (aunt), I have now graduated as a full-fledged Lola(grandmother) of Manila. But such did not discourage me from visiting a Great Gatsby themed bar that offers a magnificent view of the city. Okay, it was also because I was intrigued with its bar chows. The foodie remains more influential than the lola in me. 

Hello, The Penthouse 8747! 

The place, as it is aptly named, is located on the topmost floor of Lepanto building. Though the lift would not bring you all the way to the bar's main entrance, you just need to take one flight up to reach the reception adorned with gold accents and chandelier. 

First Bite: Providore Backyard

It was just a few months ago when Providore delighted my tummy with its superb Bone Marrow Burger. I had a quick chat with A, one of the owners of Raintree Restaurants and I got an insider info that they plan to open an al fresco dining area to serve early morning meals and after work drinks. And last February 8, Providore Backyard, finally opened.

Hello, Providore Backyard!

The chic white shed, faux grass and bar were the first things we saw as soon as we stepped out of the air-conditioned section of Providore. Not only does the set up recreate a “backyard look”, it also exudes a very homey and relaxed ambiance perfect for that well deserved nightcap.

First Bite: Isla Una

I make sure that I visit at least two restaurants whenever I go to Ortigas. With the horrific traffic, I just have to maximize my trip. And when I was invited to a sponsored dinner at City Golf, I had to look for another restaurant to visit afterwards. I then remembered that there is this picturesque Filipino restaurant that was featured countless times in several blogs. 

Hello, Isla Una.

Isla Una’s interiors is like haven in a sea of pubs and bars within City Golf. Though technically also a bar, its interiors say otherwise. Or at least for the ground floor. I couldn’t really comment on the second floor dining area as C and I were already too comfortable with the couch by the leafy wall on the ground floor.

Since we just had dinner, C and I opted to just order some cocktails and desserts. We went with Yema Palitaw (PHP130) and Churros (PHP150) for our sweets and Alamat ng Pinya (PHP160) and Mayora (PHP200) for drinks. 

It seemed that everyone wanted to enjoy the live band on the second floor as we owned the whole ground floor to ourselves. It was perfect too as we could move from one table to the next in search for the best light to take photos without bothering anyone. 

And after table hopping for 10 or so minutes, we began to eat and sip. 

First Bite: Raging Bull

I was so curious about Raging Bull ever since A mentioned it during our lunch at Canton Road. As a steak lover, I just have to pay the restaurant a visit. And two weeks later, I finally did. Thanks to Zomato!

Hello, Raging Bull. 

Just like its Chinese restaurant neighbour, the facade of this restaurant is fancy with its touches of dark browns and gold. 

The interiors of the dining area is equally elegant with its dark finishes. I could imagine the cast of The Godfather dining here. 

Second Bite: Buffalo Wild Wings

R and I have been trying to cut our food expenses by staying in on weekends. When we feel the urge to eat out (simply because I’m lazy to cook), we try to stick to places where we have gift certificates. One of the restaurants where we could eat for free is Buffalo Wild Wings and we decided to head to the wings place one weekend.

Hello, Buffalo Wild Wings.

This place has a bit of sentimental value for us as it is the first restaurant we visited on a weeknight. I still remember how smooth R invited me. I was just at home then waiting for The Walking Dead to air when he messaged me if I want to eat out. “Eat out.” He said the magic words. 

Anyway, to reminisce that night, we sat on the same bar but ordered different dishes. We went with Parmesan Garlic Chicken Flatbread (PHP375) and Juicy Steak Burger (PHP625). We also got Unlimited Iced Tea (PHP105). 

The perk of sitting by the bar is that you’ll never be out of drinks. Our glasses were refilled countless times! 

First served was the burger and it was delightful! The thick burger patty stayed true to its name… juicy. It was also seasoned well and each bite was packed with flavor. 

The thin prime rib cuts added flavor and texture to the dish. I also enjoyed the crisp and gigantic onion rings. The fat fries were also great and went well with the filling burger. The Buffalo Wild Wings sauce added a bit of sweet spicy kick that made it very irresistible.

First Sip: Horse's Mouth at Uma Uma!

I have been seeing a handful of reviews about this new ramen player in town and it sure made me so curious! I wanted to try it ASAP but the location of this restaurant made me hesitate. Then again, the food gods love me. I got invited to attend this Lifestyle Asia Thanksgiving dinner at Sofitel and I saw this as an opportunity to drop by Uma Uma. 

Hello, Uma Uma! 

Located at the second floor of the new and posh S Maison of Conrad Manila, it was sandwiched between Chibo Okonomiyaki and Rossini. 

I entered from the outside door so the first thing I saw was the ramen joint's bar called Horse's Mouth. The interiors were dark with an interesting Japanese painting decorating the dark wooden wall.

I browsed through the cocktail list of the bar and noticed that the drinks are not cheap at all. Most are over PHP300 with a few under it. Clueless of what to order, I decided to ask the barista who happens to be one of the owners, I think. 

He suggested a few drinks but I was sold with Aphrodisiac (PHP360) which he mentioned to be the most photogenic and refreshing. 

Also, the alcohol level isn't that high, making it the perfect pre-event drink. I gave it a go and it was prepared right away! 

I must say, the drink was pretty good. 

First Bite: Ebeneezers

Checking looloo has been part of my daily routine for months now. I get to discover new restaurants through the app. It is making me fat and poor but happy. And just last night, I went to this new restaurant by the brilliant minds behind Lulu (now Catch) and Hooch.

Hello, Ebeneezers!

I have read a few reviews about this place and all are positive. Food's not that expensive so it definitely caught my attention. And when R and I walked home from Melo's one night, I made a mental note to visit this place soon. And I did last night.

I never noticed this place to be beside Shangri-La at Fort. It must be because of the chaotic view of construction. But if you're walking towards Burgos Circle, it's hard to miss this place with its neon signage.

Since I was still stuffed with my heavy lunch, I just opted to get Ebeneezer's Mezze (PHP188) and a glass of Rose Cooler (PHP150). 

Service was quick and my meal was served in less than 5 minutes. 

The Mezze was served on a take out box with foil lining. One order comes with grilled pita (which I asked to be soft), marinated olives, roasted eggplant baba ghanoush and hummus. 

Second Bite: Unit 27 Apartment Bar + Café

Manila is turning into one big foodie destination. With several restaurants opening here and there, it is so hard to decide on where to eat. I am already getting frustrated that I am finding less and less time to explore new restaurants and the fact that for some reason, fats find its way to chill on body parts I wish they would never find. Curse you slow metabolism! Anyway, I got so giddy when R mentioned that his Chichi group will meet up for dinner last Monday because that means dinner out! (Yay!) I was so excited with the idea of eating at Genki Sushi since that was what R recommended. But come Monday, it was decided that we’ll have dinner at… Unit 27 Apartment Bar + Café.

Hello again, Unit 27 Apartment Bar + Café!

This time around, I got to see the third floor of the restaurant/bar. The third floor, unlike the set-up on the ground floor, was definitely more of a bar with its neon light wall décor, dim lighting and actual bar. I didn’t take photos of the place since it was quite dark and I was more interested to listen to R’s Chichi friends’ stories. (Yes, connected to the real world!)

Hungry, R already knew what to order—Pinoy Steak & Egg (PHP380). I went with Bagnet Breakfast (PHP395).

It’s so fascinating though how restaurants service slows down when you’re very hungry. It happens to me most of the time. And Unit 27 was no exception. Our food arrived after 30 minutes! It took them that long to prepare our food. >_< We were so hungry that it made me exert extra effort to take quick photos of the food.

After a few clicks, it’s dinner time!

My house dried pork belly was quite good. It wasn’t overly dry that would make my throat itch. I loved that it was crunchy all throughout and no part was chewy. I alternately dipped it sukang Ilocos  and Unit 27’s homemade lechon sauce. 

Cebu Food Stop: Maya Mexican Restaurant

Cebu has become a foodie haven with restaurants serving delectable dishes. And with its more casual and laidback vibe, I wouldn’t mind living here stuffing myself with lechon. Anyway, since we wanted to maximize our last night in Cebu, we decided to head out and visit Maya Mexican Restaurant. Honestly, I wasn’t keen on leaving Crimson Hotel in Mactan for some fajitas but when they said that it’s beside La Marea… let’s just say that I changed my mind.

Hello, Maya Mexican Restaurant!

The Book of Life inspired restaurant sure screams Mexican vibe with its display of colorful skulls and masks.

I browsed Frannywanny’s blog about this place and since she raved about Asada Fajitas(PHP695), I decided to order that. Other dishes we ordered were Nachos (PHP395), Tinga Quesadillas (PHP295), Carnitas Quesadillas (PHP295) and Mini Tacos (PHP335 for 3 mini tacos). We ordered one more dish but I totally forgot its name and they could not accommodate our request for additional guacamole because they ran out. :(

First served were the quesadillas and I loved the crispy pork confit (carnitas) quesadillas more than the chicken (tinga) quesadillas. Both are filling though with its warm roasted tortillas with charred onions, cilantro and sweet pepper for crunch.

The nachos were served next and it was a beautiful mess. I loved the generous serving of cheese, refried beans and salsa! It was a great dish for sharing. 

You have to eat it fast though if you want your nacho chips to stay crispy.

I went to fajitas heaven with the Asada Fajitas. The grilled Angus beef was delectable. The soft and scrumptious beef tasted even better with the frijoles (beans), Mexican rice, peppers, and onions.

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…