Cheap Bites: Above Sea Level

Above Sea Level has been one of the most successful concepts that started in food parks. It started in January 2017 and grew to over a hundred branches and franchises nationwide. And last April, it found a new home at Pobstacion. Its fragrant dishes made it hard for us to ignore its famous battered butterfly squid. 

Hello, Above Sea Level.

Consistent with its vision to be identified as the first seafood fast food brand in the country, our crunchy treats were served within 10 minutes.

A Festive Meal at Shangri-La at the Fort's High Street Cafe

Shangri-La at the Fort is one of my favorite places in BGC. I'd often stay at its lounge cafe to have some work done while sipping my favorite tea. The hotel's other restaurants--Samba, Raging Bull and Canton Road--all serve excellent food as well! And a couple of months back, I was invited to try High Street Cafe.

Hello, High Street Cafe.

High Street Cafe is Shangri-La at the Fort's buffet restaurant and it has been known for its fresh seafood spread! If you're lucky, you might be able to see a huge whole tuna on display.

First Bite: East Ocean

Chinese cuisine is no stranger with us Filipinos. We were exposed to several of its dishes ever since we could eat solid food. But only a few could be named worthy to be called great. And recently, several taste makers claim that a ginormous Chinese restaurant at the golden Entertainment City is a real deal.

Hello, East Ocean.

This multi-level Chinese restaurant has been the talk of town since it opened. With several private rooms and massive luxurious dining hall, it is no surprise why this is favored by socialites. 

R's parents decided to treat everyone to dinner here after our Pangulasian trip since it's just a few minutes away from the airport.

When in Iloilo: Tytche Grill & Seafood Restaurant

Tagging along R's local trips are tiring and fun at the same time. I get to see the Philippines in a different light, seeing places that are not exactly what you'd consider touristy. And at the same time, I get to experience the local life and savor the different cities' rich flavors. One of my favorite places for seafood is Iloilo and a top contender for the best seafood restaurant is Tytche Grill & Seafood Restaurant in Dumangas. 

Hello, Tytche Grill & Seafood Restaurant. 

This restaurant is a bit far from the city center and definitely a place I wouldn't consider going if I was traveling Iloilo on my own. Situated near the Iloilo port, it would be hard to visit this place without a car as there are not much public transportation that pass and stop by this area. 

Seafood Paradise: Seascape Village

Fresh seafood is one of the things the Philippines is known for. As an archipelago composed of 7107 islands, we never run out of mouthwatering fish, shrimps, crabs, lobsters and what-have-yous. But just when we thought we're fine with good ol' dampa, Seascape Village put seafood feast on a whole different level. 

Hello, Seascape Village.

Sandwiched between Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel and Manila Film Center, this huge compound is divided into four phases. To date, the first Phase is open to the public but there are still a few establishments that are yet to open. The other three areas (that are yet to open) are dedicated to lifestyle and wellness, events and entertainment, and hotel + retail complex.

I was invited to a gastronomic seafood experience a few weeks back and we visited a handful of restaurants and were able to sample its bestsellers.

Foodie Alert: The Shrimp Fever is on at Blue Post Boiling Crabs

Love shrimps and don't care to have your hands messy for the sake of good food? Then you'd definitely like what I have to share with you. Blue Post Boiling Crabs & Shrimps has something up its sleeves to make Halloween and your November yummier.

Hello, Blue Post Boiling Crabs & Shrimps.

Just when I thought I'd be living an anti-social life and not go out given the unpredictable weather and horrendous traffic, I went out. There's only two words that made me brave Greenhills traffic and that's "unlimited shrimps". Yes! You read that right! Unlimited fresh and delectable crustaceans. How can you resist that?

First Bite: Hai Kang Seafood Restaurant

I usually get stressed out when eating in Chinese restaurants. Everything seems to be so fast-paced. Plate after plate after plate of food gets served within a few minutes and we have to eat fast to make room for the next set of dishes. And the same case is true when we visited one of the popular Chinese restaurants along Wilson.
 
Hello, Hai Kang Seafood Restaurant.

I’ve never heard of this restaurant before but I was told that this has been around for years (or even decades) and it is quite popular especially to the Chinese community.

I was greeted by a huge dining area with high ceiling and several pocket rooms that could be enclosed by movable partition walls. The place was packed with diners on a Saturday night and one could get lost with and drown in the chaotic dining scene. Thankfully, R’s family was near the entrance and we didn’t have to squeeze our way in to the other side of the restaurant.

Love at First Bite: Hook by Todd English

I'm so thankful that I live in a country that has access to several kinds of seafood. However, some of my favorites cost me an arm and leg (at times two legs). But that was about to change thanks to this new Todd English concept called Hook. 

Hello, Hook! 

Just like the other Todd English restaurants, Hook has dark interiors and a bit of pub/bar vibe to it but with a touch of class. 

I was first greeted by a beautiful showcase of seafood ranging from humongous fishes in different colors to the freshest oysters I've laid my eyes on. 

Eric welcomed us and ushered us to our table and suggested that we try the Three Tiered Seafood Platter (PHP3,500) and (Not) Paella (PHP750). As clueless diners, we let him surprise us with his choices. 

While waiting for our food, we were given glasses of champagne to pair with our meal. And it was a pretty good way to cap the week. 

First Bite: Piccolo Padre Restaurant

Piccolo Padre is one of our Pampanga food crawl stops and A sure knows how to keep one excited with this stop. She mentioned a couple of times how much she loves this place and its oysters. As a big fan of oysters, I drooled at the thought of feasting on some fresh ones. And after visiting the Instagram heaven Teaspoon Café, I counted the minutes till we reached this Pampanga gem.

Hello, Piccolo Padre!

It was like entering a theatre when you step inside Piccolo Padre. Various masks adorn the walls of the Italian restaurant. 

According to Chef Dan Giampaolo, owner of Piccolo Padre, the restaurant’s elegant atmosphere is influenced by three architectures of Venice—apartments above the Venice Canal, the famous Venetian Mask and replica of the famous clock tower in Piazza san Marco with the winged lion protector of Venice and Apostle Saint Mark. 

First Bite: Holy Crab!

Part of our Aguirre itinerary is E’s sister’s seafood restaurant. I haven’t been to this place before and it didn’t really make a lot of noise as well hence being out of the looloo radar. But I’m sure glad we stopped by.

Hello, Holy Crab!

The not so new seafood restaurant has the same concept as Boiling Crab in the US and Shrimp Bucket here in Manila. I heard though that Holy Crab was the first one to bring such concept here in Manila. It’s just that the other player was a bit more aggressive in expanding. 

The smell of shelled fish was the first thing I noticed as soon as I stepped inside the restaurant. It reminded me of dampa. It wasn’t funky; but it wasn’t exactly pleasant as well. 

Since we just came from Bamba Bistro, I was a bit hesitant to order a dish for myself so I decided to just share with E and K. 

We ordered Mussels in Garliky-Lime and Salted Eggs Sauce (PHP330), Grilled Tuna Belly (PHP260), and a pitcher of Raspberry Cooler (PHP175). 

Service was fast and first served was our drink which was refreshing but dilluted. 

Mussels were served next and it was a pretty generous serving. One order was definitely good for sharing. 

First Bite: Genki Sushi

Ever since I heard about how fun it is to order food at Genki Sushi, the foodie in me wants to jump, giddily hop, and moonwalk to the popular Japanese restaurant in BGC Stopover. But every time I plan to visit, something happens. *pouts* This is why when R surprised me with a visit and asked me if I want to have dinner at Genki Sushi, I uttered a big YES with a big smile to match. 

Hello, Genki Sushi!!!

I have been waiting to dine here for months! And finally, I could press those buttons and a train or race car will come my way with some delectable Japanese dishes.

Despite being so sore from insanity workout (yes, I just have to say it to make me look less of a glutton), I happily micro hopped to Genki Sushi. Thankfully, the place was not packed and we managed to get a table with ease.

Before going crazy over the high tech way of ordering, the server gave us a short intro on how to order and that we could enjoy unlimited supply of matcha with our meals.

As soon as the server left, R and I began to stare at the menu plastered on the “food tunnel.” We drooled over Salmon Belly (PHP80), Lobster Salad (PHP120), Lobster Salad Roll (PHP150), Unadon (PHP350) and Chirashi Don (PHP420). 

*choo choo*

The train arrived first with Salmon Belly, Lobster Salad and Unadon.

Given the friendly prices for sushi, I was not really expecting great sushi from this place. But I was pleasantly surprised that the salmon sushi was decent. In fact, it was good. The color was nice and it was fresh. Yay! Great deal for PHP80!

The lobster salad which was topped with crunchy flakes and sweet sauce was pretty heavy. I didn't get a hint of lobster though due to its tiny serving per roll.