Second Bite: Brad and Pits Ribshack

It has been a crazy for me since I left the corporate world. I was painting a picture of a very relaxing and carefree life but it turned out that I became busier than ever with meetings, shoots, and events. I’m not regretting my decision to become a full time blogger and freelance marketer though as I finally got to become my own boss. And to reward myself on taking the big jump, I feasted on some succulent ribs (at very pocket friendly price, coz, you know, I’m still kind of jobless). 

Hello, Brad and Pits Ribshack. 

It was my first time to visit Brad and Pits’ Kapitolyo branch and it gives the same vibe as its Marikina branch. However, this one is more spacious and has more parking space for diners. Its private function room is also slightly bigger and it has its own bathroom too. 

First Bite: Le Jardin

I love it when I get random messages or invites especially when food is involved.

Two weeks ago, my former colleague M messaged me to ask if I was free the following day for food tasting at Le Jardin. Since Le Jardin is one of the restaurants I wanted to visit, I quickly replied YES! Who am I to turn down free food anyway?

Hello, Le Jardin.

I’ve read about this fancy French restaurant befores. I planned to have brunch here one time with a few friends but it never happened. But thanks to M, I get to try some of its bestsellers.

When I arrived, I was the only guest there. I thought I was too early for dinner. But throughout dinner, only two to three other tables were occupied. (All were couples except for the group of baby boomers near the bar.)

M and I tried the five-course dinner (PHP3,200) which includes amuse bouche, three entrée aux choix (appetizers), plat principal au choix (main course), assortment de fromage maison (homemade cheese) and dessert au choix (assortment of one dessert).

First served were a plate of freshly baked bread and a small serving of amuse bouche (truffled scrambled eggs).

The amuse bouche was delightful with its soft and silky texture. It went well with the warm bread.

It took roughly 30 minutes before the first appetizer arrived.

The Saumon Fumé Maison or house smoked salmon was quite ordinary for me. It was also not as salty as the other smoked salmon I tried before.

The Tartare de Homard au Pamplemousse was served next and it was quite bland. 

The lobster was fresh though and the chilled pomelo was refreshing.

It took almost another half hour before the Lasagne D’ Agneau was served. But it was worth the wait.

Though small, this dish was oozing with flavor. This is one of the tastiest lasagnas I’ve tried. I also loved that the lamb had no after taste. It would have tasted better though if it was served warmer and al dente. But apparently, French pasta is made to be softer or so what the chef told M.

Restaurant Discovery: Salt

I’m going crazy here. There are just too many new and hidden restaurants to visit. Every time I check my Facebook or Instagram, I see articles, food shots, and whatnot that make me drool. And I mean droooool. I’m very happy and “hashtag blessed” (ewww) though that I have a handful of close foodie friends to bug when I feel like eating or exploring. For instance, E told me a few weeks ago that he’ll try SALT, a pretty hidden restaurant near the yoga studio I frequent. Since it serves salmon, I got curious. And E was to eat there again and K was game too. Soooo…

Hello, Salt!

The place has very few parking slots so it might be a good choice to just park at Powerplant Mall and walk to the place. It’s parallel Kalayaan so it’s pretty near.

When we arrived, only two other tables were occupied. (I guess there are more people during dinner.) We decided to go for: T-Bone Steak (PHP190), Grilled Tuna (PHP220) and Baked Salmon (PHP320).

Service was pretty quick as I was still digesting the churros I ate from La Lola when the food arrived.