Love at First Bite: Jamie's Kebabs

Growing up in a household not very fond of Meditteranean food made me appreciate this cuisine later in life. I never thought that I'd love kebabs, hummus, pita, and dip almost everything in garlic sauce. It even became one of my constant cravings during Manila's lockdown. And I'm so glad that there's a new place in town that serves superb Middle Eastern food.

Hello, Jamie's Kebabs.

Jamie's Kebabs is the newest food concept by the people behind Main Street. It serves the classic beef, chicken and lamb kebabs as well as other staples like hummus and pita wraps.

First Bite: Hummus Elijah

I love to munch on junk food and indulge in soda and milk tea for days. It can get even crazier when I'm stressed or down. Thankfully, my body can recognize when it needs something healthier as I get intense craving for salad or anything fresh. And it was timely that Hummus Elijah opened a branch just a few blocks away from home. 

Hello, Hummus Elijah. 

Hummus is often treated as a side dish to complement one's meal here in Manila. We'd usually have it with a plate of kebab or shawarma. But this healthy treat is enjoyed as one's breakfast, lunch or dinner in Israel. In fact, there are several restaurants in Israel that sell only hummus and pita. And Eli Lapid, owner of Hummus Elijah, wants to promote that this is a great alternative to one's usual meal. 

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. 

Restaurant Discovery: Greeka Kouzina

I have been a fan of Cyma for years. But I have been hearing that there’s another restaurant that serves great Greek food and that’s Greeka Kouzina. E and K planned that we have our next lunch there but our schedules never seem to meet. Then I was surprised to discover that Greeka Kouzina’s newest branch is just a few blocks away from my office. I am fated to eat there! Luckily, V was open to the idea of visiting the place. So…

Hello, Greeka Kouzina!

Located at the ground floor of the new D Strip along United St., the place has limited parking slots (which is also the issue with all other establishments in the area). Fret not though as the place has a lot of tables to accommodate more than 20 people. It was a rainy Wednesday night when we visited so there were only a few tables occupied.

Since I’m not so familiar with Greek food, I asked the server for the bestsellers. After being a pesky customer, we went with the following: Hummus (PHP155), Kotopoulo (PHP455), and Beef Souvlaki (PHP495). For our side dishes, we got the Garlic Arugula Pasta and Moussaka. The side dishes cost PHP195 each but you get it for free if you order a main dish.

First served was the hummus. The chickpea dip with roasted garlic and tahini was quite thick and rough. It was a good dish to start the meal as it wasn’t that heavy. Just don’t finish all the pita.

I enjoyed the Garlic Arugula Pasta. I love pasta dishes that are not cream based as it helps me appreciate the other ingredients more. I’m not so sure though if it made my breathe stink afterwards.