First Sip: Cattle Milkshake Bar

Milkshakes are like fashion. It has its classic and crazy years. We've seen and tasted clean, creamy milkshakes and we've also witnessed these drinks topped with burgers and what-have-you. As much as I love milkshakes, I often find myself avoiding it when I see it being ridiculously topped with everything in the candy store. I make a few exceptions though especially when I hear that the place is good.

Bang for the Buck: Go Sushi

I love Japanese food and I simply could not say no to it. And when I was invited by Go Sushi to sample its mouthwatering dishes, I quickly said yes despite it being far from where I live. Japanese food is love after all. 

Hello, Go Sushi! 

Tucked in the foodie haven called Teachers Village, this sushi place is positioned to be a Japanese take out shop with only a handful of tables for those who prefer to dine in. 

I was warmly greeted by Go Sushi's owner Violy and recommended that we order the following: Crazy Maki (PHP79, 4 pcs. | PHP129, 8 pcs.), Philly Cheese Steak (PHP119, 4 pcs. | PHP189, 8 pcs.), Crispy Tuna (PHP129, 4 pcs. | PHP199, 8 pcs.), California Torch Roll (PHP139, 4 pcs. | PHP219, 8 pcs.), Teriyaki (PHP149), Tonkatsu (PHP179) and Tiger Prawn Tempura (PHP399, 5 pcs.). 

Violy and I chatted for a bit while waiting for the dishes and found out that Go Sushi was her brainchild. It all started when she got too frustrated with the hassle of going to the mall just to satisfy her insatiable maki cravings. The long wait to get parking (not to mention pay for it too), affordable but mediocre Japanese maki and the drive back home through horrific EDSA were just too much for her and that motivated her to start her own Japanese restaurant. She figured that since she's passionate with Japanese cuisine and knows what a customer like her wants, she could make it work. And she did. 

The unbelievably affordable maki plates made me think that it would be a so-so dining experience. I've tried a handful of Japanese restaurants offering pocket-friendly meals and I ended up not going back for more. But Go Sushi made me realize that affordable and delicious Japanese dishes are not like unicorns. Just don't be snooty and expect authentic Japanese dishes as the ones offered by Go Bento are designed for the Filipino taste and student budget. 

Restaurant Love: ArroZeria Manila

I have been planning to visit Le Petit Soufflé for months now but every time I plan to, it gets cancelled. *sigh* I had my heart and tummy ready for a French dinner after my sister’s graduation but since we failed to reserve a table, we had to move elsewhere and our second option was not bad at all… not at all.

Hello again, ArroZeria Manila!

It has been a few months since I last visited this place and I recall that service was a bit slow given that they only prepare the paella after you order (though you could actually call in advance for them to prepare it before you arrive). But the food was awesome so I didn’t mind the wait. I went crazy over the Valenciana and risotto. We ordered Paella Valenciana (PHP295, minimum of two orders) again that night as well as Carpaccio de Atun (PHP195), Pepito de Ternera (PHP250), Fideua Negra (PHP295, minimum of two orders) and Cochinillo (PHP650).

First served that night was the paella and it was surprising given that was one of the last dishes served the last time I went.

The texture seemed to be tougher this time but the lovely flavor was still there. I felt a bit short of the chicken as there were 6 of us sharing paella good for two. (Okay, fine. It was actually good for four persons.) The manager scraped off the burnt paella and distributed it amongst us and it was pretty good too! The crunchy texture with the sauce of Valenciana made my tummy happy.

Next served was the Fiduea Negra. I loved the chewy texture of the octopus and thin noodles. It wasn’t that salty too. But there was one problem. The black squid ink sticks to your teeth. Avoid this when you’re on a date.

Restaurant Love: Dolce Latte

After going crazy with the SM Home Sale, we decided to treat ourselves with a good meal. Since we were already tired and lazy to look around, I recommended Lucca. But the place was packed and we were carrying so many bags that night. Then I spotted Dolce Latte. It has been a while since I last visited the place and I never get to try its savory dishes so I figured that it’s a good place to eat.

Hello again, Dolce Latte!

After browsing the savory menu, we decided to go for Quattro Formagio, (PHP525), Grilled Salmon in lemon caper sauce (PHP585) and Philly Cheese Steak (PHP395).

We got a complimentary bowl of bread while waiting for our food. And it was pretty good! It was served warm and the hint of chocolate was delightful.

Soon, our orders arrived.

The Philly Cheese Steak was quite big and could be shared by two not-so-hungry diners. The tenderloin strips were indeed tender and the mozzarella made it even tastier. I also love the crunch of the bell pepper.