First Bite: Bondi & Bourke

I have been eying Bondi & Bourke for several months now. I have read countless reviews about this Australian steak place and all claim that the succulent slabs of meat are worth fighting for...against the unforgiving Makati traffic. But Makati is a strange and far land, or so on weeknights for me. To cut things short, I never had the chance to visit. Till last Friday night.

Hello, Bondi & Bourke! 

Thank you for opening a BGC branch. You made me so happy! 

I met up with some of my favorite looloo foodies at Melt, their second stop (third for C) that day. After our impulsive Flatiron visit to try the raved about Coffee Pie (PHP220), we headed to Bondi & Bourke for a heavy dinner. (J had to rush to Makati and R had to meet up with her boyfriend and left us alone with our steak night dream.)

While waiting for A to return after parking his car, we ordered a bowl of Garlic Fries (PHP95). I was absolutely famished when it arrived as it was already past 8 then. 

The fries were served in 10 minutes and though the fries were thick and crispy, the garlic powder was not spread evenly. Some fries were too garlicky while some were bland. 

To rightfully utter "Thank God it's Friday," we also ordered Australian Prime Rib Eye Steak (PHP2,190), Truffled Crab Carbonara (PHP630) and Chocolate Lamingtons (PHP145). A also ordered a bottle of red wine Crackerjack River (PHP1,000/bottle). 

The pasta arrived first and it was delightful. The noodles were al dente and the truffle taste was strong enough to be appreciated. 

The sauce was flavorful yet not overwhelming. It was one of my favorites that night. I only have one concern though... I could barely taste the crab meat. 

The rib eye steak arrived after 10 minutes or so and T was just in time for it! (We were already done taking photos when she arrived.)

With high expectations, we each took a morsel of meat and popped it inside our mouths. 

Gusto Ko Sa Gostoso (Piri-Piri Chicken)

I really find it amusing how the internet reconnects people. Just a few weeks back, I met up with a balikbayan friend I met when I visited San Francisco. I promised that in case he visits Manila, I’ll return the favor and buy him a good meal. I was just not expecting it to be a sudden and unplanned meet up on All Saints’ Day. (I’m quite a planner when it comes to things that involve food.)

Since it was an impromptu dinner on a day that some restaurants were closed, we decided to explore Kapitolyo. My favorite Open Kitchen was closed while Silantro as always, was packed that night.

My other favorite place, Gostoso had a few vacant tables so we decided to settle with the Piri-Piri place.

 

Since it was already a bit late, we decided not to go wild with the order and just went with an order of Piri-Piri Fries (PHP90) and Half and Half of Chicken and Shrimp Skewers (PHP785). I was also in the mood to drink that night so we ordered a carafe of red sangria (PHP370).

First served was the plate of Piri-Piri fries with sour cream dip. It had a tangy flavor that made it addicting. (Fine, I’m biased as I love anything tangy.)

Next served was the red sangria with fruit chunks. J and I munched on the fruits as palate cleanser and dessert. I didn’t get a hint of the wine though.