First Bite: Big Ben's Gourmet Imus Longganisa

Big Ben's is one of Imus, Cavite's gems when it comes to longganisa. It has been known for its delectable Original Garlic Adobo Longganisa which is packed with bold flavors along with crowd favorites Garlic Hamunado and Gourmet Bottled Longganisa. But this charmer down south has a lot more to offer.

Hello, Big Ben's Gourmet Imus Longganisa.

Big Ben's has been around for a couple of years now but I haven't had the chance to drop by its Cavite restaurant. And I wouldn't have guessed that my first time to try it was during Manila's lockdown. 

The Common Good Launches Lunch Sets

Enjoying a meal or two at a hotel always sound fancy and rather expensive. But more and more of these lavish establishments come up with options that appeal to yuppies and to those who want good value food with great ambiance to match. And this is exactly what I'm Hotel's The Common Good did with its lunch packages. 

Hello, The Common Good.

The Common Good is I'm Hotel's food playground which showcases different cuisines to satisfy everyone's palate. It has been one of the bang for the buck dinner buffet options in Makati and it has further pushed the envelope by offering lunch sets to cater to the Makati professionals. 

First Bite: Pepeng Hapon

I'm a purist when it comes to Japanese food and I usually automatically dislike Japanese fusion dishes as soon as I see it or get a whiff of its strong aroma. But all that changed when I got to savor Ooma's crazy good dishes. And when a Filipino-Japanese restaurant reached out to me, I quickly said yes.

Hello, Pepeng Hapon. 

Pepeng Hapon is a Filipino-Japanese restaurant in Malate offering pocket friendly maki, takoyaki, and more. With some of its dishes at under PHP200, it isn't surprising for this place to become a popular spot for students and workers in the area. 

First Bite: Bench Cafe

Bench Cafe?! Who would have thought that the retail giant Bench would open its own restaurant? The well-loved local brand that has an impressive global presence has finally got inside the food scene with its first ever restaurant in its flagship store in Bonifacio Global City. 

Hello, Bench Cafe.

Located at the busy Bonifacio High Street, it would be very easy to spot the Bench flagship store. Just look for a building with red lighted signage. 

First Bite: Cable Car

If you have been partying for the past two decades then Cable Car won't be a stranger to you. Considered as one of the pioneers in the restaurant and bar industry, Cable Car has been around since 1992 satisfying late cravings of night owls and party goers. And to celebrate its 25th year, it prepared a handful of surprises that will delight even the morning foodies and non-drinkers.

Hello, Cable Car.

I always see Cable Car whenever I pass by Fort Strip but for some reason, I found it to be a place for pre-game and post-game drinks and meals. Since I don't really go out late at night to party, I didn't find the place appealing. I had no idea though that Cable Car is more than just beer and small bites. In fact, it is known for its sisig rice. 

First Bite: Bluesmith Coffee & Kitchen

I've been curious about Bluesmith Coffee & Kitchen since it opened its branch in Katipunan. Seeing several mouthwatering photos of its dishes online made my taste buds excited. However, my schedule was so crazy these past months that I didn't get to find time to swing by the area. Thankfully, it opened in Greenbelt 3 which is a bit closer to home. 

Hello, Bluesmith Coffee & Kitchen.

Love at First Bite: Tiny Teapot Bakery Cafe

Those neighborhood cafes never fail to lure me. I always get curious with what they offer and if it's a gem worth finding. Yesterday, I decided to swing by this new cafe along Pioneer street.

Hello, Tiny Teapot Bakery Cafe.

Second Bite: Unit 27 Apartment Bar + Café

Manila is turning into one big foodie destination. With several restaurants opening here and there, it is so hard to decide on where to eat. I am already getting frustrated that I am finding less and less time to explore new restaurants and the fact that for some reason, fats find its way to chill on body parts I wish they would never find. Curse you slow metabolism! Anyway, I got so giddy when R mentioned that his Chichi group will meet up for dinner last Monday because that means dinner out! (Yay!) I was so excited with the idea of eating at Genki Sushi since that was what R recommended. But come Monday, it was decided that we’ll have dinner at… Unit 27 Apartment Bar + Café.

Hello again, Unit 27 Apartment Bar + Café!

This time around, I got to see the third floor of the restaurant/bar. The third floor, unlike the set-up on the ground floor, was definitely more of a bar with its neon light wall décor, dim lighting and actual bar. I didn’t take photos of the place since it was quite dark and I was more interested to listen to R’s Chichi friends’ stories. (Yes, connected to the real world!)

Hungry, R already knew what to order—Pinoy Steak & Egg (PHP380). I went with Bagnet Breakfast (PHP395).

It’s so fascinating though how restaurants service slows down when you’re very hungry. It happens to me most of the time. And Unit 27 was no exception. Our food arrived after 30 minutes! It took them that long to prepare our food. >_< We were so hungry that it made me exert extra effort to take quick photos of the food.

After a few clicks, it’s dinner time!

My house dried pork belly was quite good. It wasn’t overly dry that would make my throat itch. I loved that it was crunchy all throughout and no part was chewy. I alternately dipped it sukang Ilocos  and Unit 27’s homemade lechon sauce. 

Love at First Bite: Adaäm and Yves Organic Bistro

Getting to know fellow foodies have perks. I would have not heard of Adaäm and Yves Organic Bistro if it wasn’t for K. And after some stalking, I discovered that this is one of the newest restaurants in BGC. The location alone made me interested since it’s relatively near where I work so… I decided to pester one of my friends and dine there ASAP.

Hello, Adaäm and Yves Organic Bistro!

The place, where the entrance is along 6^th Avenue, looks bare from the outside. There are about 8 tables inside with high ceiling making it look very spacious. The place is dimly lit hence it made me think right away how I’ll manage taking photos especially since I didn’t bring my other phone as additional light (for dramatic purposes).

I walked all the way from SM Aura to get here and I was hungry since an hour ago so I was already in my hangry state when I sat down.

Still in its soft opening, the server who assisted us had no idea what are being offered. He did suggest the “bestsellers” which happen to be the two most expensive dishes in the menu. When I asked him what makes it different, he just read the menu to me which, admittedly, annoyed me and made me snap.

Before losing it, I ordered Tuna Turner (PHP285) and Pink Floyd (PHP230) while J went with Noli Me Tangere (PHP495). [Side note: After telling the server my order, I think he spaced out and asked for my order again. He sure tested my patience.]

Service was quick though and in less than 10 minutes, Tuna Turner was served. And it was difficult to shoot it!

When Adaäm and Yves said it was a sashimi grade tuna loin, they were not kidding. It sure was fresh and delightful! The tangy taste from the lemon juice and slight oiliness from the olive oil made it a great appetizer to start the meal. 

The taro chips reminded me of the blue potato chips I usually get from flights.

First Bite: Pablo’s

Working in Fort Bonifacio could sure dent your wallet if you’re not smart with your money. Temptation is very strong, especially on payday, as we are surrounded by restaurants and retail stores. There are even a few malls to choose from. And being stranded could also be costly. Believe me. As a person who brings homemade food to work, I make sure that I spend less than PHP100 a day, even less on most days. But when rain pours, sometimes, so does money.

Hey, Pablo’s!

Rain was crazy a few weeks ago. I was stranded for almost 3 hours for two days! And since I had no plans to brave the rain, I decided to join my officemates for dinner at Pablo’s.

It has Happy Hour until 8 p.m. but since I have some drinks at home, I focused on the real food. On my first night, I opted to get the Sirloin Beef Tapa with 2 Eggs (PHP245) and an order of Pablo’s Potato Chips (PHP170). On my second visit, I went for Basil Chicken (PHP245).

The potato chips confused me. Those were definitely not “paper thin” as what the menu claimed. It was fat potato cuts. At least it was crispy.

But it was smothered with spicy red powder making it difficult for me to enjoy.

My officemates kept saying that Pablo’s tapa is deeeelish so I had my palate ready for something awesome.

When it was served, first thing that came to mind was, “serving size is okay, it’s fragrant too, but is it better than my mom’s tapa?” Yes, I have never tasted better tapa than my mom’s. My mom’s tapa has this sweet and tangy taste that I love and so far, I have not tasted anything better.

It was okay. The tapa was tender and it was juicy. It was a nice mix of sweet and salty taste. I didn’t taste the tanginess that I want from tapa though. But it was pretty good for its price. And I loved that the rice was not your usual plain rice. It was mixed with tapa sauce and bits of marinated sirloin.

Love at First Bite: Chelsea Kitchen

I think Ippudo and I are not meant to be. I have tried to have lunch or dinner there for a whole month now (or even more) and for some reason, it gets cancelled… all the time. But I am not giving up on you, Ippudo! I AM NOT GIVING UP. Anyway, I was supposed to have lunch there with friends after Christmas but the line was still crazy which scared my friends. So we opted to eat elsewhere.

Hello, Chelsea Kitchen!

A good friend of mine told me that this place serves good food. And I believe her since Chelsea never fails me.

When I arrived, M and K already ordered the following: Smoked Tinapa Aglio Olio (PHP320), Three Cheese Pizza (PHP320), The CK Chicken Salad (PHP250) and Jones’ Tapa & Fried Egg (PHP320). I just added Crispy Pork Belly “Bagnet” (PHP395), Truffle Mac N’ Cheese (PHP295) and Sundrenched Freshly Brewed Iced Tea—Strawberry and Lemon (PHP195).

First served was our salad.

The server mentioned that it is best eaten with a bit of the dressings. True enough, I like the different flavors—saltiness of the grilled chicken, sweetness of the plum dressing and coolness of the herbs. It was a delightful dish to start the meal.

Next served was the tapa which was topped with a lot of fried garlic. It was loooove! It was tender and flavorful.

Restaurant Discovery: Early Bird Breakfast Club

Never skip breakfast. That’s something our parents always tell us. But with the boom of breakfast-all-day restaurants, this is one reminder that we will definitely remember.

I just love meetings outside the office as it helps me think better and churn out more ideas. And I just love that my officemates are such great foodies that they know the best restaurants.

 

One day, we had a meeting for Real Living’s big celebration and our group publisher (GP) decided that we hold the meeting at Early Bird, a cute restaurant that serves breakfast food… all day long.

 

The place sure is charming. It is screaming Real Living with its printed wallpapers and nice furniture. The lighting fixtures are cute too!

 

For my order, I decided to get the Tenderloin Tapa (PHP375). I hesitated though given that I want a dish with bacon but since GP ordered bacon crisps with maple syrup (forgot to take note of the price though), tapa it is! As for my beverage, I went for Early Bird Signature Iced Tea (PHP125).

Loco Over Poco Deli All Over Again

I just love lunch outs. It gives me that needed short break from the corners of my messy cubicle. Plus it is also refreshing to eat something else.

Photo from Poco Deli's Facebook Page

Last Monday, J and I went to Poco Deli to catch up. But to our surprise, there were no available parking slots. We then decided to go to Rub Ribs as there are more parking spaces there but since it was lunch time, the place was packed with hungry diners. We then went back to Poco Deli to check if there were still tables available and there were! So while I man the table, J parked the car.

 

It was my third time to visit this place but just my second time actually dining here (the second visit was a short one when I bought some sausages for N’s family). Anyway, since I heard that their Gourmet Tapa with Eggs and Bacon Rice (PHP280) is one of their best sellers and that some of my officemates raved about it, I just have to try it. I also ordered a glass of Poco’s Special Freshly Brewed Iced Tea (PHP65). J decided to order the same thing.

Breakfast Lovers Haven: Agahan

I love breakfast. In fact, I love it so much that I do not mind eating it for lunch or dinner (given that it was freshly cooked). Garlic rice, tapa, scrambled eggs, sunny side up, hot chocolate, boneless bangus, pancakes, I could just go on and on and on but I’m too afraid that I might end up eating my keyboard.

 

I got an invite from Adee Caluag to check her first ever business venture, Agahan. The name itself was enough to convince me to pay the new restaurant a visit. 

Cute interiors. A big smile was plastered on my face when Adee said that the color combinations were inspired by Real Living. 

While checking the menu, my friend asked who Nico, Joanne and Ligaya were. Apparently, 2 of them were crew members (or one was supposed to be a crew member) while Ligaya (or Gay actually) is Adee’s sister. I find it brilliant that the owner thought of naming the staff’s creations with their names. It gave them a sense of ownership and a happier work environment.