Second Bite: Early Bird Breakfast Club

I love breakfast food. Sunnyside up eggs, waffles, bacon, toasts… aaaah~<3 This is why I enjoy visiting breakfast all day restaurants.

Hello again, Early Bird Breakfast Club!

It has been quite a long while since I last visited this place. I recall my former colleague T was still new with Summit   Media when we visited this quaint restaurant. Early Bird stays the same, charming and homey.

This time around, I tried one of its newest dishes, Cod and Salmon Breakfast Pie (PHP325) with a glass of iced tea (PHP95).

It took a bit over 20 minutes before my food was served.

Restaurant Discovery: Marmalade Kitchen

It has been a while since I last visited Marmalade Kitchen. The last time I went was August of last year and I just had a cup of coffee and caramel custard tart (because I was still full from my dinner at Tipple and Slaw). This time around, I visited famished and was ready to eat.

Hello again, Marmalade Kitchen.

When I arrived, it seemed as if I reserved the whole place for myself as the restaurant was empty. It actually made me feel a bit lonely. But I didn’t have the time to feel sad as I was really hungry.

This time, I ordered a bowl of Spinach Cappuccino (PHP180) and Smoked Salmon and Caviar Eggs Benedict (PHP290).

It took them quite a bit to prepare my meal as the chef was out on a break and was only able to prepare my meal after 7 minutes had passed.

Anyway, after about 15 to 20 minutes, my soup was served.

It was served really hot and I burnt my tongue because I was in a hurry. :(

The spinach soup was quite salty but delicious. I loved the creamy foam on top which reminded me of cappuccino.

First Sip: Habitual Coffee

The summer heat is making me cranky. It is just too intense these days. But I could never turn down a free cup of coffee.

Hello, Habitual Coffee!

This small coffee shop located at Ortigas Home Depot is one of the silent players in the world of third wave coffee.

Upon entering, I fell in love with the shelves that display cute knick-knacks. My sister finds it pricey though.

Sweet Stop: Paul Patisserie and Boulangerie

A meal is not a happy meal without dessert. I usually crave for sweets after a good meal. I just need to have my sweet ending (unless if I had a salmon sashimi overload for lunch or dinner). And last Friday, I had a good dinner but still had room for dessert so we went to SM Aura to visit…

Paul Patisserie and Boulangerie! It has been a while!

I still remember the sweet goodness I ordered last year and just thinking about it now makes me drool.

This time, J and I ordered the following: Tartelette Citron (PHP210), Éclair Chocolat (PHP160), Milleuille Mango (PHP150) and two Grand Café (PHP115/cup).

First served was the Milleuille Mango and it was pretty good. The lovely Napoleon was soft and creamy. The mango slices and puree made it even more delectable.

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.

First Bite: Wolf & Fox Gastropub

I will officially become a Fort girl in the next few weeks. I’m excited and at the same time nervous. This will be a big step for me as I have always been an Ortigas and Kapitolyo girl. But hey, I always welcome change. It makes life more exciting. And last Friday, I got to taste the after work life by…

…visiting Wolf & Fox Gastropub.

The place is pretty dark with its dark wooden interiors but it was pretty cozy.

It took me a while to order as I was really full from my McDonald’s meal an hour before. After 10 minutes or so, I decided to get the William Fox’s Fish Pie (PHP348) while J ordered the Crispy Pork Belly (PHP358). We also got Sisig with Chorizo and Chips (PHP288) and I got a mug of The Cunning Fox (PHP198).

First served was The Cunning Fox and it tasted just like juice. It was refreshing with a bit of kick. Careful with drinks like this though. I felt the alcohol hit me when I was a few gulps away from finishing my drink.

Restaurant Love: Magnum Manila

This summer heat is getting crazier and crazier. It’s making me fat too! I don’t want to move at all and I lost all of the motivation to be more active. All I want now is ice cream. And last Sunday was a perfect day to get fatter for we had lunch at…

Magnum Manila!

This time, I tried Magnum Manila’s savory dishes. We ordered Kabocha Pumpkin Soup (PHP180), Spinach Cannelloni (PHP350), Seared Chicken with Arugula and Sundried Tomato Pasta (PHP280), and Make my Heart Melt (PHP350) to cap our meal.

The pumpkin soup was not as creamy as I thought but it had the sweet pumpkin taste that I love. The contrast of sweetness of the pumpkin and the saltiness of the bacon cream and bits was delightful as well.

The Spinach Cannelloni was a bit too creamy to the point that your palate will get tired of it. I guess this one is great for sharing. (The server asked us if we want to have some shaved chocolate on top and it tasted… weird.)

Love at First Bite: St. Marc Café

I have been curious with St. Marc Café for the longest time but every time I pass by, the place is full of diners. I have heard a lot about Chococro but I never get to buy one as the crowd discourages me to line up. But finally, the day I get to enjoy Chococro came.

Hello, St. Marc Café!

I went crazy as soon as I reached the counter. With several desserts on display, my mind was telling me to order them all (which, of course, is possible but way too much for the tummy).

After a bit of thought, we finally decided to get Chococro (PHP55), Espresso Milk (PHP230) and Choco Berry Celebration (PHP250).

The Chococro, crisp croissant filled with chocolate, was heavenly. I love the crunch of the roasted nuts on top and the flakiness of the croissant. The rich chocolate filling was divine too. I loved it a lot!

First Bite: Detoxify Bar

My good friend C has been telling me that Detoxify Bar is such a great place. I wasn’t really excited to visit it though as it sounded healthy. But when my colleague (another C) dragged me to go on detox, I finally dropped by Detoxify Bar.

Hello, Detoxify Bar!

I was still on detox when I visited the place to meet up with C. But the friendly staff behind the counter told me that it’s okay for me to eat as long as the ingredients are organic. Well… if that’s true then…

R and I ordered the following: Tomato Basil soup (PHP150), Rosemary Chicken (PHP275) and Meatless Pastaless Veggie Lasagna (PHP275).

First Bite: Motorino

I’ve heard of Motorino for quite some time now. Known to be one of the best pizza places around, it has been on my list for months. But since I hardly frequent Makati, it wasn’t exactly on top of my must-visit-and-get-fat-there list. Then again, what’s meant to be is meant to be and so…

Hello, Motorino!

I got some free Fast and the Furious 7 tickets from Sub-Zero and Wolf; but the catch was I have to watch it at Greenbelt 3. R and I tried to watch it last Easter Sunday but failed as the place was PACKED! (There was only one seat left for an 11 p.m. show and we were there at 3 p.m.. Crazy!) I was actually scared that there would still be a lot of people on the 9^th given that it was also a holiday but we got seats! Yay!

Anyway, since we went early, we decided to have a quick lunch first and Motorino was perfect place as it is beside the cinema.

While checking the menu, R saw the lunch for two and figured it was a good deal for PHP395. The set comes with a 13” pizza, iced tea and dessert of your choice. We chose the Mushroom and Sausage Pizza, Classic iced tea and Crimson Berry iced tea, and two gelato scoops—dark chocolate and cookie.

Detox Time: Detoxify Bar

Just like most people, I love to eat unhealthy stuff. (Chips, cakes, ice cream, chocolates, pizza, fries… why are you soooo good???)  But there are times when I feel so guilty that I just have to cleanse myself. I still remember the first time I did juice detox. It was not as hard as I thought but it was still challenging. I avoided everyone with food and became anti-social for a day. (Why yes, all of the people I know and talk with always have food.) It was worth it though as I felt great after! Not really sure if it was psychological given I spent quite a lot for 6 bottles of juice I could do myself or if it really made me feel better. Anyway, I was convinced once again to try it out and this time, I tried Detoxify Bar.

Hello, Detoxify Bar!

Detoxify Bar offers juice detox at a friendlier price compared to Juju Cleanse. Ordering was easier too as I called them up one afternoon to prepare my order for pick up that same night.

One day detox is composed of 5 bottles (versus 6 of Juju) and you may mix and match the juices you want (though they also have sets). Each bottle costs PHP220 but if you get a detox set, you also get a thermal bag and two tea packs for an additional PHP250.

I chose the Green Vegan Detox, Minty Berry Detox, Lemon Detox, and two bottles of Red Vegan Detox.

Sweet Ending: Florabel

I love people who love sweets. Ice cream, chocolates, cake, cookies, brownies, and more ice cream!!! I love chocolates so much that I once tried the “chocolate diet.” Well, I don’t think it exists but I tried to eat nothing but chocolates for a few days. (Yes, it was a bad idea but I had no regrets.) And a few weeks ago, I met a group who share the same love for sweets. <3

Hello, Florabel.

I recall that the only time I went inside Florabel was for a meeting with the people handling Magnum. And since the meeting was held after lunch, I just had a glass of… water. (And Magnum of course!)

This time though, we had some sweet meal enders. And we ordered quite a lot! S1, S2, S3 and D were the ones who chose the desserts and they picked Frozen Brazo de Mercedes (PHP225), Chocolate Mud Pie (PHP320), Crème Brûlée Torte with Fruits in Season (PHP245), Moist Yema Chocolate Cake (PHP275), Valrhona Chocolate Tartlet with Mango Chutney (PHP335), and Chocnut Torte (PHP245).

The Frozen Brazo de Mercedes tasted a bit too egg-y. (Sorry, I couldn’t think of a better term for this.) Perhaps I also compare it with the one I had from Spätzle. I liked the custard though and the contrast of the frozen meringue with the crunchy graham crust.

The Crème Brûlée Torte was so-so for me. It was probably my least favorite that night. It had a slight burnt taste but the fruits were fresh.

Restaurant Love: Omakase

I absolutely love Japanese food. I cannot count how many times I mentioned that in my blog but… who cares? I love Japanese food. It never fails to make me smile (especially with a plate of salmon sashimi on the table). And those random Japanese dinner dates are loooooove~~~ <3

Hello, Omakase!

It has been a long time since I last visited Omakase. I still remember the maki platter and the super friendly prices. I think I went crazy over the platters.

This time, R ordered Spicy Tuna Salad (PHP250), Soft Shell Crab Tempura (PHP550) and Dynamite Roll (PHP250) while I got Salmon Sashimi (PHP240) and Zaru Soba (PHP195). I wanted to order one more dish but R said that I always waste food. TT_TT

After a short wait, the spicy tuna salad arrived.

It wasn’t really that spicy. I loved the salad dressing on the cubes of tuna and the crunch of the tempura crumbs.

The salmon sashimi was pretty okay too. Not the best as it was not the type that melts in your mouth (or so how my former officemate calls it—party in the mouth) but it was still delightful.

Soon, the soft shell crab tempura arrived and R noticed that the serving size seemed to be smaller than before. (Or that the serving size is still the same but is now more expensive.) It’s best to ask for an additional sauce when you order this.  

Second Bite: K&L Café

Summer is here and the intense heat is driving me crazy. I want to walk around especially during food trips but the sun wants to fry an egg on my head. So when J and I went on a White Plains food trip, we try to escape the heat by having saba con yelo (hielo) at Pan de Amerikana (and brewed coffee and pandesal for a sasaw sa kape afternoon treat). And after a bit of cooling down, we were game to visit our last stop… K&L Café.

Hello again, K&L Café.

It has been quite a while since I last visited the adorable K&L Café.

They were busy setting up for a mini gathering when we arrived so we were requested to dine at the second floor.

The second floor is pretty cute too. The wall ornaments and the frosted window with the logo of the shop made the place homey.

After checking the menu, we went with the following: Longganisa Locale (PHP219), Mozz-Ham-rella Sticks (PHP195), and Ultimate Red Velvet Pancakes (PHP295). We also got Strawberry Calamansi (PHP95) and one of their new drinks that I forgot to take note of.

First served were our drinks. I loved J’s drink as it was sweet yet citrusy. Mine, on the other hand, was a bit too sweet and wasn’t much of a thirst quencher.

The mozzarella (with ham) sticks were served next. Served warm, the stretchy mozzarella with bits of ham was a great appetizer. I’m sure cheese-loving kids would love this dish.