Prime Facie are Latin words which we usually encounter in law. Who would have thought that it would be a name of a modern-day speakeasy bar?
With it's hidden nature, comes exclusivity. While Vitto's Wine Bar and Restaurant was packed, bright and loud during our night of visit, Prima Facie was barely occupied.
Aside from our long table of 20 which our host reserved for a consumable amount (which he didn't reveal), there was only one couple by the bar.
Food
Prima Facie shares the same food menu as Vitto's.
Soups & Salad
Who would have thought that we would encounter a Truffle Soup could be difficult to finish? This Truffle Soup is based on a very thick cream such that would lump into the spoon. With just a few lumps, you'll feel too overwhelmed to even continue.
Main Course
The Seafood Paella was very flavorful. The precision in the cooking time is evident and prima facie here. Each ingredient was succulent.
Pizza
Everyone loved the Scallop Pizza. The toppings worked harmoniously together.
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Prima Facie is a great speakeasy bar with good food and tranquility for intimate conversations. The price is quite reasonable too. It also has a huge selection of wines and cocktails.
In our understanding, Prime Facie means something to be accepted unless proven otherwise. Is the name appropriate? Perhaps, it is. Since, Prima Facie does not even exist to the plain eye. Yet, push the wall of Vitto's Wine Bar and Restaurant and you'll discover that was not there is actually there...
With it's hidden nature, comes exclusivity. While Vitto's Wine Bar and Restaurant was packed, bright and loud during our night of visit, Prima Facie was barely occupied.
Aside from our long table of 20 which our host reserved for a consumable amount (which he didn't reveal), there was only one couple by the bar.
According to an office mate, when a bar is not too loud and you can chill and chat, it can be classified as a Tito's bar. If you're looking for a cozy and alluring Tito's bar, then Prima Facie should definitely be on top of your list.
Perhaps, it is the cool air-conditioned air, darkness, it old English interiors, the flickering
candle lights or the distinct tranquility that invites intimate
conversations and secrets to be shared that won over us.
Food
Prima Facie shares the same food menu as Vitto's.
Soups & Salad
 |
| Truffle Soup (230 php) |
Main Course
 |
| Chicken in a Basket (550 php) |
Aside from the soup, the rest was ordered by our host. Seems he had great taste and knew what to order. Because all the main courses was delicious! The Chicken in a Basket was served in sharing portion. The chicken was covered in a well-seasoned crispy batter and the meat was so tender and juicy.
 |
| Seafood Paella (960 php) |
Pizza
 |
| Scallop Pizza (520 php) |
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Prima Facie is a great speakeasy bar with good food and tranquility for intimate conversations. The price is quite reasonable too. It also has a huge selection of wines and cocktails.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Prima Facie Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★ | Menu |
| Taste | ★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Prima Facie | |
| Business Address | Inside Vitto's Wine Bar 114 Scout Lozano Street, Laging Handa, Quezon City, Metro Manila |
| Business Hours | 6pm-2am |
| Payment Options | |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 500-1,500 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (0906) 136-1712 | 374-2299 |
| Other | primafaciemanila@gmail.com |
There are so many restaurants in Malate in various scales and sizes. Naturally, one with a big bright sign like CCYG Chung Choon Yeon Ga (청춘연가) will certainly stand out especially at night.
Because of the its effective signage, we were able discover that CCYG Chung Choon Yeon Ga (청춘연가) is the best BBQ brand in Korea with around 358 restaurants all over the country. It is relatively new here though. It only opened it pioneer branch in Quezon City last November 2019. And, this Malate branch its second branch.
All for 499 php, you can get choose among CCYG's pork, beef and specialty side dishes. Since we came in a big group occupying two table and it is its policy that when one goes for unlimited, all have to go too. We all went for the unlimited. After all the unlimited rate is worth only two ala carte dish.
 |
| Rice Ball, Tteok-Bokki, Jap-chae and assorted Ban Chan |
Because the Specialty Dishes comes for free, no pressure if you don't eat all of them. In fact, just try the Rice Ball and Tteok-Bokki. The rest was disappointing.
 |
| Seafood Jeon |
Okay, the Seafood Jeon is too big too ignore. Better have a tasting portion of this too.
The key to a quality grilled meat is to make use of charcoal.
CCYG Chung Choon Yeon Ga takes the grilling process seriously. The charcoals have top be hot enough and it is also refilled if needed.
You can order a three-layer tray at a time. We tried our best of have more trays so we could justify the unlimited price of 499 php. In the end, we only managed to order 1 three-layer tray per person.
 |
| Beef Belly and Doenjang Beef Belly |
As expected from a reputable brand, CCYG has covered all the popular taste preferences and meat cuts.
 |
| ♥ Cream Cheese and Mozarella Dip |
 |
| ♥ Cream Cheese and Mozarella Dip |
Upon request for refill, the server only pour us the Cream Cheese. We had to request for some mozzarella cheese to be sprinkled too.
 |
| ♥ Charcoal Grilled Egg |
 |
| Samgyupsal Wraps |
 |
| Doenjang Beef Belly Cuts |
 |
| Daepae Samgyupsal |
 |
| ♥ Samgyupsal |
Drinks
 |
| Grape Slush (50 php) |
We ordered the Grape Slush as we needed something cool and sweet to comfort the taste buds from all the savoriness. But, we couldn't take more than a sip of this. It was so sweet that it was so painful to the throat.
CCYG Chung Choon Yeon Ga (청춘연가) definitely has what it takes to be the leading Korean BBQ chain in South Korea and even here in Manila too. We're eager to see how prominent it can go.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | CCYG Chung Choon Yeon Ga (청춘연가) Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★ | N/A |
| Taste | ★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| CCYG Chung Choon Yeon Ga (청춘연가) | |
| Business Address | Quezon City Ground Floor, Il Terrazzo, Tomas Morato Avenue Corner Scout Madrinan Street, South Triangle, Quezon City, Metro Manila Malate 525 Remedios St. Malate, Manila, Metro Manila |
| Business Hours | 11am-2am |
| Payment Options | |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 500-800 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | |
| Other | |
We encounter so many relationships in our lives. Among them, friendships are the most unique because we get to choose to form them... My last visit at Dean & DeLuca is a celebration of such friendship...
a friendship which began from our common interest - food and blogging. Nearly a decade has gone by and we have undergone a lot of changes.
Though we all still love food, we don't go out just to food blog anymore due to our busy schedule or change in life priorities. Yes, sad to say The Foodies Circle phase has gone. But, our true and unnamed friendship remains.
We had a heavy dinner elsewhere and was quite full. But, we haven't seen each other for so long that we wanted to extend our chat here at Dean & DeLuca Tomas Morato. It was almost its closing hours and yet the place was packed with a long queue. The service was surpeb. They entertained our orders even before being seated.
Also, we were not ousted despite occupying our table past its closing time. We couldn't help it. The ambiance of the place made it quite nice to stay for a long chat. Though I have to confess, because I am an introvert, I only recently discovered that most people find chatting as a stress reliever. I could go on forever without talking and I'd be fine. But, it was a fun night for me because I like to be around people I admire the most. Even after a tiring day at work, I'd be recharged by their positive energy, outlook and wisdom.
Food
 |
| Purple Yam Hokkaido Cake (250 php) |
Apart from my family, these food buddies have the closest preference with me even with desserts! Though we were all intrigued by the Purple Yam Hokkaido Cake, the girls were so considerate to order this because they all know my favorites and Purple Yam/Ube is one of them! (Arigato Gozaimasu Girls!!! \(≧∇≦)/ )
 |
| Purple Yam Hokkaido Cake (250 php) |
 |
| Organic Carrot Cake (200 php) |
 |
| Matcha Green Tea Latte (190 php) |
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
On its own stand as a cafe, Dean & DeLuca especially the Tomas Morato branch had quality food, service and ambiance. It gave us an awesome tea time experience. While it does not appear to be an expansive deli as it is known for in some parts of the world, it is certainly a cafe stop we'd consider when in the area. The price is not stakingly high given the quality, service and ambiance that it provides. Another additional factor to consider in justfying its pricing is that it is an international franchised luxury brand.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Dean & DeLuca Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★ | N/A |
| Taste | ★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Dean & DeLuca | |
| Business Address and Contact | Banawe Scout Rallos corner Scout Tuazon, Tomas Morato, Quezon City, Metro Manila Makati Ground Floor, Edades Tower and Garden Villas, Rockwell Center, Amorsolo Dr., Makati, Metro Manila (6327) 944-68-02 |
| Business Hours | 10am-12am |
| Payment Options | |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 250-1,000 |
| Free WiFi | Yes |
Our food stop at Natalna Grille is brought about by the extensive research and planning of my very dependable work senior.
We all love surprises so no one really bothered to check the place out beforehand. So we had no clue on what was waiting for us beyond this small gate.
Outside the sun was harsh. Stepping inside into its spacious and well-decorated dining area gave us instant comfort.
The table wares were already set up upon our arrival.
The beach was not as scenic as those you can expect from a beach resorts. But, we could still enjoy the fresh sea breeze and hear the enchanting waves.
If you listen closely to the sound of the waves, you'll discover that the pattern of the waves of every beach is different and unique. That alone offers a unique experience each time.
Food
Appetizers
There's no gathering where the Calamares with spicy vinegar dip isn't welcomed. Hence, it was the perfect choice for our starter.
Soup
Grilled Seafoods
When by the sea, its only natural to order fish so we ordered Tuna Belly. The Tuna Belly is so tender and tasty. Wishing this was bigger in portion!
Grilled Pork
Since we came all the way from Manila to La Union, we were eager to order its local dishes like the Pulpog. The Pulpog is pork belly grilled over charcoal so it carried a smoky and bitterish flavor.
Dinakdakan is an exotic dish of the Ilocos Region which uses boiled then charcoal grilled parts of a pig's face or "mascara" and liver . This one is authentic version which makes use of the pigs brain that gives off a distinct sour taste that blends well with the calamansi dressing.
Grilled Beef
The Lengua with Brown Sauce is lengua with not-so-creamy gravy. As you can see, the gravy appears in jelly like chunks.
Vegetables
The Pinakbet is tomato-based with a hint of shrimp paste. The vegetables used were all fresh and cooked with crunchiness.
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We're glad to discover and share that Natalna Grille offers a very relaxing beach front dining experience by serving homey local dishes.
We all love surprises so no one really bothered to check the place out beforehand. So we had no clue on what was waiting for us beyond this small gate.
Outside the sun was harsh. Stepping inside into its spacious and well-decorated dining area gave us instant comfort.
As expected from our senior, being sufficiently sheltered is not enough for us. She reserved the special beach front al fresco cottage area for us.
The table wares were already set up upon our arrival.
The beach was not as scenic as those you can expect from a beach resorts. But, we could still enjoy the fresh sea breeze and hear the enchanting waves.
If you listen closely to the sound of the waves, you'll discover that the pattern of the waves of every beach is different and unique. That alone offers a unique experience each time.
Food
Appetizers
 |
| ♥ Calamares (150 php) |
Soup
 |
| ♥ Sinigang Bangus Belly (225 php) |
Of all our orders, it is evident from the big bowl of Sinigang Bangus Belly that it is the most bang-for-the-buck. The serving portion is generous with huge chunks of bangus belly and lots of vegetables.
Grilled Seafoods
 |
| ♥ Tuna Belly (195 php) |
Grilled Pork
 |
| Pulpog (170 php) |
 |
| ♥ Dinakdakan (170 php) |
Grilled Beef
 |
| Lengua with Brown Sauce (225 php) |
Vegetables
 |
| Pinakbet (195 php) |
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We're glad to discover and share that Natalna Grille offers a very relaxing beach front dining experience by serving homey local dishes.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Natalna Grille Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★ | Menu 1 | Menu 2 |
| Taste | ★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Natalna Grille | |
| Business Address | Pagudpod, San Vicente Rd, San Fernando, La Union, Philippines |
| Business Hours | 11am-9pm |
| Payment Options | |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 150-400 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (6372) 619-2846 |
| Other | |
Tonkatsuya Japanese Cuisine: Home of the Authentic Japanese Katsu (Makati)
Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Have you ever heard of the Modern Japanese culture of eating "Katsu" before an exam? Since we are in the Philippines, it is not a popularly known. In fact, our family only came to know about it from my younger sister who invited us on the night before her Medical Specialization Exam to have a dinner at Tonkatsuya Japanese Cuisine.
This "Katsu" tradition is not based on something deep and sensical. The tradition was just made up because "Katsu" is a homophone of the Japanese words "To Win." Yet, this fun and light tradition seems to serve two (2) purposes:
(1) frees the exam taker from the pressure that may be brought about the forthcoming exam
(2) affords the family and friends the opportunity to gather and have a supportive meal celebration for the exam taker
The 3-car slot parking space in front of the restaurant was fully unoccupied which made us a bit hesitant to try it. As we peeked through its clear glass windows, we already judged it as a small hole-in-the-wall Japanese "shokudo" (Japanese casual restaurant that serves various types of dishes).
Given that we were already there and read its highly rated reviews, we decided to go and push through our Katsu tradition there.
The entrance is located at the side (requiring you to enter the building).
Upon stepping in, we all felt that we have come to the perfect place for the occasion. It's the type of "shokudo" you'd want to frequent when you're in the neighborhood. The price is very affordable and you can feel the personal touch of the owners from just by observing the dishes posters randomly plastered around the store, the paper crafted decors and various toys and displays.
However, it appears to have no space for us to dine. Most of the tables were only for four (4) while we were a group of six (6). But, to our surprise, the staff led us into a private room with floor seating. It allowed us to closely eat together making it an intimate family dinner to remember.
 |
| Tomy Pop-Up Pirate Game |
After our orders were taken, we were provided some hot hand towels and ...
Drinks
complimentary cold or hot tea.
Soup
 |
| Complimentary Miso Soup |
Food
Tonkatsuya does not only specialize in Tonkatsu, it has a huge selection of various Japanese dishes.
 |
| Takoyaki 6 pcs. (180 php) |
Sashimi
 |
| Kajiki Maguro Sword Tuna (250 php) |
Tonkatsu Meals
 |
| ♥ Tonkatsu Set (240 php) |
 |
| ♥ Cheese Tonkatsu Set (190 php) |
Hirekatsu
 |
| ♥ Hire Ni Set (310 php) |
 |
| ♥ Hire Miso Set (290 php) |
Curry Rice
 |
| Hirekatsu Curry Set (290 php) |
Fried
 |
| ♥ Menchi Katsu Set (300 php) |
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Tonkatsuya Japanese Cuisine is definitely one of the top choices we would recommend for katsu! We look forward to our next visit or delivery order from this place.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Tonkatsuya Japanese Cuisine Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★ | Takoyaki | Fresh Salad | Sashimi | Sushi Set | Sushi Set 2 | Sushi Set 3 | Sides | Curry Rice | Special | Special 2 | Fried | Noodles | Chicken Katsu | Katsu Ni | Tonkatsu Set | Hire Katsu Set | Don Mono | Noodles | Drinks | New 1 | New 2 | New 3 | Calbee Yakiniku Set | Takoyaki | Drinks | |
| Taste | ★★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Tonkatsuya Japanese Cuisine | |
| Business Address | Lower Ground Floor, Palm Towers, Saint Paul Street, San Antonio, Makati City, Metro Manila |
| Business Hours | 10am-10pm |
| Payment Options | |
| Service Charge | N/A |
| Budget/Person | 250-700 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (+632) 8-896-19-90 |
| Other | |
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