Tsinoy Foodies

We're very fortunate to have a healthy food scene in the Philippines. Even cafes like Little Owl Cafe update their menu from time to time.

I've previously shared about this place so I'll skip the intro and get on with the food. The service was better and the food was served with not much idle time to spare.

All Star Breakfast

Omelette Chorizo Rice (270 php)

Don't you agree that the Omelette Chorizo Rice takes the semblance of the Japanese Omurice dish? Taste-wise, it is very different. The glaced sauce and savory chorizo is specially chosen to appeal to the Filipino tastebuds.

Starter

Sisig Tacos (220 php)

I must say that this is not the first time that I've encountered a fusion dish like this. What I like about Little Owl's Sisig Tacos is the harmonious ingredients. However, I felt that the shell isn't at par with my standards for soft shell tacos.

Glazed Cauliflower (220 php)

It's amazing to see everyone addictively popping vegetables into their mouths because of the Glazed Cauliflower. The flavor and texture is perfect that even the pickiest kids will eat this for sure!

Rice Bowls

Lechon Kawali Bibimbap (320 php)

I've always been a fan of the Korean bibimbap dish. Yet, I never imagined that the Lechon Kawali Bibimbap would work so wonderfully.

Chicken Satay (350 php)

If I would choose between the rice bowls, it would be the Chicken Satay. I found the skewers to be fun to eat and the flavor goes well with the fried rice.

Sandwich

Chicken & Waffle (270 php)

When I first tried the Chicken & Waffle, I felt that waffle was not complementing the fried chicken. But, they must have revised the recipe because it was perfect!

Beef Tapa & Cheese (295 php)

I love cheese steak sandwiches but there aren't much remarkable ones to take note of here in Manila. Now, let me add the Beef Tapa & Cheese on the list!

Pastas

Truffle Mushroom (350 php)

When presented with a glorious pasta dish like the Truffle Mushroom, how can I not oblige myself?
I loved this to bits!

Shrimp & Aligue (350 php)

Forget about the cholesterol because the Shrimp & Aligue will completely woo your taste buds.

Mains

Beef Rendang (420 php)

With some staple, the tender and supremely succulent Beef Rendang is an excellent choice when you're craving for a Malaysian spiced dish.

Kimchi Salmon Sinigang (420 php)

If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable new dish to try, then go for the Kimchi Salmon Sinigang. This is a really ingenuous!

I am very much impressed with the menu update! A perfect execution for Little Owl Cafe! My primary visit here would always be for the Toby's Estate Coffee. Now, I would certainly order good food to go with it.

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A hotel staycation should always be complimented with great food. During my stay at Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle. I found it convenient to have my dinner at the hotel's mainstay restaurant - Cafe Romancon.

Located at the ground level by the entrance, you surely can't miss it. For hotel guests, they are acquainted with it as soon as they arrive as this is where they can claim their welcome drinks. During mornings, they also offer a buffet breakfast.

Food

Salad

Kani Mango Salad (190 php)

The Kani Mango Salad really surprised me because it was very different from the usual Japanese kani salad I've had. It had crunchy rice noodles, dried mango, crab stick bits and lots of greens. I loved it! I appreciated the creativity that was invested into this.

Main Entree

Friesian Express (350 php)

I'm not sure where the name Friesian Express came from. But, this looks like a good piece of steak to me at an unbelievable cheap price.

Friesian Express (350 php)

It is cooked medium which I appreciated for having the tenderness and juiciness that I preferred.

Desserts

Sizzling Brownies (225 php)

A great finale to have is the Sizzling Brownies. It was a fun experience to pour the milk and watch it sizzle. The brownie which swims in it like a hot spring gains flavor as well. You have to experience the fun for yourselves! Bring company because this is more fun to be shared.

TIP: Avail of Cafe Romancon and Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle seasonal promos for more savings!

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict

Cafe Romancon is very affordable compared to other hotel cafes. Yet, its offerings are quite creative and impressive. I would surely love to dine here again.

Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating		Cafe Romancon Menu
Ambiance	★★★
Taste	★★★
Service	★★★
Price	★★★★
♥=Favorites or Recommended

Cafe Romancon
Business Address	Hotel Benilde, Arellano Avenue Corner Estrada Street, Malate, Manila
Business Hours	5am-10pm
Payment Options	Cash
Service Charge	10%
Budget/Person	250-500
Free WiFi	No
Contact	(02) 230-5230
Other

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It has been five years since I last posted about Amici! That is a long time ago so a revisit and an update of its new menu is only proper.

Appetizer

Smoked Salmon Dip (390 php)

Since dishes are freshly prepared at Amici, its a wise choice to order their dips that you can munch on while waiting for your main course. When it comes to dips, my favorite is the spinach and artichoke. But, when I tried the Smoked Salmon Dip, I feel that my favorite has a new contender. I may order this again next time.

Creamy Tomato Soup (195 php/bowl)

The Creamy Tomato Soup is not a usual offering so I was really intrigued by it. It tanginess gave a refreshing kickstart for the palette. The warmth and creaminess was an instant comfort to the tongue.

Chorizo Puttanesca (725 php)

I can imagine the Chorizo Puttanesca being a popular choice. Its flavorful yet not overwhelming.

Salmone Alffumicato (780 php/grande)

Salmon lovers rejoice! The Salmone Alffumicato is the perfect salmon pasta! The salmon taste was brought out wonderfully!

Italian Seafood Rice (395 php)

Surprising to find the Italian Seafood Rice to be my top pick! Just look at the generous amount of seafood! I especially appreciated the scallops.

Pizza

Salami and Bleu Cheese Pizza (525 php)

I absolutely loved the Salami and Bleu Cheese Pizza! I usually pass up on salami as cold cuts selection but I enjoyed it on Amici's pizza.

Secret Menu

Ube Cake and Ube Gelato (195 php)

Who would have thought that double Ube work? The Ube Cake (135 php) and Ube Gelato Scoop (95 php) eaten together ala mode style works wonderfully! Order them both as a secret menu and save 35 php!

New Gelato Flavors

Dulce De Leche (95 php)

For those who crave for the sweet caramel bliss, the Dulce De Leche is for you.

Vanilla (95 php)

The Vanilla is a classic. Whenever I don't feel like trying out other flavors, I always go for Vanilla. Wonder if others appreciate it the way I do.

Ube (95 php)

If there's an Ube option, that's definitely my choice! If on the go, I'd get a cup but if dine-in, the cake and gelato combo I shared about is the best!

So there you go! The secret is out! Hope you get to try it. Happy with the other new offerings as well. I'm definitely coming back so expect some of that on my IG feeds and post.

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The Philippines has a long history and culture to showcase. Did you know that there are many ways to discover its stories? Las Casas tells the tale of Filipino history and culture through its heritage homes.

I was fortunate to have visited the first Las Casas in Bataan. It was were my cousin held her premuptials. I was truly amazed!

I've been wanting to share the experience with my family for so long. But, my mom doesn't want to leave home for so long because of our six dogs.

Then, a miracle happened as Las Casas decided to open here in Manila, specifically Quezon City!

While it did not occupy a vast land, it surely did not have less flair in terms of interior to the Las Casas in Bataan.

My favorite part is the spiral staircase overlooking the dining area and the outdoor pool.

It leads to more rooms on the second floor.

The best room is the one in the first floor. If you've been to Bataan, you'll see a resemblance.

From this, you can see how high the ceiling is.

Table set up is way better than in Bataan. I guess that's what the touch of Chef Margarita Fores can do.

Wherever you dine, you are free to roam around the place.

There are lots to see...

especially if you appreciate antiques.

Food

The highlight, of course, is the dining experience with Chef Margarita Fores at its helm.

Mains

Enchanting place well-matched with enchanting dishes. Price is within the usual range of a Margarita Fores restaurant.

♥ Rabo de Toro (680 php)

Menu is limited but there's more than enough to feel fulfilled.

♥ Beef Tenderloin Salpicao Mushrooms (650 php)

Everything was excellent.

♥ Chuletas de Cordero, Salsa Verde (890 php)

My top pick would be the Chuletas de Cordero, Salsa Verde.

♥ Chuletas de Cordero, Salsa Verde (890 php)

Flavor was so clean yet rich. The meat so tender and juicy.

♥ Paella Valenciana

I am a huge fan of paella. I could say that I have a specific preference in terms of flavor, stickiness, crisp and so on. This Paella Valenciana has passed my standards.

♥ Tres Leches (180 php)

Isn't this Tres Leches, the most beautiful dessert you've ever seen?

♥ Tres Leches (180 php)

This Tres Leches gives you a sweet and refreshing finish just like spring after a hot summer.

Others

Since Las Casas also caters to events, here are sample of its cocktail treats.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Las Casas Manila by Margarita Fores is definitely a must try. You already have two reasons to go: (1) ambiance (2) food. More comes with the unique experience. It is similar but different to Las Casas de Azucar in Bataan. Another factor is the convenience that it is at the heart of Manila.

Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating		Las Casas Manila by Margarita Fores Menu
Ambiance	★★★★★
Taste	★★★★★
Service	★★★★
Price	★★★
♥=Favorites or Recommended

Las Casas Manila by Margarita Fores
Business Address	134 Roosevelt Avenue, Del Monte, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Business Hours	10am-9pm
Payment Options	Cash
Service Charge	10%
Budget/Person	500-1,500
Free WiFi	No
Contact	(0917) 771-13714
Other