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

Las Casas Manila by Margarita Fores Map  Like This Post? Subscribe here Follow @tsinoyfoodies                              

0 comments Read More

I can't recall the last time I've been excited to try a newly opened Japanese restaurant.  So I was quite intrigued when the family discovered one originating from Japan called "Washoku Musashi-Tei".  

It may not look big from the outside but you'd be surprised once you go inside.

The place is usually crowded with foreign and Japanese guests.  They also have function rooms for group privacy.

This is set on the table while we were waiting for our orders.

It also serves complimentary brown rice tea.

Food

Set

♥ Aburi Salmon Don with Miso Soup (430 php)

The aburi I've encountered are usually very extravagant.  But, I've always believed that the best things are the simple things and this Aburi Salmon Don.

Ramen

♥ Seafood Tokujo Ramen (470 php)

One of the pride dishes of Washoku is their ramen.  I don't think you can go wrong with any of their ramen options because its their milky tonkotsu base that makes them so good.  

New

♥ Teppan Cheese Hamburg Teishoku (430 php)

I'm very picky when it comes to hamburg.  The Teppan Cheese Hamburg Teishoku passed my standards!

Curry

♥ Fujisan Katsu Curry (450 php)

I've always loved curry.  It's quite interesting there are a lot of version of curry.  I especially love Japanese curry the most.  This Fujisan Katsu Curry is one of the best Japanese curry in the Metro!

Katsu

Fillet Katsu 3 pcs. ala carte (380 php)

Just looking at the Fillet Katsu, you can already see how perfectly fried it is right?  

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Washoku Musashi-tei is a well-rounded Japanese restaurant that will surely satisfy you whatever your Japanese dish craving is.  Given the food quality and portion, I find the pricing to be justified.  I believe the quality is as high as prestigious and expensive hotel Japanese restaurants.

Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating		Washoku Musashi-tei Menu
Ambiance	★★★★	Drink Menu 1  | Drink Menu 2  | New | Ramen | Tonkatsu | Tonkatsu 2 | Tonkatsu Teishoku | Tonkatsu Teishoku 2 | Ebi Fry | Ebi Fry 2 | Teishoku | Curry | Sets | Sashimi | Sashimi 2 | Others | Others 2 | Take Out |
Taste	★★★★
Service	★★★
Price	★★★
♥=Favorites or Recommended

Washoku Musashi-tei
Business Address	The Forum, 7th Avenue Corner Federacion Drive,  Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila
Business Hours	11am-11pm
Payment Options	Cash
Service Charge	10%
Budget/Person	500-1,000
Free WiFi	No
Contact
Other

Washoku Musashi-tei Map  Like This Post? Subscribe here Follow @tsinoyfoodies                              

0 comments Read More

I've noticed that many food places and bars have strategically positioned themselves near colleges and universities.  Perhaps if it was like that during my college days, I wouldn't be so anti-social.  Well, anyway there's a new Tex-Mex place called Coyotoe Cocina!

While many of the establishments are still closed, Coyotoe Cocina alone is worth the visit.  

I really like the spacious and modern design as well as the spacious dining and parking area of The Pop Up Katipunan.   But, I can't imagine how hot this place is during the day time so I would suggest that you go at night.

I think its really the ideal home for a Coyote Cocina.

The ambience is minimalist.  Aside from a few wall arts and artifacts to hint of its tex-mex influence, there isn't much to see.

It has a counter wherein you can see its open kitchen...

and a few tables.  It offers two kinds of tables: (1) ordinary square wooden table (2) a long table with built in beer coolers.

Food

This is the first time I've encountered a concept that uses quality local ingredients to make authentic Tex-Mex flavor.  I really like the idea because it still delivers satisfaction to the customers while boosting our local economy and it is sustainable for the establishment.  

I recall my former favorite Tex-Mex place: Orale! - a small hole-in-the-wall serving authentic Tex-Mex dishes which closed down.  Perhaps, it was because of the high price of its imported ingredients that made it impossible for it to survive.

Appetizers

Coyote Wings (160 php)

These Coyote Wings are deceiving!  It didn't look appealing to me but when I tried it I just had to grab more of it before my companions could.   Its unlike any wing I've tried before.  There's something magical with the coating.  The wings itself has subtle flavor but it really works with the dip.

Nachos Large (280 php)

The Nachos are also one of the best I've tried!  I think the secret is in the beans!

Coyote Rice Plates

Beef Barbacoa (250 php)

I definitely like more of its beans with these!  I know it doesn't look filling but once you eat it, you'll realize that this Beef Barbacoa platter is good for two.  If the meat could be more tender, this would definitely be better.

Pork Belly (250 php)

There is not much disparity between the satisfaction you will get from either the Beef Barbacoa or Pork Belly Rice Plates.  It's just a matter of preference on which type of meat you want to go for.

Carnitas Plate (250 php)

On the other hand, the Carnitas was a bit dry.

Tacos

Carnitas Trio (175 php)

If you want to try the Carinitas, go for the taco version with the Carnitas Trio.

Enchiladas

Doble (185 php)

My favorite item on the Coyote Cocina menu would probably be the Doble Enchiladas.  I think the proportion and preparation of this is perfect!  I really like the 

Burrito

Coyotes Macho Burrito (190 php)

If you prefer a handful one, the Coyotes Macho Burrito is an alternative to the Enchiladas.  

Drinks

Tequila Shots

The best part is you can pair your food with alcoholic beverages.

Corona Extra

Ice cold beer anyone?

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
You can surely count on Coyote Cocina for authentic Tex-Mex dishes made from quality local ingredients.  Definitely check this place out!  The price is student friendly too!

Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating		Coyote Cocina Menu
Ambiance	★★★	Menu
Taste	★★★
Service	★★★
Price	★★★★
♥=Favorites or Recommended

Coyote Cocina
Business Address	The Pop Up Katipunan, Xavierville Corner Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Business Hours	5pm-10pm
Payment Options	Cash
Service Charge	N/A
Budget/Person	250-500
Free WiFi	No
Contact
Other

Coyote Cocina at The Pop Up Map  Like This Post? Subscribe here Follow @tsinoyfoodies                    

0 comments Read More