Johnny Rockets here in the Philippines had a bright start.

But, now there's only one branch.  And during our visit, the air-conditioning isn't working well.

But, we were okay with that.  We were just excited to try the Juke Box.

After hitting so many buttons, we were finally convinced that it was broken too.

Well... at least it got us excited... But, disc is always error when selected.

Food

Salad

Garden Salad To Share (285 php)

Hamburgers

The Original with Cheese (320 php)

Rocket Single (320 php)

♥ Mini Chili Cheese Dogs (245 php)

But, somehow we just felt like the place lost its luster.

Shakes & Floats

♥ Vanilla Original Shake (215 php)

♥ Strawberry Milk Shake (215 php)

♥ Root Beer (175 php)

My brother loves their classic Root Beer.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We're really sad that Johnny Rockets turned out like the way it is.  It is no longer the cool retro burger joint it once was.

There's just something about the cool Baguio climate that makes you hungrier than usual.  Thus, an eat-all-you-can buffet may be the ideal affordable choice.  And, if you're looking for a sulit (bang-for-the-buck) buffet in Baguio City, let me introduce to you Kalapaw Restaurant.


Kalapaw Restaurant is a bit challenging to find because it is not found along the main roads of Baguio City.  Instead, it is found in the a narrow Martinez Street on Engineer's Hill, right behind the Victory Bus Station and the Microtel Hotel.

 And, you see this sign right here is your only clue to guide you.

According to this, it is Baguio's Top 10 Most Outstanding Restaurant.

The atmosphere is very simple.  There are no air-conditioners and to be honest, it smelled like a a carinderia.

Ilocano Buffet
They had a lot of food selections.  For 300 pesos, it's a real steal.  My only concern is the evident presence of buzzing flies and the uncovered food warmers that was a big drawback in my dining experience.  It makes me prefer the posh ambiance of O' Mai Khan perhaps.  But, such hygiene matters could have easily been addressed had they used the covers which were only stored underneath.



The food is pretty good.  I appreciate that they really ensured that the food is warm. 


This section is the special addition for weekends.  During weekdays, the rate is only 199 php but without this Ilocano favorites.  Bagnet all you can makes it quite tempting.


Pako Salad, Ilocano Empanada and Calamares anyone?


They even have Sinanglao.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Overall, Kalapaw Restaurant is worth it.  It's selling point is the price and food quality.  Hope they just have their dishes covered that's all.  They also have ala carte and group meals.  I heard they are also famous for their Boodle Fight.  I'm think this is also the same with the Taste of Laoag in the food court stall which I encountered in SM North Edsa SM Food Court.

If there's one place which was highly recommended everywhere (in publications, online blogs, online reviews sites, tv shows) to have Authentic Kapampangan Cuisine,  it would be Everybody's Cafe.

Thus, we squeezed it into out itinerary.

We arrived there around 9 pm and we were practically the only customers of this popular place.

It looks like a carinderia (even with flies).  Just with a better table set up since there is a table cloth.

The dishes are displayed like in a carinderia or turo-turo style canteen.

They have no menu and the set-up was like this so we had the impression that the food would be affordable.  We ordered the ♥ Morcon (360 php) for take out.  I think that is the their most impressive dish.

Unlike me, it is the family's first time to try the Kapampangan exotic dishes.

Food

Camaro (Mole Cricket) (220 php)

I was really excited to let the family try the Camaro.  I've had a pleasant experience with the camaro by Ikabud, Bistro Remedios and during the Marquee Mall's Big Bite!  Unfortunate, this one is not as good.  =( I felt bad that the family had to try this not-so-crispy, bland and greasy version at such an expensive price too!

Kalderetang Kambing (300 php)

The Kalderetang Kambing is delicious with a little spiciness to it.  It was tender enough but the serving was small and had lots of bones so  felt that the pricing is not justified.

Betute

I forgot how much the Betute was but I'm pretty sure it was also every expensive as it was priced per piece.  Compared to the Camaro, this is much better.  But, I still didn't like it's oiliness.  I suggest you try Cely's Carinderia and Abe's instead.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Out of all the place we dined at in Pampanga, this is the most expensive and disappointing one.  Trying Everybody's Cafe was a huge mistake!

I've long heard of people raving and craving for Turks Shawarma.  Since I love shawarma, I just couldn't pass up a lifetime not having tried it so one afternoon while strolling along SM Manila, I spotted Turks Shawarma with no lines.

The menu is streamlines into just one product: Pita Doner.

All Meat is 50 php.  You can choose your meat between Beef or Chicken.  If you want with veggies (60 php).  If you want with cheese add 10 php.

As it was handed to me, I thought the size was generous enough because it was long.

Pita Doner: All Beef (55 php)

Perhaps my expectation was set too high because I felt disappointed.  The pita wasn't stuffed with as much beef as I expected.  The beef were mostly ligaments and fats.  The sauce was too sweet.  It resembled more of Filipino barbecue sauce to me.  Sadly, as of this date,  have around 6 shawarma reviews and this is at the bottom of the list.


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Well, I'm just glad I satisfied my curiosity about Turks Shawarma.  For the price, it was worth the try.  But, I wouldn't go for it again.