Showing posts with label ambiance 3. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ambiance 3. Show all posts

Alicia's Special Batchoy and Pueblo de Alicia's Restaurant: Game-Changing Spicy Batchoy (Jaro Iloilo)

Jaro, Iloilo City, Iloilo, Philippines

Iloilo city is the home for La Paz Batchoy — the most popular variant of Batchoy in the Philippines.   La Paz Batchoy is now world-reknowed as it has recently been hailed as the world's best offal (internal organs) soup by TasteAtlas - an online food travel guide.

To date, the three claimants of being the originator of this popular dish has maintained its iconic stores in the La Paz Market, namely Deco's Original La Paz Batchoy (Since 1938),  Ted's Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy (Since 1945) and Netong's Original Special La Paz Batchoy.  It is a noodle with strips of pork meat and organs, chicharones (crushed pork cracklings), egg, garlic bits, onions, chives and guinamos (local shrrimp paste) in savory and well-seasoned pork caldo (broth).   Each of them has stood the test of time and have garnered a lot of followings for their distinct dish renditions.   

For practicality, we spared ourselves from going all the way to La Paz Market and just took a short grab-ride from our hotel to Alicia's Special Batchoy in Jaro, Iloilo.

Alicia Batchoy Iloilo
We were expecting a humble carideria-style place so we were a bit surprised when we arrived at a full-scale airconditioned restaurant.

Alicias Car Wash Iloilo

It was easy to spot because it is a big complex that houses Alicia's Car Wash, Pueblo de Alicia's Restaurant and Alicia's Special Batchoy.

Alicias Restaurant Iloilo
Pueblo de Alicia's Restaurant has an outdoor turo-turo style kitchen.

Alicias Restaurant Cashier
It also has an indoor area where most of the guests go-to.

Alicias Batchoy Dining Area
We had the entire Alicia's Special Batchoy all to ourselves during our mid-afternoon visit.  

Later on, we discovered that you can cross-order from both.  So, if you are ordering from the two food establishments, you can choose where to dine.

Food
Alicias Batchoy Egg Noodles
Super Batchoy Pancit (130 php)

So for the Special Batchoys, you can them in two sizes: 1) super served in a white shallow bowl, or 2) extra served in a green deeper bowl.  The price disparity between the two is only 10 php.  As you can observe, the difference in serving portion is also hardly noticeable.

Alicias Batchoy Misua
Extra Batchoy Misua (140 php)

You also have four options for noodles: 1) pancit (a.k.a as egg noodles), 2) bihon (a.k.a as rice noodles), 3) miswa (a.k.a as wheat vermicelli), and 4) sotanghon (a.k.a. as glass noodles).  

Alicia Special Batchoy Chili Sauce
Special Chili Sauce

Those types of options are commonly shared across all batchoyans in Iloilo.   

What sets Alicia's Special Batchoy apart is its really spicy Special Chili Sauce.

Alicia Extra batchoy Pancit
♥ Extra Batchoy Pancit (140 php)

And, adding some of its Special Chili Sauce on its rightly seasoned Special Batchoy works for me!  It was served piping-hot with a smooth and well-balanced taste — from the subtle hints of flavorful marrow without the artificial sharp kick of you can from too much MSG.

Pueblo de Alicia's Restaurant

Puto Manapla
Puto Manapla (30 php)

The Special Batchoy is best paired with the Puto Manapla.  We spotted a bulk of the Puto Manapla displayed just outside Pueblo de Alicia's Restaurant so we ordered it and it was delivered to our table.

Baked Talaba
Baked Talaba (250 php)

We also ordered a plateful of Baked Talaba.  As you can see, the oysters are plump and juicy underneath the rich layers of garlic bits and creamy cheese that complements its natural briny sweetness.

Alicia's Special Lumpia
♥ Special Lumpia (200 php)

The unexpected standout among our orders is the Special Lumpia.  The Special Lumpia is a common household dish so we honeslty did not expect much from it.  Yet, Alicia's Special Lumpia is oh so good!  The lumpia wrapper is so light, crispy and flaky effectivenly locking in the grounded pork meat’s succulent juices.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We were so glad to have had our chance food stop at Alicia's Special Batchoy and Pueblo de Alicia's Restaurant.  As it gains more success we hope the next time we could come back for a revisit, it still carries with it the same charm for serving quality, home-style dishes.

Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating Alicias Batchoy Iloilo Menu
Ambiance ★★★ Menu
Taste ★★★★
Service ★★★★
Price ★★★★
♥=Favorites or Recommended 
Alicia's Special Batchoy
Business Address Alicia's Batchoy Jaro Branch
Washington St, Brgy Democracia, Jaro Iloilo City (Left side before crossing Tabuc Suba Bridge coming from Jaro Plaza)
Business Hours 7:00 am - 8:30 pm
Payment Options Cash
Service Charge N/A
Budget/Person 150-500
Free WiFi     No
Contact (0999) 880-5529
Other   Facebook
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Alicia's Special Batchoy and Pueblo de Alicia's Restaurant: Game-Changing Spicy Batchoy (Jaro Iloilo)

Bari-Uma Ramen (Serendra BGC): Hiroshima Japan's Strongest Tonkotsu-Shoyu Ramen

Serendra, Serendra 2 Loading Bay, McKinley Pkwy, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila, Philippines

There's a distinct comfort from savoring a piping hot and flavorful ramen on a drizzly day.  Fortunately, Bari-Uma Serendra Bonifacio Global City branch had available seats to grant us such comfort. 

Bari-Uma Ramen Serendra BGC
Bari Uma is a ramen brand that was established in Hiroshima, Japan in 2003.  It now has several shops outside Japan (Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Scotland) and has even been earned a top 25 food exellence award in Singapore .  

Food

Japanese Pan-Fried Dumpling
Gyoza
♥ Gyoza (190 php/5 pcs)

While waiting for our ramen orders, we enjoyed this Gyoza.  As you can see the they use delicately thin dumpling wrappers to make it so crispy.  Yet, it is still effective in locking in the juicy meat.  

Deep Fried Chicken
Karaage
♥ Karaage (360 php/8 pcs)

We also ordered the Karaage which is also a must try!  The skin is very crunchy, the meat is so tender and juicy.  It is evenly  marinated with garlic, shoyu, vinegar and black pepper.

Ramen 
Ajitama Uma
♥ Ajitama-Uma (380 php)

The Ajitama-Uma is labelled as the signature dish.  Based on observation from the picture on the menu, the difference between the Bariuma and this is that this has flavored egg in addition to the pork-flavored shoyu soup and thick-cut chashu and flavored egg.

Bari Uma Egg
Well the flavored egg is indeed a good addition.  Especially, since they cook them with precision.

It goes well with the strongest tonkotsu-shoyu ramen broth made from high-quality soy sauce and pure umami extract - said to be made from simmering pork and chicken bones 8 hours and other ingredients such as chicken feet, vegetables and more.

Ninniku-Uma
♥ Ninniku-Uma (380 php)

If you like it garlicky, you can try the Ninniku-Uma.  They also use 
carefully select garlic.

Shoyu-Uma
Shoyu-Uma (320 php)

There's also the Shoyu-Uma for those who prefer to have a stronger shoyu flavor.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Go for Bari-Uma Ramen for high-quality authentic Hiroshima-style tonkotsu-shoyu ramen.  The price-point is also unbelievably affordable for the generous portion and food quality.  

Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating Bari-Uma Ramen Menu
Ambiance ★★★ N/A
Taste ★★★★
Service ★★★
Price ★★★★
♥=Favorites or Recommended 
Bari-Uma Ramen Branches
Business Address and Contact Bari-Uma Serendra
C122 Ground Floor Serendra Retail 11 Avenue McKinley Bonifacio Global City
09457956230

Bari-Uma SM Fairview
Upper Ground Level, Central Walk SM City Fairview
09668659827

Bari-Uma Ayala Mall Circuit
Upper Ground Floor Ayala Mall Circuit
09569408476

Bari-Uma Ayala Center Cebu
Level 1, Terraces Ayala Center Cebu
09914766444
Business Hours 10am-9pm
Payment Options   Cash
Service Charge 10%
Budget/Person 400-600
Free WiFi No
Contact
Other 
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Bari-Uma Ramen (Serendra BGC): Hiroshima Japan's Strongest Tonkotsu-Shoyu Ramen

Tsukiji Restaurant: Freshly Flown Seafood from Tsukiji Market to Manila Since 1989 (Makati City)

Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tsukiji Restaurant has been renowned since 1989 for serving the finest quality sashimi and sushi which uses fresh seafood flown  directly from the Tsukiji Market in Japan.  

Tsukiji Japanese Restaurant Makati
Though considered a higher-end Japanese restaurant based its premium quality and price point, preserved its traditional interiors, giving its long-time customers a nostalgic feel of its humble beginning.   

Food
With the freshest selection of seafood specially prepared by its very own Master Sushi Chef Toshiro Okajima who trained in a sushi shop in Tokyo, it would be a sin not to order any sushi and sashimi.

Sushi
Tokujo Nigiri
♥ Tokujo Nigiri (2,800 php)

We ordered the Tokujo Nigiri which appears to be the crown jewel of their sushi offering.  Tsukiji's Nigiri or hand-rolled sushi are made from specially imported Koshihikari Rice from Ounuma, Nigata Prefecture.  The Tokujo Nigiri platter includes 9 pieces of premium sushi and 3 pieces of maki subject to availability.  We got a premium mix of Nigiri: Hontoro or fatty tuna belly, Chutoro or tuna belly, Kampachi or amberjack, Hamachi or yellow tail, Toro Salmon or salmon belly, Ika or squid and Ebi or prawns.  The 3 pieces of Tekka Maki or tuna roll felt like ornamental addition to the platter since they were not as special as the Nigiri selections.

hamachi sushi
Hamachi Sashimi (2,000 php)

Hamachi Sashimi or yellow tail is our family favorite.  We never missed out on ordering it whenever it is available.  

Chirashi Sushi
daimyo chirashi sushi
Daimyo (1,800 php)

All of their Chirashi Sushi selections comes with clear soup.  The Daimyo with premium sashimi selections (2-5 slices each) of Maguro or tuna, Tako or octopus, Ika, Hamachi, Salmon, Kani or crabstick,  Shime Saba or marinated mackarel, and Ikura or Salmon Caviar is the most affordable choice.  Because it is a big bowl, it can already good for two. 

Pork
gyoza
Gyoza (450 php)

The Gyoza or pan fried pork dumplings were cooked in the traditional way.  We were quite pleased with the burst of savory juiciness from each bite.

Chicken
yakitori
♥ Yakitori (450 php/per 3 pieces)

The Yakitori can be salted or with teriyaki sauce.   We ordered both since we appreciate the subtlety of the lightly salted ones.  And, we also enjoy the umami richness of the sweet and salty teriyaki.  What made the deliciously seasoned or marinated slightly-charred grilled chicken more pleasurable to munch on was its moisture and tenderness.

Donburimono
oyakudon
Tsukiji Donburi (850 php)

For donburi or rice topping bowls, the Tsukiji Donburi with grilled eel and egg is a great option.  

There's also a fresh seasonal fish cart going around for diners to check out for themselves.  You can suggest how you want it served, sashimi, sushi or cooked. Shared on instagram what we ordered which was cooked for us.  However, we forgot the name of the fish!

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Tsinoy Foodies considers Tsukiji Restaurant as a hiddem gem that has stood the test of time.  In today's marketing-centric world, it is trully remarkable how Tsukiji Restaurant gracefully held on to its humble roots by consistently  serving authentic and top-quality traditional Japanese dishes.

Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating Tsukiji Restaurant Menu
Ambiance ★★★ N/A
Taste ★★★★
Service ★★★
Price ★★★
♥=Favorites or Recommended 
Tsukiji Restaurant
Business Address 3/F Milky Way Building, 900 A. Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila 
Business Hours 11am-9pm
Payment Options   Cash
Service Charge 10%
Budget/Person 800-2,000
Free WiFi No
Contact (02) 8843-4285/8812-2913
Other  Website
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Tsukiji Restaurant: Freshly Flown Seafood from Tsukiji Market to Manila Since 1989 (Makati City)

Choi Garden Seascape Village: Cantonese Cuisine Legacy Continues (Pasay Metro Manila)

Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines

For Chinese dining in with big groups, whether indoor or al fresco, Choi Garden in Seascape Village is a good choice as it has the longest prestige among all Chinese restaurants there. 

Choi Garden Seascape Village
Choi Garden Seascape Village

The Choi Garden Seascape Village offers dine in with function rooms and al fresco dining.  We opted the latter because we get to enjoy the sea breeze and the live band.  

Food

Soup

Diced Wintermelon Assorted Meat Soup
Diced Wintermelon Assorted Meat Soup (840php/L)

The Diced Wintermelon Assorted Meat Soup is something new for us.  It was definitely a more affordable option than the Shark's Fin Soup but not far of in terms of taste and texture.

Sliced Beef with Black pepper Sauce
Sliced Beef with Black Pepper Sauce

The Sliced Beef with Black Pepper Sauce is a classic favorite.

Steamed Chicken with Black Mushroom & Chinese Sausage

If you're looking for something savory and tender, the Steamed Chicken with Black Mushroom & Chinese Sausage is a good choice.

Fried Crispy Pigeon
Fried Crispy Pigeon (750 php/pc)

For our family, a chinese dining occassion without a Fried Crispy Pigeon is a crime.

Steamed Crab w/ Glutinuous Rice
Steamed Crab w/ Glutinuous Rice

Another must orders for our elders in every family celebration are crabs.  This time we tried the Steamed Crab w/ Glutinuous Rice and it didn't disappoint.

Steamed Crab w/ Glutinuous Rice
Steamed Crab w/ Glutinuous Rice

As you can see, it is generous both in terms of king crabs and glutinous rice.

  

Birthday Noodles
Birthday Noodles

The Birthday Noodles is another usual order.

Mango Sago
Mango Sago (210 php)

The Mango Sago is most appreciated when given as a complimentary.  

Other Seascape Village Restaurants We've Visited:

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Choi Garden Seascape Village is one of the legacy Cantonese cuisine places to dine at for any occassion.  It hasn't failed us yet!

Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating Choi Garden Seascape Village Menu
Ambiance ★★★ N/A
Taste ★★★
Service ★★★
Price ★★★
♥=Favorites or Recommended 
Choi Garden Seascape Village
Business Address Seascape Village CCP Complex, Pasay, Metro Manila
Business Hours 11am-10pm
Payment Options   Cash
Service Charge 10%
Budget/Person 500-1,500
Free WiFi No
Contact (0915) 714-0342
Other 
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Choi Garden Seascape Village: Cantonese Cuisine Legacy Continues (Pasay Metro Manila)

Cafe Agusta: Santorini-Inspired overlooking Cafe and Bar (San Roque Antipolo Rizal)

Antipolo, Rizal, Philippines

The family has been eager to escape the city and find solace in an al fresco cafe after a whole year of being locked at home.   Antipolo being one of the nearest provinces outside Metro Manila was an easy choice for us and apparently, for many others too as most cafes were crowded for the weekend.  

cafe agusta
Fortunately for us,  Cafe Agusta was able to accommodate us for a quick lunch. 

 Cafe Agusta Cakes

Cafe Agusta is very spacious.  It has an air-conditioned indoor cafe area which most guests preferred. 

Cafe Agusta Antipolo
Our visit was just barely after Christmas so decor were still there.  

cafe agusta indoor

While the coziness and coolness of the cafe was inviting, we stuck with our preference and chose the indoor al fresco area instead.

Cafe Agusta Decor

The Bar by Cafe Agusta

The Bar by Cafe Agusta
There's also an air-conditioned bar with an al fresco area.

Cafe Agusta Bottles
I can imagine this place to be livelier at night....

cafe agusta al fresco
especially, the al fresco area which was now under the intense heat of the afternoon sun.

Cafe Agusta Scenic View

The cafe overlooks Antipolo which was still full of greens. 


Food

The food took almost an hour to arrive so we were able to explore all areas and realized that the best time to dine there for the santorini al-fresco area with overlooking view would be around sunset to night time so it wouldn't be so hot.

There were a lot of unavailable items in the menu so we weren't explore as much as we hoped and ordered several of the same items. 

 

Salad

Insalata Agusta
Insalata Agusta (325 php)

For starters, we had the Insalata Agusta.   The price was very reasonable for this good-for-sharing  bowlful of mixed fresh greens, green beans, corn kernels, tomato, cheese, grilled chicken drizzled with its homemade orange dressing.  

 

P.S. For those who have a bit of an OCD for cleanliness, the tableclothes in the indoor al fresco area are noticeably stained and don't seem to be replaced regularly. 

 

Pasta

 

Creamy Pesto with Grilled Chicken
Creamy Pesto with Grilled Chicken (350 php)

The Creamy Pesto with Grilled Chicken is a delicious plateful of cream pesto pasta with generous strips of chicken breast. 


Main

Salpicao Di Manzo
♥ Salpicao Di Manzo (460 php)

The Salpicao Di Manzo is the priciest selection in the menu and also a must try! It was served hot with fragant garlic aroma.  The beef tenderloin cubes were so tender and juicy that every bite was so pleasurable.  It is also comes with vegetables and steamed rice.


Chicken Parmigiana
♥ Chicken Parmigiana (325 php)

The Chicken Parmigiana is our favorite amongst our orders. The light tangy homemade creamy tomato sauce together with the cheezinesss (of mozzarella and parmesan cheese) perfectly complements the crunchy breaded chicken breast.  The chicken breast was also soft and juiyc to bite and not dry or tough at all.   

 

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict

The food and ambiance made our trip to Cafe Agusta worth it.  But, the service could be improved more.  Honestly, the patience of my companions was really tested while dining here.  


Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating Cafe Agusta Menu
Ambiance ★★★ Appetizers | Salad | Sandwich | Pasta | Main 1 |
Main 2 | Other Drinks | Drinks |
Taste ★★★
Service ★★
Price ★★★
♥=Favorites or Recommended 
Cafe Agusta
Business Address Grand heights Road, San Roque,  Upper Antipolo Rizal
Business Hours 11am-9pm
Payment Options Cash
Service Charge 10%
Budget/Person 350-700
Free WiFi No
Contact (0917) 148-1767
Other 
Cafe Agusta Map  Like This Post? Subscribe here                               
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Cafe Agusta: Santorini-Inspired overlooking Cafe and Bar (San Roque Antipolo Rizal)
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