Showing posts with label ambiance 4. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ambiance 4. Show all posts
Ebi10: Rating our Japanese Dinner with a Perfect 10 (One Ayala Mall Makati)
Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Since my little sister completed all her fellowship trainings as a endocrinologist and I has to carry the duties of a legal division chief, we could hardly find the time to chill and eat out like we used to.
Perhaps, it was destiny or a happy coincidence that we were both craving Japanese food and Ebi10 at One Ayala Mall turned out to be the perfect choice.
Although it had an unpretentious storefront adorned with softly glowing Japanese lanterns, inside lies a cozy and vibrant dining atmosphere. The sushi bar doubles as a cocktail bar and with DJ-station at the center, we can see how this relaxed dining space can transform into an elevated social lounge as the night unfolds.
Food
Sashimi
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| ♥ Salmon Aburi Nigiri (385 php/2 pcs.) |
We are so glad we had the Salmon Aburi Nigiri for our starter. It is handsdown one of the best rendition of the Salmon Aburi Nigiri we've ever had!
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| ♥ Salmon Aburi Nigiri (385 php/2 pcs.) |
I swear I almost cried in happy tears as the buttery norweigan salmon melted into my mouth and a burst of umami flavors from the salmon, while the uni delivered a pristine burst of sweet umami uni and finished with a harmonious blend of fragrant truffle, creamy Kewpie mayo, and savory teriyaki. Just from our teaser with the Salmon Aburi Nigiri, we knew we chose Ebi10 as the right choice.
Rolls
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| Crazy Maki (420 php) |
We had such an elevated satisfaction from the Salmon Aburi Nigiri, it was simply impossible for the humble and classic Crazy Maki surpass. To be fair, it had everything you can expect from a Crazy Maki — kani, cucumber, mango kwepie, agedama, and ebiko.
Salads
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| ♥ Spicy Tuna Salad (585 php) |
The Spicy Tuna Salad is another dish that brought delight our tongues. The soft tuna cubes was complemented by the explosive kick of the dinamite mayo and the pleasurable crisp of agedama (crunchy tempura batter) and fresh romaine lettuce.
Mains
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| ♥ Truffle Ponzu Steak (825 php) |
If you're looking for a steak dish that won't make you break your diet and your budget, then go for the Truffle Ponzu Steak.
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| ♥ Truffle Ponzu Steak (825 php) |
Despite its modestly thin slice, the Truffle Ponzu Steak delivers an intense fragrant flavor from the premium quality Australian tenderloin, crispy onion, kamote chips and truffle mushroom ponzu sauce.
Tempura
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| ♥ Jumbo Shrimp (600 php/3 pcs) |
At such a good price point, the Jumbo Shrimp is a must order!
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| ♥ Jumbo Shrimp (600 php/3 pcs) |
The fresh, sweet and jumbo-size shrimp perfectly coated in golden batter is worth every peso.
Chahan
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| Vegetable Chahan (190 php) |
The Vegetable Chahan is a surprise hit for us. We could never have imagined that a healthy bowl of rice, egg and mixed vegetables could be so good!
Sweets
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| Banana Nutella (250 php/3 pcs) |
The Banana Nutella is another validation of the chef's precise frying skills. Just look at how the golden-coated banana slices could be beautifully laid atop a smear of nutella and accented by dulce de leche and sesame seeds.
Fruity & Fizzy
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| ♥ Yuzu Fizz (220 php) and♥ Blueberry Fizz (220 php) |
Ebi10 is not just for good food, they serve amazing drinks too. We loved the refreshing palate-cleansing Yuzu Fizz and the cool and minty Blueberry Fizz we had.
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Ebi10's creatively-crafted Japanese dishes and drinks combined with its cozy atmosphere is sure to make any newcomer come back for more. We can't wait to try more from their extensive menu!
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Ebi10 Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★ | N/A |
| Taste | ★★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Ebi10 | |
| Branches | One Ayala Makati Level 2 Alfresco, One Ayala Mall, Makati City (0962) 960-0895 | (0915) 920-6512 | (02) 7002-0366 Capitol Commons Meralco Avenue, Oranbo, Pasig City (0969) 610-8331 | (0936) 958-2522 | (02) 7000-02-88 Greenhills L136 G/F Greenhills Mall, Greenhills Shopping Center, Barangay Greenhills, Ortigas Ave., San Juan City (0967) 182-6425 | (0999) 804-4585 Eastwood G/F Tower 1, One Eastwood Ave., Eastwood City, Bagumbayan, Quezon City (0921) 924-3240 | (0956) 948-6317 | (02) 7001-9636 Ayala Malls Vermosa G/F Building E, Ayala Malls Vermosa, Daang Hari Road, Pasong Buaya 1, Imus, Cavite (0916) 466-3269 | (0921) 853-0796 |
| Business Hours | Mall Hours |
| Payment Options |  Cash |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 500-1,500 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | |
| Other | |
Camiña Balay Nga Bato: Artisan Tsokolate Batirol Served in a Heritage Home Built in 1865 (Arevalo District Iloilo City)
Iloilo City, Iloilo, Philippines
Our visit to Camiña Balay Nga Bato is one of the most memorable Heritage Tours I've had.
And, of course, I bought some Chocolate Tablea.
We were then given some time to explore and take photos.
For our group photos, like the one we had on this creaky staircase, we asked the staff for asssitance.
And, for me that made the simple offering of Camiña Balay Nga Bato an authentic experience for cultural immersion.
We're so happy to support Camiña Balay Nga Bato as a National Museum-recognized important cultural property in 2015.
Curio Heritage Shop
So before proceeding to our intended agenda, we checked out the assortment of local products sold at the Curio Heritage Shop.
We were greeted by the staff who oriented us about their offerings.
Upon choosing a guided tour, we were escorted to a simple living room or sala to watch a 10-minute video tour about the place.
For our group photos, like the one we had on this creaky staircase, we asked the staff for asssitance.The second floor served as the dining area so there were a lot of wooden tables with rustic chairs.
For only 200 php, you can enjoy a two (2) rounds of their premium tsokolate de batirol served with a bowl of local biscuits. Just ring the bell for a refill! If you're lucky, they will even offer a complimentary third round.
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| ♥ Tsokolate de Batirol and Local Biscuits |
As we sipped on our Tsokolate de Batirol, nibbled on Local Biscuits, I felt a deep gratitude for the rare gift of slowness and presence as we were embraced by the cool breeze and homey ease. We could never enjoy such privilege in the bustle of Manila.
The Tsokolate de Batirol is so thick and rich that you can already feel the caffeine kick from a small cupfull. Thus, the two rounds is just enough! We even had to ask for a glass of water to help us finish it.
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Camiña Balay Nga Bato is a must visit in Iloilo City. Yes, this is an encouraging invite to all of you to support one of the few heritage homes left in the Philippines! The experience is truly one of a kind and reasonably priced.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Camiña Balay Nga Bato Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★ | Menu |
| Taste | ★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Camiña Balay Nga Bato | |
| Business Address | 20 Osmeña Street, brgy Sta. Felomina Arevalo, Iloilo City, Philippines |
| Business Hours | 8am-6pm |
| Payment Options | Cash |
| Service Charge | N/A |
| Budget/Person | 200-500 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (0947) 891-1467 |
| Other | Facebook Fan Page |
Breakthrough Restaurant: Seafood Galore and More Since 1986 (Iloilo City, Iloilo)
Iloilo City, Iloilo, Philippines
While I've had food trips on some Philippines regions before, this meal shared with our academic and intellectual work partners offered a distinct and unforgettable pleasure.
It may have been a fitting conincidence that they suggested to dine at "Breakthrough Restaurant" because it was here that I experience a breakthrough discovery about myself.
Listening to our senior partners — emeritus professors — share insights and experiences from their past development projects over good local dishes left me deeply inspired about our generation’s potential to make a difference.
Set by the coast in Iloilo City, Breakthrough Restaurant charms both local and tourist alike by serving fresh seafood specialties enhanced by the cool sea breeze dining experience.
Although we ordered from the frozen fish counter, we surmised that they were freshly caught because we saw live fishes swimming in the pools nearby.
After deciding on our fish soup, we proceeded to the next counter where food choices are displayed. I found this set-up quite peculiar because this turo-turo (point-point) style is usually adopted in small road-style eateries around the Philippines and not by large-scale restaurants. Upon pointing on our choices, the staff lists them down the orders to be delivered at our table.
If you're like our boss who prefers to just order by sitting down, you can also do so.
Food
Starters and Specials
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| Lato Salad |
But, I suggest that you stand up because some items that are displayed like the Lato Salad (grape seaweed) are not in the regular menu.
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| ♥ Baked Talaba (220 php) |
As you can see, the Baked Talaba is fresh and succulent.
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| ♥ Sizzling Crabmeat (300 php) |
The Sizzling Crabmeat is pure juicy crab meat with tomato, chili and corn served in a hot sizzling plate.
Vegetables
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| Chopsuey (285 php) |
The Chopsuey is served with a generous variety of vegetables.
Pork
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| Litson Baboy (300 php) |
The Litson Baboy was reasonably priced but nothing extraordinary.
Beef | Mutton
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| ♥ Caldereta (380 php) |
The Caldereta is a spicy tomato-based stew filled with tender beef, potato and carrot slices.
Native Chicken
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| ♥ Litson Manok (390 php) |
We loved the Litson Manok. It's savory and tender.
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Breakthrough's dining experience is definitely one of a kind. No wonder it been loved by locals and tourists alike since 1986. With so much choices, you will surely have a new seafood to try on your next visit.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Breakthrough Restaurant Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★ | Menu |
| Taste | ★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Breakthrough Restaurant | |
| Business Address | Molo-Arevalo Boulevard Sto. Nino, Villa Arevalo, Iloilo City, Iloilo Province |
| Business Hours | 10am-9pm |
| Payment Options | Cash |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 400-1,500 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (033) 337 3027 |
| Other | Website |
Café Ilang-Ilang at Manila Hotel Buffet Dinner (Manila, Metro Manila)
1 Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila, 0913 Metro Manila, Philippines
After a decade since my last buffet dinner at Café Ilang-Ilang so it's was time for a long overdue revisit!
As expected, everything has changed from interiors to food selections.
Food
Bread Station
Café Ilang-Ilang's Bread Station has offers delicious baked breads selections which includes Black Sesame Rolls, Hard Rolls, White Sesame Rolls, Wallnut Rolls, Laugen, Rye Roll, Sour Rolls, Rye Bread, Original Six Grains, High Fiber Bread and French Bread.
Charcuterie Station
There's also a Charcuterie Station featuring a Cheeseboard (with Gruyère, Emmental, Manchego, Blue Cheese and Brie Wheel), olives, dried fruits, and honey.
Cold Salad Station
Cold Salads include Coleslaw, Shrimp Salad, Macaroni Salad, Kani Salad and Mangang Hilaw with Bagoong. There are also Cold Meats like Beef Pastrami, Chicken and Pork Terrine.
There are also some cocktail-style appetizers like the Melon Lassi, and Shrimp Mango Salad.
Fresh Salad Station
Admittedly, the Fresh Salad Station isn't my favorite in the past. Now, its my first stop in every buffet so having so much variety of fresh greens and sauces is much appreciated!
Seafood Station
The Seafood Station offers Butter Garlic Prawn, Butter Garlic Crab and ♥ Cheese Baked Mussels.
Churrasco Station
Café Ilang-Ilang has a different dinner theme per night. Since it was Surf and Turf Night, we were fortunate to have the ♥Blue Marlin available at the Churrasco Station. There's also heavy meats like Smoked Pork Loin, Churrasco Beef and Sausages.
Korean Station
The Korean Station ranged from main dishes like Spicy Mud Crab and Korean Grilled Lamb, a soup — Beef Radish Soup, and side dishes like Pajeon, Fried Zucchini, Fried Tofu, Kimcheon, Dried Squid, Fishcake, Kongnamul (soy bean sprout), Spinach and Kimchi.
Chinese Station
The Chinese Station highlights Chinese Dimsum of Pork and Shrimp Siomai, Choco Bun, Chicken Feet, and my favorite — ♥ Century Egg. There's also Chinese Corn Soup.
Japanese Station
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| Sushi Station |
The Japanese Station is the biggest food station. Check out the Sushi Station with Vegetarian Maki, Cheese Tamago, Spicy Kani Maki, Salmon Cream Cheese, California Maki and the must try ♥ Aburi.
There's also fresh Tuna Sashimi, Salmon Sashimi, Spicy Tuna, Spicy Salmon, Kani Salad and Tamago.
For the mains, there's Vegetable Tempura, ♥ Shrimp Tempura, Yasai Itame, ♥ Miso Cream Chicken, Salmon Teriyaki. And, to complete your Japanese meal experience, pair them with the Miso Soup and Japanese Fried Rice.
Italian Station
Among the popular stations is the Italian Station because of the specialty pasta dishes such as ♥ Gnocchi with Truffle Sauce and ♥ Pasta Al Forno. There's also an inviting display of Mixed Cold Cuts, Bruschetta with Basil and Tomato, Panini, Sacciata Sandwich, Salad Caprese, Foccacia Bread, Parmesan Cheese Wheel. I also loved the ♥ Leeks Potato Soup.
The pizzas are freshly oven-baked. Highly recommend the ♥ Spinach Pizza and ♥ Mushroom Pizza!
European and Mediterranean Station
Like other stations, there's a soup — Swiss Barley Soup, mains — Honey Garlic Prawns, ♥ Shepherd Pie, side dishes —Butter Vegetables, Marble Potato, and staple — Brown Rice.
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| ♥ Lechon |
For every Filipino feast, there's the Lechon.
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| ♥ US Angus Beef |
With the longest line, the US Angus Beef with your choice of sauce mustard, horse radish or mint is what you can't miss!
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| ♥ Foie Gras on Brioche |
Best to save space for dessert because there's many to consider. The spread includes a Cathedral Gelatin, Pistachio Sanrival, Carrot Cake, Mochi Buttercream, Ube Cake and Red Velvet. Then, there's the Artisanal Ice Cream Station and Crepe Station. So happy that there are gourmet ice cream flavors like Pistachio, Matcha, ♥ Durian and ♥ Black Sesame.
On the side shelves, there's Fruit Tarts, Mixed Berries Pavlova and Kakanin. The Bibingka and Puto Bumbong are no longer part of the buffet though.
Instead, there's Assorted Chinese Cookies, Assorted Cookies, Assorted Fruits, Chocolate Truffle, Marshmallow and Chocolate Fountain.
Drink Station
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
The Drink Station can be found by the entrance and beside the Halo-halo Station. Drinks include Detox Water, Cranberry Juice, Orange Juice and Apple Juice.
The drinks above go well with your meal. To complement your dessert, enjoy a cup of coffee—choose from Brewed Coffee, Cafe Americano, Decaf Coffee, Cafe Latte, Cappucino and Espresso.
Café Ilang-Ilang has long been a distinguished destination for premium international buffet. With its comprehensive buffet selections, you're sure to leave feeling satisfied.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Cafe Ilang-Ilang Rate | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★ | Lunch Mon to Sat 3,295 php Sun 3,445 php Dinner Thurs to Sat 4,090 php Sun to Wed 3,445 php *Child Rate - 50% off |
| Taste | ★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Cafe Ilang-Ilang | |
| Business Address | The Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Manila Metro Manila |
| Business Hours | 11:30 am - 2:30 pm 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm |
| Payment Options | Cash |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 3,000-4,500 |
| Free WiFi | Yes |
| Contact | (02) 8527-0011 / 5301-5500 |
| Other | Website |
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