Don't miscontrue the signage of Aresi Restaurant & Bar to be some ordinary restaurant and bar like me as it is actually an Italian restaurant.

Upon stepping in, you'll find that it has a nice cozy and classy but not too upscale feel.

Food

♥ Aresi Special (385 php)

Seeing the brick oven outside hinted to us that they offered brick-oven pizzas so we ordered two pizza variants.  The first one is the Aresi Special.  Since it carries their name and has the word special on it, we were enticed to try it.  A bite of this sent me to heaven!  I was literally send floating in the air with its savor pepperoni, sweet and crunchy bell peppers and onions, fragrant olives, soft mushroom and delicately crisp and chewy dough consistency.  

♥ Five Cheese (335 php)

As far as cheese pizzas go, Aresi's Five Cheese has successfully left a great impression upon me all because the bleu cheese perfectly blended with the other four cheese.


Pizza Making Process
I specially appreciated their pizza making procedure.  They only cook one pizza at a time so the chef can deliver it's superb quality with precision.
 

Desserts

Vanilla Panna Cotta (135 php)

The texture of the Vanilla Panna Cotta is smooth like a soy bean pudding which I liked.  However, I found it too sweet for my preference. 

Crepe Samurai (155 php)

The Crepe Samurai has perfectly fluffy and smooth crepes with orange caramel glaze and vanilla ice cream.  This is a good version. 

Fruit Platter (295 php)

The Fruit Platter is a large plateful of ripe mangoes, banana (underneath the mangoes), oranges, pineapple and watermelon.

Apple Crumble (185 php)

I found the crumbs of he Apple Crumble to be quite addictive!  The consistency reminds me of Rowena's which I love.  The stewed apple is a bit too sweet for me but it's okay since I tamed it down with the vanilla ice cream.

♥ Chocolate Lava Cake (285 php)

Everyone was going loco over the rich, moist gooey goodness of the Chocolate Lava Cake.  My companions didn't even want to share.
 
Drinks

Shakes

Strawberry Shake (65 php)

Since all our other shake orders were fresh, I thought the Strawberry Shake would be fresh too but it wasn't.  It tasted like super sweet cough syrup which didn't appeal to me.

Frozen Cocktails

Strawberry Margarita Virgin (No alcohol) (115 php)

The Strawberry Margarita is similar to the shake but with a more shaved ice consistency.


Coffee Coolers

♥ Frozen Java-Java (105 php)

The Frozen Java-Java is so delicious!  I loved that it has a strong coffee flavor and very fine crushed ice blend.  The vanilla ice cream adds to the guilt and comfort which I don't mind having. =)



Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I'd gladly visit Aresi Restaurant & Bar for it's brick oven pizza anytime!  I'm really impressed with their quality as such a bargain price too.

I recently discovered Staple and Perk Bakery at the back of Ecoplaza Building along Chino Roces Makati.  It doesn't really have a front signage so its not really visible for passersby.  So, should you stop by for it?  Read on...

Staple and Perk Bakery is surprisingly majestic in comparison to other top-notch bakeries I've been to like WildFlour Cafe + Bakery and Lucca Bakery.
 
It is well-ventilated with its high ceiling.  It's also very bright as I noticed that it has more than adequate lighting and surrounding glass windows that allow outer light to seep in.

Just next to the counter is their chiller filled with their pastries, dips and drinks.

The place also has its artsy cutesy quirky colorfulness to it so it gives of this really refreshing, warm, hearty and cozy vibe.  Did I mention that they are open 24/7?

And, I like that they promote chilling with actual interaction because admittedly its rare for our generation.

They also serve a lot of take home goodies like cookies and biscotti.


and very affordable pastries.  To bad my family only eat whole wheat variants so I wasn't able to buy some for them.  But, I bought my mom some Ginger and Pili Biscotti and she liked it.

Being health-conscious, I really loved their preservative-free advocacy.  I hope a lot of bakeries would also follow suit.

While looking around, I left this cute giraffe doll with my table number on a table. 

Food


Hearty Meals

Flat Breads

♥ Bacon (180 php)

Well, to be honest, I've not explored much into flat breads.  But this, Bacon with pepper and cream topped over its soft and chewy dough is exactly what I've been yearning for.

Cheese (150 php)

Compared to the Bacon, the Cheese is pale in comparison although quite reasonably more affordable.


Baked Pastas

Sweet Corn & Country Ham (180 php)

The Sweet Corn & Country Ham is a light cream penne pasta topped with corn and bits of country ham.  For someone who has sensitive taste buds like me, I'm fine with the simplicity and limited sauce.  But, surely the average diner will want more flavor.  I also found the penne to be tougher than al dente.

Fried Shallots & Bacon (180 php)

The Fried Shallots & Bacon is more flavorful than the Sweet Corn & Country Ham because of the presence of the bacon bits.  But, the cream composition is quite similar.


Sandwiches

Tomato, Pesto and Kesong Puti Solo (88 php)

The Tomato, Pesto and Kesong Puti panini is simple but comforting to munch on.  It's the first time I've encountered such a combination so I'm quite amazing that they mashed really well.  Plus, as you can see the panini is grilled quite perfectly.

Fried Ham & Cheese Solo (99 php)

If you're into fried dishes, you can try the Fried Ham & Cheese which oozed with melted cheese and was served with their homemade strawberry jam.  Alone, I felt this was not worth the guilt but the strawberry jam was just so good with it.

♥ Sesame Chicken Salad Whole Solo (180 php)

My favorite among the sandwiches is the Sesame Chicken Salad.  Not only is the spread very tasty, the Ciabatta bread is so beautifully prepared as well.  If you're baking, you'd know that Ciabatta is defined more for its big and shiny holes than the flavor because it's harder to accomplish.


Braises (set comes with side salad and perk cooler)

♥ Lemon Braised Chicken Solo (150 php)

Upon first glance, I thought the Lemon Braised Chicken was a bit undercooked because of the pinkish color.  But, it was not.  In fact, it was evenly and slowly braised so it was really tender and juicy.  I really loved the Lemon Braised Chicken because the citrus flavor is mellow and well-balanced with the cream sauce.  

♥ Coconut & Peanut Braised Chicken Solo (150 php)

On the other hand, I found the Coconut & Peanut Braised Chicken quite bold and rich in taste you have to eat this with bread or rice (upon request).  It has a dominant sweet and peanuty taste. 
 

♥ Red Wine Braised Beef Set (260 php)

If you're a beef lover, you;d be glad they offer the Red Wine Braised Beef.  It actually reminds me of the Chinese dish Beef Brisket but with more sophistication because of the red wine.  The beef was very tender too.  If you order the set you get it with a Perk Cooler and a side salad: Fresh Panzanella Salad or Apple-pili Salad.

Soy Butter Braised Pork Set (260 php)

The Soy Butter Braised Pork is pork cubes swimming in soy sauce and butter oil.  Forget the guilt, butter fat is good!

Staples

Pastries

Bacon Quiche (95 php)

The Bacon Quiche was too plain for me.  Compared to other quiches I've tried, I really felt that this could be further improved.  Too be honest, I prefer French Baker's quiche over this.

Vegetable Quiche (95 php)

The Vegetable Quiche with zucchini offered lesser flavor than the Bacon Quiche.

♥ Apple Pie Bar (80 php)

I really enjoyed the Apple Pie Bar.  I've always enjoyed apple and cinnamon-based pastries and this one is pretty good because it had the right texture and sweetness.

Cinnamon & Caramel Bread Pudding (130 php)

I usually stray away from caramel containing desserts because of the overwhelming sweetness.  But, I'm quite surprised that the Cinnamon & Caramel Bread Pudding topped with cinnamon dusted whipped cream was just right for my sweet-sensitive preference.  But, I found the texture quite inconsistent perhaps due to its thickness.

Chocolate Chip Cookies (30 php), ♥ Ginger and Pili Biscotti (30 php) and Vanilla Biscotti (30 php)

I'd recommend everything in this plate:  Chocolate Chip Cookies, Ginger and Pili Biscotti and Vanilla Biscotti for those who like crunchy crumby snacks.

Cream Puffs (65 php)

Being a fan of cream puffs, I'm quite disappointed with S&P's Cream Puffs because the texture was off, the cream was too plain, the size was petite but the price was hefty - as it was more than the price standard for international brands.


Cheesecake

Dayap Cheesecake Slice (110 php)

I was expecting the Dayap Cheesecake to be more on the tangy side but since it was more like a jelly or jam form, it was actually sweet.  This won the vote of my companions.

Three Cheese Cheesecake Slice (160 php)

It's actually my first time to try a cheesecake that's more on the salty side than sweet.  The Three Cheese Cheesecake felt like a cheese pie with an exquisite dense cheese texture. 

♥ Sweet Potato Cheesecake Slice (99 php)

My favorite among the cheesecakes is the Sweet Potato Cheesecake.  I like the contrast between the dense and salty cheese and the soft, mushy and natural and mild sweetness of the sweet potato chunks.

♥ Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake Slice (130 php)

Being a chocoholic, the Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake is one of the best chocolate cheesecake I've tried!  It's dark and rich chocolate chunks are so indulgent.
 

♥ Sesame Roll, Baguette, Pandesal

I also tried some of their pastries.  I loved the Sesame Roll the most because they are very generous with the sesame seeds.


Perks

Ice Blended

Mixed Berries (150 php)

For my perks (which is what they refer to their drinks), I chose the Mixed Berries.  I liked that it was very creamy and not too sweet but it wasn't anything extraordinary.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Staple and Perk Bakery is a great addition to the hidden restaurants along Chino Roces.  I'd definitely swing by when in the area.  The price is very affordable (albeit for some items) given their fresh, quality and hearty products and the ambiance is a place where  can chill for hours long.  The staffs are also very friendly and the owner himself is very passionate and hands-on.  I think this place is very promising.  In fact, they are already a concessionaire for many establishments.

My mom is a believer of the You Only Live Once.  So when we were young, we have a little tradition called "Steak Day Friday".  Once a month on a Friday, we would eat steak either at home or at some random steakhouse.  This practice grants my mom a break from the difficult cooking preparation which she does in other days. 

One of our favorite places for steaks was Outback at our neighboring mall Robinson's Place Manila.  I've been there so many times, I could still picture how it was back in the day.  That was around 1998 until it closed down in 2000.  The first floor had T.G.I.Fridays then there is an exclusive wooden staircase with Australian-related displays towards the second floor for Italianni's and Outback Steakhouse.  Our tradition kind of faded away with the closing of that Outback branch and I haven't made a come back at Outback until recently for their affordable Lunch Specials.

My visit at Outback Steakhouse in Glorietta 4 was still nostalgic despite the difference in interiors.  I recall it having a more cabin-like feel.  But this time, it had a more grander and cozy atmosphere.  They also have a "17 spices wall" with real spices that they use on their dishes and I think a real knife set displayed?

There's a big screen and a bar for drinkers. 

Food

Complimentary Honey Wheat Bushman Bread with Whipped Butter

As soon as I arrived, a Complimentary Honey Wheat Bushman Bread with Whipped Butter was laid on our table.  While waiting for my companions, I tried this delightful light chocolate, gluten-free loaf by spreading some whipped butter on it. 

Appetizers

♥ Kookaburra Wings Mild Full (469 php)

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of buffalo wings and I like them spicy!  You can choose the Kookaburra Wings to be mild, medium or spicy.  It is servd with celery and bleu cheese dip. Our first one was mild.  Well, it had a pepperish crunchy coating and succulent meat.  It was good but too lame for me.  Good thing, my companions mistakenly ordered spicy for the next round.  This time the Kookaburra Wings were covered in fiery red hot sauce.  Mmm the red sizzling hotness with the juicy meat was just my kind of teaser even without the bleu cheese dip or the celery to cool my tongue down.



November Special

Nachos with Spinach Artichoke Dip

 I've always loved anything with Spinach Artichoke Dip but it's rarely offered at restaurants.  I couldn't stop munching on the Nachos with Spinach Artichoke Dip  all meal long.  Their Spinach Artichoke Dip is dominantly of parmesan and some Monterey Jack cheese which made it a bit saltier than the others I've tried.


Weekday Lunch Specials (Add a cup of Soup of the Day and a glass of Iced Tea/Soda for 95 php)
Outback Steakhouse back then was so special to me because I know it was luxuriously priced.  We used to spend at least a thousand per person and that was way back when.  Now that I'm all grown up and having to pay for my own meal, I've always thought that Outback Steakhouse is an intimidating place for my wallet.  Thus, my delayed revisit.  What made me come back was my discovery that Outback Steakhouse had a lot of affordable options such as their Weekday Lunch Specials.  The price range was very flexible that its easy on the budget even for office workers and students.  

♥ Teriyaki Beef Medallions (499 php)

I'll start with my favorite among the Lunch Specials, the Teriyaki Beef Medallions.  This fire-grilled medium-cooked steak chunk skewers with onions and red and green peppers marinated with subtly sweet teriyaki sauce was fantastic!  It is laid on a bed of seasoned rice with your choice of side dish (Steamed Vegetables in this case)

Chicken Fried Chicken (199 php)

The Chicken Fried Chicken are crispy golden fried chicken tenders topped with classic white gravy and served with mashed potato.  This is a quite a bargain deal for such a satisfactory dish!  

Grilled Fish Marsala (199 php)

The Grilled Fish Marsala is a grilled and seasoned fresh fish of the day (Dowry in this case) topped with spinach and button mushroom marsala sauce with your choice of side dish (Steamed Vegetables and Mashed Potatoes in this case).  The dowry was grilled just right delivering softness that almost melts on your mouth. 

Classic Florentine Pasta (299 php)

I always have a respect for classics.  I found the cheesy Classic Florentine Pasta with the right blend of tangy marinara sauce, spinach strips and garlic crumbs quite enjoyable.

Steak Tips with Garlic and Peppers (399 php)

The Steak Tips with Garlic and Peppers is bite-sized steak in red wine sauce with garlic and peppers.  It is served with Aussie fries and steamed vegetables.  I'd suggest this for those who prefer their steaks to be cooked medium well and well-seasoned. 


Outback Favorites

♥ Baby Back Ribs Half (649 php)

The Baby Back Ribs is a saucy wet-rubbed barbecue ribs served with Aussie fries.  It was exploding in flavor in every bite.  It was lean, mean and tender but not the fall of the bone type. 


Signature Steaks

♥ Victoria's Filet with Grilled Shrimp (949 php + 279 php)

Of course, I'm not leaving Outback "Steakhouse" without having my steak!  The Victoria's Filet is their best-selling 6 oz thick cut fillet.  This is one gratifying piece of heaven I assure you. 

♥ Victoria's Filet with Grilled Shrimp (949 php + 279 php)

When I was young, I didn't know how to enjoy a good steak and had them cooked medium well.  Now, I like them cooked medium or on good days such as this, medium rare.  It's such a beautiful seeing the warm red center with juiciness spewing out in every slice. 

Irresistible Dessert

Chocolate Thunder from Down Under (315 php)

The Chocolate Thunder from Down Under is a fresh-baked pecan brownie topped with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream and over-flowing with warm, rich and sweet chocolate sauce then finished with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.  This is heavenly but overwhelming for just one person.  I personally prefer the ♥ Dessert Sampler Trio which has all their regular dessert offering: Chocolate Thunder from Down Under, Cheesecake and Banana Nut Cake in sample sizes.  Even in my puny and frail built back then, I could finish that all by myself.

♥ Cinnamon Oblivion

The Cinnamon Oblivion is a big scoop of vanilla ice cream sprinkled all over by candied pecan bits topped with whipped cream and cherry and laid on a pool of caramel syrup with cinnamon crouton and apple cubes.  It is Outback's extravagant version of a classic Apple Crumble Ala Mode.  And, I promise you that this is one genuinely blissful sweet treat!



Drinks

Spirit Free Cocktails

Coco-Berry Smoothie (165 php)

For refreshments, I had a frosty and creamy glass of their Coco-Berry Smoothie which is a blend of coconut and strawberries.   

Tip: I wouldn't recommend the Libis Branch.  My experience there was not okay.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I'm so glad to finally come back to Outback Steakhouse.  It has consistently proven that it's not a world-renowned restaurant chain for nothing.  The food quality, ambiance and service is superb.  Now that they offer a more flexible price range, it is a now recommendable suggestion even for casual dining.