The COVID Pandemic has made us realize how we can be consciously or subconsciously affected by everything around us.  The months of confinement made us yearn for the psychological comfort of once again being able to go out.  Fortunately, we can now (with safety measures) go out once again and chill at our favorite cafes like Cafe Mary Grace.

Well-known for its Ensaymadas and Cheese Rolls, Mary Grace has become one of the fastest growing local food brands.  Even during the pandemic, it has continued to open more kiosks and cafes. All of its kiosks and cafes have the same interior which we love.  It just charms us to coziness each time.  The yellow lighting, floral and ceramic decors and the homey furniture and fixtures harmoniously makes it one of the most beautiful and cutsie cafe in the Philippines.

Food

The cafe menu covers all types of meals from breakfast to after-dinner snacks. 

Crispy Cassava Chips with Onion Dip (205 php)

Since we wanted to take our time and enjoy our meals slowly, we first ordered the Crispy Cassava Chips with Onion Dip for starters.  This is our first time to try this and it was surprisingly good!  So good that we dare say that the Onion Dip is as addictive as the more famous Spinach Dips or Artichoke Dips.

Hearty Soups

Seafood Chowder (190 php)

The Seafood Chowder has the right blend of creaminess, richness and chunkiness to make it the appropriate warm and comforting soup that prepares the belly for a heavier meal.

Salads

Fresh Kesong Puti & Calamansi Vinaigrette (288 php)

The Fresh Kesong Puti & Calamansi Vinaigrette is a refreshing salad to try as it incorporates local ingredients.  The kesong puti is fried and breaded but not oily at all.  It was so much fun to eat.

Mary Grace Caesar Salad (360 php)

 The Mary Grace Caesar Salad is the classic Caesar Salad done right.

Tomato- Based Pasta

Pasta Amatriciana with Meatballs (320 php)

This is the first time for us to encounter a pasta with Amatriciana sauce.  Based on our research, the Amatriciana sauce is a sauce named after the town of Amatrice and is actually one of the most famous pasta sauces in Italian cuisine today.  While we couldn't verify how near it is to that one you can find in such town, we enjoyed this Pasta Amatriciana with Meatballs as the red sauce was rich in spices with a tinge of savoriness and tanginess.

Cream-Based Pastas

Classic Carbonara (315  php)

The Classic Carbonara is one of Cafe Mary Grace best sellers.  Everyone who has tried this has loved this.  We're sure you would too!  Enough said!

Pizzas

Margherita (498  php)

Cafe Mary Grace pizzas are thin and chewy dough crusted topped with fresh and premium ingredients such as its home-made tomato.  We opted for the classic Margherita which was a great compliment to our other orders.

Freshers

Homemade Iced Tea

Apple, Cinnamon Tea and Honey (95 php)

Premium Coffee & Teas

Peppermint Iced Mocha (185 php)

After our meal, we stayed for coffee.  The Peppermint Iced Mocha was a hit among us.

Cappuccino Regular (120 php)

If you're the plain-type of tito or tita, you can go for the hot Cappuccino.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Cafe Mary Grace is one of the best cafes in terms of ambiance and food quality in the Metro Manila.  We can see this cafe chain as one that would expand with more branches in the future. 

I've been to many food crawls before.  Yet, I could never seem to get used to it.  Each time I end up surprised to see a series of feast waiting to be devoured and of course, the company I'm sharing it with.

It has an interior that is similar to a heritage Filipino home.  It was so comfortable that we didn't notice the time flew by as we sat down and dined.

Food

Salads

Caesar (295 php)

As expected from any LJC group restaurant, classic dishes like this Caesar salad is executed perfectly.  

Paellas

♥ Paella Valenciana (650 php)

These days, I've been eating rice-free meals.  But, I guess I'm to weak against the fragrant and flavorful Paella Valenciana.  A taste of this was not enough, I had to succumb and devour even to the crispy brownish layer.  

Main Courses

Inihaw na Sugpo (675 php)

Look at the precise grill marks on the Inihaw na Sugpo.  You could tell by the looks that each bite into its soft and tender meat delivered a delicious juice that fills your mouth with a wonderful sensation.

♥ Costillas de Ternero Guisada Sharing (750 php)

I'm happy to be acquainted with the lavishing Costillas de Ternero Guisada.  The tender beef had a sauce that an exquisite red wine essence that lingers on your taste buds.

♥ Spanish Garlic Chicken (395 php)

I don't think there's any dish that could dazzle the entire crowd like the Spanish Garlic Chicken.  Who would have thoughts that chicken with a bountiful amounts of garlic cloves would be an irresistible culinary masterpiece?  It reminds me of the words of wisdom my mentor Ed shared to us "Your can compare cooking to life.  Life is simple,  You only need to have the essential ingredients to make you happy."

Black Pata Sharing (850 php)

The Black Pata is actually one of my favorite Chinese dishes.  Unfortunately, we don't cook this at home because it's too tedious to prepare so I am so happy when I get a chance to have this.  Our former cook used to cook this dish excellently.  Because of him, I had high standards.  This version passed my standards in terms of meat texture.  It's just too rich and sweet for me.

Vegetables

Adobong Puso ng Saging at Gambas (295 php)

While the Adobong Puso ng Saging at Gambas does not appear to be as grand as the other dishes, it served an essential part of our meal.  It had a refreshing tangy flavor brought by the harmonious mix of vinegar and soy that reset our palates after having the more savory dishes.

Noodles, Pasta, and Rice

♥ Pancit Sotanghon sa Baby Pusit (345 php)

The Pancit Sotanghon sa Baby Pusit  with a hint of kamias and squid ink on the bouncy crystal clear noodles brought a tasty massage in every mouthful.  This reminded me of the Pancit Puti which I tried at Mangan.  Both were pancit sotanghon dishes with kamias.  But, the Pancit Puti had chicken essence while this one had squid ink essence.

Desserts

Gigil Tart (199 php)

Despite the name, I didn't have a memorable sensation when I had the Gigil Tart.  I loved coconut and salted egg but its just that Baklava stole the dessert limelight and casted a shadow over this.

Mango and Almond Panna Cotta (245 php)

I love panna cotta because I love milk.  Even though I was lactose intolerant, I would cheat as a child and eat powdered milk whenever I could.  However, I found the Mango and Almond Panna Cotta to be overly sweetened that it overpowers the milky flavor I yearn for.

♥ Baklava (275 php)

Because I'm a huge fan of pistachio nuts, I fully appreciate the Baklava.  The Baklava I have encountered in the past is a light, slightly greasy and flaky square type.  This is different and has a defining characteristic.  It has a crisp coating and crunchy filling.  It is not greasy at all.  I liked it very much!

Drink List

Fresh Juices

Ripe Mango Juice (145 php)

So happy to find my way to Lorenzo's Way!  Thanks Zomato for inviting me.

Lorenzo's Way
Branches	GREENBELT G/F Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center Makati City, Metro Manila Phone: (02) 729-0047 / 729-0013 Seating capacity: Main dining 55 / Al Fresco 75 BONIFACIO HIGH STREET CENTRAL 2nd Level, C2 Building, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Phone:  (02)  621-3163 to 64
Business Hours	Lunch: 11am-3pm Dinner: 5pm-11pm
Payment Options	Cash
Service Charge	10%
Budget/Person	400-1.000
Free WiFi	Yes
Other	Website

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A few weeks ago, I was invited to try Little Owls new menu.  It was introduced as the latest addition to Lola Group of Companies.  Although I have not tried any of their restaurants, I have heard a lot of raves about them from my foodie friends so I decided it was worth the travel from south to north.


Unlike most establishments in the area, it had a huge parking space which can cater to around 9 cars. 

Unless you prefer al fresco, I don't see any reason why you would not want to enjoy its cozy indoor interiors.

The place looks so spacious, clean and refreshing. 

There is also a function room or extended dining area on the second floor where we had our brunch.

Food

Salmon Benedict

Eggs Benedict is actually one of my favorite choices for breakfast or brunch so I was glad that they offered a Salmon Benedict.  This version has definitely passed my standards in terms of presentation, quality ingredients and serving portion.

Soups, Salads & Sandwiches

Caesar Salad (285 php)

Another classic healthy option is the Caesar Salad.  If you're less adventurous and want some greens, then go for this.  It's best to eat it upon serving so you can enjoy the romaines natural crispiness.

All Day Brunch Plates

Thick Cut Bacon Steaks (365 php)

While it was mentioned in the menu that the All Day Brunch Plates are good for sharing, I am certain that I can finish a plateful of their Thick Cut Bacon Steaks on my own.  I bet the men would be wishing more than me for more meat cuts.  It is that delicious but short on portions.

Pancakes & Waffles

♥ Fluffy Banana Pancake (220 php)

If there is one item I'd come back for at Little Owl Cafe, it would be the Fluffy Banana Pancake.  The fluffy and bouncy pancakes reminded me of Japanese cheesecakes.  I fell in love with it upon first bite.  

Pasta

Bolognese

So we thought the Bolognese was their Wild Mushroom Pasta because it had mushrooms.  I liked the sweet and tangy blend the tomato sauce. 


Toasts

Mushroom Tartine

The Mushroom Tartine is a must try for mushroom lovers like me.  But, it would have been even better if the cuts where smaller and equally distributed.  Also, some parts didn't have pesto sauce on it.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich (220 php)

I do understand that they were still under soft opening phase during our visit but I can't help but feel disappointed still that the first Grilled Cheese Sandwich is so cheesy like the one on my photo while the second one is so thin that I can't barely recognize the 2 kinds of cheese.

Chicken Waffle Burger

The chicken is crunchy on the outside and so juicy on the inside.  However with the heavy and chewy waffle, the flavor of the chicken isn't as evident.  The coleslaw is a great complement for both the chicken and waffle but it wasn't enough.

Fish N' Chips

They use dory fish for their Fish N' Chips which I'm not a fan of.  My table mates seemed to enjoy this though.


Tarts
I wasn't able to take a photo of their ♥ Chocolate Tart (120 php) because it was gone in an instant.  I really loved how rich and bitter sweet it was.

Since I was invited and it was their soft opening phase, I will reserve my verdict for now.   To be honest, the 30 minute or so serving interval in between the dishes could have influenced my thoughts on the food and overall brunch experience.  To date, it was the longest brunch I have ever experienced (literally sat down from 11 am to past 3 pm).  For now, all I can say is the ambiance is superb but it comes with a steep price than if you would prefer having breakfast at the neighboring fast food restaurant.