Cocina Juan is one of the pioneers in Maginhawa since its onset of being an eat street in 2008.  


Before Cocina Juan, I don't think I've encountered any establishment serving Central American Cuisine before.  Although it's similar to Mexican and Tex-Mex, it is from a completely separate region (Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Belize, and Costa Rica).

With limited spacing and an al fresco area, this is Cocina Juan's interiors.


Love the color matching bottle-turned-vase and plates. =)

Food

Aperitivos (Appetizers) Inspirations

Nachos Supremo Todo (249 php)

The Nachos Supremo Todo is loaded with nacho cheese sauce,salsa, jalapeno, grated cheese, chili con carne,  refried beans and aioli sauce (mayonaise with a hint of garlic).

Dinamita (139 php)

The Dinamita is really explosive!  The cheese is not as much as expected so I was surprised upon first bite at how fiery this is.  This is the spiciest dynamite I've ever encountered.  Good thing it is served with aioli sauce that neutralized the spiciness.


Taco Inspirations

♥ Quesadilla Mixto (Carne) (169 php)

The Quesadilla Mixto (Carne) are filled with cheese and beef.  It's served with salsa cruda.  This is really hearty especially for meat lovers.

Quesadilla Con Tomate (149 php)

If you want something light, go for the Quesadilla Con Tomate.

Tortilla Inspirations

Beef Burrito Grande (199 php)

The Beef Burrito Grande is a hefty burrito filled with grilled beef, grated cheese, tomatoes, aioli sauce and lettuce.

 

♥ Chicken Burrito Grande (199 php)

The Chicken Burrito Grande is an alternative if you prefer grilled chicken.  Both are equally good.

La Parilla "Grilled Meats" Inspirations

♥ Churrasco Fiesta Platter (549 php)

The highlight of our meal is the Churrasco Fiesta Platter which is a gigantic (and literally heavy - couldn't lift the platter!) serving that's good for 4-5 persons.  It has a local garlic sausages, grilled beef, chicken and pork skewers with aioli sauce, sliced onions, zucchini, tomatoes and bell peppers.  Everyone loved the beef slices.  It was the one that was emptied in a flash.  These are best dipped on their chimichurri sauce (Argentinean sauce with finely chopped parsley and garlic in olive oil and lime juice) and chirmoi sauce (Guatamelan sauce with grilled tomatoes, pepper Jalapeno mixed in olive oil).  For staple, it has gallo pinto rice and crispy potato wedges (quite addictive!).  It also comes with a salad with tomatoes, buttered corn, onions and greens.  

I've encountered churrasco which meant grilled in Spanish and Portugese before at Brazil! Brazil!.  I've noticed that the Brazilian churrasco is grilled barbecue with a sweet and savory marinate.  While, the churrasco of Cocina Juan is Nicaraguan-style which is grilled like steak and spiced with parsley, garlic and peppers.

Drinks

Cucumber Lemonade (65 php/glass)

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Cocina Juan is a place to appreciate Central American cuisine.  Once you've tried it you'd want to try some more.  I know I do.  The price isn't budget-friendly but definitely worth the experience.   

I've long been hearing raves from fellow foodies about Brazil! Brazil! Churrascaria that I just had to succumb to my curiosity.  When we've spotted on Metrodeal our ticket to enjoy a Churrasco Feast Platter for 2 for 799 php, we bought three of those. 

We arrived at Brazil! Brazillian Churrasco for a Saturday night dinner. I found it odd that there place is barely occupied save for two tables. 
 

The grillers aren't empty though as they were continuously grilling or at least keeping them warm.

Buffet Area

I took a quick peek at their buffet offerings but I felt that out meaty Churrasco Feast Platter was more satisfying and cost-worthy.

The area was bright and lively with its festive colors.  But, what really stood out to gain attention is the masks displayed on its walls. 

Food

Caesar Salad

Thousand Island Salad

They offered two salad dressing so we tried both.  I personally prefer the Caesar Salad because the Thousand Island tasted like a the usual blend of ketchup and mayonnaise.  Nevertheless, w enjoyed this because the vegetables were fresh and crunchy.

Before our Churrasco Feast Platter came, the servers advised that the platter was only good for two.  We were 10 in the group so they advised we order two more and so we did.  Our additional Churrasco Feast Platters were charged at the normal price of 799 php each which is the same as the deal price.  The staffs explained that the only difference is that it didn't include the salad, 2 scoops of ice cream and 4 glasses of iced tea.  Is it just me or are those inclusions not equivalent to 799 php?  

♥ Churrasco Feast Platter (799 php)

We were surprised at the loadsome BBQ platter when it arrived.  It had Sweet Corn Cob, Hanging Beef Tenders, Pork Belly, Pork Shoulder, Chicken Thighs, Frankfurter Sausage, Banana, Beef Brisket and Java Rice.  Each of them where equally good.  It just depends on your preferrence.  Like if you want lean meat and less oil, go for the Chicken Thighs.  If you want it lean and beefy, get the Hanging Beef Tenders and the Beef Brisket.  If you want it fatty, then the Pork Belly is for you.  If you're feeling guilty, you can opt for the Pork Shoulder.  The Frankfurter Sausage is always a tasty option.

 

Sauces

The Churrasco Feast Platter was served with two kinds of sauces.  I personally found the meat already tasty on their own.  They were tender, juicy and savory.  But, when you got a big platter of them,a little variation in terms of taste is well-appreciated. 

If you're not a hefty eater, the Churrasco Feast Platter is already good for 3-4 persons.  It took forever but we managed to finish everything.  My tummy felt so heavy with all the meat!  I don't think I've eaten so much of those in my entire life and I'm the only carnivore in the family. 

Strawberry Ice Cream

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Brazil! Brazil! Churrascaria is a great place to satisfy your meat cravings.  Deal price or regular price, you get savory and delectable loadsome of meat at an affordable price.