The last stop of our #LJCxZomatoFoodCrawl is Fely J's.


Being a servant of justice, I actually did my best to pace myself for the entire food crawl so I could appreciate the dishes of Fely J's as much as the prior two stops.   But, to tell the truth, my energy and excitement has waned a bit.  Yet, to my surprise, I still ended up enjoying Fely J's offering.

Food

Salads

Thai Shrimps and Pomelo (299 php)

I've always had the Thai Shrimps and Pomelo as an appetizer.  I discovered that it is great to have it in between as well.  It was light and refreshing for the palate.

Soups

Utan Ilonggo (295 php)

Utan Ilonggo is a basic vegetable dish in Western Visayas.  I really liked it!  You can taste the natural sweetness from all the vegetables and the shrimp too!  Recently, I've tried a similar dish at our office which was called "Laswa".  I hope someone can clarify the distinction between the two.  

Main Courses

Tilapia with Sweet Plum Sauce (450 php)

♥ Lengua Rendang (485 php)

Binagoongang Baboy (355 php)

Crab Corner

♥  Fely J's Temple Crab (190 php/100g)

Rice

Sisig Fried Rice (295 php)

Desserts

♥ Snowy Mango (195 php)

Cassava Bibingka with Buko (150 php)

Drinks
What a great way to cap of the day.  I was glad we had Fely J's!  I wouldn't want to miss the dining experience as well as a bonding time with foodie friends.

At that juncture, I did not know anything about Cafe Havana except for two things: (1) it serve Cuban fusion dishes (2) the name reminds me of the Latin Pop song "Havana" by Camila Cabello.



Food brings people together.

Work
In my field of work, I would always be on one of the two adversarial sides. With my workmates, we all have our own cublicles and own tasks.  But once there's food everyone would gather in the pantry and the room will be filled with warmth and laughter.  

Family
Ever since we were young, we were taught to cooperate with each other so we can enjoy a meal together.  My mom is the best marketer.  My youngest sister does the ingredient preparation such as cleaning, cutting and peeling.  My older brother and second younger sister does the cooking.  My  first younger sister does the dish washing and I do the drying.  Apart from daily meals, there are also special meals during occasions shared with all our relatives.

Food Styled by John Bunag

#LJCxZomatoFoodCrawl A flatlay with many different dishes combined together is akin to a foodie event like a food crawl is also like it.  In this food crawl, the LJC group, zomato and fellow foodies gathered together.  The foodie community is the friendliest community.  Even when we just met, everyone will get along and talk with other over food or about food.  Everyone will lend a hand and respect one another's skills.  Usually, in events like this, I am just a bystander awed and inspired by everyone.  This food styling is done by the great John Bunag.  I couldn't do the flatlay as well as they do though so I just shot this as I see it.  

Food
Now that you know the meaning of food for me, ready to dig in Cafe Havana's Cuban Fusion dishes?  Cafe Havana is not just for a chill out place at night.  It's a great place for lunch outs too!

Fun Fact
Because it's my first time to try Cuban cuisine, I couldn't resist digging into some facts.  Interesting enough although Cuba is 15,625 km away from the Philippines, they share a lot of things in common.

Did you know that:

• Both of them were colonized by Spaniards for a long period.  Cuba became part of the Spanish Colony in 1492 until 1898 when the United States took over as the victor of the Spanish–American War.   On the other hand, the Philippines became part of the Spanish Colony in 1521 until June 12, 1898 when the United States took over as the victor of the Spanish–American War. 
• Both of them have a tropical climate.
• Both of them have a cuisine influenced by Spanish and Chinese dishes.

Sopas

Sopa de Frijoles Negros (175 php)

I don't know what black beauty means but this reminded me about a discussion with my work mates a few days back when we were talking about the new female staff.  One of my colleagues said, "I like her beauty.  She is not very beautiful but she looks more beautiful the more you get to see her.".  This Sopa de Frijoles Negros made of black beans has that appeal to the taste buds.  At first sip, it will give you an impression but you aren't sure if you like it.  Then, as you sip more... it grows on you and fall in love with it more and more.

Platos Principales

♥ Caribbean Style Salmon with Mango Mambo Salsa (635 php)

♥ Spare Ribs Habanera (605 php)

I really liked the Spare Ribs Habanera with guava sauce.  I liked it because I don't get to have guava sauce that often.

Caribbean Shrimp Curry (450 php)

Chuletas de Pollo con Arroz Mejicano (465 php)

Pizza Cubana

♥ Doble Cara (545 php)

Ordering the Doble Cara means you get to choose two kinds of pizza.  I don't really know why someone would pass that chance so I dare say it is the best option.  We got the Jamon Serrano and Quatro Quezo.  The pizza is oven cooked so I like the texture and flavor.  Everyone fell in love with the Quatro Quezo!

Postres

♥ Guyaba Pie (165 php)

Pudin de Pan Habanero (160 php)

The Pudin de Pan Habanero  is a Cuban-styled bread pudding.  This is really good!


So that concludes our second stop for our Cafe Havana #LJCxZomatoFoodCrawl.  It was satisfying for my tummy and my epicuriosity.  

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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