Almost three years ago, I spotted Mona Lisa Ristorate at The Commerce Center in Alabang when I dined at Studio Kitchen (now Allium in Makati).   I vowed to come back to try it but never managed to go back due to hectic schedule.  I'm glad it opened in SM Aura which was more convenient for us to visit.

The glass grants us a view of its alluring interiors.


I love the structural design, paintings and the chandeliers.

Even the tie of the servers fits the motif of the place.

Food

Insalata

Fagioli Bianchi Di Tonno (350 php)

The Fagioli Bianchi Di Tonno is mixed greens, chunky tuna, red beets, feta cheese, boiled egg, red and white beans (supposed to be white asparagus according to the menu) in Italian vineigrette.  We found this salad interesting enough to be emptied quickly.

Pizza 

♥ Smoked Salmon Pizza (550 php)

We're quite health-concious so we chose their special thin-crusted multigrain pizza.  The
Smoked Salmon Pizza is topped with ricotta cheese, asparagus, caramelized onions and sliced lemon.  My family is very picky when it comes to pizza but they adored this to the littlest bit.

Prima (Pasta) Vegetarian

♥ Cannelloni Spinaci and Ricotta Solo (315 php)

The Cannelloni Spinaci and Ricotta Solo is spinach bits and ricotta cheese filled in cannelloni shells.  If you can appreciate the special flavor of spinach enhanced in terms of the creaminess and mild zesty ricotta cheese, you'll find this heavenly like we did.


Prima (Pasta) Meat and Poultry

♥ Spaghetti All' Arrabiata Calebrese Solo (315 php)

The Spaghetti All' Arrabiata Calebrese is supposed to be penne on the menu but we requested to have it substituted to spaghetti.  It has Italian sausage, black olives, mushrooms in spicy and tangy vodka tomato sauce.  I found the blending of flavors quite balanced so I enjoyed this.

Pollo Pizzemente Solo (320 php)

The Pollo Pizzemente Solo is a penne pasta with bite-size slices of chicken thighs and breast, asparagus, brocolli with creamy porcini mushrooms, light cream sauce and truffle oil.  The light cream sauce masks the dryness of the white chicken meat.  The truffle cream sauce is light allowing us to appreciate the natural taste of the asparagus, brocolli, porcini mushrooms and chicken.

Home Made Pasta

♥ Ravioli ai Funghi Porcini Solo (305 php)

The Ravioli ai Funghi Porcini tops among all the dishes we had that night.  It's ravioli stuffed with porcini mushrooms in a creamy porcini parmesan sauce with truffle oil.  I love that they didn't scrimp on the truffle oil!


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Mona Lisa Ristorante is one of the best authentic Italian restaurants we've tried!  Their subtle but not bland or dull blending soothes our taste profile.  We'd love to come back when craving for Italian.  Everything we ordered is cooked with precision.  The service is good too.

After our dinner at Mona Lisa Restaurant, my little sister persuaded us to try Magnum Manila.  We've enjoyed purchasing Magnum Ice Cream Bars whenever we go grocery shopping.  But, making our own is something new for us to try.
 

They have really cute snow globe decorations

For a pop-up pleasure store, I'm quite surprised at how grant it was.  It had a comfortable seating area.  This is where we ate our Magnum Ice Cream Bars.


It also had a spacious dining area.

I actually didn't know they served cooked dishes too.  Maybe we can try that next time cause tonight we were only interested in their Magnum Ice Cream Bars.


Upon reaching the counter, we were informed that we can avail of the Make My Magnum for the price of 100 php which comes with a choice of three toppings.  

There were 18 toppings to choose from but since the line was long, we tried to decide as fast as we could.  Some of the toppings had "new" status on them so I'm guessing that they change their offerings from time to time.  The toppings that were available were: Spicy Chicharon, Caramel Popcorn, Edamame, Potato Chips, Crushed Oreos, Mini Mallows, Sea Salt Flakes, Freeze Dried Raspberries, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Gold Nuggets, Double Speculoos Cookies, Roasted Almonds, Quezo De Bola, Chocolate Crunch Balls, Honey Comb, Dessicated Coconut, Caramel Crunch Balls and Dried Mangoes.

After choosing our three toppings, we had to choose between Vanilla or Milk Chocolate for the Ice Cream Bar.  Then, we had to choose the coating.  I wasn't too please that they only have White Chocolate and Milk Chocolate for coating and drizzles.

I watched as my Magnum ice cream bar is made.

Step 1: Dip

Step 2:Add Toppings

Step 3: Add Drizzle

So here are our creations:

Milk Chocolate Coating with White Chocolate Drizzle Topped with Roasted Almonds, Freeze Dried Raspberry and Chocolate Crunch Balls Magnum Vanilla Ice Cream Bar (100 php)

Milk Chocolate Coating with White Chocolate Drizzle Topped with Edamame, Roasted Almonds and Dried Mangoes Magnum Vanilla Ice Cream Bar (100 php)

Milk Chocolate Coating with White Chocolate Drizzle Topped with Crunched Oreos,  Chocolate Crunch Balls and Caramel Crunch Balls Magnum Vanilla Ice Cream Bar (100 php)

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Glad I got to create my own Magnum Ice Cream Bar.  The price is very reasonable for the unique experience.  I heard Magnum Manila is only open for a year so catch it while you can.

Being back in SM Aura on my own, I went to my favorite solo food spot - the food court.  I haven't been back to Food on the Four since the mall newly opened, it's as grand as I remembered to be but with more options.  Adding to the already great options is Triple O's by White Spot.   

Triple O's by White Spot  is Canada's most popular burger chain. 
 
Upon glancing on the menu, I wished I was with some company because I wanted to try so much of their products.


I finally settled by ordering their best-selling items as suggested.  Upon ordering, I was given their buzzer.

Food

Monty Mushroom Combo Upgrade with Onion Rings (390 php + 100 php)

So here's what I got...  One full meal all just for me which is a bit pricey at 600 php.

Monty Mushroom

The Monty Mushroom is one of their best-sellers.  It has 100% fresh Canadian beef quarter pound patty, Monterey Jack cheese, grilled mushrooms, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato and signature Triple O sauce.  This burger was heavier than it looks because the patty is very lean.  I really liked that it was juicy and flavorful without the guilt.

Fries & Sides

Onion Rings with Triple O Fry Drip and additional Chiptotle Fry Dip (30 php)

Instead of Fries, I decided to pay a hefty additional price for Onion Rings.  As a default, it comes with a Triple O Fry Drip, but because I like something more spicy, I ordered an extra Chiptotle Fry Dip.  The Onion Rings were large in size.  In fact, I found it difficult to finish because I was so stuffed from my Monty Mushroom.

Milkshakes & Sundaes

Strawberry Small (150 php)

I recalled that my brother, who is not fond of milk shakes (or sweets in general), have specifically mentioned that Triple O's Strawberry milkshake is really good so having high respect for my brother's judgment, I ordered one.  I liked it.  It wasn't too thick or diluted.  The strawberry blend is pleasant to the taste buds.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I can understand why Triple O's by White Spot took Canada by the storm.  I definitely want to go back and try more of their offerings especially the burgers.  But, I do hope they make their Onion Rings a bit reasonably priced.

Brew Haus Pub & Eatery has recently opened at Mc Kinley Hill.  Aside from beer as implied from its name, I was eager to check out what Draft Gastropub's little brother has to offer.  So I'll go on with the food...

Food
 
Pub Bites

Ghost Wings (359 php)

The Ghost Wings claims to be the spiciest wings in the Metro.  It makes use of Ghost Chili which is the world's hottest chili.  Oh man!  I'm telling you it's not just a claim.  Upon serving, it already spread and intimidated all my companions with its strong pungent scent.  I managed to eat two of these but with the bleu cheese dip.  I haven't tried an intensely spicy wings since Chilli and Ink.  It's really sensational for a spicy food lover like me.

Classic Chicken Wings (195 php)

For those who want to be safe and enjoy the less intense buffalo wings, the Classic Chicken Wings is for you.  It's got a flavorful sauce with a tinge of fieriness to tickle the taste buds.

Chili Cheese Fries (250 php)

The Chili Cheese Fries is actually the fries version of a chili con carne.

Chicken Garlic and Chiptotle Cheese Fries (250 php)

I found the Chicken Garlic and Chiptotle Cheese Fries to be interesting.

Brewhaus Nachos Asian Pulled Pork (250 php)

Brewhaus Nachos Barbecue Pulled Pork (250 php)

Whether you go for the zesty flavor of the Brewhaus Nachos Asian Pulled Pork or the sweet, hickory and savory Brewhaus Nachos Barbecue Pulled Pork, you can't go wrong.

Mac and Cheese Bites (165 php)

Although I'm generally not a mac and cheese fan, I found the Mac and Cheese Bites fun to munch on.

Nachos and Chili Cheese Bean Dip (220 php)

If it were me, I'd be satisfied with this simple Nachos and Chili Cheese Bean Dip.

Brewhaus Fry Basket (295 php)

If you can't decide which finger food to go for, get the Brewhaus Fry Basket which is a mix basket of house fries, beer-battered fish fillet, breaded cripsy chicken fillet served with tartar sauce, ketchup and garlic dip.


Mains

Fish and Chips (180 php)

Meatballs (200 php)

For the Meatballs, you can choose between spaghetti or rice.  I'm used to having it with spaghetti so I went for it.  This is an affordable, delicious and hefty bowlful.

Asian Pulled Pork Rice Bowl (160 php)

The Asian Pulled Pork Rice Bowl is essentially the same as the nachos.  The Asian dressing actually goes well with any staple.

Pork Schnitzel (199 php)

You can opt to have your Pork Schnitzel with fries or rice.

Chilicon Carne Rice Bowl (180 php)

For chilicon carne lovers, you can have the Chilicon Carne Rice Bowl for a meal too.

Salisbury Steak (250 php)

For the a wholesome US Angus beef patties, I find the Salisbury Steak to be a great choice.  You can also choose to pair it with mac and cheese or steamed rice.

Brewhaus Fried Chicken (250 php)

I'm not sure if I was just enticed by the rest of the dishes I tried but I found the Brewhaus Fried Chicken to be my least favorite.  It seemed like the usual fried chicken to me.

Gourmet Grilled Sandwiches (Add 15 php for wheat or multigrain bread)

The Cubano (250 php)

One of my favorites is The Cubano.  It's got a wonderful play of flavors and texture with the pulled pork, cheddar cheese, emmental cheese, dill pickles, ham and chiptotle dressing.

Triple (175 php)

If you like classic grilled cheese, the Triple is definitely what you must order.  The blend of the cheddar, mozzarella and bleu cheese is simply delightful.  If you don't like bleu cheese go for the Double instead.

Grilled Cheese Burger (195 php)

The Grilled Cheese Burger  is a burger with grilled bread instead of buns securing the 1/3 US Angus beef patty.

All American (210 php)

The All American is another successful hit for me because I love sloppy joe!

Bacon, Mac and Cheese (220 php)

I was curious what the Bacon, Mac and Cheese would look like.  Consumption-wise, it wasn't for me.

Chiptotle Pulled Pork (245 php)

Desserts

Vanilla Pot De Creme (85 php)

Now, I confess I really don't like chocolate chip cookies.  But, I was blown away by this Vanilla Pot De Creme.  The thin, light and crispy chocolate chip cookie crumbs and very smooth and creamy vanilla pudding was just so perfect together that I couldn't stop digging in for more.

Drinks

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Brew Haus Pub & Eatery is a wonderful addition to Mc Kinley Hill.  I'm sure residents and employees in the area would love to swing by for their drinks and affordable meals.  I don't know any other place that serves gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and I have to admit, there are days I'd crave for one.