Although its been a very long time since I last dined at Arya, I felt a nostalgic feeling.

Food
When I opened the menu, indeed it is similar.  The selections and the price looked pretty much how I remembered it especially being expensive.  Yes, it used to be one of the most expensive options in Robinson's Place.  Yet, somehow I found that quite surprising since after all these years, the price seemed relatively the same.  So given the rate of inflation and my financial capacity, I thought it was reasonably priced now.

♥ Arya Dip Platter (342 php)

For starters, the Arya Dip Platter with Hummus (chick peas), Motabal (smoked eggplant) and Tziziki (cucumber) is a great option.

Lamb (with pita bread)

♥ Gourmeh Sabzi (497 php)

The person who treated me this Gourmeh Sabzi for my birthday once taught me a very valuable lesson I will never forget in my entire life when he told me, "Why do you value things based on how much they are priced?  Not all things that are expensive are special and vice versa."  Since then, the way I value things changed.  But, this Gourmeh Sabzi, stew of lamb sauteed in minced coriander leaves, parsley, cilantro and red beans is really good!  I'd order it regardless of the price. =p
 

♥ Arya Sini (698 php)

The Arya Sini is a mixed of their specialty grills: Mahi (tanigue), Royal Joojeh (chicken breast) , Beef Koobideh (ground beef seasoned with spices) and Beef Shish (tenderloin marinated in yogurt and saffron).  While this looks expensive, you can share it for two.  But, I wouldn't because I love it.  

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
One of my favorite cuisine is Persian.  And, I can't think of another restaurant specialising in Persian that can beat Arya.  I will surely come back for more.

Last year, the family lined during the opening hype of Ippudo Ramen at the Mega Fashion Hall at SM Megamall.  We were quite satisfied with the experience so when they opened at our neighboring mall (Robinsons Place Manila), we revisited it again.


As expected, the crowd in Robinson's Place Manila is not as much as in SM Megamall.  The interiors are less grand here too.  But, it is more spacious.

While waiting for our order, we were served a complimentary hot tea.

Food

Ramen

♥ Shiromaru Motoaji (375 php)

Ippudo only has a handful of ramen selections which makes deciding on what to order easy.  For me the best is the Shiromaru Motoaji and I'd order it again on my next visit.

♥ Shiromaru Special (480 php)

For guys like my brother, he prefers the Shiromaru Special.  It has an extra chashu, egg and nori sheets.

Karaka-Men (390 php)

If you prefer a stronger flavor,  you can opt for the Karaka-Men which is their Hakata-style ramen with their special pork dashi broth plus special spicy minced meat, miso paste and garlic oil.

Gyoza & Buns

♥ Ippudo Pork Bun (100 php)

The Ippudo Pork Bun is the best-seller in their New York branch.  I've read in some blogs that this Philippine version is fattier.  Well, no complaints here because we love this as much as their ramen.  We always order this and 1 or 2 for each too.

Ala Carte

Curry Cheese Harumaki (190 php)

The Curry Cheese Harumaki is worth a try but not as great as the others.

Drinks

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Everyone craves for ramen once in awhile.  We're glad that Ippudo Ramen is now very accessible to us when we do.

A few weeks ago, I was invited to the grand opening of Pezzo Pizza in our neighboring mall: Robinson's Place Manila.

Due to the tremendous summer heat, I've been wallowing at home.  And, something as fun and tempting as Pezzo Pizza was exactly what I needed to get me up and excited.  

Pezzo Pizza originated in in November 2012 in Ion Orchard, Singapore and has quickly expanded to other Asian countries such as Malaysia, China, Myanmar, Brunei, Indonesia and now it's here in the Philippines.  As you can see from it's pizza tray, they sell pizza by the slice.  And, their pricing scheme is for 1, 3 and 6 (whole) slices.  The one in Robinson's Place Manila is just a take out counter but they will be opening 4 more branches within this year and some of those will have a dine in.

They make use of imported ingredients.  They freshly pan-bake their pizzas so the fragrance is really tempting for passebys.  Did I mention that their pizzas are thick but pillow-soft? 


Each Pezzo Pizza is filled with toppings.  And, their blend is distinguishable from other brands.


They only have 1 size for their whole pizza and that is a standard of 14 inch.  Their pizza selection is divided into two series: Carnival and Gala which only matter if you order 1 slice because the pricing is different.  The Carnival series is slightly cheaper.  But if you order, 3 and 6 slices the prices are the same for both series.

During the opening we got to try some of their offerings!  Although I wanted to try them all, I just couldn't because their pizza slices are thick, big and topping-filled.  Luckily, I won myself a whole pizza by spinning the wheel. 

Carnival Series

Cheesy Cheese (89 php)

The Cheesy Cheese is like a five-cheese pizza with Mozzarella, Cheddar, Edam, Parmesan and Feta Cheese.

Hola Hawaiian (89 php)

The Hola Hawaiian is topped with Turkey Ham, Bacon, Sweet Pineapples topped with Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese.

♥ Very Veggie (89 php)

I really liked the Very Veggie with Onions, Mushrooms, Green Peppers, Sweet Pineapples & Diced Tomatoes.  It delivered a sweet and zesty combination with a light and refreshing tone.
 

♥ Big Daddy (89 php)

Meat lovers will definitely fall in love with the Big Daddy with Minced Beef, Turkey Ham, Italian Sausages, Four Cheese...
 

♥ Big Daddy (89 php)

with a dash of sweet and peppery BBQ Sauce. 

Gala Series

Chicken Delight (110 php)

The Chicken Delight has Breast of Chicken strips, Onions, Mushrooms & Turkey Bacon

♥ Fisherman’s Favourite (110 php)

What really caught my attention was the Fisherman’s Favourite with Tuna Chunks, Shrimps, Spinach, Onions, Red Pepper, Tomatoes, Oregano & Basil topped with Mozzarella Cheese.  I failed to try this so I'll definitely order this next!

Update (May 5, 2016): The family ordered this and it was so good! This is now my new found fave!

Meat Munchers (110 php)

The Meat Munchers is a heavy meal by itself with Ground Beef, Beef Salami, Beef Pepperoni, Turkey Ham, Beef Bacon and Italian Sausages.

♥ Mexican Mania (110 php)

Being a spicy lover, I really liked the Mexican Mania with Minced Beef, Red Onion, Tomatoes, Jalapenos, Herbs, Mozzarella Cheese topped with Chili Sauce.

♥ Supremo (110 php)

The Supremo is another one from the Gala Series that I'd recommend.  It has Turkey Ham, Beef Salami, Beef Pepperoni, Onions, Green Peppers, Mushrooms, Black Olives & Turkey Bacon

Limited Edition

♥ Chicken Satay

Every different country has a limited edition for a certain period of time.  We got to try the Chicken Satay which is really amazing!  The sweet peanuty sauce complements the chicken satay as well as the cheese well.  

Update (May 5, 2016): Got to try the ♥ Hot Chick and it's now my spicy fave!

Compared to their Asian branches, I noticed that the pricing here in the Philippines is way cheaper so let's take advantage!  I can't wait to try more of their offerings.  I hope they bring some of their interesting flavors like Sambal Ikan Bilis, Chicken Rendang and Singa Laksa here too.  If you want to try more of their variants, get the 6 flavors in a pan.

Tip (Opening Promo): Plus 50% off on your next whole pizza until May 15, 2016.