Hole-in-the-Wall in Century Mall has been raved for quite some time now.  Since the family and I haven't tried it I invited them there for my birthday blowout so we could all experience it together.  I'll start this in a series starting with Bad Bird.

We arrived there at around 6pm and the place was already packed.  We were a group of 20+ so it was really tough to find a seat where we could all stick together so we had to talk to the staff if they could open the second floor for us.  After a few minutes of consideration, they complied.  

Bad Bird had the longest line so while waiting for the relatives, I already ordered for everybody.  But, big brother and the guys were the ones who volunteered to pick up the orders when the buzzer beeped.

Food

Fried Chicken Plates (2 Substantial Cuts of Fried Chicken w/ your choice of Spicy Level )

♥ Waffle Plate (290 php)

The Waffle Plate comes with 2 pieces of fried chicken, 2 pieces of sweet potato and miso butter maple syrup.
 

♥ Corn & Coleslaw Plate (330 php)

The Corn & Coleslaw Plate comes with 2 pieces of fried chicken, corn on a stick with Kewpie, cheese, bonito flakes, togarashi and kimchi coleslaw.

♥ Dirty Rice Plate (320 php)

The Dirty Rice Plate comes with 2 pieces of fried chicken with fried rice with bacon, chicken liver and tamago, kimchi and 2 pieces of hush puppies.

Everyone loved the Umami Fried Chicken.  I can feel that it was heavily dusted with spices but taste-wise the blend is just right.  What really stands out was its crunchiness.  It was also tender and juicy.

Trying the sides: Waffles, Corn on a Stick, Kimchi Coleslaw and ♥Dirty Rice, it was really difficult to choose which is the best.  But, I noticed that the most popular one is the ♥Dirty Rice.


Bites

♥ Hush Puppies (160 php)

The Hush Puppies are golden fried corn bread in ball-shape dusted with black pepper and topped with scallions and served with the miso butter maple syrup.  When I first brought this, it didn't make a tempting appeal compared to the other orders.  When we tried it alone, it was really good.  But, dipping it in the miso butter maple syrup makes it even better as it over rides the oiliness.


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Bad Bird is definitely rave-worthy.  But, because it is is quite pricey, you really can't expect people to enjoy is as much as often as our favorite fast food fried chickens.

They are so many things in life that can brighten up my day like traveling far north to chill at a hole-in-the-wall burger and wings joint plus board game cafe called Burger Company. Yes, the best of all three worlds!


Burger Company is actually the reopened Boulevard Diner which I shared two years ago.   Not that I didn't like the old Boulevard Diner with a retro 50's American ambiance.  But, I'm totally sold by Burger Company's offer of play and WiFi all you want for a minimum order of 150 php.   

Yes, I happen to be a game geek and I'm quite thrilled that they have the best table top games like Rio Grande games' Settlers of Catan and Carcassone.  I'm one of the many who are actually glad that game cafes are now more reasonably priced.  A few years back, we used to spend thousands at the closed down Game Crab Cafe just to play.  

It has a laid back and fun vibe. 



They also have a eating challenge for their burger and wings.  I want to try this on my next visit. =)

Unfortunately, I didn't know about them being a board game cafe concept otherwise, I would have visited with game geek friends.  But, my visit was not bad too, since I got to discover and play (and win) a Taiwanese card game called Super Rhino. 

Food
What sets Burger Company apart from other board game cafes is that it was a diner specializing in food first before they added the board game cafe so you're assured with their food quality.

Starters

♥ Homemade Bacon Dippers Sharing (165 php)

To start our meal right or should I say wrong but worth every bit of the guilt, we ordered the Homemade Bacon Dippers.  It's better than eating the ordinary crispy bacon because it has added oil and crunchiness.  I like it as is.  But, you can also dip it on the cheese sauce if you want.

Angus Beef Burgers

Green Chile & Sour Cream Single Patty (205 php)

The Green Chile & Sour Cream is a burger that will give you a sizzling spice with those green chili.  But, not to worry as the sour cream neutralizes it a bit.  I like their soft oatmeal buns and their chargrilled USDA Angus Beef patties are satisfying for the price.

♥ Gorgonzola & Mushroom Single Patty (205 php)

The Gorgonzola & Mushroom is my kind of burger.  If I would create my own burger, it would be something like this.  I find the combination of gorgonzola dressing and oyster mushroom to be really hearty for a mushroom and cheese lover like me.

The Striker's Burger Single Patty (249 php)

If you love cheese sauce like most of my companions, The Striker's Burger is for you.  I liked the idea of adding crispy crisscut fries and champignon mushroom on it too.

Chicken Wings

♥ Cocoa & Chili Bantam Weight (140 php)

The Cocoa & Chili has a nice bitter-sweetness followed by a spicy kick.  Their wings are saucy and right-sized (not skinny).

Smoked Chili Bantam Weight (140 php)

The Smoked Chili is a mildly sweet but dominantly fiery.  It was good but I'd still prefer spicy buffalo wings over it.


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Whether it's for burgers, wings or board games (added a star for this!), head on over to Burger Company.  If only this place is within my turf, this would be my ideal chill spot.

 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 always had an immense enthusiasm towards Thai cuisine.  So this time, I went to try Mango Tree Bistro which is similar to the Mango Tree I've tried at Bonifacio High Street Central serving authentic Thai cuisine but a bit different concept.  


The place is dimly lit with black walls, black tables and dark lofts.   I love the interiors.  It's exudes artistry from the floors to the ceiling.  It has a small bar and alfresco area too.

The menu is simple with pictures of the dishes, name and prices spread out in a two-sided page.  Everyone especially those who are not familiar with Thai cuisine will find the layout helpful.

Food

Charcoal Grill

Gai Tha Krai Yang (330 php)

The Gai Tha Krai Yang is grilled Thai herb chicken with lemon grass served with Northeastern Thai dipping sauce.  This was a love at first bite experience for me as the chicken meat was so tender, juicy and exploding with refreshing lemon grass essence.  It's even better when dipped with Northeastern Thai dipping sauce.

Grapow Moo (380 php)

The Grapow Moo is stir-fried pork with garlic, fresh hot basil and chili.  This is quite spicy so I love it.  The basil leaf is a great complement in a way that it is a refreshing relief to contrast the spiciness.  The pork bits are so soft and easy to chew. 

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I'm glad I've encountered more Thai dishes at Mango Tree Bistro.  I'd definitely would love to check out more of their dishes.  Their price is affordable and they make use of authentic Thai ingredients.

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.