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.

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.

When my friend Sumi asked me to accompany her at Chilli & Ink in Teachers Village,  I was a bit skeptic because I thought it was a full-blown tattoo shop.  It was my understanding all along that I would be accompanying Sumi for a Henna tattoo and we would somehow be given a pica-pica snack as part of the service haha  XD

As we viewed it's facade with food posters, I began to understand that is also a dining place. 



This is the first time I've been to a tattoo shop but I'm guessing tattoo art displays are typical for those right?  The color ember red for its walls are appropriate with its branding as a chilli wings and tattoo shop.  There is a bar table in this area as an extended dining area.  If you're seated here then you back would be facing the Tattoo shop area.


They also have a Hall of Flames for those who became the fastest in conquering their Hot ng Ina Nyong Lahat Challenge.  If you don't beat the time record but finish  your meal, you get to put your name on the Survivors.


It's a typical hole in the wall type of place with small red wooden tables and black matching wooden chairs.  Even though we visited during the mid-afternoon, the place was packed with diners. Most of the diners are girls just like us. 

Food

Chilli Fingers (100 php)

The Chilli Fingers are fried rolls with our local siling haba (long green pepper) with cheese would be spicy.  Some of these are slightly spicy while some are bitterish.  It's like picking the lottery but I guess that just added more to the fun.  It is served with mayonnaise.

Chilli Con Carne

♥ Nachos with Chilli Con Carne (180 php)

The Nachos with Chilli Con Carne is enjoyable snack to munch on because the Chilli Con Carne gives an exciting hot kick to the taste buds.


Chicken
Although the normal serving portion is five pieces., you can request them for a smaller serving of three.  Don't hesitate asking the staff for suggestions on what to order as they are very friendly and knowledgeable about their offerings.  Most of our orders are Chicken wings simply because we love them!

Garlic Parmesan (220 php/5 pcs.)

The Garlic Parmesan is a fried wings covered in Parmesan and garlic powder.  This is a zesty and salty one making it advisable to be eaten with rice.  Unlimited rice is unbelievably only 25 php from 2 pm to 6pm so better grab that great deal!  You can also fully appreciate the crunchy coating and juicy chicken meat with this.

♥ Spicy Mango (150 php/5 pcs.)

I was really impressed with the Spicy Mango!  It is initially sweet and tangy followed by a slight hotness.  This is lip smackin' good!
 

Binagoongan (150 php/5 pcs.)

The Binagoongan is chicken wings rubbed with sweetened bagoong or shrimp paste.  The strong  sweet and salty flavor of this makes it a must to eat it with rice. 
 

♥ Hot ng Ina Nyong Lahat (150 php/5 pcs.)

My ultimate favorite is their Hot ng Ina Nyong Lahat.  It is covered in all red chilli sauce with chilli seeds on it.  I've never had a fiery hot wings as intense as this before.  Whew the spiciness spread and lingers in the mouth even after I've swallow it.  This is only three on their hotness level though.  You should try their Hot ng Ina Nyong Lahat Challenge which is level four.


Fish Fillet

♥ California (220 php)

Another interesting variant to try is the California which is fish fillet served with mango and wasabi sauce.  The crunchy-coated soft fish fillet is irresistible when dipped!  
 

♥ Wasabi (180 php)

I don't know why I was expecting a wasabi-mayonaise type.  But, I liked this more!  It is wasabi paste spread over the fish fillet.  Although Wasabi can also be applied to the chicken wings, we both agree that it's a better match with this. 

Cupcake

♥ Caramel Cupcake (50 php)

For a sweet ending, try their light and cotton fluffy Caramel Cupcake.  I'm not a fan of anything caramel but I enjoyed ever little bit of this.

Beverage

Iced Tea (35 php)

Update (Sept 2014): Read a post on their Facebook Fan Page "we will be temporarily closing to transfer to a bigger place where we can serve you better."  Went there and this was posted...

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I've got Chilli and Ink tattooed on my mind as one of the best chicken wings place in the Metro!  And, I thought it was just an add-on to the Tattoo Shop.  Silly me cause both their food and tattoo service are pride-worthy.  Their spiciness is the real deal.  Expect intense fiery hot wings as indicated on the menu.  Other variants are also fun and a must-try for foodies.  Bring your friends along too because the food is not only affordable, the serving size is also good for sharing.  If you're alone, not to worry too because they offer Budget Meals for as low as 99 php, you already have a complete meal with drinks.  They also offer FREE WiFi and the staffs are nice so it's the perfect hang out too.