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.

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.

One Friday night, my mom finally gave in to her curiosity to try Flaming Wings after she's heard about it from us over the years. 


It's been a long time since I dropped by the place again.  Yet, it has the same feel.  The small diner is crowded with students, the place is lightly ventilated with a few fans, tables are close to each other so you can hear the chatterings from other tables and each table has a pack of paper napkin.  This may not be your ideal cozy dining venue, but people come here ready to get their hands messy and gratify themselves with the food. 

Food

Greenery

Caesar Salad (120 php)

We never missed the chance to order salad when available so we ordered our favorite one, the Caesar Salad.  The price is reasonable as the greens were fresh and crunchy and it had generous servings of parmesan cheese, bacon bits and croutons too.
 

♥Lettuce Wrap (120 php)

The Lettuce Wrap is our favorite!  Although it doesn't exactly fit in the American Buffalo Wing theme, we don't mind.  These crispy noodles topped with minced chicken and bathe drenched in Asian sauce eaten atop a lettuce leaf is simply irresistible.


Buffalo Wings

♥15 Wings (705 php)

Everyone of my siblings forgot the portions were for serving size so we ordered the 15 Wings which was served in two baskets with three choices of dip.  We had one basket with their Original signature sauce and the other Wild.  Their wings had a nice crunchy coating that's fun to eat.  The Original had a nice tangy taste with a bit of a zing.  While, the Wild is blazing with heat.  I guess I have a bit of a heat tolerance built throughout the years so I enjoyed it while my siblings managed it with a few glasses of cold water.  

For the dips, we had Bleu Cheese, Wasabi Mayo and Aoli.  For the Wild, I found it best paired with the Bleu Cheese.   The Wasabi Mayo and Aoili dip were light tasting so they are good with any of their signature sauce.

3 Wings (243 php)

For the 3 wings, we chose the Mild n' Sweet with Honey Mustard dip.  I personally prefer the Original over this.  But, those who like their dishes sweet will like this.  The Honey Mustard dip is perfect for it too.

Sides

Rice Pilaf (25 php)

Their Rice Pilaf is a bang for the buck option for sides.  It is fragrant and tasty.

Sweet Endings

♥Wicked Oreos (75 php)

For our sweet endings, we ordered their famous Wicked Oreos.  As an ultimate Oreo fanatic, I could never miss this for anything in the whole wide world.  I indulged myself in every chewy bite of these deep-fried battered treats.  Of course, its best eaten ala mode style or with vanilla ice cream similar to eating Oreos with a cool glass of milk.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Flaming Wings will always be a crowd favorite at Taft despite the many stablishments that have sprouted out and about in the area.  The news of how great its Wings, Tenders and Buffalo Wings has spread like wild fire from batches to batches in the surrounding schools.  It's a wing place that can tame anyone's craving for an affordable price.