A long time ago, our mom would leave us with our yayas to play in the playground at the center of Glorietta while she goes shopping.  As much as we loved to play on the ropes and on the slides, we also loved it when our mom would come and fetch us because we would always ask her to buy us some Lil' Orbits Mini Donuts.

During that time, Krispy Kreme with its giant donut making factory has not arrived in the Philippines so my siblings and I loved watching the mini donut making machine of Lil' Orbits each time. 

Years later, we outgrew the joys of a simple play time.  But, we would still buy some Lil' Orbits whenever we shop there with our mom.  As we grew older and we had our own errands, buying Lil' Orbits for pasalubong became a practice.   

Until one day, all the food stalls in the Glorietta center moved out including Lil' Orbits.  Years went by and we thought Lil' Orbits was gone forever.  

Can you imagine our joy when we saw a Lil' Orbits stall at SM Mall of Asia By The Bay as we were walking our dogs?  And, it even has a 3 dozen for P100 promo.  We kept buying there every time eat out or walk our dog in the area.  But once again, it suddenly disappeared. 

One time we were in Alabang Town Center and there it was!  So again we happily bought one.  A few months later, we went all the way to Alabang to try Chairman Wang's.  After dinner we hurried to Alabang Town Center (not to mention pay extra parking fee) just to buy a Lil' Orbits but it was once again gone!

One time I was in Market! Market! and I spotted Lil' Orbits there so I bought some.  I asked the staff why oh why are their branches disappearing.  And, he mentioned there was one in Taft.  I was surprised as it was very near my place.  I took some time to find it and I did.  It is located at the back of the College of Saint Benilde but it closes at earlier than malls.  It closes at around 6 pm.

Every time I could pass by early, I would buy some for the family.  Everyone was thrilled whenever I bring some home.  

But, the last time I bought some and watched the mini donut making process, I noticed that the oil was darker and the mini donuts came out darker as well.  As, I've already paid for them, I might as well bring them home right?  The family noticed the difference.  In fact, they found it difficult to finish.  And, so I guess that was the last time I'm buying one.  And, this is were my Lil' Orbit tale ends.

Lil' Orbits Mini Donuts
Business Address	Taft Metro Manila
Business Hours	11am-6pm
Payment Options	Cash
Product Price Range	21-40

On every occasion and even on random days, the family loves to gather to eat, play and hang out.  As you can probably infer from my blog posts, sometimes we eat out.  On other times, we cook out.  I don't know how we actually come up with the theme.  But, it's probably based on our moods and ingredient availability like our barbecue grill night out in the garden, seafood night's when we are able to buy fresh seafood on bargain price from the nearby dampa.  And, recently, when my relatives came home with 10 kilos worth of Australian steak and abalone, we had Australian food night. 

We really prefer just a house party.  Because after, we could all watch a movie.  Recenlty we're into playing video games or board games more.  

There are a number of times when we want to have a house party but are lazy to cook.  Our resolution for that it to implement a potluck system.  One of those times, I suggested bringing over Stevie's Hainanese Chicken.

I just googled it on the net and found their fan page along with their contact number.  I called and ordered for 3 Traditional Rice Sets.  We picked it up hot on our preferred time at 21 Libra Street in Bel Air Village in Makati.  The guard pretty much knows where it is and pointed it out to us upon entry.

One Traditional Rice Set includes: 1 whole chicken, 5 cups of rice and 4 sauces: topping, chili, ginger and sweet soy.
Upon opening the chicken package, it's fragrant steamy essence captivated and enticed everyone to try it.  And, upon trying,  everyone was impressed!  Even my cousin who stayed and studied in Singapore gave her approval. 

It was very succulent and flavorful.  Prior to this, Tao Yuan tops our list for Hainanese Chicken.  Now, I think this is a close tie with that.


I really like their packaging.  It has a label so it's basically fool-proof.

And, it makes it easy to open and ready to serve as well.


The Hainanese Chicken Rice is the best one I've had yet!

We didn't reheat because we consumed them right after pick up.  But, it has instruction on how to reheat it even after a day.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
If you want to impress your guests, then bring them some Stevie's Hainanese Chicken!  This is a definite must try!

Stevie's Hainanese Chicken
Pick-Up Address	21 Libra Street in Bel Air Village Makati, Metro Manila
Contact	(02) 896-8940 | (0906) 508-4155
Other	Facebook Fan Page
Business Hours	By Appointment
Payment Options	Cash
Product Price Range	980-1,130

P.F. Chang's arrived in the Philippines sometime three years ago.  It was formerly in Alabang and Fort Bonifacio Global City and now, it is in Shangri-La Plaza East Wing.


There was a lot of rave about this at first.  But, after all the publicity, the fame toned down.  Since we have tried almost all restaurants in that wing, we figured we'd give it this US Asian-themed Chinese Bistro a try.

Food

Starter

♥ Seared Ahi with Wasabi Guacamole (595 php)

The Seared Ahi with Wasabi Guacamole was really good!  In fact, because of this starter, we felt very optimistic and excited for the upcoming dishes that we ordered.

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Spring Rolls (275 php)

 The Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Spring Rolls was just okay.  I guess I was expecting the lemongrass chicken to stand out but it didn't.

Dimsum 

Xiao Long Bao (125 php)

We were really disappointed with the Xiao Long Bao.  Just look at it.  The soup has already escaped.  And, because of that this is by far the worst Xiao Long Bao we've had yet.

Soups

Hot & Sour Soup (245 php)

The Hot & Sour Soup is my all-time favorite soup.  For me, this is passable. 

♥ Egg Drop Soup (195 php)

The Egg Drop Soup is a better choice if I had to choose between the two.

Salads

♥ Chicken Chopped Salad (385 php)

The Chicken Chopped Salad has two options for dressing: Ginger or Sesame-Vinaigrette.   We chose the former and it was a great choice!

Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken (395 php)

The Kung Pao Chicken is our family favorite dish so we have tried many versions.  This was good but we've had better.

Singapore Street Noodles (425 php)

We enjoyed the Singapore Street Noodles.  But, price-wise, it is one expensive noodle dish.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Sad to say, I failed to appreciate the why P. F. Chang's beings a US Chinese bistro chain have to be brought here in the Philippines.  Being in an Asian country where there are a lot of Chinese and China, Hongkong and Taiwan being our neighboring countries, I think there are many better options already found here.

One of the restaurant groups I admire as it has stood the test of time is LJC group.  This time I was out to try LJC's Larry's Cafe & Bar in Serendra Bonifacio Global City.  




Compared to the more spacious Cafe Adriatico, Bistro Remedios and Abe's Farm which I have visited in the past, Larry's has its distinct modern and cozy interior. 

I actually thought that LJC restaurants focused more on Filipino cuisine but looking at the menu of Larry's, I noticed that they had a whole range of comfort food from mid-priced to upper-scale items such as their Jamon Serrano.  It also covers all meals of the day as they even have breakfast meals.  They also have shisha (Arabian water pipe) available in different fruity flavors


It also has a chiller filled with their delicious cakes which makes it an ideal stopover for an afternoon snack or dessert.  They have a large selection of drinks such as milkshakes and tea to pair with the cakes too.  As the family quickly finished the Sansrival slice I brought home for them, we could probably try more of their cakes on another visit.


Food
 
Appetizer

Empanaditas (165 php)

To start our meal, we had the Empanaditas filled with spinach and pine nuts.  It has the right flakiness and thickness so I enjoyed the pastry shell.  I can't help but be amazed that this does not taste like greens or healthy at all.  I bet kids and those who don't like their leafy vegetables will enjoy this too.
 

Vegetable Samosas (150 php)

The Vegetable Samosas was served with sweet and tangy tamarind dip.  

Vegetable Samosas (150 php)

Each Vegetable Samosas had a delicately crisp shell that delivers a wonderful crackle before bursting with its surprisingly juicy and flavorful vegetable filling in every bite.

♥ Eggplant Caprese (295 php)

Beautifully plated in a long platter are the bite-size Eggplant Caprese.  The roasted eggplant, Laguna white cheese and arugula sprinkled with pesto and olive oil melodically mixed well together.

♥ Baked Bone Marrow with Garlic (295 php)

Served with a warm basket of bread, the Baked Bone Marrow with Garlic eaten as a spread is so irresistible that I felt all my worries of its guiltiness melted away when its heavenly, garlicky and buttery savoriness slowly massaged my tongue imploring me to welcome more of it into my belly.  

Salads

Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad (220 php)

The Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad was served on a square vase-like glass cup.  It was a playful presentation with the green romaine lettuce on the side and diced watermelon and feta cheese cubes on the center with a drizzle of white balsamic vinaigrette.  

Main Course

♥ American Beef Stew (460 php)

The American Beef Stew is US top blade beef slowly cooked so it's very soft that even its tasty nutritious ligaments were easy to mince.  The sauce is rich and zesty which makes it very enticing especially with its its mashed potato siding. 

♥ Larry's Lamb Curry (595 php)

The Larry's Lamb Curry is one of the best lamb dishes I have ever had.  This could easily fool those who are against a lamb's gamey taste as it was very clean tasting and soft that you'd think it was beef.  The cashew curry blend was rich in spice yet creamy and smooth as well.  It is served with diced fried bananas, boiled egg and raisins.

♥ Fillet of Galunggong a La Nicoise (295 php)

The Fillet of Galunggong a La Nicoise is the most extravagant version I've encountered.  There was not a hint of fishiness in it and because it is boneless, I found it pleasurable to munch.  

Chicken Scaloppini Pancetta (395 php)

The Chicken Scaloppini Pancetta is a huge portion of flattened chicken breast fillet bathe in an alluring creamy Italian bacon and mushroom sauce.  You can choose your side: french fries, mashed potatoes or steamed rice.  We had the first option.


Panini

Verdura Panini (255 php)

An equally hefty meal by itself is the Verdura Panini.  Filled with onion zucchini, tomato and gooey melted mozzarella with basil pesto, this is a must try.   

Souffles

Grand Marnier Souffle (265 php)

The Grand Marnier Souffle looks fantastic with its big puff that of course collapse once I had my spoonful of its minty fruity white foam of goodness.  It comes with three mini slice of orange that you can suck on to contrast the sweetness. 

Desserts

♥ Pecan Tart (155 php)

Nut addicts like me will find the Swiss-style Pecan Tart delightful.  It is simply crushed pecan nuts and caramel laid on a tart shell.  

♥ Lava Cake (165 php)

Being a chocoholic, the Lava Cake got me excited. It is served with vanilla ice cream topped with sliced almonds.  

♥ Lava Cake (165 php)

 It's rich oozing chocolate lava is enough to draw the chocoholic in me. 

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Overall, the dishes at Larry's Cafe & Bar exceeded my expectations.  Each dish was well-executed and portion is good for sharing.