It was a rainy night but it still didn't stop the family from celebration my uncle's birthday. We were invited to celebrate it at Lucky Star 88 Seafood Restaurant in Aseana China Town.
Food
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| Assorted Combination Cold Cuts (900 php) |
I must have had cold cuts more than a thousand times. But, this Assorted Combination Cold Cuts stood out because it had crispy wanton and a salad to go with it. The cold cuts were also delicious.
I have no idea what this soup was but it was good!
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| Pork Knuckles |
This Pork Knuckles was just okay.
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| Fried Noodles with Assorted Meat (480 php) |
Poor Fried Noodles with Assorted Meat, it seems in every lauriat dinner it is always the least favourite.
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| ♥ Braised Lamb in Hot Pot (1,280 php) |
It is the first time we had Braised Lamb in Hot Pot. It was spicy and soft so I enjoyed it. I liked
that it also had tofu skin which is my favorite but rarely get to eat.
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| ♥ Fried Pigeon |
Since we were little, we always look forward to having the Fried Pigeon. I recall those days we even love eating the brains in its. As we grew up, we realized it had too much cholesterol so we don't have them as much.
This vegetable, I don't know the name in English. I only know the Chinese name. My mom always seems to be very happy whenever she buys this from the market saying its a special day so I guess I grew to love it.
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| ♥ Live Shrimp |
The fresh seafood here is expensive. But to be fair, the Live Shrimp is really good.
This is another first. The dessert is Glass Jelly with slices of pineapple and melon.
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| Fresh Fruits |
Our elders doesn't seem to feel that our bill at Lucky Star 88 was justified. But, I enjoyed the new dishes but they are not as enthusiastic. Having an interest in psychology, I do acknowledge that it is scientifically proved that people prefer familiarity in everything though and food is no exception.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Lucky Star 88 Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★ | Barbecued | Cold Cuts 1 | Barbecued | Cold Cuts 2 | Barbecued | Cold Cuts 3 | Barbecued | Cold Cuts 4 | Barbecued | Cold Cuts 5 | Barbecued | Cold Cuts 6 | Sharks Fin Soup 1 | Shark's Fin Soup 2 | Soup 1 | Soup 2 | Abalone & Dried Sea Food 1 | Abalone & Dried Sea Food 2 | Seasonal Priced Sea Food | Sea Food 1 | Sea Food 2 | Sea Food 3 | Favorites 1 | Favorites 2 | | Favorites 3 | Favorites 4 | Favorites 5 | Favorites 6 | | Favorites 7 | Favorites 8 | Favorites 9 | Favorites 10 | | Favorites 11 | Favorites 12 | Vegetables | Rice & Noodles 1 | Rice & Noodles 2 | Dessert 1 | Dessert 2 | |
| Taste | ★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★ | |
| Price | ★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Lucky Star 88 | |
| Business Address | Bradco Ave, Parañaque, Metro Manila |
| Business Hours | 11am-11pm |
| Payment Options |  Cash |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 500-1,500 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | |
| Other | |
Ever since my siblings and I were little, we always had our differences but dining is one thing we all liked in common. So for our sisterly bonding, I decided to bring my little sister to Niu By Vikings' Podium Branch.
I still recall our first time to try Niu by Vikings at their SM Aura Branch. It was a fun experience and my siblings enjoyed their wine and beer on top of the food.
Food
Aside from the bright and more modern appeal of this branch, we found the food to look more enticing. We were told though that the chef is the same and each dish in SM Aura has a counterpart here.
Sushi Station
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| ♥ London Roll, ♥ Barcelona Roll |
On the basis of visual appeal, may I suggest making a first stop with the Sushi Station. Even if you think you're not hungry, I'm sure a sight of these rolls inspired from different parts of the world will whet your appetite and prepare you for the long food and drink buffet you have ahead. I was already salivating over the vibrant colors of the fish meats, the composed shapes of the rolls formed by the superb stickiness of quality rice grains and the rich blended sauce concocted by the sushi masters.
Take the Sushi Station for example. There are lots of fresh and brimming choices! From the basic sashimi to the most extravagant rolls and aburri. All my favorites are there! Yes, they have a lot of ♥ Salmon Sashimi!!!
Bread Station
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| Raisin Barb, Fruit and Nuts Bread, Foccacia, Load Bread and Croissant |
The Bread Station looks, feels and smells like a luxury hotel bakeshop. You can enjoy them with their soup and cheese and spreads. They also have freshly baked pizza selections.
Cheese and Dips Station
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| Bleu Cheese, Brie, Cheddar, Emmental, Grana Padano, Ham & Cheese Cream and Vegetable Terrine |
Cold Cuts Station
The sample size portions is a good enough reason for a taste test.
Seafood Station
But, we Tsinoys always have our eyes on the "price" wanting to get our moneys worth. And, we try to make our visit sulit with seafood selections! So, its more Baked Oysters with Cheese please!
Thus, we are guilty as charged for Crayfish hoarding! We locally refer to these as ulang.
Based on experience, whatever needs requesting is a rare find. So we knew that the Steamed Scallop must be ordered before the signage disappears. Indeed, this sea treasure was so soft and succulent.
Tempura and Katsu Station
If there's a part of a buffet that needs no introduction, it would be this! Niu serves them freshly fried as the fryer is on standby by the station.
Carving Station
No matter how big you belly at this point, be sure to save some space for the Angus Beef Belly. I bet beef lovers will find this satisfying for their satiable beef-craving!
Every steak lover knows that each part has its distinguished price. Thus the Angus Chuck Eye is well-known to be a poor man's Rib Eye. This part is near the rib eye so almost the same texture and taste but will offer a few peso savings.
When you're over with beef, you also can have the Leg of Lamb next.
Shawarma Station
It is also my first time to encounter a shawarma machine which was so cool!
Pasta Station
I missed out on the Foie Gras when I visited Niu for the first time. I've since learned to have this specialty served as soon as I arrive as the sign stated that it is only until supplies last.
The Foie Gras is kind of shy but here it is. This is so good!!!
There were six other pasta selection offers as a consolation. At least, that's how I see it. As I found the Truffled Cacio E Pepe to be the only disappointment among the dishes I ordered.
Shabu-Shabu Station
The hot pot or shabu-shabu is a concept shared between Niu and Vikings. I think its probably because the Vikings group also owns Four Seasons Buffet & Hotpot. So they ought to offer a bit of it with their other concepts.
Halo-Halo Station
To leave a lasting impression, Niu has a lot of decadent desserts to appease you sweet desires.
They also have fresh fruits if you prefer a healthy and holistic meal. What gave our feast a fine finish though is the ♥ Matcha and Chocolate Cake.
Drinks
Food is always paired with drinks.
And Niu has the widest range of drinks I have ever encountered. They have beer, coffee, cocktails, juice, tea, sake, shakes, soft drinks and wine. Do you agree that they didn't miss anything?
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Finally, my sister and I agreed on something. We both agree that our dinner at Niu is one of the best meals we've ever had! The service is good too! Spend your birthday and see what awesome performance they have!
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| Blinis Caviar, Shrimp Cocktail, Bacon Leeks with Gorgonzola Tartlets, Parma Ham, Chorizo, Mushroom Lyoner, Pepperoni and Peppered Lyoner |
Seafood Station
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| ♥ Baked Oysters with Cheese |
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| ♥ Crayfish |
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| ♥ Steamed Scallop (Upon Request) |
Dimsum
Diners of all ages, couldn't resist these cute dimsum selections! Not only are they too cute to devour on, they are also as delicious as the best Chinese restaurants in the Metro.
Tempura and Katsu Station
Carving Station
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| ♥ Angus Beef Belly |
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| Angus Chuck Eye |
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| ♥ Rib Eye |
Because Niu offers the Rib Eye just next to the Chuck Eye, I obviously passed on the latter. As expected it was served so juicy and tender at medium.
When you're over with beef, you also can have the Leg of Lamb next.
Shawarma Station
Pasta Station
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| ♥ Foie Gras |
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| ♥ Foie Gras |
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| Truffled Cacio E Pepe |
Shabu-Shabu Station
Halo-Halo Station
Aside from freshly made crepes with fillings of you choice, you can order them to make our Filipino favorite Bibingka and ♥ Puto Bumbong.
Drinks
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Finally, my sister and I agreed on something. We both agree that our dinner at Niu is one of the best meals we've ever had! The service is good too! Spend your birthday and see what awesome performance they have!
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Niu by Vikings Rates | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★ | Adult Weekday Lunch: 938 php Weekday Dinner, Weekend and Holiday: 1,498 php Kids Below 3ft.: FREE 3-4ft, 3-7 years old Weekday Lunch: 308 php 3-4ft, 3-7 years old Weekday Dinner, Weekend and Holiday: 408 php 4.1-4.6ft, 8-10 years old Weekday Lunch: 618 php 4.1-4.6ft, 8-10 years old Weekday Dinner, Weekend and Holiday: 718 php Senior: 50% off |
| Taste | ★★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Niu by Vikings | |
| Business Address | Fifth Floor, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila |
| Business Hours | 10am-10pm |
| Payment Options | Cash |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 1,000-1,600 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (02) 845-4647 |
| Other | |
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