I've been to many food crawls before.  Yet, I could never seem to get used to it.  Each time I end up surprised to see a series of feast waiting to be devoured and of course, the company I'm sharing it with.

It has an interior that is similar to a heritage Filipino home.  It was so comfortable that we didn't notice the time flew by as we sat down and dined.

Food

Salads

Caesar (295 php)

As expected from any LJC group restaurant, classic dishes like this Caesar salad is executed perfectly.  

Paellas

♥ Paella Valenciana (650 php)

These days, I've been eating rice-free meals.  But, I guess I'm to weak against the fragrant and flavorful Paella Valenciana.  A taste of this was not enough, I had to succumb and devour even to the crispy brownish layer.  

Main Courses

Inihaw na Sugpo (675 php)

Look at the precise grill marks on the Inihaw na Sugpo.  You could tell by the looks that each bite into its soft and tender meat delivered a delicious juice that fills your mouth with a wonderful sensation.

♥ Costillas de Ternero Guisada Sharing (750 php)

I'm happy to be acquainted with the lavishing Costillas de Ternero Guisada.  The tender beef had a sauce that an exquisite red wine essence that lingers on your taste buds.

♥ Spanish Garlic Chicken (395 php)

I don't think there's any dish that could dazzle the entire crowd like the Spanish Garlic Chicken.  Who would have thoughts that chicken with a bountiful amounts of garlic cloves would be an irresistible culinary masterpiece?  It reminds me of the words of wisdom my mentor Ed shared to us "Your can compare cooking to life.  Life is simple,  You only need to have the essential ingredients to make you happy."

Black Pata Sharing (850 php)

The Black Pata is actually one of my favorite Chinese dishes.  Unfortunately, we don't cook this at home because it's too tedious to prepare so I am so happy when I get a chance to have this.  Our former cook used to cook this dish excellently.  Because of him, I had high standards.  This version passed my standards in terms of meat texture.  It's just too rich and sweet for me.

Vegetables

Adobong Puso ng Saging at Gambas (295 php)

While the Adobong Puso ng Saging at Gambas does not appear to be as grand as the other dishes, it served an essential part of our meal.  It had a refreshing tangy flavor brought by the harmonious mix of vinegar and soy that reset our palates after having the more savory dishes.

Noodles, Pasta, and Rice

♥ Pancit Sotanghon sa Baby Pusit (345 php)

The Pancit Sotanghon sa Baby Pusit  with a hint of kamias and squid ink on the bouncy crystal clear noodles brought a tasty massage in every mouthful.  This reminded me of the Pancit Puti which I tried at Mangan.  Both were pancit sotanghon dishes with kamias.  But, the Pancit Puti had chicken essence while this one had squid ink essence.

Desserts

Gigil Tart (199 php)

Despite the name, I didn't have a memorable sensation when I had the Gigil Tart.  I loved coconut and salted egg but its just that Baklava stole the dessert limelight and casted a shadow over this.

Mango and Almond Panna Cotta (245 php)

I love panna cotta because I love milk.  Even though I was lactose intolerant, I would cheat as a child and eat powdered milk whenever I could.  However, I found the Mango and Almond Panna Cotta to be overly sweetened that it overpowers the milky flavor I yearn for.

♥ Baklava (275 php)

Because I'm a huge fan of pistachio nuts, I fully appreciate the Baklava.  The Baklava I have encountered in the past is a light, slightly greasy and flaky square type.  This is different and has a defining characteristic.  It has a crisp coating and crunchy filling.  It is not greasy at all.  I liked it very much!

Drink List

Fresh Juices

Ripe Mango Juice (145 php)

So happy to find my way to Lorenzo's Way!  Thanks Zomato for inviting me.

Lorenzo's Way
Branches	GREENBELT G/F Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center Makati City, Metro Manila Phone: (02) 729-0047 / 729-0013 Seating capacity: Main dining 55 / Al Fresco 75 BONIFACIO HIGH STREET CENTRAL 2nd Level, C2 Building, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Phone:  (02)  621-3163 to 64
Business Hours	Lunch: 11am-3pm Dinner: 5pm-11pm
Payment Options	Cash
Service Charge	10%
Budget/Person	400-1.000
Free WiFi	Yes
Other	Website

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Last Mother's Day, my siblings and I decided to treat our mom to a dinner Ziggurat Cuisine.  


It's really difficult to decide what to give to a woman who has given you her life and asking nothing in return.  She is always saying that she's already happy as things are.  Yet, we love her so much so we want to give her the world.  But, right now, we couldn't afford to treat her to a trip around the world so we the next best thing is to bring her to Ziggurat Cuisine that offers over 200 dishes from India, the Mediterranean, Africa and Middle East. 


Ziggurat Cuisine is located at Tigris Street and Durban Street near Makati Avenue.  It's unique facade really stands out.
The dining area is quite limited so aside from the long table on the side, small tables are set up with pillow seats.

Utensils are set up as soon as our orders are taken.

In honor of Mother's Day, I would like to dedicate this post to my mom.  I know everyone claim's that their mom is the best.  Well, my mom really is the best person I've ever encountered.
Most people are driven by pride, self-achievement, materialism and survival instincts - all reared towards ourselves.  But, my mom is different.  She's a giver.  She does everything for others and never (not exaggerating here!) thinks of herself.   I know I will never be as great as my mom.  (although I always strive to be).   But, I know that where I am and where I will be is because of my mom.   Because of my mom, I can positively view life with all its beauty and colors.  I've seen my mom's heart radiate through all kind of obstacles and hardships.  Her non-stop laughter, happiness and feeling of gratitude towards God and the world is unwavered by losses and gains.  And, every moment is so wonderfully bright as we enjoy working diligently, eating out, dancing, singing, watching movies, trying  new things and exploring the world.  

Food

Shurabat/Soupes/Sopas/Zuppas/Soups

♥ Canja (75 php)

The Canja is a Moroccan chicken soup with lemon and mint.  This is one of the most refreshing soups I've ever encountered.

♥ Indian Khumbi Yogurt (90 php)

The Indian Khumbi Yogurt is a creamy mushroom soup with a interesting spices: cumin, pepper, lemon and garlic.

Middle Eastern Kebabs

♥ Scallop Kebab (300 php)

The Scallop Kebab is one of the best kebabs I've ever tried.  I didn't even know you could make a kebab out of scallops.   The light butter, lemon, paprika and garlic worked wonderfully.

Rabbit Kebab (300 php)

We were all determined to try something exotic so we chose the Rabbit Kebab.  It was prepared using an early Arabian recipe.  It was heavily seasoned with paprika (something we failed to appreciate) with a hint of lemon, parsley, salt, mustard and olive oil.  It was so rubbery and difficult to chew. 

Rice and Grain

Turkish Eggplant Pilavi (100 php)

The Turkish Eggplant Pilavi  is a bowlful of long grain rice with small slices of eggplant, tomatoes and garlic.  We all loved this!

Persian Tadiq (120 php)

The Persian Tadiq is an Iranian rice with egg and crispy socarat (slightly burnt parts).  It is said to be enjoyed by Persian nobilities but I found it too plain and boring.

♥ Himalayan Mushroom Rice (100 php)

The Himalayan Mushroom Rice is a cup of premium Basmati rice with mushroom, cummin, fennel and anise.  I highly recommend this! 

Bread

Ethiopian Injera (35 php)

The Ethiopian Injera are cooked like moist pancakes and taste like sour dough. 

Speecialties from Around the Mediterranean

♥ Moussaka (150 php)

I've long been searching for the best moussaka.  I think their Moussaka is what I'm searching for!  

The Great Curries of India and Pakistan

♥ Bombay Yellow Curry Chicken (250 php)

The Bombay Yellow Curry Chicken is a spicy coconut milk and yellow curry based chicken dish spiced with tumeric, garam masala, chilies and ginger.  I loved this!  I'm going to try more indian curry from now on. 

Exotic African Delights: Northern Africa

♥ Duck Tagine M'ghdour (375 php)

The Duck Tagine M'ghdour is duck stew which has a very rich and bold flavor from the duck meat being lengthily simmered and recooked in the zesty tomato sauce.  It is also topped with egg.

Sweet Temptations

♥ Baklava (90 php)

Most baklavas I've encountered are expensive and tiny.  Their Baklava was not only generous in portion but its the best phylo pastry with honey, almonds and walnuts I have ever had!   I noticed that they don't use pistachio like the others but I loved it!

Drinks

Cold

Cameroonian Guava Shandy

The Cameroonian Guava Shandy is very smooth, bubbly and fruity.

♥ Einab Cold Arabian Flower Tea

Ladies will surely enjoy the sweet and fragrant Einab Cold Arabian Flower Tea.

Hot

♥ Indian Chai Tea

The Indian Chai Tea is a nice and soothing spiced and slightly sweet taste after-meal hot drink.


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I've never encountered such a small place with a huge variety of worldly cuisines like Ziggurat Cuisine.  I highly recommend this!  I hope to be back to try more of their exotic culinary wonders from around the world.

You know my best buds would often make a certain "hirit" that I'm a Tsinoy because I always emphasize on being thifty.  I'd just laugh it off cause it's true.  Whenever I'm on a budget or dining alone, I'd always go for the mall's food court.  It allows you to order from one establishment to another.  It's also advisable for groups who prefer difference cuisines.

One of my favorite mall food court is the Robinsons Magnolia Food Court found on its lower ground level because it's very clean, spacious and extensive.  In fact, this area is often packed throughout mall hours unlike the restaurants on the other levels.

So after several dining experience in the Robinsons Magnolia Food Court, I present to you my top picks for budget friendly meals in no particular order.  I just categorized them per cuisine.


Vegetarian

C' Verde by Big Chill

 

Caramelized Onions and Mushroom Burger (169 php)

The Caramelized Onions and Mushroom Burger is delicious yet healthy!  The caramelized onions, slow roasted shitake mushrooms and oozing cheese makes this simply irresistible.



Thai

Pad Thai and More!

Green Chicken Curry (155 php)

The Green Chicken Curry with mild curry in coconut milk and tender chicken chunks with eggplant and green bell pepper is a sensational Thai meal. 

Australian Pies

Grandma's Recipes

 

Chicken Pie (85 php)

The Chicken Pie is wonderfully prepared.  I loved the savory chicken meat with potatoes and peas.

Apple Pie (85 php)

I enjoyed the Apple Pie with cinnamon more. =)  I just wished it had more fillings.


Mediterranean

Salt & Pepper

This is what I chose from

Ground Beef Kebab, Grilled Bell Pepper, Eggplant and Zucchini and Pesto Pasta (149 php)

Salt & Pepper offers a step by step customizable menu.  The Ground Beef Kebab was not bad.  I didn't use the super diluted yogurt dip it was served with.  But, it was tasty, tender and juicy on its own.  The Grilled Bell Pepper, Eggplant and Zucchini made eating vegetables a pleasure.  The Pesto Pasta was pretty good too.  

Turkish

Jacob's Shawarma

Check out our more intensive review of Jacob's Shawarma at their pioneer branch in Ortigas Center here.

12-Inch Beef and Lamb (200 php)

12-Inch Beef and Lamb (200 php)

Baklava (50 php)

Finally got to try their Baklava, it was really good.  It's a phylo pastry with honey and pistachio bits.  It was a bit pricey for a small bite-size though.

Italian

Sbarro Fresh Italian Cooking

Just want to note that contrary to the tag line, their food like most of the food court establishments are pre-heated.  But, I still love Sbarro!  It's one of my favorite fast food. =)

It's pay as you order.  Tell them your order so they'll pre-heat it in the oven.  By default the sauce given to you will be red so indicate if you want white sauce. 

Baked Zitti with Pinwheel Pizza (129 pp)

This is a bang for the buck combo if you want pasta and pizza.

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Red (179 php)

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza White (179 php)

My classic favorites are the Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Red and White.

Sausage & Pepperoni (155 php)

Supreme Stuffed (155 php)

I loved the Supreme Stuffed because of the sesame seeds.  Another recommendable for carnivores is the Angus Beef Stuffed.

Drinks

Kumquat Green Tea (70 php) and Cha Time Roasted Milk Tea R (75 php)

Matcha Tea Latte R (90 php) and TieGuanyin Tea Latte R (90 php) TieGuanyin Tea Latte

My favorite at Cha Time is the TieGuanyin Tea Latte because it has a bold fragrant flavor.  Next to that is the Cha Time Roasted Milk Tea and Matcha Tea Latte. 

Winter Melon Alisan Tea Medium (70 php)

My favorite at Gong Cha is the Winter Melon Alisan Tea.  I don't order Wintermelon variants anywhere else but Gong Cha.  I only like this one too.

Gong Cha Milk Earl Grey Tea Medium (80 php)

Gong Cha Milk Green Tea Medium (80 php)

Cold Desserts

Dairy Queen

My current favorite is the Oreo Ice Cream Sandwich (49 php) because they now use real oreo cookies unlike before.  I also love the Oreo Blizzard (49 php/6 oz) and Regular Cone (39 php/5 oz).
 

Masatami Shave Ice

Check our previous review of Masatami Shave Ice here.


How about you?  What are your Robinsons Magnolia Food Court favorites?