We have a lot of Hot Pots all over Manila but Double Tasty Taiwan Hotpot 台灣蒸火鍋 is the first to distinguish itself as Taiwanese.

Actually, we've have a lot of Taiwanese in the Philippines.  One of my childhood neighbor is Taiwanese and the grade school and high school I attended was run by Taiwanese nuns and priests.   But, it is only recently that we see Taiwanese Cuisine in Manila demarcating itself from Chinese Cuisine. 

Truth be told, the difference is not that big since Taiwanese Cuisine is mainly influenced by Chinese Cuisine, most notably from the south of Fujian (Hokkien/Fukien) where most Filipino-Chinese or Tsinoys like me descend our ancestry from.

Let's track back the Taiwanese Cuisines we've shared here in the past:

• Chicken Chops
• Dimsum especially Xiao Long Bao  
• Egg Tarts
• Milk Tea 
• Shaved Ice  (Baobing 刨冰 / Tsuabing 礤冰)
• Street Food

Now let's continue with the addition of this Taiwanese Hot Pot entry with Double Tasty.  The casual appeal is similar to usual the typical Chinese restaraunts in Manila China Town (Binondo). 

Food



Seafood 海鲜

♥ Shrimp Steam Pot (980 php)

This is our first time to try a seafood served in a layered Steam Pot style.    It was a very good experience.  This method of cooking is capable of preserving the natural flavors of the fresh seafood ingredients.

Steamed Lapu-Lapu Pot (1,180 php)

Of course, Steamed Lapu-Lapu has always been a staple order for Tsinoys.



Others 其他 

♥ Home-Made Dumpling (180 php)

Although Double Tasty specializes Hot Pot, it also offers a must try Home-Made Dumpling.  Because it is included in the checklist for Hot Pot, we ordered this intended to be an add-on to the broth but it turns out that its best eaten on its own.

Mixed Vegetables (238 php)

Adding Mixed Vegetables is the secret to a sweeter broth.

Lobster Ball (178 php), ♥ Juicy Beef Balls (188 php), Celery Meatball (178 php), Urchin Dumplings (178 php)

You can't go wrong with any of their selections.

Fish Dumpling (168 php)

We were suppose to order the Crab Claw but I guess we got the Fish Dumpling instead.



Imported Meat 进口肉类

♥ Beef Superior (668 php)

Just by looking at the Beef Superior, you can see the beauiful marbling.

♥ Beef Premium (398 php)

But, strips of fats of Beef Premium are well-appreciated as bang for the buck too right?

♥ Best Sate Hotpot in Manila!

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
The satisfaction of a hotpot relies mainly on the broth and the ingredients.  Since they have fresh and  and quality ingredients  and hands down the best sate broth in Manila, we really loved our dining experience at Double Tasty Taiwan Hotpot 台灣蒸火鍋.

Whenever my relatives celebrate birthdays, more often than not, we are bound to try a buffet place.  This time they invited us to try Food Club.

Food Club is located at Blue Bay Walk.  The family likes it there because there's a lot of parking space.

I don't think you'll ever need reservations at Food Club.  I think they have more space than it can ever be occupied.

Food


Cooked Food
In terms of buffet choices, they have a lot!  There are many cooked dishes of international cuisine.  They also have dedicated stations for other food types.

Bread Station
I bet you can't try all their selection in one seating.

Salad Station
They have healthy options...

Appetizer Station

as well as not so healthy options such as Cold Cuts and Cheese.

Kiddie Station
There's also a kiddie station with kid friendly choices like Hotdog on a Stick and Marbles Potatoes.

Sushi and Sashimi Station
We were happy that they have Salmon Sashimi.  But as you can see,  it is not so fresh.

Miso Ramen Station
There's a Miso Ramen Station.  I like that it is served in small miso bowls so it isn't very heavy.

Grilling Station
There's also a Grilling Station with marinated meats, skewers and fresh seafood.
Fried Station
Forget about the other fried items, everyone kept coming back for the Shrimp Tempura.  Well, it was nothing special.  But, it runs out fast and they refill it quick too.  

Carving Station
For the price, I must say this item is a steal or perhaps... you get what you pay for.

Chinese Station

To our elderly Tsinoys delight, the most expansive cuisine at Food Club is Chinese Cuisine.   They even offer 2-way Duck which I indulged on.

Dimsum Station

Xiao Long Bao

In fairness to them, they are the only buffet I've been to that offers Xiao Long Bao as one of their special dishes.  But, it is the saddest one I've tried.  Can you tell just by the looks?

There are more dimsum choices... all of which could use some improvement. 

Pasta

Hot Pot Station

♥ Garlic Crabs

If there's one item that we would love Food Club for, it would be their Garlic Crabs!  Look at the size!  My aunt would be happy just eating this alone.

Dessert Station

Candy Buffet

There are lots of cakes.  Nothing really stood out for me.

Fruits

Because the cakes didn't suit to our  liking, we decided to go for the healthier option - Fruits.

Drinks
 They have lots of drink selections.  I highly suggest their Fresh Fruit Shakes.


And, end your meal with their Coffee.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Food Club doesn't offer selections that will leave a lasting impression.  But for the price, you get Roast Beef, Crabs, Xiao Long Bao, Tempura, Coffee and Fresh Fruit Shakes, that's tough to beat.

Tip: They offer discounts if you're an alumni of DLSU and UST because they say that the owner is an alumini.

A few months ago, I stumbled upon The Ostrich Farm's Facebook Fan Page.  The name and concept is quite interesting being a farm-to-table burger joint so I couldn't resist digging more information about it by checking their website. 

I then saw that they had a birthday promo but no details so I decided to pm them on Facebook to inquire.  

 This is the reply I got in verbatim. 
"It will start on Feb 16 here's the mechanics:
ACTUAL BIRTHDAY:
1. Anyone who has a valid I.D. or any document that indicates his/her birthdate can avail the promo.
2. Present his/her I.D. or any document to the manager or cashier before ordering to get a FREE burger of his/her choice. No need for a purchase but only one (1) free burger will be given to the celebrant on the day of his/her birthday.
3. Non-transferable and Non-convertible to cash.
4. Promo not valid with any other promo or in conjuction to other promos.BIRTHDAY MONTH:1. Anyone who has a valid I.D. or any document that indicates his/her birthdate can avail the promo.
2. The celebrant is to present his/her I.D. or any document to the manager or cashier before ordering to avail the promo.
3. A Birthday Bundle (1 Big Bird Burger (beef), french fries and Cheesy Pops) will be given to celebrant for every Php800 purchase.
4. Celebrant may avail the promo more than once during his/her birthday month.
5. Celebrant may avail the promo more than once per day.
6. Non-transferable and Non-convertible to cash.7. Promo not valid with any other promo or in conjuction to other promos."

I'm a believer in the saying that "If it's too good to be true, it probably is."  So out of curiosity, not really expecting anything, I decided to drop by and test it out on my birthday. 
 
The Ostrich Farm is located at Blue Bay Walk in the same side as our favorite curry place, Curry Bee.  I didn't notice it before probably because it was overcasted by Red Kimono's spacious facade and area size.  It was late afternoon, it was empty.  I walked straight to the counter and asked if I could claim their birthday promo.  To my surprise, indeed it was true.  I was asked for my government issued id, my age and my signature.  I was then asked to choose any burger I wanted. 

While waiting for my free meal, I took my time admiring their decor.  

These ornaments are made from real ostrich eggs which is so cool!





They also sell ostrich meat.  There's also a self-service area for condiments.



There's fun facts to entice you even more!

While waiting, these lovely ladies came in and orders the February Couple meal special.  I thought it was only my imagination but then I heard then speaking "Oh my, what's that delicious smell".  The whole place was swarming with inviting smokey grilled ostrich meat scent.

Food
Since I was bored and alone, I chatted with the lovely ladies on the table beside me.  Learning that I blog, they even let me take a photo of their cute order.  (Haha! Thick-faced I know... But it's my birthday so I had a great positive vibe lol).   I think a lot of couples would enjoy this and they should may this available regularly right?
 
The two ladies shared that they work nearby and just finished a seminar.  They are so happy with their meal that they already planned on bringing their friends.  I then returned to my seat so they can enjoy their meal.  As soon as they were finished, their Lebanese boss (who they said owns a Lebanese restaurant in Malate - I'm guessing it is Shawarmama) came in and said, "Oh I've tried it here.  The food is really good!".

♥ TOF Macho Ostrich Burger (338 php)

The friendly staff shared that The Ostrich Farm is actually a sister company of Garage88 Bar and Diner.  The burger pattie are the same its just the topping and sauces that vary. 

♥ TOF Macho Ostrich Burger (338 php)

I chose their best-selling TOF Macho Ostrich Burger.  Just by it's looks and fragrance, I already knew it was of premium quality.  It is far up exceeding my recollection of Garage88's burger.

♥ TOF Macho Ostrich Burger (338 php)

Since its my first time to try an ostrich burger, I just had to peep and check what it looks like.  Quite frankly, I couldn't tell the difference and the smell was really good!

I swear this is one of the best burgers I've had!  I rarely get impressed by burger buns but really buns palang winner na.  When you grab the burger, you can feel the your fingers sink down into it like a pillow.  Biting through it, you'll feel that it is so moist and soft.  Yet, it doesn't crumble down or become soggy.  And, then the burger pattie itself... It was explosive in terms of smoky savory flavors.  In addition, it was tender and juicy too.
 
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I highly recommend The Ostrich Farm.  I'm very proud of this discovery and I really wish that more people would try it out because it's awesome! Did I mention that they offer FREE WiFi too? =)