Although its been a very long time since I last dined at Arya, I felt a nostalgic feeling.

Food
When I opened the menu, indeed it is similar.  The selections and the price looked pretty much how I remembered it especially being expensive.  Yes, it used to be one of the most expensive options in Robinson's Place.  Yet, somehow I found that quite surprising since after all these years, the price seemed relatively the same.  So given the rate of inflation and my financial capacity, I thought it was reasonably priced now.

♥ Arya Dip Platter (342 php)

For starters, the Arya Dip Platter with Hummus (chick peas), Motabal (smoked eggplant) and Tziziki (cucumber) is a great option.

Lamb (with pita bread)

♥ Gourmeh Sabzi (497 php)

The person who treated me this Gourmeh Sabzi for my birthday once taught me a very valuable lesson I will never forget in my entire life when he told me, "Why do you value things based on how much they are priced?  Not all things that are expensive are special and vice versa."  Since then, the way I value things changed.  But, this Gourmeh Sabzi, stew of lamb sauteed in minced coriander leaves, parsley, cilantro and red beans is really good!  I'd order it regardless of the price. =p
 

♥ Arya Sini (698 php)

The Arya Sini is a mixed of their specialty grills: Mahi (tanigue), Royal Joojeh (chicken breast) , Beef Koobideh (ground beef seasoned with spices) and Beef Shish (tenderloin marinated in yogurt and saffron).  While this looks expensive, you can share it for two.  But, I wouldn't because I love it.  

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
One of my favorite cuisine is Persian.  And, I can't think of another restaurant specialising in Persian that can beat Arya.  I will surely come back for more.

On a weekday lunch time, the chances of being able to search for an empty seat at the SM Manila's Food Court is like winning the lottery.  I attempted to eat there once but since it was futile, I ended up in neighboring restaurant Inasal Chicken Bacolod with lots of empty tables to spare.

This is my first time to try this brand. 


Ambiance is downright simplistic. 

Inasal Barbeque

Petso (109 php)

The Petso portion is okay.  The flavor is too bland for me.

Sizzling Platter

Pork Sisig (158 php)

The Pork Sisig serving is not enough for me. =(

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Inasal Chicken Bacolod is budget friendly but food quality and portion will hardly satisfy your tastebuds or your tummy.

I've long heard of people raving and craving for Turks Shawarma.  Since I love shawarma, I just couldn't pass up a lifetime not having tried it so one afternoon while strolling along SM Manila, I spotted Turks Shawarma with no lines.

The menu is streamlines into just one product: Pita Doner.

All Meat is 50 php.  You can choose your meat between Beef or Chicken.  If you want with veggies (60 php).  If you want with cheese add 10 php.

As it was handed to me, I thought the size was generous enough because it was long.

Pita Doner: All Beef (55 php)

Perhaps my expectation was set too high because I felt disappointed.  The pita wasn't stuffed with as much beef as I expected.  The beef were mostly ligaments and fats.  The sauce was too sweet.  It resembled more of Filipino barbecue sauce to me.  Sadly, as of this date,  have around 6 shawarma reviews and this is at the bottom of the list.


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Well, I'm just glad I satisfied my curiosity about Turks Shawarma.  For the price, it was worth the try.  But, I wouldn't go for it again.

One random afternoon, my best friend Eric was in a mood to treat.  We searched SM Manila for a place where he could charge his phone and the place happened to be 8 Street Bites.

It was very spacious with an interior that adequately fits its name.  It has brick walls and cook paintings similar to New York.

Food

Texas BBQ

Sliced Beef BBQ (268 php)

It was difficult to decide on an afternoon snack so I just picked one at random so I chose the Sliced Beef BBQ.  That way I get the Sliced Beef BBQ and Coleslaw and Eric gets the French Fries.

Hawaiian Blue (158 php)

Eric felt like winning a lottery when he found out that 8 Street Bite has alcoholic drinks.  He got us the Hawaiian Blue.  It was so early so I didn't drink.  Eric said it taste like juice and he finished this all by himself.  We were told by the server that this are drinks for kids to perk them up a bit but just light.


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Having tried almost all food places in SM Manila, 8 Street Bites is the coolest and hippest spot to hang out.  The food and drinks are good but the price is above a students allowance.

I've long been seeing Kebabers so when my friends and I were looking for a budget-friendly place in SM Manila, I suggested this.

It has a very bright counter compared to the usual fast food places.  The signage and menu is well-lighted, big and really attention-catching.

It has limited selections but since it Persian Cuisine, they have something different to offer.


Upon paying for your order, they will give you a buzzer.  Once it buzzer, you have to get your order at the kitchen window on the left end of the place.  You will also have the option to choice between their two dips: Spicy and Regular Garlic Sauce.

Cheese Kebab Meal

2 pcs. Cheese Kebab Meal (99 php)

The 2 pcs. Cheese Kebab Meal has two small kebab nuggets filled with gooey melted cheddar cheese.  

The Spicy and Regular Garlic Sauce is diluted but its refillable so I dare not complain.

Shawarma Rice Bowl

Monster Beef Bowl Regular (109 php)

The Monster Beef Bowl is a bowlful of ground kebab meat with cucumbers, tomatoes and onions.  It also comes with free iced tea.  I think this is the most bang for the buck among all we ordered.

Shawarma

Fish Shawarma (99 php)

I wouldn't suggest the Fish Shawarma.  See how sad it looks?

♥ Choco Fudge (59 php)

 Good thing we all had room for dessert.  We all loved the Choco Fudge.

♥ Choco Fudge (59 php)

It is nicely chilled, rich and fudgy. 

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I don't know where else you can get Persian Cuisine for Less Than 100 Pesos so that makes Kebabers a major consideration in that alley.  However, if you wouldn't mind stretching your budget, I don't think this is for you.  The serving size is not for hefty eaters like me. 

I wanted to clear my mind off one night and decided to take a random stroll.  Then, my stomach grumbled and I found myself enticed to try Slice N' Dice Char-Grilled Steaks nearby.

To be honest, I've long been curious about this because I've heard people rave about it.  And, their pricing is really intrintriguing

It was a huge diner at Avenue of the Arts Building but it looked barely occupied.  It was clean-looking and cool enough.  The staffs are very nice and quick to assist too.

I was surprised that they also have affordable KTV rooms and they serve beer.

While waiting for my order, I took my time to tinker their condiments.  They are also open to feedbacks and they market their franchising

Food

Complimentary Mushroom Soup

It wasn't long when I was served a hot bowl of Complimentary Mushroom Soup.  It was good enough.  It really had mushroom bits.  It was a bit diluted but quite tasty - more on the salty side.

Steak 99ers (Rice All You Can Just Add 10 php; Iced Tea Add 39 php)

Junior T Bone (99 php)

The Junior T Bone is already served with rice, buttered corn and carrots and gravy.  It looked as if it was served right of the grill.  The portion is pretty good for a junior and being priced at 99 php, it was a steal deal!
 

Junior T Bone (99 php)

It was grilled medium - just the way I like it.  It would have been good enough for me as it was tender.  But, I found it tad too salty for my taste.  In fact, this is the saltiest steak I've ever had in my life!  I couldn't eat it without bathing it with gravy and gulping loads of water.  

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
For the price, cleanliness and service, Slice N' Dice Char-Grilled Steaks is a steal deal!  I somehow which that they didn't over-seasoned their steaks in salt though.  After all, they could add salt on the table as a condiment. 

As our neighboring mall, the family has found Robinson Place the go-to mall for last minute shopping necessities.   As shopping is such a tedious task, it is a must for dinner to immediately follow.  Piadina Italian Passion Food seemed like a reasonable choice due to proximity. 

I believed we've dined here before but the experience did not leave a lasting impact.  So, I was intrigued to try it out once more. 

It had black tables and red chairs that matched its red walls.  It had Italian movie posters hanged on its walls. 

Food

Contorni

Zuppa Del Giorno (Soup of the Day) (75 php)

The Zuppa Del Giorno (Soup of the Day) was cream of asparagus.  It was served with Piadina bread.  It was served warm so it quite a soothing starter.

♥ Panzerotti (Italian-Style Empanada) (80 php/3 pcs.)

I don't believe I've tried a Panzerotti before.  This is an Italian-styled empanada with thin crispy shell and savory meat filling.  It is topped with zesty tomato sauce.     

♥ Allete Di Polo (Specially Marinated Chicken Wings) (400 php)

The Allete Di Polo is their specially marinated fried chicken wings served with Piadina bread and soup of th day.  Flavor-wise is pretty good but I hope it was more tender and succulent.

Piadina Classico set (All Served with Soup of the Day)

Piadina Con Pollo Rosto (with Roast Chicken, Mozzarella and Lettuce) (180 php)

The Piadina Con Pollo Rosto is a tender and moist roast chicken strips, mozzarella and lettuce wrapped in Piadina bread.  I rather enjoyed this more than the Allete Di Polo.

Pasta (all original recipes served with 2 slices of Piadina Bread)

Meat Based Pasta

Pasta Con Polpette (with meatballs, onions, and smoked cheese in spicy tomato sauce) (250 php)

The Pasta Con Polpette is pasta with chunky meatballs, onions and smoked cheese in spicy and tangy tomato sauce.  This is my kind of spaghetti with meatballs.

Vegetarian Pasta

Pasta Al Pesto Pomodoro Secchi (with sundried tomato, garlic and olive oil) (260 php)

The Pasta Al Pesto Pomodoro Secchi is a combination of two bases: tomato sauce and olive oil.  It offered the rich zesty flavor and smoothness in texture.  The sndried tomato and garlic couldn't have done a better job in enhancing its taste.


Seafood Pasta

♥ Pasta Architetto (with fresh mix seafood and garlic in olive oil) (275 php)

The Pasta Architetto is a mild tasting pasta with garlicky olive oil base.  It is filled a variety of seafood: clams, squid and shrimps.  Nothing interesting but I do have to compliment the softness of the squid rings.


Update (January 2014): This branch is now closed.  Check out their other branches instead.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Piadina Italian Passion Food stroke me as a so-so Italian alternative.  It seemed to lack identity and authenticity to make me want to dine there again.  The serving size of the dishes are advisable only for solo as its not the usual Italian-sized serving.