With the COVID pandemic still on-going, it makes us think more about what we treasure most in our lives.  Definitely, one that tops our list is togetherness with the family.  Buenas means luck and blessings in Filipino language and that is exactly what we felt having during our family dinner at Casa Buenas.   Casa Buenas is located in the new "Newport Grand Wing" which was unfamiliar for most of us.  Even if you park at the nearest parking area which was the Newport Grand Wing, you have to take elevator and escalator  to reach this very spacious wing.  

 

Kuala Lumpur Malaysia's RM460 Burger Viral Drama

Just recently, we were discussing with foreign friends on how to spend money better.  The topic was incidentally brought about by the recent Kuala Lumpur birthday dinner drama over the RM460 burger that became viral over the net.  Based on such discussion, we discovered that some would actually spend more for travel, online games, KTV and bars rather than having a fancy dinner with some close friends and family.  Well, though we admit that we do spend for some of those but we give utmost importance to celebrating birthday family dinners more.

It's kind of interesting to learn about other cultures and customs.  All these years, the question "Who pays for the birthday dinner celebration?" never crossed my mind.  For me, it was always a given whether its with family, friends or even just office mates, whoever invites pay for everything.  This applies to all occasions... birthdays, graduations, winning something or even when someone just feels generous.  So yeah, you can all take this as a disclaimer too... We openly admit that not everything we post here is paid by us okay?  It depends on who "invites".

Well, apparently in the RM460 Burger scenario, the payment arrangement for the birthday dinner was to equally split the tab.  We also do the split tab payment arrangement when we casually meet up with close friends for dinners.  But, we've never encountered that kind of scheme when invited for a birthday dinner.  

 

One of my friends whose married to an Australian that her husband was surprised when the birthday celebrant had to pay for the dinner.  Friends take you out, they pay for their own meal (in Filipino slang its "KKB" - kanya kanyang bayad) but they pool money in to treat the birthday celebrant.

Well, perhaps its because my friends and family are very busy people (with so much going on with business, work or family) that we treasure time more than anything.  In fact, we're hardly ever complete.  Some would be on a leisure or business trip, have business commitments or other affairs.  Thus, its customary for the birthday celebrant to appreciate simply just the presence of someone being able to accommodate the invitation.  After the meal, we even thank each of our guests for coming before bidding our good byes.

Now that that's all settled, let's continue on with the food. 

 Food

This was actually the last family dinner we celebrated dining in a restaurant before the lock downs (In the Philippines, we term them "ECQ, MCQ, GCQ") so we were fortunate enough to order from its full menu.  As of the time of writing, it is only offering limited menu because of the pandemic.

Complimentary Bread

While we were waiting for our orders, we were given some Complimentary Bread with a variety of flavored butters.  

 

Soup

Salmon Yazu Dashi

From the Salmon Yazu Dashi, we were already hinted that the dishes served in Casa Buenas is international fusion.  The Salmon Yazu Dashi seemed like a Japanese soup dish with its own twist.

In addition to the warming comfort it brings before the heavy meal ahead, it is quite light and refreshing. 

Sandwiches

Buenas Burger (580 php)

To be honest, we were expecting the  Buenas Burger to be more extravagant.  Yet, it came out rather plain which made its special thick and juicy pork and beef belly patty stand out.  It was actually quite good and filling.  Yes, the price is justified in for this burger!

Mains

♥ Grilled US Angus Beef Tenderloin with Lychee Sauce (2,900 php)

If there's one dish that stood out among our orders, it would be the Grilled US Angus Beef Tenderloin with Lychee Sauce.  Usually, you'd feel overwhelmed from the savoriness of eating too much meat.  But for this dish, the intricate sweet, fragrant and refreshing lychee sauce counters the savoriness and oiliness from the tender roast beef making it quite pleasurable to eat. 

Off the Grill

Grilled Squid (900 php)

The menu offered a lot of grilled dishes but most of them are quite similar.  Guess, there isn't much twist to grilled dishes other than being precisely grilled to tenderness, appropriately seasoned and dipped in a variety of sauces.  The Grilled Squid was good but it just didn't show much creativity or personality that we'd expect from a famous Chef.   

 

Paella

Paella Seafood (1,000 php/good for 2-3 persons)

Paella is always the most expected order when dining at a Spanish restaurant.  When you order Paella at Casa Buenas, you will be asked if you would prefer the traditional with burnt bottom or not.  We chose the traditional.  Our side of the table ordered the Paella Seafood good for 2-3 person but the other side of the table ordered the Paella Negra good for 4-6 persons.  When our orders came, we realized that the it could cater to around twice as much people as stated.  We ended up having to take home most of this dish since it had bountiful amount of toppings.   Comparing the two, we liked the ♥ Paella Negra more.

 

Pizza

Truffle Pizza (490php)

We loved the Truffle Pizza which involves breaking the poach egg on top before the slicing and all.  The truffle essence for flavor and the chewiness of the dough for texture was just right.

 

Beverage

Cappuccino (190 php)

The coffee cup set is so pretty.  But, the Cappuccino is just okay.

Complimentary Chocolates

All of us appreciated the Complimentary Chocolates as an extended gesture.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
The grand Hispanic Filipino interior of Casa Buenas defines it as one of the best places in Metro Manila to impress guests with its luxurious dining atmosphere.  The food and service service is hotel standard.  But, not all the dishes would standard out to be impressively memorable. 

2nd Floor Dining Area

1950 Restaurant takes its setting in a 2-storey American Contemporary house of the Santaromana Family which offers a spacious dining area and sufficient parking.  


It delivers a warn and vintage vibe brought about by the merger of newly furnished interiors  with the old furniture and fixtures.

Food
The food fare in is 1950 Restaurant Modern fusion inspired from the travels and familial recipes of Santaromana family.  You'll surely find the menu selections quite intriguing. 

Soil 

♥ Kale Soba (400 php)

While the Kale Soba makes used of the Japanese Green Tea Soba (or buckwheat noodles), it is depicted like an Italian Pasta.  Thus, the Soba is engulfed in cashew cream Alfredo sauce and topped with wild mushrooms.  The flavor was sophisticated yet wonderfully pleasing!

Caesar Salad (400 php)

We found that there's not much distinction with 1950's Caesar Salad from the usual fare.  The grilling process was not evident in terms of taste and texture. 

Land

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Bites (300 php)

Sea

♥ Grilled Octopus (325 php)

The Grilled Octopus is a work of art.  Somehow the subtleness of all components highlighted the tender Grilled Octopus.

Lobster Bisque (600 php)

The Lobster Bisque delivered a foretaste and aftertaste of cream rather than lobster or crab which made us wonder if we didn't mix it enough.  

Filipino Classic

Baked Hipon and Laing (375 php)

The Baked Hipon and Laing had a a rich and creamy coconut milk with a light spiciness.  Some of my companions were yearning for the sharp spicy kick.  Well, we reckon the interpretation here is more on harmonious blend rather than dominant spiciness.

♥ Adobo Classics (350 php)

The Adobo Classics offers four (4) kinds of adobo: Adobo Classics sa Gata, Chicken Adobong Tagalog, Pork Belly Adobo sa Dilaw and Adobo sa Flakes.

Sweets

Bavarian Cake (280 php)

The desserts at 1950 were all very pleasing to the eyes.  But, it failed to followthrough for the other aspects.  When it comes to pastry, it is a given that the texture was too bring comfort.  Well, the Bavarian Cake like the other desserts we tried were all too dry.

Molten Lava Cake (280 php)

The Molten Lava Cake looks really impressive.  However, it wasn't oozing with molten lava as we cut into it.  It was too dry for our liking.

Baked Alaska (280 php)

This is the loveliest Baked Alaska we've ever encountered.  Those who love sweets will definitely appreciate the fluffy meringue that shelters the strawberry ice cream and chocolate crumble.  The sourness of the strawberry and blueberries offered a great contrast to the sweetness.  While the strawberry ice cream complemented the chocolate crumble well.

White Chocolate Blondie (280 php)

The White Chocolate Blondie was our least favorite among the desserts.  It was a huge chunk that was dry and tough to chew.  

Toasted Ensaymada (80 php)

This is the first time we encountered an ensaymada that did not captivate us to finish in one seating... The Toasted Ensaymada is better when dipped in the hot chocolate and topped with candied bacon bits.  However, even then it isn't anything spectacular.


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Oh 1950 Restaurant, the concept seems fun and timeless.  Yet, it wasn't so evident in the execution of the dishes. Perhaps, we need another visit to know you better...

We're very fortunate to have a healthy food scene in the Philippines.   Even cafes like Little Owl Cafe update their menu from time to time.

I've previously shared about this place so I'll skip the intro and get on with the food.  The service was better and the food was served with not much idle time to spare.

All Star Breakfast

Omelette Chorizo Rice (270 php)

Don't you agree that the Omelette Chorizo Rice takes the semblance of the Japanese Omurice dish?  Taste-wise, it is very different.  The glaced sauce and savory chorizo is specially chosen to appeal to the Filipino tastebuds. 

Starter

Sisig Tacos (220 php)

I must say that this is not the first time that I've encountered a fusion dish like this.  What I like about Little Owl's  Sisig Tacos is the harmonious ingredients.  However, I felt that the shell isn't at par with my standards for soft shell tacos. 

Glazed Cauliflower (220 php)

It's amazing to see everyone addictively popping vegetables into their mouths because of the Glazed Cauliflower.  The flavor and texture is perfect that even the pickiest kids will eat this for sure!

Lechon Kawali Bibimbap (320 php)

Chicken Satay (350 php)

Chicken & Waffle (270 php)

Beef Tapa & Cheese (295 php)

Pastas

Truffle Mushroom (350 php)

When presented with a glorious pasta dish like the Truffle Mushroom, how can I not oblige myself? 
I loved this to bits!

Shrimp & Aligue (350 php)

Forget about the cholesterol because the Shrimp & Aligue will completely woo your taste buds. 


Mains

Beef Rendang (420 php)

With some staple, the tender and supremely succulent Beef Rendang is an excellent choice when you're craving for a Malaysian spiced dish. 

Kimchi Salmon Sinigang (420 php)

If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable new dish to try, then go for the Kimchi Salmon Sinigang.  This is a really ingenuous!



I am very much impressed with the menu update!  A perfect execution for Little Owl Cafe!  My primary visit here would always be for the Toby's Estate Coffee.  Now, I would certainly order good food to go with it. 

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