It's been a very long time since the girls of The Foodies Circle met.  I haven't seen the girls since last year!  Naturally, a hangout together is long overdue.  And, there's no better place to chill over good food and chill than Applebee's which we have long wanting to try.

We all rarely go to Eastwood so coming from the side, we didn't see Applebee's at first.  Good thing they had a sign by their stairs pointing us to go up.


When we got up, we were surprised to see how big and spacious the place was.  The interiors gave a hint of a laid back kind of bar.


After the first portion, there are more booths that for many would be more comfortable and well-suited for dining.


Yet, it still keeps the same dim and yellow hued lighting.  Some parents would find it to be too dark as a family restaurant but then for me, some family restaurants like Tony Roma's is even darker. 

Food  

Appetizer

♥ Fried Sweet & Spicy Pickles (195 php)

There were a lot of interesting appetizer options.  But, we were really intrigued by the Fried Sweet & Spicy Pickles.   Upon trying this out, we felt that we made the right choice.  The boys were more delighted than us since this is an amazing bar chow.

Salads

♥ Grilled Watermelon & Spicy Shrimp Salad Half (445 php)

Applebee's menu has an extensive menu including greens.  So glad they have salads because I always aim for a balance meal.  The Grilled Watermelon & Spicy Shrimp Salad swooned all of us.  I like the ying and yang between the grilled watermelon offered a sweet fruity flavor and the spicy shrimp added a nice kick together.  Together with the feta cheese, yogurt dressing and almond, this salad is the bomb!

Buffalo Chicken Salad Half (325 php)

If you like a very bold spicy, sweet and salty flavors to go with your greens, get the Buffalo Chicken Salad.  But, most of us found the taste to be strikingly sharp for our taste buds.

Pasta

Spinach Artichoke and Grilled Chicken Cavatappi (495 php)

Since I'm crazy for spinach dips, seeing the Spinach Artichoke and Grilled Chicken Cavatappi instantly lured me to order it.  However, we all felt that the spinach being fried in this case was too subtle to create a good balance against the creamy artichoke sauce.


Chicken and Fish

Teriyaki Balsamic Glazed Salmon (675 php)

If there was an order we would not have made, it would be the Teriyaki Balsamic Glazed Salmon.  The thick salmon slice was not cooked as evenly as we would have hoped.

Local Favorites

Applebee's Pork Liempo Adobo (485 php)

So I suggest ditch the Teriyaki Balsamic Glazed Salmon for the wholesome Applebee's Pork Liempo Adobo.

Sandwiches, Tacos and More

♥ BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos (545 php)

The BBQ Beef Brisket Tacos is served quesadillas style with dips and sauce.


Burgers

Triple Meat All-In Burger (795 php)

Okay if you're looking for an instant heart attack, get the Triple Meat All-In Burger!  Just kidding!  But, wow this is one bad-ass burger with USDA beef burger patty, double smoked bacon, honey barbecued shredded beef brisket with cheddar cheese.


Desserts

Banofee Cheesecake (350 php)

We all yearned for an evident banana taste from the Banofee Cheesecake.  We can't help but feel disappointed that the banana component is just the banana chips.  I suggest that you order this for sharing because the cheesecake is very rich and dense. 

♥ S'Mores Creme Brulee (375 php)

I highly recommend the S'Mores Creme Brulee as a meal ender.  The slightly burnt marshmallows and rich dark chocolate fudge with caramelized crisp is wonderfully comforting to eat.  I never thought that smores could presented like this!  It is fun, appealing and delicious!


Drinks


Local Crafted

♥ Brew Kettle (110 php)

Sweet Adventures and Refreshers

♥ Strawberry Banana Colada (195 php), Fresh Mango Shake (175 php), Blueberry Cheesecake Shake (195 php), Fresh Lemonade (150 php)

Happy Birthday Surprise for Achie Joan (At Applebee's There's Always a Reason to Celebrate!!!)

We surely had a great time over Applebee's New Menu for 2017.   I have so much more to try so I'm coming back with the family next time!

Believe it or not my pizza is not a fan of pizza.  But, upon mention of California Pizza Kitchen and their eyes would twinkle so its no surprise that its one of the very few restaurants that my family keep coming back to.

Food
California Pizza Kitchen is always unique creative with the dishes that they come up with.  And, we're always surprised at how fulfilling the experience is in each visit.  Let me share with you some of their new menu for 2017 which we've tried.


Starters

Grilled Shrimp, Strawberry + Goat Cheese (550 php)

The Grilled Shrimp, Strawberry + Goat Cheese is my dream salad with all my favorites in one and drizzled with honey dijon vinaigrette.  It has fresh and crispy greens, sweet and tangy strawberries, plump grilled shrimps, sweet pear, crunchy almond bits and creamy goat cheese.

Original Hand-Tossed Pizzas 

Grilled Chicken Chiptotle + Avocado (475 php)

Craving for cali-mex? Why not go pizza-style with Grilled Chicken Chiptotle + Avocado.

Personal Adventures

Chicken & Sausage Fajita (495 php)

The Chicken & Sausage Fajita is one of the most interesting pasta dishes I've encountered.  I am very impressed at how their thought of combining spicy roasted garlic cream spinach fettucine with smoked sausage, grilled chicken and peppers.  The flavors blended wonderfully!

Foriana (350 php)

The Foriana was not as creative as the Chicken & Sausage Fajita but it has an undeniably classic appeal.

Rice Entrees (Upgrade to Quinoa +45 php)

Sweet Flame Shrimp (385 php)

I'm quite thrilled that you can go for a healthier option by upgrading your ride meal to quinoa for just an addition of 45 php.   The  Sweet Flame Shrimp reminded me of the Chinese dish of Sweet and Sour Sauce.  But, I found this more extravagant as it comes with a mango-cucumber salsa.

Chicken + Asparagus in Lemon Cream Sauce (345 php)

You all have to try the Chicken + Asparagus in Lemon Cream Sauce!  I don't know how they do it but the fried chicken breasts is magically so moist and tender.  Kids will certainly love this.  And, oldies who have difficulty in chewing will have fun easily munching on these!

Desserts

Blueberry-Oreo Cheesecake (275 php)

The Blueberry-Oreo Cheesecake is a no-bake type.  The cheesecake was just okay but it is the oreo crust that won over me.

Lemon Butter Cake (325 php)

This may not looks as appealing as trendy desserts but a bite of the Lemon Butter Cake is enough to reveal its charm.

No doubt we will be back to try more!  Let us know if we've missed anything good!


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It's been awhile since I paid Osaka Ohsho a revisit.  How timely that I was invited try their 9 new cross-cultural menu. 

♥ Truffle Gyoza

Let me start with my favorite Truffle Gyoza.  The balance between the pork flavor and truffle oil is perfect.

Chori Gyoza

For those who prefer a bolder and stronger flavor, the Chori Gyoza is for you.

♥ Nori Nachos

The Nori Nachos is an addictive starter.  Its wonderfully crisp without any hint of greasiness.

Chicken Enoyaki

The Chicken Enoyaki is an upgraded version of the usual Chicken Teriyaki.

Matcha Butter Tonkatsu

The Matcha Butter Tonkatsu is a peculiar twist even for an adventurous foodie like me.  I felt that the matcha butter wasn't spread evenly so it I could hardly taste it.

♥ Salmon Cheese Aburi

The Salmon Cheese Aburi is my favorite among the new menu.

Gyoza Tantanmien

As opposed to the Gyoza Tantanmien which I didn't find striking enough. 

Japanese Paella

Another must try is the Japanese Paella because of its rich, flavorful and creamy rice topped with my favorite Japanese seafood selections.

Last but not the least is the Black Pepper Gyudon.  Instead of the usual sweet Gyudon, this has gone on the peppery side.

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For 18 years, California Pizza Kitchen has constantly been providing great food and service to its diners.  It's actually been a family favorite.  And, just as I'd expect from CPK, it always has something new to offer.

Food

Salads

Fruit N' Nut (275 php)

The Fruit N' Nut is colorful plate of mixed fruits, avocado, walnuts and almonds with fresh cuts of greens and fresh orange herb vinaigrette.

Mexicali (275 php)

A new salad experience is guaranteed with Mexicali as you eat your salad in a corn tortilla like a taco.  It has all the works like: roasted corn, black beans, chiptotle salsa, avocado and jalapeno plus romaine and red cabbage.

Original Hand-Tossed Pizzas

Caramelized Apple, Bacon + Gorgonzola (375 php)

Of course, the highlight of every visit at CPK is their pizza.  Bacon fanatics will surely be delighted with the Caramelized Apple, Bacon + Gorgonzola.  It's a harmonic combination of savory and sweet. 

Steak Mushroom + Truffle (695 Regular)

The Steak Mushroom + Truffle is my gourmet pizza fantasy brought to reality.  Tender grilled steak slices are complemented well by the button mushrooms and black truffle cream sauce.


Crispy Thin Crust Pizzas

BAJA Pizza (545 php)

Spiced with jalapeños and topped with mozzarella, red onions, tomatoes, avocado and your choice of chicken or shrimp and drizzled with homemade Baja sauce and mayo-chipotle dressing, the mexicali inspired BAJA pizza is sure to impress.

Pastas

Vegetable Primavera (495 php Sharing)

The Vegetable Primavera is a healthy and hearty mix of zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, broccoli, yellow bell pepper and cherry tomatoes in an al dente pasta bathe in sun-dried tomato oil. 

Puttanesca (295 php)

Bursting with fiery and zesty flavors is the Puttanesca. 

Desserts

Salted Chocolate Cake with Caramel Sauce (245 php)

The Salted Chocolate Cake with Caramel Sauce is a moist dark chocolate slice sprinkled with Kosher salt and candied walnuts.

Queso de  Bola Cheesecake (350 php)

The Queso de  Bola Cheesecake is a luxuriously rich cheesecake made from creamy Edam cheesecake with graham-cracker crust and topped with cashew brittle. 

With your classic favorites and these new dishes, you'll sure to have a great dining experience at California Pizza Kitchen.

California Pizza Kitchen Menu
Menu

Disclosure: Everything here was provided for CPK for the purpose of this feature.