All thanks to Berylle and D, The Foodies Circle managed to book a few slots to BGC Eats Food Tour for the last date which was on July 20, 2013.  You could tell we were excited because we were there early and waited for the rest until the Hop On Hop Off Bus was ready to depart.

Our food tourist group is composed of a mix match of people.  They were families with little toddlers, yuppies and oldies as well. 

Music accompaniment during the entire tour is provided by Ukelele Manila.   While we were on the bus, our tour guide JJ Yulo gave out some trivias and facts about Bonifacio Global City.  There were also games in between the food stops and I managed to win myself a BGC Eco Bag.

First Stop: Vask
Vask is an upscale modern Spanish tapas bar.  Most of the tour time was spent there.  I'm glad it was our first stop.  It was a new discovery for us.  Being located at the 5th Floor of a fairly new CLIPP Center between 11th Avenue corner 39th Street,  it was not only conspicuous but also bit distant from the highlights of BGC for one to accidentally wind up there.

Tour Guide JJ YUlo and Chef J. Luis Gonzalez

Vask's Chef J. Luis Gonzalez who has worked in 5 out of the 10 Best restuarants in the world (Noma, El Celler De Can Roca, Mugaritz, Arzak and El Bulli) and former chef of Sofitel's Fever Luxe Lounge welcomed us.   He showed us the Degustation Art Gallery.  It was a private room where you can watch the your food as they are prepared.  Moreover, aside from the usual beautiful plating of the dishes, they will make use of their custom-made luxurious wares of intricate shapes and forms making the whole dining experience his masterpiece.  If I remember correctly, a full course meal will be priced at around 8,000 php per person.  They also have an outdoor part which they call Vask Deck.  You can enjoy the scenic sight of the tall buildings while you dine.

They served 5 types of pintxos.  Pintxos is their term for their tapas.  Unfortunately, it was not enough for everyone so we only got to try three of them.

Sous Vide Tuna, Garlic Chili Oil, Caramelized Onion, Piquillo Pepper (95 php/piece)

The Sous Vide Tuna, Garlic Chili Oil, Caramelized Onion, Piquillo Pepper had a pleasant sweet taste from the caramelized onion that complemented the natural sea flavors of tuna.  The pastry was perfectly crunchy which made every bite delightful. 

Eggplant, Parmesan, Garlic, Red Capsicum Confit w/ Quail Egg (95 php/piece)

The group was full of praise over the Eggplant, Parmesan, Garlic, Red Capsicum Confit w/ Quail Egg.  It had a slice of eggplant fried in batter similar to the Japanese tempura with a hint of zestiness from the parmesa and topped with garlic and red capsicum and fried quail egg.

Salmon and Crab Tartare (95 php/piece)

Being a fan of smoked salmon, I especially enjoyed the Salmon and Crab Tartare.  The medley of flavors are harmoniously composed with this one.  

Foie Gras on Mango Toast (695 php/5 pcs.)

The Foie Gras on Mango Toast may be an expensive little piece to spend on but definitely worth it!  The Foie Gras mousses melts in your mouth.  The slightly sweet and tangy mango did wonders in removing the awry fatty feeling I used to dislike when eating too much Foie Gras.

Petits Fours

The Petits Fours are small but rich dark chocolate truffles with Extra-Virgin Olive Oil.  This is a guilt-free meal ender. 


Second Stop: Orale!
It's been more than a year since I last visited Orale! The place still has it's sincere and fun vibe.  The gleeful and passionate owners Mr. and Mrs. Nikki Confiado prepared Tostadas and 2 new menu items: Chili Verde and Chilaquiles Verdes Con Pollo served buffet style.  While my companions found the new items too hot.  I actually loved it! 

We also got to try the Jarritos Mandarin and Mexican Cola.  It was certainly different from other sodas I've tried.  I wanna try the rest next time.

I'll been hearing a lot of buzz about Crystal Jade so I'm glad to finally see it for myself. 

Compared to other Chinese restaurants, it's interiors were more modern and minimalist.  The staffs are very hospitable that they made each of us feel like distinguished guest.

While waiting for the dishes to arrive, we were served their ice tea which tasted more of orange juice. 

Steamed Cream Custard Bun w/ Salted Egg Yolk (160 php/3 pcs.) and Baked Bo Lo Bbq Pork Bun (180 php/3 pcs.)

The Steamed Cream Custard Bun w/ Salted Egg Yolk looked like ordinary buns to me.  So, I was more intrigued by the Baked Bo Lo Bbq Pork Bun which had a top that reminded me of my all-time favorite Japanese pastry, the Melon Pan. 

 

Steamed Cream Custard Bun w/ Salted Egg Yolk (160 php/3 pcs.) and Baked Bo Lo Bbq Pork Bun (180 php/3 pcs.)

See how looks can be deceiving?  In reality it was really the Steamed Cream Custard Bun w/ Salted Egg Yolk which was unique and special.  A bite into its delicate soft bun made its delicious salted egg yolk fill my mouth and brought me to Nirvana.  On the other hand, other than the delicious crust top of the Baked Bo Lo Bbq Pork Bun, it was similar to an asado siopao.  

Sauteed E-Fu Noodles with Prawn and Mushroom Sauce

 While the Sauteed E-Fu Noodles tasted like prawn and crab meat.  I found it too lonesome with only a few mushroom bits to munch on.

Japanese Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Mango and Cream (160 php/3 pcs.)

The Japanese Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Mango and Cream is definitely the best mochi I've ever tried yet!  

Japanese Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Mango and Cream (160 php/3 pcs.)

 The glutinuous rice dumpling shell was so soft and smooth that biting it merely caressed my lips.  It had a light cream filling that was so cool and light.  Together with the cherry and mango slice, I was so in awe that I almost got teary over it.  I vow from this day on to order this every time I visit! =D

Final Stop: Slice
I've always wanted to try Slice.  Aside from being owned by Senator Pia Cayetano.  It is one of the hottest cafes in the area.  Regardless of the time of day, it is never empty.  We were able to sample a wide variety of cakes and cupcakes which everyone was really grateful for.  In fact, most of us raised our white flags and left with a full tummy.

Overall, the success of  BGC Eats Food Tour is quite evident.  Slots were easily filled and it was so organized too.  I'm glad they saved the best line up for last.  We are so glad to participate. =D  They do something like this again!

BGC Eats Food Tour (July 20, 2013) Participating Restaurants

Vask  5th Floor, CLIPP Center, 11th Avenue corner 39th Street,  Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila (0917) - 5872400 Orale! G/F, The Fort Strip, 7th & 28th St.,  Bonifacio Global City,Taguig City, Metro Manila (02) 552-2660 Crystal Jade Dining IN Bonifacio High Street Central  Bonifacio High Street Central 7th Ave. corner 29th St.,  Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila (02) 808-5233 Slice Bonifacio High Street Central 7th Ave. corner 29th St.,  Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila (02) 553-7783

I enjoy Mexican food but there are hardly any establishments that serve them.  How many Mexican Restaurants in the Metro do you know of?  After our disappointment with Mexicali, I have long been searching for more Mexican Restaurants.  I'm glad to have fumbled into Orale! Tacqueria Mexicana located at The Fort Strip. Orale! Tacqueria Mexicana means Alright! Mexican Taco Shop.  


Orale! Tacqueria Mexicana has a simplistic ambiance with the influence of artistry and handicraft.  They have a large montage painting with different Mexican personalities.  We were informed that they make their sign boards by themselves.  As much as possible, they want to make everything on their own.  What I like about Orale! Tacqueria Mexicana is that their kitchen is visible to its customers so you can see your orders made from scratch.

Fresh Masa

Orale! Tacqueria Mexicana's tortillas are made from Fresh Masa (Tortilla Dough) which is composed of imported corn flour.  I also learned that their employees go to work hours before their opening time just to prepare their salsa's and other dips so you are assured that they are a fresh batch.
Orale! Tacqueria Mexicana is a casual self-service restaurant.  They have their menu written in chalk at the counter area.  You pay as you order.  
Food


Antojitos

Grilled Corn on the Cob (85 php)

For our appetizer, we had Grilled Corn on the Cob served with some lime.  The Grilled Corn on the Cob is grilled Japanese Corn spiced with some herbs.  Of course, you have to eat this by hand.  The owner Nicky told us that Mexican food is supposed to be messy.  It's part of the fun of it.  

Totopos y Salsa (85 php)

Tacos

♥ Carne Asada Tacos (Tres) (325 php)

The Carne Asada Tacos (Tres) is a three-some grilled beef tacos served with totopos and lime.  You should eat this upon being served while the Taco shells are still crunchy.  I loved this!  It's probably one of  the best tacos I've ever tried.


Burritos

♥ Lengua Burritos Grande (355 php)

The Lengua Burritos is a large perfectly rolled burrito with totopos, jalapeno and black bean dip.  was sensational!  I instantly loved it the moment my teeth sank into the soft tortilla and chewed the soft lengua and rice.  We were told that it takes them four hours to cook the lengua for it to reach that perfect texture.


Tostadas

♥ Barbacoa Tostadas (155 php)

The Barbacoa Tostadas is a bit messy to eat.  I usually avoid getting messy.  But in this case, I couldn't resist it.  It was so good.  I enjoyed the crunchy sensation followed by the taste of refried beans, meat and tomatoes.

♥ Double Cheese Quesadillas (245 php)

The Double Cheese Quesadillas is soft flour tortillas filled with two kinds of cheese topped with diced tomatoes and Jalapenos.  They use Monterey Jack cheese.  This is delicious!  I used to buy Monterey Jack cheese cubes at the supermarket and just munch on them.  I never realized that they are also delicious when melted.


Extras

Salsa Impyerno,  Guacamole and Black Beans (from left to right)

The Salsa Impyerno was initially sweet after a few seconds you'll feel a spiking spiciness linger in your tongue.  This is really spicy and quite enjoyable for me.  

Guacamole (55 php)

I love their Guacamole.  I could tell they are freshly made.


Drinks
They have a wide range of drinks.  What's noticeable about their drink selection is the imported Mexican beers.




Margaritas

Frozen Strawberry Margaritas (175 php)

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Orale! Tacqueria Mexicana offers a one of unique experience by offering a wide range of authentic Mexican dishes.  Every dish that we tried is recommendable.  Price is a bit steep but that is compensated by the large serving size and the quality of the ingredients.  Every dish is made freshly from the time you order.  You are paying for their sincere hard work in producing quality food.  I certainly don't mind paying more for that.  I'm sure that if you try it, you'll feel the same way.