Showing posts with label paella valenciana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label paella valenciana. Show all posts
The Philippines has a long history and culture to showcase. Did you know that there are many ways to discover its stories? Las Casas tells the tale of Filipino history and culture through its heritage homes.
I've been wanting to share the experience with my family for so long. But, my mom doesn't want to leave home for so long because of our six dogs.
Then, a miracle happened as Las Casas decided to open here in Manila, specifically Quezon City!
While it did not occupy a vast land, it surely did not have less flair in terms of interior to the Las Casas in Bataan.
My favorite part is the spiral staircase overlooking the dining area and the outdoor pool.
It leads to more rooms on the second floor.
The best room is the one in the first floor. If you've been to Bataan, you'll see a resemblance.
From this, you can see how high the ceiling is.
Table set up is way better than in Bataan. I guess that's what the touch of Chef Margarita Fores can do.
Wherever you dine, you are free to roam around the place.
There are lots to see...
especially if you appreciate antiques.
Food
The highlight, of course, is the dining experience with Chef Margarita Fores at its helm.
Mains
Enchanting place well-matched with enchanting dishes. Price is within the usual range of a Margarita Fores restaurant.
| ♥ Rabo de Toro (680 php) |
Menu is limited but there's more than enough to feel fulfilled.
| ♥ Beef Tenderloin Salpicao Mushrooms (650 php) |
Everything was excellent.
| ♥ Chuletas de Cordero, Salsa Verde (890 php) |
My top pick would be the Chuletas de Cordero, Salsa Verde.
| ♥ Chuletas de Cordero, Salsa Verde (890 php) |
Flavor was so clean yet rich. The meat so tender and juicy.
| ♥ Paella Valenciana |
I am a huge fan of paella. I could say that I have a specific preference in terms of flavor, stickiness, crisp and so on. This Paella Valenciana has passed my standards.
| ♥ Tres Leches (180 php) |
Isn't this Tres Leches, the most beautiful dessert you've ever seen?
| ♥ Tres Leches (180 php) |
This Tres Leches gives you a sweet and refreshing finish just like spring after a hot summer.
Others
Since Las Casas also caters to events, here are sample of its cocktail treats.
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Las Casas Manila by Margarita Fores is definitely a must try. You already have two reasons to go: (1) ambiance (2) food. More comes with the unique experience. It is similar but different to Las Casas de Azucar in Bataan. Another factor is the convenience that it is at the heart of Manila.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Las Casas Manila by Margarita Fores Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★ | |
| Taste | ★★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Las Casas Manila by Margarita Fores | |
| Business Address | 134 Roosevelt Avenue, Del Monte, Quezon City, Metro Manila |
| Business Hours | 10am-9pm |
| Payment Options | |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 500-1,500 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (0917) 771-13714 |
| Other | |
If there's one word to describe me on a usual day... it would be "Frazzled". (Now, you know why this author has maintained anonymosity even to the 1000th post!) So for a change how about I take a splendid time with fellow foodies and let The Frazzled Cook take charge.
If you've been reading my blogs, you'd know my philosophy on dining is for sharing. And, I really think that's why I love the Philippine foodie community the most. You get to meet so many people and everyone is just so warming and sharing. I guess that's why despite being a wallflower, I never worry about what it's like to go to one food event after another.
Now, I know there are non-foodie people. But, there are a lot of foodies so I consider it as one of the biggest mix of people. There are practically foodies from all walks of life.
So in a food event, you'll see so many foodies. There's the ordinary foodie like my long time IG friend Niel (which bothers me because he suddenly quit), social media influencer foodies, Zomato top reviewers as part of what they call Zomato Foodie Meet-up (Zomato FMU), Looloo top reviewers as part of what they call Looloo rendevous, food bloggers like me, media and more!
Oh and there's no exclusivity! One person can be a Zomato top reviewer, Loloo top reviewer, a social media influencer and a food blogger as well. I know others who are like that but I'm not. I am just you're ordinary food blogger who has a Zomato account but not much reviews on it so I don't usually get to join a Zomato FMU. I always intended to be more active as other bloggers on Zomaot though cause Zomato has a good incentive for bloggers with its Spoonback System. It allows bloggers to have a link to their blogs under every review. There's also a separate ranking category for bloggers. But since my work doesn't permit me to have much time to make more reviews, I would be excited to get rare Zomato FMU invites just so I can meet the top Zomato reviewers. This time is not different.
Food
So after some food styling and some food shots (which includes vlogging now to my surprise!) we got proceeded to our late lunch. I have to confess, I am a first time guest at The Frazzled Cook.
Starters
| Sizzling Squid (495 php) |
Soups & Salads
| ♥ Herbal Chicken Salad (275 php) |
If you've been following my IG stories and IG posts, I've been having this coming-of-age thought all of a sudden. This may be funny because this is so easy for many but let me share with you something I've been promising myself since forever:
1. Learn photography - Yes, I don't know anything about it until now. But, every time I go to events and see someone really good especially my street photography mentor Sir Ted Claudio, I've been really wanting to learn.
My resolve: You see, I really have poor self-discipline so in order to start change, I have to make an indirect change to push me to go out of my normal and comfort practice. Thus, I sold my old camera real quick by selling it at a giveaway price. Testing out new cameras in manual mode. I am viewing more photos in IG and 500px.
2. Adopt a healthier lifestyle
My resolve: Subscribed to the nearest gym so I wouldn't have any excuse. As for diet, yes I eat more greens!
So I am happy to share that I happily devoured on this Herbal Chicken Salad with basic vinaigrette the most!
1. Learn photography - Yes, I don't know anything about it until now. But, every time I go to events and see someone really good especially my street photography mentor Sir Ted Claudio, I've been really wanting to learn.
My resolve: You see, I really have poor self-discipline so in order to start change, I have to make an indirect change to push me to go out of my normal and comfort practice. Thus, I sold my old camera real quick by selling it at a giveaway price. Testing out new cameras in manual mode. I am viewing more photos in IG and 500px.
2. Adopt a healthier lifestyle
My resolve: Subscribed to the nearest gym so I wouldn't have any excuse. As for diet, yes I eat more greens!
So I am happy to share that I happily devoured on this Herbal Chicken Salad with basic vinaigrette the most!
Pizza & Paella
| Truffle Mushroom Pizza |
One of the special gestures made by The Frazzled Cook especially for us is to let us try the Truffle Mushroom Pizza. I felt like we hit the jackpot with this one because it was so rich in truffle flavor! Fellow truffle lovers, do try this when it officially becomes part of the menu.
Meat & Poultry
Moo
| Wagyu Salpicao (595 php) |
I recall when the whole "wagyu" craze hit Manila, I used to be so excited to have more and more of it. It was more premium than our local beef in terms of texture and price. Soon, my excitement faded as it was the same one after the other. But, guess what? When I popped one of these Wagyu Salpicao cube unto my mouth, it surprised me that it was not just the soft almost melting into your mouth sensation that got me popping one cube after another. It was every component of the dish: (1) the generous garlic bits, (2) the fragrant rich garlic taste that has seeped well into the oil were the wagyu cubes swam (3) the soft wagyu cubes (4) the salt, pepper and the balancing subtle hint of mint and bitterness from the dried parsley bits.
Chicken
| Chicken Cordon Bleu (395 php) |
You can already diagnose my impression of the Chicken Cordon Bleu just by visual inspection.
Seafood
| ♥ Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa (325 php) |
So moving on with a new found favorite salmon dish: the Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa. This has pushed the usual Baked Salmon dish to second in rank.
| Seafood Paella for 5 (600 php) |
| ♥ Paella Negra For 5 (635 php) |
While I hate to make comparisons, I must say this time the Paella Negra is the winner amongst the two. Every black grain delivered a rich squid ink taste. On some occassions, I even though that squid ink flavor is hardly detectable by the most delicate tongues. Yet, The Frazzled Cook has worked wonders by magnifying the taste making us wanting and worshipping such dish till the end of our meal.
Pasta
| ♥ Truffle Pasta Family (515 php) |
I would have been a devoted worshipper for the Paella Negra, if only we weren't served the Truffle Pasta. It was like a holy grail for both truffle lovers and bacon lovers and I happen to be both! It is actually mellow to the mouth as every component created a harmonious melody of flavors.
Overall, thank you The Frazzled Cook for the excellent hospitality and for Zomato for inviting me.
| The Frazzled Cook | |
| Business Address | 78 Scout Gandia Street, Laging Handa, Tomas Morato, Quezon City |
| Business Hours | 10am-12am |
| Payment Options | |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 500-1,000 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (02) 374-6879 |
| Other | |
I wonder why... when I'm home I always seem to find something to do that I can't seem to want to go out. Then, I receive an invite for the #LJCXZomatoFoodCrawl. Finally, something draws me out and brings me to our first stop: Lorenzo's Way.
It has an interior that is similar to a heritage Filipino home. It was so comfortable that we didn't notice the time flew by as we sat down and dined.
Food
| Caesar (295 php) |
As expected from any LJC group restaurant, classic dishes like this Caesar salad is executed perfectly.
Paellas
| ♥ Paella Valenciana (650 php) |
These days, I've been eating rice-free meals. But, I guess I'm to weak against the fragrant and flavorful Paella Valenciana. A taste of this was not enough, I had to succumb and devour even to the crispy brownish layer.
Main Courses
| Inihaw na Sugpo (675 php) |
Look at the precise grill marks on the Inihaw na Sugpo. You could tell by the looks that each bite into its soft and tender meat delivered a delicious juice that fills your mouth with a wonderful sensation.
| ♥ Costillas de Ternero Guisada Sharing (750 php) |
I'm happy to be acquainted with the lavishing Costillas de Ternero Guisada. The tender beef had a sauce that an exquisite red wine essence that lingers on your taste buds.
| ♥ Spanish Garlic Chicken (395 php) |
I don't think there's any dish that could dazzle the entire crowd like the Spanish Garlic Chicken. Who would have thoughts that chicken with a bountiful amounts of garlic cloves would be an irresistible culinary masterpiece? It reminds me of the words of wisdom my mentor Ed shared to us "Your can compare cooking to life. Life is simple, You only need to have the essential ingredients to make you happy."
| Black Pata Sharing (850 php) |
The Black Pata is actually one of my favorite Chinese dishes. Unfortunately, we don't cook this at home because it's too tedious to prepare so I am so happy when I get a chance to have this. Our former cook used to cook this dish excellently. Because of him, I had high standards. This version passed my standards in terms of meat texture. It's just too rich and sweet for me.
Vegetables
| Adobong Puso ng Saging at Gambas (295 php) |
While the Adobong Puso ng Saging at Gambas does not appear to be as grand as the other dishes, it served an essential part of our meal. It had a refreshing tangy flavor brought by the harmonious mix of vinegar and soy that reset our palates after having the more savory dishes.
Noodles, Pasta, and Rice
| ♥ Pancit Sotanghon sa Baby Pusit (345 php) |
The Pancit Sotanghon sa Baby Pusit with a hint of kamias and squid ink on the bouncy crystal clear noodles brought a tasty massage in every mouthful. This reminded me of the Pancit Puti which I tried at Mangan. Both were pancit sotanghon dishes with kamias. But, the Pancit Puti had chicken essence while this one had squid ink essence.
Desserts
| Gigil Tart (199 php) |
| Mango and Almond Panna Cotta (245 php) |
| ♥ Baklava (275 php) |
Because I'm a huge fan of pistachio nuts, I fully appreciate the Baklava. The Baklava I have encountered in the past is a light, slightly greasy and flaky square type. This is different and has a defining characteristic. It has a crisp coating and crunchy filling. It is not greasy at all. I liked it very much!
Drink List
Fresh Juices
| Ripe Mango Juice (145 php) |
| Lorenzo's Way | |
| Branches | GREENBELT G/F Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center Makati City, Metro Manila Phone: (02) 729-0047 / 729-0013 Seating capacity: Main dining 55 / Al Fresco 75 BONIFACIO HIGH STREET CENTRAL 2nd Level, C2 Building, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Phone: (02) 621-3163 to 64 |
| Business Hours | Lunch: 11am-3pm Dinner: 5pm-11pm |
| Payment Options | |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 400-1.000 |
| Free WiFi | Yes |
| Other | Website |
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