The family has been eager to escape the city and find solace in an al fresco cafe after a whole year of being locked at home.   Antipolo being one of the nearest provinces outside Metro Manila was an easy choice for us and apparently, for many others too as most cafes were crowded for the weekend.  

Fortunately for us,  Cafe Agusta was able to accommodate us for a quick lunch. 

 

Cafe Agusta is very spacious.  It has an air-conditioned indoor cafe area which most guests preferred. 

Our visit was just barely after Christmas so decor were still there.  

While the coziness and coolness of the cafe was inviting, we stuck with our preference and chose the indoor al fresco area instead.

The Bar by Cafe Agusta

There's also an air-conditioned bar with an al fresco area.

I can imagine this place to be livelier at night....

especially, the al fresco area which was now under the intense heat of the afternoon sun.

The cafe overlooks Antipolo which was still full of greens. 

Food

The food took almost an hour to arrive so we were able to explore all areas and realized that the best time to dine there for the santorini al-fresco area with overlooking view would be around sunset to night time so it wouldn't be so hot.

There were a lot of unavailable items in the menu so we weren't explore as much as we hoped and ordered several of the same items. 

 

Salad

Insalata Agusta (325 php)

For starters, we had the Insalata Agusta.   The price was very reasonable for this good-for-sharing  bowlful of mixed fresh greens, green beans, corn kernels, tomato, cheese, grilled chicken drizzled with its homemade orange dressing.  

 

P.S. For those who have a bit of an OCD for cleanliness, the tableclothes in the indoor al fresco area are noticeably stained and don't seem to be replaced regularly. 

 

Pasta

 

Creamy Pesto with Grilled Chicken (350 php)

The Creamy Pesto with Grilled Chicken is a delicious plateful of cream pesto pasta with generous strips of chicken breast. 

Main

♥ Salpicao Di Manzo (460 php)

The Salpicao Di Manzo is the priciest selection in the menu and also a must try! It was served hot with fragant garlic aroma.  The beef tenderloin cubes were so tender and juicy that every bite was so pleasurable.  It is also comes with vegetables and steamed rice.

♥ Chicken Parmigiana (325 php)

The Chicken Parmigiana is our favorite amongst our orders. The light tangy homemade creamy tomato sauce together with the cheezinesss (of mozzarella and parmesan cheese) perfectly complements the crunchy breaded chicken breast.  The chicken breast was also soft and juiyc to bite and not dry or tough at all.   

 

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict

The food and ambiance made our trip to Cafe Agusta worth it.  But, the service could be improved more.  Honestly, the patience of my companions was really tested while dining here.  

 

J. Park is a 24-hour spacious two-story restaurant fully surrounded by glass panes.  It's greens and classy interiors is like a paradise inviting every passer by. 


A step inside will even offer an overwhelming comfort with its clean, fragrant and cool vibe.  Aside from the casual dining area on the first and second floor, the second room also provides more privacy with individual rooms by the back hallway. 

Food
While J. Park offers unlimited Samyupsal for only 500 php (minimum of two [2] persons), we opted to order ala carte because the menu had a lot more to offer. 

Pajeori (파절이)

The Pajeori (파절이) literally means seasoned green onion in Korean.  This is a basic Korean barbecue companion especially for marinated meat. 




Beef

Special Wagyu Beef (Rib-Eye) (2800 php)

As indicated in its menu, all meats used by J. Park are Monterey Meat.  As you can see, the Special Wagyu Beef (Rib-Eye) is as promised.  Of course, this is so delicious when grilled perfectly!

Kkot Galbisal (Grilled Beef Prime Ribs) (1,600 php)

With delicious beef variants like the Kkot Galbisal (Grilled Beef Prime Ribs), you would agree that opting more than Samgyupsal is the best way right?


Pork

Samgyeopsal (Fresh Pork Belly) (400 php)

Meals

Bulgogi

Unfortunately, you can only cook either grill or hotpot in a single table.  We were lucky to dine in a big group so we were able to get some dishes from the nearby tables.  Both the grills and the Bulgogi we had were delicious and price-worthy. 

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Kimchi Jjige (Kimchi Stew) (400 php)

Dwenjiang Jjigae (Soybean Stew) (400 php)

The Kimchi Jjige and Dwenjiang Jjigae are both stews.  The Kimchi Jjige is dominated by the flavor of kimchi.  While the Dwenjiang Jjigae is dominated by soybean flavor.

Galbi Tang (600 php)

Who needs a chicken soup for the soul when you can have a healthy and comforting serving of Galbi Tan?  The pork ribs slowly falls of the bone as it simmers in the hot bowl.  Parts of it are melting and mixing into the mild tasting soup which is slightly sweetened by the juju berries.  

Side Dishes

Japchae (500 php)

What we appreciate with Korean restaurants is that the management is very hands on.  You can see that the Korean owners and managers are the ones doing the hard labor as well.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict

When you hear Sushi Bella, it has a beautiful ring to it right?  It's probably because of the movie Twilight! 


No but really... It gives a lovely feminine impression to it. 

As you step inside, you'll be impressed by the beautiful interiors.

The every component of the place created a beautiful and harmonious feel.

And, their chef is really Japanese.


But, who is Bella?  I wondered that too.  Maybe she is the very hospitable and attentive Korean owner.


Food
Aside from the wonderful interiors, it gives a lot of complementary dishes.   We got free Green Tea, Chawanmushi...


and Miso Soup.


Salad

Makati Dream Salad (499 php)

Even in my dreams, I could never have imagined a huge and rich salad like the Makati Dream Salad.   Just look at the bountiful fresh and quality ingredients.  I highly suggest for this dish to be shared by two to three persons.  I wouldn't say this is heavenly perfect as the sauce can be toned down a bit so as not to overpower the natural flavor of its components.


Bella Tower

Bella Tower (459 php)

It took me minutes of appreciating before bringing the gorgeous Bella Tower down.  But, it was worth it!!!  This is so delicious!  If I would go back to Sushi Bella, I would definitely order this every time.  It's like the grandest deconstructed poke bowl I have ever encountered.

Tepanyaki

Marinated Beef Teriyaki (399 php)

Even the biggest appetite will surely be satisfied with their Marinated Beef Teriyaki.  The sauce is more on the sweet side though.


Dessert
We also got free pineapple for dessert.  Should we worry about our bill by this point?  Nah!  Turns out no additional charges.

Green Mango Juice

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
If you want to be impressed with beautiful and gorgeously extravagant dishes unlike any other, then Sushi Bella is what you are looking for.  Bring some company cause its dishes are good for sharing.  And, their cozy ambiance would make you want to stay there as long as you can.

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!