A few days ago, I got invited by Avida Land to experience a food trip in Banawe and our first stop is G's Cafe.  
 
Why Banawe?  Because just 15-minutes aways, Ayala Land Inc. is developing an 11-hectare project right at the juncture of North Luzon Expressway, Edsa and A. Bonifacio Avenue called Cloverleaf Balintawak.  
  
It will be a whole new place by 2020 as there will be QualiMed Hospital, Avida Towers Cloverleaf as residential towers, an Ayala Mall, retail strips and office buildings.  

So along Banawe is G's Cafe is at the second floor of Gears Autoshop so it's not that the first thing that will catch your attention.  In fact, I was really surprised at it's wide floor space.  Just like in coffee shops, it has a counter with a cake chiller.  

But, what makes it distinguishable from all other cafes is it's automobile theme.  It reminded me of the manly bikers bars along Mexico or Texas that I see on American films.

There's a rack where you can purchase mobile accessories.

What I particularly liked the most is their wall brick wall with cool stuffs that will remind you of road driving. 

And, there's a bar with leather race car seats.  Pretty neat huh?  Seeing these seats also reminded me that when I was a little kid, it was one of my dreams to have my own racing arcade machine at home.  (Like most childhood dreams, that somehow faded away.  I think because when I was a child I was materialistic and now, I'm more experiential.)

Food

♥ Camber Crispy Bacon and Honey Cured Ham (165 php)

Seeing the beautifully prepared easy over egg on the Camber Crispy Bacon and Honey Cured Ham is already a plus for me.  Then it was served with a perfectly crispy bacon and savory cured ham.  How can I not like this right?  And, I have to add that the potato chips served as side dish with garlic sauce is addicting!
 

♥ Radial Roast Beef Sandwich (228 php)

The Radial Roast Beef Sandwich is one of the best-sellers at G's Cafe (according to Swarm tips when I logged in!).  I totally agree with their conviction because I also fell for this tasty roast beef with creamy mushroom and melted cheese sandwich.

Breaded Ham and Cheese Sandwich (120 php)

If you like breaded dishes like cordon bleu, you'll definitely like their Breaded Ham and Cheese.
 

Dark Choco Cheese Panini (125 php)

To be honest, I was expecting the Dark Choco Cheese Panini to be an ordinary panini stuffed with chocolate spread which you can affordably buy from the grocery.   But, I was so wrong!  It was rich and bitter-sweet.  It reminded me of pandesal being dipped over thick hot cocoa but this was richer or maybe like Nutella without the hazelnut.  The cheese is very subtle.


Drinks

Cappuccino Regular (105 php)

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We've only tried sandwiches and coffee which is not even a quarter of the menu at G's Cafe.  I'm very pleased with our dining experience.  I really love the theme and the price is very reasonable.  I look forward to trying more of their menu next time.

My favorite stop during the Metro Angeles Food Tour 2014 (#MAFT2014) is SAB Bistro.  As soon as we arrived, I was already allured by its inviting facade. 


It's strategically located at Mac Arthur highway and has a wide parking area so its very accessible and convenient for diners. 


It's one of the best interiors I've encountered.  The place is bright, homey, clean and cozy.  It is well-lighted with spherical drop lights.  It's got comfortable lofts and minimalist tables and chairs.  It has a clean white brick-designed walls with cute frames containing witty quotes.  Its serene ambiance just makes you feel glad and relaxed. 

Food

Appetizers

♥ Buffalo Wings and Vegetable Crudites with Blue Cheese Dip (160 php)

The Buffalo Wings is covered in a nice blend of spicy and sour sauce.  This is really good rendition of the classic buffalo wings.  

Baked Mussels (170 php)

The Baked Mussels was fresh and cheesy!

Soup

♥ Butternut Squash Soup (95 php)

The Butternut Squash Soup was thick, rich and creamy.  I loved this!

Salad

♥ Salad Sabine (160 php)

The Salad Sabine had mixed greens, caramelized apple slices, water buffalo's milk cheese, cottage cheese, toasted walnut bits and raspberry vinaigrette.  This gained the approval of all my companions. 


Pasta

♥ Pasta La Mer (170 php)

The red cream sauce of the Pasta La Mer appeared to be light and yet it wasn't.  You could taste the richness of the sea with just a forkful.

Sandwiches

Chicken Enchilada Casserole (145 php)

The Chicken Enchilada Casserole may seem like ordinary casserole.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole (145 php)

But, the Chicken Enchilada Casserole is actually a hefty and zesty meal with shredded chicken in white sauce wrapped in soft flour tortilla laid on a bed of sweet tomato sauce (with fresh tomato bits) and topped with mozzarella cheese.   I give this an A+ for creativity and taste.  

♥ Chicken Pesto Sandwich (140 php)

 The Chicken Pesto Sandwich is served in an appealing heart shape with their house potato chips and alfalfa.

♥ Chicken Pesto Sandwich (140 php)

The Chicken Pesto Sandwich is a ciabatta bread toasted like a panini with grilled pesto chicken strips, shitake mushrooms and mozzarella cheese.  I rarely eat sandwiches and I'm hardly impressed by one but damn... this is so good!

Pork and Beef

♥ Beef Salpicao (220 php)

Wow! is what everyone exclaimed upon trying the Beef Salpicao.  Everyone was captivated by its savory, creamy and garlicky sauce.  The beef cubes was also so tender that biting through was so effortless.

Steak & Chops

♥ Wagyu Ribeye (450 php)

The Wagyu Ribeye is a must try!  It's a pretty good steak at such an unbelievable pricing.  I'm told that their wagyu is genuinely sourced from Japan. 

Chicken

Grilled Chicken Fillet with Lemon Butter Sauce (210 php)

My friends enjoyed the Grilled Chicken Fillet with Lemon Butter Sauce.   But, it was my least favorite among the bunch.  I'm impressed at how it was grilled with precision so it was so tender and juicy.   However, the saltiness overpowered the herb flavors.  
 
Fish and Seafood

♥ Seared Salmon with Spinacci (295 php)

The Seared Salmon with Spinacci is a perfectly seared salmon with spinach cream sauce.  By perfectly seared, I mean that it was golden brown crusted on all sides which locked in the pinkish and juicy salmon within.  It is served with mashed potato and buttered vegetables.

Prawn Thermidor (310 php)

Just a side story... While I was taking a photo of the Prawn Thermidor, a foreigner from the neighboring table said to me "Hey wanna take a photo of a diner eating that?"  I politely told him that I had to try it for myself so I can share it to the readers of my blog.  Seeing him finished with his food and drinks and fiddling with his tablet, I asked him for his feedback with his meal.  He said "I've been to four restaurants before this one and I stayed here because this is the best one I've tried."  So I told him "Wow!  I can't wait to try our meals then."

This Prawn Thermidor is indeed as good as it looks.  It's got a mysterious sauce that is blended with the mozzarella cheese.
 

Desserts

♥ Cookie Surprise (110 php)

The cookie surprise is an oreo fans' favorite dessert.  And, I luckily happen to be one. 

♥ Cookie Surprise (110 php)

The Cookie Surprise is their version of the famous wicked oreos or deep-fried battered oreos.  So far, this is the best I've tried yet.  It didn't feel oily and it has sinful but good vanilla ice cream and hot chocolate fudge dip.

♥ Chocolate Heaven (160 php)

The Chocolate Heaven is inspired by the Frozen Hot Chocolate of Serendipity 3 in New York which is chef Saira Yap's favorite.  It says in the menu that the Chocolate Heaven is good for sharing.  Well, it was so good that it didn't even reach my end of the table.


Cakes

♥ Red Velvet Cheesecake (145 php)

I am never a fan of popularly loved red velvet.  But, this Red Velvet Cheesecake is simply to die for!  This beats the pricier red velvet cheesecake of Italianni's.  The red velvet and cheesecake was so well-matched. 


Beverages

House Blend Iced Tea (55 php)

Other Metro Angeles Food Tour (#MAFT2014) Posts
Abe's Farm
Angeles Fried Chicken 
Binulo Restaurant
Cottage Kitchen Cafe
Historic Camalig Restaurant
La Rose Noire (factory visit) 
Mother's Cake House
Prism Lounge
Salt Restaurant (Breakfast Buffet)
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I'm very pleased with my dining experience at SAB Bistro.  Aside from the beautiful and serene ambiance and hearty food, the staffs are very courteous and friendly.  The young owner chef Saira Yap is also very hands-on and passionate with the cooking and management of her restaurant.  I believe that is the essential ingredient in the making of eery successful establishment.  It's also a great hang out place because it has the fastest WiFi among all restaurants in Pampanga.  I can't wait for their branches to open in Mc Kinley Hill Tuscany Estates and SM North Edsa.

Last year, I discovered The Sandwich Guy (see review) which offers meals that are affordable and healthy that are conveniently packed for those who are in a hurry or on the go. 


Aside from a wide range of sandwiches, they also have pasta and other side dishes.

For you to try and experience dining at The Sandwich Guy, I'm giving away  1,000 php gift certificate to one (1) lucky reader valid at The Sandwich Guy Megamall Branch until June 25, 2013. 

Contest will begin on May 24, 2013 and end at June 2, 2013.  Winner must reply via email with his shipping WITHIN 3 days.  Otherwise, we will have a redraw.   Only residents of Metro Manila are qualified to enter.

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