Showing posts with label service 3. Show all posts
Showing posts with label service 3. Show all posts
Camiña Balay Nga Bato: Artisan Tsokolate Batirol Served in a Heritage Home Built in 1865 (Arevalo District Iloilo City)
Iloilo City, Iloilo, Philippines
Our visit to Camiña Balay Nga Bato is one of the most memorable Heritage Tours I've had.
And, of course, I bought some Chocolate Tablea.
We were then given some time to explore and take photos.
For our group photos, like the one we had on this creaky staircase, we asked the staff for asssitance.
And, for me that made the simple offering of Camiña Balay Nga Bato an authentic experience for cultural immersion.
We're so happy to support Camiña Balay Nga Bato as a National Museum-recognized important cultural property in 2015.
Curio Heritage Shop
So before proceeding to our intended agenda, we checked out the assortment of local products sold at the Curio Heritage Shop.
We were greeted by the staff who oriented us about their offerings.
Upon choosing a guided tour, we were escorted to a simple living room or sala to watch a 10-minute video tour about the place.
For our group photos, like the one we had on this creaky staircase, we asked the staff for asssitance.The second floor served as the dining area so there were a lot of wooden tables with rustic chairs.
For only 200 php, you can enjoy a two (2) rounds of their premium tsokolate de batirol served with a bowl of local biscuits. Just ring the bell for a refill! If you're lucky, they will even offer a complimentary third round.
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| ♥ Tsokolate de Batirol and Local Biscuits |
As we sipped on our Tsokolate de Batirol, nibbled on Local Biscuits, I felt a deep gratitude for the rare gift of slowness and presence as we were embraced by the cool breeze and homey ease. We could never enjoy such privilege in the bustle of Manila.
The Tsokolate de Batirol is so thick and rich that you can already feel the caffeine kick from a small cupfull. Thus, the two rounds is just enough! We even had to ask for a glass of water to help us finish it.
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Camiña Balay Nga Bato is a must visit in Iloilo City. Yes, this is an encouraging invite to all of you to support one of the few heritage homes left in the Philippines! The experience is truly one of a kind and reasonably priced.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Camiña Balay Nga Bato Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★ | Menu |
| Taste | ★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Camiña Balay Nga Bato | |
| Business Address | 20 Osmeña Street, brgy Sta. Felomina Arevalo, Iloilo City, Philippines |
| Business Hours | 8am-6pm |
| Payment Options | Cash |
| Service Charge | N/A |
| Budget/Person | 200-500 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (0947) 891-1467 |
| Other | Facebook Fan Page |
Breakthrough Restaurant: Seafood Galore and More Since 1986 (Iloilo City, Iloilo)
Iloilo City, Iloilo, Philippines
While I've had food trips on some Philippines regions before, this meal shared with our academic and intellectual work partners offered a distinct and unforgettable pleasure.
It may have been a fitting conincidence that they suggested to dine at "Breakthrough Restaurant" because it was here that I experience a breakthrough discovery about myself.
Listening to our senior partners — emeritus professors — share insights and experiences from their past development projects over good local dishes left me deeply inspired about our generation’s potential to make a difference.
Set by the coast in Iloilo City, Breakthrough Restaurant charms both local and tourist alike by serving fresh seafood specialties enhanced by the cool sea breeze dining experience.
Although we ordered from the frozen fish counter, we surmised that they were freshly caught because we saw live fishes swimming in the pools nearby.
After deciding on our fish soup, we proceeded to the next counter where food choices are displayed. I found this set-up quite peculiar because this turo-turo (point-point) style is usually adopted in small road-style eateries around the Philippines and not by large-scale restaurants. Upon pointing on our choices, the staff lists them down the orders to be delivered at our table.
If you're like our boss who prefers to just order by sitting down, you can also do so.
Food
Starters and Specials
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| Lato Salad |
But, I suggest that you stand up because some items that are displayed like the Lato Salad (grape seaweed) are not in the regular menu.
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| ♥ Baked Talaba (220 php) |
As you can see, the Baked Talaba is fresh and succulent.
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| ♥ Sizzling Crabmeat (300 php) |
The Sizzling Crabmeat is pure juicy crab meat with tomato, chili and corn served in a hot sizzling plate.
Vegetables
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| Chopsuey (285 php) |
The Chopsuey is served with a generous variety of vegetables.
Pork
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| Litson Baboy (300 php) |
The Litson Baboy was reasonably priced but nothing extraordinary.
Beef | Mutton
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| ♥ Caldereta (380 php) |
The Caldereta is a spicy tomato-based stew filled with tender beef, potato and carrot slices.
Native Chicken
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| ♥ Litson Manok (390 php) |
We loved the Litson Manok. It's savory and tender.
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Breakthrough's dining experience is definitely one of a kind. No wonder it been loved by locals and tourists alike since 1986. With so much choices, you will surely have a new seafood to try on your next visit.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Breakthrough Restaurant Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★ | Menu |
| Taste | ★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Breakthrough Restaurant | |
| Business Address | Molo-Arevalo Boulevard Sto. Nino, Villa Arevalo, Iloilo City, Iloilo Province |
| Business Hours | 10am-9pm |
| Payment Options |  Cash |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 400-1,500 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (033) 337 3027 |
| Other | Website |
Taipei Spa Pasay: Post- Massage Taiwanese Dinner (Pasay City Metro Manila)
Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines
If you got half a day for food and relaxation, we highly recommend spending it in Taipei Spa Pasay (台北 SPA庭院店).
It has a spacious dining and massage area. For special occassions, you can splurge and avail of their VIP rooms with jacuzzi. Alternatively, you can enjoy a foot massage while relaxing by the scenic fish pond.
Food
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| Xiao Long Bao |
Best part of all is that they offer a wide selection of affordable Taiwanese food.
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| ♥ Mushroom Skewers |
It ranges from Taiwanese street foods to a full-blown meal.
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| Cold Tofu |
Best to visit in groups because most dishes are great for sharing.
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| ♥ Braised Beef Shanks |
Everything we tried was satisfying.
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| ♥ Oyster Omelette |
Most of the dishes were actually quite new for us.
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| ♥ Taiwanese Oyster Noodles |
My favorite was the Taiwanese Oyster Noodles. It is served with rice vermicelli noodles.
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| Taiwanese Pig Intestine Noodles |
The Taiwanese Pig Intestine Noodles were also good.
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| Seafood Noodles |
You could also go for egg noodles like the Seafood Noodles.
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| Onion and Leeks Noodles |
You definitely cannot go wrong with the noodle options.
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| ♥ Taiwanese Halo-halo |
An interesting experience for us too was the Taiwanese Halo-halo where you will get to pick the toppings.
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| Complimentary Fruits |
If you get a massage, you also get to enjoy some Complimentary Fruits.
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| Complimentary Green Apple Slices |
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Taipei Spa is not only great for having a luxious spa experience. It is now also a great food stop for affordable Taiwanese food that's open 24 hours!
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Taipei Spa Pasay Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★★ | N/A |
| Taste | ★★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Taipei Spa Pasay | |
| Business Address | Corner Cuneta Ave. Pasay City near Roxas Blvd and Heritage Hotel |
| Business Hours | 24 hours |
| Payment Options | Cash |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 500-1,000 |
| Free WiFi | Yes |
| Contact | (0966) 504-7076 |
| Other | |
Magic Lagoon Restobar: Refreshing Stopover in Subic (Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales)
Subic, Zambales, Philippines
During our drive from Manila to Bataan, we felt hungry so we quickly googled for a place to eat in Subic Bay Freeport Zone so we can also do some shopping after lunch.
The Magic Lagoon Restobar stood out with an impressive amount of google reviews.
When we arrived, it was even more spacious than we expected because it had a lot of parking slots available.
The open air restobar was unexpectedly full. But, it felt cool even on a sunny day because of its ample fans and well-ventilation.
We found an empty long table by the corner where these ducks seemed to be stationed.
Food
Appetizers
 |
| ♥ Baked Tahong (390 php) |
For starters, we enjoyed these deliciously cheesy Baked Tahong.
 |
| Pork Sisig (260 php) |
We also had a sizzling plateful of the Pork Sisig.
Gulay ATBP.
 |
| Ginataang Sitaw and Kalabasa (280 php) |
My companions know how much I insist for a well-balance meal so they order this Ginataang Sitaw and Kalabasa and
 |
| Kangkong with Bagoong (110 php) |
simple yet delightfully crunchy Kangkong with Bagoong, and
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| ♥ Kare-Kareng Gulay (350 php) |
the potful of flavorful Kare-Kareng Gulay.
Drinks
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
The Magic Lagoon Restobar offered us a refreshing lunch stopover after a long drive. We were quite pleased that for such a great ambiance and food experience, the price is very reasonable. I'm also quite surprised that they are open 24/7 even on most holidays.
| Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating | Magic Lagoon Menu | |
| Ambiance | ★★★★ | N/A |
| Taste | ★★★ | |
| Service | ★★★ | |
| Price | ★★★★ | |
| ♥=Favorites or Recommended | ||
| Magic Lagoon Restobar | |
| Business Address | Bldg. 716, Bicentennial Park, Rizal Highway, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Luzon Philippines |
| Business Hours | 24 Hours |
| Payment Options | Cash |
| Service Charge | 10% |
| Budget/Person | 350-1,000 |
| Free WiFi | No |
| Contact | (047) 252-1475 |
| Other | |
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