As we went in, we were greeted by the staffs and the Korean owner herself.  She then instructed our server to lead us to the second floor since the first level was fully occupied.  I could not pinpoint why but the place gave me a homey feel. 


As we were seated, I noticed that they have a call system so that we can be accommodated even though all the servers are stationed on the first level.  We've used this several times and the staffs responded promptly.

Food

Banchan (Korean Side Dishes)

As expected from an authentic Korean restaurant, we were given a set of Banchan or their complimentary Korean side dishes.

Meats

♥ Special Bulgogi (400 php)

Manna Korean Garden has an extensive menu.  But, it appealed to me that their meats were their specialty so I ordered the Special Bulgogi.   Our server prepared the table top cooker and then served as a platter filled with imported thinly sliced seasoned beef with leeks, onions and mushrooms.

♥ Special Bulgogi (400 php)

The thickness of the meat made it easy to cook and soft to bite.  The flavor of the sauce is very tasty so its great to eat with rice.  The blending is not to sweet and very appetizing.  I probably had more than my fair share with this dish.

♥ Samgyopsal (280 php)

The Samgyopsal is pork belly barbecue served eated with lettuce, cucumbers, garlic and onions.  For some reason, the pork belly felt chunky rather than fatty and I loved that.  

Seafoods

♥ Ojingoh Bukkom (400 php)

The Ojingoh Bukkom is stir fried squid and crunchy mixed vegetables  in red and thick chili sauce topped with sesame seeds.  I enjoyed this not only because I love spicy dishes but because of the great contrast of textures between the soft chewy squid and crunchy vegetables.  The sauce is also tasty and fragrant because of the sesame seeds.

Kongchi Gul (250 php)

The Kongchi Gul is a fried pacific saury.  It's great that the size is quite generous.  But, there is nothing spectacular about it.  In fact, I find this dish similar to the Sanma dish of the Japanese. 

Meals & Side Dishes

♥ Hemul Pajeon (400 php)

The Hemul Pajeon is the famous Korean onion, leeks, seafood and vegetable pancake.  The texture is fluffy and chewy at the same time which is good.  

♥ Soondooboo Chige (250 php)

The Soondooboo Chige is a soft bean curd stew.  The key to this dish are its tofu pieces which are smooth and soft. The spiciness is just right so you can enjoy this to the last drop.  The onions, egg and leeks were great complements to its already flavorful broth.  

Bibinbap (250 php)

The Bibinbap is another favorite dish of mine because it is a complete and healthy meal in itself.  This version with fresh and crunchy vegetables and seaweed is simply delightful.

Noodles

♥ Japchae (250 php)

The Japchae they serve is one of the best I've tried.  The  glass noodles together with the fried crunchy vegetables and meat is simply delightful to eat.  Because I'm not a fan of dry noodles, I appreciated the sauciness of this dish.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Manna Korea Garden is one of the best Korean restaurants in the Metro.  It's a great place to go to when craving for a Korean meal.  It's best to come in groups because most of their dishes are good for sharing.  The service is also great.  The staff responds quickly to our call and are happy to serve.

Cav is a great place to enjoy some wine because they have the dispenser system that is activated by a debit card so you can choose the type of wine you want to enjoy and how much of it you want.  You can opt for a 25-ml glass for tasting or half glass and a full glass.



Although it labels itself as a cafe, Cav is a full blown restaurant.  And, one of the classiest one if I may add. The place can be divided into two areas.  The one near the entrance has beautiful chandeliers, artistically mismatched seats, white linen covered tables and yellow lighting that gives an enchanting atmosphere perfect for chatting over some wine or romantic dining even.  It is also recommendable for business meetings since they offer FREE WiFi.  While, the main dining area has a more formal set up with the same table set up but with matching chairs and black leatherette booths.  

Drinks

Cabernet Sauvignon (House Wine)

Food
The food specially prepared by Swiss-born Chef Markus Gfeller is not only visually enticing but are so good that they led me to a trance in every bite.

Chicken Pate Canapes

Truffle Croquetas

Pan-seared Tuna

Arugula, Ham and Mushroom Quiche

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Cav Wine Shop - Cafe is definitely a place that I am yearning to come back to.  It recently won the MBK 2012 awards for Best Enoteca Restaurant.  Cav has excellent food, wine and ambiance that will surely make your dining experience memorable.  From its food presentation to exquisite flavors, Cav has its way to enchant its diners.  However, do note that it comes with a high price so come with deep pockets.  They also cater to events if you're interested.

Tip: Avail of their set menu for more savings.

Thai Bistro has a nice al fresco area and a bar.  But, its main beauty lies inside which you can see through its glass windows. 


Although the space is limited, its excellent interiors make up for it by having a mirror on one side.  On the other side, it also these huge gold imagery and abstract pieces hanged on its walls.  The color scheme gives the place a nice elegant-but-not-too-dark feel.  
It's booths and chairs were well cushioned and cozy.   Even the lighting is impressive.

♥ Pink Pomelo (Shrimps, Chicken and Herbs) (360 php)

I suggested that we order the Pink Pomelo so I could compare it with the Yam Som O of Simply Thai.  Despite the two dishes having almost the same description, I found this version more generous in terms of ingredients like the pomelo, shrimp and chicken bits and more fragrant and tasty.  

Crispy Catfish With Mango Salad (295 php)

The Crispy Catfish With Mango Salad was good but I found it nothing extraordinary.  The crisp is just right or maybe could have been crispier.  It was served with thinly sliced green mangoes.  

Noodles

♥ Chiang Mai Khao Soi (295 php)

I just couldn't get over the Chiangmai Khao Soi Noodle Soup at Simply Thai so we just HAD to order this.  This is chicken curry with egg noodles cooked two ways: crispy and the usual.  It's just as good as I imagined it to be.  If I thought my craving would stop just by ordering this once again, I was wrong.  It made me just want to have this again for next time.  I love the flavor but I find the egg noodle more crisp with the version of Simply Thai but the difference is not that significant.

Fried, Stir Fries and More

Pandanus Chicken (345 php)

The Pandanus Chicken is my mom's favorite Thai dish and a must order when she is around.  This is one of the best I've tried.  The chicken is moist and soft.  The flavor is mild but captivating.  An order is served with sweet chili sauce and sesame chili tamarind puree.  Although it comes with the sauce, you can alrady njoy it on its own too.

Rice

Lotus Leaf Sticky Rice (315 php)

We were intrigued by the Lotus Leaf Sticky Rice because we've never encountered a Thai restaurant offer it before.  The Lotus Leaf Sticky Rice was served in a platter wrapped in a literally huge whole piece of lotus leaf.  We all thought exclaimed that it looked similar to a macchang which is the Chinese version of sticky rice.  Chef Cecille Chang, who is overseeing the restaurant operations at that time, heard our fuzz about it and told us that is quite similar to the macchang.  It had sausages, mushrooms, coconut and caramelized sugar.  Although it looks the same, the taste is quite different.  It was more aromatic and flavorful.  My little sister who is not much of a fan in flowery or fragrant dishes did not like it.

♥ Khao Khlup Kapi (315 php)

♥ Sticky Rice with Mango (210 php)

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Thai Bistro is one of the best restaurant choices at Robinson's Magnolia especially when you're craving for Thai food.  Although their price range is a bit high, the food quality makes it worth every peso.  Among all our orders, every dish was excellent.  If you're looking for a Thai place to recommend to your friends and relatives who has a high standard in terms of food or is easily disappointed, then Thai Bistro is just the right suggestion.  It is definitely one of the best Thai restaurants in the Metro.

Morning Mercato Centrale is an innovative weekend style market.  Aside from the food booths from start-up food entrepreneurs, it offers a wide array of certified organic and natural fruits, vegetables and meat products, natural home, bath and beauty products and locally-made arts and crafts.




Well, despite the success stories of some food entrepreneurs, they still consider Morning Mercato Centrale as their home.  Among them are Mochiko, Merry Moo, Kristina's Inutak, Manila Q's Bagwang, Angus Beef Tapa Lady, Chef Resty's Roast Beef Carving Station,  Big Bob's Charcoal Grilled Burgers. (We've tried most of them so just click link to view individual review)




Th other food finds are My Pink Wasabi's Dessert Sushi, Hey Gourmet Ensaymadas, Mama Ivonne's Kakanin, LowCal Cafe Healthy Desserts, Misispi's Oatmal Cookies, Cocina Verde's Gourmet Spreads and Simply Pie's Specialty Quiches.  
For drinks, there's The Bar, Gold Leaf and Bumble Tea Place.

Costales Nature Farms

From our observation, Costales Nature Farms has the most extensive selection when it comes to organic products. 

SugarCakes By Ana's Kitchen

What we loved during our visit is the cupcakes from SugarCakes By Ana's Kitchen.  Check their facebook page for more info on how to order.   

Carrot Cup Cakes (80 php) and Red Velvet Cup Cakes (80 php)

I'm not really a fan of cupcakes because I usually find them too sweet and sugary for my taste but these cupcakes are really good.  The Carrot Cup Cakes have generous carrot bits and the icing is a great complement.  On the other hand, the Red Velvet Cup Cakes is flavorful but the sweetness level is just right.  The packaging is not only appealing but its very good in protecting the cup cakes as well so this makes a good gift item.  I highly recommend this!

They have other products too.  
SugarCakes Product Catalogue

Morning Mercato Centrale
Business Address	Corner of 9th Avenue and 30th Street  Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Metro Manila
Business Hours	Fri: 10:00 pm-3:00 am Sat: 7:00 am-2:00 pm; 10:00 pm-3:00 am Sun: 7:00 am-2:00 pm
Payment Options	Cash
Wifi	Yes
Budget/Person	50-250
Organizers	RJ Ledesma, Anton Diaz (Our Awesome Planet)  and Janice Crisostomo-Villanueva
Other	Facebook Fan Page | Website

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♥ Passion Fruit QQ Tall (75 php)

Since its slogan is "Taiwan's No. 1 Drink", I decided to choice from the Taiwan Favorite Drinks category.  I chose the Passion Fruit QQ.  True enough, it was delicious!  The passion fruit is a perfect blend to the fragrant green tea.  The QQ jelly also had the perfect texture.  It was a light and refreshing drink.   
Despite having just finished a heavy dinner, I was able to finish this quickly.

On a side note which is not really product related, I noticed that they incur a lot of spoilage.  Every time they mix a tea there dispose of the excess.   Haha I wish they'd just let me drink those. =p

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Tea 101 may not be Taiwan's No. 1 Drink but their teas are pretty good.  Their pricing is competitive.  I think they are one of the cheapest among mall based milk tea shops.  It's nice that some of their selections already include toppings too.  Any recommendations on what to order next?