Slappy Cakes is a franchise from Oregon Portland and has branches in Tokyo, Japan and Maui too.  It is an all-day breakfast restaurant with a "Make Your Own Pancake Right at your Table" concept.

Slappy Cakes in Eastwood City Mall has an inviting bright orange signage.  I heard it replaced O'sonho.


The servers are all wearing the orange Slappy Cakes shirt with white long sleeves consistent with their color scheme. 

The place is well-lit highlighting each table equipped with non-stick pancake grills that could seat up to 8 people.  I could tell from the set up that its recommended for groups.


Make Your Own Pancakes

Step 1: Choose Your Batter

Peanut Butter (260 php), Vegan (260 php), Whole Grain (225 php), Buttermilk (225 php) and Chocolate (260 php)

So your batter is like your jumbo pencil to your edible art work.  Each one has its own flavor, consistency and texture.  We just couldn't limit ourselves and tried them all!

♥ Peanut Butter (260 php)
I don't recall having tried Peanut Butter batter before.  This is worth the try!  The flavor is light which is good because you do have a whole bottle to consume.  The consistency is perfect for drawing too.

Vegan (260 php)
The Vegan doesn't have any milk in it.  I was kind of expecting this to taste like the usual batter but it has a bit of a saltiness to it.  This is a bit more diluted compared to the rest.  So if you're going to use this, a gentle squeeze will do.

Whole Grain (225 php)
The Whole Grain has a pleasant roughness to it.  It's perfect for making slightly toasted and crispy pancakes.  I enjoyed it as a drawing tool too.

Buttermilk (225 php)
The Buttermilk is your classic batter.  I'm afraid that's all I can say about it.

♥ Chocolate (260 php)
The Chocolate is my favorite!  It has a bold rich bitter sweet flavor.  It kind of taste like a brownie but twice as fun with the make your own pancake experience!  It also adds color to your pancake plate.   But, using it to draw could be quite challenging.

Step 2: Pick Some Fixins and Step 3: Add Some Toppings

Bacon (80 php), Maple Syrup (45 php), Blueberries (75 php), Mangoes (60 php) and Chocolate Chips (45 php)

They had a lot of fixins from fresh fruits like Mangoes, sweetened ones like Blueberries to savory ones like the Bacon which you can add to your batter while cooking.

For toppings we had the classic Maple Syrup (80 php) and Lemon Curd (80 php).

one bottle of batter can make a lot of pancakes so take your time.  You can practice making plain simple ones at first.

Or better yet, you can start by writing your name or messages. 

You can form shapes too.  I found the heart shape to be the easiest one to make. 

And, this is my "butterfly" turned "Easter bunny" Multigrain and Peanut Butter topped with Blueberries and Mangoes pancake.  My friends say it looks like a "deformed fetus". =)) Whatever it is, it ended up in my tummy.  ;)

Bacon (80 php) and ♥ Assorted Mushroom (70 php)

From the Savory Fixin, I attempted to make my savory pancake.

Heart shaped multigrain and chocolate with bacon and mushroom pancake.

Blueberries (75 php) and ♥ Lemon Curd (80 php)

I also tried the menu suggestion to make Blueberries Pancakes and after cooking top it with Lemon Curd.  It was pretty good.  The Lemon Curd is quite tasty so a thin spread is enough.

Sumi's Pancakes

Sumi has always been the creative one in our group.  You can make cute ones like these too for you and your better half.

The Foodies Circle Collaborative Piece

You can transform the grill into your canvass like we did.  Here's a collaborative piece we made. =)  I'm gonna try making a butterfly again like Berylle's next time. ;D

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Slappy Cakes is a fun definitely a must try place for slappy happy fun moments to cherish with your friends and loves ones.  Aside from pancakes, they serve breakfast meals too.  The staff shared that the Truck Stop and Pork Belly Benedict are their best-sellers.  I'm going to try those on my next visit.  Oh, they also have alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages which are available even in the morning.  They believe that its never too early to drink!

As much as I love to walk on dry pavement very now and then, I just can't stand the humid feel in this blazing hot summer.  I often find myself craving for cold sweet treats and thanks to my friend Sumi, I got to try out Masatami Shave Ice once again. 

This humble yet artsy wooden hut is located at the outdoor areas of SM Mall of Asia.

Hawaiian Shave Ice
I found it quite interesting to watch them make my order.

♥ Rainbow Shave Ice with Snow Cap and Vanilla Ice Cream (55 php + 10 php + 20 php)

As soon as my order was handed to me, I couldn't help but smile with excitement over the huge Rainbow Shave Ice with Snow Cap and Vanilla Ice Cream.  It was very visually appealing with its colorful flavors.  It's actually kind of cute.  If a guy wants to impress his girl with a sweet tooth, I'm sure she'll be pleased if he buys her this.
 

♥ Rainbow Shave Ice with Snow Cap and Vanilla Ice Cream (55 php + 10 php + 20 php)

I've tried snow cones before but this has got to be the best I've tried yet.  I loved spoonful and slurps of this.  The snow cap really upgrades this to another level.  I also love the smooth and creaminess that the vanilla ice cream delivers. 

Flavored Shaved Ice

♥ Buko Pandan with Pearls and Nata de Coco Large (85 php + 8 php + 8 php)

I really love Buco Pandan. And, this Flavored Shave Ice version is simply delightful that I'd definitely like to have it again.

♥ Buko Pandan with Pearls and Nata de Coco Large (85 php + 8 php + 8 php)

I'll try this with Azuki Beans like their menu photo next time because sadly, they ran out of it.

Flavor of the Week

It's kind of cool that they have a Flavor of the Week selection so you can always look forward to trying something new.

Nutella Large (140 php)

If you're among the many Nutella fans, you'll certainly like this.  It captures the nutty goodness of Nutella with an addition of peanut bits. 


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I highly recommend Masatami Shave Ice as a must stop for a refreshing cup of shave ice this blazing hot summer.  Their cold sweet treats are great for sharing too.  But, its so good you might wanna get your own. 

Being near our neighborhood, we're been passing by Armada Hotel Manila for quite some time now.  Yet, it was only when my friend invited me for lunch did I discover that there is an authentic Thai restaurant called Raja Thai Cuisine located at its mezzanine floor. Armada Hotel Manila used to be Centara Hotel, a Thai hotel chain.  Thus, it holds a Thai specialty restaurant. 

Thai Cuisine is one of my favorites so I'm glad to add my dining experience at Raja Thai Cuisine to my food memoirs. 

Raja Thai Cuisine is very visible from its surrounding glass windows. 

The interior is simple but classy with its hardwood ceiling and walls accented with Thai prints. It has a nice window view.

Table set up is fine dining.

It has an open kitchen so you can observe the busy chefs preparing your Thai dishes.  I'm told that their head chef is Thai too.


Food

Appetizers

♥ Kai Hor Baitoy (Deep Fried Chicken Wrapped in Pandan Leaves) (270 php)

The Kai Hor Baitoy is boneless chicken marinated in Thai herbs, wrapped in pandan leaves and cooked deep fried. It is served with a lightly spiced chili sauce topped with sesame seeds.  Raja's version of this Thai classic does not disappoint.  The chicken bits were tender and tasty.  

Soup

Tom Yum Koong (Spicy Prawn Soup) (475 php)

The Tom Yum Koong is my favorite Thai soup.  I've tried this in almost all Thai restaurants I've been too.  I must say that all I've tried are different from one another.  This one has a dominant galangal ginger flavor with a slight hint of kaffir lime, lemon juice and chili.  It had generous portions of mushrooms and medium prawns. 

Salad

♥ Yum Som O (Spicy Pomelo Salad) (435 php)

For salad, we had my favorite Yum Som O which is a spicy pomelo salad with shrimp, sliced shallot, mint leaves, coconut, roasted chili paste, garlic, chili and coriander leaves.  It was seasoned with fish sauce and lemon juice so mix it well before eating so you can enjoy the balance of spiciness, saltiness and sourness.  I really loved this so I'm proud to say that I finished almost everything in this platter.

Curry

♥ Kaeng Kiewan Kai, Nuea Moo (Thai Green Curry with Chicken) (455 php)

I've learned to love even the bold tasting curry dishes.  But for beginners, I always recommend the Kaeng Kiewan Kai, Nuea Moo or Thai Green Curry with Chicken because the taste of green curry is light and mild.  In addition, the coconut milk makes it even lighter to the palate.  It has red chili, red bell peppers, egg plant and basil leaves too.  This is another one of the better dishes we've tried.

Prawns

Koong Khatiem Prik Thai (Prawns in Garlic and Pepper Sauce) (605 php)

The Koong Khatiem Prik Thai is stir-friend medium prawns with garlic and pepper sauce.  This was my first time to try this but it failed to give off any memorable impact.

Pork

Moo Phad Khing (Pork with Ginger) (305 php)

The Moo Phad Khing is stir-fried sliced pork with spring onions, ginger, capsicum, chopped garlic, chili, onion, black mushroom, seasoned with fish sauce, oyster sauce and soya sauce.  Taste-wise this is fairly appealing to any diner.  But, I wish the meat slices were not so tough to chew on.

Noodles

Phad Thai Koong (450 php)

The Phad Thai Koong is phad thai noodle with medium prawns.  This is a usual staple for me when visiting a Thai restaurant.  In terms of flavor and ingredients, this has exceeded my expectations.  But, the texture of the noodles could still be improved.  

Fried Rice

Dessert

Khao New Mamueng (Mango Sticky Rice with Coconut Milk) (280 php)

I just love Thai dessrts!  The Khao New Mamueng which is mango sticky rice topped with coconut milk is so refreshing that I finished this in a jiffy.

Drinks

Pineapple Smoothie (169 php)

The Pineapple Smoothie is the perfect drink for the season. 

UPDATE (June 21, 2013): We ate here again and ordered Preaw Waan Pla (sweet and sour fish), Chicken Satay, Pork Curry and Water Chestnut in Coconut Cream.  The family loved the authenticity of the dishes.  It completely overturned my first impression and we're planning to dine here again.

Update (Sept. 30, 2013):  Spotted a new Korean band called "N.O.M" while dining here with their guide. 

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Raja Thai Cuisine offers the luxury of fine dining, rooftop window scenery and Authentic Thai cuisine.  Considering it is located in a hotel, it does come with a price. 

Despite our busy schedules, my friends from The Foodies Circle  just couldn't let 2012 past without a Christmas celebration together.  This is definitely a food trip to remember since its my first time in Kapitolyo.  I couldn't have wished for a better company than Sumi and Berylle who share the same love for Thai Cuisine as I do.  So naturally, our first stop is Nav Modern Thai Cuisine. 

Nav Modern Thai Cuisine may be humble in terms of floor area but the place is cozy and clean with a contemporary minimalist ambiance.

Food
It took as quite some time to decide the food because we literally wanted to try most of the menu offerings.  But since this was only our first of many, the group settled with the best-sellers suggested by our server.

Nav's Starters

Vegetable, Herb & Rice Paper (180 php)

It may come as a surprise to you but all of us are quite health-conscious so we decided to start with a light and healthy appetizer with the Vegetable, Herb & Rice Paper.  This was actually my first time to encounter this with two sauce options.  The crunchy vegetables, fragrant cilantro, bouncy noodles which you can dip in the tasty peanut sauce and tangy lime dressing was an enjoyable starter.

Rice

♥ Khao Kluk Kapi (Nav's Bagoong Rice) (230)

One of the dishes that the gang easily agreed on was the Khao Kluk Kapi.  We all love Thai Bagoong rice!  This version does not disappoint.  You can taste the bold presence of the bagoong with the rice and it is served with chopped green onions, shredded green mangoes and cucumbers and a fried egg on top.  But, the group just can't help but yearn for some meat which we customarily expect from this type of dish.

Nav's Main Course

Crispy Fresh Water Tilapia, Tamarind and Shallots (450 php)

I was looking forward to a fish cooked similar to the crispy catfish so when the Crispy Fresh Water Tilapia, Tamarind and Shallots, I was surprised that it was cooked in a battered fish fillet style.  I guess this displays the modern Thai twist of Nav because prior to this, I have not encountered a battered fish fillet in a Thai restaurant.  It had a sour with a hint of sweet tamarind sauce which was supposedly enough to embellish the Tilapia fillets if only they didn't have a batter too thick to make the fish meat almost undetectable. 

♥ Nav's Pad Thai (Rice Noodles with Shrimp, Chicken & Egg) (285 php)

Another must-order for the group is the Nav's Pad Thai.  This is practically the first item in the menu that got our attention.  We're glad we did too because this has got to be one of the best I've tried.  It has generous amounts of shrimp, chicken, egg, bean sprouts and coriander.  The sweet and zesty sauce which perfectly coated every bouncy and chewy rice noodle was sensational especially with a tinge of lemon juice.   

♥Wok Chicken, Bamboo Shoots & Yard Beans (225 php)

The Wok Chicken, Bamboo Shoots & Yard Beans is also a must try!  The chicken bits were tender while the crunchy maboo shoots and yard beans created a great mishmash of textures.  The sauce which had an essence of chicken and slight sweetness made this dish a success.  

Off the Wok

♥ Beef Belly with Rendang Curry (395 php)

I'm a late bloomer when it comes to appreciating curry including dishes like this beef rendang.  But so far, the Beef Belly with Rendang Curry is one of the best I've tried.  I can't help but fall in love with the soft beef belly together with the creamy, savory and slightly spicy rendang curry sauce topped with potato and carrot slices.  In fact, I volunteered to swipe this clean with delight.

Update (October 18, 2014): Revisited and tried the ♥ Stuffed Squid (395 php), adding it to my recommendations. =)

Other Reviews at Kapitolyo Pasig
Bullchef
Lia's Cakes in Season
Mad Mark's Creamery & Good Eats
Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
If you're willing to leap beyond the Traditional Thai dishes, Nav Modern Thai Cuisine is the place to go to.  The price is at the right range and the proportions are good for sharing so bring some company.  I'm glad we came to the right place to celebrate our Christmas dinner.

I usually take my time when eating so I rarely eat at fast food chains.  And, most of my favorites are those that serve chicken.   One of them is Kenny Roger's Roasters.   As I came in, I'm captivated by their ad where the Younghusband Brothers who are obviously British-Filipino wearing Chinese emperor robes as they pose next to a bountiful plate of the Imperial Roast Chicken.

♥ Imperial Roast Chicken (210 php)

The Imperial Roast Chicken meal includes the 1/4 Imperial Roast Chicken, Asian Twirl pasta, Asian Crab Rice, Tortilla Wraps with sliced carrots and cucumber and a Corn Muffin.  Eating the  Imperial Roast Chicken is like eating Peking Duck.  You slice as many chicken bits as you can, try to fit it in the tortilla wrap, add vegetables and glaze it with hoisin sauce then wrap.  It is an affordable alternative to the expensive Peking Duck.  It's an interesting dish to try.  The Asian Crab Rice and Asian Twirl pasta does not disappoint too.  And, I'm glad it comes with my favorite Corn Muffin.  However, I miss those days when their Corn Muffin was more generous with the corn kernels.  Now, you'd be lucky if you find two.  

♥ Solo A Meal

Deespite the contemporary twist, I still prefer the traditional meal though.  I like it juicy.  This is my default plate with macaroni and cheese side dish.  But price wise, the Imperial Roast Chicken meal is more bang for the buck.


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Kenny Roger's Roasters serves roasted chicken that does not disappoint.  It's good that they continuously innovate new products.  In terms of price, it's a bit more pricey than other fast food chains.  Then again, none of them offers roast chicken like Kenny Roger's Roasters.  It would be wiser to dine here with company and avail of their group meals for more savings.