I don't really recall much about my childhood.  But, I seem to recall my odd preference over dishes back then.  I was literally crazy over two things: Old Swiss Inn's Cheese Fondue and Schwarzwalder's Farmer's Chicken.   I'd always suggest and beg my parents to eat there as often as I could.  Good thing, this addiction faded along the years as I became more adventurous. And, my quest to try more restaurants made it difficult to have favorites I'd frequent.  

To celebrate my birthday, we dined one again at the rustic and nostalgic Old Swiss Inn Restaurant at Garden Plaza Hotel & Suites in Paco. 
It's old wooden door was enough to light up our excitement.  And, it also gave me a homey feel.

They have a display of cakes and chocolates by the cashier. 

It was a mid weekday but the place was packed. Former President ERAP and President PNoy are regular customers here. 
 
It also had a bar where drinkers can enjoy. 

Food

Complimentary Bread Roll with Butter

After our orders were taken, we were given a Complimentary Bread Roll with Butter.

Appetizer

Bundnerteller (560 php)

I let the family decide on what they wanted to order.  And, they chose the Bundnerteller which is an assortment of air dried Swiss meat specialties such Proscuitto, Dried beef, Salami and Smoked Sausage for appetizer.  Each variant had its own richness and meatiness which piqued our taste buds.

Soup

Barley (210 php)

The creamy Barley with brunoise vegetables, dried beef and smoked bacon served with croutons was mild tasting.  It was served warm so it was quite comforting to drink.

♥ Zweibelsuppe (210 php)

I personally liked the Zweibelsuppe which is the German version of onion soup better.

Salad

Classic Caesar Salad (240 php)

The Classic Caesar Salad was satisfactory too!  This had a generous serving of meat strips with it. 

Signature Dishes

♥ Gnagi (Pork Knucles) (545 php)

The Gnagi or cured pork knucles baked (could also be boiled at your preference) was served with tangy sauerkraut and boiled potatoes.  My family is not much of a meaty eater but they loved this to the last bit!

Fondues (Good for 2)

♥ Fondue Bourguignonne (1,050 php)

The highlight of the evening was the Fondue Bourguignonne.  Uhuh... we forgoed the Cheese Fondue for this so it better be worth it right? 

♥ Fondue Bourguignonne (1,050 php)

The Fondue Bourguignonne is prime beef tenderloin cubes dipped in hot oil with a carousel of sauces served with french fries.  

prime beef tenderloin cubes

♥ Fondue Bourguignonne (1,050 php)

We had a lot of fun enjoying the Fondue Bourguignonne.  It was a great bonding activity for the family as we dipped our beef cubes in oil and waited till it was fully cooked.   It was also fun to try the various sauces and mix and match some of them together. 

♥ Toblerone Cheesecake (215 php/slice)

As it was my birthday, I had this complimentary Toblerone Cheesecake delivered with a joyous birthday song.  This is their best-seller and I'm so glad that its still as good as when I've enjoyed this decades ago.

Carrot Cake (215 php/slice)

When we got home my family surprised me with Old Swiss Inn's Carrot Cake which they must have bought while I went to the restroom or turned my back haha! =p  It's also good as it was moist and not too sweet.  But, my heart is already captured by their Toblerone Cheesecake a long time ago and I'm quite loyal when it comes to matters of the heart you see...


Tip: Watch out for their price roll back promos on their Anniversary Day (August 25)

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
There's no better place for Authentic Swiss and European cuisine like the Old Swiss Inn Restaurant and they've got their 70 years of credibility to prove it!  I'd definitely loved to go back again.  But, now that I'm the one paying... I have to admit it that price is a bit steep.

Every time we passed by Project Pie, we can't help but notice the full parking and the long line of people.
I thought the family would never try it because they do not have the patience for that.  But, I guess last night was an exception. 

Since parking was full as always, the guards instructed us to double park.  I think while we were ordering, my brother was attentive enough to notice the our plate number written on the white board being waved by the guard around the place so he was able to park it accordingly. 

I thought the place looks huge from the outside.  But, I then realized that its seating capacity is limited since the line and the counter occupies most of the area.  It had three long table with metal chairs.  And, three individual tables with cozy lofts by the wall filled with random scribbles.

It had a lot of dangling yellow utility lights.  It had a tall bar area and two round tall tables by the line area. 

It also had a non-functional photobooth.

There's a huge menu board indicating the start of the line.  At the back, there's also the paper menu holder. 

I grabbed one of their paper menu and marked the ingredients I wanted to put on my pizza. 

It took about 20 minutes to reach the pizza bar. 

The staff asked me whether I wanted white sauce or red sauce. 

The pizza dough base comes out of a machine so size and thickness is quite accurate. 

Next is the cheese section. 

 You could just say "ALL CHEESE" if you want to try them all.

This section is where it gets a bit confusing to distinguish which is which so better hold on to your menu and mention what you want.  This would be better if they had labels on it.  

This is where the rest is if it isn't on the prior station.  Aside from those listed in the menu, some ingredients used for the salad is here too.  You can request them too like the craisins and walnuts.



So, here are our 7 pizzas!  We ordered one for each.  Most of us "Built our Own" except for my brother and youngest sister who both chose "Order Number 2"

This lady right here writes the main ingredients of the pizza just by looking and places your name on it for ease in identification.

They also sell bottled drinks. We just requested for water.  =D

Around 15 minutes, we heard our name called as our pizzas are ready.  The problem was... we didn't have any seats as some were already seated before ordering when it was supposed to be the other way around.  Luckily, a lady was waiting for her take-out by the counter and told us she and her companions were about to leave and offered their table.  A very nice and appreciated gesture indeed. =)


There's a self-service dispenser for softdrinks and ice tea.  So, its bottomless at the fair price of 65 php.

Opposite the soda machine is the condiments counter.

Food

Our Pizzas!

Order by Number

Order Number 2 (285 php)

Order Number 2 has their signature red sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella, Italian sausage, garlic and crumbled meatballs.  It's one wholesome garlicky and meaty pizza.  But, ingredients are not as fulfilling as when you "build your own".  And since their priced the same, I'd really recommend choosing the latter.

Build Your Own (285 php)

My Mom's Pizza

My mom is a great cook so she has an instinctive sense on what to put on her pizza.  Who would have thought Candied Walnuts would go great with Mushrooms. =)

Lil Sister's Pizza

My Build my Own Pizza (sorry for the crappy photo)

My "Build my Own Pizza" had Italian sausage, Jalapeños, Mushrooms, Cilantro, Tomatoes, Feta, Gorgonzola, Ricotta, Mozzarela and Artichokes.  It good but I thought it could have been better with more ingredients.  I also love the crunchiness of their crust and the chewiness of their dough.

This is what's left!  We skipped the dessert since we noticed most tables have those as left overs. 


They adopt a clean as you go policy which we happily complied with.  Just empty your trays and stack them there.  But as I've observed, it's generally not followed.  And, doing the cleaning job adds to the queuing time as well. 

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Project Pie offers a whole new experience by making your own artisan custom designed pizza.  I'd give it a thumbs up for concept, price and quality.

Turnover is really fast and this place is very crowded during peak hours.  It's not the ideal place to seat back and relax because you'd feel guilty as other people are standing and waiting for you to empty your table.  I guess that's what the Starbucks next door if for.

Since the parking space is not enough to cater to its customers, cars were mostly double parked.  We literally spent 35 minutes stuck on the parking area because the white board had incurred a bottleneck as the owner of the previous cars probably did not know that they should be on the look out for it.

I first heard about Sweet Hunt from my friend Berylle.  When I mentioned it to the family, they already knew about it and told me they are frequent customers.  They were quite surprised and amazed of the fact that I've was so late in my discovery and that I have not tried it yet. 

Well, it's no secret that ever since I was a kid, I've been known as the "anti-social" home buddy in the family.  Perhaps, the only time I was forced to get out my shell is when I had a 5-year relationship.  But, being single again led me to go back to my usual hermit-like introverted self.  


One time we were having a family dinner at Robinson's Place and they decided that it's time for me to finally try Sweet Hunt.  

Sweet Hunt is apparently a Taiwanese desserts shack located at the 3rd Level of Midtown Wing fronting Toys "R" Us.  I loved the modern decor of the place.  It had quirky variety of drop lights emanating a soft yellow light and trendy mix-match set of chairs. 

Food
According to them, the Drinks are not recommendable so I should go for the Snow Ice.  Well, since they are treating me and they are familiar with the place, I took their advise.  My little sisters were teasing me as they handed me the menu.  As the pitiful guest of honor, they told me to order whatever I want. 

Snow Ice

♥ Black Forest Medium (70 php)

I've always been adored the Black Forest cake.  But, never had I tried it in Snow Ice or shaved ice form. A spoonful into its strawberry liquorish and chocolate-y taste made me got me hooked!  The shaved ice is so fine that it instantly melts on your mouth in the most delightful way.  The chocolate chips adds a pleasant crunchy texture too.

♥ Tiramisu Medium (100 php)

The family insists that the Tiramisu is a must order and thus, I obliged.  They say I had my childish smile plastered on my face as I devoured over this.  This is simply the best snow ice I have ever tried!  I bet no one could ever resist this cool snow ice treat topped with cocoa powder, creme chantilly, coffee and condense milk.  

Red Bean Matcha Medium (100 php)

The first two variants had a plain milky snow ice base.  On the other hand,  the Red Bean Matcha had a delicious green tea matcha snow ice base.  It was topped with a generous amount of red beans, mochi balls and condense milk.  It was really good but not as creative as the rest.

Update (March 10,2014):  Passed by this place and found out it is now closed =( So sad!  It's even perfect for the summer.


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Sweet Hunt is offers the best Taiwanese Snow Ice in the Metro!  Now, I know where I can hang out whenever the family goes on their usual shopping spree at Robsinson's Place.  If you're the pastry type of person (which I honestly am not), you can try their Honey Toasts too which looks enticing.

My first encounter with Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen was a few months ago when my friend Sumi and her boyfriend J treated me there for late second lunch or perhaps heavy afternoon snack after touring me at the new Shangri-la Plaza Mall East Wing.

Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen Shangri-La East Wing

It had bamboo wood panels that functions as dividers. Each and every piece had Japanese characters sophisticated and carefully inscribed using brush and black ink.  Aside from the typical dining tables with matching red plastic chairs, it also had a ramen bar by the side with a glass that partially reveals the kitchen. 

 

Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen Rockwell Powerplant Mall

A few weeks ago, I received an invite by Riza Meriado, Ikkoryu Fukuoka's Marketing Assistant,  for a tasting session with the Kenji Komuro, the PR Director of Ikkoryu Fukuoka.  Being acquainted with a number of ramen shops here in the Philippines,  I have yearned to learn more about authentic Japanese ramen.   Thus, it was an honor for me to accept his invite.  On the scheduled date, I brought my closest guy friend (who believe it or not has never tried ramen before!) to meet Mr. Komura.

We were glancing at the menu when Mr. Komuro and Mr. Masanori Ogata, the CEO himself as indicated the first page of the menu, shook our hands and sat with us.  I was starstruck.  This was the first time, I've ever been on a face-to-face session with a restaurant owner before.  But, I did not let my shyness hinder my chance to broaden my perspective about the ramen culture and began asking questions to Mr. Komuro who acted as the interpreter for Mr. Ogata.

Currently, Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen as over 40 branches in Japan and more than 150 branches internationally.  Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen was established by Mr. Ogata's father 43 years ago.  And, only Mr. Ogata and his brother knows the secret recipe.  The Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen restaurant concept in the Philippines is unlike those in Japan and its international counterparts.  Although it carries the same brand name, the concept here is more modern, cozy and artistic.  They even had to make a logo of a Japanese god which Mr. Komuro jokes looks like Mr. Ogata. The stores are all strategically located in malls too.  They intend to open 3 more within this year.  According to Mr. Komuro, the market here is very good because Filipinos love pork and its strong flavor.  In Japan, their stores vary from stalls to big restaurants.  Food items in Japan focus more on ramen and offer less appetizers.

Mr. Komuro explained to us that they highlight food quality above all.  Mr. Ogata visits the Philippines on a monthly basis to personally inspect their ramen broth.  The broth also has to pass the approval of their local Japanese chef and Mr. Komuro before they can be served.   This procedure will go on until Mr. Ogata is confident that local chefs can sustain their standard of quality.  It doesn't matter if it takes years or even 10 years.   Their sauces are all imported from Japan.  But, they use local fresh ingredients.  Mr. Komuro shares that when they first arrived in the Philippines, Mr. Ogata was pleased to find out that our pork quality even exceeds that of Japan's. 

Food
Hope that little history didn't bore you, let us now proceed with the food. 
Each tables has a set of condiments: Soy Sauce, White Vinegar, Chili Oil and Roasted Sesame.  It's the same set in all branches even abroad.

Kobachi (Appetizer)

♥ Gyoza (150 php)

I had this Gyoza during my first visit.  I was hesistant to order because I just had lunch so my friend Sumi, ordered the Gyoza for me.  I'd give this Gyoza an A+!  It had a slightly crisp and soft dumpling skin.   The pork meat was chunky and juicy too.

Agemono

Ikkoryu Teriyaki Chicken Wings (180 php)

Mr. Komuro suggested that we try the Ikkoryu Teriyaki Chicken Wings.  It was deep fried and crunchy chicken wings glazed with sweet and salty teriyaki sauce.  If you love strong flavors of both sweet and salty, you'll probably appreciate this more than we did.

Ramen

Ajitama Tonkotsu (380 php)

During my first visit, there server suggested the Ajitama Tonkotsu as their best-seller so my friend Sumi ordered this and shared me a small bowlful.  Mr. Ogata also told as that this is his personal favorite.  They have three levels of doneness for their noodles: normal, hard and very hard.  I'd say we had it at normal.  The ajitama or egg was a bit overcooked for me.  I'd prefer it more runny.  The broth is lighter than the other variants but just as oily.

♥ Black Garlic Tonkotsu (380 php)

I was already allured by the aromatic black roasted garlic fragrant coming from my Black Garlic Tonkotsu as soon it was served.  My bowl had a big chunk of charsiu (pork meat) swimming in a mixture of rich and creamy pork tonkatsu broth with dark black roasted garlic oil.  Like many Hakata ramen shops in Japan, you can choose the the level of hardness of your noodles: Yawa (soft), Kata (hard) and Bari Kata (very hard).  As advised by Mr. Komuro, we had our noodles at Bari Kata (very hard) just the way people prefer it in Japan.  He was right, it was deliciously chewy!  He says that they are very specific even in terms of their noodle texture.  There are so many factors to consider such as the type of flour, thickness and cooking time measures in seconds.  He also insisted that I try it with roasted sesame to tame the strong flavor a bit.  With or without the roasted sesame, I loved this!  But, this got me thirsty the whole day.  No kidding!

Special Vegetable Paste Tonkotsu (380 php)

My dear friend is always quite the gentleman.  Intending to let me try, he insisted that I do the selection for him.  We've done this set up several times and let's say I've had as many errors as much as my tries so I really thought about this more carefully otherwise, he'll probably ditch me as a friend. =p  Since he is health conscious and appreciates spices like I do, I decided to place my bet on the Special Vegetable Paste Tonkotsu.  It's a rich tonkatsu soup with a bold spiced flavor from their special vegetable paste.  According to Mr. Komuro, they make the fresh vegetables into paste in Japan and import it here to make this. 

I had my fingers crossed the entire time, awaiting for my trusted friend's no fuzz and totally honest remarks.  Imagine my glee when he stated that he was pleased with the tender and large chunk of charsiu with fats that melts on your mouth.  More importantly, he loved the broth and the very hard noodles too.  

We're very grateful for such a memorable experience.  I got to learn and appreciate ramen more and my friend had a successful first ramen experience.  Yey! =)

Tsinoy Foodies Other Ramen House/Shop Reviews
Akira Restaurant 
Curry Bee Japanese Curry Shop
Hanamaruken Ramen 花丸轩  
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
Kitchitora 1 | Kitchitora 2
Kokoro Ramenya
Menya Genki Tonkotsu Ramen
Miso-Ten
Mitsuyado Sei-Men
Moshi Koshi 1 | Moshi Koshi 2
Rai-Rai Ken Ramen House
Ramen Bar
Ramen Cool
Ramen Ichiban-Kan
Ramen Nagi
Ramen Sora
Ramen X (Closed)
Ramen Yushoken
Ukkokei Ramen Ron
Wrong Ramen

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen has certainly lived up to its name whether in Japan or in the Philippines.  When dining at Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen, you can expect your ramen served piping hot and bursting with strong and savory flavors just as how it is enjoyed in the Fukuoka prefecture.