Having encountered Susie's Cuisine before at the Pamangan Fiestang Kapampangan 2012, I told the family to make a quick stop there.  



Judging from it's wide parking space and facade, it looks like a full blown restaurant.  We weren't sure if it was open since it was Maundy Thursday but I'm glad it was.

They have a lot of products already packed in boxes indicating that they are a famous pasalubong stop.

 They were shelves of pasalubong items from all over the Philippines. 

We bought our favorite Ocampo Uraro, the one on the left most, and Rico's Lengua de Gato from Baguio there. 

They are located the a few metes from Paning's Store so you can buy directly or if you're lazy there with a mark up of course.  When I was little, I used to de-shell a lot of these just to please my mom.  My mom used to love seeds and nuts but never had the patience to de-shell them.  Unfortunately, due to aging, she can't have much of it anymore.

It has a dining area and they have a utensil holder similar to that of food courts on the side.

Food

Pasta

Baked Macaroni Solo (60 php)

I guess there's no such thing as quick stop for my family as they were instantly tempted to order meals.  My youngest sister loves Baked Macaroni so she ordered this one.  It was just okay.  As you can see it looked pre-heated.  I prefer Nathaniel's version over this.


Pancit

Palabok Solo (50 php)

The Palabok was pretty good.  It's not as commercialized as those you usually encounter in Manila.


Mirienda

♥ Dinuguan (50 php)

What everyone enjoyed the most is the Dinuguan prepared Kapampangan style and what they locally called as Tidtad Babi.  It's a first encounter for all of us and we'll probably search for more!  This is why Kapampangan has always been one of the best Filipino cuisines for me. =)

Kakanin

♥ Moche-Moche Small (210 php)

I've tried the Moche-Moche before at the Pamangan Fiestang Kapampangan 2012, I just didn't know that it was from Susie's.  It is the Kapampangan version of the Japanese mochi.  So when I saw it, I ordered one just so the family can try it out.  It comes with coconut milk sauce.  The family didn't like it though.

♥ Leche Flan Medium (120 php)

How good is Susie's Leche Flan?  It is one of the best Leche Flan we have ever tried so we took a "lot" home with us for us to enjoy and to give them to relatives.  And, we will probably ask all friends and relatives passing by Pampanga for some. =D

♥ Leche Flan Medium (120 php)

My family is a BIG fan of Leche Flan.  We've tried so many versions from restaurants to special order.  So far this is one of the most affordable yet richest and creamiest one we've encountered. 
 

♥ Leche Flan Medium (120 php)

Don't let the exteriors full you, inside it is very fine and smooth.

♥ Tibok-Tibok Small (100 php)

Last but definitely not the least is Susie's signature kakanin, the Tibok-Tibok.  It's the kapampangan version of maja blanca.  According to the articles framed on its walls, this has been featured in several newspapers and magazines.  Of course, I've also tried it before at the Pamangan Fiestang Kapampangan 2012.   This was the last stock available so I felt lucky that the family could try it.

Latik

It is to be topped with Latik (which is coconut milk turned coconut milk curd).  I really liked the Tibok-Tibok but I think the family enjoyed the Leche Flan more.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Susie's Cuisine The Best in Pampango Kakanin surely lives up with its promised tagline.  Make a stop whenever you have the chance.  The service is good as the staffs are very friendly.  The price is also an enticing factor.

Living my whole life in the Philippines, regretfully, it has only been recently since I've learned of the existence of bulaluhans.  A lot of my friends swear by R & J Bulalohan Tapsilogan Atbp. (R and J) so I took their advise and dined there one late night. 

I really didn't know what to expect as I saw cars and motorcycles parked outside it's tent-like premise where plastic chairs and tables are set up.

As I got deeper inside, I realized the tent was only an extension of the place which was built in kawayan.  It was well-lighted with utility lights.  It was very crowded and the scattered sound of chatters were echoing.  There is also a television turned on in loud volume.  Its walls are filled with photos of actors, singers and famous celebrities dining there.  The customers are a mix crowd from all walks of life.

Food

Beef

♥ Bulalo Special (270 php)

Of course, a must order is their best-selling Bulalo Special.  It was a big bowlful of beef shank or bulalo with lettuce.  The broth was rich in what I assume to be real beef flavors and not artificial.  It was served warm too.  You can drink the broth to your heart's content because there are staffs making rounds with a hot pitcher of broth for refill. 

♥ Bulalo Regular (220 php)

I personally prefer to have the Bulalo Regular which had more beef and without the lettuce.


Chicken

♥ Fried Chicken with Chilli Sauce (320 php)

The Fried Chicken with Chilli Sauce was surprisingly good too!  It was really crunchy despite being skinless and bare naked (without skin).  It also had juicy meat.  The chili sauce makes it even more enjoyable.

Vegetable

Chopsuey (75 php)

The Chopsuey is a mix of lettuce, bell peppers, young corn, mushrooms, carrots, string beans, kikiam and fishballs.  It was pretty good.  I'm just never fond of this healthy dish.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
R & J Bulalohan Tapsilogan Atbp. (R&J) serves dishes especially bulalo almost as good as home.  It offers genuinely good food with honest to goodness quality ingredients without enhancers.  The pricing is also affordable that anyone can dine here.

On August 15 last year, it was an unforgettable Friday school day  for me because I was scolded and humiliated in class by my professor for forgetting to bring my book to class.  According to him, it meant giving a false pretense that I was too confident.  Naturally, I was a bit down during class.  To my surprise, the family kept calling and texting me to meet them in 678 Manila at San Miguel by the Bay at SM Mall of Asia. 

Naturally, I told them I'm still in class but they insisted that I check out this newly discovered Korean BBQ restaurant even if they have to wait for me.  So after class, I hurriedly rushed off to the San Miguel By the Bay Area to search for 678 Manila which they told me was beside Razon's. 

It was easy to spot since it had Kang Ho-dong's Standee upfront.  It didn't look big from the outside so I was surprised upon stepping in that it was HUGE!  The wooden interiors, shiny cemented floors, dividers and posts with lively Korean songs playing on the background gave it a unique comfortable but luxurious vibe that sets it apart from other Korean restaurants in Manila we've been too.  The place was surprisely cool for a barbecue place.  I guess it is because of the ventilation shafts that efficiently vacuums all the smoke away from the grillers.  It had a large dining space affording privacy and comfort to every table.  The kitchen is just as spacious and you could see what's going on inside too.  It had a large number of staff wearing black caps, black shirts and black pants.  They equipped with wrist watch that alerts they when you hit the buzzer on your table making all of them turn their heads to you.  They also have earpieces and mics (like the bodyguards in Korean telenovelas) so they can quickly receive their orders and before you can even remove you finger from the buzzer, a server is already approaching you're table to make sure you're instantly attended to.  


The next table was a cheery Korean crowd.  Some of them looked really familiar.  My siblings pointed out that it was Park Sang-Myung (He played in my favorite Korean movies like the tear-jerking Miracle in Cell No. 7 and She's on Duty and several Korean telenovelas like Mary Stayed All Night, King of Baking and Green Rose) and Owner Kang Ho-dong (Korean MC and Comedian) among the group.  We wanted to ask for a photograph since we're huge fans but we were too shy.  The female server told us that Lee Min Ho even promised to drop by the night before but didn't so perhaps he would drop by that night.  We hoped and waited even until the company of Park Sang-Myun and Owner Kang Ho-dong left but he didn't show up. =(
 

678 Korean BBQ Menu Manila Philippines

I was really amazed by the fact the quality of the food, atmosphere and the appearance of Korean celebrities so I researched the about 678 as soon as we went home.  Although it is hidden and still unpopular in Manila, it appears to be a famous global franchise.  It has branches in New York, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Sydney, China and Tokyo where renowned foodies and chefs such as Anthony Bourdain, Rich Torrisi and David Chang have dined at.  There's even an article stating it turned an 8-year vegetarian back to eating meat. 

Food
As soon as we ordered, we were served their complimentary brown rice tea.  Then, our server sets our charcoal griller and fills up the sides with red bell peppers, onions, sweet corn with mozzarella cheese and raw egg.  It's the first time we've encountered a griller designed like that.  Later on, as the meats are grilled, the oil will spill on the sides adding flavor to them.  

678 Lettuce Salad and 678 Veggie Salad

We were expecting the typical banchan to be served instead we were served the 678 Lettuce Salad and 678 Veggie Salad...

Complimentary Soup, Raw Onions, Gochujang Sauce and 678 Secret House Sauce with Wasabi

Complimentary Soup, Raw Onions, Gochujang Sauce and 678 Secret House Sauce with Wasabi.  The Complimtary Soup with Daikon in Vinegar base was something odd and new for me.


Pork

Fresh Cut of Pork Belly (350 php)

We had no idea on what to order so we just ordered everything suggested by our server starting with the Fresh Cut of Pork Belly served with a daikon.  Our server took charge of the entire grilling process and even thought as how to enjoy every dish.  As you can see, the thick pork belly was initially placed on a flat slate.   

Fresh Cut of Pork Belly (350 php)

Then, our server got a grid where our 150 gram of Fresh Cut of Pork Belly was grilled further.

Fresh Cut of Pork Belly (350 php)

Fresh Cut of Pork Belly (350 php)

Soon, it was all sliced and ready to be eaten.  The egg on the side is cooked as well taking a custard form.




Eating it is different from other samgyupsals according to the instructions given to us by our server.  First, we mixed the wasabi with the 678 secret sauce.  We dipped the cooked pork belly there  applied some 678 veggie salad and 678 lettuce salad.

This is how mine looked like.  All the components are refillable for free by the way.  Wow!  Their quality meat combined with their sauce and salads are so delicious!  I couldn't stop myself from having more and more of it.  Surely, this is one of the best samgyupsal I've ever had.

Special

Beef Bulgogi (500 php)

The Beef Bulgogi is served with three kinds of mushroom and lots of shallots.  

Beef Bulgogi (500 php)

Since it has sauce, it is cooked in a wok atop the charcoal.  We really loved its tenderness and flavor.  It's not overly sweet but a pleasantly flavorful making it great viand with rice.


Side Menu

Egg Wrap (Cheese) (200 php)

The Egg Wrap is filled with Cheese and laid on a bed of ketchup.  At first glance, it looks similar to the Japanese Dashimaki Tamago. 

But, it's different because it's not flavored with soy and it's closer to the American omelette because it's filled with cheese, rougher in texture and more dense.  We loved this!

Meal Menu

Lunch Box (200 php)

The Lunch Box is served in this tin with a comical picture.

Lunch Box (200 php)

The Lunch Box comprises of rice, fried egg, kimchi, achovies, tofu, seaweeds and black beans.  So its basically a variant of a bokkeumbap (Korean fried rice dish). 

Lunch Box (200 php)

The server then shakes it vigorously giving it a loud clunk before finally opening it and revealing this glorious delicious mess.  We enjoyed this new experience and if you love seaweed like us, you'd really appreciate this. 

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I'm really glad that the family happened to walk by 678 Korean BBQ Manila.  This is one of our best Korean dining discoveries.  I highly suggest that you try this or you're certainly missing a lot!  We're really eager for a revisit too.  Crossing my fingers that we spot more Korean celebrities there. =))  The service is excellent!  I'm really impressed at how much they have invested in their gears and training.  The price is very reasonable as most items are good for sharing so bring some company with you in every visit.