Author: Rochelle Sy Chua

Italianni’s
2nd Level Robinson’s Place Ermita, Manila
(02) 536-7961 to 62

——————–
I’m not really fond of Italian food or American food for that matter. Maybe it’s because I don’t like hamburgers, pastas, pizza that much. So as much as possible, I really dont make any effort of going to places that serve them. But ofcourse friends do sometimes like to eat there and ofcourse I have to oblige.

One thing that I noticed in Italianni’s is their good service, it seems like they are trained to give the best service possible. I remember before when they serve me somewhat “rubbery” pork chops and they cooked a new one for me. And now when I requested if they could give me extra crispy kangkong leaves, they gave me one whole extra bowl. Talk about exceeding expectations… hehehehe

Here are what we ordered:

• Refillable Dalandan/Iced Tea (Php110)

I like Dalandan better. I feel we’re paying a premium here. I feel Php110 is a bit expensive for a bottomless drink.

• Spaghetti & Meatballs (Php 495)

Nice presentation and does look yummy. But not yummy enough for my to try. I’m just too full try out the other dishes. I just ate my own order. I’m pretty sure it’s good coz they were able to finish this dish.

• Grilled Porkchops Au Poivre (Php695)

I didn’t order this but this does definitely look good. I will order this when I go to Italianni’s next time.

• U.S. Choice Tenderloin – 5oz. (Php795)

I ordered this. It was good at first bite but I wasn’t able to sustain it ehehe. Ended up just eating half of the steak. The Vegetable leaves are yummy though. I just can’t get enough of it.

• Grilled Chicken & Pomelo Salad (Php595)

I like salads that use vinaigrette. This is one of them.

• Pesto Pizza (Php395)

I remember I took 1 slice of it. Tasted like a pizza hehehe… Like I mentioned I’m not really fond of pizza so I don’t think anyone can get any quality feedback from me on this one. hehehe

• Chicken Caprese Melt (Php325)

Banapple Pies & Cheesecakes

(02) 439-2675

——————–
We went jogging last saturday at UP Diliman and ofcourse, the best place we can think of to have breakfast is…. you guessed it right… none other than… Banapple!

Their rice meals are superb. Their eggs are special, we don’t know what they put in it that made it so special and good. You be the judge, the pictures can prove it.

Here are our orders:

• Creamy Chicken Pie (Php100)

Served with chunky potato salad. The pie basically consists of chicken flakes wrapped in a crust with creamy white sauce. Looks yummy, I didn’t order it. Maybe next time.

• Garlic Beef Tapa with creamed parsley eggs (Php130)

This is their bestseller for their rice meals. I haven’t tried it but most of my colleagues ordered this. I didn’t see any leftovers, makes me wonder.. I’ll order this next time, even if it’s not breakfast time. Served with garlic rice & creamy eggs.

• Glazed Pork Tocino with creamed parsley eggs (Php120)

I fell in love with this dish that whenever I go to Banapple, I just can’t seem to let myself try their other dishes. This just is extremely good! also served with garlic rice & creamy eggs.

• Classic Iced Coffee (Php60)

I’m not fond of Starbucks coffee but a simple coffee like this do get my attention. I just want it with sugar.. that’s it… simple but good.

• Banapple Smoothie (Php85)

Have to try this one time.

• Iced Mocha (Php70)

• Hot Americano (Php50)

I’m glad it now has a branch in Tomas Morato. Katipunan is just too inconvenient for me. I always get lost hehehe.

Coral Garden

(02) 711-0255

——————–
One of my all-time favorite Chinese restaurants… soooooooooo delicious. I can’t stop craving for it, especially the salted fish fried rice ohh I miss it already

I practically left my friend no choice but to eat there coz I just had that determination to eat there that day hehehehe (sorry! you know who you are hehehe).

I enjoy every single dish I order there, I don’t even remember even one single instance wherein I didn’t like the food we ordered. Let’s see.

Here are what we ordered:

• Crispy Bean Curd (Php198)

Coral Garden is actually known for their famous Crispy Tofu with yummy sauce. I’m not the type of person who loves sauces but with their tofu, it just isn’t complete without the sauce. So I always make it a point to request for more… sauce hehehe

• Spicy Eggplant with Minced Pork (Php210)

I really just love how they prepared this. It’s super tasty and we don’t need fried rice for this.

• Salted Fish Fried Rice (Php150)

I don’t know why I love their rendition of salted fish fried rice (I also love EQUALLY the version made by Mann Yann/Hann). I can just eat this without any other dishes. It’s a meal on its own.

• Black & White Gulaman (Php55)

A combination of Black Gulaman & Almond Gulaman. 2 of my favorite drink ingredients rolled into one? why not? perfect it is.

Dezaato Pan
Sct. Alcaraz St., Banawe, Quezon City, Metro Manila
(02) 743-9856

——————–
I have been looking for the best coffee/tea place out there. I really don’t get what’s special with Starbucks. I felt that it’s just a status symbol thing. I don’t get it!!!

Anyhow, I’m still searching for places where I can hang out with friends after dinner. I think I found it with Dezaato Pan.

It has everything
-> Bread (somewhat like Bread Talk… We put the breads in a tray and pay at the cashier)

-> Coffee (We didn’t order coz we ordered ice cream, next time I’ll try their coffee/tea)

-> Cakes (Looks really good and I think their cakes are priced reasonably)

-> Gelato [this one we tried out, I ordered Coffee flavor while my friend ordered Ferrero Rocher (Php70)] – verdict: super duper good, they are also generous in their serving

I think for a coffee place like this, they almost have the best of everything (bread talk-like pastries, amici-like gelatos, starbucks-like coffee/tea, cheesecake etc-like cakes). Their ambiance is good as well, they have free wifi!

When I need to hang out or just want to go out and read a book, play with my laptop or something, I’ll definitely choose this place as it’s located near my house and it’s cozy and service is uber cool too!