Category: Lifestyle

My addiction with group buying sites have lots of pros and cons.  Discovering cool restaurants is definitely 1 of the advantages.  I discovered Ba Noi’s through a promo by Plejee.  They offered a whole set of dishes for almost 50% off.  I bought it without knowing what to expect, I took that risk.

We had a hard time finding for parking.  However, we were lucky enough that during our 2nd attempt, there was one vehicle right in front of Ba Noi’s which was leaving.  We walked to Ba Noi’s & was delighted to see even just the front of the restaurant showing some traits of Vietnam.

The ambiance was nice and you could feel that you’re dining at a Vietnamese restaurant.  I hope though that more people will discover Ba Noi’s as it would be such a waste if you haven’t dined in there.  I can say that Ba Noi’s is one of the hidden restaurants in the Metro.  If they open other branches (e.g., in the malls), I’m sure they’ll be successful.

It’s also interesting that Ba Noi’s was one of the nominated restaurants in the best specialty cuisine in the Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant’s awards.  I saw the certificate in the entrance.  They must be proud 🙂

Ba Noi’s was ready for us as I called for reservation and informed them I had the Plejee coupon.  After a few minutes, they served our food.  I was only able to check out the menu for their other offerings after our meal.

Here are the food that we consumed & finished:

• Fresh Sugarcane Juice (Php 90)

I saw that they have their own sugarcane machine.  I did see that they have prepared beforehand and put into bottles.  They pour to the glass from the bottle whenever they receive orders.  I think this is efficient.

I also appreciate that I don’t need to go to Manila just to get my own dose of Sugarcane Juice.  Ba Noi’s was as good as theirs.  Yipee!

• Shrimp & Pomelo Salad (Php 175)

Ba Noi’s Shrimp & Pomelo Salad is one unique dish.  I was actually wondering why there were kropecks with it.  Apparently, you put the kropeck into the lettuce then put shrimps & pomelo on top of the kropeck.  Lastly, you pour the sauce over and you get one awesome bite of delicious salad.

• Fried Spring Rolls (Php 160)

This may be the best fried spring rolls I have ever tasted so far!  I wonder what they put inside but it was oh so yummy!  My mom said it was probably a combination of meat and veggies which I also believe so.  To eat Ba Noi’s version, you have to wrap the spring rolls into the lettuce, dip in the sauce then take a bite.  I remember my mom eating so many of it haha!  She surely enjoyed the fried spring rolls.

• Beef Noodle Soup (Php 225)

I can’t believe that I liked each and every dish served to us by Ba Noi’s.  Their beef noodle soup was also a winner.  I’m not really fond of noodles but I was able to finish the beef noodle soup.  It has tons of flavor.  Since we got the dish from a promo, the servings weren’t too big w/c was just right for me.  I didn’t put the lime, bean sprouts & sauce.  I ate it as is.  My mom, however, did put the lime, bean sprouts, chili and the black sauce (my mom called it soy sauce paste) to her noodles.  She liked it and was raving about it while we were eating.  There was also chili paste if you like spicy food.

• Bo Luc Lac (Php 310) & Steamed Rice (Php 30)

Bo Luc Lac is stir-fried honey spiced beef with fried basil.  I loved how tender the beef was.  Usually when we eat fried beef, they are usually hard to chew.  With Ba Noi’s Bo Luc Lac, it wasn’t the case.  The beef was so enjoyable to eat especially if you dip it with the sauce.  Basically for the sauce, you just squeeze the lime into the salt-pepper mixture.  Delicious!

My mom & I were so happy with the food.  They were so delicious that we both agreed to go back and try their other dishes.  The parking is the only thing that is setting me back.

When I checked the menu, I found out what the meaning of Ba Noi’s is.

1. grandmother on the father’s side
2. a culinary experience that brings together authentic & traditional processes, ingredients and recipes from Vietnamese cuisine

I’ve never been to Vietnam so I’m not in the position to judge its authenticity.  All I can say is that the food was definitely delicious.  I will recommend this to friends who are looking for Vietnamese restaurants here in Metro Manila.

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Ba Noi’s – The Fresh Flavors of Vietnam
G/F Greenbelt Mansions, Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
(02) 893-7359

In my mind, Sango has the best rice burger in the Metro.

I had known that their only branch is at Pasong Tamo.  That’s why it has been a long time since I last visited the restaurant.  Recently, I was too delighted when I found out that they also have a branch inside Powerplant mall.  Location is more convenient to go to finally!

I brought my mom to Sango! last tuesday for lunch.  I was pretty sure that my mom would love it.  It took us some time to choose what to order.  I really admire how friendly the cashier & servers are.  The cashier smiled while she waited patiently for our orders.  She even suggested some items that we might like.

I also love the ambiance of Sango!  It was designed way differently from their 1st branch.  You can see that they are more commercialized.  The green and yellow colors really blended well giving it a welcoming vibe.

There were available Japanese reading material all around the place too!

Even though food are cooked fresh upon order, we didn’t wait for too long.  Our orders came one by one and I was excited to eat Sango food again.  It has been a long time after all!

• Large Master Fries (Php 125)

My mom insisted ordering this.  I didn’t eat much as I’m not a fan of fries with too much stuff in it.  I’m a fan of plain ol’ deep-fried potatoes.  Sango’s master fries comes in 2 sizes: regular & large with only Php 20 difference.  Their fries has cheese, meat sauce & onions on the side.  It was pretty okay.  Not the type of dish that I would go back for though.

• Large Yougurt Shake (Php 85)

Plain ol’ yougurt shake that was sweet.

• Large Iced Milk Tea (Php 50)

I super love milk tea.  So when I saw this in Sango! menu, I immediately ordered it.  It tasted okay, not too sweet and not too milky.  There were too much ice though.  I felt like drinking water towards the end.

• Unagi Rice Burger (Php 255)  & Yakiniku Rice Burger (Php 145)

Our main orders and definitely the star of our meals!  The burgers were sooooooooo good.  I really wished we can have them as eat-all-you-can.  Pictures doesn’t do justice to the burgers.  I already would like to apologize in advance.

Each burger was served with a white paper cover and put in a basket.  We can either eat it as a burger or with spoon & fork.  My mom and I both ate our orders as burgers.

My mom ordered Unagi Rice burger which is Sango’s Lenten offering.  It was a bit expensive though.  The unagi was big enough and I thought that it was reasonably priced.  Considering the big serving of unagi and the super yummy taste.  Come to think of it, it was like ordering unagi with plain rice on the side.  My mom loved it.  It actually took a short time for her to finish everything!  Good thing, she made me try before she finally finished it!

My order was Sango’s signature burger, Yakiniku rice burger.  I can’t even describe how delicious this was.  Sango! was really generous with the beef.  Every bite just gives me this super good feeling that we’re eating good food.  I miss it already.  Can someone give me a Yakiniku Rice burger please?

My mom and I enjoyed our dining experience at Sango! the Burger Master in Powerplant mall.  The food & ambiance, both are worth raving for.  We will surely be back.  I’ll order Yakiniku Rice Burger again.  I can’t get it out of my mind!  Wahhhhh!

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Sango! The Burger Master
Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City, Philippines
(02) 556-3182

Yoshinoya is one of the popular Japanese fast food restaurants in the world.  With over 1,200 outlets in Japan, USA, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia & Philippines, we know that it’s definitely a big & important brand.

Here in the Philippines, there are currently 5 branches.  Yoshinoya started operations in the Philippines under Century Pacific Group (makers of Century Tuna) back in 2001.  I personally discovered Yoshinoya in 2002 and I immediately fell in love with its beef bowl.

Whenever I order the beef bowl, I always order for extra sauce.  It was soooo yummy and delicious especially seeing the beef and rice swimming in that yummy special Yoshinoya sauce.  Delicious!!!

As much as I love beef bowl, lenten season is coming up.  A lot of us do practice the rule of not eating meat during that time.  In relation to that, Yoshinoya launched 2 products this lenten season.  Both products will only be available till May 31, 2011.

• Yoshinoya Bangus Kabayaki (Php 140)

Deep fried, lightly-breaded fish fillet poured with Kabayaki sauce.  The Bangus Kabayaki was a clear winner in my book among the 2 dishes being offered by Yoshinoya this lenten season.   The sauce was sweet, very, very tasty and the fish was heavenly.  It’s not surprising that they use Century Bangus for this dish.  Yoshinoya is owned by Century Pacific Group anyway.

• Shrimp Katsu (Php 140)

Another limited offering of Yoshinoya is their Shrimp Katsu.  It’s deep-fried breaded shrimp patties served with mixed vegetables and plain rice.  I enjoyed Bangus kabayaki more but it doesn’t mean that this shrimp patties weren’t delicious.  I was able to bring home some for my mom and this was her choice.  It really depends on your preference.  Shrimp Katsu is also available in jumbo plate with beef bowl (Php 185).

See the smile from the group?  We really enjoyed the food served to us.  I’ll definitely be visiting Yoshinoya soon.  I will get more of Bangus Kabayaki and my ever favorite, beef bowl! 😀

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Yoshinoya
SM North Edsa | SM Megamall | Robinson’s Galleria | SM Mall of Asia | Park Square 1, Philippines
(02) 920-8177 | (02) 632-1276 | (02) 635-2206 | (02) 556-2649 | (02) 893-8176

I saw Bistro Miyake while I was on my way to Jo Avila‘s class.  I said to myself that I would try it.  When I saw the promo at Ensogo, I immediately bought 2 coupons without hesitation.  One tuesday afternoon, I brought my mom there for a late brunch.

It was pretty hard to find parking as they only have 3 parking spaces (w/c was filled already).  We drove around Annapolis street until we found one parking slot.  We walked till we reached the restaurant.  Bistro Miyake have an ongoing promo wherein you can order as much as you can for Php 495++.  The catch is you have to finish all that you have ordered.

I immediately was in awe when I entered the restaurant.  It was big!!  You can definitely use the venue for any parties or events.  The lighting and decorations were super nice too!

My admiration was cut short as soon as I talked to one of Bistro Miyake’s servers.  I had a reservation and I asked to be seated.  She was obviously thinking about something else that you can really feel that her mind was floating.  She just let us sit anywhere and didn’t even clean the table for us.  Other than that, it was really so hard catching her attention.  It is also important to note that she was the only server around except for the manager.

I told her that we would like to get the eat-all-you-can promo using the vouchers I bought.  She told me that it wasn’t possible as it was stated in the voucher.  I immediately read the guidelines word per word and didn’t find any provision that it wasn’t allowed.  I showed it to her and she insisted that it wasn’t possible pointing me to the guideline “cannot be used with discount card”.  I was like “Is ‘discount card’ the same as ‘ala carte promo’?  Those are 2 different things!”
** to Ensogo & Bistro Miyake, I hope you clear up your guidelines.  If there’s an anniversary promo, then it should be clearly stated if the promo can be used for it or not.

I then asked for the restaurant’s manager.  After waiting for more than 10 minutes, she totally ignored us and didn’t call for the manager.  I motioned another guy and luckily, he was the manager.  He told us it was okay to get the all you can eat ala carte promo.  He became our server for the rest of the meal.  I was a bit furious already but can’t walk out as I already paid for the Ensogo vouchers a few weeks back.

Anyway, Bistro Miyake’s all you can eat promo was ala-carte style.  They give you a checklist and you can just choose whatever you want to eat.  Once you give it to the server, they’ll cook and serve it to you.  Each person will need to pay Php495++ if you want to avail of their anniversary promo.  I think it was reasonably priced especially if you eat a lot.  Just make sure you have enough appetite or else, you need to pay double for leftovers.

I was hungry and I believe I can really eat a lot if I want to.  My mom can’t eat a lot though so we can only order so much.  Here’s the list of what we have tried and finished.  I hope we ordered more but we were too full to have any more food haha!

• Tofu Miso Soup

• California Maki

• Mixed Fried Rice

I initially thought that the beef teppan was part of mixed fried rice.  Apparently not.  The fried rice was just fried rice.  Nothing special.  I think I appreciate garlic or plain rice better than this.  It wasn’t good.

• Salmon Belly Teriyaki

This was good and tasty.  Belly is definitely the best part of salmon.  Tasted so delicious especially when newly cooked.

• Ebi Tempura

They could have improved the presentation by putting it in a basket.  I love shrimps but I just didn’t feel any excitement upon seeing the dish.  We didn’t order more of ebi tempura.  Enough said.

• Tofu Steak

I love tofu steak and I don’t remember not liking any other restaurant’s version of this.  I don’t know with Bistro Miyake but my experience was just too bad with this restaurant.

See the black thingy in the dish?  Yes tofu was burnt!  I didn’t bother complaining anymore.  It was too stressful just to call out their attention.  We just ate the tofu inside and separated the skin.  Too disappointing.

• Beef Teppan

We ordered 2 servings of this.  We loved this dish as it was newly cooked.  The best time to eat a newly fried dish is simply fresh from the pan.  You can still taste all the flavors plus the meat was still hot.  Yummy!

• Yakitori

A definite winner from all the dishes we orderd at Bistro Miyake.  I hope we ordered more but we were too full already.  The sauce was perfect and it was cooked just right.  Delish indeed!

• Kani Bacon

Kani Bacon which is actually crab stick wrapped in bacon has always been my favorite thing to order in Japanese restaurants.  I had to order this too just to be able to have my share of Bistro Miyake’s version.

• Beef Asparagus

I hated this dish.  The beef was hard to chew, it felt like I was having a chewing gum.  The asparagus were a bit overcooked too.  What a way to leave a last impression.

I think it’s very obvious that I won’t be going to back to Bistro Miyake.  I wish they train their server (she was the only one thus singular).  I’m not sure if I’m the only one who had bad experience there but I really hope we were the only ones.  You usually go to a restaurant to find good food and experience (of course, at least) decent service.   I didn’t get both in Bistro Miyake.  I wish them luck and super hope they’ll improve in the future.

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Bistro Miyake
33 Annapolis St., Greenhills, Unit 101, Intrawest Building, San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines
(02) 721-9793

We were driving around Tomas Morato looking for a nice place to hang out and eat dinner.  We were choosing between Mesa & 2 other restaurants which were on the same area.  We stopped for a moment as we were all undecided which one to choose.  We ended up dining at Mesa and we were so glad we did!

Mesa just opened their branch at Tomas Morato.  They had other branches in the metro but I still haven’t tried their dishes.  I was curious to find out if they are good.  It was nice to see more choices for Filipino food.  I wondered what would make them different from the rest.

I was in awe when we entered the restaurant seeing those big light decorations on the ceiling.  I also liked that most of their seats are couches which people prefer all the time.

I was just a bit uncomfortable walking around the place as the walkway is only good for one person.  Other than that, the experience was great.  I really, really noticed the awesome service from the staff.  If I’m gonna rate their service, it would be a 5/5 score.  Very impressive!

The food is another thing worth raving for.  See the list of food we ordered from our dinner last saturday:

• Fresh Buko Juice (Php 60)

Fresh fruit juices has always been my favorite.  Since Mesa is a Filipino restaurant, I ordered for a fresh buko juice.  It was very refreshing.  You can ask them to open it up after you finished up all the juice inside.  It was nice to eat those tender buko meat after a heavy meal.

• Chicken Binakol (Php 235)

We ordered the ones with “must-try” label as it was our 1st visit to Mesa.  For the soup, it was chicken binakol.  It’s basically chicken soup simmered with young coconut and green papaya.  That explains why the excess soup was placed in a coconut shell.  As an FYI, the one in the picture was the extra soup.  Our order was put in a big white bowl and was poured already into our individual bowls.

By the way, do ask for “patis”.  You’ll enjoy the chicken better if you dip it to patis 🙂

• Duck Basil Fried Rice (Php 250)

We initially didn’t plan to order any meat dishes, that was why we ended up getting the duck basil fried rice.  It was basically fried rice with duck flakes & basil.  It has chili too but we asked if they could separate it.  The rice was alright, it was tasty but I wouldn’t go back ordering it again.

• Boneless Tilapia (Php 290)

We were definitely in heaven with Mesa’s boneless tilapia!!!  Mesa’s tilapia was definitely satisfying to our taste buds.  Not much effort also in taking off the meat as they already did it for us!  Mind you, it was boneless too!  There were 4 sauces to choose from: sweet chili sauce, honey bagoong sauce, mesa’s special sauce & vinegar sauce.  Definitely, a great twist to a Filipino dish right there.

• Sigarillas (Php 180)

Wing beans with coconut milk & shrimps.  I noticed Mesa loves to put coconut milk into their dishes.  Well, it worked.  This dish was good too but not exceptional.

• 1/6 CrispChon 2-ways (Php 999)

Now, this is what Mesa is known for: Crispchon!  We ordered 1/6 which was perfect for the 4 of us.  They told us we’d be served with Crispchon in 2 ways.

First, they wrapped the meat & skin in pandan wrap.  They did it right in front of us.  Boy, it was definitely yummy!  There were 3 sauces given but I enjoyed the sweet sauce the most.

Lastly, they cooked the rest of the lechon in chili & garlic.  The dish looked so sinful!  If you care for your body, you wouldn’t eat too much!  But hey, it’s okay to let go once in a while and enjoy good food.

As a side note, we ordered stuffed squid but changed it to crispchon at the last minute.  When we saw them serve crispchon at the adjacent table, we decided that it would be such a waste if we didn’t order that hehe 😛

We initially planned to have desserts but we were too full to eat more haha!  Our dining experience at Mesa was definitely a pig-out!  Not complaining because it was great to discover new food places.  Glad we discovered Mesa.

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Mesa Filipino Moderne
291 Tomas Morato Avenue corner Scout Fernandez, Bgry. Sacred Heart, Quezon City, Philippines
(02) 441-5197