Category: Lifestyle

Congo Grille

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On December 15, 2009

Congo Grille
G/F, Toledo Building, 277 Tomas Morato Ave. corner Scout Limbaga St., Quezon City, Philippines
(02) 332-2193

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I was lucky enough to be invited by Congo Grille to sample their dishes. Congo Grille has always been one of my favorite Filipino restaurants. Well, this is mainly because of their sisig! Theirs is the best IMHO. I remember celebrating my birthday way back in year 2000 at Congo Grill. Now that year 2009 is ending, Congo Grille is still getting better and better!

So what’s new? Well, they have several new menu items. Their servers are wearing hats that say “Sisig King” focusing on their well-known & award-winning masterpiece, Sisig!

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Congo Grille also improved on the look of the restaurant. Take for example, they have hand painted murals on their walls w/c was made by their resident artist, Yasmine Ong. Each branch is decorated by different artwork w/c is pretty cool and very personal, if you ask me.

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Here are the dishes that were served to us:

Nestle Iced Tea Tower (Php 220)

Good for 4-5 persons. Looks like it’s not just beer that has a tower now 😛

New Zealand 3-way Mussels (Php 270)

Kare Kare (Php 240)

Tuna Belly (Php 300)

This is 300g worth of tuna belly. I guess this was the least favorite of mine but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t delicious.

Grilled Pusit/Squid (Php 305)

500g of squid is sold at Php61 per 100g. This is actually good but I prefer the stuffed squid better. I guess this really depend on the situation. Grilled squid is best combined with beer while stuffed squid is best eaten during dinner time 😛

Sizzling Stuffed Pusit/Squid (Php 320)

I loved this!! This is grilled stuffed squid placed in a sizzling plate. It must be the special sauce because it gave the dish a special “umph”!

Pork Sisig (Php 175)

The sisig is really Congo Grille’s pride! Last 2007, They even won the Sisig Festival for it. Well, what can I say? It is my favorite and after so many years, it is still my favorite! You’re missing a lot if you don’t try this! I always thought that mayonnaise is their secret for their delicious sisig. When I asked the Congo Grill owner & manager, they said it was just the way it’s cooked. Well, it will always remain their secret. But do we care? We just go to Congo Grille if we want to eat the best sisig in town!

Tuna Sisig (Php 170)

Congo Rice (Php 180)

this one I never dared to eat. Well mainly because I care so much about my teeth hahaha! I just don’t want to go out smiling with black ink. Seriously, this is one of the best dishes Congo Grille offfers. Squid-ink flavored rice topped with calamares. People swear by it. Some even call to make sure that it is available before they proceed to Congo Grille.

Bagoong Rice (Php 125)

Congo Mango (Php 85)

I’m not fond of cakes. This version of graham cake, I must admit was good! Every bit of ingredients were spread out well. It was not overpowering w/c made it a very yummy dessert. This is one of 2 popular desserts that Congo Grille serves.

Frozen Maki (Php 120)

Of the desserts served tonight, Frozen Maki was my ultimate dessert favorite! We super enjoyed this dessert. I kinda forgot that I was too full already. An excellent twist to the japanese maki, it had vanilla ice cream with ripe mango wrapped in chocolate crepe which was served with chocolate sauce. This is definitely a must-try!!!

Thanks to Congo Grill & Stratigem for the invite. I really really love the food especially the ever-famous sisig! What a great dinner! 🙂

More pictures here.

Running for Beginners

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On December 15, 2009

Last week, I attended a very informative seminar about running. It was conducted by Second Wind Running Store. Neville & Hector who are Second Wind Running’s owners were the main speakers.

Let me share with you what I learned from the event. A few things really stuck my mind. For one, finding the right shoes. Then there is what to drink when running & how often we should run.

First off, let’s talk about running terms that were mentioned in the seminar:

Marathon – 42 kilometers
PR – Personal Record
Pace – Rate of Movement in Run (usually minutes/kilometer)
Gait – manner of running
Stride – to run with long steps

One thing they emphasized was that a 5k/10k/21k run are NOT marathons. I also noticed how people loosely use the word “marathon”.

Another important point that was shared in details was how we should choose the right equipment for our runs. Things like buying the right caps, shirts, shorts, watches, socks & shoes.

runninggear

Knowing your foot type is very important when buying shoes. The Second Wind Running Store can help us analyze our foot type and give input as to what shoes to buy for running. We have to run at the treadmill so they could see the behaviour of how we run. It’s really amazing. I will visit their store soon one of these days.

foottype

Part of the seminar also talked about running trivia. Did you know that it is best to buy shoes in the late afternoon when our feet are at its largest state? Did you know that to ensure that the shoe fits, you try to insert your fingers at the front and back? Also, don’t wear 100% cotton socks as it keeps your feet wet. Synthetic blend socks are best to fend off moisture. It’s best to drink a sports drink like Gatorade rather than water, because the former has potassium content and can give us more energy.

Okay, details are done. But I’m sure you’re asking if this is such a good idea. You’re not alone in asking that question. A lot of people have been asking if running can help us lose weight. After listening to the seminar, I can give you a definite “yes”. These are just some guidelines regarding calories burned during running & other stuff that could help us decide what kind of approach we’re going to do.

for every 1.6 kilometers, you will burn approximately 125 calories.
running long and slow burns a higher percentage of fat calories. It teaches our body to be more efficient in fat burning.
running shorter and faster burns more total calories per minute or mile. It helps us lose weight, including body fat.
faster running also increase “afterburn”. That means the body is still burning calories after the running stops.

I’m so glad that I attended this since one of my goals for 2010 (take note: I take it seriously this time) is to go jogging. One of my main goals is to stay fit and I have chosen to do that by jogging and learning swimming. So this running seminar came at the right time as I prepare to reach my 2010 goals.

More pictures regarding the seminar can be found here.

Bay Cafe Tamsui

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On December 12, 2009

æµ·ç£å’–å•¡é¤¨ Bay Cafe
2/F Bay Cafe Zhongzheng Road, Tamsui, Taipei, Taiwan
886 (02) 26200448

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After travelling so far to Tamsui & after visiting 3 places, we were so hungry. We walked around the Old Tamsui Road to look for a place to eat. We realized that the food there were quite expensive but we ended up choosing Bay Cafe instead. Mainly because it had good ambiance and you could see the beautiful sea while dining.

The food at Bay Cafe was actually affordable. Yes, each meal might cost you around 300-350NT but it was a complete meal considering it had soup, side dishes, main meal & dessert. I was completely satisfied and when we were done eating, we were all psyched for another jampacked afternoon of travelling!

Here are what we ordered:

German Sausage (300NT)

This was a different twist to the sausage. I’ve always loved sausage but whenever it was served to me, there had no bones in it. But this time around, there were bones. This tasted good and authentic but I still prefer the usual sausage without bones.

sausage2

Beef Lazamia (300NT)

Basil Chinese Style Chicken with Ricewine (300NT)

Tiramisu (100NT)

Bay Cafe was very generous with their food servings. We were hungry when we came in but we were so full when we got out.

There were a lot of foreigners as Tamsui is really a tourist spot. The great view of the ocean is pretty great there.

view

One thing that I remember very well is how GOOD the complimentary bread was. It was just soooooooooooooo fresh. Best bread I ever tasted in Taipei.

bay2

More pictures from our yummy lunch here.

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Classic Savory

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On December 6, 2009

Classic Savory
G/F, The Link (Anson’s Building), Makati Avenue, Ayala Center, Makati City

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Maus, Jo & I had our christmas lunch at Classic Savory. This is located at the Link building in Makati City. We actually just found out that the building is now called “The Link”. This was the building formerly named, “Anson’s” building so that’s how we know it.

Anyway, Savory Restaurant has always been a favorite especially among filipino-chinese community. When I was still studying, my mom would always take me to Savory restaurant located at Binondo. I’ve always loved their chicken especially the sauce. Though (ofcourse), my favorite is still KFC 😛

The 3 of us were sooooo hungry! We ordered a lot but still it was okay since we almost finished everything! We didn’t forget to order their specialty ofcourse and ordered some other dishes so we could try.

There were a lot of people dining at Classic Savory. I guess it just proves that the decision made by the 3rd generation of Savory owners to revive and expand the franchise was the right one.

Here are what we ordered:

Wawi’s Crab Foo Yong (Php 195)

This is a different twist to the usual omelette. This is layered omelette w/ shrimps, mushrooms & crabmeat with gravy poured all over it. It was delicious! I love it! I wonder how they were able to form that shape though.

Nido Soup with Quail Eggs (Php 195)

I wonder why they call it Nido soup. This is chicken broth with mocked bird’s nest and quail eggs. There’s also “chicharon” there btw that really overpowered the taste of the soup. We kind of didn’t notice the bird’s nest anymore coz of the “chicharon”. Still it was a great soup. I never thought it was that tasty. Glad Jo ordered this.

Savory Fried Rice (Php 195)

This is classic Savory’s fried rice specialty. It’s Fried rice w/ green peas, sausage & savory chicken. Honestly, I didn’t even tasted the savory chicken though it’s there. It just tasted like Yang Chow Fried rice.

Half Savory Chicken (Php 195)

This is the best of the best! Their chicken is sooo good with their gravy. Though I love KFC chicken more, Savory’s gravy is the best out there! I wonder how they made it but that sole reason is why we still keep coming back to Savory. It’s just savoring!!! 😀

Savory Tropical Cooler (Php 45)

Okay, this is normal 4 season’s drink. I don’t think it was fresh though, but it tasted good. So can’t complain

One other thing I noticed is this sign hanging on the restaurant’s wall:

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I really hope all other restaurants do have this. Customer service is extremely important. Even if the food is good but service is bad, You’ll still lose your customers. That said, I was impressed with Savory’s customer service. I’ll definitely go back to dine again soon.

See the happy faces? Yes, it was a great meal! 🙂

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More pictures here.

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Teriyaki Boy

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On December 5, 2009

Teriyaki Boy
Petron Bel-Air Square, Gil Puyat cor. Makati Ave., Makati City, Metro Manila
(02) 750-3689

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The day we were supposed to attend the Sexy Chef event at the office, we unfortunately ran out of food so we ended up eating outside. We chose Teriyaki Boy mainly because it has good ambiance and they have some new offerings.

I love how Teriyaki Boy always try to come up with something new. Ofcourse this makes their customers want to come back to the restaurant. First it was their crazy rolls, now the new offering is karaage feast.

Here are what we ordered:

Tori Karaage (Php 290)

This was part of the karaage feast. It was boneless chicken that was deep-fried & served with your choice of sauce (Teriyaki, Ranch, Sesami or Chili). I admit, this is not my favorite but it’s like fried chicken 😛 We ordered their to-share version. You can order their go-solo version at Php 165.

Tofu Steak (Php 155)

This dish has always been my favorite in Teriyaki Boy. It is breaded tofu w/ ground pork, onions, chives, shitake & steak sauce. No matter how many times I go to Teriyaki Boy, this has always been the dish to order there.

Asupara Bacon Maki (Php 165)

This is another favorite dish of mine. I think I was the one who ate most of this order 😛 Anyway, this is asparagus wrapped in bacon. 2 of my most favorite ingredients rolled into one. Perfect combination, don’t you think? Just yummy!

Crazy California Roll (Php 175)

This was a different twist to California maki. We didn’t order rice as this crazy maki already had rice. We were all on a diet! 😛 anyway, crazy California maki consists of crabstick, mango, watermelon & lettuce wrapped in rice.

More pictures here.

One thing though that we disliked about the Petron Bel-Air branch was their service. It was just unsatisfactory. First, you have to wait for a waiter to notice you. Then it’s like they are always in a hurry and they just give you what you want without smiling or anything. Another was the longgg wait just to get the bill completed. This has always been the feedback of many who has offices nearby. I hope they fix this because I still go there frequently.