Category: Restaurants

Chuck’s Deli is not owned by a person named Chuck.  Chuck’s Deli was a name that was thought out randomly by owners Marco Alcantara & Chef Katrina Kuhn-Alcantara during an out of town trip.  The restaurant is a wish came true for Marco and Chef Katrina.  They wanted to bring tasty American sandwiches into the Philippines.  That was when Chuck’s Deli started.  In November 2010, at Serendra, they opened their first branch.  It was quickly followed on May 2011 in Eastwood.

Sometime last month, I tried out Chuck’s Deli, for the first time.  I actually felt a little guilty because I haven’t heard of Chuck’s Deli then.  Maybe I really do not go out much or I do not notice restaurants that specialise in sandwiches.  I’m glad that because of this hobby, I get to discover places like Chuck’s Deli or else, I would have missed a lot.

The menu was actually very interesting to read.  I love how witty the names of their food items are.  What some restaurants don’t realise is that even if the taste and quality of food are important, all other aspects should not be ignored.  It’s really all about the whole experience.  You see, it’s not just the menu, the food choices, the beautiful interior and the service but Chuck’s Deli also went as far as baking their own bread and whipping up their own sauces.

I appreciated that I got an invite to try out Chuck’s Deli specialties.  However, other invited guests are close friends so I ended up being out of place.  I couldn’t stay long.  I decided to get a quick bite of each dish and take a mental note so that I would order the dishes that I like when I go back at my convenient time.

• Fresh Honey Lemonade (Php 95)

There are two types of lemonade at Chuck’s Deli: Normal lemonade priced (Php 85) and honey lemonade (Php 95).  I’ve chosen honey lemonade because I prefer the drink sweetened.  I guess, health-conscious people would choose the normal variant.  No matter what we choose, the important thing is the lemonade was made fresh.

• Chuckatsu Balls (Php 245)

Balled chicken cutlets with yummy chuckatsu sauce.

People can fall in love with a person from the opposite sex at first sight.  The ‘Love at First Sight’ doesn’t only apply to people but also to food.  Upon first bite of Chuckatsu balls, I was totally immersed on its yumminess.   I couldn’t even describe its taste but one thing is for sure, it stuck in my mind and in my stomach 😉

• The Buffy (1/2 slab – Php 295, 1 slab – Php 590)

Slay some vampires with this Buffalo (a.k.a. buffy) chicken and garlic sauce.

I remembered a friend when I saw the Buffy served at our table.  I was pretty sure my friend would love this!  He would order buffalo wings wherever restaurant he went to (if it’s available).  While this is not the traditional buffalo wings, Chuck’s Deli made a good twist to it.  They removed the bones and made it into a fillet then put it in their homemade ciabatta 10-inch bread!

One whole slab weighs about 1.25 pounds.  Mind you, Chuck’s Deli was pretty generous with the buffalo chicken.  I couldn’t even imagine anyone would order the half slab as this was just too delicious that people would prefer to eat a whole order of it.

If you’re up to the challenge, you can take Chuck’s Deli’s ‘The Buffy Challenge‘.  Get your name on the Wall of Fame (also posted on Chuck’s Deli’s restaurants & social media accounts) if you finish the Buffy in less than five minutes.  Apart from that, you get the Buffy for free and a T-shirt so you can brag to your friends!  Right now, the best record is at 2 minutes 58 seconds.  Boy, I don’t eat fast but I’m sure some of you can do it!

• Mother Chucker (Php 295)

Created to celebrate their anniversary, Chuck’s Deli offered the Mother Chucker.  Oh yeah, it’s truly motherly!  You see, it includes a lot of ingredients like cucumber, tomato, onion rings, arugula, emmental cheese, bacon, chicken salad, runny fried egg, mustard mayo and smoked ham.  Paired with the yummy potato chips, it’s certainly a good product to describe how successful Chuck’s Deli is.

• Potato Chips (Php 75)

home-made potato chips perfect with garlic sauce.

The potato chips are included with every order of Chuck’s Deli’s slabwiches.  However, it just wasn’t enough for me.  I had to get a full order of it.

Thin, crispy and cooked right – that’s their potato chips and I loved it!

• Fish and Chips (Php 245)

Beer-battered fish fillets with home-made fries (chips to the brits), malt vinegar & fried pickles.

Most of the people are on diet right now.  I guess I’m influenced by that, so I tend to choose to order fish if it’s available.  Considering how I loved the other Chuck’s Deli’s items, I requested for an oder of their fish and chips.

I wasn’t disappointed!  Every bite was delicious!  The good thing there was that the batter didn’t overpower the main ingredients which is pretty important for breaded food.  While the malt vinegar can give a lil kick to the taste, I enjoyed the fish even without dipping it into the sauce.  Yum!

Before I bid goodbye to everyone in the table, I quickly went inside the restaurant and observed the interiors.  Boy, was I pleasantly surprised!

There was a huge counter right in front of the entrance, everyone can see how the chefs prepare our food orders.

As you know, red is my favourite colour.  Chuck’s deli made good use of the red with the combination of wood and white accent.

There were white boards, red boards and chalk boards all over the restaurant.  Certain trivia about Chuck’s deli, menu items, promos, Slay the Buffy Challenge winners and other information are posted there.

Many people know me as a rice person.  I would order rice over sandwiches any time.  However, I can’t dismiss the fact that I loved every dish that I tasted from Chuck’s Deli that day.  If I would suggest to the owners, I would wish they offer rice dishes with the same main ingredients.  It doesn’t matter though.  I already have my mind set to go back to Chuck’s Deli.  This time around, I would be with friends and I already know what I would order (i.e., Fish & Chips, chukatsu balls, buffy balls).

Chuck’s Deli is targeting Filipinos who crave for American sandwiches.  I do agree with that.  So if you are the type and you haven’t tried Chuck’s Deli, then make some time to try it.  You’ll definitely have a new restaurant to add to your favourites.

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Chuck’s Deli
G/F Eastwood Mall, Orchard Rd, Bagumbayan, Quezon City, Philippines
+63-2-9000503

Morning is a very integral part of the day.

If you are a morning person, a good and fulfilling breakfast is something you will not miss.  In fact, it has become everyone’s belief that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Well, you need the energy in order to finish all your tasks.  Plus, if your stomach is happy, you are happy.  What a nice way to start the day with a smile, right? 🙂

I sleep around 2-3AM everyday due to the nature of my work.  Truth be told, I used to be a morning person.  I continue to strive to be one so when I crave for a fully loaded breakfast from my favorite fastfood chain in the world, then I will just call KFC Delivery at 887-8888.

One morning, I got just that… KFC’s Fully Loaded Breakfast Meals!

KFC has two Fully Loaded Meals to offer.  Each has distinct characteristics so choosing between them is really depending on your mood or craving for the day.  If you want something Filipino, order the Filipino Breakfast.  If you want to eat KFC’s famous chicken, then choose the KFC Breakfast Steak.  No matter which one you end up eating, both will definitely satisfy your hungry stomach.

KFC Breakfast Steak Fully Loaded Meal (Php 105)

KFC’s signature Original Recipe Chicken fillet drenched in creamy breakfast steak sauce, garlic rice, scrambled egg and soft chocolate chip pancakes with maple syrup and whipped butter.

I always order hot & crispy KFC chicken so having eaten the signature original KFC chicken was a refreshing treat!  The breakfast version is quite different considering the creamy sauce that came with it.  I dislike putting any sauce with KFC chicken but I did try a bit with this, just to know how it tasted.  After one tiny bite, I ended up pouring the content of the whole sauce container to the chicken!  I’m not even sure what the sauce was made of but it blended perfectly with the chicken fillet.  So if I were you, go drench the chicken with the creamy sauce.

KFC Filipino Breakfast Fully Loaded Meal (Php 105)

A variety of classic Filipino dishes made from the freshest and best tasting chicken – real chicken longganisa, tender chicken tocino slices, garlic rice, scrambled egg and soft chocolate chip pancakes with maple soup and whipped butter.

This is KFC’s version of Filipino breakfast.  We are used to the traditional pork tocino and pork longganisa.  However, KFC’s specialty is chicken!  So it makes sense for KFC to transform our usual Filipino breakfast favorites into their own.  KFC’s chicken tocino and chicken longganisa were okay though I prefer the tocino more.  I liked how they combined our favourite Filipino dishes into one meal.  It’s truly fully-loaded!

The KFC Fully Loaded Breakfast Meals include the soft-chocolate chip pancakes with maple syrup and whipped butter.  I must say that this particular pancake tasted good!  In every bite, you can taste the chocolates and who doesn’t love it?

Actually, the pancakes are already a meal in itself!  I thought I can finish one fully-loaded breakfast meal but I ended up dividing it into two.  The main dish I ate in the morning and the pancake I ate during lunch time.  But of course, to each his own.  You may actually finish the whole fully loaded breakfast meal in one sitting 😛

Both Fully Loaded Meals are good additions to KFC’s A.M. Breakfast range, you now have more choices apart from the Longganisa burger and A.M. Snacker!

Have a happy breakfast and a productive & energized day everyone!

I’ve eaten a couple of times at Manang’s Chicken because it’s near our office—  some of my colleagues love eating their chicken.  I heard from people that it’s actually Manang’s who started the double fried chicken craze with soy garlic sauce.

To be honest, since Manang’s Chicken is proudly Pinoy-made then we should simply support them more and more!

Mission: To serve quality fried chicken and other unique Filipino-inspired comfort dishes that is value for money, coupled with exceptional personal service to ensure the ultimate satisfaction of our customers.

Vision: To be the leading fast casual restaurant in the Philippines without compromising the quality of our products and service as well as the well-being of our people.

Manang’s Chicken is brought to us by Giabella Food Corporation headed by Jill Gerodias-Borja (President & CEO) and Jenilee Gerodias-Slagle (COO-Commissary).  They started as a stall in Mercato Centrale then expanded into a full-sized casual restaurant due to their success.

Lots of new things are happening in February.  I ended up getting a hair makeover.  Well, Manang’ Chicken has something new to offer too!  I went to their Jupiter branch and tried out all their new offerings.

Let me start by sharing what was offered last month.

• New Side Dishes (Regular – Php 29, Large – Php 45)

Just in case, you aren’t aware Manang’s Chicken launched fresh side dishes such as coleslaw, buttered corn and macaroni salad.  I’m a lover of corn and I would choose it over anything!  So pardon me if I only have pictures of the buttered corn.

• new Spicy Ketchup Dip for Manang’s chips (Regular – Php 39, Large – Php 64)

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You love spicy food yet you dip your chips on ketchup?  Then Manang’s made a perfect combination for people like you!  The new Spicy Ketchup dip is perfect for the crunchy chips!  In all honesty, I can eat a lot of those chips!  They are just sooooo good!  I would prefer this over french fries!  I love that Manang’s chicken went this route!  Have you tried the new dip?

• ‘Upsized’ Rice Serving (FREE!)

Men always order extra rice whenever they are in a restaurant or even when eating at home.  I think some women do that too.  Well, Manang’s Chicken just made their rice serving 50% more.  That means whenever you order a rice meal, expect a bigger rice portion.  Isn’t that nice?

For the love month, Manang’s Chicken continues to think of ways to spice up their menu.  Well, I’m loving the changes considering that I tried them just recently.  I cannot help but quickly share it with you guys!  One of the products got a big boost and there’s a dessert that is only good for the month of February.  I made a conclusion about each of the promo connecting it with love, cupid & February.  I hope it made sense.

• ‘Bigger and Crunchier’ Garlic Pork Rice Meal (Php 109)

I always order Manang’s Chicken Rice meals so it was actually my first time to try out the Garlic Pork Rice Meal.  Net, I cannot compare or even describe the change to the garlic pork.

But this I have to say: I super love the big serving of the garlic pork and the generous serving of the crunchy garlic.  Oh my goodness, the pork when dipped into the vinegar plus sprinkled with those crunchy garlic was just heavenly!  I was smiling all throughout when eating my order of garlic pork rice meal.  I now have a new favorite in Manang’s Chicken!

Oh!  My theory why they offered the bigger and crunchier garlic pork rice meal is that love is sweeter and lovelier if love given is bigger and more exciting!  hahaha!  Did you get the point?  Oh well, that was just my silly conclusion 😛

• Limited-Offering Red Velvet Sundae (Php 45)

Red is the color of love.  So it’s just right for Manang’s Chicken to offer Red Velvet Sundae for Valentine’s.  The not-so-good-news is it will only be offered throughout the month of February.

I liked it!  It was a good combination of Red Velvet Cake and ice cream sundae.  A very unique mixture but it worked!  Try it!

I wonder what Manang’s Chicken has in store for next month.  Right now, I’m pleased with the new offerings.

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Manang’s Chicken
114A Jupiter St., Jupiter, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
+63-2-661-1111
Operating Hours: 10AM to 10PM

Ever since I changed my work hours, I haven’t been waking up in early mornings.  However, I made one saturday an exception as I wanted to experience having breakfast at the El Pueblo branch of Cafe 1771.  I’ve heard raves about this restaurant particularly its ambiance, and food.  I wanted to experience it myself.  Even though breakfast items could be ordered any time of the day, I still felt that doing it at real breakfast hours is the way to go!

The building where Cafe 1771 looked like an old historical building.  As soon as I saw the restaurant, I was in total awe!  Cafe 1771 was beautiful!!!

There are three sections of Cafe 1771.  Each area had a different design and feel.  It’s really up to the customers which wonderland they would want to dine in.  I loved how Cafe 1771 conceptualised the whole restaurant so we could have a different experience on each visit.

The Whimsy

The Whimsy is the first one everyone sees when entering Cafe 1771.  It’s a stylish cafe designed in blue, pink and white.  According to people, it was like dining in a European cafe.  I haven’t gone to Europe so I guess if I want to feel like I’m there, then Cafe 1771 is my place to go to 😛

I liked how they used plates as an artful display on the walls.  The Whimsy is the ideal place if you want to have coffee, sandwiches, pizzas, salads or cakes.  There is a display of cakes and baked goods that you can order for dine or take out.  They are strategically placed at the centre counter that’s so welcoming.  The Whimsy looked so much fun and elegant.

The Whimsy is also open for breakfast and serves the same menu as the Lounge.

The Lounge

Located at the left side as you enter Cafe 1771 is The Lounge which is the main dining area of the restaurant.

As I took the seat on the stylish couch and upon observing the beautiful design of the Lounge, I already knew that my early visit to Cafe 1771 was worth it!  The area looked like a library in an elegant home and ornaments/picture frames were neatly placed in between the different kinds of books.  The tall French windows overlook ADB avenue.  The place is ideal for a group gathering, romantic date, and business meetings.  Half of the Lounge can be used as a private room for twenty pax.

I was definitely relaxed while indulging on delicious breakfast and dessert offerings of Cafe 1771.  I probably would sit at the Lounge again when I try their lunch and dinner offerings in the future.

The Winebar

The last area is The Winebar which I didn’t visit.  Well, maybe I could in the future but during that breakfast, I was already so comfortable eating and talking with friends at the Lounge.  I bet, the Winebar (located at the 2nd floor) is a place that customers, mostly professionals from nearby office would hang out at night and drink alcohol.

You see, I had to spend some time describing the ambience of Cafe 1771 because it was worth it!  The place itself was so pretty that I had to share to everyone.  I appreciated all the work the owners put into making the restaurant a nice and cozy place to dine in.

It’s not just the place that is worth raving about but the food itself!  Our group were able to sample their breakfast dishes as well as desserts.  We were all sharing our orders so it felt like a mini buffet on our table.  At the end of the meal, I was actually so full that I ended up eating lunch at around 3PM (we had breakfast at 8am)!

The Food

• Melted Kesong Puti (Php 200)

The dish looked plain looking but when you take a bite, you are in for a big surprise!  That was exactly what I felt when I ate the dish.  It was oozing with flavour from the guava jelly that was put on the pan de sal.  One order of this includes a native chocolate drink.

• Eggs Florentine in a Boat (Smoked Salmon – Php 440, Homemade Ham – Php 380)

Probably one of the prettier plating for a breakfast dish, it’s poached organic eggs (take note: organic), and creamed spinach over a puff pastry boat topped with hollandaise, served with side salad and a choice of: homemade ham and smoked salmon.  Our group have chosen smoked salmon as the main ingredient.  While it wasn’t raw, I always had this impression that salmon was always eaten fresh and raw so I didn’t dare try this dish.  Even though it looked really delish!  Just look at the picture!

• Hole in One Corned Beef (Php 350)

Served with a choice of wheat bread or plain rice is the Corned beef hash and fried egg.  I would assume that this dish was made from scratch.  While I appreciate it, I think I’m so used to canned corned beef that I didn’t like this dish much.  I felt it was a bit on the dry side.  Maybe, it was just me.  I know I’m weird sometimes 😛

• Adobo Flakes Fried Rice (Php 250)

After trying out the adobo flakes fried rice and the other Filipino dish we ordered, I knew that Cafe 1771 perfected their Filipino breakfast menu!  It was THAT good!!!!

Basically, the adobo flakes fried rice is a combination of garlic fried rice and chicken adobo, pork adobo, and spring onions with a fried egg on top.  I now have a certain fondness for mixed fried rice.  We are so used to having the adobo on the side but I found out after eating Cafe 1771’s version that the mixed one is actually better!

• Beef Tapa (Php 350)

Another favourite in our table was the beef tapa dish.  The important thing when eating tapa is that the meat should be tender and moist.  That was exactly what we got so this was a definite winner!

• Croque Madame (Php 370)

There are two types of Croques served in Cafe 1771: The Croque Monsieur and the Croque Madame.  A good naming, right?  I also agree that the Croque Madame is the way to go considering that it has the sunny side egg on top.  Of course, if you’re not fond of eggs then Croque Monsieur will be your choice.

It’s a traditional ham and cheese sandwich that was baked with layers of ham and gruyere cheese topped with creamy bechamel sauce and more cheese.  A salad was served on the side.  This dish is a popular one in Cafe 1771 though I admit that it wasn’t my favourite among the ones that we tried but still, a good dish.

• Fruit Parfait (Php 280)

Love fruits?  Then order this fruit parfait which is a fun way to eat different kinds of fruits.  It’s mixed fruits with muesli and honey yogurt.

The Desserts

When it was finally time for us to eat desserts, I was already so full and satisfied with the meal.  With the ff. dishes, I just had a small bite of each cake.  I wish to sample them more when having a relaxing coffee or snacks with friends next time!

• Coffee Pie (Php 220)

The spoon and fork design on the plate was too cute!  Chateau 1771’s signature dessert is the coffee pie.  A coffee filling on chocolate-cashew crust, cream topping & toffee sauce.  It was a good thing that I wasn’t hungry or else I think, one order of this cake would not be enough for me 😛

• Evasion (Php 270)

A blend of cream cheese mousse with fresh strawberries and crispy feuillentine.  This dessert was a DELIGHT!  Oh my gosh, just one spoonful of this would melt in your mouth!  You’ll feel & taste the creaminess and I super loved the flavour of this dish!  I’m not really fond of cakes but this one, I can eat over and over!

• Amandelle

Last but definitely not the least, is the Amandelle.  It is milk chocolate mousse in between layers of orange creme brulee and caramelized apricot and almond dacquoise.  You’ll love this cake considering that Cafe 1771 was generous with the chocolate.  BTW, while the cakes are good for one, you can actually share it with the group.  I would suggest ordering different kinds of cake then consume as a group.

What a great way to start a day, indulging on great food at an excellent, cozy and relaxing environment.  If you don’t mind spending a bit more for the perfect breakfast experience, then you must head on over to Cafe 1771 at El Pueblo.  It’s a nice foodie experience that you would want to have again and again.  Do not forget to order their Filipino breakfast, it was soooooo good (read: adobo flakes fried rice).

Cafe 1771 is under the same group as Chateau 1771 (Greenbelt 5) and Sentro 1771 (Serendra Fort).

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Cafe 1771
El Pueblo Real de Manila, Dona Julia Vargas Ave, Ugong, Pasig, Philippines
+63-2-6317340

I’m back at the The Cheese Steak Shop again.

This time around, I went to their Amorsolo branch.  I missed their Arnaiz branch because it was bigger and parking was a breeze.  I do not know why they moved their Makati branch but at least we can still have our cheesesteak fix whenever we need it.  The ambiance is the same with the soft couches, board games and big menu display.  Parking was a bit challenging but I was able to get through it hehehe.

I heard they also opened a branch at the Fort.  I’ll try that soon! 🙂

While I preferred their old location better, the food is just the same.  Actually, it’s getting better and better!

I’m sharing with you the newest food items in the Cheese Steak Shop menu.  There are no misses in my opinion.  Each and every new product was good on its own merit.  Quality is definitely something this food establishment is very serious about.

New Side Dishes

• Cheese Fries (Large – Php 135, Regular – Php 99)

We usually see these kind in Nachos but I’m glad that the Cheese Steak Shop has offered the same for french fries.  Who doesn’t love cheese?

• Cheese Poppers or Cheese Chile Poppers (Php 99)

The cheese poppers are available in 2 flavors: original and chiles.  I wanted to try both so we requested to have our order mixed with both flavours.  They tasted the same except for chiles which is a bit spicy.  My choice would still be the original one but it all comes down to preference.

The Cheese Steak Shop Manila’s New Take on Cheesesteaks

• French Dip Cheesesteak with Au Jus (7″ -Php 320, 10″ -Php 520, 15″ -Php 850)

If you’re the type who tends to ask for more sauce whenever you eat something, then this new dish is a must-order!  The French Dip cheesesteak is served with Au Jus.  Au Jus is the steak’s own natural juices all put in a sauce container to all our heart’s delight!

It’s the Classic Philly Cheese Steak with a twist!  Also, the cheese used in the French Dip variant is different.  Instead of American cheese, The Cheese Steak Shop used Provolone cheese which is better suited for dipping.

I have always ordered the 7-inch cheesesteak because I do not think I can finish any bigger than that.  However, when I saw my friends order the 10-inch cheesesteak, I just stared at it with awe! haha!  As with any order in the Cheese Steak Shop, you can choose to separate peppers or not have peppers at all with your cheesesteak.

• Breakfast Cheesesteak (additional Php 100 to any cheesesteak)

All-day breakfast deals are popular in Manila.  When I found out about the breakfast cheesesteak, I welcomed it with a big smile!

Basically, when you order your cheesesteak at the counter, you just have to mention that you wanted it to upgrade to breakfast cheesesteak.  What they’ll do is, they’ll separate the peppers from your order and add egg on top of the cheesesteak.  The Php 100 upgrade also includes any drink of your choice.

I LOVED the breakfast cheesesteak.  We ordered the classic philly cheesesteak and boy, with every bite, I can see the combined juices from the egg and steak!  Super duper yummy to the max!  After this experience, I’m pretty sure that I would be upgrading my cheesesteak order to breakfast every time!  It definitely gave the extra oomph to the order!

I’m struggling so hard writing this entry considering that I just had my meal.  If you’re trying to decide where to eat in Makati or the Fort, I suggest you go to The Cheese Steak Shop and order their new menu.  It’ll be a yummy foodie experience.  Super hungry?  Then order the biggest size: I dare you to finish a 15-inch cheesesteak!  How many minutes can you finish it?

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The Cheese Steak Shop Manila
140 Amorsolo Street , Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines
+63-2-5551818
Mondays – Sundays 10:00am to 10:00pm