Happy Foodies

Showing posts with label Makati. Show all posts

<figure> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIAh7znssZKlrxaCSc3iMimc9xwECP3RQnK-pxiqSh3Nf7eFzrKPpT8QDlmi6rdsKw9VHh4VrXz4M6UBsLP5SWGN9oBuqcKtweEqtbbFgPslmdL_p-4R3LmBGxuQ3VVsDNKUHAbfNb6IDhRUalySQsbPwYtVs8P-HHAZ0apwVcswJfHJHLJ7iotG63Mw/s16000/IMG_1455.jpg"> <figcaption>Sharing orders at ELPI Veg Haus</figcaption> </figure> Embracing a vegetarian lifestyle can be daunting. Maybe not so much about missing meat but being able to afford a plant-based diet when veggie prices remain high. That’s why vegan food outlets like ELPI Veg Haus can be a godsend. ELPI offers a bunch of P99 meals — a worthy alternative to the usual fastfood fare.

<figure> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRejcJ4wllSf0dlaDDVqR5UVYY-OlWtxvHTzGu_rJ365YltniDo9sWWV-oNxDaGlWZ1sOU-0sreVdxiws7p_XD4Eg6a0KyasRFJAVKRgmk8lXPLx9MbF4as6mQmMjyYyyHwkquJAXCwU-76owfRbHBFwDlSuac46-b8yllWuzGhjv15bgmM2jWbzOX0Lk/s16000/IMG_9677_Radiant.jp"> <figcaption>Homemade Matcha Ice Cream from Ikigai Kakigori Cafe</figcaption> </figure> It’s been nearly a decade since we first wrote about <a href="https://www.happyfoodies.com/2010/10/vegging-out-gets-new-meaning-at-wabi.html" target="_blank">Wabi-Sabi Noodle House, back in its early days at The Collective</a>. Back then, it was a cozy spot with fewer than 10 tables, serving up delicious, healthy vegan fare — long before veganism was mainstream.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJYG74A1V9_WIIKEwA1oTCw2phCHFPlkj4OmqOssficierGE7YVNosGNsl44A5mQcynqb7gG42sED1xMeZetV5wEcG7mlbt6sOU10jee1GrsAcpwbgi0NrQkeZA7v3VzHPGDlKkhQ-M5UFORlmr95V7q_y7g9J5XsPIRJE1HFa8QLdrVOJPJExRsfsPI/s1024/bonbanmhi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJYG74A1V9_WIIKEwA1oTCw2phCHFPlkj4OmqOssficierGE7YVNosGNsl44A5mQcynqb7gG42sED1xMeZetV5wEcG7mlbt6sOU10jee1GrsAcpwbgi0NrQkeZA7v3VzHPGDlKkhQ-M5UFORlmr95V7q_y7g9J5XsPIRJE1HFa8QLdrVOJPJExRsfsPI/s16000/bonbanmhi.jpg"></a></div> One of life's hidden blessings is living a short walk away from nice eating places. It doesn't always have to be fancy, swanky places or franchises of big chains. Personally, we at Happyfoodies are big fans of small establishments, hole-in-the-walls and mom-and-pop operations whose offerings defy their size and relative obscurity. Stumbling upon BonBanhmi along Mayapis in Makati is a good example, a small nondescript shop operated from the house. If it weren't for the small sign, it's fairly easy to miss. The giveaway sight is the usual display counter. For an eating area, it has a converted garage furnished with monobloc tables and chairs. But if the place is simple, the food is anything but.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/4527707215/"><img alt="8065 Bagnet Ginataang Bagnet" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4527707215_289ba63593_b.jpg"></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">8065 Bagnet Ginataang Bagnet</figcaption></figure> The menu listed a grand total of 20 food items, six of which are bagnet main dishes and another six as bagnet budget meals. It takes a lot of gumption to offer just about only one thing in your restaurant and build the menu around it. Braver still to name your restaurant after it. But 8065 Bagnet does not disappoint.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/4116959731_731a03014f_o.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Fireplace's Angus Prime Chilled Ribeye Steak</figcaption></figure> Majority of Filipinos are still meat eaters. We love a good and flavorful steak. And those looking for a more exquisite kind of meat would be glad to know that Manila isn’t short of restaurants serving high grade steaks. We only have to choose the dining experience to match with that sumptuous food. Here we steaked-out three restaurants offering some of the best-tasting steaks in Manila.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Seryna Spicy Tuna Maki (Php 170/ 6pcs)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3428/3318081937_19f0724ee7_o.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Seryna Spicy Tuna Maki (Php 170/ 6pcs)</figcaption></figure> We venture to Mile Long and Makati Cinema Square every now and then and pass the small road leading to Makati Square. We often see the SERYNA signage flanking the side entrance to the Little Tokyo complex and wonder what’s inside. Not that the place has received little media publicity but we always wanted to sample what’s been written about and what the steady stream of diners (evidenced by the endless flow of cars parked on the strip) has been dropping by for. Last weekend, we got a chance to do just that when a trip to another restaurant didn’t go as planned.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Shinjuku Gekikara Ramen (Php 345)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3063/2996291633_4873131fe5_b.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gekikara Ramen (Reg - Php 250, Large - Php 345)</figcaption></figure> Being named after one of the special wards of Tokyo, Shinjuku Ramen House has some big shoes to fill. But this virtual institution in the restaurant front is more than capable of meeting big expectations and big appetites. I remembered eating at their rather non-descript branch in Makati Avenue years back and know from memory how good the food was. Their other Makati branch was also rather old and non-descript until it got a major renovation some months back. As part of the Little Tokyo complex, it gets immediate attention from passersby since it is located along the busy thoroughfare of Pasong Tamo, at the much-coveted corner where one turns before heading off to Makati Cinema Square. At certain times of the day, the parking lot is full and the restaurant plays host to a mixed clientele eager to taste their authentic ramen and other Japanese fare.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Thai Sticks n Steaks Chicken Pandan (Php 45 /pc)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/3051828667_46c3297a8d_o.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Thai Sticks 'n Steaks Chicken Pandan (Php 45 /pc)</figcaption></figure> I've always had a penchant for Thai food ever since I've encountered it a long time ago way back when Flavors and Spices, one of the pioneers of Thai cuisine in the country, was around. Then, there was also the more mainstream but nonetheless delicious offerings of Sukhothai. I had this notion that it's pretty hard not to like Thai food because for all the differences it had with local fare, there are some striking similarities – the use of a shrimp paste, nam pla, for example bears strong resemblance to our bagoong and patis. Some of the flavors are also familiar – the liberal use of lemongrass or tanglad, lime juice, chilis and coconut milk. It's not everyday that I hanker for Thai food but I somehow lament the fact that it's not as commonly available as before. Until I found out that there's a Thai restaurant along Pasong Tamo that serves great Thai food – Thai Sticks 'n Steaks. The blurb outside says its cuisine is inspired by Sukhothai. Don't let the funky name fool you, the food is really very good. So come inside and let's taste what it has to offer. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Thai Sticks m steaks Sukhothai Tom Yum Soup (Php 120)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/3051828201_ebaf198e13_o.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sukhothai Tom Yum Soup (Php 120)</figcaption></figure> The place Lagal[og] said: It's pretty strange to find this restaurant in a pretty nondescript location along Pasong Tamo, away from the commercial center. But I like the strategic location, just steps away from Little Tokyo. There's ample parking during the weekends but I imagine this not being the case during weekday lunches. The interior lighting is warm and inviting. The furnishings are simple but the air conditioning is spot on, not warm or too cold. Ironwulf said: I haven't tried Sukothai before so I really have no expectations about the place and its food only. The interiors are pretty basic but with touches of Thai sculptures and paintings in its furnishings to accentuate its Thai feel. The warm light goes well with the combination of green, orange and pinkish hues. Air conditioning is just right. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Thai Sticks n Steaks Chicken Wings (Ph 85 /2pcs)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/3051828491_b45db0e529_o.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chicken Wings (Ph 85 /2pcs)</figcaption></figure> <h2 style="text-align: left;">The staples</h2> Lagal[og] said: Chicken pandan is of course, a must-order. It's hard to make a mistake with this dish anyway. It's not everyday that you have a viand cooked in pandan (screw pine) leaves which gives the chicken an added aroma that's hard to resist. The Stir-fried Kangkong goes well with the bagoong rice. One of my constant side order favorites is the Eggplant with Minced Pork and Shrimp – very tasty and filling. The Chicken Wings are a real treat, definitely miles away from the fast food varieties. Not to forget the Tom Yum Goong (flavorful hot and sour soup with shrimp and seafood), spicy enough to wet one's taste buds for the treats ahead. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Mussels in Chili (Php 90)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/3015890088_0e228fe66d.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mussels in Chili (Php 90)</figcaption></figure> Ironwulf Said: I hve tried other Chicken Pandan's like Shangri-La's Circles but it didn't compare with this one. The meat is really tender and it was cooked so that the pandan leaves added a hint of its flavor to the chicken as well. The Chicken Wings is one of the house specialty that I say is also a must try here. An order will give you two wings showered in crispy garlic with chicken covered in really tasty thin layer of crispy breading. Really good. Being a chicken lover I am, I really enjoyed both dishes. I really like spicy soups that I enjoyed the sour and spicy taste of the Tom Yum. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Curried Beef Stew (Pho 160)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/3015894504_84ea6d9a40_b.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Curried Beef Stew (Pho 160)</figcaption></figure> <h2 style="text-align: left;">Chili Mussels and Curried Beef Stew</h2> Lagal[og] said: I found the Curried Beef Stew appetizing to the last morsel. The curry used is very, very flavorful and just spicy enough to lend a hot twist without overpowering the taste of the very tenderbeef. The Chili Mussels are very tasty without being overly spicy. Really goes well with the Thai bagoong rice. Yum! Ironwulf said: The chili is the key to this mussel dish. Tastes well even when topped on plain rice. Worth a try. The Curried Beef Stew also has a very rich sauce that adds strong flavor on the tender blocks of beef. I kinda liked the beef more than the mussels. They both taste good though it's just a matter of preference. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Thai Halo Halo (Php 80)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/3015053663_60c435a4f1.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Thai Halo Halo (Php 80)</figcaption></figure> <h2 style="text-align: left;">Thai Sticks 'n Steaks Halo-Halo</h2> Lagal[og] said: This is a wonderful way to cap one's dinner, especially to cool the palate heated by the chili-laden fare. The liberal use of coconut milk adds a nice touch to the dessert which resembles a cool version of our guinataan replete with sago and flavorful chunks. Not too sweet, too. Ironwulf said: Seems funny at first taste. Like you mentioned, it tasted more like our guinataan but on the icy side. The difference also has got to do with the ingredients. There's a curious red fruit there that I thought were strawberries and turns out to be some water chestnuts. It's a nice dessert to wash off the strong flavors that Thai dishes have. Thai Sticks n' Steaks Marvin Plaza Bldg, Grd Flr 2153 Don Chino Ave corner V.A. Rufino St., Makati City • Tel. 815-13-29 • Monday to Saturday 11:00am to 9:00pm

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Hunters Lamb Chops (Php 345)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/3010143994_13b0e672a4_b.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hunter's Lamb Chops (Php 345)</figcaption></figure> 22 years is a very long time for any restaurant to be around especially now that restaurants sprout one year and close shop the next. Hunter's could be commended for longevity alone if it weren’t for the wonderful food it offers. Tucked in a rather non-descript part of Mile Long in Makati, Hunter's carries on a tradition of exotic fare that harkens back to a time when game animals such as wild boar and deer were still plentiful and un-politically correct to serve. What’s the secret ingredient for Hunter's? The good food, for sure. Another is the impossible-to-not-like presence of its affable owner, Mila Fitz, who regales guests with stories that trace the history of the place back when most of Makati was still grassland. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Salmon Belly Misu Sinigang (Php 345)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/3009827537_129e71b912_o.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Salmon Belly Misu Sinigang (Php 345)</figcaption></figure> <h2 style="text-align: left;">THE SOUP</h2> Lagalog said: The Salmon Belly (misu sinigang) was just heavenly. The soup base was so thick and layered with the flavors of real tamarind and ginger plus stocked with vegetables and salmon meat that it can be eaten as a main meal. Ironwulf said: I don’t eat much sinigang but I really enjoyed this one. Unlike other sinigangs I’ve tasted this one as you said is flavor rich and thick that I really enjoyed. The salmon also tasted good not being too malansa (strong fishy taste). <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Chicken Cordon Bleu (Php 230)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3205/3010140536_30ea333006_b.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chicken Cordon Bleu (Php 230)</figcaption></figure> <h2 style="text-align: left;">MAIN COURSE</h2> Lagalog said: We wanted a reprise order of ostrich meat but since it wasn’t available, Lamb Chops was the next exotic fare we wanted to try. I’m normally wary of ordering it because if not properly prepared, lamb meat can taste sort of fishy. But they were so flavorful and tender, generously drenched with olive oil and rosemary, that I was tempted to ignore the mint dip that came with it. The Chicken Cordon Bleu was okay but the lamb chops made the trip all worth it. Ironwulf said: I really wanted to taste that Ostrich Tapa since I enjoyed the Ostrich Sisig I had last time. But I guess this is seasonal or dependent on the supply of Ostrich meat. The Lamb Chops surely made up for it. Aside from the tender meat, I love putting the olive oil and rosemary sauce to my rice. The spices were just flavorful. I also like that mint dip. Aside from adding a minty flavor to the mint it could stand alone on its own and can even be spread on bread. A perfect compliment to the lamb chops. I like chicken dishes but the Cordon Bleu is just okay. I only like the crispy outer crust but the meat is just satisfactory. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Hunters Walnut Pie (Php 95)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/3010143100_9a216ab879_b.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hunter's Walnut Pie (Php 95)</figcaption></figure> <h2 style="text-align: left;">DESSERT</h2> Lagalog said: The Hunter's Delight (pandan jello topped with carabao milk ice cream) was a visual treat but since Ironwulf wolfed it down, I have to pass judgment next time. But the Walnut Pie was a real treat, not overly sweet and really nutty to the last morsel. Really went well with brewed coffee sweetened with coconut sugar. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Hunters Delight (Php 95)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3171/3009828237_b436d7fa53_o.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hunter's Delight (Php 95)</figcaption></figure> Ironwulf said: The Hunter’s Delight is just right for that dessert’s name. The ice cream was made from cow’s milk. The pandan jello was home-made with unflavored jello and when prepared, the pandan was then added. Mixed with layers of buko strips below, it’s a true delight, not being too sweet with the texture of the jello and the buko mixing in your palate. The Walnut Pie is another must as you described. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Homey interiors of Hunters Restaurant with Mila Fritz" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3281/3010141650_a91847206a_b.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Homey interiors of Hunter's Restaurant with Mila Fitz</figcaption></figure> <h2 style="text-align: left;">THE DINING EXPERIENCE</h2> Lagalog said: The space can be tight (Hunter's has downsized several times in recent years) but overall, intimate, homey and relaxed. The different decorative mementos – from hunting spears to deer horns – collected over the years add to the dining experience. To cater to the budget lunch crowd, Hunter's offer inexpensive meals but to really experience the place, order the more expensive house specials. Ironwulf said: I really like this low-key restaurant that surprisingly lasted for 22 years. It may not have the extravagant space of larger upscale restaurants but its miniscule scale makes the experience warmer and more intimate. Mila is accommodating and can talk for hours if you let her but this personal touch from the owner and the place also make old patrons who have been gone here for years to keep going back to this place. It’s not only about the excellent food but also the ambiance. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Hunters Restaurant" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3245/3010179026_f6fc875215.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hunter's Restaurant</figcaption></figure> Hunter’s Restaurant Ground floor, Mile Long Bldg., Amorsolo cor. Rufino, Makati City • Tel. 892-5166 • Open: Mon – Sat, 11am-2.30pm and 5pm-9.30pm

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Yakiniku, grilling meat, Japanese Style" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/2999496760_b6d93a4c1f_o.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yakiniku, grilling meat, Japanese-Style</figcaption></figure> Yakiniku is Japanese for "grilled meat". Beef, pork and offal (entrails, internal organs) slices are cooked over coal (traditional), gas or electric (modern) grill and served with a soy-sauce-based dip. Yakiniku traces its origins to Korea but is different from Korean fare such as bulgogi as the customers themselves grill the meat. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Vegetable and Corn salad as appetizers" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/2998633413_de13a18f3f_b.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vegetable and Corn Salad as appetizer</figcaption></figure> Lagal[og] said: I'm not an offal eater so I had to content myself with pork and beef. But the beef slices more than made up for this as they were very, very tender. When you bite into them, the juicy flavorfulness just reveals itself. The dip didn't detract from the flavors of the grilled meat. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="The grill and the ingredients" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/2998658057_ace0979d25_o.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The grill and the ingredients</figcaption></figure> Ironwulf said: I go with you on the beef and pork. I don't eat much entrails myself but I did try the Beef Tongue here and find it sapid as well. Some pieces have a slight rubbery feel (of course it's a tongue) but it tenders once grilled. Add some splashes of lemon sauce and you're into one citrus rich flavor meat. You'll find out why it's one of their bestsellers. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Dining Japanese Style" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/2998660597_b79c6dc102_o.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dining Japanese-Style</figcaption></figure> Lagal[og] said: The grilling takes awhile but is actually fun. After a while, the burnt fat on the grill can make the open room smoky but thank God for the powerful exhaust fans, we didn't smell like Yakiniku on the way to a shoot. The service was very good, the attendants were very helpful as the menu is largely written in Nihongo. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Book Shelf" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/2999500290_d2f84ba351_o.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Book shelf filled with Japanese reading</figcaption></figure> Ironwulf said: If not for those exhaust, the room would be filled with customers choking from smoke. Aside from that, I actually liked the interiors here, it feels like I'm dining in an old restaurant in Japan. Tatami seats and dining areas divided by Shoji curtains. That book shelf filled with Japanese literature at the middle is a nice addition leading to the bar with a number of colorful liquor bottles. Speaking of service, the attendants will prepare the sauce and can even grill the meat for you. Ironwulf said: Since the restaurant is inside a small corner of Little Tokyo, the restaurant can cross order from other restaurants. We wanted to try some desserts and they gave us servings of Kakigori. It's a colorful dessert of shredded ice showered with colorful and sweet tasty fruit syrup. I was amused and enjoyed that dessert very much. Lagal[og] said: I agree, Wulferdz. The Kakigori was a refreshing way to cap the all-meat meal. Light on the tummy, a treat for the eyes. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Japanese Kakigori, a colorful and sweet dessert" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/2999475728_b70abcbc0d_b.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Japanese Kakigori dessert</figcaption></figure> Lagal[og] said: The price is far from cheap but the quality of the food is very excellent. The mood is friendly and comfy. Definitely worth coming back to. Ironwulf said: I second that it's not that cheap. A meal can costs 900++ bucks per person and it's cheaper if you share. A double meal is about 1500++ which is good to share for 2 to 3 persons. Yakiniku meal is best eaten in groups. Price is a bit steep but you are not only paying for the food here, but the authentic Japanese Yakiniku dining experience so it's really worth a try. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Urashemi-ya Attendants Welcome" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/2998664479_7c0e708c6e_o.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Urashemi-ya attendants welcome their guests</figcaption></figure> Essentials: Urameshi-ya Yakiniku Restaurant is located in Little Tokyo Makati • 2277 bet. Pasong Tamo and Amorsolo Street (beside Makati Cinema Square) Makati City, Metro Manila Tel: (02) 819-5008