Happy Cream Puff - Makati

If you love cream puff and you can't find Beard Papa or cringe at the price of it, then this place is a lovely substitute. It is P30 a piece and they have a variety from which to choose unlike Beard Papa.

However, I still prefer Beard Papa's cream puff. I've tried the ones in Japan, US ,as well as here in Manila. Of course, I love the shu cream (in Japan) the best. I also like Beard Papa's pastry cream a bit better. It has a taste, while the ones at Happy Cream fell flat. It wasn't sweet so that was good, but I found it to be too plain.

Puto Bumbong - Paranaque

Since I'll be leaving soon to San Francisco, I've finally taken the plunge to learn all things Filipino. Why is it once you know you are leaving a place do you take advantage of all the things that weren't as important...say the weather, traffic, food, the sights or just people. I've made a vow to enjoy every second, every minute that I have left here. I will soak it all in!

So my last few posts will be my tribute to everything I love Filipino. First up, is puto bumbong. It is purple colored rice that is just chewy goodness. Since I'm a fan of mochi, I knew this would be one of the filipino desserts I've come to love. It has toppings of fresh shredded coconut and butter, wrapped in a banana leaf. It normally comes with raw muscovado sugar in a packet garnished on the side.

One of my favorite and consistent ones comes from my very own Paranaque area. I just had to learn the

Hotel Celeste - Makati

Standard Room or Deluxe Room about P4,300/night

Ed, making the bathroom look ultra cool....

Hotel Celeste is a year old boutique style hotel located in Makati. I have a like/love relationship with boutique style hotels in that they are more intimate and personalized than the bigger franchise hotels. Besides what they lack in certain amenities like a pool, they make up for in swankiness and cool products like an Ipod docking station or flat screen TV.

While we didn't come here for the hotel our curiosity was piqued that we asked the staff to see the rooms so that if friends or family came, we can recommend it. They gladly accommodated us and showed us two rooms, one standard and one suite. They have a total of 30 rooms, each with a different design and motif.

Suite room....w/adjacent living room below about P7,200/night

I so love the bathtub...it isn't claw foot, but still cool!

The rates for Hotel Celeste seem pretty reasonable for what it offers. The rooms are a bit small, but then again, most hotel rooms are getting smaller and smaller anyway. If I didn't have relatives or family here, I would definitely consider this hotel.

Hotel Celeste
San Lorenzo Ave. cor. Arnaiz
www.hotelceleste.ph

Snow Garden Korean Restaurant - D Mall Boracay

After a lovely swim at the Regency Boracay we were all craving for some Korean food. It was hot that day so we were looking for anything we could find. We noticed one along the main beach, but somehow with the heat and being so hungry we had no patience to walk back and forth to look for it. We also asked around and no one seemed to know of any except for on at D'Mall. If I only found one Korean tourist, I'm sure we would've hit a really good one.

For this resto, they didn't have ojingubokum so they opted to have bulgogi and two orders of chap chae. The bulgogi was as good as it gets in the Philippines, meaning it was better than some others. The chap chae was just ok too, but at the portions for this was a big serving plate. It didn't have all the yummy goodness of the vegetables that it normally has, but the serving made up for it.

The condiments weren't as good as you would normally get at other Korean restaurants, but we weren't complaining as they kept refilling the ones we requested.

Snow Garden Korean Restaurant
D'Mall Boracay
Price: Moderate to High

English Bakery and Tea Room Boracay

English Bakery is not in the long strip of food places you can find. As a matter of fact, you have to cross a few alley ways and one main road, depending on where you are coming to reach it.

Their menu is varied as it consisted of your usual filipino fare and continental or american breakfast. I got the ham and cheese omelet with french bread for about P85. There was no french bread or baguette, it was plain toast...a small one at that with some plastic strip I found after eating it half-way. However, the omelet was of good size, but nothing spectacular. As a matter of fact it was "meh". If there is one thing I hate about my omelet is how they overcook the egg to become a flat mass of nothing. I prefer the fluffy goodness of egg ooze coming out as you dip your fork into the egg.

Best bests here are probably the filipino breakfasts as I didn't hear any complaints from my friends.

English Breakfast and Tea Room
Price: Budget

Smoke's - D Mall Boracay

The bulk of our eating was done in this restaurant. Why? Because its darn cheap and pretty good. Smoke's is your typical Filipino food served on a sizzling plate or other. The selection is varied, but most of what we had (and we ate here three times) was fairly good. The winner for all of us was the Spicy Chicken, which is a rice plate. I also had the Bicol Express and I liked it because it was spicy and I mean SPICY! My nose was dripping wet after I ate this. Another recommended dish is the Salpicao.

On our last night as I talked to the waitstaff, we didn't realize there was another location of Smoke's at D Mall. The one we went to is located where they sell fresh fruits meaning, its further behind the mall past most of the tourist stores. There are a lot of Korean tourists and locals who eat at this place.

Here are some photos of food and the bill to show you approximately how much we spent.


Smoke's Boracay
Price: Budget

Villa De Oro - Mongolian Grill All you can eat in Boracay

Again, we just ran into this restaurant as we were walking around the beach. This is located a bit past Boracay Regency, probably where station 2 meets station 3. Who knows exactly where we were. There are a lot of these all you can eat type places in station 1, but this was the cheapest we found at P200 per person. The selection includes noodles, rice, veggies, meats and some seafood. What makes the food as good as it gets is basically the mixture of sauces that you put into it. If you ain't good with the combination of sauces, then your food is going to taste nasty and it ain't the fault of the chef who cooks the meal.

I prefer to separate my rice as they cook the meal, that way you don't get as full and you can get seconds. I notice here in the Philippines, they like to make it as if it were a rice meal thingy. But I've always remembered Mongolian to have the rice separate.

All in all the selection wasn't bad. The meats could've been bigger and better. Actually it just reminded me of a more expensive Mongolian Quick-Stop franchises you see in Manila, except you can get it yourself and with much varied selection.

After you create your own bowl, you give it to this chef who cooks it for you. They give you number and when its done, its delivered to you.

Mongolian Grill at Villa De Oro
Price: Moderate to High (P200 per person for all you can buffet)

Restaurants in Boracay

We tried other restaurants that other bloggers have not recommended in Boracay. What's the point of regurgitating the same resto's everyone goes to. Again, the point for us is to comment on every resto we go to good or bad whether or not its a known place. This time....I was with recession foodites that budget meals mattered and I mean budget. So I'm going to compile a list of restaurants we've eaten at Boracay.

White Beach de Boracay - Motel not Resort

We stayed at White Beach de Boracay Resort....but uh, i guess you can call it more a motel or an apartelle without the kitchen. The location is ideal in that it is in Station 2 right below Yellow Cab and Havaianas. It has a beach front view...if you get those rooms in the main area. At P1,500 per night, you get a basic bed, one closet, TV and a toilet that didn't have any shower curtains. The restroom was so small and the toilet oddly positioned so close to the wall, I had to spread my legs using the toilet and I could kiss the wall. We stayed at room 203 as it was pretty clean because its fairly new so that was a plus. The owner lady is fairly accomodating too....again another plus.

If you travel during non-peak, I suggest making arrangement when you get to Boracay. There are many accomodations around that were offering real deals so it makes sense to call around. My sister and her family also came during my trip and stayed at Boracay Regency. Now that is a hotel with all your amentities, clean, nice and beach front as well. As a matter of fact at night its restaurants are packed. It also has nice pools. The normal rates at P14,000 for a family room, but she called up and got the room at half the cost or P7,500. The family room had four beds that could easily fit 8 people.

Boracay Regency Family Room

White Beach de Boracay

Station 2
http://boracayreservation.multiply.com/

Boracay Regency
http://www.boracayregency.com/

SeaAir - "Holy Sh@#t, that's one scary ride!"

So the reason why we decided to go to Boracay was because of the cheap non-peak fares SeaAir had going on that a friend forwarded to me. The fare touted P69 one way (yes for you non-Philippine folks, that's less than $2). Of course that's just the base fare....online with taxes that is about P375 ($7.81) one way. Can you say "Whaaat"? That was the cheapest fare I've gotten in my life, so I booked without hesitation and told my "budget" traveler friends about it.

As our flight neared, I realized I didn't know much about the carrier I booked on nor the plane we were on. I just assumed we were on a nice prop plane like the picture shown on their site. On the day of our flight and upon check-in we noticed they weighed us with our carry-on bags. Jaja and I kept wondering why, but were just too groggy in the morning to keep thinking about it. As our flight was called we saw our plane from afar and thought we were good to go. It was one of those cute modern turbo prop ones. We kept taking pictures of us in front of it as it was our first time riding a small plane like it. But to our surprise, they were redirecting us towards a smaller plane and it scared the crap out of us and other passengers. We basically got screwed and moved to a smaller and scarier plane. Both of us didn't want to go. It was a 19 seater plane with no frills. The stewardess came in, counted us and basically left the plane. There was no room for any service whatsoever, just us passengers and two pilots. As we started up the plane, there was no A/C or anything so it was mighty hot and I began to pray...like I never prayed before. Our FATHER.....!

As we were up on the air, I noticed that you can smell the gasoline of the plane and it was hot. As a matter of fact, I believe I saw one of the windows in cockpit slightly opened. I guess that's why we didn't go high up in the clouds, hence....it took longer than our friends who took the pimp daddy Dosier plane.

To block the sun in the cockpit, they used the sunvisor snap on's as those used in a car. Haha, that was hilarious! In air, I realized that the run way was short, so we were going to break hard to stop....and break hard we did. My heart and guts landed invisibly on the floor! As we were about to go out the pilot said "thank you" and I could've swore I said "God, I could kiss you " loudly because the passengers and pilot looked and laughed at me. All I can say is....I arrived in Caticlan airport in one piece. So thank you Mr. Pilot & co-Pilot man.

Antonio's - Tagaytay

I can't mention how many times we've eaten at Antonio's in Tagaytay. Like I said in a previous post, every time a visitor comes in, we bring them here. Antonio's is synonymous with good gourmet food out yonder....kinda like French Laundry in Yountville, CA. Its consistent, good selection of food and premium ingredients. We've eaten at its former location Breakfast at Antonio's right on the road with its beautiful views of Tagaytay. It was a charming and quaint breakfast place that I was sad to see it close down. However, from an entrepreneur standpoint, I would've done the same thing. Now they have their breakfast at his original place in Antonio's, where he has his lunch and dinner. This place is more charming and prettier than the first actually and I'm glad we get to see more of it now that its combined in one.

What makes this place so special?
Its a combination of things. Antonio's food reminds me of what I can get back home without compromising it to fit to the Filipino taste. What it should taste like elsewhere due to his travels and with a bit of a his creativity is what he brings to the table. He knows his market well. Most of them are expats, visitors from other countries, balikbayans and locals.

Two, the waitstaff are properly trained and well attentive. The waiters that I've seen since I started coming a few years back still remain in the restaurant. Low turnover of staff is a good sign.

Three and most important, Antonio the owner and chef, personally checks up on his customers to get their feedback on the food and service. And what treat we had today as he gave us each a free dessert of our choice from the menu. I love the fact that he does this and wish more resto's have this personal touch. When I also ran my shop, I personally attended to each of our customer and chatted with them. Many became repeat customers and more importantly became close personal friends of mine.

Last but not least, the ambiance. As you can see from the photos, the place speaks for itself. Do make it a point to go there for dinner when the place is lit up. Its romantic and ultra-charming and with excellent food to boot.

Antonio's
Price: High
Barangay Neogan
Tagaytay City, Cavite
(0918) 899-2866

Salcedo Market on Saturday's

Various types of pate - mango, apple, etc.

Salcedo market in Makati is a great way to start a lazy Saturday day. If you are in the area and want to do something different and miss those farmers market like that of the U.S. or Europe, then this is what comes closest to it.

What they offer?
Plants, native home ware, pastries, spices, cheeses, meats, gourmet stuff including pate, froie gras, breads, different cuisines including French, Indian Spanish and Filipino.

Dress comfortably, bring an umbrella as it gets really hot and bring your own bottled water so you don't go around looking for a stall that sells it. If you want to take home perishable products (i.e. pate, froie gras, etc.) and can't bring it home right away, make sure to bring an ice chest so those products don't spoil.

Salcedo Saturday Market
7am - 2pm
Type: Outdoor market
Salcedo Village at Torredesillas

Banana Leaf and Curry - Manila

I've eaten several times at Banana Leaf in various locations, but never did an entry on them. I think its time to do so, because I've always liked their food. It's consistent, good and reasonably priced.

Banana Leaf can be your one stop shop for ethnic Asian fare including Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Indian and Singaporean cuisines under one roof. What could be better than that?

BL is similar to what I would get back home, so I can recommend this place whenever visitors come to Manila. My favorite is the roti canai (similar to naan). I could eat this daily if I had to. As a matter of fact, I need to learn how to make this. I also recommend their Pad See Ew (or as they call it Penang Char Kay Teow). I used to be a fan of Pad Thai long ago, but when I was going to college in SF, I would go to my favorite Thai place and they recommended I try Pad See Ew. I never looked back after that. Instead of the sweet flavor of Pad Thai, Pad See Ew is more complex in flavor....that of burnt/charred soya-sauce with flat noodles. I will also try to make this one day. Other must try's are their curries and the clams in spicy sauce.

With two kids and three adults, we ordered a total of five dishes (one appetizer and four main) the bill came to about P1700 including service charge and VAT. That includes two fruit shakes by the way.

Pad See Ew (aka BL Penang Char Kay Teow)

Cute banana leaf as your plate...

Banana Leaf
Price: Moderate
Locations: Various in Manila
www.bananaleaf.com.ph

A Meditteranean/Greek Tavern in Bagitkan? Get outta town!

Yasas (Greek in Hello)!

Kallisti's is owned and operated by our very own Jojo and his lovely wife Rose. Its one of those small hidden gems of a bistro located at the corner of C. Roxces Ave. and Bagtikan (across from Meralco). Bagtikan has many carinderia stalls and shops, but nothing compares to Kallisti's.

What makes them so special?
One: Its clean! I can attest to the OCD issues of Jojo very well. I guess we all learned the chef's adage "clean as you go". Sometimes, he takes it to the extreme that I just want to take a fly swatter and smack his hands when he grabs a glass or plate that I may still be working on, just to keep the table clean. He has the eyes of a fly....seeing 360 degrees. At one point he'll be talking to you, looking you in the eye. Out of no where, he excuses himself to his kitchen and grabs a towel to wipe a water condensation falling from a glass he sees on the table. ADD!

Two: Its carinderia cheap! Within the area, Kallisti's prices match his competitors. Depending on the meal, rice and one ulam (meal) costs P60. His choices are varied and you get it hot when you get the order. Unlike other carinderia you get your meal either cold or lukewarm (especially if you order later than their lunch fare). I recommend their mami and also their iced tea shake.

Mami (their specialty) for P30

Three: Cool ambiance. Upon first glimpse, one can mistake this place for a Mediterranean or Greek resto. But I just like to think of it as "Sosyal na carinderia" (hehe...learning the pinoy lingo). Actually many people get scared with the interiors that they think it serves exotic food and that its expensive. Just blame that on his dream to one day travel to Santorini (as is ours) and his penchant for interior design. He wanted to create a setting that makes the average Joe feel relaxed while eating cheap meals. Here's to you Jojo. Opa!

Kallisti's opens their bistro to private events and functions. You can even have your event catered by Jojo personally. The place can sit about 60+ people and more for outdoor seats.

Kallisti Bistro
Price: Cheap Eats
Bagtikan cor. C. Roxas Ave. @ Makati
email: kallisti.bistro@gmail.com

Kusina Salud - San Pablo, Laguna

When we have visitors coming in, we normally bring them to Tagaytay since its considered a short day trip. We'd frequent eateries like Antonio's, Sonia's Garden or Country Suites for brunch. Those restaurants are pricey, but they are consistently good. After some time, however, its easy to get bored of the area. Since many blogs rave about Kusina Salud, we decided to try Laguna area instead. It's only a 1.5 hour drive from Manila exit off Lucena/Batangas.

Along the way, you can see many aluminum or steel pots and pan shops. I bought me a small sifter at P80 for my mini desserts.

Going to Kusina Salud is similar to Antonio's and Sonia's Garden in that it you go deep inside the turn-in road. The interior is very traditional Filipino in ambiance....quaint and garden-like.

I made reservations for Sunday and the person I talked to said they only have buffet on that day at P399/person from 11:30am - 2pm. I really was looking forward to their ala-carte since I was craving for breakfast, but I thought this was a perfect opportunity to sample several of their offerings in one shot.

Verdict:
No biggie. I was quite disappointed to say the least. The buffet consisted of adobo (which was oilier than normal and the meat tough), curry squash soup, kalabaw (caribou) bolognese, bbq chicken curry on a stick, tilapia, etc. I was expecting traditional Filipino food fare, but it looked like they tried to make it slightly fusion...that it just didn't work.

The only thing I really enjoyed was their salad...and again, pretty much typical iceberg lettuce, julienned carrots and radish, red onions and tomatoes. What was unusual at least to me was the fern leaf. That was pretty much my first time trying it. I liked the fern leaf so much combined with the usual greens that I went back for seconds. Dessert was banana crepe (banana too mushy)....again nothing special.

Maybe people go here for their ala-carte menu, I don't know. Their non buffet menu seemed more traditional than the buffet. They offered Pampanga type dishes including tuna belly, inihaw (grilled) squid, etc. To me that seemed similar to Leslie's menu and probably would've been better than the buffet.

So until I go back again to try their ala-carte, I wouldn't rave about their buffet.



Kusina Salud
Price: Moderate
Location: 285 Barangay Santa Cruz
San Pablo City, Laguna
www.kusinasalud.com
Mobile: 0921-7726985
Laguna: 049-5736155

Brooklyn Pizza in the hood of Manila

I'm always trying to find different pizza joints from local and international franchises to mom-and-pop shops. I'm not a pizza snob by any means and its all a matter of preference really. I prefer thin crusted like the Italian ones (especially brick oven ones with the slight burnt cheese bubbly parts) but could always go for the thick Chicago style pizza too.

Jojo actually recommended Brooklyn Pizza since he has one close to his shop in Makati. I've seen this pizza shop sprouting around the area and I didn't think much of it really. I thought it was one of those places that use a US name, but is Filipino in taste.

I ordered the White Pesto pizza and he orders his all time favorite the Porko with extra anchovies.

Verdict:

Me likey-likey. Authentic pesto....not inundated with it, just little drops of pesto within the white cheese. The crust could have a little bit more crispness to it, but that could just be a matter of the food sitting still while waiting for delivery. So its tagline "A slice of New York" can probably suffice for Manila because it comes close to the pizzas back home. Since we've already ordered enough times, I can consistently say I recommend the White Cheese Pesto. The Porko is recommended by Jojo as this is his favorite, basically all meat type pizza.

What makes them so different?

They offer half pizzas (literally a half a pizza box which means they don't waste on packaging thus saving on resources :-)). Even at a half pizza, you are able to split the pizza into separate pizza slices and toppings. That is fairly rare in a pizza shop...you normally can't have it your way. The cost for what you see in the photo, P320 for a half size pizza or P80 a slice. It costs less than a slice in Sbarro...as just a plain white cheese pizza is about P85.

They also offer pastas and buffalo wings, which I will try next time. My quest for good wings is on-going here in Manila, so if you have any suggestions let me know. My criteria for it: big crispy wings, tangy, spicy, buttery flavor. It also has to have either ranch or bleu cheese dressing on the side please....and some celery sticks (heck I'll take carrot sticks as a substitute). If you guys have any recommendations, please let me know.

For locations and contact numbers, you can call them at the following. They do deliver!