Category Archives: Foodie

Thanks Ned and Janet for inviting us to try Cue!!!  

Cue had just recently opened three weeks ago and according to Paul, our server, they have been full ever since  

It’s in the lower level of Bonifacio High Street Central

Ned is a good friend of one of the owners, Jon Syjuco, who is also behind the successful Havaianas brand in the Philippines

‘Cue Modern Barbecue is the first project of The Moment Group. Dedicated to creating a synergy of food, ambience and service, the group was formed in 2011. Its mission is to offer memorable “moments” for everyone, every single time. 

Founders

Jon Syjuco

Jon Syjuco drives the Business Development efforts of the Moment Group. Jon grew up in a family business environment of food and beverage, with 7-up, RC Cola and Dairy Queen. He started his first resto entrepreneurial venture at 19, The Burger Joint Inc. in Cebu, during his first year out of college. He also worked as Strategy and Management Consultant at KPMG for two years. 

For the past nine years Jon has been co-owner and managing director at Terry S.A., a fashion distribution and retail management company. With offices in the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia, it is among the largest importers of the Havaianas brand in the world. Jon has come full-circle and his current focus and passion is to help expand Moment Group’s network of restaurants. As father to three young boys, he is constantly on the quest to find fun in food. His greatest indulgence is food travel and barbecues at the beach. He holds a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at Ateneo De Manila University.

Eliza Antonino

Eliza Antonino has spent the past eight years in the public sector, but has recently decided to return to the private sector. She started her first venture in the food and beverage industry at the age of 21, with Lokal in Katipunan, QC. Since then she has owned and operated restaurants for over 13 years including Cena and Masas restaurant at Greenbelt 2 (now ten years running, established in 2002). She has also honed her skills at the Four Seasons Hotel Group in New York, as part of their operations team. As advising co-Founder at The Moment Group, Eliza wields her background in the industry, as she actually holds a degree in Bachelor of Hotel & Restaurant Administration from the University of the Philippines.

She still holds active positions as Director and Member of the Investments Committee and IT Committee at the Social Security System. She is also co-founder and director at Senators Gaudencio & Magnolia Antonino Foundation, committed to providing educational scholarships for both high school and college students.

Abba Napa

Abba spent her teenage lunch hours dining for free in exchange for organizing local store marketing activities for the family-owned L’Opera (est. 1994 and celebrates 18 years running this October), Balducci (est. 2006) and Brava (no longer operational). She oversaw operations for these restaurants for three years, culminating in a stint at New York’s French Culinary Institute where she studied Restaurant Management & Culinary Techniques.

She is presently co-founder/owner of The Tropical Retail Co., owner of chain of All Flip Flops branded stores, established in 2005, the world’s first stand-alone concept of Havaianas brand of footwear. She balances this together with her involvement in the Moment Group, to lead Concept Development efforts of the group. 

Abba spent her childhood years in Kuala Lumpur and New York. Her taste buds are happily diverse. She holds a BS Management major in Communications Technology from Ateneo de Manila University.

Our specialty is all our meats and we have a big list we’re proud of. We select only quality cuts of meat. Each is prepared with our house-made rubs, marinades, or sauces. They are slow-roasted, char-grilled, or ale-braised before they end up on your plate. It’s not just ribs we barbecue but many different kinds of meat. We make our own corned beef (brined for five days with dark ale and pickling spices), bacon slabs (bacon cured for seven days, with three types of salt with house rub) and ribs (rubbed and grilled), and pulled pork (rubbed and roasted). All our house-done meats are used for sandwiches, too! But to start, sample our bone marrow and steak tacos, a starter guaranteed to pique your interest for sure. 

The menu is of the comfort food variety, with a throwback to heritage cooking. The menu is a celebration of many places that are known for their barbecue – from the USA (which inspired our ribs and cornbread), Philippines (we use achiote in our house-made bbq sauce) and South America (the homeland of our chimichurri). Our bestseller is the beef belly (dark ale-braised then slightly charred) served with roasted onions. Kick back with a cocktail or two—our signature drinks include chipotle bloody mary, spiked lemonade and blood orange margarita.

Come for lunch or dinner. Mix and match dishes for group dining. Have A ‘Li’l Feast (a tasting of beef belly slices, lamb ribs, half a slab of baby back ribs and a half roasted chicken) so everyone gets a taste. Sides include sweet potato fries, buttermilk whipped potatoes, cauliflower creamed casserole, garlic butter french beans… or the bestselling chili monggo. Our house-made sauces include a finger-lickin’ sweet and sour bbq sauce, the salsa verde is sweet and spicy, the chimichurri which is sour and vinegary. There’s also dark ale mustard, Horseradish, ranch dressing and hits-the-spot garlic mayo.

Discover our take on many of your favorite dishes. We also have comfort foods like the House burger (a double 3.oz house blend all beef patty), home-style mac ‘n’ cheese, and spicy fried wings. Try the crunchy baby squid, rustic tomato and vegetable soup, and BBQ’d brisket ragu. Our make-your-own fish tacos, like fish and chips but instead of fries we serve them with tortillas so you can make them into tacos. Our Louisiana-style beef stew is like a rich and thicker adobo, but with beef and oxtail, with our cajun seasoning.

Our server, Paul 🙂

Cute popcorn machine

Complimentary appetizer!  One more order please of compliments! 🙂

 Soft Opening Menu so some of the items are not yet ready and still coming soon as marked on the menu.  Everything looked good! So hard to choose!  We hope to go back again to try the other dishes 

Fried Buttermilk wings!  YUMMY!!

The Cue Caesar Salad Bowl using Bagoong dressing

Grilled cheese for me 🙂  YUMMY!!  The Sweet potato fries are so good! They come with all the sandwiches or you can order as a side order

Their specialty is in the CHOPPING BOARD menu

King Henry Cut Pork Chop – Delicious!  Thick and tender pork chop!

Ned and Janet ordered this which is a good idea to try a lil’ of everything 🙂

A Lil’ Feast!  

Everything was good!!!!  Roasted Chicken, Lamb Ribs, Beef belly, Baby Back ribs!!

Love love side dishes! 

Cauliflower Creamed Casserole and Cue’s Chili Monggo

Crisp Onion Strings

So happy to see Steve with his friend, Rick

YUMMY!!!! Chocolate chip cookie cake!!!  It was a chocolate chip cookie shaped like a cupcake with ice cream on top! 

Caramel Pecan Cheesecake

Our bill!!  What a cute container 🙂

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Congrats Ada!!! We are so happy you are now at Salcedo Market!!!

Previous entry:  Sabor Cubano March 8, 2012 

Ada’s first day at Salcedo market!!! Come visit tomorrow and get to try Ada’s Cuban food!! Good luck Ada and more power!! We will visit you soon!!  Here are some photos and captions from very supportive boyfriend Raymond Rodrigo

Thank you, members of the board of the Salcedo Saturday Market for believing in Sabor Cubano‘s vision of sharing Cuban Cuisine to your followers

is Excellency the Ambassodor of Cuba with his lovely wife and the ever uber cool Tita Maribel C. Dario with her friend. Thank you Tita Maribel for your’s and your friend’s support!

Estimado Ambajador y la Queridisima (Maite), with my Mom, Ada and I. Muchas Gracias a Todos! 

 ?Katrina Tuason,Christine Lei Go, and my AteWinnie Rodrigo Domingo. Thank your for supporting Sabor Cubano on it’s maiden day at the Salcedo Saturday Market! Muchas gracias!! (@ Katz-Hope Carlo enjoyed the stogie 😉 )

THANKS Mom!! for braving the heat and coming to supportSabor Cubano on it’s first day at the Salcedo Saturday Market. WE LOVE YOU!!

With Frances Espinosa and Malu Gamboa

Thank you to Rain or Shine cager Gabriel (with his son Cassius) for trying all of the types of dishes we had that day. He ordered the Cajita de Masita de Puerco, Cajita de Fricase de Pollo and A Bowl of the Frijoles Pintos con Res.

 Claudine E. Garcia and the cute baby Tia. Thanks for trying outSabor Cubano.

Cris Bonoan and her pretty daughter Amina posing with their Yogurt sticks. Thanks for giving Sabor Cubano a go! 

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Discover new gastronomical options and more set in the center of the most hip and happening place, Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

Bonifacio High Street Central (BHS Central) is the continuation of the sprawling retail and office promenade, Bonifacio High Street, in BGC. President of Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation, Antonino Aquino shares, “BHS Central puts forth the very best that we have to offer. It is part of the unique urban progression taking place in BGC, specifically the continuous building and upkeep of magnificent modern venues for home, work and recreation; and the promotion of a practical and leisurely pedestrian experience.” 

This new area has four buildings impressing the synergy of elements of a refined commercial space for avant-garde fashion, dining and specialty shops, well-appointed office spaces, state-of-the-art cinema houses, and events venue — all within a picturesque green landscape and open park.

Two of the buildings are 6-storeys with four floors of office suites and two floors of retail spaces. Another building has dining outlets created exclusively for BHS Central. The restaurants are expected to offer the ultimate in variety of gastronomic pleasures. The line up includes:

Aria – Italian restaurant from Boracay

Previous entry:  Aria Cucina Italiana November 17, 2008 

 Aria is a modern and contemporary Italian restaurant that has a menu inspired by the coastal regions of the Mediterranean. First opened in Boracay, one of the world’s top beach destinations, in 2003, Aria elevated the standards of restaurant designs in the beautiful island wit its stylishly modern, tropical interiors and cozy ambiance and turned itself into one of the top destinations in the island.

Fast forward to today, Boracay’s most celebrated Italian restaurant finally opened its doors in Manila, at the Bonifacio High Street Central, Fort Bonifacio Global City. Making their delicious seafood and meat dishes, mouthwatering homemade pastas, fresh green salads, excellent wine and their famous woodfire oven-baked pizzas—Aria brings to Manila great food and a dining experience that people will surely enjoy.

 Beso – modern tapas and wine bar

Cake Club – dessert concept by Manila Diamond Hotel 

City dining has become more delicious and exciting as Diamond Hotel Philippines opens The Cake Club. Located at the posh Bonifacio High Street in Bonifacio Global City, guests are welcomed by the restaurant’s cozy and sophisticated interiors matched with Diamond Hotel’s signature cuisines and delicacies – providing 5-star dining experience in a relaxed setting.

The Cake Club offers Diamond Hotel’s bestselling cakes, pastries and an a la carte menu selection. The Ube Ensaymada, Supermoist Chocolate Cake, Le Royale and Baked Cheesecake need no further introduction. You don’t have to fly all the way to Paris to delight yourself with Ispahan, Mont Blanc, and St. Honoré, as these specialty cakes are included in new cake line introduced by Diamond Hotel. New additions also include Cecilia, a coconut mousse pie; Vanessa, made from pistachio macaroons and fresh strawberries; and Danielle, a raspberry white chocolate cheesecake, which is, believe it or not — sugarless.

Set to satisfy discerning taste buds is a sublime selection of savory dishes. Starters include Red Beet Soup, Truffle Fries and the much-loved GM’s Salad. A serving of the Porcini Mushroom Crepe, Sato-san’s Mentaiko Spaghetti or Veal Cheek Ravioli is a sure-fire palate pleaser. Then, top it all with a scoop of Diamond Hotel’s homemade ice cream, yes, you read it right — homemade. In delightfully unique flavors like Black Sesame, Genmaicha (Green Tea with roasted brown rice), Azuki (Japanese Red Bean), Chestnut and Rum, Apple Pie, and more; you’ll definitely keep coming back for seconds. These homemade ice creams are also available in one-pint and half-gallon containers for your indulgent cravings.

A fine selection of wines and the award-winning chocolate brand from Hokkaido Japan, Royce Chocolates are also available at The Cake Club. You may also have a cup of Hediard Tea or Malongo Coffee. Both brands have originated in France and are internationally renowned for their distinct flavors and quality.

The Cake Club is the perfect venue to start and end your day. Catch up with your friends and loved ones over a leisurely meal, or just simply reward yourself with a luscious dessert after a hard day’s work.  At The Cake Club, indulgence is just a piece of cake.

Crystal Jade – international Chinese restaurant chain from Singapore

Elias – Filipino cuisine by Chef Florabel Co-Yatco

 Delectable turn of the century Filipino cuisine comes to Bonifacio Global City with the opening of ELIAS by Chef Florabel Co. Elias is inspired by Spanish Colonial Philippines with dishes and interior aesthetics taken from the period. Even menu items and wall images were inspired by details and characters found in Dr. Jose Rizal’s novel “Noli Me Tangere”.

The menu features several fusion experiments. There’s Legazpi, a dish made of tempura-style prawns stuffed with laing and served with crab fat sauce and Saturnina, an out-of-the-ordinary pizza topped with chicken pork adobo flakes, mangoes and egg. Old favorites are still available such as Kare-Kare ng Kura, a special ox tail stew with native vegetables or the sumptious Adobong Cordero served with crispy kangkong and kesong puti. New dishes include Sopa de Ladislao, Chef Florabel’s take on bouillabaisse of prawns, crab, mussels and fish; the Binagoongan ni Pia, crispy pork cooked in shrimp paste; Kinamatisang Pork Chop, pork slices cooked in sweet native tomatoes and served with itlog na maalat and last but not the least, Paella Negra, a unique version of the Spanish rice dish, with adobong pusit at baboy cooked with pineapples. For dessert, the restaurant carries classic Filipino desserts with a twist like Isabel, leche flan wrapped in spring roll wrappers and served with ice cream; or Trinidad, banana turon with coco jam fondue; or Ibanez, banana split with turon.

Geisha by Red Kimono – Japanese restaurant

Previous entry:  Geisha March 6, 2012 

Jamba Juice – healthy blended beverages and snacks

Previous entry:  Jamba Juice Now Blending in Manila November 13, 2011 

Lorenzo’s Way – featuring the best dishes of Filipino chain, LJC  Group

Mango Tree – franchise from Bangkok offering Thai food

Nanbantei – Japanese restaurant specializing on Yakitori

Culture Through Taste – The Hip and Healthy Japanese Way of Grilling 

Japan, a land known for its unique mix of modern culture and tradition, has always been famous for good food and their commitment to quality and freshness. A culinary journey to Japan, for instance, reveals that its food is not only one of the world’s healthiest but also most aesthetically appealing. This applies to a variety of fascinating Japanese cuisine.In the Philippines, a restaurant dedicated to serving the best yakitori dishes- NANBANTEI OF TOKYO – recently opened its 2^nd branch at the new Bonifacio High Street Central to give diners a taste of Japan’s fresh, tasty and healthy grilled dishes. It caters to young professionals, businessmen, families, and just about anybody who loves grilled food done the Japanese way.

Hot Off The Grill

Yakitori means “grilled chicken” in Japanese but at Nanbantei, there’s more to feast on than just chicken. The restaurant prides itself in showcasing its flavorful yakitori dishes — from beef, pork and chicken, to seafood and vegetables.

For that authentic yakitori experience, the most popular items on Nanbantei’s menu are Tebasaki (chicken wings), Aspara Maki (asparagus wrapped with pork), Pork Garlic Yaki (pork with garlic flavor), Tsukune (chicken meat balls) and Yaki Niku (grilled thin slices of beef). They are skewers of succulent meat interspersed with a variety of fresh ingredients then cooked over a hot grill.

Other yakitori dishes that are must-try as well are Shiso Maki (pork with Shiso leaf); Shishitou Maki (Japanese pepper with pork); Nanban Yaki (beef with special Nanban sauce); Shiitake Maki (shiitake mushroom wrapped with beef);  Leba (chicken liver); Suna Gimo (chicken gizzard);  Kawa (chicken skin); Shake Kushi Yaki (grilled salmon balls with teriyaki sauce); Ika Maki (cuttlefish with Shiso leaf) and Ebi Kushi Yaki (skewered shrimps), among others. Those who prefer an even healthier meal can choose from the vegetable yakitori such as tofu, corn, peppers and other skewered greens. 

Nolita – American all-day dining

Sariwon – authentic Korean barbecue

Previous entry:  Sariwon Korean Barbecue  April 26, 2012

Korea’s authentic bulgogi now grilling in Manila

More than seven decades ago in the town of Sariwon in North Korea, a devoted wife concocted a unique broth recipe for Korean traditional beef barbecue or bulgogi to ease the afflictions of her diabetic husband.  Made from a mixture of different fruits and vegetables, the special sauce was prepared with no sugar.  The thin slices of silky soft beef blended with the savory marinade of Mrs. Bun-Im Koo created the signature flavor of what is now Sariwon’s legendary bulgogi, Korea’s best-tasting beef barbecue. 

From the time Mrs. Koo opened her first restaurant in 1938 to serve her friends and neighbors, Sariwon has grown into a powerhouse dining establishment in Korea, gathering a multitude of international citations. From a small diner with 27 seats, Sariwon’s main branch in South Korea now occupies 500 square meters with 350 seats.  Awarded “Best Korean Restaurant” by NBC Broadcasting Company in 2005 and “Best Korean Restaurant” by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in 2007, Sariwon’s galbi (Korean barbecued beef short ribs) has also been cited by the NY Times as “the most tender and succulent in Seoul”.  

Sariwon uses only the freshest cuts of premium USDA Choice beef that are carefully chosen, thinly sliced, and marinated in the signature broth of fruits, vegetables, spices, and authentic Korean wine for an extremely tender and flavorful grilled masterpiece.

Sariwon’s imported smokeless roaster, with its state-of-the-art technology, provides hot, ready-to-grill flames so diners can enjoy smoke-free and smell-free surroundings.  Freshness is one of the reasons why Sariwon’s bugolgi stands out. At Sariwon, the beef is grilled in front of diners so they can enjoy deliciously hot Korean barbecue right off the grill.   

Finally, Filipinos can now have a taste of Mrs. Koo’s lasting legacy as Sariwon opens its first branch in Manila at Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig. By handpicking only the finest sauces and spices from Korea, Sariwon makes sure that Filipino diners get to savor Korea’s flavorful and best-tasting bulgogi.

Slice – scrumptious and enjoyable desserts

Sutra – fusion cuisine (Pan Asian Mediterranean) with Zuni, Duo Steakhouse and Azya Restaurant  Sutra is an exotic, upscale dining venue. This is where cuisine and service go through a sensual process that involves all the five senses at every stage of preparation. So be prepared to have all your senses awakened and pleasured.

See the modern ambiance of intricately designed interiors and wall designs, a tribute to the cultural tradition that inspired us. Hear and enjoy the eclectic vibe of unpretentious sound mixes that feeds the longing of your soul; Taste the appetizing pan-Asian menu infused by traditional Mediterranean favorites, and pair it with our exquisite cocktails, liquors and wines. Smell the air of pleasurable banquet that encourages an infectious vibe of enthusiasm. Feel the warm service of our staff, the unassuming character of our gastronomy and the exhilarating experience of our ambience. 

Sutra is the perfect place for private parties, family gatherings, special events and business meetings. Its aesthetics enables it to cater to every client’s preferences, whether large or small.

Sutra’s tasteful blend of tradition, fusion cuisine, contemporary comfort and attentive service will surely renew your senses. Indulge your soul in this lovely experience.

Village Tavern – franchise from North Carolina, USA

Celebrating Classic American Cuisine      

  Flavorful and delectable dishes, award-winning wines, stellar service at incredible value-  all these are yours to enjoy at the new VILLAGE TAVERN. It is a place for food lovers who are discerning in taste, serving and price   

The newest member of the Bistro Group of Restaurants, Village Tavern or simply, “VT” offers the best in classic American cuisine served in a warm, comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Located at the 2 level of the Bonifacio High Street Central, the Philippine branch is the 11th Village Tavern restaurant and the first international store outside of the USA.Upscale Casual DiningEstablished in 1984 in North Carolina USA, Village Tavern was inspired by the tradition of the Old World tavern, viewed as the heart of the community and a hub for information, entertainment and nourishment. The heart of our menu is the selection of new twists on classic American favorites. Filipina Executive Chef Mary Grace Viado of Village Tavern USA has created a wide-ranging menu which includes our 100% Whole Wheat Flatbreads and Steaks.  We also offer an award-winning, world-class list of premium wines available by the glass and bottle so each guest is sure to find the ideal complement to their meal and palate.

Similar with the first-developed stretch of Bonifacio High Street, the BHS Central is also an invigorating urban destination of green scenery, public art and exciting commercial fronts. But BHS Central’s park is twice the width of the first phase.

Highlighting its landscape is the interactive water plaza which showcases the features of a play fountain, fog fountain and water curtain cascades. This plaza may be converted into an amphitheater stage for special events.

After the sumptuous wine and dine, watch out for exciting stores to complete your ultimate lifestyle experience as you keep up with the trends and be in style with soon to open retail stores and fashion hot spots.

With these interesting line-up of dining options and much-awaited chic boutiques, BHS central will definitely be the next favorite destination in the Metro.

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So happy to visit Chihuahua once again! How time flies, Ines told me that they are celebrating their one year anniversary already!!  MORE POWER!!!

Previous entry: Ay Chihuahua October 17, 2011

Spotting familiar faces on the walls

 This time we were here for brunch!! Yum Yum nachos while we are waiting for brunch to be served!

 Starting this Cinco de Mayo 2012, Chihuahua Mexican Grill is offering their Weekend Brunch

Every Saturday and Sunday from 11am-3pm, Chihuahua will be offering their latest Brunch specials that will kick off the weekend fiesta in your mouth and tummies!  

Elian and Ines preparing our brunch!! I would also like to Congratulate the couple on their engagement last month!!

James and I liked the breakfast burrito!!  The bacon and cheese with egg plus the mexican chorizo was really good.  Particularly we liked the Mexican chorizo which they make themselves! YUMMY!!!  Let us know if you will sell that chorizo by the pack!   

 Breakfast Burrito: scrambled egg topped with queso and homemade Mexican chorizo, country potatoes, refried beans, salsa, pico de gallo, ketchup and a strip of bacon, wrapped in a large tortilla.

If you’re into tacos, try the Breakfast Tacos: three flour tortillas filled with eggs, queso, chorizo, country potatoes, salsa and pico de gallo, and also topped with bacon!

Breakfast Burrito Bowl: Mexican rice, refried beans, black beans topped with eggs, chorizo, queso, bacon and all the fixings!

They are also offering some special Brunch Cocktails, to ease you into the weekend.

Try a Mexican classic, the Paloma: a tart and tangy mix of Tequila, Ruby Red Grapefruit juice and fizz. If you need that extra kick of Vitamin C, a Tequila Sunrise, with fresh OJ and Grenadine, might be the way to go. We also have a refreshing original concoction, the Maya Magic, which has tequila, triple sec, fresh pineapple juice and cranberry juice.

End the leisurely meal with our featured dessert, the Capirotada: a traditional Mexican bread pudding made with dried fruit, nuts, and Monterrey Jack cheese topped with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, crème anglaise and Cajeta—a Mexican milk caramel that takes 4 hours to make.

This deserves 3 photos because it is so so good!!!   That 4 hours is worth it!!!

With so few breakfast options in Manila, we’re glad to be part of the solution!  More at www.facebook.com/chihuahuamexicangrill

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Heart2Heart finally got to try Sweet Bella in Bonifacio Global City.  This is a long delayed post, so i hope the prices and menu are still updated.  

Previous Entry:  Sweet Bella September 23, 2008 

Then you go upstairs and you can dine, love the PINK theme all over! 

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Heat2Heart loves Lusso!! and Gaita Fores!  

A beautiful and lovely afternoon at Lusso with many lovely ladies.

Thank you Nicole for inviting me  

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During Sunday at lunch at Gerry’s and Tina, we had yummy thai food.  Apparently, Maj Lazatin prepares Thai Food and you can order!!!

Tina’s appetizers 

Tina’s version of Grandson’s eggs 

Table decor by Tina 🙂 

Thai Food by Maj Lazatin 

And so many desserts as always  

From Maj 

Homemade crispy banana with ice cream by Tina! 

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