Cafe Bola revisited

My college friends and I were having dinner after a month of not having seen each other. Nothing new, just the usual - Friday night, Makati area. But it was not an ordinary Friday night - it was Payday Friday. And God knows how long the waiting queues are on Payday Fridays.

Glorietta restaurants were packed. With nowhere to go, I suggested National Sports Grill, even as we were trying to pinch pennies. Not all of us, after all, have graduated. But the big servings coupled with live sports (and need I say hotter than usual waitresses) would make the higher price-point worth our moolah.

But alas, it's the Wimbledon men's final. Understandably, nobody is giving up his seat.

By that time, it was already past nine in the evening. And we were starving. We came up with the consensus that any restaurant that can offer us seats would be the winner. We went to Cafe Bola upon my suggestion.

And again, Cafe Bola delivers.

It would be a sin to dine in Cafe Bola without ordering their famous Adobo Flakes and Kesong Puti rice bowl (P180). It's a generous serving of rice topped with crispy adobo flakes, kesong puti, tomato slice, and spring onion. The slightly sour kesong puti is a good foil to the salty krispy adobo flakes. I can finish this in minutes!

Cafe Bola is also know for their, what else, bolas or meatballs. The Carambola on pasta (P210) packs three meatballs (beef, chicken, and seafood) on top of spaghetti with a choice of classic tomata and peas or parmesan cream and ham sauces. It's the best way to sample the meatballs in one dish. This is incredibly filling and the mish-mash of the different flavors of the meatballs is a wonderful experience.

Of course, the ambiance adds to the experience. The red and orange interiors and circular patterns are extremely modern, while the local movie posters add that Filipino touch without the use of salakots and barongs.

I'd have to say it's one of my favorite restaurants.

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Good bread

I'm a bread lover. I prefer having bread than eating rice, even if it has more calories.

One of my favorite bread is the milk bread loaf of Le Coeur de France. It is simple, nothing fancy, but just really soft and delicious bread.

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Roti Mum

I've been meaning to try Roti Mum for the longest time but the idea of eating a big bun was not exactly my idea of an indulgent snack.

But how wrong am I. It was absolutely delicious. Rich coffee flavor, which I really like since I'm a coffee drinker. It's sweet and extremely soft. Probably one of the softest bread I've eaten aside from Le Ceour de France's milk loaf.

At Php 50, it's quite an expensive bread but it's so worth it. Each bun is really big. Big enough to sate a person's appetite. I'll definitely be buying this again.

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Red Mango

Last week, I tried Red Mango in Eastwood Mall when I had an exam at IBM Business Services. The first thing I noticed was how expensive it was! I forgot the exact prices but I think my order, which was a large frozen yoghurt with blueberry and mango, was about Php 150.

But the serving was really big. Bigger than The White Hat. Still too expensive for a mid-afternoon snack. But that's what you pay for something healthy.

Anyway, it's consistency was really creamy. Not too tangy, which was disappointing. I like my fro-yo tangy so that I know it is yoghurt and not ice cream. It did feel like I was eating ice cream with fresh fruits.

Despite these negative points, I still like it. What can I say - I'm a sucker for desserts. I don't know if I'll ever return though. There's The White Hat which I like better, is less expensive, and more convenient.

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Crocs Mega Sale and Amici gelato

I went to the Crocs Mega Sale on Friday. I wanted to buy a Men's Santa Cruz and probably the Men's Athens or Hydro. Got there at around 2:30 PM but to my dismay, the queue was just too long! It was ridiculous!

I didn't want to stand in line in the middle of the sun. Apparently, they were only letting around 50 people in at a time. It took shoppers a total of 2 or more hours just to get their beloved Crocs.

So I just walked away and grabbed a dirty ice cream before going to SM Megamall. I kinda regret not staying in line though, as the prices were down to around Php 500 to Php 1000! I guess I have to buy the Santa Cruz at a regular price, or try checking out the outlet in Paseo de Roxas.

To console myself, I had a hazelnut gelato at Amici.

I still can't believe it only costs Php 40! I'd say best value for money gelato in the metro ever.

I just wish they open one in the South, preferably Alabang Town Center. Even better if they do in SM Southmall!

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Don Don

I have managed to eat again at Don Don, a Japanese restaurant my friends and I used to frequent during our college days in La Salle.

And when I say frequent, I really meant it. We used to go there every Tuesday or Thursday, or for that matter, any day when we feel like we want to get full. What with Don Don's offer of free one cup of rice for every meal. Oh, they used to offer unlimited rice until they decided not too ever since David and company consumed 5 cups of rice each one Saturday.

Anyway, they really offer affordable and bang for the buck meals. Well used to I guess. Now, prices are a bit comparable to commercial Japanese fast food chains like Karate Kid.

Now for our favorite meal. The Super Duper Sumo Meal.

This set meal consists of an ebi tempure, a kani, a vegetable tempura, a pair of gyozas, sweet pork, seared tuna, vegetables, miso soup, and a heaping serving of white rice.

This used to cost Php 100, and with our discount card, we used to get this for only Php 90! So now it's clear why we used to frequent this place. And for that price, it's not bad at all!

I think this is also the reason why I got really fat in college. I will surely miss the food, the place, and the aroma of this Japanese restaurant. I'll try to eat here as often as possible.

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Wai Ying

I was seriously craving for good Chinese food. So I tried doing some research on the best places to eat in Chinatown, but still friendly enough for my student wallet.

There's Ying Ying as blogged by Anton, Estero (which my friend Chard has been asking me to go with him), and Wai Ying.

I decided to go alone and try Wai Ying. I was excited to find it on my own since I love adventures, but most importantly, I was excited to eat really good Chinese food.

It was a longer walk than I expected but I found it! The place was packed. I got seated in a table with a Chinese lady. She was sweet and very friendly.

I ordered roast duck and white chicken rice, hakao, and cold milk tea. Oh my, it was heaven. The roast duck was juicy and flavorful. The excess juices are swirling all over my plate. The white chicken was tender. The servings were huge! I was in for a big lunch. Good thing hot tea was served, and my additional order of milk tea helped as well. And oh, for the record, that was the best milk tea I've ever tasted.

I was already full so I just took home the hakao to be shared with my dad.

It was not as cheap as I would have expected. I paid around Php 240 all in all but it was so worth it. Where else can you get really good roast duck and white chicken rice for about Php 130? If you do, then hit me up. I need to try that.

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Turning Japanese

I've been having this craving for Japanese the past week ever since I got to eat at Don-don again.

I am the type of person who tries hard to satisfy his cravings and wants, so I trekked to Robinson's Place Manila after my review to get my Japanese fix. I was torn between Sushi-ya, Teriyaki Boy, Tempura, and Karate Kid but my friend Guido said that Karate Kid gives the best value for my money.

So there I went. True enough, the place was jampacked. More than half of the diners were students. Well I'd say they are quite well-off anyway since Karate Kid isn't exactly that cheap, especially if you eat there often. Ever since reviewing in the Morayta area, I started to realize that what I have been eating for lunch that past 5 years was quite expensive. But I digress.

It took some time, but the katsudon was finally delivered in the table. I took one last photo before I devoured it.

I've had better, but this was really enough to quench my craving. But then it started my craving for Chinese food...

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ienne's Cupcakes

I'm a big fan of cupcakes. In fact, they're probably my favorite dessert ever. I like almost all cupcakes, from Cupcakes by Sonja,

to GoNuts Donuts to Brownies Unlimited.

I appreciate that both dessert chains make it more affordable too.

I've seen advertisements for ienne's Cupcakes all over Alabang Town Center since last year. I've always wanted to try it but just had the time last week.

Good thing I did have the time!

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It was hard to choose which variety I would get since the cupcakes all look the same but I chose a personal favorite: Red Velvet!

Before I could devour my cupcake, it took me about 5 minutes to carefully open each pleat. Once fully opened, you can now enjoy your cupcake hassle-free.

It was moist, soft, and sweet. Just like how I want it. Compared to Cupcakes by Sonja, it's nearly as good. It's even less expensive and I don't have to go all the way to Serendra just to get my cupcake fix.

I'd definitely be back and try the Vanilla Mint next.

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Brooklyn Pizza

After my not-so-good interview where I spent two hours waiting and ten minutes for the actual interview itself, I walked to Alabang Town Center to have lunch.

I've been dreaming of Brooklyn Pizza's White Pizza since the day before so I immediately orderd a slice of the White Pizza and Porko.

I decided to skip on their pastas for the following reasons:

1. Heard that they're not that good.
2. Two slices of pizza and another order of pasta is too much for a jobless individual like me.
3. I wanted to leave room for dessert. Which I did have. Cupcakes!

I'd like to try their pastas next time but all I can say is that I'll never get tired of their White Pizza! But I hope they drain all that grease first before serving the pizza to their customers. And couldn't they at least use real china?

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Lechon Cebu

All those Anthony Bourdain mania which hit the country the past few weeks left me craving for lechon. Lechon Cebu to be specific.

So last week I dragged my lazy ass to Mall of Asia after review classes to eat Hecky's Lechon at the SM Foodcourt. The almost one-hour commute time spent on a jeepney on a hot and humid day was so worth it.

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Chicago Popcorn Shops

Chicago popcorn is a mix of cheese and butter popcorn. The mix of sweet and salty is divine and addicting. It just works. I think this is a best popcorn readily available to masses right now, along with Chef Tony's.

Single costs Php 65 and it's more than enough for one. You can buy a tin can with the Chicago mix for Php 280 and your next refill will be at a discounted price of Php 280 200.

Chicago Popcorn Shops is located at the 2/F Entertainment Mall of Mall of Asia.

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Amici

It's a shame that I have only tried Amici (and the newly-opened SM Megamall Atrium branch at that) just last week, thanks to an evening interview in Ortigas. Although I've known about the original eatery since 2005, I never really had enough time to go all the way to Pasay Road to try it out. Too bad regulars said the quality has really gone down since those glory days a few years back.

But I enjoyed my meal nonetheless. I ordered the le polpetti con parmigiano panini, which is a generous serving of panini with meatballs and melted cheese as fillings. I love meatballs, and I loved the panini as well.

I had to order the gelato. I've been reading and hearing that they serve one of the best in the metro and one of the cheapest too! Blueberry gelato it was and for its price, I can't wait to have more. It was heaven.

The view of Ortigas is amazing.

I can't wait to go back. Now if only I have a date to share the food...

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Food post, part III

Dad's

Although the quality has gone down a bit, I still think Dad's ultimate buffet is worth every peso. Just because of the sheer amount of choices you're given, Php 580 might not seem that much expensive.

I think I could eat here at least once or twice a year. More than that, then I think it's overkill already.

I especially like the Japanese and desserts section. Typical me.

Piadina

It's a shame that I haven't tried their piadina yet. Go figure. But I think it's worth it. The serving of pasta polpette was just right. It was quite good too. Lots of spices which I really like. But their mozarella toasts were too oily for my taste.

I'll definitely be back to try other items on the menu, especially the piadina. This is a good alternative to Sbarro, which I'm starting to get sick of.

Sbarro

This is what my usual comfort meal is like: a slice of Chicago deep-dish pizza and a slice of blueberry cheesecake. Sbarro is a lifesaver for us. Whenever we can't decide on somewhere decent to eat at SM Southmall, we usually go to Sbarro. It's good enough Italian food but not so expensive.

Kenny Rogers

I also love Kenny Rogers. It's also one of the go-to places for us what with the few dining choices at SM Southmall. I also love their fresh fruit shakes and juices, and their yummy healthy sandwiches. I love their Philly Cheese Steak!

Mocha Blends

I've been meaning to try Mocha Blends for the longest time already but I just had the time to do that when I was in Megamall. I didn't like it. The blended coffee had large chunks of ice. I didn't like it. But I guess I must try their brewed coffee next time.

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Happy Cream Puff

The best cream puff in the Philippines. It was nice that they opened a branch in SM Southmall. When they opened, I ate their cream puff everyday for like two weeks. I was addicted.

The White Hat

I've been heaaring a lot of good reviews about White Hat. It is a frozen yogurt station which a lot has been popping up lately, ever since the Pinkberry craze in the US. What makes White Hat unique is that it uses Italian yogurt, instead of the usual Korean yogurt of the other fro-yo stations.

I like the White Hat. It is creamy, a bit sweet, but still retains that tangy flavor which I love about yogurt. It also serves fresh fruits as well, not just frozen ones. This is a healthier dessert alternative to frappuccinos, doughnuts, and cupcakes. But it's quite expensive as well.

I'm quite disappointed though, probably because I expected a lot from White Hat what with all the raves and buzz around the Internet community. After eating my cup, I was like "That was it?". I really was expecting more.

A Veneto Pizzeria Ristorante

What started out as a small unassuming Italian restaurant inside BF Paranaque has turned into a quite well-known Italian joint that has several branches around the metro.

It serves decent Italian fare with really affordable price points. I love this place. The servings are huge and I like their pizzas. I loved their carbonara with chicken fillets as well. Aside from Sbarro, this is my go-to place for decent but affordable Italian fare.

Martabak Cafe

I never really had much Asian fare before. So lately, I've been trying a lot of restaurants that serve Asian food. And I fell in love with Asian cuisine when I had lunch at Martabak Cafe recently at Mall of Asia.

I had nasi goreng with chicken. I cannot quite describe this meal but it was amazing! The flavors just burst inside your mouth. I really wanted to close my eyes and savor all the flavors. I'd definitely be back again to try more Indonesian fare.

Kaya

I've never really had a lot of Korean but I like almost everything I've had in Kaya. The beef bulgogi of course is a staple. I'm not a big fan of kimchi, but I appreciate it's distinct pickled taste. I'd like to try more Korean dishes next time.

World Chicken

I'm not a big fan but if you really want to eat a lot, then World Chicken is a good choice. Lots of pasta choices as well as for side dish, paired with chicken fillet topped with a your choice from a wide array of sauces, but then again the food is not stellar but it's not bad either.

Savory Chicken

I love love Savory Chicken. Best fried chicken for me. Their gravy is the secret. It's buttery and salty but oh so delicious. Too sad that their prices have gone up lately. This is better suited if you're gonna dine as a group.

Hula Hula Seafood and Barbecue House

Hula Hula is a self-proclaimed Hawaiian restaurant. But they just offer standard grilled fare with an addition of pineapple slices and juice here and there. The place is filled with tikis and the servers are dressed in Hawaiian costume for added effect.

We ordered the luau feast which consists of several grilled chicken, tilapia, and squid served in fresh banana leaves. It was literally a feast but I didn't particularly like the food. What I like though is the small Hawaiian song and dance number the servers perform while you eat your food.

Cello's Doughnuts

Still the best doughnuts for me. They are sweet but not too sweet. What separates Cello's from other doughnuts is their dough base. It's soft and not too greasy. I really can't describe it. Props to them for making a cheese doughnut work. Staple orders for me are the cheese and chocolate doughtnuts.

Cibo

Quality Italian food. No wonder Cibo has survived for more than a decade already. It's not too expensive considering the quality of the fare they are serving. I love the very innovative pizzas. They are my favorite.

Cyma

My family didn't really like Cyma but I liked it. I loved the lamb gyro I had. Cyma's food is not really the kind that I could eat every week but I appreciate the flavors of Greek food. I'd like to try their other stuff. Hopefully the next time I'd be in Boracay.

Kopi Roti

Best brewed coffee ever. I love the idea of condensed milk at the bottom. Lovely effect and tastes great as well. The kaya toasts are too sweet but I like them. The sweetness gives me goosebumps but they are not too overpowering that makes me want to drink water at once. They are addicting.

Hotshots

Overrated. I'd much rather have Wham!

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