Ordering Food Online? Let FoodPanda help you!

 
PROBLEM I was swamped with month-end cut offs and it was nearing lunchtime.  I hate lunch crowds and I really have so many things to do, so lunch-out was obviously out of the question.

 

MY SOLUTION Order food online.  I chanced upon FoodPanda.com, through MommyBloggersPhilippines.com. I was immediately  drawn to its "Food On the Go" tagline. Tap, choose and enjoy from the many restaurants in your neighborhood. Is it really that easy?



TAP

 

A link led me to the foodpanda website

It was good to know that foodpanda is affiliated with trusted brand hellofood and delivery club, which are active online food delivery services in over 40 countries in 5 continents  

You would be asked to key in your location and you would be shown a list of restaurants serving your area.  

I was a bit dissapointed that they only service major cities.
I wish they expand and cover the Greater Manila Area as well.


CHOOSE
Now this was the most difficult part in the entire ordering process. For Makati area alone, they have about 58 restaurants, so it took me a while to decide.  

I finally ended with HongKong Noodles and Dimsum House.   I ordered hakao, salt and pepper squid with yangchow , bola-bola siopao and soda in can.  I knew that was a bit too much, but minimum order for a Free Delivery for HongKong Noodles is at least P300. 00.  I figured, I will just keep the siopao for merienda later. 


I noticed that some restaurants does not require minimum order, while others have fixed delivery charges of P30+.  

You can pay your order, online as well or upon delivery, which was so convenient.

Soon after I proceeded to check-out, foodpanda called and confirmed my order.  Oh I must commend the caller, as she was so pleasant to talk to.  

ENJOY
My food came less than an hour later and I was happy with the smooth and efficient service. The delivery boy was even smiling when I came down the lobby to pick up my food. 

Food was still warm and nicely packed - it won't get easily spill or tip over.  Also I was a little worried that they might miss out on the condiments while packing.  But was happy, since all that I needed was in the bag (lots of tissue and there was even an extra pair of disposable spoon and fork).
 
 

 

 
BTW, I was right that I over ordered, servings was hefty and good enough for 2 adults.  At P300+ my order is a lot.  My hakao and siopao both ended up as for later :P

VERDICT
I have had such a good exerience, that now, everytime somebody suggests for food delivery, I can't help but recommend ordering through foodpanda. 


For hassle free food delivery foodpanda is highly recommended.

Here is an easy guide to ordering from FoodPanda:

 
Aside from online or from the mobile application, via AppStore, WindowsPhoneStore or Google Play.
 
 
 
 

 

 

Amoroma Ristorante Tagaytay ~ Authentic Italian!

 

The place is a bit unassuming from the outside and I would not have dared venture inside, if not for the beautiful reviews I have read from the other bloggers!
 
The inside of the restaurant, however, tells a different story.
There were obvious efforts from the owners to transform the place into a bona fide little Italian restaurant: 

... upon entering using the back door access from the restaurant's parking,  you would we delighted with the sight of numerous Italian Renaissance paintings that adorned the halls, a real working wood fired brick oven is also something you would not normally see elsewhere,  red checkered plaid pattern tablecloths and Italian music at the background would surely complete your dining experience.

 

 

 

 

There is a notice posted by the kitchen window: Orders are prepared fresh, simply put... "you shouldn't eat here if you are already hungry and famished, since it would be a while before they have your orders finished and served". 

 

When our food finally came, there were no frills and plating was almost nil,  honestly not very attractive.  Hohum...

 

 

Until we took a bite and unanimously agreed that this is by far one of the best pizza we have had... the waiting and the simple plating became forgivable... 

 

 

 

L-R/T-B: We ordered 5 Italian cheese pizza, carbonara, focaccia bread in pesto genovese dip, crab and shrimp stuffed pasta in tomato and cream sauce and creamy mushroom soup (not on photo)

 

 
VERDICT
 
We are happy we decided to stop over for lunch.  Amoroma Ristorante (literal translation "I Love Rome") succeeded in giving us a taste of Rome.
 
Pricing is a bit steep for most Juan, but I think the price was worth it.  We love everything that we ordered and would not hesitate to come back.

When in Tagaytay and if you are craving for authentic Italian cuisine, do not hesitate and seek out Amoroma Ristorante. Highly recommended.
 

Amoroma Ristorante Italiano is located in Tagaytay City.

Address: Calamba Road, Tolentino East, Tagaytay City

Contact Numbers: (046) 696-3582 / (0916) 3829883

Jipangyi ~ Seoul Cane Ice Cream (latest ice cream craze in town)

Jipangyi ice cream stalls never seem to run out of people lining for a cane (yup cane) of Jipangyi ice cream.

 

The curious cat in me, caught up and I got me my son  a cane each.

 

Jipangyi ice cream prides itself as the only ice cream store offering soft served ice cream in cane cones made of corn.   

 

Cost is really affordable at P35 per cane.

 

 

HONEST VERDICT:  

• My son did not finish his ice cream. My boy loves ice cream, but this one was just not his taste.    
• Never got to finish mine either. I cannot understand why everyone enjoyed their Jipangyi ice cream and I did not.
• I totally love the cute presentation, but that was just about it for me. 
• The ice cream was just ordinary and the cane cone bland and too hard. I can't hardly bite through. 

Should you buy? 
Others enjoyed their Jipangyi ice cream, so don't let this review stop you. Besides eating ice cream in a cane cone made of corn should be experienced at least ones. 

My yummy BANNAPLE!!!

 

Love, love, love BANNAPLE! 

 

But the long and endless queue of customers lining up is very disheartening, especially if your stomach is already growling!!!

 

I am happy to see that Bannaple has been expanding branches to serve its hungry customers. 

 

As of writing, they now have stores at Robinson's Galleria, Ayala Fairview Terraces, the Sky Garden at SM City North Edsa, Tuscany at McKinley Hill, Katipunan, Connecticut Greenhills, Market Market at BGC, Alabang Town Center, Tomas Morato at Ayala Triangle.

 

Cute interiors at the Market Market BGC branch.

 

Bannaple Pies and Cheese Cakescakes serve hearty meals guaranteed to satisfy your hunger.  Hot dishes and pasta meals are reasonably priced and are with generous servings. 

 

 

 

It is highly recommended that you finish your meal with a cup of their brewed coffee and an order their top seller banoffeepie.

 

 

Simply delicious!

Movie Star Cafe just like in the MOVIES

I have heard quite a lot about one of the newest family restaurants in town - Movie Stars Café.  

 

It is a special kind of restaurant that runs hourly performances for the entire family entertainment.

 

So on my youngest son's 6th birthday, I pre-booked seats for us to check out and see for ourselves what the rave is all about.

 

 

 Movie Stars Café (here we are)

  

My boys gamely posed next to the King (himself) Kong (LOL!)

 

 

We came at about 6pm and found the place already half-packed.  There were still plenty of seats upfront, but to my dismay, we were given seats at the back. 

 

Although the place is small, and the back seats are only about 3-5 feet away from the  small runway stage,  I have been wanting to get front seats to amp my kids enjoyment in watching the shows.
 

I tried to use my charm to be moved upfront, but nah!

 

People started pouring in at 630pm and by 645 it was already jam-packed, so it was good we came in a little early.
 

We got eat-all-you buffet for four (2 adults and 2 kids), which cost P699 for adults and extra P100 for drinks.
 
There is not much to say about the food. It was plain and simple - much like a birthday party sort of spread.  
I honestly recommend you just do an a la carte.  That would be much cheaper and you get to choose what you like.  
 

 

There are plenty of MSC cast in famous movie character costume around to keep your kiddos busy in between performances that starts at 7pm.

 

If you did not get your money's worth from the food, don't fret since the shows are truly worth your every centavo.

 

(Performances photos courtesy of MSC FB page)

 

My boys had so much fun - my youngest son's jaw dropped seeing Spidey dance.

 

 Our choice pictures. L-R/T-B: Papa with Atom; Raj with Spider Man; Kuya with Jabbawockeez and Me with Bubblebee!

 

TIPS:

1. Reserve early.  Don't take chances, especially during weekends as it gets really crowded.
2. Do a la carte instead of buffet. 
3. Enjoy and don't hesitate to approach the performers.  They are very accommodating and will gladly pose with you!
4. Enjoy and have fun.

 

Movie Stars Café

Seaside Blvd., SM Mall of Asia

Pasay City

Tel. No. 550-1234

 

 

MR. PARK (yummy breads and cakes)

 

This is a long over due shout out!
 

WE LOVE MR. PARK

 

My husband discovered this unassuming pastry shop in Ortigas Center Pasig. Hubby bought a box of Mr. Park's cream puffs for the kiddos for pasalubong.

 

The boys opened the box and giddily munched on the cream puffs.

The cream puffs literally "pops" at first bite.  A bit messy, but an awesome eat!!!

 

It was such ruckuss as the boys finished everything... except one that I managed to save (hihihi!)

 

 

WARNING: 

Don't bite, put the entire puff inside your mouth then chew (Mr. Park should have stamped this warning on his cream puff boxes)!

 

Mr. Park is an absolute must try.  Check out their other specialty breads and cakes too, I am sure you won't be disappointed.

 

I suggest you visit the Eton Emerald Lofts branch.  The Korean owner is so nice, he would often hand out new products to customers to try for free.

 

We frequent the Mr. Park's Breads and Cakes located at the

Ground Floor of Eton Emerald Lofts,

Garnet Street Corner F. Ortigas Jr, Ortigas, Pasig City.

Honest Italian Goodness at Gotti's Ristorante

After enduring almost three (3) hours of grueling traffic, before finally reaching SM MOA.  We were in desperately need of replenishment.

 

 

 

The first restaurant we saw was Gotti's Ristorante an Italian restaurant serving delectable Italian food. 

 

I was wanting to order the specialty pizza and pasta, but the rice meals were equally heavenly looking to let pass.

 

 

The boys ordered Banana fruit shakes and shared an order of Classic Lasagna and an appetizer (I forgot the name - but it is an oven baked folded pizza), while my husband had Tuscan Steak and me, Chicken Parmigiana.

 

 

Food were rich and flavorful, typical of Italian cuisine.  

 

My Chicken Parmigiana was generously topped with tomatoes sauce, would have been perfect if they added more cheese.  

 

My boys finished their lasagna, with 2-3 pieces of the wrapped-pizza appetizers left-over, which they insisted we take out.

 

As for my husband, he was busy with his Tuscan Steak... 

VERDICT

Servings were huge, with the order enough for 2 people sharing.  Half-way through my Chicken Parmigiana, I was so full and can't hardly finish, even if I wanted to.    

Price was reasonable given the serving portions and quality of food.

We came in on an odd time (late lunch, early "merienda") and we were the only ones dining, so we were treated very well (I cannot comment, if staff are as attentive otherwise).  The good service complemented the delicious food.

Yes, we will be back!!!

(Logo, taken from Gotti's facebook page) 

 

The Gotti's branch we visited is located at the Ground Floor, South Wing of the SM Mall of Asia (MOA), Pasay City. 

Click here to visit Gotti's Restaurant facebook page <<<<<<<

Dining with a View at BenCab's Cafe Sabel

 

 We are regular visitors at BenCab's museum residence, whenever we are in Baguio.   My family can't let pass and say no to the maestro's art works.  The lovingly crafted art pieces and paintings in a scenic location is simply awesome.

 

On the ground floor of the museum building is Café Sabel.  The café overlooks a well kept garden with a man-made pond with a bunch of ducks. 

We ordered the house specialties and must say they really are special.  They use farm fresh ingredients, some they themselves grew. We have not had any one wrong order from their menu since we started frequenting the place.  

 

Really no better way to end your museum tour!

P.S. Don't forget to order BenCab's brewed coffee, one the best we have had in Baguio.  Sip and enjoy the view.

Café Sabel is open daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm (except Mondays, Christmas Day & New Year’s Day).

Please follow the link for BenCab's Museum and Café Sabel location >>>>> BenCab's Museum and Café Sabel.

See also previous reviews on BenCab's Museum and Café Sabel.
 
 

Yehey for RUB ribs & bbq

I was introduced to Rub's Ribs and BBQ by officemates as a treat  for our unit's monthly birthday celebrants.

I was never a fan of grilled anything, so the invitation came as a must attend rather than a wanna go.

The branch we visited is located at

Baler St., cor. Nicanor Garcia St., Bel-Air Makati.

The place is a bit cramped and small, with just enough sitting for about 50-60 pax.  I strongly suggest you call to reserve a table if you intend to come for lunch or dinner.  

I ordered Chicken Cajun pasta while the rest of my officemates had family brunch servings of ribs with side dishes.

Serving was hefty. My team of 4 boys shared a platter and looked full...(or kinda full)...

My order was spot on. The chicken was tender and delicious. I was not really hungry, but was able to clean my plate easy. 

(Sorry not much pictures here, I was busy munching and babbling with office mates I forgot to take photos)


The guys who ordered the BBQ ribs said they will be back for more and requested for the restaurant's flyers. So I guess that means the ribs were delicious.

VERDICT
RUB's is a delicious affordable alternative to otherwise expensive all American grilled restaurant. I am not yet a grilled/BBQ convert, but getting there!

Highly recommended for families.

Rub's has branches in Kapitolyo Pasig (near Ace Water Spa), South Rallos and Quezon City.  

For reservations and take home you may call 625-2939

Thank Goodness for Mary Grace Cafe' and Bakery

My guilty pleasure: luscious desserts taken with perfectly brewed coffee after a pleasant meal. 

 

I have always been a fan of Mary Grace's desserts, especially their brownies.  So I was happy to learn, that they have now ventured into a full café, offering tummy-filling, comfort dishes.

 

We ordered crispy cassava chips with onion dip for starters, 2 sets Vigan longganisa and classic carbonara (for my cream base pasta-addict kids) each for my boys, with a pitcher of iced tea Sangria as refreshments ~ for 4 pax (2 adults and 2 kids).

 

 

The highlight of the meal was ofcourse the famous Mary Grace mouthwatering desserts. We finished with a mango bene and strawberry shortcake with coffee.  

Saying we enjoyed our food is an understatement.

My kids literally devoured the cakes and we just had to order an additional cake to go.

 

VERDICT

• We visited the SM Aura branch. There is another branch at  Podium Mall, but have not actually eaten there.  The space at SM Aura is bigger and seating more relaxed.  
• It is a bit costly for a normal Juan's, but food really is delicious and worth trying, at least for special occasions.
• Service is very good.  Staff attentive and warm.
• Thumbs up for the food! We would definitely be back for more.

 

Click here to view Mary Grace Cafe' Menu.

Latest Dining Discovery in Tagaytay City ~ Morielli's Inn & Diner Restaurant

Tagaytay never runs out of hearty food stops and family friendly restaurants that continue to impress.

In our last Tagaytay escapade, my family experienced for our ourselves,

Morielli's Inn & Diner Restaurant.

 

It is a very charming restaurant, that offers exciting twists to your otherwise so-so traditional dishes.

 

 The menu selection is varied and all looks delectable. We had to settle with the chef's specialties.

 

My family ordered the pepper rice surprise, soft tacos, Pampanga pizza, carbonara and "turon with ice cream" for dessert.  

 

L-R/T-B: (a) Restaurant facade, (b) Interior, (c) While waiting for our order, one of the crew offered to take our family picture and (d) My youngest enjoying his turon.

 

L-R/T-B: (a) Pampanga Pizza, utterly delicious, (b) Carbonarra, egg base, (c) Pepper Rice Surprise, my husband can't have enough and keeps on saying, how delicious this meal is. He devoured on the entire plate, (d) Turon with generous slices of banana and langka inside.

 

VERDICT

The restaurant's tag line ~" Eat Much, Laugh Often and Love Much", speaks much of the owners passion for cooking and sharing this love affair with food to others to enjoy.

Morielli's is a special restaurant that offers lovingly prepared food served by truly warm and pleasant personnel.  


The fast service and personable crew (specially Rachel) tops the extraordinary experience.

NOTE:

• Come in hungry and order the house specialties.  We would definitely be back to try their breakfast.

• Our food order were on the spicy side, I would not recommend for small children.  Please ask the crew for food suggestions for your little ones.

 

• Morielli's also has rooms for rent.  Rachel was nice and gave us the grand tour.  They have four 4 bedrooms with a common living room area.  Each room has 2 queen beds, which I think would comfortably sleep a family of 4. Please check their website for the room rates or call them personally and ask for discounted rates.

 

Morielli's is located at Calamba Rd. cor. St. Francis Rd. Tagaytay.

 

 

SOUL Cafe - Back for More!

We are no strangers to La Union's SOUL Café,

although admittedly it has been a

while since we were last here.

 

Good memories of this restaurant had us wanting to come back again!

 

It has aged a bit, but food remains great (that means delicious and affordable). 

 

Buffet breakfast from our Baguio hotel screwed up our appetite and we ended with a very late lunch

(or a "lurienda").

 



We ordered honey glaze porkchop and pork igado for lunch and pansit bihon for merienda and some  

strawberry crepe with coffee to finish our meal.

 

All our orders are sumptuous - clean plates testify.

I will always love a stop over at SOUL Café. 

 

SOUL Café is located at Mcarthur Hiway, Camp One, Rosario La Union visit their facebook webpage for more details. 

  

Forest House Bistro and Cafe Baguio

 

I had to make sure, that we get in, the famous Forest House Bistro and Café this time!  The last uneventful visit, when we were refused entry (since I underestimated the place and forego reservations) - was truly a bad experience. 

 

I called up Forest House and confirmed a dinner table for four. 

 

We came a little early for dinner and it was a good thing, since parking is limited and could be a nightmare if we came a little later.

 

The place was half full when we came in.  The place is intimate and nicely decorated in cottage-country home motif and lovely eye candy trinkets all over. 

 

There is a small veranda outside,

but view wasn't as terrific as I thought.  

 

 

We ordered the house specialties from L-R/T-B, Forest House wine sauced chicken, mini burgers with fries, fettuccine carbonara and baby back ribs.

 

VERDICT

AMBIANCE - Homey and relaxed, however, I was disappointed with the view. I was expecting more.  BenCab's Café Sabel has by far a more superior view and would choose Café Sabel on the basis of view alone.

 

STAFF - Nice and attentive, but service is quite slow.

 

PRICE - On the expensive side. 

 

FOOD - Good, but not exceptional.  The carrot cake that we ordered was perfect with our Forest House coffee.

 

Next time, we would probably be back for an afternoon coffee or tea, with one of their yummy deserts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matutina's Seafood House and Restaurant (the real deal)!

If you are looking for an authentic Filipino dining experience in Pangasinan, I suggest a stop over at Matutina's

(skip the annexes and head to the original branch; we were at  Matutina's Annex I branch last time and we were a bit disappointed).

 

The main branch is beautiful. It's ceiling is adorned with exquisite capiz tile chandeliers. 

 

The restaurant has an outdoor seating next to a small but lovely garden and an indoor air-conditioned room for those who would like to escape the summer heat.

We wanted to keep our orders simple (since I over ordered in our initial visit - for sharing orders are quite big and we were not very hungry, and decided on their breakfast viands).

From L-R, T-B we ordered (a) 2 sets boneless bangus; (b) turon (with generous portions of  saging and langka); (c) complimentary bukayo sweets; and (d) 2 sets longsilog  (not in picture is our pitcher or brewed tea and coffee

Our orders were all spot on.  I especially enjoyed the boneless bangus and turon (yummy). Ambiance is way, way better here than at the annex. Staff here were very amiable and attentive as well.

 

We will definitely drop by the Original Matutina's again in our North Luzon adventure!

 

Carlos' Pizza Restaurant Baguio

After a failed attempt to get seats at one of Baguio's favorite restaurants, Forest House Restaurant (I should have made reservations, but was too lazy to make one - DARN), we decided to try one of the restaurants at Mile Hi Center in Camp John Hay.  

So there we were, standing long-faced across Mile Hi Center after the Forest House incident.  We ended entering the first restaurant in sight - the Carlos' Pizza Restaurant!   Carlos' Pizza  is an Italian casual dining restaurant. 

My boys love pizza and pasta, so there is still hope for a successful late night dinner, after all :P


We ordered the highly recommended, chicken fingers and fries, mozzarella cheese sticks,  quattro formaggi (four cheese) pizza and my kids staple favorite pasta - carbonara, and a pitcher of ice tea.

 

VERDICT:

• Ambiance - As there were few people around (not full packed liked most restaurants in Baguio, hehehe...) we truly enjoyed the warm and fast service. The place maybe casual, but service was first class.
• Price - Reasonable; Serving is hefty, more than enough for my hungry kiddos and hubbby.
• Food - The four cheese pizza is must.  My husband hogged the entire pizza pan, I literally had to use my charm to get a piece. The carbonara was also delicious - but I would have chosen another house specialty, if not for my kid's love for carbonara.  The chicken fingers and mozzarella cheese sticks were also very good.

Do try Carlos' Pizza in your next trip to Baguio.

 

Matutina's (chow stop over)

Dubbed as one of the best restaurants up North of Luzon is Matutina's Seafood Haus & Restaurant in Pangasinan. 

 

I have read very good reviews about this place and the curious cat in me just had to give in and taste first hand what this restaurant has to offer.

 

 

We were on our way back to Manila from  our San Fabian beach frolicking and decided to drop by the well reviewed Matutina's Seafood Haus.  

 

The Matutina's branch we visited is the one located at Barangay Tulong, Urdaneta, which they call Annex I. 

We passed by a much bigger branch in Urdaneta City a few kilometers from their Annex I.   

 

Annex I is a bit cramped. Not sure if the summer heat was just too hot for their air-condition to handle.  We were just 2-3 groups at the waiting table and we were already feeling uncomfortable. 

 

I am glad we reached the restaurant a little early for lunch, since as soon as we finished ordering flocks of hungry guests arrived. 

 

We were offered complimentary "pastillas" as we waited for our order.  Which was a good thing, since it took a while for our orders to arrive.

 

For our group of 5 adults and 2 kids, we ordered:

•  two pieces grilled bangus
• tortang talaba
• ensaladang talong, okra, kamatis
• their two kare-kare versions (beef and seafoods)
• rice and
• drinks

 

 

 

VERDICT: 

 

PRICE

For the price of a little over P1500, I find the servings generous (good for 3-4 pax).

We ended bringing some of our orders "to go".

 

FOOD

Food is reasonably cheap (additional hoorah for the free sweets), but was just okay for me.   There was nothing very special to rave about.

 

I liked their seafood kare-kare, but find the grilled bangus ordinary.   The tortang talaba was good too, but every time I take a bite, I was worried for my dear heart (hahaha).

 

AMBIANCE

I already mentioned that the place is small (at least for the Annex I) and was not very attractive (I felt like eating in a canteen). 

 

A scenic garden or play ground for kids to stretch fatigued muscles from the long travel (not to mention, take time off waiting for orders to come) would be a welcomed bonus.  

 

SERVICE

Service was on the slow side, but that was okay, we were not in a hurry. However, it would have been a more enjoyable experience if the attendants smile more and act as if they are enjoying what they were doing.