Welcome to Giligan's Island (well almost...)

If you are up for some all time favorite Filipino dishes made special, I recommend a visit to Giligan's Restaurant.

The restaurant was  named after Gilligan's Island (but spelled with a double "l")  a 70's American sitcom show about nine charter boat crew and passengers who ran through a tropical storm and are shipwrecked on an unchartered Pacific Ocean Island. 

The theming and concept of the restaurant are such giveaways too.. lifesavers, anchors, nets adorn the restaurant walls and ceilings...

Rizal Bloggers and Media friends were warmly welcomed to Giligan's SM Angono by Giligan's Sir Rudolf, Giligan's Senior Chef and Ms. She.

We were served some of the house's specialties (there were so many options ~ and all looked delectable, I was happy Ms. She and her team did the choosing for us).

Chicken Salpicao (P175). I love salpicao, but this is the first time I have tasted chicken for meat. It was good too...  

Lechon Kawali mixed with Binagoongan Kangkong (P185)

For obvious reasons. this was one of the group's favorites.  The bagoong does not overpowered the lechon.    

Kare-Kare Beef (P275). Another one of the group's favorite.   My mom makes a kick-ass kare-kare and Giligan's compares in flavor and taste.   

Beef Caldereta (P204). Giligan's caldereta is special ~ I was surprise to taste a portion of creamy peanuts in it.  It was an unexpected delicious surprise.

Shrimp and Tofu Oriental (P240).  This is my personal favorite. I taste hints of garlic but can't seem to find any bits. I figured garlic powder (or probably just finely sliced/diced ones) did the trick. Tofu with shrimps was simply delicious.  I would gladly come back for this dish alone.

Giligan's Sizzling (crunchy) Chicken/Pork Sisig (P196)

If you are a family or group of 4+, save more and order their Good for 4 and 6 Promo...

Visit Giligan's webpage for more information

www.giligansrestaurant.com

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

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.

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

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!

 

Restaurant Alert: BRASAS Gostoso

In search of good food, one work day ~ my lunch buddies and myself found ourselves seated at a Latin American Restaurant located at the recently opened SM Jazz Residence  :BRASAS (literal translation glowing piece of coal).

 

Our group of three ordered the house specialty Patacones as appetizer and Chivito al Plato as main dish.

 

Patacones are fried plantain fruit, which tastes a lot like baked banana chips only chewy like toasted potato fries.  It was topped with mixed salsa and shredded meat. 

 

For our main course we had Chivito al Plato for sharing, which was a combination of grilled pork, chicken and beef.    

 

We found both meals very gostoso (delicious) and filling.

 

The experience was an authentic Latin American one, with popular salsa and raggae rhythm as background.  I was really loving the place - brick-wooden walls, with hardwood chairs and tables. 

 

 If not for the poor ventilation (that leaves you and your coat smelling like "tapa") and the rather slow attendants (who took their time: a good 15 minutes to bill us and another 15 to punch our order, considering we paid cash),

I would have given Brasas an 8 out of 10.

 

If you are not in a hurry and this is your last stop for the day, 

I recommend this place a try, however,

if you have an afternoon meeting I would suggest you head straight to another restaurant next door.

 

 

 

 

 

This Brasas branch is located at SM Jazz Residences in Nicanor Garcia Makati.

 

Army Navy Ortigas Extension

 

This is my 2nd Army Navy experience (after my not so good review of my Army Navy at Valero Makati branch , I never thought I would be giving the brand another try). 

 

This time, we have the kiddos with us.  Everyone, was craving Mexican and there weren't any Mexican restaurants in town, so the Army Navy signage was a welcome sight.

 

We came half an hour early for lunch, which was a good thing as the place has very limited sitting. I imagine this place can be jumped packed with hungry peeps lunch time.

 

 

My boys ordered quesadillas, burritos and a starving sailor (a huge steak-sandwich).

 

 

VERDICT: Food was actually better compared to my previous order.  The boys loved the quesadillas and the starving sailor, while I enjoyed the burritos.  

AMBIANCE: The place needs some serious cleaning. The tables were filthy.  As a mom, It has became a habit to wet-wipe clean the tables as soon as we've seated.  I was shocked to see my white wipes turn dirty black. 

Oh and no matter what, please don't enter the rest room (I was close to vomiting as soon as I entered the room).  Which leaves me thinking, how clean is their kitchen?


So will there be a 3rd Army Navy, after a strike 2?  I honestly don't think so.

For the brave mamas who still wish to try, this Army Navy branch is located at Ortigas Ave Ext cor Tanguille St Cainta, Rizal (02) 570-4826. 

Viewsite Restaurant and Seafood Inihaw - Go the extra mile!

Looking for a place to eat in Tagaytay for lunch is hell ~ oh, especially if you are picky and want a table with a view! 

You would be lucky to get in and be served right away.  We had to drive a couple of miles outside Tagaytay's busy main highway, to finally find a decent (and not full) place to eat with a view.

AMBIANCE:  Laid back and rustic, like most of the restaurants in Tagaytay, with a very good view of the famous Lake Taal and Taal Volcano. 

Like most Tagaytay Restaurants they also have local entertainers, who were amazing in belting out fairly new English and Tagalog songs.  My youngest sang with them, when they started singing the Filipino hit song "Pusong Bato" and Bruno Mars' "Lazy Song" (hahaha, I was about to request for Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball").

FOOD:  We ordered, Inihaw Platter (Included grilled sugpo, tuna belly, grilled pork, talong ensalada), pansit and chopsuey.  The waiter gave us free bulalo soup (plus additional refill, hehehe!!!). 

PRICE:  Less expensive than Leslie's, RSM, and other main road Tagaytay Restaurant, but comparable in taste and quality.

(Oh need, I say more?)

 

VERDICT:  Obviously under rated!  

 

Go the extra mile and try out Viewsite Restaurant. You would enjoy the food, the entertainment and the free view.

 

 Recommended for families and balikbayans!

 

 

Viewsite Restaurant and Seafood Inihaw is located at Batangas Highway Mendez Crossing West, Tagaytay City.

Orale' - my first real Mexican restaurant!

 This restaurant made me into a burritos addict and I never liked Mexican food to begin with!

Mexican slang word: Orale' literal English translation is "what's up"!  So what's up with this restaurant?

  

ATMOSPHERE: Relaxed and casual during 11am early lunch time.  Not sure how busy they get at night, when yuppies roam and rule BGC..., to enjoy your lunch try to come in early or make reservations.

Restaurant design is contemporary and laid back.   

FOOD:  Sorry I forgot to take pictures.  I was too busy munching, I forgot to take proofs...

For our group of three (2 ladies and a gentleman, ehem) we ordered burritos, quesadillas and arroz platillos - carnitas (since lunch is not lunch without rice for our male collegue) with soda.

Servings (especially the burritos) was huge and very filling (burp, burp, burp...)!

I am not a Mexican food fan, so I would not really know if they serve the best burritos. I enjoyed Orale's and was satisfied!!!
PRICE: P300-400 per person.  I think it was reasonable for the size servings.

VERDICTS: I would recommend this restaurant for Mexican dish first timers.  I would definitely be back and bring my family to try their other dishes.

TIPS:
Must try their burritos.  If you are not sure, of what to order ask for recommendations from one of the friendly and super nice attendants.

If you don't like spices, tell the waiters in advance and have the spices placed on the side.  They are more than happy to oblige.

ORALE' has a branch at the G/F, The Fort Strip,
7th & 28th Street, BGC Taguig City, Metro Manila.  It
is open daily from 11AM to 11PM Daily
Phone: (02) 552-2660

Tok's Manggahan Foodhaus (and everythingelse)

 

 

Lunch at Tok's Manggahan Foodhaus was purely accidental! 

 

We were on our way home from Porta Verde in Cavinti Laguna to Taytay Rizal via the National Hi-way.  It was  running late and everyone in the car (including my husband-driver) was near irksome from hunger!!!

 

My husband stopped by the first food house/restaurant he saw and before we knew it, we were already seated at Tok's Manggahan Foodhaus for lunch!

 

The restaurant's façade looked exotic and rather expensive. 

 

My family loves trying new things and exotic seems appetizing at the moment.  We were celebrating a special occasion, so I thought an exotic restaurant would be perfect. 

 

However, lo and behold, we were dumbfounded to learn that we entered a canteen "turo-turo" type restaurant (lol, my dad was easy on his pocket this time and offered to foot the bill - he was of course just joking)! 

 

 

 

 

The food was decent and the place seemed clean.

 

The bill:  We were a party of very hungry 9 pax (7 adults and 2 kids) - my husband ordered: everything on the food display table, rice, drinks and dessert and ended paying P500. 

 

Plus: The restaurant doubles as a "pasalubong" center.

On one corner they have sweets, native delicacies from Laguna and nearby Quezon.  On the other is a gift shop, where you can get cute, inexpensive fashion jewelries, trinkets, bags and blouses, slippers.  Talk about maximizing space!

 

 

Tok's Manggahan Foodhaud is located along the National Hi-way of Fami, Laguna.

Please see my related post on Porta Verde Resort.

Bulawan (not) Floating Restaurant

 

It was a fine Saturday morning for a road trip.  So we packed our bags and headed off to

Cavinti Laguna from Taytay Rizal via Manila East and Lumban-Caliraya-Cavinti Road.

 

It was almost noon time and I swear I heard my kiddos' tummies grumbling.  Along Pilillia Rizal main highway we saw the Bulawan Floating Restaurant signage.  Without hesitation, my hubby entered the restaurant's gates and hurriedly parked the car (I guess he is hungry as well :). 

 

We were greeted by the restaurant's waiters and led to the main pavilion (I was eyeing a more private seating, but the private cottages where all occupied).

 

 

 

 

 

I was immediately given the menu and proceeded to ordering for my family of 9. 

 

I ordered buko, 2 sets of halo-halong inihaw, halo-halong sinigan, buko pastel, 2 orders of pansit. According to the waiter, each order is good for 3 pax, but for a hungry road-tripping family I would say each order was only good for 2).

 

 

They have huge tables.  It was difficult to pass the food around, one would have to stand to reach across. 

The first to arrive is my dad's order of buko! 

The halo-halong inihaw, included - tilapia, hito, pusit, liempo (with side vegetables: okra and talong).



The halo-halong sinigang meanwhile included - hipon, alimasag and fresh fish catch.

 

 

My boys while waiting for the rest of our entourage to finish, gamely posed for picture taking.

 

Bulawan's main pavilion.

VERDICT: 

FOOD and PRICING- Food was good, not splendid.  I also find the servings quite small for the price (average 300-400 per order). 

AMBIANCE- Since it was an open area, there were plenty of flies hovering around. A fly literally dived into our Singing.  It was a constant struggle to keep them off your food.

SERVICE - The crew were nice and friendly.  I requested for fish feed (since the restaurant has an area for fishing and I thought my kids will love seeing fish feeding) and one of the attending waiters nicely got me fish feeds for free.  Unfortunately, the fishes must have been sleeping or probably just had lunch 😄, since we did not see any.  I was a little disappointed.

Overall it was a good experience. Not sure if I will be back though.  There were plenty of other restaurants in the area and I would gladly try them out first before any repeat!


So is it floating - not really!  The cottages are not on stilts and were in fact made of concrete.

Bulawan Floating Restaurant is located at
Km. 59, Manila East Road, National Highway, Halayhayin in Pilillia Rizal (Contact No. 585-3234).
 

Hap Chan

I was craving for some Chinese dimsum and was so excited to see a recently opened Hap Chan Restaurant while traversing Ortigas Extension (oh what luck!) in Taytay Rizal.

 

 

 

 

 

We ordered shrimp siomai, hakaw, pork siomai (didn't I say I was hungry for dimsum?), Hap Chan special noodles, yang chow fried rice,

Hap Chan special hot pot, broccoli flower with garlic, lumpiang shanghai and fried chicken fillet with lemon sauce.

 

I guess we were really hungry (actually close to famished) since my husband ordered congee on top of our existing order.

 

Is it obvious?  This bunch is enjoying their order.  

Cravings fulfilled!!!

Hap Chan has a branch km. 18 Ortigas Ave. Extension, Brgy. San Isidro, Taytay
Rizal. Contact number (+63 2) 650-2500.