Sungayan Grill Restaurant Review ~ Bolinao Pangasinan

The long drive from Manila to Bolinao for my son's birthday weekend at Puerto del Sol Beach Resort left us tired and hungry.  We initially thought of heading to the resort directly for lunch, but fortunately saw the Sungayan Grill Restaurant and Floating Restaurant.

I knew I have seen this restaurant's good reviews in Trip Advisor and decided to make the stop.

The restaurant is about 2 minutes walk from the parking area via floating walkway.

The restaurant was named after the "sungayan" unicorn fish. As the name suggests, the restaurant specialized in seafoods dishes.

There were many guests when we visited.  We came it right smack  lunch time on a Saturday.  It was good though that we got there first, ahead of the bigger groups.  

We were seated comfortably right next to live acoustics.

Our order a small (good for 4) bilao worth P750, already inclusive of rice and a pitcher of ice tea.

Food is fresh and delicious.  I especially loved the perfectly grilled squid and the fresh vegetables dipped in Bolinao bagoong. 

Our plates were embarrassingly "spic and span" clean.   Good thing I was on "see food" diet.

We also got buko (P35)

~ My husband saw the buko on the menu list and just can't say no (#bukoaddict).

After lunch, we crossed to Sungayan's coffee shop  "Kapihan ni Zian"right across the main dining hall. 

Coffee was fine, but lacking the kick of Batangas' Kapeng Barako. There was only limited choices of desserts to pair off with your drink.  

Appended below is the full menu of Sungayan Grill Restaurant.

For questions and inquires, please like them on facebook

Sungayan Grill FB

Call 0912 353 4433

@bolinaosungayangrill

Wondering where to stay in Bolinao, check here our accommodation in Bolinao: Puerto Del Sol Beach Resort  

Kawayan Kitchen Subic

When my brother and his beautiful wife, who both resides abroad came to Manila for a visit, me and my husband stepped into to our tour guide shoes.

We thought it would be cool to bring them to Bataan to visit Las Casas (See related post here Las Casas de Acuzar Bataan Tour)

On our way to Bataan, we decided to make the most of our road trip and took a half day detour to Subic Bay.

We brought them to Magaul Bird Park, a birds amusement park with birds' shows and interaction programs (Check here our wacky-surreal park adventure: VIP Treatment at Magaul Bird Park).

It was almost lunch time, when we finished touring the park so we popped up to the nearest restaurant in sight

~ KAWAYAN KITCHEN

As the restaurant name suggests, Kawayan "Bamboo" Kitchen cooks using bamboo, a technique used by Subic's natives the "Aetas".

Kawayan Kitchen offers varied menu via a forest to table concept experience.

Kawayan Rice (P120)

Sinampalukan "Tamarind Base" Manok (P180)

Lechon Kawali (P199)

I just have to share, how they served our order of  Sinampalukan Manok.

FINAL VERDICT:

• Eating food prepared using bamboo cooking art is a unique experience.   
• Price is very reasonable and servings good for sharing. 
• The place is clean and a portion of the restaurant is air-conditioned.
  

Check their complete by follow this link 

KAWAYAN KITCHEN MENU

JEST CAMP, Upper Mau, Cubi-Triboa

Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales, Philippines, 2200

tel 64 47 252 1489

cel nos

globe: 63 ‎0977 093 8435 

smart: 63 998 5747974

sun: 63 922 8832763

www.kawayankitchen.com

Charitos by Bag of Beans ~ TKO by Coffee

My-ex and I decided an impromptu joy-trip one weekend and found ourselves in Tagaytay.  We were feeling a bit romantic, having the alone time, without our extra baggages (our beloved but super "kulit" duo ~ awws you know who I mean), that we knew right away that lunch would be extra-romantic (meaning no fast food!) and yes a tad more expensive.

Restaurant hunting in Tagaytay is never a problem ~ good restaurants abound. 

We finally settled in Charitos operated by the well-known Bag of Beans. 

Unlike the Bag of Beans branch located at the Aguinaldo Highway, Mendez Crossing, Charitos is spacious with ample parking. 

Charitos is gorgeous ~ it has wide open spaces with a view of Taal volcano (unfortunately, the weather was gloomy that day and we only got glimpse of the famous attraction). 

Decoration is a bit eclectic, but more of the Victorian side.

I ordered Fish and Chips (P380), tender lightly coated fish fillet, with side salad and potato wedges.

My ex meanwhile herbs marinated Roast Beef (P450). 

I took bites and found it tender and really flavorful.   

For the finale (You can't say you have been to Charitos without) Bag of Bean's house blend coffee (P130) and  blueberry cheesecake (P160+).

VERDICT:

• Charitos by Bag of Beans is charming. It is perfect for a romantic or a special occasion date with your better half.  A clear view of the Taal Volcano below would have been the topping on the ice cream.
• It is bit upscale, but we didn't mind paying extra since service was A+ and food great.  
• We had a wonderful lunch at Charitos and would not mind coming back for more.

Happy customers :P

CHARITO BY BAG OF BEANS

Maharlika East, Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, 

Tagaytay City, Cavite, Philippines

Contact no: 046 4831279

Red Lemon Grill - View Park Hotel Tagaytay for our hungry tummies!

Tagaytay is a huge foodhub, there are so many good places to eat and with the cool Tagaytay ambiance and the majestic Taal Volcano as backdrop (hmmm). 
 
For this Tagaytay trip, our tummies led us to View Park Hotel's ~ Red Lemon Grill.  It specializes on Asian cuisine. 
 
My eldest Beef Tapa Rice Meal (P150). I guess it was good since he finished everything and did not bother share.
 

 

• Chopsuey (175) is one of the house specialties.  It is special and tasted way better than most that I have had. The ingredients were fresh and the sauce thick and savory. 
• Lechon Kawali (P180) was also good.  It quite melts in your mouth and each bite makes you want more (I call it the evil lechon kawali).
• Calamares (P190) was just okay for me.  My youngest loved it though. 

 

Then finished with a cup of Signature Hot Chocolate(P125) from Adam's Café (View Park Hotel's coffee shop located right next to Red Lemon Grill). 

 

The hot chocolate was a perfect end to a wonderful dinner.

 

 

 

VERDICT 

• Sorry no view of here. The restaurant is located on the other side of Taal Lake.
• The place is quite small too with limited seating and parking spaces.  We came in a little early for dinner so we got good seats.
• We love everything we ordered ~ food is delicious, with hefty servings and classy presentation.  Price is very affordable.
• Staff are amiable and attentive.
• They have an acoustic night, when we came (Saturday). I am not just sure on other days.  It would have been nice to stay a bit and chillax while having a bottle or two of cold beer (but we have whining and tired kids that night, so we left early).  

 

Thumbs Up for Red Lemon and Grill.

We would love to come back and taste their other specialties.  

 

Red Lemon Grill - View Park Hotel

3500 Tagaytay-Calamba Road, Sungay East

Tagaytay City

Contact Number 046 4130862

 

==============

 

Looking for something Italian?  Check-out AMOROMA RISTORANTE.

 

 

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

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.
 
 

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.