Review of Umeck Cafe and Bakeshop

 Umeck Café and Bakeshop is a refreshing good coffee shop find!

It is located along Manila East Road (across NCBA Taytay) Barangay San Juan in Taytay, Rizal.

My husband was looking for a place for a message ~ he has been complaining for weeks about his tensed shoulder.  One Friday night after work, we chanced upon Sandie and Sky Spa.  

I was not in the mood for a massage or spa, but saw an inviting coffee next door.

We dropped by real late and it was good the coffee shop was open until 11pm during Fridays (check out complete schedule at Umeck's facebook page >>> Umeck Cafe and Bakeshop 

They serve coffee, breads, pastries, desserts, rice meals, pasta, pizza, chicken.

(I have tried the one of their past meals on a different occasion and found it exceptional). 

For this visit I only had coffee and an ensaymada 

(which I liked very much, that I ordered a box for take out)

I can't wait to try out their other pastries.   

Will definitely check it our next time (I think it would be perfect for gifting).

Final Verdict:

1. The place is perfect for meeting small friends.  
2. Staff are friendly. Food is commendable (hands down) and quite affordable. 
3. Parking though could be a bit of a headache as Umeck is located beside Don's Korean BBQ and Buffet Restaurant and Shishang Hotpot (which are notorious for long guests' list especially  lunch and dinner.
   

Note: I haven't checked if they have wifi though as I have my own.

Sorry for the poor picture quality, will try to drop by during day time for a better picture.

For inquiries check out their facebook page>>> Umeck Café

Going Korean at the Don's Korean BBQ and Buffet Taytay

Everything Korean is so hip lately.  I am not surprised that one of the latest "food trip" destinations in Taytay, Rizal ~ Don's Korean BBQ and Buffet Restaurant was an instant hit among the general public.  

We just had to give it a try!

The restaurant is relatively small with limited seating and parking, so coming early is a must, if you want to be seated.  

We visited on a Sunday, lunch time and arrived at the restaurant at 11am.  There were already 4-5 families/groups seated, when we arrived.  About 30 minutes later the restaurant was already packed with guests ~ so yes it pays to come early!  

The restaurant serves traditional cooked food and BBQ.  You can opt for just the buffet or get an add on unlimited BBQ set (pork or beef or both) for grilling.  

  

Buffet options are quite affordable~

P275 Buffet Only

P335 Pork with Buffet

P395 Pork and Beef with Buffet

P445 Beef with Buffet

We got ourselves the Pork and Beef with buffet for our group and ended paying roughly P2000 after the senior citizen discounts, for our party of 6.  Not bad at all.  

I personally prefer beef, which was juicier and tastier than pork BBQ; I would definitely just get the beef option next time.  

My eldest enjoyed his time grilling ~ The Chef is in the House :P  

The hardest part ~ waiting for our food to cook.  

But don't worry the cooked buffet spread was good with varied choices.

Spices section ~ for seasoning your grill.  

Cooked buffet included traditional Korean dishes such as 

Bulgogi (marinated beef barbecue), Japchae (stir-fried sweet potato noodles), Ddukbokki (spicy rice cake), Haemul Pajeon (seafood vegetable pancake), Kimbap (Korean Sushi Roll, etc.  I was surprised to see a lot of choices considering the really affordable price.

• 

Korean food cravings satisfied!  

Thumbs up for Don's Korean BBQ and Buffet!

TIP: A Korean BBQ Grill is not the best place to go before a meeting or another event. The smell of grilled food really sticks to your clothes.

 Don's Korean BBQ and Buffet Restaurant 

National Road Sitio Ilog Pugad Brgy San Juan Taytay Rizal

For inquiries you may visit their facebook page ~ Don's Korean BBQ and Buffet Taytay

  

Sausage and Chips @BurrrppTent Taytay

In one of our late night food cravings, my mom remembered a newly opened food venture of one of her "inaanaks".

It was a spur of the moment decision and so we found ourselves at the Burrrpp Tent ~ Food Park, minutes later!

There were plenty of food choice at the food park ~ it was hard to pick (I just love going to food parks, there is always something even for the pickiest of eaters).  It was  a real blessing, we knew from the start where we were going, the "Sausage and Chips by Dolce Trio".

As we came, unannounced, we missed my "kina-kapatid". 
But it was fine as we were really there for the good food (hehehe).   

We wasted no time and ordered each of everything from the menu

(What? Everything looked great ~ imagine gourmet sausages from around the world in one plate and at really affordable prices too).

Tender and perfectly grilled sausages (unfortunately they were not tagged, I think it would be nice if they can put colored flaglets to identify which is which)

Sausage and Chips is best with a bottle of ice cold beer...

enjoyed best in the company of friends and love ones.

Check out Sausage and Chips at the
Burrrpp Tent ~ And Food Tent ni Sitas
Ortigas Extension Taytay Rizal 
Get the location here
BURRRPP TENT LOCATION


Please like also their facebook page for latest offerings and promos:  FB Sausage and Chips 

Blugre Coffee Manila East, Taytay Rizal ~ Coffee Experience

We are frequent visitors of Blugré’ Coffee at the Manila East in Taytay Rizal (near the New Taytay Municipal Hall).  It is just a few meters away Taytay's famed Tiangge Market.  Location is perfect to freshen up and lounge a bit after a stressful day of hauling stuff shopping.

Blugré originated from Davao and is famous for its signature drink ~ Durian Coffeccino, a cappuccino concoction that blends espresso and the durian fruit. And cleverly dubbed as “The King of All Coffee’s” ( Durian being the king of All Fruits).  

I have not tasted it personally though, and would rather stick to my regular brewed.  I need to psyche my self up a bit first.

Here is a look at the coffee shop's interior ~ setting is warm and cozy.

Sorry I can't help myself, posing by the Blugre Coffee wall...

We visited early and ordered breakfast.  Food was fine, but could be improved.

And our Coffee Uppers ~ with chocolate cake :P

The place is more than just coffee.

My husband and I love it here. It was peaceful and secluded, and you can truly enjoy your cup of coffee as you do some people watching.

Come and visit Blugré Coffee ~ Manila East.

For questions and inquiries check their website at

www.Bluegre.ph

or facebook page Bluegre Coffee Manila East Taytay

Mama meets Big Daddy: Restaurant Review

 We have been at Big Daddy's branch at SM City Taytay thrice already and each time Big Daddy never failed to satisfy our food cravings.

 

Big Daddy is a big hit with my boys, who are all burger lovers. Big Daddy's serves some real serious burgers.

 

Although I am not into burgers, I am fine just fine here, since they also serve delicious and filling pasta and rice meals in their menu.

 

 

 

 

 Our Big Daddy favorites:

 

Really cheesy Nachos (P125) ~  spiced just right to my liking.  Toppings was a bit spicy for the kids, but the kiddos find a way to eat around the toppings and into the nachos and cheese.
 

 

Pasta ~ Seafood Penne (above) and Carbonara (below), costs P125-155 each 

 

The seafood penne is currently my personal favorite, my mom and youngest son, however agrees to disagree with me and voted in favor of the carbonara.

Big Daddy's Burger (burger costs P100 - P200) and French fries (P50).  Burgers are meaty and chunky. 

 

 

 

VERDICT:

1. Food is flavorful.
2. Hefty servings at affordable prices.
3. Service was a bit slow though during our last visit, the first two visits though went smooth and efficient. 

Yes, it was a sure thumbs up ~ Mamaspeaks will be back!

For  more information about Big Daddy and it's other branches, check out Big Daddy's facebook page:

BG Daddy or call 0933-4316571
 

 

Dine 'n Dash ~ Serving the best burgers in town!

Welcome to DINE 'n DASH.

The restaurant's name sounds familiar right? 

Well, that is because, the inspirations for this American styled diner came from the game Diner Dash. 

I so love that game ~ I am proud of good old Flo's determination in leaving the corporate world to put up her own business. 

This diner concept is the brainchild of a husband and wife tandem, Chef June Go and his wife Cynthia.   Chef June is the star of the kitchen, while Ms. Cynthia hands-on manages dining and marketing.

Hubby and I experienced their hospitality first hand, when Dine 'n Dash graciously co-sponsored with Bagnetified SM City Taytay Branch, SM City Taytay  ~ The 1st Rizal Blogger Network Photography Workshop by the photographer genius, Mr. Dante Ward of The House of Wards.

We were able to put to test, what we have learned in the workshop, taking photos of Dine 'n Dash delicious spectacle of menu.

We were served a selection of gourmet burgers, delectable pasta, really chicken wings and fish.

(Texas Buffalo ~ P119) 

Chicken breast fillet dipped in

buffalo sauce topped with blue cheese sauce.

If you are not into beef patties, this is a perfect choice for you.  Chicken is chunky and tender.  Hubby particularly loved the mix  of buffalo sauce and blue cheese.

(Fantastic 4 Cheese ~ P179)

Cheese lovers need not fret, since they have a special menu made just for you :P

Pure beef patty topped with your favorite

mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan and blue cheese.

Don't forget the chicken wings in you tab ~ delicious and yummy!

 (Classic and Barbeque Chicken Wings ~ Twin size 5-7 pieces with a choice of dip:P179 / Party size: 8-12 pieces with 2 dips: P279)

Dip choices: Chipotle Mayo, Aioli, Blue Cheese and Honey Mustard.  My favorite is the Aioli, which was perfect with their fish dish too.

Classic Chicken Wings

Barbeque Chicken Wings

Big Fish

Big fish indeed.  The crust slightly crunchy, while the meat was juicy ~ cooked just right.

Chicken Aglio Olio  ~ Solo: P129 / For Sharing: P209

 This was a tad spicy for me, but hubby finished this plate clean.

Seafood Blue Cheese ~ Solo: P159 / For Sharing: P249

Another must order is the seafood pasta. I can dine here daily for this meal alone :P. The clams, shrimp and squid deliciously blended with the sauce.

VERDICT

• The place is clean and new.  Ambiance is fresh and modern with an American Diner feel.

• Staff are attentive and courteous.
• Food is great ~ A+ burgers, really savory chicken wings and pasta at really affordable prices. 

• I recommend this place for families and barkadas looking for a place to relax while enjoying a hearty meal.

 

Two very satisfied customers.

Of course, we will be back and next time we are bringing the kids along.

Dine 'n Dash is located at the SM City Taytay BPO Building

(new building across the open parking).

Open daily from 10am-9pm.

Check them out in facebook for their

Grand Opening promo ~ Dine 'n Dash

BAGNETified ~ the best bagnets in town at affordable prices!

 

BAGNETified is the brainchild of Mr. KC Macapagal of MAKEYOURICH, INC.  A humble business that started from a bank loan in 2014, grew to 15 stores is less than a year and is expected to expand to 50 more by year end. 

 

 

And with BAGNETified affordable and really mouthwatering menu, a success story was as expected.

 

 

I was really excited to learn that,  BAGNETified opened its latest franchise in SM City Taytay, New Building ~ (A hop away from where I live, yehey!). 

 

 

An impromptu visit was an obvious must!

 

BAGNETified SM City Taytay store front

The BAGNETified Logo, 

menu choices with this sign are must try!

 

 

And so that is exactly what I did,  "ordered" the house specialties :P

 

Melt in your mouth BAGNETS ~ Hubby went gaga all over, just by looking at these pictures.

 

The BAGNET Sarap (Php319)

 

 

BAGNETified rice (Php 199)

 

Kare-Kare BAGNETified (Php 279)

 

 

 

Sampalok Smoothies (Php 99)

 

VERDICT:

1. LOCATION is perfect.  This BAGNETified store is located right next to SM City Taytay (open parking area).  Parking is no problem.  I love that I would not need to enter the mall, for an order of BAGNET.
2. The store itself, although small and with limited seating, was comfortable, well lighted and has good ambiance. 
3. PRICING is affordable and SERVING hefty.  An order, is good of 2-3 pax.
4. FOOD is great, however, since it just opened some of the items in the menu are not yet available.
5. STAFF are attentive and amiable.  Kudos to the branch manager Sir Charlie for attending to us immediately (I guessed he must have heard my growling tummy :P, lol!)
6. This restaurant is recommended for big families and barkada night outs. 
  

One satisfied tummy! 

 

I would be back soon, to try they BAGNETified other specialties.