Green Tomato - Shangrila Mall, Edsa

During the last trip to Manila, I finally got to see and hang out with my nephew Ace.... Besides David, I would say he is one that is soooo much into eating and trying anything and everything... so we make it a point to eat out at least once, each trip of mine... and try something new...This time around, since we were already in Shangrila Mall-Edsa, running errands, we decided to check out Green Tomato... it is one of the newest eatery there that we both have not tried yet....

The decor is simple and pleasing enough... white and green... and the menu is, though nothing to brag about, still has a good selection.... The food was surprisingly tasty, I say this as the time we were there - lunchtime - we were the only ones eating there so we were afraid we had made the wrong choice... Still, we enjoyed it... not too pricey for a SHANGRILA restaurant, and the portions are large enough that we actually had leftovers....

More Photos Here

marketchow X AHIMSA

Marketchow's (David) new career digs is AHIMSA, restaurant part of the YOGA LIVING on Da-An Rd., in Taipei.

Ahimsa is SANSKRIT word that is a rule of conduct that bars the killing or injuring of living beings. And in this vegetarian kitchen, this is firmly observed with the focus on, not only healthy products used, but in making sure the Ahimsa practice is followed in its' meal offerings.David heads the kitchen staff, and one of his main objective is to make sure that the ever changing menu - changed every two weeks - is followed at it's utmost in compliance to the Ahimsa practice and making sure that the finest & freshest ingredients are used for every meal served. He also have to entertain the clientele, making sure all is satisfactory to their liking and making sure they have a nice dining experience.

As an added bonus, David is able to cook now and again - filling in for the cooks... and taking care of Special party Reservations on weekends and/or evenings. You know this part he LOVES most!!!Had the PLEASURE of visiting and checking out the place - and of course, snapping a few photos. SEE THEM HERE.

Gusto Italianao : Multo Bella...

March 21st: Another get-together weekend with friends... this time around - we all decided to eat out - as everyone is way too busy for an in-house get together cooking session....

The Place of choice was GUSTO ITALIANO, an Italian restaurant tucked in the Nei Hu district... it is also the place of David's work - and one that we all have been wanting to try for quite a while now after seeing their website, menu, and numerous blogs by Marketchow fueled with beautiful photos of tasty offerings... and the place did not disappoint at all!!! From the clean, nicely lit surroundings, to the attentive staff -- the place is worth a try.

The Food totally lived up to marketchow's photographs and descriptions.... tasty, scrumptious, and what a great selection... for about NT$700 ($20US) per person - you will get an entree of your choice, soup and beverage plus your fill of all-you-can-eat SALAD, BREAD, and delicious desserts... Each of our entrees were deliciously prepared and nicely presented... the servings are just the right amount considering you are already getting full from the choices of breads to start with... not to mention the salad bar.. what a variety of fresh veggies to try as well as, some fully prepared starters as salmon, clams, bratwurst sausages, apple veggie salads, etc... I mean, the salad bar alone would have sufficed but one MUST have the entree for the complete dining experience.......

Of course, the best part for me is the all-you-can-eat Dessert offerings... the selection changes as each cake is gobbled up -- so how can I stop.... Bread Pudding, explosion of Chocolate cakes, fruity tarts, etc.... I think, even with the slices of each cake offered that nite, I was still able to eat half of the bread pudding laid out... I could LIVE on these sweets for sure!!!The only thing sweeter, I must add, is the company of some really good friends... Juliana, Sue, Cecilia & David... till the next time guys.... am already salivating just thinking about it....
More Photos here.

un AMIGO para todos!!!

Since moving to Taiwan, we have tried a few Mexican restaurants -- all of them ended up being disappointments... which baffles the heck out of me as most dishes uses the same ingredients for the most part... and are prepared pretty much the same... LOLS! The places we have been served either canned crap or what must have come out of those TV dinners just microwaved, then put on a plate... most has a very soggy texture from too much heating up... leaves so much to be desired... worse, totally leaves a BAD TASTE that I avoid Mexican food in Taiwan for the most part... that is until the other nite when Jason's (David's youngest nephew) food of choice was Mexican... driven by the cooking show we attended earlier in the afternoon at Eslite Cafe....

David happen to have seen this restaurant in back of the Chung Hsiao East Rd, AMIGO... hoping for the BEST but ready for the WORST - we were genuinely surprised and elated at what we had.... nevermind that the servings were not big enough... not like the ones you would normally get in the Mission District of San Francisco.. Ingredients were fresh, crispy, and prepared just right... and they were nicely served in dishes reminiscent of the ones I actually used in Mexico...The DECOR gets an A plus from me as well... panchos & colorfully painted ceramics adorns the walls; colorful wooden chairs; a pair of Mexican's traditional costumes; and sombreros (hats) as lamps over tables.... and as an added bonus - ALEJANDRO FERNANDEZ was playing when we first came in... I was truly WON OVER at the get go...
For the rest of the photos - PLS CLICK HERE.

a new "Discovery"... well....

Dining out comes too far and few in between, so when we do, we do like to try new places we hear about or have seen in passing at one time or another... One such place is Discovery: Vietnamese restaurant inside the Mitsukoshi A4 Building, in the Waner Village area... The place was is nicely done... decor not too much, subtle but still evokes the Vietnamese feel to it... the presentation was quite good too as each dish came served in ornate plates... the service is just as nice as well -- attentive and kind staff...

buit then there's the food... they left a lot to be desired... forget the fact that each dish was too little - they were not anything special at all... nothing that will keep us coming back... even the street food in the streets of Hanoi were much more tastier....
You can see more PHOTOS HERE.

Little Asia - Greenhills, Philippines

Friday, Feb 12th: Little Asia Restaurant to Celebrate my nephew and niece's Feb. Birthdays... Asian Fusion type resto - loved it....
Location: Greenhills...

Loved everything about the place.... yummy food... cool interiors... beautiful mural... service is par excellence... my only complain is the table setting... paper place setting does not suit this place at all.... they could have done better... but that is a minor misstep, as they excel in everything else....

Took my nephew and niece for their BDays.... Just the 3 of Us!!!

SumoSam, Shangrila Mall - Edsa, Philippines

Located at my FAVE Mall in Manila, Shangrila-Edsa, SumoSam has got to be one of the BEST -- in just about everything! -- a Japanese Restaurant has to offer...

I first tried this place a couple of years ago, after finding out that it is owned by a FAVE actor of mine, Marvin Augustin... thought I would give it a shot just for the heck of it... I loved it -- and I have been a BIG FAN and FREQUENT visitor since!!!
From the really cool Menu... to the Deliciously, well presented, food... and right down to the Great & Friendly Services by the rainbow colored accented hair staff (this is a prerequisite for those who works here!) -- everything is just to my liking!!!

Our fabulous meal along with a shot of the equally fabulous decor...
Photos are taken during my last visit in Manila with my friend, Juliana... Of course, I had to start out her visit by showing her my most favorite places -- the Shangrila Mall, ZARA, & SumoSam...

Barrio Fiesta - Only Half a Fiesta!

For Juliana's second nite (Nov. 23rd) in Manila, I wanted her to experience what I have come to love at Barrio Fiesta... not just the GREAT PINOY food, but the whole presentation.... the Filipiniana Decor, the local costumes, and the fun of seeing the waiters and waitresses get into the act and sing songs while serving or in between servings... a REAL TREAT! ALAS, this was not so on this particular nite...


We opted to go to the Barrio Fiesta in Makati Ave... mainly so I can take Juliana around the newly opened A.Venue as well... which is next block to Barrio Fiesta... We met up with my family around 6:30 and were seated for dinner by 7PM.... Right away I noticed there was no entertainment whatsoever -- so I asked??? Was told that, there's some diners that requested they do not sing till after they are done eating and have left...LOLs?? why bother to go to this place then? Half of the FUN is the whole entertainment Experience....

Well, I spoke too soon... as when the entertainment finally came - it left me sooooo disappointed... two musicians who played for about 15 mins before they were joined by one waiter singing... He was good, I will give him that but where are the others? Why is the entertainment soooo SKIMPY??? I was sooopo frustrated and felt BAD as I ahd already mentioned to Juliana how nice & entertaining this place was... Maybe I should have taken her to the one in PASAY or even the one in MEGAMALL, which we have frequented before and always left us satisfied - both our tummies and our eyes & ears.....

In fairness though, the food was still good -- tasty and very authentic... we ordered Kare Kare, Crispy Pata, Adobo, Pinakbet, Bicol Express... a wide variety and considered staple Pinoy dishes... So at least, on that part -- my hunger for the Barrio Fiesta Experience was SATISFIED!!

It's Big Alright... But It Ain't Stupid!

Rainy Saturday Nite... hunger strikes -- craving for some cold comfort food to warm the soul, or at least the tummy.... and we found just the answer for our cravings... "Stupid Big Bowl"...

Yes, you read that right! "Stupid Big Bowl" indeed -- that is the name of this little restaurant in the Roahe Night Market.. I too, had to asked David a couple of times if the name really is that... Though the bowls and portions are definitely big (and much to my delight -- colorful, too!), there really is nothing stupid about the dishes... they were quite tasty and filling...
The 6 available choices!
The MENU boasts of 6 different flavours of soup only to choose from... depending on your choice -- selections of meat, veggies & other wonderful, though not easily identifiable, goods are thrown in together - much like Shabu Shabu but already cooked and prepared to everyone's delight and satisfaction...

Angel's Kitchen - Manila, Philippines

Have you ever read a REVIEW about a movie or a restaurant; get excited by it to see or try; then be soooo disappointed??? Sadly, that is just how our LUNCH EXPERIENCE turned out to be with Angel's Kitchen...

The FOOD magazine review talks of fusion and modernizing the Filipino food.... tasty delicious concoctions.... and moderate pricing.... boy it was wrong on all count by our standards....

The ambiance was nice enough... the staff, friendly and accommodating... but the food was not up to par at all... most everything was on the BLAND side --I mean how can Pinakbet Rice not be tasty when you already have sooo many things thrown in there? and this is one of their most famous specialty dish? Mandarin Chicken, was basically friend chicken with some lemon sauce.... and worse, the chicken was cold and dry... only the sauce was HOT!
(Right Photo: Possibly the BEST part of the dining experience for me.)

I really do not mind paying for food but if one has to pay an average of 350.00+ Pesos for each plate on the menu (roughly US$7.50) - the restaurant should really make sure that the food is at least good... even not excellent.... maybe it was an off day for the chef -- who knows? it just made for a very unsatisfying dining experience... and from noticed with the other diners - no one seemed to have a smile on their faces leaving the place... surely, they, like us, did not have a Heavenly Experience!!!
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Angel's Kitchen, San Juan
57 Connecticut St., North East Greenhills
San Juan, Metro Manila
(02) 744-1018
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Otoro Dining Room, Taipei

Friday, the 5th of August -- met up with David at the newest SOGO Department Store on Chung Hsiao East Road... we were checking out the City Super Supermarket for his work and decided to have dinner at Department Store... lots of restos to choose from..... different types of food...at different price ranges.... we opted for the middle of the road resto, OTORO Dining Room... we were in the mood for some SASHIMI and SUKIYAKI.... it was definitely a good choice.... the Sashimi was as fresh as fresh goes.... and my LAMB Sukiiyaki was soooo delicious...
The portions were just right... not too much, not too little.... with for less than $15.00US per person -- with the Shrimp Salad to go with the meal - it was definitely inexpensive....

After dinner we walked around the food areas of the Department Store and admired the various packaging of the many products available for purchase....

Overall, it was a GREAT NITE for eating out....

Teriyaki Boy - Philippines

Anyone who knows me long enough, knows that am BIIIG on TONKATSU, deep fried, breaded pork cutlets... Not sure when the LOVE for this dish started - but it goes waaaay back -- that's for sure! I believe it was at KIMPURA HOUSE, Makati that I first got my TASTE of Tonkatsu - many years ago and I have loved it ever since... When in Japan - am always in HEAVEN as I can have this anytime, anywhere....

In Manila, there are a few places one can go to for cheap, fun, and tasty Japanese food - and for me, Tonkatsu specifically... There' SUMO SAM at the Shangrila Mall, Edsa - a bit on the PRICEY side but very much worth it... make sure you have plenty of time to sit and chat though as it gets crowded during dinner time... if you want to go a bit more affordable without sacrificing the taste and service, there is TERIYAKI BOY. They can be found in a lot of places all over the city but my favorite one is located at The Promenade in Greenhills.... (For other branches & locations - Check Here)
Teriyaki Boy prides themselves to be a Fast-Casual Japanese Dining Restaurant - and time and time again, they prove themselves well.... They have yet to disappoint me, my family & friends... we visit at least one of the places, each time I do fly into town... Besides my FAVE Tonkatsu , one can also select from the many offerings in the menu - SUSHI, SASHIMI, Gyoza, and of course, Teriyaki...

Shabu Shabu : Taiwanese Style

Shabu-Shabu is a Japanese variant of hot pot and quite a RAGE in Taiwan. It seems that no matter what part of Taiwan you happen to be - there will always be a neighborhood Shabu-Shabu Restaurant. The dish is related to sukiyaki in style, where both use thinly sliced meat and vegetables, and usually served with dipping sauces. The difference is in the taste; shabu-shabu is more savory and less sweet than sukiyaki. Normally considered a winter dish, which makes sense considering it is all cooked in hot boiling broth and the Taiwanese opts to have theirs with so much HOT spices. Shabu-shabu is eaten all year-round.

In Taiwan, all you can eat Shabu-Shabu is the more popular fare for the family, company outings, and just friends getting together for a nite of food and chatting.
Choices of all sorts of thinly sliced meat (beef, pork, duck, chicken, sheep, etc are staples...as well as the seasonal vegetables. Seafood such as crap, shrimps, clams & oysters are available, too. Rich or Noodles are available for carb lovers but I guarantee you - you will not want to be filled with those when you have so many other choices...

Pls Note: there are no real "rules" for eating Shabu-Shabu. Your Choice, your way all the way. You are your own chef. Just cook what you want, when you want, and enjoy it the way you want...


Shabu-Shabu has become one of my MOST FAVE types of food to eat in Taipei... I always welcome guests for a great excuse to make a nite of it... I really love having it, not because I eat a lot, though I do -- but because of all the little choices that comes with having it.... meat... veggies... seafood.... desserts (fruits, pudding, & different flavor Ice Cream by MEIJI, Japan) ... drinks.... only $10.00US per person...and the BEST part, NO TIME LIMIT!!!!

Recently was able to enjoy a Shabu-Shabu feast dinner with Todd, his GF & David at the neighborhood Shabu Shabu place, Hen Ji Shabu Shabu.

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Shabu-shabu is sooooo POPULAR in Taiwan - there was even a POP song of the same name, that became a HIT !!!

A Nite with Peter Rabbit

Finally got around to posting these photos on Flickr... have I been that busy???

A Wonderful Dinner Treat by Juliana, at this quaint little themed restaurant - tucked away in the back streets of Chung Hsiao East Rd.. it is actually my second time but Juliana wanted to take DAVID as he missed out on the experience our first trip there.. My first time dining there - I did not have my digi cam with me so I missed out on documenting the experience...t his time out - I came prepared and took a lot of photos..... The business card above is in Chinese... sorry no English translation... and though they may have started out as a vegetarian restaurant - one can actually select from a few meaty meals... whatever is fresh that the chef can get for the day....

It seems that the proprietress/chef Love's and is a BIIIG FAN of Peter Rabbit - hence, the whole restaurant decorated with so much Peter rabbit memorabilia... The restaurant has been around for a few years now... and their clientele has grown so much... through word of mouth... rightly so as the FOOD is really well made - fresh & tasty, beautifully presented, and the set meals nicely priced.

It was such a nice experience.... and one of the BEST KEPT SECRET of Taipei themed dining that is perfect for a fun nite out with friends and/or family........

SATISFIED FOODIES!!!

Aternoon Tea: English Style in Taipei

Last week was such a busy week for us with work, work and more work - I was not ableto keep up too much with my blogging... even forgotten about our Tea Time Experience at Rose House till I was reminded by a friend who saw my flicker album on the whole experience... Not to say that it was not good... on the contrary it was lovely, as lovely as they come... I would even say that it would rival the ones I have had in some of the finest places in London....

I have seen the Rose House tea shop/cafe all over Taipei... it is a chain shop located in some of the busiest places in the city... One look at the logo and you right away would think of a chi-chi place to be and right off the bat - upon entering - you know you are in for a treat with the place's frilly interior: bone china in antique style wooden cabinets; floral paintings hanging on the walls; floral motif draperies; and most especially, the quiet, relaxing ambiance the place exudes -- truly an English style experience in Taipei.

Rose House offers a wide variety of teas, coffees and drinks, Rose House's signature rose tea and fruit teas are very refreshing. Each are served in a lovely bone china setting... complete with sugar sticks, honey & a biscuit. Most people definitely come here for the tea but Rose House also offers a selection of sandwiches, and a bit of meat dishes... we opted for the afternoon waffles with our tea.

The servers are pleasant and are impeccably dressed to serve. And serve they do with big smiles on their faces. Very attentive with all your needs and are most eager to clear your table to make it a whole lot more neater for you.

So if you're looking for a quiet place for an afternoon cup of tea and a chat with friends and/or family Rose House is definitely a great choice. But if you are more into loud music blaring in the speakers and people conversing like they are speaking with someone deaf the I suggest you do not come here.... and I highly recommend the one we dined at, located in the MIRAMAR Mall:
ROSE HOUSE TEAROOM
at Miramar Mall
No. 20, Jingye 3rd Road, B1F
TEL: (02) 2175-3023
Hours: 11: 00 AM - 10: 00 PM