The Silfer Spot

March Time!

2010-03-10T15:17:00.001+08:00

Some things to expect (from me, for you) thisMarch 2010:

Gerry's Grill Tagaytay
Eat & Go
Eskimo Bob
The French Baker
and Many More!!!

*I had to reformat the laptop. It's been malfunctioning for days...and that is causing some delays so just bear with me...aight?

Banapple

2010-02-26T07:52:00.000+08:00

Finally! After three months of banapple craving, we finally made it! Last Saturday, the Manila Berks went to Il Terrazo in Tomas Morato for some good time. It was all our first time in Banapple and I bet we're all excited. The queue was long since the place is small so we waited...and waited...and waited...and waited more patiently. Good thing we got ourselves seated after 48 years. But like what Erika said, I'm proud to say that "It's worth the wait." I couldn't describe how awestruck we were as we got our orders served one by one. Just imagine how we looked when we started eating. I don't know if it's because of the long craving or there's really just magic in every bite of banapple.

I had herbed chicken and vanilla shake. someone had chicken sandwhich, another an alfredo pasta. the pies we had were strawberry, mise-reese and banoffee. Everything was delicious! Each bite stuffed with superb banapple goodness. And of course, banoffee pie was our obvious winner.

Would i go back to Banapple?
Is that even a question?!

Category: Deserts
Location/s:
(1) 206 & 225 Blue Ridge, Katipunan Ave, Quezon City
(2) Il Terrazo, Tomas Morato, Quezon City
Price: P100 - P300
Rating: 10/10

Mister Kabab

2010-02-26T07:33:00.001+08:00

To satisfy my week-old craving for something Mediterranean, Jimson and I went to UP-Ayalaland TechnoHub to dine at Mister Kabab. It's my first time to enter the Hub so I was very excited. Since we're both starving, we didn't waste much time and headed directly to the restaurant to get served. While waiting for our orders, we can't help but take notice of the place which looked less like mediterranean, or middle eastern, for that matter. We started to discuss how the place could have been made more gypsy-ish and how the walls should have been painted darker. The wood finish didn't seem to match either. Anyway...

The food came after a long wait. I had Beef Special Chelo Kabab (P135), which boasted a pure grilled beef flavor but nothing that got me jumping off my seat. 'Son had Beef Beryani P140, which is actually just a curry that smelled and tasted really really good. We didn't get to taste other food on the menu but here's something we enjoyed...shakes! MK's Mango Shake (P40) is one of the best I have tasted by far. One sip and you'd know they got it right. The yogurt shake (P45) wasn't bad either. Although I wouldn't recommend it to those who are not used to gulping unflavored yogurts. FYI: yogurts are curdled milk and to give you an idea how yogurt shake tastes, simply think of a semi-panis milk shake...and they got microorganisms! lol!

Now the question...Would i go back to Mister Kabab?
Probably when the waitresses become more friendly. Aaargh...Don't even get me started.

Menu* as of Feb. 2010
Vegetable - P60 to P100
Chicken - P75 to P130
Beef - P75 to P140
Lamb - P160-P190
Fish - P85-P130
Dessert - P30-P40

*The entrees are quite lengthy and i don't think it wise to write them all so there's an overview. Plus there are far too many words that i haven't experienced all my life until MK. Hommus, motabal, flafel, korma, beryani, keema, abghoust, keshmeshy, femy, harissa...can someone explain them please?!

Category: Mediterranean
Locations:
(1) West Ave, Quezon City
(2) UP-Ayalaland Technohub, Diliman, Quezon City
Price: P200 - P500
Rating: 7/10

Red Mango

2010-02-25T08:37:00.000+08:00

Soft ice cream out, frozen yogurt in. Red Mango is in! I always had double thoughts on entering Red Mango. I thought it's the froyo version of haagen dazs but apparently not. The place looked expensive. The bar looked flashy. The few people inside were too classy. I don't know where I got that information but Red Mango wasn't as expensive as I thought. It just came as an experiment, we were hesitant to enter at first but it was kinda relieving to see the menu. A good serving of all-natural froyo starts at P80. Just add P5 if you want them flavored (green tea or strawberry available). What i like about Red Mango is their good variety of toppings. Aside from fresh fruit pieces, they also have crushed chocolate, almond, banana nut crunch, and fruity pebbles to name a few.

I enjoyed my first Red Mango on a comfy bean bag in a cozy corner. Healthy has never been this fun. The cashier also gave us a free RM pin which is now displayed at Rica's badminton bag. So cool!!

Now the question...Would i go back to Red Mango?
You bet!

Menu as of Feb. 2010 - SM MOA (Prices are not accurate and may differ based on location)
Small* - P80/P85
Medium* - P115/P120
Large* - P150/P155
Family* - P220/P225
Yogurt on Shaved Ice (with 3 toppings) - P125
Blueberries n' Cream Waffle - P85
Banana Almond Waffle - P85
Hot Coffee/Tea - P75-P90
Iced Coffee/Tea - P95-P125
Frozen Yogurt Blenders - P125
*Toppings(1/2/3) - P20/P30/P40

Category: Deserts
Price: P100-P200
Rating: 9/10

Don Henrico's

2010-02-25T08:25:00.005+08:00

One of my favorite restaurants! Expect this to be biased. It just so happened that I really (heart) Don Hen. Not only do they serve a great dining experience, they serve great great great food! Did I just say great? My favorite branch is in SM Mall of Asia where the staff is so overwhelmingly accomodating. It also has a better ambience since it's not as clogged as the Baguio branches. For starters, I would suggest their combo meals (which are not available in Manila branches). Now if you're in the Metro, you wouldn't want to miss their pizza. You wouldn't go wrong with any choice.

My personal favorite on the menu is the Italian Bratwurst Calzone(P280), a feast of sausage, garlic, mushroom, onion, tomato, and oozing cheese enclosed in baked pizza dough. Add up a perfect serving of Oven Baked Potato overflowing with melted cheese (P110) and Homestyle Onion Rings that taste more onion than breading (P145). They also serve good pasta and better salads. In fact it took me a day just to get over their Chicken Fingers Salad (P195/P370) I haven't tasted any of their entree meals nor their gorgeous desserts though. I would love to but they're a bit too pricey for me.

Now the question...Would i go back to Don Hen?

Oh c'mon, haven't you read the first sentence?!

Menu as of Feb. 2010 - SM MOA (Prices are not accurate and may differ based on location)

STARTERS

Homestyle Onion Rings - P145

Oven Baked Potato- P110

Baked Mussels - P175

Calmari Fritti - P175

Fried Mozzarella Cheese - P175

Crispy Chicken Tender - P195

Nachos Muchos - P240

SALADS

Caesar Salad - P160/P280

Romano Chicken Caesar Salad - P195/P370

Shrimp Kebab Caesar Salad - P195/P370

Chicken Fingers Salad - P195/P370

Oriental Chicken Salad - P195/P370

Four Seasons Salad - P240/450

SOUPS

French Onion Soup - P75

Clam Chowder - P75

PIZZAS

Don Henrico's Classic - P280/P540/P790

Seafood Pizza - P280/P540/P790

Rustic Italian- P270/P520/P760

Bacon Mushroom Cheeseburger - P270/P520/P760

Extreme Mushroom - P270/P520/P760

All Meat Pizza - P260/P490/P720

ENTREES

Chicken Farm - P260

Oven Fried Chicken - P260

Chicken Cordon Bleu - P260

Fishand Chips - P260

Oven Grilled Ribs - P195/P360

Paella Valenciana - P180

Don Henrico's Famous Buffalo Wings - P370/P560/P720

Captain Crunch Chiken

PASTA

Seafood Diavolo - P280/P530

Scampi Pasta - P280/P530

Baked Seafood X.O. Pasta - P280/P530

Pasta Alle Vongole - P240/P460

Chicken Pesto - P240/P460

Gorgonzola Pasta - P280/P530

Baked Ziti - P280/P530

Meat Lasagna - P245

Anchovy & Roaste Garlic Pasta in Olive Oil - P220/P420

DESSERTS

Tiramisu - P160

Blueberry Cheesecake - P160

Oreo heesecake - P160

Dulce de Leche - P160

Dark Truffle Cake - P130

Perfect Double Chocolate - P130

Category: Italian

Locations:

(1) Session Road, Baguio City

(2) LGF, SM City Baguio

(3) 574 Pedro Gil St., Ma

(4) Toledo Commercial, Tomas Morato cor. Scout Limbaga St., Quezon City late, Manila

(5)West Avenue cor. Examiner St., Quezon City

(6) The Brick Road, Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, Cainta, Rizal

(7) Ground Level, North Wing, Entertainment Mall, Mall of Asia, Pasay City

(8) 2nd Level near Bridgeway Entrance, Filinvest Festival Supermall

(9) 2nd Level, The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City

Price: P200 - P500

Rating: 10/10 (for masarap!)

Sunshine Lunch

2010-02-25T08:21:00.001+08:00

This is one of the oldest restaurants in the city. Founded by a Chinese merchant named Liu Ki in 1950's, it claims to be the first in commercially serving the infamous "siopao" to Baguio residents. They were originally sold for 0.5 cents each. Now they cost around 45 Pesos which is not really that bad. As for the taste, I didn't really find anything magical with it. I'm sorry I'm just not a fan of siopao. We also ordered miki-bihon pansit to pair with our white meat-filled fluffs. It's delicious but like their siopao, it didn't get me jumping off my seat either.

What got my attention were the little trinkets they sell at the counter. I found some haw flakes, tootsie rolls, and marie biscuits to name a few. If you grew up in the 90s, you'll enjoy these little treats that would give you a flashback of your childhood days.

The place gave me an impression of its old glory, when the city wasn't overcrowded and fastfood hasn't arrived yet. But the restaurant stood against the competition and that is really admirable. As for now, we can only wish for the best for Sunshine Lunch.

Now the question...Would I go back to Sunshine Lunch?
Maybe for those 90s stuff.

Category: Chinese, Filipino
Location: Malcolm Square, Baguio City
Price: less than P200
Rating: 5/10

Sharjo's Imbiss n Cafe

2010-02-25T08:15:00.002+08:00

I was with Ahyen during the second day of my Baguio escapade when we found this new food shop inside Porta Vaga. Sharjo's is one of those cutesy stalls that serve both Italian and Filipino dishes. The place is not really attractive at first glance but I'll give it to them for their food presentation. We were quite full and were supposed to taste only their bolognese but we ended up grabbing those feisty turons as well. Both of them looked and tasted pleasing. I haven't seen and tasted turon as good as in Sharjo's - blended perfectly with langka strips and caramellized sugar coating.

Okay, so much for the turon. I must say I was also impressed with their red pasta. Define pasta. Define tomato. You'd know they got it right! Yum yum! Aside from pasta and some kakanins, they also serve rice viands and various drinks which i couldn't even remember. It only means I ought to go back and update this entry. I just hope they'll start improving their place.

Now the question...Would i go back to Sharjo's?
Probably. Hopefully...when they get to improve their place.

Category: Italian, Filipino
Location: 3rd floor, Porta Vaga Mall, Baguio City
Price: less than P100
Rating: 5/10

Cucinino

2010-02-25T08:12:00.002+08:00

This is one of the new mini-food stops located inside the third floor of Porta Vaga mall in Baguio City. What drew me near to this place is their unbelievable prices. They serve really good and presentable pasta from P57-P60. They also have a daily special which costs P70. Instead of garlic bread, they serve the pasta with delicious panini. For those who don't know, panini is a kind of bread which is made of wheat, slightly unleavened, but really tasty. I also heard that they serve heavenly silvanas. I didn't get to taste that since it was out of stock during my visit

And it doesn't end there. If you're feeling like you want it all-naturale, you've got to try their honey mint tea. the logic is simple. hot water + pure honey + mint leaves. Talk about fragrant real tea for P25! If you wouldn't go for that (like most people i know), you can try their other tea variants or brewed coffee or the ~~boring~~ classic iced tea. Grab 'em all good for a price that's good for your wallet

Now the question...Would i go back to Cucinino?
Absolutely! I would love to try all their pasta and grab those silvanas.

Category: Italian
Location: 3rd floor, Porta Vaga Mall, Baguio City
Price: less than P100
Rating: 9/10

Volante

2010-02-25T08:07:00.001+08:00

Volante is one of the most famous pizza hubs in Baguio City...and...hmmm... *writer's block*

Well...I just realized there are too many write ups for Volante! Can i just give you the links?
I just wanted to share how grateful I am for the free wifi. lol.

Would I go back to Volante?

Yes.

Category: Italian, American
Locations:
(1) Session Road, Baguio City
(2) G/F SM City Baguio (beside Mcdonald's)
Price: P200-P500
Rating: 8/10

Nong Shim Shin Ramyun

2010-02-22T03:13:00.002+08:00

Instant Korean noodles are perfect for cold Baguio mornings.
Aju masisseosseoyo!

Magdaragat - Dampa sa Pinas

2010-02-22T02:57:00.002+08:00

As part of my post-birthday celebration, our whole family went to Magdaragat Seafood & Restaurant in Dasmariñas, Cavite. It's my first time to be here and I wasn't disappointed. The place is actually a compound of restaurants serving seafood dishes to their customers. The thing is that these restaurants do not have stocks of frozen seafood. They have to be bought fresh from the wet market located at the middle of the compound, and then have them cooked to whatever style you want. The obvious advantage of this is that you'll be able to choose your parts and pieces. No need to worry if you have a fresh salmon or the biggest shrimp, you get to pick them and have them cooked in the restaurant of your choice.

As for us, we chose to be safe. Since my mom has been there a couple of times already, we had her choose which restaurant should cook our lovely shrimps, squids, and clamshells. She chose Calauit, which acording to her, serves delicious buttered garlic shrimp. We even had time to sing videoke (for free!) as we wait for our fresh seafoods to be served. And a few minutes after, lo and behold, we had the masterpieces before us. aside from the (very) delicious buttered garlic shrimps, we also had sinigang na hipon, crispy calamares, and the yummy cheesy baked tahong. I have never enjoyed a seafood fest like this!

Don't come here if you're expecting to get served within the first 15 mins. It doesn't take much common sense to understand why. And to be fair, i wouldn't comment on the restaurants within the compound where i haven't been. So for Calauit, hmm...I cannot say anything negative on their cooking, but they gotta improve on the place. Other restaurants look better than the one we chose, but I bet some of them don't cook as good as the one we had. Or not. I really can't say. A lot of things are yet to be proven. Why don't you try it yourself and let me know. Deal?

Now the question...Would i go back to Magdaragat?
Definitely! I would love to check how the other restaurants do it.

Category: Filipino,Seafood

Location: Governor's Drive, Brgy. Langkaan, Dasmariñas City, Cavite
Price: P200-P500
Rating: 8/10

Banchetto!

2010-02-22T02:37:00.003+08:00

One of the most awaited events in Ortigas during Friday nights is the opening of Banchetto. I was personally excited since it's my 22nd birthday and I celebrated it with my super awesome friends in this super awesome place. Banchetto, (Italian) n. a feast, is a weekly street food tiangge happening along F. Ortigas Jr. Ave (aka Emerald Ave) that offers "a diferent ambience, a unique concept, and an awesome dining experience." It starts from 12 midnight until 11am of Saturday, however, some stalls open at 10pm or 11pm of Friday.

Most of the people who come here are young professionals from all over the Metro, releasing stress from the week that was. It's also a good place to bring along family and friends. The mere sight of pleasantly inviting foods is overwhelming. The variety of food is pretty commendable, as you can choose from fishballs to kwek kwek to bibingka to crepes to sushi to sea foods to liempo rice meals to half pounder burgers to sandwiches to pasta to veggie salads to cakes to pastries to fruit shakes to things that i couldn't even classify.

And did i mention that they are fairly inexpensive? Rice meals (with viand) and various pasta dishes are sold from P40. Sushi packs range from about P70-P120. Fresh personalized salad is about P70-P100. Delicious stuffed squid is P80. Personal cakes start from P60. I could go on like this forever, only if I know the price of everything. I guess all else is for you to find out.

Banchetto is truly a haven for a foodie like me. Although I wouldn't advise that someone get there alone, that's social suicide. And besides, foods taste best when they are shared. What we usually do with my friends is that we all buy different stuff and share them with each other with the spirit of a real fiesta. That way, we're all able to taste everything and enjoy each one's company.

Just a piece of advise if you're planning to go here. Don't wear uncomfortable clothes and footwear. Expect that you'll be walking for most of the time and that you might end up eating on the bleachers due to lack of tables and chairs. Take extra precaution on your wallets and gadgets since the aisle where you'll be walking will always be filled with people.

Now the question...Would i go back to Banchetto?
You bet! I'm yet to taste a lot more. See you on Saturday!

Category: Mixed
Location: along F. Ortigas Jr. Ave (aka Emerald Ave) from 12:00am - 11am of Saturday
Price: Below P200

Rating: 10/10 (for sulit!)

Army Navy Burgers & Burritos

2010-02-22T02:01:00.006+08:00

"What will it be today? Burger... Burrito... Both?" These words can be found on Army Navy's tarp-advert along SM North Edsa's Sky Garden.

If your looking for burgers that don't taste like fastfood, you might wanna try it here. For starters, i would suggest the classic burger with Libertea, their signature iced tea. That would cost you a little around P200. Not bad for a quarter-pounder beef patty with fresh tomato, lettuce, and onion in a toasted sesame seed kaiser bun. Mayo & ketchup are optional, as they can be claimed from the counter. But if you feel like stuffing yourself with too much protein, you can always get their Bully Boy Burger. You'll get three quarters worth of a pound of beef, and if that's not enough, order some extras to put in your (almost lethal) bunwich.

Now for their burritos, you can choose from chicken, beef, pork, or something named "breakfast burrito". And did i mention that they also serve an all-veggie burrito? That's good news for those health-conscious individuals who can't stand the taste of succulent meat. Aside from burritos, they also serve chicken, fries, and some tacos.

I really enjoyed my first Army Navy experience in Tagaytay but my next visits weren't as fulfilling. I started to realize that there's really nothing so special here aside from the black sesame seeds (which makes it kinda cool). Their iced tea sure tastes different but I've tasted better ones and I think I'd rather have Sola. Burgers & burritos are ok, but not the fries and the soft tacos. Onion rings are more starch than onions. Haven't tasted their chicken though so no comment on that.

The Menu (prices are not accurate)

Burger - 135

Double Burger - 185

Bully Boy Burger - 235

Freedom Fries - 50

Onion Rings - 60

Soft Tacos (Chicken/Steak/Pork) - 135 to 155

Burritos (Chicken/Steak/Pork/Breakfast) - 135 to 155

Libertea - 45 to 55

Milkshakes - 99

Fearless Fried Chicken - N/A

Now the question...Would i go back to Army Navy?

Sure go for burgers/burritos but not for anything else. By the way, their burgers taste better with more ground pepper! Try it!

Category: American

Location/s:
(1) Magallanes Square, Tagaytay City (beside Yellow Cab)
(2) SM North Edsa Sky Garden (near the Persian Restaurant)

(3) 2/f Glorietta 5, Makati

(*) Dela Rosa (Solaris One), Alabang, and The Fort soon to open
Price: P200-P500
Rating: 6/10

Mann Hann & Mannang

2010-01-25T11:18:00.007+08:00

Ok I might have been [very] late, but i just recently discovered that Mann Hann is now serving Pinoy food with their sister brand, Mannang. I was at Mall of Asia yesterday with my high school friend, and when I asked her what she wants to eat, the words "Ginataang kalabasa sa Mann Hann!" effortly slipped through her mouth. Unsure of what she said, I had to ask twice, and slowly now. "Ginataang kalabasa? Mann Hann? Sure ka? Kailan pa?" The last time I ate at Mann Hann I'm sure it's all Chinese.

Mann Hann is one of the fastest growing Chinese restaurants in the Metro. Opening it's first spot on September 1994, they have now spread to several major locations in Metro Manila and in Baguio City. They originally served fast Chinese food with another sister restaurant, Mann Yann, until they opened a new franchise, Mannang, in 2004. Mannang serves authentic Pinoy food and (i think) can only be found on Megamall and MOA.

So I wasn't wrong at all. Technically, Mann Hann and Mannang are two different restaurants. From what I know, these two sit adjacently on SM Megamall A. However, they appear to be one store in MOA, so you could order Chinese and Filipino cuisine at the same time. Since it's my first time to try Mannang, we didn't eat anything Chinese. And since there are only two of us, we didn't have the chance to order that much. We ended up being served with lechon kawali, ginataang kalabasa, garlic rice, and a liter of iced tea.

iced tea and lechong kawali

Everything would have been perfect, if only the our order wasn't mishandled. We had to call the manager's attention to get our food served. So after 30 minutes of food-gazing, we finally got our order with a handful of apologies from the manager, only to realize that our order slip was misplaced. But we are keeping a promise to get a discount when we come back. Not bad after all, especially while eating. The food was rather pleasurable. It's been a long time since I ate ginataang kalabasa and theirs is classic. Buti na lang masarap ang pagkain nila, or else I wouldn't go back.

Now the question...Would i go back to Mann Hann/Mannang?

Yes, I'll surely go back with my discount.

Category: Chinese, Filipino

Price: P200-P500

Rating: 9/10

Now Brewing!

2010-01-25T04:10:00.012+08:00

We love to eat. We love to travel. We love to discover new things. And so I thought, why not put them into writing. This blog will showcase all that...and more. I'll put my best effort to write about what I eat, where I go, or just about anything interesting. I'll write about fishballs, ice cream, dinuguan, pasta and feisty caviars. I'll write about the suburbs of Quiapo, Sagada, Tokyo, and New York. I'll write about the latest gadgets and the newest social networking site. I'll write about life!

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** Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes...

** How do you measure a year in the life?

** Watch out for the opening of silfer 365 on January 29, 2010. See you soon!

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