Thai Patio Greenbelt 5 – Makati City.. a tale of two thai restaurant

Address: Ground floor Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center Makati City

Tel no: (02) 7290742; 7290650

Here we are the newest Thai Restaurant in the City. One of my friends was craving thai so i suggested this place because i havent tried it yet. It came from the same group that brought us, Oliver super sandwiches, Max Brenner, Haagen Daz, Madison Grill.. I love most of the restaurants so i have high expectations of this place.

The interiors were nicely done, mostly white, the seats where made of plastic loking very unergonomic, but once seated, it was comfortable. Not much people in this place..hmm..a bad sign??

on the table

Assorted Deep Fried Thai spring rolls(Chicken, Vegetable, Prawn and Crab)- P450.. hmm.. i was expecting to get at least 2 pieces of each for the price.. but lo and behold, we got one of each, decorated with deep fried basil leaves(which i enjoy munching) the serving size was indeed very small, now i was a little skeptical of the things to come..

Trio of Fish, Prawn, Corn Cakes with Cucumber Salsa(P320)-  this was a bit better, though the Corn cakes were a bit dry, the Shrimp Cake in Lemon grass skewer was the highlight of this dish

Green Mango Salad with Crispy Catfish(320)- The catfish gave an oily aftertaste and it wasnt too crispy, it absorbed too much of the dressing.

Red Roasted Duck Curry with Lychee and Grape(P440)-  the curry here was exceptional, nice consistency, great taste, the duck slices however are miniscule. THe lychee and grapes fave a nice contrast to the dish.

Grilled Giant Prawns with Chili Jam, Lemon Grass and Fresh Mint sauce (P495)- hmm.. Whatever do they mean by giant? i purposely have my spoon alongside the supposedly giant prawn and it was about the same size, i could get bigger prawns at DAMPA.. the dish itself was undercooked,  the sauce was refreshing though.

Fried Rice noodles with Seafood(P385) - this dish was ok, the only seafood i found here was cuttlefish and mussels

Fried rice with crabmeat(p250)- this dish is a filler for tummies but then again, with the small servings, we werent full.

Thai ice tea(P120)- in the menu the prices of the drinks arent indicated.  i wonder why,..because it was too expensive?? nothing great here…

Because my friends werent satisfied, we headed to Chariya Thai Kitchen

on the Table

Tom Yum Soup-(P140)- with 3 pieces of prawns a lirrle bit smaller than the supposedly “giant” prawns of Thai Patio. Heat was well balanced. Sourness tones just right,

Crispy Catfish Salad(p130)- flaked, Still crispy even when doused with teh dressing, meaning they used just the right amount..

Pad Thai w Shrimp(P150)- not as good as the one in Benjarong but still better than Soms.. good amount of tofu, chicken, egg and Shrimp.

Bagoong Rice(P120)- this was good excpet for the sweet pork that came with it, it was tough! the bagoong was not overpowering.

Green Curry Beef(150)- i was a bit hesitant in ordering this, thinking the beef might be tough, well, i was wrong, it was soft and tender, the green curry was also good.

Fried tilapia Fillet with Tamarind sauce(P120)- Presented as a whole big tilapia, filleted and cut in cubes, fried to crisp yet soft and juicy inside. The sauce is good if  only it wasnt too thick.

SO this conclude the tale of two restaurant, The first trying to be elite and be at the pinnalce of Manila’s Thai dining establishment, but in my opinion failing at that, the other one, humble and meek yet winning against the giant..

I love eating and i consider people who love to eat as my friends so i posted this as soon as i can as a warning to foodies out there who loves trying out new restos.  Be careful of those restos who have lavish set up and charges very high prices.  A lot of times they are not worth it. Do i regret eating at Thai Patio? well, i charge everything to experience, and i hope that i help some of you to avoid this place and places like this. Thats enough already for me as a consolation. Happy holidays everybody. God Bless us all.

Dusit Thani Hotel – Makati City

Address: Ayala Center, Makati City

TEl NO: (02)8673333

Buffets have been around the country for a very long time, the most popular being the ones started by the Triple V group, which consist of Kamayan, Dads, Saisaki, then a lot of hotel restaurant have upgraded their buffets to have live cooking stations so we are assured of getting freshly prepared food.

One of the hotels with the most number of dining outlets is this 5 star hotel in Makati. Dusit Thani.

Having a wide array of choices, from the ultimate in Thai Cuisine, Benjarong, to the two of the upcoming great restos in their own cuisine. UMU for japanese and TOSCA for italian, Plus the international cafe BASIX they also have Fiesta San Miguel, which serves the best beers in town,

I was very intrigued by the (Family Sunday Brunch) Crossover buffet they are offering. Imagine, 4 hotel restaurants serving their items all at the same time for only P1450 all in.

To those who want to avail of the buffet, here is my story about it.

Process-

Patrons are to register at the lobby, near the Fiesta San Miguel area, then you will get a tag(that looks like a ride all you can from enchanted kingdom,) which will give you the go signal to go to all the buffet stations of all the restaurants

Station

- there are four stations, namely the 4 restaurants. YOu have to choose where you want to be your base station. I prefer UMU for its laid down atmosphere and very spacious interios

Umu Dishes-

This is where we started. THe Sushi and maki bar, the also serve trhis dish which i thought was cubed salmon but later on realiuzed it was ebiko in in cubed form, which was good actually. THe maki weres also nice, ver nice japanese rice used.

Umu- grill station..

various yakiniku prepared in front of you. also available is the delectable GINDARA teppanyaki.. melts in your mouth, the sauce penetrating the fillet . yummy

The grill skewers were also very good,

the beef was tender, the chicken succulent, the chicken sakin was well.. fattening. If u can see in the pic, i also got a fried lapu lapu collar bone, this was a loetdown cause it was over cooked and dry.

THe beef sukiyaki was heavenly, thinlly siceld well marbled beef, tender tender tender:)

The Tempura Station

was dishing out HUGE prawm tempuras, the coating was light and delicious:)

Next stop-Benjarong,

- THis is the restaurant Dusit is most proud of. With their Executive chef really hands on with the food here. Everything is prepared according to the strict standards of the chef. Food here is not as spicy as the usual Thai restaurant, but you can have it cooked to as spicy as you want it to be.

Here is the chef in action

cooking the PAd Thai was you order it, and believe me , it was fantastic, Just the right amount of all the ingredients…you can ask her to adjust the level of spicyness.

Benjarong- There is also a fried food station

which served arguably the best Shrimp Pancake in town, crispy on the outside, moist and juicy in the inside

Next Stop- Tosca= For me, the best new italian restaurant in the city. They serve bottmless sparkling wine which u can add mango juice and make it to a bellini.. refreshing

Pizza Station-

serving freshly prepared single size italian pizzas, Chewy crispy outer crust, topping u can choose from there.

Tosca- Risotto Station-

Two kinds of Risotto , cooked in front of you. Asparagus and Shrimp /Zuchinni(too bad walang mushroom). THe italian chef was looking at the way his sous chef was cooking. So Rest assured of the quality.

THe shrimp and zuchinnis

was a little was a little wet but the asparagus was perfect. Creamy and cooked al dente.

Tosca- they also have a grill station with different seafood and meat, i chose the sea bass which was just excellent. Grilled perfectly, seasoned well, a few more pieces of this and the 1450 price tag is already worth it..:)

Tosca- other items on the tosca spread

are the different smoked salmon, ribs, fish(overcooked) and a pasta station as well

Next Stop-Basix-

trying to be at par with the other live station buffet restaurant such as Circles, Paseo Uno etc. They have different Stations as well, Roast Station, Dimsum, MAke your won Taco Station, Shawarma Station, Chinese Station, Grilled Station, Crepe Station Etc ETc

Here is the chinese STation,

where the chef will makew you a duck roll, i was intrigue by their use of Melon Slivers instead of the usual cucumber slices. It was good.. nice contrast…

Basix- freshly cooked curry prawns

skewers whic are excellet\nt, fresh ingredients. Good flavor. ONe letdown though teh Roast Beef, it was cold, and overcooked.. sayang.. but i think this is just an off day..

Now for Desserts:

Tosca: Flourless Chocolate Cake-

Topped with Vanilla Ice cream. Cooked in a turbo brioler, i had my doubts, but once u get a spoonful… wow… i am not a chocolate lover but this one is good. Beside it ia creme Brulee.. it was okay..

Other Dessert Offering-

this beautiful plate of flan with a shot glass with mixed fruits in a fragrant syrup. It was beautiful and taste good. Next plate is addorted goodies like mango crepe pouches, Chocolate comething and flan with fruits

Last Plate: Mango Crepe

topped with Vanilla SAuce and Strawberries

Drinks- drnks are included, here in UMU you will be served with Greentea which they brew in house themselves, Tosca has the sparkling wine, Benjarong and Basix have their own ice tea conconctions..:)

What can i say about the experience- it was a revelation all the restaurants have a complete offering, meaning from appetizer to soup to salad to main courses and desserts.

for 1450 all in, it was worth it. My choices(not to be missed) are the Sea Bass, THe Pad Thai, Tempura, Sukiyaki,Gindara Teriyaki, Shrimp Pancakes, Prawn Spring Roll, Pizza, Risottos, Smoked Salmon, Tom Yum Goong, Flourless Chocolate Cake

Some interesting notes: Dusit has a lot of offerings this coming Holiday season

Chritmas eve dinner for each of the outlet UMU 8 course Kaiseki for 3,700. Benjarong 5 course for 1850net, Tosca 4 fourses for 2250, BASIX for 1600net .and Christmas day crossover brunch for 1600 net, a little more expensive but with added surprises..

New year Countdown crossover buffet- for P3800 net, aside from the crossover buffet, u get unlimited open bar drinks and entertaiment coutesy of the New Minstrels so u can celebrate in style and welcome 2009 with a happy stomach:)

Inquire at 02-8673333

Excellente Ham – Quiapo

Address: Carriedo area, 155-157 Palanca St. Quiapo.

Christmas is just around the corner and one of the gift to give and gift you will receive would be HAM…

Ham… Described as the meat form a pig(pork) usually taken from the thigh and rump(near the butt) of the said animal, Cured in salt or sugar to preserve its meat. and add a lot of flavour..

One of the best ham for me available here in the philippines comes from a small stall in Quiapo.. Aptly named Excellente ham

i know, i know there a re people out there that would say they like Majestic or Adelinas or Plaza Ham, well, the four of them are really on top of their game when it comes to Philippine Ham industry.

Why do i like excellente? Well, i like the taste, not too salty, not too sweet, THe marbling on the meat is just about right.

How do i eat it? i usually pan fry it to get it heated up(i dont like cold food that much) and  crisp up the fat.  Pour the sauce over and reduce it up a bit/ SErve with eggs-over easy.:)

Museum Cafe

Address: Greenbelt 4, Makati Ave.
Makati City
Tel: (02) 757-6000
(02) 757-3000

Operating hours: 10am to 8pm

Sunday Brunch or Breakfast and lunch is becoming one of the trends this year. A lot of restaurants are offering this already, Even hotels have join like Edsa Shang(paparazi and Senju), Makati Shang(Heat). amd Dusit(all 4 dining establishmants).

Heard a lot of raves about the Jazz Brunch of Museum Cafe so when the oppurtunity to try it came, i quickly grabbed it

The spread was placed in different areas of the resto. THeres a carving station where theres a choice of fish and steak, The different sections for appetizers, salads, breakfast food, waffle station, desserts, pastas. I was looking for a egg station but couldnt find it.

1st plate- Appetizer and salad-

good smoked salmon, good ceasar salad THe duck wrap was also nice. Dimsum and sushi was forgettable though

2nd plate– bec the duck was good i have to get a 2nd serving.

Also on the plate Egg benedict which i liked,they broiled the hollandaise sauce to created a brown layer which i enjoyed. Also on the plate is a slice of roaste beef.. a little dry and sone beef battered fish fillet… a little oily

3rd plate:

lightly steamed asparagus which holladaise sauce, soft boiled egg, chorizo slice amd tuna suhi

4th plate:  Laksa Soup,, Roast herb crusted salmon and another piece of beer battered fish fillet.

THe soup has the intense flavor of chilies, coocnut cream and asian spices. THe salmon was just so-so

5th plate– while walking around looking at what to eat, i saw them taking out a new slab of roast beef,

so i just have to get slices again, not more succulant and juicer….  came with 2 sauces, a reduced au jus and a creamy mushroon sauce

7th and 8th plate- desserts -

the have a make your own waffle station wherein u can have a choice of topping. They also have a chocolate fountain and different cakes.

Chef  SAu has left Musuem Cafe and was replaced by Chef Nurul , so the ala carte menu has changed a bit.  I have yet to try the new ala carte menu, there are some interesting things.

Sunday brunch here is relaxing, u can stay from 1030am to 3pm, prices are P780++…

What i want to try now is the sunday brunch of dusit wherein u can try all four restaurants(benjarong, Basix, Umu and Tosca) for 1450++ anyone who has tried this please give me a feedback. Thanks:)

Woori jib Korean Restaurant – Quezon City

Address:  107A Kalayaan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City

I have read a couple of blogs raving about this place in Kalayaan Ave in Quezon City.Literally meaning “our house”.  Aside from Chinese, Filipino and Japanese, Korean is one of the cuisine our family loves eating.  We used to frequent Korean restaurants in Malate and Makati not knowing that theres a good korean restaurant right here in QC.

Very big place with ample parking in front, @ levels, with several private function rooms for big family gatherings where in u are seated in very low tables.

Service is quite good, fast and attentive, the owners are also very nice koreans

On the Table

Assorted Appetizer(priceless)- Theres always a mélange of appetizers when you dine in a Korean restaurant. And the beauty here, u can ask for refills

Tofu Soup- a light soup, filled with diced tofu and some veggies. very warming to the belly to prepare it for the upcoming sumptous feast

Pork Belly(SAmjupsyal)- one of my fave things to order… pork bacon thickly sliced cooked in a iron skillet. sereved with veggies where u wrapped the pork in with some sesame paste, garlic chips and hot sauce

Lettuce and Sesame Leaf

Bibimbap- the quintessential korean rice topping dish, consisting of a lot, including different veggies, ground beef, hot bean past, and fried egg, served in a stoneware to keep the rice warm for a long time, be sure to mix everything before eating, i usually put a spoonful of the rice together with the grilled items before wrapping it in the lettuce leaf

Chapchae- glass noodles stir fried with lots of ingredients, the noodles soaking up all the flavor from the different viands.. yummy version here, one of the nest i have eaten. Noodles cooked just perfectly

Dumplings- this was just ordinary but for the price of 100 bucks, it was well worth it

Beef Short Ribs-- pardon for the pic.. it doesnt do justice to how tender, how well seasoned the beef was.. it was delicious

Korean Beef Stew– not the best kalbi ive tasted, but definitely a dish worht ordering, tender beef pieces.. the sauce has just the right amount of saltiness and sweetness

Pajeon- korean pancake, infused with lots of seafood pieces, moist and tasty, big slices, the sauce giving u a contrast of sour sweet and salty hues. yummy

Korean Beef Soup- the waiter desbride it as “bulalo” so we ordered it right away, well.. we were disappointed because it wasnt bulalo…

Bulgogi- heaping dish of beef sliices, marinated in soysauce, sugar etc… then bbqued  in the iron grill with lots of onions.

We were so happy to finally have eaten here, definitely a place we would return to. to lovers of korean food, give this place a try

Butter Diner – Cubao, Quezon City

Address: Shopwise Arcade, Gen. Aguinaldo Ave., Araneta Center

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Tel No: (02) 421-0030

Operating Hours: 6am to 2am

Located in the busy area of Cubao Quezon City, this little boast of having 30 kinds of flavored butter. The interiors are reminscent of an old amarican diners with the walls decored with comics.

I love the table top functional decor. The cute butter diner toaster which can be used to toast bread.

Service was fast and efficient.

THe menu might overwhelm you because they offer a lot of items and i mean a lot….

On the table

Eggs and bacon P89 4 pcs of bacon with 2 eggs, orderd scrambled here, but u can order it any style u want. – nothing special, the a little sloppy on the presentation.

Strawberry pancakes P120- stacked of 2 pancakes stuiffed with strawberries topped with whipped strawberry butter and drizzled with strawberry syrup. What killed the dish here was the strawberry syrup they use. it was too watered down, making the pancakes a little mushy, would have appreciated it more if they would just make their won and not used commercialized ones

Strawberry shake P130- hmmm– again, nothing extraordinary, Filling station in Makati still serves the best milk shake in town…

I love breakfast food.. even if the meal was not that great i would come back here to try the other items

Lulubelle – Powerplant Mall, Rockwell

More and more people have been putting up frozen yogurt stores.  Among the newest one is this baby from the people who brought us FIC(fruits in ice cream) which is for me the top local ice cream in town.

Yogurt is said to be healthier than regular ice cream, being les in fat, more calcium, friendly for lactose intolerant individuals, etc, etc..

Heres my take on Lulubelle

Location: A little out of place, its located on the corner of the top most floor of the mall, where the bowling alley used to be..

Basically two flavours, regular vanilla and strawberry, u can have it as a single flavor or combination.

u can also make a smoothie out of it,  THey have assorted topping from cereals to dried fruits to fresh fruits and cany topping like chocolate, sprinkles, gummies. etc..

And if you dont eat yogurt, they also serve their FIC ice cream..

THe yogurt was okay, not as smooth as i would want it, i felt some ice crystals when i was eating this, but the taste itsled was fine, not too tangy as some frozen yogurt tend to be.

Focaccia Update

THis restaurant has been getting a lot of hits here on my site.  THe Chef has been accused to have stolen the recipe of Chef Chris of C italian and is doing the panizza without Chef Chris Permission.

I dont know what really happened.. i would like a reaction from the chef himself..if ever he does read about this blog and all the accusation against him.. oh well

i did like the food, not at par with c italian but for manila standards it worth another visit…

On the Table

Insalata Caprese-P200 slices of tomatoes, fresh mozzarela and basil, drizzled with olive oil. I am sad that the tomatoes we have here in manila are not as red and juicy s the tomatoes they have in other countries. Our tomatoes are usually pale and doest taste much. I do love the mozzarella they use, very soft, juicy… The salad could use  a splash of balsamic vinegar to give it more taste….

Spinach Artichoke dip P240.-  nothing extraordinary, served piping hot, the beauty here is that if u consumed all the bread, u can request for more at no additional cost.

Baked Canneloni P240-  tubes of pasta rolled with ground beef and cheese.  THe sad thing here, the dish is obviously not freshly prepared, its reheated in a microwave,. THe dish was heated unevenly.. that how i could tell, there are hot spot and cold areas in the dish… Bad…

Capelini Angela Shrimp pesto P340- A very hefty dish.. Good amount of Shrimps, nice pesto sauce, clinging to every strand of pasta, not too oily, and not too dry, just right.

Osso Buco P350 – Braised beef shank serve with fettucine pasta. THe shanks were braised in a red wine tomato sauce with hints of orange. Very fragrant. Any meat lover would love to devour the marrow served here. THe meat was tender and the flavour of the red wine, herb, tomatoes and orange seem to penetrate the meat.

Overall the dinner was good, not really super duper great…