Muang Thai – Banawe, Quezon City

Address:: 494 Banawe St, Quezon City

Tel no: 7418696

This place has been in the area for more than  20years  already. And has been serving authentic and Affordable thai food since..

Catfish Salad- fish flossed fried till golden brown. Topped with julienne mango slices then doused with a thai inspired salad dressing that is both sweet and tangy.

Calamares with bagoong rice and pad thai-  Serving also rice meals where in you can taste different dishes in one plate. Everything on the plate was good, from the pad thai, to the calamari and of course their bagooong rice

Tom yum goong-  The famous thai sour/spicy soup. Perfect for the cold rainy days.  It loosen up the nasal passages with one sip:)

Chicken pandan- for me they still serve of the best version of chicken pandan in metro manila.  The marinade penetrates all the fibers of the chicken meat resulting in a sweet with hints of saltiness. The chicken is always cooked perfectly, still moist insde.

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

Chariya Thai Kitchen – Makati City

Address: 1766 N. Garcia former Reposo
Corner Milagros St.Makati City.
Tel No:(02) 382-16-16

Seating Capacity: 40pax

Parking: Street

One of my favorite Asian Cuisine aside from Japanese is Thai. I love how they use fresh ingredients and the right amount of spices to kick the taste buds up a notch. They also love using different herbs like Thai sweet basil, Lemon Grass, Galenggal. The newest Thai restaurant being this one in Nicanor Garcia.

Located in the spot where Soms used to be(the 2^nd Makati branch which closed down.) not the Rockwell branch.

The owner is also thai and is said to be related to the owner of Soms. According to a blog i read, they are cousins

The place is alfresco, No aircon. Good thing I got to dine here when the weather was very cool, it just rained. They maintained the old tables of soms, but they ipened up the area so that air would circulate thru out the whole restaurant.

On the Table:

Crispy Catfish Salad-(130) flossed catfish, deep fried, served on top of a green mango salad with a tangy dressing made from thai fish sauce, lime juice, sugar. The Catfish was fried to perfect crisp. The green mangoes sliced just right, not too thin and not too thick. The dressing was just perfect. Better than the ones at Soms, both in amount and in taste.

Pandan Chicken(140)- 5 pieces of Boneless Chicken pieces wrapped in Pandan Leaves then fried. Better than the ones at Soms. I didnt like the sauce here… it was too salty.

Squid in Garlic and Basil(140)- The squid was cooked correctly, Tender, not a challenge to eat, very good. The sauce was a nice blend of the sweet basil and garlic. Very fragrant.

Crab Fried Rice(130)- huge serving. Good for at least 3 people. The flaked crabmeat was evident in every spoonful.

Tom Yum Gung(140)- Spicy and sour. Right blend of these two taste. What was lacking here was a little more veggies. But the soup was delicious and warms the tummy on a wet rainy night.

Thai ice tea-I always order it in a thai restaurant and their version was good.

For my taste, this place has better food than SOMS.. to all SOMS lovers, try this place and see for yourself…