Tucked inside San Juan’s Little Baguio, is a charming garden resto named Maimee’s Garden Café.

You can opt to dine in the air-conditioned area or the garden… Hubby and I chose to have dinner at the gazebo.

We ordered a bottle of wine and gambas for starters.  For our entrees we got the Boneless Barbeque (USDA) Short Ribs, Chicken Cordon Blue and Callos.

Gambas al Ajillo ( Php 320) - shrimps sauteed in olive oil, garlic, bell peppers, and dried chili flakes

Chicken Cordon Bleu (php 260) - Rolled chicken fillet stuffed with ham, cheese & herbs; served with mushroom gravy.

This was just so-so for me, as I found the chicken to be quite dry.

Boneless Barbeque Short Ribs (USDA) Php 390 - Grilled boneless beef short ribs basted in special marinade sauce.

This tasted really good, although some parts can be tough because of the ligaments.  The meat was very flavorful and the sauce really complemented it.  The yellow/java rice completes the dish.

This was my favorite!  Generous servings of tender tripe, sausages and garbanzos simmered in this deep flavorful sauce.  Yummy!

Fro dessert, we had Chocolate Cake drizzled with caramel and cherry syrup (php 120).-

Overall, it was a nice dining experience… Would definitely go back to try their other dishes.  

This would be a nice date place… and also a nice place for Mother’s date lunch or dinner.

Hong Kong is one of our favorite destinations, besides being near, it has something for everyone.  There’s Ocean Park and Disney for the kids, shopping for the trendsetters or bargain hunters and of course, lots of yummy food options for the food lovers.

And since summer is upon us, I am sure a lot of moms out there are already planning their HK itineraries… with this in mind, I would like to share with you my favorite dishes and restos in Hong Kong.

KO LAU WAN  HOT POT - 1/F, 21-23 Hillwood Road, Tsim Sha Tsui (They also have a branch in Jordan Hong Kong side)    

This is by far the best hot pot experience I’ve ever had.  None of the usual doughy squid balls or meatballs…

DELICIOUS KITCHEN - I go there just to have their pork-rib rice. Yum!                                                                                              

G/F 20-20A Ashley Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon (They also have a branch in Causeway Bay)

Pork Rib with Vegetable Rice

CHUK YUEN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT- My absolute fave Chinese Restaurant in Hong Kong.  They have seafood, dimsum and other yummy dishes     One meal in this resto is not enough… I love their dimsum, but the main dishes are worth going back for.    They also gave us free orange juice and fresh fruits for dessert:)    

Pacific centre, 28 Hankow Road,Tsim Sha Tsui

Steamed Spareribs

Fried Shrimp Salad

Pork Siomai with Roe

Stir Fried Soy Noodles - Kinda oily, but yummy

Yang Chow Fried Rice

Ox Brisket Curry - This is the bomb! Tender meat and tendon that melts in your mouth...perfectly complemented by the creamy curry sauce. Best accompanied by a bowl of steamed rice Super! Just writing about it now, is making me want to book the first flight to Hong Kong!

Pan-fried Turnip Cake with XO Sauce - Thumbs-up! Very Tasty!

Steamed Sharkfin Dumpling in Soup - Look at the size of that dumpling (compared to my spoon). The broth is rich and yet refreshing and the huge dumpling was full of mushrooms, sharksfin and pork. Perfect!

DIN TAI FUNG – The famous  Siao Long Bao from Taiwan is now in Hong Kong.            

Silvercord Branch -Shop 130, 3F, Silvercord, No.30, Canton Rd., Tsimshatsui          

The best Siao Long Bao! Just be ready for long lines during peak hours.

YUNG KEE - The best roast goose.  Better to have reservations or avoid going during peak hours, as you would have to wait a long time for a table…                                                                                                                                                                                         

32-40 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong

yummy Roast Goose

SUPERSTAR SEAFOOD -  4/F, Gateway, Harbour City (Above City’super food court), Tsim Sha Tsui

Hot & Sour Soup - I love this... Perfect balance of taste, not too sour.

Roast Duck

Beef with Broccoli

I cant remember the name but I really liked this. Dioffernt kinds of mushrooms...Yummy...

I cant remember the name too - but its a spicy squid dish... squid was cooked perfectly and not overcooked, liked this too.

CAFE LANDMARK - Looove their food…Plus its already inside Landmark mall!  Excellent service                                

1/F, The Landmark, 16 Des Voeux Road, Central

Pan Fried Foie Gras - My favorite... Its so flavorful, creamy and ... sensual... Perfectly sinful & heavenly at the same time!

U.S. Prime Rib-eye Steak Hubby loved it

Lobster Linguine - I am sooo craving this right now! Generous servings of lobster with linguine in creamy lobster sauce.

Now, for Cheap Eats/Quick Bites:

Tsui Wah - Best midnight snack after bar hopping                                                                                                                                            

G-2/F, 15-19 Wellington Street, Central (In case you miss it, they also have a branch inside the airport)

Beef Noodle Soup - The rich beefy broth is perfect for an after drinking snack.

Fish Ball Noodle Soup

City Super Food Court - They have rice meals & noodles… Also Indian, Japanese and Korean dishes                                     3/F, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, 18 Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui

Cafe de Coral - Large Chinese Fast food chain.  Serves breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner.                                             

Chinese and also Continental dishes. Rice Toppings, Steak, Milk Coffee etc.  Branches can be found all over Hong Kong.

Fastfood chain in Hong Kong

Typical breakfast

Barbecued pork rice

7/11 – They also have frozen food that you can just pop in the microwave

Hot Soup and curried fish balls - Can be a light afternoon snack or midnight snack

So there u go folks, a list of some of my fave restos in Hong Kong.  Happy Eating!

Good news for sushi and sashimi lovers!  You can now buy sushi by the piece!

Sushi & Sashimi stall inside the supermarket

price per piece

I recently stumbled upon this sushi and sashimi stall at Shopwise Libis.

sushi tray

You can choose from the wide array of fresh products from their chiller or have them make for you.    I chose salmon and tuna sashimi and I had them make special unagi sushi for me… yum!

ebi sushi

Salmon Sashimi

And they already come in attractive serving plates / containers

Party Trays are also available

Still thinking of what to serve for Christmas Dinner or what to bring for a potluck dinner?  Here’s a list of some places where you can order special and yummy dishes and desserts.   I also included my favorite food discoveries from the recently concluded Ultimate Taste Test. 

Pepitas (stuffed) Lechon - last years Ultimate Taste Test winner

Pepita’s Lechon de Leche -with different kinds of stuffing

Filipino – sisig rice or binagoongan rice

French – truffle mushroom rice

Chinese – chestnut & mushroom, machang

German – potatoes, herbs and roasted garlic

Christmas – rice, chestnuts & cashew

Hawaiian – w/ mango & pineapple

Contact: Dedet Santos - 4254605 / 0917-8660662

Sabroso Lechon

What makes Sabroso Lechon so fragrant and flavorful

Lechon by Sabroso – very flavorful!

Contact: 515 8253 / 515 8259 / 357 0659 / 0922 8416220  

5-hr roasted crispy Japanese Lechon  by The Specialty Kitchen

Contact: 09178911013; 2113993

Home Cooked Pates by Carol Jorge

Pate in Snowman jar - perfect christmas gifts. Even comes with a pate spreader.

Carol’s Home Cooked Pates – So rich & creamy…Yummy!

Contact: 0917-8955306 / 6723432

Smoked Salmon & Caviar

Bizu’s Smoked Salmon & Caviar - Comes with Melba Toast
(Size 5″ Diameter) 1,800

Contact: 812-6451 / 812-6027 / 893-4645

Deliciosos Caviar Pie

Delicioso’s Caviar Pie

Contact: 9100301 / 6873698 / 0917-8983619 /0926-4735264

Contis Baked Salmon

Baked Salmon by Conti’s –

Php995 – 1,495

Log on to their site: http://www.contis.ph/store-locator.asp

Pork Crown Roast

Bizu’s Pork Crown Roast - comes with a hearty stuffing of apples, chestnuts, and sausages.
14 piece ribs.  Good for approx. 15-20 persons.  5,800

Contact: 812-6451 / 812-6027 / 893-4645

Roast Turkey –with your choice of sides from The Commissary of  Margarita Fores

Each turkey weighs a minimum of 5.5 – 6 kilos and serves 20-25 persons.

Contact: Anna Lopez at 729-0030 or (0917) 513-8945 (lead time: 2 days)

Shrimp & Uni Pasta -Dulcelin

Delicate and luscious uni with shrimp on spaghettini noodles.  A must for Uni lovers.

Contact: 374-2165 / 3742167
36 Times St. West Triangle,Quezon City

One of my Favorites at the Ultimate Taste Test - Shrimp & Uni Pasta

Paella Negra

Paella Negra by Marge Sy

Soft, flavorful rice mixed with the freshest seafood and meat, topped with swirls of creamy lemon sauce.

Contact: 0918 945-8845

Risotto di Mare

Amici’s Risotto di Mare

Amici’s Risotto di Mare is served in their special party tray and loaded with fresh seafood. Amici can deliver your order straight to your doorstep, so this is a great, hassle-free way to prepare for Christmas dinner.

Contact: 747-1111 (lead time 24 hours)

Crab Sotanghon

Crab Sotanghon by King Crab

Serving crabs makes the meal more fun since everyone has to use their hands. In this dish, the fresh crabs are cooked in a pot with spices and sotanghon.

Contact:  7238820 /  7238821 /  723-8823

Best Birthday Misua Ive ever had, so flavorful and not greasy - discovered this at the Ultimate Taste Test.

Chinese Birthday Misua by Green Pigs Kitchen

Contact: 0917-8425659; 2160262; 2160267

Salt and pepper spareribs

Salt & Pepper Spareribs

P1,800 per tray food for 20 persons

Contact: Eleanor Ty of Kitchen Hobbies Cooking Center

7765373 /09088687473 / 09209204822

Chef Mitchie Sison’s Lasagna

P1,500 per order

Contact: Chef Mitchie Sison – 5198905 / 09178206435

Four cheese lasagna

Four Cheese Lasagna by Qitchen 

2,200

Contact: 721-5360 / 0917-8312238 / 0922-8380308

Chicken Galantina

P900/1.25 k chicken. It comes with a gravy or bechamel sauce.
Contact: Fely Evangelista of Mary’s Kitchen – 7114475 / 09053422227

Callos

P640 for 6-8 servings; P940 for 10-12 servings
Contact: Ditas Dizon of Geraldo’s – 09178465399 or email gersison2003@yahoo.com

Dulcelin Gourmet’s American Wagyu Tri-tip Tender and bursting with beef flavor - Served with Japanese Steak sauce or gravy.

P2,200.00.

Contact: 374-2165 / 3742167
36 Times St. West Triangle,Quezon City

Dulcelins Wagyu tri-tip

Dulcelin’s Hickory Smoked Pork Belly - Smoky Pork Belly with zesty Barbecue Sauce

P1,600.00

Contact: 374-2165 / 3742167

Cote de Boeuf USDA Rib Eye Roast Beef

USDA Rib Eye Roast Beef – Bizu 

Comes with an array of grilled vegetables and a tasty mushroom gravy.

Good for approx. 12-15 persons

Contact: 812-6451 / 812-6027 / 893-4645

Bagwang

Manila Q’s Bagwang  –  A combination of three pork favorites (kawali, bagnet and chicharon)

Contact: Cha Morados – 0917 835-8361. Email: cha@joaxingredients.com

Sirloin Steak and Saikoro - another UTT discovery

Sirloin Steak and Saikoro  from Mediado

Contact: 0915-6347272

assorted mini quiches from simply pie

Mini Quiches and Baby Pies from Simply Pie

I love their quiche lorraine, shrimp & garlic quiche and the quiche w/ spinach, feta and sundried tomatoes

Contact: 3412238 / 09228822194

www.facebook.com/simplypie

Foie Gras - Farah Ylagan – 722-4234, 0918-9264671

Lamb Lechon – Robert 0906-8404323

Fresh Seafood -  Mida Food Distibutors Inc.

They have Seabass,Halibut, Gindara, and Salmon.  Also Scallops, Crabs, shells, octopus, squid etc.  They now deliver, seafood products are packed in styro boxes.

Contact: 5240006 / 0917-8902327
Email: sales@midafood.com

La Comida – reasonably priced caterer, puto bumbong and bibingka

Contact: 4260471

Amber’s Pichi-pichi, pancit malabon, spaghetti, pork barbeque, fried chicken

Contact: http://www.amber.com.ph/

Flavored Taho by the bucket – 0917 – 814120o

Dimpys Frozen Brazo

Dimpy’s frozen Brazo – 843-8086

Karens frozen brazo trio

Trio of Frozen Brazos from Karen’s Kitchen - Manila Vanilla (Original), Green Tea & Strawberry

Contact: 898-2280 * Telefax (632)898-2880

red velvet

Karen’s Kitchen Red Velvet Cake P650

Contact: 898-2280 * Telefax (632)898-2880

Pistachio Sans Rival – Delize by Jill Sanduque

33 Sunrise Drive, Cubao, Quezon City
721-7022 (ask for Lea, Mimi, or Vangie)

Conti’s Mango Bravo  - http://www.contis.ph/store-locator.asp

Caramel Cake  by Costa Brava

12 Polaris St.
Bel-Air Village 3, Makati
896-6872 / 896-1267

Mango Torte

Dulcelin’s Mango Torte 

Contact: 374-2165 / 3742167

Jack Daniels and Absolut vodka Brownies (UTT discovery)

Jack Daniel’s and Absolut vodka Brownies – Blackinese Brownies

Contact: 09228352482 http://facebook.com/blackinesebrownies

Cupcake de Mercedes (UTT discovery)

Cupcake de Mercedes - Joanie’s Cupcakes

Contact: 09175272671/ 2160289

Custard Cake

Custard Cake - Joan and Jane Cake Bites

Contact: 4486454/ 0922-8245579 (Cathleen) 5422168 / 0922-8246822 (Michelle)

Local delicacy Inutak

Inutak - M Siblings

Contact: 09199917989

I have been a fan of Chef Ariel Manuel of Lolo Dad’s, so when I heard that he opened an Asian resto, I jumped at the chance to try it out.

Phat Wong is located on the the ground floor of  LRI Business Plaza in N. Garcia St. (formerlyReposo St.) Makati.

My hubby,  mom-in-law, and I went early on a Monday night.  We started out with an appetizer of Blue Crab with Crab Fat on Lemongrass Dumpling  served with a yummy roasted garlic aioli dip.  I loved it.  It was soooo delicious, and savory.  We also tried the Deep-Fried Adobo and Menudo Pao, soft semi-sweet buns stuffed with either adobo or menudo.  My hubby liked the adobo better, but I preferred the menudo

Blue Crab with Crab Fat on Lemongrass Dumpling

Deep-Fried Adobo and Menudo Pao

Shrimps, Pomelo and Young Coconut

We also ordered the Shrimps, Pomelo and Young Coconut.  What an innovative presentation!   It has generous servings of succulent prawns, pomelo and lettuce inside.  It was refreshing!  The freshness of the young coconut meat was perfectly complemented by subtle hints of Kaffir Lime and coconut milk.   This was my mom-in-law’s favorite.  This dish is sheer ingenuity and loaded with fantastic flavors!

For our main entrees, we had Bistek U.S. Rib-Eye, Hainanese Fish and Sesame Battered Deep-Fried Prawns. 

Bistek U.S. Rib-Eye

Hainanese Fish

Sesame Battered Deep-Fried Prawns

Now, Bistek is a typical Filipino favorite but Phat Wong ‘s version is tender U.S. rib eye topped with lots of caramelized onions.  My hubby really loved it and couldn’t get enough of it.  The Fried prawns were also very tasty but I personally would have preferred it to be more garlicky.

My favorite is the Hainanese Fish.  I have tried so many versions of Hainanese Chicken both here and abroad, but this is the first time I tried hainanese fish and I must say, I made the right decision.  The dish was served with plain soup and hainanese rice.  I was pleasantly surprised by the soup.  I expected it to be the usual bland variety, but surprise, surprise!  The broth was so flavorful and had a deep earthy flavor to it.  And the hainanese rice was not greasy at all!  The fish itself was so fresh and served with 3 kinds of sauces.  First is the ginger sauce, which had macadamia nuts in it.  The sauce was wonderful and did not taste nutty.  Instead, the nuts gave it just a hint of sweetness.  Next is the kecap manis, a reduction of palm sugar, star anise and soy – a delightful blend indeed! .  Lastly, they served the super spicy chili sauce.  Together, the elements of this dish is a great symphony of flavors!  Gosh, I don’t mind eating this everyday.

Hainanese Fish (with soup rice & sauces)

Of course, we can’t let the evening end without dessert so we ordered the Baked Meringue.  It came on top of fresh mangoes & bananas, bathed in fresh Pandan cream.  It is light, fragrant and just the perfect dessert to cap our dinner.  At this point, my pant buttons were already threatening to pop out.  Yet we just couldn’t resist trying the dessert Chef Margie sent over.  It was Asian Pannacotta with Mangoes and Thai Basil syrup. The Thai basil cream and syrup provided a perfect contrast to the tartness of the mango panacotta.  This is truly a refreshing and satisfying dessert.  I learned that this comes with their daily Bento special (see menu below).  And for those looking for a great coffee experience, they serve great Vietnamese Iced Coffee w/ Milk at only 85 pesos!

Baked Meringue

Asian Pannacotta with Mangoes and Thai Basil syrup

Overall, it was a great dining experience.  I would definitely go back soon!  And for those entertaining balikbayan friends, tourists or expats, Phat Wong is definitely a very good alternative to the usual Filipino or Chinese restaurant.  The proof is in definitely in the eating!!!

Phat Wong Menu

Bento Specials

The first time I tasted Sabroso Lechon was at a friend’s birthday party last year.  And it was so good that whenever I crave for lechon, it has to be Sabroso.   One weekday, hubby and I decided to have lunch at their outlet along E.Rodriguez, just right beside the big Persian restaurant.

We both ordered the Lechon Meal (120).  It comes with sinigang broth, rice, a generous serving of lechon and iced tea.  It was really good!  The skin was flavorful and crispy, the meat was tasty and a bit salty (typical Visayas way) which I really liked!  No need to dip it in sauce!

They also have other items in the menu, like Chicharon Bulaklak, Binagoongan Lechon and Lechon Sisig.  I really wanted to bring some home, but unfortunately they were still unavailable that day.  But I will definitely go back there just to be able to taste these.

Sabroso Lechon uses free range native pigs and stuffed them with herbs and spices that gives the meat it’s’ distinct flavor.  My favorite parts are the skin and ribs.  Yum!   For me, this is the best lechon!

They also deliver…be it 1 whole lechon or just 1 kilo.

Sabroso Lechon Price List

Tucked in the corner of  Quirino Ave. and Leon Guinto St. in Malate is an ancestral home that is now Lolo Dad’s – an award winning resto and a food lover’s paradise.

Lolo Dad’s  is a great date place too.  It’s cozy and romatic (perfect for long conversations and whispering intimate endearments), serves exquisite food and is also a historical place.  The house has been there since 1941.  The wooden walls still have bullet holes; the floor at the restaurant’s entrance is hollow because beneath it is the family’s air raid shelter – remnants of Manila’s scars from World War II.

One of the things I like about Lolo Dad’s is the open kitchen.  You can see the chefs at work.  You may even opt to reserve the table in front of the glass window so you can see everything up close.

That night, we decided to try their “Tasting Menu” or degustación, which was prepared by multi-awarded Chef Ariel Manuel.

We were given a basket of bread.  But we didn’t try it, as we were saving our appetite.  We instead sipped our wines and excitedly waited for our gastronomical feast.

Arrow Squid & Octopus carpaccio with Sauteed Angulas, Wasabi Aioli, Micro Arugula

We started out with  Arrow Squid & Octopus carpaccio with Sauteed Angulas, Wasabi Aioli, Micro Arugula, paired with White wine.

The sweetness of the (lightly grilled) watermelon and the light spiciness of the wasabi aioli was perfect with the octopus carpaccio.  And the arrow squid was perfectly cooked…   This appetizer was great and whet our appetite for the next dish.

Unsalted Butter poached Langoustine, Foie Gras and Sweet Corn Rice paper Ravioli with Oyster foam

2nd course:  Unsalted Butter poached Langoustine, Foie Gras and Sweet Corn Rice paper Ravioli with Oyster foam

My two favorites on a single plate… I was in foodie heaven.

The succulent langoustine poached in butter was perfect.  The delicate cloud of oyster foam greatly enhanced the velvety foie gras.  It’s  a sensual party of flavors in my mouth.

Mmmmm…..  writing this, I can almost taste it again.:)

This is my fave course, and I wouldn’t mind braving the traffic and driving all the way to Malate, just to be able to partake of this dish again.

Sorbet

Then we were served Sorbet to cleanse our palate.  I loved the presentation with smoke coming out of the little clay teacup

Wagyu Beef Chuck Flap and Lamb cutlet with Pastry Crust Cepes Mushroom & Hoisin jus and Sous vide of Carrots

Then we were ready for the next course: Wagyu Beef Chuck Flap and Lamb cutlet with Pastry Crust, Cepes Mushroom & Hoisin jus’ and Sous vide of Carrots, which we had with red wine.

The plating was genius.    I was so excited to cut into the pear shaped pastry crust.  It’s like opening a christmas present, and a good surprise it was!  It’s like Lamb Wellington (instead of beef).   The lamb was beautifully cooked, moist and juicy with an herbed goat cheese filling inside.  The wagyu beef was good too, but actually the lamb itself  was already perfect for me.  I’ve never tried lamb cooked in that way and it was really great, satisfying and not to mention filling!  Also, I was expecting the Hoisin jus’ to be too sweet yet it works really well with the meat.   Chef Ariel’s excellent skills and unique creativity are very apparent in this dish.  And for meat lovers, this dish is a blockbuster!

Dessert: Dark Chocolate flan with Fresh Berries & White Chocolate Hot Praline, Almond Nut Tartlet with Mustard and Kaffir Lime Ice cream

Dark Chocolate flan with Fresh Berries & White Chocolate Hot Praline, Almond Nut Tartlet with Mustard and Kaffir Lime Ice cream

Again, beautiful presentation.  The sweetness of the dark chocolate flan was perfectly complimented by the tartness of the berries.  I really like this with red wine as the chocolate taste is greatly enhanced.  The almond nut tartlet is perfect when dipped into the lava of white chocolate (from the praline) and some of the cherry syrup (at the bottom).  As for the kaffir lime ice cream,  I think it will take some getting used to on my part, as I am not a big fan of  Kaffir,  but hubby loved it.

It was a great birthday dinner.  The “Tasting Menu” is a culinary masterpiece that tickles the palate and enchants the senses.

And guys, if u want to impress your dates, this is THE place.  With the great ambiance, impeccable service and unforgettable food, u won’t go wrong with Lolo Dad’s Cafe.

So daddies, bring mommy here for her birthday or your anniversary  and  I swear whatever shortcomings you have will be forgiven (maybe, at least for the night)

Tasting Menu

Lolo Dad’s Cafe
899 Pres. Qurino Ave. cor. Leon Guinto St., Malate Manila

Phone Number : (63 2) 522-2941, 524-2295, 526-7151
Cellphone Number : +639228125971

Operating Hours :

Monday : Open from 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Tuesday to Saturday : Open from 11:00am to 2:00pm for lunch
and 6:30pm to 10:30pm for dinner

map

Talk about hidden….. This hole-in-a-wall Chinese restaurant that has been the topic of many food enthusiasts, has no name and is not that easy to find.  It’s located at Camia st. in the  Guadalupe Viejo area, near Rockwell.  The only way I found it was to look out for a small house, with frosted glass door and a (split type) airconditioning condenser unit outside.

But I was so surprised, it was full when we walked in.  The food was not cheap too, but not expensive either, and the servings were huge.  Now, I looove hot spicy food and if you’re like me, then this is the place for you.  But for those who don’t want to sweat their way through lunch, you can certainly ask them to temper down the hotness level.

This resto serves spicy Hunan dishes. We really wanted to order Spicy Fish Head but since it’s out of stock, we just had them cook a whole fish in the same sauce instead.  This dish was so good… spicy and very flavorful.  My mom who is not fond of fish actually liked it very much.

Spicy Fish ( 400-450)

We also ordered dumplings, but wasn’t able to get a picture of it.  It was just so so so, I’ve tasted better.  We also had Fried shrimps, kutchay with egg and stir fried green beans.

Fried Shrimp, yummy sauce and the shrimps were quite big (500)

Green Beans, this was so good, one order was not enough for us. (this I think, was only 190)

Since these dishes are quite spicy, you might be tempted to eat more rice, but it’s ok since they offer unlimited servings of rice.  Also you can order big bottles of Tsing Tao beer to go with your meal.

Overall, we enjoyed the food,  just don’t expect a nice ambiance.  I had to re-wipe our table with antibacterial wipes.   But the dishes we ordered were great… our total bill is around 1,600 for 4 adults, not bad….

6404 Camia Street, Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City
Telephone: +63 9228698887,  +63 915 4252972, +63 927 7876999

Yesterday, hubby and I decided to have lunch at Lolo Dad’s Brasserie at 6750.  The resto occupies what used to be “Giraffe”.

I had decided to try their Antipasto Buffet and hubby chose to partake of the Lunch Buffet.  Also, I ordered a glass of Chardonnay to pair up with my lunch, while hubby had a bottle of cold beer.

The Antipasto Buffet is just Php380 + service charge, while the Lunch Buffet (which includes Soup of the Day, Choice of Pizza, choice of Pasta, Choice of Entrée and Dessert of the day) is only Php800 + service charge.

Assorted Breads

Chicken Liver Pate

top: Squid Ceviche, bottom: Assorted Cheeses

Goats Cheese Terrine

Top: Roast Beef, bottom pic: Assorted Cold Cuts

Mesclun Greens with 2 Kinds of Dressings

Mussels

Marinated Salmon

For only 380+, it’s easy on the pocket, yet very filling.   I especially looooved the pate, the assorted cheeses and cold cuts, mushrooms, salads, mussels and the salmon.  All of my faves in one buffet!

Chowder - Lunch Buffet soup of the day

Garlic, Olive oil and Anchovy Pasta / Creamed Smoked Salmon Pizza / Pork in Shrimp Paste (Binagoongan style)

Cheesecake - this was the dessert that came with the Lunch Buffet

Hubby’s “Lunch Buffet” already included the Antipasto Buffet and he also opted to have the Creamed Smoke Salmon Pizza, the Garlic, olive oil & anchovy pasta and the Pork in Shrimp Paste entree.  I wasn’t able to get pics of the (untouched) food as he immediately dug into them.  But he looved the Pizza and especially the Pork binagoongan, although he found the pasta a tad salty, maybe next time we can tell them to hold the anchovies.    And boy, was he stuffed.  By the the time he got to dessert his stomach is groaning under the weight of all that food and all that for just 800+.

The complimentary bread was warm, soft and light... Love it

They also served complimentary bread (served with herbed butter) which I really loved… it was warm, soft and light as air.  And they were huge too!

I myself am so happy and satisfied with the Antipasto Buffet.  With my glass of Chardonnay, it was indeed the Perfect Lunch!  It was light, full of different flavors and very satisfying.

And with the nice interiors and impeccable service, I would definitely be back.  Maybe next time, hubby can try their “Steak all you can” (1,200 +10%).  As for me, I am looking forward to trying the Goose Fat Fried Chicken, the Roasted Rainbow Trout or their Surf & Turf Sandwich…. mmmm…. just the thought of all these is making my mouth water…. I want to go back…. NOW na!

We went back to Chef’s Galley last week.  This is already becoming one of our fave neighborhood restos.

As I’ve mentioned in my past blog.  They serve the best Lamb Stew and Gambas this side of town.

Last Friday, I was finally able to try the other items in the menu.

Greek Lamb Burger

I loved this and surprisingly, the taste of the lamb was not too strong.  It’s a different take on a burger and I’ve tried almost all of them.  It was a huge patty served on wheat buns (which I like) and it was served withTatziki (which is a yogurt & cucumber dip).  It’s perfect with red wine or beer.

American Burger

My hubby had this, but I wasn’t able to get a bite since he was really famished.  It was huge too!  I guess he liked it too, coz he finished the entire thing.

Of course, we had to have a side order of our favorite gambas.  Served with a thick slice of wheat bread to mop up all that yummy goodness.

New York Cheesecake

For dessert we shared this.  Needless to say we were soooo full…. Burp!

After polishing off all our orders, we just sat there and sipped our wines and Chef Rainbow started chatting with us.  We really enjoyed our conversation and ended up having drinks with chef Rainbow and her friend, Chef Adrian of Yong Jin (will do a piece on this newly opened resto soon, promise) that we ended up going home much later that we planned.

Recipe for a bad hangover But thanks Chef Rainbow, had fun!

Chef’s Galley: 477 5192