Baliwag Sinigang na Ulo sa Miso

The food court is one of my go-to places every time I can't figure out what I want to eat. Sometimes I crave for food that restaurants not even in fast- food chains can offer. For years now, I go to Baliwag for a heavy meal that's Filipino inspired, with the sabaw (soup), rice and big portions combined. Everything is there. Even with my kids, they always find something delicious and healthy from Baliwag.

I particularly love their Sinigang na Ulo sa Miso. An order costs around 99php and that includes a cup of rice. But once you see the large bowl of this viand, a diner will definitely go for another round of rice.

Baliwag's Sinigang na Ulo sa Miso reminds me so much of my dad's version that's why I love it. A sip of the soup makes me forget that I'm in a food court and suddenly, there's this feeling like I never left home.

A large bowl contains half of the Maya-maya fish head and lots of fresh Mustard leaves. For lunch today, after running some errands, my husband asked me if I want to eat in a "more formal restaurant" I said no because I want to check the food court and luckily, they have Baliwag. I was so full. My day was made special sharing a bowl Sinigang na Ulo sa Miso with my other half and... 2 cups of rice.

RBy's Steak and Shake

To my fellow foodies out there, here's a grub shack along Maginhawa st. that offers scrumptious steak burgers and shakes.

Every Monday and Tuesday, I regularly go to Sikatuna Village to bring my eldest son to an activity center near Maginhawa st. For the past 4 years, my husband and I have been regulars in some of the restaurants along this "food street" in Quezon City.

I drop off our son to the center, then I go to any of our favorite resto stop in the area for some refreshments while I wait for the time to fetch my son.

Recently, I wanted something new. I drove along Maginhawa st. and found RBy's Steak And Shakes.  I didn't have second thoughts, I went inside as if I've been to the place before. It's cozy interior, comfortable chairs and one of a kind display inspired by Philadelphia's own picturesque city was just inviting.

There's a lot to try when it comes to RBy's house specialties... From steak burgers, their Philly Cheesesteak version, side dishes and milkshakes.  But on my first visit, I went for something familiar to my palate.

In and Out Mushroom Burger 105php 

 (add 65php: for french fries, iced tea or pink lemonade)

It's one of the best mushroom burgers I've ever tasted. Everything was cooked and prepared on the spot. The cheese and mushrooms bits blended well. It wasn't salty. The patty was juicy and tender. Plus, the french fries reminded me of the ones I prepare at home, made of real potatoes. Of course, once I saw that they have pink lemonade on the menu, I just gotta try it. It's one of my favorite refreshments.

 

Philly Pasta 145php  

Pink Lemonade 35php

At first, their Philly Pasta looks like any Carbonara dish. There's an herbal twist to it and there's a lot of bacon and mushrooms to enjoy. I love it!

More food finds from RBy's Steak And Shake soon on this blog.

Location: 152A Maginhawa St. Sikatuna Village, Quezon City

Like: RBy's Steak And Shake on Facebook

Saturday Nights at T.G.I. Friday's

Here we go again. A night for the moms and dads to hangout, unwind and drink some beer! We kinda took a break from our usual Saturdays at T.G.I.Fridays since April with the Holy Week and one of our drinking buddies who was away for a short vacation in America. But once he arrived from the States, we made sure to continue our Saturday nights at T.G.I. Fridays Highstreet.

We left the kids at their cousin's condo with the helpers who were very nice and patient. It was relieving to know that my children are safe with people whom we trust. With that, I was able to spend my Saturday night worry- free, relaxed, we took our time and I was able to enjoy my cold beer on tap at T.G.I. Friday's.

We chose T.G.I. Friday's for a drink because they have a cool atmosphere. The ambiance felt so homey and the crew's very nice. There were times when the bar was always full and we have no choice but to stay at the dining area with families enjoying their meal. Then again, the people who goes there don't really mind if they see individuals like us with huge mugs. We just spend the whole evening talking while we sip our beer and munch on some more goodies from T.G.I. Friday's.

From our recent Saturday night out, I was able to break my record. From 1 liter mug, I finished 2.5L this time around. Usually, I take 3-4 bottles at the most and that's my limit just to be on the safe side. If I go beyond that... I guess it is not going to be a good sight.

But... for some reason I survived with 2.5 L. I need to be honest, yes, I did get tipsy, but not totally drunk. I mean, we still need to pick- up our kids before going home. My husband broke his record as well, he finished 4L. In situations like these, you just gotta know your limit so you won't get into trouble and of course, to enjoy another round at the end of another productive week.

To match our beer, most of the time, we order Nachos on the side. The Nachos at T.G.I.Friday's is one of the best set I've ever tasted. It never fails... It's perfect!

When I was about to finish my last liter, I came to a point when I craved for something sweet. The Brownie Obssession of T.G.I.Friday's was the answer to my confusing state of matching my beer with anything sweet. It was really good by the way. 2 layers of rich chocolate brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, drizzled with caramel... What a way to end an amazing night.

For us, this is a good way to unwind. To spend it with the people we love to hangout with, choose a cozy place with great beer and food selection. After that, it feels like we've refueled our system and we're ready again to face a week of surprises.

Beer on Tap at T.G.I Friday's

For the past month, I have been in & out of T.G.I Friday's BGC with my husband and relatives. 2014 started right for everyone. We made a pack with my husband's cousin and his wife to go out more often, hangout and unwind from a busy week. It's something new I enjoy lately. I look forward to weekends because I share fun times with our family, it's amazing to be able to spend some time- off on a regular basis, especially now, that our kids are getting more independent.

There's nothing way better than having a bottle or 2 of some cold beer. Beer on Tap San Mig Liter Mug was introduced to me by my husband and his cousin. Thought I' ll never get to experience it because I got overwhelmed of the size first time I saw it. But finally, I was able to give it a try.  It's so refreshing, perfect after a busy and productive week.

Saturday before my husband's birthday, we went out for a drink. Again, at T.G.I Friday's. We love Friday's particularly T.G.I Friday's BGC, for their fast service, friendly staff and form of entertainment to guests. Look for David, he's very loyal, attends to our every request since our first visit.

An order of a Liter Mug is at Php195

The beer remains cold and fresh for hours. Love it!

We love pairing it anything with Nachos!

Just over the weekend, we spent Chinese New Year and an extension of my husband's birthday celebration with our relatives. We left our boys at my mom's then drove all the way to Friday's BGC to meet up with the best people to spend time with.

Record holder is our dear cousin at 3 1/2 Liter Mugs. My husband at 2 and yours truly at 1 1/2 but still looking forward to my 2nd mug. Cheers!

The Burger Project

Located at 122 Maginhawa st. Teachers Village Quezon City

Here's another food trip we made along Maginhawa st. After braving the long line in the recent S&R Members' Treat, my husband and I decided to have lunch somewhere along the way back home. As always, Maginhawa street was a good stop for affordable, great food choices. For a change, we went to The Burger Project.

If you want real burgers cooked to perfection and is ready to be customized according to your preference, this food chain is well- known for that.

The air-conditioned dining area at the Maginhawa branch was a bit cramped. There were more tables outside the restaurant, but most diners prefer to eat inside where it's much cooler. Anyway, we were able to get a table good for 4 and we enjoyed our meal to the max. Friendly staff too.

Upon ordering, the cashier will hand you a checklist to customize your burger. From there, you choose the burger patty (beef, tofu or chicken). Then the bun, the cheese, the set of toppings and dressing for your burger. They also have a menu of burgers that they can create for you. 

It is known as the Designer Burgers: (Php200-250)

Western Bacon Melt

Bleu Buffalo

Tokyo Pop!

Italian Stallion

Sloppiest Joe

French Lick

and Jugs and Teddy Tandem BRGR

Italian Stallion Angus (php230)

Mozzarella Cheese

Sun-dried tomatoes

Pepperoni

Pesto 

Lettuce

Tomatoes

Plain Beef Burger (Php105)

Single beef patty

Lettuce

Cheese

Dressing

Tokyo Pop! Angus (Php215)

Sauteed Mushrooms

Teriyaki Sauce

Wasabi Mayo

Sliced Onions

Lettuce

Other than their delicious Designer BRGRs, The Burger Project is also famous for their milkshakes and sidings. We had an order of Oreo Cookies& Cream milkshake and Strawberry milkshake (Php150ea) which were very rich and refreshing. It matched our sunny afternoon.  Soda in can is also available at (Php40ea).

The sidings are another set of goodies in their menu. With our visit over the weekend, we ordered some plain french fries (Php65) and onion rings (Php75). Both were made from fresh potatoes and onions. 

I just love how crunchy my onion rings were. It was cooked to perfection. The coating is light brown and crunchy, the onion is just right, it's not over-cooked and it's not half -cooked as well.

At The Burger project, everything is delicious. I can consider it as a healthy choice for burgers too since they're using 100% beef. The mere fact that you can make your own burger, this I have to say, is also a good place for the health- conscious.

Nena's

One of the places my family was fond of visiting when I was kid is Cubao in Quezon City. Who will never forget the fun rides at the Fiesta Carnival, toy shopping in COD after watching the Christmas Display Show, window shopping with my mom at the Rustan's Department Store, a quick trip to Farmer's Market and of course, the old Marikina Shoe Expo. I'm not the only person who loves Cubao, my hubsand as well. My other half practically grew up in Cubao. His family lived across Aurora Blvd. the road that links Cubao to their old house. Just recently, my husband took me to Nena's Bibingka located beside the old building that used to be COD which is now, a SM Savemore supermarket.

We talked to the waiter and even told him our story about the old Nena's restaurant... Nena's restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants in Cubao that's still open. We had lunch at Nena's after our quick errand in SM Cubao. Nena's has become my husband's one of the memorable places he visited during his childhood. He told me that his dad would take him there all the time. It brought good, old memories back as we waited for our food.

Our lunch went around on an order of Lechon Kawali, Eggplant Enchilada and Beef Mechado. The serving per viand is good for sharing.

As we enjoyed our food, it felt like we never left our "old" homes. I can taste my "lola's" cooking with the food I ate at Nena's. It was wonderful to feel and imagine my childhood days with traditionally prepared food at Nena's.

Nena's specialty is their Bibingkas. Right now, they have a Buy4 Get 1 free promo for Php80. It's all-year round favorite. They also have a Merienda Buffet at Php170 with a No Leftover Price of Php85. Prices range from Php30-200.

Aling Nena with the young Vilma Santos

(These vintage photos were taken from a display in the restaurant.)

Located: General Romulo Avenue, Corner Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City
beside the old COD
Restaurant hours: 8am-8pm Monday- Saturday

Restaurant Thoughts: Crazy Katsu

We spent the last day of our long weekend with errands. After shopping for some supplies, we decided to grab a bite on our way home. My husband thought of Miggy's at first, but we remembered that we just had burrito. Then we thought of driving back all the way to SM North to check YABU's new branch. Then again, since we're not sure if the restaurant is already open, we decided to stick with what the small restaurants along Maginhawa st. will offer.

If you're looking for a quick food adventure, you got to check Maginhawa st. It has always been our stop in case when we run out of options. For instance, if my husband wants a burger and I want a burrito, we go to Good Burger that's right beside Mexican Express and between the 2 is a milk tea shop. How good is that? You can never go wrong in this area.

So, my husband was driving slow because we were both checking both sides of the road for a good place to eat.

Then... lo and behold... the answer to our Katsu craving.

I've been seeing a lot of posts about Crazy Katsu, but I don't take time to go through the articles. I told my husband "There's Crazy Katsu, I've been seeing a lot of posts about it on Facebook." I thought it's located somewhere in Makati or Ortigas, but hey, I'm happy because here's another place where we can go to for our Katsu fix. Crazy Katsu offers dishes at a pocket- friendly price. Prices range from Php120-190. 

Outside the restaurant, the sign board is attracting guests with it's cute font and reddish background. It stands out.

Unit- 1, 81 Maginhawa st. Teacher's Village UP Diliman, Quezon City

Cozy, air-conditioned dining area with wifi.

When we got in, the staff was very accommodating. We were seated, served with glasses and a pitcher of iced water. The Crazy Katsu menu has a short list specializing on katsu dishes and house specialties such as their Pork Ginger, Sukiyaki, Fish and Vegetable Tempura.

Miso Soup (Php30)

Our soup was served immediately and it was smoking hot. It was very good, perfect for that rainy day.

Chicken Katsu (Php145)

This I must say, was one- tricky dish. I thought that it's going to be just an ordinary Chicken Katsu... I was surprised and got a "little" disappointed when I saw the siling labuyo. It's best to include a description on the menu, so the client will know of this extraordinary twist. Or better yet, make chili optional. I needed to dig through the bed of shredded cabbage for siling labuyo, but over-all, I still enjoyed my Chicken Katsu. The Chicken Katsu sauce has a touch of sweetness. The boneless chicken was juicy and crispy.

Tonkatsu (Php 140)

After the disappointing part from my Chicken Katsu, let me redeem Crazy Katsu for their Tonkatsu, Fish and Vegetable Tempura.

1. Their Tonkatsu is thick, firm and juicy. In comparison, it is as big as a 120g Rosu and is served on a bed of shredded cabbage and a cup of rice. With extra rice, the pork can be shared by 2 kids.

2. My favorite. Fish and Vegetable Tempura. This plate is composed of 8 pieces tempura mixed vegetable and fish. I just love that they serve 3 of my favorite vegetables: okra, talong (eggplant) and kalabasa (pumpkin) for their vegetable tempura. The fish tempura I got to say is also a hit. In most restaurants, they use Cream Dory for tempura, in Crazy Katsu, it's different. I can't recall the name of the fish Crazy Katsu uses, but one of the servers mentioned that it's a local saltwater fish. It taste like Tilapia.

Fish and Vegetable Tempura (Php140)

Crazy Katsu Iced Tea (php30)
With the taste of the iced tea, I guess, it's a special mix from Crazy Katsu.

Drinks: Php 30-65

Everything in Crazy Katsu is worth it. This is going to be added on our list. We've been in and out of Teacher's Village, it's nice to have a more reasonable alternative in case we want Katsu late at night or simply a budget friendly restaurant that serves high quality food.

Restaurant Thoughts: Raintree More Than Just Milk Tea

It's been awhile since our last visit to Raintree. My family moved to a different location, so it took some time for us to visit our favorite milk tea shop again. Last time I made an article about it was back in 2011 see here: http://frommomachie.blogspot.com/2012/01/raintree-my-special-milk-tea.html

Since then, Raintree has moved up to a different level. It's more than just a milk tea shop, it's now a cafe that offers, pasta, sandwiches, other pastries (aside from their delicious macarons) like brownies and cupcakes and beef rice bowls.

On the side, the cozy cafe also opened it's doors and added Pampanga's Best and a confectionery called Raintea Confectionery that sell French Macarons.

 Jasmine Floral and Belgian Chocolate

We never tire of our usual from Raintree. They serve rich milk teas. When I say rich, there's not a taste of artificial flavoring. For the diabetics, Raintree sells Splenda as substitute so you can still enjoy something cold and tasteful.

On a regular weekday, my husband and I stays at Raintree while waiting for the fetching time of our son whose school is just a few minutes away. I like matching my milk tea with some macarons (php30ea) and a cupcake (php60ea) which I share with my other half and a little for our baby.

Raintree's Pasta Carbonara (php150)

Here, we paired our pastas with Raintree's Specialtea and Amaretto (almond) milk tea.

Raintree's Pasta Pesto (Php150)

Their pasta is one of my favorites because everything in it is freshly made then served. Pasta sauce is thick and is not salty. The pasta noodles itself is firm. But the part I like the most is the large amount of Parmesan cheese that covered the pasta and the slice of French bread.

There's a lot to look forward to on the coming days... Remember, we still have some Manly meals: Beef Rice Bowls to try. (wink!)

Canterberry Café

It was my usual weekend visit to my parents, there was nothing to do... my husband was at work, my dad's busy with stuff needed to be fixed, my brothers were both working. The girls are the only ones in the house. My mom, my sisters and I were having a good laugh, boredom sets in, it's almost lunch we decided to drive and have a good meal at a nearby restaurant.

I lived in Taytay Rizal half of my childhood until I got married. This restaurant discovery my sisters shared with me was worth it. I never thought that something like it will flourish at the heart of the town itself.

They call it Canterberry Café .

Canterberry Café offers Filipino viands for a very affordable price. An All-day Meal which consist of a viand and rice costs around Php50-80. Sizzlers and Appetizers good for 3-4 costs Php95-380. A pitcher of iced tea is at Php90. They also have a delectable line of desserts, snacks, sandwiches, pizza and pasta. Even for a single order, satisfaction is guaranteed, it's as good as eating our favorite home-cooked meal.

The restaurant itself is not air-conditioned, but its big windows keeps the place cool enough to enjoy ones dining experience. Canterberry Café is often visited by students like my sisters. They love Canterberry because it's a place where they can eat clean, delicious food and hangout with their friends. On a food adventure, I always take note of the crowd or the people that often makes up the place. In Canterberry, I was happy to see families, couples maybe on a lunch date and a bunch of youngsters having a good time.

As a foodie who loves to try everything and anything that will make my tummy happy, I am very proud of this restaurant find because I experienced quality service, good food and nice ambiance in a restaurant found in our humble town of Taytay Rizal... as if I ate in a restaurant within Makati or Quezon City. If you're in the area of Rizal, stop by.

Canterberry Café

E-149, E. Rodriguez Avenue, Taytay, Rizal 1920

Find more, visit and like: Canterberry Café on Facebook

Becky's Kitchen--- Swiss Chocolate Cake

I'm so glad that my brother lives near Becky's, anytime we want to get a taste of their goodies, we're just a call away. One of the delights I like from Becky's are their cakes. If you're seeking for the taste of a traditional cake, Becky's has it. As you enter their bakeshop, it will remind you of your grandmother's kitchen with the sweet smelling aroma of cakes and pastries in the oven. And howard miller grandfather clocks would fit the whole setting.

For my Dad's birthday, we requested for a Swiss Chocolate Cake

It was very delicious. I like the plain old white frosting. Made me wonder so much on what's on the inside. In every slice a toffee-caramel like candy comes with it.  Reminds me of a local candy called tira-tira. Only, the one that goes with the cake is chewable. Another favorite of mine is Becky's Chocolate Fudge Cake and the Black Forest Cake.

Pablo Ocampo Sr. Ave.

1061 P. Ocampo cor. Bautista St., Singalong

Manila, Metro Manila

Sbarro

Location: Sbarro---3rd level, Glorietta 5

After meeting up with the moms of Mommy Moments, I headed straight to the second floor of Glorietta 5 to meet- up with my boys. We decided to have some snacks first and scouted on the right restaurant. We passed Sbarro, and was overly tempted by their rich smelling gourmet dishes. To top it all, we have the option to dine at the terrace where we can get a sight of Ayala Center. While eating, aside from enjoying our view, we're also loving the fresh breeze.

Chicago Supreme (Stuffed Pizza)

Spinach and Mushroom (Gourmet Pan Pizza)

Bakes Ziti with Meatball

I love Sbarro because their servings are big. With a slice of pizza all 4 of us including my sister , were able to share and it was very heavy. You can have the option of ordering your pasta half or whole too.

At Sbarro, we serve fresh, traditional Italian cuisine that our cooks prepare in exhibition kitchens. Our famous pizza is only the beginning of the Sbarro culinary adventure. We offer sumptuous entrees, pastas, salads, sandwiches, and homemade desserts - tastes to fit every palate.-Sbarro Website-

Slice N' Dice

A newly opened Steak House just around the corner. Truly, heaven sent this restaurant to add variation to the line of restaurants in a nearby commercial area. I'm not talking about Cubao. This new branch of Slice N' Dice opened at the Metrolane Complex 20th Avenue.

Steaks served for P99! T-Bone, Steak ALA Pobre and my favorite, Garlic Steak

Steak Salpicao P75 Beef Strips combined with their special gravy sauce topped with mushrooms and roasted garlic. It's one of my favorites.

Garlic Pork Tenderloin P79. The meat is very tender and juicy.

Slice n' Dice also offers an All-Day Sunrise meal. Dishes typically served during breakfast. Sunny Sirloin Rice, Grilled Chorizo, Sirloin Scramble, Cheese Steak Omelette.