Kuya J Restaurant (SM Marikina)

During one of our visits to SM Marikina Branch, we noticed a new hole in the wall resto - Kuya J Restaurant.

Kuya J offers Filipino cuisine such as Pocherong Tagalog, Bulalo, Kare-Kareng Bagnet, Crispy Pata and Beef Caldereta, etc.  We got curious, aside from the reason that we’re really hungry, we’re at the right place at the right time J

The place is cozy,  not that big, but the dining set-up is comfortable and it seems like a homey atmosphere, not to mention the nice and welcoming staff.

The walls are amazingly covered with wooden boxes as bookshelves filled with books with various topics.

Had a hard time deciding which to order as they all look delicious, we ordered the following---

Calamares with Garlic Mayo Dip  (P180.00)

They served it freshly fried, crispy and soft to the bite

Pinakbet (P170.00) 

We wanted some veggies and craved for some Pinakbet

Plain Rice (P120.00/platter) good for 3-4 persons

Pork Sisig (P190.00)

Delicious according to my daughter who is not really a Pork lover, she said there are crunchy bits of pork skin without being too oily and the  spicyness is just right.

One of Kuya J’s signature  dishes is the Crispy Pata according to the Waiter. The skin is so crunchy and delicious served with their semi-sweet vinegar concoction.  The waiter even helped serve and cut up the Pata into serving sizes in our table.  They have 2 sizes, the Regular which is Ph485.00, and their Family size is Ph650.00.  We ordered the regular size.

We were not feeling too adventurous that day, so we ordered the usual, and I must say that they really have a good menu for home cooked Filipino food.  Overall we loved everything that we ordered.     And their servings were huge enough to be shared by 4-5 people.

We were so full, in fact we did have some left overs and took them home,  didn’t have the chance to try some of their desserts, maybe next time!

vLeah

McDONALD’s Frontera Verde

Location : Julia Vargas, Ortigas, Pasig City

A very cozy branch of McDonald’s, I must say this is a very good example of what a McDonald’s store should be. It opened middle of 2009, and yet it has become one of our favorites.  It is a 24-hour store.

They have Mc Café inside, so while children are having their own favorite McDonald’s Meal, parents can have a decent cup of coffee with a delicious pastry.

This branch has a big open-air space upstairs, also ideal for hanging out at night or for children’s party as well. It has ample parking space outside for free, and if that’s full, there’s an adjacent big pay parking lot beside it. And to top it all, there’s FREE wi-fi.

My daughter had a blast in the  McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Program here last summer and looking forward to the next one...

it's a sweet sweet memory  ...

MEE NOODLE BAR & RESTAURANT

I can’t remember the last time we’ve been to Shangri-la Mall, we didn’t notice that there’s a cute little resto MEE NOODLE BAR & RESTAURANT that has been there since December 2008.

What caught our attention is the ambiance of the place, seem relaxing, quiet, nice interiors, and very condusive to small talks. It’s located at Level 1, Shangri-la Plaza Mall (at the back of National Bookstore, or fronting Mercury Drugstore.

They have an on-going promo, FREE pot of brewed coffee or green tea everytime you order a minimum of 3 light snack dishes from their light-snack menu. It is available from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. everyday, for dine-in only.

We ordered the light snacks and avail of a hot pot of brewed coffee (Folger’s Brand according to the waiter). By the way, these snacks are kid friendly, my daughter also loved them. Here’s what we ordered, 4 pcs. Roasted Pork Barbeque Roll with Sesame seeds and 2 pcs. Mantau bread, costs P80.00; 4 pcs. Beef Curry Puff Empanada, very yummy (hubby’s instant favorite), P85.00; 4 pcs. Shrimp and Pork (w/ mushroom) Dumplings (also good), costs P80.00.

There are other dishes in the Menu like Palabok, Lomi, platter of assorted fresh fruits, etc. They also have “Create your own Mongolian BBQ Bowl”, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday – available lunch and dinner.

AMICI Italian Restaurant at SM Megamall

Location : 3/F Atrium, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City

Amici, one of our favorite places in Mega Mall. Their gelato is very creamy and tastier than the others we’ve tried. Their gelato is much much creamier! My favorite is their Ciocolato (plain Chocolate) and you will really taste the good chocolate they’ve used in it. My daughter’s favorite is their Strawberry Supreme, Macapuno and also the Ciocolato.

Hubby’s favorite is their brewed coffee (P45.00 only!) that goes very well with their dark mouse slice (which is also very affordable, P80.00 per slice).



How does gelato differ from ice cream?

* Gelato contains more milk while ice cream more cream. Thus gelato is oozing with richer flavor.

* Gelato contains less overrun, or air inside, compared to icecream. This is why gelato has more volume and a denser and creamier texture.

* Gelato is kept at a warmer temperature at -14 degrees centigrade, while icecream is down to -23 degrees centigrade. This makes gelato perfectly soft but firm and indulgently mouthwatering.