No, this blog isn't about the Marcos's unfinished rest house in Tagaytay. People's Palace is the new Thai restaurant in Greenbelt, beside Via Mare. The restaurant is unusual/memorable if only for the fact that it does not allow walk-in customers (or at least that's what my friend who made the reservation said). I find all of this a little too pretentious; a heavy baggage for any restaurant to carry.
This plus the hefty price tag (our table spent over P3,300 for a party of four) may account for this less than positive review. In my terribly biased opinion, any restaurant that requires reservations and charges close to hotel prices better deliver on the food. At best, the food was forgettable; at worst, oily, flavorless, crappy, expensive, pretentious food.
People's Palace is supposedly the new "in" place to dine in Greenbelt; this should have clued me in on the overall dining experience. As is normally the case in these types of restaurants, food quality correlates negatively with the difficulty for a diner to eat in these places.
I must confess that my friend at another table enjoyed her meal; upon discussion, I found that their table ordered different dishes. I may revisit this review if I get a chance to eat at PP again; however, I wouldn't hold my breath.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Coffee and me
I am a coffee fanatic; there was a time when my intake reached four to five cups by lunchtime. (Note the past tense; I cut down on my daily caffeine infusion after a particularly nasty episode of coronary palpitations following my fifth cup of coffee).
Since I only take at most two cups of coffee a day, I try to make sure that these are fairly good cups. The profusion of coffeehouses is a godsend in the Metro Manilan's search for the better-than-average joe.
I never took to the frappa-blended-shaken-cino supersweet blended coffees; I like my coffee black, sometimes with a little muscovado, sometimes with a little milk. (A note to all non-dairy creamer users, your creamer is mainly hydrogenated oils and glucose, read the label; you're better off with milk and sugar). Here's a tip I read or heard somewhere, always order an Americano or its equivalent (espresso with water), that way you're always sure that your coffee is freshly ground and brewed.
Some of my favorite coffees were had at Seattle's (I like it better than Starbucks); Bizu (nice coffee, terrific desserts but heart-stoppingly expensive; has anyone else noticed that their desserts are shrinking); UCC and its rival Kohikan (I hope I spelled that right, Kohikan is in Promenade in Greenhills; try their Sumibi coffee); Segafreddo (did i spell that right? great coffee; good food too; super vongole with white wine sauce); Coffee Bean and Cafe Breton also have nice cups; likewise the Nescafe cafes (which contrary to initial expectations, do not serve instant coffees; they do sell bottles of instant coffee, though).
Some my more memorably forgettable cups were at Bo's (in Glorietta, I think it's a Cebuano import, should have stayed in Cebu); Tropical Hut (came with the breakfast, should have left it; come to think of it, all fast food coffees are pretty bad); Chocolate Kiss (see previous post); Dulcinea (black death); Mister Donut (only good thing about it is that it's one of the cheapest cups of brewed coffee around); the Nescafe vending machines (one of the cheapest cups of instant coffees around).
I am pretty ambivalent about Figaro (never liked their barako coffee, I always said there was a good reason why the use of that bean is dying out). Don't really like Starbucks, too (just not that impressed).
Let me know if you know of any other good coffee places; willing to try anyplace once.
Lastly, would like to give a holler to Marketman and Blair Mitch; thanks for leaving your comments. Good to know that there are fellow foodies out their reading my (infrequently updated) blog! Thanks!
Since I only take at most two cups of coffee a day, I try to make sure that these are fairly good cups. The profusion of coffeehouses is a godsend in the Metro Manilan's search for the better-than-average joe.
I never took to the frappa-blended-shaken-cino supersweet blended coffees; I like my coffee black, sometimes with a little muscovado, sometimes with a little milk. (A note to all non-dairy creamer users, your creamer is mainly hydrogenated oils and glucose, read the label; you're better off with milk and sugar). Here's a tip I read or heard somewhere, always order an Americano or its equivalent (espresso with water), that way you're always sure that your coffee is freshly ground and brewed.
Some of my favorite coffees were had at Seattle's (I like it better than Starbucks); Bizu (nice coffee, terrific desserts but heart-stoppingly expensive; has anyone else noticed that their desserts are shrinking); UCC and its rival Kohikan (I hope I spelled that right, Kohikan is in Promenade in Greenhills; try their Sumibi coffee); Segafreddo (did i spell that right? great coffee; good food too; super vongole with white wine sauce); Coffee Bean and Cafe Breton also have nice cups; likewise the Nescafe cafes (which contrary to initial expectations, do not serve instant coffees; they do sell bottles of instant coffee, though).
Some my more memorably forgettable cups were at Bo's (in Glorietta, I think it's a Cebuano import, should have stayed in Cebu); Tropical Hut (came with the breakfast, should have left it; come to think of it, all fast food coffees are pretty bad); Chocolate Kiss (see previous post); Dulcinea (black death); Mister Donut (only good thing about it is that it's one of the cheapest cups of brewed coffee around); the Nescafe vending machines (one of the cheapest cups of instant coffees around).
I am pretty ambivalent about Figaro (never liked their barako coffee, I always said there was a good reason why the use of that bean is dying out). Don't really like Starbucks, too (just not that impressed).
Let me know if you know of any other good coffee places; willing to try anyplace once.
Lastly, would like to give a holler to Marketman and Blair Mitch; thanks for leaving your comments. Good to know that there are fellow foodies out their reading my (infrequently updated) blog! Thanks!
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
I Scream
For ice cream that is (but you already knew that). Ice cream is definitely one of my favorite desserts; smooth and creamy, cold and sweet, what could be better to cool you down (but if you must know, this is a fallacy, as the high sugar content in ice cream would have the opposite effect).
I go local for my ice cream (mainly because I can't afford to buy the imported stuff on a regular basis). Fruits in Ice Cream was started by former employees of Magnolia; the brand used to be available only via home-based distributors but lately, I have seen it in supermarkets. Strawberry, halo-halo, caramelo, vanilla and dulce the leche are quite good; can't stand the green tea, though.
Newly reissued Magnolia is also another current favorite. The texture is not as nice as FIC but still better than the commercial brands. Flavor choices are limited still, but offhand can recommend the chocolate and the strawberry.
Arce is the old standby; quality remains good and the flavor choices are unique; I do find Arce a bit sweet, though. Most flavors are good; the sherbets (sorbets?) are an excellent fat free choice (although quite heavy on the sugar). Heard good reviews about the atis, but strangely, have yet to try some.
Amici (see previous post) has homemade gelato, which are a welcome alternative to the store-bought brands. There are other gelaterias in the city, but I don't think any comes close to the incredible value you can get at Amici (here's a tip, Amici gelato is also available at Waltermart Pasong Tamo, near the supermarket entrance; curiously, pricing here is cheaper than the main outlet, go figure?!).
Moving to the worst of the bunch, I particularly detest Nestle ice cream. Airy, gummy, and flavorless, this is the ice cream for people who prefer Jello (given the amount of carrageenan in the ice cream). One can use Nestle for science experiments (try watching a scoop of Nestle ice cream melt). I also don't care too much for Selecta; I find it too sweet and too airy (manufacturers whip air into commercial ice cream to bulk up the product).
There are some boutique ice cream that has eluded my tastebuds. I remember reading an article about a brand of homemade ice cream, available only via delivery. Unfortunately, I lost the article and cannot recall the name of the ice cream. All I remember is that is costs about as much as the Haagen Dazs's and the Dreyer's.
I go local for my ice cream (mainly because I can't afford to buy the imported stuff on a regular basis). Fruits in Ice Cream was started by former employees of Magnolia; the brand used to be available only via home-based distributors but lately, I have seen it in supermarkets. Strawberry, halo-halo, caramelo, vanilla and dulce the leche are quite good; can't stand the green tea, though.
Newly reissued Magnolia is also another current favorite. The texture is not as nice as FIC but still better than the commercial brands. Flavor choices are limited still, but offhand can recommend the chocolate and the strawberry.
Arce is the old standby; quality remains good and the flavor choices are unique; I do find Arce a bit sweet, though. Most flavors are good; the sherbets (sorbets?) are an excellent fat free choice (although quite heavy on the sugar). Heard good reviews about the atis, but strangely, have yet to try some.
Amici (see previous post) has homemade gelato, which are a welcome alternative to the store-bought brands. There are other gelaterias in the city, but I don't think any comes close to the incredible value you can get at Amici (here's a tip, Amici gelato is also available at Waltermart Pasong Tamo, near the supermarket entrance; curiously, pricing here is cheaper than the main outlet, go figure?!).
Moving to the worst of the bunch, I particularly detest Nestle ice cream. Airy, gummy, and flavorless, this is the ice cream for people who prefer Jello (given the amount of carrageenan in the ice cream). One can use Nestle for science experiments (try watching a scoop of Nestle ice cream melt). I also don't care too much for Selecta; I find it too sweet and too airy (manufacturers whip air into commercial ice cream to bulk up the product).
There are some boutique ice cream that has eluded my tastebuds. I remember reading an article about a brand of homemade ice cream, available only via delivery. Unfortunately, I lost the article and cannot recall the name of the ice cream. All I remember is that is costs about as much as the Haagen Dazs's and the Dreyer's.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Big "Bad" Buddha
Am recovering from another pretty bad meal from Big Buddha (Superbowl in a devolved incarnation). My past experiences in that hellhole of a restaurant were never good, so it was with a decided lack of anticipation that I ate at that restaurant again after several years. (I was outvoted).
My premonition proved accurate; the best part of the meal was the free kropek and the bottomless soft drink. One can get a far better meal at any panciteria in downtown Manila (Sincerity Cafe is a favorite; make sure you order the oyster cake and the fried chicken). The meal was also pretty expensive (around P300), considering the quality of the meal.
If you ever have a hankering for a Chinese meal, I strongly suggest that you look elsewhere (even Luk Yuen).
My premonition proved accurate; the best part of the meal was the free kropek and the bottomless soft drink. One can get a far better meal at any panciteria in downtown Manila (Sincerity Cafe is a favorite; make sure you order the oyster cake and the fried chicken). The meal was also pretty expensive (around P300), considering the quality of the meal.
If you ever have a hankering for a Chinese meal, I strongly suggest that you look elsewhere (even Luk Yuen).
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Chocolate Kiss
It was probably nostalgia and fuzzy memories that I (along with hordes of UP alumni) hold Chocolate Kiss (restaurant and bakeshop) in high esteem. So a soon-to-open sign along Roces Ave. was greeted with great anticipation.
I was quick to try out their cake offerings; I would have liked to say that everything (and I tried almost everything) was superb, but I would have been insincere. The truth was Chocolate Kiss was best left a (good/hazy) memory.
The dayap chiffon cake was a study in contrast, a bland cake matched with a bitter dayap filling (due likely to an overzealous zester), topped with an abominable and oversweet boiled white icing (the icing made of whipped egg white and powdered sugar or sugar syrup, more often seen on children's birthday cakes). This icing must be a house specialty as this also tops the Devil's Chocolate Cake (dry, dense and bland). The Kahlua Butter Cake and the carrot cake were forgettable. The Prune Cake was passable, but I do have a soft spot for pruney cakes in general.
All in all, i wouldn't go out of my way to eat cake at Chocolate Kiss Roces. BTW, coffee was swill.
I was quick to try out their cake offerings; I would have liked to say that everything (and I tried almost everything) was superb, but I would have been insincere. The truth was Chocolate Kiss was best left a (good/hazy) memory.
The dayap chiffon cake was a study in contrast, a bland cake matched with a bitter dayap filling (due likely to an overzealous zester), topped with an abominable and oversweet boiled white icing (the icing made of whipped egg white and powdered sugar or sugar syrup, more often seen on children's birthday cakes). This icing must be a house specialty as this also tops the Devil's Chocolate Cake (dry, dense and bland). The Kahlua Butter Cake and the carrot cake were forgettable. The Prune Cake was passable, but I do have a soft spot for pruney cakes in general.
All in all, i wouldn't go out of my way to eat cake at Chocolate Kiss Roces. BTW, coffee was swill.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Azzuro
Tucked away in a side street in Makati, is a restaurant made popular by its incredibly reasonable lunch buffet. For only P195, one gets soup, salad, two main dishes, a vegetable, and a dessert. Have been there twice and food is generally good. I only wish there were more dessert choices, maybe some fresh fruits?
It was on my second visit that I had another episode of lactose intolerance (although I didn't know it was lactose intolerance at the time). I felt really bad about an hour or two after that particular meal; at first, I thought I was poisoned (had nausea, stomach ache, bloat, gas and diarrhea). Then I realized that what I was going through was exactly what I had experienced a few weeks back. At that time, it was an over-indulgence of cheesecake (Hyatt, very good baked cheesecake); at Azzuro, it was the seafood shepherd's pie (very good, not withstanding its ill effects on my digestive system) and the creme brulee (small, but packed with all the good bad stuff).
It seems that most Asians are lactose intolerant (which is an inability to fully digest lactose, the sugar in milk). Lactose intolerance also increases in severity as one ages. So overindulgence plus old age, spells pain and discomfort. There is no cure, except for abstinence, moderation or those enzyme drops. However, all is not lost to the lactose intolerant; most afflicted can tolerate a glass of milk a day. Cheeses, yogurt and ice cream remain within the digestive reach.
It was on my second visit that I had another episode of lactose intolerance (although I didn't know it was lactose intolerance at the time). I felt really bad about an hour or two after that particular meal; at first, I thought I was poisoned (had nausea, stomach ache, bloat, gas and diarrhea). Then I realized that what I was going through was exactly what I had experienced a few weeks back. At that time, it was an over-indulgence of cheesecake (Hyatt, very good baked cheesecake); at Azzuro, it was the seafood shepherd's pie (very good, not withstanding its ill effects on my digestive system) and the creme brulee (small, but packed with all the good bad stuff).
It seems that most Asians are lactose intolerant (which is an inability to fully digest lactose, the sugar in milk). Lactose intolerance also increases in severity as one ages. So overindulgence plus old age, spells pain and discomfort. There is no cure, except for abstinence, moderation or those enzyme drops. However, all is not lost to the lactose intolerant; most afflicted can tolerate a glass of milk a day. Cheeses, yogurt and ice cream remain within the digestive reach.
Havana
Cafe Havana was the narrow choice for an office lunch last week; the fact that it was in Greenbelt (near the office) had a big hand in the decision. Expectations were relatively high since good things had been heard about the place.
Food was good; moreso since this was a buffet lunch (in general one walks away from a buffet full but not sated). Choices were quite varied (literally, as the spread took inspiration from several cuisines; this was surprising since one would have expected food from the caribbean; it could be that the breadth of dishes from this area would not have a buffet made, at least a buffet that would sell). I liked the seafood chowder, the appetizers, and the carving, which a particularly crunchy lechon kawali (yum!).
Dessert was simple; a welcome break from the rich dishes which had preceded it. Fresh fruit (including those small, sweet pineapples, mango sago, and an ube cake which the hostess claimed was homemade (maybe but perhaps by the commissary of Red Ribbon).
At P400+, the tab is not unreasonable. Service is tolerable (my standards have dropped considerably; I am resigned with the lousy service in most restaurants).
Food was good; moreso since this was a buffet lunch (in general one walks away from a buffet full but not sated). Choices were quite varied (literally, as the spread took inspiration from several cuisines; this was surprising since one would have expected food from the caribbean; it could be that the breadth of dishes from this area would not have a buffet made, at least a buffet that would sell). I liked the seafood chowder, the appetizers, and the carving, which a particularly crunchy lechon kawali (yum!).
Dessert was simple; a welcome break from the rich dishes which had preceded it. Fresh fruit (including those small, sweet pineapples, mango sago, and an ube cake which the hostess claimed was homemade (maybe but perhaps by the commissary of Red Ribbon).
At P400+, the tab is not unreasonable. Service is tolerable (my standards have dropped considerably; I am resigned with the lousy service in most restaurants).
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Amici
Friends in italian, it's also a nondescript cafeteria (literally) near Don Bosco which serves some of the best pasta and pizza in the city. One would expect no less since the restaurant is run by Salesians of Don Bosco. The restaurant uses mostly imported ingredients from the homeland, thus, food is wonderfully authentic.
For first time visitors, the set up in the restaurant can be a bit confusing. The pasta station is located in the newly built extension (if you are entering from the Pasay Road entrance, this is what you see first). The pizza station used to be a window on the side, near where the pizza ovens are located; but I think they have since relocated the order-taking to the gelato/beverage bar.
Amici makes its own gelato or Italian ice cream (I must admit, when I first started going to the restaurant, the ice cream was the big thing; there was no pizza or pasta station, only the regular cafeteria fare which is still being served today). Wonderfully inexpensive (at least when compared against other gelaterias), the ice cream has a smooth, milky texture; my personal favorites are the strawberry, chocolate chip, hazelnut, and blueberry. Amici also has a scooping station across the street in the new Waltermart along Pasong Tamo.
Parking is non-existent; we usually park at the church or across the street in Makati Cinema Square (or MCS to rabid collectors of less than authentic DVDs). The proximity of the two does make for a rather pleasant lunchbreak.
For first time visitors, the set up in the restaurant can be a bit confusing. The pasta station is located in the newly built extension (if you are entering from the Pasay Road entrance, this is what you see first). The pizza station used to be a window on the side, near where the pizza ovens are located; but I think they have since relocated the order-taking to the gelato/beverage bar.
Amici makes its own gelato or Italian ice cream (I must admit, when I first started going to the restaurant, the ice cream was the big thing; there was no pizza or pasta station, only the regular cafeteria fare which is still being served today). Wonderfully inexpensive (at least when compared against other gelaterias), the ice cream has a smooth, milky texture; my personal favorites are the strawberry, chocolate chip, hazelnut, and blueberry. Amici also has a scooping station across the street in the new Waltermart along Pasong Tamo.
Parking is non-existent; we usually park at the church or across the street in Makati Cinema Square (or MCS to rabid collectors of less than authentic DVDs). The proximity of the two does make for a rather pleasant lunchbreak.
Java Man
One of the nicest places to eat in Makati is Java Man in Powerbooks Greenbelt. Anyone who is a foodie and bibliophile, the cafe would be the closest thing to heaven on earth.
The restaurant serves the usual pasta and sandwich fare; but prices are reasonable and portions are large. The panini and the wraps are quite good (particularly the three cheese panini, the spanish sardines panini and the mediterrean shrimp wrap). Seating is a bit of a problem if you get there at the start of the lunchtime rush, but the crowd thins quickly.
Oh, coffee is good too.
The restaurant serves the usual pasta and sandwich fare; but prices are reasonable and portions are large. The panini and the wraps are quite good (particularly the three cheese panini, the spanish sardines panini and the mediterrean shrimp wrap). Seating is a bit of a problem if you get there at the start of the lunchtime rush, but the crowd thins quickly.
Oh, coffee is good too.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Just Desserts
I love desserts. No meal is complete without some sugar. In fact, I gauge how good any buffet is by the quality and variety of the dessert offered. Nothing can do more to ruin a meal than lousy desserts.
I tend not to like chocolate based desserts. I'd eat the stuff; but if you give me a choice between any chocolate dessert and a cream puff, I'd pick the puff.
I do like fruit desserts; particularly apple pie, which has been a long-time favorite. Which brings us to the rational for this post; I can't seem to find a pie I like. I've tried the Sugarhouse version; it's okay but not what I'm looking for. I want the American (as opposed to the "French") version; basically, a butter-rich double crust pie with lots of apples, flavored with cinnamon, sugar, butter, and good vanilla. If anyone can point me to such a pie, I would be eternally grateful.
I tend not to like chocolate based desserts. I'd eat the stuff; but if you give me a choice between any chocolate dessert and a cream puff, I'd pick the puff.
I do like fruit desserts; particularly apple pie, which has been a long-time favorite. Which brings us to the rational for this post; I can't seem to find a pie I like. I've tried the Sugarhouse version; it's okay but not what I'm looking for. I want the American (as opposed to the "French") version; basically, a butter-rich double crust pie with lots of apples, flavored with cinnamon, sugar, butter, and good vanilla. If anyone can point me to such a pie, I would be eternally grateful.
Bollywood
Stumbled onto Bollywood in Greenbelt 3 on one of my walkabouts in that most customer-unfriendly mall. Bollywood is the new Indian restaurant owned/operated by the LJC group (its about time that a new restaurant, any new restaurant opened in the Greenbelt mall; unfortunately, the restaurants in Greenbelt have generally not aged well).
The restaurant has a lunchtime buffet which we tried. The selection was quite good; there were a few that were quite spicy but my lunchmate claims that the heat had been tempered for the Filipino palate. I loved the nan bread, and the chicken masala (which was mild); thumbs up also for the lamb and the vegetable dishes.
A word of warning, though, the immense quantity and the mix of spices may wreak havoc on your digestive system; with potentially disastrous results. I believe this is a result of a lack of acclimatization, which can be remedied by repeated visits to this and similar establishments.
Pricing is a bit high, P395+. Coffee and drinks are not included.
The restaurant has a lunchtime buffet which we tried. The selection was quite good; there were a few that were quite spicy but my lunchmate claims that the heat had been tempered for the Filipino palate. I loved the nan bread, and the chicken masala (which was mild); thumbs up also for the lamb and the vegetable dishes.
A word of warning, though, the immense quantity and the mix of spices may wreak havoc on your digestive system; with potentially disastrous results. I believe this is a result of a lack of acclimatization, which can be remedied by repeated visits to this and similar establishments.
Pricing is a bit high, P395+. Coffee and drinks are not included.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)