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Sunday, May 31, 2015
CARUSO RISTORANTE: Italian Cuisine in Makati

 

Like a scene from the movie, The Godfather, CARUSO RISTORANTE seems to be a place from history.

Located in MAKATI, CARUSO RISTORANTE can be a place for that romantic date or a family get together in the afternoon. Dress code is strict except for Sundays or family days.

Owned by Italian expats, you could be expect that the quality and the authenticity of the food is spot on.


Seeing foreigners mostly, I entered the place and figured out that I was in for a delightful lunch. When you see Italian guests eating at an Italian restaurant, this should make you happy.

You could start with a bubbly or a PROSECCO BRUT TREVISO 2013 (380/2800Php). Sweet and delicious. Perfect to start the meal.
If you have decided with your mains, you could go for a Chardonnay 2013 (360/1950 Php) a white wine or Carbernet Sauvignon 2013 (290/1850Php).

 Freshly baked breads are served to start you up. You can't really ask them to serve the food faster because they are made with love and care. That is quality. Use this opportunity to talk to your friends and companions. A time to catch up.

INSALATA CARUSO (420Php). Mixed salad with tuna, boiled eggs, and mozzarella cheese. This is freshness personified or should I saw foodified. Healthy eaters would definitely dig this salad.

But you know me, I love a good ham and cheese. PARMAHAM with BURATA CHEESE (680Php). The ham is properly cured and is soft.. The cheese is not too salty and compliments the ham well. Perfect to go with the complimentary bread. Yuuuuumy!


It might look simple but this is its strongest characteristic. CALABRESE PIZZA (690Php). A combination of tomato, mozzarella, black olives, bell pepper and spicy salami. The Meat in itself is bacon like. Although it doesn't have that crunchy texture, the kick that comes from it is welcomed. No need to add hot sauce or whatever. The pizza does it for you.

A crowd favorite is the GARGANELLI PORCINI (620Php). You could smell it a mile away. The truffle and the mushroom aroma engulfs the room. I love it. They make their pasta in house. The sauce is not too creamy but it compliments the mushroom pretty well.

SCALOPPINE di VITELLO al LIMONE (830Php). Veal slices in lemon sauce. The veal in itself is good but the price in itself is a bit too much for just 2 slices.

SALMON FRESCO AGLIAGRUMI (830Php). This salmon is uberly fresh. The fillet is huge and perfectly cooked. The use of lemon and orange adds a different tangy flavor to the salmon. As such, it elevated the flavor. Wonderfully done.

As all good things must come to the end, dessert time is the best finisher.

A cup of coffee to accompany your choice of dessert.

TIRAMISU (320Php) Spongey coffee cake. It's all right.

This is what you should get for dessert. PANNACOTTA CLASSIC (320 Php). Homemade stuff. The cream and gellatin mixed well together. This was soooo good, I couldn't stop myself from slurping the plate, I mean my spoon. LOL!

At the end of the meal, they serve digestif. They leave them at your table for your own consumption. Theese babies right here would definitely rock your body. A shot from any one of these would keep those food down and would help in digestion.

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 Not only has it been up and running for 15 years, CARUSO RISTORANTE is a heavy weight in terms of giving it their best. The Italian cuisine and dishes they serve, alongside with the Filipino hospitality, makes them a definitely go to place to have a relaxing and delicious meal. Although it may seem pricey, the ambiance, quality, service and the feel of the restaurant pays for it. The Parmaham, Pizza, and Pasta are no brainers. Don't forget the dessert.


CARUSO RISTORANTE
210 Nicanor Garcia Street ,
Makati City, Metro Manila
11am-230pm and 6pm-11pm

and also in
The District Boracay Station 2
Facebook

Note: They have free parking in front and at the back. Wifi is also available.

Disclaimer:  Was invited to try out this restaurant. Wrote this based on my experiences.
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Thursday, May 28, 2015
UCC CLOCKWORK in Capitol Commons.

Good coffee and good grub is often hard to come by. When I go to the usual places, it's either they have good food but their coffee doesn't compliment their dishes or it's the other way around. UCC's CLOCKWORK seems to overcome that barrier. 
After the success of their 1st branch in Pasay, UCC CLOCKWORK opened up their ESTANCIA Branch. 

Situated outside the mall, CLOCKWORK opens it doors at 7 in the morning. Allowing early morning joggers and breakfast yuppies access to amazing food and coffee. Honestly, I have been to UCC CLOCKWORK in ESTANCIA around 4x already. Every time, it has been a pleasure just chilling.
Wifi is free and they have a lot of sockets to plug your e-devices. So cheers for those study sessions and reports.

 Aside from all of these perks, the food is definitely awesome.


BAKED NACHOS (320Php). Cheese and all those glorious toppings. A perfect munch on.

CHICKEN CRACKS (230 Php). Chicken skin. Mixed with spices with a honey vinegar dip.
High blood here I come.

To balance things out, you could go for their salads. QUINOA Grilled Chicken and Mandarine Orange Salad (320Php) in the background and GUILTLESS Salad (300 Php) on the foreground.
Of course I skipped em.

If you're into something light, you could go for:

BEEF HASH BENEDICT (320Php). Corn Muffin, Beef Hash, Bechamel, Poached Egg, Arugula and house salad.


A definite winner would be the GRILLED PULLED PORK with CHEESE (250Php). Gooey and yummy.

OUVO y NEGRA (280Php). Made with squid ink, this would make your lips a little black.

For adobo lovers, the ADOBO FLOSS PASTA PLATE #OMG (320Php) is the one to go to. Olive oil based with garlic adobo flakes. I liked the crunchy texture of the flakes.

If you are really hungry, they have full blown meals. 

GRABBY FATTY OMURICE (350Php). Shredded Crab Meat is used and the rice is swarming with aligue cream and toro-toro egg.

For the fish eater, the MILKFISH BELLY PAKSIW (300Php) is a sure pick. Coconut vinegar base is perfect with the garlic rice. The eggplant katsu on the side is a nice addition to this dish.

ROSEMARY CHICKEN CRISP (320Php) has grilled herbed chicken. The rice in itself is flavorful. What joy was it to have a go at this.

and for the big boys, their steak dishes are the best.

US ANGUS RIB EYE STEAK (850/1500Php). This baby right here is tender and a steal. It is around 350grams/700grams for sharing. Sulit.

In case that you don't really want something big, you could go for plain STEAK and EGGS (650Php)
Either ASIAN or WESTERN style. This is the Asian style as it is on top of kimchi rice.


As this is also a coffee shop, they have dessert to partner with the different drinks.

THICK TOAST GREEN TEA NUTELLA (340Php). I was a little disappointed as the matcha flavor didn't stand out. Also, it was a bit cool when it was served. I would have wanted it to be warm. Maybe next time, I would ask them to properly heat it up.

CLAIRS (250Php) Japanese stle waffle crepe. Soft and light dessert.

A favorite of mine would be the MANGO CREPE SAMURAI (220Php). Bite sized crepe swimming in amazing custard sauce.

A crowd favorite, the JAPANESE PANCAKE (190Php) is delicious. Although it seemed normal, the fluffy pancake has crispy side. I enjoyed this dish even if I was super full. You need to take note though that this order takes a while as it is baked.

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Definitely delicious and a fun experience, UCC CLOCKWORK delivers on what it is aiming for. To be precise. Free wifi and sockets is a big plus for working guys and gals and studying studs. This can definitely be a nice hung out place.

UCC CLOCKWORK
Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons,
Pasig, Metro Manila
Opens at 7am.
FACEBOOK


Disclaimer: wrote this based on my experience. was invited to try out the dishes.
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Wednesday, May 27, 2015
7 FLAVORS in SAN JUAN by Chef Boy Logro

 BANG BANG BANG ... That's the way CHEF BOY LOGRO does it. Curios that I wanted to try out their newly opened resto.

I was late because we got lost. Me and my driver. FINE I was late because I was late.  Anyway, I was quite impressed with the setup when I arrived. The Wilson Area is somewhat known for having little parking space. Here you have 7 FLAVORS having a huge lot for cars to park at. A good first impression.
 
I was led inside and was advised that the buffet area was on the 2nd floor. Walked as I did and saw some inspired art work like paintings. The place for the buffet itself could easily fit around 150. They have small function rooms for small parties.

A little background on this, 7 FLAVORS is a new bakery, cafe and buffet place in SAN JUAN. It capitalizes itself in having something sweet, sour, salty, bitter, spicy, umami and astringent. Opened just last May 13, it started serving a variety of dishes.

But first. I needed to hydrate.

 Drinks are not the usual as they play with soda. Adding different fruit flavors. 
They also offer some shakes which are also interesting.

After having a cool one, I surveyed the spread. It wasn't as big as the other buffet places but it does serve some interesting dishes.

PUMPKIN FRITATA is something you don't normally see on any spread.

A carving station that serves ROAST PORK 

SHRIMPS


A cooking station that serves STIR FRY.
Other than these, they had some meatballs, chicken dishes, eggplant lasagna, tofu and other notable dishes.
 and a small dessert spread that served a few sweet goodies along with fruits.
 

and my plate.
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Honestly, I was expecting a little bit more. The dishes are somewhat unique but I believe they could improve and deliver exciting new dishes. The service was great although once the people racks up, the wait staff needed a little guidance. I guess it's because they just opened. The dishes were refilled quickly. Patrons never waited on an empty dish. I guess for the price you are paying, this could be a good idea for a simple dinner place. No frills. Also, please note that drinks are not yet included in the prices. 
Hope this gives you a little idea on what to expect when you go. 

I might drop by again next time to check out their BAKERY. They got interesting dishes that I know I would want to check out. Cheers.


7 FLAVORS
196 A. Mabini Street,
Addition Hills, San Juan del Monte
facebook



Disclaimer: Invited to this event and wrote this based on my opinions.
From the Facebook page of 7 Flavors. Discount applies till June14

MENU from their BAKERY/CAFE






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Tuesday, May 26, 2015
It's MILLER TIME! At 71 Gramercy

"It's Miller Time"
 This says it all. If you are familiar with REGGIE MILLER, you would know what this means in basketball. Now think BEER. Yes exactly the same thing.

Entering 71 Gramercy has never been so swanky as this bucket of joy greets everyone.

The party started early as everyone was left in awe. With bottles of MILLER beer being opened left and right, you can't help but remember your younger yesteryears. I must be getting too old for this ****.
Old as I might be, I definitely enjoyed this premium beer. It goes for that German Style Lager brewed and bottled in the Wisconsin. Yes, Miller is coming back to Manila. This time around straight from the US.

It tastes light and oddly enough, after 7 bottles of beer, I could still walk a straight line.  Make no mistake, this MILLER could go for bust as it keeps you going all night long. Party people would definitely love this.

 As the night was getting along, party goer and lifestyle icon, TIM YAP welcomed the crowd.
Everyone started dancing and enjoyed the night away...

 Sexy is as sexy does. For me, that is MILLER.
 Last one.. After my last one...

I enjoyed so much that I couldn't help taking look at the view... The beer, the company, and now all I need is the girl. Good times.

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Can't wait for the local bars to get wind of this and start selling them. Remember, beer bellow zero. That is the way to go to properly enjoy this one. MILLER GENUINE DRAFT is here to stay. 
WELCOME BACK!

MILLER GENUINE DRAFT

Facebook
#itsmillertime

@ 71 Gramercy
Facebook

Disclaimer: Wrote this based on my experience. Was invited to this event. I would like to apologize for these pictures as I know they're not that good. It's difficult to take some great shots when you party. Thank you very much to Yen Dreyfus of http://www.thetummytraveler.ph/ and Sir Jun for the invite. Awesome to drink with you guys: Donny of Burgers and Brewskie, Gerry of dude for food , Pepe of Pepesamson , Eric and Jaz of EricJazfoodies , Euge of heftyfoodie, and Chef Cecille of Silk Road.
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