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Friday, December 29, 2017
LEMON AND OLIVES GREEK TAVERNA: Checking Out What Baguio Has To Offer

The view, the weather, and the food. These are the things that made me go to Baguio. I stayed at GRAND SIERRA PINES BAGUIO and looked for a place to have early dinner. One suggestion that popped up was LEMON AND OLIVES GREEK TAVERNA. Walking distance from the hotel, this restaurant is an overlooking spot in Baguio.
With ample parking space, this has fine interiors and very welcoming vibe. The best view though has got to be from their al fresco area. A few tables are lined up outside and would definitely make you feel like you're in another country.
To start things off, we had an order of HUMMUS (140Php). Thick dip made from chickpeas, it's pretty decent. I was particularly curious about the pita bread. It seemed that they were over done and a bit tough. Thankfully, one bite in and I realized I was wrong. These were the thicker versions. I'm guessing, they try really hard to keep the food warm but the weather just makes the food cold extremely fast.
We wanted to go for some grilled octopus but it was out of stock. Actually around 3 or 4 other dishes we wanted was not available. So, we just made do with what they recommended. Another starter, the POIKILIA (320Php) is a platter of sausages, deep fried cheese, and even a tzatziki dip.
When in BAGUIO, salads are a must. Most if not all of the vegetables that are served in the metro comes from up north. Since Baguio is closer and their climate is a bit cooler, it's here that you could check out and try better produce. We went for the L and O Salad (180/290Php). It's a mix of sun-dried tomatoes, walnuts, romaine with a honey lemon dressing.
 If I'm not mistaken, the next dish was the PASTITSIO (230Php). It's Greek Pasta with bechamel sauce baked with ground beef and pasta.
Since we were still a bit full from our lunch, my parents and brother went for a couple of SOUVLAKI PATES.
One good thing about Lemon and Olives is that you could mix and match what type of meat you may want to have on your plate. Seen on top is the chicken while the bottom plate shows beef, pork, and chicken.
Just because they thought that we still had more space in our tummy (we didn't the chicken dish and the burger were left half eaten), my parents still went for the ATHENS BURGER. It's their signature grilled beef patty. I'm pretty sure these weren't the BRIOCHE BUNS that were supposed to be served in but what the heck.
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Furthermore, they have a function room downstairs and a sort of park. You could just chill and relax while looking at the view. Service was pretty good but towards the end there was a little boo boo that left a bad taste in my parents' mouth. In any case, not bad.


LEMON AND OLIVES GREEK TAVERNA
26 Outlook Drive S,
Baguio, Benguet 2600

Disclaimer: Paid for our meal. Wrote this based on my experience and opinions.
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Tuesday, December 26, 2017
GRAND SIERRA PINES BAGUIO: ONE AMAZING STAY FOR THE FAMILY

It has been decades since I went to Baguio. Everything seems new and the traffic familiar. I didn't know where to go or where to stay but feedback from friends and family members made me choose GRAND SIERRA PINES BAGUIO.
Located in the quiet part of BAGUIO, Grand Sierra Pines is a newly constructed hotel that exudes relaxation and tranquility. It's the perfect place to stay at for different types of travelers. From family, friends, and even acquaintances, GRAND SIERRA PINES should be on your radar when in Baguio.
Checking in was a breeze. It gave us more time to walk around and feel the cold Baguio air. Aside from the amazing view, the property gives off that relaxing vibe. You have a huge garden that houses a mini playground. On Saturdays, a bonfire makes the night festive and welcoming. The compound has 3 main areas: The hotel building where the rooms are located, the open air space where you play around and frolic, and the other building that houses the gym, spa, and one of their in house restaurants, The Outlook Steak and Grill.
The rooms are quite large and comfortable. I believe most have their own balconies that open up to amazing views. The higher you're floor is, the better it would be. Thankfully, we were able to stay at the Family Room on the top floor. As you enter, a king size bed greets you. Up stairs, a couple of single beds and freedom awaits. Each floor has their own balcony, closet, and table. Not bad if you want to relax and just enjoy the Baguio weather.
The washroom is neat and tidy. Although it didn't have a tub, everything seems to be complete. Hot and cold shower and a bidet, what more can I ask for?
Breakfast is one of the things that I look forward to. At GRAND SIERRA PINES BAGUIO, everything that you may want and need is provided for. The buffet offers different types of soup, fruits, fresh salad, eggs, main dishes, bread, pastries and a lot more. For drinks, they have a couple of juices, coffee (I think this one has butter in it), and the traditional chocolate de batirol. I must say, they definitely hit the mark with those crunchy bacon and that amazing hot chocolate.
It's basically the traditional Filipino Breakfast Buffet that one could definitely enjoy.
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GRAND SIERRA PINES is one heck of a property. I won't mind driving all the way back to Baguio and staying here for a couple of nights again.



GRAND SIERRA PINES
43 NORTH OUTLOOK DRIVE
Gibraltar, Baguio City

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Thursday, December 21, 2017
TENYA AND RACKS JOIN TOGETHER TO GIVE BACK FOR THE HOLIDAYS

 This holiday season two great restaurants join together to give back to their chosen charities. RACKS AND TENYA have both partnered with Habitat for Humanity and the Make-A Wish Foundation respectively. A portion of their special sets will be donated to these non-profit organizations.
 In TENYA, they offer the WINTER SEAFOOD TENDON. These Christmas bowls could be customized and are priced for just Php 395. They have tiger prawn, soft shell crab, salmon and a few more tempura surprises.
 For RACKS, they brought in the big guns by offering THE BACON CRUSTED PORK RIBS.
 This baby might not look as appetizing as the other dishes but it's delicious and straightforward.
 The saltiness of the bacon crust went perfectly well with the soft and tender meat of the rib. Add a little bit of their secret bbq sauce and you are good to go!
 They also offer these for different number of diners and guests. Patrons dining alone could available of a quarter slab while big groups could go for a huge PLATTER! Remember to try ou their broccoli and cheese. It's a "healthy" surprise.
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RACKS and TENYA would be offering these items on their menu up until January 15, 2018 in all RACKS and TENYA BRANCHES.


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Tuesday, December 19, 2017
2 LAZCANO IN QUEZON CITY: ONE HECK OF A FOOD TRIP PLACE

 Sweet and savory. Two flavor combination that would seemingly work. Not every time of course, but it's definitely something that Filipinos love. At 2 Lazcano Place, my friends and I were treated to everything but the kitchen sink. You see, this place is a collection of different restaurants all in one. It's not another food park mind you, but a compound with different standing restaurants with their own kitchen, seats, and the works.
 Located at the intersection of Sct. Lazcano, Sct Magbanua, and Mother Ignacia, 2 Lazcano Place houses a number of different restaurants. Parking might be a little bit of an issue but once you get a spot, you'll surely be rewarded with all the food, drinks, and sweets you might want to have.
 For that lunch, we all started with KUSINA JUAN REPUBLIKA. This restaurant is the Filipino joint in the compound. It has an extensive menu and the pricing is quite reasonable.
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 Aside from the sisig, they actually surprised me with the PINAKBET RICE with SEAFOOD. You might be surprised but it's not all vegetables. Once you pass that, you get a taste of buttery and rich rice.
 IF you can't decide what to get, you may want to go for the platter. A mix of deep fried squid, liempo, and even ensaladang eggplant.
 You could partner this with their deep fried hito with their homemade buro or fermented rice.
To be fair, the sizzling options are quite good as well.
 The winning dish for that lunch though would be THE CRISPY PATA. This baby is one massive hit. Crispy Skin and flavorful meat inside. Dip it in the sauce and get some rice, and you're all good.
If you're up for something light and a bit boozy, the LITTLE WINEHAUS got you covered.
 
They have finger foods and sausages plus meat to entice you. You could have them together with a glass of wine or their sangrias. There is something about the combination of salty meat and the sweet touch of liquor.
Japanese food lovers would enjoy BENTO and CO. This petite shop has a lot of punch. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of their dishes. They were all executed well.
Of course, they got to have bentos in their menu. These meals are quite delicious and have generous servings. The ones with the "steak" are quite enjoyable too.
If that's not enough for you, their EBI TEMPURA might work together with their rice bowls and yes, they also offer sashimi and sushi.
To be honest, I was quite surprised that there are two restaurants with almost similar concept.
The first one is on the second floor. Named as BREWOLOGY, once you enter you are greeted with the aroma of the coffee. They have a number of pastries and coffee.
You have to try their WAFFOGATO. It's not as sweet as you would imagine and it's pretty good twist to the usual waffle. Their coffee is really good and is best partnered with their baked dishes.
URBANIDAD CAFE on the other hand, focuses more on cakes. Aside from the drinks, their cakes are pretty good.
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At first glance, you might say that it's another food park. BUT, it isn't. 2 LAZCANO PLACE is a collection of different restaurants that could provide whatever you may crave for. Don't forget, you could actually sit in any place and you could cross order from whichever resto you may like. So, it's basically one place that could really tickle whatever you fancy.



2 LAZCANO PLACE

Kusina Juan Republika Menu:



2 Scout Lazcano Corner
Mother Ignacia and Scout Magbanua
1101 Quezon City, Metro Manila

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Saturday, December 16, 2017
TSUTA RAMEN: WORLD'S FIRST MICHELIN STAR RAMEN HOUSE IS NOW OPEN IN BGC

 Just when you thought that the ramen craze has died down in Metro Manila, another one just opened to the public today. TSUTA RAMEN from Japan has opened its doors to everyone starting DECEMBER 16. This is no ordinary Japanese Ramen House. It's the first and only one to receive a Michelin Star for consecutive years.
 As you reach this 48 seater restaurant, you are greeted and advised to order and pay for your meal before you enter. Once seated, the different sets or dishes would be served to you. There are bar seats and couch seats as well. One might like to settle down at the bar so as to witness how the noodles are cooked.
 Stock wise, it's basically a mixture of three different variants. One is from asari clams, another from imported Japanese fish, and another from whole chicken.
 As starters one could go for the ABURI NIKU (130Php). These are charred pork cubes that has an onion sauce. Truthfully, this has a slight salty flavor that reminds me of a tender deep fried pork dish.
 You also have the option of having them on rice. If you like the Char Siu, they have to RO-SU MESHI (170Php). This one is covered with butter sauce. It reminds me of Christmas Ham.
 One look at the menu and you might be surprised to find that they only have 3 variants. Each one vary in terms of toppings but basically it all boils down to the basics. One could go for the SHOYU SOBA, SHIO SOBA, and the MISO SOBA.
One thing that stands out would be that these ramen have clear broths. Unlike the ones that we see in the Philippine Market, the soup used in these ramen bowls aren't as heavy or full as the others. Yet, they are still flavorful and worth a try.
The noodles are cooked to perfection as they are made from the finest ingredients and are cooked in a precise manner.
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If you have the time, head on over today. The first 100 in line will be able to receive surprises. From unlimited ramen bowls to discounts and what not.
TSUTA RAMEN is located in Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig, Metro Manila. It will open from 11:30am onwards and until supplies last.


TSUTA RAMEN MENU:


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