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Showing posts with label BGC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BGC. Show all posts
Monday, January 27, 2020
FRIENDS AND FAMILY: ENJOYING A FILIPINO-CHINESE LUNCH IN BGC

 
 If I was asked what food I would enjoy when I'm feeling homesick, I would usually answer something to the tune of anything from my childhood. It has got to be familiar and tasty. The food needs to remind me how it was and bring joy to what I am doing. One place that I recently visited brought smiles to my tummy and great pleasure to my taste buds. I just had one heck of a time enjoying FRIENDS AND FAMILY in BGC.
Located in Bonifacio Global City's High Street Central, FRIENDS AND FAMILY is right in the middle of everything. It's a restaurant from the Raintree Hospitality Group. This is the same people behind a number of restaurants and hotels in the Philippines that is known for quality service. (RELATED: CHECK OUT MY EXPERIENCE AT BLUE MARINA BORACAY) They know what they are doing and I'm glad I visited them that day. No other than chef extraordinaire Kalel Chan was there to welcome us. 
 "It has got to be something comforting. Dapat masaya pagkinain mo." These were the words of the chef that is known to make things simple but delicious. You could see how passionate he was when he was talking about the different dishes and how they got to be. He knew that the dishes had to be best shared with friends and family. Hence, everything on the new menu jived in. 
 It was no surprise for chef to make something that is familiar from his childhood. New additions were all related to FILIPINO-CHINESE dishes that would make you remember how Binondo or even Greenhills used to be. There were a lot of similarities and flavors that were definitely spot on with the dishes in FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
 Honestly, I would have been happy with just the CHINATOWN FRIED RICE. It was not your normal yang chow. This had cuts of spring roll or lumpiang shanghai and even some sweet Chinese sausage.
 Speaking off, you could get an order of their LUMPIA SHANGHAI as well. It's not your ordinary spring roll. There's a spark that is clear with the quality of ground meat they used to make the rolls. The wraps were crunchy but the meat kept its form. Really good on its own but better with a bottle of beer.
Other main dishes that should not be forgotten would have to be the HONEY LEMON CHICKEN,  CHINESE ADOBO, SWEET AND SOUR PORK,  and the CAMARON REBUSADO. The Lemon Chicken had a bit of a sweet streak in it. The Chinese Adobo was pure heaven with each spoonful. The Sweet and Sour pork was just crunchy and perfect. Heck, I had such a great time that I almost forgot about the Camaron Rebusado. Somewhat similar to tempura, this shrimp puff was a great treat.
 Another part of the new menu from FRIENDS AND FAMILY that got me hooked was their Noodle section. Comprised of mostly Makis, it can't get better than this.
A Filipino-Chinese Heritage dish, this thick and silky sweet soy soup is filled with egg whites and fried pork. You can choose between MAKI, MAKI MI, and MAKI and KIAMPUNG COMBO. The Maki is basically just the soup itself. The MAKI MI has noodles in it. The must order though would be the MAKI and KIAMPUNG COMBO. This is soup served together with rice topped with chinese sausage, peanuts, thinly sliced pork humba, and pickled mustard greens. Don't forget to mix in some black vinegar and hot sauce. They complete everything.
Just to get that crunchy texture, the MIXED SEAFOOD CRISPY CANTON TOSTADO ON A SIZZLING PLATE might entice you. The noodles is first served separately from the toppings and sauce. It is then added. Here, you get to hear the sizzle coming out from the hot plate. A great dish for noodle lovers.
 If these aren't your type, you might want to try the CHILI GARLIC MIXED SEAFOOD JAPCHAE. Granted that it sounded like a Korean dish, this is mixed with xiao xing wine along with seafood ingredients.
 At this point, I was already full but I was determined not to stop. With a Filipino Styled Spaghetti, I dug in. Each bite let me have a sweet salty flavor that you would have experienced as a kid. It was joyful and reminisce of my past. I devoured it with gusto. Yes, I finished the dish.
 Dessert would make anyone swoon with delight. You have to make room for them. The Buchi were filled with peach mango, flat tops, and even salted egg cheese dulce. Flat top would be the easy choice but I was surprised with the salted egg cheese dulce. It was actually weirdly good. If you like something refreshing, they also offer mango and sago and even almond jelly.
 If you're a smoker, you'll be happy to know that COCONUT CLUB, just beside Friends and Family, is a designated smoking area. It has ac just like chotto matte, another sister restaurant that offers the same refuge for smokers.
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FRIENDS AND FAMILY is like your home or your friend's house. It's where you get a little dose of your past just so that you enjoy the present. Good Stuff from this restaurant.



FRIENDS AND FAMILY
G/F Bonifacio High Street Central
Near Central Square Mall
Bonifacio Global City,
Taguig, Metro Manila


Disclaimer: Wrote this based on my opinion. Was invited to try out the restaurant.
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Wednesday, November 20, 2019
THE ALLEY BY VIKINGS: BONIFACIO HIGH STREET'S GO TO BUFFET BGC

When someone asks me where to go for lunch, I usually say let's go to a buffet. The upside is that you get tons of choices and you won't need to wait for food. One of my go to places would be THE ALLEY in UP TOWN CENTER KATIPUNAN. Recently, they just opened their 4th branch of the same concept in BGC.  This newer place is hipper and more instagrammable.
Since this is owned by the VIKINGS GROUP, you could be sure of its quality and quantity. One thing that differs between the usual Vikings buffet is that THE ALLEY is patterned like a food hall. They have 14 different stations that you could choose from.
You just have to remember that this is a buffet. You go for the meanest and best bang for buck dishes.
If it was me you're talking to, I usually head on over to their Japanese section first. NAMED as YATAI, this stall offers sushi and sashimi. Other Japanese dishes are also found here. 
It's tempura all you want as well. If they don't have a single one waiting for you, the staff is willing to bring newly cooked ones to your table. So don't forget to get your table number.
After starting with my go-to's, I would suggest that you visit the stations that offer the carved dishes. IN BUONO, you are greeted with the big guns. Aside from turkey, lamb, and beef, they also have deep fried pork aka liempo. Surprisingly, they offer chicharon bulaklak here as well.
Another must try would be their baked oysters. Topped with tons of gooey cheese, you won't go wrong with these babies. Just remember to eat them when you have something in your stomach already.
As you enter THE ALLEY in BGC, you have a choice between the left side and the right side. Don't get me wrong, both sides are perfect places to sit at. My only tip is to stay somewhere at the back since most of the main courses are there. One stall named as HAO CHI, offers Chinese Dishes. Aside from the deep friend pork, you could also go for the soy chicken. Really good stuff.
The choices here are extremely limitless. You can never go wrong with any.
I appreciate that they also serve street food. They have a fishball cart that sells deep friend goodies. Beside it, they offer bibingka and puto bungbong. You could also have some dirty ice cream, taho, and balot.
Another thing that makes me like THE ALLEY is that they have an extensive list of drinks to choose from. You can go for something alcoholic like their cocktails of the day, or fruits juices and even freshly brewed coffee.
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THE ALLEY BY VIKINGS in BGC is their 4th branch with the same concept. It is located on the second floor of Bonifacio High Street Central.



THE ALLEY BY VIKINGS 
C1, Upper Ground Floor, Bonifacio High Street Central,
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Philippines
(02) 8-VIK-INGS (or 8-845-4647) 
+63 917-188-9488 • +63 918-919-7888 • (02) 8-805-7888 • (02) 8-805-9888



ADULT RATE:

Adult Weekday Lunch: 788 (+5% service charge)
Adult Weekday Dinner: 988 (+5% service charge)
Adult Weekends/Holiday Lunch & Dinner: 988 (+5% service charge)

KIDS RATE:

Kids below 3 ft: FREE
Kids 3 ft - 4 ft Weekday Lunch: 238 (+5% service charge)
Kids 3 ft - 4 ft Weekday Dinner: 338 (+5% service charge)
Kids 3 ft - 4 ft Weekends/Holiday Lunch & Dinner: 338 (+5% service charge)
Kids 4 ft - 4 ft 4.6" Weekday Lunch: 448 (+5% service charge)
Kids 4 ft - 4 ft 4.6" Weekday Dinner: 648 (+5% service charge)
Kids 4 ft - 4 ft 4.6" Weekends/Holiday Lunch & Dinner: 648 (+5% service charge)



Disclaimer:Wrote this based on my experience. Was invited to try out this place.
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Thursday, May 3, 2018
TERRIFIC LUNCH AT SAMBA in SHANGRILA FORT BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY

When one talks about Peruvian dishes one restaurant comes into mind. SAMBA. The Shangri-La Fort has this pool side restaurant as the one to visit when thinking about ceviche and other delicious seafood dishes
Samba has been there for quite some time. It caters mainly to the dining crowd as it has an outdoor seating area with a nice view. For diners that is allergic to the heat, they could head on over to their indoor area and relax.
Most if not all of their dishes are from the sea but they are definitely fresh and spot on. One could start out their soft shell crab dish. Deep fried, this thing of beauty could make your mouth watery after a bite. Everything is crispy and you could eat it. Unlike traditional crabs, everything here will definitely end up in your tummy.
When visiting SAMBA, you should know that their best sellers would be the CEVICHES. Here, we have three of their best version. Each giving distinct flavors. Take note though, one is a bit spicy and hot. The other is a mix of seafood and the other is made with grouper.
For something a bit healthy, you could go for some quinoa. This one is topped with shrimps and some cheese to give it a creamier texture.
When one visits SAMBA at Shangri-La FORT, one should always go for the anticucho de pulpo. Basically grilled octopus, the meat isn't rubbery nor mushy. It had the perfect mouth feel.

Somewhat similar to Paella, the Arroz Con Mariscos is the Peruvian Seafood Rice. Different flavors create a heavy yet mouthful of a treat. A bit thick but smooth, this one is one for the books.
Visiting SAMBA for lunch is a nice way to relax after a hectic morning. From Monday to Fridays they offer a wide variety of time and pocket friendly dining options.
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On a personal note, thank you Shangri-La Fort Family for the amazing send off! Cheers guys!

SAMBA
SHANGRI-LA FORT
30th Street Corner 5th Avenue,
Bonifacio Global City,
Taguig, Metro Manila
Philippines


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Monday, April 16, 2018
NOMI MATCHA: MORE THAN JUST GREEN TEA IN BGC

Here we go again. Those were the words that was in my mind. I didn't know what NOMI is and why I was walking towards it. I just heard matcha and I think my body moved on its own. As I entered, I noticed all the different things that would make this a place for millenials.
The writings on the wall leads us towards something positive. Different things to motivate us and go for something better. The place was bright and gives off good vibes. As with what the owner of this restaurant wanted, it's basically healthy, delicious, and fun food.
Although not yet on the menu, this baby is a breath of fresh air for matcha lovers. The smores is created right infront of you. Just a few seconds of being torched and you get something delicious.
Surprise! The Matcha Ice Cream inside didn't melt. I think it worked like that because there was a thin layer of chocolate around it. Just be careful not to over burn it. The home made marshmallow might go full blown super sweet on you.
Another best seller to try would be the matcha tiramisu. The green tea flavor was very evident in this dessert. If you're into that bitter taste, this one is for you. I guess old school matcha lovers would enjoy this. Don't worry though, they have other flavored version to try out as well for first timers.
Aside from the salted caramel matcha cookie, you must not miss the churros. Their version was a delicious trip for me. Each bite was soft and dreamy. I realized that my mouth was watering after one bite. I would definitely go back for more.
Drinks are also a big part of the menu. Granted that they're only on their soft opening, NOMI'S drinks are pretty cool. They even have different pairings and secret drinks that you might enjoy.
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More than just dessert and matcha, NOMI offers a variety of cooked dishes. It was a pleasant surprise for me. They had healthy bowls as well as Japanese inspired plates that infused Filipino flavors. Take note, all of the matcha are imported from Kyoto. One of the owners' family runs a museum in Kyoto that focuses on tea. As such, you can be assured of its quality and authenticity. Can't wait for them to roll out their entire menu.


NOMI MATCHA AND ACAI
W City Center, corner 30th St, 
Taguig, Kalakhang Maynila
 
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Saturday, March 24, 2018
F1 HOTEL MANILA: FUN SUMMER STAYCATION

There's a couple of reasons why I always see myself going back to F1 HOTEL in BGC. It's because of the hospitality and also of the entire stay experience. I have been to this hotel a number of times already, and yet I see myself coming back for more.
For lunch, it seems that the buffet has a lot of new things that guests would enjoy. Aside from the usual salad and seafood spread, they have a sort of Filipino-Mexican theme going.
There was a mix between distinctly Filipino dishes and some Mexican flavors. Examples would be the Chicken Adobo Enchiladas, Chipotle Chicken, Shrimp Halabos, and a lot more.
Patrons would also be treated to the amazing home made chicharon. These are crunchy and perfect to go with a glass of beer.
The Grilled Squid was also flavored with Spanish-Mexican flavors as well. It's succulent and isn't overcooked. There wasn't any rubbery feeling with each bite. If you're up for it, their sinigang is Mexican flavored and goes well with rice. Speaking of rice, they have a fried rice station just for you.
Since Filipinos love tempura so much, they had different versions. From shrimps, squid, and even clams. What differs is the dipping sauce. It's made in such a way that it screams Filipino.
Of course accommodation at the F1 HOTEL in BGC is a pretty chill. From their suites and deluxe rooms, they have promos for the everyday traveler and even staycationers.
The gym and the pools are both inviting. One could go there with the love ones to enjoy the weather and the water.
Another thing that F1 HOTEL does great is that they strive to elevate their game. At night time, the CANARY LOUNGE transforms itself into a beach vibe chill place that even features an acoustic session with Jet Barrun every Friday at 8pm to 12mn.
For that special night, an outdoor bbq grill was prepared by the guys from the kitchen.
There was a lot of grilled dishes that were shared with everyone.
Aside from the sausages, chicken, and tune skewers, there was also baked oysters.
 Guests could also enjoy the New Canary lounge as they also offer a number of drinks that goes well with the boards. It could be cheese or a mix of tapa's and cold cuts.
Kids are not left out as there's a station that focuses on their happiness. They could have cotton candy and even popcorn. I heard there's even an Outdoor Movie Nights every Saturday and Sundays.
For the HOLY WEEK, there are EASTER ROOM PACKAGES that would be perfect for family bonding.
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F1 Hotel BGC is a great place to stay at when everyone is out of town. Aside from the quite time you'll experience, you get to have BGC all to yourself.
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