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Showing posts with label Chinese food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chinese food. Show all posts
Thursday, June 2, 2016
EDSA SHANGRILA'S SUMMER PALACE

I can say that I am a bit finicky when it comes to Chinese food. Granted that there are a lot of Chinese Restaurants around the metro, it seems that to enjoy this cuisine it is important to pick the right places. One of them is EDSA SHANGRI-LA's SUMMER PALACE.
As of last Monday, May 30, SUMMER PALACE has effectively closed. This is so that they could renovate the restaurant for a few months. Diners need not worry as they would be able to serve the different dishes but in a different venue inside EDSA SHANGRI-LA.
In Shangri-la, they take drinks seriously. Order a freshly squeezed fruit shake to start the meal with a sweet note. For appetizers, POMELO FRUITS in WASABI SAUCE (400Php) and FRIED CRISPY SEAFOOD ROLL (220Php) are delightful. I enjoyed the crunchy texture of the seafood roll. Needless to say, the ingredients used were top notch. None of that bad oily feeling afterwards.
If you must get only one, go for the FRIED CRISPY BEEF (530Php). This beef jerky like dish is delicious and sweet. I first tried this out last December in their WAGYU BUFFET in HEAT.
Even before the introduction of different Chinese Restaurants in the Metro like Tim Ho Wan, SUMMER PALACE in SHANGRI-LA has been serving BAKED BARBECUE BUN (190Php)
Not too sweet and just right, these buns are delicious. It wasn't overly flaky like other buns.
I was pleasantly surprise with different dimsum served. The HAKAO (220Php) and the PORK SIOMAI (220Php) were huge. They were a little bit bigger than a golf ball.
The HAKAO was fresh and plump. Only shrimps were used and none of the extenders in other restaurants. As for the Pork Siomai, the meat was well mixed and properly seasoned. It was definitely a mouthful.
HOT AND SOUR SOUP (390Php) was served to calm down our appetites and get us ready for the main dishes.
For our healthy friends, the Homemade Tofu with mushrooms (720Php) is delightful. The tofu were cooked perfectly and the texture was spot on. I enjoyed the mushrooms too.
 Something different was the ROASTED DUCK in UNICORN STYLE (Php 1,900). I do not understand why it was called unicorn style but maybe it was because of the way it was presented. I enjoyed the addition of the mango to give it a subtle sweet and refreshing taste. The skin though was crunchy and perfect still. Delicious.
For a Filipino when someone says Chinese Food, the first thing that would come into mind would be SWEET and SOUR PORK (540Php). If you ask any Chinese Family, sweet and sour pork isn't usually on their table for dinner. It seems this is a favorite made entirely for the Filipino diner. I enjoyed this dish because the pork were crunchy and stood on its own. The zing was delightful and perfect with a cup of rice.
Speaking of rice, Chinese Cuisine would usually serve rice at the end of the meal. Basically to make you full in case you have not eaten enough. 
 For this meal, Yan Chow Fried Rice (220Php) and Birthday Noodles (540Php) were served.

The noodles were delicious and not overly oily and the same goes for the rice. I have a personal preference of not over doing it so I believe that Chinese dishes should deliver a healthier feeling after the meal. To end the lunch engagement, BUCHI (250Php) and CHILLED MANGO PUDDING (180Php) were served. The buchi was huge as a tennis ball. One bite in and you would figure out that it was airy. I believe it was because of the way they cooked it that allowed the dessert ball to expand. I also liked the Chilled Mango Pudding as it wasn't overboard. It has the right tone and flavors.
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EDSA SHANGRI-LA'S SUMMER PALACE is taking a time out for a few months. I can't wait for their restaurant to have a better and newer disposition. Needless to say that the dishes here are a bit pricey but the quality, flavor and service makes up for it. Can't wait for the new one to open up.


RELATED LINKS:

 6 Tips on Edsa Shangri-la Heat.

Mad for Lobster at Edsa Shangri-la Heat.
Mad for Wagyu at Edsa Shangri-la Heat.
Staycation at Edsa Shangri-la

EDSA SHANGRI-LA


(02) 633 8888
1 Garden Way
Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Metro Manila, Philippine



Disclaimer: Wrote this based on my experience. Was invited to try out the dishes.
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Friday, February 5, 2016
LI LI: Chinese New Year in New World Manila Bay Hotel

I was running late. I forgot to tell my driver not to pass by Quiapo as it was a Friday. I only woke up when we were in the mix already. I was actually pretty excited as I remember fondly of my Market Cafe experience in what used to be the Hyatt Hotel. That was back in 2013. It was an unforgettable experience. Market Cafe is pretty awesome and you could check it out here. After a rebranding, it turned into the NEW WORLD MANILA BAY HOTEL.

For this particular visit, I was treated to LI LI. This is the in house Chinese Restaurant of NEW WORLD MANILA BAY HOTEL. Once I stepped out of the elevator, I can't help but adore the different appointed booths and private function rooms for the diners.
Since Chinese New Year is coming up, LI LI wanted to let us try their Chinese New Year Menu. Different dishes that push prosperity and luck for everyone. 
We first started out with the JAPANESE CONPOY SOUP with Abalone Shell and Seafood and bamboo pith. Just saying the name of the soup is a mouthful. And yet, I enjoyed how it warms up your tummy and makes your prepared for the feast ahead.
One of my favorite Chinese dishes is the SUCKLING PIG with JELLY FISH.
Accompanied by "pancakes", the skin was crispy and the meat was tender. With just a dab of hoisin sauce, and you are good to go.
The next dish is somewhat unusual for me. This is the BRAISED DRIED OYSTER with SEA MOSS.
The oysters were huge and had a savory flavor. The sea moss actually represents luck and prosperity. It absorbs the flavors in which it is cooked. Kinda like angel hair pasta if you ask me.
Another delectable dish would be the WOK-BAKED cod fillet glazed with honey pepper sauce. Accompanied by crunchy strips, the cod was masterfully cooked in a sweet peppery sauce that highlighted its flavor.
The Bouillon Scallop with shrimp mousse is not to be missed. The scallop flavor is evident in the ball like dish alongside with the mouse.
As with any Chinese Feast, rice is served towards the end of the meal. This is FRIED GLUTINOUS RICE with AIR-DRIED MEAT.
The rice is awesome. A little sticky and definitely flavorful. You will just hear your tummy be growling as this is a little heavy.
For dessert, we had some TIKOY and BUCHI. These are the PAN-Fried Glutinous rice cake with sesame balls. Delicious.
If that wasn't enough we had the famous CHILLED MANGO PUDDING.
Pudding on the bottom, fresh mango on top. With syrup and milk. Plus a crunchy delight. YUMMY!
Food In The Bag is now in Facebook. Click Here to follow and like.
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If you are in the Malate area, LI LI at the NEW WORLD MANILA BAY HOTEL is something that will not let you down. For the Chinese New Year, you won't go wrong with any of these dishes. Simple and straight forward.

LINKS:
My Market Cafe Sunday Brunch



LI LI
Chinese Restaurant of New World Manila Bay Hotel
1588 Pedro Gil; Cor MH Del Pilar St.
Manila City, Metro Manila.
(632) 2526888
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Disclaimer:Wrote this based on my experience. Was invited to try out these dishes.
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Monday, February 1, 2016
CRYSTAL JADE BGC: CHINESE NEW YEAR MENU for 2016

Crystal Jade Dining In in Bonifacio Global City never fails to excite me. Chinese Food is done right and perfectly prepared. That is how I see Crystal Jade.
Back at my go to Chinese Restaurant in Bonifacio Global City, I was lucky enough to try out the new menu for the Chinese New Year 2016.
Since it was for the Chinese New Year, one very familiar traditional dish was served. The PROSPERITY TOSS SALAD. (YU SHENG)
It is prepared by the staff and he explains the different symbolism of each ingredient.
Then everybody gets a chopstick and tosses the ingredients up high while shouting LOH HEY for prosperity and good luck.
The Double Boiled Crab Claw with Superior Mushroom and Fresh Coconut was something unexpected.

I'm not really a fan of coconut but this soup made great use of the flavor and also the mushrooms. The flavors blended pretty well.

A huge surprise was the TREASURE POT. This Pen Cai is impressive. Meat upon meat of different origins were placed and cooked in a huge pot. This was a huge meal in itself. It is good for 6 hungry people or around 10 if you ask me.
What would a Chinese Restaurant be without the SUCKLING PIG? Crunchy skin and amazing meat. Partnered with jellyfish, this dish would make anyone happy.

I wasn't expecting much but with one bite, the CABBAGE WRAPPED with Sauteed Bamboo Shoot and Black Moss made me like it even if it was veggies. Black Moss isn't really flavorful but it absorbs whatever it is cooked with.
It actually tastes savory because of the sauce so I didn't mind it being a dish that is very vegetably.
As with any chinese meal, rice is served almost at the end. Just so that you get filled. Although it doesn't look much, this is the GOLDEN FRIED GLUTINOUS RICE with Crab meat and Salted Egg Yolk. This rice is a bit salty because of the egg but it worked perfectly with the different dishes.
To end the meal, FLOURISHING FORTUNE GLUTINOUS RICE CAKE were given to us. This is basically tikoy but pretty good. It was gone in a jiff. I actually ate a few because it was really good.


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If you are into INSTAGRAM Follow me @mr_jeng.

CHINESE NEW YEAR is just around the corner. Crystal Jade Dining In in Bonifacio Global City is an excellent choice of restaurant where you could celebrate with your love ones. Cheers!


LINKS:
Crystal Jade BGC: New Menu for 2016
Crystal Jade BGC: What the Chef Recommends
Crystal Jade BGC: Feeling Lucky


CRYSTAL JADE DINING-IN
30th St Cor 7th Avenue
BGC, TAGUIG CITY
METRO MANILA
(02) 808-5233
Facebook
http://www.crystaljade.com/
Disclaimer: Wrote this based on my experience. Was invited to try out this new menu.
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Wednesday, December 2, 2015
YUMCHEE: Premium Chinese Fast Food in BGC Stopover

When you go for Chinese Food, it's either a hefty bill for fine dining or an oily and disappointing after effect of greasy and not so sumptuous meal. You can't really have the best of both worlds. Not until you try out YUMCHEE in BGC.

 There comes a time when you crave for something Chinese but the usual fast food restaurant doesn't appeal to you anymore. Enter YUMCHEE. A Chinese Fastfood Restaurant found in BGC's Stopover that serves premium Chinese dishes. Yumchee is a play on words. Yummy Chinese.
As you enter, it reminds you of a big Chinese Fastfood Chain. No doubt about it. But, it is better and has an upscale feel to it. The dishes served are of premium taste and doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Plus, they aren't too oily and tastes smoother too. Perfect for a quick office lunch.

You could start with their drinks. From different milk teas to iced oolong and even coffee.
Dimsum are also present. At 85Php each, you won't go wrong with any of them.
I did enjoy the fried wanton and the shrimp dumpling. Plump and they don't have that dizzy, what have I done, after taste. The Pork buns were also soft and filled with the perfect fillings. Not too much and not too little. Just right.
Their Congee (159Php) is a big bowl of delight. Pictured here: Mixed Seafood and Pork Meatball.
You could taste the stock used for each of them. Definitely not overwhelming, the tastes were mild and won't give you that full feeling. Aside from that, they are served with "breadsticks". These are basically like those Singaporean bread usually partnered with Bak Kut Teh. Called Youtiao, they can be eaten as is or with nuts or different flavor. IN any case, in YUMCHEE it's is almost the same as the ones I've tried in Singapore but I would have love for them to be more chewy.
 Not to be missed are the NOODLE SOUP.
I would suggest that you go for the Beef Brisket and Wanton. The combination of both gives the best of both worlds. The noodles were firm and the soup was just right. Not overwhelmingly done.

The bread and butter of YUMCHEE is their set meals. At roughly 200Php, you get a main dish and a side and soup. Definitely an easy pick up meal. Sides like rice, veg fried rice or fried noodles.
There were certain dishes that really got my attention. The sweet and sour pork, orange chicken and the beef brisket.
The sweet and sour pork was perfectly cooked. Not too sweet and still has those crunchy sides. I liked it. The Orange Chicken has a citrusy slight taste. Perfect with an extra cup of rice.
Hands down though, I love their beef brisket. You could partner it with rice or even those buns. These are just love.
For dessert, they have Shaved ice (78Php). Basically milky cold dessert topped with different ingredients such as jelly or fruits to end the meal.



On a personal note, one thing that was totally awesome happened when I visited YUMCHEE. The KTG celebrated SPANKY'S birthday. Spanky, the founder of KTG, is an awesome guy. Been in the industry for a long long time and aside from being a writer is also a selfless and generous guy.

Cheers boss!!!!

FYI: The cake is made by Goldilocks. See our logo? It was sort of printed on the cake. Yes, it is edible. Cool stuff right?
Food In The Bag is now in Facebook. Click Here to follow and like.
If you are into INSTAGRAM Follow me @mr_jeng.

The average price point here is around 200Php per person. Not bad considering its location in BGC and the food it serves. Taste wise, I enjoyed side dishes and the main dishes. It didn't give me that sleepy and greasy after taste. Unlike other Chinese Fast Food Restaurants. I honestly enjoyed it.





YUMCHEE
10:30am-10pm
G/F Bonifactio Stopover.
31st St., cor Rizal Drive,
BGC, Taguig City, Metro Manila
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Disclaimer: wrote this based on my experience. was invited to try out their dishes.
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