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Showing posts with label Spark Place. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spark Place. Show all posts
Friday, February 26, 2016
HOT STAR LARGE FRIED CHICKEN in Spark, Cubao

If there was one store that was definitely worth your money it's HOT-STAR Large Fried Chicken. Hot Star entered the Filipino Food Scene a couple of years back with their very first store somewhere near Macapagal Avenue in Pasay. Now, they have branched out with different branches in the Metro Manila. In other countries, HOT-STAR would usually be a kiosk but for us Filipinos they made it into a full pledge fast food restaurant.
One weekday lunch, I visited the HOT STAR branch in Cubao. Located in the SPARK'S Place, this hidden gem is quiet and serene. Come Lunch time though, people from different offices nearby converge to this particular branch because the food prices are perfect.
Since they were offering more than the usual and had new items, I tried them out with the old favorites. One dish that got my attention right there and then was the BBQ CHICKEN SKIN (45Php).

Really crunchy and has a little sweet taste because of the sauce. Believe me when I say that this is a meal in itself. You could have it as a snack or partner it with the Sticky Rice.
Something new on the menu is their CHICKEN CUTS. These are chicken pieces that are in their usual form. Unlike the large signature chicken, they serve. These only come in original and crispy varieties. I got some and partnered them with their Spag Meal. It was decent.

One thing on the menu that got me hooked was the FISH BURGER (85Php ala carte). Made with cream dory fish, this one had a smooth texture. Topped with honey mustard sauce, I liked the sweetness it gave.

Of course, what is a visit to HOT STAR without having their HUGE CHICKEN? I got the ORIGINAL flavor and the RED HOT (145Php Ala Carte)

The original were seasoned with salt and pepper. The texture was pretty crunchy and the size was enormous. It's usually as big as one's face. As for the RED HOT, I was actually pleased since it wasn't as spicy as one would expect. It was just right. Believe it or not when I eat at HOT STAR, I usually take the leftovers and have them for breakfast. Perfect.
Since these chicken cuts were so huge, it is best to share it with someone. A few of my friends would order one huge chicken and a couple of rice and just share it. Cost efficient for lunch if you tell me.
The fact that you can also have unlimited gravy makes it a joy to eat too.
HOT STAR is a Fast Food Restaurant that offers amazing deals on FRIED CHICKEN. IF you love em, this is a place to visit and have your chicken fix on. Perfect for a quick meal.


Related Links:
Hot Star Chicken Heaven.

HOT STAR
Second Floor, Spark Place, P. Tuazon Boulevard Corner 10th Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City
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Disclaimer: wrote this based on my experience. Was invited to visit Hot Star.
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Sunday, September 6, 2015
QUICKIE: SNAG BOX at the Spark Place

On a quiet Sunday afternoon, my friends and I trooped to the SPARK PLACE and checked out a new stall that has the potential to be a hit with hotdog loving foodies. The SNAG BOX

SNAG BOX is located on the lower ground floor of the SPARK PLACE in CUBAO.
It elevates the normal hotdog to something more of a gourmet through the use of exciting toppings. 

We were lucky enough to check out the flavors of this amazing new home made brand. With hotdogs prices ranging around 100Php, you aren't short change as quality and quantity of the food is definitely a plus. 

I started with the RUSTIC ONION MEDLEY (125Php) . It had an assortment of mixed onions, cream cheese, glaze and cheddar. The use of the onions caramelized well that it added to the sweet flavor that you would be looking for in a dog. 

One of my favorite was the JAPANESE BULLDOG . The dog is deep fried and breaded and it has an Asian slaw on top. It reminded me of tonkatsu in a sandwich form. Since I am a fan of tonkatsu, I really loved this one.

Another similar dog was the NORIYAKI (125Php). Since it has a Japanese background, you can say that it's part of the family. Only difference? This has kani and wasabi mayo in the mix. Similar to what a usual kani salad would taste like. 

For hot headed foodies, the CHILI BEEF (125Php) is the one to pick. Aside from the Chili Beef, it has cheese sauce, sour cream and jalapenos on top. It may be a little hot but it sure gets you there. 

For truffle addicts, the TRUFFLE and WILD MUSHROOM RAGU is something different. A lot of mushrooms with garlic and parmesan is placed on top with a bit of truffle oil. You could taste the shroomness of the dog as the flavors really intertwined with one another. 

After all is said and done, my ALL TIME favorite would be this one. THE BACON 4 CHEESE BRULEE (130Php)!!!!
The dog is grilled perfectly with some herbs and spices to make it awesome.
The bread was toasted and butter placed just to give it a more crunchier texture. Different cheeses were added on top and torched to make everything melt. 
The finished product is the BACON 4 CHEESE BRULEE
One bite in and you would know that the things done were not for show. IT all worked well that the cheese melted and gave a different taste. The bacon on top just made it better. Delicious stuff right here!!!


Honestly, if craving strucks me, I would go back for the bacon 4 cheese brulee and the Japanese Bulldog at the SNAG BOX. Although, I'm a little partial with their use of the bread as it is a little bit thicker than the usual ones we are familiar with, I can definitely say that the dogs and the toppings have an awesome potential. Cheers SNAG BOX. 

SNAG BOX
Lower Ground Floor
Spark Place
In front of SM Cubao and Ali Mall
P. Tuazon St cor 10th Avenue
Free Basement Parking. 




Disclaimer:was invited to try this out. Wrote this based on my experience.
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Wednesday, August 26, 2015
THE GRILL BOY in The Spark Place: Extra Rice PLEASE!!


I am craving for some good old fashion grilled FILIPINO FOOD. When that goes into my mind, I go berserk. I look and look until I find the missing thing in my life. For me at that particular time, it was good old fashioned Chicken Inasal and Sisig. One place that I could think of that could deliver these without emptying my pocket would be THE GRILL BOY. 

THE GRILL BOY is situated at the 2nd floor of the SPARK PLACE. Right infront of SM and Ali Mall along P. Tuason, SPARK PLACE houses the right establishments  that we would need in our every day lives without the hassle and bustle of a regular mall. 
Picture by R. Zamora of Pickiest Eater.
It has a ROBINSON'S SUPERMARKET, APPLIANCE CENTER, and even a HANDY MAN HARDWARE STORE. Best part? It offers free parking on the side and also in the basement.

 Going back, one of the best food establishment in the SPARK PLACE would be THE GRILL BOY. One thing though before we move one, THEY OFFER UNLIMITED RICE! Yes, you got it. Boy, you would be needing it.

Before all the heavy heart pumping dishes, they served something healthy. THE CRISPY PORK and MANGO SALAD (66Php). This right here mixes the flavors of the mango, tomatoes and onions. The fact that it has crispy pork on top, gives it a crunchier texture. 

Another healthy option that they have is the LAING (53Php). For the price, this could be compared to any laing dishes around the metro. 

I did mention that they serve unlimited rice right? Just in case, you don't want it. They also have some "pasta dishes".

Like this PANCIT and 
BATCHOY (82Php)

For the BIG GUNS, we start with the BETTY'S CRISPY PORK SISIG (95Php). A whole sizzling platter filled with sisig is served. Sisig is basically everything you would love in a food. Crunchy, a little oily and yes, deadly. You could opt to add an egg so that you could properly mix the flavors together. 

Of course they also have other pork dishes like this 
LECHON KAWALI (99Php) for that crunchy bite.
or a GRILLED LIEMPO for something more "healthy"

and in case you want something more, they also offer, PORK BBQ.

For seafood, the GRILL BOY has a couple of dishes that I enjoyed. 

The PINAPUTOK na BANGUS got me eating fish. I don't normally like to have fish but the flavors of the tomatoes and the onions were absorbed by the fish meat and was definitely a treat. 

GRILLED TUNA BELLY (121Php) is a work of art. You wouldn't know that something so simple and so normal looking would actually taste pretty well. If you aren't a pork eater, you sure as hell would love this.

One thing that surprised me was the BONELESS CHICKEN INASAL (99Php). It was flavorful and properly marinated. I could taste the inasal flavor deep inside the chicken meat. Furthermore, it was moist, tender and definitely yummy. 

To cap the meal, you could go for their affordable desserts. Here, I was able to get a halo-halo and a leche flan on the side.
 One more dessert I liked was the Buko Pandan.. Pretty good, I must say. Excellent way to end the meal.  


As you can see, THE GRILL BOY has affordable meals with UNLIMITED RICE. You get to pick between: plain, garlic, and java. Plain rice would be served after. The meals are pretty good and could make me go for a second or a third extra rice because they warrant it. The fact that the meals are pretty affordable and tastes great, I could see myself going back.

THE GRILL BOY
2nd Floor The Spark Place
P. Tuazon Cor 10th Ave.
Cubao, Quezon City.
Infront of SM and Ali Mall.
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Disclaimer: was invited to try out their dishes. Wrote this based on my opinion. Definitely impressed with the food and I really enjoyed it. For the price, this is a steal.
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