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Showing posts with label asian flavors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label asian flavors. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
CRAVE PARK'S TAMARI Serving something unique in Marikina

"What's there?" Two words that would always be on my mind. When it comes to going to places, this phrase will always be the number one question. No one wants to travel just for something readily available left and right. It's usually always something new or different. Better yet, something delicious. At CRAVE PARK'S TAMARI, I understood what they were trying to do.
Recently opened to the public, CRAVE PARK is located along Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue in Marikina City. One might say that the destination is an adventure in itself. Sometimes, that makes everything worth it.
Aside from different stalls on the first floor, TAMARI currently holds the distinction of being the only one open on the second floor as of the moment. They serve different South East Asian dishes that might seem foreign to the Filipino Palate. According to Chef Camz, they try to educate the diners on the different dishes that they offer. From there, people go back because the cuisine isn't your normal run of the mill. With a background in the hotel culinary field, the chef-owner knows no limit and bounds with her dishes. It's familiar yet different.
One could start off with the CHA GIO. Basically, it's Fried Vietnamese Yellow Spring Roll. Made with Taro, Sweet Potato, Pork, Herbs and spices, it is served with a sweet Nuok Cham Sauce. The roll is wrapped with a special egg wrapper that is uberly crispy and works well with the sauce. The experience is at par with other restaurants. No surprises there as some of the ingredients are imported and brought in from abroad.
One dish that I truly miss from my travels abroad would be the CHAR KWAY TEOW. Oily hofan noodles in a special sauce is mixed and gives you a taste of hawker food. Reminisce of Singaporean-Malaysian Cuisine, the ingredients are almost similar to those that I have tasted. Not bad for a quick and affordable snack.
Aside from Asian Noodles like laksa and spicy peanut soup, TAMARI also offers rice dishes. One popular dish that they serve is the BEEF RENDANG. Served with homemade sambal, egg, peanuts and crispy anchovies, the rendang is slow cooked beef goodness. The coconut flavor is present with the sauce and is perfect with the white rice. It's a complete meal.
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If you see Chef Camz, say hello to her. Talk to her and ask her what she recommends. Tell her what you look for in a dish. I'm sure she will be able to make something up for you.


TAMARI MODERN ASIAN BISTRO
@tamari.ph
CRAVE PARK
2nd Floor
Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue, Marikina City, Metro Manila 
Facebook of CravePark



Disclaimer: Wrote this based on my experience. Was invited to try out the dishes.
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Wednesday, May 11, 2016
VAGABONDS near Tomas Morato: A Palatable Journey

VAGABONDS along Sct Limbaga is a new restaurant destination for the burned out. Recently opened, this restaurant wants the diners to travel the world without leaving their seats. They aim to serve flavors from different places of the world.
A couple of flavored dips are served to start a meal. They could either be a cheesy QUATRO FORMAGGI or an EAST COAST DIP.
Chicken lovers would rejoice as they have a plethora of wing flavors to offer. From something Japanese with the SHOGUN WINGS to something local like the TAGALOG'S BEST. Furthermore, they offer YAO WINGS that has a citrus taste and even a BELGIAN WING version that has a chocolate touch. These are partnered with different sauces. I believe you could skip the sauces all together since these are overwhelming to the senses already.
As a personal choice, I would prefer my burgers patties flattened or at least not too thick. Here at VAGABONDS though, the patties seem like more than an inch high. They have a PB and J version plus a CHORI and a normal CHEESE BURGER. My pick though would be the LAS VEGAS BREAKFAST BURGER. This one has all the breakfast components one would need. The patty is a longganisa flavored one and it has eggs in it.
The pasta selection in VAGABONDS may be a little overwhelming as well. From my standpoint, it seems the kitchen wants to put as many flavors and choices they can out in the market. It may be a good thing but for me, it messes up focus. Maybe VAGABONDS could tone down a bit. Perfect the essentials then start pushing and expanding.
As much as I love a mac and cheese with tons of bacon and also a white sauce pasta with the same topping, I believe this are pretty normal dishes compared to the next two.
Their MEDITERRANEAN PASTA is basically a seafood version with garlic and oil. I enjoyed the light touch and the simple flavors.
A crowd favorite though would be the BLEU CHEESE MAC and CHEESE. Honestly, the BLEU CHEESE isn't overwhelming. It is actually there that it helps the flavors. Maybe they could some bacon bits here as it helps the texture profile.
There are also rice meals that I believe is an essential group of food in any restaurant today.
For the not so adventurous, you could go for their version of a BUTTERMILK Chicken. The chicken is flavorful in itself and is also a Chef's favorite. On the other hand, I was overwhelmed with the other Chicken dish as the flavors were over the top. It seems to me that it was over seasoned plus the flavorful rice didn't help balancing the taste out. JOHN WAYNE'S PORK CHOP is a pretty safe choice.
As for beef lovers, they have a couple of choices to pick from. The Breakfast Version of a steak is great. I mean who would skip steaks for breakfast. More so if it had eggs on top. Granted that I'm not a vegetable lover, the steaks with grilled vegetable skewers would also be great for sharing. This two dishes were partnered with sauces. I don't know if it's just me but I think they should try and make a different version of them or just completely remove them. The dishes are flavorful in itself and I guess having no sauces is pretty much okay. If not, maybe just make them optional. Lastly, the Asian-ish flavors of the last steak dish was pretty good. Although, it was a little bit too salty for me. Since the rice was cooked with soy sauce, I guess they should hold on to putting more salty flavors in.
VAGABONDS has a lot of choices for dessert. For me though, the matcha stands above everything else. Maybe because I'm a matcha or green tea addict that I can't help myself with this little baby. The MATCHA flavor isn't underwhelming and not watered down. One thing to note though, most of the desserts in VAGABONDS is a bit too sweet so don't over do it.
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As much as I want to say I love everything, I need to be honest. There is room for improvement. Granted that VAGABONDS has only been open for a month or so, it is normal for them to fix and upgrade their menu. It's a process. Maybe give it a couple of weeks before going. Cheers.


VAGABONDS
RGI BUILDING
Sct Limbaga cor Sct Torillo
Tomas Morato, Metro Manila

Disclaimer: Was invited to this event. Wrote this based on my experience and opinion.
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Friday, March 18, 2016
LIBERTY in EASTWOOD: Affordable and Delicious Asian Flavours

LIBERTY in EASTWOOD has barely opened its doors and yet it is making foodies rave about the food. Located in the Citywalk area of Eastwood, Liberty hails from the same group of Lola Cafe.
Chef Jonvic of Lola Cafe fame has curated and created different dishes and with the help of his staff from the old OTKB in BGC, Heading the Restaurant is Executive Chef Lady Merhi.
LIBERTY prides itself with having most of its dishes priced at around 100Php to around 250Php.
The presentation and the quality of the dishes are definitely top notch.
I would definitely say that vegetables aren't really my thing but the FRENCH BEANS (99Php) are spot on delicious. They do not taste like veggies. Rather, they are a snack even a kid would love. The batter used has a hint of salted egg. Crunchy and a must order.
For something that would stimulate your appetite more, the TUNA TOSTADA (220Php) is something that is refreshing. The watermelon, the tuna and the lardo works well together.
The WAGYU TARTARE (250Php) is one deadly dish.
The marrow is used as the agent that gave the tartare a creamy texture.
For some quick grubs, the BAOS would be the excellent choice.
For something familiar, the MISO PORK BELLY (99Php) could start you off. Apple and pear kimchi with honey miso dressing. The pork belly is thick yet very moist and tender.
My favorite bao though would be the FRIED CHICKEN (99Php). The thigh meat is marinated and deep fried. Sriracha mayo is used alongside the cabbage slaw. This is by far, the best "Chicken Sandwich" I had in a long time.
Burger lovers need not fret. The LIBERTY BURGER (110Php) would be your pick. Angus beef is used and is given more flavor from the house barbecue sauce. Kesong Puti stands in as the cheese of choice.
SKEWERS is another part of the menu that diners might want to indulge in. 
Ranging from 50Php to 195Php per dish, the quality and the flavor profile of the different skewers are incredible. You can go for chicken parts, meat, seafood, and vegetables. My top pick would have to be the BLACK COD (195Php). This is somewhat a poor man's version of NOBU's. The miso glazed flavor is incredible. This and rice and you are good to go.
If you are somewhat adventurous, you could go for the CHEFS PLATTER (430Php). Here, the chef makes a platter selection on his own. Two types of chicken, meat, seafood and vegetables are served.
For mains you could choose between noodles and rice. 
For noodles, the SPICY and SOUR SOUP (233Php) could warm up your tummy.
The pares taste was somewhat present with the SMOKED BEEF BRISKET (245Php). Mustard greens, 63C egg, and meat just makes this dish. Egg noodles were also used here.
For rice, the HONEY PORK and SPICY RICE (225Php) would be a wise choice. The pork belly was moist and cooked slowly. The kimchi flavor from the rice blended well with the pork belly.
For someone with a sweet tooth, dessert is a must.
The Cheesecake is something that looks simple but the black sesame crumbs makes it different from others that I have tasted.
Matcha lovers, the MATCHAMACALLIT is not to be missed. Matcha chocolate, peanut butter crisps, and torched meringue were mixed and matched to look like a after school treat.
Drinks are also well curated. From flavored beer to imaginative cocktails, the bar at LIBERTY makes amazing drinks.
Personally, I would go back for the ALMOND CINNAMON and the LYCHEE FLAVORED BEER! SOOO GOOOD!
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LIBERTY BAR and RESTAURANT in EASTWOOD CITYWALK is a welcome treat for us northerners. The imagination of Chef Jonvic and the execution of Executive Chef Lady Merhi made the dishes here incredible. The Asian flavors were well represented in the dishes. The prices are also affordable. The quality of the dishes are excellent as well. I would definitely be back for the black cod, french beans, the baos, and the drinks.

LINKS:
Lola Cafe in Tomas Morato

LIBERTY
Eastwood Citywalk 1
Eastwood City, Quezon City
Metro Manila
Facebook
Currently, they are on soft opening. Open from 3pm onwards for the first few weeks.

Disclaimer: Wrote this based on my experience. Was invited to try out the different dishes from Liberty.
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