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Showing posts with label greek food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label greek food. Show all posts
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.
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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Friday, July 14, 2017
SOUV BY CYMA in BGC: Progressive Everyday Greek Cuisine

It has been a long time since I had this feeling. The urge to go back to a particular restaurant after trying it out just a day or two ago. Something that I think Chef ROBBY GOCO wants for his newest baby, SOUV BY CYMA. Basically, everyday Greek dining for everyone.
The foundation of Greek Cuisine could be simplified by the acronym LOOPS. According to the chef, this one translates to Lemon, Oregano, Olive Oil, Pepper, and Salt. If you have all of these, you can basically cook Greek food. At SOUV, they use top of the line ingredients from Greece. The different ingredients that you see in their kitchen are pretty much present in the restaurants found in Greece.
Located along a strip of newly opened restaurants in the NET PARK BLDG along 5th Avenue, SOUV stands out as the only Greek Restaurant in the middle of BGC. Short hand for Souvlaki, Souv is a place that specializes with roasted meat. From chicken, pork, beef, and lamb, you have everything for everyone.
If indecisive, it might be a bit hard to pick from the menu. Even if it is straight forward, you have a lot of dishes to choose from. Patrons of CYMA need not worry as some top dishes are also present in SOUV. One could start out with the appetizers. The CHEESE SAGANAKI might be a good start. Fig jam and honey sesame is placed on top of fried Kefalotiri. Scooping the gooey cheese with the grilled bread whets the appetite. On the other end, you might find yourself craving for GREEK NACHOS. With different layers, this "dip" dish is perfect with pita.
Greek cuisine revolves around fresh ingredients as well. Their version of salads are refreshing and light to eat. The GREEK SUMMER SALAD would the favorite of avocado lovers. Mixing it all up does the trick.
Something unique, the CRANBERRY GRAINS SALAD would be a great choice as well. The cumin honey yogurt dressing cements the flavors together.
Somewhat oriental in a way, the STICKY CHICKEN WINGS is down right impressive. The sweetness is leveled with the harrisa yogurt. The fried capers gives it a salty contrast.
A hands down favorite, the GRILLED SOUS VIDE OCTOPUS is a must order. Simple yet refined, there is a smokey flavor that greets you. The accompanying salad gives it a bit of zing and elevates the octopus as the main focus of the dish.
The GREEK TUNA ROE is a creamy pasta with that could be a bit overwhelming after a few bites. There is a secret table top spice that is a must when eating this. Use the specially formulated red salt in one of those tiny bottles on the side. By adding this, you cut the monotonous flavor and it is wakes you up. The salt in itself is different. A mixture of lemon and other secret crystalized ingredients, you'll be tempted to snatch one to take home.
The meat dishes is another huge reason why one should check out SOUV BY CYMA. The ANGUS BEEF SHORT RIB and the ALL MEAT PLATTER say it all. The ribs are flavorful and the meat tender. You just can't go wrong with whatever you choose. If in case you are a seafood lover, their GRILLED WHOLE FISH might be your bet. Lapu-lapu is served with clam sauce and EVOO. It might seemed that it was cooked with mayonnaise but it wasn't. Healthy and delicious, it was.
Other than these dishes, SOUV has this BEST FOR LUNCH items that you could pick. Their goal would be to serve them as fast and as quick as possible. Choices like the pork wrap of lamb bowl and even chicken salad are all part of this list. Don't forget to try their dessert. Mixing extra virgin olive oil with something sweet and salty might seem weird for dessert but it's a must try as well.


SOUV BY CYMA
Net Park Building
5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, 
Taguig City, Metro Manila


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Sunday, June 23, 2013
Where else but CYMA

I found myself in Shangrila Mall looking for a place to eat. I was with my family minus my lil bro (was in an immersion program for school - YES~!!! time for him to experience a lifestyle change!).
#10 on the list... No thanks.
We were aiming to eat at Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen in the new East Wing but we didn't bother with the long line. My family always make it a point not to wait for seats in a restaurant unless if it was absolutely necessary. This wasn't one of those rare occasions. Since we really couldn't decide with where to eat, we found ourselves walking around the mall.

Then, my dad just said, "Let's eat in Cyma...". Since my dad rarely chooses, my mom and I went with what he wanted. For a not so adventurous guy like him, he always go to the places where he feels safe and sure of the taste. Oh and he likes salmon.

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