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Showing posts with label rain tree. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rain tree. 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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Saturday, April 16, 2016
CHELSEA GRAND CAFE: Longest Sunday Brunch in Serendra

CHELSEA GRAND CAFE in SERENDRA holds the distinction of having one of the longest Sunday Brunch Buffet in the BGC area. From 10am to 3pm, they serve good morning cuisine that can't be beaten. I have never seen nor heard of any restaurant that serves tasty food 5 hours long.

A long spread of breads, cereals, pancakes, and muffins is the first thing that greets you as you enter.

Once seated, you could pick from a list of pasta dishes and have the kitchen cook it up for you.

 The Mac & Cheese was pretty good. Maybe because of the bacon bits. Bacon is love.
You could also ask the wait staff to make an omelet from all the ingredients listed. Better yet, it would be prudent to check out everything and pick them on the spot from their omelette station.


A large number of salad, dips and cold dishes alongside different types of cheese would be perfect for the numerous bread types that they offer.

Another highlight of the buffet spread was the seafood section.

Fresh clams and oysters from Aklan are served on ice beds. They go with a lot of sauces. I suggest you go for a little lemon squeeze and some dill sauce. These oysters though are seriously fresh and delicious.

Another favorite of the spread would be the smoked salmon. Flavorful bites that I can't seem to stop myself from getting more and more.

What is a buffet without a carving and meat section? Here, they offer crispy bacon, sausages and roast beef.

The bacon isn't soggy. Each bite would result to a crunch. The sausages in Chelsea are big, juicy and has a smoke flavor. Yummy.
Accompanied by other side dishes, the roast beef is tender, filled with juices and is perfect with rice or even bread. No need for sauce, as the flavor oozes out with each cut. If you must, roasted veggies are on the side for healthy eaters but why bother when all this meat has the perfect flavor already.

Chelsea can't just leave you on that note. It promises to deliver even until dessert.

Cookies and different pastries are there for the taking. The cupcakes would need special mention because they look wonderfully good.
When going to this buffet, I would suggest that you make space. Don't eat anything before going. SERIOUSLY! No Crackers no snacks!!!!
Aim for that Oyster and Salmon because they are amazing. Don't worry though, they refill the spread pretty fast.
See that egg dish on the left side of the plate? That's truffled eggs. They are so mouthwatering good that you got to stay on point and try to limit yourself because of all the calories. Sadly, I wasn't able to because I couldn't help it. The flavor of the truffle went deliciously well with eggs and the crackers. A side of cheese didn't hurt as well.
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CHELSEA GRAND CAFE is genius in offering a SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET in the SERENDRA AREA. With all the joggers in mind, this long buffet engagement would definitely refill all the energy lost. From the eggs to the roast beef, you won't go wrong. Even the oysters and the salmon are pretty good that you will definitely go back for seconds or thirds. This is one Sunday Brunch buffet that I won't need to wake up early to.



Every Sunday at 10am-3pm
Php 988++,
CHELSEA GRAND CAFE
G/F Serendra, Taguig City,
Metro Manila


Disclaimer: Was invited to try out this buffet, Wrote this based on my experience
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Wednesday, September 23, 2015
CHELSEA KITCHEN in EASTWOOD: Familiar Food done Perfectly

Let's do this. Eastwood is a place that would forever be in my heart. This is where I used to go to back when I was in high school and even until when I was still working and up to now. I could remember the wasted nights, the lovely dates and even the only place to go to for a post prom night. It has never failed to amazed me. From an empty parking lot to office buildings, condo units and even a huge mall with different establishments to go to and enjoy. It lives up to its name as a township. 

One restaurant that caught my eye is CHELSEA KITCHEN. One of two branches that caters to the foodie audience in the metro. The other branch is located in SM MEGAFASHION HALL in MEGAMALL. In Eastwood, the restaurant that used to be MOMO CAFE transformed into CHELSEA KITCHEN. Rain Tree Restaurants, the group behind amazing food places like Saboten and M Cafe made sure to entice our eyes and tummies with CHELSEA KITCHEN.  
Bright lights lure you in and they got you with their food. 

One thing I noticed is that they have a drink list that a little kid like me would be giddy about. From floats, to mixed juices and cocktail inspired non-alcoholic drinks, you will definitely have something to pick. 
But for me, I preferred the HONEY LIME FIZZ (195Php) as it was sour and sweet at the same time.  

You could also go "healthy" with their best seller, the MUSHROOM CHICHARON (195Php). Deep fried crunchy mushroom served with a vinegar and aioli based sauce. I couldn't stop myself from getting one after another. The mushroom are just like "pork cracklings" but a little healthier. 
One section of the menu that got me interested was their SANDWICHES. I was actually there for snack time and I figured I didn't want heavy. Unfortunately for my tummy, CHELSEA KITCHEN serve generous serving sizes of their meals and snacks. 

The ULTIMATE GRILLED CHEESE (295Php) was perfect for me. It had a side of house made fries and roasted tomato cappuccino. The bread and the three different cheeses used were spot on in terms of dunking them in the soup.
The same actually goes for HOT TAPA FRENCH DIP (350Php). A caramelized onion soup is used as a dipping sauce for the sandwich. The tapa was tender and perfect. Thinking about it makes my mouth drool. 
Thinking that man doesn't live on bread alone, the YELLOW CARBONARA (320Php) was just too good to be true. It was creamy and each bite made me swoon in delight. You won't see me do that unless I was exceptionally happy about something I am eating. I believe it was the hollandaise that made the sauce creamy as much as anything can be. This is delightful and must not be missed.
Dessert is an important aspect of any meal. In Chelsea Kitchen Eastwood, they made sure that every foodie have their fill. 

The House made COOKIE BUTTER PIZZA (250Php) is made basically of melted marshmallow and chocolate chips. It's just wonderful. 
I can't stress it enough that you should also get the DONUT HOLES (195Php). These babies have dulce de leche in their holes that oozes out with each bite.
Having a warm chocolate dip gave it another dimension. It is the icing on top of the cake.

To end the meal, I am glad that RAIN TREE RESTAURANTS serve ILLY Coffee. Aside from that, their trademark Choc Nut is always there.
Thank you very much Mela for the small foodie get together. I enjoyed the chit chat and of course the food.
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Chelsea Kitchen Eastwood is perfect for any one that wants a quick bite or a meeting/gathering of sorts. I could see myself bringing my family and friends and enjoying CHELSEA'S offering. Not only do they serve sharing sizes of dishes, they also make sure that they are simple, familiar and perfect for everyone. Congratulation CHELSEA KITCHEN for opening your second branch in Eastwood. Cheers!


CHELSEA KITCHEN
EASTWOOD MALL
Ground Floor
By the entrance.
Libis, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Open during Mall Hours.


Disclaimer: Was invited to try out Chelsea Kitchen. Wrote this based on my experience and opinion.
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Wednesday, July 29, 2015
M CAFE'S Sunday Boutique Brunch: The Perfect Sunday

Sunday is the day of rest. Traffic is awesome. Quezon City to Makati City in less than 30 minutes. It must be a sign telling me that SUNDAY is the best day ever. That, and the awesome food at M CAFE's SUNDAY BOUTIQUE BRUNCH.

The BIG M made a big impact. M CAFE stands in as the place to eat at when in the area of the Ayala Museum. They have a great interior. Perfect for meetings or just lounging around.
The Al fresco area is also nice as it is under the shade and you get to watch and listen to a jazz band. Yes, that happens every Sunday during M CAFE'S SUNDAY BOUTIQUE BRUNCH.
 Along with friends, I was invited to try out the delicious spread known as SUNDAY BOUTIQUE BRUNCH. 

This buffet is not your ordinary buffet. It might cost a bit but seeing the different choices they offer, I will gladly pay that sum. At, 988++ Php, you would stuff yourself silly.

 Bread, dips, and different cheeses greet you.

 You have a choice of Rye, Focaccia, Sourdough and a lot more when picking for those morning carbs.

The cheeses offered are a lot. These aren't to be missed.

Some crackers for this honey laced cheese dip.
 Something that surprised me was the COCONUT CHEESE. Try it! It is differently good. They have fig and cranberries to different jams and fresh fruits to get through all these cheeses.

To accompany these, you will go for the smoked salmon. 
Premium meat selection like Jamon Serrano and Chorizo Iberico goes perfectly with the cheeses as well.

If these are a bit too early, you could go over their salad bar. With pre-made base salad and other veggies, you could mix and max to make the perfect combination. A lot of dressings are present for your imagination to go wild.

IF you are looking for something more substantial, these HERB CRUSTED SEARED TUNA bites would make you go delish.
My brother couldn't help but get some more dish after dish.

and FRESH RIVER PRAWNS are available as well as FRESH AKLAN OYSTERS. A dab of lemon or vinegar would make these babies rock!

Another section would have the omelette bar. Aside from making your own, you could go for other egg dishes done like a quiche or a tortilla de patata.
 and even a CROQUE MONSIEUR. A ham sandwich infused with cheesy goodness.


On the next table, you could make your own pancakes. French Toasts are also there.  Different jams, syrup and toppings are available to have those exquisite morning fluffies.

Going around back and forth could make one thirsty. This M CAFE drink which has a little alcohol in it could be refreshing. As an add on, you could have unlimited bubbly at 495++Php.

With the unique options, I could muster just these two plates to start off.
Of course, I went back for the oysters and more salmon, tuna and Iberico.

If that isn't enough, this brunch buffet makes it standout from others. You get to pick a main dish to accompany your buffet experience.

 If you are a little pasta holic, you could choose the ROASTED SEAFOOD LINQUINE. Cilantro Pesto, Grilled Seafood, Fresh Lemon.

The favorite though would be the "KABILA FAVORITES". You get to pick between US BEEF BELLY GARLIC TAPA, ALAMINOS GARLIC LONGGANISA, CRISPY PORK BELLY CHIPS and BANGUS BELLY "BISTEK SYLE". It comes with brown or white rice. 2 eggs of any style, Atchara, Tomato Salsa and salted egg. 

My seatmate Bea went for the US BEEF BELLY GARLIC TAPA.
 Rather than the usual sweet tapa we have all been accustomed to, this one is on the garlic side. Lovely to partner with vinegar.

For a behemoth eater like me, I went for the CHAR-GRILLED US BEEF BURGER. Wild Rocket, Swiss Emmental, and Tomato Jam. This huge baby burned me. I was a bit full from all the starters that I went home sobbing. I wasn't even that strong to take a bite in it. This is one MANLY BURGER.

The usual suspect that oen would order is the M BENEDICT. Poached Egg, Hollandaise, Arugula, Grilled Cherry Tomato, Jamon Excellente. The egg was perfectly cooked. One slice and the egg yolk bursts out.

The GRILLED CHICKEN TANDOORI would wake you up. This chicken is a little hot but perfectly cooked. It is accompanied with garlic yogurt to balance the heat. I liked this dish.
 

Also for the big boys, the GRILLED BONE-IN PORKCHOP is their bet. Underneath, spiced pumpkin puree makes the combination of meat and veggie work well.

and for healthy eaters, the BEER BATTERED FISH & CHIPS would be the choice.


By this time around, I was already in a food coma. BUT, I knew I had to push through because there is still one station that I left out. The desserts!!!

Your munchies would love it here. From revel bars to brownies to other sweet indulgences.
 Oreo Cheese Cake.
Chocolate Cake.
If you are into Matcha you would love the GREEN TEA PANNACOTTA.

It was the only thing I could have eaten to finish my meal.
Along with coffee of course.

Also, who wouldn't be happy as that day we all greeted JOKO MAGALONG of www.abs-cbnnews.com a Happy Birthday!!!
She forced me to try the IMPOSSIBLE CAKE. A bundt cake with leche flan and rich chocolate at the bottom. DEADLY!!!

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THE SUNDAY BOUTIQUE BRUNCH at M CAFE is an excellent way to end the week. You get to relax and enjoy cool classic jazz while having the best food in town. You don't really over stuff yourself because you are getting just a main dish. It's just that you have an array of appetizers, salad, snacks, egg dishes, and desserts to accompany it. Definitely work the price. The quality of the food was excellent and the service of the staff impeccable. I will go back with my family. Yes, I am already planning it.


SUNDAY BOUTIQUE BRUNCH
10am-2:30pm

 Facebook
MUSEUM CAFE/ M CAFE
Ayala Museum Complex
Makati Avenue cor De La Rosa St.
Makati City.
Contact 632.7573000 or 632.7576000
*** Greenbelt Mall




Disclaimer: Wrote this based on my opinions. Invited to try out this experience.

These photos are from M CAFE:


 
** Menu is subject to availability and change. Please call the restaurant first to verify. 
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