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Showing posts with label taguig. Show all posts
Showing posts with label taguig. 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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Thursday, May 3, 2018
TERRIFIC LUNCH AT SAMBA in SHANGRILA FORT BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY

When one talks about Peruvian dishes one restaurant comes into mind. SAMBA. The Shangri-La Fort has this pool side restaurant as the one to visit when thinking about ceviche and other delicious seafood dishes
Samba has been there for quite some time. It caters mainly to the dining crowd as it has an outdoor seating area with a nice view. For diners that is allergic to the heat, they could head on over to their indoor area and relax.
Most if not all of their dishes are from the sea but they are definitely fresh and spot on. One could start out their soft shell crab dish. Deep fried, this thing of beauty could make your mouth watery after a bite. Everything is crispy and you could eat it. Unlike traditional crabs, everything here will definitely end up in your tummy.
When visiting SAMBA, you should know that their best sellers would be the CEVICHES. Here, we have three of their best version. Each giving distinct flavors. Take note though, one is a bit spicy and hot. The other is a mix of seafood and the other is made with grouper.
For something a bit healthy, you could go for some quinoa. This one is topped with shrimps and some cheese to give it a creamier texture.
When one visits SAMBA at Shangri-La FORT, one should always go for the anticucho de pulpo. Basically grilled octopus, the meat isn't rubbery nor mushy. It had the perfect mouth feel.

Somewhat similar to Paella, the Arroz Con Mariscos is the Peruvian Seafood Rice. Different flavors create a heavy yet mouthful of a treat. A bit thick but smooth, this one is one for the books.
Visiting SAMBA for lunch is a nice way to relax after a hectic morning. From Monday to Fridays they offer a wide variety of time and pocket friendly dining options.
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On a personal note, thank you Shangri-La Fort Family for the amazing send off! Cheers guys!

SAMBA
SHANGRI-LA FORT
30th Street Corner 5th Avenue,
Bonifacio Global City,
Taguig, Metro Manila
Philippines


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Saturday, March 24, 2018
F1 HOTEL MANILA: FUN SUMMER STAYCATION

There's a couple of reasons why I always see myself going back to F1 HOTEL in BGC. It's because of the hospitality and also of the entire stay experience. I have been to this hotel a number of times already, and yet I see myself coming back for more.
For lunch, it seems that the buffet has a lot of new things that guests would enjoy. Aside from the usual salad and seafood spread, they have a sort of Filipino-Mexican theme going.
There was a mix between distinctly Filipino dishes and some Mexican flavors. Examples would be the Chicken Adobo Enchiladas, Chipotle Chicken, Shrimp Halabos, and a lot more.
Patrons would also be treated to the amazing home made chicharon. These are crunchy and perfect to go with a glass of beer.
The Grilled Squid was also flavored with Spanish-Mexican flavors as well. It's succulent and isn't overcooked. There wasn't any rubbery feeling with each bite. If you're up for it, their sinigang is Mexican flavored and goes well with rice. Speaking of rice, they have a fried rice station just for you.
Since Filipinos love tempura so much, they had different versions. From shrimps, squid, and even clams. What differs is the dipping sauce. It's made in such a way that it screams Filipino.
Of course accommodation at the F1 HOTEL in BGC is a pretty chill. From their suites and deluxe rooms, they have promos for the everyday traveler and even staycationers.
The gym and the pools are both inviting. One could go there with the love ones to enjoy the weather and the water.
Another thing that F1 HOTEL does great is that they strive to elevate their game. At night time, the CANARY LOUNGE transforms itself into a beach vibe chill place that even features an acoustic session with Jet Barrun every Friday at 8pm to 12mn.
For that special night, an outdoor bbq grill was prepared by the guys from the kitchen.
There was a lot of grilled dishes that were shared with everyone.
Aside from the sausages, chicken, and tune skewers, there was also baked oysters.
 Guests could also enjoy the New Canary lounge as they also offer a number of drinks that goes well with the boards. It could be cheese or a mix of tapa's and cold cuts.
Kids are not left out as there's a station that focuses on their happiness. They could have cotton candy and even popcorn. I heard there's even an Outdoor Movie Nights every Saturday and Sundays.
For the HOLY WEEK, there are EASTER ROOM PACKAGES that would be perfect for family bonding.
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F1 Hotel BGC is a great place to stay at when everyone is out of town. Aside from the quite time you'll experience, you get to have BGC all to yourself.
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Thursday, January 25, 2018
BENCH CAFE in BGC: Filipino Food Elevated Through Technique

With a steady hand at the wheel, BENCH CAFE seems to be a great place to have your Filipino food while doing a bit of sightseeing  in Bonifacio Global City. It's the go to shopping area to bring your balikbayan friends and family just so that they get to get something uniquely Filipino while eating and trying out native dishes that were elevated through different cooking techniques.
With the Bench Flagship Store opening up in Bonifacio High Street just a few weeks ago, they are set to unveil the first ever BENCH CAFE in the world today. Since Bench is known as a clothing and lifestyle brand, they figured that the flagship branch should have something more than just clothes, salon, and other household accessories.
Located on the second floor of the Bench Store in BGC, the BENCH CAFE exudes a relaxed yet bright atmosphere. Snacks are served as well as main dishes and of course drinks.
Since Bench is a home grown concept, Filipino food is a must for their first ever cafe. What would be more Filipino than street food? They have a sort of platter that has squid balls, fish balls, and kikiam partnered with different sauces. Aside from this, they also have paninis or sandwiches that are pretty good. Since their meats and other ingredients are made entirely just for them, guests would enjoy the interesting flavors that they bring out. Surprisingly, their CORNED BEEF panina was a hit. It's simple but delicious and straightforward.
Although the menu has some tasty salads, it's quite better to head on over to something more "sinful". The SISIG WRAP is one of those dishes that must be ordered.
Sisig is somewhat deconstructed and served with lettuce. It's basically a make your own wrap that goes well with your keto diet. The mayoish sauce actually is mixed with a special ingredient that makes everything jive together.
A play on the word Bento, the BENCH/TO are different combinations or set meals that would be perfect for someone that likes to mix and match their viands.
For chicken lovers, they have a number of chicken meals. One could go for the inasal, or the salted egg fried chicken, honey patis chicken, and the adobo. These are then partnered with other side dishes. Notably, the gising gising is really hot and spicy  so be careful. Also, the HIPON SA TALANGKA or shrimp with crab fat is deadly but extremely good. You could also mix and match and upgrade the type of rice that you may want to partner with the dishes you ordered.
The CRISPY TADYANG has a little salty mix to it. It's best paired with garlic rice and their home made pinakbet.
For those that enjoy Kare-Kare, their version used these crispy liempo. Pretty good and perfect with rice.
Another main that you could go for would be the US Angus Short Ribs Bistek. With inihaw na pusit on the side, these is a potent combination.
What really impressed me would be their version of the KALDERETA. Apprently, they cook this for a long time. Making the meat tremendously tender, each bite is a joy to take. If you don't like the normal plain rice, you could upgrade it to dilis, bagoong, and even talangka.
Personally I believe that a visit to a Filipino restaurant will not be complete if they do not have a silog. They have everything that you may ask for. From tocino, to longganisa, to sisig, and even beef tapa, you won't go wrong with any. If you're someone that likes everything and anything, the BONGALMUSAL would work for you. It's basically a breakfast platter.
The drinks are quite a number as well. They were all hand crafted and created to display the different flavors of the Filipino. Furthermore, the desserts were created to make things familiar but still unique. One of them would be the FLAN B. It's leche flan or baked caramelized custard that's topped with some macapuno.
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With more than just shopping, this new BENCH CAFE is a must visit place for foodies and guests that want something unique and new. Drinks are well made with the Filipino palette in mind. The majority of the items on the menu are all about Filipino Cuisine as well. So, yes, I will be back because they do offer a lot that's great for families and friends alike.



BENCH CAFE
2nd Floor Bench Flagship Store
9th Avenue corner Lane O.
(Infront of The Spa and near Krispy Kreme)
Bonifacio Global City,
Taguig, Metro Manila



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