Food Panda Maginhawa Food Crawl: Homies Pinoy Fried Chicken

We got ourselves out of the Mexican joint and rode a few meters away from Maginhawa to Homies Pinoy Fried Chicken at 51 C Magiting Street U.P. Village in Quezon City. The place has about a few tables inside so it could fit a good 4-6 groups of 4 on a good day. The outside had whimsical drawings on it signifying a place of abundance, oh yes they are declaring this parcel of land as UNLIRICE country whilst inside, they had framed most of the good reviews they had over the years and got that to be some of the interesting conversation piece while inside the restaurant.

Their type of Chicken likened the home cooked no batter Fried Chicken like Mom used to make. They don't cover it all up with flour, but keep it crispy, lovely seasoned just like the ones you see perfectly cooked at home. The restaurant's owner Mr. Hagen Topacio says the restaurants name hailed from the terms of endearment he used to call his ex. That's cute and all, but wait til you see what they have at Homies!

Oh and this ain't your ordinary chicken house because aside from the good food, they've got quirky ways to ask for EXTRA RICE. See those cute toy chickens in the center? That actually sounds like real chicken when you squeeze it. Now, you don't have to wave your hand out to call the attention of the servers because they'll immediately fill your plate with rice when you do that instead! Although, be prepared to chuckle to because it sounds so funny! People will even look at you silly!

As for the food, there are hits and misses. I didn't like the Lumpia that much because I felt it was a small serving (for the size it shouldn't have been cut into 6) and it was just so so (maybe it needs improvement), not that special. For the price, you can't really complain about it (the lumpia and everything else) because it's dirt cheap as it was made to cater to students around the area. Other than that, you're going to be lucky on some of the really good stuff that they have on the menu. They have a pretty mean Chili (which I loved as it was smoky and spicy), so whatever food it ends up with like this Chili Dog, you're definitely going to love it too! If you want a hotdog fix, they can give those expensive frankfurters a run for their money. It's because of the special CHILI, hands down.

Another thing to be proud of is their Fried Chicken. It's non adulterated, no fuss, no overbearing coating, just all home cooked, seasoned well and mind you, it reminds me of Mom's cooking. You can eve have it compared with Max's restaurant but with their slightly different marinade (special secret recipe) and still get to win because they barely have things going over 100 bucks. Add to that, the meals have UNLIRICE. Value for money? Yes, I think they have accomplished that.

Chicken Teriyaki - One of their best sellers. It's on the sweet salty side so if you want something else aside from Fried Chicken, this would be a great alternative. You'll be needing a lot of rice though!

Chicken Curry - It's the Pinoy Chicken Curry but none of those potatoes which Princess Sarah has taken the skin off because they use French Fries instead. I thought it wasn't going to work but it did. It's not spicy though, just right.

Menudo - It's one of the nicest things on their menu because it's just pork pieces and the veggies on a thick tomato based sauce. Simmered for countless minutes to make this one of their hit dishes that afternoon. I don't like liver that much so this was a welcome treat because they didn't put any! 

Chili Con Carne - This is my favorite (aside from the Chicken of course) on their menu because it's got the same base as what they have on the Chili dog. The Chili made on this joint would do wonders for them because they had it spicy, no like the others who just made beans and ground thingys on tomato sauce. I must say theirs is up to par with bigger restaurants but at a fraction of the cost. For those who love spicy things like me, I highly recommend this.

Pasta - They have a lot of pastas on the menu like Spaghetti and Carbonara. It's very convenient too because they can whip it up in a few minutes.For those just passing by or wanted to have something to go for work or school, this would be very convenient.  

Homies Pinoy Fried Chicken personifies what good food and value for money is. Thank you so much for accommodating us in your restaurant Hagen Topacio and thank the heavens above for people like you who made sure to serve Pinoy Fried Chicken this good to the masses. I'd be glad to go back their with family and friends. Thank you also to Food Panda for arranging this Food Crawl in Maginhawa Street. Remember, you can order through the Food Panda App by downloading it off the App Store or Google Play. Or if you prefer just go to the web and look up https://www.foodpanda.ph. Til the next restaurant! :)

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Food Panda Maginhawa Food Crawl: Casa Quesadilla

Intended as a snack place in the morning we went to Casa Quesadilla during the Food Panda Maginhawa Food Crawl in Maginhawa Street in Quezon City. This quaint little place serves Mexican Food favorites at a fraction of a cost. I haven't been in these parts so I was really curious about Casa Quesadilla and their offerings. I'm not fond of Cilantro aka flatleaf parsley and it is very present in most Mexican dishes but you know what, I gave it a go.

Dynamite Beef Rolls

The restaurant can serve around 15-20 people at most but they're very fast. Their kitchen is open and preparation is made just at the back of the counter so you can see everything made. Just as I expected they do have flatleaf parsley but you can ask them to edit that out if you wish, they also have all sauces on the side to control portions. Their Dynamite Beef Rolls isn't just the same like you see in restaurants which is just filled with Cheese and a whole Finger Chili. They've added ground beef to it so it tasted more savory and appealing. It's not too spicy either which would be good for those who doesn't like extremely hot food. Mind you, I was really surprised to see most of the things in their menu to be either less than a 100 bucks or a little over that because their serving is roughly for groups of 2-3 people. I would actually be ecstatic if they also served liquor but I learned later on that the whole Maginhawa Street doesn't serve beer (but you can bring in Wine on most restaurants I think, everything else is legal). They're very near UP and the foodie community basically wanted to probably promote food more than that, or they're just all dreading drunkards to frequent the place. That's really heaven for me LOL!

Ultimate Nachos

Meet the Ultimate Nachos. Their version is ample, quite affordable, even free from 1-5PM with every Php 350.00 purchase. It was okay for me, just okay - but if you want your stories to run a very long time in this place you should order one because it begs to be the ice breaker, a chip every time there's dead air (more cheese please!). Although, I bet you'll be amused by the interior enough that it's not going to matter. Aside from that, Casa Quesadilla plays Mexican music, you'll be in a very festive mood in no time and enjoy my favorite activity "People Watching" when you are sitting outside the restaurant at night.

Spinach and Chicken Quesadilla

My favorite on their menu is this Spinach and Chicken Quesadilla. The simple pleasures in life personified with a spinach shards and chicken slices smothered with cheese (oh and these cheeses are imported! Monterey Jack etc.) pit together on pita bread. I love quesadillas and this version was all worth it. It's creamy, cheesy and the lovely spinach which I usually love in pastas but worked in this case. 

Beef Yakiniku Quesadilla

It's East meets South America in this Beef Yakiniku Quesadilla. It works. I thought it wouldn't but you can taste the cooked Yakiniku style beef in every slice which is more on the savory side. I was imagining I could have this with beer again but it passed on all colors with a glass of Mountain Dew available at the joint. They've got Iced Tea too (unli at Php 50) for those who want something more refreshing paired with their food.

Mexican Beef Burrito

For those who would love to fill up their tummies in no time, this Mexican Beef Burrito is surely the most value for money thing that I've ever found during this trip to Maginhawa. The flavors are intense, the servings are huge and dirt cheap. I even asked them how they were able to keep the prices that low and they answered they buy things in bulk. They've also got suppliers that help SME's or startup businesses like them who serve real, honest, good food. I found it comforting munching on just half of it (as I was pacing myself) but I could probably eat three of these in one sitting (no joke!). Though the rest of the population could get full with just half (for the ladies) and whole (for the gents!) in no time. It's really good. They've also got Chicken Burrito which would be good for those watching their weight, as if the carb loading wouldn't do that haha!

This joint is owned and operated by Jimbell Caluncaguin, Ayce Frias and Nooe Frias. Say hi to these nice folks if you're visiting the place because the community thrives with making each dining experience very personal. Tell them what you want on your table and they'll make sure your day will be made, especially those lip smacking burritos! Darn I'm even salivating just thinking about it now. Please visit them at 176 Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village Quezon City. Their on that G&CY Manor building's commercial spaces along the road so you wouldn't miss it. Worth every penny, nickel or dime. You can also like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Casa.Quesadilla. Since they're now part of the Food Panda family, you can order online if you are within the area (Food Panda App is location based!) by downloading the app in the App Store or Google Play. You can even order through web at https://www.foodpanda.ph. I'll definitely be back here!

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Food Panda Maginhawa Food Crawl: KATZ Diner

It's been a while since I visited Maginhawa Street in Quezon City. We were there for a small event of Food Panda Philippines. It's a food crawl of some of their local restaurant partners so we could get to experience their offerings that's already available with Food Panda's delivery service. The first place we got to promises an all day breakfast menu, with the premise of a hearty American diner menu but with the inclusion of continental and Filipino favorites. This is KATZ Diner.

KATZ Diner isn't directly on Maginhawa street, but it's a stones throw away from it and the corner of Malingap street in Sikatuna Village, Quezon City. It's got ample parking, 2-4 cars in front and a couple more on the street itself and can accommodate around 30-40 people.  

The interior has got 2 kitchens, some parts are modern, some are rustic, some corners even have posters to pay homage to musicals. They are big fans of it. The other kitchen is there to whip up drinks,  and the other one for hot kitchen items. They just opened April this year serving an assortment of teas and coffee. Chef Kat Oronce also does all the plates herself so you are assured you're getting what you pay for. This is a family owned shack, we had the pleasure of meeting her family during that morning too, including that cute little baby boy on the bottom right side of this shot. They were warmly and sincerely welcoming us to their joint, we felt that right away.

Grilled Pork Steak

 This is KATZ Diner's Grilled Pork Steak. The tender slices of pork had charred parts on it. One bite and you can taste the slightly gingery marinade base it was soaked in probably for hours. This is on the sweet side so don't be shy to ask for vinegar with chili to make it the perfect thing to have for breakfast. Do not leave the place without tasting the Green Tea Yakult which you can have together with this lovely grilled pork dish. They also have various fruity Iced Teas available, or if you opt for the coffee they've got hot and cold ones too. It cuts the oiliness and makes it the perfect accompaniment to everything else on the menu.

Longganisa

One of the hits that morning was this deconstructed Longganisa. They mix in the usual Filipino sauteing ingredients, or some sort of salsa so it doesn't come off as fatty since it is made of pork. This is also served on the side with scrambled egg, so it feels like an omelet where the ingredients are not folded in. I'd gladly have this with french toast or just the plain one and it'll be perfect for breakfast.

Roast Pork Belly

Never even think about your diet when you are on a food adventure in the Maginhawa district. This Roast Pork Belly served with hot white rice, sunny side up egg, mashed sweet potatoes, gravy and chimchurri sauce. It's flavor combination might not be too familiar but it's a staple in South America, particularly Argentina that loves meat with strong and pungent spices all day. Pretty good actually, but this last one is my favorite.

KATZ Diners' Lava Cake

They saved the best for last. You know that instant when you bite into something chocolatey, something gooey that you just can't help but close your eyes and feel it take you to heaven? That's exactly what I felt in this moment. They carefully prepared this to end our meal and the Lava Cake was definitely done right, one slice and the slurry of chocolate just oozes out of the cake enveloping the chocolate chips, marshmallow and the whole cake. It was lovely, and if there was something I'd go back for in this place, it would be this.

They have tons more in the menu that we haven't even tried yet but I have a hunch the pasta, arroz ala katz and boneless bangus would also be a hit. Remember, if you are around the area you can order this through Food Panda by downloading the App in the App Store or Google Play store. You can also go directly to their website and channels below to experience it like we did. Thank you so much to the people from Food Panda and KATZ Diner for hosting our first salvo. We will be back soon! By the way, there's like a couple more restaurants we'll be featuring from the Maginhawa Food Crawl so watch out for that soon!

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