Taters Snack League: New Burgers + More Snacks On Their Menu!

You might have passed this counter countless times and never even bother checking out what they had to offer. I'm bringin out my guns and tell you point blank, there's more to this awesome spot than your favorite Popcorns and Sodas. I sat down and took time out a few of their products which I hope you'll eventually try and get to know too. Listen up! Step right up and play ball! This place is called Taters!

The Interiors

 The tables and chairs are simple. Nothing fancy, and they have banquettes for those who want a more cozy spot. Colors are all red-orange with trims of black and silver. It's reminiscent of a 50's or 60's cafe without the usual pancakes and coffee in the mix. 

Prices are still affordable but more on the medium range. I understand the owner probably chose quality over anything else because Ana Tanchangco, the lady owns business says her philosophy is not to serve anything that she wouldn't feed to her family. I totally agree on this! Taters Enterprises says most of the stores are franchised but they have percentage of ownership and have plans of expanding. They want to venture out of cinemas. So if you see a branch like the one in Bacolod Northpoint,  it is more of a fast food rather than a grab and go place like the ones in Manila. They also have full sandwiches with "supreme" tag and when they open more stores soon, it will probably follow this concept.

The Food

This particular branch I visited didn't have popcorns on the counter. They actually have other items on the menu and that's what I wanted to see in this particular instance. I wasn't disappointed =)

Upon ordering I saw this small game kiosk which is part of their GameON Summer Olympics promo where they give out prizes and food items on top of what you order.

Churkey Quarter Pounder - It's a quarter pound of Chicken and Turkey meat made into a patty on top of tomatoes, lettuce and smothered with mustard and ketchup. I immediately took a bite because I was really hungry. The bun was soft and the patty was juicy. The deal is, this one's pretty healthy because its got none of those saturated fat that most beef patties have.

Tater chips with White Cheese - Not your ordinary potato chips, this one can get so crispy which I absolutely love. Plus, you can opt for 4 other different flavors that they have in store. Barbecue is a close second, but really who doesn't love white cheese? :) They also have Tortilla, tofu chips and more tater chips if you prefer that.

Tuna Mushroom Burger - I can't seem to pinpoint which meat this was from but was totally surprised that it's made from Tuna and Mushrooms. I guess the mushrooms made the patty a tad more meaty. They also have tomatoes and lettuce under the patty but have a couple of tablespoons of barbecue sauce on top.

They also have plans of releasing ALL BEEF Hotdogs which will come out in June. All flavors will be inspired by American states like New York, Philly etc. which in my books is a smart choice. This Filipino owned store (since 1994 when they opened their Glorietta branch) wants to keep you and your movie watching habit + mall time a pretty pleasurable one. I also got a surprise from the crew because they gave out huge chocolate coins on top of what I ordered.

And it tastes pretty good!

You can also choose how big or small your drinks are so you can mix and match with your favorite burger or sandwich. So the next thing to do is just drag your family and friends to one of their branches. They've got two in Eastwood so just take your pick. Weather lunch or dinner, it's all good in Tater's. You should take a second look next time you drop by the store and think of buying just the popcorn... they definitely have more!

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Now Open: Slappy Cakes Eastwood City!

A skip and a hop away from my office is this gorgeous place where your dreams of oh so fluffy sweet pancakes can actually come true. It's been long awaited and we got first dibs on what this establishment has to offer. Are you ready for Slappy Cakes?

The Restaurant Interiors

The restaurant is right beside Starbucks 1880 and Ramen Bar so the layout is almost the same. Seating looks ample and they have occupied the area of former OSONHO that closed down. The bright orange interior is their signature look and signals a very lively all breakfast setting which they plan to do at the heart of Eastwood City. When you enter, it opens up to a bar that serves most of their drinks and it's also the same place where their pancake tubes come out. It's a mix of dark and grained wood, orange walls and the air conditioning is a little soft. Make sure you get the seats where you can have the air conditioning unit pouring out its power because you'll need it. There are griddles on all the tables where you can cook your own pancakes so that will really make this place a little hot than usual if not for that; its understandable though.

The Food

You can choose up to 5 different flavors of pancakes in this place and I must say, the Peanut Butter flavor is my favorite. But for those who prefer more healthier alternatives, you can opt for Whole Grain or Vegan. Kids would certainly enjoy the Buttermilk, Chocolate and Peanut Butter so if you are trying out this place you should definitely bring your family.

Just imagine how much fun you can actually have making your own designs using different flavors, then top it off with bacon, creme fresh, lemon custard, strawberry jam, fruits, nuts and almost everything you can think of. They have lots of choices so take your pick. I love the chocolate chips on mine though which made my pancakes really sweet! Make sure when you are around the area, take some time off and visit their store where breakfast can be served all day, your way! Plus, they've got cocktails, mocktails and fresh juices that can get you going for that next pancake bottle. =)

They'll be opening more branches here and around the world so just wait for Slappy Cakes to be in your neighborhood soon!

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Zarzuela: Tasty Moderne Filipino Comfort Food at Shangrila Mall

Being of Spanish descent, the word Zarzuela is but second nature to me. I know how then, the Spanish era had influence on what we had as Filipinos and "Zarzuela" was their form of entertainment. It was a play on lyrics and drama. From Baroque to Romantic - all that Filipinos adore. At the posh Shangrila Mall located in Shaw, the new East Wing houses that same name. Zarzuela, and it promises now to be a play on Filipino cuisine. We tried this out a few days ago.

The Interiors

It was a sunny afternoon and the windows provide ample ambient light. It was like spending your lunch time in a sunny LA Cafe but inside the mall + it's air conditioned. You can opt to have the bunker chairs near the window or these single wicker ones over light classic wooden tables. Everything's sturdy and lines, colors and aesthetics are simple. Not too fancy, and without runners or table cloth.

There were simple art work framed in walls and small flowers on each table. I would have loved to have fresh ones but that would probably be a little pricey so that's given. Men and women serving were clad in Orange and Beige ensembles, the place was spick and span. Very classy, muted music was also played in the background. Quite nice.

As for outside seating, they have these tables adjacent to their restaurant but it's not really outside per ce. It's still inside the mall. If you prefer a relaxed setting and do my favorite activity called "people watching" then this is probably the best place you could dine. Overall, the interiors are simple and clean. Nothing too out of this world and classy. Now let's talk about the food. ☺

GAMBINO: An Authentic Italian Restaurant

A fresh new look, a comfy, cozy place right at the heart of Bonifacio Global City. I have been to a lot of Italian restaurants but none actually is as authentic than this. For starters, the Chef is Italian. He's also got friends who sing. His team of Chefs that work behind the scenes are also classically trained. Best of all, the food and drinks are exquisitely prepared. Here's a look at Gambino.

Intimate and a little upscale, the interiors of this restaurant are kept classy. The ambiance would be compared to something from an Italian mob/mafia movie hence the name of the restaurant. Leather chairs, black and woodsy tables and a studded bar made the place cohesive with the theme. Very rustic. It can probably fit around 24 people upstairs and 36 downstairs as they took advantage of the al fresco space. It gets packed on weekends so please do reserve. Then the chef's came out to say hi.

New Sunday Brunch Buffet at Q Bistro!

It's been a while since we went back to Q Bistro. It's that quaint restaurant in front of Podium in Ortigas Center, right around the Malayan Plaza. It's a good place to celebrate with family and friends. It's also perfect for those business meetings because the place is quite posh. Check out my first review here. While we're still impressed with their menu, here they go and added more than the usual brunch!

Infused with all the garlic you love is this sweet, salty Beef Tapa is perfect with spiced vinegar and garlic rice. Don't worry about having a brunch date because you'll cancel out each other hehe. Quite yummy!

Savor the rich, thick tomato sauce and chunks of meat, bell pepper, potatoes and carrots. This hearty Pork Caldereta was something I'd look for if I wanted a heavy meal. I have tasted this and it's perfect on top of smoking hot white rice. 

My favorite on the buffet was this fish fillet. I asked Chef Mia about the sauce but said it was a secret. It's got bell pepper and soy sauce based. The sweet sauce made a difference on its taste. I love this with hot white rice. They also have other things on side that I got. Take a look at these!

Pansit, a staple on every Filipino household was also here. I prefer nothing on my plate when this is eaten. No calamansi or toyo. It was good.

Of course, since this was brunch there were staples from breakfast. Fluffy and not so oily omelet with tomatoes and onions. You can also go for your choice of cereals, chocolate or plain jane.

You can also opt to indulge on watermelon or sweet tangy pineapple or have a couple of slices of banana bread and freshly baked cookies. The choices are endless!

Blackbeard's Seafood Island!: Taking Seafood Bonding to the Extreme!

A stones throw away from my neighborhood is this new mall called Robinson's Magnolia which part of the Robinson's Mall chain. There are lots of new restaurants out there and it was perfect timing that I got to be at one favorite hangout place I frequent to in Eastwood, but this time they've got a new branch in the mall... now a lot of people can get a taste of Blackbeard's Seafood Island!

Pinoy Nachos - Crispy Wonton, Salsa and smothered with White Cream. An alternative to Corn Nachos this is indeed the better lovely Pinoy version of it. You must try this at the start of your meal. It's good pica-pica or as a conversation piece so you can talk with friends or family while in BSI!

Garlic Chicharon Bulaklak - It's a notch higher than the ordinary Chicharon Bulaklak but definitley a bang for the buck thing to look for and pair with below zero beer.

Fiesta Bicolandia - Clams in Coconut water broth, Pork Barbecue, Eggplant Salad, Bicol Express, Crab in Coconut Milk, Gabi Leaves in Coconut Milk, Grilled Tilapia and Fried Rice with Shrimp Paste. This is part of their Boodle Feasts, there's more!

 

Davao Gulf - Chicken Wing Inasal, Pork Barbecue, Grilled Baby Squid, Steamed Shrimps, Grilled Tuna meat, Grilled Imbao, Shrimp and Pomelo Salad, Seaweed Salad, Young Jackfruit in Coconut Milk and Vinegar, Salted Eggs, Grilled Tomates, Kalkag Rice (probably fried rice with Crablet roe), Fried Rice with Shrimp Paste and Crisy Dulong Rice. It's like Davao ruhsing to shore with a boat. Perfect for big families and barkada!

Tali Beach - Grilled Chicken Inasal, Big Barbecue, Steamed White Shrimps, Grilled Tilapia, Grilled Tahong, Crabs, Grilled Squid, Grilled Tomatoes, Seaweed, Green mangoes, Watermelon and Steamed Rice! THE END. LOL! That was a long list but honestly this is a feast for the eyes. You'll be tempted to take photos of it the whole day! What a presentation! :)

Boracay's Feast - San Mig clams, Grilled Liempo, Chicken Adobo on Coconut Milk, Grilled Squid, Grilled Tilapia, Grilled Eggplant, Okra, Grilled Pineapple and Fried Rice with Shrimp Paste. Perfect with Iced Tea imagining you are in a white beach somewhere! LOL!

Mount Apo - Clams in Buco Juice Broth, Steamed Crabs, Grilled Liempo, Grilled Chicken in Coconut Milk, Grilled Squid, Steamed Shrimps, Fried Tilapia, Law-Uy, Kinilaw na Tanigue, Balbakwa, Seaweed Salad with Crispy Dried Anchovies and Salted Fish Rice. You should try this one up for size because you'll see it's a big serving. Please invite me over when you're eating hehe.

Proud Matriarch of Seafood Island group and the Chef showing us that each Boodle feast was designed to match a province in the Philippines and even some of their creations were shaped like them too. They take pride in making it that way so both Filipinos and foreigners take a short culture lesson without even knowing it.

Dagupan's Pride - Deep Fried Boneless Bangus, Pork Barbecue, Steamed White Shrimps, Grilled Mussels, Grilled Eggplant, Okra, Camote Tops, Green Mango Salad,Crispy Liempo and Bagoong Rice. Truly a representation of that region. This would be a little expensive if eaten on other restaurants pala carte but if you order it on a boodle you'll get it way on a lower price plus enjoy it with the rest of the family. A very communal experience indeed!

Fried Ice Cream - For dessert we had this Fried Ice Cream. It's amazing how they were able to put the Vanilla Ice Cream Inside this breading. Add some chocolate sauce and it's a done deal!

Buko Pandan - Not to sweet, just right to end the meal. Refreshing and quite a favorite of the kids. You should get this too!

There's more where this came from. You should try and visit one of their branches nationwide. I on the other hand will be visiting this one in Robinson's Magnolia. It's a quaint place with fab interior and a lot of seats you could dine in with friends and family. It's time to bond with them over food and what ingenious way to do just that but by doing Seafood Bonding to the EXTREME with Seafood Island's Boodle Feasts!

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Blackbeard's Seafood Island