Pares Retiro along P. Tuazon Now on its Soft Opening

Yesterday, we had breakfast in Pares Retiro. It's a newly opened restaurant along P. Tuazon Blvd. that serves Pares, Silog meals, Mami, etc. This is my second time to visit. During our first time eating here, I didn't really liked their Pares. The beef is so tough.

This time, I ordered Sizzling Sisig. Jen ordered Beef Chami(P95) and Tokwa't Baboy(P50) and Ira had Pares(P80).

They served the soup first then it took a while before they served our order especially the Sisig. That's understandable since they are still on soft opening but I got really disappointed when their waiter served the orders and he accidentally spilled the soup on me but didn't even bother saying sorry. He even acted like nothing happened. He didn't even mopped our area even though the soup has spilled on the floor.

The Sisig has some bits of Chicharon and it's good for two but it's not something to crave for. Well, I can describe it as decent considering the price is at P105.

After eating, I asked Jen and Ira for their ratings. They both loved the food there so Jen gave 8 while Ira gave 9. But for me, I will only give them 6.5 even though their meals are cheap because I can get better food and better service for the same price. So, our overall rate for Pares Retiro is 7.8

Pares Retiro is located along P. Tuazon Blvd. corner 17th Street

Sunday Breakfast at Kitchen Diaries Cafe

It's Sunday and I was too lazy to prepare breakfast so Hubby and I decided to just have breakfast somewhere in Kapitolyo so I searched the web and Kitchen Diaries showed up. I've been seeing this place whenever we eat at Kanto Freestyle Breakfast but we never had the chance to try it until today.

They're still on soft opening so they have a very limited breakfast menu but they have a wide choices of cakes and pastires. They suggested we order their bestseller Angus Corned Beef, which we did. For the cakes, we tried their Black Forest and Strawberry Cheesecake.

Angus Corned Beef (Definitely worth a try!)

Black Forest at P75

Strawberry Cheesecake at P125

Capuccino at P85

I think the Black Forest is a bit tough but I loved their Strawberry Cheesecake. While we're eating, we're given free samples of Red Velvet Crinkles, Brownie Brittle and Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies and we liked all of them. We even bought our son Brownie Brittle for take away since he almost want to eat the whole jar (LOL).

Overall, we liked the ambiance, the service and the food and we'll definitely go back soon.

Kitchen Diaries is located at Unit 1E, 1st Corner San Rafael Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City

Tri Mo Shawarma in Lagro

Our whole week has been all about food. Yesterday, our destination was in Tri Mo Shawarma in Lagro. They are open from 3PM-2:30PM and we're lucky that we arrived just before people started to line up. One order of their Beef Shawarma costs P75. Yep it's cheap but it's filled tightly that you'll be full even before you're done eating.

I was also seeing customers bringing in BBQs from Tri Eat but we're not able to try them since we're already full. Next time, I'll try ordering their Sizzling Shawarma.

Here's their updated menu:

Tri Mo Shawarma is located in Bristol St, Novaliches, Quezon City.

Saturday Lunch at Smokin' Pig Legendary Rib Joint

Just this afternoon, my officemates and I went to try Smokin' Pig in Capitol Green Street and all I can say is that it's worth visiting.

The place is inside Capitol Hills Golf and Country Club and near Celebrity Sports Plaza. It's not accessible so you either need to have your own mode of transportation or hire a cab to get here.

The place overlooks Marikina and the neighboring cities and it only has al fresco dining but that's fine because even though we're there at 12NN, it's still cool.

  

View from the Entrance

The mini bar

We're the first ones to dine so I'm not sure if it gets full during weekends.

We ordered a full rack of ribs (P1120) and we had the option to have half wet and half dry so we're able to try both, but we all agreed that the wet ribs taste better. For the sides, we just ordered garlic rice and mashed potatoes. We were able to try their wings as well but personally, I'd still go for Frankie's.

Solo serving of Ribs with 2 regular sides (P335)

After we're done eating, we ordered San Mig Super Dry (P60) and stayed until past 3PM. It's really a nice place considering there are not that many people visiting and we'll definitely go back to this place.

Silantro Fil-Mex Cantina in Kapitolyo

It's already 3 in the afternoon and Hubby is still not sleepy so we strolled around our neighborhood to have snacks. Our first choice is Silantro since we just want something light. It's a Fil-Mex Restaurant along East Capitol Street and just right beside Holy Family Parish Church.

View from outside

Here's their menu:

I ordered Lamb Tacos and Nachos. They served our food with three different sauces, Guacamole, Chili and Garlic. The Nachos tasted great and I think it's very cheap because one serving is huge and already good for up to 3 persons.

Nachos at P160

Lamb Tacos at P75/Ligero

The place is just small and we're really lucky that we're done just before customers started lining up. I loved the food and for sure I'm gonna be back soon to take my friends here. Next time I'll try their cocktails.

Kanto Freestyle Breakfast - Kapitolyo Branch

A day after my officemates and I had our breakfast in Kanto Libis (Backread Here), Hubby wanted to eat there again but since I'm aware that they have a branch in Kapitolyo, I asked him if we can try there instead. It's located in 1st Street but their place isn't noticeable so we had a hard time finding them.

They don't have a parking space but you can park your car along the street.

The place is a garage converted into a restaurant and it's spacier than their branch in Libis.

Kanto Freestyle Breakfast in Kapitolyo

The Kitchen

The Dining Area

The Bar

After we were handed their menu, I noticed there are some listed on their menu which are not available in Libis. Hubby's mind is set on their pancakes so I just ordered their Spanish Sardines Tempura.

Spanish Sardines Tempura at P90 (plus 10% SC)

I was craving for Scramble but it's not available that time since they ran out of ice so we just asked for a glass of water (without ice).

They also ran out of strawberry jam so instead of serving Mixed Berry Pancakes, they just served us Blueberry Pancakes.

Blueberry Pancakes at P90 (plus 10% SC)

Pancake with Chocnut and Goya Ganache at P90 (plus 10% SC)

Their plating is different as well.

After eating, we asked for our bill and I was surprised to see that there is a 10% service charge.

Overall, the place and food is so so. It's not what we expected and if ever we want to eat at Kanto Fresstyle again, we'll just go to their Libis branch.

Breakfast After Work at Kanto Freestyle Libis

Today, My office mates and I had breakfast at Kanto Freestyle. I've already been to this place a couple of times already but this is my first time to visit it after they renovated the place. They occupied the space that used to be a small bar and it's good that they are able to accommodate more customers now.

I noticed that they now offer the Pancake Platter for P170. I haven't tried that yet but based on the picture, I think the pancakes are too small so I still recommend the usual pancake that they offer.

While waiting for the food to be served (which took approx. 20 mins.), I took a picture of their updated menu:

The updated menu of Kanto Freestyle Breakfast in Libis

Phone Number for Delivery

Mommy Binky and I ordered Honey Garlic Chicken (P99) and we both loved it.

Honey Garlic Chicken

Hubby ordered Breaded Pork Chop (P95) that I wasn't able to taste but it looks good too.

Breaded Pork Chop

Jason ordered Mixed Berry Pancakes (P99) and Pancakes with Chocnut and Goya Ganache (P99).

Mixed Berry Pancakes

 After a few minutes, we're already done eating and we're very satisfied. The only downside is that it takes a while for them to prepare the food. But anyway, it's worth the wait. The next day, we ate at Kanto again but this time we tried their Kapitolyo Branch and here's what happened.

Pigging Out at Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant in Megamall

Our long planned visit to Vikings finally happened last Monday, April 21, 2014. I tried to make a reservation on their Facebook page the day before but I was told that the reservation for lunch is already closed and that there are 150 on the waiting list. I was offered to have reservation for dinner instead but we're only available during lunch so I just went early to get a number for our group. I, with my husband and son, arrived at 10:45AM and we're 9th in line for walk-in guests. At exactly 11AM, they're already seating guests and we were given the couch. We asked if we can be transferred to the couch with the overlooking view of the MRT but the crew who assisted us said that all the couches over that area were taken already. So, if you want to get a good view of EDSA, I'd suggest to inform the Maitre'd before getting a number.

My office mates and I in Vikings Megamall

After our seats were given, we immediately started checking out the different dishes. I went over to the Grilling Station and helped myself with their signature Oyster Rockefeller and a few Pork BBQs. Then I went over to the Drinks Station and got myself a glass of Blueberry Lemonade.

Deep Fried Cajun Turkey and Roasted Leg of Lamb

California Maki (as usual)

After a few minutes, I was done so I went off to the Carving Station then the Dessert Station.

Cheesecake, Red Velvet Cake, etc.

Bubblegum Ice Cream (My son's favorite)

By 1PM, everyone's already full so we had a little chit chat, rested for a while then billed out.

I've been to a lot of Buffet Restaurants already but so far, Vikings is the best. Every food and drinks they offer are worth trying.

Vikings in Megamall is located at the 4th floor of Mega Fashion Hall

For the updated rates and promos, click here

Casa Astillero in Calatagan

Last April 5, our team went to Calatagan for our much awaited team outing or what we call our "Anarchy Day". We left Manila at 11AM and arrived at Mahogany Market at 1PM. We stopped by to have our lunch and to buy our food for dinner. We left Tagaytay at 2:30PM and at exactly 4PM, we're already in Casa Astillero.

When we arrived, Sir Romy approached us and I gave him the details of our reservation. He immediately escorted us to the places available for tent pitching. We chose the vacant spot in between the kubo and the a/c rooms.

I was so disappointed to see that the place was crowded. I never expected that much people even though it's weekend since I thought they're only accepting reservations to control the number of guests. There are tents and videokes everywhere and the place is small that it looks like a chaos.

We immediately pitched our tents and unpacked our stuffs on the table provided to us. I believed I paid for a table under the tree but all the tables under the tree were occupied already so they just placed a table right outside our tents. I also paid for a grilling station with mini kitchen but instead got a portable griller. I told Sir Romy that the portable griller is cheaper but he said they just cost the same. Then when I checked out the grilling station, it's free to use for guests. I also asked where we can charge our cellphones, he just said we can use any power outlet. But how can that be possible if all the tables where the power outlets were placed are occupied? Talk about chaos and disappointment.

A few minutes later, my office mate Ron and his wife arrived. They're from Cavite so they thought it would be more convenient to just ride a bus going to Calatagan directly from their place but their fare cost more than when you'll be coming from Pasay. They paid 400 for the fare to Calatagan Market then 150 for the tricycle to Casa Astillero. Not really what I've been expecting.

So, since everyone's at the resort already, the girls started to prepare for dinner. I cooked Calamares while the others prepared the ensalada. The boys grilled the Liempo and Bangus. I forgot to buy water for drinking luckily, just right outside the resort, there are stores selling purified water (P30/5 liters), softdrinks (P70/1.5L), and ice but they always run out of stock.

After cooking, Some of us took a nap. When i woke up it was already past 9 but the videokes are still on full volume so I did not hesitate to sleep anymore. After we're done eating, we asked the caretaker to prepare our bonfire then we went off to the beach for our drinking session. 

The next morning, there were vendors roaming the area selling fresh seafoods at cheap price. I also noticed a guy in a motorbike selling hot pandesals. I checked out the beach. Still at low tide. The sun's up and the view of the beach from afar is superb but the water is so shallow that even at 100m away from the shore, it's still at knee level. 

Beach during low tide

It spoiled our day so we just prepared our Brunch and after we ate, everyone's off to the shower room. There's a long queue over the ladies' shower room and there are only two shower rooms so I think the management should work on having additional shower rooms to accommodate the increasing number of guests.

Our travel back to Manila only took 3 hours. Well, that's the fastest we can go since the road from Tagaytay to Calatagan is narrow.

To summarize, the place clean and well-maintained but the management needs to improve on their service. They should put limit to the number of guests and they should assign a table or cottage number to the guests so that guests arriving in the late afternoon will still get a good and decent spot. The resort is recommended only during off-peak season because the place is nice but was spoiled by the heavy crowd and disorganized management.

Camp Holiday

It's my family's first time in Davao so I have to make sure that everyone would enjoy the place. I checked Agoda for a hotel we can stay that would suit our budget but won't compromise cleanliness and convenience and I ended up booking in Camp Holiday.

The hotel is well-maintained and the staffs are friendly. It is also conveniently located beside the port. Right outside the hotel is a 24/7 convenience store that has everything you need, toiletries, snacks, liquors, even paper plates and styrocups. There are also sari sari stores, fruit stands and some carinderias outside the hotel.

Camp Holiday - view from the outside

24/7 convenience store right outside Camp Holiday

The room has a homey feeling and my daughters said they were able to get a good sleep. The comfort room is well kept and I was happy that what I saw on the pictures are the same as what's on the actual room.

They have two pools, a kiddie pool and an infinity pool, which are exclusive for hotel guests. Both pools are well-maintained and since we arrived on Thursday, we're able to have the infinity pool to ourselves.

Camp Holiday's Infinity Pool exclusive for checked-in guests

In the evening, we ordered our Dinner from their restobar. They have a limited set of menu and it took 20 minutes before our orders were served and although it's not a big deal for us, I think they can still improve it. 

Restobar at night

View from the deck

The thing I least like about the place is their beach because it's rocky and shallow. The kids just enjoyed playing in the sand but apart from that, you can't really do much.

View of infinity pool and the beach

Overall, we enjoyed our stay in Camp Holiday because of the cleanliness and exclusivity.


Their Day Tour Fee as of March 2014 is P80/Adult and P50/Child and they have an ongoing promo of P2150/overnight stay with breakfast for 2