Saturday, June 30, 2012

Beso - Spanish Cuisine and Wines (Bonifacio High Street Central)


Beso - Spanish Cuisine and Wines (Bonifacio High Street Central)

If you want to experience modern Spanish comfort food by Celebrity Chef Carlo Miguel, BESO is the place to be.


Beso caters to business meetings, family gatherings and of course, friendly meet-ups. 


The restaurant serves refreshing homemade brewed iced teas for a wholesome get-together, draft beers when you want to chillax (Hoegaarden and Beck's), Spanish wines to unwind and special coffees for a meeting. 

What's more: Go to Beso between 5 PM to 8 PM and enjoy Endless Sangria for Php 500 only.  


Beso Tapas Bestsellers: 

Shrimp and Chorizo Croquetas with Romesco Sauce (Php 280) - bechamel based croquetas flavored with the strong broth of shrimp heads with sauce made out of roasted almonds, red peppers, paprika and olive oil.

Baccalao Corquetas with Coriander Aioli (Php 280) - potato based croquetas made from salted cod.


Gambas (Php 380) - shrimps sauteed in chorizo, garlic, white wine and parsley. You may notice that the heads aren't removed - because that is where the flavor comes from.

Squid ala Plancha (Php 195) - squid cooked on a flat grill with garlic, parsley and sherry - a very light and simple tapas.


If you are craving for pizza, you might also like to try Beso's flat breads. We had the Jamon Serrano flat bread (Php 440) - topped with 36 months air-cured paper thin pork slices, chopped arugula and melted manchego cheese. I like my slice with hot sauce - makes this flat bread yummy!


A visit to a Spanish restaurant like Beso wouldn't be complete without having to try the house specialty paella. Beso Paella (Php 580) is literally a mix of everything - pork, chorizo, bacon, prawns, squid, imported mussels and clams. It is a bed of Spanish flavors that is prepared to ruin your diet :p


We also had 2 other main entrees from Beso: The Crispy Skin Pork Belly (Php 420) cooked for 6 hours and served with mojo verde sauce and rice pilaf; and, the Lamb Shanks (Php 720) slow-cooked for 4 hours, braised in tomato, peppers, chorizo and chickpeas with rice pilaf. The picture shows how the meat literally falls off the bone - so tender and savory! YUMMEH! 


Beso's famous Chocolate Leche Flan (Php 250) - creamy and super soft chocolate custard with Pedro Ximenez sherry. This is l-♥-v-e!!!


Chocolates make me happy so another order of dessert with chocolate is a must. Beso's Churros (Php 180) is served with chocolate dip made with 58% dark choco - perfect with the crispy churros that are sprinkled with cinnamon and other spices.


And if you want to sample authentic Spanish desserts, order Beso's Crema Catalana (Php 180) - it's like creme brulee but with an orange zest. We also liked the Bread and Butter Pudding (Php 250) with caramelized orange sauce, almonds and vanilla ice cream. Yes, Beso uses orange frequently because almonds and oranges are staples in Spanish desserts.

WHEN IN MANILA and wanted to just unwind and have a good Spanish meal, just visit Beso in Bonifacio High Street Central. They also play live music every Tuesday from 10:30 PM - 2:30 AM.

BESO Cucina Vinoteka

Bonifacio High Street Central
7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City
Taguig City

For Reservations: 0926-614-9695

Menu: Beso


Store Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 11 AM - 2:30 AM
Sunday: 11 AM - 12:30 AM

Facebook: Beso Cucina Vinoteka

Twitter: @BesoManila


Beso - Spanish Cuisine and Wines (Bonifacio High Street Central)

Friday, June 29, 2012

Afters: Newest Espresso and Desserts Place in Tomas Morato, QC


Afters: Newest Espresso and Desserts Place in Tomas Morato, QC


We frequent Tomas Morato area because it's close to our place, but we're always left with the question: "Where can we have dessert?"

Vince Fideles (owner of Afters) and his mom


Finally! Thank you, Vince, for opening Afters. We now have the best after-meal hang-out place in Quezon City. Afters is really charming - Vince himself did the interior design of the place :)


You may notice that AFTERS has an extensive flavor display of gelatos and frozen yogurts. That's because Vince loves ice creams. Afters even has a specialized machine for these addictive desserts. 

We were not able to resist trying Afters' homemade frozen blends  (Php 95 per scoop) - cotton candy, MINT CHIPS (sooo good), mango yogurt (yes, fresh mangoes were used), POPCORN (it's like eating real butter caramel popcorn), salted caramel, Ferrero, LYCHEE (super refreshing).


Everyone loves Coke floats but Affogato is the new craze in town and so far, Afters serves the best! (Php 120)

What exactly is an affogato? It's an Italian dessert made of vanilla gelato topped with a shot of espresso. Afters' vanilla gelato is made especially for affogato. Once mixed, it tastes like heavenly mocha frap. You can still taste the espresso complemented by the creaminess of the gelato. Warning: this can be addicting.

Dark Chocolate with Cookies and Cream (Php 125)
Chocolate Lava Cake (Php 120)
Carrot Cake (Php 90)

Other equally tempting desserts would be the cakes and cold drinks. As a man who loves desserts, Vince makes sure that everything served in Afters are of top quality and really tastes good. 


And to warm up your cold nights this rainy season, Afters offers lovely lattes as well. I love the creamy froth of the green tea latte (Php 105) while my mom enjoyed the cafe latte (Php 95).

Afters also serves hot teas in pots (Php 109). If you're feeling under the weather, you might love the Moroccan Mint; and, if you fancy fruit teas, try the Singapore Sling. 


COMING VERY SOON: Afters will start serving 4 kinds of pastas (Php 199) - bolognese, carbonara, pesto, and oil based tuna pasta. Better watch out for it :)

AFTERS Espresso • Dessert

20 Lansbergh Place Bldg.
Tomas Morato corner Scout Castor St.
Quezon City

Telephone Number: 791-8789


Store Hours:
Sunday - Thursday: 8 AM - 12 Midnight
Friday - Saturday: 8 AM - 4 AM

Facebook: Afters Espresso and Desserts

Twitter: @aftersManila



Afters: Newest Espresso and Desserts Place in Tomas Morato, QC

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Kuppa: Not Your Ordinary Coffee Shop in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig


Kuppa: Coffee as it should be


Kuppa is definitely not your ordinary coffee shop. For one, they roast their own coffee beans in an industrial grade cast-iron roaster from Germany (Probat a.k.a. "Max"). And, they have an AH-MEYZING selection of good food!


"Freshness is the key." To keep it fresh, green beans were roasted in small batches for 30-35 minutes. 

Kuppa Owners Karen Lo-Tsai and Kerwin Lo


A Philippine's first - Karen, a certified coffee grader, is  the first and only professional coffee cupper here in the country. She creates the blends for Kuppa and Kerwin helps in ensuring  that every batch of roasted beans is checked for quality, which are then kept in air-tight containers to maintain the freshness. On the other hand, Romel Hinlo (not in picture), another Kuppa partner and the Chef Patron, is in charge with the food.


Industrial-type interior: "Finished but unfinished"


After having witnessed the coffee bean roasting, we proceeded to the 2nd floor of Kuppa to try our their best dishes.

(L-R) Orange Italian Soda (Php 90), Berry Patch Delight (Php 130), and Sparkling Italian Lemonade (Php 85)

If you like sparkling drinks, the Aranciata (sparkling Italian orange juice) is the best. I loved the orange pulps and flavor combined with the Italian soda. It was the most refreshing drink. I also liked the lemonade with a twist. If you like fruit teas, Kuppa's unsweetened Berry Patch Delight is a must. It is a very light mix of raspberries, hibiscus, elderberries, grapes, blueberries and blackcurrant.


Insalata Kuppa (Php 240) - fresh salad greens, arugula topped with crunchy walnuts, sweet grapes and blue cheese with reduced balsamic dressing.

Prosciutto and Pumpkin Sandwich (Php 265) - a lovely ciabatta sandwich with prosciutto, pesto and honey roasted pumpkin. I like to call this "sweet and salty" sandwich


Cristina Pizza (Php 360) - Named after Chef Romel's wife, Cristina Pizza is Kuppa's signature pizza. It is topped with mozzarella, balsamic, gorgonzola, figs and grapes. I enjoyed this with a dash of chili flakes - so good!

Prosciutto ed Arugula (Php 360) - a simple pizza with prosciutto and arugula dressed with olive oil. I could eat a whole plate of this. I learned that Kuppa's pizzas were done the Italian way, without the use of rolling pins. Made with Italian flour and baked for only 3 minutes, the thin crust remained doughy and chewy - YUM!


Frutti di Mare Pasta (Php 240) - Cream based pasta mixed with salmon chunks, clams and shrimps. 

FYI: In Kuppa, you may customize your pasta dish - type of pasta (noodle, etc) and sauce (pesto, cream, tomato, etc)


Crispy Pata (Php 580) - traditional "fall off the bone" crispy pata served with three delicious sauces - liver sauce, classic black vinegar with onions, and apple chutney. 

TIP: Best way to munch on this ultra-yummy crispy pata is to mix it with the home-made liver sauce and apple chutney. Believe me, it is the best surprise ever!


Lamb Caldereta (Php 320) - Kuppa's take on the classical Spanish caldereta, tomato-base with bits of liver, served with bell pepper and olives. The meat was very tender and full of flavor - save some room for more rice.

Pan Seared Snapper (Php 280) - pan seared fish with potatoes served with creamy mushroom sauce and abalone oysters.

Beef Salpicao (Php 395) - US Beef tenderloin with mushrooms sauteed in extra virgin olive oil and garlic. This has a very clean taste without the Worcestershire sauce.


Gyokuro (Php 140) - Japan's finest green tea. Smooth and sweet.


Jasmine Dragon Pearl (Php 95) - High grade Chinese tea rolled into little balls, scented with jasmine flowers.


Casablanca Mint (Php 125) - a herbal tisane of green tea, peppermint and lemongrass, perfect drink to relieve your stress or sickness.



Coffee Pairing with Dessert:

Sumatra Mandheling (Php 90) with Matt's Choco Cake (Php 130) - The darkest roast from Indonesia was very earthy and chocolatey, perfect with Karen's own recipe of a rich and sinfully decadent chocolate cake with a molten center.

Hinelaban (Php 90) with Apple Tart (Php 115) - Coffee beans from Bukidnon roasted lightly to bring out the apple taste paired with baked apple tart (of course) on a crisp tart shell.

Kuppa's Le Mirage a.k.a. "Mia" brewing the perfect cup of espresso


Ben's Capuccino (Php 80) with Strawberry Kiss - a dark roast named after their dad, who loves this cup of coffee so much. The strawberry cake was a lovely surprise - SUPER GOOD!

Did you know?! Espresso has less caffeine than brewed coffee.



Espresso (Php 75) with Chocolate Chip Cookie - The taste of espresso is relatively more concentrated than brewed coffees. To sweeten it, drink a shot of espresso with a cookie. Try it and enjoy.

Kuppa Roastery and Cafe

31st and 4th Ave.
Bonifacio Global City


Contact Numbers:
623-5120
0917-879-6447


Menu: Kuppa Roastery


Twitter: @kupparoastery

Facebook: Kuppa Roastery




Kuppa: Not Your Ordinary Coffee Shop in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Thaipan: Authentic Thai Restaurant in Tomas Morato, QC


Thaipan: Authentic Thai Restaurant in Tomas Morato, QC

Thaipan's Al Fresco Dining Area



There are only a few good Thai restaurants in the area and Thaipan is definitely the best here in Quezon City. I love the   homey ambiance and interior design by restaurant owner/partner Ivy Almario, who also co-owns and designed Romulo Cafe. Can you believe that the designs on the walls are not wallpapers?! Those are hand-painted -> lovely!

Thaipan's Mezzanine Area

Thaipan's mezzanine area has two private function rooms that you can use for a more intimate dinner or event. The room on the left can accommodate 12 pax (Php 5,000 consumable fee) and 30 pax in the room on the right (Php 10,000 consumable fee)


The bigger function room is perfect for business presentations and small parties :)

Tod Man Kung | Shrimp Cakes (Php 290 - 6 pieces)

This is a MUST HAVE appetizer in Thaipan - deep fried and lightly breaded shrimp cakes (with real tiger prawns from Roxas City) served with sweet chili sauce.

Choo Chee Kung and Roti (Php 190)
Soft homemade roti breads served with minced prawn in reduced red curry sauce - yummeh!

Cool as a Cucumber (Php 85)

The cucumber bits may make it hard to drink this continuously but hey, I'm willing to take the challenge just to get a sip of this wonderfully refreshing drink. I hope I can make one as good as this at home - fresh cucumbers, lime, mint, sprite and soda water. 

Tom Yum Talay (Php 145 / cup)

The mixed seafood Tom Yum soup only comes in cups (for now). I hope they will offer bigger portions of soup bowls as Thaipan revamps their menu on their anniversary in August. I love tom yum soups and would love to get more - one cup is so bitin!

Phanaeng Neur Yang | Beef Curry (Php 360)

The US beef tenderloin slices were cooked for 3.5 hours in low flame (yes, it's that tender), mixed with eggplants in red curry sauce and fragrant saffron oil. You may request for mild, medium spicy or hot curry sauce. This dish is best partnered with a plain white rice and an ice cold Thai milk tea. I'm getting hungry all over again while writing this post.

Mark Magallanes enjoying the spicy condiments of Thaipan

The secret to a really good dish would be the ingredients. According to Mr. Romeo Bernal, Thaipan's manager, 40% of the ingredients they use is imported from Thailand - impressive. This is partly why Thaipan's food is so good.

Pla Meuk Goong Nam Prik Phao | Squid and Shrimp (Php 320)

It can be quite hard to pronounce the names on the menu and it is impossible for me to remember each name correctly when re-ordering the dishes again. In simple terms, this dish consists of stir-fried squid and shrimps cooked in roasted chilis and bell peppers. It wasn't really spicy, but it was good!

Poo Nim Phad Prig Thai Dam | Crispy Crablets (Php 290)
These crispy crablets would definitely make the little ones quiet for a little while - until supplies last.

Gai Hor Bai Toey | Chicken Pandan (Php 340 - 6 pieces)

The pandan-wrapped chicken fillets were marinated in brandy and served with sweet chili sauce. It was tender and the flavor really went inside the meat. Kids would love this.

Khao Khluk Kapi | Bagoong Rice (Php 310)

Shrimp paste fried rice served with sweet pork strips, green mango, lime, onion, cucumber, egg and chili. "Rice pa lang, ulam na!" (meal in itself)

Phad Thai (Php 310)

I love how Thaipan presents their appetizing dishes. The pad thai noodles were served in a similar way like that in Mango Tree Bistro and Azuthai. My Thai meal wouldn't be complete without having pad thai on the table. It's a must-try for me...always :)

Ta Koh Sakhoo | Tapioca Pearl Cake (Php 160 - 5 pieces)
Imported tapioca pearls in coconut cream sauce wrapped in pandan leaves topped with water chestnuts.

If you want to try this yummy tapioca pearl steamed cake, you will have to order this in advance because it takes 20 minutes to prepare this special dessert.

Sticky Rice with Ripe Mango (Php 180)
Thaipan's version of "Mangga at Suman" matched with sweet coconut cream

If you happen to be around the Tomas Morato area and wanted to try really good authentic Thai food, go to THAIPAN and satisfy your cravings.

THAIPAN - Fine Thai Cuisine

120 Scout Dr. Lazcano, Brgy. Sacred Heart
Tomas Morato, Quezon City
Telephone Numbers: 352-4926; 475-8676; 0917-808-0718

Operating Hours:
Monday - Saturday:  Lunch: 11 AM - 3 PM; Dinner: 6 PM - 11 PM
Sunday: Lunch: 11 AM - 3 PM; Dinner: 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM

MENU: Thaipan Restaurant



Thaipan: Authentic Thai Restaurant in Tomas Morato, QC

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