Wednesday, September 18, 2013



Join the Carnivale’s grand opening on September 26 (Thursday) at 6pm! Carnivale at Venice Piazza’s Piazza Grande will be open every ThursdayFriday and Saturday from 6pm to 3am.

6:49 AM Joshua Mallari


Join the Carnivale’s grand opening on September 26 (Thursday) at 6pm! Carnivale at Venice Piazza’s Piazza Grande will be open every ThursdayFriday and Saturday from 6pm to 3am.




I was really craving for  Asian food, so I invited some of my colleagues to try the new restaurant in Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill.




Welcoming through the very same people that brought you Binondo’s Ha Yuans, these are definitely antique dishes right from restaurateur Suzy Lee’s Angkong and Amah. With the help of some innovative gastronomy that could stand together with the trusty Chinese recipes of old, Spring by Ha Yuan.

Poached Dumplings

A bite of Spring by Ha Yuan's Poached dumplings simply flashed "AUTHENTIC" right in front of me. It was actually better than the one I've tasted in Binondo and even in Hong Kong! All ingredients were fresh, and you can actually cut it using a fork which is a sign of a perfectly cooked dumpling.

Taiwanese Chicken Chop Rice

Black Bean Spareribs Rice

Soy Chicken Mushroom Misua

I really enjoyed the Soy Chicken Mushroom Misua. The chicken was quite flavorful as well as the soup itself. It was a perfect treat and as I expected, it did not disappoint. 

Piggy Red Bean Pao

We've also tried the Piggy Red Bean Pao. It was really an eye catcher based on the picture on their menu. My first comment when it was served was -- "The picture was way better than the actual presentation". The dessert itself was more on PAO than the RED BEAN (80% Man Tao and 20% Red Bean). 

Overall, the dining experience was an average, bit,  I have  no issues going back to this place.

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Spring by Ha Yuan
Ground Floor, Venice Piazza 
Upper Mckinley Road, Mckinley Hills
Taguig City

6:13 AM Joshua Mallari



I was really craving for  Asian food, so I invited some of my colleagues to try the new restaurant in Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill.




Welcoming through the very same people that brought you Binondo’s Ha Yuans, these are definitely antique dishes right from restaurateur Suzy Lee’s Angkong and Amah. With the help of some innovative gastronomy that could stand together with the trusty Chinese recipes of old, Spring by Ha Yuan.

Poached Dumplings

A bite of Spring by Ha Yuan's Poached dumplings simply flashed "AUTHENTIC" right in front of me. It was actually better than the one I've tasted in Binondo and even in Hong Kong! All ingredients were fresh, and you can actually cut it using a fork which is a sign of a perfectly cooked dumpling.

Taiwanese Chicken Chop Rice

Black Bean Spareribs Rice

Soy Chicken Mushroom Misua

I really enjoyed the Soy Chicken Mushroom Misua. The chicken was quite flavorful as well as the soup itself. It was a perfect treat and as I expected, it did not disappoint. 

Piggy Red Bean Pao

We've also tried the Piggy Red Bean Pao. It was really an eye catcher based on the picture on their menu. My first comment when it was served was -- "The picture was way better than the actual presentation". The dessert itself was more on PAO than the RED BEAN (80% Man Tao and 20% Red Bean). 

Overall, the dining experience was an average, bit,  I have  no issues going back to this place.

***********************************************************************************
Spring by Ha Yuan
Ground Floor, Venice Piazza 
Upper Mckinley Road, Mckinley Hills
Taguig City

Thursday, August 29, 2013


"Lab-as" is a Visayan term for fresh, used in terms of fish and other seafood, so it comes as no surprise that the menu here is mostly seafood.



Lab-as is located at one of the most popular location in Dumaguete; The Rizal Boulevard. With its wooden interior,  live music played by a pianist and delicious food, you're surely in for a treat!


Dumaguete Express

 Kinilaw

 Grilled Squid

Pinakbet

I really love their Pinakbet and Dumaguete Express. Dumaguete Express consists of fresh seafood (lapu-lapu, mussels, shrimps and squid) cooked in a spicy coconut sauce. It was the hands-down favorite that night. I'm not really a fan of Kinilaw so it would be unfair if i have to judge it based on its taste, However, its presentation was the bomb!

Lab-as Shanghai Rice

Sizzling Tuna Belly

What I love the most about Lab-as is their special Shanghai Rice. I must say, "KANIN PA LANG ULAM NA".

Lab-as Restaurant really showed us what Filipino Hospitality is. Once you've entered the place, you'll feel welcomed and it's like ordering food inside your own home. The Food does not disappoint but you really have to be patient as the food takes a while to be served. 

Overall rating would be A+. Good Food, Excellent Service, Live music. What else can i ask for?



***********************************************************************************

Lab-as Restaurant
Piyapi, Escano Drive
Rizal Boulevard, 
Dumaguete City, Philippines.



4:03 AM Joshua Mallari

"Lab-as" is a Visayan term for fresh, used in terms of fish and other seafood, so it comes as no surprise that the menu here is mostly seafood.



Lab-as is located at one of the most popular location in Dumaguete; The Rizal Boulevard. With its wooden interior,  live music played by a pianist and delicious food, you're surely in for a treat!


Dumaguete Express

 Kinilaw

 Grilled Squid

Pinakbet

I really love their Pinakbet and Dumaguete Express. Dumaguete Express consists of fresh seafood (lapu-lapu, mussels, shrimps and squid) cooked in a spicy coconut sauce. It was the hands-down favorite that night. I'm not really a fan of Kinilaw so it would be unfair if i have to judge it based on its taste, However, its presentation was the bomb!

Lab-as Shanghai Rice

Sizzling Tuna Belly

What I love the most about Lab-as is their special Shanghai Rice. I must say, "KANIN PA LANG ULAM NA".

Lab-as Restaurant really showed us what Filipino Hospitality is. Once you've entered the place, you'll feel welcomed and it's like ordering food inside your own home. The Food does not disappoint but you really have to be patient as the food takes a while to be served. 

Overall rating would be A+. Good Food, Excellent Service, Live music. What else can i ask for?



***********************************************************************************

Lab-as Restaurant
Piyapi, Escano Drive
Rizal Boulevard, 
Dumaguete City, Philippines.



Tuesday, August 13, 2013

You've never been to Dumaguete if you haven't tried the heavenly desserts from Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries


Located in the heart of Dumaguete City. Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries is slowly making its way as the country's best maker of Sans Rival and Silvanas. Aside from their famous delicacy, they also serve food like cupcakes, bread, pasta etc. It’s great place to chill and hang out with friends.

 Blue Berry Cheese Cake

 Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Lemon Cheesecake

Silvanas is a crunchy, creamy, frozen cookie made up of a layer of buttercream sandwiched between two cashew-meringue wafers, and coated with cookie crumbs. Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries' Silvanas are known for their two different flavors; Original (Regular Buttercream) and Chocolate.

Sans Rival's Famous Buttercream Silvanas

When taking it back home from a Dumaguete trip, I suggest to make these your last stop before you head to the airport. These treats can last about 5 hours before needing refrigeration. But once you get back home, it's best to chill it for a while, then take them out to enjoy.

 Iced Mocha


Iced Caramel Coffee

Of course when you are already in Dumaguete City,get a chance to take at least a bite of their Sans Rival while having a sip of their cool cup of iced coffee or your favorite drink.

Sans Rival

For comments and suggestions please do email me at joshuamallari@yahoo.com


***********************************************************************************

Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries Bistro
San Jose Street,
Rizal Boulevard, 
Dumaguete City, Philippines.



10:35 PM Joshua Mallari
You've never been to Dumaguete if you haven't tried the heavenly desserts from Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries


Located in the heart of Dumaguete City. Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries is slowly making its way as the country's best maker of Sans Rival and Silvanas. Aside from their famous delicacy, they also serve food like cupcakes, bread, pasta etc. It’s great place to chill and hang out with friends.

 Blue Berry Cheese Cake

 Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Lemon Cheesecake

Silvanas is a crunchy, creamy, frozen cookie made up of a layer of buttercream sandwiched between two cashew-meringue wafers, and coated with cookie crumbs. Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries' Silvanas are known for their two different flavors; Original (Regular Buttercream) and Chocolate.

Sans Rival's Famous Buttercream Silvanas

When taking it back home from a Dumaguete trip, I suggest to make these your last stop before you head to the airport. These treats can last about 5 hours before needing refrigeration. But once you get back home, it's best to chill it for a while, then take them out to enjoy.

 Iced Mocha


Iced Caramel Coffee

Of course when you are already in Dumaguete City,get a chance to take at least a bite of their Sans Rival while having a sip of their cool cup of iced coffee or your favorite drink.

Sans Rival

For comments and suggestions please do email me at joshuamallari@yahoo.com


***********************************************************************************

Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries Bistro
San Jose Street,
Rizal Boulevard, 
Dumaguete City, Philippines.



Sunday, July 7, 2013


We stayed in Baguio for the long weekend. It was raining all day and all we can do is look for a unique dining experience since a walk in the park would also be impossible.




Bento Bento All you can in Hotel Elizabeth caught our attention. We called the hotel for reservation and arrived at around 7:30 in the evening. The idea of this buffet is you have to choose your combination and you must not repeat what you've ordered until your third bento box The buffet also comes with an unlimited iced tea





You'll definitely be surprised on how authentic their japanse dishes are. Their Dragon Sushi and Pork Siomai are a must try. I'm really looking forward in trying their spring rolls, too bad, it's not available during our stay.



If you are craving for japanese food, well this one is for you. For Php350.00 per head, It's definitely Sulit

**********************************************************************************

Hotel Elizabeth
Flora Cafe, Baguio City,
Philippines

3:31 AM Joshua Mallari

We stayed in Baguio for the long weekend. It was raining all day and all we can do is look for a unique dining experience since a walk in the park would also be impossible.




Bento Bento All you can in Hotel Elizabeth caught our attention. We called the hotel for reservation and arrived at around 7:30 in the evening. The idea of this buffet is you have to choose your combination and you must not repeat what you've ordered until your third bento box The buffet also comes with an unlimited iced tea





You'll definitely be surprised on how authentic their japanse dishes are. Their Dragon Sushi and Pork Siomai are a must try. I'm really looking forward in trying their spring rolls, too bad, it's not available during our stay.



If you are craving for japanese food, well this one is for you. For Php350.00 per head, It's definitely Sulit

**********************************************************************************

Hotel Elizabeth
Flora Cafe, Baguio City,
Philippines

Friday, July 5, 2013

Ever wondered what an Award-Winning food tastes like? 

Black Canyon Coffee is a must try for all foodies out there.




Great food, Excellent Service at an Affordable Price.

"Black Canyon Coffee is the largest and most well known operator of franchised coffee houses in Thailand, it has now more than 200 branches all around Thailand and with 40 international locations in Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Dubai, Cambodia, China, Laos and Indonesia. BCC serves not only coffee but also Thai International Cuisine" - http://www.blackcanyoncoffee.com.ph/

Review from Melanie Lim (co-author of Food Metro):

"As my friends and I were walking back to the office from lunch on a typical Tuesday, we came upon this small but very lovely Café. Seeing the word COFFEE in the glass wall exterior, I instantly realized that I haven't had my daily dose of caffeine yet! So, we decided to order coffees-to-go. The place has a very cozy feel to it, located at Mckinley Hill, Taguig, just imagine a peaceful and pseudo-quiet environment in an urban setting. While waiting for our orders, we sat at a table outside with rattan woven chairs, and although the sun was high, it was also breezy. It was just the right weather for iced coffees! I ordered Hazelnut Iced Coffee. And I must say, when I took my first sip, the word LEGIT just flashed a bright neon color in my mind. And the price isn't half bad either .

My friends and I instantly decided to go back there for dinner that night. We sat at the same table, and I ordered their award winning Pad thai


                                                                                    Black Canyon's Pad Thai

No, I didn't just use "award winning" for the heck of it, their Pad Thai really was awarded the winner of 2009 World PAD THAI Championship  As I expected, they didn't disappoint! It was sweet and a bit spicy, with lots of shrimps on top. Though I would've wanted it spicier, it was still good. I'm not a food presentation enthusiast, so I can only say that the presentation was good enough for me. After the sumptuous dinner, I decided to get the Green Tea Glacier 
                                                                   Green Tea Clacier

to chase the hint of spiciness on my tongue away. It's a green tea frappe with vanilla ice cream instead of whip cream on top. I can't say I loved it, it was too bland for my taste. So I asked the server if they can possibly add a pump of hazelnut syrup on my drink. They were very accommodating about it, and didn't charge any extra. After the tweak to my green tea frappe, I decided that green tea was the thing lacking in my drink. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. Overall, the dining experience was above average, and I can honestly say that I'll have no issues going back to this place."

Review from Joshua:

I'm really not a huge fan of Thai cuisine but Black Canyon changed how the usual worked for me. 


Crispy Wanton Pad Thai (P190.00)

Among the dishes served to us, I must say, their Crispy Wanton Pad Thai was the best. With its perfect spiciness, flavors are partying with my taste buds inside my mouth.

Caesar Salad

Chai Thai Yen

Black Canyon's Caesar Salad and Chai Thai Yen.It's comfort times two. Their Salad was very flavorful and will surely be a hit for those who are health conscious. Chai Thai Yen must be the most authentic milk tea I've ever tasted. It was very light, very creamy. It was just perfect!

Cookies and Cream 

Their Cookies and Cream drink is perfect for those who have a sweet tooth. The presentation was quite elegant. Its taste was just heavenly that i wish they offer a bottomless serving of this.


Black Canyon offers 24 coffee based drinks and 40 specialty beverages in which I am dying to try them all.

For comments and suggestions please do email me at joshuamallari@yahoo.com


***********************************************************************************

Black Canyon Coffee
Tuscany,
Upper Mckinley Road, Mckinley Hills
Taguig City







6:57 AM Joshua Mallari
Ever wondered what an Award-Winning food tastes like? 

Black Canyon Coffee is a must try for all foodies out there.




Great food, Excellent Service at an Affordable Price.

"Black Canyon Coffee is the largest and most well known operator of franchised coffee houses in Thailand, it has now more than 200 branches all around Thailand and with 40 international locations in Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Dubai, Cambodia, China, Laos and Indonesia. BCC serves not only coffee but also Thai International Cuisine" - http://www.blackcanyoncoffee.com.ph/

Review from Melanie Lim (co-author of Food Metro):

"As my friends and I were walking back to the office from lunch on a typical Tuesday, we came upon this small but very lovely Café. Seeing the word COFFEE in the glass wall exterior, I instantly realized that I haven't had my daily dose of caffeine yet! So, we decided to order coffees-to-go. The place has a very cozy feel to it, located at Mckinley Hill, Taguig, just imagine a peaceful and pseudo-quiet environment in an urban setting. While waiting for our orders, we sat at a table outside with rattan woven chairs, and although the sun was high, it was also breezy. It was just the right weather for iced coffees! I ordered Hazelnut Iced Coffee. And I must say, when I took my first sip, the word LEGIT just flashed a bright neon color in my mind. And the price isn't half bad either .

My friends and I instantly decided to go back there for dinner that night. We sat at the same table, and I ordered their award winning Pad thai


                                                                                    Black Canyon's Pad Thai

No, I didn't just use "award winning" for the heck of it, their Pad Thai really was awarded the winner of 2009 World PAD THAI Championship  As I expected, they didn't disappoint! It was sweet and a bit spicy, with lots of shrimps on top. Though I would've wanted it spicier, it was still good. I'm not a food presentation enthusiast, so I can only say that the presentation was good enough for me. After the sumptuous dinner, I decided to get the Green Tea Glacier 
                                                                   Green Tea Clacier

to chase the hint of spiciness on my tongue away. It's a green tea frappe with vanilla ice cream instead of whip cream on top. I can't say I loved it, it was too bland for my taste. So I asked the server if they can possibly add a pump of hazelnut syrup on my drink. They were very accommodating about it, and didn't charge any extra. After the tweak to my green tea frappe, I decided that green tea was the thing lacking in my drink. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. Overall, the dining experience was above average, and I can honestly say that I'll have no issues going back to this place."

Review from Joshua:

I'm really not a huge fan of Thai cuisine but Black Canyon changed how the usual worked for me. 


Crispy Wanton Pad Thai (P190.00)

Among the dishes served to us, I must say, their Crispy Wanton Pad Thai was the best. With its perfect spiciness, flavors are partying with my taste buds inside my mouth.

Caesar Salad

Chai Thai Yen

Black Canyon's Caesar Salad and Chai Thai Yen.It's comfort times two. Their Salad was very flavorful and will surely be a hit for those who are health conscious. Chai Thai Yen must be the most authentic milk tea I've ever tasted. It was very light, very creamy. It was just perfect!

Cookies and Cream 

Their Cookies and Cream drink is perfect for those who have a sweet tooth. The presentation was quite elegant. Its taste was just heavenly that i wish they offer a bottomless serving of this.


Black Canyon offers 24 coffee based drinks and 40 specialty beverages in which I am dying to try them all.

For comments and suggestions please do email me at joshuamallari@yahoo.com


***********************************************************************************

Black Canyon Coffee
Tuscany,
Upper Mckinley Road, Mckinley Hills
Taguig City







Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Looking for a restaurant that offers delectable Filipino dishes?  Well, why don't you try Recipes by Cafe Metro 


Recipes by Cafe Metro Menu

Let us start with their most popular dish: Gising-Gising (P170)


Gising Gising is made with chopped Baguio beans with ground pork and coconut cream.This version calls for chili to make it spicier. I’ve tried to get more information about  Gising gising, but I haven't found anything. All I know is that this resembles the Bicol Express in terms of some ingredients and method of preparation.



One of the best Bangus belly dish can be found in Recipes by Cafe Metro. Bangus belly lovers will actually love this truly Pinoy dish. This fish has a unique taste which I can only describe in one word:  delicious.


Sinigang is a Filipino soup  characterized by its sour and savory flavor most often associated with tamarind. It is one of the popular viands in Philippine cuisine. Pork sinigang has got to be one of the most popular comfort foods in the Philippines. There's nothing special with Recipes by Cafe Metro's Sinigang but it worth a try specially for those who really love this Filipino dish.



Next would be The General's Tofu. Fried tofu squares topped with their sweet and spicy sauce. I'm not a really big fan of tofu but I must say that this dish is quite delectable. 


Last but not the least. The most popular and scrumptious dish that Recipes by Cafe Metro has to offer: The General's Chicken. General's Chicken has deep fried chicken  and eggplant slices with sweet spicy barbecue-like sauce. It was the best chicken that I've ever tasted. The meat was very tender and the ingredients used was fresh. For those who are into a no-rice diet; You have to consider ruining your routine before ordering this as this viand is perfect with plateful of garlic rice.


Recipes by Cafe Metro offers a wide variety of food that will surely hit your taste buds. 

For comments and suggestions please do email me at joshuamallari@yahoo.com


***********************************************************************************

Recipes by Cafe Metro
2nd Floor
Greenbelt 3, Ayala Avenue,
Makati City







4:13 AM Joshua Mallari
Looking for a restaurant that offers delectable Filipino dishes?  Well, why don't you try Recipes by Cafe Metro 


Recipes by Cafe Metro Menu

Let us start with their most popular dish: Gising-Gising (P170)


Gising Gising is made with chopped Baguio beans with ground pork and coconut cream.This version calls for chili to make it spicier. I’ve tried to get more information about  Gising gising, but I haven't found anything. All I know is that this resembles the Bicol Express in terms of some ingredients and method of preparation.



One of the best Bangus belly dish can be found in Recipes by Cafe Metro. Bangus belly lovers will actually love this truly Pinoy dish. This fish has a unique taste which I can only describe in one word:  delicious.


Sinigang is a Filipino soup  characterized by its sour and savory flavor most often associated with tamarind. It is one of the popular viands in Philippine cuisine. Pork sinigang has got to be one of the most popular comfort foods in the Philippines. There's nothing special with Recipes by Cafe Metro's Sinigang but it worth a try specially for those who really love this Filipino dish.



Next would be The General's Tofu. Fried tofu squares topped with their sweet and spicy sauce. I'm not a really big fan of tofu but I must say that this dish is quite delectable. 


Last but not the least. The most popular and scrumptious dish that Recipes by Cafe Metro has to offer: The General's Chicken. General's Chicken has deep fried chicken  and eggplant slices with sweet spicy barbecue-like sauce. It was the best chicken that I've ever tasted. The meat was very tender and the ingredients used was fresh. For those who are into a no-rice diet; You have to consider ruining your routine before ordering this as this viand is perfect with plateful of garlic rice.


Recipes by Cafe Metro offers a wide variety of food that will surely hit your taste buds. 

For comments and suggestions please do email me at joshuamallari@yahoo.com


***********************************************************************************

Recipes by Cafe Metro
2nd Floor
Greenbelt 3, Ayala Avenue,
Makati City