John and Yoko Cosmopolitan Japanese Resto

Therese and I first ate at John and Yoko in November last year. We liked it so much that we vowed we'll eat there again. Well that vow was only accomplished just last August. Being busy and so many other restaurants to try we only got back just recently.

We ate at our usual spot in Greenbelt 5, Makati even to the very same table near the window. There were reviews before that when you eat at John and Yoko you'll come out smelling like food. I think they have fixed their exhaust system now because when we went there recently and being a full-house since it's lunch time we still came out smelling fresh. The other customers seem to think that way as well. The waitresses donned their usual mini skirts which nobody seemed to mind because their service this time was good. The last time we went there they had leggings or dark stockings beneath their skirts so it wouldn't be too revealing. There were reviews before that their service wasn't that good and put the fault on the revealing skirts making them too uncomfortable.

But overall Therese and I had a lovely time. She as usual ordered too much and had to take home some of her food. Below are the pics of food we ordered last November (the first four) and the rest the ones we ordered last August. As usual I'll come back again when I crave for some Japanese fusion.

Finding Nemo - this is good for 3 people. loved everything on it

Beef Teppan - Therese ordered this and she said it's so so. (I think beef is not one of this restaurant's strong points)

Chicken Teriyaki and Mango Pizza - this is their bestseller! and one of the reasons why we keep coming back. Yum!

Hehe there's actually three of us but the other person hasn't arrived yet. Also we recommend the 'green' iced tea if you're choosing between colors

Oyster Overload - I love this! I always loved tahong or oyster with cheese. this made me full very fast

Ocean's Eleven - Good for 3 or 4. I don't know why Therese ordered this but it's too much for two people. But still yummy. At the back you can see the Wagyu Rice. It's still so-so.

Crunchy Tuna Roll - since I liked Finding Nemo before, I ordered again one of the sushis in it. If you like spicy you'll like this one. I'll order the Philadelphia roll next time.

Hotel Celeste Lunch Buffet

In one of our monthly get together my friend invited me to have lunch at Hotel Celeste located at the center of Makati at the intersection of Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road) and San Lorenzo Drive (just outside the gate of San Lorenzo Village). I've heard about the hotel before that they have nicely designed rooms inside and have different themes for design. We didn't check out the rooms so I couldn't say anything more about it.

I knew the hotel was a bit small so I wasn't expecting anything grand of a buffet like Shangri-La, Sofitel and the like. Judging from the price though I was expecting a little more selection but I guess we were paying for the ambiance as well.

I didn't find anything special about the food. I didn't like much the Angus beef they served but maybe it's just me. I'm no expert in meats. I did like however the Buffalo Chicken (which tastes kinda similar like Korean chicken) and the potato slices (very yummy bacon taste). The desserts were so-so. I guess all in all I would say a person who likes to eat a lot would find the buffet worthwhile since it's eat-all-you-can plus the ambiance but for those who are used to great selection of food they should opt for other buffet venues.

The restaurant with very nice interior

The entrance of the hotel can be seen on the left side and the buffet table upfront

pretty chandeliers

View from our table - intersection of Arnaiz and San Lorenzo

cozy chairs

The buffet spread

The salad and dessert table - we were early so the desserts weren't out yet

Angus Beef

Buffalo chicken, Angus Beef, potato slices (I love the chicken and potato slices)

I got another chicken and potato slices along with the dessert

Razzzo Bistro and Serye for Valentines

For Valentines 2012 I treated my family to Razzzo Bistro and Serye since they both had group buying vouchers at that time.

Razzzo is located inside BF Homes along Aguirre Avenue. I've always passed by their restaurant going home from work and I'm glad I've had the opportunity to eat there. The place inside looks very nice. I love the interior designing. I imagined this would be a great place for dates and romantic dinners.

Love the wall designs

 

There are dining booths along the walls for a more private dining experience

I love the chicken and drinks at Razzzo. The chicken is just tasty all the way up to the bone. I'm even craving for it now while I'm writing this. I also ordered a Green Tea Smoothie and it was great! But I ordered one of the combo meals and didn't realize it included a blue soda drink so I had two drinks to finish :(. But they both tasted great anyway. I think the blue one is dalandan flavor.

One of the combo meals that includes chicken, pasta and pizza and a blue soda

pasta

Pizza

Burger

We checked their comfort rooms and I just had to take a picture of it. It's so nicely designed. The whole place is just a treat for the eyes.

Razzzo's comfort room

Near the comfort rooms - me and my sisters playing with the mirrors :P

After having lunch at Razzzo we treated ourselves for some dessert at Serye. There's one located in Sucat road at Santana Grove which is fairly near from Razzzo. Their promo is a cake and a coffee for only P99. I've always wanted to taste their Macapuno Pandan Cake because I love pandan and green cakes so that's what I ordered. It's the best Pandan Cake I've tasted so far :). Didn't disappoint me at all. Not too sweet and just right. My brothers and sisters said their cakes are all good. Below are their pics.

Apple Pie

Chocolate Decadence Cake

Sans Rival

Suman

Mocha Manila Cake

 

Macapuno Pandan Cake

Biscotti to go

Harry Potter 7 part 2 and Tender Bob's

 On the third Saturday of this month me and my friend Therese decided to have lunch at Tender Bob's after watching the last installment of the Harry Potter movie saga. We have planned this day for weeks knowing that there will be an early reservation for a Harry Potter movie. We've learned our lesson before not to take chances with Harry Potter or we'll end up falling in a very long line or not be able to watch the movie at all due to limited seats. So, we always reserve in advance a week or two before the showing. We didn't want to watch it in 3D. We wanted to concentrate more on the story than the effects. After the movie though I'm thinking maybe watching it in 3D would have been better since there's not much story to hang on to. Anyway I didn't cry during the movie. Only afterwards when I got home and my family wanted me to give detailed accounts of what I saw then did I start to feel a lump in my throat for Prof. Snape and also then did I realize what a wonderful story it is. But maybe I felt teary eyed also because I'm going to miss all of them. Just like Harry and the gang it's the end of our youthful days and it's time to move on. Someday I'm sure HBO or Star Movies will have a Harry Potter marathon in their channel. I'm sure I would be one to watch that.

After a very intense movie it's nice to know you'll be dining in a good place. Tender Bob's is known for their steaks and Therese had always loved them so this is where we had lunch. I ordered their USDA Prime Ribeye Steak (6 oz) because it's what they're known for and even though I rarely order steak I remember I'm always fond of them. My good experiences were at Stone Grill and Circles in Shangri-La Hotel. I loved both their steaks and I always ask for medium rare. So that's what I got at Tender Bob's as well. Therese didn't order their USDA because she was concerned of the taste. She even asked the waitress what they'll put in it and the response was just salt and pepper. Therese knew it will be bland for her so she didn't order it. I think it would be the same with most Filipinos. This didn't stop me though. Ever since my "less-carb" diet my taste had become sensitive and I started appreciating less salty and less sugary food. I'm glad for this because I really appreciated their USDA Prime Ribeye. As you can see it's not that thick but it made me full fast. It's so juicy, tender and you can taste the high grade meat if you're not using any condiments. I was racing against time because the room was cold and my steak was getting cold fast. I knew it wouldn't taste good if it's not warm. My mouth is watering now just by looking at it and remembering the taste. I would definitely go back to this resto again.

Tender Bob's USDA Prime Ribeye Steak - Hungry size 6 oz. - medium rare

Since Therese wanted medium well and more flavor in her meats she ordered their Baby Back ribs and Porter House Steak from their Domestic Premium Steaks line. I tried her Baby Back Ribs and it was superb. Very soft and tender unlike from other restaurants that seemed dry and overcooked. The Porter House was flavorful indeed perfect for Filipino taste. Since I only tasted these I'll definitely come back again and order a plate for myself.

Tender Bob's Baby Back Ribs

Tender Bob's Porter House Steak

harry potter
movie

Noche Buena

Nochebuena, often translated as "Good Night", is a Spanish word referring to the night of Christmas Eve. In Spain, Cuba, the Philippines and Latin America, the evening consists of a traditional dinner with family.

In the Philippines, this usually comes after the entire family has attended the late evening Christmas Eve mass or Misa de Gallo. Often on the table are: lechón, pancit, fried chicken, hamon, quezo de bola, arroz caldo, lumpia, rice, and adobo among others for the main course. Desserts include ube halaya, bibingka, membrillo, rice cakes, ice cream, pastries and cakes; drinks include hot chocolate, coffee, soda, wine, beer, and different kinds of fruit juices.

-- from Wikipedia.

It's that time of year again to gain weight.  If it's Thanksgiving in the U.S., here it's Noche Buena and New Year's.  We go out of our way to prepare enough food for one night that will last for days :D.  Of course it's time for the family as well.

Well me and Therese decided to meet on the 24th of December instead of our usual third Saturday of the month since it's a busy month for parties.  24th is our only free time.  It's my only time as well to buy gifts for the family so it's a good thing we'll be going to meet and hang out at the mall (Glorietta again).  We'll be home before night time anyway so we'll have time for Noche Buena.  I was a bit worried because for the past weekends the malls were jam-packed and the traffic bad.  I'm glad my worry was for nothing.  Few people went to the mall on Christmas Eve and most are going home to their provinces so traffic in the city that day was so light.  I'm so thankful I could shop with ease.  I wonder if next year it'll be the same? Hmm.

After I finished my Christmas shopping we decided to have lunch.  We already decided beforehand that we'll have it at Tony Roma's.  It's been a while since I last ate there and I still haven't tried their ribs yet so I was curious what it was like. I ordered their original baby back ribs since that's what they're famous for and Mojitos for drinks.  I've tried Mojitos at Fridays and loved it so I want to try the ones at Tony's. 

Tony Roma's Original baby-back ribs and Steak and Ribs Combo with Mojitos and Blue Romarita

Well the ribs wasn't exactly what I expected.  I thought it needed more sauce or something.  I even thought it's no better than the ribs at Kenny Rogers or Racks.  Hmm I even think my mom could cook better.  Haha! But my mom's a great cook so she'll be better than most restos of course.  I thought I shouldn't have paid a high price for it but maybe I was paying for the ambiance.  The thing I can say about the Mojitos is it's strong. Lol.  I could tell right away when alcohol is taking effect on my body and the Mojitos got through my system fast.  Therese said her drink was pretty strong too. She ordered a Blue Romarita and her food was Steaks and Ribs Combo.  She said her steak was a bit bland and needed some sauce but she liked her ribs.  We ended up going to Starbucks after to have some 'pick me up' haha.  Well next time I'll probably be back at Tony's for the Mojitos and not for the ribs since I know I'll have more bang for the buck with the drinks there. 

Before going home I also went to Kaya Korean Restaurant to buy Japchae for our Noche Buena.  Our family watched too much noon-time Koreanovela, particularly Don't Cry My Love and First Wives Club in Channel 5, and they wanted to know what Japchae tasted like.  So far Japchae in Kaya is the best one I ever had so I volunteered to buy it for them.  I bought six orders.  My younger sister also asked me to buy a cake for her for the Noche Buena as well.  She said it's the best Mango Torte in town and there's a stall in Glorietta Food Choices.  Well sure enough it was the best because by the time I went there after lunch they said it was already sold out.  It's the Dulcelin Mango Torte by the way.  Hm I wonder if it really beats the Mango Torte  in San Lorenzo Village.  Well I haven't tasted both yet so I can't judge.  I've only tried Yulo's Strawberry Shortcake and it's the best ^_^! (just FYI). 

So Therese and I went home to our families and below is what we had for our Noche Buena.

Noche Buena - (clockwise) KFC Chicken, Cookies, Roast Chicken, Rice Syrup Chicken, Pizza, Purefoods Ham, Kaya's Japchae and salad.  (Middle) Apple pie and Buko (coconut) Salad.

As you can see this year we're pretty lazy to plan for our feast.  We just bought most of it at restaurants or stores and mom only cooked the ham and made the Buko Salad.  We didn't really follow the traditional dishes as was written in the definition of Noche Buena above. We just served the food we like best.  I was the one who suggested the Japchae and Rice Syrup Chicken which are both Korean dishes.  Rice syrup chicken is from a Korean fast food restaurant called BBQ Chicken.  It's spicy sweet and crispy and goes great with the Japchae.  The apple pie was given to us by a friend of my older sister and it's amazing as well!  The ham (star of the Noche Buena) is as always the best.  Mom knows what we like already after years of experience.

So, that's what we had for Christmas.  If you have questions just leave a comment or email me.  Up next... Media Noche! (New Year's Eve)


christmas food

Harry Potter and Pho Hoa Noodle House

It's the third Saturday of the month again and it's time for me and my good friend Therese to meet.  After almost a month of pure work we definitely deserve this break.  Harry Potter was showing that weekend so it was a no brainer what we were going to watch.  For some reason it didn't hit me to reserve tickets early.  I learned my lesson during Harry Potter 2.  Me and an old friend of mine (a guy) went mall hopping in Manila to try to get some tickets for the movie.  We just decided to watch that day and found the tickets are all sold out.  We took a taxi and went to another mall just to find out it was sold out as well.  From then on I always reserve tickets almost a month in advance for a Harry Potter movie.  Well good thing Therese and I found some seats the day before the showing.  It wasn't the best schedule but it will do.  It was around 11am so we won't have time to take lunch on our usual schedule.  We just have to take it after the movie.

The movie itself was good.  I'm glad we get to watch in Glorietta 4 Cinema 3. I love the crowd there and the screen fairly big.  Sounds were great too but this time it was too loud I think but it was only for a short while because the greater part of the movie was pretty silent.  This Harry Potter movie was quiet.  Well what do you expect three people can do?  Since the protagonists didn't go to Hogwarts this year it's only Harry, Hermione and Ron who were shown in most parts of the movie.  The movie is also catered to mature audiences now.  Well the little kids who watched part 1 are probably grown up now as well.  The movie was dark and sad.  I can't see how it will have a happy ending on the second part.  Hehe I didn't read the last book.  I wanted to watch the movie first so I won't have too many expectations.  There are funny moments as well and on the last part was the funniest -- only to be finished with a very sad end.  I can't help but sigh but it was a good and unforgettable movie.  First time I saw the protagonists almost naked.  My eyes @_@!  I hope the last part would be much, much better.

Well Therese decided where to have our lunch this time.  I couldn't come up with anything at the moment.  She said we could eat at Pho Hoa Noodle House in Greenbelt 1.  It's Vietnamese.  I've eaten in Pho Bac way back in college and liked their dishes.  My favorite was Caramelized pork loin.  I've never heard of Pho Hoa until Therese mentioned it.  She said she had eaten there and had a good experience.  So there we went to have lunch at almost 3PM in the afternoon.  On our way to the restaurant I've come to realize that Greenbelt 1 is so much neater now.  They must have renovated it since it's already connected to Greenbelt 5.  It doesn't seem like an old building now unlike a few months back. 

Pho Hoa Noodle House

The restaurant like the mall is neat and cozy.  I was a bit surprised.  I was expecting an old noodle house when Therese mentioned it was in Greenbelt 1.  I really like the ambiance here.  So cozy!

I ordered the Kung Pao Chicken and Therese ordered noodles and some spring rolls.  Hehe I have to ask her again what she ordered and update this website :P.  I know Kung Pao is a Chinese dish but they have a variety of Chinese and Vietnamese dishes in their menu which makes it great as well. Pics are below.  I have to apologize I forgot to take a nice pic before eating. Lol!  I guess I was hungry.  Oh did I say I love what I ordered?  It's just the right spicy sweet and crunch I was looking for ^_^. Great dish!  I recommend going to munchpunch.com if you want to check out their menu.

Kung Pao Chicken

Pho Hoa noodles and spring rolls

movies

food

Sugi and Conti's

Yesterday was the third Saturday of the month so Therese and I met again for our monthly day out. This time we decided to try Sugi, Greenbelt 2 to try out a high-end Japanese restaurant and avail a 10% discount as well when we use a Citibank card. I always pass by Sugi whenever I go or pass by Greenbelt by a colorum.  I was always intimidated by the place because it looks "sosi".  Well I think now I'll be comfortable eating there now that I know the staff are friendly and the atmosphere great.

Sugi at Greenbelt 2

Well the prices are a bit expensive but you don't have to buy the expensive meals.  They have dishes like combo meals from fast food restaurants to make it cheaper.  I think the quality will be the same anyway.  Well Therese and I tried the expensive dishes.  She ordered Jo Kaiseki and I ordered the Makunouchi Bento.  I can't say I was 'wow'ed with what I ordered.  It looks like a typical bento for me.  I was thinking maybe I would have gotten more in other restaurants with the same price.  Well honestly I thought my mom makes a better tempura and the sashimi was no different from others I've tasted.  Well at least the iced tea was good but the mango for our dessert was sour.  Anyway, maybe I was hoping the bento had some pork in it and so I was disappointed it was mostly seafood.  Next time I will order probably the Unaju, a teriyaki dish, a curry dish or katsudon for my next visit.  They're cheaper and maybe will have more taste in them.  Therese was so full with her Jo Kaiseki.  I even helped out a little bit in eating.  There was an unagi dish with her Jo Kaisek and I was glad she gave me one to taste.  That one was great.  Maybe I was just overwhelmed with what I had when all I wanted was as simple dish.  I think I've learned my lesson and listen to what my stomach is saying and not to what my eyes wanted to take a picture of.  But anyhow what we ordered was really great to take pics of.  In the Jo Kaiseki pics there are some dishes taken away and some added to make room for the table.

Do you ask if I will come back here again?  Yes maybe I wasn't satisfied with what I ordered but I will definitely come back again to try other dishes and I haven't tried sitting in the Sushi table yet which from what I hear is an exhilarating experience.  Maybe someday 'll be able to sit there.  I know I know for normal people it's no such big deal but for shy people (like me) I need to gain courage first.

Makunouchi Bento

Jo Kaiseki part 1

Jo Kaiseki part 2

Jo Kaiseki part 3

 Since we only had mango for dessert Therese and I decided to go walk a little to one of my favorite merienda place, Conti's! (also located in Greenbelt 2).  Therese ordered a blueberry cheesecake and I ordered Mango Bravo (which I always do whenever I go here).  The cheesecake I wasn't impressed at first but when I tasted it it was so creamy.  This is the type of cheesecake I like, not too salty or sour.  Love it!  Well the Mango Bravo, what can I say?  It's their best seller.  It's just so creamy and nutty and not too sweet and cool and crunchy.  It's mostly what I love in a cake.  I guess the only downside is don't take too long to eat it because it won't taste the same.  It is a frozen cake after all.

Conti's Blueberry Cheesecake

Conti's Mango Bravo

Conti's Mango Bravo (cool and just right)

We also watched a movie after our lunch.  We saw Despicable Me in 3D in Greenbelt 3.  The movie was so cute.  The main character, even though he's kinda evil in the beginning, was adorable when he first appeared.  I guess deep down we wanted to do the things he does.  The girls Gru (the main character) adopted are really cute as well.  But the cutest of all are the minions! I'm hearing everyone wants to have minions and now I know why.  Well every animated movie should have a mascot and in this movie it's them.  It's an adorable and funny movie. I would love to see them again. 

Gru's minions

To be honest I don't like watching in 3D so much because the 3D glasses slides down on my nose but Despicable Me is worth watching in 3D especially since there's a roller coaster ride scene.  If I felt my chair move a little bit I would've freaked out because I could feel I was in that ride.  Well maybe in the future regular cinemas will have moving chairs as well to accentuate the 3D.


food