Updated! Greeka Kouzina in San Juan

October 26, 2012

Greeka Kouzina
285 Units 4 & 5 P. Guevarra St.,
San Juan 1500

Gevi, Cats and I were not able to meet up again until last October. We finally settled for the new restaurant called Greeka Kouzina along P. Guevarra in San Juan. I often passed by and almost always, the restaurant looks full from outside. Parking lot is not a problem as the restaurant's security guard will point you to a secured (gated) vacant lot just right around the corner.

Cats told ordered me to make a reservation, I did but the restaurant won't accept any reservations on weekends. When we arrived at around 6:30 pm, I understand why. The restaurant was already filled with diners. More people were waiting outside, mostly with families in tow. Luckily, the very courteous waiter was able to "squeeze" in a table for two on the second floor.

Greek Caesar Salad PhP 310 with Fried Calamari PhP 170

We were overwhelmed with the huge servings. Had I known that everything here is humongous, I would have advised my friends not to order too much. You can just imagine what our cramped table for two looked like. Well, since our table was only squeezed in beside the table of a father and son tandem, most of our orders were trespassing on their table ; p Talk about going overboard. 

The salad alone can be shared by a group of five girls. It's a guiltless Caesar Salad because the dressing is made from 100% greek yogurt and is absolutely fat-free. You can also enjoy this salad with Baked Chicken for only PhP 140.

There are other salad on the menu. I spy a Watermelon and Lamb salad which I would love to try when I go back. Hopefully, with DH in tow!

Dove Presents Unspeakably Yours The Underarm Monologues

October 10, 2012

Unspeakably Yours
The Underarm Monologues
Teatrino, Greenhills Promenade
San Juan City

Last night, I watched the second run of Unspeakably Yours: The Underarm Monologues. It is presented by Dove Deodorant in cooperation with Upstart Productions. Before the show began, the screen flashed this question "If your underarms could talk, what would they say to you?" Hmmm, it got me thinking... If my underarms could speak to me, this is what it might tell me, "Thank you for taking good care of me by not plucking or shaving. Thank you for always making me feel fresh and smelling good" hahaha

 (l-r) Czarina De Leon Mercado (Brand Manager of Unilever Dove Philippines), Cindy Melocoton-Manlapaz (Unilever Philippines Marketing Manager for Deodorants and Oral Care),
Cathy Azanza-Dy (writer/director)
together with theater actresses Jenny Jamor,  Angela Padilla and Caisa Borromeo
 

As if to burst my bubble, Issa Litton, the hostess of the night, got down on stage and asked me if I discuss or talk about underarms with my girl friends, I replied, "No" ; p At that moment, I really can't remember but now that I am writing about this entry, well, maybe just this one time when my friend was complaining about her dark underarms due to her last 2 pregnancies. But that was said to me in confidence and we didn't discuss it in front of our other friends so I guess the answer I gave to Issa's question still applies. 

For a glimpse of the show, continue after the break....

Chow Fun: Coffee Beef Hotpot & More!

August 10, 2012

Chow Fun

103 J.Abad Santos St.,

Little Baguio, San Juan

Right after my Tinette & Co. salon experience, my parents and I went straight to Chow Fun for merienda. By the time we got there, it was already close to 6pm. But as luck would have it, we were able to park right in front of the restaurant. I don't know if they have any other parking space provided for other diners but if you are familiar with the former location of Mann Hann, that's where Chow Fun is located.

 

 Coffee Beef hotpot PhP275

Since my parents said it's still early for dinner, we only ordered 2 main dishes- Coffee Beef Hotpot & Mapo Tofu and one order of Lechon Macau Buns. We were the only ones dining that might explain why the orders came in succession but I was glad the kitchen didn't made me wait for so long, plus one point! 

Anyway, for the price of Coffee Beef hotpot, I think the serving is quite small. I don't mind paying for more so long as you can make this dish larger ; p This dish is best paired with rice because the flavor is too strong / concentrated. Do not get me wrong, I love this dish and I would recommend it you, my dear readers ; p If your concern is the beef, it was tender and not chewy, just the way I like it!

Bread & Bean Cafe in San Juan

April 11, 2012

Bread and Bean Cafe Bakery Resto

Unit 2 Citiplace Building 

8001 J. Abad Santos,

San Juan

5707593

I am happy to share the restaurant that I frequently visit whenever I crave for Tocilog-Bread and Bean Cafe. Aside from Red Ribbon, it is one of the few restaurants that serves delectable tocino. It is located right across Serenitea in J. Abad Santos in San Juan. You would not miss the maroon and cream signage and numerous parking slots in front of the restaurant. 

pork tocino PhP160

An order of tocilog consists of meaty pork tocino, 2 sunny side up eggs and garlic rice. You can choose from either coffee or iced tea for drinks. Atchara or pickled green papaya together with vinegar are perfect partners for pork tocino.

If you are not fond of pork, there is an alternative choice-chicken tocino which is just as good.

Seattle's Best Coffee's Valentine Cookies & SBC Milk Tea

My event: February 10, 2012

Seattle's Best Coffee

Greenhills Town Center

Granada Street, San Juan

It's the love month! Seattle's Best Coffee introduced this limited edition Valentine Cookies last Friday over a cup of SBC Milk Tea. These delectable heart-shaped cookies come in 2 flavors- chocolate- flavored butter cookie and classic butter cookie. Each cookie is covered in fondant and carries 4 different designs. 

this heart-shaped cookie has my signature XOXO written on it ; p

I chose this yellow heart-shaped cookie because it has "xoxo" written on top of it ; p For some husbands (or sometimes boyfriends) like my DH who doesn't like giving flowers, heart-shaped cookies would do the trick hahaha DH should get me one, right now! After all, it's the thought that counts. 

Ha Yuan opens in Greenhills Town Center Granada, QC

My visit: January 15, 2012

Ha Yuan Signatures Since 1956

Greenhills Town Center

Granada St., Valencia, Quezon City

Every Sunday, my family and I spend time together. After spending the afternoon in a mall, we visited the newest hang out in San Juan/ Quezon City- Greenhills Town Center along Granada St. 

fresh lumpia PhP60

The area is huge. There are a lot of food choices like McDonald's, Seattle' Best, Sumo Sam and Hanobe. Tucked inside is Ha Yuan Signatures. It serves Tsinoy Comfort Food like maki mi and fresh lumpia. It brings back old childhood memories!

New find: Tung Lo Wan Food Express

My visit: August 14, 2011

Tung Lo Wan's Food Express (TLW)

199 Wilson Square

Wilson St. cor P. Guevarra St., 

San Juan City

7239201

Although several weeks have passed, DH and I still have Hong Kong hang over. One Sunday, DH and I decided to treat his mom to a Chinese restaurant aptly named Tung Lo Wan (TLW) Food Express. Tung Lo Wan is a road in Causeway Bay and Tai Hang on the north side of the Hong Kong Island in Hong Kong. Its specialty is anything roast!

pork asado (per plate) PhP200

We entered a half full restaurant. We were asked if we have any reservation, we don't. A round table near the cashier was vacant so we were guided over there. Being true to Hong Kong style set up, I was half expecting that the server would be asking us to share our table for six with other diners much like the ones I saw when we dine in Tsui Wah, a bustling restaurant in Hong Kong ; p Good thing they did not as most of the tables reserved were not yet filled even after we left the venue.

The pork asado is thickly sliced and glazed on the outside. If per plate order is too much for you, it also offers per 100g for only PhP60.

A quick lunch at Taibun Bakery and Coffee Shop!

My visit: June 16, 2011

Taibun Bakery and Coffee Shop

331 P. Guevarra St.,

Little Baguio, San Juan

6558155

When my parents were looking for a place to eat for lunch, I suggested Taibun Bakery and Coffee Shop along P. Guevarra, San Juan. There are 2 parking spaces in front of the bakery. You can also opt to park on the side of the road adjacent to the bakery when the parking slots in front are already taken. It is a walking distance to Serenitea.

Once we entered, I can smell freshly baked breads. It reminded me of the quaint bakeries I used to frequent in Taipei. A few pieces of each kind of bread were displayed on the shelves. Cakes were also on display next to the counter. There was a separate room for dining area. If there is a dining area then this restaurant must have more than bread and cake to offer. I was right! Next to the counter, I saw a laminated menu. There were a couple of sets to choose from. We ordered a set of chicken and another set of pork meal. 

light cheese PhP60

Light cheese is just that! It is very light in texture. Recently, I went back with DH to Taibun, I ended up ordering another serving of light cheese for take out. I put it inside the refrigerator and tried portioning it so it can last me for several days. I ate the last slice last night ; (  I can't wait for my next purchase of light cheese!

Love the nachos at Hermanos Taco Shop!

My visit: May 18, 2011

Hermanos Taco Shop

27 GranadaAve. cor. Jose Vera St.,

Valencia, Quezon City

There are too many backlogs on my end. I have not even started writing about my Boracay Adventure yet. I may now have to limit the events that I will be attending to prioritize my personal posts. After all, I don't want my blog to be filled with event posts. Don't worry, I will still give space for giveaways!

Anyway, I happen to eat in this restaurant over a month ago en route to my home from the airport. Gevi and I had just came back from a 3 day Boracay girl bonding. I guess DH was not that excited to have me back so it was Gevi's husband, Eric who picked us up in the airport ;p  He suggested that we eat some snack first at Hermanos before heading to my house. I remembered Michelle mentioned the restaurant before as a venue for our next tweet-up but we were not able to push through with the plan. So, this was  an opportunity for me to try it out.

nachos regular PhP195

I was not too keen on eating Mexican food but I was surprised at how delectable the nachos look. I have to stop myself from finishing the entire serving.  It was a hefty serving of beef, jalapenos, mayo, guacamole and salsa. Gevi and Eric do not eat beef so I have the steak like strips all for myself hehe

Yumemiya Japanese Cafe

My visit: April 9, 2011

Yumemiya Japanese Cafe

47 Connecticut St., 

Upper Ground floor, NorthEast Square Bldg.,

Greenhills, San Juan

7224838   7210700

DH and I were supposed to find where Lugang Cafe is located but instead we ended up in this newly opened restaurant called Yumemiya Japanese Cafe. A huge banner caught my eye as we were driving along Connecticut street. DH had to make a U turn because it was a little bit too late when I pointed at the sign. One good thing about restaurants in Ortigas is the basement parking. Street parking is also available. 

The interior and cozy atmosphere reminded me of UCC Cafe. Several families were already dining and others were already done with their meal when we walked in.

Cakes are displayed near the cashier. The narrow entrance leads to a wider dining area at the back. I overheard a staff who was in panic because a diner was locked inside the toilet.  I hope by this time they have already solved the problem with the toilet lock. 

I noticed that their menu was limited. If I remembered it right, they don't serve sushi nor sashimi. 

 kama- age udon with miso meat sauce and egg PhP378

DH settled for noodles called kama-age. Kama- age udon is accompanied by a dipping soy sauce. The noodles are quite good. The meat sauce was tomato- based, topped with egg and sprinkled with green onion or scallion.

Udon is one of the most popular Japanese noodles.  It is made of wheat flour, water and salt.

Happy Lemon

My visit: December 6, 2010

Happy Lemon

Promenade Mall

Greenhills, San Juan

Are you tired of reading about my Serenitea posts? Well, I have good news for you! I have discovered yet another tea place called Happy Lemon, a brand originated from Hong Kong!

With over a hundred outlets in China and Hong Kong, Happy Lemon offers milk tea, rock salt cheese, lemon series, mousse spin, cocoa & coffee and fresh tea. 

Matcha with Adzuki Bean 0% sweetness level (large) PhP100; Roasted Milk Tea with Adzuki Bean and Pudding 50% sweetness level (large) PhP100

My parents shared a drink under mousse spin called Matcha with Adzuki Bean. I had a taste and I liked it! My mom experienced a brain freeze after a few sips hehe But she liked it nonetheless. The Adzuki Bean rocks! 

Roasted Milk Tea with Adzuki Bean and Pudding was my order. My drink has lots of pudding, more than Serenitea's portion which I love! The combination of Adzuki Bean and pudding was delicious! What I don't like is my tea base which is roasted and taste toasted haha It rhymes!

I would still got to Serenitea for my milk tea fix hehe But I will definitely go back for Happy Lemon's Rock Salt Cheese which I haven't tried and their Mousse Spin!

Aquaknox Restaurant

My visit: November 27, 2010

Aquaknox Vietnamese Kitchen

Madison Square, Greenhills

4776413

I have heard rave reviews about Aquaknox Restaurant in Makati. But as you now know, Makati is way too far for DH and I. When I saw its signage in Greenhills, I was delighted. And so one Saturday, we had our lunch date in Aquaknox!

We ate the following:

Pho Bo (Beef Pho) regular PhP90

Hanoi Style Rice Noodles Soup Beef Brisket and Raw Sliced Beef

DH has no complaints whatsoever with his order. I was able to taste the soup and it tasted good.

Ballkan Express Inc. Eastern European Home Cooking

My visit: August 18, 2010

Balkan Express Inc. Eastern European Home Cooking

87 Jose Abad Santos St.,

cor. Mons St., Little Baguio,

San Juan 1500

3300945

Numerous restaurant has been sprouting along Jose Abad Santos St. in San Juan, Ballkan Express is the newest of them all! My dad actually pointed it out to me but I hesitated to try it out at first. When a friend raved about how good their goulash was, I was tempted. When I saw the picture of a melting cheese on top of a chicken, I gave in. I need to experience Serbian cooking for myself.

I visited the place exactly one month after it opened. Ballkan is a place in Yugoslavia. This restaurant is co-managed and co-operated by a Serbian Chef, Martin. 

What we have ordered:

chicken "batak" PhP290

Boneless chicken thigh grilled to perfection with melted Mozzarella cheese oozing on top of it. My favorite! Served over Jasmine rice.

goulash PhP230

This stew reminded me of my mom's home cooking when I was younger. A bit spicy though because of paprika. The beef is so tender it won't give you a hard time to chew. This order would be perfect for DH. Except that he was not my lunch companion lol Choice of pasta or rice. I chose the later.

cevapcici PhP180

This is a huge serving. And we couldn't finish the whole thing. There are four sausage-like minced meat inside a creamy burger bun with tomatoes, onion and lettuce. It goes with a fries on the side. Ketchup and Tartar sauce is included in this order.

counter

There is a limited seating capacity in this restaurant approximately only 25 pax. 

Even though a bit hefty on the price tag, I would still be going back to this place. After all, this is the first authentic Serbian restaurant I have been to! Don't forget to get a flier on your way out so you can have their free iced tea on your next visit lol

PostScript:

September 22, 2010

I was back once again in this restaurant. This time with DH in tow. I was lucky enough to talk to Marko Batricevic, one of the co- owners and brother of Chef Martin.

with Marko

As usual, I ordered my favorite chicken batak, goulash and another specialty dish which resembles cevapcici but with a twist of cheese and hot pepper . The name slip my mind but I get to take a picture of lol

As usual we were stuffed to the max! And oh, I got my free glass of iced tea with my flier yey!

SereniTEA: Hawaiian Milk Tea 25% sugar pearls

 

my indulgence sipping hawaiian milk tea (l) PhP 90

Wattah Wattah 2010 San Juan Fiesta

Every year on the 24th of June, San Juan celebrates its feast day by throwing water on bystanders and everybody else. Video shown here was taken this morning along N. Domingo, San Juan. My car is behind the jeepney- a local transportation, being "attacked"  hosed by residents of San Juan. I pity those passengers riding that jeepney!

How was your wet and wild San Juan day?

Remember When... Chili's Grill Bar & Restaurant

My visit: February 28, 2010

Chili's Grill Bar & Restaurant

Northeast Greenhills, San Juan

7271143

College days are here again! Nah! Just remembering and visitng the good old days with super friends of course!

2010 barkada

Favorite: Chan Pui Ying Che

 seedless preserved plum PhP180

Konbini Store Tokyo Market

My visit: November 16, 2009

Konbini Store

57 Connecticut St.,

Northeast Greenhils,

San Juan City

7224263

I saw Konbini Store when I dined at Angel's Kitchen with my BFF last June. It was only a couple of days ago that I got the opportunity to visit and dine in Konbini. And it did not disappoint.

lots of Japanese treats to buy; even bread is sold here

At first glance, you would think that Konbini Store is just a Japanese convenience store with racks of food items like salad dressing, ready to cook food and condiments among others. There are two cash registers, one near the entrance for your grocery items and one for the self service restaurant. When you get pass the aisles, enclosed in a room is the dining area. I was surprised to see numerous diners since their name does not suggest that it is a restaurant.

Don Henrico's

My visit: July 27, 2009

Don Henrico's

2/f Connecticut Arcade

Greenhills, San Juan

I miss the Don Henrico's in Tomas Morato. Good thing that they opened a branch in Greenhills Shopping Center.

Here's what we've ordered:

fettuccini alfredo PhP220

Masarap naman kaso pasta is not my thing talaga. This is DH's order. Pampa alis daw ng umay . Masyadong malasa ang chicken according to him. translation: ma sauce... which is what I like.

buffalo wings PhP560

Eto na, eto na ang aking favorite lol As you can see, me additional barbecue sauce on the side pa ako ha! The chicken parts are big. Sinu kaya ang supplier ng chicken nila? lol I like the combnation of the barbq sauce and the sour cream. Ang sarap!

Kayo din, if you miss Don Henrico's, go to Greenhills na!

Mann Hann: Buko Sherbet

buko sherbet PhP 80

Me lamang ice that that melts in your mouth. Meron ding nata, sago at siempre buko, ang sarap! Promise!

I sooo miss this! Kaso I'm watching my weight. Pwede siguro kung me kahati ako... you want?!