Therese in Taiwan: Rabbit Rabbit 兔子兔子

My cousins and I love going to Shida night market because we like how despite it being not too tourist-y, there's still a wide variety of yummy food, and the clothes are pretty (and there's a good mix of expensive and inexpensive ones) too!

One night, before heading to the night market, we wanted to have a sit-down dinner. I wanted to try Rabbit Rabbit because they serve Eggs Benedict and that was on my to-eat list. The restaurant is located across Macho Tacos (more on that in another post), around the Shida district.

Here are pictures of the food we ordered:

Eggs Benedict 班尼迪克蛋 (220 NTD || ~319 PhP)

Beef Eggs Benedict 匈牙利牛肉 班尼迪克蛋 (250 NTD || ~362.50 PhP)

BBQ Bacon Cheese Burger BBQ憂威夷起司碳培堡 (250 NTD || ~362.50 PhP)

Peanut Butter Burger 吉米愛吃漢堡堡 (240 NTD || 348 PhP)

Tornado Beef Burger 龍捲風牛肉起司堡 (250 NTD || ~362.50 PhP)

Yes, they're a bit expensive (in my opinion) but they were all delicious, and the big servings make up for it, I guess. We weren't able to bring cameras (because we thought that the other person would bring one, haha) so these are all pictures from my cousin's phone.

Address: 蒲城街4號 (No. 4 Pucheng St. Shida)
Operating hours: 11AM-10PM
Telephone number: 02-2368-2338

You can also check out their website and their Facebook page for more information.

Update: This branch has closed down operations starting today. :( This is so sad! There had been an ongoing "argument" between the residents of the area and the businesses operating there, so... yeah. You can check out their other branches!

Tiffy: Racks at SM Megamall A

Whenever I go out with friends, where to eat is always a problem. It was quite a relief when one of my friends suggested a place at once: Racks. 

Now I've eaten at Racks once or twice before. With this kind of place, however, I would tend to focus more on the company and the ambiance of the place rather than the food. The food is good enough, and the serving is huge. It's that kind of place. 

We ordered a the Surf 'n' Turf family platter (Php 1,999 | USD 45.47) that included three side dishes and two pitchers of any coke product (additional charge if you want iced tea).

Garlic bread. So greasy it's sinful.

Our side dishes. I loved their mac and cheese! 

(We also had a plate of fries but it was too far from where I was seated)

Fish 'n chips. The fish is really soft and good. I'd order this any time.

You have two choices: red sauce or white sauce on your spaghetti.

Racks Pork Ribs 

Address: 3/F Bridgeway, SM Megamall A

EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Avenue

Ortigas Center Mandaluyong City

Metro Manila Philippines 

Number: (02) 706-5427

Herschel: A Night at Uno Pizzeria

I was enthusiastic to take on the challenge of covering my first ManilaFoodistas event last Friday night (did I hear a song?!) – solo at that, and while the gang wasn’t around to supervise, I came to enjoy the experience, with food as the star of the show.

Organized by the people behind OpenRice Philippines as a “mini-eyeball”, several site members and an assortment of guest bloggers and friends were invited to Uno Pizzeria to mingle, sample and most of all, have fun!

Uno Pizzeria Ristorante Bar, an Italian-American-Asian fusion-themed joint, is located at Pasay’s San Miguel by the Bay (behind the MOA complex, and near the MOA Eye that Nicole blogged about last week), among the offshoot of restaurants that lined the strip. The façade of the resto was painted in red and black, quite like a playing card suit, while the interiors were austere white (even for the chairs and tables).

The rest of the room is spacious. Neon blue lights accented the dining area, while fiery red donned the mini-bar. Mini-bar, you say? If neon lights, mirrorballs and DJs were any indication, let me clue you in later…

Pride of place: the bestseller, Four Seasons Pizza

We started the night with a hefty Four Seasons Pizza (that consisted of West Side Shrimp Pesto, Tandoori Chicken Mango, Uno’s White Pizza, and Ruby Ribs, if I wasn’t mistaken). Among the three out of four variants I tried out the shrimp pizza won me over, as I am perpetually in love with shrimps slathered with white cheese. Good thing they came out with a similar pie, the Uno's Seafood Pizza, entirely indulgent with calamari and more shrimp. The Tandoori Chicken Mango wasn’t bad either, if you’re into a more savory, Asian bite.

Uno's Seafood Pizza

Tender and delicious: Ruby Ribs

The main entrée came shortly, and it was a revelation. Behold the Ruby Ribs, said to be Uno’s specialty – it was a juicy piece of bones and meat, tender to the bite and the sauce seasoned just right. Our platter was served with ‘Tato Wedges, although the menu says entrees are to be served with buttered vegetables with your choice of mashed potatoes or rice, or pasta with soup.

(from left, clockwise: Pesto Chicken Parmigiana, Grilled Chicken Salad Wraps, Jumpin' Jambalaya, Chicken Barbeque Quesadillas)

And with that the night just got started. We had appetizers of Buffalo Wings (not spicy or crunchy as I assumed) and Grilled Chicken Salad Wraps (light and filling). The only thin crust pizza came, called Buddha’s Feast, as it was strewn with lettuce and tomatoes. Two kinds of pasta were served: the Pesto Chicken Parmigiana and the Jumpin’ Jambalaya (pomodoro-style, smattered with ham, sausage, shrimp and chicken). While being a noodle head, the accompanying sauces were quite an overwhelming combination – mildly sour (in the case of parmigiana), and not the usual savory tomato (with the Jambalaya). I felt that the flavors could have been improved, as the servings were good (for 4, at least) and the toppings adequate.

I was appeased by the next entrée, a juicy, smoked chicken chop with mild-tasting sauce. We also had Chicken Barbeque Quesadillas (tasty, filled with cheese and smothered by toasted but soft tortilla wraps). And in case you wondered, we gulped the bulk (there were so many!) down with iced tea and a couple of mixed-drink towers (Margarita and Weng Weng).

For the encore, it was apt to have a meaty deep dish pizza. Being an inveterate bread eater, I had no qualms with the quality of the pies. The baked dough was soft in texture, whether thin or regular or deep dish. As mentioned earlier, I preferred cheese-overloaded and seafood-strewn pizzas, although Uno’s other variations suited my tastes too.

Our party was rather small, but the beauty of holding an early dinner was that as the night wore on, the vibe of the place evolved. Featuring an in-house DJ, R&B grooves as musical ambiance played as we ate. Around eight, when we were just about full, some guests were pouring in looking for a quick drink (hence the mini-bar). And up until the crack of nine, the aural pace slowly crept with dance tunes and current pop ditties! The pizzeria was converted to a lounge by the sweep of an hour! As we left the room with a crowd assembled near the entrance, I had to say that under the spot’s initially relaxed demeanor lives a frenetic spirit. HT for MF

---

Uno Pizzeria Ristorante Bar
Bldg G, Units 9-14 San Miguel by the Bay MOA Complex
Pasay City, Metro Manila 1300
Contact Number: 555-1174

Special thanks to Uno Pizzeria’s proprietor Alvin Ong and manager Girlie Herrera, and to the eager team behind OpenRice.com (Khaezel, Cecille, Dani & Raissa) for the evening.

(Disclaimer: The views expressed on this entry are those solely of the poster/diner. The opinions do not represent the consensus of MF, the featured dining spot, and/or third parties.)

Therese in Taiwan: Forkers

When my friend Ainna came to Taiwan to meet up with some of her friends, we didn't miss the opportunity of meeting up as well. Since I wasn't that familiar with the restaurants around Taipei Main Station, her friend suggested we try this burger place called Forkers by Zhongshan Road.

Upon entering the restaurant, you will be greeted by a server waiting to lead you to your table. We were given the menu, where you will see how to order their burgers. There are 5 steps (the steps can also be seen in their website):

1. Choose a flavor
2. Choose a patty (beef patty, chicken breast, fish burger, pork sausage, veggie burger)
3. Choose 2 sides (salads or fries)
4. Choose a drink
5. Enjoy!

If you're not into burgers, there are other options for you as well. There are salads, wraps, and of course, there's dessert!

Nachos | 160 NT (~240 PhP)

Description: freshly fried tri-colored corn chips piled high with fresh tomatoes, Spanish onions, corn salsa, and lots of cheese; served with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream

For our appetizer, we ordered the nachos. We were surprised when this arrived at our table because it was huge! We were not expecting something this big. I liked how they were generous with the servings - lots of melted cheesy goodness, lots of tomatoes, onions, and corns. Their description of the appetizer is accurate.

Upper left: Double Trouble | 310 NT (~465 PhP)
Upper right: Mushroom Cheeseburger | 260 NT (~390 PhP)
Bottom center: The Canadian | 270 NT (~405 PhP)

Descriptions:

Double Trouble: double patty, double cheddar, double bacon, lettuce, onion, tomato, and FORKERS burger sauce

Mushroom Cheeseburger: sauteed mushrooms, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and FORKERS burger sauce

The Canadian: grilled ham, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and FORKERS burger sauce

One thing we noticed is how big the portions of the food are. Value for money, I might add. We really liked the flavors as well! It was a good thing Ainna and I shared a burger, because we felt that it was just right for the 2 of us. Ainna's girl friend wasn't able to finish her burger, but her guy friend did. WE WERE AMAZED!

By the time dinner was over, we were too full for dessert. Too bad! I would have loved to try their dessert as well. Oh well, there's always next time!

Zhongshan branch
Address: No.15 Ln 16. Sec. 2 Zhongshan N, Rd, Taipei City 
Phone number: (02)2567-7697
Hours: Mon~Sun 12:00~11:00pm

Chungxiao branch
Address: No.8, Alley 10, Ln. 223. Sec. 4 Chung Xiao E, Rd., Taipei City 
Phone number: (02)2771-9285
Hours: Mon~Sun 12:00~11:00pm

Other information can be found in: www.forkers.tw Their website is really helpful! All food descriptions are from their online menu.

Whistlestop 24/7 Redux

Whistlestop, a 24/7 restaurant which started back in 1977, is back after closing last 2005! "We're the only 24 hour restaurant, which offers a wide range of cuisines, and serves nothing but your good old comfort food," Lex Ledesma, the new owner said.


Anton in his blog says, "The memory of Whistlestop is like the memory of Ninoy Aquino -- only those who are 25 years old and above can remember them." That's why I don't really have distinct memories of this restaurant from back when Tina Serna was still the owner. I guess the only thing I can remember is that I have eaten at Whistlestop, maybe back when I was in grade school or high school.



For starters, I would really recommend that you try their Boneless Buffalo Wings (Php. 220). This treat instantly became my favorite because of its kick and taste. The blue cheese dip complemented the dish. But, if you're not into the spicy and saucy chicken, you might want to dig in their Spanakopitas (Php. 180), fried wrap with 3 kinds of cheese. Heaven.



For the main course, I would turn you to their bestseller and the owner's pride, Hainanese Chicken Rice (Php. 195). The chicken meat was tender and juicy. It's really something to be thrilled with.



Another dish that I enjoyed (I enjoyed everything I ate!) is their Arroz Caldo (Php.110). My dad says they used to eat this in the wee hours back in the days. Now that Christmas is fast approaching and the cold nights setting in, I would definitely order this once again.

Make room for dessert! You might want to indulge yourself with their home-made Banoffee Pie (Php. 150) or the Mango Pannacotta (Php. 95), both really yummy and not that sweet (yey!).

What's striking besides their simple yet stellar food offerings is their interior. They've painted the restaurant to depict a train station feel, which, in my opinion, is chic and cozy.

Whistlestop 24/7
28 Jupiter St., Makati City (Between Fiamma and Starbucks)
Telephone number: 8961989.
P.S. They also deliver :)

Review and Photo by Bong
Photo taken using Sony Ericsson W760i

Japanese Burger Master, Sango!

I have learned about Sango! from fellow Foodista, Hannah. Quite a lot of times, I heard how she loves and craves for their Yakiniku Rice Burger with Kimchi. This is why when I saw Sango! by chance when I was with my friends after a meeting, I immediately invited them to try it with me.

I got the Beef Yakiniku Rice Burger without Kimchi (Php 109) since I am not fond of the Korean pickled dishes made of vegetables with varied seasonings. The rice burger is made of beef strips sandwiched in between very yummy Japanese rice patties, with lettuce and some Japanese mayo. I instantly fell in love with this one of a kind burger - definitely a lot better than the rice burgers McDonalds had before in the market.

The Burger Master, as it calls its line of Japanese burgers, is truly one of a kind. You might be skeptical with the concept of Japanese food mixed with American burgers, but I can attest that you'll surely crave for more once you've tried it. It has this evident Japanese balance and quality which you'll truly enjoy.

Next time I would want to try thier Sango Master Cheeseburger. :)

Sango! The Burger Master is located at the Ground Floor of the Pearl Drive Plaza, Pearl Drive St., Ortigas Center. They also have a branch in Makati and in Alabang (where Hannah says serve yummier burgers). You may call them at 636-1991 for deliveries

Review and Photo by Bong

Restaurant Review | Heaven N' Eggs

Heaven n' Eggs
Level 1, Space 1140, TriNoma Mall, EDSA cor. North Ave, Quezon City
Type of Cuisine: American
Average cost per person: Php 200 to 300 (US$4.34 to US$6.50)
Overall Rating:

Joey was originally wary of eating here because she wasn't very fond of American cuisine or enticed by the idea of having breakfast all day (or, at least, the idea of having breakfast all day with the sorts of breakfast with fried eggs and fried anything in it). But every time we go to TriNoMa, Harrell would suggest eating at Heaven n' Eggs and, figuring that she ought to at least try it, Joey finally agreed.

We're happy to say that Heaven n' Eggs did not disappoint. The interiors of the restaurant were warm and inviting and reminiscent of charming diners and while we didn't quite understand why they had them, we were tickled by the TAXI signs that adorned the top of every bench/seat. Their service, we are very happy to report, was excellent. Our server, Arnold, upon our entering the establishment, swiftly ushered us to our table and handed us our menus. He was very helpful and attentive: helping us select our meals and generally made our dining experience that much better because of how comfortable and attended to he made us feel, even while also tending to other tables.

Since Heaven n' Eggs is famous for their meals of steak and eggs, their pancakes, and, well, their breakfast meal offerings, in general, and since we didn't think we could stomach their meals with larger servings, we decided on having two of their, according to Arnold, more popular non-breakfast dishes.

Heaven n' Eggs is definitely a place we'll be going back to one day. Maybe next time we'll have appetites enough for their (what we hear are) delicious Steak and Eggs. :)

Manila Spare Ribs (Php 195, US$4.23)
Delicious!! Joey initially had her reservations, since she's not one for sweetly marinated meat, but she was taken from her first bite. The meat is perfectly cooked and flavored and sits on a generous serving of java rice. The serving is quite large, but not a bit of it was wasted -- definitely a dish to try!


Roastbeef and Rice Skillet Slammer (Php 275, US$5.96)
This dish was not bad, but not excellent. The serving was enough, but the roast beef could have been a bit more tender. It could also have been more flavorful, as the dish seems to get rather monotonous after finishing half. Harrell liked Joey's dish more.

Reviewed by Harrell and Joey.
Photography by Joey.
See more photos on Joey's flickr.