Therese in the Philippines: Mesa Filipino Moderne

Intro: You probably don't know this, but I went home to the Philippines last January. In the span of the 9 days that I was there, I tried 5 new restaurants around the metro, and I even went out of town! Therefore, let me take a short break from my Taiwan posts and in my next few entries, I am going to write about the new places I've been to in and around the metro!

My bloc mates and I were supposed to have a dinner reunion at Yabu in SM Megamall but unfortunately, when we got there, we were put on the waiting list. We didn't want to wait for a long time, so we decided to eat at Mesa Filipino Moderne, which is located almost beside Yabu, instead.

We were seated at this table that had 2 long benches surrounding it. What we didn't like about it was that there wasn't enough space (it was very cramped) so it was hard for us to sit down and move around.

Moving on to the food...

Baby squid in olive oil | 270php

I loved this because the squid was tender and cooked just right (in my opinion). Also, they're very cute!

Pasta kaldereta | 165php

If you're a fan of kaldereta and of tomato sauce, then you're going to love this. The flavors were just right. This could very well be a comfort food.

Salpicao ostrich | 320php

I also liked this because the ostrich meat was tender. I think ostrich meat tastes a bit like chicken/beef but it's not totally the same, and you could actually taste that from eating this. I also like how they were cut into bite-sized portions, because the last time I ate ostrich meat, it was hard and the cuts were huge (maybe that's why it was hard?)

Sisig rice | 170php

We wanted to order the Laing rice but it wasn't available. We settled for this instead, but there was nothing special with this dish. It didn't taste much like sisig.

Tofu sisig | 130php

We also liked this one because of the juiciness (?) of the tofu along with the sisig.

In conclusion, I/we liked their food because it was delicious, and it's not all that expensive. Though it may look like the servings are small, they're actually very filling. We were a group of 7 and we all got full after. Also, each person paid less than 200php for dinner!

Location: SM Megamall
Level 2, Mega Atrium
EDSA corner Julia Vargas Ave., Mandaluyong City

Tiffy: Revisiting Pizza Hut

Revisiting Pizza Hut
January 1, 2012
by Tiffy

I don't know about you but Pizza Hut was the place that my family and I go to every Sunday when we go out. I have fond memories of the place.

Really looking forward to getting some pizza! 

Aglio Olio | Php 109 | USD 3.49

3-Cheese Bacon & Spinach | Php 329 | USD 7.51

If you're looking for some greasy loving, you know where to go. 

Therese in the Philippines: Bon Chon Chicken

Intro: You probably don't know this, but I went home to the Philippines last January. In the span of the 9 days that I was there, I tried 5 new restaurants around the metro, and I even went out of town! Therefore, let me take a short break from my Taiwan posts and in my next few entries, I am going to write about the new places I've been to in and around the metro!

I first heard about Bon Chon Chicken around 2 years ago, when it was still new. I had always wanted to try it but back then, their only branch was in Makati and I don't really like going there. Long story short, I was finally able to try it at their Regis Center, Katipunan branch.

According to their official website, BonChon is a Korean word meaning "Original Village." They promise crispy, juice, and flavorful chicken.

It was a struggle for us to order because there weren't menus available by the counter, and the big screens behind the counter were moving. The screens would change items every few seconds. After a couple of minutes of intently looking at the screens, I finally decided on the Boxed Meal C - Drumsticks/Thigh Ricebox. What's good about this set is you could mix and match the parts. I only got the 1 piece thigh (95php) though. You could opt for the 2 pieces set, which costs 145php.

After ordering, you have the option of going for the Soy Garlic Sauce or the Hot Sauce. Since I'm not a really big fan of spicy food, I went for the former. True enough, the chicken was crispy, juicy, and flavorful.

My friend ordered the Kimchi coleslaw (45php) along with her meal, and I was able to take a bite. We weren't big fans because it didn't have that spicy kick that Kimchi is supposed to have.

They currently have 13 branches around the metro. You can check out www.bonchon.com.ph for the list of branches and for the menu as well. It would help to at least have an idea of what you want to order because the screen really is confusing! Had I known that they have bulgogi wraps (among other things), I would have ordered that too. Maybe next time!

Katipunan: Tia Maria's Cantina

Katipunan: Tia Maria's Cantina
December 15, 2011
By Tiffy

Even though I've studied at the University of the Philippines for 5 years now, I've never been to Cantina. As far as I know, it's a popular drinking place for the students around the area.

I was at the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM)'s Christmas party when a bunch of us decided to eat somewhere else afterwards.

Nachos Grande | Php 335 | USD 7.65

The thing I hate about eating nachos is that the salsa and cheese are usually all on top and by the time you reach the bottom of the plate, there's no more of the salsa or cheese left. But this one did not disappoint.

Piña colada pitcher | Php 240 | USD 5.48

Piña colada glass | Php 90 | USD 2.05

The pitcher is pretty small--around 4 glasses. It wasn't good. This is by far the worst piña colada I've ever had. It was tasteless and didn't feel like it had any alcohol in it. 

Carne Asada Quesadillas | Php 245 | USD 5.59

Their quesadillas were really good. I would definitely go back even for just this dish. 

Any other dish you would recommend?

Tia Maria's, Katipunan 
(right beside Shakey's)
Katipunan Ave. cor. Alvero St.,
Loyola Heights Quezon City,
Metro Manila Philippines
(02) 426-2350

It's open everyday from 11 AM to 2 AM except on Sundays when they close at 12 MN.