Showing posts with label greenhills. Show all posts
Showing posts with label greenhills. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

A Lugang Feast

After completing our errands for the day (one of which was waking up really, really early to deliver in Muntinlupa), a late lunch feast at Lugang awaits us. Buti na lang it was Black Saturday so there were available tables and chairs for us when we arrived cos I heard this place gets packed on regular days.

The wooden door was so pretty hence these pics.


Lugang Cafe is a Taiwanese Restaurant brought here in Manila by the Bellagio Group of Restaurants tucked cozily along Connecticut Street in Greenhills area beside a few other familiar restaurants.


This Garlic Pork Roll was a surprised hit for all of us. At first, we all thought that the white wrap parts are the usual sort of roll wrappers we always have in say, lumpia. But no! Those were actually thinly-sliced pork rolled over vegetables and other whatnots.


I'd like to believe that I'm on my way in learning how to properly eat a (Steamed Pork) Xiao Long Bao. Kulang pa rin ako sa experience!


This was the dip for ... we don't really know actually hahaha. But I dipped in here to add oomph to what seems to be a very sad black pepper beef.


Golden Fried Rice With Shredded Pork


This was the flavourless beef I was talking about earlier. Black Pepper Beef On Iron Plate. The only fail in what we ordered. Also, the beef was swimming on a bed of onions, not that it was bad, but the onions aren't supposed to be the highlight of this dish.


Aaah. I can still feel in my mouth (sorry it's gross) the lingering taste of Three-Cup Chicken. I believe the three in the Three-Cup Chicken are soy sauce, rice wine and sesame oil. It's really good.




And finally, the star of the Lugang Cafe and our most awaited moment, BELLAGIO BREEZE. This one really went all out. The tower of beans, tapioca and fruits on shaved ice awakened the kids inside of us. The waiter though had to warn us that we must make haste in taking turns of photos lest we want a fallen tower for dessert.



The mighty Bellagio has fallen... into our mouths and stomachs.


Here's our bill. Not bad, Lugang, not bad. Our tummies are feeling all the weight of these pesos and no, we're not complaining.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Payday Lunch Series: Cafe Ysabel

It's another payday lunch and this time our curious tummies led us to Cafe Ysabel, this quaint restaurant hidden in San Juan area. This culinary gem has been a consistent recipient of awards both local and international for serving dishes that astounds any palate. I am so glad that I finally got to experience Chef Gene's magical abilities in the kitchen (labo).

Cafe Ysabel

These were on our table.

Cafe Ysabel

After taking our orders and a little bit of waiting time, we were served these delicious, fresh-off-the-oven complimentary breads. Tinapay pa lang winner na!

Dip thy bread on olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Chef's Pate, Onion Jam and Crackers. Needs more crackers!

Cafe Ysabel's Chef's Pate, Onion Jam and Crackers

Truffle Pizza. Eating food drizzled with truffle is becoming a habit in our small group of "gourmands".

Cafe Ysabel's Truffle Pizza
Truffle shavings, white truffle oil, Gruyere cheese, bechamel, oregano and basil
Paella Sulipeña. Even though I had a hard time skinning the shrimp, I absolutely loved this paella, especially the burnt rice part!

Cafe Ysabel's Paella Sulipeña
Classic saffron rice with seafood and mixed meats
Penne Ala Gino. The gorgonzola on it was too strong for my liking!

Cafe Ysabel's Penne Ala Gino
Gorgonzola cheese with tomato cream sauce and prosciutto ham
Poulet Adolfo. This was a surprise hit for everyone, the sauce was really divine.

Cafe Ysabel's Poulet Adolfo
Ballotine of chicken stuffed with homemade sausage served with caramelized onion cream and apple tatin
Cafe Ysabel looks exactly like an old house in the quiet San Juan neighborhood complete with greeneries and fountain in the front yard. Very, very homey. The ambience inside? Even better.

But the biggest surprise of all is the modest price you'll have to pay for all the wonderful food experiences you'll have. Not bad at all, not bad. I suggest you dine with friends or go on a double date so you can split the bills. Although dining with your special someone here would be really, really nice and romantic. Whatever you choose, you'll still end up as a winner.


###


Cafe Ysabel
455 P. Guevarra Street,
San Juan Metro Manila
Telephone Numbers: (632) 726-9326 and (632) 725-5089
For Reservations and Inquiries: reservation@cafeysabel.com