Buenisimo by Café Ysabel

For us, special occasions demand to be celebrated with great food and fine wine just like what we had for his birthday months ago at Buenisimo by Café Ysabel. 

Last year, we had a palatable dining experience at Café Ysabel... and how can we ever forget the addictingly sweet and spicy flavor of their Zatar (Middle Eastern spice) dip which is paired onto their lavosh (Persian flatbread) bread. So, we had likely expected Buenisimo's dishes to be as equally good knowing it's under the management of Café Ysabel.

Buenisimo is a Spanish word, used to describe something as very, very good or someone exceptionally beautiful. The restaurant is owned by Gino and Giannina, son and daughter of the Gene Gonzalez a respected culinary icon and the man behind the success of Café Ysabel. 

As for their menu, it is a combination of Café Ysabel's favorites and experimental dishes inspired by Asian and European cuisines. Feel free to check their menu here. 

So, here's our experience and what we had:

Lavosh (Persian flatbread) & Zatar (Middle Eastern spice) Dip 

While waiting, we were served by the signature Café Ysabel's bread & dip. Initially, we were so glad it was offered here too! However, *sound of shattered glasses on the background* we were disappointed that their Zatar dip here was less flavorful compared to what we at had at Café Ysabel. 

Silk Road Salad 
Mixed Greens, Chinese Sausage, Dried Apricots, Smoked Salmon,
Papadoms, Tamarind Cilantro Dressing
(Php 318)

For starters, fresh and slightly moist fruits and veggies were what we had. We are salad lovers, indeed!

Glazed Spareribs
(Php 428)

This tasted truly delightful as it looks. It has that invitingly yummy scent, so tender and juicy.

Salmon Steak with Pearl Onion Merlot Glaze
& Hazelnut Butter Cream
(Php 468)

A well-executed dish, the salmon was flavorful and well-cooked wonderfully paired with a small serving of an oil-based pasta. Obviously, we are both big salmon eaters... we just can't get enough it. 

They have a decent selection of wines.
These are some on display.

Before anything else here's a Wine Etiquette 101

Basic Wine Pairing Rule: 

"Lighter meat, lighter wine (includes salads). Darker meat, darker wine."

 

So, we ordered a glass serving of white and red wine... my bad, I've forgotten to take note of their names though. Btw, their service water is infused with mint and/or a citrusy flavor.  

It was too late when I had realized everything we ordered (except the wine) were the exact dishes we had at Café Ysabel last year (except that we also had their Paella that time).  

PROS:

• The interiors are very  elegant, modern and up-beat, even their centerpieces. Definitely a superb twist from the "homey feel and oldness" of Café Ysabel.
• The chic ambiance and soothing music give you that romantic feel and comfort which makes it a great place for date nights. 
• Their staffs are well-trained and attentive. One of the waiters was actually on standby (almost 2 meters away from us) just in case we needed something,.. they only have two customers that time which can be a factor. Likewise, their guard was really helpful, he even opened up the car door for me. 
• The foods are well-executed, delectable, and  artistically presented but in a very reasonable price. Plus, they have a fine selection of beverages and wines. 

CONS:

• None that I've observed.

THE VERDICT: ★ ★ ★ ★

Overall, it was a satisfying dining experience. The ambiance, the privacy we get, their distinctive dishes, and quality wines were just everything we had wanted for the special occasion. It may not have the  best dishes in town, but, they've proved that the combination of good things can make a extraordinary mark on their customers.

P.S. Already tried this restaurant? Feel free to share your experience and recommend a dish on the comment section! Thank you! xoxo

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Buenisimo by Café Ysabel

 #24-C Scout Tuazon corner Scout Lozano St.

Diliman, Quezon City

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Black Olive Cervecería

During our date night, I had suggested that we should check out the restaurants at the upcoming enclave called Capital Commons. It is this mini-Bonifacio Global City type at the heart of Pasig. It also has this oval-shaped park which seemed to have become a go-to-place by joggers around the area. The parking was tough though... or maybe only during the night time. 

I actually had my eyes on Tipsy Pig that night, however, the place was too crowded for us...so, we ended up at Black Olive Cervecería. Cervecería is a Spanish term meaning brewery, bar or beer hall. 

It is a 2-storey restaurant with great outdoor seating owned by Chef Carlos Miguel (the culinary genius behind the Draft Gastropub, Opus, Beso, & Publiko). The place offers a wide selection of wines, spirits, beers (mostly European brands) and specializes on Mediterranean inspired dishes.

So, here's our experience and what we had:

While waiting, we were served with this plateful of bread with their house blend dip. This one's okay but our benchmark of a house blend bread dip is of Cafe Ysabel's Satar sauce.

Black Olive Paella
pork, chorizo, prawns, squid, mussels, and clams
(Php 635)

I have a big heart for Paella, so, this immediately caught my eye on  the menu. Black Olive's version of Paella did not disappoint, it's moist, flavorful, and has a generous amount of seafoods.  The serving looks small but this is good for 2-3 persons. (from a light eaters' perspective... like us.) 

Black Olive's Barbeque Pork Riblets
(Php 280)

This was the highlight of our dinner. Highly recommend this dish and just the thought makes my tummy crazy to have it again. Darn, I definitely can't get enough of it! It's SO FLAVORFUL and TENDERLICIOUS that it melts in your mouth. It comes with a dipping sauce (don't know what it's called though) which perfectly compliments to it. One of the moments that I'd say "A Taste of Heaven on Earth".  

The fruit drink that I forgot what it's called. :)

PROS:

• The restaurant is very spacious with great ambiance and music. 
• Gracious staff.
• Offers a great deal of liqueurs and quality food. It is on a little expensive side but, I say, it is definitely worth every penny.
• Apart from Korean and Japanese dishes, I love Mediterranean cuisines too. This place lies more on the Spanish, Italian, and Greek side which is a big plus for me.

CONS:

• None that I've observed.

THE VERDICT: ★ ★ ★ ★

The Black Olive experience was a truly satisfying one. I am loving Chef Carlos Miguel's food creations and my tummy has now an intense desire to check out Opus, Beso, and Draft Gastropub too. They've got a whole lot of signature mains to try so I'll certainly look forward to my next meal here. Can't wait!


P.S. Already tried this restaurant? Feel free to share your experience and recommend a dish on the comment section! Thank you! xoxo

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Black Olive Cervecería  
Unit R3A & B, Camino Verde Ave., 
The Capitol Commons, Brgy. Oranbo, Pasig City 
Operating Hours
Mon - Thurs: 11:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Fri - Sat: 11:00 AM - 5:00 AM
Sun: 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Contact #s: 0917 507 3512 & 02 633 20 71
Email address: blackoliveph@gmail.com

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Torch Bar and Restaurant

We usually came across Torch Bar and Restaurant going to Greenhills but I never really had the chance to visit it. Finally, a second branch opened at the UP Town Center,  I felt that urge to really try it that time. THANK YOU for taking me here! xoxo

So, here's our experience and what we had:

Truffle Fries
Crispy potato fries tossed in truffle oil and served with their Peppermill dressing
(Php 234.95 + 10% service charge)

For starters, we had this one out of my curiosity. But, it gave us disappointment... it has the truffle smell but the truffle flavor is non-existent plus it's very oily.   

We were so eager to try 2 of their bestsellers (Peppermill's Signature Roll & Volcano Roll), however, it was already out of stock that night. So, we had these as alternatives.

Smoked Jabañero Glazed Salmon

served with Unagi citrus sauce, mango salsa, and garlic parsley 
(Php 384.95 + 10% service charge)

A dish for healthy eaters. We're big salmon lovers and this is a thumbs up for us. 

Philly Cheese Steak 
Classic Philly cheese steak  sandwich filling on a fresh, oven-baked,
thin crust topped with mozzarella and cream cheese.
(Php 349.95 + 10% service charge)

A thin crust pizza loaded with toppings and even have my favorite cheeses in it, so, I commend this one. 

PROS:

• The place is patronized by a lot of diners and best to come with family or a group.
• The interior is simple and elegant. 
• I am not a fan of restaurants which are into fusion cuisines but I commend the food here. They are nicely presented and have fine selections. Plus, you can order alcohol and teas. 

CONS:

• None that I've observed.

THE VERDICT: ★ ★ ★ 

Overall, I like the place. I could come back here or try the Greenhills branch (for a more barkada night-out vibe) with friends. For next time, I would definitely try their Beef Salpicao Medallion,  Peppermill's Signature Roll & Volcano Roll.

P.S. Already tried this restaurant? Feel free to share your experience and recommend a dish on the comment section! Thank you! xoxo

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Torch Bar and Restaurant
Ground Flr, UP Town Center
Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City


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The Iscreamist

For years, I've always been so curious with The Iscreamist and the "science" thingy going on their desserts. So, I don't know why it took me ages to visit the place when I'm just been studying around the area when I was in college. Well... probably I just had waited someone to take me or invite me here... & that what actually happened. To that person who traveled from South to North, THANK YOU for visiting the place with me.

So here's our experience and what we ordered:

Dragon's Breath S'mores

Their ever famous! We decided to really just try this one out... for fun sake. We were instructed to dip the S'mores in the liquid nitrogen for about 7-10 seconds and eat it immediately. The warnings about the nitrogen liquid posted on the the walls of the restau gives me a scare though. HAHA! 

  

PROS:

• In terms of the food quality, you may find the nitrogenized products too bland because the nitrogen liquid tends to make the food bland and frozen but I definitely love the witty idea on their nitrogenized desserts... very unique, interesting and fun.
• Affordable desserts.

CONS:

• The place is very small so you have to wait for several minutes before you can have a seat... as for us we waited for almost 15 mins. 
• Another issue I'd like to raise is that I wish their staffs would be attentive with cleaning and organizing tables & chairs as soon as a customer is done. Unfortunately, the only staffs I felt existent was the two guys, one preparing the desserts and the other in the cash register. 
• Parking space was really tough.

THE VERDICT: ★ ★ ★ 

This is a dessert place with a lot of potential, however, I think there is lack of willingness to develop it even more. I hope at the very least expand the place or train their staffs even more. Nevertheless, I will still give this place another chance and try their other desserts.

P.S. Already tried this restaurant? Feel free to share your experience and recommend a dish on the comment section! Thank you! xoxo

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The Iscreamist

46D Magiting Street, 

Teacher's Village, Quezon City

Monday to Sunday : 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM

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Chili's

Actually, he and I aren't big eaters but we've been at Chili's twice already. Put the blame on me, my seasonal pigging out mood, and my sinful cravings for a Mexican-American food. How thankful I am to have someone who will always be willing to adjust with my issues, esp. my sinful cravings. THANK YOU! xoxo *awww*

So, here's our experience and what we had. 

Fish and Chips
Hand-battered fish fillet served with homestyle fries, sweet corn on the cob and tartare sauce
(Php 395 + 10% service charge)

Fire Grilled Chicken, Bacon & Ranch Quesadilla
Fajita-marinated chicken, bacon, Ranch dressing, mixed cheese, & a kick of Southwestern spice in a toasted tortilla. Served with sour cream, house-made pico de gallo & salsa-ranch dressing.
(Php 435 + 10% service charge)

Platinum Presidente Margarita
Hand-shaken Patron Silver Tequila (100% Blue Agave), Cointreau Orange Liqueur, Fundador Reserve Brandy and sweet & sour

During the period of our first visit, it was just in time for their FREE Texas Cheese Poppers promo for every minimum purchase of Php 750. You need to get the validation code online in order to get your FREE Texas Cheese Poppers on your next visit. So, on our second visit, we got our FREE food and you know it... this was definitely one hell of a pig out. HAHA!

Texas Cheese Poppers
Mini cheese poppers, green onions and cilantro, all rolled into a special seasoned breading and lightly fried until golden brown. Served with zesty chipotle ranch dipping sauce.
( Php 325 + 10% service charge)

PROS:

• The staffs were very warm, attentive, and made sure you are having a great time and enjoying your food. 
• I love the food variety and the overall quality. Definitely good for family or barkada bonding.
• The restaurant is very clean and spacious. I am glad they have a smoking and non-smoking areas.

CONS:

• Limited parking space though.

THE VERDICT: ★ ★ ★ ★

I'm not a fan of American food but what made me love this place is the Mexican twist in it... plus I LOVE spicy foods. This is definitely a good place to hangout with your friends and family. You could tell the staffs are well trained and always put a smile on their faces which is a ++ points for me. Overall I say you could never go wrong with this place. 

P.S. Already tried this restaurant? Feel free to share your experience and recommend a dish on the comment section! Thank you! xoxo

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Chili's Philippines

Tomas Morato Avenue,

Laging Handa, Quezon City

Monday to Thursday 11:00 AM - 12:00 MN

Friday to Saturday 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

FULL LIST OF THEIR BRANCHES CHECK IT HERE!

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