Lōla Cafe + Bar

It's quite a surprise I was took here one night for our dinner date, THANK YOU. As frequent food trippers of Tomas Morato, he must have eyed on this restaurant when we once dined at its neighboorhood Buenissimo by Cafe Ysabel. 

Lōla Cafe + Bar is a safe haven surrounded by lush greenery amidst the hustle and bustle of Tomas Morato. This post-WWII-ancestral-house-turned-resto was named after the house owner and mother of the Sanvictores family. 

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

Veggie Hummus
eggplant hummus served with pita bread
(Php 150 + 10% service charge)

Herbed pita bread was very crispy.

Mixed Seafood Stew
fish, shrimp, mussel slow cooked basil tomato sauce
(Php 300 + 10% service charge)

Tapa Benedicts

two-piece English muffin with beef tapa, caramelized onion,
poached egg and drizzled with Hollandaise dressing

(Php 350 + 10% service charge)

Their famous Filipinized version of egg Benedicts, the tapa was tender and flavorfully sweet. The Hollandaise dressing was creamy.  

Cocktails: Sao Paolo
whiskey, vodka, bellpepper, apple, lychee syrup
(Php 195 + 10% service charge)

Mocktails: Rio
mint leave, grapefruit, and soda(Php 120 + 10% service charge)

Refreshing drinks on cute mason jars. 

PROS:

• A very homey hangout place for family/friends and an ideal restaurant for intimate date nights. 
• An impressive two storey place with an alfresco dining space. The white-black-gray interior from inside-out made it look modern, chic and cozy leaving no traces that it was used to be an post WWII ancestral house. 
• Enjoyed their mocktails & cocktails. Their presentation of food and drinks are a treat in the senses.
• Nice staffs.

CONS:

• We didn't enjoy what we ordered. Maybe, we should've tried their pastas as what the people in the social media were giving praises about.

THE VERDICT: ★ ★ ★ 

I'd definitely commend everything about the place but the taste of the food. I'm slightly curious on what I've missed out on their pastas though. Hence, I might think twice before going back at the restaurant again. 

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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Lōla Cafe + Bar

99 Scout Lozano, Near Tomas Morato, 
Laging Handa, Quezon City

Operating Hrs: 

Sunday, Tues. to Thurs. - 3pm to 11pm
Fri to Sat. 3pm to 1am

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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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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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Ariake

Our visit here was totally unplanned. It just so happened that we're craving for Japanese food and while in search of a good Japanese restaurant in the vicinity of Tomas Morato, he spotted Ariake. At first, we're both skeptical because we're not familiar with the place, but we took the risk.

Upon entering the door at the first floor (main restaurant is located at the 2nd flr), you'll spot a running water on the wall and it's sound  was accompanied by a very soothing music, giving you a relaxing spa-like feel. 

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

Kani Salad
( Php 140)

Salmon Sashimi

Yakimono (Asupara Bacon Maki)
( Php 175)

Baked Oysters
(Php 265)

Awesome technology here.
They even have this on every tables which is connected to 
watch-like gadgets of their waiters. Different buttons according to your needs.
Even fooled around to check if it's really working. HAHAHA!   

PROS:

• They have an attentive staff and even love that techy thingy.
• The food is of good quality but not pricey. 
• The restaurant is very private, clean and spacious.

CONS:

• None that I've observed..

THE VERDICT: ★ ★ ★ ★

We've been here twice. I think this has become our go-to place whenever we're in the mood for a good Japanese food around Tomas Morato. I say, it's probably one of those underrated restaurants out there. There's nothing I love more than private restaurants with good quality of food.

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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Ariake

Unit C Barretto Bldg, 

284 Tomas Morato Corner Scout Rallos, 

Sacred Heart, Quezon City

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

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