What to expect? Get to discover countless food palaces and hell's kitchens alike. You will encounter familiar restaurants and also hidden food shops that stood the test of times. Who should read this blog? Food enthusiasts and regular Juan trying to find good eats. Even if you're a local, I'm sure there's some place worth trying that you haven't stepped foot in. Join us as we eat our way across Lipa and the World :)
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Cuddleberry Roast Beef with Potato Salad in Lipa
I won't lie. I just love beef. And this love has been strengthened when I discovered roast beef when I was young. I know it is very tricky to cook beef and there are times when leathery meat are served instead of the juicy one that I've grown to like. Good thing, in Cuddleberry, this is the least of my problems. In the number of times that I have eaten here, I'm always greeted by the sumptuous beefy goodness that I crave every time someone mentions food.
My friends almost always wince whenever I mention Pancake House when asked for preferred place to eat. However, since we do not have one in Lipa, it's nice that we have Cuddleberry as as option. It also helps that the food in this place is way more affordable than other restaurants offering viands that the former lists on its menu.
And to add to my roast beef addiction, this dish can also be served with hearty serving of potato salad which I absolutely adore. The side dish is full of everything I love - potato, mayo, carrots, peas - topped with a cherry. It's truly a sight to behold. Hmmm :)
Cuddleberry also offers a wide variety of other dishes that I could not wait to try. That is if I can bring myself to order other than roast beef. Lol. For sharing perhaps?
Price Range: P100 - P200
Verdict: Delish
Landmark: SM Lipa, Carnes
My friends almost always wince whenever I mention Pancake House when asked for preferred place to eat. However, since we do not have one in Lipa, it's nice that we have Cuddleberry as as option. It also helps that the food in this place is way more affordable than other restaurants offering viands that the former lists on its menu.
And to add to my roast beef addiction, this dish can also be served with hearty serving of potato salad which I absolutely adore. The side dish is full of everything I love - potato, mayo, carrots, peas - topped with a cherry. It's truly a sight to behold. Hmmm :)
Cuddleberry also offers a wide variety of other dishes that I could not wait to try. That is if I can bring myself to order other than roast beef. Lol. For sharing perhaps?
Price Range: P100 - P200
Verdict: Delish
Landmark: SM Lipa, Carnes
Friday, November 4, 2011
Pon's Lechon Chami, Lechon Lomi, Adobo, etc. in Lipa
Lechon Chami Php70 |
First of all, my favorite lechon chami seemed alien to me. I used to order this all the time as the texture produced by noodles, meat, and chicharon was just exquisite. I may have tried this a dozen times already. Sadly though, the way it was cooked during my last visit was bland and boring. I don't normally put additional condiments to my food like soy sauce and calamansi, etc. but that faithful day, I had break away from that routine. I just hope that if fate permits and I find myself ordering the same meal, it would be just the way I enjoyed it before.
Lechon Lomi Php70 |
But of course I gave them the benefit of the doubt. However, all four of my companions weren't too happy with their meals either. Even the guys weren't able to finish their Lechon Lomi and with the company I keep, that's really saying something.
Adobo |
The Adobo is mediocre for me but a lot of people loved it. This may be because I prefer Adobo cooked twice (drained and crispy unlike traditional Adobo).
Pork Giniling |
Another usual favourite of mine is pork giniling. This is something similar to the arroz ala cubana but taste quite differently in some way. I was not able to take a bite during this time but would definitely try it sometime.
I still firmly believe that their Tapang Taal taste awesome. So I better stick to this the next time we eat here.
Hmm, the garlic fried rice tasted great though :)
Price Range: Php70 up
Verdict: What Happened?
Landmark: Lipa Bus Stop
Jeaca's Coffee & Company Chunky Chicken Sandwich, Mochaccino Blenz, etc. in Lipa
Mochaccino Blenz Php80 |
I went to Jeaca's Coffee & Company to have dessert and that's what I almost did. Since I already ate at the office, I just ordered the Mochaccino Blenz. It was delish! It was just the right sweetness that did not leave me frantically in search of insulin (not diabetic *knock on wood*).
However, since we're already out anyways, I started thinking of what to eat. My first thought was to get mango crepe as it had been a while since I last tasted one. Looking at the menu, there were just so many choices that my companions are halfway through their meal before I was able to decide on what to order. Again, I have just eaten and was actually planning to go to the gym later that day which I was not able to accomplish by the way. After an eon, I finally decided on cheese sticks as no one can go wrong with this dairy product. Sadly, it was currently not available and so I browsed the menu once more.
Plain Chicken Sandwich Php98 |
My indecisiveness has caused me my chance to a meal but no matter. Food was the least of my priorities at that moment. Since my manager ordered an extra chunky chicken sandwich, I took part and ate that instead. Hmm, it was quite tasty and filling. The chicken was garnished to be interesting enough without being overwhelming. I was not in the mood for tomatoes though so I just took it out and placed it on the plate."
Cheesy Nachos with Ground Beef |
Tanduay Ice Php40 |
Now, our program director thought of a brilliant idea. He wanted to treat us to a few "spirits". And in the "spirit" of giving, I volunteered to pay for cheesy nachos with ground beef. Ti's the season to be jolly! Or maybe corny? LOL. The cheese melting away from the corn chip was really appetizing as it was tasty. But this could have been improved with a bit of salsa (not in the mood for tomatoes, eh?).
Sizzling Sisig Php108 |
Anyway, there are plenty more choices in Jeaca's Coffee & Company. The Sizzling Sisig look devilishly good but I failed to take a bite of it. This may be something that I would try on my second visit. That is if I don't get more enticed with the Chicken Breast Steak.
Chicken Breast Steak Php88 |
Another recommendation would be their Pork Binagoongan Rice Topping. And what I like about the place? Whether you want to indulge yourself or stay on the budget, there's something for you in this relaxing coffee company.
Price Range: Php88 - Php300
Verdict: Again, again!
Landmark: Blue Sapphire Events Center, Club Stratosphere, Fernando Air Base
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Gotohan sa Barangay Home Style Fried Chicken, Seafood Curry, etc. in Lipa
This is the continuation of the Gotohan sa Barangay experience. As I mentioned on my first entry, Gotohan sa Barangay boasts of other choices for that ultimate gastronomic experience. Bitukang Mura This has been a staple every time we dine here. And as always, our special request is for it to be cut into smaller pieces and to be cooked well done or tostado. This is definitely a must-try. Seafood Curry Now this is something new for me. And surprisingly, the one who recommended it is someone not from Lipa but ParaƱaque. As I was used to just eating chicken curry, I was really reluctant to try it out. But for the sake of it, I did! And boy, it was a real treat. The kani (crabstick) served its purpose quite beautifully. Home Style Fried Chicken This is also the first time I've tasted their fried chicken. It taste a bit like Max's but with that extra homey feel. There are two dips available - catsup and sweet chili sauce. This will definitely give expensive restaurants a run for their money. Ham and Cheese Sandwich I recommend the sandwich for those who wants to have a light meal or those who's not very familiar with the rest of the choices on the menu. Since I'm a big fan of this duo, I wouldn't mind it as a side during meal. Just don't forget to share it with company. Lol. My foodventure in the Gotohan sa Barangay in Lipa City proved that though goto is their forte, they also offer a wide variety of choices for the picky eater. Price Range: P50 - P200 Verdit: Pleasant Surprise See related links: What else is on the Menu? Gotohan sa Barangay Goto Laman in Lipa City |
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Gotohan sa Barangay Goto Laman in Lipa City
Gotohan sa Barangay has been around for more than 30 years. For a business with less foot traffic than places in the Metro, that's really saying a lot. This was earlier attributed to their pet ariwana whose huge aquarium is easily viewable near the cashier. However, the pet is no longer there as the original one was said to have jumped out of the water and died. And so, the incident was rumored to have caused a blow on the business for a period of time. Right now, this is no longer evident as Gotohan sa Barangay has renovated since then - its cemented infrastracture, a sight to behold.
Almarius Grill and Resort in Lipa City
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Wang Shan Lo Chinese Cuisine All You Can Eat Buffet in Cebu
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
KKB Eatery Tosilog in Lipa City
Monday, October 24, 2011
Da Vinci's Pizza Da Vinci's Masterpiece in Cebu
Da Vinci's Masterpiece is truly a work of art. It is a white sauce pizza with Italian sausage, beef, pepperoni, mushroom, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. The crust is oven baked to perfection - not too thick, not too thin. Unlike other commercial pizzas available in the Philippines, Da Vinci's Masterpiece does not swim in oil and salt. The ingredients exudes freshness so you're not likely to get tired of devouring it day after day (well, only if you're not a rice person). Condiments are readily available such as catsup, hot sauce, and pepper. Although I normally shower my pizza with pepper, this time I just stuck with the piece itself. Like what they say, do not fix what's not broken. The place is a bit dimly lit and the place has a yellow aura which when combined could encourage eating - not that we needed additional empowerment. After three slices, I could definitely say that Da Vinci's well deserve its claim for pizza sauce fame. Price Range: Php128 - Php348 9" pizza = Php128 12" pizza = Php228 16" pizza = Php348 Verdict: Yumminess Landmark: There are 7 locations in Gaisano Tabunok, Paseo Arcenas Banawa, Osmena Blvd., I. T. Park Lagug, Centro Mandaue, Parkmall North Reclamation, and Marina Mall Mactan |
Fae Fae Lechon Sisig in Lipa City
Friday, October 21, 2011
Kublai Khan's Mongolian Eat-All-You-Can
With the need of breakfast for kings, we roamed around Cebu for good eats. And we only had one rule, find a place that we do not have in Lipa. Finally, we reached an Ayala mall where we set foot to Kublai Khan's Mongolian Eat-All-You-Can.
I'm not really a big fan of eat all you can because more often than not, the food is tasteless or expensive and probably life threatening. Lol.
But here, you get 3 major choices: Eat All You Can, All You Can Fill Bowl, Check A Bowl. You also get to choose meals per bowl and desserts. And so we settled for the All You Can Fill Bowl wherein you just fill your bowl with meat, veggies, and spices from an array of choices and the cook will put it over fire.
So I carefully put together my meal with spring onions, red pepper, sweet potatoes, beef, pork, chicken, squid balls, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, teriyake sauce, barbeque sauce, rice and other random sauces and spices available. After that, I just handed it to the waitress and waited for my concoction to come together.
Upon seeing my cooked mixed rice, I felt overwhelmed and thought that I would not be able to finish it. Partly because it was filled to the rim and also because I drank 2 glasses of lemonade while waiting for it.
But the taste was just right for me. It was not too salty as most restaurant prepared food and it was because I made it that way. I bet anyone can be a kitchen superstar when eating here. Ha ha. But, on the other hand, things can go very wrong when this get to the control of someone who has not even a basic inkling of how flavors work. Oh well, I see only 0.0001% of this happening. And besides, the worst thing that could happen is them tasting something they could not fully enjoy or consume to the last grain.
So there you go. I would definitely recommend the place for those who are not in a much hurry. The place is affordable and fun to be in - you'd be entertained with all the aphorisms that Kublai Khan has.
Price Range: Php110 - Php250
Verdict: Choose your own FoodVenture
Landmark: Ayala Cebu
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Matias Foodhauz Chicken Inasal, Pork BBQ, Chorizo in Cebu
Lights, camera, eatment! That was the first thought I had upon reaching Matias in Mandaue City. The smell of the grille is just mesmerizing. Chicken Inasal dominates the atmosphere and hot "puso" rice lay on the table waiting to be devoured by 3 starving batanguenos. Our local friends asked if we wanted utensils but nope, we wanted the whole experience and so we're in our fighting form ready to eat by hand. The wait is killing me.
Finally, when the food arrived, the inevitable happened - galit galit muna. We ate our heart out. I had a bit of everything and even learned a new way to cook rice - boiling grains of it while wrapped in banana leaves. The highlight of the meal is the grilled chorizo which really is sweet longganisa and not the chinese or spanish chorizo that others are familiar with. In addition, we had chicken inasal, a staple here, and pork barbeque.
Just imagine that Matias Foodhauz used to be a little eatery beside the owners home but because of its success, the house itself was converted to a huge homey restaurant catering to the business's expansion.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Shabu Shabu
Now here is something different from the ones I've been posting initially. And quite frankly, this is the first time that I've set foot or even heard of this place in our humble city. My first thought was that I prefer to go elsewhere as I have long been protesting paying good money to cook my own food. On the other hand, I was excited to try something out of my usual foodventures. I have had no bad experience from previous shabu shabus that I've been to in the past so why not, right? Well, why indeed.
First, which I think was very obvious - this is not a good place to bring children to. And since more than half of our pack were toddlers to grade schoolers, the thought of boiling water in a very accessible place was not something to look forward to. And then there's the time constraint. I kept thinking that it will take longer than a regular meal and I'll end up tardy for the very first time on my new post. But turns out, it was quite the opposite. No major disaster took place and instead of being an hour late (as promised to my manager), I was an hour early *moment clap*. So I was proven wrong at these two paradigm. Then there was the food, raw food. Something that I really don't like seeing since I have difficulty eating things that I witnessed being cooked. Especially if it's something whose life needs to be taken right in front of me. Nope, I'm not vegan (you wished). So there's that. But I do enjoy watching things on fire or in this case, boil.
My older brother was on constant reminder of what to "cook" first. I was not really paying much attention but pretended that I was in appreciation of his every word. So, sort of following orders, I placed the prawn first on the boiling soup (I may have skipped a few things like the unshelled egg, "gabi", and 5 other ingredients that I should have thought of first. Oh well. After seeing the immediate redding of the sea being, I took it out and pretended that it was all part of the process. So, carefully looking at the experts, my niece and nephew right across me, I placed the other ingredients in the hot pot.
Since I was now famished and I know that what I created was definitely not yet ready. I started scavenging the table for something to fill my stomach up with. And to my delight, there were thinly sliced bacon and beef right in front of me. Since they were relatively easier to cook, I dipped some in the soup and as soon as it got brown enough, I took it out and began studying it. Hmm, needs more flavor. Tons more. So I let it swim on the soy sauce provided and it was surprisingly tasty. This was what I consumed until I almost forgot the other thing I was cooking. So, I got the corn from the hot spot together with the shrimp which was really the highlight of my dinner and savored its flavor. Not bad, not bad. I could definitely do this all night. And then I the though of the cooking process again made me think twice. So I went back to the seafood and vegetable well and fished for the next best thing, kani and squid balls. They were okay but not really worth noting. And so I went ahead and enjoyed the rice noodle and vegetable which I soon left unfinished. What a meal! This may definitely be rewarding to frustrated cooks who feel a sense of accomplishment when they prepared something edible. Even though you can't really go wrong with throwing precooked food and spiced up soup. For me, I don't regret being there. It was my mom's birthday and I definitely had to be there. The food was good, true. But I'll only go back if the one paying is someone other than yours truly. Bow.
Price range: no idea
Verdict: yummy when free
Landmark: PKI
*Thumbs up if you thought pictures look crappy. That was because we were too hungry to take pictures prior to the meal :)
First, which I think was very obvious - this is not a good place to bring children to. And since more than half of our pack were toddlers to grade schoolers, the thought of boiling water in a very accessible place was not something to look forward to. And then there's the time constraint. I kept thinking that it will take longer than a regular meal and I'll end up tardy for the very first time on my new post. But turns out, it was quite the opposite. No major disaster took place and instead of being an hour late (as promised to my manager), I was an hour early *moment clap*. So I was proven wrong at these two paradigm. Then there was the food, raw food. Something that I really don't like seeing since I have difficulty eating things that I witnessed being cooked. Especially if it's something whose life needs to be taken right in front of me. Nope, I'm not vegan (you wished). So there's that. But I do enjoy watching things on fire or in this case, boil.
My older brother was on constant reminder of what to "cook" first. I was not really paying much attention but pretended that I was in appreciation of his every word. So, sort of following orders, I placed the prawn first on the boiling soup (I may have skipped a few things like the unshelled egg, "gabi", and 5 other ingredients that I should have thought of first. Oh well. After seeing the immediate redding of the sea being, I took it out and pretended that it was all part of the process. So, carefully looking at the experts, my niece and nephew right across me, I placed the other ingredients in the hot pot.
Since I was now famished and I know that what I created was definitely not yet ready. I started scavenging the table for something to fill my stomach up with. And to my delight, there were thinly sliced bacon and beef right in front of me. Since they were relatively easier to cook, I dipped some in the soup and as soon as it got brown enough, I took it out and began studying it. Hmm, needs more flavor. Tons more. So I let it swim on the soy sauce provided and it was surprisingly tasty. This was what I consumed until I almost forgot the other thing I was cooking. So, I got the corn from the hot spot together with the shrimp which was really the highlight of my dinner and savored its flavor. Not bad, not bad. I could definitely do this all night. And then I the though of the cooking process again made me think twice. So I went back to the seafood and vegetable well and fished for the next best thing, kani and squid balls. They were okay but not really worth noting. And so I went ahead and enjoyed the rice noodle and vegetable which I soon left unfinished. What a meal! This may definitely be rewarding to frustrated cooks who feel a sense of accomplishment when they prepared something edible. Even though you can't really go wrong with throwing precooked food and spiced up soup. For me, I don't regret being there. It was my mom's birthday and I definitely had to be there. The food was good, true. But I'll only go back if the one paying is someone other than yours truly. Bow.
Price range: no idea
Verdict: yummy when free
Landmark: PKI
*Thumbs up if you thought pictures look crappy. That was because we were too hungry to take pictures prior to the meal :)
Monday, October 17, 2011
Uncle Cheffy Cheese, Cheese, and Cheese Panizza in Lipa
Uncle Cheffy Cheese, Cheese, and Cheese Panizza
I love it! Though this may be biased as cheese has a special space in my heart. The dough was just right
for its purpose and the cheese concoction was fab. Mozzarella + bleu cheese + parmesan + cheddar + gruyere + other herbs = yummy yummy.
It's also best eaten with lettuce, tomato salsa, and alfalfa sprouts wrapped in a slice of panizza. The best part? The price. It's definitely something to rave about as one order is good for sharing. So if you have had enough of the manager's choice and super supreme of the world, then head straight to Uncle Cheffy's.
Price Range: P220 for Medium
Verdict: Delish
Land Mark: Lipa City Hall, Max's, Hap Chan
Labels:
Delish,
Lipa,
Marawoy,
Uncle Cheffy - Lipa
Location:
Marawoy, Lipa City, Philippines
KKB Eatery Tapsilog in Lipa
KKB Eatery Tapsilog (Tapa + Sinangag + Itlog)
I have been eating this tapsilog ever since I can remember. If I'm not mistaken, this may have been the very first tapsilog that I tasted in my life, Before, we eat at KKB whenever someone gets admitted since it's just across the hospital where I was born (nope, this is not what they put in my formula bottle, LMAO).
Going back, I have so many fond memories at this place and the food as well. Although they have transferred for the third time (in my count), my feet always take me back to this bucolic yet tasteful place. This is the only local eatery in its caliber with notable paintings on its wall.
I've been talking about the place and not enough about the food. All I can say is that Tapa King may come and go - but I'll still go back to KKB Tapsilog as long as it's dutch. Get it? LOL.
Price Range: P50 - P70
Verdict: Delish
Land Mark: Lipa City Colleges, N.L. Villa Memorial Hospital, San Sebastian Cathedral (Lipa Cathedral)
The Shop Around The Corner Baked Ziti in Lipa
The thought of baked ziti served near where I live was very promising. It brought me back to the time when I was addicted to Sbarro's baked ziti with tomato sauce - something that I just had to have almost every single day. Although this was not what I ordered as I was enticed by the three cheese ravioli at the time, I still had to have a taste of it.
So that was what my sister ordered and of course it resulted to us just sharing the two delectable dishes. I must say, I liked it better than what I ordered. It was light to the taste with chunks of lean chicken meat inside. The dish was baked and the cheese on top was a bit burnt but it did not really bother me much. That said, the next time I go to The Shop Around The Corner, I would definitely order this again - no promises though since I have my eye on the Alfredo.
Price Range: P100 - P120
Verdict: need to re-eat
Land Mark: C.M. Recto Statue, Lipa Health Center
Saturday, October 15, 2011
KKB Eatery Grilled Spare Ribs in Lipa
KKB Eatery Grilled Spare Ribs
I've been to KKB about 3 to 4 times for the last 2 weeks and found myself ordering the same thing - Grilled Spare Ribs. The meat is served on a hot plate with their infamous garlic fried rice. You can also opt to order sunny side up eggs for that extra energy - not that we needed one. LOL.
The ribs are cooked well done with a special barbeque sauce. It's somewhat sweet and spiced lightly enough that it is not overempowering. For me, I like it a bit on the hot side and red pepper sauce is readily available on their condiments table. I remember eating this when I was younger with Knorr seasoning mixed with the hot sauce. However, the last time I went there, they no longer offer this condiment which is not really a big deal to me. Hey, we gotta cut the sodium anyway.
I recommend this meal when you're super hungry or looking for comfort food. Or better yet, share it.
Price Range: P95 - 110
Verdict: Delish
Land Mark: Lipa City Colleges, N.L. Villa Memorial Hospital, San Sebastian Cathedral (Lipa Cathedral)
The ribs are cooked well done with a special barbeque sauce. It's somewhat sweet and spiced lightly enough that it is not overempowering. For me, I like it a bit on the hot side and red pepper sauce is readily available on their condiments table. I remember eating this when I was younger with Knorr seasoning mixed with the hot sauce. However, the last time I went there, they no longer offer this condiment which is not really a big deal to me. Hey, we gotta cut the sodium anyway.
I recommend this meal when you're super hungry or looking for comfort food. Or better yet, share it.
Price Range: P95 - 110
Verdict: Delish
Land Mark: Lipa City Colleges, N.L. Villa Memorial Hospital, San Sebastian Cathedral (Lipa Cathedral)
Labels:
Delish,
Grilled,
KKB Eatery,
Lipa,
Lipa Poblacion,
Main Course,
Pork,
Sizzling Plate
Location:
KKB, G Solis St, Lipa City, Philippines
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
The Shop Around The Corner Three Cheese Ravioli in Lipa
The Shop Around The Corner: Three Cheese Ravioli
The Three Cheese Ravioli was my first choice among the list. When served, it was quite disappointing because of the portion size but was acceptable since it wasn't that pricey. The bread sticks was tough to bite on but was crispy and tasty nonetheless. I dipped the bread stick to the creamy tomato sauce and I could have had that as a meal on itself.
The pasta on the other hand was less than satisfactory. The noodle was under-cooked and starchy (much like wanton noodles). Too bad as the cheese concoction inside was amazing. I hope that this was an isolated case and i would definitely give it a second try some time and pray for inconsistency. LOL.
Price Range: P100 - P120
Verdict: Bleh
Land Mark: C.M. Recto Statue, Lipa Health Center
Labels:
Bleh,
Lipa,
Lipa Poblacion,
Pasta,
The Shop Around The Corner,
TSATC
Location:
C.M. Recto Ave, Lipa City, Philippines
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