GLOBE LUMPIA HOUSE: A MUST-TRY FRESH SPRING ROLL IN MANILA

A small place indeed but very popular. Globe Lumpia house started from way back.

 I’ve heard so much about a certain hole-in-the-wall lumpia house in Quiapo, but I have never been lucky to find it.  I guess, I never had the patience to go around the place and actually scoured for it. Until that day came I needed to use my Mapdroyd on my Samsung phone because I was locating something else. Voila! There it was: GLOBE LUMPIA HOUSE—the map says it’s near DEECO, right on Raon street corner Evangelista!  So the next time I’d go to Quiapo with my boss, I vow to visit Globe Lumpia House.

With two fresh lumpia from Globe, one could get full right away.

Diners at Globe Lumpia House puts hot sauce on their lumpia for that extra kick.

Here a staff makes fresh lumpia upon order through a glass.

 The scorching heat of the summer sun did not dampen my spirit to finally set foot on that hole-in-the-wall fresh spring roll house in Quiapo. And when we got there, it’s totally jampacked! There were diners inside while there was a reserved bench for customers waiting for their takeout. The smell of fresh lumpia and ground nuts with some sweet syrupy sauce wafts in the air, making our mouths water just the whiff of it. The lumpia are made right before you upon order through a glass window. I wonder, “what is it about Globe Lumpia that makes it popular since the time of my grandparents?” I don’t now how long it had been, but old folks can attest that Globe Lumpia House had been there since time immemorial—perhaps the early 1900’s will do. Come to think of it, apart from their best-selling lumpia (fresh spring roll), the two other things they sell are chicken empanada and sodas. But how come people would flock to their store every day? Some would even travel that far just so they could eat such mouthwatering lumpia goodness that only Globe Lumpia House serves. “If I pass by the Quaipo area, I always see to it to drop by Globe Lumpia House and eat there,” Jona Alforque writes on my Facebook wall upon posting a picture and status about my visit to the Globe Lumpia House.

My boss and good friend Ai enjoys Globe Lumpia.

 Do not underestimate the power of this small but terrible lumpia house. Popular celebrities and personalities adorn the walls of the said eatery. Proofs that even with high-ranking government officials or A-list personalities are fans of Globe Lumpia House.

Here's a Globe Lumpia...

My verdict: I would have to say that the Globe Lumpia is by far the freshest and cheapest I’ve ever tasted. For only Php16.00 per lumpia piece, it’s really good value for money. It tastes good even without the sweet blended sauce although I’ve noticed that customers and loyal patrons would love to pair the Globe lumpia with their special hot sauce, perhaps for a more extra kick. The veggies especially the lettuce is still crisp, and very tasty.

 I’d like to think that this dish should be a must-try for all our folks who hail from Manila. The Abuy’s lumpia found at SM malls is way too expensive for this counterpart from Quiapo. What’s more? Globe Lumpia had no artificial ingredients, sans no fanfare and is certainly more affordable! I’ve instantly become a convert! Eat here if you’re within that Quiapo area and you’ll be sure to thank yourself for such heartwarming simple yet filling meal from Globe Lumpia House. You’ll never look at fresh lumpia the same way again!

* Globe Lumpia House is in Raon Street corner Evangelista Street, Quiapo, Manila. It is near the Raon Bridge. Just ask around, don’t be shy, you’ll definitely bump into foodies searching their way to fresh spring roll heaven that is Globe Lumpia House.

Security Blanket thanks Ai for that wonderful Globe Lumpia House experience.  

MARRIOTT CAFÉ: OCEAN’S HARVEST MARKET STYLE BUFFET

Local scallops galore from Capiz.

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I hardly have time to eat out as much as I want to because of my erratic schedule. But when I choose to eat out, I like to go to a place where I can sit among my friends, and enjoy food that is genuinely good without any frills. We recently discovered Marriott Café’s Ocean’s harvest—a delightful dining experience with fresh bounties from the sea cooked just the way you want it. The Ocean’s harvest dampa-and-paluto market style of dining at this restaurant allows diners to choose from the outlet’s fresh seafood or better known as “Catch of the Day” section, and request the chefs to have it cooked the way they want it and simply indulge in the glorious taste of the bounty of the sea.

Blue crabs transformed into yummy meals!

Marriott Café takes its dining delights to greater heights by including seafood paluto style buffet, giving diners an even more satisfying meal. Presenting an exciting mix of innovative dishes, classic cuisine, comfort foods and personalized a la minute cooking, the buffet spread brings delectable gustatory possibilities to anticipate the craving of any foodie. Still evoking the Marriott Café signature style of degustation-like choices that seek to entice and gratify.

Tiger prawns and squids

Fresh Catch station

Selected bloggers were recently invited to bask in this sumptuous seafood buffet. Marriott Manila’s executive Sous Chef Elmer Fabella happily guided the bloggers on how it works: “Just choose anything you want from the “catch of the Day” station and tell the chef how you want it to be prepared. No recipes required. You’ll then be given a number, placed it on your table and wait for the food to be served.” To ensure that all seafood we buy is always fresh, we source our hotel’s fresh seafood from Navotas fish port daily,” adds Chef Fabella.

The noodle atelier with the chefs.

So if you love eating seafood at buffets, but you also want the freedom to order off the menu, this is the perfect place to go. Trust me, take a look at their wide variety of seafood’s, it will really leave you with all the choices. And don’t forget to look at other meals on their buffet spread; it’s also very enjoyable. 

Our first bite into what I now declare as seafood buffet heaven came in the form of freshly baked scallops. The scallop literally melts in your mouth.  Among their selection of seafood, the Seafood Lasagna is really a must-try. Its creamy cheese is really good!

My baked scallops order

The buttered garlic prawns is such a simple dish bursting with flavor. No need to use your hands to peel off the shells and enjoy the tiny bits of garlic and herbs into the dish.  Same thing goes for the Singaporean Chili Crab—perfectly made with its tangy sweet and spicy sauce with the texture of pungent onion leeks for a contrast. 

Tiger prawns in garlic buttered sauce.

Chili crabs with onion leeks

The Laksa Soup was impeccable. In the steaming, fragrant coconut cream based soup lies a balanced mix of fish and veggies incorporated with spices, all contributing varying degrees of bite and flavors. Such an opulent take, it makes my mouth water just thinking of it.

Grilled dory is a visual delight with the fillet grilled to beautiful golden brown color without the slightest bit of charring, and drizzled with some creamy lemony garlic sauce. The fillet is very tender and moist with a pronounced citrus taste from the lemon.

These are some of the delectable cakes at the buffet.

Marriott Café is also a good place to chow down fresh sashimi, a good spread of sushi rolls and a healthy serving of other Japanese fare. The thing I most love about it, is the speedy service, cordial and cool staff—the kind that always make you feel comfortable even if you’ve order enough for an army. Oh, by the way, the greens and fruits at the salad bar as well as the gelato and dessert station are also worth checking out for. The greens that came with my herbed based arugula salad was so good that I didn’t feel bad at all for having eaten so much. 

Fish in sinigang (stew)

Lemony buttered crabs.

Sorbet and homemade gelato ice cream to choose from

Finally, the sweetest of endings, Marriott Café, for all its entree’s’ worth, had the Chocolate Soufflé cake, and Chantilly cream—it will render you speechless the entire time you’re eating, if only to savor every single bite. The Chocolate Marquise, on the other hand, chocolate terrine drizzled with vanilla custard sauce—is pure indulgence! And did I mention the various panna cotta creations and tiramisu cakes? OMG! There are simply no words. 

The giant chocolate fountain with marshmallows and candies to drive the child in you.

Executive Sous Chef Elmer Fabella

A chef sautes my order infront of me.

Guests will love the ambiance at the cafe.

Well lighted and comfy seats will make one feel right at home.

The dining experience in Marriott café is likewise and unhurried just as it should be. It’s also unusual to spot this age’s version of royalty—high-powered politicians or A-list celebrity dining at the café. But you’ll probably be enjoying your food too much to even care. One thing’s certain though; tummies will surely come out of the Ocean’s Harvest Marriott Café experience happy and full.  

Ocean’s Harvest is held every Friday and Saturday nights from 6:00PM-10: 30PM at Php2, 300/paxFor inquiries and reservations, call 988-9999.

Marriott Café is located at the Marriott Hotel Manila, 10 Newport Boulevard, Newport City Complex, Pasay City

Security Blanket thanks Marriott Café, the lovely women of Marriott Hotel Manila Ms. Michelle Garcia, Marketing Communications Director, and Ms. April Gonzales, Marketing Communications Assistant. 

ATELIER 317: VISUAL AND GASTRONOMICAL FEAST

The cute little cafe that says you're on the right place.

We did not expect to find Atelier 317 in the middle of a residential area of Palm Street in Makati--and so smartly decorated to boot. The brainchild of lovely columnist/chef/entrepreneur Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi, Atelier 317 (Atelier means workplace), has become an instant success since it first opened its doors in November of last year (2012). And why not? Its interiors feature a dainty yet cozy ambiance with an option for an al fresco dining.

It's cuteness all-over starting off with the Perrier bottle infront.

Smoking area and al fresco dining.

Its wait staff is cordial, friendly and prompt. Although it seems like its the first of its kind to serve no particular cuisine--hailed as "borderless cuisine" by many--it has set for itself a high standard when it comes to comfort food. The menu of Atelier 317 is basically diverse. From salads to usual soups to rice plates and pasta and even coffee or tea, all the way to desserts. Their menu repertoire are really good. The molo soup for instance, it had the fresh and even texture of the shitake mushroom that goes well with the foie gras and other flavors. It's comfort food in a bowl.

Just as it is in Europe where menus are written on blackboard.

Lovely interiors will make you feel at home right away.

A bar for wine and spirits.

Best seller Vietnamese Cha Ca Lavong

Start off with some Mezza platter, roasted bell pepper and feta dip, green pea hummus, and charred spicy eggplant along with pita breads and crudites (P400). Although its got a spicy bite for some added kick, you can't help but grab one bread after another. It's really that good! They're a perfect appetizer to start off your meal. Their lamb gyoza is made from deep fried Moroccan spiced lamb with a harissa yogurt dipping sauce (P280).

Kesong Puti Capresse Salad

Their Balsamic Beef Adobo is made from US Black Angus Short Rib and slow cooked to perfection. So soft, topped with tarragon leaves for that French touch and flavor. The adobo is served with Portobello Mushroom Red Rice, P3,500 (good for six people) and P650 for individual serving.

Balsamic Adobo

Bicol Express

Mezza Platter

Kesong Puti Capresse Salad

For a refreshing meal, try the Flamed Kesong Puti Capresse Salad. Salad tomatoes torched on an open flame for a smoky flavor, served with olive oil, balsamic reduction. It tastes a bit sweet but had a subtle flavor, very light.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rosemary Mustard Roast Pork Tenderloin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spicy Corn and Crab Pasta

As for their Rosemary Mustard Roast Pork Tenderloin, it's rubbed with dijon and white wine served on a bed of apples and potatoes at P850 (good for two).  Curry lovers will rejoice over Sri Lankan Black Curry Chicken--crisp chicken thigh fillet doused in special roasted curry sauce served with cardamon scented basmati rice and fried eggplant raita priced at P550. This one has more attitude with slight kick you'll get from the curry and fragrant rice. It has a richer flavor that will make you crave for more.

Best-sellers and my favorite remains to be the Vietnamese Cha Ca Lavong--creamy dory fillet sauteed in turmeric and lemongrass, topped with a mountain of fresh herbs and crispy shallots, vermicelli noodles and Vietnamese dressing. I also enjoyed Lamb Bolognese--Mediterranean take on Italian favorite. A dry lamb ragu, veggies and spices with homemade pasta.  But to really get a taste of Atelier 317, get yourself a Molo (with Foie Gras) Soup, Gambas Y Chorizo, Chicken Bicol Express, Moroccan Lamb Chops with Caldereta Vegetable Stew--you certainly wouldn't want to leave anytime soon.

 

 

 

One of the desserts

If you still have room for desserts, order the simple yet filling banana with rum, or choose from any Casa San Luis cakes and pastries. The Apple Pie's really good and so does the Pumpkin Pie. What makes dining at Atelier 317 even more special is the fact that you'll be feasting with an ambiance of an old world feel complete with heavy hardwood furnishings typically seen from an English Tea Party as well as vintage paraphernalia, cute and dainty items which definitely adds to the charm of the place as well as each meal.

Atelier 317 bursts of passion, art, love and life--serving nothing but yummy goodies--always yearning to create and inspire. Special thanks to Ms. Nana Nadal for the invite.

Come and visit Atelier 317 located at 6060 Palma Street, Makati. From Rockwell Drive, turn right after Ateneo and BDO.  When you visit Atelier 317, make sure to try something new. Either way, you won't go wrong with the quality of food preparation and fresh ingredients!

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are my own.

The author with Ms. Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi

Molo with foie gras soup

KEBABERS: FIRST KEBAB FASTFOOD IN THE PHILIPPINES

Great things starts from small beginnings. Kebabers started out as a small kiosk in St. Luke's Medical Center in E. Rodriguez, Quezon City back in 2009. Its owners, engaged couples Ms. Mika Baron and Mr. Ron Ong only decided to further expand in 2012 when they've opened up a dine-in store in front of the Ateneo De Manila University (Gate2) in Katipunan. Since then, aside from offering a wide variety of Middle Eastern fare on their menu, Kebabers branches continues to expand as well. 

With Kapitolyo, Pasig branch opening on April 15, 2013--there are actually more branches to pen within the next couple of months,  Kebabers' loyal patrons will also be happy to note that the Kapitolyo branch has 48 sitting capacity in a tatami style seater amidst an AC dining area. 

Security Blanket through the kind invitation of a fellow blogger friend, was able to try Kebaber's unique beef, chicken and fish kebab! Yes, for health-conscious folks, fish kebab tops your must-try list for a truly guiltless dining experience. 

Here's my verdict: 

The place is very accessible, it had nice and well-lighted interiors plus cute comic strip frames that adds a spice of fun at the dining area. The cue dial that lights up once your order is ready also adds appeal and attracts more yuppies and youngsters alike. The staff were friendly, courteous and eager to assist anytime. 

The grub: Kebabers actually had a lot to offer. They have Shawarma, Keema, Beef Pichos (Persian Nachos), Chili fingers or Dynamite, Twister fries and of course, the house specialty--Kebabs in fish, chicken and beef. So what makes Kebabers apart from other Middle East fare resto? Kebabers' kebab had their own kebabs with cheese. Imagine digging on kebabs with honest-to-goodness oozing cheese upon each bite? Sounds heavenly right? It tastes all that and more. I couldn't express it into words but having such would truly be a heavenly experience for anyone. 

The light-up cue dial is so cute!

 The Beef Pichos on the other hand had the crunchiest and biggest nachos I've ever tasted. I'd like to think that it's made that way to be able to scoop and support the loads of toppings such as the generous cheese, minced tomatoes, cucumber and onions as well as the ground beef. An order of Beef Pichos is only P95, but it's good enough for 4 persons or a barkada. A word of caution though, your jaw might hurt from too much munching. But it's really good and a great value for money. 

Kebabs on a roll: fish, chicken and beef on a bed of rice. 

Cute wall designs like this adds character.

Mr. Nino Cardenas welcomes bloggers.

Oh, while you're at Kebabers, don't miss out on their heavenly Belgian Chocolate Cake--you won't regret it! So moist and fluffy, it's the best way to cap off every meal. 

Kebabers will soon find its way to SM Manila, SM City North Edsa, and The Fort Taguig. So Shawarma and Kebab fans, do watch out for that! 

Security Blanket thanks Myrna Roman, Kebabers, Mr. Julius and Mr. Nino Cardenas. 

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.