Quezon Buffet Restaurant Fishermall Food Review

I'm always a big fan of both Pinoy and traditional Spanish cuisine, so when we found this restaurant called Quezon Buffet restaurant in Quezon City area, we immediately checked it out. I was curious to find out if they could live up to my expectations. It did!  

Coun. Yul Sevo, TV host Bobby Yan and a beauty queen.

 I enjoyed everything that I’ve tried out on: from the salted egg vinaigrette salad dressings, sinigang-based salad dressings on arugula and romaine lettuce, main dishes such as tiger prawns in garlic and butter, molo soup, pakbet, beef tapa, dinakdakan, an array of l crispy lechon and I especially loved their seafood paella.  This restaurant offers a wide range of filipino dishes with a modern take into it. I love the twist on the menu and well-loved dishes. It's not pricey but we still enjoyed quality buffet and it's still not as expensive as other restaurants in its class. Ambience is smart-casual, with a relaxed atmosphere, well-lit and homey interiors, plus service is very good. Can't wait to have a chance to go back again when I'm around that area! Highly recommended!

Quezon Buffet's Seafood Paella

Had visitors from France recently that I wanted to treat to some Filipino food and decided to go to back to Quezon Buffet restaurant [that’s why it had taken quite sometime for me to write about my experience]. My foreign visitors were really impressed and I was happy considering that one of them was eating Filipino food for the first time. And you know that the French are very particular about what they eat and drink. Service was good, quick and unobtrusive. And the best thing about this dining experience was it didn't cost much. Definitely this is a restaurant you can bring foreign visitors to. It makes you proud to be Filipino.

Present during the Quezon Buffet restaurant robbing cutting ceremony were Councilor Yul Sevo and several beauty queens.

Lovely interiors kinda brings you back to the 1800s during Spanish Times. Perfect place to end the night. I was really impressed with the Adobo, which I had come to consider a relatively unimpressive dish due to my experience elsewhere in the Philippines, but here it was delicately cooked, the meat pieces properly selected and it was tender and full of flavours. 

The staff were polite, but did not seem to be interested to advise us and left our friends to make decisions without making any suggestions. 
Due to the large variety of the dishes on the buffet there is no point in going through favourites. You will probably have to go several times to try enough dishes to know what you like best. 

Overall good value for money. The Filipino and Spanish food and were nicely complemented by the decor and atmosphere of the end of century (post colonial) Manila.

Quezon Buffet restaurant is located at the 2nd level of Fishermall in Quzon Avenue, Quezon City. 

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

Jollibee keeps the tradition of spreading Christmas cheer alive in 21st Maaga ang Pasko

Press release: Making every Christmas brighter and more joyful for over two decades, Jollibee celebrated the launch of Maaga ang Pasko, now on its 21^st year. This 2015, the country’s longest-running annual toy and book drive is continuing its mission to inspire more kindhearted Filipinos to donate gifts and spread the early Christmas cheer to less fortunate kids.

Spearheading the donation drive as lead Jolly Toy Scouts are child actor Marco Masa, The Voice Kids Philippines Season 1 grand winner Lyca Gairanod and finalist Darlene Vibares, and Goin’ Bulilit kids Angelo Alayon, JM Gacayan, and Belle Mariano. The new batch of Jolly Toy Scouts hope to inspire other kids like them to share their pre-loved toys and books to make other kids happy.

During the various campaign launches held nationwide, these kids led by example by donating their own toys and books.

Holiday baking made easy with Midea Pressure Cooker + Bibingka (rice cake) recipe

Filipinos are known for our penchant for festivities and love for good food. Celebrations and banquets are inseparable in our culture and with the holiday season rolling in, a lot of us are gearing up for the coming parties waiting to be attended and hosted.

Being charming hosts are also very innate among Filipinos. It isn’t uncommon to use social occasions as an opportunity to showcase a signature dish or a passed down family recipe.  It adds a personal touch to a celebration and is a foolproof way of making an occasion even more special.

The Christmas season is that one time of the year when everyone goes all out with food preparations. Besides from Noche Buena favorites, however, desserts are also a huge hit during the holiday season.

But did you know that you can whip your very own yuletide sweets even without an oven? A dash of resourcefulness and a bit of creativity is all it takes to make your very own Christmas treat!

Goodah's Tapa Festival Food Review

Goodah Tapa Festival introduces Tapa Flakes, Tapa Bacon and the Original Tapsilog

We were among the selected bloggers who were invited to have a taste of Goodah’s Tapa Festival where they have introduced three exciting tapa plates for loyal consumers to try. Of course, there’s nothing like having Beef Tapa, sinangag and itlog or better known as tapsilog [marinated beef strips with garlic fried rice and sunny side up egg], it is after all, a very Filipino breakfast staple. In fact, for most people, they’d love having tapsilog any time of the day that’s why it’s no longer a surprise when you’ll see an open 24/7 Tapsilog joints.

Planas Pantry Sgt. Esguerra Branch Food Review: Comfort Food + Homey ambiance

My friends and I recently agreed to meet up and try the newly opened restaurant along Sgt. Esguerra Street in South Triangle, Quezon City [just beside Hi-Top Supermart] called Planas Pantry. The said establishment is like a breath of fresh air from the rows of establishments because it basically stands out. With its glass panels and awesome homey ambiance, Planas Pantry seems to beckon one from the outside. 

The minute I stepped inside Planas Pantry, it felt like I was being brought back in time to my teen years. Why is that so? Well, Planas Pantry is reminiscent of my favorite recycled stationery store as a teen, remember Papemelroti? The said establishment is Pinterest-perfect. It also exudes a positive vibe with wonderful décor to boot. With a warm and friendly welcoming ambiance aside from great menu selections and healthy drink choices. The food is reasonably-priced too. 

Larry J Cafe's New Menu Offering Food Review

Spinach empanaditas

My family and I have been loyal clientele of the LJC Group of restaurants. We truly enjoyed Filipino foods served at any LJC restaurants because hands down, they really had the best ones. Security Blanket along with my friends found ourselves at Larry J’s Café in Serendra. Although the service was a little on the slow side, the wait was worthwhile as all the food we’ve had was just amazing, appealing and most of all, satisfying to my palate! 

Vegetable samosas

For appetizers, my friends and I shared on Spinach Empanaditas and Vegetable Samosas. I love the crunch of the phyllo pastry. They are also fresh in taste. The fillings are just right and the sauce for the veggie samosas was perfect. Imagine your beloved spinach and artichoke dip as filling for the empanaditas, that’s how good it tastes like.

Eggplant caprese

Wok-Seared "Shaking" Beef Recipe by Chef Martin Yan

Wok-seared "shaking" beef with onions, green and red bell peppers on a bed of green leafy veggies and  fried potato strips

Wok-Seared "Shaking" Beef by Chef Martin Yan

Ingredients:
Marinade:
1 tsp. Soy Sauce
2 tsp. Cornstarch
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb. Sirloin beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp. cooking oil
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1/2 Red onion, cut into 1-inch squares
1 Green Onion, cut into 1-inch length
1 Red jalapeno (or any red large chili) sliced
1/2 Green bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch squares
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch squares
1 tbsp. Fish sauce
1 tbsp. Hoisin Sauce
1 tbsp. Chili sauce
1 tbsp. Water
2 tsp. Rice vinegar
2 tsp. soy sauce
2 tbsp. rice wine
1 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 bunch Watercress, washed and trimmed

Procedure:

1. Combine marinade ingredients in a medium bowl. Add beef, stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. 
2. Heat a wok over high heat until hot. Add oil, swirling to coat sides. Add beef; cook until a brown crust forms on the edges, about 3 minutes. Remove beef and set aside. 
3. Add garlic, red onion and green onion and cook until fragrant, Add sliced red chili, green and red bell peppers; stir-fry for 1 minute. Return beef.
4. Add fish sauce, hoisin and soy sauce; stir to evenly coat beef.
5. Add rice wine and flambe beef. Add butter; mix until butter melts and is evenly distributed. 
6. To serve, arrange watercress on a platter and place hot beef on top. 

Yummy Magazine and KitchenAid MasterClass with Chef Penk Ching + shared recipes

I had recently been lucky to be invited to an exclusive event organized by Yummy Magazine and Kitchen Aid held at Rustan's Cubao in Gateway Mall. Yummy in partnership with Kitchenaid held Yummy x KitchenAid Masterclass cooking demo with no less than the pastry master herself, Chef Penk Ching! 

Four Seasons Buffet and Hotpot Cubao: Specialty restaurant now open in Manhattan Cubao

Good news is in store for Quezon City—the newest foodie hotspot in town has opened its second branch at Manhattan Parkview, Araneta Center. The creators of Vikings Luxury Buffet and NIU by Vikings bring you Four Seasons Buffet and Hotpot. A restaurant that provides a customizable, fresh and healthy dining experience for celebrating special occasions, or for when you simply want to enjoy a top-notch meal.

Kick back and take in the ambiance as you enjoy one of the Philippines’ best buffets. Four Seasons Buffet and Hotpot has several impressive stations, and patrons can take their pick of their meat, seafood, vegetables, appetizers, desserts, Japanese and bar options. Indulge your imagination and make the dish of your dreams with their wide selection of broths, noodles, meat, toppings and sauces. The Cubao branch also offers a pasta station and a carving station.

For P688 for weekday lunches and P888 for weekday dinners, weekends and holidays, diners can choose from chicken, pork, fish, vegetable and crowd favorite sinigang as a soup base. Combined with their selection of noodles, decorate your soup with fresh or frozen dumplings, specialty balls, your favorite protein and choice of vegetables. Select from Sate, Szechuan, Tomato and Chinese Herbs. Amp up the flavor with the many dipping sauces available. Cook it in your personal hotpot, and experience being a chef for a day!

With so many components and combinations, the possibilities are truly endless.

Cubao’s dining scene just got a whole lot better with Four Seasons Buffet & Hotpot! Visit them at the G/F, Manhattan Parkview, General Roxas Avenue, Araneta Center, Quezon City. Open every day for lunch from 11AM to 2:30PM, and for dinner from 5:30PM to 10PM. Learn more about hotpot dining here, or visit http://www.fourseasonshotpot.com.ph/ for more details.

McDonald’s new king of ‘sulit’ meals, the Chicken Fillet ala King

Looking for a filling rice meal that gives one true value for one's money? McDonalds introduces its new king of 'sulit' meals with McDo Chicken Fillet ala King. When it’s time to eat, Filipinos are known to drop what they are doing to savor a nice sit-down meal with good food and good company. Meal times become everyday special occasions that people look forward to so they can refuel or reward themselves for the day’s work.

Dads World Buffet Celebrates 38th Anniversary with half-priced one-day only treat (August 26, 2015)

In celebration of Dads World Buffet’s 38^th anniversary, for one day only, (happening on August 26, 2015) loyal clientele and guests can enjoy their favorite buffet at a special rate of 50 percent discount at Php444. Dads World Buffet is the pioneer in the buffet concept restaurant in the country. It has started with three different cuisines, but it has slowly evolved and now offers a gathering of the world’s most popular cuisines in Asia, North America, South America and Europe.

Book and Borders Café in Tomas Morato Food Review: A nook where bookworms, foodies and coffee aficionados unite

I’m basically a bookworm. So finding a nice place such as Book and Borders Café in Tomas Morato where I could simply read lazily on a soft couch while sipping on a cup of warm Salted Hot Chocolate was truly something grand for me. Situated along the long stretch of varied establishments in Tomas Morato, Book and Borders Café easily stands out. It’s both charming and inviting, it’s also the latest themed café to open in Quezon City. It caters to customers who are into reading, coffee and good food. 

Wei Wei Freshly Frozen Hotpot Product Review + DIY Hotpot Recipe

DIY Hotpot from Wei Wei, freshly frozen products

I am a self-confessed Hotpot fan. I love the warm rich soup with honest-to-goodness broth especially on a rainy season. I love making my bowl and there's a good selection of  veggies and protein options to assemble it. So when I've heard about We Wei Special Freshly Frozen hotpot in a box, I got really excited to try them. Although it's going to be my first time to cook a D-I-Y (Do-it-yourself) hotpot, I know I could never go wrong because the instructions are easy peasy.

Chef's Noodles Opens in Ayala Fairview Terraces

Foodies from the northern part of the metro can now enjoy Korean favorite Chef’s Noodle as it recently opened its latest branch in Ayala Terraces, Fairview, Quezon City.

Known for its delectable yet reasonably priced selection of Korean fare, Chef’s Noodle Philippines is a proud master franchise of the very popular Chef’s Noodle chain of restaurants in Korea.

While the fast-casual restaurant is focused on bringing authentic Korean fare to the Philippines, Chef’s Noodle is able to differentiate itself from other Korean restaurants in the country by offering unique dining options that lean towards Korean fusion. 

Owner and proprietor Ms. Simisim and MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino

The restaurant’s more adventurous take on food is something that keeps guests exciting and wanting more as the menu – which offers both Korean fusion and traditional Korean dishes; was developed by award-winning Korean celebrity chef Choi in Sun.

Tony Galvez Beauty Café Review in 9th Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City

Sir Tony Galvez and his niece Ms. Marie who's the cafe manager.

 I tried to drop by Tony Galvez Beauty Cafe simply because a friend recommended the place. Honestly, at first I could not imagine that a beauty salon, beauty school + a cute café could actually be found all under one roof! I walked in to find a beautiful little modern seating area with bright-white/ecru walls, some reds and vibrant green plants á la Forage Modern Workshop. I had just a rather gloomy day so I was sort of predisposed to a little crankiness, but the friendly faces behind the counter quickly changed my attitude. There’s a cute chalk-board menu with all of the offerings, and the prices are competitive with the other coffee shops around the hood.

Lovely recycled steel chairs gives off a vintage vibe

Mahalin Pagkaing Atin and Mercato Centrale Presents Panlasang Norte (A Showcase of famous dishes and delicacies from Northern Luzon)

Do you know your food?

In the spirit of taking pride and embracing what is uniquely Filipino, Mahalin Pagkaing Atin, a very apt advocacy campaign talks about everyone’s favorite topic—food.

Aboitiz food subsidiary boosts livestock farming through Mahalin Pagkaing Atin.

Pilmico is encouraging farmers to embrace backyard farming as a sustainable form of livelihood for locals as it distributes piglets and egg machines to selected beneficiaries with full cycle feed consumption.

Wei Wei Cold Store Products at MAFBEX

Wei Wei Cold Store, popularly referred to as Wei Wei, is one of the leading importer and distributor of frozen processed foods in the Philippines. With special focus on hotpot products, processed seafood and meatballs, our products are specially designed to meet different demands of the food industry.

Xilaimen Seafood Restaurant Food Review at Robinsons Magnolia

Xilaimen Seafood Restaurant Operations Manager Ms. Andrea Joyce Ng-Wen

Xilaimen means Happiness in Chinese. This newly opened seafood restaurant is located at the al fresco dining area of Robinsons Magnolia in New Manila, Quezon City. They were from the same people that brought us one of the best Chinese cuisine based chain of restaurants, King Bee. I guess the only difference is that Xilaimen caters more on the upscale market. We were privileged to receive an invitation from a fellow foodie to try what Xilaimen Seafood Restaurant has to offer.

Mixed Seafood with Polonchay Soup

Upgrade your coffee experience with McCafé Espresso’Clock

We all love to wake up with a warm cup of our favorite coffee in the morning. In fact, some of us couldn't even kick off their day without having some caffeine fix. And because McDonald's understands what every Filipino coffee aficionados like to help them get through all the hustle and bustle that awaits them each day, our fellows at McDonald's have a special treat for loyal customers. This will keep them ready, energized, and hopeful for a day filled with endless possibilities and opportunities. When it comes to one’s cup of Joe, flavorful and affordable make up the characteristics of the perfect blend that would give Pinoys that extra boost.

Le Jardin Manila’s new All-Day Brunch menu: Where everyday is a celebration

Duck confit crepe

Imagine an exquisite, garden-inspired interior and equally delectable French offerings. The scenario itself is enough to transport you into France. But here’s the good news: There’s such a place and it’s right here in the heart of Manila.  Le Jardin Manila has become the go-to place for anyone celebrating something special. And whether it’s basking in the sunlight streaming in through the windows or overlooking the city’s night lights, dining at Le Jardin Manila is sure to be even more delightful with the advent of their new All-Day Brunch menu served from 7:30–5PM on Tuesdays through Saturdays and till 3PM on Sundays.

Shrimp Bucket Restaurant, Il Terrazo Mall, Tomas Morato, Food Review

It had taken quite some time before I was able to attend another foodie meet-up organized by Zomato. So I was really happy when they had invited me to attend a food tasting/review of Shrimp Bucket at Il Terrazo mall, which was really just a stone’s throw away from the Philippine Showbiz Republic’s office where I’m currently working. It was my first time at Shrimp Bucket and I was pretty excited to try what their menu has to offer, especially since I am a seafood aficionado. They had this cozy ambiance complete with intricately designed stacked golden bucket towers as decorative on the ceiling. 

The unique golden Shrimp Buckets on the ceiling.

Bellysima by Mercato Centrale at Glorietta 5: Healthy Weekend Market

We’ve recently checked out BELLYSIMA @ GLORIETTA 5 last June 12. It is from the same people behind that brought us the successful Mercato Centrale and we were thrilled to find out that it will now be a regular weekend market! Find all sorts of unique and delicious market finds in one place, some of their vendor partners which include:

Rockin’ Ribs Food Review: Truly a party inside your mouth

Owners of Rockin' Ribs Party  Ms. Miki Garcia-Ayalin who made the secret ribs recipe.

Imagine this scenario: Tender and juicy, fall-off-the-bones Rockin’ Ribs half-slab smothered with special secret sauce, a cup of rice and homemade mashed potatoes on your plate. Didn’t I just made you salivate while trying to imagine those yummy goodness? I know it had taken quite sometime before I was able to finally publish my food review for them. I guess I’ve been really busy lately but at least, I wasn’t able to forget how good Rockin’ Ribs tasted like. 

McVities Digestive: The sweet biscuit with staying power

With more than 120 years of history and still counting, and after other digestive biscuits have come and gone, everyone can count on McVitie’s to stay and serve your favorite digestives. Its success definitely didn’t happen overnight, but thanks to Robert McVitie and his father William, we are now all enjoying a century- old recipe that has been trusted by millions of people around the world including the royals of United Kingdom.