Cabalen Eat-All-You-Can Buffet Food Review & Contest Giveaway

Cabalen welcomes guests with a smile.

Whenever one thinks of going on a food rampage, Pampanga food always tops the list. Capampangans are known for not scrimping on ingredients. Known for being skilled cooks who spend a great deal of their time preparing dishes and sharing sumptuous meals with relatives and friends, it’s no longer a surprise when their province was hailed as the culinary capital of the Philippines. So I was thrilled when I got an invite to try dining at Cabalen—an Eat-All-You-Can Buffet restaurant noted for serving authentic Capampangan dishes and other Filipino specialties, originating from Pampanga.

As I stepped inside Cabalen, it reminded me of a childhood memory set in my grandma’s  Bahay na Bato in Taal, Batangas. Dining at Cabalen feels like coming home to your grandma’s ancestral home in the province where you get to taste a plethora of food choices (some specialties can only be found and enjoyed here). The interior itself seemed to breathe a new life into old stuff with some modern twists especially the chairs being used as well as the chandelier gives off a vintage vibe. The result is an eat-all-you-can Capampangan restaurant that feels intimate and personal, a quality that’s not usually present in large buffet resto in the metro.

Sambokojin Opens its 6th and largest branch at SM Fairview Annex

Food is synonymous to happiness. Whenever I feel the blues, all I need to do is find a good place to eat and everything will be alright again. And what better way to get such but from a buffet restaurant? One of the known buffet restaurants now in the metro is Sambo Kojin which had recently opened its biggest branch at the SM City Fairview Annex. Sambo Kojin, for those who aren't familiar with it yet offers a wide variety of the best and most popular Japanese (sushi, takoyaki, ramen, kamameshi rice, sukiyaki, tempura and katsu) and Korean dishes (Beef Bulgogi, samgyeupsal, kimchi rice, korean sushi among many others.) cooked in authentic Yakiniku (smokeless grill) style that give guests an ultimate dining experience. 

Sambo Kojin is named after the six-armed deity from the Japanese mythology who bestowed fire to mankind to drive away impurity and evil. It is also the guardian of the stove who was believed to ensure blessings of a good meal. 

One thing I had noticed at Sambo Kojin's largest branch in SM Fairview was the open kitchen and the spic and span set up. Compared to the other Sambo Kojin branches I've been to, the tables here are a bit smaller so it can accommodate more guests. Function rooms are also available for private parties. The chefs could see the people coming as they prepare the dishes. It also features the restaurant's flavorful feasts of US marbled top grade tender beef along with the freshest seafood dishes served, spiced and cooked according to the guest's preference. 

DADS World Buffet: The World On Your Plate--International Cuisine at its Finest!

Pigging out on all-you-can-eat was first introduced in the Philippines by DADS-Kamayan-Saisaki owners, The Villavicencio Family. They're a pioneer in the food industry since they've been in the business for more than 20 years--proof of their excellent food and quality service.  In this day and age, a number of buffet restaurants have sprouted like mushrooms, DADS-Kamayan-Saisaki held its place on the top being the original. Last year, I wrote about my review on DADS World Buffet. Foodies will be happy to note that all DADS-Kamayan-Saisaki restaurants have been converted into DADS World Buffet. Yes, DADS Glorietta, DADS EDSA, DADS Manila and DADS West Avenue in Quezon City are included. As the name implies, our beloved DADS restaurant are now serving more sumptuous dishes from around the world. 

I recently took a tasting tour of DADS World Buffet and believe me, the experience really was having the world on your plate. You don't need to travel far to have a taste of the best dishes in the world because it's all under one roof---at DADS World Buffet. It saves you time and lots of money because what DADS World Buffet offer are authentic international cuisines.

"What makes our buffet spread different is that although we continue to add other dishes, we make sure that every dish is available everyday. With buffets, everyone has his or her favorite, and some people can't change their minds and are not willing to try other dishes. They'd come to DADS World Buffet with that particular dish in mind, to simply enjoy it. We don't want to disappoint them so we have our dishes everyday," says Mara Villavicencio of DADS World Buffet. They are very particular with quality and consistency which is such a good thing.

Personally, I love DADS World Buffet because they're not your traditional buffet. There's so much variety and specialties to choose from. I even had a bone marrow on my Bulalo (beef soup), sizzling balut (considered as aphrodisiacs by Filipinos) and my ultimate favorite: crispy salmon chicharon (a healthier version of chicharon because it's made from fish not pork rind). Oh, I almost forgot! You've got to try New Zealand's lamb, US Roast Turkey and DADS Signature ham. 

                Sizzling Balut

        Crispy Salmon Chicharon

   A lady tries Chinese fare at DADS World Buffet

        Oyster Rockefeller

DADS World Buffet is even more than just dining destinations, it aims to please foodies as well as the average Juan or Juana who likes to load their plates. It is an upscale restaurant and not a mass feedery because it has a sleek, chic and ultra-contemporary, with comfortable chairs, cool Filipino musicians willing to play for you from the hippest music of Bruno Mars or One Direction to sweet old Kundimans. 

                   Gyoza

    

Buffet standards are dishes from around the world---some cooked in front of you. They include custom sushi cones, made-to-order crêpes, pasta, grilled seafood and meat etc. Standouts on my tasting tour included Mexican pork carnitas with salsas, fajitas with guacamole and pita bread, Chinese dumplings, Korean Kalbi, Spanish Tapas such as gambas, chorizo croquetas, pollo al ajello, calamare con potato gratin, Thailand's fish todlad prik, and Churrasco, Chimichuri, Pritson, Satay, Kebab and whew! There's more to mention, my blog space isn't enough. 

Chef at work at the Korean Noodle Station

Mom and daughter picks their own pasta and sauce

      Quesadillas and salsa

             Korean Kalbi

DADS World Buffet also offers an amazing number of sushi choices--they've got more than 70 choices to choose from! For Katsu, they've got hire, sakana, rosu, menchi, chicken and salmon katsu. Those who love Japanese foods will certainly enjoy. Do I see a lot of hands raising eh? Well, count me in! 

      Tonkatsu at its best

The crêpes made to order with fresh fruits and marshmallows, whipped cream and chocolate or strawberry drizzled on top are enough to satiate those with sweet tooth. They say the feast for the eyes are the same with one's stomach. The desert station's décor is elaborated with sweet confections that line dessert cases, including fruit carvings. While you're there, try the crême brulée, gelato or mousse. They're all divine and awesome!

While other eat-all-you-can buffets have that steep prices + unbelievably long lines making one starve overtime--DADS World Buffet maintains a reasonable price including drinks.  They have all kinds of drinks--sodas, juices, iced tea, chocolate drinks (for the kids) and fresh fruit shakes. 

DADS World Buffet Rates:

DADS Lunch (Monday-Friday) Php688*

DADS Dinner (Monday-Friday) Php888*

DADS Lunch and Dinner (Weekends and Holidays) Php888*

DADS Merienda Buffet (3:00-5:00PM) Php258*

*DADS Senior Citizen Treat: Diners 70 years old and up get 50% off the buffet regular rates, simply present a valid ID. Children below 3ft. eat for free, the restaurant has a height chart and younger kids will be charged according to height. Kids 4ft and above are considered adults. 

Here's my last piece of advice before coming to DADS World Buffet, make sure you come early if you intend to eat for lunch, DADS become jampacked as soon as it hits 12nn. So you better come early. For merienda buffet, it starts from 3PM until 5PM. Lastly, Walk past every dish to see what you want, then decide later if you want to save room for dessert. Bon appetite!

DADS World Buffet

4/F Bridgeway, SM Megamall

EDSA, Mandaluyong City

636-3785/633-1758

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

Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico–Gastronomical Adventure + Quaint and Charm of Art Deco

 I had always been in search of secret nooks that do not require one to go out of the city. I do love to explore places but it has to be accessible by commuters. I like places where one can find some solace, peace or just about anything that helps you commune with nature or simply a place where you and your loved ones can spend time with each other. When you find all of these stuff under one particular place and add on the chance to feast on some fantastic gastronomical experience, you know pretty much that you’re able to find a very rare gem of a place—and for me, that’s how I could describe Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico.  Discovering such venue in the suburbs of San Juan created happiness in my heart with rippling effect.

I actually got lost while looking for Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico. As a commuter, I had to admit that my knowledge of San Juan is limited to that of the Greenhills area. Good thing, the locals knew the place so it was easier to locate. So getting there may not seem to be a problem at all. Besides, I highly recommend that you visit the place; it’s definitely worth the trip.

 The minute I entered the huge gate, I knew I was in for surprises. A lush garden greets every visitor by the entrance. But what certainly captivated me was the charm of the white vintage house-converted-into-restaurant. Indeed, Guevarra’s was such a delightful place to explore. Entering the said restaurant felt like I was transported into a 1940’s film with its combination of Art Nouveau natural motifs and Art Deco architectural design. It had that sense of affluence and old-world charm where one can see traces of both Chinese and Spanish influences. With its high airy ceilings, expansive windows with huge “picture” windows that feature images of former senator Pedro Guevarra, the restaurant’s namesake. It also had a few paintings from artist Vincent Padilla. Every detail of Guevarra’s is such a sight to behold. It also boasts of chic and avant-garde interiors, which brings out the beauty of each detail.

 Coming to Guevarra’s felt like coming home to the house of your grandparents in the province—with wooden ancestral house and all.  While dining from the inside, the view of the garden reminds me of some picturesque Baguio City inn as well. Guevarra’s is an ideal venue for an intimate feast or a sumptuous banquet. One can have a private dinner set-up on the garden illuminated by a thousand stars or simply by candle-lit. If you’re not the romantic outdoorsy type, even while you’re inside any of the air-conditioned rooms, guests are ensured of a truly memorable dining experience.

Female Filipino folk dancers danced during the opening to the audience's delight.

Filipino male folk dancers danced during the grand opening.

The author is flanked by culinary idols Chef Jackie and Rolando Laudico

Owners Chef Jackie and Rolando Laudico

Senator JV Ejercito-Estrada, Mayor Guia Gomez and San Juan Vice Mayor Franci Guevarra graced the opening day.

Taken during the opening: Chef Jackie and Rolando Laudico flanked San Juan Mayo Guia Gomez during the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Adding charm is an old bucket like this one.

 Of course, like in other restaurants owned by the Laudico’s, the buffet spread is to die for! I believe that for you to truly enjoy dining at any restaurant, you need to sample and try the different mix of flavors—more than the usual main course choices. By doing this, you are elevating your gastronomic experience to a higher level and try to be your own food gourmand. Try anything that pleases your palate, from Fried Dory with Mango Curry, Mahi-Mahi Ala Pobre, Halabos na Hipon, US Angus Beef Kare-kare, Pork Liempoin San Miguel Pineapple Humba, Callos, Chicken Pastel, Pakbet Bagnet, Roasted US Angus Beef Belly, Chili Crabs, Sinampalukang Manok, succulent Lechon, Fish Kilawin, Grilled Squid, Chicken Barbecue, Pork Barbecue, Baked Penne pasta, grilled vegetable, to finger foods such as Karnevorous Pizza, seafood pizza, Pork Sisig Baskets, Lumpiang Shanghai, Camote Croquettes, spicy Bicol Express Supreme, Crispy Crablets, Grilled Corn, or perhaps feast with a wide array of desserts such as fruits in caramel or chocolate fountain, ice cream with your own choice of toppings, small slice samples of cakes. Oh, while you’re there, make sure to sample Chef Jackie’s Kalabasa Pastillas (Pastille made from Squash). It’s really good—not too sweet, not even sticky, just right to keep your sweet tooth satisfied.

Chef Jackie’s specialty cakes such as Mango Cream Pie, Tablea Tart, Chunky Monkey, Queso de Bola Cheesecake, Classic New York Cheesecake (in Blueberry, Strawberry and Mango topping), White Chocolate Cheesecake and Dark Chocolate Cheesecake are sold by whole, JR sized, mini sized or by the slice. Chef Jackie Laudico’s creations of truffles and pralines made from the finest Swiss and Belgian couverture (read: chocolate made with extra cocoa butter to give a high gloss, used for covering sweets and cakes) with best Filipino flavors are also sold at Php55.00 each piece and are sold in boxes. Available in unique flavors such as Calamansi, Sugarfree Champorado, Rosas, Tanglad, Cacao, Rosas, Sugarfree Salabat, Dulce de Leche. 

Cute Sugarfree Salabat pralines and Lip shaped Dulce de Leche

Our favorite: Kalabasa Pastillas

Tanglad flavored pralines

The food at Guevarra’s is wonderful and I ate (again) to my stomach’s content! I went home happy to have met the lovely and gracious Laudico couple (Chef Rolando and Chef Jackie) and to have visited such awesome restaurant! So if you’re looking for a place that captures the feeling of the old-world without having to travel far, replete your hungry stomach with sumptuous yet affordable buffet meals at Guevarra’s. 

The author with Chef Jackie Laudico

Guevarra's at Night time is so romantic.

 Garden restaurants have sprouted all over the metro, with the most bragging gourmet cuisine and top service. Guevarra’s may be a new comer (and as of this time, still kind of a kept secret) to the city’s ever increasing gastronomic attractions. But it is fast gaining popularity among foodies by word of mouth.

If you’re up for the challenge of a Filipino buffet, Guevarra’s is open from 11:00AM to 2:00PM and 6:00PM to 10:00PM. A word of advice though, it’s best to call ahead to make reservations as they are in-demand. 

 Here are the prices and schedules:

Weekday Lunch (Monday to Friday)- P399 + 10% Service Charge

Weekend Dinner (Monday to Thursday)- P499 + 10% Service Charge

Weekend Lunch and Dinner (Friday Dinner to Sunday Dinner) –P599 + 10% Service Charge

Lunch is from 11:00AM -2:00PM while dinner is from 6:00PM-10:00PM.

Those interested to come in the in-between time, they do serve merienda on special occasions (events of 50 pax and above) at P399 from 3:00-5:00 PM.

Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico is located at 387 P. Guevarra Street corner Argonne Street, Addition Hills, San Juan

Call 705-1874/705-1811  or through their mobile at 0917-311-2222

email them at cheflaudicoguevarra@gmail.com

Special thanks to Ms. Joy Calipes-Felizardo.

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