Dining at Isabelo's Garden Restaurant: Stimulates All Your Senses

Spend dinner with the family at this secret resto is the best way to celebrate a special occasion.

I had recently been lucky for being chosen to become an openricer. For those who live in the boondocks, Openricers are those who dine, write and review food + restaurants in the Philippines and post them on the main site called www.openricers.com.ph. I had been making my own food blog for almost a year, but I’d say that it’s my first time to join the Openrice group. I was pretty excited upon knowing I made it to the list.

Romantic dinner for two is perfect for this setup.

The Secret Garden: Although we were given maps sent on our emails to make it easier to get to the restaurant, I didn’t realize it would be quite hard to find. I thought since I am quite familiar with Marikina, I’d be able to know my way around. I figured if ever I get lost, I’d just ask the locals. And this is exactly where I went wrong. Why? The locals weren’t familiar with the said street, more so the restaurant itself. It was a rainy evening when I got to Marikina and the rain must have made the search even more difficult. I did not lose heart. After a few minutes of walking, I had finally arrived at the secluded Isabelo’s Garden Restaurant. The minute I arrived, I had asked the guard on duty why there was no signage upon the entrance. The guard politely said that it was the owner’s personal choice not to put up a sign. Upon hearing this, I began to wonder why. You’ve got to read and check out the end of this article for you to find out the owner’s reasons.

 

The vibe: Upon entering its huge silvery-gray gate, I was dumbfounded! Totally captivated by Isabelo’s sweet rustic charm.  Isabelo had this quaint romantic vibe. It is perfect for a dinner date with someone special or to celebrate special occasions with the family. 

Cupboards were filled with thingamajigs.

Pachyderm figurines.

 Apart from the typical ornamental plants and trellises within the restaurant’s vicinity, I’d have to say that it is really unique with bits and pieces of history and culture on its own. It had an artist’s nook (the lovely owner, Ms. Portia Dee-Baluyut’s mom used to paint in the said room) where different paintings are on display. They’ve got loads of used perfume bottles, ivory and ceramic figurines, crafts, antique copper pots, pans and whatnots also on display at their one-of-a-kind cupboard collections. Not to mention, they’ve got old black and white family pictures hanging on the walls that truly brings a sense of nostalgia to its guests. 

Cute dove figure.

Empty fragrance bottles on display.

Old family pictures.

Trimmings and recycled items may look fabulous like this one.

Portraits of Portia and her family.

Clown paintings.

Even the mosaic floors are as lovely.

Roses are red and blooming.

More paintings from Portia's mom.

Al fresco dining at its best.

 What I love most with Isabelo’s Garden Restaurant is that it stimulates and pleases almost all of your senses: your sense of sight: with what you see within the area (amazing art works + some history + relaxing garden), with what you hear (with the soothing music they play) + your olfactory nerves (the delicious aroma of both food and sweet scent of flowers), + taste, your discriminating palate (with really excellent food!). With such stuff I had just mentioned, I could feel my stomach began to grumble so let’s now proceed to the food review.


Now, here's what I can say about their food.

The Food Review:

Spinach Artichoke Dip—It is served with a few slices of bread. The spinach artichoke dip was so creamy and delightfully delicious, it tasted heavenly! For P350 per order, it promises to be a good appetizer.

The best appretizer ever: Spinach Artichoke Dip with bread.

I  can't have enough of this creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip.

Pinoy Tuscan Salad—I’d say do not underestimate this simple-looking dish. Yes, you’re reading it right. It may look ordinary with bread and tomato slices, but when you put it inside your mouth, it spells all the difference. I didn’t know how Ms. Portia did it. But there’s something on this salad that makes it refreshing. Could it be cilantro? How about its balsamic vinaigrette dressing? I’m not quite sure. One thing I’m sure of is that this plate had been emptied in less than ten minutes. Pinoy Tuscan Salad is P195 per order.

Pinoy Tuscan Salad in its simple yet addicting taste.

Green Grilled Vegetable Salad--I can't believe that something so healthy could be so delicious. Need I say more?

The healthy grilled green vegetable salad.

 Apple Cranberry Bread—Okay, I had to admit I am not really an apple eater. But I do love cranberries and this one tasted sweet just like French toast. It is served with something that looked like butter. This appetizer was actually a hit among the openricers because I almost didn’t taste it. I was left with a really small portion just so I could taste it. It costs P150 per order.

The Apple Cranberry Bread--Berry Good!

This was the leftover buttery-sauce from Apple Cranberry Bread.

Honey Bacon Pizza—I am a self-confessed pizza fan. Although I was able to eat just a small slice during the Eats a Date event by www.openrice.com.ph, it was enough for me to taste its crunchy pizza goodness with gooey mozzarella cheese and the smoked-honey flavor of bacon toppings. For only P430, a serving of this pizza is great for an entire family.

Pizza heaven for cheese and bacon lovers.

Chicken Family Feast—The chicken was served with mashed potatoes and gravy on the side. The chicken was tender, juicy and flavorful. As its name suggests, an order of this chicken is enough to feed the entire family. It’s P1050 per order.

Beef Ribs—It was a bit spicy, somewhat similar to one of Filipino’s favorite viands, Caldereta. But unlike a typical caldereta, it didn’t have carrots or potatoes on it. It has caldereta’s rich sauce and spicy peppery taste. It is also very tender and you could slice it up by a fork even without the use of a knife. An order of this dish is P950. Quite a value for the price, considering that it is good for 4-5 person per order.

Beefy goodness!

Pinugon Pork Crackling—We were told that Ms. Portia had to cook the pork for long hours, not to mention its marinating time. This is my personal favorite. Believe it or not, I don’t like pork. I’d rather go and eat chicken anytime but one bite of Pinugon Pork Crackling is enough to make me a convert. It tasted soooo heavenly tender and juicy. Infused with herbs like lemongrass, it is crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. As if it wasn’t enough, it had four different sauces for you to explore and try. It had a sauce that tastes like sweet and sour apple cinnamon vinaigrette, another one tasted like Mexican salsa, minced tomatoes with balsamic vinegar, another one with chili on them. A bit of advice though: Eat this in moderation or your cholesterol level and hypertension might shoot up to high heavens! An order is all worth it at P1250.

The star for the night: Pugon Pork Crackling with four different dips to choose from.

See how well we ate this delicious pork crackling?

Desserts: Watermelon Sherbet—Before this dessert was served, Ms. Portia told us to taste the sherbet, as it is first, after that only then we’ll squeeze out the lemon slices. We did just as we were told. And we were all surprised with the results. It turned out that the lemon did a refreshing twist to the watermelon sherbet’s flavor.  It is indeed a great way to cleanse the palate and cap off an excellent meal. It costs P90 per order.

Sweet and zesty Watermelon Sherbet is my fave with lemon squeeze for that twist!

Key Lime Pie—This pie can be deceiving. It looks so simple but I swear, once tasted, it can be pretty addicting. Just like the effect the watermelon sherbet had given us, a slice of key lime pie cleanses the palate and gives off a refreshing zing to one great meal. It tastes just right—not too sweet, not too sour. For P200 per slice, it’ll surely satisfy your sweet tooth.

Refreshingly sweet Key Lime Pie was a sure hit!

Mango Float—Think of graham crumbs + ladyfingers + frozen cream + ripened mango slices + chocolate syrup, that pretty much sums up what this mango float is all about. For P110 per slice, chocolate lovers would surely go loco over this dessert.

Yummy Mango Float with chocolate drizzle.

I am amazed to find out that Isabelo Garden Restaurant’s owner and head of the kitchen, Ms. Portia Dee-Baluyut had not taken any culinary course. She was an Assumption Graduate (she used to run an ad agency) who had a natural flair for the kitchen as she grew up watching her grandma cook. Ms. Portia takes pride that everything in Isabelo Garden Restaurant was done with a heart: from the garden’s cozy look to the kitchen and of course, to their efficient service and excellent food.

The lovely and accommodating Ms. Portia Dee-Baluyut.

The author after enjoying a hearty meal.

Here’s a little trivia: Did you know that the Isabelo Garden Restaurant was washed off by the tropical storm Ondoy? But as Ms. Portia would say, Isabelo means God is Bountiful. Thus, He had restored everything they had lost in a few months time. It was really Ms. Portia’s personal choice why the restaurant had no signage at all.  She wanted to protect the privacy of her clients and to make sure that they will have an unforgettable al fresco dining experience at Isabelo’s. That’s why reservations and advance booking is a MUST.


And btw, Isabelo's had a pretty restroom. Check it out yourself:

So I may have gotten lost on my way to Isabelo Garden Restaurant. But I’d have to say, with the great ambiance, efficient service and excellent food—I don’t really mind because it’s all worth the effort.

Visit their website www.isabelogarden.com. Call 681-2461 for reservations and inquiries. Like them on Facebook as well. Purple Plum Fairy thanks Openrice, Isabelo's Garden Restaurant and Ms. Portia Dee-Baluyut. 

My Latest Food Discovery: How I Fell In Love with Tokyo Cafe!

I am always on the look out for culinary creations to feed not just my hunger, but more so my curiosity. And I know I’m the only one hooked on this hunt in my family, thus, I end up this big (read: on the plump side err obese, if you cannot utter the word). But I know there are lots of food lovers out there who find themselves in the same delicious dilemma so to help, I’d like to share my two cents on my latest food discovery which had probably the best-tasting Japanese and European fusion foods available in the country today. Sure, there are thousands of restaurants and food shops to choose from and on top of that thousands of dishes to try. Hopefully, you can try my latest food discoveries. Read on and find out how I fell in love with Tokyo Café.

See that small jigger sized glass? That's how you adjust its taste.

To begin with, Tokyo Café is currently rising as one of the most sought after Japanese coffee shops in the country. The restaurant provides a cozy ambiance, delicious food, and unique Japanese beverages. Oh, and I haven’t mentioned anything yet about the stuff posted on their walls—they’re so cool! I really liked the few words and wisdom on their walls. An example would be something like this: “In Japan, before eating you say, I-ta-da-ki-ma-su, which means, “I receive this gift thankfully.” After finishing your meal, you say, Go-chi-so-sa-ma, which means, “Thank you for the meal.” I’ve always thought it was as simple as Taberu…(read: Let’s eat!)

The crispy and tasty TenJu (Shrimp Tempura) with fresh salad on the side.

A delicious concoction of coffee and chocolate syrup with ice cream.

Another interesting wall post is the Japanese saying Ichigo Ichie, it says, “The true spirit of hospitality is based on the saying Ichigo Ichie which means, ‘treasure every encounter with another person”.  The place provides a laid back environment, very nice interiors and well lighted with touches of colors light green and ecru white.

Coming from a reputable Japanese coffee shop, a native of Tokyo, Mr. Atsushi Yoshizawa found potential in the Philippine market. With his background in restaurant operations, he adopted the same method and ventured into the food business here in our country. Mr. Yoshizawa had trained his staff well for excellent service and uses the Japanese standards of food quality.  He’s also very hands-on, making sure that every food or beverage is served the way they do in Japan. 

Mr Yoshizawa and Ms. Kate Paredes explains how Tokyo Cafe started.

Differentiating itself from a regular coffee shop and a Japanese restaurant, it offers first-class fusion of Japanese and Western cuisine. Where else could you find especially blended coffee and beverages, Japanese tempura, burgers + fries, pasta, and pizza in one restaurant? Others may find it a bit odd, but if you really go to Japan, they really serve pasta and pizza in coffee shops. Maybe we’ve just been used to Western-style when it comes to coffee shops that’s why we would always see cakes, bagels, sandwiches and pastries on their menu. I guess this is also one of the reasons why Tokyo Café is a standout. I’d like to think this setup is perfect for the whole family. When Dad wants to drink coffee, Mom wants to eat Japanese cuisine, older sister is on a diet and wants something healthy like pasta, the kids love fries and the whole family can share in one pizza—you’ll never go wrong dining at Tokyo Café because they’ve got everything! Dining at Tokyo Café is all about being exciting and full of choices in a relaxing atmosphere.

The author preparing her chopsticks before indulging on her Kalbi-Ju.

I’ve tasted their bestselling Ten-Ju or deep fried shrimp tempura (real tiger shrimps) with their signature tempura sauce on a bed of steamed white rice. Here’s what I liked most about their Japanese rice toppings or Ju-Box (set meals)—for every order, there’s a small portion of green fresh vegetable salad as side dish. Making sure that every meal is a balance and healthy one. Unlike other shrimp tempura served in other Japanese cuisine-based restaurants where shrimp tempura had been over coated with batter and flour, Tokyo Café’s shrimp tempura is really a standout because it is tasty up to the last bite. It’s not greasy even if it’s deep-fried. The tempura was very crispy even if it only had very thin flour coating or batter. Surprisingly, from the crispy coating outside, it is very soft and tasty inside. The sauce lent a slight gingery taste. It’s like having my comfort food. I will definitely recommend it to all my relatives and friends.

The tender Kalbi-Ju with a special coffee based ice cream drink.

Tokyo Café’s Kalbi-Ju or thinly sliced beef smothered in original yakiniku sauce is also a must try. The beef wasn’t a challenge to begin with; in fact it was easy to chew. And it came in a generous pile on top of the steamed rice that inevitably made this dish drool-worthy. I just wish they even had more of its yakiniku sauce on the side because I was craving for more. Its got the sweetness and saltiness together in a dish. Had it been gristly, the dish would have been a dentures’ nightmare. Thankfully, it is incredibly soft and chewy.

Perfect meals for those on the budget.

Some of the delicious Japanese set meals Tokyo Cafe meals.

 Unaju is also a favorite among Tokyo Café’s customers. Unaju are pan-fried eel fillets topped with caramelized soy sauce over rice. Other must-try dishes are the Katsu-Ju and Oyako-Ju. Katsu-Ju is deep fried breaded pork cutlet flavored with signature tempura sauce, onions, leeks and scrambled egg on steamed rice. Oyako-Ju are sliced chicken braised in signature tempura sauce with onions, and leeks mixed in tamago (egg) on steamed white rice.

Tokyo Café also had lots of unique Japanese beverages such especially blended coffee drinks like Tokyo Ice, Tokyo Blend, Ice Caramel, and Espresso among many others. If you’re lucky, sometimes they even offer especially prepared beverages like Cherry Blossoms and Peach inspired drinks that are truly refreshing. Drinks and beverages are served with a small jigger glass for additional milk and syrup, giving customers the option to adjust their drinks based on their own taste.

The author at Tokyo Cafe in SM Megamall Bridgeway branch.

There are actually more sumptuous food and beverages to discover at Tokyo Café. I vow to come back to taste some more interesting foods like their pizza and pasta. By the way, it would be great to let you know that the company behind Tokyo Café also owns Parmigiano Pizzeria Ristorante, so you can be assured that their pizza and pasta are awesome in their own right! I immediately fell in love with Tokyo Café. It had more to offer than ordinary coffee shops I usually frequent which only had bagels, sandwiches, cakes and pastries. Tokyo Café will definitely satisfy even those with discriminating palate. More than their great tasting food and drinks, you’ll surely come back for more because of their efficient and friendly service.

    

The cozy interior of the cafe.

The author at Tokyo Cafe.

Find out for yourselves why I fell in love with Tokyo Café. Drop by in any of their branches: SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, McKinley Piazza, Go Hotel in Pioneer and NAIA Terminal 3. Like them on their Facebook page to get updates on their promo and latest offers.

Purple Plum Fairy says Arigato Gozaimasu to Mr. Atsushi Yoshizawa and Ms. Kate Paredes of Tokyo Café. Special thanks to Mr. Richard Mamuyac.

xoxo,

Kenny Rogers New "Honey" for The Christmas Season

Kenny Rogers Roasters Roasted Honey Chicken

 My entire family and I had been avid diners of Kenny Rogers Roasters ever since it reached the Philippine shores back in the late 90’s. In fact, we somehow felt sad when its SM Cubao branch had to close down because it meant we had to look for another place to dine and hangout. But our cravings for its mouth-watering and deliciously good roasted chicken haven’t stopped. So each time we’d want to eat our fave classic roast as well as their variety of side dishes, we don’t really mind driving all the way to their Katipunan, Trinoma and Cainta branches, just so we could whet our appetites.

Known for consistently innovating and creating ways to delight their loyal customers, Kenny Rogers Roasters introduces not just one but five new products that will surely create a memorable dining experience for everyone—a testament to Kenny’s brand promise to provide not only healthy but tasty food choices.

I guess I was fortunate enough to be one of the first few who were able to taste Kenny’s Honey Roast Chicken—juicy and perfectly roasted chicken infused with honey and maple. This new chicken flavor is served with Kenny’s own honey-garlic sauce and definitely goes well with any of their signature side dishes.

We were lucky to have been part of this event. 

The new honey chicken can be ordered ala carte at only P399 for a whole chicken. It can also be enjoyed with Kenny’s Solo Plates, Combo Meals and Group Meals.

As a food blogger, I’ve had this habit called “Zen eating”—enjoying the food’s aroma first before slowly indulging in it. The minute it had arrived on our table, I thought I could smell Christmas already. And I swear I must’ve gone to heaven upon taking a spoonful of Kenny’s Honey Roast. It tasted just like ham—the ones served during Noche Buena. I bet it will be the star of the dining table for the holiday’s feast. My verdict: Kenny’s Honey Roast is so tender, juicy and tasty even without the sauce. But here’s what surprised me the most: Usually, if you tend to marinate or put flavors into chicken, the least to absorb the taste would have to be the breast part. But alas, I don’t know what they’ve done with Kenny’s Honey Roast because every part of the chicken is really bursting with flavor! 

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans is crunchy and half-cooked.

Sour Cream and Chives Potatoes was a hit among bloggers!

 “With the introduction of the Honey Roast Chicken we are raising the bar in healthy eating. It’s our commitment to provide valued guests with smart and unique offers that are truly delicious but not heavy on the budget,” says Meggie Bolinao-Jose, Kenny Rogers’ Marketing Director.

Then, there were the four new hot side dishes that perfectly goes well with any of Kenny’s roasted chicken flavors—Garlic Parmesan Green beans, Sour Cream and Chives Potatoes, Turnip Salad and Aglio Olio.

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans is steamed fresh green beans tossed in garlic butter sauce and sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.  My verdict: The green beans have a really nice bright green color, and are probably half-cooked because upon first bite, I knew it was a bit crunchy.

The Sour Cream and Chives Potatoes are baked marble potatoes with skin on and coated in sour cream and chives butter mix. This is actually one of my favorites. It had me thinking of my childhood days munching on Pringles’ Sour Cream variant. It tasted so good that most bloggers that night even asked for some more. I won’t be surprised if this will become one of Kenny Rogers Roasters bestselling side dishes. This will compete with the more popular corn and carrots side dish.

Turnip Salad-healthy and refreshing!

Perfect for Noche Buena this holiday season.

I took photos of the honey chicken in different angles, and each turn I do, I can't help but salivate over its enticing aroma and flavor that is truly mouth-watering.

Slices of the honey goodness of Kenny Rogers Roasters Honey Roasted Chicken.

Crunchy parmesan green beans.

Aglio Olio is a dish in itself, if you ask me, it can also be a complete meal. It is cooked al dente pasta with an olive oil based sauce, with lots of garlic bits and chopped black olives lending its unique taste. Unlike other Aglio Olio pasta I’ve eaten before, this one isn’t too dry yet not too oily—just right. I wouldn’t recommend this to order during a date with your special someone because of its strong garlic taste and flavors though, but I’d say you must order this dish when you couldn’t care less what your breath will be like after emptying your plate. Who cares about bad garlic breath when you’ve just had one delicious meal of Aglio Olio? 

Tasty and healthy Aglio Olio

This was how blogger Dennis Angulo of Dennis.com enjoyed his chicken!

Turnip Salad is best for those who watch their diet.

Last on the latest addition to Kenny Rogers Roasters’ variety of side dishes is the Turnip Salad—a light salad made with crunchy turnip strips, shredded carrots and red cabbage, and thinly sliced cucumber tossed in a sweet and tart mango dressing. It is very light and refreshing, perfect for those who are in a diet. And it complements Kenny Rogers Roasters’ roasted Honey chicken.

By the way, you guys had to hurry because Kenny’s Honey Roast will only be available for a limited time only. Kenny’s new side dishes can be ordered ala carte in regular or large sizes, or matched with your favorite Solo, Grilled or Healthy Plates and Group meals.

We've never had enough of this yummy treat!

Goes well with any fave Kenny chicken with corn muffin.

As part of the Solo Meal

The Four new side dishes!

Blogger Jhong Medina of www.thelunchbreakblogger.com finds the right angle for his food blog.

Yummy Frozen Yogurts from Kenny Rogers Roasters.

Frozen Yogurt with Brownies

Frozen Yogurts with Fruits

The host that night. (Sorry sir, I forgot your name!)

The lovely lady in photo is Ms. Tina Papera of Kenny Rogers.

Expect more exciting offers from Kenny Rogers Roasters. Christmas Bulk Orders and Set Meal Party Packages are also available for this Holiday Season. Come and try Kenny Rogers Roasted Honey Chicken and its newest side dishes in any of their 41 branches nationwide.

For more details, log on to www.kennys.com.ph or call 533-8888 for delivery.

Purple Plum Fairy thanks Ms. Ruth Dela Cruz of http://www.ruthilicious.blogspot.com, Miss Meggie B. Jose and Ms. Tina Papera of Kenny Rogers Roasters for the invites. 

Monde Mamon: Great for our Kids' Baon

Monde's latest product: Special Baked Mamon

I usually have a hard time looking for a healthier snack or school baon for Kyle. And it's often quite unfortunate that what's currently available in the market today aren't as healthy as I wanted it to be. So as parents, it is our utmost responsibility to ensure that what we are preparing for our kids would have to always be the healthier choices. And for someone like Kyle who can't eat sweets with chocolates as it would make him more hyper, it makes my job more difficult.

That's why when I come across a good alternative to homemade sandwiches just like Monde's Special mamon, I am really delighted. Unlike the ones sold in popular cake stores (yes, those that uses color red and yellow), Monde's special mamon aren't as sweet. It's also fluffy and soft but it is more affordable at P23 (for two pieces) and P56 (for 6 pieces). Mommies would be happy to note that it is made from the freshest ingredients,using imported flour and fresh eggs. And since it's made by a trusted company like Monde (who by the way produces Nissin Cup Noodles in the country), rest assured that it is a good quality product.

Monde's special mamon also comes in Mocha flavor. I wish they could also create a sugar-free version of their special mamon. So now, my Kyle enjoys his mamon during recess/breaks at school. And I am at peace in knowing that he's having a good snack instead of worrying for the amount of junk foods he's been loading his lithe young body.

Monde Special Mamon is now available in leading supermarkets and groceries nationwide.

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