Tapsi ni Vivian Best Tapsilog in Town

The Filipino staple Breakfast: Tapsilog

 We all heard of the perfect combination of Beef Tapa (marinated beef), Sinangag (fried rice) and itlog (fried egg) for breakfast. But have you ever wondered, among the restaurants that sell them, who among them had the best Tapsilog in town?

The facade of Tapsi Ni Vivian

The signage says it all: Tapsi ni Vivian since 1980's.

Over the past months, I tried to eat as much tapsilog as I could, trying every eatery there is. It was a bit difficult but I’d like to believe it’s all worth the effort. I’ve ended up with one of the best tapsilog in the Metro today, surprisingly it is located near where I live…I found Tapsi Ni Vivian. It was a rather small eatery that started in the late 80’s. But eventually, since becoming hit in that area, they’ve started to add more items to the menu that more and more people had been clamoring for. Hence, it’s no longer just tapsilog that people had become after for, but all the other stuff which Tapsi ni Vivian sells on their menu like Ilocos Bagnet, Crispy pata, Beef bulalo and other viands on top of their best selling breakfast “silog” items such as tocilog, bangsilog etc.

Wooden chairs surround the al fresco dining experience.

So what made Tapsilog extra special in Tapsi ni Vivian? For starters, it isn’t carabao beef…unlike other eateries that serves such meat as extenders; Tapsilog in Tapsi ni Vivian has 100% beefy goodness. The thin slices of marinated beef are soft and delicious. The tangy sweet sauce and other spices even made it all the more delectable. And it goes well with the fried egg and fried rice as well as the beef bulalo soup paired with it upon every order.

Bamboo chairs under nipa huts surround the restaurant.

The ambiance had a touch of Filipino with the four nipa huts where you can dine in al fresco. But it looks pretty much like a typical school canteen except that they have attentive food waiters all wearing their uniform red shirts ready to assist you and take your orders anytime. We were told that even the Congressmen, Senators, the Mayor and other celebrities would frequent this place. And alas, they come in huge groups along with their entourage and body guards. They enjoy the good food and simple Filipino ambiance that Tapsi ni Vivian offers to their loyal clientele.

Other viands are available such as Adobong Pusit and Chicken Poerk Adobo.

Crispy Pata and Ilocos Bagnet are both favorites!

Bagnet and cured Tocino are a great treat.

Other breakfast favorites Pork Tocino and Longganiza.

Breaded Shrimp is always a staple on their menu.

Chicharon Bituka and Bulaklak are every man's guilty pleasure.

So the next time you find yourselves craving for that staple Filipino breakfast called tapsilog, head over to Project 3 in Quezon City and drool from the variety of Filipino foods and that sweet caramelized and tangy beefy goodness of Tapsi ni Vivian which would make you come back for more.

All viands come with a steaming hot soup with minced spring onions.

Magnum Ice Cream: Luscious Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream

It’s been trending on Twitter. It’s been talked about both by popular celebrities and ordinary netizens. One wonders, what it is about Magnum Ice cream that made all the hype there is? Well, I got curious myself so one day I found myself looking for it. I asked around people, my friends and fellow food bloggers where I could find one or to purchase one. Alas! I finally found one at the SM Cubao Supermarket. It’s sold at P50 per Magnum Ice Cream stick. There were only two available variants: almond and truffle. I decided to try the almond one.

Well, to be completely honest, it tastes good. Although I must say it could easily be compared to Dairy Queen…Only this time, Magnum sells I think because of its honest-to-goodness Belgian chocolate coating. But more than that, I think Magnum is just your regular ice cream stick. It just makes the “royalty” feeling because you’re supposed to enjoy eating Belgian chocolates while the vanilla ice cream in side it tastes so ordinary.

If you guys would want to try it, go ahead and indulge. This one’s for you if you’re a Belgian choco fan. I get the “umay” factor eating this Belgian chocolaty ice cream. Perhaps if I had been a chocolate lover I would’ve loved eating this treat, and since I’m not…this one’s really not for me. But if you care to save some fifty bucks or you’d rather treat a friend to a chocolate covered ice cream, I would suggest that you head on to the nearest McDonald’s that sells P20 chocolate ice cream cone…that would even save you P10. True, Magnum Ice cream sells like hotcakes because it had luscious Belgian chocolate coating...

Well what more can I say but I guess it's just not my thing. 

Dampa sa Libis Food Review

 People looking for ambience may not find it here. Dampa sa Libis is actually a strip of carinderia-looking establishments all boasting of the fresh harvest from the sea. Who needs ambience though, when you have the unique experience of going to the market and ask someone to cook whatever meal or viand your heart desires? Yes, in this humble part of Libis, Security Blanket recently discovered why this place is a MUST visit for everyone.

Sure, the concept of Dampa (Al Fresco dining with an actual market) originated somewhere in Paranaque, but since it’s not practical to travel that far, other places had started their own versions but I guess nothing compares to Dampa sa Libis. Let me explain and justify my reasons: first, this is the only Dampa I’ve been to that has ample parking space that’s truly safe, not to mention it’s FREE PARKING. That only means, you and your family or friends could stay for as long as you want without the hassle of worrying about your car. If al fresco dining isn’t your thing, don’t worry; they also have function rooms (air-conditioned) for special occasions and huge groups. You could also rent a videoke (video karaoke) machine for only P500 where one could sing his hearts out for as many songs as he likes.

The menu says it all.

 Then, Dampa sa Libis also offers FREE Wi-Fi service to their customers, not every Dampa or al fresco restaurant has it. And nowadays, who wouldn’t want to stay connected with both virtual and personal friends as you put your Facebook and Twitter status or share a photo of the food you’ve just eaten, right? Your friends would surely drool at the sight of awesome food treats from Dampa sa Libis when you upload the pictures. And of course, what’s truly amazing was their market--it was truly spic and span. None of those foul odor one would find in other wet markets. But you can truly see that the market is well looked after. Another fascinating attraction in the area was the Tiangge or Kiosks that sells different wares: from clothes, toys, accessories and other trinkets. There’s something you’ll surely find for you.

Fresh crabs anyone?

A different kind of shell

Clams

Escargot and lots of them!

Assorted Fresh fish

More fish

Huge fish

Fresh Scallops

For our Chinese friends, frogs are also available.

Red snapper fish...or lapu-lapu...

Marinated meats are available

Sweet treats such as this lovely cake are on sale.

Mommies Goodies Mini Ensaymada cupcakes is perfect pasalubong.

Fresh Tiger prawns

Now let’s move on to the food tasting…Dampa sa Libis is a family or barkada friendly al fresco dining restaurant that specializes in seafood and other Filipino and Chinese dishes. But they also welcome other cuisines depending on customer’s request. Dampa sa Libis seemed like a winner among the noisy crowds happily chowing down their meals. There’s the usual seafood fare—scallops, stuffed and buttered garlic crabs, fresh tiger shrimps, a wide range of fish selection, clams, lobster, oyster, even native frogs for those looking for exotic ones—but when the waiter plunked down the plate of garlic buttered shrimp, it looked appetizing on its own so I immediately wolfed it down.

Buttered Garlic Shrimps

 That magic sauce had found its way through the natural umami flavor of the shrimp, and it was basking in a lovely yellow buttery glow and it tasted really phenomenal that I had totally forgotten my no-rice diet that I had since Christmas of 2011! Anyway, I figured I could always start my diet again…(Wish me luck!)

Singaporean Chili Crabs

 Hefty portion sizes of delightfully crunchy Shanghai rolls, soft and succulent meat inside that tasted pretty heavenly even without the aid of banana ketchup. The Pancit Bihon also held its own, despite the other sumptuous dishes (which were all wiped out) because it had a distinct sweet after taste. There was nothing that we didn’t finish off, (and I admit, I mostly did the eating part for which I am guilty.)

For meat lovers, they have USDA high grade Angus rib eye steak, especially marinated barbecue sticks, spareribs among many others.

Sweet tooth rejoice in this ref filled with sweets!

Chopseuy

Sinigang (Sour broth) of Fresh Tuna

Pancit Bihon

Shanghai Rolls

Stuffed Grilled Squid tops my fave list!

For those with sweet tooth, there’s also something for all of you at Dampa sa Libis. You’ll be glad to find Mommies Goodies, a selection of pastry, cakes, biscuits and chocolates in one store. I had tried their brownies, and as a pastry chef, I know it’s truly fantastic! It had that chocolaty moisture inside yet it seems a bit dry on the outside but with chewy goodness and a bit crunchy with nuts as toppings. The brownie was really affordable at P20 per bar. They also had cakes like Black Forest, Heart-shaped chocolate cake, Chocolate oatmeal cookies; cassava cakes (a bit sweet for me, but it’s really soft and tasty, I’m sure you guys would love it!) and a whole lot more. As I was saying, since I know a little bit about baking and other stuff related to it, I could say that Mommies Goodies did not scrimp on their ingredients and amazingly they were sold at affordable prices!

Mommies Goodies Cassava Cake

 We spent a good three hours tasting all we could possibly sample. I decided to forego dinner that night, instead shared my cassava cake with my entire family. If you haven’t been to a Dampa or haven’t eaten a Dampa meal, you owe it to yourself to give these a try!

Ah, Dampa sa Libis, it would be a pleasure to see you again…I vow to bring my entire family next time so that they too could experience that great food + convivial atmosphere you’ve just shown me.

My leftover plate

The author at the Picture Wall/Photo Opp at Dampa Sa Libis.

Special thanks to my fellow blogger Mr. Dennison Uy, Mr Jorge Santos of Dampa sa Libis, and to Ms. Jennifer Macarilay.  

Dampa sa Libis is located at 107 E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue (across Jollibee Greenmeadows Branch in C-5, just way past Eastwood City), Ugong Norte, Libis, Quezon City. For reservation, please call 395-5050. 

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

xoxo,

Chowking's Honey Garlic Chicken Review

It reminds me of another brand of chicken that starts with the letters BC (Sorry, I don't want to mention them here). But it Chowking's Honey Garlic Chicken has a distinct taste of its own despite the obvious similarities than the other brand I'm talking about. Chowking's version is more affordable, bigger in size and considered a good value for one's money. It does have a twist on its own too..With a touch of Chinese cuisine, a bit of creativity, the bowl looks enticing and with a side garnish of veggies--it is indeed a winner!

Just a piece of caution though, kids (especially the little ones) may not like this dish because of its sweet tangy sauce. Think of fried chicken swimming in something that tastes between an asado sauce or char siu sauce. But it does have a kick, a bit spicy too. Nevertheless, I commend Chowking for coming up with this new dish. And for P89 as a meal, this is a pretty good deal.

I will try to find time to get hold of the other new offering, Oriental Beef bowl. I will try to feature it on my blog, hopefully soon. But for now, this Honey Garlic Chicken is good enough although I would like another sauce served on the side so that customers can very well adjust its taste according to his or her own palate.