The first thing you’ll notice is the decor. It does look like an antique shop inside with the eclectic collectibles of old and new books, Chinese posters and furniture, and the likes. Notice the utensils as well, with Hello Kitty on the design. Reminds you of the decor in Cafe Juanita, but with better food2.
I’ve been saying that I love Home Made Iced Tea. I just gotta say that these guys churn out one of the best I’ve had. Foamy with a hint of apple and cranberry, but not too sweet. You can get this in a glass, pitcher3, or a double pitcher. Don’t take too long to drink, though, as the sweetness really comes out when the foamy portions are gone and the ice dilutes.
There are plenty of ways to go here. You can puss out and go with the Herbed Chicken Salad in Basil Vinaigrette or go the ho-hum route with the Sizzling Squid, the Lengua with Mushroom and Corn, and the Spicy Lamb Stew. Hell, go fake Italian with Pizza Caprese4, Pasta Aligue, and the Spicy Shrimp Pasta in Garlic and Oil5. They’re all pretty good and well executed, but if you’re going for food porn, you go for the hard stuff, right?
I usually go for is the Spicy Chicken Kebab. Well portioned, huge chicken chunks with the skin on, topped with gravy, which you don’t actually need. Recommended with Curry Rice, but I always go for the Saffron Rice6. If you prefer fish, go for the Spicy Cajun Fish, which is probably just as awesome. Fillet of dory on a bed of that awesome Saffron Rice with a salsa mix to give it a little kick of heat.
Can’t go wrong with their Spicy Gambas al Ajilo7 and their Seafood Paella, which I’ve read somewhere is one of the best in the Metro.
But if you really want the hardcore stuff, go for the Tenderloin Nuggets with Mashed Potatoes in Flat Bread. Really simple not unlike the tenderloin cut and the missionary position, but really really good. A bit on the heavy side but it’s almost always good to share.
Well, except it you’re ordering the Wagyu Salpicao. Real melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef, but portioned way to small. What can you expect for 500 bucks of Wagyu beef? A whole slab? But this was pretty good with the garlic rice it came with.
The real surprise, though, were the Beef Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes. Beef ribs are not my first choice is any restaurant. They’re usually pretty tough to chew because they need to cook for quite some time. But the ribs here… Let’s just say they’re not fucking around here. I ended up munching on these babies the whole night.
And they have pretty awesome desserts, too8. The Strawberry Shortcake is a real winner. It’s basically an ice cream cake, so eat it fast. But I’d go for their Pancake ala Mode, which I’ve been told that I shouldn’t miss. Topped with a vanilla ice cream, which added a nice touch. Pancake was freshly made, still hot and soft. Wasn’t too sweet with a pinch of cinnamon.
Overall, nice place, good decor, good food, quiet location for a family-type of meal. Service was great and the owners will warmly greet you. Oh, and did I mention the Saffron Rice? Some hardcore food porn stuff here.
916 Luna Mencias St., Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City
Review Overview
Food
Value for Money
Service
Overall Experience
Summary : Nice place, nice food. Will probably be back. Check for promos, which are usually of good value.
The Frazzled Cook–homey goodness. and yeah, loved its eclectic vibe. The owners are quite warm too.