Food Discoveries in the South
For almost a decade, I was a #makatigirlforlife, but when Remy found a permanent place in the South, we had no choice but to move. I am now a #southernbelle and I must admit, I am still adjusting to my new environment because for the most part, the conveniences that our old Makati apartment offered is instantly gone--there are no restaurants nearby, no 7-11, no carinderia, and the nearest mall is SM BF which is in the middle of the traffic inferno that is Sucat Road.
I must admit though that our new location has its own charm and I am in awe to be discovering it everyday, especially the restaurant options along President's Ave and Aguirre (a car is a must, btw). So, let me share to you the restaurants that I've discovered for the past year.
I must admit though that our new location has its own charm and I am in awe to be discovering it everyday, especially the restaurant options along President's Ave and Aguirre (a car is a must, btw). So, let me share to you the restaurants that I've discovered for the past year.
Located inside Santana Grove, this is one of the first restaurants that we tried when we moved. The food is good, but don't expect anything grand when it comes to ambiance or decor. It looks just like a fast food (their Timog branch looks way better, but I heard that it's closed already). However, food is affordable and the servings are good for 2 so I think that makes up for the lack of anything fancy; plus, the food tastes good especially the ox brain. Their sauce is my kind of hot and spicy as well. As a Bicolana, this is one of the very few restaurants in Manila that I can truly say is at par with my level of spicy-ness.
Sen Lek Thai Noodle House
Still located inside the Santana Grove complex, this one's on the second floor of the building, but I think this branch is closed already. I craved for some noodles one rainy night so after work, I headed straight here. I cannot remember the taste, but I know from memory that once you sprinkle the bowl with lime, it just soothes your soul. How unfortunate though that this branch had to close, but I know that they have other locations inside Aguirre.
Segami Tei
Nestled beside Caltex gas station along Ninoy Aquino Ave (aside from Caltex, another distinct landmark is Air Force One), this nonchalant Japanese restaurant is a surprise. This is where I first tried edamame and the waitresses did not tell me how to eat it kaya ayun, I ate it wholly, only to realize near-end that its only the seeds that are edible, kaya pala medyo makati sa dila (boohoo). Discovery: edamame seeds are tasty! There is nothing special about their foods so let me warn you to eat here only if you're really hungry and no other options, but have the extra cash to spare because they are a little pricey.
A delightful discovery one day after going to church. This one's located inside Alabang Town Center. Aside from the gwapo servers, what I remember most about Crisostomo is their presentation. I mean look at the photo! The baby squid was something new for me and it was soft and spicy and the bangus belly was perfectly paired with the thin slices of Indian mango. Yum! I would love to go back here and hopefully, with a bigger group because for all these food, it was only me and my sister who finished it. And oh, by the way, the day that we ate here, I also saw one of my fave bloggers, Kookie Buhain. :-)
Las Paellas Cafe
This has got to be one of the most confusing restaurants I've been to. The name gives a Spanish impression, but the food was a smorgasbord of Filipino comfort food (the munggo is superb btw!), Italian, and Spanish and the decor is Mediterranean--they have the cutest blue chevron chairs! That's about it about this restaurant. Never going back here.
My sister and I ate here on a holiday while she was craving for a barbeque. Let me tell you this: yes, their barbeque falls instantly off the bone, but my only beef (get the pun?) is that they smothered it with too much sauce that I can't even taste the real flavor of the meat. So even though they pride themselves as one of the niche restaurants in the Metro, I am not impressed. Their saving grace? The potato side dish because it is so good! Don't mind the coleslaw (bitter) and the mac and cheese (tastes so cardboard-y), they are not the star of the feast.
A newbie in the burger scene, but already made a mark when Anton of Our Awesome Planet included this in their list of the most amazing burgers (or something like it) in Manila last year. I agree on the list, even though it was so messy to eat. Their patty is the right blend of juicy, salty, and a hint of smoke. Ugh, don't take my word for it, you have to try it for yourself. Definitely highly recommended. And oh, by the way, this one's inside Molito complex in Alabang. And yes, you're welcome.
Hanako
I know where their 2 branches are in the South: Moonwalk and in Don Bosco. This particular photo was from their Moonwalk branch and just 2 days before I had my new job--dangerous decision if you ask me. Hanako is my go-to Japanese restaurant in the South whenever I'm craving for some maki, ramen, or sushi because they are affordable, have nice ambiance, and the food is delicious. Actually, I have yet to try that one maki roll that got me hooked to this place, which I forgot the name by the way.
The Perfect Pint
I love beer and when I saw that Perfect Pint just opened in Molito Center in Alabang, I told myself that "hey, maybe living here ain't so bad after all." So, when my best friend's (the one in the photo)
manliligaw asked to meet me one weekend, we first ate at Mister Chang's (also in the same complex) and I invited us three to try beers at Perfect Pint. We all ordered craft beer and if you prefer the bitter kind, get this one. I think it's the second on the list of their home brews, I forgot. But trying the other brews is a must, too, if you're a beer lover like me.
Aroi Original Thai Cuisine
When I dined in this restaurant, it was raining and they were on their soft opening. This is located along President's Ave (the former Sen Lek Thai) just across Banapple. I like their mango salad and this sea food pad thai, but I must tell you though that there is nothing special about this place. But if you're craving for affordable Thai food in the South, here's a go-to place.
When I dined in this restaurant, it was raining and they were on their soft opening. This is located along President's Ave (the former Sen Lek Thai) just across Banapple. I like their mango salad and this sea food pad thai, but I must tell you though that there is nothing special about this place. But if you're craving for affordable Thai food in the South, here's a go-to place.
Steak Off Grill
This has got to be one of my favorite food discovery! I'm still not gonna tell you where it is, but all I can say is that for Php 160, you get this huge, juicy, and creamy steak with your choice of rice or gravy! OMG, just thinking about this makes my mouth water. Find this place on your own, kids!
This has got to be one of my favorite food discovery! I'm still not gonna tell you where it is, but all I can say is that for Php 160, you get this huge, juicy, and creamy steak with your choice of rice or gravy! OMG, just thinking about this makes my mouth water. Find this place on your own, kids!
Draft Gastropub
There are a lot of choices inside Molito Complex talaga because this one is located inside it as well. I'm not a fan of expensive beer places, but I had to try the Hoegaarden Rose because I love love their classic flavor. So, on the night I saw GP Reyes' post on IG that they are serving the rose flavor, I dragged my friend here to try it and man, it did not disappoint! I implore you to try it! #yolo
There are a lot of choices inside Molito Complex talaga because this one is located inside it as well. I'm not a fan of expensive beer places, but I had to try the Hoegaarden Rose because I love love their classic flavor. So, on the night I saw GP Reyes' post on IG that they are serving the rose flavor, I dragged my friend here to try it and man, it did not disappoint! I implore you to try it! #yolo
Burger Bus
An unassuming burger stall just at the entrance of Severina 18 is Burger Bus. My friend actually owns this place and being the burger fiend that I am, I just had to try it. Don't expect extravagant ambiance, but I tell you, their sisig burger (pictured above) is worth the drive! It's plain, simple, but so packed with flavor!
So here it is, my food discoveries in the South! I hope that you think of me when you read this post and don't be shy to message me on FB, friends, because if its about food, I'm all ears.
An unassuming burger stall just at the entrance of Severina 18 is Burger Bus. My friend actually owns this place and being the burger fiend that I am, I just had to try it. Don't expect extravagant ambiance, but I tell you, their sisig burger (pictured above) is worth the drive! It's plain, simple, but so packed with flavor!
So here it is, my food discoveries in the South! I hope that you think of me when you read this post and don't be shy to message me on FB, friends, because if its about food, I'm all ears.
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