Before heading out to Tagaytay for a weekend with the family, we decided to have lunch first at Cafe Juanita. This place is famous for its kitschy interiors and of course the kare kare.
We were lead to the 2nd floor right away but it took us quite some time to decide on what to order.
We started with the Pinakbet Salad (PHP 245). I don't eat Pinakbet but I have to admit this was good. It was a deconstructed pinakbet with shredded green mango and shrimp paste dressing. This was a hit with my mom.
Being sick that day, I had a bowl of Molo Soup (PHP 110). I have very high standards for Pancit Molo in Manila as I feel that this has always been misinterpreted here as Wanton/Siomai soup. This one had all the elements I liked about pancit molo--flavorful broth, toasted garlic and a proper molo wrapping. The meat filling was a bit sweet for my taste but I would say this is the best Pancit Molo I've had in Manila so far.
The Pasta Filipina (PHP 230) was also good with angel hair pasta cooked al dente and crab fat sauce.
The two-way Adobo (PHP 435) came next. This was just ok for us. We were expecting for it to be more on the garlicky side.
The Vietnamese Spring rolls (PHP 267) were alright as well. I think they should've served more lettuce with the spring rolls though.
Of course our meal will not be complete without Kare-Kare (PHP 495). I loved the rich peanut flavor of the sauce enhanced with a side of bagoong. The veggies and the meat were tender. This is still a must-try at Cafe Juanita.
For dessert we opted to share the Sans Rival (PHP 95), Sticky Toffee Pudding (PHP 89) and Caramel Flan (PHP 85). We liked the Sans Rival which has a creamy butter frosting topped with cashews. The Caramel Flan was creamy and tender also. Our favorite though was the Sticky Toffee Pudding. It was buttery all over swimming in toffee and topped with vanilla ice cream.
We had a good dinning experience except for the flu which was bothering me all throughout. Good thing they had calamansi juice in their menu. Since we were on the 2nd floor, service seemed a little bit slower there. It might be better to be able to reserve the seats downstairs.
Cafe Juanita is located at Brgy Kapitolyo, Pasig City.
It's been a while since I've last seen my friend Shai. We were both busy with work for the past few months--well she was waaaay busier. I finally got hold of her on a Saturday night and we ended up starting or catch up weekend at Rub Ribs in Kapitolyo.
We've never been to Rub before so we ended up walking a bit since we got a little lost. Good thing it was just the two of us so we were able to sit by the bar.
Rub seems like a quiet neighborhood place hence the few tables inside. We started with the soup of the day which was Mushroom (PHP 100). We requested for one order to be split into 2 and we had a really good start. Since the soup was blended, I can taste the mushroom in every spoonful. Usually I've tried this kind of soup in hotels or expensive restaurants and I think it was a good deal at Rub.
We ordered the Super Duo (PHP 370) which has a whole rack of ribs plus two sides. We had Grilled Buttered Corn and Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes. The ribs were tender and flavorful. The size was just right for the two of us. The sides were perfect as well.
I ordered an extra serving of coleslaw (PHP 65) since I felt I haven't had my serving of veggies for the day.
I had Welch's Grape Soda (PHP 60) to wash everything down.
We stayed long--enjoying all the stories from the office. The place was cozy enough to be able to bond with Shai.
We had a good time at Rub. The servings are just right and quite cheap too for the delicious food that we had. The waiters were kind enough too. Shai found an insect in her glass of juice and they just replaced it unlike other restaurants that you need to engage staff in a debate. This was definitely added points.
Rub is located at East Capitol Drive, Brgy Kapitolyo Pasig City.
We celebrated Choking's birthday at Poco Deli. We've been here before for wine and sausages but never really had the chance of trying out their food. It was really packed on a rainy Saturday night but eventually we were able to get a table.
We started with the German Sausage and Cheese Sampler (PHP 300). The sausages were really good and juicy. The neumberger was very tasty and still my favorite. I hoped they could have a little bit more cheese in there too. The sauerkraut complemented well with the sausage.
The Irish Beef Stew with Bacon Rice (PHP 280) was tender and all the flavors seem to fuse well.
The Gourmet Tapa with Bacon Rice (PHP 280) was really good too with the marinade flavored the beef really well. It was tender and the quality of the US beef was excellent.
Of course the one dish that will call out your name from the menu is the Bacon Slabs with Eggs and Bacon Rice (PHP 280). Who doesn't like bacon? Imagine a think slab of juicy pork with a great smokey flavor in every bite. This is hard to finish by one person but great for sharing.
The Margherita Pizza (PHP 300) was just ok. The toppings were good but I feel like there was something lacking in the crust. It was huge though and still worth what I paid for.
Titit bought small cakes from CAB (Cafe at Bob's) across the street for the baby. We had a bottle of wine along with the cakes as well.
The blackout cake at Poco Deli is good though. It was moist, chocolatey with just the right amount of sweetness.
We had a good experience at Poco Deli but I think it will be ideal that we call in advance for reservations as this can get really packed on weekends. The staff was kind enough for us but there's room for improvement.
Poco Deli is located at East Capitol Drive, Brgy Kapitolyo Pasig City.
I just got home from watching the funniest play ever. Since I watched this by myself and I can't get over this whole thing, I'll just share my Potted Potter experience.
Potted Potter is the parody that covers all 7 books. Other supplementary books like the Tales of Beedle the Bard is not included but mentioned. There will only be 2 actors (Jesse and Gary) who will do the entire series. If you are curious on how this will happen, you better watch it.
From the moment the play started, I couldn't stop laughing. I also enjoyed the fact that each show will be different from the others and the one here in Manila will be different from the ones in London or New York. They made sure they can relate to their audience so there will be parts of the play that you will surely enjoy. I admire how they did their research on our culture and at the same time adjusted any impromptu jokes.
Jesse and Gary were amazing. This whole thing was just funny. I will stop here because you have to watch this. This is for every Potterhead and for the clueless muggles as well.
The best part for me was Quidditch. Since they encourage audience participation, you have the chance to play this beautiful game in the wizarding world. My team, Slytherin won in tonight's show. Let's see if Gryffindor can make a comeback tomorrow. Our seeker for tonight was really good.
The programs were reasonably priced and you can have it autographed by Dan and Jeff after the show.
This is something you shouldn't miss.. The show will be running until September 2. You may purchase your tickets through Ticketworld https://www.ticketworld.com.ph/Online/default.asp. For more information, check out the Potted Potter Manila facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pottedpottermanila.
Better book those tickets! Otherwise the Hogwarts express will leave you behind.
P.S. It was nice to see my college friends. I'll post our picture once they upload it. Thank you to my cousin Tessa from Lunchbox productions for effectively promoting this to me and ensure I complete all the possible Harry Potter experiences I can get.
Many may not know Sirling was made famous by Mel Gibson's movie Braveheart. The battle of Stirling happened in one of the bridges crossing the River Forth where the Scots defeated the English. Stirling is one of the oldest cities of Scotland. This is an hour away from both Glasgow and Edinburgh by train.
I stayed with the Russells and every morning I wake up to delicious Scottish breakfasts made by my cousin Babits. Since we cannot finish a full breakfast, we just had segments of it but I was able to try everything--eggs, beans, blood sausage, white sausage, flat sausage, haggis, tomatoes, bacon and even some toast with marmite.
Two structures overlook the city of Stirling--the National Wallace Monument and Stirling castle.
On my first day, we hiked up Abbey Crag to go to the National Wallace Monument. Going up the crag already makes you feel one with nature as you pass along tall trees and wild flowers. Of course there's the option to take the shuttle going up.
As we got to the top of the crag, there was a show where an actor tells the story of the battle of Stirling in the point of view of Wallace's soldier. The story was intense as he throws around his axe and some knives to the ground.
We went up all the 246 steps (spiral staircase) of the monument. Each floor has a gallery where you can learn about William Wallace's story, The Hall of Heroes, The construction of the monument and the top portion gives you a 360 degree view of the city of Stirling and the nearby towns.
On the quiet neighborhood of Cambuskenneth, lies the ruins of Cambuskenneth Abbey. In its grounds lies a former king of Scotland, James III and his wife Margaret of Denmark.
Across the Wallace Monument lies Stirling Castle which has a very long history. From the castle you can see the other side of Stirling. Also in the castle grounds, one will find the monument of Robert the Bruce.
All I did in the city was relax as well. I was lucky the sun was out and we were outside in the Russells garden every afternoon enjoying the sun and having our dinner there. I also experienced quiz night in The William Wallace pub.
This city is a great stop in the Scottish midlands. So much history has happened in this city. Just book a train from Glasgow, Edinburgh and even Inverness.
