Seven Corners

Food is the only thing I can think of that actually defines our relationship. So during our 3rd year anniversary, Marlon and I decided to celebrate at Seven Corners in Crowne Plaza. 

We picked Crowne Plaza since it was the most convenient for us. We reserved an hour right before their Saturday night dinner and luckily we were still able to get a table.

We arrived at around 7 and surprisingly, there were only a few people starting their buffet. Turns out, the crowds usually come in an hour after so lucky for us we were quite early.

They have several buffet stations but the selection is not too wide. I noticed nobody was touching the cheese board so I headed for it straight away. They have a pretty good selection but not as massive as Spiral's. I helped myself with about 4 kinds (I can't recognize everything I tried) and added some nuts and dried apricots. I had a good start.

Next up were the appetizers and they were in the same section as the cold seafood. I was not in the mood for shrimp or lobster. I enjoyed the terrines, cous cous, smoked tanigue with dill sauce, chawan mushi, olives and some scallops. I liked the scallops best, they were succulent and dressed in sweet chilli sauce. The cous cous and smoke tanigue were quite addicting as well.

Marlon went straight to the meat section. I only followed after finishing appetizers and cheese. The servings of Prime rib were huge that I was struggling to finish it. we both enjoyed it though as it was tender and grilled to our liking. The lamb had a good balance of flavor as well. Add in the mint jelly and it was perfect.

I thought everything would be great but dessert was a little bit disappointing. The only thing I liked was the creme brulee. They had an ice cream tepanyaki station though but I was too full to even try it.

One thing I didn't like about Seven Corners is that I felt it was a little bit dark. The place is starting to feel a little bit old as well but something that didn't bother me as I enjoyed eating. Yet still...it was a bit hard to eat if it's a little dark. I hope they can adjust the lighting soon.

Their staff tried to accommodate us as best as they can. 

Overall, we still had a good time at Seven Corners. Will I consider coming back? Maybe I would. Especially if they can offer something new.

Happy 3 years Marlon! Here's to more food coming our way.

Seven Corners is located at Crowne Plaza (beside Robinsons Galleria), ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center.

Lia's Cakes in Season

Finding a birthday cake for Marlon became a challenge for me since I didn't have much time. After yoga class once afternoon in Kapitolyo, I had to consider what are the nearest cake shops around. I wanted something different this time since we were so accustomed to getting Ms. Polly's chocolate cakes when on a budget.

I heared about Lia's cakes in season waay back when I was still working at E-telecare. I was curous about the Avocado cake and I know Marlon wants the avocado cheesecake version more but I didn't have enough budget that time. Coming from yoga though, I was so hungry since I only ate a piece of bread for that day only.

Wanting to clear my head first, I ordered their Homestyle spaghetti (PHP 160). The serving was just right for me and I liked that the sauce was savory and just a touch of sweetness. Instead of serving it with bread, they used the pastry sticks from their famous empanada. I did not try any of their specialties that day. I was craving for spaghetti and I was satisfied.

An order of their pasta came with a glass of Iced Tea and a slice of cake. I opted for the Calamansi Tea Cake. I loved how compact this small cake is with a balanced sourness and a touch of sweetness. It felt light as I ate it but gave a good ending to my meal. This is something I would love to have with a cup of coffee.

After a good meal, I was able to think clearly and decided to buy the Chocolate Avelanche cake (PHP 520/whole). Had I had enough I would like to try either the Avocado Cake or Avocado cheesecake but based on my budget and what Marlon would like, this is the best one. The fudge on top of the cake looks rich and enticing with a nice touch of white chocolate curls. The cake was moist, compact and not too sweet hence the chocolate fudge on top did not overpower the cake itself. The thin layer of mocha custard inside was a good kick to your palate in every bite.

Looks like the birthday boy had a good one indeed. It will be my mission to come back for the empanada and the avocado cake varieties.

Lia's Cakes in Season is located at East Capitol Drive, Brgy Kapitolyo Pasig City.

Toninos Ristorante

While getting our noodle fix at Peppy Thai during my recent trip in Iloilo, my cousin Bibay was telling us about a new restaurant that is sort of hard to find in Cuartero Jaro. She really had me at the chef is the one cooking. Before heading home then, she showed me where I can find it.

Before leaving for Manila, I made sure to at least give this place a try. On a lazy sunday, I drove with my Tita Nena to give this a try. I wanted to eat something different as I always ended up eating seafood and was getting sick of it.

Parking outside is a little tricky--especially for a bad driver like me. But of course this is a subdivision, and you can park anywhere as long as you dont block any of the other gates.

It was a very hot day but when we got inside, the breeze was just perfect for al fresco dining. We were seated right away and handed out the menu.

We started out with one of the specials, Bruschetta with Tomato, Basil and Arugula (PHP 95). The bread was buttered and had a nice crunch to it. I only wish the tomatoes were red though so as to really balance out all tastes and textures. I can imagine the basil, arugula and tomatoes playing around your mouth with a hint of parmesan.

The Pasta Cardinal (PHP 165) was simply delicious. Al dente fettuccine with cream sauce, two kinds mushroom (shitake and button), topped with fish nuggets. They didn't scrimp on the ingredients for these and the serving size is even enough for two females with moderate appetites. The sauce was rich and creamy (and cream was used instead of substituting this with milk) but it didn't leave that heavy feeling after. Again, this dish was well balanched as the crunchiness of the fish nuggets complemented the pasta.

Lastly we had the Pink Salmon with Hollandaise Sauce (PHP 335). The salmon was well seasoned but I think it was borderly leaning towards the dry side. Probably a little less time on the grill would have made it perfect. I loved the hollandaise though and how it balances out the slamon and squeezed with a little bit of lemon. Would have been better if we had mashed potatoes on the side instead of rice.

Chef Anthony Bulilan eventually came out and he asked us if the food was good. I find him to be a bit shy though but he responded well when we said we loved the pasta. He used to be with Circles at Shangrila Makati. I think this was a very good gesture on his part especially that this sort of thing does not really happen in Iloilo. When my Tita Zony was eventually dropped off by my mom and had a plate of cake from the party she has been to. Chef Anthony gave us plates right away and waved off any air of pretentiousness just in case you had doubts.

His staff was really nice and polite. I hope they tell you though if there are options in changing rice instead of potatoes or if it is possible to have something else modified. Just a little tweak and I think they're good to go.

I would come back to this place and I really wish he will not branch out and commercialize his cooking. Places like these are much needed in Iloilo wherein everyone seems to have opted for quantity instead of quality. Prices may be a little high for some but if he can keep his food this was and will have no short cuts, I would gladly pay for it. For a girl living half of her life in Manila, I think this place has good value for money. This is a nice place for dates (especially at night) or for intimate lunches with close friends.

Toninos Ristorante is located at Locsin Subdivision, Brgy Cuartero Jaro Iloilo. Coming from diversion road, turn right at El 98 st. Turn left when you get to the intersection of Jaro-I elementary school (Cuartero st) Turn right at Locsin Subd (1st street on the right after Fajardo). turn right, then left. You can then see the sign for Toninos.