Saturday, September 24, 2016

Applebee's, Eastwood City

 Applebee's Grill and Bar, Eastwood City
***
Early dinner was at Applebee's after watching
Train to Busan, a uniquely entertaining zombie
horror movie thriller. All that screaming,
laughing and feet stomping worked up an appetite.
 We got these Sausage Sandwiches.
 Chili Sausage Sandwich / Php 345
Loaded Schueblig Sausage Sandwich / Php 325
***
 Large servings and lots of fries!!!
***
 Crispy Fried Green Beans,,, the only reason why I wanted
 to eat at Applebee's again.  But, somehow these lacked the
herbs or the spices that was in the batter.  Alvin said that
the batter had not taste.  Last time we were here, we
got their sampler.  The beans probably got the spices or
that particular tasty flavor from from the calamari 
when they were probably fried together....
Hmmm ... just my thoughts. 
Maybe next time I'll order the sampler again and
see if the green beans batter would taste better.
*** 
Frozen Margarita and Long Island Iced Tea
 
We'' be back!!!

Monday, September 12, 2016

Applebee's in Manila

Applebee's opened in Manila a couple of months ago.
They opened their second branch in Eastwood
sometime in July 2016.
The server asked us if it was our first time at Applebee's
and it was.... my first time here at their Eastwood branch.
But I have eaten at their Rocklin branch in California
with my sister and my Dad a few years back.
***
Alvin got this substantially large and filling burger
topped with strips of bacon and cheese,
served with plenty of crispy, perfectly seasoned French Fries.
 Now this tastes like a real American burger!
Tasty pure beef patty, without onions or other extenders.
Alvin loved it a lot!
*** 
I think this is their Sampler Platter or something...
I have forgotten! Pardon me please....
There were 2 pcs of Tacos, Quesadillas and the best
Fried French Beans.  I will definitely order a whole 
plate of these French Beans when I go back, which will
be quite soon... soonest!
 
*** 
 The servings at Applebee's were ample and more than
enough for Alvin and me, and we had our leftovers
wrapped for take out.
***
Will be going to Applebee's, if not tomorrow, then. 
before this week ends.  I was able to purchase gift
certificates thru this online shop, which sold
Applebee's 500 Peso Gift Certicates at 30% off.
***
To all my foodie friends, I hope you'd come and join me.
Applebee's doesn't have all-you-can-eat buffet but
you will definitely get your money's worth.
Alvin loves this All-American restaurant!!!
***
To read about Applebee's transformation.

Monday, September 5, 2016

Mesa Robinsons Magnolia

It's been 33 years since graduation and we're 
happy to see each other again and again.
 ***
***
These two appetizers were served first.
There were two plates each for all the dishes 
except for the Crab and Seafood.
The starters were Tinapa Rolls and
Crispy Catfish topped with green mango and chili.
***
Sinigang na Baboy
... I really liked this a lot! It had pineapple chunks
which was new to me, that made the soup sweeter
and didn't hurt my tummy.  My friend, Dr. Katlu,
preferred her sinigang more sour, but we both enjoyed
talking about the possible ingredients of Mesa's
Pork Sinigang, since we both love cooking.
***
Crispchon served Two Ways.
First Way - Crispy Skin wrapped in Pandan Crepes
with three sauces.
Second Way -- Deep Fried in Garlic
***
Laing Fried Rice... they served three big bowls
of this yummy fried rice.
Fried Rice + Pork Sinigang = Happiness!
 
Hipon / Shrimps and Pinakbet
I don't know how these tasted since I didn't eat them.
I was content with the rice and sinigang.
 
***
Patotim ... this is half a duck cooked, rather braised
in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, peppercorns and 
star anise.  This was yummy too!
 
Apahap or Silver Sea Bass
... steamed in Dayap and Chili. HubB liked this.
 
Crabs, Shrimps, Squid and Mussels in Chili Sauce
I asked the HubB to give me one of the claws.
I'm lazy to eat crabs because it's messy even if
Mesa provided some transparent plastic gloves.
Thanks to the HubB, ang taga-himay namin ni Alvin!

Dr. Jacqui made the reservation for a functionroom
and we needed to consume 6k worth of food and drinks.
So, I chose Mesa's Set Menu #4 which costs Php 6300.
The set included Mesa's Crispchon and the  Crab & Seafood
Platter,  which is really a good deal.
I hope to bring the Sanders Clan here next time.
***
Estrel's Caramel Cake
... brought by Dr. Susan for the class.
Dedication on the cake was really a thoughtful
gesture from Dr. Susan.
Thank you sooooo much!
I had two servings!   
 ***
Dinner was at Mesa Robinsons Magnolia.
We got together for a balibayan classmate,
Dr. Susan, who is my very first friend in UP Diliman.
We met while queuing during registration/enrollment.
We've remained good friends and have kept in touch
 through snail mail, email and now viber.
We were earlier than prompt.
L to R -- Dr. Susan, Me, HubB and Dr. Katlu
Dr. Rey and our guest of honor.
 The rest of the class, those not named above.
Dr. Ned, Dr. Sam-mei, Dr. Elvie, Dr. Jackie & Dr. Anna
Peace and love love love love
***
 
 ***
***
love love love love
***

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Hai Kang Seafood Restaurant, Wilson Street., Greenhills

Our class got together for three balikbayans and dinner
was at Hai Kang Seafood Restaurant.
***
This is actually my second time to go to this
restaurant.  The first time we attempted to dine
here was unsuccessful because we couldn't find a
parking space along Wilson Street, even if we were
there at 5 pm, & even before the restaurant opens for dinner.
It was probably a Saturday when we went. No wonder!
***
Cold Cuts were served first, if I remember correctly.
  Then, two kinds of noodles ...
Birthday Noodles and Misua (which is often tossed
during Chinese New Year. Again... if I am not mistaken.)
 Seafood Pumpkin Soup 
Egg Whites with Pork Floss & some Shrimps
 
Crispy Fried Pork & Enoki Mushrooms
Peking Duck (Two-Ways)
Steamed Lapu-lapu
 Steamed Crabs
***
I posted the photos of the dishes in the manner or
sequence that they were served / placed on the table.
So, by the time the duck was served, I was already
quite full, even if there was no fried rice.
Hmmm...
I usually instruct the waiters to serve the duck first or 
right after the Cold Cuts.  Then, I would tell them to 
bring in the dishes at the same time, if possible.
Noodles are last served, and usually taken home. 
Butchi and Mango Sago
***
Anyway, I still had a nice time seeing good old 
classmates, those I grew up with.
***
Always good to dine with a big group of friends.
I get to take a lot of food photos.