Bad Bird | Umami Fried Chicken

ABBEY: This was one of the pasalubongs of Wilma coming back from Philippines. She said that they dined at Bad Bird restaurant (Robinsons Manila) and she wanted me to taste it. 

The chicken pieces are huge and rubbed with lots of spices; lots of it that the chicken became dark brown in color. The taste? The one that I had is spicy and lived up to its flavor. The chicken is not too fat but juicy. 

Next time, we will try other flavors.

Bad Bird | Umami Fried Chicken -- Spicy Flavor

Bad Bird | Umami Fried Chicken -- MENU

WILL: You may call it crazy, but I will consider it betrayal if I tried something new without my husband. So when I dined with my nieces and nephew while on vacation in Manila, I got the chance to try the Bad Bird located at Robinsons Manila. 

Finally, I saw a huge-sized fried chicken with rice. Hahaha! And when I tasted it, it flashbacked a memory of Kipp's Chicken of SM North foodcourt. Ahm, well, Bad Bird is better hahaha. It is crispier and not that oily. The taste will make you crave for more. Yum! 

Back on my story. For me not to be haunted by this feeling of betrayal, I brought Abbey Spicy 4 piece platter with hush puppies for only Php695.   

Thanks Ate Ynnah for buying those for Tito Abbey. This Bad Bird is recommendable!

***

Bad Bird | Umami Fried Chicken / Manila

(W) http://bitebadbird.com

(H) 10am - 9pm

(A) L1, Robinsons Place Manila, Pedro Gil, Brgy 670 Ermita Manila

(T) +63 (2) 712 7228

Gangnam Wings - Authentic and Best Korean Restaurant in Philippines

ABBEY: At last we set foot to Gangnam Wings at SM Megamall. We ordered one of their group meals which is good for 6 persons. It includes a whole chicken (we chose sweet and spicy and soy garlic flavors), a basket of truffle fries, a bowl of mango salad, a pot of budae-jjigae, rice, red iced tea and mango bingsu. 

Honestly, I liked all the items. They are savory, flavorful and delicious. Budae-jjigae really stood out. It is a meal in itself. It has ham, noodles, macaroni elbows, beans, kimchi, rice and fish cakes and boiled in broth. Wow. All of these for Php1799.00. 

Go visit Gangnam Wings and enjoy good times with friends with great food. They also serve alcoholic drinks.

Gangnam Wings - Authentic and Best Korean Restaurant in Philippines
Fries and Red Ice Tea

Gangnam Wings - Authentic and Best Korean Restaurant in Philippines
Budae Jjigae

Gangnam Wings - Authentic and Best Korean Restaurant in Philippines
Korean Fried Chicken

Gangnam Wings - Authentic and Best Korean Restaurant in Philippines
Mango Bingsu

Gangnam Wings - Authentic and Best Korean Restaurant in Philippines
Meal Deal Menu

Gangnam Wings - Authentic and Best Korean Restaurant in Philippines
SM Megamall Bldg A

Gangnam Wings - Authentic and Best Korean Restaurant in Philippines 

WILL: Gangnam Wings! Although Abbey is one of the investors here, I will give a sincere feedback. Please do take note that our meal in here is not free. Haha. 

We went there, 3 adults and 2 children, but the other one eats like two persons combined. So we went for Meal Deal P1799 (good for 6). We ordered 2 half chicken flavoured spicy and soy garlic, Buddae Jjigae (Stew), Truffle Fries, Mango Salad, Mango Bingsu for dessert and Red Iced Tea. 

We were served first by Red Iced Tea and Fries. Oh! I prevent my self in consuming it all, that is for my nephew Baste (he only eat fries and burgers). Their fries is not oily and it is crispy! 

Next the rice came along with the chickens! Oh my! The chicken meat,not only the skin, also sipped the flavours. It is total a winner. 

Buddae Jjigae caught me off guard. In truth, I am expecting a lame broth taste! But! My! Kimchi is there, spiciness, the rice cake and noodles... wohooo! This is a real deal! 

I am not into dessert but I made way for 1 more serving of this Mango Bingsu. It is creamy and the mango gave a nice kick of sourness! Droooool! 

The quality of food was served by Gangnam Wings is great! This is a must visit whenever you are in Pasig area. Yup! This kind of restaurant deserves another branch! I fully recommend to get their "meal deal", you will save a lot from there. 

***

Gangnam Wings

(F) https://www.facebook.com/GangnamWings/

(H) 10AM - 1AM

(A) The Megastrip Unit 1 - 114 UG/F Bldg. A SM Megamall (former Bonchon, beside Starbucks, Dominos and Kenny Rogers), Ortigas Center

Mandaluyong, Philippines 1554

(T) +63 977 130 0034

Army Navy Burger + Burrito at Petron NLEX

ABBEY: We stopped by Army Navy (Petron NLEX Southbound) after our stay at a resort. Sadly they’re out of burgers. Instead we got chicken wings, soft tacos, and chicken burger. 

I ordered StarvingSailor same as Will and it was delicious. The beef is a little bit tough to chew though. We had 12-pax meal for only 88SGD. I hope next time I can put my hands on their burgers.

Army Navy at Petron NLEX
StarvingSailor Sandwich

Army Navy Burger + Burrito at Petron NLEX
MENU

Army Navy Burger + Burrito Mission:
Come in Hungry
Walk out Happy

WILL: Aren't you tired of the same fastfood chains inside the malls and then those will be your same choices when taking a break from your long drive at North Luzon Express Way? 

Well, fret not! Army Navy is there to serve you. Ahm, yeah! Another burger-fries-chicken menu but please do try their StarvingSailor sandwich. 

A sourdough bread that was filled by chunks (yes chunks not strips) of beef, caramelised onion, cheese and jalapeño. Yummy! 

This sandwich surely will satisfy the starving sailor inside of you!

***

Army Navy 

(W)http://www.armynavy.ph/

(A) Petron, NLEX Phase 2A, Petron Service Station 1, Marilao Bulacan

Brothers Burger at TriNoma Mall, Quezon City

ABBEY: I can still remember the “50% off the second burger” promo of Brothers Burger when I worked at Makati. The queue was long. So we decided to have a taste of their menu items but this time at Trinoma. 

I got the cheesesteak sandwich. It is huge and has ample amount of beef in it. The bread is soft and beef is tender. No need to put any other condiments on it.

Brothers Burger
The Boss Burger

Brothers Burger
Cheesesteak Sandwich

Brothers Burger at TriNoma Mall, Quezon City
MENU

WILL: Abbey and I used to lunch-out at one of Brothers Burger outlet at Makati. As I remember, one burger costs only Php100.00, now...oh my! It is more than 9 years ago. Haha. 

After our facial at Let's Face It, we sat at their branch and Abbey insisted for me to have the "The Boss Burger" (Php375.00) because Lamb Burger is not abailable that time. 

As I recall, the quality of the buns are not there, but the beef patties are way more better than other big burger chains. It is meatier and juicy. Well, it is a feast!

'Till next time Brothers Burger!

***

Brothers Burger

(F)https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBrothersBurger/

(H)10AM - 9PM

(A)2061 2nd Trinoma Mall, North Ave Cor Mindanao Ave, Quezon City, 1105 Metro Manila, Philippines

(T)+63(2)916-5400

Wacko Grill Restaurant at Sterling Square Meycauayan Bulacan

ABBEY: We remembered Mama’s 4th death anniversary at Wacko Grill (Sterling Square) along with her siblings and in-laws. Wacko Grill offers a buffet for 199Php per person. 

They got siomai, lumpiang shanghai, chicken in creamy sauce, radish salad, java rice and desserts. The item that stands out in the menu is the fried belly then mix with kare-kare. 

Drinks are not included and need to be paid separately. As it is Filipino food, they are delicious. It is a good time to catch up with our Titos and Titas.

Wacko Grill Restaurant's Crispy Kare-Kare 

Wacko Grill Restaurant - Buffet Lunch Php199.00 

Wacko Grill Restaurant's Other Viands

WILL: Wacko Grilll offers "Eat All You Can Lunch Buffet". Oh! Where is this restaurant located? The booming city of Sto Niño, Bulacan. A few kilometres away from NLEX Meycauayan exit. In this restaurant we celebrated the 4th year anniversary of Mama Sweet's soul to Almighty. 

What you need to expect with your Php199 buffet? 8 viands, a special rice and desserts (drinks not included). 

My favorite? Crispy kare-kare. Hmmm! I have four rounds of it. Bye diet! Haha! The crispiness  of the meat and creamy kare-kare sauce! Oh my! Ditch out the bagoong, kare-kare can stand on its own.

***

Wacko Grill Restaurant

(H) 10AM - 12MN

(A) Sterling Ave, Bulacan, 3020 Bulacan, Philippines

(T) +63(917)5288352

The Café - Dinner Buffet, Hyatt City of Dreams Manila

ABBEY: This is where we dined upon arriving in Philippines. The Cafe is beside City of Dreams casino and a strong cigarette smell will welcome you but it will lighten as you went in the restaurant. 

It has a wide variety of food. They have sushi, sashimi, siomai, pork ribs, tempura and dumplings. They also have pasta, noodles, seafoods and sinigang na salmon. I made my version of halo-halo (banana, crushed ice, milk and leche flan on top). Cheese and cold cuts were also available. 

What I liked the most is the item at their carvery: roasted beef. It is tender and juicy and can be eaten on its own or with cracked mustard and other sauces.

The Café - Dinner Buffet, Hyatt City of Dreams Manila 

WILL: Abbey and I planned to have a House Of Abbey meeting at The City of Dreams' The Cafe, but due to unforeseen circumstances the head of construction department can't make it, so we just laughed and enjoyed the food. 

Our flight was delayed and happy to say that The Cafe's receptionist were quite attentive in taking our last minute changes. We arrived a little bit late on the reserved time. 

On the restaurant ambiance, you can feel that you are in an lavish place. Dim lights, cosy chairs and thick spoon and fork. Very good for a dinner-date indeed! 

On food, quite an array of choices and do not forget to eat a load of their beef at the carving area, their pork ribs and siomai! Oh my! Pasta, go for white sauce and cool off with their halo-halo! 

Roasted zucchini should not be missed and of course the mini cakes. If only I can enlarge my stomach so I can put all the food that I want. Haha. 

Of course, we got this with a discount through MetroDeal (Php1409.00). Thanks The Cafe of The City of Dreams and MetroDeal!

***

The Café, Hyatt City of Dreams Manila 

(W) https://www.cityofdreamsmanila.com/restaurants/the-cafe

(H) Breakfast

6:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Lunch

Monday - Friday 12:00 Noon - 3:00 PM

Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Dinner

5:30 PM - 11:00 PM

(A) Ground Floor South Gaming Area, City of Dreams Manila Aseana Boulevard corner Macapagal Avenue Brgy.Tambo, Paranaque City

(T) (+632) 691 1234 extension 1162

NEW Chips, Crisps, and Snacks We Munched This 2017

ABBEY: From time to time we also try new chips while watching TV series. Here are some of them:

Popcorners
This has the texture of popcorn but in a form or triangular chip. Taste like popcorn but your mind will be confused with the appearance. We tried their cheesy Jalapeño and it was good.

Thins

If you’re looking for sour-cream or salt flavor chips aside from Ruffles and Lays, this is a good alternative. The chips are thin as the name implies. Easy to chew and has the burnt taste.

Bluebird Sea Salt

Cold Storage is the only grocery we see that this is being sold. It is nice to go back to the basics of potato chips. Slices of potato with salt. Good partner with soda.

Way Better Snack

These tortilla chips might be way better compared to others because of their flavors. We tried their sweet chilli flavor and simply spicy sriracha. Those are new flavors for our taste buds and definitely buy them again.

Rgies Iloilo

This sweet treat is from one of the provinces of the Philippines, Iloilo. These are butterscotch squares which have brownies texture. They come in varieties like with almonds, coffee, cashew, dates, mango bits and chocooats but I like the mango bits most.

Delisio Bluebird Sea Salt Cooked with Sunflower Oil 

Popcorners

Way Better Snacks 

Thins - Snack Brands Australia 

Rgies Butterscotch Square:

WILL: My love for chips is fading as there only few varieties available at ShengShiong store and they cost tons of money. Anyways that is better for our health and pocket. Haha.

But Abbey jolted back my affair with chips when he always bring something new from FairPrice Changi Business Park branch or other stores.

Thins: This became one in my fave list. Even it is so thin (as it was named) the flavour was packed in every chip. My favorite is their sour cream and chives. Yup! It is like you dipped it in the real thing.

Bluebird Delisio Sea Salt: Can you imagine, a simple salt can make your taste buds celebrate a feast? Simplicity is the best thing the can offer. This is only available at Cold Storage and always out of stock.

Popcorners: He knew that I love popcorn, he surprised me with a bag of this chips. Creative! Popcorn turned into a flat crispy chips! Clap! Clap! Clap! The taste reminds me of my childhood. Remember the cheap popcorn at your local store? Yes! This is the taste. But of course more crunchy.

Way Better's Simply So Sweet Chili: Yes! It bites! Haha. The sting of spiciness is there and the "healthy" feeling will justify your guilt haha. The chips has this grainy texture to support that claim. Classic! 

Rgies Butterscotch Square: Beware! This is addictive! haha! Thanks Kuya Dexter and Ate Cai for this delicacy from your hometown. Not too sweet and chewy. You will crave for more. My fave is the mango bits and original. 

***

RGies Delicacies

(A) Kamantigue Street, Gran Plains Subdivision Jaro, Jaro, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo, Philippines

(T) +63 33 329 5606

FairPice Finest

(A) Changi City Point #B1-08/09/10/11 

(T) 6444 1472 

Cold Storage

(A) 1 Sengkang Square #B1-25, Compass One Shopping Centre

(T) 6344 1661 

ButtonsUp Mushroom Crisp (Salted Egg Flavour)

ABBEY: Buttons Up Mushroom is the entrepreneurial product of one of our friends group, Ate Che. 

Filipinos love chips (chichirya). And we all know those belong to junk food group. So how to replace them and encourage Pinoys to eat healthful food like mushroom? Mask the taste, package it good and sell. Clever right? That's how Buttons Up Mushroom is doing it. 

I tried it and I'll never know that it is mushroom if it'll be a blind test. 

It is crispy and flavorful. Be sure to grab all you can once the stock is replenished as they are selling like hotcakes.

ButtonsUp Mushroom Crisp (Salted Egg Flavour)

WILL: Abbey lovvvvvvesssss chicharon (fried pork rind) and that is his request to our dad every time someone will visit Singapore. It is unhealthy for anyone to eat that oily skin and porks' fat. 

When crispy mushrooms start to emerge in Philippine Market, Abbey is eager to taste those. BUT! Buttons Up Mushroom is always out of stock, but luckily last June, I managed to order and they arranged a free delivery at our home. We ordered 10packs (Php150 each).

My sister and friends already have tasted some of those and all I can hear is a good feedback. Now, it's our time to check it for our own. Haha. 

One bite and it is taste like pork. No hint of mushroom. This is the healthiest version of chicharon. Actually, it is perfect with rice and vinegar. Need picka-picka for your drinking session? Forget the nuts. This well complements your alcohol. 

Abbey keep on munching of those and ate most of it all. Yep! Abbey is now addicted to it. Haha! 

They have different flavors but their best seller is salted egg :) 

***

Buttons Up Mushroom Crisp (Salted Egg Flavor) 

(F)https://m.facebook.com/ButtonsUpMushroom/

(T) +639298186723

Mushroom Crisp Flavors - Php150.00

Salted Egg (BEST SELLER)

Spicy Salted Egg 

Cheese 

Tsoko Shrooms 

Oyster Mushroom Burger Patty - Php100.00

Oyster Mushroom Achara - Php60.00

Banzai: The Great Teppanyaki Theater - Lunch Buffet (SM Mall of Asia by The Bay)

ABBEY: We scheduled a date with Papa Boy before going back to Singapore. We reserved seats for lunch in Banzai, a Japanese restaurant at SM Mall of Asia. Ate Beth and Rai tagged along. An adult costs 668 pesos (drinks included) and free for my nephew. 

My first plate had sushi and sashimi. Then I had beef tepanyaki, chicken karaage and yakitori. They also have variety of fried rice; teppanyaki, garlic and shrimp paste. Yes, that was a cheat day for me. They also serve Filipino food like chicken-pork adobo and spare ribs sinigang. And I was really with the sinigang. I went back 3-4 times. 

It was fun time and I enjoyed it much as I can see my father happy as well.

Banzai Building 

Tempura Station

Sushi Station

WILL: Buffet Restaurants are really the craze in Philippines. No wonder many Filipinos (ehem, including my siblings) gaining weight. The buffets are more affordable than buying an ala-carte meal plus drinks in other food establishments.

Anyway, if you want to see some choices for buffet, you can go to Mall of Asia and more than 4 restaurants are offering eat-all-you-can in there. 

I made a reservation at Banzai! It was located just beside the MOA Eye (Ferris Wheel). Luckily, there is a promotion for Visa Credit Card holders, we pay three for 4 adults. Nice right? 

As usual, indulge with ebi tempura, sashimi, and sushi. I can't remember how many plates I had of those. Haha. I tried their flavoured fried chicken and some sweets. I fell in love with their mocha meringue. I am the culprit! Haha! I ate it all and felt sad when I saw nothing left on the table but after few minutes, saw some refills and I attacked it again. Remembered my childhood days. Haha. 

We went there for lunch buffet, weekdays. Very recommendable.

***

Banzai: The Great Teppanyaki Theater Bldg J, By The bay Leisure Park, Seaside Blvd., Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

(T) 09177067328 or 5527368

(F) https://www.facebook.com/BanzaiPH/

Kuretake Japanese Restaurant - Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City

ABBEY: At last after a couple of years, I'm able to meet again the leader of Rabasu team; Aris Azur. He came along with Nica and His son Arwind. We met at Kuretake, a Japanese restaurant, at Rockwell Powerplant Mall.

I had Katsuma Tama Ju Box that came with miso soup and pickles for 320 pesos. I love the rice toppings. The chicken is tender and moist and rice is cooked well. Serving is good enough to make me full. Then I washed it all down with mango shake. Philippine mango is really the best.

The restaurant also serves teppanyaki, sushi, sashimi, ramen, and soba.

Tori Udon

Katsuma Tama Ju Box

WILL: We should be dining at Mamou II, but there is a 2 seating time and both cannot accommodate the timing we have scheduled. Just beside this restaurant is Kuretake. 

Abbey's best man, Aris and his wife Nica and baby Arwind were already there when we arrived the place. The restaurant is serene and this is the right place for us to catch up on our lives. 

I ordered Tori Udon (Php330.00) . The soup is perfect, the meat is tender and the thick noodles make my tummy full in an instant. 

Over that meal, we shared a lot of events in our life. It so nice to see an old friend face-to-face. Nothing beats that. :) Thanks Azur Family for the time spent with us. Till next time. Tori Udon $330.00

*** Kuretake Japanese Restaurant (Philippines)  Ground Level Power Plant Mall Rockwell Drive corner Estrella Street Rockwell Center, Makati, Philippine 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM / 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM (T) +63 2 898 0509 (E) jgihrdept@gmail.com

Tokyo Tokyo at Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill, Taguig

ABBEY: I've been to Tokyo Tokyo many times. I think we also ate there with Papa Boy, Mama Vangie and Ninang Zeny in their branch at Trinoma. But this is the first time we'll blog about them. We visited the one in Venice Piazza McKinley Hill.

We had a large group and we went there lunchtime. We ordered their bento meal: pork tonkatsu with miso soup, read tea and coffee jelly. It costs Php204.00. We were told that the meals will be served after 20 minutes. But lo and behold even before the said time expires, we were already half on our lunch.

We would like to commend their staff for giving good service on April 28. Rice is unlimited. The pork tonkatsu is crispy on the outside and tender inside. One thing to improve though, please make the wasabi to have a kick. Honestly, I didn't even feel the spiciness.

WILL: Tokyo Tokyo is the most affordable Japanese Cuisine fast-food chain in Philippines. I can't shake the memories of eating there, eating there with my cousin, my sister and when I got married..with my husband and in-laws. What can I say? I am an avid fan of Tokyo Tokyo since their first branch at SM Carpark. :) 

A smile on my face when we got a chance to eat again in here. After our Ace Water Spa, we went to the Taguig for our lunch. And lo and behold, we went in for before all the employees swarmed into the place. Haha! 

I joyfully ordered the food but Miss, the one and only cashier that time is pretty grumpy, luckily the girls who provide the food equates the cashier's negativeness with the love in serving their diners. 

As usual, they are still in an "unlimited rice" promotion. Their tonkatsu is still yummy but I am quite disappointed with their wasabi. I almost chuck down the whole wasabi in my rice just to feel its presence in. Haha! 

We spend a lot of time in there! And after we fueled up. We paved our way to the Venice Grand Canal. As planned, not so many people in there because it is Thursday. We got all the place for photo ops.

***

Tokyo Tokyo 

Second Floor, Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill, Taguig City