Zark's Burgers Philippines - "It's Fresh. It's Huge. It's Great."

ABBEY: We didn't succeed dining-in the first time at Zark's Taft, but that doesn't stop Pareng John to treat us into this burger paradise. So we tried Zark's Katipunan on our short stint back in Pinas. 

No queue, as it is November 1 (All Saints' Day). I got Jawbreaker; a triple patty-burger with crispy bacon, fries and drinks for less than 300Php. Finish it within five minutes and it is free. I didn't give in. I want to indulge and savor the giant burger in front of me. Sorry but I had the patties to be well done. 

I hope next time I'll be able to try the Tombstone (death by a 2-pound burger).

WILL: If you are not big, unique and affordable the Philippine market will not give you any chance to succeed. Zark’s Burgers is one of the pioneer of big burgers in Manila and they emerged gracefully. Talk of the town. That is why our friends brought us at their Katipunan Branch

1^st of November, holiday, most of the stores were close and so lucky they were open to serve that day. We were ushered to their third floor and straight away asked for our orders. I went for Zark’s Ultimate Burger (Php150.00 with fries and iced tea).

Quarter Pounder is a lot but I almost ate it all. Haha! Their beef patty has a Filipino touch. It reminds me of the patties I am eating during our lunch break way back in my grade school days.

Thanks Denise and John. Till our next food trips! :)

Icon Hotel North Edsa Manila

ABBEY: Since we visit Philippine as fast as the blink of an eye, we need to maximize our time there. So it means we're either in our friends' house, cafe, or restaurant. Going back home is not an option for us due to security reasons. We always plan to crash at a hotel to spend the night. And then we came to know of Icon Hotel North (near North EDSA MRT). 

In their name itself, the hotel is all about worldwide icons like Steve Jobs, Cleopatra and Marilyn Monroe. They named each room with an icon and treated their guests as star. As promotion, a 12-hour stay costs approximately 1300 pesos. This includes buffet breakfast for two, wifi, and a premium room. They accept cash and credit cards for payments. 

WILL:  After working for almost 5 years in Singapore we don’t have a home that we can call our own. When we go back to Philippines, we always stayed at our parents’ home. And every time we’ll hang out late, we always decide to go in a hotel to check-in rather than bothering our parents. We are so lucky to go to Icon Hotel in EDSA. Thank you Denise for the recommendation. Why we are lucky? We got a decent room in a very affordable price.

The lobby is wonderful. The room is neat. The sheets were clean. Oh they have quilt, awesome! We only paid Php1,299.00 for 12hour stay with breakfast buffet. Although they offer only 5 main courses it is still better than nothing. This is a family hotel, a budget hotel that you can spend time with your whole family. You can totally relax as you cannot hear the honking of buses and revving of the vehicles. They also housed a pool and a mini theatre at the lobby. Almost perfect until I got to touch their faucet. Please scrub it before the bacteria will build up on that small portion of your room.

Concierge is always smiling and ready to accommodate all your needs. Salute to this brand new hotel. Already recommended to my family and friends. Please do check them out.

Monster Curry Singapore at 313@Somerset

ABBEY: This place reminds me of a sad moment as my then girlfriend will leave Singapore after a month of visit. But the good thing is, we had good food at Monster Curry at 313@Somerset (Food Republic). 

So we visited it again. At less than 15sgd,  I got a large portion of chicken with matching dark Japanese curry sauce. Combining each bite with white rice and my hunger is solved. The curry sauce's spiciness is just the right amount; not too salty nor bland. 

WILL: January 2010, it was the end of my 2-month vacation here in Singapore. We spend our afternoon on a movie date and I craved for Japanese food back then and we found this great place in 313@Somerset. That was the 2nd saddest parting we have. That spot. It was all clear. The teary eyes and emotional voice.

After 4 years, we re-visited the place, now with a full smile. We see things brighter. We just reminisce the past and now putting an end of that sad part and replacing it with a great happiness. We well appreciate now the view of passing pedestrians and vehicles from level 5 of this building. We are so happy.

I ordered pork katsu. I love the taste but it would be lovelier if they have a wasabi. The serving is too big, I ate the ¾ and the rest was covered by husband.

This place is recommendable for a great food, great view and affordable price.

Underwater World Singapore and Dolphin Lagoon - Sentosa

ABBEY: I wasn't aware that there are two marine life attractions in Sentosa until last week. One is the SEA Aquarium near Waterfront Station. This is considered as the biggest aquarium in Asia. And the other is at Siloso point, the Underwater World. We went to Underwater World upon my sister's visit. 

At 4PM, the show started for pink dolphins in the Dolphin Lagoon. They are wonderful creatures, very graceful and intelligent. They showed how they can sing, wave, pass through a hoop and give their signature jumps. Fur seals also joined them in exhibiting their tricks like how fast they can swim and catching rings. 

I hope Sentosa management takes good care of them. Not much difference between SEA Aquarium and Underwater World, both have clear tunnels filled with fish, rays and sharks. The walkalator in Underwater World is a plus though.

WILL: As we need to be more picky on the activities we should do on Abbey’s sister second visit, we chose to go to Underwater World of Sentosa instead Jurong Bird Park. Why? We need to give Ate Rizbeth non-tiring tour. All we need to do is to sit and watch the dolphin show and explore the aquarium which is all air-conditioned. So less sweat, less stress for the family of three.

We arrived 30 minutes before the show at Dolphin Lagoon. We picked the best spot which is not so close to the pool and yet there is blower to puff away the heat of the 25^th day of October.

The show started and the arena was filled by spectators. The dolphin is really an adorable creature. So Cute! So when the host asked for a volunteer that will interact with them I never falter to raise my hand and shout “me-me-me!” And yes she picked me! I am so excited to be in a photo with a dolphin for second time. Yes! Second time. The first when I was only a grade school student. I paid Php150.00 to be kissed by a dolphin. Now it is free! A long interaction and got a chance to touch their fins and head, command them to clap and sing. A great experience. Please do visit them. Pink dolphins really made my day.

After the exhilarating event we went back to the Underwater World. The spider crab is really fascinating. Their room is quite congested because it is Saturday. All tourist congesting the island of Sentosa, haha! Anyways. I enjoyed their magnified aquarium.

Thanks Dolphin Lagoon crew. Abbey’s nephew cannot get over of the show. He is still teling “Ninang? Bopin?” (means Godmother? Dolphin?)  

Marina Bay Sands Hospitality Suite

ABBEY: This is my second stay in Marina Bay Sands. And I cannot ask for more as we're given a suite with balcony. Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Ruaro. They are apologising as the suite is only on the second floor, but hey, this is still a suite. We'll just go up on 57th floor for the view. 

The room includes a queen-size bed, a sofa bed, two television, make-up room and toilet and bathtub. The bar has a Nespresso machine :) So we had a coffee session with our friends after dinner. 

Our stay here with my sister's family is a good one. I can see them get relaxed and refreshed. They went for a dip in the infinity pool and finished the stay with sumptuous breakfast on Sky on 57.

WILL: Wohooo! Marina Bay Sands Suite! Free! And again thanks to our sponsors, Daddy Edward and Mommy Lovelee.

Second time to check-in at MBS Hotel but this is new experience for us. Aside from being housed at their lovely suite we invited some guests to sip some Nespresso coffee after our lovely dinner at Peach Garden. Non-stop stories and questions about Singapore since they only arrived here about a week ago and will start their official job as nurse in a day or two.

When we bid goodbye, we indulge at a very spacious room of this suite. We arranged the sofa bed for me and Abbey to take rest, and our guests, Ate Rizbeth’s family occupied the queen-size bed.

Before we head to our slumber, Abbey and I dip first to the bathtub. Hours of throwing an opinion to each other, making plans and listen to each other's words. We also pictured out our future room in our future home. A very relaxing time for me and my husband.

When I lay down at sofa bed and slept soundly. I woke up and took a shower and head to office.

I hope our visitors enjoy this hotel stay.

Till next time MBS!

PAUL Singapore (Maison de Qualité) - French Restaurant at Westgate

ABBEY: I was in the connotation that French cuisine is only pleasing to the eye and fancy but you won't get full as the serving is small :) It changed when we visited Paul Restaurant at Westgate Mall. The ambiance is very different. It was elegant. Noise volume is minimal. It is as if all the diners were refine.

As I opened the menu, the items were, for me, a bit expensive. So what to do then? Use their promotion or offer. On that day, a meal consists of main course, soup of the day, and drink only costs $18.90++ with usual price of 40+sgd. I ordered their beef stew; choiced chops of beef with generous serving of bread. And when they put "generous" on the menu, they mean it. I got four slices of bread to match my stew. The stew is creamy and delicious. The beef comes with small amounts of fat which I liked. This made me missed our Pinoy's Nilagang baka or bulalo. 

Soup of the day is carrot soup and my drink is mint iced tea. The tea tasted like the bubble gum I enjoyed when I was kid.

WILL: We do not have our own camera. Yes! You read it right. Most of the photos here in our blog was taken using the iPhone 3G and iPhone 4S. When there is a special events or we have visitors, we always asked either Nitin or Chat to lend us their Nikon.In returning a favour, Abbey and I chose Paul at Westgate to treat our dear friend Chat. We availed their promo (ends on 30^th October).

Straight from office, I went here and so awed with the restaurant. It has a calming atmosphere. Immediately after sitting down, we ordered our food. I went for Sauté de Poulet Aux Champignons and mint iced tea. The promotion includes their soup of the day which is carrot soup. The taste is amazing and really stimulates my appetite and looking forward to our main dish. While waiting I sip some of my cold tea. It taste like a bubble gum and asked Abbey if I can swap with  his iced lemon tea, and he confirmed.

One by one our food came and sat in front of us. Every spoonful give us a piece of tranquillity. Haha! My chicken with mushroom is so creamy. The bread really compliments the cream with it.

This is a really recommendable place. A nice and very romantic restaurant to bring your date.

dr. Café Coffee Singapore at The Star Vista - $2 Frappe Deal

ABBEY: After a sumptuous snack at Boston Seafood Shack, we went to Dr. Cafe on their branch at Star Vista Mall to get their 2SGD frappe. 

I got the mocha frappe. I really can't distinguished the difference with other cafe but kudos for their offer of lower price. We had our frappes as we catch up with our friends.

WILL: dr. Café is making a big noise by having a series of promotions. The first deal is their 50% off on their hot coffees, cakes and sandwiches, Now they treat all their “facebook likers” a $2 frappe. Gosh! Abbey and I are so blessed that we got an this for free!!! Thanks Chat!

I ordered for caramel frappe. I need a sweet dose of drink that time to wash away the fish and chips taste. Oh, we went at dr. Café Star Vista branch just after our  dine-in at Boston Seafood Shack.The taste, the taste, the taste! So sweet and delicious. Some frappe is just cold and very bland.. waste of money.

Thanks dr. Café, Till next great deals!

Taste Of India - Singapore

ABBEY: I don't know which Taste of India did I went to the first time, but the branch that I visited recently is on 96 Owen Road (nearest MRT is Farrer Park). This is where my colleague planned to celebrate his daughter's first birthday.

The menu is consisted of vegetable cutlet, briyani rice, sweet and sour fish fillets, aloo gobi, chicken curry and soups and sauce. They also served plain and naan with onion chives. Wilma's favourite papadum is there as well. 

I think I went for three rounds until I can't take the spiciness anymore :) We washed down the food with milk tea, water and coke.

WILL: We were invited by husband’s colleague to attend the 1^st Birthday Party of their daughter Annika and we are really grateful that we were included in their guests list. It feels like that we matters. Ha!

I am inch by inch embracing the aroma and spiciness of different curries. So here am I indulging on the Indian food at Taste of India.

As accustomed, after the Happy Birthday was sang, we hit the buffet table. I love papadum so I do not hesitated to get a lot of it. Their vegetable cutlet is yummy. The naan is just an ordinary but their when dipped it to the sauce of curry chicken everything turns extra-ordinary. Grace is so happy that they served teh-c.

They cannot avoid to talk about their jobs so I am just there listening and laughing to all the jokes thrown to each other.

Thanks Falguni. You made me full and sleepy. :)

Morganfield's Singapore - Bar & Grill · Barbecue Restaurant

ABBEY: Seriously, Morganfields, are you serving this food? That was my reaction when I claimed a full slab of Sticky Bones. 

Wilma and I won full slab of Sticky Bones worth 39.90SGD++. This is part of Morganfield's opening promotion at Suntec City Mall. You just have to submit of your creative pose with their BIG picture of pork ribs on their store. I submitted the snap in which I'm proposing to it.

I ordered Hickory BBQ spare ribs. It came with fries and coleslaw. I thought I can finish half of it, but I can't. It is just too big for me. In the end, we brought it home and have that as dinner for couple of days :). I gave an advice to the guests beside us to order only half-slab as I overheard them asking themselves if they will get half or full. The meat is very soft and is peeling out of the bones. They handed us a bib because eating it will gonna be messy. The sauce will be over your mouth and fingers. 

WILL: Happy 4^th Anniversary to "We'll Tell You - A&W Couple's Blog"! And now we have a good time at Morganfield’s Singapore newest branch at Suntec City.

Abbey and I won a full slab and decided to get it both in one visit. Humungous meat was served right in front of us. Gosh, I am like the real Wilma of Flinstones eating a dinosaur-sized pork. Haha! I got their Tuscan Baked Spicy Spare Ribs and it is not that spicy. The flavour is superb! The taste is up to its bones. A lip-smacking experience!  

I ate only 1/8 of the full slab and take home the rest. After re-heating in microwave, the juiciness is still intact! A very good food partnered with steaming hot rice. Hmmm, can we suggest to make some rice for sides? Please Morganfield’s! J

Till our next visit! Oh, FYI, I love your bib! My husband is quite messy on eating! Thanks guys for free 1kg slab!