Bubba Gump, Greenbelt 3

Okay, note to self: DO NOT GO OUT ON A FRIDAY NIGHT JUST TO EAT. To put it mildly, the traffic was horrible, parking was a b*tch and the restaurants had 30 minutes ++ waiting list. 

But thank God, Bubba Gump didn't disappoint. Here's what I had. 

The blue "Run Forrest Run" sign that pretty much means you are okay. Flip it to the red "Stop Forrest" sign when you need anything from the crew.

Calamari and Dip. It was our first time to try it, and the only reason we ordered it is because we saw alot of tables eating it. The verdict? hmmm... Mediocre. Nothing special. But it was better when eaten with the bedding of shredded cabbage and squeeze of lime. Unlike the usual thick batter, this just had parsley, flour, salt and pepper. According to Italian food expert Frankie, this is close to how Italians really cook their calamari. Personally, I had a problem with their "dip". It was just mayo and ketchup, hardly what I'd call a dip.

Cajun Shrimp. This I loved. The shrimps were fresh and juicy, with the right amount of herbs and cajun spices. Every bite was tasty. I also appreciated the portion. I have this fear of ordering shrimp appetizers coz they usually come in not more than five pieces. But this order had twenty (yes, I counted) shrimps! Great value for money. As for the garlic bread, I just wish it had less butter in it. It was too oily for my taste. But the shrimp, was divine. 

Bourbon Street Mahi Mahi. This is one of my favorites. The grilled Mahi Mahi was moist and flavorful throughout, and again, the shrimps were full of flavor. The Bourbon sauce is really commendable because it is light enough to compliment the Mahi Mahi, without overpowering it.

Mama's Southern Fried Chicken. Please excuse the last photo, we were so hungry at this point, photo quality was the last thing on our mind. Anyhow, this dish is surprisingly good, knowing that Bubba Gump is really more of a seafood restaurant. It is boneless and smothered in gravy. What more can you ask for?

Bubba Gump surely knows how to cook their shrimp. Next time, I'm going for that bucket of steamed shrimps and ice cold beer!

Aristocrat Restaurant

I am not a chicken person. The main reason behind this is because it's tricky to eat. Yes, hindi ako marunong maghimay. Unless it's boneless or someone does the tedious task of deboning for me, I probably won't order chicken. On the other hand, I love anything grilled and I love everything barbecue. So when Aristocrat was suggested for lunch, I happily obliged without any violent reaction.

Aristocrat's famous Chicken Barbecue with Java Rice. I really like how well-marinated their chicken is. Plus their Java rice is something else. The atchara was bit dry but the juicy chicken made up for it.

Grilled Spare Ribs (half). This is what I had. Just like the chicken barbecue, the meat was marinated well, and the cut had just the right amount of fat-meat ratio that I actually finished the whole thing without leaving any extra fat.

Now, this special Java sauce is what Aristocrat's is known for too. It's too "peanuty" for my taste but nonetheless, it adds that extra sweetness and umph  to the barbecues served here.

While waiting for the food, I also checked out their bakery and tried a couple of things too. I loved their Creme Puff and Mocha Lemon Squares but forgot to take pictures! I will definitely go back to buy more and will feature them soon!

Happy weekend everyone! :)

Bistro Saratoga, Tagaytay Midlands

Tagaytay Highlands is one of my favorite getaway. Aside from it's blissful Spa, it also has numerous restaurants that offer different cuisines.

Bistro Saratoga is actually situated in Midlands surrounded by plush greenery.

The al fresco area. One perk of dining in Tagaytay is that you can always enjoy al fresco dining with cool breeze and fresh air. 

Just looking at this picture relaxes me! :)

The high ceiling gazebo was just perfectly cozy and breezy. Perfect lunch weather! 

Greenhouse Bistro Salad with Mango and Raspberry Vinaigrette. This came with the main dish I ordered. Fresh greens, nuts and cheese. Light yet so tasty! 

Philly Cheesesteak. The BEST Philly Cheesesteak, period. 

Balsamic Marinated Pot Roast. Oh this one was a winner. The meat was marinated to perfection. The tangy sweet sauce was the perfect compliment to the tender beef. 

Glass of ice-cold Coca Cola. 

Koi pond beside the gazebo.

Dining experience in Tagaytay has become not too far from city dining. Most restaurants are crowded, some with booming music. But in Tagaytay Highlands (specially in Midlands), you can actually just enjoy the view, breathe in the fresh air and literally hear birds chirping. Now doesn't that sound like the perfect backdrop for a perfect meal? :)

Wai Ying, Ongpin

Obviously, you will find the best Chinese restaurants in China Town. And Wai Ying is definitely one of them. You haven't had Chinese food 'till you've eaten in Wai Ying.

Hakaw. Now this is hakaw. None of that shrimp-wannabe stuffings you find in most Chinese fastfood place. You will taste shrimp in every bite!

Siomai. I'm very particular about Siomai, since it's one of my favorite dumplings. And Wai Ying siomai is my standard for good siomai. Perfect combination of real pork and mushroom stuffing. A must-try. Wai Ying also sells them in frozen packs.

Curry Beef Rice. Err, the picture doesn't do justice to this dish. Actually it was my first time to try this because I just wanted to order something new. And it didn't disappoint. It had just the right amount of curry with tender beef that just melts in your mouth.

Honey Baked Ribs. This is the cult-favorite. All my friends go to Wai Ying for this. A must-try!

Soup. Regardless of what restaurants I'm at, I usually ask for soup. Most restaurants will give you the soup base of their noodle soup. They won't mind if you ask for more (and more and more) as long as you work your charm and ask them nicely. I love having soup while eating because it helps you lessen your water intake during the meal. Because drinking too much water while eating can actually hinder digestion and absorption of nutrients in the stomach. 

So the next time you are in China town, go try Wai Ying. I'm sure you will go back for more.

Welcome to Chique Foodie!

Aside from shoes, food is the second thing I splurge on without thinking twice. After all, we all need to eat, right?

Always in search of the next best thing, join me as I embark on a gastronomical journey exploring everything from fishballs to almas caviar. 

Enjoy! :)