Foot Zone Treat

Curls was kind enough to surprise me with a gift voucher from Foot Zone.

We tried Foot Zone in no time.

Lobby is well lit and space is huge. The place reminds me of a popular spa I once visited in Thailand.

Our room is just right for two people. It also has La-Z-Boy chairs which certainly help in making one feel comfortable at the start of the session. There's also a TV screen inside the room for those who prefer to entertain themselves while having a massage.

The only service available at Foot Zone is Foot Reflexology with Body Massage. It costs 500php for an hour and 20 minutes. Add 100php if you prefer a therapist from China.

Massage starts with a soak in this tea colored solution. It gives the feet a refreshing feeling after. Techniques used during the massage are good. Every touch serves its purpose and gives temporary relief to the body.  I also appreciate the fact that the massage didn't concentrate on the feet as I feared. It has equal parts feet and rest of the body.

 Foot Zone, however, fails in giving a relaxing experience since I had to switch positions multiple times. Also, expect lulls as therapist will leave the room more than once to get massage paraphernalia (sticks, towels, etc.).  It is distracting and is a mood breaker.

In any case, the massage is pleasurable enough and is a decent massage parlor option. 

Thanks Curls for the treat!

Foot Zone is located at 17 Annapolis St. Greenhills, San Juan. For more information, contact 7051301 or 09214988889.

Arrive Late for Borough

Since the inspiration of Borough  is the city that never sleeps (New York), it is just fitting that the restaurant is open 24 hours.











I badly wanted to love the food here but sadly, the food didn’t love me back.

French Onion Soup (200php)

I’ve had my share of interesting French Onion Soup concoctions, but this one takes the cake. So salty that it is indigestible. Tastes likes soy sauce and it shows with the very dark shade of the stock. I can’t believe they allowed this to be served.



French Onion Soup Part Two

I had the disastrous soup returned and the second attempt is not as salty because it has NO flavor. I gave up after a few sips and concluded that Borough is incapable of making French Onion soup.

Chips N Dip (110php)

Nice and crispy because chips are made from real potatoes. Would have appreciated it however, if the server informed us that most of our orders have chips on the side. Chips overload!

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich (220php)

The sandwich is thankfully a winner. Pork is tender with the right amount of tangy sauce for the needed kick. Huge portion makes this good for sharing.

Cheesy Portobello Pita (230php)

Not a fan of mushrooms in general. Three words that came to mind while eating this: Interesting, Sinful, Fried

Spaghetti Carbonara (330php)

I appreciate the subdued flavors but those who love their carbonara rich and creamy will be sorely disappointed.

With its respectable location, go to Borough for a nightcap when food expectations are at an all time low.

Borough is located at the G/F The Podium ADB Avenue Ortigas Center. Mandaluyong City. For more information, contact 5708906.

Much Ado About Lugang Cafe

Lugang Café has created a lot of buzz since it opened.

I’ve been to this beautifully designed Chinese restaurant twice and went home unimpressed on both occasions.

Am I the only one who doesn’t get it?

Steamed Pork  Xiao Long Bao (158php) 

Reminds me of the recent Din Tai Fung disappointment. Has flavor but lacks the oomph factor. Skin is at least delicate.

Steamed Shrimp and Pork Siomai (188php)

Siomai with broth!?! Tastes similar to Pork Xiao Long Bao.

Steamed Shrimp and Pork Dumplings (188php)

I realize here that all Lugang dimsums taste the same.

Steamed Vegetable and Pork Dumplings (188php)

Didn’t have the desire to try this green colored dimsum.

Meat Combination (880php)

Asado could have been better but the duck and pork portions are superb.

Taiwanese Sausage (180php) 

One can find better sausages at Ongpin.

Pineapple Fried Rice (280php)

Not the best, Nina said.

Spicy Beef and Tendon Noodle Soup (250php)

Not spicy at all. Stock strangely tastes like the white sauce popularly used in shawarma. Noodles are also unremarkable.

Hainan Bone Chicken (450php)

Awful! My stomach cringed a little because this is served very very cold. Has funky taste to boot!

Taiwanese Stewed Minced Pork (160php) 

Reminds me of adobo and I HATE adobo.

Taiwanese Stir Fried Rice Noodles with Pork (245php)  

Dry and bland. Such an amateur dish.

Three Cup Chicken (290php)

Interesting flavors. Small pieces made it addicting to eat although I can't say this is very delicious.

Fried Prawns with Oats (480php)

Too small to be classified as prawns. Oat coating works but nothing beats the sweetness of cereal prawns.

Black Pepper on Iron Plate (360php)

I have to say that the meat’s tender but there's nothing spectacular about this dish.

Crab Rice Congee (980php)

Comfort dish! Could use more spices though as flavors are a bit subdued.

Steamed Spinach in Broth with Preserved Egg (300php)

Veggies = Pass

Sweet and Sour Pork (280php)

Decent version of an old time classic.

Crab on Vermicelli in Clay Pot (820php)

The only winning noodle dish we tried at Lugang. Crabs certainly help in giving this dish flavor.

Beef with Chinese Crullers (280php)

Wonderful play of textures with the tender beef and crunchy dough. Fun to eat!

I’ve never tried any of Lugang's sweet offerings as I've always been too full. Maybe it’s in the desserts that I will finally understand why Lugang Café is the popular restaurant that it is today.

Lugang Café is located at 115 Connecticut St. North East Greenhills. For more information, call 7219100 or 5709011.

Cake Night!

Nina celebrated her birthday with a bang thanks to four sumptuous cakes.

First up is the family’s birthday cake staple:

Hizon's Caramel Cake

Hizon's caramel frosting is rich and thick with the sweetness level just right. The cake itself is always freshly baked making it such a joy to eat. The best caramel cake in Manila in my opinion.

Second cake is in the form of a mango torte:

Dulcelin's Mango Torte

The most popular mango torte in Manila is from Dulcelin. Mango is consistently sweet and the crust made of nuts is very addicting to eat. I often find myself having a second helping since this is very light.

Nina also received two Starbucks cheesecakes and I was pleasantly surprised how good the cheesecakes are. The cheesecakes taste homemade and none of the commercial flavor I initially suspected it of having.

Strabucks' Cookie Dough Cheesecake

Sweet, light, and everything nice. Perfect for kids!

Starbucks' Almond Roca Cheesecake

A more sophisticated cheesecake with rich chocolate flavors. Surely a cake that will please chocolate lovers.

It goes without saying that everybody had trouble choosing their favorite cake. Looking forward to more cake nights like this one!

Hizon's Cakes and Pastries is located at 1197 Jorge Bocobo St. Ermita Manila.  It has stalls which can be found at SM Mall of Asia and Greenhills Promenade. For more information, call them at 5258790.

Dulcelin Gourmet is located at 36 Times St., West Triangle, Quezon City. For more information, call them 3742165 to 67 or visit their website.

Starbucks Coffee has branches all over Metro Manila. Click this  for more information.

Dinner for Two at Bistecca

Not so long ago, Curls requested for a steak dinner while I wanted truffle fries.

There's no other place to go but Bistecca!

What We Shared

Complimentary Bread

hohum

Truffle Fries (220php)

Sadly, this is overrated. Lusso’s truffle fries are better. Some fries are even soggy.

Mushroom Napoleon (450php)

Beef + wild mushrooms + cream with hint of coconut = Interesting concoction that works

NY Strip Steak (1800php)

A little burnt for my liking but this is still good. Tender and tastes like the real deal. Strong beef flavors.

While the experience was pleasurable, I wouldn't recommed having dinner for two at Bistecca. Bistecca's specialty is its big steak which is best enjoyed in the company of a large group.

Bistecca is located at 122 Joya, Rockwell, Makati City. Call them at 403-5231 or visit http://bistecca122.com/ for more information.

In Memoriam: Celsius Gastrolounge

I learned from Lian that Celsius Gastrolounge has already closed shop!

It reminded me of the dinner I had with friends during Wamie’s bridal shower weekend.

In memory of Celsius Gastrolounge, I'll share pictures of some of their food creations.

Complimentary Bread

Roti Canai

Oyster Motoyaki

Celsius Baboy

Seafood Grill Platter

Chorizo and Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Frozen Star Anise Souffle with Banana Fritters and Vanilla Sauce

A LITTLE TRIVIA: Soon taking over Celsius Gastrolounge's site is Berting's Grill! 

Celsius Gastrolounge was located at 67 Sct. Rallos St. Cor. Tomas Morato, Quezon City.