Dining Snippets: Bistro Remedios x Jipan x Feta Mediterranean x Blue Rocket + Kitchen
BISTRO REMEDIOS
KALDERETANG KAMBING (P450), ADOBONG PUSIT (P375), BINALOT NA KANIN SA GATA AT LUYA (P95)
When it comes to classic Filipino fare, a member of the LJC Group of Restaurants would undoubtedly be top-of-mind. Personally, I’m particularly partial towards Bistro Remedios as I grew up dining in its Malate branch. However, braving through Manila traffic is something I’m not willing to do anymore as I now work in Makati and live in New Manila, QC.
Thankfully, the restaurant decided to expand in SM North Edsa’s The Block. In contrast with its Malate branch, its interiors are livelier and modern; yet still exude elements that are distinctly Filipino. The Kalderetang Kambing boasts of tender goat meat bathed in a delectably spicy version of Kaldereta; while the Adobong Pusit; though lacking in sourness, features perfectly cooked tender squid pieces. If you’re feeling quite indulgent, the Binalot na Kanin sa Gata at Luya is a perfect complement to these saucy main dishes. This fragrant wrapped rice is flavored by an exquisite bagoong, which is both spicy and sweet.
CLAUDE’S DREAM (P135)
Without fail, I always end any meal in Bistro Remedios with an order of Claude’s Dream. This heavenly dessert comes with smooth shavings of buko and gelatin cubes topping a rich scoop of ice cream made from Carabao’s milk. Rich and heavy as it is, this dessert is not meant to be shared!
Bistro Remedios
The Block , SM North EDSA, Quezon City
Date of Visit: May 7, 2016 with Lily Chua
JIPAN CAFÉ AND RESTAURANT
GREEN TEA LATTE (P125)
Apart from its baked breads and pastries, JiPan surprisingly boasts of an extensive food selection, ranging from sushi rolls to donburi variants.
EBI TEMPURA UDON (P325)
I sampled its Ebi Tempura Udon and have mixed feelings about it. The broth tasted wonderful, as it displayed a nice balance of sweetness and saltiness. However, the tempura batter was simply disgusting. It had too much starch in it, and had an odd taste to it. After that terrible bite, I decided to simply scrape the batter from the shrimps so I could at least get my money’s worth. Definitely order their Udon but skip its tempura at all costs! It seemed like an off-day for its kitchen crew as the Green Tea Latte I was served with was too watered down. Best to get your fix from Starbucks’ instead!
JiPan Café and Restaurant
Robinsons Magnolia, Quezon City
Date of Visit: April 30, 2016
FETA MEDITERRANEAN
SLOW COOKED LAMB SHANKS WITH CRACKED WHEAT (P490)
One thing I love about Mediterranean cuisine would be its fascination for dips as a starter of every meal. Keeping up with this tradition, we ordered a plate of the Eggplant Salad (P125). Sadly, fresh as the ingredients may have been, the salad terribly lacked in seasoning. Fortunately, our main dish choices fared significantly better. The Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks with Cracked Wheat, featured a huge lamb leg rubbed in spices, and paired with a deliciously tangy tomato stew. The meat may not have been fall off the bone, but its tasty flavor more than made up for this.
BEEF DONER FAJITAS (P290/P490)
Just reminiscing about Feta’s Beef Doner Fajitas is enough to make my mouth water. Expect nothing less than perfectly seasoned and marinated tender strips of beef that give off a perfect smoky grilled aftertaste. Toss in some caramelized onions, and grilled bell peppers in each bite to make it golden! When the spices get a bit overwhelming, have a warm bowl of their Chicken Soup (P140) on the side to give your tastebuds some respite from the bold taste of the spices.
Feta Mediterranean
Intrawest Center, Annapolis, San Juan
Date of Visit: May 7, 2016 with Lily Chua
BLUE ROCKET + KITCHEN
CLASSIC HOT CHOCOLATE (P120)
If you’re looking for a cozy spot to chill in the Scout area, Blue Rocket + Kitchen is definitely the answer. I have yet to sample its food offerings, but their Classic Hot Chocolate is the perfect companion during a chilly rainy day.
Blue Rocket + Kitchen
79 Scout Reyes, corner Scout Lozano. Quezon City
Date of Visit: May 18, 2016 with Charlie Ledesma, Janelle Julaton, and Maisie Ramat
