Dining Snippets: Ogawa x Subspace Coffee x Hole in the Wall
OGAWA
Despite sharing a name with the ubiquitous massage chair, Ogawa (the restaurant) makes itself distinct by making sure that everything it does is done extraordinarily. From its beautifully sleek and sophisticated interiors, to offering a wide range of high-quality Japanese favorites, Ogawa exists to please the most discerning of diners.
KAISEN CHIRASHI SUSHI ZEN BENTO (P540)
When dining in a Japanese restaurant for the first time, I usually opt to have the Chirashi as my first meal to test the ingredients' freshness.
Ogawa’s bento selection is insanely long and tempting; but I remained firm in ordering its Kaisen Chirashi Sushi Zen Bento. This Chirashi set goes beyond the usual bowl of miso soup as it comes served with a hot appetizer, a side salad, steamed chawan mushi, a pickled side, and a small bowl of fruits; which gives more value to your money. Its sashimi slices were vibrant in color as a testament to their freshness and quality. It’s definitely one of the best Chirashis I’ve had. I can't wait to have another bowl all to myself!
Ogawa
2F Fort Strip, The Fort Entertainment Center, 5th Avenue cor 28th St., Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
Date of Visit: October 24, 2017 with Elaine Co, Angelli Dykimching, Jessica Lee, and Hazel Yap
SUBSPACE COFFEE
Despite its limited space, Subspace Coffee is still able to crowd it with books, action figures and other collectibles which appeal to most geeks and hobbyists. This same level of quirkiness can be seen in its drinks menu which include bestselling concoctions such as the Purple Potato Latte and the Peanut Butter Latte.
PEANUT BUTTER LATTE (8OZ – P130)
I’ve tried a cup each of these bestselling drinks but I found them to be too sweet for my liking. Each came with delightfully creative latte art which is guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face. If I were to choose between these two drinks, I’d opt for the Peanut Butter Latte as it boasted of a full-bodied rich flavor courtesy of the peanut butter as each cup come with a generous layer. If only I knew that most would settle at the bottom of the cup, I would have stirred more vigorously.
SLOW COOKED BEEF TAPA (P210) and PURPLE POTATO LATTE (8oz - P130)
I paired the overly sweet but adorable Purple Potato Latte with the Slow Cooked Beef Tapa. Unfortunately the beef tapa’s marinade was on the sweet side. I personally prefer a saltier marinade with a tangy kick of spiced vinegar. The meat seemed to be too tenderized as well as it gave off a gummy texture. I'm definitely steering clear of this dish.
BACON SLAB (P240)
On the other hand, its Bacon Slab is a dish I’d definitely order again and again. Serving up a sizeable portion of deliciously smoked bacon, this all day breakfast favorite offers a cheaper and tastier alternative to Poco Deli’s famed dish. I honestly prefer it over Poco Deli's! This comforting fatty dish definitely helps one get through a grueling work day!
Subspace Coffee
U103 GF Emerald Tower, F Ortigas Jr., Ugong, Pasig City
Date of Visit: October 12 and 26, 2017
HOLE IN THE WALL
It’s been a while since I dropped by Hole in the Wall but I was happy to see that it still possessed its lively and spunky energy since my last visit. Although I lost my source of to-die for cassava chips as the food court bade farewell to Mister Delicious, newer stalls definitely kept me curious and distracted.
FAMRY'S MINCED PORK RICE (REGULAR WITH SOY EGG - P190) and MILK TRADE'S HONG KONG MILK TEA (P100)
Serious Dough definitely takes pizza seriously. Fresh from the oven, its deliciously gooey Four Cheese pizza came with a crunchy and smoky crust with a delicious four cheese combination that's indisputably one of the best I’ve tasted. Any Any serves up delicious Southeast Asian dishes such as the Beef Rendang, and a perfect Naan and Curry dish that’s guaranteed to please. If you're looking for something spiced and spicy, this is a stall made for you!
FAMRY'S CRISPY DUCK RICE (FAMRY SIZE WITH SOY EGG - P440), BUNPLINGS (P220) and SPICY DUMPLINGS (P190)
What convinced me to make this recent visit was when I saw Famry’s twist on classic Taiwanese dishes on Instagram. I’m a sucker for dumplings and minced pork rice, so I was immediately baited by its lovely drool-inducing photos. We ordered two of its three sides; the Bunplings (described as a crossbreed of the Xiao Long Bao and the Shenjianbao) and the Spicy Dumplings. Unfortunately, both side dishes brought only blandness to the table that it was a struggle for the four of us to finish them. Best to source your dumplings from old reliable Mien San! Fortunately, its rice dishes fared immensely better. Its Minced Pork Rice comes in both a regular size and in Famry size (for sharing). It felt nostalgic munching on the tasty minced pork which came in a deliciously killer sauce that felt like a warm hug. The Crispy Duck Rice is another must try as it comes served with juicy smoked slices of duck and an indulgent serving of crispy duck skin. Complete the experience by washing it down with Milk Trade’s flavorful Hong Kong Milk Tea. No watered-down versions of this favorite night market drink are served in this joint!
Hole in the Wall
4F Century City Mall, Kalayaan Ave., Poblacion, Makati
Date of Visit: November 5, 2017 with Lily Chua, Jared Chua, and Jem Chua
