Old-New: Rai Rai Ken's Surprises

I had this resolution late this year. After resigning from a relatively stable job, I promised myself to do the best as I can to take a new challenge everyday and discover things. New places, new tastes-read a book, develop my skills and indulge in things that I never normally do before. In short, just be a adventurous.
Like what Bourdain said in his last episode, MOVE. May it be travelling outside or re-discovering the neighborhood, just everyday new.
On a limited budget (yes dude, I don't earn the those digits anymore), might as well start with something like eating something I won't normally pick on the menu. I'm sure you've heard of me ranting on previous blog posts for people to try more new things and not the usual stuff they order.
So for the past 2 weeks, I'd tried "new" things.
To start off, I decided to give Rai Rai Ken in Blue Wave a chance. I know? Pretending wannabes who eat at "hole-in-the whole" restaurants and you tell me you just ate at a fastfood chain and God-forbid, some pseudo-Japanese restaurant. And gasp, I had to swallow my words of not supporting this ramen fad. I digress a bit, but honestly I never had anything against ramen. It's just that I don't get the point of paying for more than Php200 for a bowl of noodles. Man, i get the same kick from eating Jyampong for 40 bucks.
Let me clarify, before the ramen wave, Rai Rai Ken was already serving these things. Normally I would dismiss this restaurant, imagining it as another second-rate Teriyaki Boy. Not saying much because I've always been cheap, so I'd often get my Japanese fix at Bentoya at almost 1/2 the price. Plus, I fool myself into thinking that people actually cook those things in Bentoya instead of being prepared in a commissary. I know, I eventually had to eat my words.

The second question that probably bogged you, why on earth would you go to Blue Wave just to eat at Rai Rai Ken? Well, they don't have parking fee when you eat there for lunch (till 3 pm), plus this branch serves 50% ooff on their ramen. So a bowl of ramen for 290 is just 145. It can feed two people I tell you (unless, bwakaw ka lang talaga). Did I mention that they have a Php280 per bucket with free pulutan of salmon skin (I know Im such a sucker for these things)? Anyway, my favorites are the following (I've eaten at this branch twice a week already for the last month)
Tantanmen (145, 50% off- you can order this with their gyoza)- this spciy concoction is worth it. You'll find yourself sweating afterwards
Gyoza (3 pcs)- 75
Bucket (280- you can mix it up like Pilsen and Tanduay Ice)
Crunchy Roll (8 pcs for 195)- Lately, I found myself gravitating towards rolls. My recent discovery is this same crunchy combo roll in Omakase, which is cheaper than most rolls they have but equally good). This piece is really good for its price, better than the usual California maki you order :D Just lay-off the soysauce.

Plus their staff is really friendly and thoughtful. They even had this smiley thing going on with my sauce. :)) Although, I find it awkward that ate has to wear this really short shorts at night. Then again, it might be a plus for guys. harhar. 

Marikina: Back with a Vengeance

Remember my old post about Marikina? I'm always wary of eating in Marikina because I never had any memorable food there. Mostly, it was the usual home-cooked meal done fast food style.

Qizia is quite known. Tucked behind SDS Hospital, you'll surely miss this because it has no sign from outside. The place is INSIDE the hospital's grounds, more like its parking area. Nothing really special. Rex's hates its customer service. We even found plastic in the service water they gave us. Since we already had lunch, we decided to have dessert here. It was an unimpressive piece of cake. As Rex would say, no one can fuck up a banoffee. Even if I detest Banapple so much, I have to admit that this piece of cake is my usual order instead of chocolate cake. Their banoffee had HUGE banana slices to the point that its hard to eat it together with its other parts. I find it also a tad bit too sweet.
We left the place quite disappointed.

TAMAGOYA: your affordable Ramen

So when we went around Marikina this Saturday, I was adamant to try any restaurant. Rex and I had that deal that we'd order one meal tops, just to try a place out. Since Tamagoya would be in the list of "must try" in Marikina, I agreed to have dinner here. I was wary at first, because I was never into the whole ramen craze. After eating at Ukkokei, I felt that I'd never pay so much for noodles and toppings. It's good to note that most items on their menu are really affordable. Although, the place is a bit small.

 

We ordered gyoza (Php99 for6 pcs) and Stamina Ramen for P175.

With 1/3 the price of Ukkokei, this ramen gives you value for your money. While Ukkokei's broth is better, you got to give it to Tamagoya for coming up with a dish that has hefty servings and a decent broth (we found most noodle places to have bland broths) and they are very generous with their toppings. You can also opt to add more (if you want eggs, etc).

We always believe that if its Japanese chef actually mans the kitchen and takes care of the meals, you are in for "quality" food. Even Japanese dine here.

CAFE LIDIA: a better cake shop

Cafe Lidia, it was hard finding this place. First thought that occurred to me, "effort pa talaga ang tita ko to go all over F. Calderon just to dine in some old place that has a loud carinderia nearby that has endless off-pitch  wannabe singers. So much for "ambiance". Luckily, a) you don't get to hear all the noise when you are inside b) the place reminds me of a lesser kitschy version of Cafe Juanita (old house, old paintings, "sort" of quirky lights, etc) c) its really spacious so its ideal for events/parties/what have yous. Did I mention that food is really affordable??

I actually fear restaurants of this kind. When I saw the menu it had everything. Pizza, pulutan, salisbury steak, rice meal. It even had desserts, porchetta, pasta, buffalo wings. Throw in everything- Filipino, Italian, Western, etc. Luckily, the food did not disappoint for its price.

Cafe Lidia Pizza For P225 you can get yourself a decent pizza (yes they actually use "mozarella", just cause it had that stetchability factor in the cheese). 

 For dessert, you can get yourself the Grandma's Chocolate Cake (P75) and cafe latte (P90).

At least I have two reasons to dine in Marikina again.

64 Calderon St., Kalumpang, Marikina City

If you are coming from Ateneo, take flyover (going to Riverbanks). After the bridge, take a right (You'll see a JP Rizal sign). Just follow the "JP Rizal street sign". Its after Kapitan Moy and loads of resto so don't worry if it gets a bit shaddy and dark in some areas. Just follow the jeep. :)) On your left, you'll see F Calderon. The place has a huge sign (and parking) so you won't miss it. Or else, just follow the videoke sounds. The neighbors had a hack of it. 

Sunday at Centris (Let's Get it On! Wild Sale at National Bookstore)

Talk about your past coming back to haunt you. Almost six years ago, I was in this Sunday Market selling Veo Premium Hot Chocolate with vegetables and fruits nearby. This market was in the back of Lung Center.It was hot and chaotic. Now, the pace's more relaxed and it  moved to a bigger space in Sidcor.
I consider this one of my go-to places for the so-called "food markets" just because the crowd is lesser compared to Banchetto and the prices are cheaper vs Mercato/Mezza Norte/Soderno. They also sell fruits and greens at cheaper prices than Legazpi Sunday Market.

The more "premium" aka mas mahal than the rest is this stand that sells calf. They even have a roasted whole calf chopped right there in their booth! The price? whopping 1K+ for a kilo.

There are also a couple of stands that are "suki" to food markets- Mary's Kitchen and Sweet for my Sweet Bakes are a few of them.We weren't that impressed with the food at Mary's, Their paella looks a bit sad and most of their dishes were quite easy to replicate at home (at a much, much cheaper price)- Humba (250), Fish Fillet (150) Rellengong Bangus 299  Roasted Rosemary Chicken (390).

The place also serves Ilocano food (the usual empanada, bagnet, Vigan longanissa). No need to drive all the way there to get your fix, Raffy! There's also the Rizal Dairy Farm booth. They make good cheese and yogurt products. Plus they make 'em here in the Philippines so they can be a bit pricey than the store brands. I also wanted to try out this taro ice cream stand but I was a bit full. More reasons to go back next time then.

Must be the Sunday vibe. People were really nice that day. This ate gamely posed for the camera

It was also National Bookstore Warehouse Sale. The place was teeming with people. This got to be one of the crazier sales that I've been to. People were really aggressive in getting the titles that they wanted!

Here are some of the items we managed to hoard:

Secrets of the Sommeliers- Parr and Mackay
Love in the Time of Cholera
Bat Chain Puller-Kurt Loder
Permutations of Love- Doris Trinidad
Dream Noises- Miriam Cgrace A. Go
The Enchanted World of Winnie the Pooh
Can't stop Wont Stop- Kill Chang
The Space Merchants- Frederick Pohl
What are you Optimistic About- John Bruckman
The Umbrella Academy
Fear of Music: 201 Greatest Album of Punk and Disco- Garry Mulholland
Life on the Line- Grant Achatz
The Modern Gentleman
Ancient Gonzo Wisdom- Hunter S. Thompson
The Winter Men- Lewis Leon
The Religious Case of Belief- James P Carse

Anyway, one of the wildest and most intense sale I've ever been in. People are hauling boxes and baskets of their finds. I've never seen people go crazy over books. I don't know if its a bad thing, it maybe a gotod thing since people are actually taking a lot of interest in reading. But I got to hand it over to people who went all out, pushing and shoving and getting really PHYSICAL as new boxes are being unloaded. The were pushing people in front, putting up "barricades" with their arms just so they can get first dibs on books. Wow, you should've seen the looks on their faces as NBS employees carry books on shelves. It surely was one intense afternoon! 

Special shout-out to the random stranger who charged the car since we were too excited for the sale that we forgot to turn off the hazard light. Glad that he was really kind enough to have us charge the car.

60s Dress-up

Dear Lubna,

I am so excited for EBU's Christmas party and even if its almost 3 am, I cannot sleep just cause I wanted to share this. Here are my 60s inspiration:

1. STARLET PEG. Austin Powers chicks: think flower power prints. Personally I like dresses with very distinct and bold prints. If you really wanna go literal (and I feel that most people over-do sometimes), you can wear those big, bottom pants. I hate it because you cannot go to the office without looking too "in-character". Plus, hassle if you have an actual meeting that day. :)

(My choice, baby doll dresses in very bold prints with hair in a bun like this)

(I WILL NEVER wear those pants but I can rock the top: vest in sleeveless or that long billowy top. Although, it looks a bit too PTA mom. The headband is also easy to work).

2. MOWDEL PEG: And who can forget Twiggy? I love her short hair and mini dresses. :)) Another favorite of mine is Eddie Sedgwick. I love her impeccable style (plus she was Warhol's muse).  You can check out this link, http://rockinstyle.blogspot.com/2012/09/edie-sedgwick.html since she broke the whole look of a "Factory Girl". To quote ate (dude I am so not Tito Sotto, here it is: heavy black make up and thick dark eye brows, nude or pale lips, skinny thin body, shift dresses, jersey mini dresses, black tights, ballerina pumps, pumps, cocoon style fur coats, big chandelier earrings, graphic 60's  such as stripes.) Bonnga lang ni ate din kasi she dated Bob Dylan din. :D

(from: http://www.lovemydress.net/.a/6a0120a65f64b9970c0154344cdf1c970c-580wi)

Think of that one dress that's above the knee, simple silhouette (one color preferably yellow or pink). I prefer sleveless. Accessorize with some huge earrings, such as that photo below.

From: http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/26500000/1960-s-Fashion-retro-fashion-26540297-365-560.png

For channeling the Sedgwick look, think of Sienna Miller's Factory Girl. I personally hate Miller, just cause. But since this particular movie is about Sedgwick, there are a few stuff you can also copy. Ugh, medyo feeling-feelingan lang talaga si ate sa role niya pero some of these shots will do:

The actual Sedgwick.
From:
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqitWfJZZelcIdimANkpmuWY6-V03SWXP8q_Ll4cg6iY9Hrvvi-8z4Z-h78QrQx6A1lhCXLmRqQ9Jo4PzS5Blxpd5S7iweMmrvVXdYPv3-FyMVS9UVTqF_SxnMsx3Fd2P-_n1Opr_2trn-/s640/EdieSedgwick.jpg
Key accessory: BOLD EARRINGS. I just love how most of the stuff here are actually versatile e.g. plain, black sleveless and black leggings. 

Eto ang feeling-feelingang look ni Miller:

 

From: http://images.fanpop.com/images/image_uploads/Factory-Girl-sienna-miller-245565_1024_768.jpg

http://images.allmoviephoto.com/2006_Factory_Girl/2006_factory_girl_002.jpg

3. SOCIALITE PEG. Or if you really want something corporate, (and you can re-use over and over again, you can go for a Madmen chick. They're very stunning and you can actually wear it in the office without looking very costume-y. And ang ultimate peg lang for life ng mga matrona and wannabe socialites, si Jackie Kennedy. Basta peg mo lang first lady ang dating, or sige to be more modern, "pang Kate Middleton lang ang dating".

http://fashioninmotion.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/peggy-joan-betty.jpg?w=426&h=535

So anong say mo sa poses nila ate? This look screams 60s to me because of three things: a) the hair b) the shoes c) accessories. I guess you have to tie your hair in that particular do or have it blow-dried like the one on the left. For accessories, pearl earrings and that bracelet complete the whole ensemble. For dresses, you can find a lot of them in stores (I got mine from ukay several years back and even wore it at party).

For more style inspiration from Mad Men, check her link: http://fashioninmotion.wordpress.com/2009/09/24/1960s-fashion-the-women-of-mad-men. I love how she was able to describe fully the characters and their outfit in detail. 

From:
http://www.thecheapgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/picture-60.png
-> Dude, PEG: magmukhang sosyalera and filthy rich. chos. Think about all those politician wives. Ganun, pearl necklace, well-tailored dresses, gloves(?) and that handbag. Pak.

Pak again. See lakas maka-yaman tong pearl necklace ni ate.

Just do me a favor, AVOID LOOKING like Audrey Hepburn's Breakfast at Tiffany's. It has been repeated so many times in yearbook pictures and Halloween parties. I find her look her a bit boring already. Yun lang. PS. Bad idea to give papsie a book. :))

Before you order something "different"

We finally decided to try Nihon Bashitei in Makati because it was recommended by a friend. This has become the go-to-place for most because it serves affordable and delicious Japanese food.

The place did not disappoint. After trying it out I understand how this can be an easy favorite. The place has ample parking, has an attentive staff and fast service . I was amazed that their kitchen has 10 people just making sushi and grilling. Their food is also affordable. And clearly, you'll get your money's worth with their huge servings.

So what to eat on a Thursday night? It was Rex's urging that we try out items we don't normally order. I repelled this idea just cause I don't want to endure an agonizing meal and pay a ludicrous amount for something I abhor. Normally, I'd go for maki/sashimi staples and retreating to more familiar Japanese fares like tempura, grilled salmon, tonkatsu, etc. But lately, Rex's cooking made these items quite the ordinary so I just had to agree that we do need to order something else.

Cara's favorite is the Toro Spicy Maki . Look at those? THEY'RE HUGE. I can't even eat it without slicing the thing with my chopsticks. Can someone educate me how to eat this properly? How does one fit it in his mouth without sloppily massacring the whole thing?!

Rex thinks that their uni is "the better one in Manila". I shot back, "why have something better when you can have the best?" I had the fresh one in Bohol. The fisherman just broke the sea urchin into half and gave us the meat. It was tender, juicy and surprisingly sweet. Nihon Bashitei's version was a bit chewy. Then again, Rex said it could have been worse. At least, this one didn't have the awful aftertaste. He credits this to "freezing it immediately" so this was somehow preserved better (e.g. hindi nasisira kaagad). True enough, the thing was creamy and has a bit of the sweet taste (and thank God, none of that malansa flavor).

Later during the meal, Rex wanted to have tofu steak. I was never a fan of this meal, having tried it at Chef Robert's in Banawe, its just tofu and a bit of dressing and flakes. Nihon's version was a bit dry though. Rex ended up eating the whole thing.

I wanted to order the Unagi rice meal but since we are on a pseudo-diet, I opted to order the ala carte version instead. Unfortunately meal #73, wasn't it. The waitress approached us back again to tell us that she gave the wrong description, and it wasn't the ala carte version of the grilled unagi. Sadly, it was already ready to serve (and Rex not having it in his heart to send it back and have the waitress pay for it), we just ate the whole thing instead. It was unagi with egg. It was quite a pleasant surprise. This would've worked perfectly with rice. 

Ordering something different has its hits and misses. In the end, I find our "order by mistake" quite delightful .  And I'm definitely coming back again for the tuna. I would've even dare to try the unagi with rice, if Ate didn't assure me that it's quite delicious (for a moment there, I thought she was just pushing it, so she won't be charged).  At least, I did myself a favor and not order the gyoza or chicken teryaki. All this time I had this "talk" about being more adventurous. Let's start with trying something different for a change? I might have ended up a bit disappointed with some choices (yes I still hate the tofu steak) but at least I can proudly say, "this dish is my favorite". I figured, one can never have a favorite if its the only thing one has eaten from the menu anyway. :D 

Cheap Sundate at Cartimar

If you have a date budget of P300 and you want slightly better meal, Cartimar is your go to place. It can also be your gauging factor if your mate are in it- will she like pets? Is she allergic to my ohsocute dog? Does she know how to tell if those are fresh vegetables? Can you take her to a foodcourt? Anyway, if you are not there yet, you can always check this place out for cheap Korean/Japanese grocery. My favorite Melona's only Php22 per stick. 

 

Senlek Thai is my go-to place for affordable Thai food is also here. I love their Pad Thai and beef noddle soup. It's my go to soup whenever I feel sick (it was also the first "food" that Rex gave me when he found out I was sick and Green Tea Frappuccino. But heck that's another story. The soup would only cost you less than Php100 bucks.

                                      

This new place Arisoo, serves Korean and Japanese food on a budget! Their food are priced Php75-125.

                                               

My bibimbap (in stone ..plate) was Php110. Not bad, I get to enjoy everything I look for in my Bibimbap plate (plus they cooked the egg just right) and they didn't scrimp on the veggies and sauce. Most of the places where I eat bibimbap charge Php50 for the "dolsot" (stone pot). 

Their gyoza was P95. I liked it just fine, it had the veggies and crispy edges. 

Tiongwa Food Product

I found about this place a few years back. This used to be Ezra's favorite stop for taho and mango toppings. This place brings back memories hanging around with Alvin and Ezra on weekends. For Php55, I got myself 2 toppings (sago and mango) with cold taho. The place also has wintermelon tea concentrates and loads of frozen "balls" ( fishballs, squid balls, etc).  What's your favorite cheap place? :)

One Saturday in Marikina

I never had fond memories of food in Marikina. For me, it was really friends that got me going back to this place. Back in my first year in college, I stayed with a family friend on weekends. I remember hearty meals in their homes- sinigang and liempo. On times that we would eat outside it would be Popeye's at Sta. Lucia Mall and Don Henrico's.

I love that the place has character.Like being home in the province, Marikina is so laid back and has that small community feel to it. Unlike the busy and often traffic-prone areas in BF or the younger (noisier parts) in Maginhawa, Marikina feels like I'm right back with my family in Surigao. I also think it is a very resilient city. With several storms that led to the city's flooding; it's very much alive and festive. Rex and I find the people very warm, friendly and helpful. We even love their MMDA and police officers there; always smiling and cordial.

So one Saturday, we did the usual rounds in the area. Lilac and Rainbow has become full of neighborhood eats. Nothing really struck me as a "must go to" place. But I love how small businesses are slowly gaining momentum. They're also old establishments like Kapitan Moy, Qizia, Mama Chit's, Isabelo. But what really surprised me are these new breed of restaurants often visited by people in the area. There's this Burrito Place often filled with teens and cars lining up in this Ramen place near Sumulong.

I can't say that it will be the next BF. I am just pleased that people in the area are partonizing local shops. There are also a few chains such as Moonleaf, Crazy Katsu opening their branches in Lilac.

Forget me Not Cafe (it has the same name as Chef Pixxie's newly opened cafe in Makati :)), this quaint restaurant/cafe is a neighborhood favorite. It has free wifi and provide very generous servings of their food. We ordered the "house speciality". Rex got the stuffed Chicken while I got the Salisbury Steak. Meals come with free rice.

The salisbury steak was your usual fare of burger topped with gravy combo. It has a huge serving so I'm fine even if the gravy tasted like your usual fastfood sauce. (I am not picky, with P135 puede na).

Rex, on the otherhand wasn't so happy with the chicken. With only four tiny pieces of pesto-stuffed chicken, it could only go so wrong with gravy added to it. Since its already stuffed, I was more confused if it was trying to highlight the chicken stuffing or the sauce. It would've been better if it was cream-based or has a similar flavor profile to the stuffing.

Well, at least the space had ample parking.

We went to this dessert place because we believe in chef-turned-entrepeneur in their first venture. Perfect Moments, located at the ground floor of Blue Wave, is your typical fastfood/bakeshop establishment. Sadly, I would've been happier if I ate in Red Ribbon or Goldilocks because the food was underwhelming. The shop's interior looks a bit dirty and cluttered. But the food's very affordable. With Php100, you can get by with 2 rice meals. I also have to commend their personalized cakes. My favorite was the Barbie cake on display. Every girl would want to have it for her birthday.

Too bad their coffee tasted like Nescafe and their cake too dry.

But I am still going back for more of Marikina's restaurants. There's still more food to try. And I wish these places the best (and its improvement) :)

Len's Favorite Persian Restaurant (Persia Grill)

I admit it, I never ate at this restaurant because the first time I saw the restaurant on tv it was Kian promoting it. Famous for being inside the PBB house, I always thought its another celebrity run fare. I always dismiss restos with celebrity names under its belt because most of it weren't good (except for JT's)and most businessmen only get celebs to give the place some cred.

It was only years after that I'd give it a try because it was a favorite of Len. Len always has this thing for  Persian food. There must be this lure of Shawarma and Kebab that I never really fully understood except for those post inuman sessions.

She recommended that I try their Valero branch (other branches being not so consistent in their taste).

 We wanted to try their Baba Ganoush (eggplant and spices) but it wasn't available at that time so we had Hummus instead.

Beer prices in Makati is expensive. I'd always settle for Perspolis P33 beer. :) But the Shawarma's worth it.

Meals were affordable. Rex swears by their Shawarma plate, being "beef'y " and all. While the kebab's  tastes the same as any other kebab. The hot sauce didn't disappoint though. I knew it was supposed to be what hot sauce should be like HOT; and not watered down, tasting more like 80% water and 20% chili with most chili settling in the bottom.

And I wouldn't want to miss Len's favorite liver plate. The whole thing is sauteed liver with tomatoes and onions. I had to hand it though, the liver's fresh. I know, how can it not be? Most restaurants, I get the bitter- tasting tough ones. This dish, like the one's I have back home, tender without the pungent and grainy texture that most liver dishes have here.

Considering its in Makati and the cheapest meal I can get their is fastfood or jolly jeep, this one's quite in the affordable range. For around 80-100, you can get by with a shawarma or the liver plate. Not so bad, you can opt to get the Business meal for around 130 (your choice of shawarma, tika etc with tomato and buttered rice). At least they don't lie about the buttered rice being butter and not Star :)