I know Gerry's Grill might be quite popular with young professionals. I see a lot of them. Recently, they put up a franchise at Emerald Ave, Ortigas Center. It's got quite a nice interior. Only thing I don't like about it is the very unpleasant smell outside... from exhaust and sewage I think...
Anyway, the place has free WIFI so I am happy. The food is priced ok. Reasonable. They provide fruit shakes and grilled tuna so I can eat healthy.
Then there's another Gerry's Grill in SM Lipa City. It's almost the same as the one in Ortigas but unfortunately, this one in Lipa is a bit dirty... I don't appreciate at all the messy bathrooms. Also, they seem to have messy setup, quite dirty setting even inside a mall. For some reason, I feel that the cutlery and the plates aren't washed well. The food is of course still reasonably priced.
Mind you, there are very few healthy choices in Gerry's Grill. That's because Filipinos really love fatty and sweet foods...
So you have to be picky... because Gerry's Grill offers lots of Filipino favorites that are definitely going to shorten your life expectancy. If you are easily tempted with lechon kawali, halo halo, sisig... then please, for your own sake, eat salad at home (and no dressing please!)
Showing posts with label Ortigas Center Pasig City. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ortigas Center Pasig City. Show all posts
Pho Hoa and Spaghetti House
It's been a long time since my last post. I have been in bad health condition and unhealthy lifestyle from March to July 2008. Fastfood joints and franchises to blame? No... :(
I am to blame.
But I changed my eating habits since August... and would like to recommend to you 2 restaurtants that I consider quite healthy.
1. PhoHoa - located at basement, Robinsons Galleria
- A Vietnamese restaurant
- My favorites are: Pomelo salad, Breaded Tofu
- Good price for healthy food... nothing beyong 200 PHP
2. Spaghetti House - located at 2nd floor Robinsons, Galleria
- Good price for good serving of pasta
- My favorites are: Pepper Crusted Fish with Dried Tomatos (pasta dish) and Gourmet Tuyo (pasta dish)
- My BF's favorite is Pesto with Grilled Chicken
I am to blame.
But I changed my eating habits since August... and would like to recommend to you 2 restaurtants that I consider quite healthy.
1. PhoHoa - located at basement, Robinsons Galleria
- A Vietnamese restaurant
- My favorites are: Pomelo salad, Breaded Tofu
- Good price for healthy food... nothing beyong 200 PHP
2. Spaghetti House - located at 2nd floor Robinsons, Galleria
- Good price for good serving of pasta
- My favorites are: Pepper Crusted Fish with Dried Tomatos (pasta dish) and Gourmet Tuyo (pasta dish)
- My BF's favorite is Pesto with Grilled Chicken
A month after
Hello Everyone, it's been a month I didn't post anything on my blog not because I stopped eating out but because of the following reasons:
1. I was too busy writing my thesis that I can't even blog anymore... other than that I still need to work for our company so not much time for blogging.
2. I ate a lot outside during this period, not much choice. I didn't have time to cook. I gained 5 lbs after just a month of eating burger king, mc donald's, yoshinoya and jollibee... and yes I had 2 KFC meals :-(
3. I decided to just summarize a full month's detail in one blog entry.
This is a summary of my experiences:
1. Have you been to Home Depot area near Valle Verde, Pasig? They have a "paluto" place there where you have to buy from a kinda wet market and have restaurants cook the food you bought for you. I went to the last store at the corner. I suggest that when you try this place, try to visit the other places in the middle of the establishment. The one I went to wasn't very good. But acceptable. The food was healthy yes because I bought my own vegetables and fish. Don't worry, they can also feed you with ultimate fatty Crispy Pata. I had food there with family (5 people) and it cost us Php1500 for the "cooking" and Php 900 for the "ingredients". Quite pricey so I won't consider going back especially if the food is not as good.
Why do I say that?
1. Their sinigang is flooded with water for one.
2. Jade Palace -In Shaw, you'll find a run-down hotel called Jade Palace. It's very famous with Chinese people and I must say their food tastes great. I usually get broccoli with garlic (180), sweet and sour fish fillet (220), and yang chow fried rice (180). This costs me around Php 600 I think. I gave you the best approximate prices. This is really nice food and I would recommend it. They do take outs as well so sometimes I call them up to order. They would deliver in 40 minutes. 633-2927 is their hotline.
3. Wok In, Shaw - Well this is probably a very terrible choice. I went there because one time Jade Palace was so busy and full of people. Wok In is in front of Jade Palace. I had my usual chinese food order: yang chow, fish fillet and broccoli. I paid as much as I pay for Jade Palace. I got less food, less quality but I got TONS of OIL in my food. The place is "ok" but I would not go to their bathrooms. The chairs and tables look like they have not been changed in the last 20 years. This is really danger zone restaurant. I just took a risk :-x Stupid risk.
4. Binalot - Yes, I still got my regular tapa order from Binalot. Still recommend it for regular 3x a week meals.
5. Chicken Bacolod - I had about 10 meals in Chicken Bacolod last month... I always got the Pecho with garlic rice. Good Value. I didn't order drinks and I pay Php112. (89 for the pecho and the rest for the rice). It's good :-) So try to visit this place in Robinsons Galleria Ground Floor. :)
6. Max's - well of course I had 2 meals from Max's. The restaurant is good value mind you.
7. KFC - At the Robinsons Galleria Food Court, they have the WORST KFC service. Around 7pm, they have no chicken breast and no chicken wing. They will just serve you chicken leg. So I suggest they call themselves KFL - Kentucky Fried Leg.
I can't complain about the food here because I ate here knowing what the perils of the "fried" will do to me but I can't believe their customer service. It's amazing that their cashier can't remember your order after just 1 second that you told me. So remember, tell them 3 x and write it for them if you have to.
8. Burger King - BK would give me good value for grill burger. So once in a while I don't mind eating it...
So this is the summary. I am sorry I can't remember the other places I visited.
Btw, I visited this "Exotic Restaurant" in Paete but this one deserves its own blog entry. :-)
1. I was too busy writing my thesis that I can't even blog anymore... other than that I still need to work for our company so not much time for blogging.
2. I ate a lot outside during this period, not much choice. I didn't have time to cook. I gained 5 lbs after just a month of eating burger king, mc donald's, yoshinoya and jollibee... and yes I had 2 KFC meals :-(
3. I decided to just summarize a full month's detail in one blog entry.
This is a summary of my experiences:
1. Have you been to Home Depot area near Valle Verde, Pasig? They have a "paluto" place there where you have to buy from a kinda wet market and have restaurants cook the food you bought for you. I went to the last store at the corner. I suggest that when you try this place, try to visit the other places in the middle of the establishment. The one I went to wasn't very good. But acceptable. The food was healthy yes because I bought my own vegetables and fish. Don't worry, they can also feed you with ultimate fatty Crispy Pata. I had food there with family (5 people) and it cost us Php1500 for the "cooking" and Php 900 for the "ingredients". Quite pricey so I won't consider going back especially if the food is not as good.
Why do I say that?
1. Their sinigang is flooded with water for one.
2. Jade Palace -In Shaw, you'll find a run-down hotel called Jade Palace. It's very famous with Chinese people and I must say their food tastes great. I usually get broccoli with garlic (180), sweet and sour fish fillet (220), and yang chow fried rice (180). This costs me around Php 600 I think. I gave you the best approximate prices. This is really nice food and I would recommend it. They do take outs as well so sometimes I call them up to order. They would deliver in 40 minutes. 633-2927 is their hotline.
3. Wok In, Shaw - Well this is probably a very terrible choice. I went there because one time Jade Palace was so busy and full of people. Wok In is in front of Jade Palace. I had my usual chinese food order: yang chow, fish fillet and broccoli. I paid as much as I pay for Jade Palace. I got less food, less quality but I got TONS of OIL in my food. The place is "ok" but I would not go to their bathrooms. The chairs and tables look like they have not been changed in the last 20 years. This is really danger zone restaurant. I just took a risk :-x Stupid risk.
4. Binalot - Yes, I still got my regular tapa order from Binalot. Still recommend it for regular 3x a week meals.
5. Chicken Bacolod - I had about 10 meals in Chicken Bacolod last month... I always got the Pecho with garlic rice. Good Value. I didn't order drinks and I pay Php112. (89 for the pecho and the rest for the rice). It's good :-) So try to visit this place in Robinsons Galleria Ground Floor. :)
6. Max's - well of course I had 2 meals from Max's. The restaurant is good value mind you.
7. KFC - At the Robinsons Galleria Food Court, they have the WORST KFC service. Around 7pm, they have no chicken breast and no chicken wing. They will just serve you chicken leg. So I suggest they call themselves KFL - Kentucky Fried Leg.
I can't complain about the food here because I ate here knowing what the perils of the "fried" will do to me but I can't believe their customer service. It's amazing that their cashier can't remember your order after just 1 second that you told me. So remember, tell them 3 x and write it for them if you have to.
8. Burger King - BK would give me good value for grill burger. So once in a while I don't mind eating it...
So this is the summary. I am sorry I can't remember the other places I visited.
Btw, I visited this "Exotic Restaurant" in Paete but this one deserves its own blog entry. :-)
Rai Rai Ken, Robinsons Galleria
The last time I visited this Japanese restaurant was a year ago. My old time favorite is the garlic, chili ramen that cost me Php180 per bowl plus 12% Vat and 10% service charge. I wasn't so giddy going back to this place today because I know it would be expensive...but for variety's sake, I visited the restaurant.
To my surprise, the Chili Garlic Ramen favorite I used to get is now just Php150. So I thought, I got a bargain. I noticed new staff as well, like a new manager.
My ramen did not taste as good for some reason. The bowl was smaller and the noodles were less compared to the one I got before. Now, I got half the egg. The taste gave a very telling difference. I didn't like the mix of pechay. It didn't use to be there. The garlic addons were not as much as before. The pork tasted like corrupted pork... it's a HUGE downgrade.
I would happily pay for Php180++ as a treat... but not pay less for less quality.
I give this restaurant 1.5. I didn't like my meal and I had to go to Le Coeur De France for an extra croissant.
To my surprise, the Chili Garlic Ramen favorite I used to get is now just Php150. So I thought, I got a bargain. I noticed new staff as well, like a new manager.
My ramen did not taste as good for some reason. The bowl was smaller and the noodles were less compared to the one I got before. Now, I got half the egg. The taste gave a very telling difference. I didn't like the mix of pechay. It didn't use to be there. The garlic addons were not as much as before. The pork tasted like corrupted pork... it's a HUGE downgrade.
I would happily pay for Php180++ as a treat... but not pay less for less quality.
I give this restaurant 1.5. I didn't like my meal and I had to go to Le Coeur De France for an extra croissant.
Piadina, Robinsons Galleria
I used to eat here a lot because I love the chili garlic oil. However, eating there last week wasn't an exceptional experience for the price you pay.
I had pasta (my choice), piadina (tuna), iced tea and some mushroom soup for Php 230. The pasta wasn't great... the piadina tasted like regular tuna sandwich with some dying lettuce. The fairly good one was the mushroom soup... but I wasn't happy paying Php230 so I think I didn't get my money's worth.
I give this restaurant 2.5 only. First because I will not really go back here again. It's been a year or two since I last visited this restaurant before the meal I just here just recently.
The place is not particularly special. It's located in Galleria East Wing along with the less pricey restaurants like Chicken Inasal.
Piadina isn't authentic Italian as well. Their pastas were sooo common. :-(
Now, the only reason why they could even get 2.5 is because the manager was friendly and cheerful. However, just like most restaurants I go to in Philippines, the waiters are so despondent like they just stare on the ceiling and talk with their mates...
I had pasta (my choice), piadina (tuna), iced tea and some mushroom soup for Php 230. The pasta wasn't great... the piadina tasted like regular tuna sandwich with some dying lettuce. The fairly good one was the mushroom soup... but I wasn't happy paying Php230 so I think I didn't get my money's worth.
I give this restaurant 2.5 only. First because I will not really go back here again. It's been a year or two since I last visited this restaurant before the meal I just here just recently.
The place is not particularly special. It's located in Galleria East Wing along with the less pricey restaurants like Chicken Inasal.
Piadina isn't authentic Italian as well. Their pastas were sooo common. :-(
Now, the only reason why they could even get 2.5 is because the manager was friendly and cheerful. However, just like most restaurants I go to in Philippines, the waiters are so despondent like they just stare on the ceiling and talk with their mates...
Mexicali, Robinsons Galleria
Well, I just want to make a note that I ate here again... for the lack of choices again. It's holiday today so most of the shops are closed.
It wasn't an illusion last time that they were decreasing the size of the order. My enchilada (vegetable) can be consumed in less than 10 minutes and I am a slow eater because I try to chew my food at least 20 times per bite.
I'm now looking for other places to eat...
It wasn't an illusion last time that they were decreasing the size of the order. My enchilada (vegetable) can be consumed in less than 10 minutes and I am a slow eater because I try to chew my food at least 20 times per bite.
I'm now looking for other places to eat...
7 Corners Crowne Plaza
I wasn't particularly happy eating at 7 Corners last week. There are few positives with more negatives.
1. Channel 7 was there. They were featuring 7 Corner's as a restaurant. I think their host is the half twin of Richard Guitierrez but since I do not watch tv, I don't know who that was.
2. They featured lamb for the month of February. I had some curry lamb, it was tasty and tender but it had a lot of bones.
3. They charge you Php270 ++ for a simple pineapple juice that I did not enjoy at all. Of course, it's a ripoff.
4. The choices in the Japanese section were not as appetizing except for the shirmp salad.
5. The deserts were the same... but I had nice small piece of blueberry cheesecake and a bowl of teppanyaki.
6. I had roast beef as I needed some animal protein... I didn't like it so much though.
7. They did serve a good variety of fruits and leafy vegetables, the problem there is that the ingredients were not prepared in a tasteful way... so if you don't know how to mix good salad dressing and ingredients, you're like eating a home meal with a 5 star bill.
So will I go to 7 Corners again? Yes next month. I try to have it once a month anyway but it's not something I look forward to because they seem to not change the menu.
Btw, they have 7 cheese selections and pizza, bread and chocolate deserts... so for sweet lovers, this is would be your heaven. I just eat here for variety and for some treat... I don't think you can eat so much sweets if you are on a diet anyway.
1. Channel 7 was there. They were featuring 7 Corner's as a restaurant. I think their host is the half twin of Richard Guitierrez but since I do not watch tv, I don't know who that was.
2. They featured lamb for the month of February. I had some curry lamb, it was tasty and tender but it had a lot of bones.
3. They charge you Php270 ++ for a simple pineapple juice that I did not enjoy at all. Of course, it's a ripoff.
4. The choices in the Japanese section were not as appetizing except for the shirmp salad.
5. The deserts were the same... but I had nice small piece of blueberry cheesecake and a bowl of teppanyaki.
6. I had roast beef as I needed some animal protein... I didn't like it so much though.
7. They did serve a good variety of fruits and leafy vegetables, the problem there is that the ingredients were not prepared in a tasteful way... so if you don't know how to mix good salad dressing and ingredients, you're like eating a home meal with a 5 star bill.
So will I go to 7 Corners again? Yes next month. I try to have it once a month anyway but it's not something I look forward to because they seem to not change the menu.
Btw, they have 7 cheese selections and pizza, bread and chocolate deserts... so for sweet lovers, this is would be your heaven. I just eat here for variety and for some treat... I don't think you can eat so much sweets if you are on a diet anyway.
Mexicali, Robinsons Galleria
I am a fan of this franchise until recently when I got quite distasteful behavior from the cashier -- a woman, with long hair, seems chinese and about 5 ft 3 inches tall. I made my usual order and because I got too curious about how to make my vegetarian enchiladas, I went to the counter to view the preparation process. Then this cashier looked at me. I saw it but since I didn't need anything, I kinda ignored her. Then she said, "Yes may I help you?" (despite having people in front of her ready to order). So I simply said, "Oh just checking my order". She said, "It's *being* prepared and yes we will serve all orders at the same time." It would have been a neutral statement hadn't been that she was not smirking.
From that incident, for some reason, when I got my meal, I kinda felt like I got fewer vegetables, less cheese, less rice. This is probably how my perception was changed after that surprising customer service.
So, will I go to Mexicali again? Probably only when I have no other choice.
I am sorry if I would be too strict. However, customer service needs to be consistent or the total dining experience is just ruined. There used to be another cashier, a very short, perky woman who would always smile at you. I have not seen her for weeks. I would have preferred to be attended by her.
This restaurant is still a 3 to be fair. Perhaps that woman just had a bad day. However, I doubt if I will go to Mexicali as happily as I would before.
From that incident, for some reason, when I got my meal, I kinda felt like I got fewer vegetables, less cheese, less rice. This is probably how my perception was changed after that surprising customer service.
So, will I go to Mexicali again? Probably only when I have no other choice.
I am sorry if I would be too strict. However, customer service needs to be consistent or the total dining experience is just ruined. There used to be another cashier, a very short, perky woman who would always smile at you. I have not seen her for weeks. I would have preferred to be attended by her.
This restaurant is still a 3 to be fair. Perhaps that woman just had a bad day. However, I doubt if I will go to Mexicali as happily as I would before.
Gloria Jean's Coffee, Shangrila Mall EDSA
I get 10% discount on all Gloria Jeans stores. Some stores are nicer than other some are really shabby. However, the one in Shangrila is quite decent.
These days, people say that coffee is good for you. It is true for me to some extent. It does give extra energy and increased short term memory.
So would you rather go for Gloria Jeans or Starbucks coffee?
I believe Gloria Jeans coffee has nicer blend. However, it's very sweet. I still prefer Starbucks. However, I would only be satisfied with a perfectly blended Starbucks Frap.
Do I recommend Gloria Jeans? Yes. It's relatively cheaper than Starbucks and Coffee Bean and you'd know it's good quality. I would also recommend their Oatmeal cookie. It's filling and tasty.
How about customer service? I'd say they are trained well.
How about going back to Gloria Jeans in Shangrila? Well, I can go to Gloria Jeans Robinsons Galleria all the time because it's much closer to where I live so I won't particularly go back to Gloria Jeans Shangrila.
I give this coffee shop 3. It's good for taking a break and has a much cheaper price.
Figaro, Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Really, I have an issue here with customer service. Note that I have not been to any other Figaro store but the one in Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
This store has "shocking" customer service. Waiters would complain if there are customers trying to order while they so happened to be on their breaks. They would also wait for other waiters to clean up. And worst, if you stand there looking at food choices and would try to order some, they would not address you unless you make eye contact and gestures that you want to buy. The coffee here is NOT special at all. The only reason why I went here is the wifi...
The score for this coffee shop is 1.5... all because of the location and wifi. Otherwise, please just go to another coffee shop.
ChickPea, Robinsons Mall, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
I met 2 owners of ChickPea yesterday. One is Neil and the other is I think Jaime? I am not sure as we didn't talk so much. I had 2 ChickPea meals that's why I met Neil and the other owner on different times. This joint is a small shop in Robinsons Galleria. It serves no meat, healthy food - salads, wraps, sandwiches.
I ordered Falafel with Alioli twice. However, I realized, I can't eat garbanzos or chickpeas so I have not visited ChickPea since yesterday. I might visit them again tomorrow or Monday to see if they have meals that I can eat.
The owners of this small joint are graduating students of Ateneo. I'm glad to see very entrepreneurial people in the Philippines. I hope their venture inspires more people to make money and provide value to other people.
I'd recommend this food joint (as I think it is) because it serves healthy foods. The price is just right at Php75 to Php80. However, I think they might not attract people who would like to eat more filling meals for that price. They are located in a quite expensive location.
So if you are up to a healthy meal, try ChickPea.
I ordered Falafel with Alioli twice. However, I realized, I can't eat garbanzos or chickpeas so I have not visited ChickPea since yesterday. I might visit them again tomorrow or Monday to see if they have meals that I can eat.
The owners of this small joint are graduating students of Ateneo. I'm glad to see very entrepreneurial people in the Philippines. I hope their venture inspires more people to make money and provide value to other people.
I'd recommend this food joint (as I think it is) because it serves healthy foods. The price is just right at Php75 to Php80. However, I think they might not attract people who would like to eat more filling meals for that price. They are located in a quite expensive location.
So if you are up to a healthy meal, try ChickPea.
Mexicali, Robinson Galleria, Ortigas Center
I have been to Mexicalli a lot lately, specifically that branch in Robinsons Galleria. Mexicali in this location, is located on the ground floor of the mall, near the East wing. It's just right in front of the parking lot if you are entering from the entrance from Crowne Plaza Hotel.
I started liking the Vegetarian Buritto. It's actually my treat since I decided to control my food intake lately.
The vegetarian buritto can be bought for only Php 125, just that you have to pay extra for some service charge so normally, I would pay around Php130 for 1 meal. Not bad.
The food is prepared quickly, served hot. It has tortilla chips and tomato side dish as appetizer. Of course, this part I give away as I can't eat tomatoes.
The buritto itself is very filling. It has rice, beans, grilled vegetables like eggplant and zuccini I think. You may add some garlic sauce or chili sauce if you like. However, the mixture is already quite tasty that I don't bother adding extra sauces.
Today, I went out with my brother and he like the Chicken Enchilada that he ordered. He got it for Php153, including all charges.
So I give this restaurant 3.5 to 4. The service is good and acceptable. The place is neat and clean and you get what you pay for. The restrooms are inside the mall. This branch is quite small so no provision for rest rooms.
I started liking the Vegetarian Buritto. It's actually my treat since I decided to control my food intake lately.
The vegetarian buritto can be bought for only Php 125, just that you have to pay extra for some service charge so normally, I would pay around Php130 for 1 meal. Not bad.
The food is prepared quickly, served hot. It has tortilla chips and tomato side dish as appetizer. Of course, this part I give away as I can't eat tomatoes.
The buritto itself is very filling. It has rice, beans, grilled vegetables like eggplant and zuccini I think. You may add some garlic sauce or chili sauce if you like. However, the mixture is already quite tasty that I don't bother adding extra sauces.
Today, I went out with my brother and he like the Chicken Enchilada that he ordered. He got it for Php153, including all charges.
So I give this restaurant 3.5 to 4. The service is good and acceptable. The place is neat and clean and you get what you pay for. The restrooms are inside the mall. This branch is quite small so no provision for rest rooms.
Where to eat in Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Philippines?
I don't cook. But I am a good cook (people say). So why don't I prepare my own meals?
1. I work a lot...and I would like to spend only a maximum of 1 hr going out to eat.
2. I don't have time to clean up the cutlery, knives, plates etc that I use when I cook.
3. I do not have a stay-in maid. I only cook in my mom's place because she has a maid.
4. I do not like washing dishes.
5. I do not really have time to go to grocery and shop for raw materials.
These are the reasons why I prefer to go out and eat. However, for the last few months, as I get older, I have developed stress dyspepsia. I either hyperventilate or vomit the food I eat.
This is why I have to be more picky about the food I ate. Goodbye KFC :-(
As I search for cheap, healthy food, I realize that Philippine restaurants do not offer so much variety. I am quite tired of the restaurants I visit now. I have to eat 3 times day so the choices I have in Ortigas keep diminishing.
I decided to write about my visits to restaurants. I hope that they would serve healthier meals going forward.
If you can recommend a good place to eat, please contact me or comment on my blog. I prefer cheap, healthy food. I do not eat chicken and pork. I can only eat lamb, beef and deep-water fish.
1. I work a lot...and I would like to spend only a maximum of 1 hr going out to eat.
2. I don't have time to clean up the cutlery, knives, plates etc that I use when I cook.
3. I do not have a stay-in maid. I only cook in my mom's place because she has a maid.
4. I do not like washing dishes.
5. I do not really have time to go to grocery and shop for raw materials.
These are the reasons why I prefer to go out and eat. However, for the last few months, as I get older, I have developed stress dyspepsia. I either hyperventilate or vomit the food I eat.
This is why I have to be more picky about the food I ate. Goodbye KFC :-(
As I search for cheap, healthy food, I realize that Philippine restaurants do not offer so much variety. I am quite tired of the restaurants I visit now. I have to eat 3 times day so the choices I have in Ortigas keep diminishing.
I decided to write about my visits to restaurants. I hope that they would serve healthier meals going forward.
If you can recommend a good place to eat, please contact me or comment on my blog. I prefer cheap, healthy food. I do not eat chicken and pork. I can only eat lamb, beef and deep-water fish.
Chef & Brewers, Emeral Ave, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
I got here during happy hour. I think it's really quite expensive to eat here. The drinks are quite cheaper than Fridays though. I used to go to Chef & Brewers more often but I got tired of their live music because their bands (even if they have different bands per night) keep playing the same old songs... More comments later. I am quite sleepy and I tired that I can't write about all the places I visited this week. This is quite a busy week.
7 Corners, Crowne Plaza, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
I decided to have a treat today, have some good meal. I am seriously taking at least 30 mins to 1 hr deciding what to eat lately because I really am tired of eating fatty, non-nutritious food. So, I decided to visit 7 Corners.
I signed up for a Priority Privilege card with Crowne Plaza / Holiday Inn hotels March 2007 to get substantial discounts to hotel rooms and of course, 7 Corners. 7 Corners is an all-you-can-eat first class restaurant. I've visited this restaurant at least 6 times last year and I think I'd visit it more often in the future. I usually have business meetings here. Sometimes, when workmates do well, I'd offer free lunch and/or dinner at 7 Corners.
7 Corners, I presume, takes the concept of letting customers experience 7 world-known cuisines:
1. American - They serve angus beef, imported from USA. They serve generously of course. This is a highlight for me because beef is the only type of meat I can eat regularly aside from lamb. Of course, 7 Corners also have some fried rice with vegetables, grilled chicken and tuna. I think these are the dishes found on the American menu.
2. Filipino - Well the usual Filipino food...
3. Chinese - 7 Corners serves all sorts of dimsum, shrimp balls, shanghai fried rice, chicken dishes... usual chinese...
4. Japanese - I love this section. They serve maki, sushi, Japanese egg tarts, seaweed dishes, shrimps, crab, fish...
5. English - all kinds of tarts, pies, ice cream deserts, cakes like blueberry cheesecake, sans rival, etc.
6. Italian - they have pasta, bread, at least 6 types of cheese, pizza
7. Indian - they have curry, roti, spicy indian dishes
To visit 7 Corners, you have to go to Crowne Plaza, 2nd floor from the lobby.
Crowne Plaza Website
Let me comment on this buffet restaurant point by point:
1. Customer service - the chefs per section are great however some waiters are a bit snobbish and do not anticipate your needs considering it's a hotel.
2. Price - Each person would have to pay Php 1175 per visit. If you get a priority card, you get 50% discount when you eat alone or with one person. Hence, for me, the pricing is only reasonable because I get substantial discount. Makes sense for me -- a $10 usd meal. However, if I do not have this card, I probably won't go as often as I do.
3. Food quality - Excellent. Though one time, I didn't like the Indian selection but when I ate at 7 Corners today, I was happy again so I will visit in a few days once more.
4. Ambiance - Well, it's peaceful and a bit quiet considering you'd see a traffic-laden highway outside the windows.
I give this restaurant 4.5 so far the highest grade I ever gave.
Mexicali, Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Center, Pasig
I had a healthy, good-sized vegetable burrito. I was pretty satisfied. The location was simple yet clean. The price was cheap, just Php125 for one regular burrito. Cashier was accommodating. Yes, I'd love to have another burrito in a few days.
Take note, I had to vegetable burrito.
Take note, I had to vegetable burrito.
McDonald's, Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
So I have nothing much to say about McDonalds except that they are good to be around for breakfast. They have rather cozy place for reading newspapers each morning and they have wifi. Sometimes, I'd spend a few hours working in McDonalds.
McDonalds staff are well-trained in customer service. It's very hard to get upset. You can see the staff trying hard to be friendly.
Today, I had a quite funny experience. The waiter took my order so I said, "I'd like an egg mcmuffin please". Then the waiter said, "Ok Ma'am, is that egg mc muffin with egg?" I was shocked with the question but I burst laughing afterwards. Sorry, I didn't want to be rude but I couldn't help it :D.
This was my breakfast one time. As usual, I get sausage mcmuffin, orange juice.
McDonalds staff are well-trained in customer service. It's very hard to get upset. You can see the staff trying hard to be friendly.
Today, I had a quite funny experience. The waiter took my order so I said, "I'd like an egg mcmuffin please". Then the waiter said, "Ok Ma'am, is that egg mc muffin with egg?" I was shocked with the question but I burst laughing afterwards. Sorry, I didn't want to be rude but I couldn't help it :D.
This was my breakfast one time. As usual, I get sausage mcmuffin, orange juice.
Binalot, AIC Gold Tower, Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
This is a cheap meal. I have it at least 3 times a month. I am a regular customer. This particular Binalot branch is just 3 mins walk from my apartment. Binalot meals are cheap, reasonable, filling. I particularly just order Tapa or Bistek. They would prepare my order in less than 2 minutes. So during times that I am in a hurry, I would also think of getting 1 order of Binalot tapa. I'd give this restaurant a 3. Customer service is friendly...No real amenities but to be fair, it's a TOGO shop. Price is very reasonable and serving is generous.
I buy either the tapa or bistek meal for Php 79 each.
I buy either the tapa or bistek meal for Php 79 each.Max's Restaurant, Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Pasig
I go to Max's at least 2x a week when I am staying in Ortigas. Max's Restaurant is located on the 4th floor of Robinson's Galleria, beside Mongkok. This restaurant has good value and mind you, they fry food using vegetable oil. This restaurant also has wifi so I can actually work while waiting for my order.I usually get the breakfast value meals that cost me Php 155 per meal. Sometimes I get the boneless bangus. They serve half the fish, a glass of iced tea, some vegetable side dish, garlic rice and 2 pieces of egg. I think I pay so
me tax but this is good value for me.1. Food Quality, Taste, Packaging - Some of their dishes actually taste good so I give them 3.5 here. They are not exceptional but good and I would recommend people to visit this particular Max's branch
2. Value for Money - I give Max's 4. It's good value.
3. Premises, Amenities - Well, they can improve their bathroom. It's not too clean but better than most. So I give them 2.5
4. Customer Service - Max's serves quickly. They have trained waiters and waitresses as well. They used to ask at least 3 times if I want desert but they have lowered down their upselling to just asking once now.
I'd go back to this place of course. It's nearly like my staple food.
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