a little bit about travel, a little bit about food, a lot of everything in between; as seen, tasted and experienced by different points of view..
We visited this restaurant after remembering that Grand Convention Center has once again opened its door to the locals after its very busy renovation that lasted for a few months. The new place had a contemporary new look updated to the times, with several lighting …
A few days after the grand opening of Rustan’s supermarket, we visited cafe sarree to check what they had to offer in their menu. It was an entirely new restaurant right outside the payment area of our favorite grocery. It was a pleasant place, with …
Finally on our first visit here at Maya, my sister and I decided to be one of the earliest patrons to come to the place. This restaurant, it seems, is a drinking/hangout place for local and foreigners alike.
No wonder they only open at dusk.
We were well received and was led to a comfortable place on the second floor near the corner couch opposite to the bar. The area was huge and there were several couches that fitted to their customers’ needs.
The menu has several pica-pica that goes well with the wide array of liquor that they sell, from wine to hard drinks and authentic Tequila made in Mexico that you won’t compare to those cheap American made bottles.
What I liked about this restaurant is that the ambiance is very enchanting, with Mexican music keeps playing in the background.
We had seafood ceviche, a bowl of guacamole, a serving of soft taco, and a very filling plate of crispy tijuana burrito.
Most of the dips here come with complementary chips and crackers, and these are quite delicious because they are light and crispy. I couldn’t ask for more, to be honest.
The soft tacos were a disappointment, though, because there was too little meat in it that it isn’t worth calories (especially if you’re on a strict diet.) The burrito was very heavy, with rice beans cheese and other greens Not recommended if you still want to move or you wouldn’t want to fart in public.
To end the meal, my sister decided to get a plate of Leche Flan, which is some sort of egg custard that the Spanish loved. I also sampled a shot of their tequila, two bottles of beer and a margarita.
Maya Restaurant
Crossroads Banilad
Verdict:
A: 3.75/5. Not a dining place, but a drinking place where you get to socialize with friends. Probably a nice place for a “Boy’s night out.”
We were actually curious as to how this restaurant still manages to stay afloat when other establishments their age have already closed down and moved on so we decided to pay this place a visit. Siting at the third floor of Ayala Center Cebu, within …
Pizza Republic is one of the newly opened restaurants here in Cebu that is almost always full thanks to their innovative way to presenting and serving pizza to the local masses. Situated right across Golden Cowrie, this restaurant is strategically located at the corner of …
Tajimaya 168 Ramen House is situated in the vicinity where several establishments of the Abaca Group of Companies are located. Sitting between Maya and A Cafe, this restaurant is comfortably nestled at the corner of Crossroads strip, the only one that offers patrons a chance to partake in their all-you-can-eat deal. For 450 bucks, each patron could eat as much squid ball, shrimp, beef and pork slices, chicken, and pork sausages.
We went there with my sister’s friend, who was craving for some late night Japanese food. The place was packed and hectic. We had to wait for a few minutes to get seated. I still wonder if the place was really that good with the amount of people dining at this hub.
Anyhow, the ambiance is pleasant enough and we had our own booth to eat in, instead of an open table like many other restaurants that offer all you can eat deals. It was comforting to be given our own privacy.
All in all, our dining experience was okay. The service was so-so too. The price was a little too expensive though, and I can say a few restaurants that are reasonably cheaper than this.
Tajimaya 168 Ramen House
Crossroads, Banilad
Verdict:
A: 2.5/5
Pricey. I guess we didn’t order the dishes they specialize in?
We visited Ayala on a rainy afternoon just when there was a huge inter-school accounting competition going on at that time so we decided to visit Ice Castle on the 4th floor just beside Flame It!. It was a noisy event filled afternoon and we …
One drizzling Sunday afternoon, just before we went to church, we drove by IT Park to visit the fairly new restaurant named Lemon Tree Fusion Restaurant. It was a spacious place that used to be occupied by La Tegola a few months back. What caught …
While waiting for mom to finish with her Church meeting, we decided to cruise around the Escario area for a place to chill and pass by time. It was until later that my sister remembered several restaurants were located near the Capitol, just neighbors with Zubuchon.
Portos is situated in a a cozy corner beside a small bakeshop with a scenic view of an empty but spacious parking lot with several trees planted on the side.
What’s interesting about this restaurant are the items in their menu. Uniquely named dishes like “Big Mama” and “Bangers and Mash” are certain to grab your attention. If that wasn’t enough, their wide array of main course is sure to bring in the crowd with so much food to choose from.
The ambiance of the place feels like you’ve been thrown back into the 90s, with several of the popular songs from way back playing in the background. The backdrop is minimalistic in design and is without a doubt simplistic and functional. There is little space in this restaurant, however, that only a few tables could fit inside (give or take 6-7 tables, excluding the ones outside).
For refreshments, we had a whole pitcher of Citrus Cooler to stave off our thirst. Our appetizer was a plate of Fire Wings, which had more spice than usual, as requested.
It was good.
And really spicy.
Within minutes, our individual orders arrived; O’Neil’s Baby Back Ribs for brother, one plate of Big Mama for my sister, and a Southern Style Grilled Pork Chop.
I was really impressed with the food here. Each individual dish had their unique flavor that lingers on your mouth. The meat is tender and cooked just right. The ribs were cooked tender that it could easily be torn into pieces with your spoon and fork. The beef cut for the Big Mama was tender enough too, with a hint of spice that leaves you hanging for more. It even comes with its own gravy on a shot glass as it lies on top of a moderate pile of fries. My Pork Chop was done fine too, with a serve of buttery gravy to go with it and a morsels of fresh vegetables on top.
It’s a great place to hang out and chill while listening to the vibes on the in-house speakers. The food is good and affordable too.
Portos Diner and Grille
Escario
Verdict:
A: Definitely a 4/5.
Nice view and decent food are what makes a good restaurant. Not a place to check your emails because there’s no wi-fi. Also bring cash. Credit card is not available for this establishment.
We were looking for a parking slot within Capitol area today when we passed by this place. I remember the early years where we’d buy food from this place. It looked different from back then. What used to be an old dingy pension house was transformed into a less gloomy environment friendly place that emphasizes caring for the environment that we live in.
The food on their menu isn’t a lot. If you’re expecting a large meal after your journey to get to this place, prepare to be disappointed. Mayflower cafe have shrunk the food they prepare to only a few select easy to prepare dishes for their customers. In fact, my sister had herself a meal of fried dilis and rice that comes with a side of egg. My mother ordered for herself a serving of sisig, while I had a plate of pork liempo to go with my mug of hot chocolate. As a side, we also ordered a plate of eggplant relleno.
The food was okay, if you’re asking. Sister liked her dilis so much. Mom did like the sisig we ordered for her. The pork liempo that I had had very little meat (5-6 pieces of sliced pork? ha-ha).
