Thursday, March 31, 2011 9
"Feast like New York Royalty"

Here we are again, availing discount from website who offers discounts but this time to Salamat.ph. Remember, I got free DQ GC from them upon signing up; this will be my 1st time to try their service. This week they offer a taste of New York, for only Php 95.00 you can have One Jumbo Signature Pizza Slice and 1 Soda which originally valued up to Php 245.00 at New York Pizza Palace at A.Venue, this promo is only applicable to Salamat.ph member since only one coupon per one account only. I love this deal since it can be used as a gift for friends or family, you can also use this coupon until August 31, 2011 and lastly, you can use it for Dine-In or Take Out.


Yesterday, Ian and I opted to use our coupon and try NY Pizza Palace. While reading some reviews about this resto, I discovered that NYPP offers Italian food and American style so expect for the large servings of pizza, pastas, salads etc. We arrived early and were greeted by the colorful lights and decorations of the place. I love the ambiance; you’ll feel you’re in another country since the walls are surrounded with different place in NYC like Broadway Nassau, Wall Street, Mulberry, Time Square, Yankee Stadium and other streets in New York City and the floor is created with the actual road surface.

Look! My honey is at the counter!
Another thing I like is the scrolling stock ticker and clinched TV screens on the ceiling which shows the actual or live feed directly from NY and actual updates on NY stock. Wow! Amazing! Plus a very cool graffiti on the walls and inside comfort room. The staffs are dressed with a New York Yankee jersey with DiMaggio written at the back. Cool! 


NYPP is a self-ordered restaurant so you need to place your orders at the counter, Ian ordered for our appetizer so he opted to try their Crispy Calamari. Slightly battered calamari with jalapeno rings, marinara sauce and lemon parsley aioli. Unlike the other Calamari instead of mayonnaise as a dip, they provide vinegar. 

Crispy Calamari Php 190.00

Since we only pay Php 95.00 for a one slice of Jumbo Pizza, Ian chose to get the higher price of signature pizza. He picked Prince Street Clam for me, one of their signature pizzas with anchovy and clam mixture, mozzarella, provole, Romano cheese, breadcrumbs and onions. At first bite, I told him that it tastes like sardines and has after taste but eventually I enjoy eating it. Take note, their slices are actually up to 9 inches. Now can you imagine how big the whole pizza is! Haha.

Prince Street Clam (Php 225.00 / slice; Php 1,630.00 for whole)

Ian prefers the NYPP Spicy Shrimp; another signature pizza with spicy shrimp, chili flakes, mozzarella and Romano cheese, garlic cloves and parsley. I love this pizza; you don’t need to put hot sauce since its already spicy because of chili flakes.

NYPP Spicy Shrimp (Php 225.00 / slice; Php 1,630.00 for whole)

Of course our coupon has a free drink and we chose Ice Tea for instead of soda.


Apart from their pizzas, their other dish such as pastas is very appetizing which makes us to decide trying one of their specialties, House Macaroni and Cheese. This is the traditional favorite mac and cheese with bacon, cheddar and mozzarella cheese topped with parmesan cheese. We really enjoyed eating this pasta; they are too generous in putting cheese on our pasta. It’s meatier and saucier than any pasta dish out there.  

House Macaroni and Cheese Php 215.00


Dining at NYPP is an experience in itself! Well, you don’t need to travel in New York City just to taste this one of a kind Jumbo Pizza but simply visit NYPP at A.Venue in Makati Ave.


New York Pizza Palace
Unit F105-F106 G/Floor
The A Venue Events Mall
Makati Ave., Makati City
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Friday, March 25, 2011 7
Yesterday Ian and I marks our 56th monthsary yesterday and we decided to celebrate our special day by having a scrumptious dinner. Our company gave us Php 300.00 worth of Sodexo gift certificate last week as a post-Christmas give away plus we have a free Php 250 gift coupon with any item purchase on the chosen Bistro Group Restaurant (Friday’s, Italiannis and Fish & Co.,) upon signing up to their website. We opted use our free coupon & GC and dine at Fish and Co in Greenbelt 3., (Sodexho GC was accepted in this restaurant). It was our first time to dine in Fish and Co, and according to some reviews I read, they have nothing to say about this restaurant except for the fact that they really love their dishes although it was too pricey.


This restaurant has their own tag-line, “Seafood in a Pan”, which makes them famous. From the word itself, you will have an idea about their menu, more on Seafood! The pictures on their menu were so alluring; I love the yellow and royal blue color of the restaurant, very relaxing and cool in my eyes. 

Menu
Table Settings


As usual, we were greeted by a courteous waiter and assist us in our table. Before this dinner, we have an agreement that our bill should not be exceed to Php1,000 for us not to pay anything. Haha.  Since Fish & Co offers more than the usual fish and chips we tried their specialties, Ian ordered for Sambal Prawns. According to the waiter who gets our orders, this is one of their best sellers; a succulent prawn’s sautéed in spicy sambal sauce served with seafood rice and steamed vegetables. If you want spicy, you'll enjoy this. One order has 9 mini prawns so it should be okay for sharing like we did!

Smabal Prawns Php 595.00
  
I chose Chicken curry, another spicy favorite! Morsels of boneless chicken slow braised in spicy red coconut curry sauce served with steamed long grain rice. It was a good thing that I enjoyed it, a little bit spicy and the curry was really good I swear!

Chicken Curry Php 295.00


Each table comes well with their dip; mayonnaise, garlic and chili that surely adds you cravings for food.

Dip with garlic and chili

For drink, Ian ordered for Pineapple juice while I go for their service water.

Pineapple Juice Php 100.00

Well, since we skipped our merienda and still hungry we decided to get additional cup of plain rice for Php 40.00. Haha. The prices of their dishes were expensive like other Bistro Restaurant, the servings were enough for one persons but the food was very good and delicious. Well, our total bill was Php 1,116.00, Whoa! Sad to say, we can only use one free GC for single transaction that’s why Ian needs to pay Php 566.00 cash! Haha.

♥ 4 years and 8 months. .♥

Honestly, with the quality and taste I’m sure it would be a place that we would come back again when we have extra money of course!  J


Fish & Co.
Level 3 Greenbelt 3
Ayala Center
Makati, Metro Manila

Wednesday, March 23, 2011
There are lot of things happened in our country nowadays, global warming, floods, heavy rains due to illegal logging and recently the disaster happened in Japan are some of the events that shown how fragile life is. Whether you are an individual, group, or community can show your support on our mother earth by supporting Earth Hour. This year’s Earth Hour proves to be even more important and significant since every individual has a challenge of solving the climate change crisis. Earth Hour 2011 aims to send message that we are responsible in our planet, well, you don’t have to be an environmentalist to know that our actions have a great impact on earth.


Our dear country, Philippines once again joins over one billion people all over the world that will switch off their lights for one hour from 8:30pm -9:30pm on March 26, 2011 Saturday. In this simple way we help save our mother earth and response to the environmental realities the world faces today.

Be counted!!! It’s as simple as a flick of the switch…

For the Planet.. By the People.

Go Beyond The Hour!                     
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Tuesday, March 22, 2011 4
I should be thankful for the modern technologies today specifically Internet, because there are various websites which offers great deals, discounts and freebies. Recently, I discover this Deal Grocer offering you a taste of the good life. I was in a hyper mode to study this website last 2 weeks ago and good news; they have irresistible deal for a week, 4-course dinner for 2 at Ilustrado Restaurant for only Php 1,250.00 from the original price of Php 2,500.00. Whoa! When I saw this deal I immediately ask for Ian’s approval before availing it, of course I need to do this whenever I will get some money from our savings. After convincing him about this discount, he instructs me to get one for us. Whee..

About the deal
  • Valid from February 22 to May 22, 2011.
  • Available Monday-Friday Dinner (6:00 pm - 10:00 pm), Saturday Lunch (11:00 pm - 2:30 pm) and Dinner (6:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
  • Reservations required. Subject to seat availability and restaurant’s events.
  • Upon reservation, please indicate you are a coupon holder. You will be asked for your redemption code.
  • Please present coupons before ordering.
  • Maximum of 10 coupons per table.
  • Must use in 1 visit.
  • Not valid in conjunction with other discounts, promotions and events.
  • Dine-in only. Not valid for delivery.
  • Inclusive of 12% VAT and 10% Service Charge.

Take Note before redeeming the coupon

  • Bring valid ID
  • Non-refundable

So after signing up, I immediately check the deal, review it and I end up availing the promo.  I’m so excited to use it because this was my first time to try different dining experience in a place with its old-world elegance and timeless, flavorsome Spanish, Filipino and European dishes. I imagine dining at this restaurant located in a cobble-stoned street, hearing the horse-drawn “calesas”, sweet escape from the usual city chore makes my dreamy dinner date really romantic. By the way, in this fine dining restaurant the King and Queen of Spain have been enjoyed eating during their two official visits to Manila.


A week before our schedule dinner at Ilustrado, I keep on reading reviews about the place, how it looks like, the service, the food as well as their price. Thank God, most of them give heart-warming comments which make my heart more longing to experience their amenities.  We decided to use it last Saturday after our photobooth session at Quezon Ave. We arrived at Ilustrado around 6:40pm; a nice and courteous waitress assists us in our seats. At first glance I really amazed how Ilustrado Restaurant retained much of its old-fashioned structure. I love the consistent Old Spanish-colonial theme ambiance, the stone garden; the serene walkway beside the restaurant, the cozy and rustic atmosphere plus a very accommodating staffs makes our dinner-date more romantic. 

Ilustrado Restaurant
Walkway


Statue of Mama Mary

Fountain
The restaurant ground floors are made of stone while second floors (function rooms) are made of wood. Ilustrado Restaurant maintained its Grand Staircase, stone garden, windows covered by Capiz shells, paintings, history snippets and even the darling kalesa wheels that now function as the chandelier. I simply fall in-love with the place, this was my 1st time to dine-in at this kind of restaurant.


Table Settings
Paintings
The 4-course dinner was starting off with complimentary bread with tuna and butter dressings followed by a soothing Demitasse of Lobster Bisque with Parmigiano Cheese Stick. I love the sweetness and mild saltiness of the soup. The soup was stiff but you can taste the real lobster. The Parmigiano Cheese stick is better when you dip it in the broth. 


Complimentary Bread

Demitasse of Lobster Bisque with Parmigiano Cheese Stick

Followed by scrumptious Paella Ilustrado served Russian Style. I love the presentation of the food, how creative it was and the taste as well. The Paella are topped with eggs, lemon and shrimp, it also includes squid, ham and green peas. The rice was well-cooked, tasty and silky; I guess they put some secret ingredients on the rice to make it yummier. 


Paella Ilustrado served Russian Style

Then for the main dish, a choice of their clientele’s favorite entrees; all of which are tender and full of flavor: Roasted Spring Chicken al Orange, Callos Madrilena or Lengua con Setas, but Ian and I settled to try the 1st one. As soon as the Roaster Spring Chicken arrived, I keep on saying “Wow! Mouthwatering dish”. Same as Paella Ilustrado, the presentation was excellent! Outdid with orange fruits and vegetables, the sauce is sweet and tangy; the chicken is soft and juicy. The orange balances the sweetness of the sauce.  


Roasted Spring Chicken al Orange

And finally to end our delightful dinner, a taste of masterfully Mango Jubilee with Ilustrado’s home-made and much acclaimed Sampaguita Ice Cream, flambéed on the spot. I’m so curious about the dessert, Sampaguita flavor? This will be my 1st time to try this kind of ice cream. You will witness how this special dessert being prepared by a world class chef, Yes! I will cook on your front table. 1st the chef heat the pan, then a small amount of white sugar wait until it melts, followed by butter, orange juice, mango balls and lastly the exhibition of orange conjure. (The flame starts to blaze up.) Very unique way in preparing our dessert. After preparing the toppings, the chef placed it in Sampaguita Ice cream. 

Amazing Chef
Flaming Mango Balls


Exhibition
At first, second and third scoop felt really strange in my mouth, you can taste and smell the aroma of Sampaguita flower which left a persistent scent in your mouth. Well, it is actually made from the Philippine National Flower, believe me! But after drinking lots of water, the taste subsides; thanks to vanilla cream and mango fruits for the semi-sweetness included in this ice cream. Haha. 

Mango Jubilee
A cup of coffee and tea ends our 4-course dinner. The taste of their coffee burned my throat just right. 

 
Wow! I have nothing to say about their foods, a very mouthwatering bite which is wonderfully prepared by an outstanding chef plus a very romantic ambiance shared with your love one completes our saturDATE. A really one of a kind experience and a sense of cultural pride plus knowing that we were lucky to grab the offer, 50% discount, amazing right!

Happy Couple ♥

Of course, taking advantage of the place, Ian and I enjoy the place by having photo ops session. 




Grotto
 
So now, I’m looking forward for more great deals from Deal Grocer specifically for buffet lunch and dinner to famous restaurants and hotels in metro.


Ilustrado
744 General Luna St
(Formerly Calle Real del Palacio)
Intramuros, Manila
Website: http://www.ilustradorestaurant.com.ph/
For Reservations, call +632 527 3674

Sunday, March 20, 2011 1
What more do we have to say? P250 for the value of P500, Wow! As soon as I saw this deal at Pakyaw, (website which offers BIG Deal) I immediately grab it! It’s really worth it dining at Cibo, my first attempt was really great knowing that I’m with my favorite friends that time. So what’s the deal all about?

-          Avail a 50% discount at any Cibo Restaurant 

-          Try their signature Italian-inspired dishes like Spinaci Zola (spinach & gorgonzola dip),  Tegamino di Formaggio Fuso (grilled cheeses, thin Sardinian flatbread), Pappa Al Pomodoro (tomato soup, Tuscan wholewheat bread, parmesan and basil), Insalata di Mare (shrimp, squid, crab, greens, basil pesto, alfalfa, and lemon vinaigrette salad), Penne Al Telefono (stewed tomato, mozzarella, white cheese, basil and cream), and Torta di Ciocco-Matto   

-          Choose from: Cafe Cibo Glorietta, Cibo Nuovo Shangri-la, Cibo Tre Alabang, Cibo Fresco Rockwell, Cibo Bimbi Rockwell, Cibo Sette Greenhills, Cibo Otto Gateway, Cibo Verde Trinoma, Cibo Dieci Greenbelt and Cibo Est Eastwood

WOW! As in amazing deal! But there are things that you should remember in availing this coupon.
  • Valid everyday
  • Start redeeming March 16 to June 16, 2011
  • Use it for all food and beverages
  • Vouchers are transferable
  • Vouchers can be shared as long as the number of vouchers does not exceed the number of people in the group
  • Voucher must be used in 1 transaction only
  • Cannot be used in conjunction with other promos, senior citizen discount
  • VAT included
  • Service charge not included
  • Valid for dine-in only
  • Alimentari items not included
  • Pakyaw Terms & Conditions apply to all deals

So last Friday, we decided to use our coupon. Thanks Pakyaw! It’s so nice to be back at Cibo, I really love how cozy and charming the ambiance and the friendly staff that assists us on our needs. 


Ian opted to begin our meal by having Insalata di Mare, a tangy lemon vinaigrette salad with shrimp, squid, crab and balanced by basil pesto and alfalfa. 

Insalata di Mare Php 308.00
Next, we decided to try pasta so I chose Linguine ‘La Foresta, red pasta sauce with combination of stewed tomato, slab bacon and black olives. It was a little bit sour taste but I love the sweetness of the slab bacon. It’s really good!

Linguine 'La Foresta Php 240.00



Ian opted to try their Penne alla Florentina, cream-based pasta with sausage, crème and fennel. The pasta is well-soaked with cream sauce which makes the dish yummier. 

Penne ala Florentina Php 285.00

Next, we order Prosciutto Di Parma, a pizza with tomato, mozzarella, parma ham, arugula and parmesan cheese. 

Prosciutto Di Parma Php 358.00

For drinks, I usually just ask for service water instead of ordering drinks. While Ian tried their Pineapple Shake since he suffering from colds. Actually he ordered for Pineapple Juice unfortunately they gave us Pineapple Shake in its place. Haha. The shake was so refreshing and you can totally taste the real pineapple and not just powder juice. 

Pineapple Shake Php 108.00

Our stomachs were exploding as tried to finish all that was in our plates. Haha. When we got our bill, I was surprised that out total bill was Php 1,414.98. Whoa! But since we have Pakyaw coupon, we only pay for Php 414.98. Not bad! After a long and tiring day from work, dining at Cibo takes away our exhaustion.


Cibo
2nd Floor, Greenbelt 5
Ayala Center, Makati City
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