Lam Tin Food Fest

While I'm constantly trying to explore the vast array of food beyond what I've already tried, there will always be simple favorites that produce as much of an exhilarating effect as any Michelin-starred restaurant. Take my favorite Chinese restaurant, Lam Tin, for example. From the outside, it may look just a step above the average Chinese food canteen in Binondo with its uncomplicated signboard and sparse decor, but anyone passing by this part of Banawe will notice that this eatery is almost always full to capacity. Truly, it is one of those times where the food speaks for itself, and does it speak volumes!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="428"] Lam Tin Tea House[/caption]

[caption id="false" align="aligncenter" width="431"] Last Call time: the only reason this place wasn't crowded anymore[/caption]

My family learned about Lam Tin through other relatives who would drop by just to order takeout. Delicious, authentic Chinese food with big servings yet doesn't cost much? Yes, please! Just thinking about it is already making me crave my favorite dish...

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="540"] ...the Tausi Fish Fillet (PHP 200+)[/caption]

I never used to care for tausi (black bean paste) before I tried their Tausi Fish Fillet. That first time I had a taste of this was back when I was suffering from a nasty stomach ulcer attack. My dad bought the rice topping version, and I gobbled it up to soothe my empty stomach. I thought, "Maybe I was just hungry?" But no, visiting the restaurant in person made me realize how consistently scrumptious the fish fillet dish is with its crispy breading and savory sauce.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="527"] Beef Ho Fan[/caption]

Mom loves Beef Ho Fan (PHP 200+; available only on weekends) from anywhere, so she insists on ordering this too. The flat noodles are soggy yet chewy in the sauce, and the serving is big enough for three people if they're ordering other dishes.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="527"] I don't remember the name, but this is crispy breaded shrimp in sweet and sour sauce[/caption]

The shrimp dish is totally worth the price, since you get a fair amount of shrimp that isn't heavy on the breading.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="377"] Lam Tin Fried Chicken[/caption]

Lam Tin Fried Chicken (PHP 400 for whole, but they also offer half) is the typical fried chicken with shrimp chicharon and Mang Tomas sauce. It's good, but my favorite chicken dish is still their Butter Chicken.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="514"] Hot & Sour Soup[/caption]

I'm not a fan of Hot & Sour Soup (PHP 100+) in general, and I much prefer Lam Tin's Seafood Soup. The parentals, on the other hand, LOVE their Hot & Sour, and Lam Tin's tastes exactly like how it's supposed to taste. A big bowl can fill three smaller bowls.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="514"] Yang Chow Fried Rice[/caption]

My mom RAVES about the Yang Chow Fried Rice (PHP 180) there. They don't skimp out on the good stuff, I'll tell you that. You get a generous helping of shrimp, egg, and meat. In fact, mom swears she can eat the rice alone. No need for viands.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="394"] The Finisher: a sago't gulaman dessert[/caption]

If you're a fan of Chinese food and you haven't tried this, what on earth are you waiting for??

 

LAM TIN TEAHOUSE =  #30-U Banawe St. Cor Cuenco St. Brgy Sto. Domingo, Quezon City, Philippines

 

P.S. You can also get a reasonably-priced Noodle Feast there.

Project Pie, Our Mealtime Project

In M-related news, we dragged our butts to Mandaluyong to try out the much-raved Project Pie. I haven't thought of going there myself if not for M's invitation, since I'm perfectly happy with my go-to pizza place: pocket-friendly S&R. But hey, I'm not one to snub a delicious pizza, so off we went.

Project Pie wouldn't be out of place in BGC. It's a lot like most of the dining establishments there: simple but obviously expensively built. It's very clean and the ambiance is—what I'd like to call—posh Manila hipster. But seriously, the place is done up well.



Interior design aside, who knew that customizing your own pizza could be so much fun? For PHP 285 a pop, I can't complain because it had exactly everything I wanted in the amount I wanted. I got myself a #5 = White  Pizza with Mozzarella, Ricotta, Feta (supposed to be Gorgonzola, but they ran out), Parmesan, Cracked Black Pepper, Olive Oil, Garlic (plus extra garlic for me!), and Fresh Chopped Basil, then requested for them to add prosciutto and mushrooms because I appreciate a salty-earthy combo. *Note: The mushrooms they used were fresh, not the canned variety. Delicious.* M, on the other hand, got the #2 = Pepperoni, Italian Sausage, Crumbled Meatballs, Mozzarella, Signature Red Sauce, and Garlic, wanted to add prosciutto, but completely forgot to tell the staff. He did, however, remember to ask for all kinds of cheese to be added to his pizza.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] The finished pizza, pre-bake[/caption]

Okay, so we didn't quite build our pizza from the ground up, but what they had on the menu sounded great already. It just needed a little tweaking. Here are our baked pizzas:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Mine![/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] M's![/caption]

We didn't order anything else, except for water. And by gosh, were these pizzas enough! If you don't plan on sharing, this is sufficiently one square meal. And that's saying something, since I didn't eat breakfast or lunch before going there.  It's thin crust, but you get everything from the toppings. My only dislike was the burnt parts of crust underneath, though that may tend to happen because of their type of pizza oven. It isn't enough of a deterrent for me not to come back soon. :)

Project Pie = 515 Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong

The Vitamin Fix

When we hit the road, we hit the road hard. When I say "we", I mean just about anyone who I work or hang out with. It's usually very intense when I've got work to do, so the sleep-deprived nights are part of the deal. Eventually, the immune system conks out from the fatigue and I start coming down with a cold, a cough, or a fever. Yes, I'm well-aware that my habits aren't precisely to-die-for.

After all is said and done, there is no substitute for the genuine article: R&R (rest and relaxation). BUT if you find that you have to keep yourself going in spite of your exhaustion (be it from travel-related fatigue or work weariness), sometimes the best solution is to add some effervescence to the mix.

I am obsessed with effervescent vitamin tablets. It seems to me that they're the fastest way to get a much-needed energy kick. Mind you, this is no Sting, Red Bull, or Cobra. The nice flavor and fizzed-up water provides a pick-me-up when you need something in a flash. Plus, if you don't want to get out of control with the instant juice mixes, this is a pretty clever alternative.

As you can see from the photo, I've stocked up the best I can. Redoxon (leftmost and rightmost on the photo) seems to be readily available most anywhere except the Philippines. It's sold in Canada, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, etc. For the life of me, I haven't found it in Manila. Optisana (second to the left) can be found in... Santi's Delicatessen for PHP 96. Cheaper than Berocca, but I haven't had the chance to compare vitamin content. Finally, Dr. Elizabeth's (second to the right) was on sale, but I don't remember the price.

The con? Make no mistake, these are all sugar-free but contain aspartame. That's why I still take the regular old pill-form vitamins. I just like to have one of these canisters in my purse for when I'm feeling like something nasty is about to come on. A little vitamin boost may just be what the doctor ordered...

Pan De Amerikana, Marikina

Quirky places are the best. Every time you come to visit, it feels like there's always something new to see and experience. One such place is Pan De Amerikana, found all the way over in Marikina.  They also have a branch in Katipunan, but I think this is the original.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The Exterior[/caption]

With the cute windmill and the Baguio cottage look, this wouldn't have been out of place in Solvang, California. When you enter, it's just as adorable inside as it is outside. The main counter and bakeshop opens up to a wide, non-airconditioned dining area with cafe chairs and somewhat mismatched wood-topped tables. Framed black-and-white photos of old (and not-so-old, but not-so-young either) Pinoy movie stars fill up one of the walls. A giant chessboard can be found deep inside the venue, so you can play your own version of Wizard Chess. There's a small pond and lots of plants inside, so you get the feeling you're eating at an indoor garden of sorts. Very hipster-friendly. Of course, flies are your main problem in a place like this.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Stars on the wall[/caption]

We sat down to a late lunch at around 1pm, so we were starving and in a hurry by then. The food is lutong-bahay and inexpensive, with most of the dishes below PHP100. Drinks are below PHP50. I ordered a plate of baked macaroni (PHP70 or PHP75), while Dad had spaghetti (PHP40). Mom, the exclusive rice-eater, had adobo with rice that she attacked immediately before I could snap a decent picture. Everyone had Kalabasa Soup (PHP40).

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] The Kalabasa Soup, though now particularly creamy, maintained the natural sweetness of the squash. Yummy and safe for dieters.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] The battered adobo rice[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] The Baked Macaroni had a proper cheesy bechamel topping, while the spaghetti was simple and seemed to be meatless[/caption]

The meal was washed down with brewed coffee (PHP 30) and a dessert of halo halo.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Wasn't in the mood for steaming hot coffee, so I asked for a glass with ice and proceeded to make an iced cafe americano. At this point, the ice had already melted[/caption]

Before we went home, we picked up a bag of whole wheat pan de sal (PHP60 for 10 pcs.) and a plastic jar of peanut butter (PHP 60). Their pan de sal is huge, soft, and chewy which I prefer to crunchy-crusted ones, while the peanut butter was too sweet,oily, and runny for my taste. I like creamy peanut butter, but this one is downright runny.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] So big, you'll stop at one[/caption]

Their menu also includes Marikina favorites such as Waknatoy (described by the waiter as sort of a menudo with pickles) and Everlasting (a form of embutido).

Methinks it's best to drop by this restaurant for breakfast or mirienda (afternoon snack) because of the menu items they have. Those times are best for lounging around and enjoying the relaxed ambiance.

Pan De Amerikana = #92 General Ordoñez Corner Maroon St. Marikina Heights, 1800 Marikina City

Rustic Mornings by Isabelo

Marikina is home to some neat hole-in-the-wall dining locations—this I've known even before Kris Aquino decided to make everything mainstream on her TV show. (By the way, it's one of the most godawful things to see Kris drag some unappreciative celebrity guest to a beautifully prepared meal by a chef who has slaved to achieve something good, then have that guest say, "Nako, this is so fattening." It's disrespectful to the chef, and she should seriously refrain from bringing non-foodies to her food-related episodes. Perhaps Anthony Bourdain would be tempted to shoot those people in the head. But I digress.) In keeping up with the spirit of a hole-in-the-wall, some restaurants are a little tricky to physically get into. One such example is Rustic Mornings: Brunch, Pastries & Coffee by Isabelo, located in a very narrow alley that a standard sedan has to squeeze into.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Sign along the very narrow alley[/caption]

The property has its own parking space inside the gates, with an additional small covered area that may fit about 3 cars—inside is pretty much the only parking option available, unless you want to park somewhere at the end of the block.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] View of the parking area from the lot's main gate[/caption]

To get into the dining area, you must go through a short stretch of forest-like garden that partially shields the inside. Don't think it's creepy because the garden actually lends to the overall intimate atmosphere. Imagine being ensconced in a cozy place, away from the outside world.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] A Garden Entrance[/caption]

When you get inside, you'll be surprised by the cleverly decorated... everything. It's apparent that the owner of this restaurant is quirky and creative.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] A Fine Nook[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Another nook[/caption]

The decor reminds me a lot of my friend, Eva's shop in Cubao X: Kind of mismatched, kind of imperfect, but beautiful.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Even the trees are decorated[/caption]

Recycled stuff takes on a whole new life when executed properly.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Recycled McCormick Spice Shakers[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="576"] The Counter/Kitchen Pass[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] I sat on this[/caption]

When it comes to food, Rustic Mornings offers all-day breakfast options as well as some lunch bowls. -silogs are part of their Filipino breakfast tray, and Mom had to have the Crispy Tawilis (PHP145). According to her, she's had Tawilis elsewhere, and this doesn't taste the same as the one she had before. She prefers the one she had elsewhere.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Tawilis-silog[/caption]

Dad had Pork Longganisa, the -silog variant he usually opts for. He said it was okay. (FYI: Personally, I'm more for tapa or tocino, depending on which one is more tender.)

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Long-silog[/caption]

I would've ordered waffles because they're so much more fun than pancakes, but it was nearing lunch time already. Instead, I decided to try out the Cheesy Chicken Fricasse (PHP300), an order that's already good for 2. (Doesn't come with rice.) I've gotten into the habit of ordering wild-card menu items to see if they turn out to be gems, while my parents go with whatever the best-sellers are.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Chicken Fricasse[/caption]

Without having my breakfast beforehand, I was already famished by the time the food came. I was able to finish the entire thing, but was sick-full by the end. It didn't help that the sauce was rich and creamy. Tasty as it was, don't try to eat this by yourself. This is coming from a self-proclaimed cream sauce fan. Luckily, I ordered a refreshing lemon-flavored Frothy Iced Tea to wash it all down (PHP50).

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Lemon Iced Tea[/caption]

After eating, you can just hang out for a little bit and enjoy the surroundings. This place is perfect for brunch.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Rocking Chair for Two[/caption]

If you decide to eat outside, do also have a look inside. The indoor dining is just as pretty. It reminds me of something straight out of Teacher's Village.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Like being in someone's vacation home[/caption]

The hand wash and restroom are decorated by rows upon neat rows of empty perfume bottles. Like I said, terrifically creative.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Hand Wash Area[/caption]

This place was made for people who enjoy a good muni-muni (pondering) session. It's also made for breakfast or brunch dates, so go and have one here.

 

 

Rustic Mornings = #11 Isabelo Mendoza St. San Roque, Marikina City

 

Silantro

I have moods. When I feel like eating hot and spicy, there's nothing that can stop me from rushing over to New Bombay in Glorietta for my Mutton Curry fix (with extra chili powder, please). Though I am scarcely in the mood for Mexican or Tex-Mex, I'd gladly make an exception for Silantro in Kapitolyo.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="575"] Twas a dark, rainy night the first time I was there[/caption]

A self-proclaimed "Fil-Mex Cantina," Silantro has indoor and outdoor seating in a small casual dining establishment. Eating is done in picnic bench-style tables and chairs. Upon entering, diners are greeted by the cashier's counter beside a display cabinet that gives an idea of what their Lucha Tacos contain.  Here's a peek at their menu.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Menu[/caption]

If you had to order only one appetizer, please make it Silantro's Quesadillas (PHP145). Gooey, salty melted cheese barely contained in a tortilla with french fries on top. Perfect for sharing between two people, it's a hot, cheesy mess—I mean that in a good way. See for yourself:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Tastes as good as it looks, seriously[/caption]

Once you've tried the quesadilla, you can go ahead and order first runner-up, the Beef Nachos (PHP160):

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Pulutan-esque[/caption]

When you're ready for entrees, get a load of Silantro's Burrito (PHP160). If you're by yourself, this is enough to stuff you. No appetizers. Just this. We had it "Samurai X-ed" into 3 slices for tasting. They have 2 sauces that come with the burrito: One is a garlic white sauce (kind of like Shawarma sauce), while the other is cilantro herb-flavored.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Silantro's Burrito[/caption]

If you're a hard-core carnivore much like myself, Mexican Rib-Eye (PHP560) is for you. It's tender and cooked to perfection, if you let them decide on the doneness. The gravy is delicious and it comes with rice. Again, ideal for two.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Mexican Rib-Eye[/caption]

Next up is Silantro's Paella Fajita Mix (PHP250). It has bits of squid and comes with tortilla wrappers. I like to add the burrito sauce to this in addition to the squirt of lemon because I just love sauce. Tee hee.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Silantro's Paella Fajita Mix[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Tortilla Wrappers[/caption]

If you're looking for a light and healthy snack, I'd recommend the Lucha Tacos (ranging from PHP65 to PHP100, depending on how many kinds of meat you want in there).The shredded greens were fresh and plenty. By default, it's a soft taco, but you can request for the hard shell. Personally, I dig the soft taco though.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Lucha Taco: No matter what you do, it's going to be messy to eat, so don't order this on a date...[/caption]

I'd love to come back to Silantro again and again. It's comfort food made better with very attentive staff and reasonable prices. Bring people with you because the food is best shared, so that you can try out more items. I'd give this place a 5/5 rating. So worth the calories...

Silantro = 75 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City, 1603 Pasig

RUB Ribs & BBQ

Ever the Quezon City restaurant fanatics, we've found yet another  (literally) small establishment with a BIG following. RUB can be found in the Tomas Morato area, tucked away in one of the more obscure sides streets. It would've been easy to miss, except for the perpetual sight of a crowd waiting outside for tables. We braved the wait list and sat on monoblock chairs outside the tiny 2-storey restaurant.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Rub is tiny with 2 floors[/caption]

Patrons were the Teacher's Village type. You know, foodies who are very much updated on the "indie" resto scene or college student types. Customers who aren't afraid to position themselves into cramped spaces for good fare.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] First Floor and kitchen[/caption]

If you're the claustrophobic type, then this restaurant may not be for you. Because of the small space, tables and chairs are positioned so close together that you can't help but overhear the conversations of everyone around you. Save the dirty laundry for your post-dinner Starbucks run.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] 1st floor table[/caption]

For such a small space, the menu had a fairly sizable selection.:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Menu Cover[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] All about RIBS[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] And when you want something else...[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] And a little something to nibble...[/caption]

We always get the Family Brunch (PHP 685). Big enough for 4 people, the package consists of ribs (usually 2 slabs; slab size is according to weight) and 3 sides. For garlic lovers, you simply MUST get the Roasted Garlic Mashed Potato. It's rustic-style with the skin mashed into the mixture, but the flavor is splendid. For potato lovers, the Bacon and Potato Salad also goes well with the ribs. The parentals had to order the Sprice (their take on Java Rice) as their additional side (PHP 65 per order), simply because they can't function without rice. The other sides were okay.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Ribs and 3 sides[/caption]

By the way, they got the ribs just right. The meat easily comes off the bone. Smeared with sauce, you've got yourself a burp-worthy meal.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Mac n' Cheese[/caption]

I can have mac n' cheese anytime, anywhere, so I had to insist on ordering a bowl. Nothing amazing though.

We shared a pitcher of iced tea that was, again, good for 4 at just over PHP 100. Noteworthy mention is their deep fried Oreo dessert. While I haven't tried it in Rub yet, I've eaten enough elsewhere to know that  it's a very sinful must-try.

If you're a rib person, this joint is considerably cheaper than the ribs places found in malls. Because of the high traffic, the service staff can be a bit scatterbrained. You may have to call their attention repeatedly to request for water, tissues, and other minor orders. Other than that, it's a-okay. We've already been here twice and counting, so you know I'm a fan.

 

RUB --   64 Scout Rallos, Quezon City