Before the Fireworks at Kimono Ken, Tomas Morato Quezon City

New Year dinner with the family was at 'ol reliable, Kimono Ken.

This wasn't our first time to eat here but this would be the first time we're blogging about it. 

So here goes.. :P

Kimono Ken, Tomas Morato Ave., Quezon City

Was lucky to snag some seats even if we made reservations just hours before dinner time. 

Time Out at Tokyo Cafe SM The Block, Quezon City

To pass time (while waiting for the family to finish their fitting for the upcoming wedding), we found ourselves walking around SM The Block. 

With stomachs growling, we began hunting for new places to try. Nothing caught our fancy so we ate at one of our previous food haunts.

Welcome to Tokyo Cafe at SM The Block.

Tokyo Cafe, SM The Block

It was just as we remembered; bright and laid back. One slight problem, their A/C was on the fritz. On a hot & humid afternoon, this was not a good mix.

Katsu-Ju (Php 250)

Wanting to try something new, I had one of their Bento meals. Served in this quaint black lacquered dish pan, I slowly opened the cover.... drumroll please.... 

Tough Luck at Lucky Tea, Banawe QC

And the milk tea craze rages on.

Now we bring you one of the new places Quezon City has to offer. 

Welcome to Lucky Tea. 

Lucky Tea, Banawe

Like any other tea place, you order at the counter. Menu pretty much the same as other milk tea places so we ordered our usuals. More on those later.

For their drink selections, click here.
For their add-ons, click here.

Lucky Tea's interiors reminded me of another tea place. Green & white motiff filled the place. At least you get to sit at the comfy couches while you wait.

Good 'Ol Ribs at Rub, Quezon City

Eating at Racks left a bad taste in our mouths so we were on the look out for a new rib shack place. So one fine Saturday afternoon, FIL suggested we try his go-to ribs place.

RUB, Scout Rallos Quezon City

Was surprised to see that it looked a bit run down and sorely needed a makeover. The al fresco setting was also folded up because funnily, a car was parked in its place instead. But we at FoodStars never back down from an adventure; add the fact that FIL was totally raving about this place.

"It ain't what they call you... It's what you answer to!"

It was a bit small and cramped. We decided to eat on the second floor thinking that it had more room.... it didn't. The tables & chairs were already touching each other. All I can say is it was pretty evident that the owner really wanted to maximize the space... even to the extent of his customer's discomfort. :(

Cake Time at Annabel Lee Cafe, Quezon City

A continuation of the Mother's Day celebration. 

Annabelle Lee Cafe

The night called for something sweet and what better else is there than cake? We ordered one for take out. Who knew that this plain-looking white box held one tasty treat?

Mom's Day Dinner 2012 (Part 2) at Moomba, Quezon City

Part Two of our Mother's Day celebration takes us to Quezon City. This time, it was my mom's turn. 

Moomba, Quezon City

Door

The large wooden doors had a jungle/ safari vibe. That's no surprise since their specialty was Ostrich.

Interior

In line with the jungle fever motif, the tables were brown and the chairs were green. The big cushions on the couches were an added plus, made the seats more comfortable.

Dim Sum Blowout at Causeway, Banawe Street QC

After a night of our weekly badminton session, it was time to fuel up. Everyone was in the mood for dim sum. It was a question between King Chef or Causeway. It was the chicken feet that sealed the deal. :) 

Even at 9:30pm in the evening, the place was packed to the rafters. While waiting for the table, we saw a tarp hanging outside their door. Aside from their dim sum promo of Php45/order for selected items (from 9-12mn), they were offering chicken feet, tao pao & misua soup for only Php 28 each. We couldn't wait to be seated.

Dim Sum  and  then  some..

Famished, we immediately ordered dim sum. Piles & piles of the all-too familiar wooden containers soon filled the table. Armed with chopsticks, we started digging in.

Simple Supper at Jay-J's Inasal, Timog Quezon City

Before going for a visit to see our friend's baby (Hi Radley!), we decided to have dinner at one of our favorite food stops in QC. 

Jay-J's Inasal, Timog QC

Compared to the brightly lit Burger King just a few meters away, Jay-J's simple exterior of green walls and huge brown doors is plain-looking. You might've driven by without even giving it a second glance. But this is one of FS' favorites for a reason. Read on to know why.

Brown tables

White lights

Bamboo walls

More than anything, the decor was evoking a jungle vibe, somewhat woodsy and dark. They added splashes of color on the walls to liven the place up a bit. Note: The wooden benches are super heavy, lift with both hands if you must.

The Old & The New at Kimpo Teahouse, Banawe QC

Coming from the Warehouse Sale, we were all tired and hungry. Wanted to eat somewhere familiar and casual, nothing fussy. We drove to Han Pao but what welcomed us instead was something bigger and brighter.

Kim Po Teahouse, Banawe St Quezon City

The spacious parking was a cause for celebration. No more having to park at other nearby restaurants and to quickly run inside Han Pao, hoping that the guard did not see. Haha. But seriously, thumbs up for this.