Mom's Day Lunch 2012 (Part One) at Brasserie Boheme by the Gustavian, Makati

As the hullabaloo of Mother's Day died down, it's time for FS Mother's Day Good Eats. First up is our celebration with the M-I-L (that's short for mom-in-law). 

In the heart of Makati, we found this quaint little European fusion restaurant. 

Brasserie Boheme by the Gustavian, Salcedo Village Makati

The place was a bit small since it was located inside a lobby of The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences (like a condo-tel). Had to wait for a few minutes to be escorted to our seats.

Racks of Wine

One of their main decors was this ceiling to floor wine selection. 

Burnt Out Brunch at Dillinger's, Greenbelt 3 Makati

Dillinger's on a hot Saturday afternoon seemed like a good idea... until we had to walk dozens of steps with the sun on our backs. Hay... The walkway was scorching hot, especially at 2pm in the afternoon. Was having a major headache even before we reached the place. :( Note to self: Lunch may be a better idea.

Dillinger's, Greenbelt 3

The place looked promising. The facade was like an Old English pub complete with the vintage lamps on the brick-like walls. 

Bar

Just like in Bugsy's, Dillinger's also had a bar for those who just want to relax & unwind with a drink or two. Several alcoholic liqueurs were also on display but it was too early for those. Besides, we were here for the food. :)

Cooling Off at Gong Cha, SM MOA

After a Sunday lunch at Tajimaya (one of our favorites), we walked around the SM MOA complex. Due to the scorching heat, we were soon thirsty. Milk tea seemed the best way to beat the heat. We already tried Chatime so we were left with Gong Cha to try out. 

Gong Cha, SM MOA

 Bright and inviting, this was a good start. We had to wait for a few minutes because of the long line. Let's see if the drinks were worth it. 

Menu Board

Just like in other tea places, their drink selection was posted on a menu board. With lots of drink to choose from, we settled with our go-to flavors of Taro & Caramel Milk Teas.

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.

VMS: Ersao, Banawe Street, QC

After a dim sum dinner at Causeway, we wanted something to drink that would cool us down (we've had our fill of their hot tea). We were driving along Banawe St when the bright lights of Ersao came into view.

Ersao, Banawe QC

For such a small restaurant, they sure had a lot of staff. Not really sure what the whole staff were doing just standing around the counter... maybe it was just a slow night. Ersao offers different drinks from milk teas to fruit shakes. Wanted something refreshing so we opted to have their fruit drinks instead.

Red tables + Black chairs

The tables & chairs set up were more like the fast food-type setting. This gave off an air of no-fuss, simple eating.

Tea-rrific at Teaberi, A. Venue Mall Makati

Having had our fill from the nearby hotpot place (David's), we decided to cool off. Funny how as we turned the corner, this came into view. Yup, it's time for  another milk tea review.  

Teaberi, A.Venue Mall

Loved the no-fuss setup. They kept it simple yet classy. This is how drinking tea should make you feel, soothing & calming. Hmmm... couldn't wait to try one out. 

Green + White

Just like in other tea places, they also have tables & chairs for patrons who wants to stay and just hang out. But What made Teaberi different was their facade. The whole place was an order counter wherein the server opens one part of the window to get your order, closes it to make your drink & opens it again when done. Funky & functional in all the right places.

Seeing Red at Aveneto Pizzeria Ristorante, Glorietta 3 Makati

 Get ready for another FoodStars low-down this time for.....

 Aveneto Pizzeria Ristorante.

aVeneto Pizzaria Ristorante, Glorietta 3

By the colors alone, Aveneto was definitely invoking the Italian vibe. At 7:30pm on a Sunday, the place was packed to the rafters. Seems like business was booming.

Tables & Chairs

As you enter, you'll notice that no one will assist you to your seat. I'm thinking, is this like a fast food setup wherein you just sit anywhere you want? After several minutes of trying to get the waiter's attention, we finally got seated. First impression? Place was kinda cramped and the crowd was a bit noisy. Definitely not the place to unwind & relax.

Noodle-licious Dinner at Kanzhu, San Juan

We were supposed to be in QC by 7pm but EDSA was so clogged that by 7:30, we were still stuck in traffic. Hungry and with patience wearing thin, we drove to Greenhills for dinner. I've always wanted to try this place out. It seemed now was a good time as any.

Kanzhu, San Juan

I couldn't help but notice the cute caricature of the chef. With the be-dimpled smile and rosy red cheeks, this was a plus in the cuteness factor. Now how would their food fare?

Bumbling Buffet at Buffet101, San Miguel By the Bay

For the more recent REVISITED REVIEW, click here.

The first visit was last March and all I can say is they had lots to improve on. 

Buffet101 International Cuisine

• Their rule on food spoilage (3pcs of lamb per person, etc) was really a big turn off. It's a buffet for crying out loud! People will get as much as they want. I believe your policy of charging extra for leftovers & sharing is enough to cover that issue. Why the need for this confrontational demeanor?

• The servers kept talking amongst themselves. And their topic is the customers (Table number this was complaining, etc). That's annoying & totally rude. We eat to relax & enjoy each other's company, not hear your complaints about your patrons! Tsk tsk. Sorely in need of staff training.

VMS: Domino's Pizza, Pasong Tamo

While perusing around the net for new restaurants to try out, stumbled upon this flyer. Pizza for dinner seemed to be inevitable. :)

Domino's Pizza, Pasong Tamo

Talked to a certain Regina who was kinda helpful. The problem was that the Domino's website was not updated with the "new" prices. Yup, all prices posted had an increase of 50 pesos. Tsk tsk. You can hear in the background someone saying that "prices were subject to change".  Excuse me, that explanation is usually reserved for flyers & pamphlets that restaurants give away. The reason behind this is that they no longer have the option of updating or changing the printed prices. But in the case of prices posted on official websites wherein you are able to change it anytime you want, that reason is invalid. Hay... 

Disappointing start.