Weekend Eats. Don Day Fresh Korean BBQ Restaurant

The restaurant was located on the second floor of the building in front of Budgetlane in Antipolo at Circumferential road, across the street from Seisha and Max's. 


Well, hello there Antips, we meet again! Heh I have made it a quest to try out different restos at least every sweldo weekend. I'm just so happy that my friends have the same interest - food trip! And this time our palates are craving something Korean. (Well, I kind of influenced them into craving something Korean.kkk) 

There are a lot of choices in Makati and Ortigas area. However, it's a weekend and I make it a point to shun Ortigas Ave or C5 since traffic is terrible no matter what day it is. Such. A. Horror. Story. (I know, it took you longer to read that.kkk mianheyo) The savior: Mareng Google who pointed us to the right direction that is LA, Lower Antipolo?hahaha Antipolo City is just less than half an hour away. Don Day Korean Restaurant is the one nearest my place, so Don Day it is. 


Don Day offers buffet lunch and dinner. The price though, is really not that buffet-ish.Hahaha I mean, starting at P239, this is a deal you should grab, right? 

Their price list. Posted by the (mini) buffet.

So after the Cell Group sesh at church, I made yaya my friends to have dinner in Antipolo. An easy feat, I must say, since it's just near Seisha in circumferential road. It's a coffee shop we used to frequent. Hence, finding Don Day is easy peasy. We left Cainta at past 6 pm and we were already at Antips at around 7. We still had 3 hours or so to enjoy our Korean dinner. So without further delay, tada... The food...

The rate posted above was actually still slashed for their 2nd year anniversary.
We had the Regular buffet + unlimited samgyeopsal (pork belly) which was originally for P335 but we just paid P299 each. The staff is unsure though when asked how long this promo will last. 
As of our time of visit - February 1, prices were:


Regular buffet                               P199
(lunch only)

Regular buffet + unlimited pork     P299
Regular buffet + Pork (5 plates)     P399
Beef (5 plates; combination)
Shabu Shabu                                 P399
Regular buffet + Shabu Shabu        P447

This was how round one looked.hehe Yeah, the plate looked bare. I didn't want to cram everything since I could just go back. We're having a buffet, and you know there's some reminder/tip about not eating too much before sleeping, right? Might as well do some leg workout by going to the buffet table for ... times :-P So what were in it? Banchan: pajeon, kimchi pajeon, baby potatoes, gimbap, tamagoyaki (egg rolls), and chicharon (because who passes up on chicharon?haha) Spicy fried chicken, jeyyuk bokkeum, bulgogi. 

Unli Samgyeopsal, yay! That's Meann's plate at the corner. They also had japchae but I passed on that. I'm not a fan of the sweet potato noodles. 

Others that I didn't try were mandu (dumplings), spring rolls, sisig (by the looks of it, it was definitely sisig but I'm also not sure if they have a version of that in Korea. I might need to ask my students to confirm.kkk) and the other leafy banchan. There were also two kinds of soup, egg and kimchi chigae according to my friend who did try them. 

 

Fresh fruits for dessert. They also had Bingrrae ice cream, frozen yogurt, and popcicles which were priced cheaper than other Korean restos I've tried.hehe Above: Frozen themed strawberry yogurt P60, and coffee flavored ice cream P30.

Flashing the "V" sign while munching on something.kkk Annyeong Haseyo! :) 

Ahh...mashitaa ^^ There were no more pictures of the succeeding rounds. I just had two. And after the ice cream round, I was done. I don't usually go to buffet restaurants because  feel like I can't get the value of my money. But then again, P330 for a filling dinner plus ice cream is not bad. So, where will our hungry tummies and happy feet take us next?.. Did anyone say Marikina? :) 



Don Day Fresh Korean BBQ
Cicumferential Rd.
11 am - 2 pm; Lunch
5 pm - 10 pm; Dinner

Weekend Eats. 14 Four Cafe

It's been a while and now I'm back with another one of Rizal's 'hidden' gems of a hangout. I've got friends who have been to 14Four and I have been wanting to go there, too. Unfortunately, I haven't had that opportunity until now. My sister's been there a couple of times or so but it would have been awkward to tag along with her gal pals (and their respective hubbies) lest they make me the designated photographer of the bunch. I'll say nay to that. Heh 


So. 14Four. A couple of years ago, their Stick Designs gallery was open to the public. I have friends who were lucky enough to have seen the furniture showroom. However, by the time of our visit, they no longer allow that, viewing is now by appointment only it says so on their website, too. It's still good though 'cause the outdoor seating area is also cozy. The view would keep you from getting bored while waiting for your food to arrive since you would be occupied snapping pictures of each available space you could manage to strike a pose at. We went there on a whim, unplanned, so all we had are our phones for the photo op.Hehe And my sister's photography hobbyist husband was not with us. Hence, no professional looking pics here guys. Here's what we happily snapped photos of. Heheh   

This guy. Because even plumbing is an art. :) 

I don't have a clear picture of their gate. And that one was pretty neat, too, like a puzzle of some sort but don't worry, it's simple enough to open. Heh

Who wouldn't be relaxed if you have these in your yard? 

Sorry, not sorry.Hahaha Above is our GGSS shot :P

In the middle pic is the cafe's full view while reclining in these chairs. Oh, the peace and quiet less than 30 minutes away from the metro...

Pose pa more :P Okay. Will spare you of the other pics since 'incidentally' the rest of the pictures include our fezlaks na. hahahaha 

Now The Food. We had: 

Aligue and Tuyo Pasta (Family Serving Size P420) 

The menu says it's good for 2 - 3 people but it was large enough for the five of us to share.   

14Four Tapa P210 

Homemade tapa, garlic fried rice, fried egg

Adobo Flakes and Kesong Puti Panini P180.

Savory adobo flakes and Laguna white cheese in two pandesals. Served with nachos and lettuce. 

Cinnamon Bun Pancakes P190. 

Because I heard, they're a must-try, and they are. I'm the type of diner who'd automatically flip the menu over to the desserts section and think I know my sweets, hun. The pancake itself was already a treat, but with the custard sauce (cream cheese icing), you're a goner. Haha  And you don't have just one, you'd get three fluffy cinnamon swrled pancakes so go ahead and share some sweetness. ^^ 

Country Fried Chicken P250 

One big chicken leg with a generous serving of creamy mashed potatoes and toast. Delish and filling. 

Sesame crusted Dory P195

Pan-fried dory, herb aioli, steamed rice, cucumber salad

Right: Dalandan Juice P190

Left: just plain water, like what the bottle says. Cute, eh? Heh

Because we were full. We no longer had room in our tummies for more sweets. I guess I'll just have to go back for their cakes (price range P98 - P120) and coffee some time.



What we liked. 
Well obviously, the place itself is a winner. Something I want my lola's house in Antipolo to look like.Hehe We were seated outside but the heat wasn't a problem (dunno about summer time though) the fan mounted on the nearby tree was enough to cool us allowing for a pleasant late lunch meal. 
The food, although not the best we've tasted, were good. Well, I just had the chicken, pasta, and pancakes, so those I could vouch for. ^^ Others. We just find the menu limited. It was my first time but my sister's been here more than a couple of times. And while she's not complaining, I think it's still good to expand the menu, just sayin'.Hehe




144 Magnolia Lane, Barangay San Isidro,
Gregoria Heights Subdivision
Taytay, Rizal, Philippines 1920
Friday & Saturday: 10am - 10pm
                Sunday:  10am - 9pm
P200 - P300 / person

How to get there: 
If you are commuting via Ortigas Ave Extension, tell the driver to drop you off at 'Singer' / Tropical Hut. 14Four Cafe is just one tricycle ride from here. More directions if you'll bring your own vehicle here.


* Date of visit: January 25

Weekend Eats: AngNewNo Arts. Design. Cafe

One more resto crossed out.hihi This weekend's tipid restaurant of choice was AngNewNo arts.design.cafe - a three storey building along Manila East Rd. I thought the place was hard to miss because of it's signage as seen in previous images from the net. However, it's now partly hidden by vegetation. We went past it because we told manong jeepney driver that we're going to Balaw Balaw another popular restaurant in Angono, and I hope we get to visit that one, too soon. ^^ 

Outside seating. Ideal for a hanging out on a chilly night. With coffee, or a bucket or two to keep you warm.hehehe 

Now back to AngNewNo. We came at lunch time, around 1 pm I think, and there were only two groups dining. Well one actually, since the two men on the second floor were downing buckets already.hehehe I so like the ambience of this place. I think it has the same relaxed feel even when patrons flock for a drink or two at night. Their music choice was something to our liking, too - covers of Bruno Mars, Lorde, and the likes' songs. (I just don't know about the guys though.hehe Meann and Daleth, the mommys to be, were with their respective beaus.) 

 More tables on the second floor. 

Jo lounging around the second floor outside seating area.

They have a third floor but it was closed during our visit since there aren't that many people at that time.

Our food! ^^ [Sorry fo the pictures, though. I was hurriedly snapping away because everyone (especially zeh boys) was already very hungry.hahaha I didn't want to cause any 'more' delays, you know, hungry people = grumpy people.]

Set A Sisig + Veggie Pastel + liempo 500

Set E zesty chicken + Sweet and sour pork P525

* Set Meals include a pitcher of iced tea and a platter of rice good for three persons. Upgrade plain rice to AngNewNo fried rice (P85), fried rice with alamang and pineapples, for an additional P25. 

I have to come back to this place and try their other pizza (P160 - P220) flavors namely Itik Pizza, coffee starts at just (P60 for an espresso - P160 for the frappe I think), desserts, and maybe even some cocktails (P85 - P150), too. So who wants to go? ^^ 

What we came here for: Tinapa Pizza P165

Cheese, tinapa flakes, and itlog na maalat makes a good pizza. Just the right mix of salty. Yummy!

AngNewno arts. design. cafe 
Manila East Rd., Angono, Rizal 
Budget: P500 for 2 

Weekend Eats: Tapsi ni Vivian at Bulaluhan, Cainta

This popular eatery has its new branch in Cainta. Famous for their bulalo and other Filipino dishes, this place is packed (it seems) whatever time of the day you visit. Well, I have only been there twice. The first one at around dinner time, and the next at around lunch time so that may be why. 


Sunday lunch is often spent out since we're all up early for the church service and we don't have time to cook. (especially if mom is not around.hehe) The place chosen was Tapsi Ni Vivian in Ortigas Ave Extension. It was already busy when we got there so I thought that we would have to eat at the tables outside. It was hot then so I didn't want that. Fortunately, my sister was already able to secure tables inside. 


Ordering was easy. You just have to walk up to the counter where servers would get your orders but you don't have to pay immediately. You can settle the bill after you eat. This is good and convenient since you never know if you suddenly decide to order add-ons later. 


The food was affordable. Their popular Bulalo is only priced at P250 and it can be shared by at least three people already. You can never go wrong with this one. (no pic though.hehe) Below are some of the food in their menu. 

Pancit P150. This one's quite filling, the five of us shared just one order and still had some leftovers. Chicharong Bulaklak P100, not good for Papa - too oily. Sisig. Their sago't gulaman was a tad too sweet, it tasted weirdly like medicine?hehe I'll remember to order Halo-Halo next time. :)

Koi fish outside. The branch in Marikina has one, too. Kids often gather 'round it to feed the fish. Feeds may be bought at the counter I just don't know how much.hehe 

Their sink and clean rest rooms. No mirrors inside the rest room, probably to keep girls from staying too long checking on their make up.hahah They have one by the sink anyways. 


If you're looking for a place to eat in Cainta, try Tapsi ni Vivian at Bulalohan. Dining at Tapsi is quite good. You get good food for affordable prices. I think I just need to remember going there when it's not peak hours. It may be cooler and quieter then. They're open for 24 hours anyway.


Tapsi Ni Vivian
Ortigas Avenue Extension
Open 24 hours
budget: P400 for 2 people

Antipolo Hangouts - Seisha Coffee

** You are forewarned that this post will be filled with pictures. ^^v hehehe

The Cafe's Shisha or Hookah logo. 

One fun cafe I've tried, and is planning to frequent, is Seisha Coffee. With only 2 branches both located in Antipolo, not many of my friends have heard about it. They just see pictures that I so generously share in my SNS heh! And not just once have I been asked about how cool of a hangout this place is. Well, I have only been to their two branches for four times collectively but I could say it's one good cafe. 

Chicken Fingers P100 

Spaghetti P100 

Carbonara P100

Pastas come with cheese chums - basically cheese melt sandwiches. 

* The kid goofing around in the background is my adorable inaanak - Trixie. ♥

The food and coffee are cheap, yes, cheap! :) A cup of hot coffee only costs P80. You could also enjoy a slice of blueberry cheesecake for the same price. And they don't only offer the staple coffee shop items namely coffee and cakes. They also offer light meals and pica-pica. Try their ala carte carbonara which at P100 is already a steal. You can have this as a combo meal, too. At P150 you can enjoy your pasta with iced tea or coffee. 

Drinks for P80 L-R Cherry flavored soda, Hot Hazelnut Coffee, Mango Smoothie, Apple Iced Tea, and Blueberry Soda

Chocolate Mousse P70 per slice

Now the coffee is not only what makes people, especially the young crowd, keep coming back to this place. The many tables outside the cafe are where people could enjoy Hookah or Shisha hence, the name of the coffee shop. I think the price is around P300 to enjoy their flavored smoke.

Hookah 

A hookah also known as a waterpipe or shisha, is a single or multi-stemmed instrument for vaporizing and smoking flavored tobacco called shisha in which the vapor or smoke is passed through a water basin ‒ often glass-based ‒ before inhalation. (from Wikipedia)

My friends and I aren't smokers but we will keep coming back to this comfy nook in Antipolo just to hang out. Anyways, we prefer to have late lunches here so there usually aren't many patrons to crowd the place. 



Seisha Coffee Shop
M. Santos St. (cor. Circumferencial Rd.), Antipolo, Rizal