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

Caffe Bene

I love Eastwood on Sundays! Hehe So not crowded.

Coffee Time

Tea time. Tea flavors displayed at the counter.

Like most coffee fans out there, my go-to cafe is Starbucks. When almost every street corner in Makati (where I work) has one, it surely is the easiest answer to your caffeine fix. But I also made trying out other coffee shops before planner season starts, which is this November already,  a goal. So today's cafe of choice is ta-da... Caffe Bene. I would've already sampled their bingsu had the shop not been under renovation some months ago. And because I've been busy too I only got to come back now. A day before I start collecting SB stickers, which yay! ^^ 

Sweets galore: waffles, honey breads, and gelato FTW!

I know we should have eaten lunch earlier so that we'll have more space in our tummies for the waffles. I've seen pictures online and oh, they do look yummeh! But it's just coffee and bingsu for now. Pfft 

I got a regular hot White Mocha P145 

And because we eat with our eyes first (right?) she ordered a Large Strawberry Patbingsu. Patbingsu is a Korean dessert made of shaved ice and red/adzuki beans. Similar to our halo-halo. At Caffe Bene they offer them in different flavors and we're happy with our choice, not only because it looked great in IG but also because it truly was a winner in taste! And like a special halo-halo, it was topped with a scoop of strawberry gelato which, yay since a small order would of gelato would cost you P150. 

Their bingsu comes in two sizes - Large, which is big enough for two, and Huge, dunno how many can share it, though. 

Jessa's Large Strawberry Bingsu P230 was big enough for us. :)

We only got to try these but we'll be coming back for the waffles and mocktails. Soon. :D

Caffe Bene merchandise. Cute mugs and tumblers adorn one shelf by the corner. I like the hand drip set but it's pricey, around P3,000 and the lolli cups with straw.

Hand drip coffee set


Caffe Bene 
Eastwood Citywalk 2 
Open late:  M, T, W, Th, Su: 7:00AM - 1:00AM
F, Sa: 7:00AM - 3:00AM

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: And we meet again, Mr. Kabab

How many times have I planned on coming back? I can't count na.haha I would often suggest eating here when I would meet someone around the area. But because we often meet up at Megamall, that's where we usually had meals, too. Not that I don't enjoy the food options there, it's just that since the one time I tried this place, I have always wanted to go back. :-) And since I no longer work near Ortigas, opportunities are rare. 


Well this weekend, I finally got to go back, yey! We were supposed to hang out at one of my friends' house but we had some errands to do first. We registered for the Avon Pink War.


We quickly finished the registration at Chris Sports and then headed to Pearl Plaza. It's just a short distance. And since it's around lunch time when we got there, it was easy to convince them to eat somewhere else. Unless they're willing to spend at least a good half an hour waiting. 

Budget for 2 P500 - P600. Aside from their ala carte offerings, they also have budget meals: the Selfie P149 and the Groupie meals P1,499 / 6 persons.

Now the food. Mr. Kabab offers affordable Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Cuisine. These were what we ordered: 

Sizzling Burger P175, Sizzling Keema with Pita (instead of rice because keema alone was filling enough, and who wouldn't want room for desserts, right?) P175, Sizzling Chicken P180.

Special Beef Chelo Kabab P180 and Special Chicken Chelo Kabab P175. 

They have a Sunday Special treat - buy 2 Special Chelo Kabab meals and you'd get (I think) P90 off. It was a good deal but since we're after trying out different dishes we stuck with choosing two different meats. Not to mention that neither Jo nor Krystal wanted to yield, hahaha. 

While waiting Jo had a question about the names, like what's keema or chello? Always the curious kitty, eh? I only knew that keema is minced meat (the sizzling beef giniling looking dish up). And i just Googled what chello is, hehehe. Chelow Kabab (Persian) is the national dish of Iran. The meal is simple, consisting of steamed, saffroned basmati or Persian rice (chelow) and kabab (dish of pieces of meat, fish, or vegetables roasted or grilled on a skewer). Chelow kabab is served with the basic Iranian meal accompaniments, in addition to grilled tomatoes on the side of the rice, and butter on top of the rice. 


We had the place all to ourselves since it's weekend and this resto's located near office buildings hence, the leisurely atmosphere. We even moved to the tables at the other end for desserts, the view was nothing special though. hehehe

In the chiller: cakes, canned fruit juices, Sola Iced Tea, baklava, and fruits w/yoghurt.

They're now offering coffee, too. But we were only in the mood for cake, maybe next time. 

Lava cake P100, Yoghurt shake P70, Red Velvet cake P100.  We didn't enjoy the red velvet one but oh, we loved Lava cake. Served warm, not hot, with runny chocolate filling that's not too sweet oozing out it's no wonder it was all gone quickly. We should have ordered two of this instead. hehehe

Someone's checking out Chris Tiu in a magazine. Fangirl hehehe 

2/F Pearl Plaza, 8101 Pearl Drive
Ugong, Pasig
Budget for 2 P500 - P600