TABLE OF CONTENTS
EASTWOOD CITY 5 Pott’s Point Cheesecakes by Guy Early Bird Breakfast Club Mesclun Bistro 6–7 Faburrito Go Salads Detoxify Bar Robinsons Supermarket Tous les Jours 8 Juju Eats Mee Noodle Bar Bobby Box Bar Dolci LUCKY CHINATOWN 10-11 Tao Yuan King Chef Sincerity Shi Lin Noodles Everyday FORBES TOWN CENTER 13 Burgers & Brewskies Big Bad Wolf Bowery 14 L’Entrecote The Farm Stacy’s
WALTER BOLLOZOS Photographer
15 Akira Café Juanita 1521 Wrong Ramen NEWPORT MALL 17 Bar 360 Universe Gastrolounge Franks MCKINLEY HILL 19 Trattoria Poggio Antico Terry’s Selection Wursty Wursty 20 Lucky’s Burger & Bar B&T Mexican Kitchen SF Bistro 21 Black Canyon Coffee Planet Grapes 22 Banapple Sauceria Bag O’ Shrimps 23 Sophie’s Mom L.E.S. Bagels Amici
MICAH LEVIN ISLA Writer
ALLAN PALOR Artist
A tasty tale of five cities Once there was a giant named Megaworld who thought that Filipinos deserve nothing but the best of everything that life has to offer. This mega-builder envisioned well-planned and meticulously designed communities where inhabitants enjoy a life filled with great pleasures, exciting adventures and boundless opportunities for growth. Soon enough, this giant turned the dream into reality by building “townships” – a breakthrough in property development, creating spaces where residential seamlessly meets commercial. Each township embraces Megaworld’s “Live-Work-Play” concept that ensures the holistic satisfaction of its dwellers. Out of the three pillars that each township beholds, Megaworld knew that “play” is most vital because discerning residents of today live their lives in style. These modern-day property owners crave for constant entertainment and instant gratification, and to fully satisfy their whims, they need recreational options. Thus, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls (MLM) was born.
Each Megaworld lifestyle mall is a realization of the “play” component — a part of the township that serves as the playground where shopping and dining are the favorite games that people play. To date, Megaworld is proud of having five very distinct lifestyle malls that cater to varying preferences, especially when it comes to food and dining. These unique spaces give visitors a slice of some of the world’s bests, as every mall transports them to a destination city where they can bite into its unique vibe and have a taste of its rich culture – as if there’s a better way to experience the world than savoring food of different flavors. Gear up for a gastronomical journey, as this special issue of Let’s Eat takes you on a delicious trip around the world through Megaworld Lifestyle Malls’ global food havens at Eastwood City, Burgos Circle at Forbes Town Center, Lucky Chinatown, Mckinley Hill and Newport Mall at Resorts World Manila.
EASTWOOD CITY In this side of town, everyone is in for a special treat minus all the guilt.
For health and fitness junkies, this city is definitely the place to see.
POTT’S POINT
EARLY BIRD BREAKFAST CLUB
This Sydney-inspired café and restaurant promises to serve “great food with no compromise” – no artificial ingredients, purely organic at a non-organic price. This back-to-basics hot spot also proudly offers the Delano coffee, an organic brew imported from the Land Down Under. Pott’s Point, located at Eastwood Mall’s 2nd Floor, wants its diners to enjoy eating as much now without having to worry later.
This club welcomes people who love some hearty breakfast food at any time of the day (which means the not-so-early birdies can enjoy great breakfasts, too). With its passion for creativity – evident in their newspaper menu, cheerful interiors down to their innovative offerings like the Yin & Yang Champorado and Puto Bumbong Pancakes – Early Bird Breakfast Club, located at Eastwood Mall’s Ground Floor, makes waking up every morning something to really look forward to.
MESCLUN BISTRO CHEESECAKES BY GUY This heavenly shop wants the world to know that they serve the finest cheesecakes in town, best enjoyed with a cup of their impeccable doubleshot espresso coffee. Cheesecakes by Guy, located at Eastwood Mall’s 2nd Floor, has cooking eggs down to a science, that’s why the cheesecakes they produce are exceptionally soft and velvety smooth. First-timers should try the All Egg White French Omelette and the Smoked Salmon Benedict.
Mesclun in French means “mixture”, a word that encapsulates this restaurant’s culinary style and philosophy. Located at Eastwood Mall’s Ground Floor, Mesclun’s Europeaninfluenced menu boasts of a wide selection of succulence that’s a mixture of different cuisines, disciplines and experiences – an infusion of old world classics and new world interpretations. Mesclun, unlike others that are too concept-driven, wants to be known as a modern bistro that focuses on these two essentials: great food and great service.
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EASTWOOD MALL SUPERMARKET AND WELLNESS WING DETOXIFY BAR This bar doesn’t just proclaim to the world that they’re 100% natural, they show it. Detoxify Bar, the first organic juice bar in the country, offers gourmet yet healthy meals and signature juice detoxes that are made daily — in front of their customers. Patrons are encouraged to watch their unique detoxes get blended to perfection by Detoxify’s professional baristas who are always ready to accommodate and deliver a great show. FABURRITO Craving for some organic but nonetheless fulfilling Mexican food that’s just around town? Well, Faburrito is definitely the place to go. Living up to its slogan, “Eat good, feel good”, this legit Mexican food stop swears that everything they offer is fresh and natural; in fact, the store doesn’t own microwaves and can openers. Try their healthy but flavorful Mango BBQ Chicken for a fab burrito fix minus the guilt.
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GO SALADS From the name itself, Go Salads is both a heaven and haven for health and fitness enthusiasts. This green-loving restaurant promotes healthy lifestyle by making nutritious choices accessible and affordable. Go Salads is defined by four key words: Healthy, Delicious, Convenient and Affordable. These four elements will definitely push not just the “salad fanatics” to shift to a healthier lifestyle without being shortchanged in the taste department.
ROBINSONS SUPERMARKET More than just another run-of-the-mill grocery store in the metro, Robinsons Supermarket wants to be regarded as the supermarket of choice when buying clean, fresh, healthy and affordable food. At the Healthy Selections corner, fitness buffs can visit the salad bar where they can create their own healthy mix. Robinsons Supermarket is also proud of its Farmers Selection area where freshly cut fruits and vegetables in cups are perfect for always-on-the-go individuals.
TOUS LES JOURS Defined as a French-Asian bakery, Tous les Jours serves an inimitable selection of baked goods and brews that give diners a balanced experience of oriental and western baking disciplines. Visitors can enjoy fresh-out-the-oven sweet and flavorful baked eats like custard cream bread, sweet potato cream bread, pastry twist and the French sourdough bread. Tous Les Jours has also gained popularity for its lovely line of cakes.
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E A S T WO O D L E G R A N D 1
From Eastwood Central Plaza, take the street between Pho Hoa and Sambokojin and walk straight towards Eastwood Le Grand Tower. MEE NOODLE BAR More than just a noodle bar, this creative oriental restaurant is gaining popularity for its wide range of innovative set of Asian dishes. Aside from the well-loved Gyoza, other highly raved food choices include the curry noodles, Kare-Kare noodles, vegetable spring rolls, and their lemongrass tea.
BOBBY BOX
JUJU EATS If you’re looking for a good meal that is also good for you, then you should probably rush to Juju Eats as soon as you can. This “no frills, all benefits” salad cantina presents itself as the best alternative to fast food. First-timers must try their Inasal Salad that gives your fresh bed of greens that distinct “tamis-asim” flavor punch, or their Mexican taco in salad form aptly named the Ay Caramba Salad.
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Just what its name wants to imply, Bobby Box (from the Korean word “Bab” which translates to rice) wants to serve fast but authentic casual Korean food in a simple box. Bobby Box is the first of its kind to operate in the Philippine market, targeting the busy working set that wants to satisfy their cravings for Korean specials in no time. Try Bobby Box’s bestsellers, the Bulgogi Box and the Chicken Box. BAR DOLCI This homegrown restaurant takes pride in knowing that their line of desserts is made of allnatural ingredients, delivered straight from the farm untouched. Bar Dolci has since then been proving that desserts can also be synonymous to healthy — especially their own selection of original-recipe sweets. Enjoy generous servings of Bar Dolci’s bestsellers: salted caramel and Ferrero flavored gelato and macarons.
LUCKY CHINATOWN Savor the oriental flavors of ancient China right in the heart of Binondo, Manila.
KING CHEF The elegance of this Cantonese restaurant is really fit for royalty; in fact, King Chef tries to turn every dining experience into a memorable feast for a king. With the authenticity of the dishes that are served exquisitely and the entertainment the dancing waiters give, guests would really feel extra special and holistically satisfied. Found at Lucky Chinatown’s 2nd Floor, King Chef’s sincerity and passion set them apart from their many competitors. SINCERITY CAFÉ AND RESTAURANT
TAO YUAN RESTAURANT
Foodies flock to Lucky Chinatown’s Ground Floor to have a taste of the famous Sincerity Fried Chicken. Unpretentious and affordable, the Sincerity Fried Chicken can become really addictive. Aside from the chicken bestseller, people also go to Sincerity for the Fried Oyster Cake, Duck Misua with Legendary Herbs Soup and the flavorful Fried Kikiam.
Led by a seasoned chef from Hong Kong and Singapore, Tao Yuan has been serving authentic Chinese cuisine since December of 2008. The jam-packed menu of this oriental food place located at Lucky Chinatown’s 2nd Floor ranges from ShabuShabu and Dimsum to freshly caught seafood cooked according to the diner’s request.
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NOODLES EVERYDAY Authentic hand-pulled noodles done by experts every day, competitively priced bowl sets and generous servings — these factors continue to pull cosmopolitan noodle lovers towards Noodles Everyday. This straightforward noodle house is known for the Everyday Special Ramen, Minced Pork with Zhajiang Tossed Ramen and the Shredded Mixed Meat Stir Fried Ramen. Noodles Everyday is located at the 4th Floor of Lucky Chinatown’s Food Junction.
SHI LIN The calm ambiance and the minimalist interiors of this restaurant set you in the mood for a simple yet satisfying bout with the best steamed dumplings in the entire metro. Shi Lin, located at Lucky Chinatown’s Ground Floor, wants to be known as the ultimate go-to place of Dimsum seekers. Aside from its well-loved Xiao Long Bao sets, Shi Lin is proud of its excellent customer service and clean store surroundings.
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FORBES TOWN CENTER Experience suburban America in Fort Bonifacio and satisfy your cravings for big bites and quirky treats.
BIG BAD WOLF Big Bad Wolf strives to create a balance between curiosity and comfort for beer-andgrill kind of foodies. This chill spot mainly focuses on crafted products, fresh local art, hip interiors and other details that will appeal to the trendy set. Big Bad Wolf wants its patrons to feel like they’re just hanging out at a friend’s cozy apartment that is full of personality and some familiar comfort.
BURGERS & BREWSKIES Burgers & Brewskies is a homey spot where unique mouthwatering burgers meet good local and imported craft beers, exceptional cocktails and a wide selection of single malt whiskeys. No unnecessary gimmicks, B&B wants you to enjoy a delicious heavyweight burger and an ice-cold beer as if you’re at home watching football in your pajamas. Try their “Call the Nurse” burger and indulge in all its 1/3 pound 100% USDA beef patty glory.
BOWERY A charming and well-lit corner restaurant across the Mind Museum, Bowery brings some of New York City’s finest to the Philippine culinary landscape. The contemporary feel inside gives off a very “brunch in New York” vibe that would surely tickle the fancy of style-foodies. Complete the experience by ordering their Chicken & Waffles, Steak & Egg, Steamed Mussels and their Free Form Bread Pudding.
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L’ENTRECOTE L’Entrecote positions itself as a casual bistro style restaurant that will be known for serving top quality food at fairly reasonable prices. This cozy establishment uses nothing but the freshest ingredients in creating honest food choices for diners who consider “true value for money” very important. Visitors must try the L’Entrecote Double – certified Angus Sirloin Steak with The Secret Herb Butter Sauce and fresh unlimited french fries. STACY’S HOME CAFÉ Stacy’s Home Café is a quaint vintage American-inspired restaurant that serves all-day affordable comfort food. Stacy’s is a popular venue for various events ranging from birthday parties and corporate dinners to christening receptions. Visitors shouldn’t leave the place without trying the Stacy Jones – tender yakiniku cut US beef sirloin tapa smothered with loads of fried garlic, served with eggs, fresh tomatoes and roasted garlic. THE FARM Taking pride for being a real farm-to-table restaurant, The Farm serves the besttasting organic burgers and steaks in the city that came from their ranch in Masbate. The Farm offers visitors an extensive array of dishes that are great alternatives to fast food. First-timers should ask for the bestselling Farmer’s Burger which is made up of 1/3 pound organic beef patty, tomatoes, onions and pickles topped with nitrite-free bacon and some homegrown fried egg.
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AKIRA: THE ART OF SUSHI AND TEPPANYAKI This contemporary Japanese restaurant is one of the few in Manila that offers the modern Japanese style of cooking called “Teppanyaki”, where food is cooked on top of a flat iron grill. Akira wants to become Manila’s ultimate Teppanyaki destination with its authentic dishes and its unparalleled ability to entertain diners through a live showcase of the chef’s intricate cooking skills.
CAFÉ JUANITA
1521 RESTAURANT
WRONG RAMEN
Taking you back to the old family house where the aroma of your Lola’s cooking calls everyone to gather around the decades-old dining table, waiting to dig in after saying grace, Café Juanita is reminiscent of all the beautiful moments that each Filipino family has had – fond memories that revolve around good ole Adobo and Crispy Pata accompanied by lovely conversations on life and love. Café Juanita wants to be known as a place where hearts find refuge with the warmth and contentment of good home-cooked meal.
Seasoned by history, 1521 Restaurant surely knows how to bring out the best in our timeless home-cooked favorites. Taking its name from the year when Magellan discovered the Philippines, 1521 showcases nothing but the best of Filipino heritage recipes. Not only because the taste is heavenly, 1521’s menu also gets its charm from the amusing names of the food, like “Italong mo kay Tulfo” (a fried eggplant dish topped with sisig), “Bonggang-Bonggang Binagoongan” and the “Daimos” (Daing na Bangus sa Miso).
If you’re a fan boy or a purist, then you might get offended by a bowl of ramen that has cheese and bacon in it, but if you’re someone who has a great sense of humor who breaks some rules to make way for new tastes and experiences, then Wrong Ramen is so right for you. Dubbed as the “maverick” among local ramen shops, Wrong Ramen bends the rules to cater to fun-loving foodies who appreciate innovation and wit.
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NEWPORT MALL AT RESORTS WORLD MANILA Come drink and dine at Manila’s version of Las Vegas packed with scrumptious eats and trendy beats.
At Newport Mall, the night is always young and ready for the taking.
BAR 360 Located at the center of Resorts World Manila’s gaming area, Bar 360 enjoys being the focal point bar and restaurant in the heart of the mall’s entertainment complex. Bar 360 is famous for its superb selection of favorite spirits, fancy cocktails and great food to go along with the drinks. If you’re looking for a VIP treatment like no other, Bar 360 is where you should buy a drink or two tonight.
U N I V E R S E GASTROLOUNGE & NIGHTCLUB Hit the newest hot spot in town! From the creators of Republiq, Prive Luxury Club, Embassy, Opus and 71 Gramercy, Universe is set to take clubbing and dining to a whole new level with its sophisticated sounds technology and an excellent line-up of great food and drinks.
FRANKS Now here’s another reason to love hotdogs! Fusing the ever-popular hotdog with some all-time Filipino favorites plus the finest European craft beers available, Franks is definitely more than just a plain hotdog stand. Aside from the classics (nachos, potato fries and wedges) that are already well-loved, diners may create their own toppings by mixing Mexican cheese sauce, guacamole, sour cream and jalapeño.
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MCKINLEY HILL Take refuge in Fort Bonifacio’s sizzling culinary sanctuaries, Venice Piazza and Tuscany at Mckinley Hill, tucked in a lush Italian setting.
TERRY’S SELECTION
WURSTY WURSTY
Terry’s Selection welcomes discerning eaters who are looking for an interactive European-Spanish fine dining experience. Diners can customize their Mediterranean dishes by choosing their own ingredients at the ground floor of the restaurant. Bestsellers of Terry’s Selection include the Super-Cochinillo Confit, the Basque Style Piquillo Pepper and the Super Paella Parellada, which is definitely worth the wait.
Wurtsy Wursty introduces the German pub scene to people who are looking for the perfect chill spot where they can enjoy good food (like kebab, lamb chops, baby back ribs and the widelypopular German sausages) while chugging a bottle of imported beer. For starters, try the Currywurst with Fries, Chicken Döner Open Plate or Chicken Döner with Rice; and for the drinks, go for the Schnapps or a bottle of Warsteiner.
TRATTORIA POGGIO ANTICO Owned by a Filipino travel enthusiast who fell in love with the beauty and culture of Italy, Trattoria Poggio Antico is a poignant and delicious reminder of Italia in the veins of Manila. Trattoria is a festive celebration of authentic Italian cuisine that would give each diner a taste of Italy with every sip and bite. Trattoria’s exquisite line-up of pizzas and pastas is a must-try together with some fine wines that they serve — and if you’re lucky, you will enjoy your food while listening to some live jazz music.
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LUCKY’S BURGER & BAR For avid burger fans, Lucky’s Burger & Bar is heaven. Serving pure beef gourmet burgers that are handcrafted daily, Lucky’s overwhelming food choices are for the hearty eaters who love big and satisfying meals. Highly recommended are the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Chops, Crispy Bacon and Egg and the Lucky Burger. B&T MEXICAN KITCHEN SF BISTRO SF Bistro finally brings San Francisco’s vibrant persona and touristy charm to Manila. Known as a melting pot city that exudes a laidback appeal, the best of San Francisco can now be experienced through the flavors of SF Bistro. Bite into the Bay Area with dishes like the Salmon Cakes, Firey Chicken Fingers, Mushroom Truffle Pasta, Boston Pork Steak, Mushroom Duo Rockefeller, Melted Tuna Pesto Sandwich and Roast Beef and Cheese Sandwich.
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B&T wants to be known as a family-oriented Tex-Mex casual dining food spot that offers fresh and authentic Mexican dishes served daily. Aside from its appetizing menu, people show up at B&T because of the generous serving size, making each dish enjoyable by more than one. First-timers must order their famous Wet Burrito and Crispy Wings; as well as the Mango Habanero Chicken Wings and their stellar line-up of flautas and quesadillas.
BLACK CANYON COFFEE The largest and most well known operator of franchised coffee houses in Thailand is now in Manila. Black Canyon Coffee’s artistically done beverages – from hot coffee to frappe and matcha – have finally quenched the Filipino’s thirst for well-designed blends. Aside from its beverages, Black Canyon Coffee also offers a wide selection of delectable food from pastas to rice meals and special sandwiches.
PLANET GRAPES Finally a place where everyone can enjoy a good glass of wine without having to pretend like they’re experts. Planet Grapes offers an unintimidating and laidback ambiance where non-wine drinkers will feel encouraged to begin their own journey into the exciting world of wines. (The state-of-the-art Italian enomatic machines at Planet Grapes let customers try different wines by the glass, in three different glass sizes: sip, half-glass and full glass.) For world-class wines without the drama, Planet Grapes is definitely the spot to be at.
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SAUCERIA Sauceria operates under an artisanal philosophy that results in the creation of well-designed dishes that are organic, healthy and balanced. This researchdriven restaurant makes original sauces from scratch, avoiding preservatives and artificial seasonings. At Sauceria, expect a diverse selection of food that draws inspiration from different cultures and disciplines — from Tuna Tataki and Burger Steak ala Mignon to Beef Caldereta, Suman Supreme and Ampalaya Ensalada Pizza. BAG O’ SHRIMPS BANAPPLE Known by many as the friendly bakery café, Banapple has been delighting visitors with its freshly baked and handmade pies and cheesecakes since 2007. Aside from the thewarmth warmthand and coziness coziness of of its stores, its stores, people love people Banapple love Banapple for its generous for its generous meal servings meal servings and competitive that are competitively prices. Firstpriced. timers should First-timers try theshould signature try the Banoffee signature Pie, Banoffee Truffle Berry Pie, Truffle Cheesecake Berry and Cheesecake their delicious and their line ofdelicious savory pies. line of savory pies.
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Seafood lovers, rejoice! Bag O’ Shrimps is the kind of restaurant you would want to take your family and friends to just to enjoy good food. Take your time eating fresh and healthy shrimps with your bare hands while taking in the relaxed vibe of the place. Be sure to try the Bag O’ Momma, Crab Bomb Sticks and the Fried Oysters.
L.E.S. BAGELS With its overwhelming selection of gourmet bagels and flavorful cream cheeses, L.E.S. (Lower East Side) Bagels is bringing the brunch culture closer to the hearts of Manila foodies. Dine like a true-blue New Yorker by choosing between basic bagels (plain or sesame) and the more adventurous ones like the pumpernickel or black Russian. L.E.S. Bagels also offers specialty sandwiches, coffee blends, pastries and cookies. SOPHIE’S MOM One just cannot let the chance to visit Sophie’s Mom slip away; if not for its pretty and delicious cupcakes, then the pleasant and homey vibe of the shop is enough reason to swing by. A lovely little bakeshop, Sophie’s Mom wants to share its gift not just in the culinary field, but also in design in general. Some of Sophie’s Mom’s popular offerings include the Red Velvet cupcake, Dulce de Leche cupcake, Tres Leches cupcake, Strawberry and Frozen Brazo Mochi ice cream balls and the Mochi truffles.
AMICI The food at Amici is as rich as its remarkable history. Being one of the first restaurants to serve authentic and fresh Italian fare in the Philippines, Amici still enjoys the continued patronage of pizza, pasta and gelato lovers everywhere. Be sure to taste their Tutta Carne pizza, Spaghetti Ai, Tesori Del Mare pasta and their well-loved chicken dish, the Pollo Arrostito. Amici is located at the Ground Floor of Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill.
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