TJ's Mexican Food

I was never a fan of Mexican food until I met my hubby in 2004. With all honesty, he's the reason where and what I am today--- a chef and a food fanatic craving and wanting to try whatever seems appealing to the eye.

A mind-teaser :)

TJ's has been around Westgate, Alabang for quite sometime already (if I'm not mistaken, 2 years?). Located right in front of the car entrance booth, TJ's is always full of people unwinding after a long and tiring day of work, or simply a group of friends having a couple of drinks and enjoying the night away. Why is it the talk of the town? Compared to other hot spots, TJ's serves drinks (beer, margaritas, mojitos, etc.) at very reasonable prices. Plus, their Mexican food is not only delicious but they also have generous portioning.

Nacho Supreme

Whenever we eat at TJ's what I always order is the World's Best Fish Tacos, soft shell. It's basically 2 pcs of beer-battered fish wrapped in a soft tortilla wrapper with veggies and cheese. It is served with 2 dips on the side as well and a generous portion of warm nachos for only 195pesos.

World's Best Fish Tacos :)

TJ's also never fails to have promo days within the week--- bottomless mojito and margarita for 200+, happy hour 05:00-07:00PM beer for only 99, etc.

The interior makes you feel as if you're in an authentic Mexican restaurant in Mexico. The ambiance, too, is kid-friendly (during lunch time) as there is smoking and non-smoking areas. At night, they would sometimes have promo girls to promote cigarettes, beers and drinks, events, etc. You can also hold functions here such as business meetings, family gatherings, parties, etc.

TJ's Bar

Bar Booth

Their servers are very friendly and approachable. Plus, the food is always fast and never late! :) 

When you're craving for good Mexican food and want to unwind and have a couple of drinks after a tiring day at work, drop by TJ's in Westgate, Alabang :)

Photo taken by: Yours truly :)

OTHER INFORMATION:
TJ's Mexican Grill
Westgate, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Operation Hours:
Mon - Thu: 4:00 pm - 1:00 am Fri: 12:00 pm - 3:00 am Sat: 4:00 pm - 2:00 am Sun: 6:00 pm - 12:00 am'
Tel Nos: (02)492-8921

***They also have TJ's in Ortigas
City Golf Plaza, Julia Vargas Ave. Ortigas, Pasig
Tel Nos: (02) 470-6179

Mr. Bean - The "Socialite's" Taho

Mr. Bean

I used to curse in my head why I live so far down south when there's barely any cool and rare restaurants around the area. I always enjoyed going to different and authentic restaurants of any cuisine. Nonetheless, I now am so happy and contented that I don't even need to go further up north just to eat delicious food. I'm so thankful Alabang is now filled with new and authentic restaurants from all over the world.

The adorable logo and packet serving of pancakes

Mr. Bean Counter

As I mentioned in my other blogs, I love Singapore. Singapore is like my scapegoat. One of my favorite places to eat at in Singapore is Mr. Bean. Mr. Bean is a common food cart you can find around Singapore. It serves soy milk, soy ice cream, and soy pancakes filled with different flavors. Perks? It's healthy! Although it is quite pricey, I'm sure you will enjoy what they have to offer. Finally, it is here in Alabang.

I've been waiting for Mr. Bean in Town Center to open ever since I saw the sign on the boards. Located at the Garden Wing, it is now open daily. They serve the best chocolate pancakes I have ever tasted. Although quite pricey (70pesos per piece), I still crave for that taste which tastes exactly like the one in Singapore. One thing I noticed though is it's twice the size of the pancakes they serve in Singapore. Their pancakes only come in one size, but available in different flavors. I was also able to try their medium-sized soy milk (55pesos). It only comes in two sizes-- medium and large. They also offer taho, soy ice cream (delicious and a must try!) which can be served either in a cup or cone, flavored slush drinks with soy milk.

Regular-Sized Soy Milk

Quote behind the packet

Different flavors of Pancake always made fresh :)

The interior of their cafe is very cozy. Although it's small and not yet wi-fi ready, their chairs are quite comfortable. The interior wallpaper states quotes on why we should buy Mr. Bean. Although there are no restrooms inside this cafe, it is located right beside the restroom area.

Interior of Mr. Bean (Bar Area)

The servers of the cafe were quite friendly. They were hospitable and attended to our needs despite the many people lining up at 4 in the afternoon. Although we were quite disappointed with the cashier because when my hubby ordered for soy ice cream in the cone, we were surprised when our orders came that it was served in a cup. Apparently the cashier failed to mention that there was no cone available yet at the moment. Nonetheless, I guess it's the pressure of serving a lot of people. It can be quite overwhelming cos it was just their 2nd day of operations.

If you have the time, do drop by. Perfect for a healthy snack or simply to satisfy your cravings the healthy way. It's especially perfect for the hot weather we have now. We were able to converse with the owner for a short moment. He mentioned that this Mr. Bean is the first branch in the Philippines. Further expansions? No plans yet as of the moment. So do grab a healthy snack when you're around the area :)

INFORMATION:
Mr. Bean
Garden Wing, Alabang Town Center
Open daily

Photos take by: Yours truly :)

Yabu: The House of Katsu

I simply love food. But one of my favorite cuisines of all time is Japanese. Ever since I was a child, I have been able to eat at very many Japanese restaurant, not only in Manila but all over the world. From a basic fast food Japanese at the food court to the high end wherein when I see the check I quietly ask myself, "will I still be able to eat this week after eating here?". Nonetheless, those moments I will never regret. Japanese buffets are one of my favorite as well. I remember eating at Triple V with my family every Sunday, and I'd mention to them I would only want to eat from Saisaki. But all of these restaurants, to me, have one thing in common--- Tonkatsu.

The Origin of Katsu in the menu of Yabu :)

I first ate Tonkatsu at Sayuri in Alabang Zapote when I was a kid. Ever since then I would never fail to not order tonkatsu whenever we would eat at a Japanese restaurant. Even abroad, I would always look for that dish in every single Japanese restaurant.

Of all the places I have been to around the world, Singapore was one of my favorite. Why? Because of their food, and one those restaurants happens to be Tonkichi, the Japanese restaurant similar to my now favorite Katsu House in the whole of Metro Manila--- Yabu: The House of Katsu.

Yabu Condiments :)

Yabu Menu

When we 1st approached the place I was honestly so hesitant to eat at Yabu, not because I didn't want to try their food but because of the people I saw sitting down outside, waiting for a seat to be given to them. I asked one of the waitresses and she immediately gave us a table. I thought to myself, "Hmmm must be my luck day?". As I browsed thru the menu I already knew what I wanted to order.. The Chicken Katsu Set. They offer a wide range of "katsu" variety--- prawn, fish, oyster, pork, chicken, and more! They even have a kid's menu for the little toddlers to enjoy their treat as well.

Yabu's Ground Sesame for Sauce

I was prepared to wait long for my order since I saw how full the restaurant was. In less than 7 mins, our food arrived and, not to mention, it was hot and complete! The chicken katsu was just so luscious, soft, and tasty that I ate it without the sauce! (For first time diners at this restaurant you must try the sesame sauce you will create). The crunchiness of the breading, the juiciness of the chicken, and the taste of the entire meal just satisfied my appetite.



What I like most about Yabu more than the food itself is the accommodation of the restaurant staff. I admit that I am the type of person who is not so hard to please, but the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff in Yabu is just exceptional. Despite the fact the restaurant was full, everyone in the restaurant, including the servers, seemed happy and satisfied with what they were getting. I would have to say that Yabu is one of the best service restaurants I have ever dined in in the country. After all, even if there is good food in a good restaurant, service is first and foremost the most important because of the experience you will get in that establishment, which creates an impression on you. Mine, I would have to say is I definitely love Yabu and I will go back!

Chicken Katsu (120g) Set

Chicken Katsu Curry Set :)

Lastly, I would like to commend the interior of Yabu. I feel that their ambiance is so comfortable and accommodating, yet at the same time i feel that I am in an authentic Japanese restaurant in Japan. If you're gonna ask me about the price... hmmm... my answer would be it is all worth it. Did I mention that their cabbage is refillable? Well, it is. Instead of rice, they gave their restaurant a more healthy image to cater to the public. You can't complain... The cabbage with the table condiments will definitely tickle your taste buds 'til you bloat.

Yabu's Interior :)

Come one, come all! Try Yabu: The House of Katsu! An experience, I assure you, you will never forget. I guarantee you that the food is not only excellent, but the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff will create a majestic image on your dining experiences at this place.






**CONTACT INFORMATION:
Yabu: House of Katsu
2/F Megamall Atrium, SM Megamall
Tel No: (02) 576-3900

The Carvery

 

Logs on the walls

Paintings by the walls

Nowadays a lot of steakhouses suddenly sprung like mushrooms around Alabang--- Wooden Horse, Grams Diner, and now The Carvery. I guess all are competing over the same thing, that it a good quality of steak at its lowest price.

High ceiling

 The Carvery is something new. It is located in Westgate (right in front of Alba's), and I can say that one thing I especially loved about their restaurant is the interior and coziness of the place, and their service crews. Their interior somewhat makes you feel as if you are in a steakhouse in the US. The color scheme of red, white and brown simply compliment each other, which makes you feel very comfortable in their restaurant.

Cool looking utensils

The Carvery has been opened for only 2 weeks now. Looking at their menu, they have a great variety of salads, side dishes and sandwiches. Their steaks, however, are only Prime Ribs which ranges from 6oz (Php 590), 8oz (Php 790) and 12 oz (Php 990), all of which are served with coleslaw and a choice of side dish.

View from the 2nd floor

Dining tables

Being a little hungry lady, I went for the 8oz (at medium rare) and got a side of creamed spinach. Their service is indeed fast! Our food came in less than 5mins waiting time. Taking my first bite, that pc of meat just melted inside my mouth. It was cooked perfectly, well seasoned, and there was that "WOW!" factor of tenderness.

My 8oz medium rare steak

My side dish of creamed spinach

 The only thing I didn't like about the dish is their plating. The plate was small and that pc of meat covered almost the entire plate, which left no place for the side veggies and coleslaw to be placed properly. Other than that, the steak itself is perfect.

The prime rib they use is of the top quality U.S beef. Considering this case, they are selling their steaks at a very reasonable price. However, don;t expect much of the thickness of the steak because the ones we got were only around half an inch. Nonetheless, you will definitely enjoy this place for a nice Sunday family treat.

Visit the Carvery! :)

INFORMATION:
The Carvery
Cluster D Westgate Filinvest
Corporate City, Alabang,
Muntinlupa
Tel No: 882-7126

Photos taken by Yours truly :)

Ryuma Japanese Restaurant

RYUMA JAPANESE RESTAURANT

I have always loved Japanese food. I am very fond of it, and it is one of my favorite cuisines. Being an avid fan, I am always in the search for the best tempura, torikatsu, the freshest sashimi, and so many more! I've been to both the cheap and expensive (not to boast around) places, and I have yet been served a reasonable yet authentic and delicious Japanese dish until Ryuma Japanese Restaurant.

Table Setting

Ryuma restaurant is located in Pase De Sta. Rosa in Laguna. They rented the entire 2nd floor for 4 different kinds of restaurants: Japanese Food in general, Japanese Grill, Japanese Noodle House, and Japanese KTV. They also have a Japanese grocery and surplus store where you can buy Japanese ingredients and clothing. Outside their restaurant they have a takoyaki maker being cooked by an authentic Japanese chef.

Service wise? Their waiters and waitresses are very friendly. They listen and repeat your orders, and they are very professional. They are dressed like Japanese people as well.

The entire restaurant is so modern and clean. LCD tv's, colored lights, you name it, they have it. What's really nice about them is that they offer free unlimited soft serves ice cream (YEHEY)... to kids only. They also offer free driver's food for all the diners of Ryuma Restaurant chain.

Now for the food, I would say that it is the best and the most reasonable  authentic Japanese restaurant in Metro Manila. Owned by a Japanese family, Ryuma is a very hospitable place to dine for dates and family time. My personal favorite in their restaurant is the chahan, ebi tempura and torikatsu. I couldn't really describe the taste because there are no words to describe it. But I can assure you that you will certainly be satisfied with their food, service and ambiance.

Perfect place to dine with your family and sate for the weekend, special occasions, dates, etc. You will certainly leave the place happily and guaranteed your stomach will be full.


Pictures below, we ordered Octopus Sushi, Fresh Salmon Sashimi, 1 order Chahan (Japanese Fried Rice), 5pcs ebi tempura, Okonomiyaki (Japanese Pancake), Torikatsu (breaded boneless chicken) and Gohan (pain rice) guess for how much......

Complimentary Wakame Soup

Octopus Sashimi

Fresh Salmon Sashimi

Ebi Tempura

Torikatsu

Chahan

Okonomiyaki

Soft Serve Melon Ice Cream

......

....

...

Bet you guessed over Php 1500.... We only spent Php 1250 for all those!

Non-smoking dining area

My hubby reading the menu

Hallway dead end to the bathroom

Cheery blossom trees inside the Female's Bathrrom

Condiments in the Ladies' Room

Designs in the dining area

Want some sake?

More sake!!

Armored Samurais Lifelike

Smoking Area Dining and Reception

Smoking Area Dining Area and Bar

Entrance to the Japanese restaurant

Outside the restaurant

Authentic Japanese stuff for sale

2nd floor RYUMA (Left: Grill Restaurant, Right: Grocery)

RYUMA's Clothing store

Complimentary food for their customer's drivers

RYUMA's Noodle House

RYUMA's Takoyaki

RYUMA's KTV

.....

SMB Draft Beer

Hallway

Entrance to RYUMA's Grilling Restaurant

INFORMATION:
Ryuma Restaurant
2nd Flr. Paseo de Sta.Rosa Commercial Center 4 Greenfield City,Brgy,Don Jose,Sta.Rosa City,Lagna
7 days a week @ 10AM - 3PM / 5PM - 11PM
049-502-8401

Photos Taken By: Yours truly :)