a bite of brownie

Lunch Break.

Amidst the hectic schedule yesterday, we decided to dine at the Grand Convention Center's Mikado. The restaurant stands along the roadside complete with shade from trees, pleasant atmosphere and numerous parking lots. Upon arrival, you are greeted by prompt servers saying "Irashaimase" which means Welcome in Japanese. To your right side and just a few steps ahead of you ar the pedestals where carefully prepared food are presented for the buffet.

The quiet ambiance and the faint music in the background is excellent for those who prefer to dine in peace on their own or with someone else. There are semi-private booths available too, for those who need it.

The food is ok, although when we visited, there weren't any salmon at all. They have sukiyaki, yakiniku, miso soup, tempura, some sashimi and rolls of sushi.



Mikado
Grand Convention Center


Verdict:
A: 3/5 expensive for what it has to offer

During Max's 65th year anniversary, all branches nationwide held a month long promo that allows customers to consume any number of quarter pieces from six to ten in the evening. Of course, as food enthusiasts ourselves, we sampled their chicken to prove their slogan, "The house that fried chicken built".

We had three quarters of a chicken each, paired with asparagus cooked with tofu. For an additional fee, we availed of the bottomless soda upgrade. The asparagus with tofu is ok, although I would've liked it better if there were more vegetables in it or had it been served on the table more appetizingly. The chicken needs some work too, the first chicken quarter served was cold. I suppose that's understandable, to prepare for the flow of people wanting to avail of this cheap and affordable promo.

Ila Puti is one of the best tasting restaurants I've been to in IT Park. For one, it has got to be the best casual restaurants that doesn't fall into the nightlife stereotype cafe that serves beer and liquor after hours with loud music and boisterous laughing. In fact, the ambiance, calm and quiet, is totally different from its neighbors. Interiors organized too and each guest is guaranteed satisfaction upon being seated by the server.

We were able to try their special burger and their Indian inspired meat curry-tomato rice. The rice meal that I got was delicious and done just right (smooth blend of curry with a tickling hint of tomatoes, perfect!). What makes it special is that you can actually taste and savor the herbs and spices they used in the dish. The burger, on the other hand, was just above the regular burger but not quite that special. It's way beyond the level of quality compared to what fast food chains serve, however.

I'm quite sure I'll come back to this restaurant in the future. I'm curious as to what other dishes they'll surprise me with next time.



Ila Puti
IT Park


Verdict:

A: 4/5

We came upon Teriyaki boy late in the afternoon after buying the things we needed at the mall. Luckily at 4pm, there was no one inside save for a couple in one of the two who were just about to leave after their meal. We took our seats at one of the round booths there, and were busy appraising the menu given to us by the waitress.

Amidst the rows of local restaurants that are open until late in the morning, Abuhan restaurant is popular for its wide array of Filipino dishes, as well as its homely atmosphere and cozy ambiance.

Cool Cafe is a quaint restaurant within the vicinity of IT park complete with a comforting atmosphere where you can relax after a hard day's work. I rushed over here after some business and had a sizzling plate of crispy pata, pork trotter deep fried until golden brown, and a plate of sisig. The ambiance, it seems, feels like an after work drinking haven where most of the dishes there can be paired with alcohol. The music is good, but the place is a little too crowded for my tastes.

We came upon this restaurant after a long time of not even giving it a second look. The place was a little cramped for room, with only a few chairs and really small booths. But regardless of how it looks like, Flame it burgers has got to be one of the best burgers in town, in my opinion. First, their burger buns are firm. Next, they have fresh greens. And finally, the meat itself is spectacular. You have the option to pick between a regular burger or upgrade it to a half pound one, something that makes Champ and Big Mac run away for their money.