DonnAppetit Garden Grill ~ A Perfect Night Out wth My Girls

Our mission was to find a cozy place, specially different from our usual hang-outs to celebrate a friend's 18th (I know, you know, we both know, but I am not about to post her actual age on blogger now would I?).

 

Tada, our find for tonight is Donn Appetit Garden Grill a home garden restaurant, serving authentic home-cooked grilled dishes.

 

The place was rather small (seats about 40-50 guests), but is aesthetically pleasing, with a well kept garden to boast. 

We especially love the chirping birds as an added touch to complete the ambiance.    

 

 

Unfortunately since we came on a night time, we were not able to fully appreciate Donn Appetit's beautiful garden.

 

 

 

The restaurant is spot clean and although it is an open area, there are surprisingly NO bugs around.

 

Let us check the menu.

 

 

There are plenty of options to choose from, although most are grilled dishes.  Average cost per dish is only P150, really affordable.  One of my girls complained about the small serving size, but I think, it was just right for the price.

 

 

Here is what we ordered...

 

For appetizers, we had Nachos (P150). 

I am not a fan of this one. I find it lacking crispiness, probably a reaction to the rainy and humid weather.  The dip, however, was very good.

 

 

From the Grill, we had Liempo (P130)  

 

 

Baby Back Ribs (P180), which was my favorite among our orders.  The meat was tender and flavorful. We should have ordered more of this. 

 

 

 

And Hungarian Sausage (P75).  I am not a sausage fan, either, but this here (well, more than half) ended on my plate. 

I liked the spiciness of it.  It was really good. 

 

 

 

We also ordered Pancit Bihon (P100) of course, as we were there to celebrate a birthday. 

 

 

 

VERDICT ~ Thumbs up!

• Overall it was a worthwhile discovery.  I would gladly take friends there for a night out over a bottle or two of chilled beer. Unfortunately, we did not have any, as I was driving that night.
• Donn Appetit brags a "homey" garden ambiance, perfect for special occasions. 
• Service is fast considering they prepare your food fresh.  The staff were likewise cordial and cheerful.

 

With my girls :P

 

We finished everything, with only enough space for a cup of coffee (and probably some yummy dessert)!

 

 

DonnAppetit Garden Grill is located at14 Noli Pascual St. Gregoria Heights, San Isidro, Taytay Rizal.  It is a good stop over if you are heading to Antipolo from Manila via Ortigas Extension.

 

For reservation you may call: 570-6117 or 881-8028

Coffee Grounds ~ All You Need is COFFEE!

Me and hubby are self-confessed coffee addicts! 

 

 

 

 

What can I say, we LOVE OUR COFFEE!!!  

Coffee keeps us ~ up, awake and enthusiastic :P 

 

It is thus, not surprising that everywhere we go, we end up hunting for coffee shops for our daily dose. 

 

Our latest find is this little coffee shop along Ortigas Extension called Coffee Grounds (the place used to be a Mocha Blends branch, but moved on to a new Coffee Grounds).  

 

 

We were just there for coffee, but the Sansrival looked really inviting, it was hard to say no... so we said "YES" (lol!).

 

 

(Coffee is priced at P90-120 with a discount on refills).

 

 

What we liked about Coffee Grounds (aside from it's specialty coffees) :

 

1. They have an assortment of sandwiches, pastries, pasta, and an all day meal selection. 

 

There are plenty of food options to choose from.

 

 

2. Homey atmosphere.  The place made us feel right at home.  There were very few customers when we came in and we had some real quiet time - to enjoy our coffee (while browsing the internet and reading the newspaper).

 

 

 

 

3. Cordial crew. The staff were very nice and attentive of our needs.  I am not sure though if that was because we were one of the few guests inside that time ~ but none the less, those two ladies manning the counter that morning were jovial and warm!

 

 

4.  Free WIFI. I know right? Nice place to do blogging.  Will definitely be back to do some writing over my freshly brewed coffee.  

 

 

 

Coffee Grounds is located  at the Valley Fair Town Center, Km. 19, Ortigas Avenue Extn. Taytay Rizal

Contact Numbes:650-5258 / 0917-5016444 

 

Coffee Grounds is open daily from 8am - 1am.

 

 

Review of Catalan Restaurant and Grill

 

 

Catalan Restaurant and Grill in Taytay is nothing close to a Catalonian (a region in Spain) food and cooking (Catalans are  famous for their cheese, mushroom and spices rich pizza, seafood and tapas),  surprisingly this restaurant is very Filipino, specializing on all time favorite Filipino dishes, such as bulalo, adobo, inasal and more. 

 

 

The restaurant is artsy with wall murals, mosaic decorated tables and floors ~ the decoration kept me occupied, imagining how adorable these tables would look in my kitchen :P

 

 

 

 

There is also a corner dedicated to acoustic nights, perfect for an after dusk “barkada hang-out” and an "unwind night" with your special someone.

 

 

 

We ordered one of locales favorites, "budbod (a local version of fried rice toppings)" and Catalan fruit drinks.

(Shanghai Budbod ~ P69)  - Ang Sarap!  Hefty servings, but we cleaned our plates real good (hahah!)

 

(Mango and Strawberry-banana fruit drinks P75 each) 

 

Catalan offers very affordable meals, yet prepared fresh as you order. Their "Kumpleto Meals" starts at P110 and "Budbod Specials" at P69. 

 

 

Catalan is a true gem waiting to be discovered.  Visit them now or call for a delivery.

Catalan Restaurant and Grill is open daily:

SUNDAY TO THURSDAY 9:00am until 11:00pm
FRIDAY and SATURDAY 9:00am to 1:00am

(Acoustic Nights is every Saturday starting 7pm)

ADDRESS
#48 AMJC Bldg. Ground Floor, National Road (Manila East Road), Brgy. San Juan Sitio Ilog Pugad, Taytay, Rizal

(Near PUREGOLD Taytay, Beside BPI El-Monteverde Branch
Infront of WESTERN UNION)

CONTACT NUMBERS
Landline Number: (02)2345927

Mobile Number: (SMART)09999998777, (SUN)09328778053

  

 

Magnum Manila Review ~ Heaven Sent Dessert

What do you say to a Magnum Bar, with three (3) of your choice toppings, on a super hot afternoon? 

 

It was obviously a big YES (with a huge GRIN) for me and my boys. 

 

I have been wanting to try Magnum Manila's "make-your-own" ice cream bar, but the long queues is such a turn-off.  

 

We were back at SM Aura last week, and the queues were not as long ~ Yipee!

 

 

 A DIY Magnum Bar cost P100. 

 

 

 

After paying, a crew takes in your choices of three (3) toppings...

 

(Tip: There are so many toppings to choose from, if you are not certain, get the toppings labelled "best seller")

 

 

 

 You  would be asked, whether you want a vanilla or a chocolate bar; and preference of chocolate coating: dark chocolate, white chocolate or milk chocolate.  

 

 

The ice cream bar is dipped into the chocolate coating and the toppings are then sprinkled to the ice cream bar, and "tada", the bestEST Magnum Bar ever!!!

 

 

 

 My choice: vanilla ice cream, dipped in dark chocolate with almonds, marsh mallow and choco dots for toppings. 

 

 

My boy is so proud of his own ice cream creation. 

 

I guess we will be back again soon (hopefully without queues)!

 

 

 

Magnum Manila is located at the 5F Skypark, SM Aura

Check out their facebook page for details: Magnum Manila

 

 

Heart-Healthy Recipes in GMA’s Basta Everyday Happy and Sarap Diva

Do you know that cooking oil is important in a healthy diet?  The oil you choose makes a big difference to your health! 

Oil high in saturated fat, raise BAD cholesterol, which may lead to high blood pressure.  Choose cooking oil that is high on monounsaturated fat or GOOD cholesterol that helps lower blood pressure.

This is why I always choose Canola Oil. Canola Oil is one of the healthiest cooking oil because of its low saturate fat and high monounsaturated fat content. 

Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil, Better for the Heart, Better 
for the Budget, is the heart-healthy, versatile, and value for money cooking oil.

Jolly Canola Oil also has omega 6 and 3 which are good for the heart.  Omega 3 has also been known to help treat several health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke and memory loss.  It also has a pale golden color, light texture, and neutral taste so you can use it for any dish. Jolly Canola Oil also has a high smoking point which makes it ideal for 
frying.

Hosted by Donita Rose, GMA 7’s Basta Everyday Happy, recently showcased heart-healthy recipes using Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil through the month of December. Eight episodes featured Filipino-favorites such as Beef Stew, Crispy Calamari, and one of Donita’s personal favorites “in the whole wide world” as she shares on Instagram, Crispy Binagoongan. She tells of her Beef Kaldereta version "Pinoy ang lasa pero mas bongga! This is my Better Beefier Caldereta made healthier with Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil!"

Other healthy everyday recipes included Wholesome Chicken, Paella, and this Heart-Healthy Salmon recipe.  

Heart Healthy Salmon

INGREDIENTS:

 

For the Salmon:

2 center-cut salmon fillets (6 oz. each)
1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
¼ cup finely chopped cilanto
2 Tbsp Jolly Canola oil
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Salsa:

1 medium red onion

3 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
3 pcs medium tomatoes
2 firm-ripe avocados
1 pc rip mango
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, or to taste
 

PROCEDURE:

1. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow bowl. Toss well with lemon juice, cilantro, Jolly Canola oil, and pepper. Let rest for 15 minutes.
2. Cook the salmon, skinside down in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, shaking the pan and carefully lifting the salmon with a spatula to loosen it from the pan,
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Cover the pan and cook until the salmon is cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes more. The skin should be crisp and the flesh medium rare.
4. To make the salsa: Finely chop onion and mince garlic. In a bowl toss onion and garlic with cilantro.
5. Chop tomatoes and mango, add to onion mixture, tossing to combine.
6. Peel and pit avocados and cut into 3/4-inch pieces. Add avocados, lime juice, and pepper to taste. Spoon over cooked salmon

Catch Sarap Diva with Regine Velasquez-Alcasid on January 24 and 31 at 9:40 a.m. to 10:25 a.m. as she dishes out two, exciting dishes: Pamplina, a Spanish-influenced soup dish, and tasty Pork Steak with Mushroom Bits.

PORK STEAK WITH MUSHROOM BITS

INGREDIENTS:

1 kg pork steak, cut into small cubes

1/2 cup soy sauce

salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp ground paprika

2 tbsps Jolly Canola Oil

2-3 tbsps chopped garlic

2 cans Jolly Button Mushroom Whole, cut in half

1/2 cup red wine

2 tbsps butter

garnish with some toasted garlic and chopped parsley   


PROCEDURE:

1. Season pork steak in soy sauce, salt and pepper, set aside
2. Pre-heat a with some Jolly Canola Oil and cook the pork cubes until slightly brown in color.
3. Remove from pan. Toss in the chopped garlic and Jolly Button Mushrooms. Saute then season with some salT, pepper and ground paprika
4. Deglaze with the red wine simmer until sauce is slightly think.
5. Mis in the cooked pork and cold butter.
6. Transfer to a plate then garnish with some toasted garlic and chopped parsley.

Now that everyone is trying to get back in shape after the holidays, the easiest way to start is to be mindful of how daily dishes are prepared. Start the year right by using Heart Mate Jolly Canola Oil that’s “Better for the Heart, and Better for the Budget!”

=====================

Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil is exclusively distributed by Fly Ace Corporation. It is available in all major supermarkets nationwide. Learn more about Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil at www.flyacecorp.com.

Fly Ace Corporation is one of the leading food and beverage consumer goods companies in the country today. Propelling limitless multiple-category growth by bringing the best of the world closer to Filipino homes, Fly Ace Corporation’s portfolio of food and beverage products includes house brands and exclusively distributed brands. Learn more at www.flyacecorp.com.

Senorita Cafe at Robinson's Antipolo

Let us just say, me and hubby enjoys having coffee to end our meals.  Unfortunately, Robinson's Antipolo, having just opened recently has very few food outlets available to choose from.

Located at the Robinson's Antipolo ground floor is Senorita Café.  It is a small coffee shop serving real affordable and surprising delicious pastries. 

Senorita is semi-self service.

You have an option to select through their wide selection of pastry spread, (which slightly reminded me of a tea/coffee buffet served at New World Hotel in Makati) or by placing your order at the cashier.

I had so much fun at the pastry spread table, I think I over ordered!

We had cheese cake, tarts and brewed coffee for less than P250.

Oh, what sweet temptations!

    

Popeye's Chicken and Biscuits (Singapore Flyer)

It was no brainer decision to dine at Popeye's Chicken for our first family lunch in Singapore. 

 

 

 

 

We visited is conveniently located at the Level 1 of the Singapore Flyer building.  It was a perfect stop, right after our Singapore Flyer ride, while waiting for our afternoon DUCKtour.


We ordered the Family Meal package which included complete meal, drinks and dessert. The meal costs us SGD25.