It’s refreshing to know that in the age of processed and fast-food meals, there are still alternative dining places that offer “clean” food with recipes stripped off of preservatives and chemicals that could harm our bodies in the long term. Coming off from another revitalizing yoga session from Life Yoga, I ventured to the adjoining cafe Vibe Superfood. Just a cursory look at their menu and reading witty, music-inspired names of the dishes instantly put me in a good mood. I placed an order for their Curry Me Away (a song from the Doobie Brothers) and Matcha-Twenty (from the band Matchbox Twenty) and got excited for the treats to come.
Mad about Burgers at Mad Monkeys La Union
There’s a reason to be mad about Mad Monkeys in La Union. This small street corner stall sells only one dish – burgers! And they are so good at it. Cue the funky jazz tunes, have a cold beer in hand and enjoy a bite or two (or more) of their Classic Burger (Php 180). In between the burger buns are 1-inch thick and juicy 180gm meaty burger patties with melted cheese smothered in beer sauce. Owner, Mateo, an avid traveler got inspired by the Mad Monkey’s hostel in Cambodia and decided to bring its chill backpacker vibe in La Union. He originally came to La Union to surf but fell in love with the place. Eventually setting up shop and overseeing operations since 2015.
Chopstop: Place for Chops, Chows, Chugs and More
It’s a place where chickens can freely cross the road without being questioned. One of the amusing quotes found in the eye catching interior of ChopStop, a fastfood restaurant serving chops, nachos and unlimited margaritas. I must admit, the street corner theme complete with pedestrian walks and stoplights got me prodding to chop-around their offerings.
Caja: A Hidden, Homey Eating Place in Bontoc with a Marvelous View and Interesting Menu
Most of the eating places in Bontoc town proper and Illi are located on the main road, much like the arrangement of restos and cafes in Sagada. Even if you’re new to the place, it’s fairly easy to spot them, each one just a short walk, after alighting from the bus or van from Baguio or Banaue. Thing is, the main avenue can be noisy at certain times of the day, and if you’re looking for a quiet place to eat, relax, chill or meet a date, it’s a tricky proposition to find it. Well, good thing there’s Caja.
Gringo Chicken Ribs Friends, 3 Pleasant Surprises in Goodie Boxes
Don’t chicken out! Especially when the newest Mexican-Latin flame-grilled chicken specialty restaurant, Gringo Chicken, Ribs, Friends has invaded SM The Block. I recently got a chance to sample their main entree when they sent goodie boxes to my office – each containing the Gringo Original Chicken, Southern Spice Chicken and the Baby Back Ribs. I must say the look of delight as I opened the boxes must’ve looked like the charming grin of Gringo on their logo. Each dish is paired with its own set of garlic rice, nachos, mushrooms and special sauces.
Balai Pandesal, Dropping by at the 24/7 Pinoy bakery
Who’s to argue that the pan de sal is the quintissential Pinoy bread? Its popularity may have waxed and waned through the years but it has remained a mainstay on the Filipinos’ table for generations. Embedded deep into our culture, it has also become some sort of an economic barometer, shrinking in size and puffing in price with economic downturns. I remember years ago when every neighborhood bakery rode on the hot pan de sal craze, then slowly diminishing in popularity. It didn’t really go away, though, even moving from being a breakfast fare to an all-day treat. Which is why probably the people behind Balai Pandesal built its business around this Pinoy staple.