Food Archives - Popbits

5 Rooftop Bars in Metro Manila to Elevate Your Weekend Hang

12/03/2023

Looking for a Rooftop Bar in Metro Manila? Everyone loves a great city view. The daily commute, traffic, and overall business on the streets can grow tiresome. Sometimes you just need to take a step back from it all and get a new perspective. Whether you want to enjoy drinks with a view, taking a date, or even just hanging out, these spots may be worth looking into. So we’ve compiled a list of classy of sky-high rooftop terraces, cocktail lounges and sky bars for you to elevate your nights: 1. The Penthouse 8747 Overlooking the Ayala Triangle Gardens, the Penthouse offers an amazing view of Makati Skyline. What the bar offers: “Started in 2016, The Penthouse 8747 wants to provide a special experience for customers to escape their everyday duties by providing a peace of mind through great ambiance, convenient location, exceptional customer service and products of consistently high quality. The Penthouse 8747 is a classic and chic lounge that is greatly inspired by the art deco period also recognized as The Great Gatsby era.” Our food/drink recommendations: Taiwanese Whisky, Fritzgerald’s Truffle 410, The Penthouse Burger 480 Location: Lepanto Building, 8747 Paseo de Roxas, Makati, 1227 Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM 2. Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge source: Marco Polo Ortigas Strategically located in Ortigas Business Center, Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge offers a panoramic view of the metro. What the bar offers: “Indulge in mouth-watering samplers of antipasti, signature cocktails, wines, spirits, and champagnes amidst awe-inspiring vistas. It also features an 2 al fresco areas perfect for engaging conversations, completing the vibe for the ideal dining experience.” Our food/drink recommendation: Sapphire Road & Singapore Sling cocktails, Tapas Platter Experience: Rock n’ Roll Fridays with LOCKDOWN Band (9:00 PM) Saturday Night Groove with M.U.B. Band | 9:00 PM Location: 45th Floor, Marco Polo Ortigas, Meralco Avenue and Sapphire Street, Ortigas Centre, Pasig City, 1600 Operating Hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays (5:00 PM to 1:00 AM); Fridays and Saturdays (5:00 PM to 2:00 AM) Attire: Cocktail Chic 3. The Nest Dining in the Sky Source: The Nest dining in the Sky Highlighting the views of the Laguna de Bay, Filinvest City, Alabang and South Luzon Expressway, The Nest Dining in the Sky stylish indoor dining room that leads out to a very lush, green and cozy terrace, decorated with both dining tables and lounge sofas along with a rooftop pool. What the bar offers: “Steal away to The Nest Dining in the Sky, Vivere Hotel’s iconic rooftop bar and restaurant. Hovering 31-storeys above the Metro South, The Nest flaunts a most breathtaking view of the skyline-making it truly a magical place to make memories happen. A rich selection of international cuisine, continuously being innovated by our R&D Team-focuses on comfort food and the like. Pair that with hand-crafted cocktails (who doesn’t love a good sangria?), cozy corners in the midst of breathtaking views, entice those longing for more intimate contemplation.” Our food/drink recommendation: Lapu-Lapu and Prawns Harmony, Mussels Rockefeller, Location: 31st Floor, Vivere Hotel, 5102 Bridgeway Avenue, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City 1781 Operating Hours: Daily (4PM to 11PM) Attire: Cocktail Chic 4. Encaramada Rooftop Source: Encaramada Rooftop Bar FB One of the best views of Manila Bay can be located on top of the great Tryp by Wyndham Mall of Asia Manila in Pasay. Extra amazing in golden hour, the bar offers 360° views over the water, as well as over the city What the bar offers: “Like heights, cityscapes, and a pool bar? Head up to Encaramada! It’s like enjoying the same pleasures of Milagritos [Tryp’s restaurant] but next to a pool. The ideal place to be at night for a drink and a relaxing view of the bay” Our food/drink recommendations: Beef and foie gras, Boquerones and olives, Prosecco Zonin Sparkling Wine Operating Hours: Daily (11AM to 9PM) Location: Seaside Blvd. corner J.W. Diokno Blvd., Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City 1300 5. The Nautilus Whiskey Bar Source: The Nautilus Bar FB The busy Quezon Avenue with the QC night stars are treated better with Nautilus specialty food, drinks and liquors. Their stylish roof deck bar and restaurant provides fresh breeze along with some good drinks. What the bar offers: “Rooftop steampunk-themed bar at the heart of Quezon City. The perfect place to de-stress and unwind overlooking the QC skyline.” Our food/drink recommendations: Grilled Pork Belly, Pasta Vongole, 3 Wise Men cocktail, Japanese/Taiwanese/Highlands Whiskeys Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday (5PM to 2AM) Location: 10th Floor, 70 Sgt. Esguerra St. South Triangle, Quezon City 1103 pop-culture:5-rooftop-bars-in-metro-manila-to-elevate-your-weekend-hang

Where to Eat Chinese Food this Lunar New Year

05/02/2023

The new Lunar Year is here and its time for a Chinese feast! Surely some Filipinos also want to partake in this celebration or want to try something other than their go-to restaurant. What better way to celebrate with with food? Make Chinese New Year extra memorable with sumptuous dim sum, noodles, sweet and sour dishes, and more! Some of these restaurants are a personal favorite while the others are scoured from different reviews so you only get the best recommendations! We emphasize visiting Binond, Manila where Chinatown is but we also included other places in the Metro. So invite your friends and family too because sharing is caring! Here’s my list of highly recommended Chinese restaurants in Metro Manila (by the way, you can visit not only on CNY but all year round). 1. Ying Ying Teahouse: Binondo, Manila A personal favorite. I discovered this restaurant on one of our photography exploits in Binondo. Some of our friends kept recommending a certain Ying Yang Teahouse. We’re glad they did! Source: Top-Rated Ying Yang Teahouse is really a hidden gem in Binondo. It offers authentic Chinese food at affordable prices. It has a casual atmosphere, and could get crowded at times. Try to drop by during off-peak hours like 2PM-3PM. I promise, it’s the perfect spot if you want to start venturing into authentic Chinese food. They also sell frozen dim sum! Hours: 7am – 10pm (Daily) Source: Unsplash Personal menu favorites: Yang Chow Fried rice, Oyster cakes, Spareribs Tausi, and Siomai. Location: 233-235 Dasmarinas st. corner Yuchengo st. Binondo, Manila City 2. Wai Ying Another restaurant for no-frill authentic Chinese food. If ever you find yourself in Binondo, make sure to make this on your list. You may find that it also has long queues due to its popularity for amazing food that does not hurt the pocket. They also have other branches in Taft, Tondo, and yes even in Grab Food. Photo from Facebook: Wai Ying Dimsum Taft Our menu favorites: Dim sum: Hakaw, Spareribs, and Bean Curd Roll, Congee: Beef Mami, Soy Chicken (don’t forget to ask for a bowl of their special chili sauce on the side!). Hours: OPEN DAILY — Binondo – 0956 835 7763 / 8 242 0310 (7am – 9pm) Take Out, Binondo – 0917 188 1658 / 8 243 6665 (7am – 5pm) Tondo – 0967 307 8763 / 8 254 3326 (7am – 9pm) 168 Mall – 0917 590 8999 (10am – 6pm) Divisoria Mall – 0927 257 2071 (10am – 6pm) Lucky Chinatown Mall – 0917 311 8777 (10am – 8pm) Location: 810 Benavidez St., Binondo Wai Ying Fastfood Main Branch 3. President Grand Palace – Cantonese meat dishes: Binondo, Manila Source: The Smart Local Philippines A feast you say? Get your family together for a true classic. President Grand Palace Restaurant has been serving authentic Cantonese dishes for over 40 years in Ongpin Street, Binondo, Manila. It’s perfect for big gatherings while enjoying great Chinese dishes. source: Primer.com Our menu favorites: Sweet Corn Soup, Prawn Salad, Salt and Chili Fried Crab, Lechon Macau, Peking Duck. Operational Hours: Monday to Sunday (10:00AM to 9:30 PM) Location: 746-750 Ongpin St., Binondo Manila City 1006 President Grand Palace Restaurant Inc. FB Page 4. Uno Seafood Wharf Palace As the name suggests, Uno Seafood Wharf Palace offers one of the best seafood Chinese dishes in the country. The well-known Chinese restaurant is located in Chinatown too. For more luck, the Chinese restaurant’s motif is red and gold and is ideal for large gatherings. You get to see tanks of fish and other crustaceans so you can expect fresh seafood and Cantonese-style delicacies to fill your stomachs. source: Our Awesome Planet Operational Hours: 11:00am-2:30pm,5:30pm-11:00pm Location: 270 Escolta Street, Calvo Bldg. Binondo , Manila, Philippines Uno Seafood Wharf Palace FB Page 5. New Toho Food Center It’s not new, but actually the oldest restaurant in Manila. Built in 1888 originally as Toho Antigua Panciteria by five Chinese immigrant friends, the restaurant continues to serve amazing delicacies. The secret to longevity? Their food’s consistency. Source: PhilStar Source: Yellow Pages Operational Hours: 8:00AM to 9:00 PM Location: 422 Tomas Pinpin St, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila 6. Xiù Fine Cantonese Dining Source: Xiu Fine Cantonese Dining Facebook Xiù Fine Cantonese Dining Restaurant offers an amazing mixed mushrooms with truffle dish that bursts with flavor, a dish of perfectly crispy taro puffs and so much more. Serving authentic Cantonese cuisine, their menu features wide array of dishes for an unforgettable dining experience. Our menu favorites: Mixed Mushrooms with Truffle (vegetarian), Taro Puffs, Xiao Long Bao, Scallops with Truffle, Peking Duck, Honey-glazed Prime Cut Char Sui Operational Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 6pm – 10pm (Daily) Location: 115 Connecticut Street, Northeast Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines, Manila, Philippines XIÙ Fine Cantonese Dining FB Page 7. Red Lantern Source: @solaireresort Red Lantern is another perfect Chinese restaurant to visit on Chinese New Year. They have an extensive Cantonese and Shanghainese menu that will take you on a culinary trip through the best of China’s regional delicacies. Their dim sum buffet doesn’t only open the taste buds to new flavors, but is also one of the most aesthetically-pleasing Chinese food out there. Source: @solaireresort Our menu favorites: Suckling pig, handmade dim sum, and the chef’s specialty Braised spareribs with Chinkiang vinegar. Operational Hours: Monday–Thursday (11AM-11PM); Friday–Sunday (11AM-12PM) Location: Solaire Resort & Casino, Tambo Entertainment City, 1 Aseana Ave, Tambo, Parañaque, Metro Manila Red Lantern at Solaire FB Page Happy eating! #

Missing Shakey’s Mojos? You are not alone

22/01/2023

Who wouldn’t love Shakey’s famous mojo potatoes dipped in gravy, ketchup, or special garlic sauce? It’s an automatic classic order to have a basket of chicken, a box of pizza, pasta, or spaghetti, with mojos. A staple potato chip with fries-texture best partnered with chicken or pizza, the perfect combo for mojo lovers! You will really know it’s mojos when you taste one. Yum! But what happened to mojos? Have you been to your favorite Shakey’s chain and heard the sad news about the “temporarily phased out” mojo potatoes? Have you visited other branches and noticed a new substitute for your all-time favorite mojos? Unfortunately, it’s been months since the famous potato dish went missing. Yes, missing in action (MIA). No ‘mo mojos to serve on the table. Even the so-called Chicken N’ Mojos combo is no longer a tandem since you’ll be having french fries instead (for now!). While there’s been a shortage in most branches nationwide due to global supply constraints, Shakey’s Philippines first clarified on their Facebook page that they’ve been “working really hard to get [us] mo’ mojos.” The complaints started on Twitter when some netizens posted about its lack of mojos. The post has garnered 16,000 likes on Twitter. The giant pizza store saw the post and responded through a statement. In the same Facebook post last January 1, 2023, Shakey’s announced that they would serve Mojo flavored fries as a substitute for mojos at some stores. Our Shakey’s experience will only be complete with mojos. Hence, as a substitute, Shakey’s continues to serve mojo-flavored fries, regular french fries coated with similar spices, and flavorings of mojo potatoes. It’s probably not the same (and they understand it), but they think we will enjoy it too. Not bad, right? On the other hand, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, servers at Shakey’s have been told that its mojo potatoes have been “temporarily phased out” due to issues with suppliers. The head of the office of Shakey’s Pizza Ventures talked to Inquirer, and a representative confirmed the supply-chain cases. The representative assured that “mojos haven’t been phased out, and they’re on the way.” The representative also said that they didn’t experience shortages from their suppliers. It’s just that the shipments just got delayed because of supply chain bottlenecks. In early 2022, Washington Post reported a growing global shortage of potatoes due to lousy weather, blights, or labor disputes. In May 2022, the Department of Agriculture confirmed a global lack in the processing variety of potatoes. The bottleneck problem and supply constraints should be sorted out within the month, so mojo-lovers can enjoy the taste of mojos again in all stores and branches. The staple mojo potatoes we all love since day one! Cue heartbreaking song ’cause we feel you! We may say goodbye to mojos in the meantime, but we’ll see each other again pretty soon. If you want to take a break from mojos, you can try the Mojos-flavored fries, Mozzarella cheese sticks, and Calamari crunch. Who knows, you’ll love it too! Don’t worry much, though, because it was reported that the availability of mojo potatoes depends on the branch you’re ordering from. So karma lang, it’s temporary. You can still check the availability of mojos in your nearest branch to see if some branches are still serving mojos. Let us know if you visited one! Come to think of it, though. We’re lucky that Shakey’s has encountered some supply-chain issues only and not some crisis issues like the country’s current onion and sugar woes (cross-fingers!). According to Esquire, Shakey’s mojos shortage follows other fast food chains in 2022, such as McDonald’s Philippines, which stopped serving medium, large, and BFF fries in April because of a limited fry supply due to the “global freight crisis.” In October, the fries’ bigger sizes returned to the menu. The mojo-flavored fries can be ordered by the bucket with dips or as a side to fried chicken or pizza. You can have or rate your Shakey’s favorites delivered via the Shakey’s website, Shakey’s hotline at #77777, Shakey’s Super App, GrabFood, and food panda. Looking forward to seeing ‘mo mojos again!