East Meets West at Mr. Kurosawa: Euro-Japanese

Last December 2012 we went to Eastwood during our lunch break. We were walking around the mall, checking every restaurant's menu and finally we decided to try Mr. Kurosawa. During that time of the day it felt like we were the only people in the restaurant who weren't professionals. We sort of felt underdressed. Everyone dining there were older than we were and they were dressed up. When we got hold of the menu, which was really heavy, we realized that most of their dishes are relatively expensive for students like us. I do not know why we did not notice that earlier but since we were already there we had no choice.

Anyway, we ordered the most familiar dishes we could find. First was the Chicken Teriyaki Roll. We liked it! The teriyaki sauce and the mangoes had the right kind of sweetness that blended well with the chicken. This is a HIT.

Chicken Teriyaki Roll - Php208

We also ordered Chicken Tempura & Fries. The tempura was not really crispy like the usual ebi tempuras in restaurants. This one was soft which was actually good and I loved the Japanese mayo. The fries were topped with some nori though there was nothing special about them. I liked that they had a generous serving but I was looking for something more. Overall, this dish was not really special. They justified the price through the serving but not the taste. Since this is a Euro-Jap restaurant my expectations were a little bit higher.

Chicken Tempura & Fries - Php298

Finally, the Fish Tonkatsu which was topped with egg and nori. Squeezing the lemon to it would make it (of course) a little bit sour. It adds some kick to the fish-egg-nori combo. I do not find it awful. But i do not find it that good either to be this pricey.

Fish Tonkatsu - Php268

We were both happy with everything we ate. We found them good but we think that they were a little bit pricey for the not-so-special taste they offer. Maybe it was because of the fact that we ordered some very basic dishes. Still, we were expecting a little bit of twist. BUT we still encourage you to visit Mr. Kurosawa. Try their better (and more expensive) dishes. Then please do comment and share your experiences with us!

Mr. Kurosawa

G/F Eastwood Mall Veranda

Libis, Quezon City

901-0825

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mr-Kurosawa-Euro-Japanese/177631448941095

The Flying Pig & BluFish @ Eastwood

A year ago, BluFish and The Flying Pig were like sister restaurants in Eastwood Mall. You can order from two restaurants in one table! Just like Teriyaki Boy-Sizzlin Pepper Steak and  Jack's Loft-Pho Hoa all in Eastwood. Fortunately, we were able to try the tandem restaurants before BluFish was replaced by The Red Crab.

This was what we ordered from The Flying Pig: their bestselling Cuchi Frito. The pig's skin was really crispy and the sauce was delicious, tasted like Mang Tomas. Beside the very unhealthy pig dish is a salad which I think Geraldine loved. For those who can still afford cholesterol in their bodies, try this out. It is a CRAVE HIT.

The Flying Pig's Cuchi Frito

The Flying Pig's Cuchi Frito

Because of our love of prawns we ordered this Indian dish, Grilled Prawns Tandoori. BluFish offers great tasting seafood dishes and this did not disappoint. The prawns are full of flavors and even the rice did justice to the whole tandoori experience. CRAVE HIT!

Grilled Prawns Tandoori

Overall, we enjoyed our dining experience in The Flying Pig and Blufish. We highly recommend that you visit these restaurants. The Flying Pig is in the same location in Eastwood with an edgier interior. I am not sure however if Blufish has other branches and where they are located.

Feel free to comment on your dining experience in these places as well.

The Flying Pig

G/F Eastwood Mall Veranda

Libis, Quezon City

900-0886

My Thai Kitchen @ Eastwood

We had dinner in My Thai last Friday. Thanks to their very small space there were no more seats inside so we sat at Lucky Yakiniku Cafe. We were not so familiar with Thai food so we just ordered seafood.

We got only a bowl of shrimp fried rice. We thought that since we have noodles, one bowl would suffice. Nothing special here. Skip this and just get plain rice or something else.

Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp Fried Rice

I have always loved Pad Thai noodles most specially the ones with shrimp. Which is why I suggested to Geraldine to get this one because it should be good. However when we ate My Thai's Shrimp Pad Thai noodles, it was too sour. Prior to eating the dish I squeezed a little bit of lemon on it so I was disappointed to have it this sour because that little lemon juice should not make it THAT sour. Aside from that, it lacked flavor. So this is a MISS for us.

Shrimp Pad Thai Noodles

Shrimp Pad Thai Noodles

Despite the disappointing Shrimp Fried Rice and Shrimp Pad Thai Noodles we ordered something good. This squid is one of their bestsellers. It was like an appetizer. It was so nice inside the mouth because it had that melt in the mouth feel due to its softness. The sauce was not too spicy either. This is a HIT for us.

Deep Fried Squid with garlic and peppercorn

My Thai Kitchen

G/F Eastwood Mall Veranda

Libis, Quezon City

709-2127

La Crêperie @ Eastwood

We were always intrigued by this place. It looked so comfy inside and the crepes look soooooo yummy!!!! Finally we tried it some time last year. We went there just for the sweets since we had dinner already. When we opened the menu Geraldine and I knew what to order already: Mango Peach Nutella. Just by reading it you can tell it is so good. We also ordered Banana Foster so that we can try something else.

La Crêperie Menu

La Crêperie Menu

So here is the beautiful treat. This particular crepe does not come with a scoop of ice cream by the way. You have to ask the waiter to add a scoop on top to make it extra special. Without further ado, this is a CRAVE HIT! Everything was perfect, the crepe, the mangoes, the peaches, and of course the nutella. What I loved about this was that the nutella was everywhere. Nutella inside and outside! The ice cream added flavor and sweetness to the dish. Heavenly dessert!! :)

Mango Peach Nutella

Mango Peach Nutella

Mango Peach Nutella

Mango Peach Nutella

The other crepe we ordered was not bad at all. The Bananas Foster was incredibly awesome as well. The sweetness was just right and the banana's flavor went perfectly with crepe and the vanilla ice cream on top. CRAVE HIT!!

Bananas Foster

Bananas Foster

La Crêperie is a must try!!! When you are in Eastwood do not forget to drop by and try their awesome crepes. They also offer rice meals.

Live well, Laugh often, Love much.

La Crêperie
2/F Eastwood Mall Veranda
Libis, Quezon City

https://www.facebook.com/LaCreperiePH

Johnny Rockets @ Eastwood

Since we have been in Johnny Rockets numerous times already, this post will feature a compilation of some (if not everything) we have tried in this place.

"HI GUYS!" This is how you will be greeted once you get in this restaurant in Eastwood. It really feels like an American diner inside specially with the jukebox in display. This place is also known for their dancing waiters/waitresses who are very friendly by the way.

During our latest visit in Johnny Rockets, Geraldine tried this burger steak meal. She told me that it tastes good. The burger patty is tender and juicy. It was really tasty. However, it would be nice if there were more sauce/gravy on it and a larger serving. As you can see in the picture below, there were a lot of spaces on the plate. The side dish (corn and carrots) and the onion rings (on top of the rice) taste good but the serving was small. Overall, Geraldine really liked it. Therefore, this dish is a CRAVE HIT!

Burger Steak

I  went for a burger and tried the Roast Beef burger, I added 75 pesos to have UNLI FRIES!!!! The burger tasted like the pinoy bistek (beef steak) only this one has mayonnaise and is sandwiched by two burger buns. There wasn't anything special. Aside from that, the beef was really difficult to cut and oil was dripping while I was slicing. I know burgers are oily but I do not think that it was supposed to be THAT oily. This is a MISS. I recommend trying the more expensive burgers on their menu.

However, I enjoyed the Unli Fries! I am a big fan of fries. You might find this weird but I love soggy fries. I know most people enjoy the crispy ones but I am weird. So everytime I eat fries I take my time to choose the soft ones and whoever I am with enjoys the crispy fries. Anyway, I think anyone would say that these fries are a HIT.

Roast Beef Burger

Roast Beef Burger

I really liked the Strawberry Milkshake. I suggest you try Johnny Rocket's Milkshakes! It's not too sweet. You can really taste the strawberry flavor. I loved every sip I made. So yummy! This is a HIT!

During our first visit, Geraldine ordered Bacon Cheddar Single while I ordered Route 66. Both seemed so appetizing the way they were described in the menu.

The Bacon Cheddar Single did not disappoint. Geraldine loved everything about it except for the big chunk of onion (because she is an onion hater). The bacon was crispy, just like how it should be enjoyed. This burger is a CRAVE HIT!

Bacon Cheddar Single

Smiley Ketchup

The first time we ate at JR, I tried Route 66. This is really expensive but worth every penny you spend. It has everything I love in a burger: the patty, onions and cheese. I highly recommend this one. I do not even have to explain any further. All I can say is that this is a CRAVE HIT!!!!

Route 66 - CRAVEHITS RECOMMENDED!

Johnny Rockets' meals are delicious. However we recommend that if you are going to have unlimited fries and there is only two of you who are both girls, just order one meal. You will not be able to enjoy the unlimited fries because the burger will occupy a large chunk of your stomach. Or you can just get the burgers for take out. 

Finally once you step out of the establishment the waiters will bid you goodbye: "BYE GUYS!!" They do not only serve awesome food but they are very customer oriented. Great place to dine in :)

P.S.

This particular branch also has a very clean restroom. VERY CLEAN. Another plus for JR Eastwood!

Johnny Rockets

G/F Eastwood Mall Veranda

Libis Quezon City

4702117 or 4702208

http://www.johnnyrockets.com.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/johnnyrocketsphil

Chuck's Deli @ Eastwood

         We went to Chuck’s Deli in Eastwood last Friday. They are known for their big sandwiches made either with a hoagie or ciabatta bread. Once we got inside we noticed the cozy feel in the restaurant with red and white interior. A hand sanitizer is also provided on each table. At the far end of the restaurant they have a huge chalkboard where their set meals are written (and drawn). The set meal includes a quarter slab + side order + drink with prices ranging from 199 to 299. Chuck’s Deli is also famous for its Slay the Buffy Challenge. The objective of the game is for the challenger to finish off the whole slab of buffalo chicken slabwich within 5 minutes. Whoever gets to do this will have the buffy for free, will get a challenge-winner t-shirt and will have their name written in the wall of fame.

Philly Cheese Steak and Reuben

Chuck's Deli's Red Bucket

Philly Cheese Steak 

Philly Cheese Steak with Onion Rings

           Geraldine said that If you’re looking for a classic sandwich, Chuck’s Deli’s Philly Cheese Steak is the best choice to satisgy that craving. It comes with your choice of onion rings or potato chips. In her case, she chose onion rings. 

Asking her what she thought of it, "Although I am not a fan of onions, I find their onion rings good. You cannot taste the onion-after-taste some of us do not like. Also, their garlic sauce is to-die-for! I am not a fan of garlic but this sauce made me forget that. The onion rings dipped with the garlic sauce is indeed a great combination."

Philly Cheese Steak

            Going back to the Philly Cheese Steak subwich, she ordered only a half slab since a whole slab is intended for a man’s appetite (according to her). She said she really likes it because of the tenderness of the strips of beef. Adding to the great taste are the American cheese, onions, mushrooms, and bell pepper.

          She added, "With the first bite, you can easily fall in love with this subwich. In my case, it is the cheese that made me fall in love with it."

            We both agreed that overall this is a HIT for your crave. 

Reuben

Reuben with Homemade Potato Chips and Garlic Sauce

            I ordered a half slab of Reuben because I thought that a quarter might be too small (this proved to be wrong because I was only able to eat half of the half slab). The sandwich is made with homemade Angus corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, mustard and garlic sauce. I ordered this because I never had one before and it had a star beside its name which meant it is a bestseller. I also ordered their homemade potato chips along with it. We agreed that their garlic sauce and potato chips would be what we can call a perfect combination. The potato chips were crispy while the garlic sauce was soooo flavorful. Once the sauce gets in your mouth you will really taste the garlic in it but it was not too strong that it hurt your tongue.

Half-slab Reuben

         We both agreed that the Reuben was too sour. Or maybe we were just not used to the taste of sauerkraut. Another thing we did not like about this was the spicy garlic sauce (we both have very low tolerance for spicy foods). I specifically told the waiter wag yung maanghang yet my sandwich had spicy garlic sauce in it.  Because I was too tired and hungry to have the sandwich replaced I just put non-spicy garlic sauce in it to contrast the strong flavor of sauerkraut and the spicy sauce. The corned beef was very oily as well. It was so oily that while you are slicing it the oil is coming out of the beef.

            With all these in mind, we say that this is a MISS. 

       We are not saying that their sandwich is not good. For a first timer, we are just saying that we do not like the Reuben sandwich in general. But we will definitely go back to Chuck’s Deli to try some of their other subwiches and slabwiches.

Now let's go to something sweet!

Oreo Vanilla Arce Dairy Milkshake

         We ordered only one milkshake because it was already too cold since it was raining and it was also freezing cold inside the restaurant.
         
         For us, there’s nothing special in Chuck’s Deli’s Oreo Vanilla Arce Dairy Milkshake. The taste of the milk overpowers the taste of the oreo and vanilla. It tasted like melted oreo flavored ice cream. Nothing fancy.

            Maybe we will try another variety the next time we visit. But for now, this is a crave MISS. 



LINKS:
http://www.chucksdeli.com.ph
https://www.facebook.com/chucksdeli