Ristras Mexican grill

In my opinion, there are only few Mexican restaurants in Metro Manila and non of them were really authentic. I'm not saying that Ristras is not good, but it's just not authentic...   Ristras is a small  Mexican cantina in San Juan that serves good tex-mex cuisine.

From wikipedia, ristras are arrangements of drying chile pepper pods. Although their main purpose is to preserve chiles for later consumption, they are commonly used decoratively in chile-producing areas, especially New Mexico.

I've been here several times and tasted almost everything in their menu but for some reason can't find other pictures I  took, anyway here are some...

Burrito.P290. - is their specialty

The server will make it as you wish 1.)choose the type of wrap (flour or whole whear tortilla) 2.)Choose the main ingredients (carnitas, chicken, steak, barbacoa, or even vegetarian in the form of beans) 3.) choose type of burrito they want (Fajita Burrito, Burrito Bowl,normal burrito) 4.) Add the fixings (guacamole, bell peppers and onions and jalapeno)  ...then voila!

Enchilada - contains freshly made mozzarella, and is served with a side of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream

Quesadilla.P290

You may find the price a little steep but their servings is huge(good for 2)... their chimichanga is good.

That's All!

Ristras Mexican Grill

J. Abad Santos cor. Lopez Jaena St.,
San Juan, Metro Manila. Philippines
(Near Alex III in Wilson St)
(63 2) 744-9817

Pat Pat's Kansi

For those of you who don’t know, Kansi is one heck of a cholesterol-filled goodness; it is the infamous Iloilo version of "Bulalo" or bone marrow soup with a pinch of sourness from a fruit called batuan/batwan.

In Makati,  there’s a  specialty resto for kansi called Pat pat’s kansi.

Nothing fancy, no air conditioning. The service is just ok but quick...

Price is reasonable for what you get.

Here's their menu:

Here's a picture of our kansi/bulalo.P125. The soup base is unlimited...

If you're not a bone marrow (cholesterol) fan , you can opt to order  their kansi/laman which is much cheaper.P105.

Cooked as it should be... compared to the other broth I've tasted  their kansi was not that sour.

Grilled Pork belly. P70. Small servings e?  taste was just ok.

Verdict: I will surely be back for their warm and comforting kansi ...

That's All!

Pat pat's Kansi 

8809 Sampaloc St corner Kamagong St.
San Antonio Village. Makati City. Philippines
landmark: at the back of Metro bank (kamagong)
Tel num: (632) 8906179
Store Hours: 10 am – 10 pm

Thunderbird Resorts - Poro Point, San fernando La Union

We're in Santorini Greece... NOT!

During our vacation in my mother's hometown, we visited  Thunderbird resort which is few minutes away from San Fernando La Union city proper.

Thunderbird is a Santorini inspired hotel which is nestled on a scenic cliff...

Overlooking the white to beige colored sand beach

We took our almost 100 year old grandma there to have a taste of fresh air

We loved the sunset too

What to do: Swim, Golf, Casino, Eat at their Mediterranean inspired  restaurant called Olive

Over all the resort offers a breathtaking view.

That's All

Thunderbird Resorts -Poro Point
Poro Point Freeport Zone
San Fernando City, La Union
Philippines
(+6372) 888.7777

Calle Crisologo and Vigan Empanada - Vigan, Ilocos Sur

A trip to Vigan will not be complete without visiting the most photographed street: Calle Crisologo - fairly preserved "Spanish-era" buildings and houses (some houses where converted into antique shops) can be found here. 

The street is closed to modern traffic; only kalesa (Horse carriages) is allowed to enter in the quaint street which added some historic touch. 

Adjacent to Calle Crisologo is another closed st. Calle Florentino,  where the Statue of  P's "ninuno" or ancestor is situated - Leona Florentino, is the "mother of Philippine women's literature" and the "bridge from oral to literary tradition".   Beside the statue is Cafe Leona, which offer good eats as well (we dined during our visit last 2008)...

Nobody should  leave Vigan without tasting their empanada in "The Vigan Empandaan" situated in Plaza Burgos

Here you can see how empanada is done, from mixing to cooking...

Empanada at its best! Crunchy and yummy with a filling that consists of eggs, Vigan longganisa and vegetables wrapped in a rice flour crust dipped in sukang Iloko /ilocos vinegar. P25-P35 /serving.

...Close by is Mom's bakery which sells a bread with filling called bolero(too bad I didn't take photos) which is very very good. If you plan on going there just ask the locals (kalesa/tryke drivers) for directions :D

That's all!