Apartment 1B: Gourmet Comfort Food

Apartment 1B

Gourmet Comfort Food

One Lafayette Square

132 L.P. Leviste Corner Sedeno St

Salcedo Village, Makati City 1227

(632) 843-4075

How to get there:

Map to Apartment 1B

From EDSA going south:

1. Turn RIGHT to Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue (Buendia);

2. Turn LEFT to Paseo De Roxas;

3. Turn RIGHT to Villar;

4. Turn LEFT to L.P. Leviste;

5. Turn LEFT to Sedeño (Apartment 1B should be on your right side before the next street corner).

First impression:

Apartment 1B's Second Floor Before Closing

The first floor of Apartment 1B looked like a well lit fine dining restaurant, classy and private.  When we got to our table on the second floor, we were amazed at the changed in atmosphere, it actually felt like we were fine dining in a Chinese restaurant!  The place looked real homey and comfortable.  The wait staff were very courteous and knowledgeable of the menu to boot.

Cuisine:

According to Click the City Apartment 1B serves French cuisine but it seemed more like a fusion of American, Italian, Spanish and French cuisines with a touch of Mexican mixed-in.  We think that's what makes it Gourmet Comfort Food.

What we had:

Apartment 1B's Corn Chowder

We started with a bowl of Corn Chowder (Php170) with herbed croutons.  The chowder tasted good and the serving, supposedly for one, was actually good for two.  It was also served in a lion crested bowl/cup which gives it a “not your usual” chowder look.

Apartment 1B's Chicken Quesadilla

We followed the chowder with a plate of Chicken Quesadilla (Php290) with tomato salsa.  The quesadilla was great by itself and the tomato salsa provides a good accent to the taste.

Apartment 1B's Grilled Baby Squid

 We also tried the new addition to Apartment 1B’s menu, Grilled Baby Squid, which was recommended by the wait staff.  The baby squids were grilled just right and were very tender and it tasted good too!  If you plan on dining here, this is a must try. 

Apartment 1B's Fresh Mint and Apple Shake

Since we like to experiment with our beverage, we asked the wait staff for a recommendation.  We wanted to sample their Apartment 1B’s special beverages, if any, and when we heard that the wait staff say Fresh Mint and Green Apple Shake (Php150) we were intrigued and we all ended up ordering it! We have to say we were anxious about what the taste of green apple and mint mixed together would taste like, and fortunately for us, it tasted great.

Apartment 1B's Crab Cakes

We were having a great time with the starters so we decided to order Crabcakes (Php250) before we order the main courses.  We were not disappointed with the crabcakes.  The pieces were made of fresh crabmeat and apart from the minimal breading/batter it had no noticeable extenders.

Apartment 1B's Grilled Prawns

Our first entrée was Grilled Prawns (Php730) topped with crab-fat and was served with mixed vegetables and lemon pasta.  We thoroughly enjoyed this dish! The lemon pasta was mildly spicy with a hint of lemon.  But what made this dish amazing are the grilled prawns and the crab-fat sauce.  Well the wait staff did say the prawns were large, but we didn’t think it’d be this big!  The three large prawns were perfectly grilled, keeping the prawn meat tender and juicy and the crab-fat sauce just takes this dish to another level.  Another must try.

Apartment 1B's Meatloaf

We decided to ask Apartment 1B’s wait staff for popular dishes even as we ran through the menu since we had no idea what to choose for our second entrée!   The wait staff recommended Meatloaf (Php340), at first we though the wait staff was joking.  Really, meatloaf in this restaurant?  But since the wait staff looked serious we decided to look t up in the menu and saw a Meatloaf priced at Php340.  When we asked the wait staff how many slices was on order, we courteously informed that it was one very big slice. 

We thought that 340 bucks for a slice of meatloaf is a little pricey.  We wandered off it at first but ended up ordering it nevertheless.  Our curiosity got the better of us, we thought.  When the meatloaf was served, we realized the wait staff was not kidding when he said it was a very big slice!  The meatloaf did not taste nor had the texture of meatloaf at all, it had the texture of really tender steak and tasted like one too!  The mushroom gravy and the mashed potato served with the dish complement the meatloaf well.  This time our curiosity paid off.

Apartment 1B's Grilled Blue Marlin

We also tried Apartment 1B’s Grilled Blue Marlin (Php500) topped with chorizo tomato relish and was served with pesto pasta.  Like the prawns, the marlin was perfectly grilled.  It retained its freshness and tenderness and was not dry.  The chorizo tomato relish was an excellent accent to the marlin.  The pesto pasta not bad, but compared to all the dishes we sampled, it tasted ordinary.

Apartment 1B's White Toblerone Cheesecake

For dessert we tried Apartment 1B’s White Toblerone Cheesecake (Php180) served with raspberry coulis. We think the raspberry coulis was good for the presentation, but it did not add to nor complement the flavor of the cheesecake.  Still, we enjoyed the cheesecake!

Apartment 1B's Apple Crisp

We also decided to try Apartment 1B’s Apple Crisp (Php190) served with vanilla ice cream and caramel syrup.  If you like apple pie and ice cream, you’ll love this dessert.  The apple crisp was served warm and the melting vanilla ice cream complemented its taste.

Estimated cost:

A budget of Php500-Php1000 should be adequate to try some of Apartment 1B’s dishes.


To check out more of the menu, you can get it here.

Note:  Prices Inclusive of 12% VAT.  You will be charged an additional 10% for Service Charge.

Conclusion:

7: We haven’t enjoyed a new restaurant as much as we have Apartment 1B in quite a while.  It seems that you will never go wrong with anything you order!  The wait staff are courteous and knowledgeable of the menu.  The place is cozy and comfortable.  Before leaving we were already checking out Apartment 1B’s menu for some other dishes we might be trying on our next visit!  Even though the food is a little pricey, we believe it is commensurate to the value of the dish and the experience.  A must try.


If you want to know more about French Cuisine, you may want to check this out at Amazon.com

Kai

Kai

Manila’s Home of Contemporary Japanese Cuisine

Unit I-112 Greenbelt 5

Ayala Center, Makati City

(632) 757-5209

How to get there:

Kai Map

From EDSA going south:

1. Turn right to Ayala Avenue;

2. Turn left to Makati Avenue;

3. Turn right to Dela Rosa Street (right after Ramon Cojuangco Bldg.);

4. Turn left to Greenbelt 5 Basement Parking or turn left to Legazpi Street for Greenbelt 5 drop-off point.

First impression:

Kai's Table Setting

The place has the feel of a fine dining establishment (a little classy) but had too many of its wait staff congregating near the bar.   It looked more contemporary with hints of Japanese culture fused into the design.

Cuisine:

Kai offers contemporary Japanese Cuisine with some American dishes and Steaks mixed into the menu.

What we had:

Kai's Maguro "Tuna" Sashimi

We were having a late dinner and while waiting for the rest of the crew, we ordered Maguro “Tuna” Sashimi - 5 slices (Php220).  The Tuna was fresh and served in an appetizing manner, in fact it was so appetizing someone ate a slice before we were able to take a picture!  But yes, they do serve 5 slices; someone was just faster than the one taking the picture!

Kai's Lychee Shake with Lime

The wait staff recommended Lychee Shake with Lime (Php80) surprisingly the shake went well with the dishes we had for the evening.  Primarily, sashimi and rolls.

Kai's Hamachi - Aji - Shake Sashimi

When the rest of the group arrived, we ordered Hamachi “Yellowtail” (Php360), Horse Mackarel “Aji” (Php180), and Salmon “Shake” (Php220) Sashimi – 5 Slices of each order.   The sashimi were really good, you can taste the freshness in every slice.  But the slices were a little thick for us.  The entire bunch would have been better served in 6 slices rather than the 5-slice order.  Then again we were only paying for 5 slices, so we really didn’t think of complaining much.

Kai's Dragon Roll

We tried Kai’s Dragon Roll (Php 240) since it sounded cool!  We were not disappointed.  The roll slices were just the right size and the combination of the ingredients mixed well with one another. And again, the group was faster than the one taking the picture!

Kai's Jumbo Prawn Tempura Roll

We saw a Jumbo Prawn Tempura Roll (Php390)  and we just had to order it as well!  We are sure glad we did.  The Tempura roll slices were a little big and almost missed the point of being bite-sized(!), but we have to say the roll tasted great.

Kai's Soft Shell Crab Roll "Spider Roll"

Our last roll for the night is a Soft Shell Crab Roll “Spider Roll” (Php330).  We loved the old presentation better than the current one, we have to say, however, that the current order offers more pieces.  Not to take anything away from the great taste, but the slices of the roll are a little too big for comfort.  We had to take two bites to finish one slice/piece.

Kai's Cha Soba

Kai's Ebi Tempura

And our only non-sashimi/roll order for the night was Kai’s Cha Soba (Php270) with Ebi Tempura - 2 pieces (Php140).  This was truly a delightful experience.   Cha Soba is cold “soba” noodles that you dip in a sauce.  The combination with the Ebi (Shrimp) Tempura added the flavor that the soba lacked.  Where else can you eat soba deliberately served cold right?

Kai's Peanut Butter Chocolate Bar

We started dessert with Kai's Peanut Butter Chocolate Bar (Php110) which was very disappointing.  This dessert was too sweet for us.  You could hardly taste the peanut butter and the chocolate has vanished due to the sweetness of the chocolate bar that made it almost tasteless.

Kai's Banana Nutella Harumaki

The Banana Nutella Harumaki (Php180) is Kai’s version of the banana split with the bananas cut into 4 small slices and rolled in a sesame filo and topped with small “tablespoon” scoops of vanilla, chocolate, caramel and strawberry ice cream.  It is slightly better than then the Chocolate bar, if you like the taste of sesame and ice cream, this one is for you.

Kai's Tofu Cheesecake

We were a little disappointed with the two desserts so we had to order our all-time favorite Tofu Cheesecake (Php180).  We know what you are thinking, how could you mix tofu and cheesecake to make it work?  Trust us, you have to taste it to believe it.  The texture is unlike any of the cheesecake you’ve tasted before.  Truly one of the best cheesecakes we’ve tasted so far.

One of us had to abstain from this one due to personal issues (ahem!) and had to suffer a disappointing dessert the rest of the night, but the rest of us had a blast.

Estimated cost:

A budget of Php400-Php1000 should be adequate to try some of Kai’s offerings.


For more of Kai's menu, you can check it out here.

Conclusion:

5.5: We have to say the desserts, apart form the Tofu Cheesecake, were disappointing.  The wait staff congregating at the bar was an eyesore and one of the wait staff was overly eager in cleaning up our table that she took the tempura sauce away just as one of us was about to dip in it!  But overall, the wait staff were courteous, though a little lost and distracted at times.  The overall experience was good.  The food is a little pricey, but they have some great dishes.  The roll slices should be reduced and the desserts improved, but the Tofu Cheesecake is a must try.

Murray's New Orleans

Murray’s New Orleans

Bourbon Street Steaks and Oysters

Building 6, Space 1F14

Bonifacio High Streets

Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

Taguig City

(632) 856-4326

(632) 856-4785

Map for Murray's New Orleans

How to get there:

From C5 going south:  Turn right to 32nd St., then make a left turn to 11th Ave., turn right after 30th St.

From EDSA going north: Turn right to Kalayaan Ave. (keep right), enter Global City through 32nd St., turn right to 11th Ave., and turn right after 30th St.

Murray's New Orleans

First impression:

The place looked relaxed but a little dark.  It caters more to people looking for a place to hangout and grab a couple of beers.

Murray's New Orleans Table

Cuisine:

This restaurant offers American Cuisine and as the name implies, specializes on  Steaks and Oysters.

What we had:

Murray's New Orleans Breadbasket

Like any casual diner, of course we tried the free bread and butter that were offered after our orders were taken.  The whole loaf bread was served warm on a wooden board with butter and a bread knife.  The presentation was good, but the bread tasted a little bland even with the salted butter spread on it.

Murray's New Orleans Oyster Formaggio

For appetizers, we had Oyster Formaggio (Php345).  The Oysters here are really fresh.  The Cheese blends well with the taste of fresh Oysters.  This is a must try.

Murray's New Orleans Famous (Baby) Back Ribs

For the main course, we tried their New Orlean’s Famous (Baby) Back Ribs –Half Slab (Php398) which was served with coleslaw and dirty rice.  The ribs were good and even the half slab proved to be more than an adequate potion.  The coleslaw was served fresh and the dirty rice added an interesting taste to this ensemble. 

Murray's New Orleans Shrimp Ettouffe Pasta

We also had their Shrimp Ettouffe Pasta (Php385) which was recommended by the wait staff.  We must say that we were pleased with this dish.  The pasta was served just right.  It was not dry but not too creamy either.  If you love pasta, we recommend you try this dish.

Estimated cost:

If you wish to dine in Murray’s New Orleans a budget of Php500-Php1,000 is recommended per person.

Conclusion:

6: Despite the disappointing breadbasket to start the meal, we have to say the Oysters in this place is a must try.  The Ribs are good as well.  If asked about Oyster’s this place would be one of the first that come to mind.  Even if Murray’s is a steak house, the pasta was surprisingly good as well.  The service was fast and the wait staff were courteous. 

If you want see more or learn more about Bourbon Street New Orleans, you might want to check these from Amazon.com:

Cajun Red Rock by Chef Tony

Cajun Red Rock
The Atrium, Level 3
SM Megamall
Mandaluyong City

Cajun Red Rock - The Atrium Level 3 - SM Megamall

How to get there:

Its the widest building along EDSA between Shaw Boulevard and Ortigas Avenue. You won't miss it.

Photo Reference

First Impression:

The place looks cozy,  like a TGI Friday's with the lights on!  They have tables with sofas but these are almost always the first ones taken.  The design of the logo and the restaurant itself reminds you of Chef Tony's Popcorn!  Of course we found out while taking a look at the menu that it was indeed Chef Tony's Restaurant.

Cuisine:

More American than Cajun.  Country and BBQ to be more precise.

What we had:

After our orders were taken, we were surprised with a plate of regular popcorn as appetizer.  It is a Chef Tony's restaurant after all.

Cajun Red Rock - Tony's Special Iced Tea

The picture of the Tony's Special Iced Tea (Php110) on the table menu was interesting because of the two colored liquid "mixture" so we just had to try it.  It was a pleasure to find out it was not all about presentation, the iced tea was actually good, especially if you like a hint of vanilla in your tea.

Tony's Favorite Chops with Saffron Rice and Crispy Mojos

We tried Tony's Favorite Chops (Php275) with Crispy Mojos and Saffron Rice as side dishes.  The chops were tender and cooked just right.  The BBQ sauce tasted sweet and just right.  The Crispy Mojos were actually made of sweet potatoes, and is quite different from your regular mojos.  It is a little think for some of us but the it presented a new way of enjoying sweet potatoes.  The Saffron Rice, was simply delicious, it goes well with the chops.

Bourbon Chops with Baked Mashed Potato and Country Potato

We also sampled their Bourbon Chops (Php320) with Baked Mashed Potato and Country Potato as side dishes.  The sauce just gives a hint of Bourbon, not too much and goes well with the chops.  The Baked Mashed Potato were good, it is made from real potato from what we figure as it still has some of the skin left.  Not your usual powdered mashed potato from fast food joints.  The country potato were cooked just right and goes well with its cream sauce.

Estimated cost:

A budget of Php400 - Php500 should be enough to get a sample of some of the restaurant's specialty.  Of course, if you order a full slab of Baby Back Ribs that would be a different matter altogether.

Note: Menu prices are exclusive of VAT add 12%.  No Service Charge.

Conclusion:

5: Most of the food looked and tasted good, but the service when we were there was very slow.  We were informed later that 2 of the wait staff were absent and so the 3 wait staff we saw running around were doing all the work.  With a full wait staff this could be 6, could be, but for now we leave it as a 5.  It is still worth trying out.

If you like our reviews or have some recommendation, please feel free to drop us a note on the comments section.

If you want to cook some Cajun Recipe's you might want to look into this recipe book from Amazon.com