dekaphobe.com | Food, Travel, and Lifestyle Blog

One of my daily challenges as a commuter is waiting for a cab. More so, even if I get a cab, chances are they'll either reject you (if your destination is out of their way, which I find ridiculous) or they'll ask for an extra charge (because the roads to your destination is congested, as if that's new here in Metro Manila).  That's why when I discovered GrabTaxi , I was more than ecstatic to try it.  Photo from findjobsinsingapore.com GrabTaxi is a new app for both Android and Apple users that helps you get a taxi without having to negotiate your route, or your extra charge. You just need to pay an extra Php 70 on top of the fare for the service. ;) I have used GrabTaxi at different times (in various locations). To use GrabTaxi, you need 1) a GrabTaxi account and 2) internet connection for your phone Here's how to use it: 1. Enter your current location and your destination. Having a Foursquare account or your GPS activated will

I had a lovely dinner with my college friends at one of the newly-opened Filipino restaurants at The Fort: Sarsa Kitchen + Bar by celebrity chef JP Anglo.  I was told beforehand that I should call for reservations because this place can get really jam-packed during lunch and dinner.  True enough, there was a queue outside the restaurant. However, the server was kind enough to get our orders as we wait for our table. We only waited around 15 to 20 minutes for our table.  For the appetizer, we munched on the free cornick and the Crispy Dilis (Php 120), with chili pineapple glaze.  Crispy Dilis The spiciness was bearable and the flavors made better by the pineapple. Loved it!

Note: This location is already closed.  Banapple is one of those places that I haven't visited for years. I remember being brought here by my boss a few years ago, that we would drive all the way to Katipunan for lunch. Here we are again driving to Banapple for lunch with my workmates, but this time in Greenhills.  Like the other Banapple branches, the Greenhills is branch is also kept small and homey. Some of their cheesecakes are displayed on the counter. We were seated in the alfresco area since the indoor dining area was already full.  For starters, we shared the Super Caesar Salad (Php 140) Super Caesar Salad The serving was very generous and more than enough for its price. :)

Note: This restaurant is already closed.  A few days ago, my fellow foodies and I went on a trip up north to try this lovely buffet restaurant in Quezon City named The Buffet .  The Buffet has opened last year and has been creating a buzz among buffet fanatics, especially to those located in the north.  We were pleasantly surprised at how luxurious-looking the interiors of The Buffet is, from the entrance to the dining area.  The Buffet has a wide array for selections, from appetizers to main dishes to desserts, which will definitely make your mouth water.  For starters, the selections include a variety of bread and cheeses, baked oysters, banchan (or Korean side dishes), salad bar, pizza and even a nacho and taco station. :)

My good friend, fellow foodie, and travel buddy Karissa found a good opportunity abroad. But before she left, we had time to have dinner at Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen .  I have visited Ikkoryu late last year and I was excited to revisit to try their other ramen dishes.  For Kobachi (or appetizers), we ordered Gyoza (Php 150 for 6 pcs) and my favorite, the Chicken Karaage (Php 180). Gyoza Chicken Karaage Here's an advice: never miss out ordering the Chicken Karaage. Then ask for more Japanese mayo. Happiness achieved. :)

Note: This shop is already closed.  I survived the summer by indulging myself with the different flavors of Bono Artisanal Gelato .  Since it opened in the Mega Fashion Hall, I couldn't stop myself from dropping by and get myself a scoop or two.  What makes Bono unique from other gelaterias is their use of all-natural ingredients and their use of air-tight gelato containers to maintain the flavor of the gelato.  After dinner with my good friends, we dropped by Bono for desserts. 

Celebrate back-to-school season at Manang’s Chicken . Save, print and enjoy!!! For the third consecutive year, you can enjoy great savings and freebies on your favorite Manang’s Chicken meals with the Pabaon ni Manang coupons. Present it upon ordering and get free items such as Vanilla Sundae Cone, 1.5L Pepsi or Cheezy Spaghetti. Coupons also entitle you to a free drink upsize, waiver of P40 delivery fee or 5% discount for orders amounting to P500 above. Get these Pabaon ni Manang coupons at the branch nearest you or print them out from this website or through Manang's Chicken website and Facebook page. Coupons can be used for dine-in, takeout and delivery orders from June 1 to July 31, 2014. Only one coupon can be used per transaction. Manang’s Chicken branches are located at Jupiter St. Makati, Glorietta Food Choices, Ortigas Center, Katipunan Avenue, Tomas Morato, Puregold Cainta-Junction, SM North EDSA, SM CITY Dasmarinas,  Taft Avenue, The District Cavite,

Capitol Commons is becoming one of the popular hang-out spots in the metro, which is the location of newly opened concept restaurants such as Black Olive Cerveceria .  Located beside Tipsy Pig (which I visited months ago), Black Olive Cerveceria specializes in Spanish and Mediterranean dishes alongside imported beers on tap, sangria, and cocktails.  As we wait for our food, we enjoyed a glass of Montrouge Mango Sangria (Php 700 per carafe). A smooth drink with a mild kick, a nice partner to their dishes.  Mango Sangria

After our visit to The Spa , Mr. B and I went to Green Pastures for a late lunch/early dinner. I last visited Green Pastures a few months ago , and I was so excited to try their salads. Yes, I really love Green Pastures for their salads.  I ordered my favorite drink, the Organic Melon Green Tea (Php 100 per glass, Php 155 for refillable) while Mr. B chose to have Calamansi Juice (Php 100 per glass, Php 145 for refillable).  Organic Melon Green Tea For starters, we got Pinoy Eggs (Php 125), because I love the fern salad that comes with the egg. :P Pinoy Eggs I love how the egg yolk makes the fern salad taste better, that's why I always have it whenever I eat at this resto. 

It's Mr. B's birthday!  Spa junkies that we both are, we decided to splurge a little and spend a day at The Spa . :) Founded in 1996, The Spa is a very popular wellness center with multiple locations around Manila. For our spa sessions, we went to the Shangri-la East Wing branch.  Each location has different rooms / accommodations. The Shangri-la branch has suites/villas, with prices slightly higher than the deluxe or executive rooms (available in other locations).  Our villa is a private room with its own steam/shower room, jacuzzi tub, complete with toiletries (which includes hair gel, lotion, and even a hairdryer). Of course, we were served their signature ginger tea, a drink that Mr. B really enjoyed. :)

There comes a time that we need to face something head-on without knowing what to expect.  Like the newest flavors from Nestle Drumstick , each new flavor has wonderful combinations filled with a surprising twist in each bite. I must dare say that these fantastic flavors are not for the boring.  The Drumstick Duo flavors Coffee & Caramel and Chocolate & Vanilla , are both filled with two ice cream flavors in one crispy wafer cone. The Coffee & Caramel is topped with chocolate pieces while the Chocolate & Vanilla is topped with Crushed Cookies.  Coffee & Caramel Chocolate & Vanilla

Note: Both restaurants are already closed.  Chicken is the only meat that I can eat every day. Of course, I do love pork, beef, and fish, but I can't live without eating chicken.  My chicken cravings led me to two places I have visited and loved before: Red Buffalo and Boon Tong Kee.   Yearning for a taste of Hainanese Style Chicken made me urge my friends to have lunch at Boon Tong Kee, SM Mall of Asia. Unlike the crowded Tomas Morato branch where I went to a few months back , the place was practically empty, maybe because it was a weekday.  We indulged with their Signature Boiled Chicken (Php 455 for half) with their Chicken Rice. We also had Fried Sole Fillet in Black Pepper Sauce (Php 295), though my friend requested that the sauce be served separately.  Signature Boiled Chicken Fried Sole Fillet with Black Pepper Sauce The food was so delicious, and the service was outstanding that we didn't mind the poor ventilation during the visit

Maifest is a traditional German celebration of the arrival of spring after a cold winter.  For Germans, it is time to sit by the Maypole with a cold glass of Munchner beer while grilling big portions of meat and sausages and preparing dishes made from the traditional stalk of the season, asparagus.  For a limited time, Brotzeit serves an Epicurean feast of Asparagus dishes, best paired with a Paulaner Original Munchner Marzen, which is also available for a limited period only.  For starters, we were served Spargel mit Shinken or White Asparagus Ham Roll (Php 480) and Spargelsuppe or Cream of Fresh Asparagus (Php 180 for a bowl, Php 110 for cup). Spargel mit Shinken  or White Asparagus Ham Roll Spargelsuppe  or Cream of Fresh Asparagus Spargel mit Shinken is served with a salad with eggs, potatoes, and pickles, a very light and healthy dish to start the meal. I love that the Spargelsuppe wasn't too thick, and the creaminess and flavor are well