Much Ado in Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa City may be famous for its Underground River and Honda Bay (which I shall be writing about in a separate post), but to get to know more about the “The City in the Forest,” a city tour is imperative.

As part of our Puerto Princesa getaway last November, my friends and I had a four-hour tour of the city at PhP 600 per person. This is inclusive of air-conditioned van transfers, entrance fees, light snack and a tourist guide.

Here’s our itinerary:

Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral

The blue and white Cathedral is located along Rizal Avenue, the main thoroughfare of Puerto Princesa. Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral was built in the late 1800s by the Spaniards as evidenced by its architecture reminiscent of those times.  The Cathedral is also just near another tourist attraction, the Plaza Cuartel (which we weren't able to visit).

There was a wedding on that day, hence, the dress-up of the aisle in the photo below:

LRC 908 Market Mall

We then had a quick stop at the city’s pasalubong center, the LRC 908 Market Mall. It is located at Puerto Princesa North Road, near the airport.

LRC 908 Market Mall has both an air-conditioned and an open (tiange-type) area. You can find plenty of cashew nuts here—sweetened, salted, roasted, flavored (they even have a cashew spread which I really liked!).  You can also buy here all kinds, colors, sizes and designs of pearls at a very affordable price!

There are also various shirts, bags, key chains, handicrafts, dried fish and delicacies to choose from.

Mercado de San Miguel

This was not a part of our half-day city tour. But we went to Mercado de San Miguel for more pasalubong shopping on our own (ahead of the tour, actually). It is also located at Puerto Princesa North Road, near LRC Mall. It has all the items you can find in LRC, albeit Mercado de San Miguel has fewer items sold because tiange shops here are fewer and smaller. The plus factor however, is Mercado houses some really interesting restaurants like Gypsy’s Lair, Skybox and Isla Casoy.

Binuatan Creations

The group tour proceeded to Binuatan Creations in Employees Village, Sta. Monica (about 20 minutes away from the city proper). Here, you can have a hands-on experience in weaving indigenous plant fibers (such as buri, buntal or cogon) using a traditional loom.

For a first-timer like me, it was such a meticulous process and it might take months before I can finish any handloom woven item! Fortunately, the weaving center also has a souvenir shop where you can buy their finished export-quality creations (place mats, bags, hats, purses, etc) at a very reasonable price.

Butterfly Eco-Garden

The Butterfly Eco-Garden is also located in Sta. Monica. When we went there, we didn’t see as much butterflies but I guess most of the tourists were more interested on the other animals “present” in the garden such as scorpions, walking sticks, bearcat, Palawan Peacock and crocodile.

Tribal Village

The Tribal Village is part of the Butterfly Eco-Garden. There’s a short presentation from the indigenous tribe, Palaw-ans—like making fire, playing native musical instruments (e.g. kudyapi), using local weapon (e.g. supok) in hunting. You may also interact with them-- they really are a nice group!

They also have a huge python which you can place on your neck for a photo-op (This one, I wasn’t able to take a pic).

Mitra’s Ranch

Also in Sta. Monica is Rancho Santa Monica, popularly known as Mitra’s Ranch named after its owner, the late Philippine Senator Ramon Mitra.

We literally just passed by here (we didn’t get off the van) because there was a typhoon that day. The place is good for picnics or just strolling around. It also has a good view of the city and Honda Bay. Our guide, May, said that Mitra’s Ranch also has a zipline for those who want an added adventure.

Baker’s Hill

Near Mitra’s Ranch, along Mitra Road, Sta. Monica is Baker’s Hill, our last stop for the tour.  Here, one can buy the best hopia in Puerto Princesa. If you’re thinking of buying food as pasalubong, then a trip here is definitely worth it. They have delicious and reasonably priced breads and pastries. What I liked best was their ube crinkles!

Aside from the bakeshop, you can buy from their pizza and dessert shop. They also have a well-manicured garden, a playground, a mini zoo (they have Palawan Peacocks) and some interesting statues of movie characters.

Baywalk

Again, this is not part of the package tour. Since we still had ample time, we went to Baywalk in Sandoval Street, beside the Port of Puerto Princesa. This is Puerto Princesa’s version of Roxas Boulevard’s Baywalk—with makeshift restaurants lining up along Puerto Princesa Bay. We wanted to try the bikes for rent but it was raining so we just decided to take a stroll. It was nearing Christmas when we went here, thus the giant Christmas tree at the photo below:

The half-day city tour package (and our 4 days, 3 nights stay) was not enough! There are plenty of places to visit and activities to try--such as Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (popularly known as the Crocodile Farm), Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, Ugong Rock, Dolphin Watching and Firefly Watching—which warrants a second visit to this city.

Green ATS Restaurant in Tagaytay

After a challenging 3-day event at Taal Vista Hotel, our team had a sort of dinner celebration at Green ATS Restaurant. Of course, we wouldn’t want to leave Tagaytay without sampling the city’s famous dish—bulalo (beef shank and marrow bones simmered into a broth).

Green ATS Restaurant is located along the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, after Bag of Beans when you’re coming from the Rotonda going towards Residence Inn. Green ATS is famous for its bulalo, tawilis (a kind of freshwater sardine found only in the Philippines) and its breathtaking view of the Taal Lake.

It was already 7:00 pm when we arrived so we were not able to see the view. But the restaurant, sitting along the ridge, has a nice traditional Filipino vibe—with fine wooden chairs/tables and some nipa huts.

Now, for the food--they basically serve traditional Filipino dishes. We had the following:

Special Bulalo (PhP 435, extra size which is good for 3-4 pax) —Perfect for the cold weather. Soup is savory. But it was mainly cabbage. Bone marrow is too big with almost no meat. The small piece of meat that I was able to get was tender though.

Fried Tawilis (PhP 125 for 10 pieces) – Just the right crispiness from the head to the bones. Dip it in spicy vinegar and eat it with steaming white rice and hot bulalo soup... perfect!

Kare-Kare (PhP 510, good for 5-6 pax) – I have tasted much better versions of this in other restaurants. This one has nothing much on it—just stew, cabbage, eggplant and oxtail

Pinaputok na Tilapia (PhP 285, good for 3 pax) – This one’s good.  Tilapia is stuffed with a generous amount of tomatoes, onions, and ginger. 

Grilled Liempo (Php 180, good for 2 pax) – It was so burnt and hard to chew

Chopsuey (PhP 155, good for 2 pax) - Good way to balance our meal with this nice mix of vegetables and some meat/seafood.

Pancit Bihon (Php 185, good for 3-4 pax) no meat P185 – The noodles was cooked just right and is flavourful.

For large groups, you can order their Steamed Rice Platter at PhP 185 which is already good for 5 – 7 persons.

Nothing fancy about their food but price is affordable. Downside is, it took about 45 minutes to prepare our orders. Also, if you are going to use the restroom, be prepared to use a tabo to get water from the faucet outside the cubicle.

The Swiss Deli Restaurant in BF Paranaque

Some of us maybe familiar with Swiss Deli, having been a favorite restaurant and deli place in Davao City for some years now. Plus, Swiss Deli meat products such as sausages can be bought in select supermarkets nationwide.

Fortunately for us Metro Manila, Chef Jeffry Lua and wife Chef Rachel (daughter of the Swiss butcher who partly owns The Swiss Deli and Restaurant in Davao) opened The Swiss Deli Restaurant in BF Homes, Paranaque City last October 8, 2013.

The Swiss Deli Restaurant mainly serves Swiss cuisine and a host of European dishes that several bloggers, myself included, were able to sample last November 20, upon the invitation of the jovial Mr. Lua.

When the Cheese Fondue was brought to our table, I can smell the aroma as bubbly melted cheese was served in a pot over a small burner. I felt like a kid again as I excitedly dipped the long-stemmed fork with bread onto the warm concoction of Swiss appenzeler, emmenthal, gruyere cheese and wine (you have an option to order this without the wine). This is a perfect treat for a cheese lover like me!

Cheese Fondue, PhP 650 (serves 2-4)

We were given two kinds of salads—Swiss Sausage and Cheese Salad and Mediterranean Pasta Salad. The first salad, Swiss Sausage and Cheese Salad is made of seasonal greens, and numerous slices of Swiss sausage and gruyere cheese. The flavors of both sausage and cheese complement each other.

Swiss Sausage Cheese Salad, PhP 290

On the other hand, Mediterranean Pasta Salad is composed of seasonal greens, tube pasta and loads of tuna chunks served with Italian dressing. This is really filling and the tuna is appetizing.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad, PhP 175

We also had Aglio E Olio with Mixed Seafood.  Swiss Deli Restaurant used tube pasta and topped it with seafood for their take on this classic pasta cooked in olive oil and garlic.

Aglio E Olio with Mixed Seafood, PhP 270

Of course, never leave Swiss Deli Restaurant without ordering their Sausage Platter, consisting of veal bratwurst, Hungarian sausage, frankfurter and English beef banger. Among the four, my favorite is the frankfurter (really tasty!) while I find the Hungarian sausage too spicy. You can also dip these sausage slices on the cheese fondue for an added food adventure!

Sausage Platter, PhP 400

Among those that Mr. Lua recommends for the main dishes is the Marinated Beef Ribs. The succulent beef ribs is cooked in flavorful sauce and served with mashed potato.

Marinated Beef Ribs, PhP 315

Next is the Salmon. The white wine sauce complements the perfectly grilled salmon. It is served with spatzle. Spatzle is soft egg noodles or dumplings traditionally used as side dish.

Salmon, PhP 355

Another must-try is Chicken “Zurich Style”. This is bite-size slices of chicken breast cooked in creamy mushroom sauce and served with English fries.

Chicken “Zurich Style”, PhP 220

This is my favorite main dish—Pork Knuckle. It is Swiss Deli Restaurant’s version of the crispy pata. The skin is crispy whilst the meat is tender. It is served with potatoes and sauerkraut. Sauerkraut is shredded cabbage that is fermented. It is crunchy and sour—a fitting condiment for the pork knuckle.

Pork knuckle, PhP 395

For dessert, we had Apple Strudel (served a la mode), Caramel Cake (topped with whipped cream and pistachios/almonds) and Creme Brulee Cheesecake (crème brulee and cheesecake in one!). But what I liked best was the Fire and Ice Bread Pudding. The play of warm pudding and icy vanilla ice cream in my mouth is irresistible. These desserts are not too sweet, which is just right for me.

TOP: Apple Strudel, PhP 120 & Caramel Cake, PhP 120

BOTTOM: Creme Brulee Cheesecake & Fire and Ice Bread Pudding, PhP 130

For the drinks, the other bloggers chose Four Seasons, House Blend Iced Tea (home-made iced tea with lychee), and Pomegranate Mojito. I opted for the refreshing Cucumber Lemonade. I was also able to take a sip of the Basil Lemonade—interesting and light combination. As a nightcap, we also had Cafe, though this one’s made from barako coffee.

FROM LEFT: Four Seasons, PhP 145; 

House Blend Iced Tea, PhP 145 & Pomegranate Mojito, PhP 120

Cucumber Lemonade PhP 120 & Basil Lemonade, PhP 120

BOTTOM: Cafe, PhP 65

Of course, Swiss Deli Restaurant also sells their very own made sausages, cold cuts and other deli meats (their factory is in Davao) plus, imported European cheeses and other delicatessen. 

We tried their Pesto Gouda Cheese--creamy cheese jazzed up with the distinctive pesto taste. 

cut slices of Pesto Gouda Cheese

Thank you Mr. Lua for letting us discover another culinary gem along this restaurant strip of Aguirre Avenue. For store hours, contact numbers and other information, check out the following:

Web: http://www.swissdelirestaurant.com/FB: https://www.facebook.com/swissdelirestaurantbfTwitter: https://twitter.com/swissdeli_bfIG: http://instagram.com/swissdelibf

Ramen Bar at The Hub

The recent ramen craze has spawned a number of ramen restaurants in Manila. But it was only last November 3 that I was able to get a taste of this Japanese noodle soup (better late than never!) at Ramen Bar’s latest branch in Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City.

My companion and I ordered R.B.S. # 1, which I suppose means Ramen Bar Specialty. The menu said that is tonkotsu, shoyu, chasyu, kakuni, negi and naruto. From my research, I found out that tonkotsu is pork bone soup, shoyu is soy sauce, chasyu is thin pork slices, kakuni is braised pork belly, negi is spring onion and naruto is fish cake. The serving size is quite big so we requested the waiter to split it. It also has ajitsuke tamago (soft-boiled eggs marinated in soy sauce) and plenty of nori (seaweed). The broth has a rich, meaty taste and liberal amount of pork. The pork has a melt-in-your-mouth quality.

R.B.S. # 1, PhP 380
(this is already half the serving size)

Since I love everything with cheese, we ordered Cheese Gyoza as our appetizer. I just love the combination of ground meat, vegetables and various seasoning. It is crispy on the outside but juicy on the inside. It is served with a mayo dip.

Cheese Gyoza, PhP 180
(already ate 1-piece before photo was taken!)

We also had Ebi Tempura. I did not taste this since I’m not a fan of ebi. But I noticed that their prawns are quite big and has a light and crispy batter. It comes with a tempura sauce.

Ebi Tempura, PhP 380

For dessert, we really don't have much of a choice as only Tempura Ice Cream is available. It is vanilla ice cream thinly wrapped in fried tempura batter, topped with chocolate covered cereal and chocolate wafer stick then drizzled with chocolate syrup. I liked the presentation and it is not that sweet.

Tempura Ice Cream, PhP 150

I was a bit surprised that their ramen and ebi tempura are relatively expensive since the restaurant doesn’t look pricey-- interiors are fairly plain and low-key. Also, Ramen Bar’s air-conditioning system has a problem that day because the place is quite hot--they added electric fans at the dining area to lessen our discomfort. But anyway, Ramen Bar’s staffs are friendly and accommodating. They explain the menu well and allowed us to plug our laptops (plus points!).

Ramen Bar’s menu may only have a few selections, but I guess I'll just go to Ramen Bar to satisfy my ramen craving, which they have successfully done.

For more information, like Ramen Bar The Hub’s official FB page: https://www.facebook.com/RamenBarTheHubGreenfieldDistrict

Chairman Wang’s Prime Beef Noodle House

Chairman Wang’s Prime Beef Noodle House might look intimidating--with its high ceiling, stone walls, Chinese art mural, intricate wood decor and dark wooden furniture--but it captured the look of ancient China with a contemporary feel.

Opened in Molito, Alabang February of this year, Chairman Wang’s offers predominantly Schezuan-style cuisine. I’m a Chinese food fan but I’m used to Cantonese-style so Chairman Wang’s is like a “breath of fresh air” for me. It is actually my second time here (at three weeks interval), and this time, for my friend’s birthday celebration.

Here's what we had:

Beancurd Roll- Steamed beancurd rolls filled with ground pork and mushroom and topped with sauce. I think Chairman Wang's version has shrimp. This dimsum classic is also one of my favorite items on their menu.

Beancurd Roll, PhP 150

Fragrant Chicken with Spicy Eggplant – Salty (soy sauce), sour (vinegar) and spicy (chilli, pepper) come together in this dish. 

Fragrant Chicken with Spicy Eggplant PhP 280

Chairman’s Braised Beef with Garlic Coriander – I also had this last time and it has became a favorite because I like the tenderness of the beef. It has a bold garlic flavor.

Chairman’s Braised Beef with Garlic Coriander, PhP 350

Five Spice Salt and Pepper Pork Ribs- Boldly-flavored pork ribs marinated in salt, pepper and five spice, a popular Chinese seasoning.It also comes with a dip.

Five Spice Salt and Pepper Pork Ribs, PhP 320

Chinese Sausage Fried Rice - I’m fond of anything with Chinese sausage (chorizo) and this one has plenty of it!

Chinese Sausage Fried Rice, PhP 280

Iced Lemon Tea – A refreshing blend of black tea, lemon slices, honey and mint leaves.

Iced Lemon Tea, PhP 180 per carafe

Chairman Wang's staffs were so nice that when they heard that my friend is celebrating her birthday, they gave Chilled Coconut Milk Soup with Sago and Fruits. It is coconut milk mixed with tapioca and various fruits like mango, etc.

Chilled Coconut Milk Soup with Sago and Fruits, PhP 95 per bowl

And I just have to add this—Braised Beancurd Skin with Soy Tofu. I had this appetizer the first time I dined at Chairman Wang’s. It is quite interesting to eat—wrinkled sticks that is crispy, a little bit spicy and has a meaty taste.

Braised Beancurd Skin with Soy Tofu, PhP 150

Prices are reasonable but I find Chairman Wang's serving size “small.” An order of a dish could only serve one to two persons. Chairman Wang's lay-out is “narrow” and tables are “too close” to each other. Good thing they have a second floor for small private functions.

I’ll definitely come back here as Chairman Wang's has interesting dishes that tastes good, plus I haven’t tried their signature dish yet--the Chairman’s Prime Beef Noodle Soup.

For more information, like their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/chairmanwangs