THE ZARK'S FLAIR TO BURGER

Some other would say you only live once (YOLO). So if the world would offer a whole lot epitome of yumminess, why dare get a veggie plan? Why not burp to death with the tallest burger in town? Thus created is the Zark's Burgers principle: the greasier, the better.

Today I file for my personal time-off (PTO).I just want to simply free and unload myself with the mind-boggling metrics I have at my beloved job. And I choose to eat. Burgers, I want burgers.

A thing to confess: there's this weird feeling that I'm craving for something I do not know and I cannot guess. It's been an on-going feeling for two weeks now. And whenever I feel like this, I resort to burgers-- but no thanks to Jollibee this time. And starts my journey to Mckinley Hill (Venice Piazza) to look for Zark's.

Zoom! Ladies and gentlemen, I am now at Zark's Burgers Mckinley Hill Branch. Please see picture below.

The buzzing crowd welcomes me. This must really be a busy place I realized. People of various kinds I could see and hear-- the elites of Enderun, the workaholics-turned-burger/eating-lovers, the friends forever group and the united family group.

Zark's defines the meaning of burger and "gluttony" combined. I love how the concept of creating and eating a tower of burger is consumed by the general public. And the price is actually not a joke for the budget conscious. That was my idea not until I see for myself the Chokeslam Burger (@Php330) I ordered. I couldn't believe it's all in-- quadruple burger patties, egg, spam, bacon, tomato and lettuce swamped with creamy cheese in between. On the side is a bunch of hand-cut fries (as in real and not reel potato fries) and buns so soft that serve just like garnishing you wouldn't feel it's the star of the over-all presentation. This comes along a bottomless iced tea. Rule No.1: Wait for the burger. Do not drink iced tea as it may cause you to have left over. Reserve that "space" in your tummy. Be wise on using it.

You'll find yourself choosing between the Major and the Minor Leagues of burgers. Minor League is the roster of the typical burgers you would see and eat (the ones with dressings and some simple toppings). Major League gives a wide array of the choices you wouldn't imagine they actually exist. The most intriguing one (which I opt not to order because I know eating it all up would be a failure on my end) is the Tombstone Burger (@ Php550). 

Cross-Examination

They do not have the best patty. I'll give them 3 for an average. It easily breaks and is a bit "dry" without the juice I'm expecting out of their yell "the greasier the better". But it tastes good don't get me wrong. 

Over-all, satisfaction would be out of the serving size and the fries on the side. Swear I can't believe there are still stores who believe in the amazing natural potatoes served to customers.

The "bottomless" drink should really be "bottomless" without you calling the servers (or probably I'm just making it a big deal).

I hate staged perkiness. They should learn the art of personalized customer connection. Staff should be as natural as their fries. But over-all, I know everyone's doing their job and that's what's important. Two words to improve: extra mile.

Experience Summary:

Serving size versus the amount paid is undeniably sulit. Customer servicing is good. Cleanliness of tables ensured as I observed. Waiting time is adorably shorter than expected.

I

A TRY OF ONE OF MANILA'S CLASSICS: A REVIEW OF CLASSIC SAVORY (SM ROSALES BRANCH)

Flourished in its humble beginning as a panciteria in Escolta, Manila in the 50's, Classic Savory is still in its promise of serving hearty meals packaged in both taste and quality.

As it reaches almost every major point of the country (this review goes for their SM Rosales Branch), it maintains a high level of service and a menu that will surely satisfy your taste buds.

History is mounted on the branch walls and ceiling. Pictures symbolize the success of the restaurant and its tenure in the Philippine food industry.

Its staff are very accommodating and hospitable they add up to the flavorful stay in the resto.

The Food

Here comes spinach--and it's as a soup. This has a surprising kick and is a healthy way to start eating. It's flavorful blend with herbs and spices would be an appetizer that would definitely invite you to go for more. 

Chicken will always be of my frequent choices. And this time, it's not the usual one I can find with the famous brand of fast food chains. Marinated as it is, the flavor is so Chinese you would love it (you know how good Chinese food are). Chicken skin gives out a juicy and tender texture that goes down to every strand of its meat. Yummy indeed!

Here's another new to my eye-- the lechon Macau. This roast pig doesn't belong to the usual category of dry and oily as it goes with a semi-sweet, semi-salty sauce that compliments to its being juicy.

Their version of bistek, the Imperial Beef Tenderloin with robust oriental sauce and onion rings will also hype your satiety. 

Yang Chow is much like the usual but serving is pretty more. Its smoky flavor makes it tastier that it it gives more justice to the delectable viands.

Chopseuy is served hot. Veggies are well-handled and prepared in a way that it's still crispy and crunchy. With extra cuts of meats, this old-time Filipino favorite is a must try in Classic Savory!

Dessert also deserves a big thumbs up. Coffee jelly is generously soaked in creamy milk and the coffee flavor and aroma would relax you all the way up!

The Experience

The over-all experience deserves a 3.5 star rating (5 being the highest). Food, Staff, and the store ambiance make me summarize it to one word--SULIT!

A BREKKY WITH ONE OF THE ARISTOCRAT's

Who would resist the tempting invitation of the grandson of one of the famous restaurateurs Engracia "Aling Asiang" Reyes, known as the owner of the iconic Aristocrat Restaurant? Well, passport to this breakfast feast is also no other than Alexie who is admittedly in love with one of my team members, Charlene.

Pause. In as much as I would want to focus on their fairy tale-like love story, I opt to turn my inking to the food fit for royalty (like me? harhar).

We did a visit to their Jupiter St Branch in Makati. The touch of green brought nothing but utmost relaxation. That was really soothing for my eyes which was strained by the eight-hour shift. It is  fact that a portion of its market are the key players and people of the corporate district of Makati. I easily spotted people I usually see in the Starbucks--those group with someone talking while a presentation on a laptop is being shown to like two to three other people. I don't know if it was just caused by the morning breeze of fresh and cold air but I totally find the place comfortable and stress debugging.

The building is 2-storey and the upper level is usually reserved as function hall for events and parties as they also offer catering services to those.

The Royal Choices

To treat the customers like her children--that's clearly readable from a poster hanging on the wall bearing the picture of the owner. The service was personalized and more than being friendly, staff are polite enough to wait for your order.

The royalty-feel will be yours at the most affordable prices. Meals, ranging from breakfast to dinner (well, yeah they are operating 24/7) are pegged at prices you would truly love.  My personal choice that time would go for a boneless chicken meal (Php190). Hearty breakfast you can have from these wide array of options: Tocino Plate (Php255), Longganisa Plate (Php255), Daing na Bangus Plate (Php255), Beef Tapa (Php270)and Longganisa & Chicken Pork Adobo Plate (Php270).  

All meat recipe goes as the following: 3-pc chicken barbeque (Php210), Pork BBQ (Php175), Pork Spareribs (whole at Php345, half Php195). Crispy Pata, Sisig and Sinigang are just also some of the house's sepcialties that you should dare try!

In a diet? Up to grab a light meal? Aristocrat also offers sandwich and merienda favorites. Mouth-watering desserts such as halo-halo, buko pandan, lecehe flan they serve as well. Hmmm... that's summer all-year long for that halo-halo special (my fave summery food).

The Summary of Visit

Truly, Aristocrat is a hub of food juxtaposed with bric-a-bracs of its humble beginnings, good service and eye-wowing presentation.

RAMEN TIME IN RAIRAIKEN

Embracing the rainy season, Rai Rai Ken (which means welcome to the restaurant) would be the best place to indulge one's self in Japanese-style menu of steamy bowls. Now having more than 40 branches in the country, Rai Rai Ken offers a lavish options of food-- from the noodles, to sushi, to smoothies. The distinct taste of Japan you'll definitely enjoy here!

It was a visit in Pangasinan (SM Rosales Branch) that brought me to this eating place. A very welcoming ambiance attracted me to go inside. Then what followed is the warm welcome by the staff (the waiters, the cashier and the manager). It would be a safe generalization that it's worth the visit--from food to people,to service and to price.

The menu plus the ambiance would best fit family gatherings, reunion with friends, a simple birthday celebration or even a meal after attending the Sunday mass.

Since I'm craving for my mom's own version of pancit guisado, I tried theirs. This was partnered with their california maki, Yakemeshi Sumo rice, ramen soup and choco smoothie. Before, I hate the rain. But I'm starting to love it with Rai Rai Ken.

For those who want satisfaction amidst being budget-savvy, this one's for you peeps! Food are all good-- artfully made, delighfully appetizing and at the same time pocket-friendly.

MOOD OR FOOD? A QUICK MUNCH AT EL POLLO LOCO (MEGAMALL)

Most of reviews I took the liberty of commenting how good the food was on a certain resto. I opt to disappoint you this time. 

You know, since I started working in Manila in 2008, I always have had a chance to drop by this food zone but it's just now I dared and took a peep and taste of their meal.

Just had a quick grab of munchies at El Pollo Loco (Megamall Branch) last July 29th. Awkwardly, I ordered the LOVERS MEAL (pegged at Php510.00). This meal bundled a combination of 4 pc. Mexican-grilled chicken, Two (2) Spanish Rice (as side dish; weird for a Pinoy to have rice as side dish), Ube Halaya and Fruit Coktail as desserts, four hot rolled tortillas, two salsa (tomato plus chili) and two regular drinks.

To be honest, I stared at the served food for like one long minute having this mind-boggling judgement that it was really not that sulit for Php510. I could have brought myself to an eating place I know that wouldn't drive me to an adventure of taste.

And this time I proved that first impression can't even last. From the moment my taste buds met the salsa with the chili kick in it, it was like...WOW. And then I begun to enjoy it up to the last chicken bite. 

Dessert? Hmmm...there's always a room for improvement. Drinking their tea? Hmmm...glass size check please.

But what would invite me to go back isn't really the food but the service. I love their customer service! They tend to have the best bunch of peeps to serve you with utmost personal touch. I must even commend the one who assisted the family with a lola who's physically challenged. Not only that he took the order. He also was the one to bring the order list to the counter. And then the cashier approached them to let the old lady sign the credit card merchant slip.

Eating a Piece of Liberty: MOMENTS at the LIBERTY STEAKHOSE

At the heart of UP Town Center is the haven for steak-savvy peeps.

Liberty New York Steakhouse staged Gladys Reyes’ MOMENTS and post birthday mini-celebration with some of her invited press friends (including my “nobody” self) last June 24.

 The Place

The theme is a replication of a typical US setting steakhouse with an ambiance of both comfort and tranquility which would best fit those who are looking for that silent sanctuary in the midst of the urban living.

Vivid are the colors and ceiling hangings that craft utmost creativity of the mind/s behind the place’s interior. It’s white background defines all the wall and ceiling design that would bring you somewhere else. It’s “exclusivity” is the perfect place for some dating purposes, for corporate meetings, for birthday celebrations (well, with exclusive friends invited) and for a soul-searching and some personal food craving satisfaction trips.

Unparalleled frames on the walls give justice to the typical life’s facts. Connected are the photos, the abstracts and the words of wisdom that are carefully put in place to weave interrelation and to ignite someone’s imagination while waiting for the food to be served. I tried it myself. Reading those quotations and watching those photos and posters really is an effective way to kill boredom afar from simply playing something from my smartphone.

The Food

Reasonable as it is, the food prices won’t scratch your budget that much. Appetizers range from the fries down to nachos down to the calamari’s. It isn’t all for the meat-lovers since the greeners have their choice to munching Falafel Salad, Hail Caesar and the Crispy Chicken Salad. It also offers the world-class taste of soups like the Matzo Ball Soup and the Manhattan Clam Chowder.

Who could ever resist the house’s specialty and all time best dishes including the Fire Pit BBQ Belly, Greek Style Lamb Kebobs, Tribeca Sausage Platter, The Avenger Platter and the Hell Kitchen’s Shrimp Diablo. Sandwiches also are on parade with chicken, beef and pork meat options.

My personal favourite would be that of the hearty steak choices ranging from the classic to the country fried down to the contemporary K Pop.  One element of surprise is that it goes better when partnered with the house-offered extra sauces at Php65 per variant. You can choose from Beef & Mushroom, Beef Au Jus, Marsala Demi Glaze, White Sausage Gravy, Liberty Steak House Sauce, Green Gaucho and the Red Chango.

The MOMENT(S)

It was lucky of me to join the highlights of the event at Liberty Steakhouse that day which was Gladys Reyes- Sommereux’ post-birthday bash and press conference for the 25^th season of MOMENTS (Net 25).

To boast, she gave a chance for me to write for the next 13 episodes of the program particularly the ABBOTT Similac Gain-sponsored Segment . It was no question as to why several blessings are being endowed to this one heck of a mother-slash-kontra bida and versatile actress-slash-friend—that she knows how to value the people around her.

On the said event, she thanked and paid high respect to her more than two-decade manager Lolit Solis, who has been the foundation of where she is on her success to date.

MOMENTS, according to Gladys, would be a monumental program aiming for better conversations about parenthood and familial living on television.  Having the central focus of the program on strong family ties and sharing of better parenthood, MOMENTS has been recognized by the ANAK TV and the Department of Education Lingkod TV Awards. It has also been hailed as the Most Child Friendly TV Show during the 1^st MTRCB Awards and the Star Awards Best Celebrity Talk Show of 2011.

MOMENTS, as the actress/host mouthed, always has a reason to bring her to her kiddos and her husband closer as certain segments feature them such as the KIDDIE MOMENTS which is currently hosted by her three kids namely Christophe, Aquisha and Grant.

The program which started way back November 2007 gave her the chance to prove her prowess on hosting more than the usual acting that she has been into since childhood days.

“MOMents talaga yung nagbigay sa akin ng break sa hosting kaya super thankful ako sa program na ito. At sobrang bilis ng panahon hindi ko namalayan na nasa 25^th season na pala kami. Wow!”

As to her wish for the program, she responded “Naku, marami pa akong i-guest sa show kagaya nina Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire, Mommy Dionisia at yung anak ni Senator Angara.”

As to what makes season 25 more exciting for the viewers, “Mas magiging active tayo sa iba’t-ibang platform pa like the social media. Interactive conversations with the people in the online world eh mas palalawakin pa natin.”

When asked as to how she’s going to rate herself as a host (well, that’s my question thrown on her), “Naku, I always see hosting as a never-ending process to learn. Mahirap mag-rate sa sarili. I always prefer feedback from the audience kesa isipin ko na magaling ako.” That only proved how humble she is given the fact that the numbers would speak for itself—given that MOMENTS is on its 25^th season is already a proof how big her success is on hosting. Wink!

Galdys is always grateful to her sponsors whose support are much felt to run the program—GIBI SHOES, THE GENERICS PHARMACY, TRUST FAMILY PLANNING, MARIWASA TILES, ABBOTT LABORATORIES and many more (pardon if I forgot to name some. As quoted by Glady’s sister and my dear friend, Janice Reyes-Villa”Ikaw lang ang uma-attend ng press conference at meetings na walang dalang ball pen at papel. Next time, magdala ka ha).  

Snapshots

Gladys Reyes-Sommereux sharing her MOMENTS' 25th season goals to the people of the press.

More than a sister. Janice Reyes-Villa did the introduction of her sister Gladys to the people of the press.

Perfectly Perfect. A rare opportunity is to have lots of glam peeps around you. Lucky Me!

My future manager. Charot.

Asking Questions.The press peeps are very much excited to ask queries about Gladys' show and of course love life.

With the "man behind the scene". Direk Dandy Cabusora remains to be the key man behind every episode of MOMents.

Too young and good. MOMents' editors and writer on a candid shot.

My sisters from another mother. A quick chit-chat before saying goodbye to this momentous event.