Restaurant Trip: Pasto ♥♥♥

Sometimes I get bored eating just my packed lunch at the office that I crave for some Italian fare.

Good thing I bought Deal Grocer vouchers at 50% off a few weeks back.

Pizza, Pasta, Panini

Menu 1

Menu 2

Crostini with Spinach-Gongonzola Dip
Pasto's version of Italian Crostini with choice of dip.

This is my favorite appetizer at Pasto. ♥♥♥

Diavola
Grilled US Angus Steal with Bell Peppers and Onions in mildly spiced tomato sauce served with Rice Pilaf

This is my favorite entree. ♥♥♥
I prefer my steak in au jus but their spiced tomato sauce made me think otherwise.

My complete lunch! YUM! ♥♥♥

Pasto

*Bonifacio Global City - The Fort Strip Mall, BGC, Taguig City

*Libis - Eastwood Citywalk, Libis, Quezon City

*Ortigas Pasig - El Pueblo de Real, Ruby Rd corner Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas, Pasig City

*Salcedo Village - 3rd Floor paseo Center, Paseo de Roxas, Salcedo Village, Makati City

*Greenhills - GF Theater Mall, Greenhills, San Juan City

♥dei♥

Getaway: Puerto Princesa - September 2013

Dubbed as the "City within a Jungle", Puerto Princesa is indeed a haven for those nature lovers out there. The city, though bustling with commercial establishments, really lives up to its monicker as the "Cleanest and Greenest City in the World"..

Good thing that the trip was planned months back so we were able to check different options for our stay and found that it is practical to get a tour package. Believe me, it's kind of difficult to do when you're miles away and the permit should be processed at least a week before the trip. So getting the package would save us the effort to get them.

The 4d/3n package tour we got comes with accommodation (@Felix Pension), daily breakfast, Underground River tour and Honda Bay island hopping (2-3 islands). We opted to do the city tour ourselves since we will just have to squish it in our schedule if time permits.

The travel to the Underground River took two and a half hours (boat ride included) while Honda Bay is approximately 30 minutes from the city proper. The sights going to and from are definitely worth the long travel; plus we had a splendid time feeding the different kinds of fish during the island hopping trip! :)

Calm waters of Honda Bay :)

Sabang Wharf going to the Underground River

Secluded beach on the way to the Underground River

The city tour can be done just by renting a tricycle for Php 600.00 for four hours (maximum of 5 passengers each tricycle). They will bring you to the Crocodile Farm, Mitra's Ranch, Baker's Hill, Butterfly Garden, Tribal Village, Cathedral, Plaza Cuartel and Baywalk. Have them take you to Cora's Souvenir Shop at the LRC Center for the cheapest souvenirs. :)

For dinner, be sure to reserve a table at Ka Lui for the freshest seafood dishes and go next to Kinabuch for the Tamilok Tempura (if you do not want to eat it raw) and Crocodile Sisig. :)

Here's the list of expenses for our trip:

**The package tour price is subject to the number of participants; above package price was for two guests.




♥dei♥

Restaurant Trip: Brasas ♥♥♥

I have always wanted to tour the Latin Americas and what better way to do this than having a gastronomic trip by way of the first of its kind restaurant in the Metro.

Brasas, meaning live coal, stayed true to their concept serving budget-friendly good grilled food.

I have been hearing good reviews about the food at Brasas and it was such a delight to find out that they were offering a deal at their branches in SM Aura and The Block SM North (less 50% off) thru Deal Grocer.

My sister offered to drive me up north and accompany me as I redeem my vouchers. Between the two of us, here are the food items we had for our late lunch.

ENSALADA DE LA CASA
Charcoal grilled meat (Pork) with Mixed Greens, Seasonal Veggies, Crunchy Tortilla Chips for an added texture tossed in Lime Cilantro dressing.

We liked how the crunch of the chips but found the dressing too "lime-y" for our taste. Next time we'll try the Orange Walnut dressing. :)

CARNE ASADA FRIES
Large-cut Fries topped with Special Chili, Monterey Jack cheese, Tomato Salsa  and Sour Cream.

The toppings were generous and even though the fries went soggy, it still tasted delicioso! ♥♥♥

AREPAS
Grilled Corn Cakes topped with Grilled Beef, Tomato, Sauteed Onions and their Chipotle Sauce.

I adored these sweet savory things. It was love at first bite! ♥♥♥
There were four cakes in their serving but I totally forgot to take a picture before gorging on the first cake. :D

CARNE ASADA
Charcoal Grilled Sirloin with South American Slaw, Petacones and Spanish Rice.

The beef was so juicy and tender. I would have loved this with the rice and beans; but nevertheless this dish was superbly done. ♥♥

PUERCO ASADO
Slow-roasted Pork Belly with Crunchy Skin, South American Slaw, Fried Plantains, Rice and Beans.

WINNER! The meat was melt in your mouth and the skin was super crunchy. The fried plantains were a hit with my sister, while I loved the rice and beans. ♥♥♥

The food and ambiance at Brasas gave me the Latin American vibe even for just a few hours. I will definitely come back here (with or without vouchers) and have another serving of their Puerco Asado. ♥♥♥

Brasas

5th Floor Podium, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

Food Court, 4th Floor SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

4th Floor The Block, SM North EDSA, Quezon City

♥dei♥