European Tour in Vikings of SM Jazz

Vikings is a well known buffet restaurant in the Philippines for great tasting food as well as luxurious design of interiors. It does not only targets the diners taste buds but also delight their eyes using elegant art pieces and fixtures. That's why I feel so honored and privileged when they invited me AGAIN to dine on one of their new branches which is located in SM Jazz, Makati.

Welcome to Vikings - SM Jazz

Vikings has already established their name in terms of serving quality, fresh and well-replenished food. So for this visit, one of the things I am looking forward to see was what will be the theme of this new branch of theirs. And again, Vikings live up with their reputation. Vikings of SM Jazz is well presented, classy, elegant and cozy with its European theme and designs. My girlfriend and I felt like we were transported to Italy and France when we stepped inside Vikings. It's like we're being toured in Europe with delighting food surrounding us.

Trip to Europe!

Look how clean this place is!

One of the hardest and exciting part of dining in Vikings is how will you be able to taste if not all, most, of the cuisines they serve? Well, I do not know either. Having 50++ or even more dishes they serve, I have no idea how an individual can taste all of it. A great problem to solve huh?

As usual SM Jazz Vikings serves international cuisines ranging from Japanes, Korean, Chinese, Italian, Indian and even Filipino cuisine. Yes, our very own dishes. They serve here bibingka, puto bumbong and a whole lot more. It's a guarantee that you'll be able to satisfied your taste buds with their huge variety of food. 

Our very own desserts

Now enough the reading part and scroll down to see the real deal. :]

Who's up for some pasta?

Dishes here are all well presented

My favorite section in Vikings

Who like to eat some Korean food?

Nice huh?

Some good vibe words from Vikings

They also have DIY corners

Look at the gigantic piece of art

Medium rare please!

What are you looking in there Baby?

Vikings Buffet Rates/Prices

Weekday Lunch

Kids between 3ft to 4ft || P188

Kids between 4ft to 4.5ft || P388

Adults || P688

Weekday Dinner

Kids between 3ft to 4ft || P288

Kids between 4ft to 4.5ft || P588

Adults || P888

Weekend & Holiday Lunch and Dinner

Kids between 3ft to 4ft || P388

Kids between 4ft to 4.5ft || P688

Adults || P888

** Kids below 3 feet are FREE of charge

Once again, thank you Vikings for inviting me!

And if you think that 888 for a dinner or lunch is quite expensive then think again. With Vikings food variety which includes exquisite dishes such as lamb, steak & more and not to mention amazing service & ambiance well, I would say you're not over paying your dining experience and it is still "sulit".

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The Bike Room of Catimar, Pasay

It has already been 3 months since the last time I went out of Manila and travel. Reason why is because I venture into a new hobby/sport which is kind of money-draining. I am now hook to biking... MTB to be exact. Well, it is my father who has been pushing me for quite some time now to try this activity as he himself is into this hobby (even at his age of 60). So I give in and gave it a try. Then one day, I find myself not travelling anymore because I am always out of money upgrading/purchasing bike parts and stuff.

So why am I telling this? As for this blog post, I am going to feature a shop for those who wanted to build their dream bikes. I want to help my readers who also wanted to try this activity. I think it is somehow relevant to the purpose of this blog... discovering places in PH (this time, helping folks who are bike enthusiasts). The name of the shop where I bought my built bike is "The Bike Room" in Cartimar, Pasay City.

Cartimar is a popular place if you're looking for class A and authentic shoes, clothing and pets (like dogs, cats, fishes, etc). But now it is also becoming a known place for cyclist and bike enthusiasts as bike shops starting to establish along the area. "The Bike Room" is one of those many bike shops in Cartimar and it is located at 2190 Leveriza St., Pasay City. What makes this shop differ from the other shop is, they only sell authentic bike and bike parts. So you'll not going to worry spending tons of your well-earned money guessing whether you're buying authentic items or not.

Another reason why I chose to feature this shop is because I owe this shop a lot. Why? How? Well, this is where I found my dream bike frame. Hahahaha. Yeah, I am assembling my dream bike during my visit coz I'm not fond of buying a whole bike. I want a customized one and frame is the most important part for me because it will state the whole look of my bike. That day, I've been looking to all of the bike shops in Cartimar finding the right frame for me and I found that frame at the Bike Room. I bought here my Merida Matts TFS XC 800 (Matted Version) frame for 13,000 PhP. I know it is quite expensive just for a frame but please don't judge me. Its original dre and it fits me well!

Here's my Merida Bike Frame I bought at the Bike Room

The area of Bike Room is a bit small but it is full of bike stuff so don't give up on looking for the item you're searching for as I found my frame still inside a sealed box. Also, the store is well ventilated with air-conditioner so you'll find it in no sweat! Most of the items here are in their fixed price but I still suggest that you ask the store owner for its last price. And I wish you a big goodluck on that part... coz she didn't gave me a discount despite my total purchase. Aw. But there's no hurt on trying. Who knows... she might give-in to your asking price.

Moreover, here's a quick tour at The Bike Room:

I saw a lot of top brand helmets on this shop

If you know what you want... just directly ask the store owner :)

They also sell biking outfits

For mountain bikers...

and for road bikers

Planning to build your dream bike?

Outside view of the shop

That's it! This will be the end point of my blog feature for The Bike Room. I suggest to visit the place for yourself if you're interested as well on bike stuff. Guaranteed, you'll find a whole lot of interesting and authentic items in this store.

Visit them now!

The Bike Room
2190 Leveriza St., Cartimar, Pasay City
For inquiries: (02) 551 2453 / (02) 551 6228 / 09178989021
If you come by, please tell the owner that you find the shop because of this blog. Please? Thank you!!

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Cafe Mezzanine of Binondo, Manila

Chinatown in Binondo, Manila is renowned as the oldest china town in the world but aside from that, it is also known as one of the best spot if you're looking for some gastronomic adventure. The place is very ideal if you're into food tripping because Binondo, specifically Chinatown, has lots of restaurants in which one will surely delight his or her appetite. One of the restaurant I am referring to is the Cafe Mezzanine.

Located in the heart of Chinatown and on the busy street of Ongpin, Cafe Mezzanine is referred as a Volunteer Fireman's Coffee Shop. The place is a fireman's life inspired restaurant in which you'll see firemen's helmets decorated on the place and images of firefighting actions. But having said that, the place still has the cool and homey vibes that ensures customers' dinning satisfaction. Also, it is said to be that all revenues of Cafe Mezzanine is donated to Binondo Paco Fire Search and Rescue Brigade (as per CNN news). Gee, that's noble!

How to get there? 
There are so many ways going to Chinatown of Binondo but if you're going straight to Cafe Mezzanine, I suggest you take the MRT going to Central Station. Then from Central, take a jeep going to Quiapo. Just inform the jeepney driver to drop you at Binondo Church. Alight at Binondo Church, walk/take the road on its right side (right side if you are facing the church). Just keep walking until you see the Eng Bee Tin sign as Cafe Mezzanine is located on its 2nd floor.

It wasn't my first time in Binondo but this is my first time to eat at Cafe Mezzanine. I am excited with this visit because I heard a lot of great feedback regarding this restaurant. Not to mention that it has been featured in CNN as one of the best food spot in town. I am not familiar with Chinese dishes so we let Ate Kat decide on what we should eat (plus, it was her treat). Yes! Thanks Bes! :)

Fire awareness campaign mat. Nice!

The interior

I remember the Mcdo TVC when I saw them

Thanks Ate Kat! :)

In the end, it turned out to be a fiesta for the three of us because she ordered a lot! Here are some of the dishes we end up eating with...

Xiao Long Bao (10 pcs.) - 160 PhP

These are pretty delicious

Lo-mi - 115 PhP

Comfort food this rainy season

Soup No. 5 - 250 PhP
I didn't know if there are soup #1 - #4 but wht I know is, Soup #5 is not your ordinary soup. Why? Because it is made of bull's testes and/or penis. This is an exotic food in the country and said to be have an aphrodisiac properties.

Anyone?

Camaron Rebosado - 200 PhP

Lechon Kawali - 115 PhP
I don't know if they serve the dish just like what we've got but it was cold when they serve it in our table. However, it still does tastes great. Also, the pork's skin were crispy despite its coldness which is kind of interesting.

Not for people with high cholesterol :)

Forgot the name of this dish...

Kiampong - 48 PhP
This dish caught my attention. Nuts in a rice? Yes, it is unusual. That's also what I thought when I first ate it but it was actually great. It goes along well with the dishes above and even just by eating it alone. I enjoyed my Kianpong a lot.

Me and my officemates really had a blast and had an amazing time. Our first plan was to really have a food hopping in Binondo but Cafe Mezzanine mess it up. We ended up with bulky tummies. Cafe Mezzanine is another must visit place when in Binondo.

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Eat Like a Viking at Vikings, SM Megamall

Claimed as the largest buffet areas found in the country, Vikings has set standards of dining with style and in class. They are known for serving exquisite and quality dishes, value for money and luxurious interiors that are designed to give their patrons a vibe of class that can't be found on anywhere else. Vikings has uncover the taste of luxury wherein every Juan (Pinoy) can enjoy. And now, to extend their reach on bringing international cuisine and food service, Vikings has open a new branch in SM Megamall!

How to get there?
Vikings Megamall or the Megamall is situated in the middle of Pasig City and Mandaluyong City. One can take an MRT ride going to Shaw Boulevard or Ortigas station. Alight at either of the two stations, you need to walk going to the mall. Vikings is located in the 4th Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, Building D of SM Megamall. If you are not familiar with the place, you may ask for directions on the security guards roaming around the mall or use the Store Locator Machines which are placed strategically on the mall.

Vikings SM Megamall from the outside :]

The newest branch, Vikings Megamall, debuted last month - March 2014 and it has a seating capacity of more than 500+ guests. It offers more than 200+ dishes on their buffet tables found on all sides of the restaurant.

As we started to look on what to eat, I felt like I was traveling on different parts of the world. It is because of the varying food that Vikings serves. They have superb food selections ranging from American to European to Asian. Guests will surely experience the world in their taste buds when visiting Vikings. My family and I were so overwhelmed with all the food that surrounds us. Honestly, at first, I barely don't know where to start my food trip. Until I decided to taste each food starting from the right side of the restaurant until I reach the left most buffet table. It was indeed an effective strategy. Yeah!

Pastry station to start it up!

Angus beef! - My favorite among all!

Pasta Maker - Only at Vikings SM Megamall

Papito at the Dimsum area

Who's up for something sweet?

I want to grab it all hahaha

Filipino dishes with a twist

Kids will surely love this station (hint: gummy worms are available here)

Lets get healthy!

More sweet treats

Sapin Sapin (left) & Cassava (right)

with special participation - my girlfriend's hand

Sushi, Maki (and more!) Station

Raw is good! 

The Grilling station (fishes and meats)

Wide choices of food equates wide varieties of drinks!

Four satisfied guests! Thank you for inviting me and my family Vikings!

The Highlights

DIY Stations. During my visit, I've noticed that Vikings is now engaging on DIY dishes. Aside from the cuisines and dishes that are being displayed and served on the buffet tables, they now mixed it with "Make Your Own" stations. These DIY stations give guests the freedom to design and customize their food according to their taste and own preferences. Food freedom and experimentation to the fullest! Some of the DIY stations I saw are the following:

Make Your Own Pasta

Make Your Own Shabu Shabu

Make Your Own Salad (perfect for vegetarians!)

Salad dressings and sauces

Make Your Own Crepe

Make Your Own Mongolian Barbecue

Promos. Did you know that you can eat free at Vikings during your birthday? Yes that's right. It is one of the promos that Vikings offers to their patrons. Some of their promos are: Wedding Anniversary Promo, Big Group Promo, and Student Promo. These promos differ from branches to branches, you may visit www.vikings.ph for more information. 

Luxurious Interiors. All four branches of Vikings are designed with luxurious interiors. Each branch is different from one to another when it comes on its interior design or simply, the theme. Vikings of SM Marikina has the longest buffet table and offers a warm atmosphere for its guest. It is designed to have a cozy and homey feeling that is perfect for unwinding after a very lengthy meal. Vikings of SM North Edsa has a black and white interiors which reflects simplicity and sophistication. A very classy ambiance that take its guests to a higher level of dining experience. On the other hand, Vikings of SM Mall of Asia (MOA) in which is the premiere branch of Vikings in the country was inspired by a ship of the Vikings. Its Vikings buffet table table boasts of extravagance, just like the dishes on that site.

Cleanliness and sanity

So with the newest Vikings SM Megamall, they decorated and designed it with artworks and different art pieces. It's like an art museum but that instead of paintings and murals as the center of attraction, here, the dishes and cuisines are the one that people should get in to. Guests can use their plates as a blank canvass and color it with the food they'll pick. Nice concept huh? Now, I wonder what will be their next theme when they opened up a new branch? Hmmm... Interesting.

Abstact ceiling design

Fun vibe at the restaurant

More artsy design!

Verdict

To sum up our dining experience at Vikings SM Megamall, I can say that it was one of the best meal I or we had. The food does not only look good but it taste great as well. It was as if I am eating on a restaurant of a 5 star hotel. The place is very clean and has a luxurious atmosphere but not intimidating. Also, with the wide choices of international cuisine, one will surely find something that can satisfy his or her taste buds. I am excited to see more of Vikings in the future! The place is very recommendable.

We definitely ate like vikings! Papito & Mamita | Me & my Girlfriend

Vikings Buffet Rates (SM Megamall Branch)

Weekday Lunch
Kids below 3' --------------------- FREE
Kids between 3' to 4' --------- 188
Kids between 4' to 4'6" ------ 388
Adults ------------------------------ 688
75 y/o & above ----------------- 50% Special Discount

Weekday Dinner
Kids below 3' --------------------- FREE
Kids between 3' to 4' --------- 288
Kids between 4' to 4'6" ------ 588
Adults ------------------------------ 888
75 y/o & above ----------------- 50% Special Discount

Weekend & Holiday Lunch & Dinner
Kids below 3' --------------------- FREE
Kids between 3' to 4' --------- 388
Kids between 4' to 4'6" ------ 688
Adults ------------------------------ 1,088
75 y/o & above ----------------- 50% Special Discount

Visit Vikings at:

Location: 4th Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, 

Bldg. D, SM Megamall, 

Julio Vargas cor. EDSA, Mandaluyong

Contact No.: (02) 656-3888 / 656-48888 / 656-5888

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. I accept partnership proposals as long as they are relevant to travel, outdoors, food and tourism. For advertising inquiries, please use the contact form on the Contact Me page of this site or directly send me an e-mail at aremgelogo@gmail.com. 

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