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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Market Basket of River Park, Muntinlupa City

Just last week, I have been invited to a food and drink event for Bloggers at River Park. The so called River Park is the newest attraction and part of the initial upgrading and re-branding of Festival Supermall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City which began in 2013. One of the highlights of River Park is the natural river flowing on the area that enhanced by luscious green landscaping. The said expansion is also set to offer distinct dining concepts from cafe to casual dining options.

That's why I was not surprised why restaurant like Market Basket picked this place to establish their business. Imagine enjoying great food with nice ambiance. Perfect it is!

How to get there?
From Coastal Terminal, you can take a bus going to Alabang. Bus having a signboard of Starmall - Alabang and SM Southmall will passed through Festival Supermall. Just inform the bus conductor to drop you at Festival Mall. If you are from Taguig, there is a bus terminal in Market! Market! going to Alabang. Fare is about 40 pesos. Alight at Starmall, Alabang, take a jeep going to Festival Mall. The jeepney ride is about 5-10 minutes and costs 8 pesos. River Park is on the right side of the mall. From there, Market Basket is just easy to locate.

Market Basket from the outside

Market Basket is lead by Mr. Larry Cortez - whom a Serial Restaurateur, President & Co-Owner of Chefs' Quarter Group (which include Chefs’ Quarter Restaurant, Beurre Blanc Restaurant and Wine Bar, Old Vine Grille, Kuse Traditional Filipino Cuisine, Uncle Cheffy’s Brick Oven Global Cuisine, The Bellagio and more). With that notion, food being serve at Market Basket is guaranteed delicious and appetizing!

The concept of Market Basket is "paluto" as they call themselves a Modern-Day Dampa. When you say "Paluto", customer has the control on what kind of cooking or dressing should be done on his or her food. Market Basket illustrate it into four easy steps:

1. Choose your Seafood (or Meat) - you'll be amaze on the varieties of seafood and meats available on their chalkboard. Plus! They are guaranteed fresh. 
2. Weigh In - your choice of meat/seafood will be weigh in. This will give you an idea how much will you pay for your food. Well, it will be just an initial computation of your bill.
3. Cooking Method - want your food to be steamed? Deep-fried? Grilled? Or maybe Boiled? Your choice.
4. Choice of sauce - are you into spicy? sweet? or maybe you want to try the oriental sauce? 

Sounds great way to have your food trip? Well, it also tastes great! I guess I already talked too much. Now, just simply refer on the photos below of what they served to us during the bloggers' night. This might also give you an idea on what to order when you visit Market Basket yourself.

Entrée / Appetizers

Salad! Pure Vegie? or mixed it with fruits?

Stuffed Crab with vegetables side dish

Lechon Kawali Sisig (very recommendable) and Tuna Belly soup (forgot its name)

Main Course

Also forgot its name (my bad) but this is really, i mean really tastes great!

Pasta with meat strips and crab fat (left) and Lamp meat with Oriental Sauce (right)

Desserts (Yum!)

Best macaroon I've tasted  so far (I believe they used Nutella as its filling) and Sapin-Sapin (right photo)

Blueberry Cheese Cake and Nilupak Roulade (very pinoy! and my favorite)

Overall, it was a night of full of fun and foodgasm. That was definitely not my last time to dine in Market Basket. This restaurant  is really promising in terms of the next dining destination and will surely be a hit to food trippers. I recommend you all to visit them and experience Dampa or "paluto" in a modern-day way!

Market Basket
Unit C3 River Park Festival Supermall
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
For inquiries, call: (02) 845 10 73

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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