Army Navy's Islander Cousin, Coco Hut Fried Chicken & Fish

My dad just got back from an out-of-town trip and wanted to eat out. It was already about 830PM then. Unsure of up to what time restaurants would be open, I suggested a 24-hour place based on recommendations from a good friend, Ruth.

Coco Hut Fried Chicken and Fish is a very familiar restaurant. Most of the food on the menu may have been something you've already tried or something that they've tried to make their own. Entering the restaurant would give you the same feel as Army Navy, which is its sister company. After getting out of the elevator in CommerCenter, you are presented with two very similar boards that show the menu of Army Navy on the left, and Coco Hut on the right. Even entering it felt so familiar except for some tweaks on the interiors. Things were more tropical and but the layout was practically the same.

For that night, I ordered the Kani Cake, Hut Chicken - Thigh, and a large Teamarind.

Accompanying the Kani, each piece of Kani Cake had Jalapeno, Cheddar, and Mozzarella. Sweet chili sauce was served on the side but it wasn't really necessary. This was alright for an appetizer. I only finished one though. 

The Teamarind, as expected, would remind you of Army Navy's Libertea but with sampaloc. It was too sour on the first sip but you'd get used to it. The best part of the experience was the Hut Chicken. It was a big, satisfying piece and the spiciness was just right. It still did remind me of Army Navy's chicken except for that good amount of hot zing  that doesn't stay too long.

I'd probably try the fish on my next visit but I definitely wouldn't pay P175 for Galunggong. 

Coco Hut is located at Bridgestone Building, Commerce Avenue corener Filinvest Avenue. It's right across Acacia Hotel. I'd give it 3.5 out of 5 for now. Maybe that will go up if I get to visit it more often. Underground parking is available.

Great Chicken, Not So Great Experience - Zabo Chicken

Our family decided to be decided to be adventurous today and went to a new restaurant in SM City BF Homes Parañaque, Zabo Chicken.

The menu was simple and straight to the point. You either get their 18 Spice Chicken + Rice or get a wrap. Sides were Mediterranean and flavorful except for the Chicken Popcorn.

As a hungry party of 3, we got 1 whole Zabo Chicken, Hummus, Falafel, Chicken Popcorn, a Chicken Turna Wrap, 1 Rice Buffet, and unlimited Lavazza. This feast was very reasonable and our bill only reached P800.

The space was well lighted and but the seats and tables were not maintained well for a place that just opened this month. I was cautious in sitting as the seat doesn't seem to support me well. Also, one of our tables has been been already wobbly. 

The Chicken Popcorn was bland without any sauce.

The Chicken Turna Wrap was thin, but filling. Their garlic paste is being generously spread in the bread and complemented all the flavors of the wrap. It could have been better if it was not presented in wax paper.

Both the Falafel and Hummus were as expected.

The best part of the feast was, of course, the chicken! Spices were everywhere and the roasting was perfect, that even the white meat parts of the chicken are tender. It would be great for takeout.

Great meals deserve a wonderful ending, but they did not deliver with the coffee. The brewing proportion was bad and it tasted very very diluted. So much for expecting a lot since it was Lavazza. They should probably ask Lavazza again how to brew their coffee correctly.

The food is reasonably priced and the taste is great, but improvements have to be made for me to want to go back.

Magnum + Sea Salt Caramel = Gold?!

I've been seeing teasers for something that is obviously Magnum. And just recently, a booth popped up in SM Aura with the copy "It's coming The Golden Age of Ice Cream 02-09-14 3PM #GrabTheGold" I guess Magnum isn't really making it a secret as a quick search would show that they've used the campaign already in the US. From their website, the description of Gold?! is "Silky vanilla bean ice cream swirled with sea salt caramel and covered in a golden coating made with Belgian Milk Chocolate." Considering that sea salt caramel still is a favorite flavor here, I'm sure this would sell well. Below is an ad from the US from April of last year.

Fantasy Milkshakes at Great Prices

As I kid, I loved milkshakes. A chocolate one would always be part of my order in restaurants that have them. But when you become more aware of milkshake prices, having the bottomless drink options or simply getting water in restaurants would become alright. So that got out of my system and I ordered buck load-of-calories-in-a-glass lesser and less, just curious with unique flavors. Then, I discovered Once Upon A Milkshake.

I first saw of Once Upon a Milkshake online. I've seen comments like "...the thickest ever!" on my timeline for a while and it was almost accidental for me to chance upon it at SM City BF Homes Paranaque. I was there early and was waiting for someone when I approached the store outside the Supermarket. Hearing that it was from Singapore made me ready my wallet for about P200 worth of damage. I, then, was pleasantly shocked to see that I could get a regular one for P115. Ignorant at that time about how thick it is, I ordered a regular Coconut Caramel. When I got my drink and tried sipping, it was so thick that sucking my cheeks in.

Initially, I found the drink names tacky. There were flavors like Baa-Baa-Nana, Mangonista, Agent Red Velvet, Babelicious Bailey's, and Nutty Peanut Butler. It was tacky until my brain lagged and could not figure out what Tiara-Miss-U was. I literally did a face palm when I figured out.

Curious with why something imported could be this affordable, I went to their company website. It was there that I realized that I actually did get the owner's dream: to have a store that "provides premium milkshakes at non-premium prices." It's so effective to me as a fan of the shop that I was the first in the branch to claim a free shake and a jar via Pouch, according to their friendly and efficient staff.

Definitely, I'll be back and try the other flavors. Here's a parting tip: If you miss Coney Island's Bubblegum ice cream. Get the Bubblegum Balloon!

Find Happiness at this House

Happy Monk House of Steam is one of those restaurants that I just pass by everyday. The location along Aguirre Avenue is easy to miss even if it is in between Little Quiapo and Rapide.

The interior is mostly brown and yellow, spacious even if it is small. It was a mix of wood and steel. Servers were well-trained, guiding you to bestsellers and giving accurate descriptions of the dishes.

Entrees (less than P200) may be good for two not so hungry people and dimsum orders (less than P100) are packed with meat. During our visit, we ordered noodle soups, Hainanese Chicken, Pork and Shrimp Siomai, and Kutchay Dumplings. My friends immediately thought that my family would love it there. All in all our dinner for three amounted to P720 and 3 happy stomachs!

I'll go back soon and be as happy as me in the picture again!

As the non-official mascot, I am available for appearances at birthday celebrations at Happy Monk. Thank you!

This Might Be Better Than SEx

Everyday, in and out of BF Homes, I pass by this 2 month-old establishment named I Love Pares.

I have no idea how to eat Pares but I decided to get dishes here with two of my friends. An order of Pares is P69 and Siomai is P39.

Clueless on where to start, I put calamansi on the beef and had a bit of soup, tried some of the rice, and finally the beef. Everything else went natural. Pares is Pares however way you eat it. The beef was consistently tender and the broth was just alright. The siomai may be homemade but it is a bit bland. It is best with the usual toyomansi with chili.

The friendly cashier mentioned that their other specialty, Batangas Bulalo, was not available. It was alright. I wasn't craving for a trip to Mahogany, Tagaytay that night.

The place will remind you of Sinangag Express as it is also 24 hours but the menu and size of the servings seem to offer much more value. SEx may never be replaced but this might be the best alternative to it.

Someday, someone just might create a high end Pares place and call it Pares Hilton.