1. Me Gusta! The Mexican Food War

The closest you can get to Mexico without getting on a plane - Orale 
Orale serves up authentic Mexican fare with the casual warmth and charm of a street side kantina. The concrete walls of this little resto in the Fortare adorned with murals of Mexican culture, from Frida Kahlo to the luchadores, traditional Mexican wrestlers, adding a festive air to the space.
Juice tip-off: This is the only place in Manila serving up Lengua (ox tongue) Tacos (P195). And, yes, they’re darn good.

*Photo by www.ourawesomeplanet.com

For those late-night burrito runs - Chihuahua 
One of the best Tex-Mex restos in Manila right now, Chihuahua is bringing the flavor of the South to Filipino foodies across the Metro from their prime spot on Makati Avenue. Already a favorite amongst the after-hours crowd, come here after a night of boozing and satisfy your late night cravings for carnitas.
Juice tip-off: Nothing makes a good night even more epic like a hefty pork burrito (P295). And, for the thirsty traveler, their authentic, unsweetened margaritas are A+.

For the best of both worlds - Toro 
Toro, a bi-cultural homonym, means “tuna belly” in Japanese, while in Spanish it means “the bull”. Put the two together, throw in consultant chef Sau Del Rosario, and you’ve got Manila’s latest gastronomical sensation—a Jap-Mex fusion of flavor, or as they like to say, “From Okinawa to Tijuana”.
Juice tip-off: In true fusion fashion, the folks over at Toro have created the "sushirito" (P370), a burrito-like sushi roll stuffed with your choice of sweet potato or ahi tuna, go for the ahi tuna. Once you’ve finished that off, go ahead and indulge in an order of their Turtle Pie (P280).

2. Filipino Favorites

The Good, Old Reliable - Milky Way 
Milky Way has been feeding generations of hungry Filipinos since the 1960s. It’s Filipino comfort food at its best, and if you’re still not convinced, try their Kare-Kare and you’ll surely be a convert.
Juice tip-off: Their Crispy Hito (P445) and Pork Binagoongan (P325) are both made of win! Don’t forget to round off your meal with a scoop of Ube ice cream, or better yet, make that a Halo-Halo (P99).

New School Filipino Food - Pino Resto*Bar 
A capiz window does a Filipino restaurant make? If so, then Pino restaurant is definitely not your run-of-the-mill bulalo/-silog/sisig joint. With future classics such as Kare-kareng Bagnet (P245) and Red Wine Adobong Tadyang (P215) on their menu, the face of contemporary Filipino cuisine is changing indeed!
Juice tip-off: For veggie/health converts, you can order from their sister restaurant right next door called Pipino vegetarian restaurant.

3. Local Imports

From Bacolod: Aida’s Chicken 
The famed Aida’s in Manokan Country, Bacolod, now has a Manila branch! Drop by and taste the real meaning of authentic Inasal; none of those precooked chickens, Aida’s is fresh from the grill!
Juice tip-off: Aside from the Chicken Inasal meal with salted egg and enchilada (P145), don’t forget to try their Ilonggo Express with sigarillas and sitaw (P170), and Kansi, the Negrense lovechild of sinigang and bulalo (P170).

From Pampanga: Everybody’s Café 
The popular resto in Pampanga has now arrived at the Salcedo Market! Visited by both Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern, Everybody’s Café is renowned for Pette Jorolan’s delicious recipes of authentic Kapampangan cuisine.
Juice tip-off: Pette Jorolan’s bestselling dishes include Fresh Papaya Lumpia (P50), Tapa Kalabaw (P170)—and, if you’re up for crickets, Adobong Kamaru (P180)!

4. The Red Velvet Challenger: The Sweet Life by Ange’s Angelina Cheesecake 

You might think that in the past 3 years, you’ve had every red velvet cake incarnate out there. We dare say that this might just be the last one you need to try. The Angelina Cheesecake (P175) promises a moist, luscious red chocolate concoction, layered with decadent (and properly tart) cheesecake, and enveloped in delectable sour cream frosting.
Juice tip-off: Find The Sweet Life by Ange at the Baker’s Dozen every weekend at The Rockwell Powerplant Mall.

5. The Cheesesteak Challenge

The Dark Horse: Charlie's 
While Charlie’s may be known for their mouth-watering burgers, they’ve got another not-so-secret weapon in their arsenal. Charlie’s cheesesteak sandwich (P220-P395) is right on par with their burgers. It’s a surprising burst of flavor as soon as you take your first bite: packed with Grade A sirloin, green peppers, caramelized onions, jalapenos, and good ol’ cheese sauce. If you find yourself at Charlie’s and you’re in the mood for something different, go with this. You won’t regret it.
Juice tip-off: Don’t forget to wash it all down with a bottle of craft beer; Charlie’s has a great selection.

The Classic: The Cheese Steak Shop 
A US franchise that started in San Francisco in 1982, the Cheesesteak Shop is bringing the real flavor of Philly to the Philippines. Sometimes you really shouldn’t mess with a good thing. And a 7-inch sandwich (using local Hoagie bread from Amoroso bakery) stuffed with beef, white American cheese, and peppers, all brought in from Los Estados Unidos, plus grilled onions, is definitely a Good Thing.
Juice tip-off: For a different take on the beloved classic, try their Phillly with Spinach and Mushroom (P320).

*Photo by www.ourawesomeplanet.com

The Rookie - Chuck's Deli 
The lack of a good sandwich place in Manila is what drove owner Chef Katrina Kuhn-Alcantara to open up her own, and we’re thankful for that because Chuck’s Deli has answered every sandwich addict’s prayer. Their Philly Cheesesteak (P295) is something to behold. It’s a footlong stuffed with beef, melted American cheese, onion, mushrooms, and bell peppers. In other words, it’s a thing of beauty.
Juice tip-off: Dragging your herbivorous friend along on your meaty food trip? A tasty vegetarian option is the California Waki sandwich, with kani, mango, egg, lettuce, and wasabi mayo (P255).

6. Cheapskate Food Date

Crazy Katsu: Nothing like good ol’ Japanese to break the ice 
Crazy Katsu is your no-frills cozy neighborhood food joint. The perfect place to explore, and hopefully go beyond, the Friend Zone: a casual, busy atmosphere, and quality bang for your college buck—quality Japanese food, that is, you little fiend, you.
Juice tip-off: Go crazy over their yummy Chicken and Pork Katsudon Rice Meals (starting at P140), Gyoza Dumplings (P120), and Beef Sukiyaki (P190).

Beijing Hand-pulled Noodles: Sweep her off on a foodie adventure 
It’s reminiscent of those Chinese hole-in-the-wall restos, minus the iffy interiors. With its offering of authentic Chinese noodles paired up with a good serving of tasty dumplings, a date here will definitely be an adventure to remember.
Juice tip-off: Whet your appetite with a serving of Pork Dumplings (P70) and Lamb La Mian (P170).

The Room Upstairs: Come for the food, stay for the conversation 
Concept: design-retail-coffee. The Room Upstairs is a niche for coffee lovers who long for a stylish environment to go to with their cup! True to this café’s concept, the food is a perfect match to their sea of beautiful furniture: eclectic yet homey. An inspiring, cozy setting for a lazy afternoon of wandering conversations and comfortable silences with that special someone.
Juice tip-off: Treat your tummy to an order of Vigan Longganisa in cream sauce (P190), Tuyo Pesto (P170), or KesongPuti and Tomato Pandesal (P95).

Raaz Mahal Resto Bar: Spice up your life! 
Raaz Mahal Resto Bar, which serves authentic Punjabi cuisine, is the perfect exotic date spot. Its colorful Indian interiors will definitely add a punch to your dining experience!
Juice tip-off: Explore the burst of flavors in their Onion Potato Pakora (P120) and Chicken Curry, cooked in tomato and onion paste with 14 secret herbs and traditional Punjabi spices (P150 for solo, P290 to share).

7. That Italian Place You Haven’t Heard Of: Va Bene Pasta Deli 

If you’ve been looking for the definition of al dente, there’s no better place to taste it than at Va Bene! Tucked away in the Petron gas station outside Dasmarinas Village, this bright little nook cooks up the most authentic Italian cuisine in the Metro. Forget traveling all the way to Italy, because your taste buds won’t know the difference when savoring every mouth-watering dish prepared by former MiPiace Chef Massimo Veronesi and his wife Carol. While your lips will smack themselves silly to the tune of Mamma Mia, every perfect strand of fresh pasta will have you in Italian food heaven faster than you can chew!
Juice tip-off: This place gets filled up fast, so if you’re planning to have some of their signature vodka-cream-tomato Capellaci filled with salmon and potato (P280), or their scrumptious basil-crusted lamb chops (P950), you’d better come in before 7pm or your cravings will be off the menu!

…And the Italian Place You Always Hear About: My Kitchen by Chef Chris Locher 
You know that Italian restaurant called C’Italian Dining in Pampanga that everyone’s always talking about? The place that had a Dear Darla pizza way before Yellow Cab came around? Well, we have just three words for you: It’s. In. Manila. (Finally.) (Okay four.)
Juice tip-off: What else but the Dear Darla original: Genovese Panizza (P710)?

*Photos by www.ourawesomeplanet.com

8. Alternative to All the Starbuckses and Coffee Bean’s: Subspace Café 

There’s definitely some otherworldly coffee brewing over at the Subspace Café, which is, by all means, in a universe of its own. This little nebula along Ortigas Ave. is chock full of Korean kitsch, vintage paraphernalia, mid-century modern designer furniture, and strikingly strange, yet delicious brews. Kamsamshida!
Juice tip-off: Their Purple Potato and Peanut Butter Lattes (P125) are coffee revelations; pair a cup with their Sour Cream Danish (P70) for the perfect merienda!

9. Seoul Food: The Best of Korean Dining

Bulgogi Brothers 
Bulgogi Brothers, a franchise straight from South Korea, takes enjoying your Korean favorites to a new level by paring your bulgogi with your liquor of choice.
Juice tip-off: The Bokbunjajoo (P395), black raspberry wine, is a great accompaniment to your meal—and it’s anti-ageing too!

*Photo by www.ourawesomeplanet.com

Sam Won 
The family-run Sam Won Restaurant in BF serves Korean barbeque in no time at all. Yes, we went there, a dozen hungry people that were slurping, wrapping, and dipping happily ten minutes from when we arrived. Did we mention that the food was fantastic?
Juice tip-off: Take your family for a special gathering and enjoy the well-executed Jap Chae Noodles (P350), a fine alternative to your birthday pancit.

Korean Fusion 
Korean Fusion may seem like one of the dime-a-dozen Korean eateries in the Ortigas area, but the place is packed at most hours for a good reason. With more-than-fair pricing for oh-so-authentic Korean fare, this is one for students and the after-hours bar crawlers looking to for a hearty meal before drudging their way back home.
Juice tip-off: An order of the Sam gyupsal (P200) thickly slicked, marinated, three-layered pork belly, will surely take that incoming hangover away.

10. Battle of the French Bistros

A Favorite Reborn: Champetre 
In the culinary void that Je Suis Gourmand has left Manila in, comes a new incarnation of French cooking at its best, helmed by Chef Marc Aubry himself. Or possibly a reincarnation?
Juice tip-off: Go for the Roasted Chilean Sea Bass with Stewed Lentils and Meat Jus (P820++), or the Roasted prawns wrapped in smoked bacon with beurreblanc sauce & goat cheese enhanced ratatouille (P740).

La Girolle 
Don’t go looking for some escargot, this place is the real French deal. Forget the truffles; hello pig’s trotters and raw lamb! Kick your French pretentions out the window, and prepare your palate because you’re in for an authentic European adventure.
Juice tip-off: French-food virgin? Try the Ravioli with Foie Gras & Oxtail, a crowd-pleasing dish that will suit even the faintest of French-hearts. For the more adventurous palette, order the Tartare of Australian Lamb Loin with black olive puree, rosemary, and caramelized vegetables.
Rates: P3,000 – nine-course menu, P1,750 – 3 courses

11. Ra-ra-ramen!

Happiness is a warm bowl (Best Comfort Ramen): Ukokkei 
Some say it’s the only legit ramen in Manila, others argue that it’s just instant noodles. We’ve heard complaints that it’s oily, too. Frankly, we don’t giveadamn. It is our favorite. Period. In fact, I think I’ll go have some right now.
Juice tip-off: Ground Pork Special Tantanmen (P390) creamy ground sesame paste miso broth with ground pork. This special isn’t on the menu and they only make 10 bowls per day, so head over there for an early lunch!

The art of Ramen: Nomama Artisanal Ramen 
Even Ramen can be taken to another plane of existence, where degustation and Buddha are purportedly residing. Handmade noodles and a Chef with a Name make this concept tantalizing. One wonders, is slurping and flash photography a faux pas in a place like this? Curiously enough, however, Nomama is better known for its Kit Kat Bar dessert.
Juice tip-off: Go for the unique ones like Thai Green Curry Ramen (P310) or Braised Ox Tongue and Chili Tofu Sauce Ramen (P290).

Obscure hole-in-the-wall ramen: Tamagoya! Noodle House 
What this little restaurant lacks in acoustics, or convenience, it makes up for in authentic, Ramen goodness. Who knew that the foothills of Antipolo were far enough away to find an authentic taste of Japan?
Juice tip-off: Grab a bowl of Gomoku Ramen (P168), which is mixed vegetables and seafood.

*Photos by www.ourawesomeplanet.com

12. Tea Experiments

This year’s tea craze seems here to stay. As the supposedly “best” tea bars multiply as quickly as Ramon Revilla’s heirs, here are a few of our favorites to help you keep up with what’s out there.

DA.U.DE: Seffarine (P240 for 10 teabags) 
A blend of organic mint, lemon verbena and a variety of flowers, Seffarine is a light and refreshing tea that aids in digestion and helps you cleanse yourself of unwanted toxins.

Cha Time: Jasmine Green Tea Mousse (P80-P90) 
A surprisingly light, sweet and refreshing tea with a tasty flowery twist.

Teaology: Frosted Mint and Chocolate Mint Tea (P90) 
The perfect balance of refreshing mint and not-too-sweet chocolate that makes for a tea that can both quench your thirst and satisfy your chocolate craving at the same time.

Serenitea: Wintermelon with Pearl (P85-P95) 
A subtly flavored but ultimately satisfying tea that's a refreshing change of pace from your standard milk tea fare.

Happy Lemon: Chocolate with Rock Salt Cheese (P90) 
A creamy blend of salty and sweet. The saltiness of the cheese gives it just the right kick of flavor to balance out the sweetness of the chocolate. This ain't the tea your Lola used to make.

Gong Cha: Matcha Milk Tea (P95-P110) 
A subtly sweet blend of matcha (finely-milled green tea) and milk that's addictive enough to make you reconsider your daily cup of coffee.

13. Ingredient of the Year: Bacon

Bacon is just always good news. I mean, you wouldn’t tell people to bring it home, proverbially, if it wasn’t. You can smoke it, deep-fry it, candy it, bake with it, or put it in ice cream—whatever you do with it, all’s it’s got to do is get in my belly. For 2012, all we can say is: more bacon! And we don’t mean proverbially.

Baked By Anita: Bacon N’ Maple Cupcake 
Baked By Anita is famous for its cupcake creations, each one a revelation for the senses and the imagination. Their Bacon N’ Maple Cupcake (P39 each) is an interesting mash-up of sweet and salty, kinda like a waffle drowned in maple syrup served with bacon. Yummm.

*Photo by www.ourawesomeplanet.com

Merry Moo: Candied Bacon Ice Cream 
Merry Moo prides itself in artisanal ice creams, only putting premium cow’s milk and other quality ingredients into each cup. The result is a rich and creamy scoop, and a merry menu filled with tantalizing and sometimes bizarre ice cream flavors—like Candied Bacon Ice Cream (P60 per scoop) for instance.

Smokehouse Sandwiches: Smoked Artisan Dry Cured Bacon Sandwich 
“Pork belly dry-cured for two weeks, then smoked for six hours. Served on a warm Kaiser bun with Frillice& Red Sails Lettuce, and Tomatoes.” I think the description says it all. It was definitely enough to get me drooling. Too bad I’ll have to wait for the next Mercato market to grab me this wonderful gift to pork-lovers everywhere, in fact, to humanity in general (P185).

14. Private Kitchens

Chef Tatung’s 
Knowing where his key ingredients are sourced from is important for this eco-conscious chef. Enjoy a helping of locally sourced, organic foodstuff: that means chemical-free veggies, hormone-free meat, and a whole lot of yummy goodness!
Juice tip-off: The menu changes regularly, so you should to be surprised—in only good ways, of course!
(The four-course dinner is P500 per head; menu changes frequently depending on the chef’s artistic mood).

Damaso Residencia by Chef Bambi SyGobio 
What the client wants, the client gets: The menu will ultimately depend on what you wish for! Request for a particular cuisine or creative theme and the chef will take off from there!
(Menu and price will depend on the client; minimum of 10 customers to book)

15. 32 Flavors and then some: Our Favorite Ice Cream Flavors

Carmen's Best: Malted Milk 
Just too good to pass up: two favorite bedtime buddies, malt and milk, have combined powers to make one of the yummiest new flavors in town!
(P380 per pint)

Sebastian's: Once in a Blue Moon Blue Cheese 
For a scoop you can only score once in a blue moon, Sebastian's bleu cheese ice cream is definitely worth every lick. The creamy concoction only gets more perfect with extra walnuts drizzled with fresh Palawan honey! This limited edition creation by Ian Carandang is a taste sensation that's as close to perfect as you can get!
(P125 per scoop)

Bar Dolci: Guinness Beer Gelato Popsicle 
Face it, Twin Popsies are for kids. For the adventurous sweet tooth, Bar Dolci's gelato cocktail popsicles are the perfect dessert-buzz combo! Our chosen favorite flavor? None other than their Guiness concoction! Refreshing to the core, Popsicles have never been more fun!
(P130 per stick)

Paradis: Agasajo Chili Chocolate with Saffron 
Spicy ice cream? If you’re in the mood for something exciting on the tip of your tongue, Pradis’ Agasajo Chili Chocolate with Saffron is one flavor you shouldn’t pass up!
(P180 for a medium-sized cup)

16. Have You Had Enough of Comfort Food Yet?

21 Plates: Your home (cooking) away from home 
This cozy restaurant in BF delivers exactly what promises: 21 plates. But what these 21 plates add up to is a creative, new take on the dishes we know and love in our mom’s (or yaya’s) cooking.
Juice tip-off: For an unforgettable dining experience, try their Bo’s Kaldareta with Orzo, slow-cooked in coconut milk (P295), the Indonesian Fried Chicken (P275), or Laing Lasagna (P290).

Seconds: Comfort food dresses up for dinner 
Comfort food meets gastronomy. Shoes are encouraged but a sense of humor, a healthy appetite, and a love of the deep-fry are strictly enforced. Run by a bunch of dudes totally obsessed with food, Seconds is like a gentleman’s club where the food isn’t as stiff as an old fogey’s mustached, upper lip. Naturally, the single malt whisky selection is fantastic.
Juice tip-off: Go for gold with an order of the Crispy Duck Confit (P795) or Lamb Shepherd’s Pie (P485); be adventurous and try a Bicol Express cocktail (P195).

Offbeat Café: Who says you can’t play with your food? 
Offbeat Café brings diners off the beaten path, so to speak, with food that comforts as much as it challenges. Rest assured that your belly will be happy you took the risk. Your diet, on the other hand, won’t have such a happy ending.
Juice tip-off: Aside from the famous doughnut burger (P200 w/ fries), there’s the Enzo burger (ensaymada-chorizo; P200 w/ fries too) and the Offbeat Ricewich with Caramelized Spam (P130). What’s not to like?

17. Food Events

Pinoy Eats World: The Foodie Revolution 
Motto: Kaintayo! Pinoy Eats World is a company dedicated to Food Culture. Through their various events, they aim to give you an interesting, slightly irreverent, and always delicious look at the world of food!
Juice tip-off: Their main events include Food Tours, Guerilla Dinners, and {f.} + ART dinners.

Ultimate Taste Test: Every Juan’s a food critic! 
The Annual Food Trip: UTT enables food lovers to be food critics for a day! Sample food preparations and concoctions from over 50 home-based food vendors. I give it 5yum’s!
Juice tip-off: If you like what you eat, many of the stalls are also part of Our Awesome Planet’s Mercato markets, so don’t worry about the small sample servings—we promise you’ll be full after one or two circuits around the venue!

The Whitespace Green Market: The Fancy Foodie Market 
The Green Market is a portable market held every last Sunday of the month. This unique market is held indoors in a warehouse, where you have the convenience of a roof, proper restrooms, and a nice dining area with waiter service.
Juice tip-off: A fantastic buffet spread by Gaita Fores, need we say more?

18. Food Challenges

CHUCK'S DELI 
Feisty Buffalo Chicken Slabwich Challenge: 5 minutes or less
Slay the Buffy by finishing off Chuck's feisty buffalo chicken slabwich (P295) in under 5 minutes! If you think you've got what it takes, chowing down this badass will leave your hands stained and your belly satisfied!

RISTRAS 
Godzilla Burrito Challenge: Fastest time possible
Prove you’re a monster and not a man by chowing down Ristras’ 800 gram Godzilla Burrito (P1200) in the quickest time possible (cut-off time is 90 minutes) and receive unlimited burritos forever! Until of course someone else decides to steal your title.

BURGER AVENUE 
Ridiculous Challenge: 5 minutes or less
Three glorious, all-beef patties sandwiched in an oatmeal bun garnished with slabs of molten cheese, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes? Finish off that ridiculous mother-load (P298) in 5 minutes or less to win Burger Avenue’s challenge!

19. What’s Your Beef?

H Cuisine’s Beef Belly: now that’s what you call a prime cut (in meat and price) 
We all salivate over Cirkulo’s Beef Belly, and yet in vain thanks to their hefty prices. Enter H Cuisine, a fine dining experience that won’t force you to eat instant noodles for the rest of the month. Their Most Awesome Angus Beef Belly (P428) is tasty, tender, and much more decently priced—so you can eat to your tummy’s content. Whoever said less is more?
Juice tip-off: Need to take care of that sweet tooth? Order their Callebaut Chocolate Chip Cookies (P750 for a jar of 10 cookies).

Urameshi-ya’s Yakiniku: the original, the only Yakiniku 
Whoever has not heard about this Little Tokyo restaurant needs to be enlightened right now, and make up for the precious meals that weren’t eaten here. It must be known by all. Once and for all. This. Is. The. Best. Yakiniku. In. Manila. All else aren’t worth the cholesterol, frankly. So save up (P400-3000) and delight in the delicate meaty richness that is Yakiniku as it’s ‘sposed to be. It is known.
Juice tip-off: These thin slices of heaven take on another level of paradise when you squeeze the provided lemon slice over it. You’re welcome.

*Photo by www.ourawesomeplanet.com

Gulliver’s Roast Beef: classic roast beef with a view 
Who knew that this dubious hotel in the seedier section of Makati Ave. housed the best roast beef we’ve had so far. Well, many know nowadays, I guess. But that doesn’t make it any less good.
Juice tip-off: Its view of the Makati skyline and the quiet, unobtrusive atmosphere makes Gulliver’s the perfect place for canoodling with your significant other. Go for the classic roast (P590-1300) with all the good stuff like horseradish and Yorkshire pudding; the Rib Eye and other steaks aren’t as good.

20. Local Flavor: The Best Local Ingredients

Malagos Farmhouse 
Finally, Queso de Bola need not be the only star of the Noche Buena feast. We discovered that Malagos Farmhouse from Davao creates artisanal cheese that can put many fancy imported cheese plates to shame.
Juice tip-off: We love the creaminess of the mildly aged Blue Goat Cheese (P163 per 100g). Serve it with some crackers and you’re good to go.

Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates 
Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates claims to be the first bean to bar chocolate in the Philippines. After trying several of their very creative offerings (P95 per bar), such as Green Mango & Salt, Barako, and Pili&Pinipig, you’ll be thankful that they decided to do so.
Juice tip-off: Looking to fill your “exported” friends’ gift baskets with something other than the classic Chocnut? Drop a Labuyo bar, dark chocolate with a chili kick in the end, into that care package for a spicier mix.

Ilog Maria Honeybee Farms 
If you want to know the many benefits of honey, enter this honey haven and you will find products that range from shampoo (P77), to honey cider vinegar (P154), to throat spray (P82.50) and even leather balsam (P88).
Juice tip-off: The Propolis Ointment (P110) –with anti-fungal/viral/bacterial properties, helps ease the itching from skin rashes, insect bites, infected wounds & burns.