FOOD: Yakiniku Adventure with Tajimaya MOA

We Filipinos love to eat. Sometimes we eat 3 main meals plus 2 snacks in between main meal. I for one is guilty of that. 

Buffet restaurants in the Philippines caters to different market classes. We all know some of the old but still running buffer restos like Kamayan, Cabalen, Kamay Kainan. Also luxury buffets like Vikings and Buffet 101. Not only that, some new entrants in Yakiniku buffet like Sambokojin and Yakimix.

Make way for Tajimaya

A week after going back to Doha, I want to try the ambiance of Vikings at San Miguel by the Bay. However, weekends are always full in that branch near MoA. So my friend suggested to try Tajimaya. It was a new name for my ears so one Friday we decided to try their offerings.

Sample Menu from their FB page

 

My friend and I went their at Dinner time. The restaurant is not as crowded as other restaurants around Mall of Asia (it was Friday night by the way). We opted their buffet worth around 590 PHP including bottom less Ice tea, different sets of meat (squid, shrimp, US Beef, Pork and Chicken) with rice, hotdogs, raw dimsum and some greens and side dishes.

More than what I expected!

Though they have common rule in this buffet set-up: No Left-overs for the second through nth time of additional set.

So that was our experience trying out this wonderful restaurant. 

You can check them out on their branches listed below:

SM Mall of Asia

2nd Level, North Veranda

Entertainment Mall

Pasay City

One Rockwell

Makati City

Crossroads Mall

Banilad, Cebu

Must-Try: Buffet Set

Macoy's Rating: 4.5 Plates

FOOD: J.CO, Your not-so-ordinary-donuts!

I was fascinated last year when I came back in Manila. People are waiting for hours just to buy a box of J.Co donuts. I said to my friends, "What's the fussed about that donut? It's just like Krispy Kreme". They told me, "You should try it and see for yourself". So before I leave Manila few weeks ago, I told myself, I should try J.Co donuts.

My position as I arrived J.Co Mall of Asia

So 2 days before my departure to Doha, I tried to go to J.Co Mall of Asia. As soon as I arrive to that branch, the line going inside was so looooong! So estimated time from this vantage point: 2 hours!

And people still coming!

As soon as I near the door of the branch, the people keeps coming and coming. One expat (which is an Aussie) passed by and asked me why do people line-up for that store. I just told him, it's a new store here :)

From that point estimated time to reach the door: 1 hour.

Donut Menu c/o J.CO Facebook Page

Before I enter the store, I asked for sample menu so that it will be easier for me to choose once I stepped inside the store. As you can see, J.Co donuts offer unfamiliar flavors like Avocado DiCaprio, Mona Pisa, Blueberry More and others. Also the prices per piece is more expensive than Krispy Kreme. However, if you buy 1/2 dozen to 2 dozen of donuts, the price is much cheaper than Krispy Kreme. Waiting for couple of hours pays off once you have your donuts!

One Happy Kid :)

And after 2 hours of falling in line and waiting for my turn, I got my half-dozen J.Co donuts! I chose 2 Alcapone, 1 Blueberry More, 2 Jcoccino and 1 Choco Caviar Chocolate (from top to bottom). Also, if you order a drink in J.Co, it comes with free Glazzy donut!

So for my verdict:

The donuts is not so sweet and soft. The flavors are extra-ordinary and you will want some more.

Must-Try(s): Alcapone, Jcoccino (Donuts)

                   

Macoy's Rating: 4 Plates

(Rating includes efficiency of staff, crowd-control, price and taste)

So head-down on your nearest J.Co Donuts near you:

J. Co Alabang Town Center

Ground Floor, The Gardens(Expansion Wing)

J. Co Eastwood

1800 Building, Eastwood Avenue

J. Co Greenbelt 3

Level 3, Near Greenbelt 3 Cinema

J. Co SM Megamall

Ground Floor, Megastrip B

J. Co SM Mall of Asia

Ground Floor, North Parking Bldg.

(Near SM Hypermarket)

J. Co SM Fairview

Upper Ground Floor, Main Building

J. Co Trinoma

Lobby Level near North Carpark Entrance

and Mall entrance North Ave. side

For more information, you can visit their Facebook Page or http://jcodonuts.com.ph/

FOOD: Jambafied! at Robinson's Magnolia

It's already March and you know what it means? Summer! So before the heat rise on this season, time to look to quench our thirst.

One afternoon, I fetched my brother from his school and we decided to explore the newest mall in Quezon City - Robinson's Place Magnolia. It was a redevelop piece of land, once a manufacturing plant of our famous Ice Cream -  Magnolia.

Sample menu - courtesy of JambaJuice.ph

That hot afternoon crave me for a shake. While strolling the Al Fresco area of the mall, we saw the new branch of Jamba Juice! So I ordered my favorite drink: Strawberries Wild!

Before falling in-line you must follow this 3-simple rules:

• Choose your Size
• Choose your Drink
• Choose your Boosters (Free 1 booster in every drink you order)

My Drink: Strawberries Wild

So I ordered my drink and I chose "Daily Vitamin Boost" as my booster. There are a lot of boosters to choose from just look on your local stores near you. The ambiance of the store is good enough to chill and the place is a "No Smoking Zone". Plus, the store has a Photo Booth and a free Wi-Fi access.

Funny Faces!

So head down to your nearest Jamba Juice store and order your favorite smoothies. Also catch their Jamba Juice Fender Blender truck in some places this summer!

Robinson's Magnolia

U/G Floor, Al Fresco Area

Aurora Blvd., Quezon City

Other Branches :

Bonifacio High Street

Alabang Town Center

SM Mall of Asia

SM City North Edsa

SM Megamall

Robinson's Place Manila

Visit their FB page: JambaJuicePH

Must-Try: Classic Smoothies

Macoy's Rating: 5 Plates

TRAVEL: Airphilexpress goes to Batanes

Photo by Airphilexpress

Want to explore more in the northern Philippines? Add to your bucket list this summer, airphilexpress will fly to Batanes starting May 1, 2013.

You can book your flights starting today, February 21, 2013.

For more details, visit their website: www.airphilexpress.com

TRAVEL: SEA Air's New Destination

Photo from FlySEAir FB page.

Had you planned your summer vacation this year? Check out SEA Air's new destination - Laoag!

Here are some places you may want to visit in Laoag, Ilocos Norte:

Sand bashing in La Paz

Fare starts at Php 599 from Manila.

For more details, check their website: www.flyseair.com