Coconut House
This article has moved to http://www.crispypataatkarekare.com/2012/12/18/coconut-house/
Go coco loco.
I can think of so many things cooked with pasta and eat all these but with a twist. Coconut strips take the center stage in the menu of the Coconut House located in Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.
Buko Pancit (Php105) is my favorite. Instead of noodles, the fresh coconut strips are stir fried with vegetables and seasoning. If you eat fast, you might not notice the difference because the coconut strips absorb the flavors and its texture passes off as real noodles.
Buko Pancit
Coco Okoy (Php85) is my second favorite here. The traditional okoy is cooked with shrimps. This one is made with coconut and vegetables, then deep fried. It’s so good especially when dipped in vinegar.
Coco Okoy
Buko Mami (Php95) was hard to believe. Imagine the regular noodle soup, now made with coconut strips and coconut juice. With those being two of the ingredients used, expect it to be slightly sweeter.
Buko Mami
Coconut House also came out with new recipes. Buko Palabok (Php105) is their version of Pancit Palabok with coconut strips, sauce, shrimps and eggs. They also serve Buko Spaghetti (Php125) and Buko Carbonara (Php125).
Buko Palabok
Buko Spaghetti
Buko Carbonara
Pork Sinigang sa Buko (Php325) is sinigang with coconut strips and cooked with coconut juice. It’s a bit sweeter than the usual sinigang with pork, vegetables and tamarind broth. This is good for sharing.
Pork Sinigang sa Buko
For dessert, their Coco Halo-Halo (Php85) is the best. The usual Filipino dessert with shaved ice, sweetened fruits, beans and milk is given a new dimension. This time, it’s made with a special coco ice mix instead of regular ice and I think that makes this better than the regular halo-halo. It also has leche flan, sweetened bananas and macapuno. It’s served with a scoop of ice cream on top, but not the ordinary kind — it’s what they call the fruity coco non-dairy ice cream made with coconut milk.
Coco Halo-Halo
fruity coco ice cream
They also sell other products made from coconut like bags, accessories, soap, oil, sugar and more.
Right outside the restaurant, you can find their ice cream shop, the Coconut Ice Cream Hut. The products of course include ice cream made from coconut milk.
I first went to the Coconut House with friends. I enjoyed it so much that I recommended it to be featured in the cooking show Sarap Pinoy (Saturdays 6:30am GMA News TV). It was approved and cooking demo segments of their dishes were aired in the show. Watch one of the segments here.
coconut house cooking demo
And I still kept on coming back. I wanted more friends to experience it too. Plus of course, the generous manager Jaime Hernandez gave discounts and freebies.
Read about Coconut house, its history, updated menu and more, click here. Coconut House is inside Quezon Memorial Circle. Open daily from 7AM to 9PM. For inquiries, food delivery, catering and party reservations, here are the contact details:
(02) 392-4115 / coconuthouseph@gmail.com / coconuthousepinoy.blogspot.com
*Prices subject to change without prior notice
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*Photos were taken by the Sarap Pinoy staff, John-Ben Rodriguez, Markley Villarin and myself.
Hecky’s Lechon
This article has moved to http://www.crispypataatkarekare.com/2012/11/19/heckys-lechon/
I often go for the crunchy skin but this time, I enjoyed the tasty meat of this delicious organic lechon. Hecky’s Lechon (roasted pig).
I haven’t slept, haven’t eaten. I’ve just finished research, checked scripts and finally done with my voice over for the travel show “I Love Pinas.” It was finally time to eat.
I went to Eastwood City, the mall along C5 Road in Quezon City. It was my first time to enter one of their buildings called “Cyber and Fashion Mall.” At the third floor Hecky’s Lechon caught my attention. I tried to look away but couldn’t.
It was lechon. But I’m trying to be healthy. Then I saw what I needed to see to have enough reason to go there. The sign said “Cebu Style Lechon, Oven Baked Less Fast, Organic. It’s the Healthier Choice!”
Okay then. Since it’s baked, they boast of being non-carcinogenic. And being organic, it means the pig was fed with natural food, no chemicals, no injectibles. Game!
Cebu-style lechon meant the pig roasted was stuffed with herbs and spices making the meat really savory. Still, I wanted to walk away. Before I give in, I wanted to taste it first. I asked the counter guy if I could have free taste. He gave me a piece and whoa! My decision became final. I went in.
I had lechon, soup and rice. The Cebu style lechon doesn’t go with the regular lechon sauce which is a sweet blend of spices and liver sauce. Vinegar is used instead. I enjoyed the crunchy skin but I was more immensely satisfied with the very tasty meat.
Hecky’s Lechon Meal is priced at only Php80. But you can order more.
Lechon De Leche, good for 10-15 persons is Php4,500.
Lechon Extra Small, good for 20-25 persons, Php5,500.
Lechon Small, good for 30-35 persons, Php6,500.
Lechon Medium, good for 45-55 persons, Php7,500.
Lechon Large, good for 60-70 persons, Php8,500.
Lechon Extra Large, good for more than 80 persons, Php9,500.
They also sell Pancit Con Lechon sa Bilao or stir fried noodles with chopped lechon priced at:
Php180 good for 2-3 persons
Php300 good for 6-8 persons
Php500 good for 12-15 persons
Php700 good for 18-20 persons
Php950 good for 25-30 persons
How Hecky’s began.
How Hecky’s began.
Hector “Hecky” Tabuena with his cousins established Cagayan de Oro Lechon in the 1990’s. They claim to be the first in the country to use lechon ovens full time. The company closed on 2004 after Hecky passed away. But the following year, his children decided to open the company in honor of their father with new recipes and improved techniques to make their lechon Cebu-style.
Hecky’s Lechon delivers and has branches in other parts of the Metro.
For a list of their branches, click here.
For their full menu and pricelist, click here.
http://heckyslechon.ph/
Telephone numbers: (02) 359-5596 / 0915-815-9762
Delivery charge depends on location.
Note: I enjoyed the lechon at Hecky’s in Eastwood…but, a week after this I had a disappointing experience. I ate dinner in SM MOA (Mall of Asia) in Pasay City and chose to buy from Hecky’s Lechon in that mall’s foodcourt. There was a major difference. The skin wasn’t crunchy and the meat was bland. I don’t know if this was a fluke but I do hope Hecky’s could maintain the same quality in all their branches.
(Photos were taken using my camera phone. Several others were from their website.)
Ace Water Spa
This article has moved to http://www.crispypataatkarekare.com/2012/11/01/ace-water-spa/
Get ready to get wet!
It’s a one of a kind massage and they call it hydrotherapy massage at Ace Water Spa.
Initially I was skeptic.
I mean really. When I have pain in the muscles, I’d like real massage. I’ve dipped into jacuzzis with water jets but that just cannot do the job.
But this is not a jacuzzi.
I was in for a surprise because Ace Water Spa’s amazing. The place has different sections in the water area you can go to depending on which body part you want massaged. There’s a button you push to start the hydro experience.
I had aching back muscles when I visited Ace Water Spa so I went to the area where I had to lie down. Face down, I pressed the button and the water started pouring from above. It’s not like the regular shower because believe me the pressure was strong and it was actually massaging my back.
Back Massage
I did this three times. Don’t do that. That was my mistake. After the third time, My back felt some pain because I overdid it. My muscles became slightly sore and I felt tired.
There’s another area for the lower back muscles and waist area. I sat and the water was up to my chest. I pushed the button and the aqua jets did the job specifically hitting my lower back and sides.
Lower back and sides massaged
Another was done standing for the head and shoulder massage. It seemed endless, I just had to try all the areas.
Head and shoulder massage
The hydrotherapy massage makes use of ultrasonic jet system with aquatic jets strategically positioned to target specific areas of the body.
There’s also hot herbal pools and a cold pool. You can choose from lavender, jasmine or mint, or try all. Dipping into the hot herbal pools ought to make the guest feel relaxed, blood flow stimulated and toxins released. Well, this depends on the guest’s tolerance for water temperature. I found it very hot. But others liked it.
Hot Herbal Pools (Lavender, Jasmine and Mint)
After the hot herbal pool, the guest can dip into the cold pool to keep the body temperature healthy.
Cold Pool
Guests can swim in the pools or just float lazily and let the lazy river move you around. The lazy river has its current that goes around the entire pool.
Lazy River
They have floor fountains, steam rooms and sauna.
Floor Fountains
They require guests to wear fitted swimwear, bathing suits, trunks, cycling shorts or rash guard for tops. Regular shirts, shorts and even board shorts are not allowed. In case you don’t have the required attire, you can rent or buy swimwear at Ace Swim Shop.
They have locker rooms, shoe racks, shower areas and changing areas.
Locker Room
They do not allow food and drinks and guests are recommended not to eat heavily before going to the spa to avoid vomiting. After the experience though, they serve good food at the Ace Coffee Lounge.
The rate for adults is Php550 which allows you to use the facilities for four (4) hours. I think that time is reasonable. For kids 4 feet below, it’s Php250.
ACE WATER SPA QUEZON CITY http://www.acewaterspa.com.ph/
399 Del Monte Avenue (near the corner of Banaue St.) SFDM, Quezon City
Telephone Numbers: (02) 367-8040 to 41 / (02) 367-8061 to 62 / (02) 415.0164 Fax (02) 415-2477
They also have a branch in Pasig City at United St., cor. Brixton St. near Pioneer, Pasig City with trunkline number: (02) 451-1111
Spa Inquiries : inquiries@acewaterspa.com.ph
Comments & Feedback : customer_care@acewaterspa.com.ph
Ace Coffee Lounge Inquiries : banquetsales@acewaterspa.com.ph
If you think this article wasn’t a waste of your time, it would help me feel appreciated if you click this link here and like my Facebook page. Thank you 
The Ace Water Spa experience was part of the shoot I did for the travel show I host “I Love Pinas” aired in the Philippines and abroad. The staff and I took the photos. Know the airing schedule of the show, click here. Please like “I Love Pinas” on Facebook, click here.
Where to go and what to do in Quezon City? Click here.
Mezza Norte Part 2
This article has moved to http://www.crispypataatkarekare.com/2012/08/08/mezza-norte-part-2/
Steak, I came back for you!
Something so great deserves a part two. There are just so many food stalls to choose from that I couldn’t explore all in one night so I had to go back to Mezza Norte in Techno Hub, Commonwealth Ave., Quezon City. (How to get there? Click here)
In the open area, over 40 vendors excite the visitors with their affordable products, mostly.
I was so hungry I went for the tried and tested Juana Bowl steak, cooked medium rare with gravy and rice Php190. Same thing I had the last time I was here.
Okay I’m supposed to try the different dishes right, but this steak has become a must-have for me here.
People are raving about Dadi’s Berd. It’s time to try my friend Mike Bulaong’s masterpiece.
I got the budget meal, grilled barbecue chicken with rice Php75.
Wow! I’m a believer! It’s sweet and spicy. So Filipino.
Mike’s a musician and he makes beautiful music but I never thought he could also make chicken so delicious. Congratulations bro.
There’s also a simple food stall there, Seven Plates. The lady selling there told us to try their Nanay’s Binagoongan. She was the one who helped my family find a table in the midst of this jungle with the hungry crowd so out of gratitude, we bought the Nanay’s Binagoongan.
Okay, here’s the deal, the stall didn’t look too exciting. But, and here’s the big but… the dish was a tasty surprise!!! The binagoongan was a bit crunchy which made me smile. It was sweet and spicy with the taste of the bagoong. I recommend you try this.
There’s a long line at Taclings. I had to know what the fuss was about.
Taclings had something different, from afar it looked like deep fried siomai but they’re actually small taco shells of a different shape. Stuffed in it was the meat, you can choose from ground beef or tuna. It also has salsa and creamy garlic sauce.
I tried both the ground beef and the tuna.
These were supposedly bite-size but it’s kind of a challenge. I managed. Haha.
It was okay, I liked the ground beef better. It’s just that the creamy garlic sauce was too sweet it overpowers the taste of the salsa and the beef. But it felt good that I was able to try that, something different. Maybe that’s why people are trying it too, it looks different and catches the eye. Next time, I’ll put hot sauce and I’ll request they put lesser creamy garlic sauce.
(Commercial Break: two weeks after I first tried Taclings, I saw this again in SM North Edsa which is a mall in Quezon City. This time, I asked the vendor to lessen the creamy garlic sauce and add more of their special hot sauce. The result? Wow! I loved it! It tastes better when it’s spicier)
You can buy 6 pieces for Php70 and 12 pieces for Php120.
I’m stuffed. Here’s one lesson I’ve learned. Before buying, go around first, look for stalls with free samples. Tasting products for free will help you choose which to buy.
If you think this article wasn’t a waste of your time, it would help me feel appreciated if you click this link here and like my Facebook page. Thank you
Read my previous article about Mezza Norte which includes dishes not mentioned here. Click here.
Get in touch with the organizers of Mezza Norte:
admin@MercatoNorth.com
www.MezzaNorte.com
Mezza Norte
This article has moved to http://www.crispypataatkarekare.com/2012/08/04/mezza-norte/
Mezza Norte
Finally! Here’s one in Quezon City (QC). Calling all foodies, here’s the gastronomical experience we’ve been wanting to sink our teeth into in QC.
Located in UP AyalaLand Techno Hub
If you’re familiar with Banchetto (Megatent, Pasig City along Meralco Avenue) or with Mercato Centrale (BGC, Taguig City) the same excperience is now located in UP-AyalaLand Techno Hub in Commonwealth Ave., QC.
More than 40 food stalls to choose from
About 40 vendors gather at Mezza Norte every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6pm until 3am with a wide range of dishes to choose from. Appetizers, main meals and desserts.
I’ve been craving for steak, so when I got here I looked for one. This was the best dish for tonight. For only Php190 I got myself this juicy and tasty grilled U.S. rib-eye steak.
Yummy!
I asked for it to be grilled medium rare so it’ll be juicy and tender. I saw the lady put what seemed like pepper on it before grilling. On the griller I think it was butter or margarine smothered on top. They served it on a paper plate with a very modest amount of rice but with lots of gravy. I had to have extra rice.
This is pretty affordable considering the awesome taste. It’s something I usually have in fine dining restaurants, the quality’s almost the same, but of course to be able to buy it at this price, I had to make do with the ambience and the absence of the silverware. Good enough. For meat lovers, you have to try this steak — oh just a tip, there are a lot of choices for steaks here so you have to look for this stall beside the vendor selling isaw and dynamite.
Dynamite, ready for frying
And speaking of dynamite, beside the steak stall I ordered dynamite, four pieces for only Php50. That is cheap. Dynamite, okay this is deep fried green finger chili peppers with the seeds taken out, stuffed with quickmelt cheese and wrapped in lumpia wrapper. It still has a kick. Great appetizer.
grilled isaw (pork and chicken intestines)
This stall not only sold dynamites but also grilled isaw (pork and chicken intestines) and chicharon bituka (crispy pork intestines). I ordered chicharon bituka for P100 and this is good for sharing. It was okay, but not the best kind.
chicharon bituka (crunchy pork intestines)
The all meat pancit (noodle dish) of Tuguegarao’s Best was famous here so I had to try it. Maybe I set my expectations too high. It was okay, but not what I had expected.
I shared my food with my friends Ben, Audee, Kristel and Neth. I ate some of theirs too — roast beef with pasta, takoyaki balls and taco salad. Those were delicious too, oh but for tonight, nothing can compare with my steak.
Mezza Norte is best experienced with friends
I was so full, I couldn’t try all the other dishes and desserts. For my next visit, and I will definitely blog about it again, I must try Dadi’s Berd. There in the picture with the red apron is Dadi’s Berd owner and birthday boy Mike Bulaong.
Dadi’s Berd
To give you an idea of the place, it’s an open area with but with a tent-like makeshift roof just in case it rains. But when it does, I think you can get a bit wet depending on where your table is located. The place is packed. Really packed. A lot of people had to remain standing while waiting for tables to be vacated. Most of the crowd were young. Many were UP and Ateneo students, based on the shirts and jackets they wore which branded their schools’ logos. Expect to smell like food after your stay here, well, you’ll smell delicious!
To get here, you can use the Quezon Memorial Circle route going to Commonwealth Avenue. Go straight until you reach the Commonwealth-Tandang Sora Ave. intersection — that’s where you make a u-turn. Keep right after the u-turn because there’s a newly constructed barrier along Commonwealth and when you miss going to the rightmost lane, the barrier will prevent you from entering Techno Hub and you’ll have to go around Quezon Memorial Circle again. I made that mistake so I hope you’ll learn from mine.
If you want to have a food stall at Mezza Norte, email the organizers at admin@MercatoNorth.com and visit their website at http://www.MezzaNorte.com
Mezza Norte
I’m already excited for my next trip back to Mezza Norte! Watch out for Mezza Norte Part 2 and let’s taste Seven Plates, Taclings, Daddy’s Berd and more.
If you think this article wasn’t a waste of your time, it would help me feel appreciated if you click this link here and like my Facebook page. Thank you
can’t get over my delicious and affordable steak
Crispy Pata at Kare-Kare 