If you’ve been to Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao in Greenhills, then you might already have an idea what to expect from the newly opened Crystal Jade Dining-In Chinese restaurant in Bonifacio High Street Central, Bonifacio Global City.
But you are not entirely right. Although almost similar in name, Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao focuses in dimsum while Crystal Jade Dining-In offers authentic Cantonese cuisine.
Starting w/ the appetizer
Having started in Singapore before expanding to foreign lands, Crystal Jade restaurant has already been known for years for its authentic Chinese cuisines with a twist and exquisite food.
For the unfamiliar, here are some dishes we tried from their menu a week ago:
Baked Bo Lo BBQ Pork Bun
The Baked Bo Lo BBQ Pork Bun (180/3pcs) is good appetizer that is a bit on the ‘heavy’ side. But you wouldn’t mind it with the tasty oriental style BBQ pork in a soft bun baked in Hong Kong style bo lo crust.
Baked Bo Lo BBQ Pork Bun
Crispy Duck Sandwich & Shredded Duck Fruit Salad
Appetizers are most flavorful in Chinese restaurants so much so you can mistake it for a main dish. And the Crispy Duck Sandwich(P680) is one example.
It has eight slices of bite-size duck meat with crispy skin on top. Although not indicated in the menu, it is actually a Peking Duck.
It is also served with a generous and creamy shredded duck fruit salad on the side which complements the crunchy duck sandwich.
Crispy Duck Sandwich
Sauteed Prawn & Scallop with Chicken and Assorted Mushroom Served in Pumpkin
The pumpkin is certainly a looker with a mixture of prawns, scallops, chicken, and assorted mushroom filling.
As complicated as it looks, it is actually a simple sauteed dish. What makes it good are the necessary fresh ingredients (such as the prawns and scallops) and the interesting variety of mushrooms. A perfect dish for mushroom lovers.
I’m not sure though if the pumpkin can be requested to be sliced and served. I didn’t dare ask at that time. 🙂 A small serving costs P680.
If you’re Chinese, you’ve certainly had this dish one time or the other.
Their braised pork(P350) looks similar with most Chinese restaurants but certainly tastes among the best. Served with toasted or steamed bun (also known as kua pao), you can put the sweet pork in between. Don’t forget to put a lot of sauce in it.
Surely, one kua pao will not be enough for this dish. Feel free to order another with only a few bucks.
Braised Pork with Special Sauce (served with bun)
Double Boiled Crab Claw Soup with Superior Mushroom in Fresh Coconut
This is the highlight of the day. I haven’t had a dish like this in any Chinese restaurant I’ve been to for the past 34 years.
The Double Boiled Crab Claw Soup with Superior Mushroom in Fresh Coconut(P480) is exactly as its name describes. Served in a half-open young coconut shell, the light-tasting broth was boiled once before it is put in the ‘buko‘, and boiled again while “in” the ‘buko‘ shell.
The crab claw is gigantic and meaty while the mushrooms are perfect with the broth. You can actually put this towards the end of the meal as a great pallete cleanser as well. :p
Double-boiled Crab Claw Soup with Superior Mushroom in Fresh Coconut
Chilled Avocado Pudding & Pomelo
The Chilled Avocado Pudding(P180) is a refreshing break from the flavorful dishes we just had above. The soft pudding will be loved by everyone from kids to adults. The pomelo bits give an interesting texture as well. It’s a bit overpriced for me though.
Chilled Avocado Pudding & Pomelo
Dessert Time!
Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Taro
For a buchi lover like me, the Glutinous Rice Dumpling(P160/3pcs) is a welcome dessert. Although without the external sesame seeds, it is covered with coconut shreds whose texture complements the taro filling.
Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Taro
Crystal Jade Dining In
Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig City
Contact Nos. (+632)808-5233; (+632)519-8191
11 am to 11 pm
Crystal Jade Dining-In
For someone who is used to eating Chinese food for most of his life, Crystal Jade Dining-In offers both Chinese and non-Chinese palettes an interesting take on most of our usual Chinese menu. It has your regular favorites, new dishes, and at the same time offers new ones with interesting twists as well. Albeit at a higher price point than your regular Chinese restaurant, a trip to Crystal Jade Dining-In will be worth your while…and bill.
It’s almost 12 noon, my girlfriend and I were discussing which place to try next with the number of new restaurants in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and we ended at the quirkily-named Japanese Grill Buffet restaurant – Robotosan.
The big Robotosan logo is not new to me as I frequently pass by it’s brightly lit name-sign at night when I go to Starbucks BGC at the 32nd street.
The name alone is enough to pique your interest and try dining here at least once. It turned out that Robotosan was brought to life by the same people behind Sumosam, John and Yoko, Marciano’s, and Mr.Kurosawa. That explains the Japanese theme and the strikingly similar chairs from the other restaurants. 🙂
Aside from the children’s robot prints at the back of the chairs, the visual impact it would make on its customers would be its jagged interiors dominated by a web of intersecting columns solemnized by thick purple posts while tamed by the elegant grey cushion seats. A refreshing and interesting interior, I should say.
Robotosan Japanese Grill Buffet
Dimsum & Chicken Feet
The Grill & Plate #1
Ready Buffet
Now, it’s a Japanese grill buffet and not an anime convention hall, so we have to try the food. Marge and I decided to try the ready buffet first and do the grilling a bit later.
I got a decent serving of a hot miso soup bowl and some dimsum for appetizers. They have a good salad bar but I decided to go straight for my tummy-fillers.
This was followed by the in-demand ebi tempura and some pizza (see plate #1).
My second plate was defined by some California maki and its relatives, plus some of the main dishes.
Hot Dishes
Short Ribs / Korean BBQ
Fresh Buffet
Grilling
Their grills are of course, electronic. The socket under the table also served as my Wi-Fi charger before we actually used it for the electric grill. 🙂
About half of the long buffet table was comprised of different raw meat including Short Ribs for Korean BBQ and the likes.
For dessert, we had sweet mini cakes and sans rival. There was an option to create your own halo-halo and a selection of ice cream flavors plus some fruits.
Robotosan Plate #2
Verdict
If you are looking at a quick Japanese buffet with the option to grill in Bonifacio Global City, Robotosan is worth visiting.
But as a new buffet place, I believe their selection size still has room for additional variants. I actually enjoyed their desserts, albeit limited.
As much as I love their sans rival slices, maybe some Japanese inspired desserts would be a good complement since they are a Japanese buffet restaurant.
The buffet price of P529 to P669 would have been alright considering the location, but as mentioned above, they need to beef up their line some more. Or maybe they intentionally made it like that – simple and not too complicated. On the other hand, the grill table, ambiance, and service are all ok.
Robotosan Desserts
BigScoop Ice Cream
NomNom Tip:
I eventually got to try Robotosan during dinner time and it turns out that more variants are available at night which explains the nocturnal pricier rates. I was also able to catch some very good sylvanas at night which were missing during lunch. 🙂
It was generally a good experience and the crew/staff were friendly and accommodating from the ground floor until you are done and exit their door.
Robotosan
Japanese Grill Buffet
2F 32nd St., Crossroads, Bonifacio Global City
Tel number: (632)823-6988
Schedule:
Lunch: 11am-2:30pm
Dinner: 5:30pm-10:30pm
Price:
Monday-Thursday
Lunch – P529; Dinner – P629
Friday-Sunday
Lunch – P669; Dinner – P669
Children Below 4ft – P379
Left Over Price per head P789
Robotosan Crew / Satff
Robotosan @ Crossroads, Bonifacio Global City
Robotosan in BGC also offers ‘drink all you can‘ with soda/iced tea/lemonade at P79.
It was interesting to have met BonChon Philippines head honcho Scott Tan last week where he shared a technique on how to eat BonChon chicken wings. As trivial as it may sound, I was amazed that one can eat about half of a crispy fried chicken wing in one bite. 🙂
As inspired as I was, I had to go back to BonChon two days after and try it myself. So, together with my gf and another friend, we found ourselves back at the BonChon BGC branch which opened just a month ago.
BonChon BGC
Generally, my favorite chicken part is the meaty breasts and thighs, the wings come last. However, with BonChon’s original Korean crispy fried chicken secret recipe, the wings (in soy garlic) are my favorite!
BonChon Chicken came to the Philippines back in November 2010 and has since grown to 19 branches today including Alabang Town Center, Ayala Triangle Garden (ATG), Shangri-la Plaza, SM Mall of Asia, and One Parkade in BGC. Check out more about the contemporary Korean brand BonChon Chicken at www.bonchon.com.ph.
BonChon Crispy Chicken
Korean Yogurt
I also found a new item in the BonChon menu board – the Korean Yogurt called BonChon “Ko-Yo“. They are available in Banofee Pie and Blueberry Torte variants for P70. The plain one is P35.
I found the plain one too small and I think the P70 variant is more cost efficient in terms of size (a.k.a. worth it). I also asked what was the difference between a Korean Yogurt and regular yogurt. I learned that Korean yogurts are less sweet and tastes more tangy.
BonChon Korean Yogurt "Ko-Yo"
How Do You BonChon Video
And of course, I am not ending this article without my personal video of the “How Do I BonChon?”
After Jamba Juice Bonifacio High Street opened in the Philippines last year, Manila is now its biggest market in Asia. It is no surprise then that they immediately opened their second branch in the Philippines (first store in the south) at the Alabang Town Center earlier this month.
Jamba Juice ATC Interiors
Brief Background
Jamba Juice is known for its all-natural smoothies and juices sourcing high quality fruits from around the globe.
Originating from California since the 1900s and making it big in South Korea, Jamba Juice has been brought to the Philippines by one of the largest food chains in the Philippines. It is the same one who’s behind the Max’s Group of Companies including Max’s Restaurant and Krispy Kreme – the Fuentabellas.
It’s not surprising then that the Jamba Juice ATC branch is situated right beside Krispy Kreme Alabang Town Center.
Jamba Juice Philippines
Jamba Juice Menu Board
Jamba Juice Boosters!
Janmba Juice ATC 2nd Floor
Jamba Juice Fruit Smoothie
Jamba Juice Alabang Town Center Opens
The opening program of the ATC branch started with members of the Max’s Group of Companies welcoming Jamba Juice’s President and CEO Mr. James D. White and Global & Franchise Development and Senior VP Mr. Thibault De Chatellus.
They were greeted with a parade of cheers and placards showcasing the core ideals behind the Jamba Juice brand.
The festivities matched the energy and excitement symbolic of the product and its health benefits.
Here are some of the photos we got from the celebrations:
Guests from Jamba Juice International Arrives in Alabang Town Center
Jamba Juice President and CEO Mr. James D. White Shakes Hands with Guests
Jamba Juice Senior Vice President Mr. Thibault De Chatellus joins Ribbon Cutting (in white polo)
 “Alabang is a great model for a district that exudes a dynamic lifestyle…known for being the hometown of cyclists—an example of the active lifestyle market that Jamba Juice has successfully served in California for many years,†adds Mark Gamboa, Jamba Juice Philippines Marketing Director.
Press Conference
Together with a select group of media, we then had a more private presscon with the aforementioned officers and Jamba Juice Philippines Managing Director Ms. Sharon Fuentebella.
Jamba Juice Smoothies Fever!
Ms. Sharon Fuentebella (Jamba Juice Ph Managing Director) in the press conference
They revealed in the interview that Jamba Juice Philippines will continue to effectively position its growth now that Manila is considered the biggest market in Asia. They also hihglighted that they intended to open their second branch in the south to cater to the big market which more often than not is neglected by some brands in terms of immediate expansion.
The Fuentabellas also disclosed that further expansion in other parts of Metro Manila is in the pipeline with the third branch opening soon in SM Mall of Asia.
Meet an Ace! (Aces is the term for Jamba Juice experts in each section)
Jamba Juice Smoothies
Jamba Juice Alabang Town Center
Watch out for Jamba Juice’s third branch soon in SM Mall of Asia! With the large market in that area, I believe Jamba Juice SM Mall of Asia will easily be a hit as well.
Relik Tapas and Bar sounds like ‘something old‘. But if you’ve been there, you’d pleasantly know why it was named such. The red bricks and classic furniture lend that relic and cozy feel.
Relik's Margarita
Relik is not that easy to find, actually. You would extend an extra effort to find it at the second floor of Commercenter Bldg at the corner of 31st avenue and 4th street in Bonifacio Global City amidst all other restaurants visually competing for attention on the street. On the other hand, the restaurant has been getting the raves as a cool hangout place. With the good interiors and atmosphere, I am not surprised.
But this story is not about Relik as a bar. More than that, Relik offers good food.
Together with some foodie friends, we got to experience a mix of Spanish-Mexican tapas-inspired dinner the other day.
Roasted Bone-Marrow (P290) - topped with gremolata, served with caramelized onions and crunchy bread
I’d also have to give Relic for being able to serve bone-marrow. It’s not a common dish in a restaurant.
Relik is open Monday to Friday from 11:30 am – 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 4:00 am; Saturday to Sunday 5:00 pm – 4:00 am.
2/F Commercenter Bldg, 31st Ave cor 4th St, Bonifacio Global City Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines (0917) 529-8333
Whether you just want to have a good time with your friends or is looking for a good lunch or dinner, check out Relik Tapas and Bar and enjoy the food as much as you will do the place.
Together with some foodie friends and food bloggers, we were able to dine on a Chinese New Yearbuffet at F Restaurant in F1 hotel located at Bonifacio Global City (BGC) a few weeks ago. This is such a fitting article for this season – Chinese New Year. Kung Hei Fat Choi!
Cucumber Slices
One of my co-writers have actually featured the restaurant here in NomNom Club a few months ago so I am glad to see the place myself. 🙂 They are currently offering a Chinese New Year buffet consisting of the traditional Szechuan/Sichuan Beef, Peking Duck, and Crab and Corn Soup, among others.
Appetizers
To start with, we had a set of appetizers namely Jelly Fish, Beef Kimchi, Cucumber with Garlic and Chili Sesame, and Cold Pork Knuckle. Be sure to share these much appetizers to leave room for the main course.
Jelly Fish
Cold Pork Knuckle
They were all good but the cold pork knuckles with vinegar was new for me. I would compare it to a version of the Philippines’ local ‘kinilaw.’
Beef Kimchi
Although the jelly fish and cucumber came off too ordinary for me, the mix of garlic and chili sesame with the cucumber was a good twist.
In this appetizer set, the Beef Kimchi is the winner in the aspect of taste. Although I was surprised at first because I expected Chinese dishes while kimchi , as far as I know, is basically Korean.
Crab and Corn Soup
Fried Noodle
Soup and Noodles
To further elaborate the list and hold the mystery of the main dishes, we had a bowl each of the Crab and Corn and Seafood Spinach soups. They were both satisfactory and filling.
The Deep Fried Noodle followed right after mixed with sliced pork, bokchoi, carrots, mushroom, and the Chinese signature X.O. sauce.
F Restaurant in Best Western Premier F1 Hotel
Main Dishes
A quick run down of the main dishes include the Peking Duck, Steamed Marlin with Soya Sauce, Deep Fried Pork Ribs with Salt and Pepper, Sichuan Chicken, Sichuan Beef, Steamed Asparagus with X.O. Sauce, and Lechon Macau.
Sichuan / Szechuan Chicken
Sichuan / Szechuan Beef
Lechon Macau
While the Sichuan Chicken and Sichuan Beef needs more spices for that needed oriental taste, the Deep Fried Pork Ribs with salt and pepper and Lechon Macau made up for it.
If there is any that you shouldn’t miss, it’s the above-mentioned Deep Fried Pork Ribs with Salt and Pepper, Lechon Macau and the Peking Duck (I missed their Deep-Fried Tiger Prawn with Salt and Pepper though).
In the background of the Lechon Macau photo on the right are fellow foodies and food bloggers including Anton Diaz, Spanky Enriquez, Ivan Man-Dy, and Stonibert Lim.
It was generally a good oriental buffet at F cafe / restaurant with a wide view of Bonifacio Glocal City and ongoing area developments.
Steamed Marlin
Mango Sago for Dessert! (It was full of small tapioca pearls and mango bits)
Although the Chinese New Year was just over, don’t fret. F Restaurant’s Chinese New Year buffet menu will still be available until January 31, 2012 for lunch and dinner buffet for the price of P998++.
Best Western Premier F1 Hotel Chinese New Year Promo
F Restaurant, F1 Hotel
For reservations, call +632.928.9888 or +632.908.7888. F Restaurant is at 5th Flr. Amenity Level., Best Western PremierF1 Hotel, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig 1634, Philippines
The cafe name says it all, F for Fabulous! This cafe is housed at the newly opened F1 Hotel at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. The hotel is a franchise from world renowned hotelier, Best Western International.
Best Western hotels are known for modern and edgy interiors and at the same time tasteful. F1 Hotel did quite well on this.
F, located at the hotel’s 5th level is also a sight to see. It will certainly not fall short in your expectations as it has almost 300 courses and desserts in a spread to satisfy your palate. F restaurant sports a light and relaxed atmosphere with tables positioned with the glorious view of the pool deck.
The cafe serves buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner and like any other buffet, the courses change daily.
Gorgeous Furniture pieces at F1 Hotel
Dining in a buffet could be tricky because you easily get overwhelmed with all the food you see and end up full at your 2nd course.
With F, the concept is simple and well sectioned, most of the dishes are separated per type and helpful chefs are stationed to serve you.
My best tip on buffet dining is to eat less rice or pasta and go though each dish section by section, that way you make sure you tried everything the cafe offers.
No, it’s not a new drink offering by Krispy Kreme. But the same owners of the Krispy Kreme franchise in the Philippines – Max’s Group of Companies – is bringing the brand from the US to our local shores – Jamba Juice.
Jamba Juice is one of the top fresh juice brands in the United States catering to health buffs who want their juices natural and pure (You might have heard of the brand in some western movies shown recently).
Celebrities Vanessa Hudgens, Paris Hilton, Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas and football superstar David Beckham with their Jamba Juices!
“No sugar, no chemical preservatives” -Â says Krispy Kreme Marketing Manager Mark Gamboa who shared the news to NomNom Club 2 months ago during the Krispy Kreme Alabang branch opening and gave hints of this upcoming development.
Jamba Juice Launch and Location
And here we are, tomorrow, November 11, 2011, Jamba Juice Philippines formally establishes its presence locally as they open their first branch in the new extension of the posh Bonifacio High Street – 7th Avenue Boni High Street SOUTH – in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. It is right across R.O.X. (Where is R.O.X.)
Even though I’m currently in Taiwan and will miss this, I am just as excited as I am fruit juice lover myself who prefers them natural. Moreover, they will be having the same launch date of 11-11-11 as my newest gadgets and tech blog – GadgetGambit.com (GG)!
I surely hope to have a taste of Jamba Juice concoctions soon when I come back tot he Philippines in December!
Jamba Juice Fruit Juices and More
Jamba Juice Menu
Some of the Jamba Juice Menu and fruit juices I’m looking forward to are the nutritious “Freshly Squeezed Juices,” fiber-rich “Steel Cut Oatmeal,” and “Creamy Smoothies” when I want it rich. 😛 Feel free to share you Jamba Juice Philippines experiences below when you’ve tried it in the next few days. Share some photos as well in our NomNom Club Facebook Page. 😛
Deprecated: Function get_links_list is deprecated since version 2.1.0! Use wp_list_bookmarks() instead. in /home/u618490929/domains/nomnomclub.com/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 5381
Deprecated: Function get_categories was called with an argument that is deprecated since version 3.0.0! type => link is deprecated. Use taxonomy => link_category instead. in /home/u618490929/domains/nomnomclub.com/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 5665
Blogroll
Deprecated: Function get_links is deprecated since version 2.1.0! Use get_bookmarks() instead. in /home/u618490929/domains/nomnomclub.com/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 5381
