Dong Juan: A Piece of Cebu in Quezon City, Manila

Hello, dear readers!

How have you been? I know I've been dormant on the blog for so long now. Do forgive me, I've been very occupied with school and Team Brownie. I'm on my final year in university so please bear with me. I hope you'd still look forward to my posts though they will be coming so rarely now. I'll still try to catch up on what I've been wanting to share with you guys. As much as I miss blogging, I am trying my best to excel in and not neglect my academics while juggling my little business on the other hand as well. I'll need all the encouragement and support I can get, so praying for me would be very much appreciated. For after all, none of my accomplishments are of my own strength alone. :)

Anyway, here's a post about one of my favorite Cebu restaurants opening their doors in Manila… Read up and enjoy!

===============================

If I'm not mistaken, Dong Juan, a Cebu home-grown restaurant, is one of the most featured restaurants in my blog. I think I have at least three posts about them (I even joined a chili burger eating challenge they once had) and I think that says a lot. I've mentioned before that Dong Juan and I go a long way back. It all started with that first bite of their burger three years ago that was probably the consummation of my "meat-lovingness". It was also one of the first few restaurants I wrote about on this blog.

Needless to say, I have always believed in this restaurant's potential. In its two years of commercially breaking through the Cebu food scene, Dong Juan persists to break boundaries beyond Cebu. Besides the growing empire they've built in Cebu (more or less 10 branches), they also have branches in Bohol, Cagayan, Davao, Pampanga, and most recently, Quezon City in Metro Manila! 

Dong Juan in Mother Ignacia, Quezon City is probably their most beautiful branch to date. It is set in an ancestral house, owned by Severino Reyes -  a Filipino playwright  more popularly known by his pen name "Lola Basyang"- across St. Mary's College. You can't miss it! 

Severino Reyes' painted portrait in the new Dong Juan branch 

I had the special privilege of being invited to their grand opening at the end of July with my entire trip sponsored by the generous hosts, Mr. Barney and Mrs. Aubrey Borja. I was flown in to Manila on a Friday morning and was accommodated in Tune Hotels, Quezon City. But before I was dropped off at my hotel, I was brought to Dong Juan for lunch. 

I was so amazed at how pretty the interiors were, all the while retaining their signature look with decorative blocks, tall coco dividers, and local painter Paul Arenas' lively paintings. I could say it evoked the same simple yet cozy charm of their first branch in Guadalupe, as if one was dining in a friend's home.

This branch had a staircase leading to the second floor where there were several rooms for special occasions or functions such as business meetings or intimate birthday celebrations. The entire floor is also available for exclusive bookings.   

They also have a cute little spot under the staircase if you feel like getting a bit more privacy. Since this branch is snuggly situated within the vicinity of the country's top TV networks, ABS-CBN and GMA, expect to find local celebrities dining here. And I bet this would be a favorite spot in the house.

For lunch, I ordered their Popeye Shrimps, Fish n Chips, and a Cheeseburger. Oops, excuse the gluttony. If you dine with me, you'll get used to it. I just like variety in my meals. ;)

There was not a trace of disappointment as all the dishes were just as good as their original branch! Well done, Dong Juan! Keep this up and the whole neighborhood will be scurrying to your doorstep again and again. 

The grand opening was to be in the evening so I headed to the hotel to rest from my early flight that day and freshen up for that night's affair. I was excited and curious to see which celebrities would show up. I was betting on Martin Nievera to be there because I remembered Dong Juan's post on Facebook, showing pictures of him dining in the Persimmon branch in Cebu and even going back the next day because he loved it.

When I arrived at the event, I was brought to the second floor where most of the celebrities were seated. True enough, the first person I spotted was Martin Nievera! He was very jolly, friendly, and talkative - the life of the party. We were introduced and chatted a bit along with his friends. It was to be a festive night - unlimited burger steaks, chili wings and crispy pata, and not to mention, the spontaneous crooning of the guest entertainers in the likes of Martin Nievera, Luke Mejares, and Jimmy Bondoc. 

Of course, I had to have photos with some of the celebrities I spotted:

with Martin Nievera
(hanging the giveaway gifts on each of his ears)

with Ogie Diaz

with Jimmy Bondoc! 

spotted: Claudine Baretto

Dong Juan Mug Cake

Dong Juan's Manila settlement looks promising and definitely something Cebu should be proud of. Expect to find familiar Dong Juan menu staples such as their burgers, pizza, and pasta. They also have a new addition to their dessert menu - mug cake which comes in 5 flavors: Dark Fudge, Red Velvet, Salted Caramel, and Speculoos Cruncy Cookie Butter. It's quickly becoming a favorite by many and I really recommend you try it. Other dishes I'd recommend are their Gambas al Ajillo pasta (a personal favorite), Onion Rings, Pork Sisig, and Sizzling Pochero. So, I'm inviting everyone in Metro Manila to drop by Dong Juan and have a taste of one of Cebu's most innovative restaurants. :) 

Ze "babe" with Dong Juan's sweet couple Mr. Barney and Mrs. Aubrey Borja & their friends

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Borja! Keep soaring and more power to you!

Dong Juan
72 Mother Ignacia Ave. cor. Scout Reyes
Quezon City, Manila

Contact: (02) 374 0265

Facebook: Dong Juan Mother Ignacia

  

Cebu Secret Chows Update: Macaron Tango

It's been a year since I last visited this much talked-about authentic French bistro and the last time, I only got to taste their macarons. I wanted to return to try their savory dishes but it was just out of way for me every time.

I recently received an invitation from the owners to try some of their new pastries. And of course, I couldn't turn this offer down. 

The small but spacious bistro looked the same since I last visited. I met with Mr. Remy, the French owner. He pointed to the new desserts in the chiller and asked me which ones I wanted to try. I chose the Banana Caramel Cheesecake, Dark Chocolate Cheesecake and Canelle de Bordeaux. The Canelle has been a regular item but I was intrigued by it because Mr. Remy is from Bordeaux so it must be good. ;)

The very accommodating Mr. Remy didn't just give me what I asked for of course. He seemed to really want me to try their cupcake so he added that, their Dark Chocolate Tart and Black Forest Cake. I asked him to just give me really thin slices of the cakes because I knew I couldn't finish them all. So, in reality, the cake slices are much more generous than the ones you see in my photos. ;)

First, the Canelle. Mr. Remy explained that Bordeaux, a southwestern city in France, is famous for their canelles. And he further explained that it is basically like a creme brûlée, only baked in a different way. It leans more on the bread side than the cake side.

Unless you already know what a canelle is like, at first glance, you'd probably think this is a poor little burnt pastry. But like me, you'd be surprised that it doesn't taste burnt at all. The science behind that outer appearance is from caramelization. And yet, this pastry is not too sweet. It somehow has a similar mouthfeel of an egg tart in the middle but only firmer. It may look pretty small but it's actually quite filling. I'd say it's perfect with a cup of coffee. 

Next, the cupcake. This stumped me. I really didn't expect it to be anything special from the way it looked (sorry for judging by the 'cover') but no wonder Mr. Remy wanted me to try it so badly. This humble little cupcake is infused with violet flower and had a pleasantly delicate flavor that bloomed gracefully in the mouth. It truly was something unique. The frosting wasn't too sweet as well, which is rare with most cupcakes.

And oh, the Dark Chocolate Tart! My oh my, did I fall in love with this. The rich dark chocolate filling was cradled by a crisp, almost paper thin shell. I was amazed how the tart shell was able to carry the filling gracefully without getting soft or soggy. It was so lush I couldn't get enough of it. And I also loved the 'doneness' (as if this was steak) of the tart shell (I like my cookies just a second away from being burnt).

       We're only getting to the best part - the cakes! Let's start with the Dark Chocolate Cheesecake. I don't know about you, but I think chocolate cheesecakes are pretty rare. This one was decadent and gave me the impression that all their cheesecakes must be really good. Here, they used premium quality dark chocolate and the richness was balanced by the cheesecake component.

Dark Chocolate Cheesecake

           The Banana Caramel Cheesecake affirmed my assumption that they're cheesecakes are exquisite. I don't usually like banana-flavored desserts but this was a tease! It's definitely something that would keep you coming back. The caramel's consistency and balance of sweetness was the crowning glory of this cheesecake.

               And finally, their latest addition to the menu - Black Forest Cake. This is no ordinary black forest cake because it has three different layers that compliment each other. This cake is spiked with an amusing blend of brandy, walsh and rum and has a smooth chocolate chantilly creme layer right smack in the middle. It's a light cake, perfect for those sweet cravings when you just don't want any of those rich cakes that you can only have so much of.

        Okay, so, I still didn't get to taste their main course dishes. I couldn't accommodate even just one dish anymore after all those sweet treats. I guess that's another reason for me to go back for the last revenge. :))

        Macaron Tango's humble and simple desserts are nothing short of extraordinary. I get a lot of inquiries on where to have good desserts and I've been missing this out on the list. Hereon, Macaron Tango will be among the top on my list for the best places to have dessert in town. :)



*This is a Cebu Secret Chows segment. Check out the page on my homepage's menu bar for the complete list and more posts like this. :D 



Macaron Tango 
Boulevard Arcade (under Jo's Inato), Osmena Blvd.
Capitol, Cebu City 6000

Banilad Town Center (BTC),
Gov. M. Cuenco St., Cebu City 6000

Contact:  (032) 236 3488

Operating Hours:   Mon - Sat  8:30 AM - 10 PM 

"To know Cebu, eat Cebu! :D"

oink oink,

Babe for Food

- your BFF in Cebu dining! :)

Cebu Secret Chows: All Spice Bistro

I used to live in Guadalupe (around five years ago) and back then, there really wasn't much decent dining places around other than Dong Juan, CnT, Mooon Cafe, Aranos and Domeng's, or the regular lechon manok along the streets at night. But with the trending home-based restaurants popping up around the metro, it would only be a matter of time until you find at least one home resto in your neighborhood (do I hear a squeal?). 

Guadalupe is one of the original neighborhoods that is home to humble home-based resto's that have grown to be big commercial ones -- such as Mooon Cafe and Dong Juan. There must be something about 'Guada' soil that nurtures these little 'shrooms… Okay, I'm getting off track. But I guess it has something to do with both resto potential factor and Cebuano palate upgrade (to more adventurous) -- the resto's have been consistent with their service and food quality that word gets around and people are willing to lose their way just to visit the place. 

One unique resto recently joined the bandwagon in Guadalupe, right across CnT.  All Spice Bistro is owned by two friends who have both had international culinary stints -- Chef Francis Ed Saberon and Chef Chad Mercado of Las Vegas. Chef Ed was part of the first batch of students at AICA here in Cebu and graduated top of his class. Chef Chad is a Fil-Am who took culinary education at Le Cordon Bleu and has worked in several prestigious kitchens such as Bobby Flay's resto. Despite that success in Las Vegas, he fell for Cebu (a Cebuana, rather) during vacation and decided to settle down in Cebu and work with his partner, Chef Ed. Together, they continue the passion to serve dishes with depth in flavor.

         All Spice Bistro has a simple setting with a tinge of Spain seen in the black and red colour scheme but their menu is composed of rich Spanish and Tex-Mex dishes, all created from scratch.  

           It was my first time to visit a resto that has sort of like a foyer at the first floor than the usual immediate dining space. A wooden staircase leads to the main event where pictures of paintings (a painting in a picture) streak the walls. 

          On this floor, the space is divided into an air-conditioned room and an open dining setting. We stayed in the air-conditioned room since summer's humidity still loomed in the air even at dusk. The air-con room has a mini bar and a flat screen tv. All the black and red around me made me feel like this is a place where matadors unwind. :D

         Our friends did the ordering so I was excited to be surprised by the dishes that were to come. 

         What better way to be greeted by a resto than through it's food. The first of many was the chowders. These had a pleasantly thick, creamy consistency but the bread bowl just didn't seem to have that slightly crisp and chewy texture I wanted. Maybe it had cooled off while we were busy probing with our eyes and taking photos of it. I enjoyed the clam chowder though. I could taste the clam essence in the thick liquid and the clam meat were cooked just right. It definitely gave us a warm welcome.

Seafood Chowder   P140

Tejano Beef Chili   P160
Stewed Angus beef with three kinds of beans and melted cheese

             I am pretty particular with how shrimps/prawns are cooked. These should be perfect (same goes for eggs!). Gambas is one of the dishes I enjoyed since my childhood (mom's cooking) -- whether al ajillo or a la marinara -- so I'm picky when ordering this at a resto. Whenever I do, I expect to be pleased. It ruins the rest of my meal (since this is usually eaten as an appetizer) unless the main course saves it. Theirs, however, was one of the best I've had. Perfectly sweet and tender shrimps swimming in olive oil with garlic and chili.  My partner and I even finished the sauce by pouring it on our rice (*insert evil gluttonous smirk).   

Gambas Ajillo   P140

             It was a first for me to see a quesadilla served with an egg on top. The tortillas were evidently homemade and so were the sauces that dotted the surface. This was one of my favorites here. Nothing makes me happier than seeing a perfectly cooked egg. :D

Chicken Fajita Quesadilla    P140

          Callos, along with gambas, is another childhood favorite of mine. I was truly impressed by their version because it was tender and... just perfect! This was a nostalgic piece for me. Definitely my favorite dish here. :D

Callos a la Madrilena   P160
 A traditional Madrid style dish with beef and tripe, served with rice.

Paella Valenciana   P340

                 The lamb caldereta was a tad too strong for me but the chef explained that he intentionally wanted to keep the strong flavor of the lamb because "if you want to mask the taste of lamb, you should be getting another kind of meat then." Good point. Take it from the chef then. 

Caldereta de Cordero   P160
A Moorish-Spanish lamb stew with potatoes, carrots and chives served with rice.

            I love our beloved MOLMOL -- the creature that's both fish and bird but can't fly. Haha. Okay, that was lame. But yes, ze parrotfish is a glorious piece of fillet especially when seared. In this case, it was coated with flour but I loved the pesto sauce and mixed bean mash that came with it. It's a fish dish that's heavy enough to share! This is definitely a meal worth coming back for. Nom nom!

Seared Parrotfish   P220
Pimenton spiced parrotfish (mol mol) with a three-bean sauce *with a choice of side

              And finally, the beef. This was another masterpiece -- a glorified beef stroganoff. I could taste the white wine and the creamy sauce was not overwhelming after a while at all.  A dish to die for, for both sexes. Highly recommended on your visit! Yes, because I know you'll be running to All Spice after a glance of the photo. :p

Grilled US Angus Beef   P280

           All Spice looks like a promising resto and is definitely a place to go to for some Spanish cuisine -- affordable and tasty. I'd love to see and taste how they'd do lengua if they added it to the menu. :D

BFF's Picks:  Seafood chowder, Gambas, Chicken Fajita Quesadilla, Callos, Seared Parrotfish, Grilled US Angus Beef

All Spice Bistro

1311 V. Rama Avenue, Guadalupe (across CnT lechon)

Cebu City 6000

Contact: 0917 707 4569

Operating Hours:    11 am - 12 mn daily

Price range:   P120 - P340 per dish

Facebook: AllSpiceBistro

"To know Cebu, eat Cebu! :D"

oink oink,

Babe for Food
- your BFF in Cebu dining