Chatterbox

Chatterbox has been making a name in Singapore since it opened way back in 1971. My sister was able to buy discounted online vouchers for this restaurant located at the 5th level of Mandarin Orchard Hotel, hence we were able to dine here two days ago. The lobby of the hotel is simply gorgeous.

The menu.

We feasted on their legendary Mandarin Chicken Rice and their signature Asian dish Mandarin Lobster Laksa.

Felix

A month ago, I was able to purchase discounted restaurant vouchers from Cash Cash Pinoy for the A-list restaurant, Felix. My friends and I tried out this restaurant owned by the renowned Chef Florabel Co-Yatco. We were very impressed with the classy interiors and sleek leather couches. The restaurant would be a very ideal setting for dinner dates and business meetings.

For starters, we were served with their complimentary Hot Bonite Bread with Olive Oil, Basil and Red Pepper. For our main course, we ordered the Gaithersburg, which is braised short ribs with foie gras and brown rice. Plus the Rosie, which is bacon-wrapped roasted chicken with grape butter sauce and served with mushroom vegetable rice. We likewise tried the Lala, which is grilled fish with mixed vegetables and rice. Overall, the food really lived up to its owner's great reputation. I won't think twice of coming back here again.

For those of you who want to try out Felix, it is located at Greenbelt 5, Legaspi Street, Legaspi Village, Ayala Center, Makati City.

Zen Institute

I recently bought discounted online vouchers for treatments at Zen Institute. I went to their branch located at the second level of Le Spa inside Sofitel Philippine Plaza. The ambiance of this medical spa is very relaxing. It made me forget for awhile my hectic work schedule. Plus, their service is excellent. I definitely felt very pampered.

Lolo Dad's Cafe

My sister and I vowed to start our strict diet this 2012, so no more fancy restaurants for both of us. But before we officially start our diet, we promised that we would finish redeeming the vouchers we have bought last year. Our final food voucher is from Lolo Dad's Cafe. This fine dining restaurant is situated in a former ancestral home in Malate. From the outside, it really looks like an ordinary two-storey house, but upon entering the restaurant, we were welcomed by an air of elegance. 

For starters, we were given a basket of soft, warm bread with butter. We then ordered a Double Espresso of Mushroom and Tomato Soup with Salted Fleuron Sticks. For meat, we decided to get the Herb De Provence Crusted Rack of Lamb with Three Cheese Risotto, Forty Melted Garlic and Tomato Confit. For seafood, we preferred the Pan-fried Fillet of Seabass with Blue Crab Potatoes and Smoked Salmon Filled Mushrooms in Oyster Cream Sauce. We were also served with Lolo Dad's signature smoke belcher's sherbet. My God, it was such an excellent meal. Everybody has to try Lolo Dad's Cafe. 

Lolo Dad's Cafe is located at 899 Pres. Qurino Ave. cor. Leon Guinto St., Malate Manila.

La Cocina de Tita Moning

Last night, my sister and I redeemed one of her discounted restaurant vouchers at the elegant La Cocina de Tita Moning located near Malacanang Palace. The restaurant takes pride in offering fine dining in an ancestral home. Upon arriving, we were escorted to their patio area and offered a glass of homemade lemon grass iced tea plus their signature warm queso de bola toasts.

A few minutes later, we were led to the main entrance of the Legarda ancestral mansion, the former home of Alejandro Legarda and Ramona Hernandez (Tita Moning).

One of the staff gave us an informative tour of the mansion. She first showed us the Library of Alejandro Legarda Sr. where we saw lots of hardbound books.

This was the clinic of Dr. Legarda. His x-ray machine and other medical tools are still intact. I also saw his vintage physician's bag. 

We learned from the staff that Dr. Alejandro used to be a member of the Camera Club of the Philippines. His old cameras were well displayed in one of the rooms in the mansion. Some vintage kitchenwares were also displayed on the hallway.

These are the stairs leading to the second floor of the mansion. I adore the black and white picture frames hanging on the walls.

Since Christmas is just around the corner, the landing area on the second floor was decorated with Christmas lights and a Christmas tree. Meanwhile, the cozy living room on the second floor reminded me so much of the old Spanish era homes.

Connected to the living room is the study area of the late Alejandro Legarda. 

The former homeowner's antique radio equipements were displayed on the second floor as well. 

These are part of the Legarda's antique collection.

After touring the rooms in the mansion, we were finally led to the main dining area. As claimed by their staff, dinner at La Cocina de Tita Moning is indeed one great experience. Our table was elegantly set complete with rose petals and a candle. The chinaware provided was also out of the ordinary. 

Our server for the night was garbed in old school maid's uniform. We were given a bell to use when we want to call our server to bring in our next food. How sosyal.

Overall, the food was great although the servings were small! One of our appetizers was Gambas Al Ajillo. The Paella Valenciana was one of our main course along with Lengua and Fresh Ubod. The Caramelized Saba Bananas and Fresh Fruits were served among the desserts.

Midas Hotel

Midas Hotel is one of the newest boutique hotels in Metro Manila. I love the floor-to-ceiling silver metal panels in the lobby filled with multiple Hermes boxes. Indeed, this reflects the grandeur and sophistication of this former Hyatt Regency Hotel.

We enjoyed the sumptuous lunch buffet at the hotel. Thanks to the vouchers we got from Deal Dozen, we snagged a huge discount.

Midas Hotel is located at 2702 Roxas Boulevard Pasay City.

Rue Bourbon

My sister and I always bond over good food. Tonight, we went to Rue Bourbon Bar & Restaurant in Salcedo Village in Makati City. Rue in French means street while Bourbon is a famous street in New Orleans with lots of bars and other establishments.

We ordered their Creamy Mushroom Soup with Bacon Bits, Bourbon Barbecue Ribs, and of course the enormous Rue Nachos consisting of multi-colored tortilla chips, jalapeños, ground beef, and cheese.

The chill ambiance is so ideal for barkadas. I would love to come back with my friends next time! Rue Bourbon Bar & Restaurant also has another branch in Forbeswood Heights in Taguig City.

Focaccia Italian Restaurant

Buying discounted vouchers online is my sister's latest addiction. She has bought a lot of travel vouchers as well as food vouchers from a number of establishments here in Metro Manila. We redeemed one of her discounted vouchers over dinner last night from Focaccia Italian Restaurant located at the G/F of A. Venue Mall, Antonio Luna Street, corner Makati Avenue Makati City.

It was a culinary delight to try out their signature Pazzo Rollio. We ordered the Margherita pizza roll, which came with some arugula leaves and alfalfa sprouts. We likewise ordered beef lasagna and a certain appetizer. I wonder what the waiter was thinking while taking our orders. I'm sure he was stunned that two girls could eat this much. Haha! 

For drinks, we ordered our favorite Wintermelon Milk Tea from the nearby Teaberi.