Stockton Place

I found out about Stockton Place last week in an online news article. It piqued my interest as I am perpetually in search of food haunts. It seemed out of the way and interesting. Just like the speakeasy next door, The Blind Pig, which happens to be a sibling. 

This restaurant doesn't advertise its name except for this board. Nondescript comes to mind.

The facade with its tables on the sidewalk.

Our Yogini friend Joyce has decided to she's gone full circle; she's going back to Africa. Not quite her home country in Zimbabwe but Kenya, as she said is pretty close to home. From her Jakarta (last Asian country of residence), she's back in Manila over a week to say goodbye to friends.

Putting on our happy faces. It's Joyce's favorite catch phrase inside the hot room (bikram studio).  (Me, Joyce and Febz)

Going back to our restaurant story. Stockton Place is just a few weeks old. And just like The Blind Pig, it doesn't really put itself out there. Word of mouth is their game. Having said that, I cannot get in touch to make a reservation. The number I was able to get a hold of is not working. 

So, I came in early. But in spite the effort, the resto is already booked on a Thursday night. Did I say that the seating is very intimate? It can only seat 40 people. We ended up at the bar. Quite uncomfortable when you're having pasta linguine. Ha ha ha. 

The restaurant starts to serve dinner at six. Since 6pm is cocktail hour already, I ordered a glass that's called Eastside Bellini -- it has champagne, peach, grenadine and something. It has a sweet note. 

Eastside Bellini (P240)

Febz had the Rose Royal (P240). It's sweeter than my cocktails.

 Here's the menu. I was told that this could change from time to time. 

I love the roof! It's like a sun roof at day time.

 

The restaurant is predominantly black and white color scheme in its exterior as well as the inside including the furniture. It gives off this southern vibe of the plantation-era. I think it fits well in the area as it is in a part of Legaspi Village that's quiet and quite laid-back. 

The food, I found to be nothing extra-ordinary. It scores a lot though on presentation. I say it's on the pricey side, too.

Crispy Potatoes (P150)

Pork Belly (P650)

Clam Linguine (P350)

The clientele seems to be the well-heeled variety. But it's not intimidating. Just a little subdued. No rowdy diners!

Piped-in jazz music hums along the background never intruding on the quiet conversations. Having your date there would really be a pleasant experience. 

Would I come back? Yes, I want to give it another try and see if my opinion of the food will change. I have my eye on its sumptuous steak. I saw it from another table. He he he. Maybe on a date with my hubby or with friends in celebration of something. Friendship, maybe?

Stockton Place 

227 Salcedo Street corner

Gamboa Street, Legaspi Village

02 844 9539

0917 8561419

XX

Sheng

Breakfast at Antonio's

I get excited about birthdays. I really do not mind getting older. I feel that the more years I have tucked in, the more that I need to celebrate. Life should be celebrated for the blessings, chances and relationships built through the years. 

And this year, I especially looked forward to it because for the first time am celebrating it as a married woman. Oh, the romance of it. 

So, in spite of the rain and storm signal we drove to Tagaytay. Of course, the brat in me sneaked out. For the better (worse) part of the drive, we gave each other the silent treatment. Funny though, in a stop light in Sta Rosa, we both turned towards each other and hugged. Spontaneously. Aw. Ha ha ha. Pardon the mushiness. 

All is well. Then, we arrived at our destination: Breakfast at Antonio's . I fell in love twice over. The interior of the restaurant has a quiet elegance to it. Exposed beams, soft lighting and open planned. Mesh wires instead of actual walls around the dining hall -- it accomplishes two things: ventilation and view.

Hello, fog!

Charming.

Breakfast with a view. Imagine waking up to this backdrop.

We learned that the menu changes on a weekly basis. The restaurant only serves the freshest ingredients coming from the local farms so the chef adjusts to what the pantry has. Organic.

I love the uniform. It's very dignified. And old world.

We were drooling for the smoked baby back ribs. Sadly, it was out of stock. But the wait staff suggested this tasty roast chicken. It's on the dry side. If you're used to having the usual roast chicken, this might disappoint you -- no fat drippings. But I loved it! It was absolutely delish!

Roast Chicken (P600). It comes with a really yum roasted potatoes flavored with rosemary.

 

Turkish Bread (P150).

These spreads came with the bread.

 I had the most satisfying Eggs Benedict, ever! This can even be shared. The serving portion is good enough for two people. I had just learned that it's the Chef's recommendation when I checked its website days after I had this. What a delight!

Eggs Benedict Pancake (P270).

Took our time to enjoy the food, the company, the ambiance, small talk and social media on the side. It's the kind of meal and place, you want to linger and savor. 

On a date like this, make sure that you save room for dessert. We did.

TWG Jasmine Tea (P180) and New York Cheese Cake (P245)

 The rest room has swag.

A huge painting by the bath room by some local artist. Swell, eh?

In strategic areas of the restaurant, this signage is displayed. 

RESPECT.

We bid adieu with a loot and a silent promise to come back. Hopefully with friends. It should be more fun. Here's the To-go counter. The raisin bread we bought was yum.

fresh greens to go!

 

Go to Breakfast at Antonio's for money well-spent on food and date.

Breakfast at Antonio's
Brgy. Neogan Purok 138
Tagaytay, Cavite 
 +63 (917) 899.2866

Dress Code: Casual

XX

Sheng

Lorenzo's Way

Dinners during the rainy days are best spent in the company of family and friends with comfort food. To me, comfort food is any Pinoy dish. The metro is peppered with many  restaurants serving variations of Pinoy dishes. One of my favorites though is Lorenzo's Way.

The preparation, the taste, the price points are easy on the palate and on the pocket. 

Onion Soup Gratinee (P145)

Dilis-cious Rice for 2-3 pax (195)

Binukadkad na Pla-Pla(P395)

Adobo

Gising-Gising(P220)

Rainy night so we chose to sit outside only without the view. Al fresco dining area is drenched :-)

If you like no-frills, savory food I think other than Abe, Lorenzo's Way is the go-to place. Everything on the menu is good. But my ultimate favorite is the adobong baby squids. Too bad, it's too good I've never been able to take a photo.

Its branch at the Bonifacio Global City in High Street Central has a nice al fresco dining area. It's lovely because it overlooks the amphitheater. The wide expanse allows you to enjoy the view -- the surrounding buildings and even the faint twinkling of the stars when you look up.

Lorenzo's Way
Level 2, High Street Central

7th Ave cor 29th Ave Fort Bonifacio, Taguig  

(02) 621-3163

XX

Sheng

The Burger Bar

Serendipity. It's how I'd describe my first experience with The Burger Bar. We originally planned to eat Thai but then Burger Bar got thrown in into the conversation minutes before we went to Greenbelt. 

A month or so ago I've already seen it but for some reason we never got around to checking it out. I think life happens. *wink* 

Indeed it was a happy accident that we cheekily said yes to be number 10 in the waitlist. Good thing because it did not disappoint.  And the waiting wasn't so bad, at all. 

Some expats are thrilled that this casual American diner imbibes a New York feel. Well, I haven't been to its NY branch and NY for that matter, so I can't agree or disagree. But for whatever its worth, the dining experience at The Burger Bar is very uplifting, pleasant even. The decor does not assault the senses. The sound does not reverberate around you. Yes, it is casual. But then you'll find this place smartly outfitted that is a few notches higher than the usual casual diner. Yet never pretentious.  

The menu is pretty straightforward. The Burger Bar serves salad, pasta, sandwiches, shakes, sodas and wine.

The Rising Shroom. Mustard-fried double patty steak cut blend of sirloin and chuck, fried oyster mushroom tempura, white truffle creamed cheese and sauteed mushrooms all on a kaiser roll (P280/single patty and P380/double patty).

4-Cheese Chuck. Parmesan-crusted double patty beef bomb blend of chuck and short rib, yellow cheddar, aged guryere, mozzarella, arugula, garlic aioli ali on a brioche bun (P245/single patty & P355/double patty)

The Hangover Burger. Onion-griddled double patty big game blend of hanger and brisket, yellow cheddar, crisp prosciutto, fried egg, arugula, caramelized onions, BBQ sauce.(P285/single patty & P370/double patty)

The Bar Burger (P290/single patty & P395 double patty)

This milkshake tastes really good.

Because it was Mei's birthday salubong, she got this complimentary dessert.

Happy 30th, Mei!

Friendship over burger.

The servings are really big. I admit that I have a big pouch of a tummy but I was only able to finish half of my burger. So, I got a take-away. 

The Burger Bar's Take-away packaging. Isn't it neat?

Now, if you're pihikan about your burger, go check The Burger Bar. And tell them What's your beef?

The Burger Bar

G/F Greenbelt 2, Esperanza St cor Greenbelt Dr  

Ayala Center, Makati  

(02) 625-2792

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Sheng