Nothing beats tradition: Mario's

They say good things never last, but I think some can.  What a dream date...and I'm talking about food.  I was true to my word, I spent the entire night on my bed.  So let me just fantasize more about fine dining.  Mario's is one of the more experienced restaurants in Manila.  If I'm not mistaken this year marks their 32nd year, my goodness that feels old, I feel old.  This place is known for spectacular food as well as atmosphere and service.  Unlike other upscale restaurants, Mario's felt relaxed and friendly.  The main aspect that made the cost reasonable is the quality of food.  It's a beautiful restaurant, not just a fashionable place (food, service and above all quality).  

Mario's is known for it's Sunday lunch buffets.  If you're looking for a top-notch brunch and buffet action in Quezon City don't miss this place.  Luckily the resto is on the same street where daddy's dialysis clinic is situated.  On my dad's first treatment outside the hospital, we stopped by Mario's to grab a quick bite since we were a bit early for his appointment.  As always, brunch was a hit and that Filipino breakfast menu was phenomenal.  It was a total eating binge and I seem not to care.  I live in the far south and I'm telling you I'll gladly travel for this.  

The menu

Father and mother

Excellent service

FK and me. =)

and another one

Sun rays

Freshly baked bread, just perfect

Homey interior

Tempting cake display

Go visit on a Sunday

Breakfast platter: Tahong, danggit, dried squid, tapa

Lengua con Setas

Ox tongue in delicate white wine sauce with mushroom and olives

Pollo Al Ajillo

A half garlic roast chicken with garlic rice 

Seafood Linguine

Squid, shrimps and clams in tomato sauce

 This I forgot the name, but it's terribly good

Fruit platter

After the meal, we were offered dessert and I refused. Sobrang di ko na kaya.

=)

=)

=)

The horse - some say it's for luck

Wine rack

The bar

=)

Us and our empty plates

Happy and bursting me =)

WIM:

Dress: H&M

Jelly Sandals: Vera Wang

Facade

What a nifty place!  It's very comfortable and spacious.  Servers are extremely relaxed and friendly. Not having been to Tomas Morato for quite some time, I noticed a lot of new eating places in the area.  I'm sure they have a few good things to offer but clearly nothing beats this traditional restaurant.  Yes it's old, but I love it anyway.

Mario's Restaurant Quezon City
191 Tomas Morato Ave. cor. Scout Gandia
Quezon City
Philippines
Telephone: (632) 372-0360 | (632) 415-3887
E-mail: mariosquezoncity@yahoo.com

Mario's Baguio
Session Road
Baguio City
Philippines
Telephone: (074) 442-4241
Email: marios_baguio@yahoo.com

"They should have a name for that moment of joy when you see your food coming in a restaurant..." - Unknown

Sizzle at Faustino's

Sad news befell our family about 2 weeks ago. My dad was diagnosed with a kidney disease, see previous entry. We just left the doctor's clinic still trying so hard to absorb the reality of what we learned. In the meantime, I needed comfort. I guess we were all in need of some pretty serious comfort food for lunch. Amidst the anguish and confusion, daddy was the one who cheerfully suggested where we should eat. We were in search of a place that grills fish, since we consider that least threatening for his diet. And off we went to Faustino's Sizzler in Timog Avenue, Quezon City. Daddy said he ate there a lot, proudly boasting how good the food is. So there, after a few discussions and some quiet moments, we reached the restaurant.

Timog Avenue is a known strip for restaurants, bars and cafes. When I saw Faustino's, I had second thoughts. The facade didn't look as fabulous as the others. But seriously, we can never really tell about a place from what you merely see in the outside. Looks can be deceiving right?  As expected, I was proved otherwise.  When I got inside and tasted the food, I knew I was home.

Forcing a smile. =)

On me:

Asymmetric dress: Zara

Jelly sandals: Vivienne Westwood for Melissa

Turtle ring and neckpiece: Claire's

Prejudged facade

=)

The Menu

Corner

 Ready to order

Comfortably simple furniture

   Parang gusto kong orderin lahat!

I miss my mom.

I miss you!

  Welcome to my sala! hahahaha =)

Mashado ko nang F na F. LOL!

Baby bro and me. =)

Wine rack.

  The bar.

Booze 

 And lots of it.

Napapakanta ako ng "Just as I walk through the door, I can feel your emotion." Alam na. =D

"Kalesa" painting - summed up the Pinoy touch.

CHEEEEESSEEE! =D

Chicharong Bulaklak- TO DIE FOR.

Adobong Native na Manok - an instant favorite. I missed sucking on native chicken. 

Kalderetang Kambing (goat meat stewed in tomato sauce) - Ooohhlalaaaa! =D

Laing (Taro leaves) - Spiced up my afternoon

Grilled Tuna - For daddy

Only in da Pilipins.  TUBERO ads everywhere.  

I'm not a food and a restaurant critic.  I won't show off my knowledge of food (since I rarely have enough).  What I was training hard for however is the art of enjoying myself.  One of the things I greatly enjoy is eating out.  All I can say is that I really enjoyed dining in Faustino's.  It's like eating at home - no fancy eating pressure.  It offers a setting that allows patrons to focus on the food's succulence.   


If you may want to try it out, restaurant is located at 72-C Sct. Torillo, Timog Ave. Quezon City

"Food is our common ground, a universal experience."

                                                        - James Beard