Prepping for SG: Wee Nam Kee

Okay, so these are the last few blog posts I'm writing before I leave for Singapore for a whole year.  Of course, that doesn't mean my blog would be in hiatus, but I sure hope to find some time to share my Singapore food trip in spite of a busy schedule.

With that in mind, it was but fitting to try out a Singaporean signature dish which had sparked its own chicken phenomenon in the past two years or so.  Of course, the Hainanese chicken had long been a staple of Chinese restaurants here in our country.  But it was not until dedicated chicken rice shops started setting up their businesses did it receive Hollywood star attention.

Seems cadaveric but definitely alive in flavor.

Needless to say, to sample the best Hainanese chicken, one should go for the most authentic.  Wee Nam Kee, a prominent Singaporean brand, first set its feet on our shores a few years ago, and hasn't slowed down since.  With new branches cropping up all around the metro (much like Yabu), it triggered its own chicken craze (although much less than the katsu).  However, I am generally not fond of the pale-looking and bland-appearing Hainanese chicken, so I never really caught up with the craziness.  Nevertheless, I did not pass up a chance to give it a go during one family meet.  Plus, this was a Singaporean joint, so I figured I could give myself a prep before I left.

The branch at ATC was relatively smaller than its counterparts in other places, but it could comfortably seat around 15 groups or so.  The interiors were simple and well-lit, while the tables were mundane with their wooden fixtures and the lack of any table top decor, save for the trio of condiments.

Guess which is my favorite condiment.

The three jars contained chili sambal paste, chopped ginger, and a sweet soy glaze.  Of course, the red one caught my eye, and I liberally sprinkled it on whatever food I had on my plate.  Before I tried the Hainanese chicken, I spotted a few dishes that I wanted to taste.

Roast Pork Rice (Lechon Kawali Rice), P175 (+ service charge)

In any Chinese joint, the Lechon Macau / Roast Pork always catches my fancy.  I simply had to indulge on this one.  Sadly though, its appearance was pale and lifeless, not to mention its diminutive size.  Pallor must be a consistent trait in these shops, as the meat looked gloomy.  Of course, Chinese restaurants really serve Lechon Kawali this way (unlike what pinoys are used to seeing).  But, I've had more enticing and attractive plates in some other Chinese shops (like Shifu's Master Kitchen, hell even my food court fave Magic Wok serves one mean bowl).  Still, the meat, although cold, was soft and tender and the layer of fat and thin crisp skin so cloying.  The hoisin dip added much needed flavor, and there's nothing a chili paste can do wrong on any dish.  A real disappointment.

Honey Crispy Squid, P350 (+service charge)

My first experience with crispy baby squids were during my first visit to Singapore, when I devoured these babies in Makansutra Gluttons Bay.  It had an eclectic mix of sweet and briny flavor with the squids crunchy with each bite.  It left a lasting impression on me.  So I eagerly anticipated that the Wee Nam Kee version would be up to par.  When the plate was set down on our table, I was dumbfounded.  

The serving size was so small and the squids were tinier than babies.  It seemed I was in for another disappointment.  But, when I grabbed my first bite, the mix of flavors burst forth.  The sweetness of honey blended well with the natural savory taste of squid, with the latter crisp in every nook and cranny, despite the obvious oiliness.  The chopped onions added a slight contrast in texture.  The dish was highly addicting and matches well with Wee Nam Kee's signature chicken rice.

Sambal Kang Kong, P190 (+service charge)

In between spoonfuls of the baby squid, the Sambal Kang Kong offered a healthy respite.  Stir-fried in that luscious and lovable sambal paste, this dish resembled our very own adobong kangkong if not for the chili upgrade.  Still, it was quite addicting, for a vegetable dish.

Steamed Hainanese Chicken, Large, P888 (+service charge)

Moving on to the star of the show, the main attraction here of course is the Hainanese Chicken.  To the uninitiated, at first glance, the pale cadaveric skin is a likely turn-off.  But take a swift bite and you'll experience a unique flavor.  The whole chicken is steamed in a herbal, almost medicinal, aromatic broth, preserving the juicy goodness of the meat.

I'm no stranger to this kind of steamed chicken, having tasted it in numerous Chinese restaurants when I was younger.  However, this was my first time to taste an authentic, Singaporean-style Hainanese chicken.  The meat was tender and fall-off-the-bone, with all the flavors of the juice locked in, and then bursting forth with each bite.  Even without the trio of dips, the chicken was already pleasing to the palate.  Yet, like most things in life, chili makes it better!  I prefer pasting each morsel with the fiery red mix and then drizzling the sweet soy glaze.  It was a wonderful blend, an extraordinary experience.  This large serving easily satisfies groups of 4 to 6 hungry people, but it also comes in a smaller, more intimate, personal size and of course the roasted variety.  I have yet to try out the latter, but the unadulterated steamed version is the way to go for first-timers.

True to form, Wee Nam Kee does serve up a real, honest-to-goodness, Hainanese chicken.  After sampling their rendition, my excitement just hyped up in eager anticipation of my upcoming sabbatical in Singapore, to try out more authentic dishes.  Despite the tremendous letdown of the Lechon Kawali and the minor setback on the squid, Wee Nam Kee executes their signature dish to a T.  The service of the waitstaff, on the other hand, is an entirely different matter.  It was already past the usual lunch hours yet service was slow, beginning with cooking time and even when computing the bill.  I'm not so sure with the other branches, so this could be just an aberration.  Or simply just a bad day.

Nevertheless, Wee Nam Kee is a perfect getaway to grab your piece of Singapore without shelling big bucks for air fare.  The dishes taste authentic, with reasonable prices.  Until such time as real hawker centers invade our shores, shops such as Wee Nam Kee will keep our hungry stomachs and curious tongues delightfully preoccupied.

Jones

Wee Nam Kee

Ground Floor, Alabang Town Center, New Wing

Alabang-Zapote Road

Muntinlupa

https://www.facebook.com/WeeNamKeePH

The Pride and Joy of the South: Borgo Cafe

The benefits of a regular exercise routine are innumerable.  Not only does it maintain good health, but it also enhances one's self-esteem and confidence.  In my case, whenever I go for a round of jogging along BF's main thoroughfare, I get to check out some of the better places to eat.  Talk about jogging as a double-edged sword.

Meat lovers, rejoice!

During my morning runs, I often passed by this small shop painted in maroon, with a conspicuous sign boasting about some sort of butcher's steak and a steak-all-you-can meat frenzy.  That was enough to spark my curiosity.  Later on, I found out to my surprise, it had already aroused a few foodies in the blog scene.  I had to try it out soon.

Borgo Cafe had apparently been around for over a year now.  But with its location on the less famous side of BF, it probably did not enjoy much exposure and patronage during its first months of existence.  I, for one, had often ignored this quaint shop flanked by more familiar stores, namely Lydia's Lechon and Flaming Wings.  Browsing through food reviews, this place has begun making its name with its signature "butcher's" steak, but I would soon realize there was more to Borgo Cafe than the meaty goodness it offered.,

So off we went on Mom's birthday.  As we stepped onto their entrance, we were greeted by their waitstaff who suddenly told us that normally the cafe was closed during lunchtime on weekdays.  Luckily though, they were open for a private function, so they could accommodate us for that day.  A definite plus in service.  Seemingly small from the outside, the place had in fact, cozy and spacious interiors.

Even on a cloud day, the place was well illuminated by the natural sunlight emanating from its clear glass sliding doors and tall windows.  The tables and seats were mundane and quite out of place, unable to match the brick red columns and wooden panels that decorated the restaurant.  Still, there was a homey vibe and down-to-earth simplicity that would be in consonance with the unpretentious yet delicious meals.

It's Angus Beef. Not Angus.B.

The menu is straightforward, offering a variety of soups, salads, pasta, and sandwiches.  Of course, the meaty steaks take the center stage.  A good point was that all main entrees include a side salad and your choice to go high-carb with rice or fries or mashed potatoes, or go easy on the carbs by picking all greens.  But believe me, with their steak, it is but appropriate to pick rice. Period.

Tomato and Celery Soup, P115 (+5% service charge)

Dad started the ball rolling with his order of soup.  The Tomato and Celery Soup was hearty and filling, with chopped celery swimming within the zesty concoction.  The soup was not too thick, and the smooth goodness of tomato gushes with each sip.  The bacon strip looked appealing but was a sad disappointment.  It was tough and hard in places, as if it was left standing too long in a food warmer.

Chili Chicken Salpicado, P175 (+5% service charge)

First main course to arrive was the Chili Chicken Salpicado.  These chopped cubes of chicken were sauteed in a tomato based sauce and seasoned with paprika, garlic, peppers, and Borgo's own chili oil.  The chicken meat was fresh and flavorful on its own.  Mushrooms and all sorts of bell peppers added volume to the mix, resulting in an array of flavors, playing on sourness and zest.  However, for my taste, the supposed "chili" part was wanting.  Dad even had to drizzle a good amount of hot sauce just to perk up the dish.  The order came with a cup of rice and a generous serving of fresh greens drizzled with sweet-sour vinaigrette and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese.  The salad was perfect.  

Marina Bay, P229 (+5% service charge)

An obvious reference to the famous Marina Bay of Singapore, the pasta dish had no trace of Singaporean flavor whatsoever.  This pasta dish was draped lovingly in marinara sauce and then topped off with the bounty of the sea: shrimps, oysters, scallops, squids - you name it.

To put things in perspective, I'm not too fond of pasta - hell, anything with noodles, for that matter (except of course everyone's childhood favorite Jolly Spaghetti!).  So for me to say that I actually loved the Marina Bay is quite a mouthful (pun intended).  The sauce was mildly tangy and not strong and overpowering like a typical Italian sauce, which is a plus for Filipinos who grew up on the Jolly Spaghetti!  Don't get me wrong, this is not your common birthday pasta taste.  The distinct flavor of tomatoes dominated, admixed with the mild bitter taste of olives.  The freshness of the array of seafood stood out, with the squid rings leaving a good impression on me.  It was tender and succulent, not sinewy or chewy.  The clams and scallops were likewise fresh and briny.  The dish was a heaping bountiful harvest, a generous serving of an explosion of flavors.  

Butcher's Steak, P299 (+5% service charge)

Of course, mine was the best dish of the day, Borgo Cafe's pride and joy.  The Butcher's Steak was probably labeled as such because of its appearance, much like strips of steak trimmed off from the bone.  This is certified Angus beef, so I did expect a lot.  And it did not disappoint.  Each slice was knife-tender and juicy as I greedily hacked away at one piece.

I like mine with a tint of red rawness.

The beef was impeccably grilled to a medium well, with traces of bloody rawness contributing to its soft and tender texture, and the tell-tale crisscross char pattern so enticing.  At first glance, it appeared to be devoid of any marinade.  However, with each successive bite, the peppery flavor exuded slowly onto my palate.  It was a  delicate but tantalizing play of smokey flavor and peppery goodness.  Served with a side of greens, an appropriate amount of buttered rice completes the package.  The whole dish would have been flawless had it not been for the gravy dip, which was a bit watery and lacking in flavor.  I would have preferred a thicker and sweeter concoction (sorry, but pinoys absolutely adore KFC-like gravy and make a soup out of it).  Nevertheless, in my opinion, even without the gravy, the Butcher's Steak would remain great on its own.  Strange that halfway through the meal, it reminded me of my favorite dirt-cheap Snackaroo steak, except for the gravy!

Borgo Cafe was a revealing experience, a wonderful culinary adventure.  A few years ago, there used to be a similar joint right across it, by the name of Tarragon.  Back then, it used to serve BF's best kept secret -  perfectly grilled lamb chops for less than 200 bucks.  Borgo Cafe is fast becoming a legend on its own, with its critically acclaimed specialty, the Butcher Steak.

This little pail serves your change. Or maybe extra gravy.

But there is indeed more to Borgo Cafe than its signature steak, with the Marina Bay blowing the competition out of the water.  I would definitely try out their other pasta dishes next time out.  Or maybe their steak-all-you-can offering too.  A few rants though would be their store hours (weekday lunches are non-existent) and the small fact they don't accept credit cards.  Nevertheless, with an accommodating and cheery waitstaff, quick service yet freshly cooked meals, and very reasonable prices, Borgo Cafe is set to conquer this side of Aguirre Avenue.  So skip the traffic and crazy queues on BF's more famous Aguirre strip, and head on to the other side to enjoy a cozy and comfortable meal.  I know I would.

Jones

Borgo Cafe

312 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes

Paranaque City

https://www.facebook.com/borgocafe

Mediterranean Pit Stop: Mister Kabab!

If you were an 80s or even 90s baby, I'm quite sure you are familiar with one of the food crazes back then.  In almost every corner, a common sight was the rotating roasting contraption, with a vertical skewer impaling layers of succulent beef.  You guessed it right, it's shawarma!

But like any other craze, it soon died down as years passed.  Nowadays, shawarma nooks have been relegated to food court malls inside your neighborhood SM or Puregold.  Nevertheless, the true pioneers remain standing strong amid the test of time.  Among these, Mister Kabab lingers as the iconic shawarma center.

Almost shamefully I admit that my first dibs on Mister Kabab was just a few years ago.  I was fond of the food court shawarma-to-go types, and all along I thought it was the authentic taste.  Little did I know what a gargantuan experience I was missing out.  Ever since my first visit, it was almost impossible to pass up a quick stop in Mister Kabab whenever I found myself driving along West Avenue, a once flourishing street of buffet and Chinese food joints.

Moroccan inspired interiors and sweaty atmosphere

So, in between running errands and a bit of shopping, we managed to find ourselves coasting along West Avenue.  Despite already having a quick lunch, we couldn't pass up a chance for a pit stop for their Arabian delicacies.  The place appears rather crude on the outside.  In fact, it is an open-air establishment yet exhibits an authentic look, with Moroccan / North African inspired interiors.  On a lighter note, a few Indian and Arabian expats dining inside further enhances it authenticity and of course, is a testament to the quality of their food.

Beware of the red bottle: fiery hot in nuclear proportions.

For our impromptu merienda, we picked a light snack of Mister Kabab's very own sandwiches.  Of course, the taste would be very different without their signature dips, the fiery red hot sauce and the tangy garlic yogurt sauce.

Beef Shawarma Sandwich, P80

The wrap that started it all, Mister Kabab's beef shawarma is affordably priced at just 80 bucks.  For that, you get a filling serving of tender beef strips and a garnish of chopped cucumber, onions, and tomatoes.  The beef, of course, is the meat of the topic.  Full flavors burst forth with each bite, each morsel perfectly roasted with a hint of charred goodness.  The pita wrap is sometimes hit and miss.  This time, it was a bit off.  It was tough and doughy, although some portions were soft and just right.  Nevertheless, the garlic dip will solve all problems by applying liberal amounts on each bite.

Beef Kabab Sandwich, P95

I normally order beef kebab rice meal here, but since this was supposed to be merienda time, I tried the sandwich version for the first time.  It equaled the rice meal on all accounts.  It consists of one long strip of tender ground beef kabab married with slices of fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, embraced lovingly by the pita wrap.  The beef was peppery on its own, but the garlic sauce does all sorts of wonders, maybe even world peace.  Tender and succulent, each bite should be ruminated slowly and purposefully.  

The perfect meal to go.

Despite the fact that the Golden Age of shawarma has long been gone, Mister Kabab still serves up authentic and great tasting Mediterranean items.  No wonder this place gets packed with long queues during the height of dinner time.  Mister Kabab even has a more upscale branch, fully air-conditioned and with a similarly designed interior, over at the Technohub.

Still, longtime loyal fans prefer to flock to this original spot like believers on pilgrimage to Mecca.  There's something nostalgic and genuine about a sweaty shop and tangy fumes emanating from the kitchen.  The food is honest, affordable, and fulfilling.  Even if restaurants neighboring around it have come and gone, Mister Kabab is certain to retain its place as the prime icon of shawarma.

Jones

Mister Kabab

31 West Avenue

Quezon City

Secret of the Alley: Ally's All Day Breakfast Place!

Ask anyone about their favorite meal of the day, and probably 9 times out of 10, breakfast is the easy choice.  That one who chose otherwise might even pick brunch, so technically, it's still breakfast.  Personally, I could eat breakfast fare any time of the day, even midnight!  But, for some strange reason, breakfast food tastes so darn good when you have it just around noon, when your stomach is growling angrily, your mouth salivating copiously, and your vision getting dim.  It's the perfect time to pig out and break the "fast", pun intended.

The strongest evidence that breakfast is widely popular is the burgeoning food fad of the all-day breakfast.  Long before IHOP stepped on our shores, local joints like Pancake House were already dishing out your favorite silogs and waffles and pancakes at your whim.  Soon however, local entrepreneurs got wind of this craze and established their own novel shops.

Located in the heart of the vibrant food center that is Teacher's Village, Ally's All Day Breakfast just recently opened its doors to the hungry public.  As a common practice nowadays, these newbies in the food scene offer discount vouchers on group buying websites.  So I grabbed one when I saw it, having read about Ally's on some food blogs.

Can't miss the sign.

Barely occupying half a block, this quaint little spot appears to have sprung out of somebody's house along Malingap Street.  Yet despite its diminutive location, its bright orange and yellow pastel signage attracts attention even at high noon.  I would have missed the spot if not for that sign.  Inside, the cheerful vibe bursts forth with the yellow plastered walls and orange plastic seats.  The shop is indeed small, seating only around 16 to 18 people inside and perhaps 10 more outside.  It was a humid day, so we picked the seats inside.  Plus, it's more colorful there.

Breakfast will break your diet.

Someone's got an eye for the jar of M&Ms.

In keeping with its simplistic theme, the menu is quite straightforward.  On one side, the familiar silog rice meals and pancakes dominate the page.  On the reverse, waffles and all sorts of sweets tempt the weak of heart.  At this time of day, rice meals are the easy choice.  

Only Oreo.  Makes me weak on the knees.

Even though it labels itself as a breakfast place, it was surprising to find a few items that seemed a bit out of place, like french fries and spring rolls.  Nevertheless, everything appeared honest-to-goodness and homey.

Classic Beef Tapa, P130

It would be a mortal sin not to order the Filipino all-time favorite tapsilog.  It's obvious that in our country, each shop in each area has their own version on the beloved tapa, with each one of course claiming to outdo the other.  Ally's version isn't flashy and appears to stay true to tradition (hence, the "classic" label).  

All members of the trio are present, with two eggs done your way, an ample serving of beef, a small portion of tomato and bell pepper sides, and of course steamed rice garnished with crunchy garlic bits.  A colorful and complete meal indeed.  The beef was tender and soft, thankfully.  However, after a few bites, especially without any rice, the saltiness goes overboard.  Maybe it's just me, but I prefer my tapa on the sweeter side, having grown up in Paranaque where it is typically sweet and even shredded into a flaky texture.  Adding the garlic on top of it must have enhanced the salty taste, almost transforming it into beef salpicao.  With eggs.  Nevertheless, there's nothing our friendly Datu Puti couldn't resolve, and a few dips on the vinegar eases away some of the briny taste.

Sweet Pork Tocino, P130

Of course, no Filipino breakfast would be complete without the porky partner of the tapsilog.  The Sweet Pork Tocino marries luscious cured pork, two eggs done at your whim, and a heaping scoop of garlic rice.  By some accident, my order of eggs got mixed up and it came out scrambled.  Never did I regret it.  The scrambled eggs were moist and fluffy, nay, even dreamy.  

But the tocino stole the show.  The serving was generous and aptly portioned, with just the right amount of cloying fat, its edges perfectly charred into a crisp texture.  The meat itself was sweet but not overpowering, tender and freshly pink.  Perfectly executed, I must say, the way the Filipino tocino should be.

Iced Tea

Each meal already comes with a cold glass of their house blend iced tea.  It wasn't too sweet, and a bit on the bitter side, exuding the leafy goodness of real tea.  But, this was not the only sweet treat for that day.  

At Ally's, you can opt to create your own pancake!  Once you've decided to order, the servers hand out a small piece of paper to tick your choices, complete from batter to toppings and guilty add-ons (M&Ms and whipped cream, anyone?).  We elected to go for a more conservative approach.  Those who are too lazy to even think of their own concoction can just pick their specialty pancake creations, ready-made for your degustation.  Here's our creation, the Banana Nutella mix!

Our own concoction: Banana Nutella Pancake (2 pcs.)

To start off, the pancake itself was divine.  It was fluffy but not too airy, and sweet on its own.  Remarkably, it resembled the fluffiness of IHOP.  Yes, IHOP.  Believe me when I say it.  If not for its thinner texture, it could masquerade as the cheaper version of IHOP, without sacrificing the taste.  It's that good.  The slices of banana were fresh and plump.  The Nutella spread was, well, Nutella (surprise, surprise!).  Sadly, they scrimped on the spread, lathering the top pancake only while completely forgetting the other one.  Even the top spread was too thin for the price tag (P35), I would say.  We topped off our creation with chopped walnuts and crushed graham for a contrast in texture. Oh yes, crushed graham goes well with Nutella and maple syrup.  That was a sinful combination.

The wall says it all.  Breakfast love!

Ally's All Day Breakfast Place is a homey, down-to-earth addition to an already muddled competition of all-day breakfast joints.  With a smaller up-keep, a strategic location, and a more directed target market, it has found a niche despite its young age.  The create-your-own pancake concept is novel and simple (I would rather have them cook it for me rather than me doing the cooking, take that Slappy Cakes!).  But the praises for the cakes don't end there, as their batter is light and fluffy, reminiscent of the more famous versions.  The rice meals are probably hit and miss, but likely more hits.  But just for the pancakes, I would definitely come back.

Ally's manages to avoid redundancy in the already repetitive world of breakfast places.  Its cozy spot attracts those who wish to avoid the crazy lines and even crazier price tags of the popular breakfast places.  It's comfort food done well.  It's breakfast you can have any time of the day, as if you were simply at home.  Or maybe, this is home.

Jones

Ally's All Day Breakfast Place

50 Malingap Street, Sikatuna Village

Quezon City

https://www.facebook.com/AllysAllDay