Tales From The Other Side: Rio Japanese and Korean Restaurant

There was a time when the long stretch of Aguirre Avenue was nearly devoid of any food spot.  A decade ago, there were only a handful of notables, including Conti's (the original branch), Hanakazu, and Little Quiapo.  Today, Aguirre is a bustling neighborhood of cafes, bars, and restaurants.  Often neglected and forgotten is the lesser known far end of Aguirre.  Away from the traffic nightmares so common these days, this area houses a treasure trove of good finds.  I aim to start this series of posts as I discover the tales from "the other side".

Much like the more famous restaurants I mentioned above, Rio has been a resident of BF for a long time.  Under its original title "Little Rio", it slowly gained popularity as a homey, quaint Japanese joint.  It served (and still does) a unique, hitherto unconventional twist with its crispy chicken teriyaki.  Of course, since then, many restaurants have followed suit.  Quite so suddenly, it closed down but resurrected just a couple of years ago with a bigger shop.

The charm of its simplicity, combined with the affordable menu, keeps its loyalists returning.  I, for one, swear on the goodness of their chicken teriyaki.  So, on a rainy and lazy Sunday lunch, we trooped to this quieter side of town.  We had the shop to ourselves when we arrived, and we proceeded to order the usual Japanese fare they offered.

Shoyu Ramen, P190 (Regular)

With the cold downpour of rain outside, sis and Mom deemed it fit to enjoy a warm bowl of ramen.  Mom's choice was the regular sized Shoyu.  The regular bowl was sized similar to the higher end ramen restaurants, but at a much lower price tag.  I don't really fancy eating noodles, but Mom professed it was hearty and fulfilling.  Tossed into the mix were ample slices of chasu pork, half an egg, and some bean sprouts.  I took a little sip of the warm broth and the saltiness was not overpowering.  The pork was tender but lacked a bit of seasoning or flavor.  I'm not sure but the egg should have been a bit more runny.  The thin noodles were okay.

Seafood Ramen, P210 (Regular)

On the other hand, the Seafood Ramen was packed with more contents.  Slices of tuna, squid, and shrimps swam deliciously in a clear broth.  Sister claimed the seafood was fresh enough.  I took a sip of the soup and it was saltier than the shoyu.  Perhaps the natural salinity and brine of the seafood contributed to its denser flavor.  

Clearly, I am no ramen connoisseur, but the ladies enjoyed their bowls down to the last slurp.  Happily though, their 2 orders of regular ramen qualified us to avail of a promo for free 8 piece gyoza!

Gyoza, P160 (8 pcs)

It seemed like the steal of the day with the gyoza worth 160 bucks if ordered outside the promo.  Nevertheless, my expectations were not high for this version.  The dumplings were average-sized and appeared plump.  The skin was all right, not too thick.

At first bite however, it was a little deflating.  The filling was too little as evidenced by the space within.  Still, the mix inside was flavorful with the ground pork and chopped veggies.  Luckily we didn't have to pay for this since I would have regretted ordering it.

Ebi Tempura, P160 (3 pcs)

As usual, I ordered shrimp tempura which I intended to eat on my own.  But of course, the ladies grabbed a piece each.  The tempura was light, the batter thin and crisp.  The shrimps were only average-sized yet still fresh and juicy.  Not exactly award-winning, but definitely better than the regular fast-food variety.

I succumbed to my beef bowl cravings and ordered a serving of gyudon, after missing it for so long.  I eagerly waited for my order to arrive.  My heart (and stomach) has a soft spot for beef served in immaculate pristine white bowls.  This was no exception. 

Gyudon, P210

Lost in the messy presentation were thin slices of beef, a few onions, and an entanglement of noodles topped with a fresh golden egg yolk.  I actually forgot to ask the server to remove the noodles, since I was not too fond of having my gyudon in this manner.  It added too much bulk to the dish.  The mirin sauce was a good combination of savory and sweet, although inclining more to a sweeter side.  The beef, I noticed, was fewer in portion compared to a couple of years ago.  Talk about inflation (and deflation of serving sizes!).  Nevertheless, it was tender and not tough, easy on my jaws.  The rice portion was hefty and I dared not to polish it all off.  

Despite the influx of more hip restaurants and more exciting cuisines, Rio has managed to retain its humble charm and "old-world" magic.  It reminds long time residents of BF how our place used to be so quiet and peaceful, with shops such as Rio offering a homey take on old-time Japanese favorites.  Although admittedly, Rio is not as creative and innovative as other hole-in-the-wall joints.  But neither do they intend to do so.  As such, prices are kept at a minimum (even doing away with service charge) but quality is certainly above any regular fast-food joint.  Therefore, don't expect to be blown away.  Rio is a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the other side, as it rightfully sits on the more serene end of the foodie street.

Jones

Rio Japanese and Korean Restaurant

303 El Grande Avenue, corner Havana Street

BF Homes, Paranaque City

https://www.facebook.com/thelittlerio

Rekindling the Flame: Flaming Wings

During my one-year sojourn in Singapore, one of the comfort food that I really missed and craved for was the good old buffalo wings.  Although the fried chicken wings of hawker fare had its own charm (even the wings at Ikea were good), nothing could replace the distinct tangy taste of buffalo wings.  

I am really so fortunate (or unfortunate, at times, because of traffic congestion) to live just behind the now famous foodie street of Aguirre.  A long-time resident of this street has been serving buffalo wings since time immemorial, keeping its cozy nook despite expanding all over the metro.  Flaming Wings, a favorite of budget conscious foodies, was a 5 minute walk away.

My last visit at Flaming Wings at their White Plains branch was a bit deflating.  So much so that I didn't visit this next-door branch.  But on this particular night, my craving for buffalo wings was overwhelming.  So off we strolled just behind our street.

The place is really small compared to their other branches, accommodating perhaps only about 20 people max.  They do have an extension next door, but it seems lonely to stay there.  Flaming Wings does offer other items such as pasta and even salad, for the health conscious.  But the wings are kings.

Mild N' Sweet, 3 Wings, P150

Mom was intolerable of spicy food, so we picked a lesser evil, the Mild N' Sweet flavor variety.  Of note, the joint serves their famous wings by the number - and three wings really mean three FULL wings, not just three pieces.  Again, some people prefer wings served by weight so they get more heft, but then, the weight of the bones has to be factored in.  In contrast, serving by the number seems more reassuring, but then some joints can cheat by serving minuscule, frog-leg sized wings.  

Consistently though, Flaming Wings serves wings of adequate proportions.  It does pale in comparison to the heftier portions of Wingman, but of course, this one is cheaper.  Nevertheless, the milder toned sauce draped every nook and cranny of each wing.  The exterior was crisp and perfectly deep fried.  The sauce seeped into the meat within, which was tender and juicy on its own.  Each order of a 3-wing set comes with a free dip (hooray!), and this honey-mustard further enhanced the hints of honey of this wing variety.

Wild, 3 wings, P150 and Wing Meal, P130

My tongue was longing for the heat, so sister and I ordered the Wild variety.  This was their hottest flavor, unlike other wing joints that offer much more.  Still, it was quite a daunting challenge.  The heat level was higher than I expected, but I managed to devour my 3-piece set.  Of course, my teary eyes and runny nose had to absorb all its effects.  What was strikingly different from my first foray in Flaming Wings was that the sauce here was so generous!  A pool of zesty buffalo wing sauce collected at the bottom of the basket, perfect for scraping up with each bite of wing.  The skin was crisp, as always, and the meat tender.  The dips we picked (bleu cheese and balsamic mayo) complemented the wings well.

Wicked Oreos, P80

To dissipate the heat, we ended our meal with the much sought after Wicked Oreos.  Three piece of Oreos were draped in buttermilk batter and deep-fried, topped with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The batter was a tad too thick.  I would have preferred a thin, more crunchy texture.  Still, it was sweet and sinful enough.  The ice cream was not overwhelmingly sweet, but partnered with the cookies well.  A dash of chocolate powder and powdered sugar added some more saccharine goodness, as if the cookies itself weren't enough.  I wished they would serve more cookies though.

My return trip to Flaming Wings was redemption.  Perhaps this long-standing branch rewards its loyal customers by being more generous with the sauce and servings.  Or maybe back then, when I tried the White Plains branch, it had just recently opened and were ironing out some kinks.  Prices are dirt-cheap, easily one of the more affordable wing joints without sacrificing quality.  Needless to say, this more convenient location has reaffirmed the comforting goodness of their buffalo wings such that I would soon go back.  Frequently.

Jones

Flaming Wings (multiple branches)

302-A Aguirre Avenue

BF Homes, Paranaque City

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Flaming-Wings/265052803521204

Return to Songkran

On lazy Sundays, the default habit of the family is to eat out for lunch.  There is clearly no need to look further beyond our neighborhood, with Aguirre Avenue already a bustling food mecca.  Despite the seemingly endless options, there's something lazy cozy about coming back to that Thai joint just behind the rusty old gate.

As a testament to Songkran's longevity, the restaurant has remained under the radar yet keeps its loyal followers coming back for more.  Many joints have come and gone along the now famous avenue, yet Songkran has retained its spot tucked amidst the trees in a quiet corner.

We arrived ahead of the hungry BF Sunday crowd, and promptly ordered the Thai staples.  Nothing much had changed since my last visit, even the prices remained easy on the pocket despite a little inflation.

Crispy Catfish with Mango Salad, P215 

An all-time favorite, the Crispy Catfish Salad announced its arrival with a pungent zesty smell.  The shredded fish flesh was lightly fried to a crisp, a texture that was tantalizing to the tongue.  The mango hidden underneath the tangled mess rendered a sweet sour dimension of taste to the dish.  Highly addicting, it was good on its own - but often the case is to sprinkle this over piping hot jasmine rice.

Fresh Spring Rolls, P145

In keeping with a healthier theme, we picked the Fresh Spring Rolls over the fried version.  These rolls were stuffed to the core with fresh lettuce, carrots, and cilantro.  The near transparent wrap barely kept the burgeoning roll together.

Six fat pieces were more than a mouthful.  The greens were fresh and crisp, its flavors enhanced by the accompanying sweet chili dip.  A dash of chopped peanuts added a subtle nutty taste, reminding one of our own local lumpia versions.  I've tried a good variety of spring rolls, from the Vietnamese rolls to the Singaporean popiah, but it's the Thai version that comes out the winner.  Songkran's rendition is a good representation of authenticity.

Stir Fried Morning Glory with Tausi, P135

It seemed we haven't had enough of vegetables, as we added the Stir Fried Morning Glory to our order.  Chopped leaves and stalks of kangkong were sauteed lightly in savory tausi sauce.  The greens were crunchy and fresh, not soggy.  The sauce was not overpowering, mildly sweet and salty.  

Tom Yum Goong, P255

A big bowl of piping hot goodness, the ubiquitous Tom Yum soup was set prominently on our table.  Submerged in the spicy broth were plump shrimp, mixed with some sliced tomatoes, basil, onions, and lemongrass.

However, the vegetables seemed too scanty for the overflowing broth.  A little more greens would have been appreciated.  Also, the number of shrimps was also few, and some were not too fresh.  The broth this time was too sour and overwhelming, despite having the right amount of spiciness.  Still, for less than 300 bucks, the bowl was good enough for three to four persons.  The mere sight of the big silver bowl conjured memories of that Thai stall in Maxwell FC back in Singapore.

Green Chicken Curry, P285

No trip to any Thai restaurant would be complete without sampling the curry offerings.  I've tried Songkran's Green Chicken Curry before, and it was delightful.  Despite lacking a notable viridian hue, the scent of the curry spices wafted gloriously from the plate.

The slices of chicken were tender and moist, absorbing the curry gravy well.  This time out, there seemed to be enough vegetables than my previous experience with this order.  Ample cuts of succulent eggplant shared the mixture with chopped tomatoes and green chilies.  The spiciness was distinct but not too powerful.  The curry gravy was milky, mildly sweet and zesty.  This dish remained consistently good and thoroughly enjoyable.  The only qualm was that the smallish serving size, but one's complaints are easily calmed by the price tag it comes with.

In an avenue with numerous dining options almost like the entire United Nations, (yes there is Greek food finally in BF), Songkran remains the go-to Thai escape for hungry BF residents.  Prices are kept nearly dirt-cheap, although serving sizes are variable and might not be commensurate for some people.  Still, the perk of not needing to endure the worsening traffic of the metro have us homeowners simply strolling leisurely to this hidden gem.  In my case, it's just a hop, skip, and a jump.

Jones

Songkran Thai Restaurant

249 Aguirre Avenue, corner D. Tuazon Street

BF Homes

Paranaque City

Meaty Mishap at Mati's

The dawn of the new year heralds fresh and exciting foodie finds.  With new malls cropping up around the metro, and well-known foreign brands set to arrive soon on our shores (Applebee's, Laduree, etc.), I purposely turn my culinary radar towards locally-run establishments.

There is no need to brave the serpentine and hellish traffic of the metro.  The South offers a treasure trove of food finds.  In advance of the completion of Festival Mall's expanded section, a row of restaurants set on a backdrop of a river park opened just last year.  It was a perfect getaway for my simple natal day celebration with the family.

Occupying its own building, Mati's Meat and Bread is an imposing sight with its tall glass panels and off-white walls.  The interiors, as expected, are brightly lit and feels more spacious with the relative absence of a ceiling.  It was a blend of industrial and homey feel, with portions of the shop adorned with bricks and wooden tables and chairs as the main furniture.  The place was practically empty as we were the first customers on an ordinary day.

While browsing through their simple, colorless menu book, we were served some fluids in mason jars, apparently the trend nowadays.  The menu was straightforward yet diverse, offerings of pasta, pizza, and of course, steaks.

Spinach Dip, P195 (+10% service charge)

We began our culinary celebration with a healthy appetizer, the spinach dip.  The presentation was quirky.  The toasted bread rested on a wooden chopping board with the restaurant's name carved on it.  The creamy concoction was served on a bright red, wide-mouthed casserole, making it easy to dip the crunchy toasts.  The spinach was flavorful but not overpowering, resembling a tamed laing.  It was a light yet interesting starter - pity that there was no free refill of toasts as we had a good amount of dip left over.  It was quite addicting, for something that's so healthy.

Seafood Pasta, P320 (+10% service charge)

As usual, Mom picked a pasta dish.  The seafood version came with a light olive oil sauce.  The plate looked daunting, but the amount of seafood seemed lacking.  I could make out 2 oysters, a few clams, and some baby shrimps hiding underneath the entanglements.

As such, the amount of noodles was disproportionate to the toppings.  I couldn't help but compare it to Mama Lou's offerings, which serve copious amounts of seafood in their renditions.  Nevertheless, the pasta was impeccably cooked.  The flavor was light yet the cheese was distinct.  Despite being so few, the seafood was fresh and juicy.  It came with a side of garlic butter toast which appeared burnt, but Mom promptly finished it so I guess it was okay.

Breaded Shrimp, P245 (+10% service charge)

Unfortunately, they ran out of salmon that day, so Dad had a hard time picking his dish.  The breaded shrimp was a last resort.  Again, it was presented nicely on the chopping block.  The shrimp poppers came with a reasonable amount of french fries.

Masquerading as an appetizer, one can pair it with a cup of plain rice (P40), as what we did.  The shrimp poppers were perfectly deep fried to a crispy exterior.  The shrimp inside was juicy but a bit flaky, raising doubts as to whether it was all shrimp or had extenders.  The fries were nothing spectacular, a bit on the oily side, but the mayonnaise dip took care of things.  It was quite enjoyable as finger food, but might not be enough as an actual main course.

150 g USDA Steak and Fries, P385 (+10% service charge)

It was my special day, so I was craving for something unhealthy!  I really had to try out their steak offerings.  Not wanting to break the bank (and my heart from too much cholesterol), I went for the budget sized 150 gram USDA steak served with fries.  However, my eager anticipation waned when it arrived.  The meat was folded on itself, creating an illusion of a meager serving, compounded by the minuscule skilllet it shared with some greens and fries.

As I unfolded the meat, it revealed its true nature - about the size of the usual Pinoy hand, and less than a centimeter thick.  I heaved a sigh of relief.  However, as I cut through it for my first bite, it was not done to my liking.  I ordered for it to be medium, but it was nearly well done, or medium well at the very least.  

Still, there was no doubt about the meat quality as it was tender and retained the juices within the sinews.  The exterior though was unevenly grilled, some parts were too charred, giving off unwanted burnt flavor.  The accompanying gravy could not rescue the dish, as it was bland and seemed watered down.  Snackaroo's greasy gravy would have saved the steak in this case.  Hungry as I was, I still managed to wolf down everything on the skillet.

Nikki's Rosemary Chicken, P285 (+10% service charge)

The saving grace for the day was my sister's order, the Rosemary Chicken.  A huge thigh and leg cut of fried chicken sat gloriously on a bed of greens.  At first sight, it seemed ordinary, lacking any dressing or sauce of some sort.

I took a small bite off the fleshy part, and surprisingly it was soft and tender.  What blew me away was that the meat itself burst with the flavor of the rosemary spices, which clearly seeped through into the deep recesses of the meat.  The skin was crunchy but not oily, much like the chicken in Max's that every Filipino is familiar with.  It was a different dimension of taste altogether, a new adventure on the tongue.  The hefty portion was too much for my sister to finish, and we took home the rest.  The next day it still tasted good.

Mati's seemed like a good idea at the start, with their boasting of quality steaks.  There was no doubt about that, but the way they missed on the done-ness of my order was sacrilegious for a steak joint.  Was it because I picked the budget cut?  Was it because we were the first customers and they fired up the grill too fast?  Or was it because I had too high expectations?

Still, there is a lot of room for improvement.  The pasta could also use more generosity in toppings.  There is bright hope though.  The rosemary chicken was novel in taste, and should be the "darkhorse" dish, if ever there was one.  Probably, for my next visit, I should go for the higher end steaks if I could share the hefty serving anyway.  Mati's should bring their A-game next time, for it to dominate the meat scene in the South.  Until then, for the budget conscious meat-lovers in this area, Borgo Cafe's butcher steak remains the better choice.

Jones

Mati's Meat and Bread

River Park, Festival Mall Expansion

Filinvest City, Muntinlupa City

https://www.facebook.com/matismeatandbread