Sumptuous Sunrise Buckets!

There's nothing more comforting than the mere thought of deep fried chicken wings tossed in good old buffalo sauce, a cold drink in one hand, the sun kissing your skin, and the music of ocean waves crashing upon the rocks and sands.  Ahh, such an idyllic moment.

Sunrise Buckets seem to capture this snapshot, despite no trace of ocean for miles around it.  The shop has been a fixture in the Ortigas area for quite some time now, a regular haunt for budget conscious students, weary office workers, or simply those longing for a piece of the beach, and good times. 

The place is a portal that whisks one away to another place.  One that's sunny, happy, bright and gay.  The walls are studded with beach-themed ornaments, complete with surfboards.  The only thing that seems lacking is real beach sand.  The shop was quite small but cozy, comfortably seating around 40 people or so.

The menu consists mainly of American comfort food, but the wings are the centerpiece, of course.  Only a few can rival Sunrise Bucket's vast array of wing flavors, surpassing even that of Wingman.  But is the quality at par?

Frings, P295 (+10% service charge)

The perfect way to start any comfort dinner is to chow down some potato fries and onion rings.  Dubbed as Frings, this huge basket arrived with a gargantuan sized onion rings!  Breaded and deep-fried to perfection, the onion rings were succulent and delectable.  The fries were crisp and plenty, but lacked some flavor.  The blue cheese dip should have added some punch but seemed to be tamed and watered down.

Picking the flavor of the chicken wings seems like a daunting task, with over 15 flavors to choose from.  The menu, though, helps you out by dividing flavors into 3 categories.  "Awesome" includes the tamer and milder flavors.  "Wipeout" amps up the spice a notch higher, including the original buffalo mix and Sunrise's own concoction.  The category also encompasses other more adventurous flavors: hickory, black pepper, and garlic.  The last, more flamboyant category, dubbed as "Cloud 9", truly is the heaven of wings.  With unique mixes infused with liquor such as Jim Beam and Jack Daniels, the taste is out-of-this-world.  We picked at least a flavor from each category for variety.

Spicy Jack, Half Pound, P245 (+10% service charge)

The distinct taste of liquor was evident but not overpowering in their unique, Jack Daniel-infused Spicy Jack.  The fruity overtones of alcohol blended well and was tame enough to let the zest and spice of buffalo sauce shine through.  It's nearly inexplicable, yet it works.  The chicken meat itself was crisp on the exterior, but a little dry within.  Nevertheless, the sauce is enough to make it finger-lickin' good, to borrow that famous punchline.  Trust me, there's no other flavor in this world like this liquor infused Spicy Jack.  Hands down, the best of the night.  For that price tag, it should be.

Smokin' BBQ, Half Pound, P165 (+10% service charge)

A simpler, more straightforward choice, the Smokin' BBQ was probably lost in the limelight hogged by the Spicy Jack.  The smokey flavor was nearly non-existent, although there were a few traces of a grilled taste.  Too tame or too watered down?  This one was a bit disappointing, tasting just like a lowly common fried chicken.

Garlic Parmesan, Half Pound, P245 (+10% service charge)

I'm a sucker for any garlic and cheese flavor combo, and this pick looked promising.  My palate has since been longing for this taste ever since I grabbed a bite of Wingman's own parmesan mix.  My expectations were thus high for this flavor.  Sadly, Sunrise's version was overboard salty.  The saltiness was overpowering, perhaps due to an overflowing seasoning as evidenced by the leftover powder in the bucket.  The garlic taste was hard to find, subdued by the oiliness of the butter and the overeager flavor of the parmesan powder.  This would have been mind-blowing, had it been executed carefully.

Real American Buffalo Hot, Half Pound, P175 (+10% service charge)

We opted to sample their version of the original buffalo flavor, and it was spot on.  The zest and kick was evident, along with the familiar sourness of the buffalo wing taste.  Available in 3 degrees of spiciness, this should be the usual pick for those who prefer no-frills buffalo wings.  

One fact about Sunrise Bucket's wings is that the serving is small - too small for the price tags.  The cheapest bucket comes at a tad above 150 bucks, but the wing joints appear minuscule.  Some pieces appeared thin and lacked enough meat.  This is in contrast to bigger wings seen in Buffalo's Wings and Things, Wingman, heck even the budget B. Wings.  

Pound for pound, it's not the best bargain in the metro out there.  But what Sunrise Buckets offers and keeps hooking and reeling in their customers is the wide variety of flavors and their really unique alcohol amplified concoctions.  I would be willing to shell out a few bucks more just to sample their Jack Daniels or Jim Beam wings again, even if the sizes are less than average.  It's as ground-breaking and other-worldly as that.

Jones

Sunrise Buckets

Madison Square, Madison Street corner Ortigas Avenue

San Juan City

https://www.facebook.com/sunrise.buckets

Mexican March Madness: Chihuahua Mexican Grill

March seems to be the month of the Mexican, at least for me.  I had been craving for the good old simple taco and quesadilla for a number of days now.  Our recent foray into the belly of El Chupacabra further sparked my desire for Mexican cuisine.

Long before El Chupacabra was making waves in social media and foodstagrammers, Chihuahua was already whipping up affordable yet authentic Mexican fare.  Its first branch was in a rather delicate location - right smack in Makati's red light district and nearly impossible to access for most of the general public.  Still, it developed a loyal following and has since then expanded to two more outlets that are more appealing to the hungry masses.

Ordering here is as easy as 1-2-3.  You walk up to the counter and pick your preferred wrap: burrito, quesadilla, or the taco.  Fillings range from the usual meat choices, including steak!  The place is well-lit, simple, and no-frills.  Curiously, various game boards were placed on empty tables as it seems the joint welcomes people who want to kill time while gobbling.  One section of the wall caught my fancy - the hot sauce library!  One is enticed to pick their poison of the day, designed to add some oomph to your dish.

There was quite a variety of sauces to choose from, but one caught my palate's fancy.  This Chili Rojo was zesty and deceptively hot.  It starts out mild but as you keep absorbing it, the effect multiplies in your mouth.  Definitely a good pairing with any Mexican dish.

Chips and Queso, P125

To begin our little fiesta, we ordered a bowl of Nachos to share.  This version came with a side of cheese dip.  The chips were cut in large pieces but are relatively easy to wolf down.  Crisp and lightly salted, the dip added flavor to an otherwise tasteless affair.  The cheese dip was mild though and could have benefited from a more thick and gooey consistency.

Quesadilla (Solo, P195) + Steak (add P50)

Having sampled El Chupacabra's melt-in-your-mouth steak quesadilla, we tried Chihuahua's own version.  Three palm-sized flatbread arrived filled with slices of US beef.  At first the size looked daunting, but once you bite, the filling seems too few.

The flat bread was lightly toasted on the exterior, rendering a mild crunchy texture.  The steak was tender and juicy but less smooth than El Chupacabra's version.  Still, there seemed to be more morsels in there compared to the latter.  I would have preferred the cheese to be more gooey and stringy in consistency, but it was flavorful on its own.  The dish came with refillable sides of salsa to add another dimension and taste, but there's nothing a dash of chili sauce can't save.

Tacos (3 pcs, P245) + Steak (add P50)

I picked the steak taco for an apparently lighter fare.  Interestingly, one can mix and match your choice of whether to get the soft shell or the more familiar crunchy version.  I picked one as soft-shell just to have variation.

Again, the steak was generously cut and larger, with a tender texture.  But it was less smooth and was grittier than what I sampled in El Chupacabra.  Also, it was served cold!  The toppings of greens was more than sufficient, adding yet another crunchy texture with its fresh crispness.  I added some more salsa and a dashes of chili sauce to seal the deal.  The dish could have benefited from more cheese though.

Chihuahua also has a diverse drink collection, from local and foreign beers to their own margarita concoctions.  But this Dr. Pepper Cherry Soda instantly caught my eye!  I absolutely love the peppery, almost medicinal taste of whatever Dr. Pepper soda variant there is.  It was the perfect pairing to douse the flames of Mexican food.

Although somewhat overshadowed by its now more legendary rival, Chihuahua still deserves a place in the Mexican food scene.  It is simple yet satisfying, and being one of the pioneers of demystifying Mexican cuisine.  Prices are affordable and their 2 latest locations are more accessible for the general hungry public.  The dishes could use some more generosity in the ingredients though.  But one is assured of its freshness and authenticity.  Chihuahua is probably an easier choice to quell the Mexican craving.

Jones

Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar

Level 1, Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center

Makati City

https://www.facebook.com/chihuahuamexicangrill

Meaty Monstrosity: El Chupacabra

Legend tells of a mythical, mysterious creature that feasts on the blood of livestock, terrorizing the Latin American countryside.  This hideous beast is often described as a bear-sized monster studded with spiny outgrowths - almost an other-worldly being.

It is curious how this brainchild of the proprietors of Mexicali is aptly named.  The only creatures feasting here are the hungry miscreants of Makati night-life, eagerly stuffing themselves silly either before or after a night of partying.  Yet the name is catchy, mysterious even.  Finding it is an adventure itself - tucked away in the bowels of Poblacion.

El Chupacabra has built its legend on the strength of the social network, powered by Instagram and Zomato and whatever food-sharing app.  The place is not too shabby, neither is it intimidating.  It consists of a modified flat, with tables set al fresco albeit in a haphazard way - much like a fly-by-night carinderia.  Yes, complete with the obligatory roadside barbecue grill where the good stuff goes on.  The lighting inside is sinister red, illuminating the crowds consisting of a mix of locals and boisterous Japanese ex-pats.

A hot, humid hell house it is - a perfect setting for sampling even hotter Mexican fare.  We settled for two kinds of quesadillas, but I proceeded to be more adventurous with an order of their signature wings from Hades.

Gringas, Carne Asada, P195 (+10% service charge)

The quesadilla collection, coined as Gringas, is a myriad of selections that should cater to everyone- from all-meat to pure veggies.  The Carne Asada consists of thin slices of steak eneveloped by glorious melted cheese.  The flour wraps are light and toasted perfectly, as evidenced by blackish-brown stains.  The steak meat is bliss - soft and tender, oozing with its natural juices.  Such a pity that the strips are too few in between - but still enough to tickle one's fancy.  The cheese is gooey, sticky, yet not overpowering.  The dips are almost unnecessary, but the chimichurri blends well with the wraps.  Truly a bargain for the meat-lovers.

Gringas, Cheese, Garlic and Onion, P125 (+10% service charge)

I picked a non-meat version of the Gringas, but nonetheless lip-smacking good.  Four thin quesadilla filled with gooey cheese arrived with an unmistakable aroma.  The wraps were seared and toasted well on the exterior.

Though the wraps could use more fillings, the zest added by the garlic and onion was a welcome change in flavor.  Again, the green chimichurri dip works best with this dish.

Lord of the Wings, P250 (+10% service charge)

The main reason why I opted for a non-meat wrap - the Lord of the Wings.  The name was catchy and interesting, especially for a night when I was craving for fried chicken wings.  Their version of the classic buffalo wings was a sight to behold - the sauce was generously and lovingly draping every part of the wings.

I was hyped up for the wings - but the first bite was a bit of deflating.  The wings had arrived cold!  I wasn't sure if it was due to the sauce that they probably stored in a cooler.  Or my plate might have gone cold as it was the last item to arrive.  Nevertheless, the meat inside was juicy and flavorful.  The skin was inconsistent though - crisp in some parts, questionable in others.  However, prepare your taste buds for some torment.  The sauce is fiery - straight from Hades.  The first stain on your lips is deceptively mild, but as you bite through one piece, all hell breaks loose.  Sour and zesty, their homemade sauce is consistently and painfully hot, yet enjoyable.  Dip it in the accompanying blue cheese dip to tame the flavors a bit.  

I managed to finish off the dish, with a little help from my friends.  It was highly addicting and should be popular for spicy sadists.  The size of each wing joint was average, smaller than dedicated wing restaurants like Wingman and the like.  Still, at 250 bucks, it's a good bar chow to share or naughty dish to order if you feel like having it all for yourself.

It seems strange that despite the longevity of Mexicali in the local Mexican food scene, it is their side show El Chupacabra that has exploded in popularity.  Perhaps the adventure of finding this humble street side nook is part of the charm it exudes.  Perhaps tales of dirt cheap burritos and tacos and honest-to-goodness Pinoy-style barbecue (yes, it is also a best seller) piques the interest of foodies.  Or perhaps the folk lore of hungry chupacabras devouring flavorful meat lures the hunters themselves.  Try the spicy goat burrito next time and truly one will transform into a real goat-sucker, El Chupacabra.

Jones

 El Chupacabra

5782 Felipe corner Polaris Street

Bel-Air, Makati City

https://www.facebook.com/Elchupacabraph