I Heard It From the Olive Vine

There seems to be a paradox of Western cuisine here in Singapore.  To definitely indulge in the finer tasting Western dishes, one should settle himself in a reputable hotel around Orchard or wander in the alleys of Club Street or Clarke Quay.  This, for sure, will burst your pocket.  Nevertheless, in almost every hawker or food centre, a conspicuous Western food stall is an easy find.  But, almost every time, the hungry expat will find it a cheap and disappointing imitation, an unworthy quick fix.

It was such a happy incident, therefore, that we managed to stumble upon a gem of a find that is Olive Vine.  Hidden in the subterranean walkway connecting Suntec City to Marina Square, the hurrying commuter will often neglect this quaint nook.  In fact, what caught our attention was the opposite stall in front of it, as our palates were craving for that good old Western flavor already, months after being saturated by chicken rice and chili. 

Sleek black and red linings create an aura of style.

Almost shamefully, I admit at first that what hooked us to Olive Vine was that "no service charge" boldly printed out front.  With prices of sit-down mid-range restaurants here exponentially higher than their equivalents back home in our 7,107 islands, that golden phrase was enough to turn our eyes to their colorful menu.  Still, having tried a few Western food stalls in hawkers, we remained a bit skeptical.  Nonetheless, our grumbling stomachs and craving palates gave in.

The cheerful Filipina waitstaff was an added perk - in typical Filipino hospitality, she searched for a cozy spot for us to sit in.  The restaurant, of course, is self-service - you pick your orders from a laminated cardboard menu and queue up to the cashier.  Not a very enticing experience, at first glance, yet the food here is the star anyway.

On our first trip (yes, read on and see why we came back for more!), Olive Vine offered promotional set meals.  That gleaming rack of ribs was enough to get me hooked, as I struggled to keep my baby back ribs withdrawal symptoms at bay.  But, ribs aside, the menu was filled with all sorts of Western favorites - from sandwiches to pasta, from steaks and chops to the ubiquitous french fried potatoes.

Cheesy Fries, SGD 5.90 (approx. PHP 200)

There was nothing a big bowl of crispy fries couldn't do to spark us up that night.  Oozing with gooey cheese and a drizzle of mayonnaise, the fries remained amazingly crisp and crunchy. A highly addicting treat and a sure way to kick start your palate.  The serving size seemed commensurate with the price tag.  And these were real potato fries, for that matter.

Can't get enough.

On our first visit, she picked a chicken + pasta set, a safe choice for our initial try.  We requested for an added spicy kick for the chicken chop, to which the staff obliged willingly.

Crispy Chicken Arrabiata, SGD 10.90 (approx. PHP 380)

Not surprisingly, this was one of their best sellers.  Heck, even in hawkers the chicken chop plus pasta combo are sure hits.  There must be an unfailing love between noodles and Singaporeans here.  I confess I'm not a pasta lover, but with my first bite, the flavor of the tomato based sauce was full and true - there were tell-tale bits of real tomatoes mixed within.  This was no cheap hawker imitation, this was restaurant-grade Italian cooking.

Chicken + Pasta = love

Not one to disappoint, the chicken chop was huge!  Larger than my palm, it was perfectly deep-fried to a golden brown.  Although a tad oily, the crunchy breading was a welcome change in texture.  The meat itself was juicy, and the added spicy level we requested for was prominent.  The big portion was so large we couldn't finish it and had to pack it for home.

Soup of the Day: Cream of Mushroom

My highly anticipated baby back rib set came with the whole shebang: the soup of the day, your choice of drink, a tiny slice of cake, and the main.  The soup was hearty and warm, but not extraordinary.

Pork Ribs Set, SGD 18.90 (approx. PHP 660)

The big plate was half occupied by the rack of pork ribs glistening with the red barbecue sauce.  A generous serving of the same flavorful fries and a side of coleslaw completed the ensemble.

Hello there, I missed you.

As I eagerly sliced through the ribs, my tongue anticipated a unique flavor.  Largely because of my heightened expectations, my first bite was a little disappointing.  The zesty barbecue flavor was there, but it was not full and barely penetrated the meat.  Still, the meat was tender and gave in easily to light pressure from my knife.  The natural juices of the meat were locked in, but my palate was still searching for that real grilled taste - that distinct aroma of charring, that blackened exterior, that smokey flavor.  All three were never fully achieved.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed munching away at every rib - I finished the rack.  This was infinitesimally better than any cheap hawker stall, but still light-years behind Rack's.  But in this island-nation, this perhaps is one of the better and more affordable baby back ribs.

Fruit Punch

Our first experience in Olive Vine was generally a fulfilling one.  The taste seemed authentic Western, with prices reasonable for the serving sizes.  It was therefore not surprising to find ourselves choosing to dine here again for a quick New Year's Eve dinner.

Caesar Salad, SGD 8.90 (approx PHP 310)

In an attempt for a healthier alternative, we swapped the fries for salad this time.  The Caesar's salad was a huge portion, with generous slices of tender white chicken meat and fresh greens.  Curiously, those aren't croutons.  It tasted more like our local biscocho.  A miss for this dish actually.  Nevertheless, the salad was filling and was a meal in itself.

Biscocho salad, anyone?

She still picked pasta this time out, while I chose to go pork all the way.  The Shrimp Algio Olio was a good choice, and again we spiked it with extra chili flakes.

Shrimp Aglio Olio, SGD 10.90 (approx. PHP 380)

There was a reasonable amount of shrimp concealed among the flat tangle of noodles, five plump pieces to be exact.  The noodles glistened in the invigorating olive oil.  The taste was herbal and fresh, the shrimps succulent and tender.  Another perfectly executed pasta dish, similar to the Arrabiata.

Shrimps hiding underneath this tangled mess.

I picked another pork dish, my taste buds craving for that fatty taste.  Can't get enough of that cholesterol!

Pork Steak with Rice, SGD 10.90 (approx. PHP 380)

Two large slices of lean pork steak came served with a hefty portion of rice and a side of coleslaw, all lathered in mushroom gravy.  The gravy was a comforting feeling.  Gravy sauces in hawkers are eerily different, reeking of black pepper flavor, bordering on chicken rice sauce flavor.  That simply didn't go well with grilled dishes.  Ah, but the gravy here in Olive Vine tasted honest-to-goodness mushroom gravy.  

But then, the flowery praises seem to end there.  For some reason, the grilled dishes consistently fall short.  Although the meat was tender, it was bland without the gravy.  That smokey grilled taste was glaringly lacking, the charred appearance notably absent.  A victim of too quick cooking, perhaps?  Still, the gravy was the savior, embracing the otherwise mundane pork meat in its loving flavor.

Blueberry Cheescake, SGD 4.90 (approx. PHP 170)

There was ample room for dessert this time, and the Blueberry Cheesecake was the easy choice, having been deprived of cheesecake for months.  A small slice seemed pricey, especially if pitted against those from Conti's or even Bag of Beans back home.  However, this minute slice was up to par.  The cream cheese stuffing was cloying and soft, almost like ice cream consistency.  It was not overly sweet, and the cheesy flavor mildly subdued.  The blueberries tasted authentic and fruity.  Our only complaint was the slice was rather thin!  It was a sweet end for our carbo loading.

Despite obvious misses in its grilled cuisine, Olive Vine manages to churn out restaurant-quality dishes at pocket-friendly prices.  The pasta dishes are mostly well executed, but they definitely need to improve on their grilling methods.  Still, a testament for their good taste is the long queues and cramped tables during peak dining hours.  So, if you don't mind lining up (both for seating and for ordering), bumping elbows with the tables next to you, but still getting an authentic Western experience, hear it from the Olive Vine.  First hand.

Jones

Olive Vine

Marina Square

#B1-17 Marina Link

Singapore

https://www.facebook.com/olivevine

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Starting the New Year With A Stop: Wingstop!

With my current state of affairs here in Singapore, I have rarely found time to blog about my food finds.  Heck, I almost forgot my own password for my blogger account, finally figuring it out after a couple of tries.  It has indeed been so long since I've written anything! And it's such a sad predicament, especially with the treasure trove of multi-cultural cuisine that can be discovered in this island.

Nevertheless, the short break during the holidays gave me enough time to rave and rant about something I so thoroughly miss.  Despite the myriad of other cuisines here, I chose to share my first ever chance to devour one of my favorite comfort food - buffalo wings!

My kind of wall. 

Strangely, Singapore's love affair with chicken wings start and end with either barbecue wings or Asian fried chicken wings.  In my nearly three months here, I have never encountered a joint that served buffalo wings with much dedication.  This fueled my craving for the wings I miss most.  So, when I discovered that an American wing franchise was setting up its flagship store in Bedok Mall, I didn't think twice.  Wings or bust.

American vibe all the way.

Wingstop, as I soon learned, was quite well-established in the U.S. (though I've never heard of it in my few visits there).  Their first store in Singapore is quite the experiment - the space is safely small, its location unassuming in one busy corner of this mall.  Brightly lit, with famous U.S. landmarks providing the wall graffiti, the spot exudes American vibe all the way - a welcoming sight for ex-pats here, for sure.

Queing for the 'cue.

Like most wing joints, ordering is straight-up, no frills, fast-food style.  But mind you, the wings are made-to-order, so rest assured you're getting freshly created masterpieces.  Wingstop offers up to 11 unique flavors, and tiny red chili icons beside each item alert you to the spice level. However, there are only four flavors that come with a spicy kick (Original, Cajun, Louisiana Rub, and Atomic) - a tad disappointing for us who like to dabble in heat.  Seems like the flavors are not too challenging.

Unidentified flat object.

We ordered two of their 6-piece combo sets which seemed easier on the pocket (nothing is cheap in Singapore, of course!), priced at SGD 9.95.  The combo comes with 1 side, your choice of 1 dip, and of course a drink.  We chose to top-up (ooh, I so love that word here) one combo for a larger order of french fries and drink, all for an additional SGD 1.50 (around 53 PHP).  You can opt to mix two flavors for the combo, by the way.  After placing our orders, we were handed out this queer flat disc that lit up once our order was ready.  Pretty cool.  Chicken Charlie in ATC actually has a similar contraption.  Way to go!

You call these wings? Butterfly wings, perhaps?

The moment I grabbed my tray, my excitement dropped from eager anticipation to graveyard sorrow.  The wings were so miniscule!  Those absorbent white paper did nothing to help their sorry state  - it nearly obscured the dwarvish wings.  Still, I kept my spirits up as I slowly bit into each piece.

Cajun Flavor

My first dibs was the Cajun, as I still distinctly recall my last bite of Cajun in Red Buffalo back in the Philippines (oops, haven't posted that one yet, stay tuned!).  The authentic taste managed to perk me up again!  Each piece was lovingly coated with a unique mix of sour and zesty sauce, with a dash of real cajun spices that you can actually see!  The flavor seeped in to the juicy meat, and the skin was as crisp as it can get.  This was true cajun style wings, no doubt.

Louisiana Rub

I chose to stay home with the Southern flavors, so I picked the Louisiana rub.  Mundane to the eyes, the dry rub was barely noticeable.  At first bite, the flavors are subdued and subtle, almost bordering on the ordinary fried chicken flavor.  But as you continue munching away, the real flavors emanate, although still weakly.  This would have been a knock-out, had it been executed well.  Perhaps continuous bites were needed to bring out the flavor, but the only problem is, the wings were too small! (Luckily, for unknown reasons, an extra piece found its way in my tray accidentally).  Still, the wings were admirably crunchy on the exterior and juicy within.

Original 

For our third set, we tried out their version of the Original Buffalo flavor, as our palates sorely missed that distinct tangy taste.  To our utter disappointment, it was nothing close to the original.  It tasted more like sweet tomato ketchup flavor, like that old Jolly spaghetti sauce!  It was the biggest letdown of the night.  There was no trace of that sour-y and zesty flavor so typical of real buffalo wings.  Epic fail for a shop that claims to be wing experts.  In my opinion, every buffalo wing joint should get the original right!

Garlic Parmesan

But, the savior of the night came in 3 little pieces.  The Garlic Parmesan was perfectly done - crisp on the outside, bursting with flavor on the inside.  The strong taste of garlic was matched harmoniously by the parmesan cheese, cloying on the palate, joyfully playing on the tongue.  Every corner of each piece was full of flavor - down to the sinews and the bone itself.  Memories of our experiences in Wingman back in Makati were instantly conjured - this Wingstop version so closely mirrored what we had before.  This alone will make us come back for more.

6-piece Combo Set, SGD 9.95 (around 350 PHP)

All the wings would have been perfect with rice, but sadly, there was none (not even cajun rice).  We picked a large order of fries for our carbs, though.  And these were glorious - not your fast-food type lard fries.  The 1.50 SGD top-up was well worth it.

What's inside the big pack?

Fries overload!

In spite of the terrible mishap of the Original flavor, Wingstop manages to churn out at least one chart-topping flavor, the Garlic Parmesan of course!  The Cajun comes close, but I still have to try out the other flavors.  But, I can't help but compare Wingstop, a supposed American strongman, with the Philippines' own local versions.  First off, the servings back home are way bigger, not to mention with lower price tags.  Pound-for-pound, Wingstop is light-years behind in flavor and creativity with our own top guns (Wingman, Buffalo Wings 'N Things, Red Buffalo).

I still hope these are just first game jitters for Wingstop, and it needs to find its wings fast!  But for now, for lack of anything that comes close to real fried chicken wings here in Singapore, I would keep coming back - even for just the Garlic Parmesan or the Cajun.  Sorry, but the chicken wing scene in the Philippines is flying higher than anything here.

Jones

Wingstop

Bedok Mall

311 New Upper Changi Road

#B1-53

Singapore

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Jumpstarting My Singapore Food Crawl: Makansutra Gluttons Bay

It's been a while since my last blog post, having been busy adjusting to a new way of life and a vastly different culture here in Singapore.  Unlike our Filipino habits, majority of Singaporeans live a fast-paced, career-driven, achievement-hungry lifestyle.  Yet despite this seemingly hectic pace, one thing I noticed in my first two weeks here is that they will slow down, queue up, and wait patiently for really good food.  Be it a hawker stall or a high-end restaurant, long lines are the best clue for something good.

If you come to Singapore lacking any knowledge of the good foodie spots or their best-selling local delicacies, you will surely find yourself giddy searching for what to eat.  Often, for first-time tourists (and even for second timers who just miss the food, like me), one quick jump start for an authentic culinary experience is Makansutra Gluttons Bay.

This is one sutra that is unadulterated.

The brainchild of KF Seetoh, the street food photojournalist guru (I love this guy and his shows on AFC!), Makansutra seeks to replicate a real hawker experience - open-air, smokey, crowded, yet home to tasty treats.  Although the real gems of Singapore cuisine are tucked away in the vast array of hawkers and food courts all over the island, Makansutra is a pretty good place to sample the local food and grab an overview of what the fuss is all about - without getting lost in the heart of the city.

Composed of several stalls which offer their own unique dish, one should manage to try out the best from each.  Having been here for the second time, we wanted to sample a different dish.  In the mood for grilled skewers, our first stop was Alhambra Padang Satay.

Satay Set, SGD 7.00

Apparently famous for their grilled skewers, their stall is a hit among both local and foreign beer guzzlers.  Now I'm really missing the kanto barbecue stalls of the Philippines!  But the satay had a curious charm on its own.  The set consisted of 5 sticks of tender chicken meat and another 5 sticks of soft beef mutton, with a side dish of fresh sliced onions and a peculiar looking yam of some sort.

Basted in a secret marinade, the chicken satay was juicy and flavorful.  It was like our own inasal but zestier.  The beef was my wonderful surprise.  The meat was soft and smokey, grilled to perfection.  Both varieties paired perfectly with their peanut sauce dip.  My only complaint was the seemingly small serving size of the skewered meat per stick.  But hey, nothing comes cheap in Singapore (that is, if you always convert to peso!)

Crispy Baby Squid, SGD 5.00 (?)

One of the first few things we craved for upon setting our feet again in this country was this dish, the Crispy Baby Squid.  This time, I tried out another stall for a different version. (Sorry, I forgot the name of the stall, but it's the one nearest to the bay side).  

Sponge Bob's boss.

These babies were deep fried to a crunch, and then tossed in a sweet spicy red sauce, garnished with chopped onions, red chili, and green pepper.  The entire mix is laid on a bed of what appears to be desiccated rice noodles.  The squid was indeed crispy - not a single piece tasted old nor chewy.  The sauce was executed well, a right mix of sweetness and an ample amount of spicy kick.  The serving size was good enough for two people, although again the price may seem steep for others.

Thai Crab Fried Rice, SGD 7.00 (?)

There's no better way to enjoy both dishes than with a heaping serving of rice.  This stall, Thai Yummy Food, serves a variety of fried rice creations.  We picked the crab fried rice to complement our two dishes.  As expected, the rice was a bit too oily, yet was exploding with flavor - just the right amount of saltiness and zest.

Generously mixed with chopped crabmeat and all sorts of veggies, it was definitely heavy and filling.  Good enough for four persons (or two really hungry people), yet again the price appeared to be inappropriately high.  Nevertheless, it went well with both the grilled skewers and the deep fried squid.  

With this view, I won't complain about the price anymore.

Makansutra Gluttons Bay has gathered some of the best hawker stalls in Singapore into one place, relieving us of the hassle of journeying from place to place, searching for the stall that serves its own unique best-seller.  Even homesick Filipinos can grab a quick bite of good old pinoy food, with Gerry's Grill having their own nook (just don't convert the price to peso though, or you'll feel sorry).  

Recreating an authentic hawker experience with its open-air ambiance, humid atmosphere, and noisy sales-talking vendors, you can be sure the food is genuine and fresh - as you have to wait for each dish to be cooked, just like the real hawker courts.  Perhaps because of its prime location in Marina Bay, the prices are steeper compared to overcrowded food courts in the city.  But then again, with a captivating view of the Singapore skyline, who's thinking about the price?

Jones

Makansutra Gluttons Bay

8 Raffles Avenue #01-15

Singapore

http://www.makansutra.com

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Tokyo Drift: Haru Sushi Bar and Restaurant

Dining at a Japanese restaurant has become almost customary for us whenever there is a special occasion.  Nothing beats the crisp flavors of the tempura and the savory-sweet mix of teriyaki.  But then, Japanese joints are dime-a-dozen, so selecting the right place is an adventure in itself.   A precarious one at that too, especially for a special date night.

Can't go wrong with tempura.

Scouring the web for delicious yet affordable Japanese cuisine, with a good ambiance of course, I stumbled upon a few blog posts about this relatively new establishment in the foodie center of Kapitolyo in Pasig.  The brainchild of the owner of Cafe Juanita, Haru Sushi Bar and Restaurant was an intriguing suspect.  Curiosity led us to try out this joint to see for ourselves.

On a Friday night the Kapitolyo area turns into a food street.  Going down West Capitol Drive and the United Nations of cuisine welcomes you - Asian, American, Mexican.  It's a virtual journey across the globe.  But Japanese was the craving for the night, and as early as 6PM Haru's parking lot was packed!  I guess the only drawbacks in Kapitolyo is finding a good spot to park so as not to get too tired (or too hungry) from walking from your car to your foodie destination.

Outside, the restaurant is imposing with its glimmering red signage and a Japanese gateway column welcoming you.  The interiors are well lit and somewhat off-theme with chandelier fixtures.  A few lanterns should have set the mood better.

This small bridge crossing is easily a favorite photo spot.

Despite the off-theme tables, the wooden panels and sliding doors are in tune.

The cat is way cuter.

Nevertheless, the restaurant's other parts seem to transport you instantly to Tokyo.  Sections are divided by wooden panels reminiscent of quaint Japanese houses.  Colorful traditional kimonos adorn the corners of the shop, along with cute little Japanese dolls.  There's even a small wooden bridge crossing a man-made indoor river to replicate the iconic image of bridges in rural Japan.  Haru manages to bend the seams of time and space and warp you into this mini representation of Japan.  I've yet to visit Little Tokyo in Makati, which boasts the same authenticity, but Haru is a class on its own.

The food, though, still had to prove itself worthy.  With a backdrop as charming as this, the chefs behind Haru had the daunting task of keeping in step with the genuine Japanese experience.  We skimmed over the menu and pretty much ordered our favorites - except for one little detail.  We were craving for Asparagus Bacon wraps, and lo and behold, our eyes nearly popped out when we saw the exorbitant price!  Almost 400 bucks for an appetizer?  Is their bacon made of gold?  We never found out since it was highway robbery ordering it anyway, so we sadly skipped it.

Tori Teba Nanbanzuke, P188 (+5% service charge)

We picked another appetizer instead, the Tori Teba Nanbanzuke.  These were deep fried chicken wings doused in a sweet-sour vinegar sauce.  Despite wallowing in the vinegar, the skin remained crisp and crunchy, while the meat within was tender and cooked thoroughly.  Surprisingly, I enjoyed the vinegar taste which paired well with the wings, much like the way mayo dips matches well with buffalo wings.  Sliced pickled onions and carrots were added into the mix too offer a contrast in texture and color.  The dish was highly addicting, in fact it could stand alone as a viand with rice.  Seriously.  Chicken wings value meal!

Dynamite Roll, P269 (+5% service charge)

The Dynamite Roll is a favorite among Japanese sushi bars, but so far I have tasted only a few who got it right (Omakase is one).  This version was large and plump and stuffed to the brim with fresh raw tuna and pink salmon spiked with hot spices and all sorts of shrubbery.  You know how one can predict if a roll is executed perfectly?  The roll should not crumble.  

Ah, but Haru's Dynamite Roll succumbed to the lightest of tension using my chopsticks, rendering it difficult to grasp and dunk in our specially requested spicy mayo dip.  The rice was fragile and the roll either broke apart or slipped into the wrong parts of the table.  Thankfully though, the raw seafood tasted fresh and plump, and had the ample amount of kicks.  If not for its inadequate construction, this would have been atop my list.

Yakimeshi, P80 and Gohan, P49 (+5% service charge)

In preparation for our feast, we ordered each a cup of Japanese fried rice (Yakimeshi) and plain rice (Gohan).  The fried rice was quite good, not too oily yet retaining its flavor.  The only drawback was the seemingly small serving size for that price.

US Beef Yakiniku, P276 (+5% service charge)

For the main offerings, we ordered one beef dish, the US Beef Yakiniku.  I loved the half-moon dish it rested upon, breaking the mundane symmetry typical of Japanese joints.  The beef strips were sliced just right, neither too thin nor too thick.  

The meat was soft and tender and not sinewy, with a cloying amount of fat in most of the pieces.  The yakiniku sauce was savory with mild sweetness, the flavor seeping into the meat lusciously.  The cabbage offered a break from the greasy goodness of the beef.  With the quality of the dish, I almost regretted not ordering my favorite gyudon, expecting the same perfection as the yakiniku.

Shake (Salmon) Teriyaki, P389 (+5% service charge)

I firmly believe that the Salmon Teriyaki makes or breaks a Japanese restaurant (along with the Ebi Tempura).  So I simply had to try it out to gauge Haru's competencies.  The fillet was long but thinner than what I've had, but it still had enough meat to it.  The teriyaki glaze was light yet flavorful, temptingly sweet and salty.  The salmon was grilled perfectly, leaving a few char marks towards the fatty end.  The meat itself was briny and firm, not too crumbly and flaky.  Although I'm used to heftier servings of such a dish, their version stood out simply because it was executed superbly.

Ebi Tempura, P278 (+5% service charge)

Of course, the star of the night was no other than the prawn tempura.  For less than 300 bucks, you get five pieces of prawns deep fried in a light batter.  The prawns were rather small, as these obviously were not the larger tiger prawns.  

In spite of its diminutive size, the prawns were fresh and sweet, with succulence gushing out with each bite.  Fortunately, the batter was also light and crisp and not too oily.  The dish was commensurate for the price tag, and should be a favorite for those craving for a quick tempura fix yet are tired of those buffet joints that churn out oily tempura like an assembly line.  At Haru, you can peacefully and deliberately enjoy each piece of deep-fried prawn in an equally serene environment.

Kiwi Shake, P79 (+5% service charge)

To douse off the intense flavors of all the courses, the Kiwi Shake seemed a refreshing sojourn.  But, the shake was too dilute to fully enjoy the cool flavor of the kiwi fruit. 

Haru achieves the perfect vibe for one unforgettable experience.  It was indeed a night to remember with a little anecdotal event.  A VIP was arriving just as we settled down to our reserved table.  Apparently he was a really important person that throngs of bodyguards and security personnel surveyed the place in advance, and then politely requested us to transfer to another table.  It was no less than the President of our republic who came that night!  So if he likes dining at Haru, then there must be no pork here (political satire intended).

Still, somehow the quality and taste of the food lagged behind the authenticity of the place.  The makimono is suspect, while the tempura just barely average.  Good things going for Haru though is the quality of their grilled dishes, namely the salmon and beef.  The prices are reasonable but the ambiance is exceptional.  So for a lovely date night and an idyllic experience, drift towards Tokyo in the middle of Kapitolyo, with Haru serving as your portal.

Jones

Haru Sushi Bar and Restaurant

9 West Capitol Drive (beside Cafe Juanita)

Kapitolyo, Pasig City

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Pho (For) Good Health: Pho Hoa

Despite the widespread popularity of ramen shops, I have never really jumped into the bandwagon.  I'm not really fond of noodles in general, whether it be the soupy or the dry variety.  The only noodle dish that works for me is the Jolly Spaghetti.  No kidding.  Even the ubiquitous cup noodles are my last resort only when I'm strapped for cash.

Nevertheless, my idea of a warm bowl of hearty noodle soup is not ramen, not even chicken mami (but the lomi may pass my standards if done correctly).  When I hear "noodle soup", the first thing that conjures in my mind is a good bowl of pho. 

Vietnamese food is known for its simplicity and reliance on herbs and shrubs, with little emphasis on meat.  Thus, it makes for a healthy yet filling alternative.  Pho Hoa was one of the pioneer franchises in Vietnamese noodle soups, gaining a steady and loyal following through the years (mostly elderly!).  I had my first pho experience in the US, and it was a unique flavor for my palate.  I enjoyed munching through crisp mongo sprouts while sipping the fragrant broth, the goodness seeping into my whole body.

Man's greatest invention: Sriracha!

So, on my Dad's pre-birthday celebration, after all his medical exam tests were good, we sought a healthy lunch for the day.  The Pho Hoa branch in ATC has been around even before the new wings were added.  Despite its small, almost claustrophobic area, it never loses its share of hungry followers.  We found our way to our seats, consisting merely of humble wooden chairs and an unimaginative table set.  Wasting no time, we promptly ordered after browsing the menu speedily.

Goi Cuon, P129

No Vietnamese course would be started correctly without the spring roll.  The fresh variety, the Goi Cuon, consisted of fresh vermicelli noodles, carrots and thin slices of shrimp and lean pork wrapped in a thin delicate rice paper.  The veggies were crisp and fresh, and perfectly paired with the peanut sauce dip.  This appetizer was a meal in itself.

Goi Ca, P195

Wanting to stuff our stomachs with more greens, we ordered another salad appetizer.  The Goi Ca was a chicken salad consisting of pulled chicken meat and a hodge-podge of shrubs.  There was cabbage, lettuce, carrots, and I could even make out slices of turnips. 

This heaping pile of leaves was topped generously with roasted peanuts which surprisingly matched the crunchiness of the greens with its own crisp and savory flavor.  I preferred dousing my salad with the accompanying vinaigrette to further up the ante.  It's a sad day for meat lovers.

Com Thit Nuong Cha Gio, P260

On second thought, I wouldn't survive the day without meat!  So I ordered a rice platter for myself.  With a long name sounding like an incantation, this rice platter was a hefty meal.  Consisting of a large serving of special fried rice (almost 1 and a half cups, I'd say), the grilled pork and a sliced single serve of fried spring roll was the perfect marriage of the two different methods of cooking.

No such thing as healthy pork?

The spring roll was crisp and plump with filling, akin to its fresh counterpart.  I wished I had more servings of this with my rice platter, but I had to make room for the pork.  The pork was lightly glazed in a sweet and tangy marinade, and then charred perfectly to give that smokey taste and texture.  It had the right fat-to-meat ratio, staying in tune to the overall healthy vibe of Pho Hoa.  Best enjoyed with the light vinegar dip, although I did douse some of the pieces with the salad vinaigrette!  It tasted good actually.

Pho Do Vien, P350 (large)

For the parents, they shared a large bowl of a hearty concoction of seafood noodle soup, the Pho Do Vien.  This hefty bowl of herby, almost medicinal, fragrant broth combined thin rice noodles with the briny flavor of the sea.  Chunky mounds of fish balls and sweet succulent shrimps simmered in the soup as if in their own habitat.  All sorts of greens (of course adding the mongo sprouts) gave life and flavor to the overflowing broth.

Under the sea...

The flavor of the broth was perfect and typical of pho, not too salty, but exuding the leafy taste of healthy foliage.  Dashing a few drops of sriracha amps up the spice level and gets the blood pumping.  The only complaint was that the soup went cold too fast (blame the aircon perhaps?).  But not to worry, the wait staff was quick to refill your bowl with the hearty broth with a fresh warm serving.  Yes, I did say refill.  Make friends with the waiter and he'll even give you another bowl of soup to go.  That's what he did for us!

Staying healthy has never been this delicious and appetizing.  Who said eating shrubs was a drudgery?  With the flavors and benefits of veggies captured masterfully by Pho Hoa, it's a small wonder that the elderly often prefer a bowl of pho than any MSG-laden ramen or mami.  And, as I always quip whenever I eat Vietnamese cuisine, I have never seen any obese Vietnamese national, whether on TV, movies, or even personally.  So this must be their secret to keeping fit: a bowl of warm pho, a few fresh spring rolls, and lean grilled meat.  So pass me the sriracha as I finish another serving of pho.  Pho The Win.

Jones

Pho Hoa 

Alabang Town Center

Alabang-Zapote Road, Muntinlupa City  

https://www.facebook.com/phohoainc

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