Bring the whole family up to the extended family in these places in UP Town Center. Casa Verde
Casa Verde is one of the first restaurants I tried in UP Town Center. I've never seen this restaurant empty and expect a queue every time you go. The serve a variety of food but match this with the fun interiors that include vintage memorabilia with a cozy urban feel. The servings are so big that it can be shared by 4 or more. And the prices are very reasonable so it satisfies your stomach and wallet.
Their tender, juicy, and perfectly roasted chicken is best with rice. I would like to have it home to extend the delicious meal. But you can also enjoy it in its own with booze or Gringo's signature rainbow Mojitos.
Sarsa
Take yourself to authentic Ilonggo-style Chicken Inasal of Sarsa Kitchen.
It is so good to be Filipino with our local delicacies that each in the family will enjoy. Isaw, liempo, pansit and more are available here.
They also have a very interesting dessert that looks like buchi. But it's actually healthier because it's made of pumpkin but it is so yummy because chocolate oozes out of it. You have to try it.
UP Town Center is an oasis of food stops that you can dine in large groups.
Barkada
If each person in your barkada has different tastes or particular of any diet, Barkada is here to offer dishes that will satisfy your cravings. For meat or pasta lovers, vegetarians, or anything in between, they will make sure that your needs are met. Their ribs and steak are also scrumptious and tender, perfect match with beer or any of their house beverages.
Beef X Burgers
They started as Big B's in Maginhawa St in Quezon City and now they changed the name and expanded to UP Town Center. Try their literally big burgers with 50% pork and 50% beef patty and cheesy poutine. My favorite is ordering the Pink Potion with Feelings -- it may sound absurd but really hilarious when served. The waiter readily give in their acting skills for you to be entertained with "feelings."
Shawarma Bros
Shawarma for me is a very satisfying street food. Shawarma Bros offers dine-in or grab-and-go of their shawarma. To testify to the goodness of their food, a wall filled of snapshots of previous customers is displayed.
The Barn by Tipsy Pig
Lounge at The Barn by Tipsy Pig or enjoy a viewing of your favorite sports shows. The Barn by Tipsy Pig is a highly-recommended restaurant for groups or even conduct your private corporate meetings. Love the interiors as much as the menu that includes creativity of our common dishes giving it an acceptable twist.
Wingstop
If you love wings, fly to Wingstop in UP Town Center. Order a Garlic Parmesan, Zesty Mango, Honey Sriracha and more. Their fries also come with different levels of flavors and hotness that you can challenge your friends to try.
Last night, I got myself in a party with influencers, beer enthusiasts and media practitioners and enjoyed music and unlimited glasses of world-renowned Belgian beer Stella Artois. Highlighting the night is the presence of 2017 Philippine Champion of Stella Artois Asia Draught Series Jason Laurio. He competed against bartenders nationwide to present the complete steps of serving Stella Artois.
He demonstrated how to serve Stella Artois in a winning procedure. Watch the video below:
To recap, first, the chalice should be clear from impurities or they call it "Purification." No fingerprints, lipstick marks, dust or anything that makes it unclear just by looking at it with your naked eye. "Cleansing" the chalice in warm water, thrusting it up and down with a 360 degrees movement on the chalice brush, then the stem and the bottom. Then rinsing it on cool water. "Sacrifice" the chalice by pouring Stella Artois into the chalice in a 45 degrees angle from a draft. Once filled, the beer will form a foam which you have to scrape off with a foam cutter, also at 45 degrees angle. Clean the stem and bottom of the chalice in water, forming the 8 shape then end with "Judgement." Hold the chalice from the stem and the foam should be at least 1 or 2 fingers from the brim. Serve or enjoy your chalice with your favorite food.
*Take note that the Stella Artois logo should be visible at every step.
These steps or what they call "The Pouring Ritual" epitomizes Stella Artois' continuing quest for perfection and unique experience for Stella Artois aficionados that has been enjoyed for more than 600 years.
I tried the Pouring Ritual and I didn't realize that it was really difficult to do. Got 6/10 score from Jason himself and I think I need to practice more but the experience was worth it.
The kitchen of Pablo Bistro, our restaurant host for last night, served delicious cocktail items that matched perfectly with Stella Artois.
Watashi wa nipponshoku o aisuru!
That means I am craving for Japanese food. Where else would I find stylish and authentic Japanese food? In UP Town Center of course.
There are three distinct shops that offer Japanese menu:
Dohtonburi
Transport yourself to a Japanese village in Dohtonburi restaurant located at the 2nd floor of the North wing of UP Town Center. Plus get your senses ready with the cooking show by the friendly chefs. They are trained by a Japanese chef themselves so you will be served by authentic Japanese dish. I love their Okonomiyaki.
Kumori
If you want it light and on the go, Kumori offers sweet pastries and bread on the go. Come in and the lovely smell of baking goodies cages you in and it's hard to get out.
Ramen Nagi
Everybody knows what Ramen Nagi is. Their very comforting ramen dishes is guaranteed a hit. We went there and the place is full. Same as Dohtonburi, Ramen Nagi transports you to an old Japanese era where you can eat like a samurai.
When craving for something round, rich in toppings and flavors, PIZZA for short, I don't have to go far. Katipunan itself, particularly in UP Town Center has a variety of restaurants that provide good slices of flavorful pizzas. Residents as well as students from nearby universities can enjoy the tastes in less than a 20-min drive.
Pizzeria Amore
Located near the cinemas in UP Town Center, Pizzeria Amore cooks its pizza from firewood in a customized brick oven. Watch the chefs knead the dough and put the toppings. Perfect smokey-ness of pizza is ready in just minutes for you to enjoy.
Pezzo
Get your hands on numerous pizza flavors from Pezzo. Aside from its pizza offerings, the playful and IG-worthy carnival backdrop is worth a snapshot. They also offer thick slices, different pizza flavors in one plate, you name it.
Peperoni Trattoria
If you need more space than Pezzo, go to Peperoni Trattoria. Its comfortable space can accommodate big groups while you feast your eyes on great interiors. The chefs are also friendly and a pizza making show awaits you at the counter. They serve great pizza and pasta too.
Instagram: @peperoniph Friuli Trattoria
Coming from the famous Maginhawa Street in Quezon City, Friuli Trattoria takes its place in UP Town Center to open its doors to people who can't come to Maginhawa. From the owners who just love food, Friuli makes an Italian ambience with its murals and pizza and pasta offerings.
