A Sweet Discovery on Instagram

Scrolling through Instagram in one of those dessert-craving moments, I stumbled upon The Sugar Collective. Their feed is a haven for every sweet tooth, with images of beautifully crafted macarons, cakes, and other irresistible desserts. While I wasn’t specifically looking for Burnt Basque Cheesecake, my cheesecake cravings convinced me to give it a try.

The Order

I placed my order for their 6-inch Burnt Basque Cheesecake, priced at ₱680. Burnt Basque Cheesecakes are notoriously hard to nail down. They require the perfect balance of textures: a creamy, custardy interior that’s almost mousse-like in consistency paired with the golden, caramelized, and slightly charred “burnt” crust on top. At ₱680 for the promise of craftsmanship involved, I thought it was worth trying out.

First Impressions

Excited and ready to indulge, I dove straight into my first slice—but I have to admit, it didn’t match the expectations I had built in my imagination. The mousse-like creamy texture I was looking forward to was absent. Instead, the interior leaned toward a firmer texture. The caramelized crust was delightfully crisp and added a nice touch, but I felt like that coveted custard-like center either didn’t develop fully or maybe the smaller 6-inch size somehow affected the outcome.

Refrigeration Revelation

I decided to refrigerate the cheesecake overnight, unsure whether I would give it a second bite the next day. When I took it out of the fridge the following morning, something surprising had happened—the bubbles inside the cheesecake had flattened out, altering both the texture and the look. Upon tasting it again, the texture resembled more of a dense New York-style cheesecake, albeit topped with that signature burnt layer. It was enjoyable in its own way but felt like something other than what I’d categorize as a true Burnt Basque experience.

Final Thoughts

Truth be told, I was slightly disappointed. Basque Cheesecake is supposed to feel like a dessert celebration in every bite, with its creamy custard center stealing the show. Unfortunately, this one missed that mark. Thank goodness we weren’t collaborating because giving honest feedback like this would have been tough.

Would I order the Burnt Basque Cheesecake again? Maybe not. But the good news is, The Sugar Collective has plenty of other temptations on their menu, and their macarons look particularly divine. I might explore their other offerings next time and give them another shot to wow me.

First, we just want to say, we love the beach view of the restaurant, but it's great to know they have an air-conditioned option for dining in. However, there is currently some construction going on as part of a baywalk project, so the view is slightly obstructed and can be a bit distracting.

One of the fantastic conveniences we discovered is that they have a terminal for cashless payments—a true holy grail for modern diners.

The Food and Dining Experience

The food servings at Asaricha Beach Resort's Restaurant are quite generous, suitable for 2 to 4 people. We had the chance to sample four different viands, and here are our thoughts:

Poqui-Poqui

At first glance, you might think it’s pricey, but the serving size is substantial—you could easily stretch this for two meals. The smoky taste of the eggplant was simply perfect.

Sweet and Sour Pork

I was curious about how they prepared their sweet and sour pork, so I asked the server if it was the Ilocano version or the Chinese one. The Chinese version usually features breaded chicken with a sweet and sour sauce, whereas the Filipino/Ilocano version generally has a ketchup and pineapple saucy meat. The server informed me that they served the Filipino/Ilocano version, but to my surprise, when the dish arrived, it was the Chinese version. And what a pleasant surprise it was—the serving was generous and the meat was incredibly tender.

Calamari

This dish was just too good on its own, no rice needed. The crispy, well-seasoned calamari was a delight.

Chicken Fingers

Originally intended as an appetizer, the chicken fingers were kid-friendly and equally enjoyable without rice.

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Overall Experience

All in all, the experience at Asaricha Beach Resort's Restaurant was superb. The service was exceptionally professional, and all the staff were approachable. We definitely recommend dining here and are even considering trying a staycation. It’s a perfect blend of good food, excellent service, and a cozy atmosphere.

We can't wait to visit again!

 

We recently visited Steak to Juan in Ilocos Norte shortly after their soft opening, and we were pleasantly surprised by several aspects of the restaurant, starting with the generous parking space. It's clear that this place is designed not just for couples looking for a cozy dinner, but also for big families eager to enjoy a hearty meal together.

We didn't inquire if the restaurant is pet-friendly since we didn't have one of our fur babies with us, but it might be an important consideration for pet owners planning a visit.

The Unli Rice Steak Experience

Affordable and Satisfying
Steak to Juan is renowned for its affordable unli rice steak meals, which are definitively worth their 250 PHP price tag. While we didn't expect a five-star dining experience, what we did find was good food and service that lived up to the restaurant’s promise.

The steaks are cut to a reasonable 1/4 inch thickness and, gratifyingly, you can choose how they are cooked. The result is a tender and palate-pleasing piece of meat that isn't overly chewy. The accompanying gravy was decent, adding just the right touch to the meal.

Additional Menu Options
Besides steak, there are other offerings like coffee and pasta. We decided to give their Bolognese pasta a try, which is priced at 190 PHP. Unfortunately, it left much to be desired. I expected more robust flavors, especially given that there are other pastas in this price range with much more appealing taste profiles.

What Worked and What Didn't
On the whole, the steak and its unlimited rice were satisfying and worth the visit. However, the atchara (pickled papaya relish) on my plate wasn’t to my liking. In future visits, I might ask to skip it altogether.

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Final Thoughts
Steak to Juan provides a solid, no-fuss dining option for those looking for a filling and affordable meal in Ilocos Norte. While there's room for improvement, particularly with the pasta, the main attraction - the unli rice steak - delivers on its promise.

So, if you find yourself in Ilocos Norte and are in the mood for a good, value-for-money steak dinner, give Steak to Juan a try. And next time, I'll remember to check on its pet-friendliness so fellow fur parents can plan accordingly. Bon appétit until our next food adventure!

Our craving for unlimited Samgyupsal took us here. Here's a closer look at our experience and what you can expect at Jinjeonghan.

Before You Go

Cash Is King: Make sure to bring enough cash for your meal, as the restaurant currently doesn't offer cashless payment options like terminals or QR code transactions.

Prepare for the Aroma: The restaurant is fully air-conditioned and has a closed setup. While this maintains a cool temperature for dining, it also means you'll leave with the distinct aroma of Korean BBQ on your clothes. Bringing a change of clothes might be a good idea if you have plans later on.

Time-Limited Dining: Guests have a maximum of two hours to enjoy their meal, so be prepared to make the most out of your dining experience within that timeframe.

The Dining Experience

Ban Chan

The Ban Chan (side dishes) were fresh and plentiful, adding a delightful variety to the meal. The accompanying flavors and textures complemented the main courses well.

Unlimited Pork and Beef Selection

Priced at a reasonable 599 PHP, the selection offered both pork and beef options. The quality of the meat was impressive, striking a balance between value and premium taste. The cuts were tender and flavorful, making each bite a savory delight.

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Verdict

Jinjeonghan Korean Charcoal Grill offers an excellent alternative for those craving Korean BBQ in Laoag City. The price is fair given the quality of the meat, and the overall experience is enjoyable despite the need for cash payments and the lingering BBQ aroma.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and would definitely return for another round of unlimited Samgyupsal. If you’re in the area and have a hankering for Korean BBQ, Jinjeonghan is worth a visit.

Until next time, happy grilling!

Exploring new culinary spots is always an exciting adventure, especially when it involves authentic Japanese cuisine. Recently, we had the opportunity to dine at Izakaya Japanese Restaurant in Laoag City, a place that offers a unique, traditional Japanese dining experience. Here’s a rundown of our experience:

Ambience

From the moment we walked in, we were impressed by the restaurant’s ambiance. The interior design strikes a perfect balance between modern and traditional, creating a cozy yet elegant atmosphere. A unique feature that stood out was the requirement to remove our footwear before entering the dining area. This practice aligns with traditional Japanese customs and adds a touch of authenticity to the dining experience.

The Dishes

However, when it comes to the food, our experience was a mix of hits and misses.

Gyoza

Our meal started with the Gyoza. Unfortunately, this dish was a bit of a letdown. It had a rather bland taste, lacking the flavorful kick that we usually expect from Gyoza.

Karaage

Next, we tried the Karaage. This dish fared much better in our books. The Karaage was very flavorful and well-cooked, making it a satisfying choice, especially considering its price point.

Tempura Curry and Katsu Curry

We also had the Tempura Curry and Katsu Curry. Both dishes were simple and enjoyable, but didn’t particularly stand out. It felt like there was something missing that could have elevated these dishes to the next level.

Butterfly Pea Drink (Please Correct me with the name of the drinks)

For drinks, we ordered the Butterfly Pea Drink, which was quite pleasant. It was not overly sweet, making it a refreshing complement to our meal.

The Experience

Our total bill for two people was around 1500 PHP. We felt that the price was reasonable, but there are other Japanese restaurants in Ilocos Norte offering a better dining experience for a similar price.

One area of improvement would be the restaurant’s tableware. The plates were extremely lightweight, causing the food to nearly flip over. A sturdier set of plates would definitely enhance the overall dining experience.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Izakaya Japanese Restaurant offers a good atmosphere and has its high points in terms of dining. However, there is room for improvement, particularly with some of the dishes and the tableware. For now, while it’s a decent option for Japanese cuisine in Laoag City, we believe there are still other Japanese restaurants in the area that provide a better balance of taste and value for money.

We hope to see some improvements and look forward to potentially visiting again in the future.

Until next time, happy dining!

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A Salad to Savor: The Gastro Station Salad

The new menu shines brightly with the introduction of their Gastro Station Salad, a dish that has quickly become a crowd pleaser. It’s a symphony of sweet and lively flavors, artfully combining cherry tomatoes, candied walnuts, diced cucumbers, and crisp apples. These ingredients are tossed in a honey balsamic vinaigrette that provides a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Topped with delicate shavings of parmesan cheese, the salad offers a refreshing yet indulgent appetizer or light meal. It’s a testament to how simplicity, when executed brilliantly, can bring the most satisfaction.

Warm Up with Kimchi Jjigae

For those seeking comfort in a bowl, look no further than the new Kimchi Jjigae. This spicy, hearty stew is a nod to Korean cuisine, with a Filipino twist. Laden with tender pieces of pork belly and soft blocks of tofu, it’s enriched further by the umami richness of enoki mushrooms. The stew’s base is a vibrant kimchi broth that delivers an invigorating spicy kick, ideal for warming the heart and soul. This dish embodies the essence of comfort food, making it perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

Arroz Ala Cubana: A Savory Delight

The introduction of Arroz Ala Cubana to the menu is a testament to The Gastro Station's commitment to offering diverse and flavorful dishes. This savory classic is composed of a perfectly balanced plate featuring minced beef paired with a serving of fluffy white rice. The dish is topped with a sunny side up egg, its yolk adding a rich creaminess when mixed into the rice and beef.

Adding a touch of sweetness and contrast are perfectly fried bananas, which complement the savory elements of the dish. This combination creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is both comforting and satisfying. Whether you are looking for a hearty brunch or a delightful dinner, Arroz Ala Cubana is a must-try.


Truffle Mushroom Pasta: A Creamy Indulgence

For those with a penchant for pasta, the Truffle Mushroom Pasta is poised to win your heart. This dish features Fusili pasta generously coated in a creamy truffle cheese sauce. The truffle essence imparts a luxurious and earthy aroma that elevates the pasta dish to gourmet levels.

Meaty mushrooms are tossed into the mix, adding a robust and savory depth that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Each bite of the Truffle Mushroom Pasta is an indulgent experience that melds the creamy, nutty notes of the truffle with the substantial chewiness of the mushrooms and the tender fusilli. It's a dish that satisfies deeply and leaves you craving more.

 

We got to ask the owner about the meaning of "fika," a Swedish term that generally refers to taking a break, typically involving coffee and some treats like pastries or sandwiches. It's more than just a coffee break, though; it's a social institution and a cherished part of Swedish culture. 

Kani Korean Sandwich: A delectable sandwich filled with Korean-style crab meat and fresh vegetables, all brought together by their signature homemade sauce.Hungarian Korean Sandwich: A unique blend of hearty Hungarian flavors and Korean-inspired ingredients, topped with their delicious homemade sauce.

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This is my second visit to Saramsam Resto Bar, and I just found out they have a vegan-friendly menu!  Out of the blue, they told us they're serving vegan, gluten meat options. For context, "Saramsam" translates to "pika-pika" in Tagalong and "Finger Food" in English, which I initially thought was just a quirky name for the restaurant. Pleasantly surprised! 





Have you heard of Binakol prepared without chicken? If not, it's time to give this vegan version a try. Made with just coconut and homemade gluten meat, this soup is not only a healthier and more ethical option but also incredibly delicious. Embrace this innovative take on a traditional dish and discover a new favorite that aligns with a compassionate lifestyle. The soup tastes really good.
Basil Chicken is not just a favorite but a testament to the beauty of simple yet flavorful cooking. It pairs wonderfully with pasta and is exceptionally good with rice, making it a versatile choice for any meal. If you haven't tried this dish yet, you’re missing out.

Saramsam Pasta, KBL, an acronym for Kamatis (tomatoes), Bagoong (Fish Sauce), and Lasona (onions), is a traditional Ilocano dish that is simple yet incredibly flavorful. KBL Pasta brings a unique twist to traditional pasta dishes by infusing the rich flavors of Ilocano cuisine. The combination of Kamatis, Bagoong and Lasona, creates a dish that's full of depth, character, and distinct umami goodness. It's a simple yet delightful way to enjoy the essence of Ilocos in a comforting pasta dish.
Pork Steak with Crispied Onions is one delicious and mouth-watering dish that's sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of tender, juicy pork and the crunchy, flavorful onions creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

The Tequila Sunrise is a simple yet stunning cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are celebrating a special event or simply enjoying spontaneous shots while dining, this beautiful drink is sure to impress.

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