Other than great-tasting food, enticing ambiance, impeccable service, location and figures on the menu, my wife and I always look for family-friendliness in any food place.
Because we love our Kindergarten son, Gabby so dearly, he’s our topmost priority of course, particularly in choosing a place where we can chow down; either in a turo-turo, a fastfood joint or a restaurant in hotels or somewhere, there should always be something for Gabby to munch and/or to keep him busy.


Before heading to the Century Corned Tuna Bloggers’ Cook Off at The Stock Market where I was invited to be one of the foodie-judges, we had our late lunch at TEXAS ROADHOUSE GRILL in Bonifacio High Street last Saturday. It was our first time to eat there and you know our expectations.
We’re really really ready to grab a bite at something for it was past one in the afternoon already. As we’re quickly ushered in to our table; we immediately browsed the menu and we’re offered dried peanuts as appetizers while waiting. Luckily, not too long after we ordered, the cowboy and cowgirl wait staffs of Texas Roadhouse Grill brought to our table these…
WILD CHEESE FRITTERS, PhP 200 but we got it for FREE because we have a coupon stapled at their flyer valid until 15 November. KIDS also EAT FREE every weekend at Texas Roadhouse Grill but since we availed of this promo already; we only got one freebie. No worries, for cheese sticks are one of Gabby’s favorites. It’s a bunch of fried mozzarella sticks in marinara sauce. It’s a really good starter!
While Gabby was enjoying his wild cheese fritters, Tina had this…
SWEET SOY MARLIN, PhP 385+. It’s a great serving of grilled Blue Marlin drizzled with melted garlic butter, served with Texas rice and fresh veggies. I, of course tasted what’s on Tina’s plate and like her, I was amazed at how they grilled the fish into almost perfection! It was so flavorful I almost forgot it wasn’t my plate, LOL
One thing that I like best with most restaurants is when they serve freshly blanched veggies that they cut and sliced themselves. I am so partial to those who try to avoid using instant corn and carrots that are readily available at most supermarkets.
It was definitely a late lunch for us without red meat because I also chose seafood to pig-out.
SHRIMP and SALMON SKEWERS, PhP 420+ . Three skewers of juicy shrimp and salmon, grilled and seasoned with Roadhouse herbs and spices. Served on a bed of Texas rice and fresh veggies. The cowboy-server was so compelling that their dishes are best served with sauteed mushrooms, so I requested an add-on; but little that I know it’ll cost me PhP 95+, a price that’s equivalent to 3 cans of button mushrooms already! Ayos lang, it really complemented my plate well.
If you’re a frequent reader of my posts, you know by now that I do love almost anything with shrimps. I like it buttered, steamed and yes, grilled. This plate of shrimps and salmons + veggies and lemon butter sauce was my HAPPINESS last weekend! It may be pricey yes, but a sure treat to someone who likes seafood so much.


Of course, a better way to cap a nice meal is to have a sweet ending.
Gabby’s choice for our dessert-to-share :
COWBOY CHOCOLATE CAKE, PhP 220+. This is described in their menu as the most decadent chocolate cake in the West. Rich, moist chocolate cake; you’d ask for more! It’s topped with vanilla-flavored ice cream coated with melted chocolate. It was so heavenly! (that my wife told me its price sky-rocketted to 7th heavens! She meant was there are some who offered almost the same kind of dessert for less) :D Good thing about this was the fact that Gabby liked it.
The place is cozy; we like the tavern look made up of wooden planks and swaying doors to the kitchen and toilets. One side of the resto has the bar where one can enjoy a good drink while watching a nice play at their flat screen TV.
The wait staffs clad in plaid long-sleeved shirts with scarves and in boots were commendable for being courteous and smiley.
We dined there at Texas Roadhouse Grill with other families who were also enjoying their weekend. It’s enough proof that it’s a good place not only to hang out with friends but a venue where wholesome family fun can be enjoyed.
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TEXAS ROADHOUSE GRILL, Bldg 1 Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Tel # (63-2) 856-1547 / 856-2499. Other branch at Ruby Road, El Pueblo Real de Manila, Ortigas, Pasig City. Tel # (63-2) 635-6715.




The sandwich and the pasta was made better with what else but Century Corned Tuna.
I was fortunate to be invited via e-mail last week as one of the (self-proclaimed) foodies and food bloggers to this event (Yes, this blog remains to be about my family and our adventures beyond dining!). My participation was upgraded to the next level when I was asked (via e-mail again) if I can sit as one of the…ehem, judges.
The contest was lively hosted by celebrities JM Rodriguez and QTV 








Fusilli in olive oil highlighted by the main ingredient plus tomatoes and parmesan. 


































It’s not our first time to dine at JOHN AND YOKO in Greenbelt 5, Makati City. We’re also quite familiar with the other themed restaurants within its group of companies-
JAPAELLA, PhP 378+. One of Spain’s well-loved dishes was twisted anew with generous slices of chicken teriyaki, bite sized chorizos, my favorite prawns topped with nori strips. These ingredients rest on the most flavorful rice I’ve tested. Japaella also won my wife’s discriminating taste; we’re one in saying that we’ll definitely have this again next time we visit John and Yoko. Did I tell you it comes in enormous serving that’s good for 3 pax? But since it was just perfect for our appetite; I don’t think Tina and I would share it with other friend/s or relative/s, LOL
EBI TEMPURA, PhP 368+ /5 pieces. Our son nearly finished the entire plate! He had 4 out 5 of those battered prawns. He must be so tired and hungry then or it must have been that delicious for him, or he just really favored it over other Japanese yummies on our table. But I know he also likes kani (crab). He enjoys dipping them on tempura sauce. As for my two-cents worth, it may not be the best tempura in town but heck, Gabby was satisfied so we like this too.
IKA LINGUINI IN TOMATO CREAM SAUCE, PhP 228+. This was my brother’s choice and because of its large serving, of course he had no choice but to share it with us.
CHISAU RICE, PhP 208+. Tina ordered this bowl of rice+mushroom+chicken and nori strips. As she puts it, “Masarap naman.” but you know now that she likes my order better than this.
ICED TEA in BLUE (Dalandan), RED (Calamansi), GREEN (Lime), PhP 108+ each/refillable servings. I like my glasses in BLUE and its flavor doesn’t disappoint.
Grooming -hair and face-paint, by my lovely wife, Tina… 

















CLASSIC CAESAR SALAD, PhP 110 +. Crisp romaine lettuce, bacon bits, crunchy croutons served with Caesar dressing.
QUATTRO FORMAGGI (Four Cheeses) 8″ pizza, PhP 165 +, also available at 12″ at PhP 335+. This thin crust pizza has no toppings but parmesan, fontina, mozzarella and ricota. Sarap!
PESTO (original price PhP 145 +). Made of basil, cashew nuts and parmesan cheese in olive oil. Pesto tops my list of favorites of all pasta dishes. Joey Pepperoni’s may not be the best pesto I’ve tasted but it’s not bad either. I like it.
CARBONARA (original price PhP 155 +). Pepper cream sauce and bacon bits in spaghetti. Joey Pepperoni Pizzeria’s version of this usual pasta got my wife’s vote, considering her discriminating taste. It’s best eaten immediately after served so as to avoid the pasta being dried as it can absorbs the creamy sauce in a few minutes.
BOLOGNESE (orginal price at PhP 175+). Classic meat sauce. It isn’t as good as the other two but then again, perhaps it’s just me.
FROZEN CAPPUCCINO MUD PIE, PhP 90 +. This definitely is one of the reasons to visit JP again. It’s so delectable that we find it hard to resist. Satisfied the sweet tooth in all of us, hands down. It’s enormous serving and cheap price gives everyone a chance to enjoy life’s simple pleasures 



We kept our silence while in the vicinity so as not to disturbed the butterflies and…

















COUPLE ICE, PhP 260. This is one of Red Bean Halowich’s refreshing delights. Thinly shaved ice available in 2 flavors- either milk or mango serves as the base. We chose mango ice.








QUATTRO FORMAGGI, PhP 475 +. It’s hard to overlook Aria’s finest woodfire oven-baked pizzas. Aria’s version of four-cheeses pizza is light yet satisfying and flavorful. The amazingly delicious crust is topped with four different cheeses : pecorino, feta, parmesan and mozzarella.
BOSCAIOLA, PhP 370+. A creamy sauce of mushroom, ham and parmesan cheese on pasta of your choice. We had the white sauce on penne. Wow, sarap! 







TIRAMISU, PhP 120+. This is one of the best Tiramisu I’ve tasted, hands down. 

PORK SINIGANG, PhP 69. Andok’s big bowl of sour soup of pork and veggies is surprisingly delicious! The string beans, kangkong and tomatoes are fresh. FYI, we haven’t had anything from Andok’s in Manila other than its grilled chicken + gravy + atchara or pickled papaya. Now, we know that there’s more of it than lechong manok.
SIZZLING SISIG, PhP 145. Lipid-rich Sizzling Pork Sisig is one of Pinoy food favorites. Since we don’t eat it on a daily basis, I guess having it on a plate during a (self-declared) holiday is logical enough (*defensive*). Tina and I like this, malinamnam! (tasteful, compared to other restos’).


Boracay beaches is divided into three boat stations – Boat Station 1 has the finest, pristine white sands comparable to talc. As Boracay first-timers, we can’t help but to get few samples to bring home as a priceless souvenir 

That second rectangular hole from the left served as our path to the beach. 









Sea Wind Boracay Island Resort
Sur Boracay Resort
Ambassador Hotel…
Pearl of the Pacific Boracay
Residencia Boracay







Seeing all these made me realize why Boracay is considered one of the best beaches in the world. Tourism is alive regardless of season in this island. 


















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