Alabang Restaurant Tips by nixca316

Kenji Tei Ramen House, ATC: Authentic Ramen and more

This branch used to be in BF Homes. It was just a small Ramen House, but it was very popular in the area because of its AUTHENTIC taste/flavor and noodles.

Since most of their clients frequent Alabang Town Center anyways, they moved to the cinema complex, where there is almost always heavy foot traffic.

The interior design is very pleasing to the eyes and their service is superb.

The food is very, very delicious too!

Mall hours
All major credit cards and cash are accepted

Favorite Dish:

California Maki
Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream
Cheese Gyoza---this is a must try!

The different Ramens most especially:

Shoyu
Miso Butter Corn
Chasu Miso

The noodles have a "perfect bite" and the soups seasoning and flavoring are just right. My dad says, compared to one of Ramen places in Metro Manila, it's much, much better. The other Ramen place serves super salty ones.

Address: 1F Cinema Complex, Alabang Town Center

Directions: upper split level of the 1/f near the cinemas

Phone: (+632)511-8980

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Japanese/Sushi

Website: http://https://www.facebook.com/kenjitei

Wee Nam Kee: Hainanese Chicken Rice and so much more

I've been to other branches, but it was the first time mom and I tried dining at this branch.

The first thing I've noticed was the alertness of the servers. True, some of them weren't aware of our allergies, but I was impressed when the others served us soup while waiting.

Usually, we could equate that to lack of coordination, but considering we only have informed a couple, the servers who served the soup where quick to respond to the "needs" of their clients. The people whom we informed were also there in a flash to stop them.

The place is clean, simple and perfect for casual dining.

The food is GREAT!

RESTAURANT HOURS
Sunday to Thursday: 11:00am - 9:00pm
Friday and Saturday: 10:00am - 10:00pm

They accept cash and major credit cards

Address: G/F Alabang Town Center, New Wing, Alabang Zapote

Directions: Near the escalator

Phone: (+632) 478-9103

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Pan-Asian and Pacific Rim

Website: http://https://www.facebook.com/WeeNamKeePH

Abe, Alabang Town Center: LJC's Legacy

What I love about LJC Restaurants is the fact that they give back to the community or help charitable institutions.

True, it is not entirely selfless because you have to buy certain products so that they could help more, but beyond that, without the cameras and the newspaper headlines, they go out of their way to make people happy.

Abe, heartily dedicated to the man the late Larry J. Cruz looked up to...his father...is one of those restaurants that give back to the community/society.

THE FEEL OF THE PLACE

You cannot miss this place. Since it's in the Lifestyle Strip, people will surely notice it.

It's a bit intimidating, but maybe not as much as PF Chang's, but still...

Anyways, that's on the outside.

Inside, the place is nice and inviting.

Everything is about Abe: His exploits, his favorite dishes and everything else about him.

THE FOOD AND THE DRINKS

Served here are mostly Pampangueño delights and some fusion dishes. The drinks are refreshing too. Probably it's because of the many years of the LJC group in the restaurant industry.

Operating Hours:
Monday to Sunday 11:00am - 10:00pm

Cash and Major Credit Cards are accepted

Address: Lifestyle Strip, Corte de las Palmas, ATC

Comparison: about average

Phone: +63 2623 0899 / +63 917 550 6033

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Website: http://ljcrestaurants.com.ph/abe/

Acaci Café (Acacia Hotel, Manila): Buffet(am nn pm) and a la carte :)

Located in the South of Manila, Acacia Hotel, is slowly becoming one of the most happening places in the area.

It's their anniversary month and they give freebies to the October celebrators until the end of the month.

Later this year, there will be another dining area, but right now, they do have the Lobby and the Acaci Café.

This place is usually known for their fantabulous buffets.

There is enough elbow room and the servers are very, very courteous.

People are raving about the selections and the freshness of the products. The taste and presentation are very, very competitive.

Here are some thoughts of their "happy campers" :

ACACIA HOTEL: BUFFET AT ACACI

DENCIO.COM:Acaci Café is the Newest and Hottest Buffet In Alabang!

Acaci: The Newest Buffet Dining Spot in the South

Mode of payment:

Cash and Major Credit Cards

BREAKFAST BUFFET

LUNCH BUFFET

DINNER BUFFET

Address: East Asia Drive Cor. Commerce Avenue, Filinvest

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: It's hard to miss. It's along Commerce Avenue

Other Contact: (+632) 720 2000

Phone: (+632) 588 5888

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Buffet

Website: http://www.acaciahotelsmanila.com/dining.html

Tony Roma's: Savory, Succulent...wow!

I have first tasted Tony Roma's ribs and steaks at the Universal Studios, Hollywood. I was so happy that they now have two branches in the Philippines. One at Glorietta 4, Ayala Center Makati City and at Alabang Town Center.

Alabang

Store Info:
2044-2045 2nd Floor Expansion Wing Ayala Alabang Town Center
Muntinlupa City
P. (63 2) 771 1388
F. (63 2) 771 1788
Official Website

Hours of Operation:

Sunday to Thursday: 11.00am to 10.00pm (Last order: 9.30pm)
Friday to Saturday: 11.00am to 11.00pm (Last order: 10.30pm)

Email Tony Roma's Alabang

Favorite Dish:

Ribs.Seafood.Steak.

Mouthwatering and delicious!

They have pasta too!

Visa/Mastercard accepted.

HongKong Shanghai Bank credit card owners/users have a special discount

Address: 2044-2045 2nd Floor Expansion Wing, Alabang T.Ctr.

Comparison: more expensive than average

Other Contact: +63(2) 771 1788 (fax)

Phone: +63(2) 7711388

Rating: 5

Theme: Steakhouse

Website: http://www.tonyromas-mms.com/

P.F. Chang's- Alabang Town Center: USA's famous China Bistro is in TOWN

Before this branch was opened, we saw the staff being trained and prepared from afar. I think I even witnessed the dry-run. I took note of things and wondered if the training did sink in their minds.

I must say it did because the staff are evidently well-trained. They are courteous and very efficient. The service is personalized and you will feel "at home".

You can tell them about your allergies and they will customize the food for you.

The architecture and interior design of the place are stupendous.

The ambiance? Great!

I know that in the States it promotes "affordable class", but let's face it. Here, occasionally, the lower middle class can dine in, but this is more for the upper middle class and the top brasses. (In my opinion)

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Major credit cards are accepted

Favorite Dish: The lettuce wraps are oh so yummy. So are the noodles, the veggies(including the mushrooms), and the dumplings. We also love the delicious designer desserts.

Check the their FB Page: PF Chang's, Philippines

Address: Alabang Town Center, Commerce Avenue

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: In front of Healthy Options and very near Corte de las Palmas, ATC

Other Contact: +63927533-3445

Phone: +63 2 8697837

Rating: 5

Theme: Chinese/Dim Sum

Website: http://www.pfchangs.com/index.aspx

Bulgogi Brothers, Alabang Town Center: Awesome food and service

Service is personalized at Bulgogi Brothers. A server is assigned to your table and he/she will attend to your needs until you finish your meal.

The place is clean and the servers are friendly.

If you look at the menu, it's a bit pricier than the other Korean Restaurants in the metro(though there are some that are even more expensive), but they have set menus that are very economical.

Bulgogi Brothers, which originated from Seoul, was franchised by the Bistro Group of Restaurants. They have conquered North America and other parts of the world and now, they are starting to be one of the favorite Korean restaurant chains in Metro Manila.

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Operating Hours
Monday to Friday 11:00am to 9:00pm
Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 9:00pm

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Bulgogi Brothers visited by expats in Seoul

Favorite Dish: I love the Tofu dishes, noodles, side dishes, and of course, BULGOGI. The different bulgogis (most especially the Unyang Style) are very, very scrumptious and the side dishes, in my opinion, are very, very authentic.

Oh, I think I like the corn tea and the different beverages too.

Address: LG/F New Wing, Alabang Town Center

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: When you are in the Alabang Town Center(Alabang Zapote Rd), ask the guard where the new wing is

Phone: +63 2 919-6840

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Pan-Asian and Pacific Rim

Website: http://www.bulgogibros.com/

Giligan's Island & Restaurant Bar: Open until late

Everyone deserves a second chance. The last time I've eaten in this branch I was disappointed with the very bland oysters and the lackluster food. I compared this branch with the other branches, et cetera, et cetera.

I was so glad to be back here and boy, was I glad to give them a try again.

The food and service has improved a lot. Thank goodness!

The steaks are juicy, the fish is succulent, the appetizers are really appetizing.

They also serve with a smile. I know, I know...they are just doing their jobs, but still, not everyone does their job well.

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All major credit cards are accepted

Sundays: 11:00 am - 12:00 mn
Monday to Saturday: 11:00 am - 3:00 am

Favorite Dish: Calamares Fritos

Baked Mussels

Crispy Crablets

Kilawin Tanigue

Yakitori

Tenderloin Salpicao (Medium well)

Mozzarella sticks with tomato salsa

Grilled pusit

Grilled Blue Marlin

Kare-kareng gulay

Oysters (Yes, at first we were disappointed, but now, we love them!)

Address: Alabang Town Center, Alabang-Zapote Road

Comparison: about average

Directions: near St. Jerome and Sta. Susana Church in front of the ATC main bldg.

Phone: +63 2 850-8830

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Eclectic/International

Melo's -Westgate: Scrumptious food, romantic ambiance, & gr8 service

We've been fans of Melo's since the late 1980's. I fondly remember the joint celebrations of my uncle and auntie in October...the mouthwatering beef and other delectable delights were favorites during the last of my teen-aged years. From Pasay Road, to P. Guevara, and Greenbelt (If I remember it correctly, Melo's Greenbelt was somewhere near where Starbucks Greenbelt I is), we loved our visits to Melo's.

It's sad that I don't have digitized pictures of the first years and the more recent ones are with my friends(please send me copies). The others are in my files(something's wrong with the external drive, I'm still trying fix it...I was able to save a lot of pictures from different folders already).

Anyways, I'm not here to talk about blasts from the past, but this branch at Westgate.

This branch has a romantic setting and perfect lighting. It's a place where one could plan the perfect proposal or celebrate one's anniversary.

Mom celebrated her 70 something year and we enjoyed everything.

They even sang for her and gave her a chocolate cake with a lit candle to blow. The very, very delicious moist cake with a butterfly design was from Sweet Bella Cakes and Pastries, owned and managed by Melo's eldest daughter, Tintin(Cristina Santiago Rivera), who is also one of the managers of the restaurant chain.

This branch, by the way, is managed and operated by Paul and Caron Macasaet. Caron(Ma. Carolina Santiago Macasaet) is also one of Melo's four daughters and was a playmate of mine, but we haven't seen each other since the 80's and Melo's was not even existing yet. If not for FB, I would just wonder how she is. I am very glad that she's doing a great job in all her businesses.

All four Santiago sisters(Cristina, Carmina, Carolina and Camille) are making their father proud in handling the ins and outs of their businesses.

Melo's-Home of Certified Angus Beef and Wagyu FB Page

Favorite Dish: I think I can surely say that they have the best beefs in town. The way they cook them, prepare them, all the ingredients, and the love they put into it, would surely make the best steaks in this neck of the woods...the foie gras is to die for!

The seafood is also cooked with the same love and effort, making them very, very "juicy".

Sweet Bella creations (the desserts) shouldn't be missed.

and The Waldorf Salad with Duck Breasts is divine.

I'm so happy that they published the recipe so here it is:

Waldorf Salad with Duck Breast

This recipe makes enough for one large serving or two small servings. For a larger serving, increase the amount of ingredients proportionately.

1 duck breast (or substitute chicken breast)
1-2 tbsp cooking oil
50 g mixed lettuce (assorted lettuce leaves such as romaine, bibb, etc.)
2 tbsp roughly chopped walnuts
2 tbsp raisins
1red apple, cubed
3-4 tbsp mayonnaise
Cranberry salad dressing

For the cranberry salad dressing: Makes about 1 cup
1c canned cranberry sauce (see note)*
1c water
1 tbsp sugar

Pan fry duck breast in oil then slice thinly into serving pieces. Arrange lettuce leaves in a salad bowl. Spread duck breast over lettuce. Scatter the walnuts, raisins and apples over lettuce. Add mayonnaise and toss to coat the ingredients.

Drizzle with cranberry dressing. Serve with grilled lamb chops or with steak.

To make cranberry salad dressing: Combine cranberry sauce, water and sugar in a saucepan. Heat while stirring, until cranberry liquefies and mixture is smooth. Drizzle as much as desired over the salad. Store any leftover dressing in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Note: For its cranberry salad dressing, Melo's uses bottled cranberry sauce. However, this may not always be available. You can use the canned jellied cranberry sauce available at supermarkets and follow the recipe above to make the cranberry dressing.

Address: 41 Precinct, Westgate Center, Alabang

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: From the Commerce Avenue entrance, go straight ahead. It's at the cul de sac on the left side.

Phone: +63 2 771-2288 / 771-3945

Rating: 5

Theme: Steakhouse

Website: http://melosteaks.com

Grams Diner-Alabang: The joy of feeling young

One of our guy friends highly recommended this place because of the serving and according to him, there was value for money. We were mostly girls when we visited the place so our views kind of differed from him.

What I like most about it is the fact that it made me feel young. Maybe it's the way the interiors were decorated, the menu, and the place mats were designed. I felt like a tween.

The service?

Not really great, but they are nice.

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Grams Diner FB page

Favorite Dish: There are no favorites because all the food that we've eaten here could be found in other diners and probably even taste better. Still, they deserve to be visited because of the atmosphere of the place.

It somehow gives you a happy feeling just being there and food could be only secondary.

The food tastes good, don't get me wrong, but the "wow" factor is sorta kinda missing.

For a place to click, there should be something to memorable and for me, it's the Diner itself, because it's what brought a smile to my face.

Address: Molito Commercial Complex, Muntinlupa City

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: +63 2 623-9101

Rating: 4

Theme: Diner

Website: http://www.gramsdiner.com/index.html