Many people are on diet mode to recover from the holiday binge. Some have been successful so far, while others have already failed this early. And I’ve gotten a few tips from friends that are worth breaking our diets for.
Among the dining places along Maginhawa Street in Quezon City, I have tried a few but none were really outstanding. But my cousin Dondi told me he has discovered a small joint that sells Angus burgers. “Sands, ang sarap,” he said, adding that he’s a self-proclaimed “burgerholic.” That’s all the encouragement I needed.
The place is called All American Burgers and Franks; the burgers are huge, grilled when you order. It takes some time to cook but boy, the wait is all worth it. Buns are also grilled on the same equipment.
Once the burgers are served, you are given a box of condiments like onions, pickles, tomatoes, catsup and mustard.
The burger lacks taste, but comes to life the moment you add your favorite condiments.
To me, there are two kinds of burgers; the typical American ones are bland, and then there is the standalone, which can be eaten as ulam. And I appreciate both.
Jollibee is an example of a standalone burger. But the All American on Maginhawa Street is the “come-to-life” burger.
All American also offers chorizo burgers, turkey burgers and delicious franks. The sausage sandwich is quite good, too.
Sushi place
Another discovery is a sushi place called Red Dot along Palanca Street in Legazpi Village, Makati.
The one I really like to eat there is the 316th—which is made of tuna sashimi, uni and ikura.
Another sushi I like is called 2127 Roxas, which is made of unagi, tuna and spicy mayo.
Other items on the menu worth a try are Chawan Mushi and Beef Saikoro.
The chef behind these creations is badminton sensation Anne San Diego.
Nanay’s Pancit Malabon
After taping in Malabon for our TV show “Food Prints,” I must say that the best ever pancit Malabon that has entered my forever hungry mouth is Nanay’s Pancit Malabon.
The dish comes in a variety of sizes and is best eaten right there.
Pancit Malabon sauce is very delicate. Made with shrimp juices, it easily spoils. But that’s when you know they’re freshly made. The sauce at Nanay’s is outstanding.
The toppings are so generous that the noodles underneath are no longer visible. And instead of using chicharon as topping, Nanay’s uses kropek. Quite healthy.
When all of the ingredients are mixed together, it becomes the most delicious pancit Malabon ever. I’m sure many readers will say, “Ay naku, I know a better one.” Sure, let me know and I’d like to try it. E-mail [email protected].
So there you have it, meals I have tried before going on diet mode. And meals I am going to break my diet for.
Happy New Year!
All American Burgers and Franks, 54 Maginhawa and Mahusay Streets, UP Village, Quezon City
Red Dot, G/F, Doña Angela’s Garden, 110 C. Palanca St., Legazpi Village, Makati City; tel. 8181551, 8107832, 0917-8352663
Nanay’s Pancit Malabon, 37 Governor Pascual Ave., Concepcion, Malabon; tel. 8810449
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