The latest branch of Book & Borders Cafe is one of several new places to visit at Manhattan Parkview—a newly developed food row on Malvar Street in Araneta Center, Quezon City.
Its recent opening drew a full-house crowd including Korina Sanchez, Judy Araneta-Roxas and their circle of friends.
Guest performer Karylle sang acoustic numbers, punctuated by spiels in which she pointed out her fondness of Cubao as a convenient recreational destination during her youth.
For those on a night out, Book & Borders is a good place to start, like an afternoon warm-up with light snacks and coffee.
The Gourmet Tuyo Pasta was flavorful, and the Kimchi Fries, adventurous enough.
We didn’t get to sample its brewed coffee, even as owner Kristine Simisim told us Book & Borders will soon serve alcohol.
Well, the thought of sipping wine or beer while browsing on books is enticing, especially when Kristine said she has some 600 titles consisting of bestsellers, thrillers, romance, children’s books, among other genres.
Book & Borders, Manhattan Parkview, Malvar St., Araneta Center, QC. Like and follow Book and Borders Cafe on Facebook.
Let’s Be Sili
From Araneta Center, it’s a five-minute drive to Let’s Be Sili—a small, casual dining spot on Maginhawa Street food row. As its witty name suggests, the place features sili, the red variety, on top of all menu items.
The concept is by couple JB Calungcaguin and Ayee Frias, both graduates of International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management in Quezon City and who also run two other eating spots on Maginhawa (we’ll visit them soon).
The food at Let’s Be Sili comes in small servings, is also affordable (all less than P200) and, more importantly, very tasty.
Highly recommended are the Thrice-Cooked Sisig, Lechong Kawali Bicol Express, Sardinas Thin Pizza and Bacon Liempo Bagnet—all of which have rice, although we like them solo, as pulutan, to go with San Miguel beer (P55).
That was the only thing missing on our first visit a few months ago during its soft opening. Now its availability is announced on a banner hanging by the facade.
Let’s Be Sili, 108 Maginhawa St., Teachers Village East, Quezon City; tel. 09179460525
