Aruga Hotel is the newest hotel this side of town. Had lunch there once and this time, went back for desserts with the family.

Told the wait staff we've had dinner and only came for desserts. They were all very nice, cheerful and accommodating. It helps too that we were the only diners in the coffee shop that time.

With 6 of us, we took these tables and ordered 3 desserts to share. Double Temptation is so good though I do love the Apple Pie a la mode too.

Servings are good to share. We could have just ordered 2 for the 6 of us but who'd dare miss the mango pannacotta here? Goes well with your choice of tea. Bon appetit!

Overall, Kafe Batwan combines modern cuisine with traditional dishes. Good enough to draw in foreign diners whom we spotted excitedly ticking off items from the menu. Good job, Chef Jayps!

Kapitolyo is my new Maginhawa Food Street. Dotted with a variety of hole-in-the-wall eateries, this area is food haven for those with modest budgets.

This Fil-Mex cantina draws in a crowd, even at an odd hour of 5pm on a Saturday afternoon. We queued up after 4 groups who came before us. There was this fellow who listed us and called out our names as tables were cleared. Errr, at least 5 minutes AFTER tables were cleared.

The place doesn't look much, but judging by the crowd, we expected the food to be good. Unfortunately we all limited ourselves to a merienda of burritos. I would love to try their famous nachos -- touted as the best in town -- or their quesadillas, but that may have to wait for the next visit.

We tried both the beef and chicken burritos. Both good, though my personal preference is the chicken burrito. Served with 3 dip choices: garlic, guacamole and spicy.

My only complaint is the waiting time. We waited 30 minutes before the beef burrito was served, another 10 minutes for the chicken burrito. To be fair, the fellow who listed our name did say our orders may take 20-25 minutes to be served.

So ok, we were warned there's a half hour wait. But this fellow kept pushing us to order appetizers like quesadillas or nachos. We said no, but this man was so pushy. Besides, inside we saw trays of cut-up beef, lamb, chicken --- so why would it take so long to wrap up a burrito?

The food's good but service can be better. As for the annoying, pushy fellow who happens to be your first contact when you get there, maybe Management should retrain him on how to sell more for Silantro. 😡

SILANTRO : 75 East Capitol Drive.

Kapitolyo, Pasig.

Barrio Poblacion in Makati is reinventing itself. From a red light district to a food haven. Nothing fancy, no frills- dining. Like street food pulled a notch higher.

I dined solo so I managed to order only the quarter roast chicken with 2 sidings. And also some salad. Plus fries to take out. 😄

The restaurant is in Ebro Street, just a block away from El Chupacabra and Tambai. If you're coming from Makati Avenue, cross Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue and turn right at the first corner (Jupiter St) then immediate left towards Polaris Street. Turn left again at Durban then right at Ebro Street.

Señor Pollo is on your left along Ebro Street. Loads of hipster vibe here, enhanced by the mural on the wall. Good and quick service too.

The signature roast chicken comes with 3 sauces, the chimichurri, mayo garlic and the spicy sauce. I like the mayo garlic best.