Late Lunch at Casa Verde, UP Town Center

Last Sunday, the hubby and I, along with my SIL Albie, found ourselves driving to UP Town Center after our visit to St. Pio Shrine in Eastwood. We eventually decided to have a late lunch at Casa Verde. This restaurant originated in Cebu (I even blogged about their famous Brian’s Ribs here) and is now in Manila to serve good food to its Manila fans.



I wanted to order their Chicken Raffitas (their deconstructed version of the Mexican favorite Chicken Fajitas) but got sad when I saw the sign “coming soon” beside it in the menu. The hubby and Albie were already decided in ordering the Brian’s Ribs so I chose a different dish for myself which was Tenderloin Tips and Eggs.

As expected, Casa Verde’s Brian’s Ribs (P250) were huge! The hubby’s plate had three slabs of baked pork ribs marinated in a sweet and tangy piquet sauce. They also came with a cup of rice and some corn and carrots. He said the taste and flavor of the ribs hit the spot and the tender meat was moist and juicy, too. Just like how they were when we had them at Casa Verde, The Walk in Cebu in 2009.


the all-time fave Brian's Ribs

My Tenderloin Tips and Eggs (P198), on the other hand, was a delight in its own right. It’s actually their take on the popular Pinoy fare “Tapsilog” except that this had two eggs (done your way) and the rice used wasn’t fried but steamed. The USDA beef used was perfectly seasoned with hints of sweetness, sourness and saltiness (and slight bitterness from the garlic) that worked together to give out a burst of flavor in every mouthful. I loved it!



We availed of their bottomless iced tea (P75) for drinks. They had two flavors: Panama Orange and Raspberry which you could have alternately. Both flavors were sweet and refreshing but I liked the first one better because its citrus-y flavor was just perfect.


Panama Orange Iced Tea

with my two hungry companions

We got full after finishing our meals that we forewent our desire to have cupcakes and ice cream for desserts. The long wait for our table (we were 7th on the list and that was already past 2:00 pm!) was worth it. Casa Verde, we are definitely coming back for more!


some happy diners at Casa Verde

Casa Verde
2L Ayala-UP Town Center Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City


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Sunday Lunch at Johnny Rockets Eastwood

After our recent visit to the St. Pio of Pietrelcina Centre in Libis last Sunday, we decided to go to Eastwood to have lunch before going home. I was with the hubby and my SIL. Upon reaching Eastwood Mall, we saw Johnny Rockets at one corner and chose it for our lunch. It was our first time at Johnny Rockets but somehow I already had an idea of its offerings from the blog reviews I've read before.



Johnny Rockets is a casual dining restaurant inspired by American diners. The place gives out a cheerful vibe and you couldn't help but appreciate the staff for making you feel at home with their warm welcome greetings. We got a table near the glass wall and ordered from their extensive menu hurriedly. We were starving, that's why.



Aside from burgers, fries and milkshakes typical of American diners, Johnny Rockets serves rice meals and some pasta. They even have American-style fried chicken. Prices are a bit steep. You need to allot P300 to P400 per head for a decent meal. We didn't mind, though, because we just wanted to try their food and experience their ambience (the vintage jukebox that plays songs spells cool to me!). If we liked it, our chance of coming back would remain low anyway because there are a lot more restaurants to try in my list.

The hubby got himself their Two-Piece Fried Chicken with Unlimited Fries (P275) while my SIL got their Original Burger combo meal (P215). We initially thought she was already entitled to the "unlimited fries" perk the resto's known for but found out later it was not a perk in the first place. You still have to pay an additional P60 to get it. Bummer. I, on the other hand, settled for their Hamburger Steak rice meal (P219). I also got a Strawberry Milkshake (P145) just to know if their milkshakes were good.

The hubby's fried chicken (wing and leg parts) were good. (I knew because I took a bite of it.) But I like Jollibee's chickenjoy or even Shakey's chicken better.



My SIL's burger was big enough but sadly, the patty was dry and tasteless according to her. She didn't finish her burger so I think she didn't like it much. But the hand-cut fries she said she liked a lot!



The thinly-cut hamburger steak on my plate was on the bland side, too. But I thought the gravy that went with it was its saving grace. I was able to finish it along with the rice and the buttered veggies because of the tasty gravy. The two onion rings on top were awesome I should have ordered more of it.



Johnny Rockets' strawberry shake was yummy. I liked that it was more creamy than milky. I could really taste the whipped cream and the ice cream. It had the right thickness and sweetness, too.



Overall, our Johnny Rockets experience was okay. We appreciated the good service and the dancing wait staff! While we didn't like some of our orders, there were other items that stood out. If we are to visit again, we'll just order their other specialties. :)


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