August 2016
NameOtto George Weber
Why You Should Read My ReviewsNot being a chef or a restaurateur, for that matter, this column will simply try to reflect a personal opinion of the dining experience at a particular establishment. Observations will be made on the quality of food, ambience, service and cleanliness. After all, like most of my kababayans who also enjoy eating out, it just seemed like a good idea to write about the dining experience this side of Negros Island. Hopefully, increased awareness about them may not only lead to more patronage but also result to better food quality and improved service. In short, value for our hard-earned money. So with that in mind, the succeeding write-ups will be a personal view of restaurants (big and small) visited and their food tasted. Until then, Bon Apetit!
Food for Tooth
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Mike’s Burgers & Beer
Price Range: ₱La Magdalena Cafe
Price Range: ₱Dexter’s Pizza at 10.9
Price Range: ₱₱Dexter's Pizza with its spacious function hall as well as 2 other activity rooms (good for 30-50 pax) plays a significant role in the food business of San Carlos. Since its opening, it continuously earn the local's patronage; these days, it is a sought after venue for weddings, christenings, birthdays, business meets and even lgu events. With its sister business 10.9 Resto to complete its menu offering, we can expect Dexter's Pizza to lead the city''s restaurant/catering business.Ama Tiya’s Restaurant & Pension House
Price Range: ₱₱Probably the only place in town with a real Chinese heritage, Ama Tiya’s Restaurant has managed to retain its southeastern Chinese cooking all these years. A row of back-to-back booths along one side (ala dimsum houses) provides an intimate setting for a group of four to enjoy the house’s signature thick ‘lomi’ or steaming ‘hototay.’ Basically done in the Fookienese/Taiwanese style of cooking, the other dishes are delicious and flavorful as well. Crowd favorites are the sweet and sour recipes as well as the rice toppings. Introducing more options with emphasis on its ancient roots would be most welcome and more likely than not, arouse additional interest. Service-wise, the staff needs to be more welcoming and attentive to customers. At least, the restrooms are clean but kind of small and could use some more ventilation. With a videoke in place to cater to the beer-drinking crowd, it somewhat lessens the place’s appeal to family-oriented dining. Just across the street from BDO, Ama Tiya’s is a nice spot for merienda and some ‘barkadahan’ sing-along with cold beer and tasty ngoyongAibee Diner & Catering Services
Price Range: ₱Opening with a bang, Chef Nitoy’s Grille & Restaurant immediately captivated a lot of patrons with its good food and swift service in a relaxing courtyard setting. Many times did we enjoy the sizzling sisig, marlin and tuna while the kids favored the grilled chicken/liempo meals. Its ‘kansi’ was the tummy-warming order of choice before partaking of its signature ‘pancit canton’. The crispy ‘lumpia’ paired so well with the sub-zero beer. In short, it had all the makings of a preferred dining destination. But that was then. Fast forward to the recent and our two visits ended up being disappointments. Changes were made, but not with the desired result. Its once-open courtyard is now paved over – thus losing a natural aspect of the place. Moreover, a steel-trussed roof over it has caused a dampening effect on an otherwise bright portion. Just can’t help but feel that I’m in a basketball covered court. Additionally, the food quality has taken a dive while service has also followed the same route. Surprisingly, the ‘CR’s’ are still clean and functioning. Sayang naman. After all, it is in one of the better spots on the city’s famous food avenue and has solid fundamentals. Maybe professional make-over and management reform are needed to restore the luster of this once-rising star.