lunch on a rainy Thursday

Haven't seen Patty in ages so we decided to meet up for lunch at the Empire Deli & Restaurant at the Venice Piazza last week. I first found out about the place from my friend Nabs, I think she saw it being featured in a television show before. Anyway, to understand what all the buzz was about I recommended to Patty that we have lunch at Empire Deli to try out the place.

I wasn't able to take pictures of the interior, but I have to say that it is quite small inside. I like that the design etiquette's a bit minimalist. Honestly though, I didn't really notice all the details of the interiors because I was distracted by how cold the AC was haha!

On to the food, Patty had the Fried Chicken Fingers served with rice and honey mustard dipping sauce while I had the Reuben Sandwich (fresh corned beef, sauerkraut, cheddar cheese, thousand island dressing) served with a side of fries and salad. Wasn't really able to ask Patty how her food was. My sandwich was actually good, not amazing, but really good. Then again, maybe it was too cold in the restaurant for me to fully enjoy and appreciate my food. Will definitely have to go back to give a better review. Anyway, taste-wise the Reuben's not bad. I love the melted cheddar cheese. The sauerkraut was not overwhelmingly sour and it actually enhanced the taste of the corned beef. The balance of different tastes was spot on. The side salad was also good, although I would've preferred if they didn't put any olives in it. I mean, I'm obsessed with olives but I don't think it should be added in all salads.

My Reuben Sandwich served with salad and fries

See the melted Cheddar Cheese? :) soooo yummy

Patty's Fried Chicken Fingers

I want to try the other items on the menu, specifically the Truffled Carbonara and the Stuffed Cuban Sandwich ;) I will definitely go back to Empire Deli & Restaurant. But please, do turn down the AC a bit heehee :)

* Empire Deli & Restaurant is located at the ground floor of the Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. It's right beside Blackwood Bistro. You can also check its website here

yummy yummy ramen

The first time I've had ramen (EVER) was at the HK airport back in 2009. Yeah, I know loser-ish. Anyway, finally gave in to my ramen cravings yesterday when my friend/diyosa-mate-at-work (haha!) Ren and I had lunch at Ramen Bar at the Venice Piazza in Upper McKinley. We got there just in time before the place got packed, since the piazza's surrounded by offices and everyone's out for their lunch breaks.

I must say, the food's really good! I'd definitely go back and bring my family/friends there. Of course Ren and I had the big bowls. I mean, what's the point of going to Ramen Bar and then end up not eating ramen? Helleeeew. Okay, so I ordered the Shoyu Ramen (Soy infused Tonkotsu Ramen, topped with tamago,naruto, negi, and chasyu) while Ren had the Sapporo Miso Ramen (Miso infused Tonkotsu Ramen, topped with tamago, naruto, negi, chasyu, butter and corn). The only criticism I have isn't really about the taste, it's more on how sorta messy eating it can be. I guess it's because of the chopsticks, since these weren't made of wood. The chopsticks you use are the washable ones, and it's hard to properly get a hold of the noodles because they slide off the chopsticks and soup ends up getting splashed on your clothes. If you're thinking of the price, I can say the food's reasonably priced. A big bowl of Shoyu Ramen costs about 280 pesos, while a big bowl of Sapporo Miso Ramen costs 320 pesos.

my Shoyu Ramen

Ren's Sapporo Miso Ramen

If you're in the Taguig/The Fort area, you can drop by Ramen Bar at the Venice Piazza, Upper McKinley. I think the first branch is in Eastwood, Libis Quezon City. You can also check out Ramen Bar's facebook page.