Kalui Restaurant's perfect ambience

Upon searching the net for the best place to eat in Palawan, Kalui Restaurant always appears first on search engine aside from being the mantra among locals and tourists who have been visited Palawan. Through curiosity, we decided to eat here during our 2nd night in Palawan and the receptionist of Corazon Inn helped us making our reservation since Kalui is always jam-packed with customers.

 

Kalui restaurant Menu

We arrived at Kalui at exactly 8:30pm and welcomed by one of their staff who handed us a basket for our footwear which will be placed on a shoe locker.  Yes, number one requirement when eating at Kalui is you need to be on barefoot. I’m not certain if it’s part of the “relaxing ambiance” one must feel or just to maintain the well-polished wooden flooring;  whatever it is the place is so relaxing.  Kalui is just like a native wooden house with bamboo & capiz pieces/decors making it more relaxing and romantic.  Fresh fruits are also displayed all around the restaurants, they even had pantry full of fruits which is great for photo ops. Our reservation was placed in a “papag” style table (akin to Japanese style) paired with “banig” couch and cuddly pillows.  Just beware of the table near the window on the left side of the restaurant as I noticed that insect bites were disturbing the foreign couple. Other than that all is well and relaxing.  

Relaxing seats at Kalui restaurant

Bamboo and Capiz design at Kalui Restaurant

Capiz disc serves as a window curtain - Kalui restaurant

Kalui restaurant dining area

Fruits

Kalui Restaurant

Bamboo pieces - Kalui Restaurant

Chillies design - Kalui Restaurant

Kalui’s menu is all about seafood that is why you will not see any pork, chicken or beef dishes on their menu. We ordered meal set called as the "Choice catch" which comprises of the following: Tuna Steak, Fish Cordon Bleu, and Shrimp. Set Meals come with rice, veggies of the day (stir fried water spinach) and fresh seaweed. We also ordered an additional sweet and sour Lapu-Lapu while Fresh Mango Shake and fresh coconut for our drinks.  They also offer other dishes like crabs, lobster, grilled fish, sinigang, fish in coco cream and the like. As for dessert, they prepared Fruit Platter in Fresh Coconut sprinkled it with Muscovado sugar and they give it to their customers free of charge.  We really had a great time while enjoying delicious food offering of Kalui coordinated with instrumental background music that really adds up to the soothing ambience of the place.

Fresh buko

clam soup

So refreshing Mango shake

Coconut shake

Fish steak meal - Kalui restaurant

Shrimp meal - Kalui restaurant

Fish Cordon Bleu Meal - Kalui Restaurant

Sweet and Sour Lapu - Lapu

Free dessert Fruit Platter in Coconut - Kalui Restaurant

Another amazing and cool thing in this place is their Art gallery room located at the far end of the restaurant. After feasting, one can roam around their art gallery where some paintings and artworks are displayed. Really cool for a restaurant!

Even the comfort room is so nice - Kalui Restaurant

To sum it all, we really had a great dinner at Kalui’s restaurant where food is excellent, service is good and price is affordable enough. The venue is so accessible and perfect for a casual romantic dinner for two, family dinner and group of friends on a vacation. God food + Perfect Ambience = Kalui Restaurant.

For reservations, you can ask the hotel of your stay to reserve seats for you, if not you can contact them in this number.

+63 48 433 2580

+63 928 753 9621

for other menu choices you can visit their site at:

http://www.kaluirestaurant.com/

Corazon Tourist Inn – Budget Friendly Accommodation in Palawan

It was last year of December when we luckily availed the Piso fare from Cebu Pacific Air to Puerto Princesa that hints me to look for an accommodation that will fit our budget. My list of 5 hotels fell into 2 choices viz Ysabelle Mansion & CorazonTourist Inn, the two most affordable accommodations in Palawan. Since our travel date is November, I inquired about Ysabelle Mansion beforehand but it seems that they are the top choice among accommodation in Palawan that’s why they are fully booked for as early as June of this year. Luckily, when I inquired about Corazon Tourist Inn their family room is still available so I reserved it immediately. Aside from their fast response from email and text queries they will also entertain all your questions and any modification you will make for your tour.

Corazon Tourist Inn Palawan

Corazon Tourist Inn is located at the center of Puerto Princesa City which is walking distance to many food establishments and night life. This affordable inn is also a 3 to 5 minutes ride to and from the airport. CTI occupies the 2^nd and 3^rd floor of PC Arcade Building while their receiving area is on the ground floor. The building has a convenient store, computer shop and restaurant that will provide your quick needs. What I really love about CTI is their free services to their guests like FREE Airport transfer (2way), free breakfast everyday of your stay at Metrosilog and all rooms are provided with free WIFI connection. Moreover, they offer rooms that will cater couple, family and travelling in groups with the following inclusions:

• ·        Standard room good for 2 for Php1,400                                

Air-conditioned room

Cabled Television

Hot & Cold Shower

Bathroom

Morning Kit

Towel

• ·         Barkada room good for 4 pax for Php1,600

Air-conditioned room with 2 double decks

Cabled Television

Hot & Cold Shower

Bathroom

Morning Kit

Towel

• ·         Family room good for 6 pax for Php2,100

Air-conditioned room with 2 double decks

Cabled Television

Hot & Cold Shower

Bathroom

Cabinet for stuffs

Morning Kit

Towel

Free morning kit

Morning kits

Corazon tourist inn Palawan

Corazon Tourist Inn: Soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo

The Barkada room we availed is so spacious that we can still add 2 extra bed if we’re 8. Bathroom and Shower room are split into two which can save bath time if you’re in a hurry prepping up in the morning. Corazon tourist Inn also offers tour to Palawan’s best tourist site but we preferred getting La Tiara’s tour package since price is lesser than most hotel tour packages.

Double Decks

Living room

Double bed

The only downside of this hotel is the noise created by the nearby videoke bar and the squeaking gates of store down the building during closing time but it didn’t hinder us from getting a good sleep since we’re tired from the City tour we made on the first day, though the rest of our nights turned out good without any disturbance. Other than that, our stay at CTI was so satisfying. Service is great as they conduct housekeeping with consent and changing our towels every day, and the receptionist also helped us to have reservation at Kalui and Kinabuch beforehand. The room is spacious; air-con is strong enough to cool the big room, and great location near the airport and other establishments. I believe that we've got the best deal and great services through Corazon Tourist Inn; the budget friendly accommodation in Palawan.

For any inquiries, please free to contact Corazon tourist Inn at these contact infos;

Telephone number: +63 48 434 2195

Cellphone number: +63 915 680 3040; +63 929 741 2048

Skype Name: corazontouristinn

Website: http://www.corazontouristinn.net/

Email: info@corazontouristinn.net

4 Fingers Crispy Chicken: Best Fried Chicken Ever!

My sister introduced me 4 Fingers to try their Korean style fried chicken so we can compare it to other fast food who’s offering same style chicken. Since we plan to go for shopping, instead of proceeding to Makati we headed our way to SM North Edsa just to visit one of 4 Fingers branches in the Philippines. Since it is newly introduced, there are only 3 branches of 4 Fingers Crispy Chicken in the Philippines namely, SM North Edsa, SM Mall of Asia (coming soon) and Acqua Residences in Mandaluyong City.

4Fingers Crispy Chicken was first introduced in Singapore founded by 4 anonymous foodie friends who once discover the fast growing food phenomenon; the Korean-Styled Fried chicken in New York City. Since Korean-Style fried chicken is best seller in New York, they have in mind why not introduce it to Asia. Until they decided to spread the crispiness of best chicken recipe in Singapore and South East Asia.

After travelling all the way from South we drop a visit at 4 Fingers SM North Edsa branch. At first glance you will presume that you are in the streets or subways of New York because of 4 Fingers interior. You will see hanging bulbs and murals that looks like a graffiti wall on the streets of New York which is really cool!

4 Fingers Crispy Chicken Logo

4 Fingers SM North Interior - Hanging Bulbs

4 Fingers Crispy Chicken SM North Interior

4 Fingers Crispy Chicken Graffiti wall

Admittedly, we've been fans of Bonchon because they were the first to introduce Korean – style fried chicken launched last 2010 at Ayala Gardens where it became an instant hit to Filipinos. But since I've been hearing lots of good review (especially from my sister) about the taste of this crispy chicken of 4 Fingers, I didn't hesitate to try ‘em out and I wasn't disappointed.

We ordered the Chicken Rice box in Soy Garlic which costs 129 with drinks already. We were amazed on how our orders were served because the chicken is in a lunch-box type container partnered with a paper cup with cool prints on it saying:  "please refrain from telling people about 4 Fingers crispy chicken. Help keep us a secret!" which I doubt 'coz their chicken is so delish that keep people coming back! 4 Fingers chicken is so crispy, crunchy, juicy, and delectable that compliments with their sauces Soy Garlic, Hot and Mix.  I was completely blown away by their fried chicken because they were just so very tasty. Now, the verdict? I really like 4 Fingers more than Bonchon’s. It has its distinct taste that makes you want for more. It has an impact to every customer especially chicken lover of an assurance to go back and order a bunch.

4 Fingers Crispy Chicken cup with cool prints

4 Fingers Crispy Chicken 

The Oh-So-Yummy Crispy Chicken of 4 Fingers placed in a lunch box 

4 Fingers Crispy Chicken Rice Box in Soy garlic sauce for 129php

4 Fingers Crispy Chicken Box set 

Add them up: 4 Fingers Crispy Chicken

I was so satisfied and thankful to my sister who dragged me at 4 Fingers, haha. Now I discover the best and absolutely yummy fried chicken in town, non other than 4 Fingers Crispy Chicken. From now on it’s my favorite fried chicken, but I'm hoping that they will expand more branches in the Metro especially in the South Area so more people will experience how tasteful this guilty pleasure is. So irresistible!

My favorite fried chicken... so crispy and so delish!

Crave the Crunch!
https://www.facebook.com/Gimme4fingers.Philippines?ref=ts&fref=ts

Gastronomic Birthday Feast at Vikings Luxury Buffet

Upon seeking for an extraordinary way to celebrate my special day, I stumble upon interesting deals by different buffet restaurants posted on the net. And it’s a great timing that a friend and her boyfriend who are patrons of fine dining restaurant recommended a place where we can experience an eat-all-you-can gastronomic feast.  Wondering where it is? It’s in Vikings Buffet Restaurant located at the back of SM Mall of Asia By the Bay. I immediately grabbed their birthday promo which Celebrants get to eat for FREE as long as they will celebrate their birthday at Vikings on the day itself and must present a Government Issued VALID ID and must be accompanied by at least one FULL paying adult. By the way, their birthday promo is extended until November 30, 2012.

Vikings: Luxury – Buffet Restaurant as described on their website is a stylish, relaxed and elegant restaurant that offers a majestic look of Manila Bay through vast conservatory-like windows.  It has a 600 - seater dining room, possess well appointed details, comfortable dining nooks while incorporating several live-action-cooking stations and a level of food quality beyond buffet expectations.

entrance and waiting area

Inside Vikings

Ceiling Decor

Vikings is the perfect place for tourists, special occasions, family gatherings, corporate events or just food tripping among friends. Eat-All-you-can buffet restaurant like Vikings is a perfect choice for hearty eaters and people who like to try different dishes. It is a great option if you are not familiar with a particular cuisine and would like to give it a try, as you can sample a wide variety of dishes.

Vikings is open from Mondays to Sundays from 11 in the morning onwards. Rates are: 688 + 5% service charge for lunch buffet; 888 + 5% service charge for dinner buffet and 1088+ on weekends/holidays. It is best to place reservations at least a week or two weeks in advance from their Facebookpage or with their reservation number at 09237303888. It is also advisable to come ahead your scheduled buffet to avoid cancellation.

Vikings Buffet Pricelist

Vikings Buffet Restaurant serves a wide range of food selections such as pizza, salads, tasty crabs, fresh prawns, fish slices, chicken fillets, mussels, barbecues, oyster, steaks, meats, poultry, maki, sushi, tempura, hot tea, rice cakes, cakes, chocolate fondue, fruits, ice creams, beer, free flowing drinks and a lot more.

Some dishes served that we’ve captured are as follows:

Viking menu - So delish chicken lollipop, Sausages, chips & crablets, and Margarita Pizza

Vikings menu - embutido like dish, ceviche, cold cuts & cheese, and tuna melt

Vikings Menu - Varieties of Sushi, Maki, Dimsum, Dumplings

Vikings Menu - luscious desserts

Vikings - My series of sumptuous plates!

Some other sumptuous dishes:

Vikings Menu - Batangas Steak

Vikings Menu - Devil's egg

Vikings Menu - Chiken Salad

Vikings Menu - Maki Set

VIkings Menu - Beverages

Vikings Menu - Miso soup

Vikings - Adorable Buffet Dessert Table 

Vikings - Colorful dessers

Vikings - Gorgeous Chocolate & Strawberry fountain

Vikings - Rice Cakes

Vikings - Halu - Halo counter with unlimited ingredients

Vikings - Set of desserts in Cute Shot Glasses

Vikings - yummy frozen yoghurt

Vikings - My personal favorite bowl of halu - halo with ingredients all you can

The Verdict:

• We’re so amazed by the table set-up and the elegance of the place. I so love their adorable dessert buffet tables.
• Dishes served are: Oyster, Shrimp, Steak, Tempura, Maki, Sausages, Pork & Chicken Barbecue, Salads, Hainanese Chicken and Rice, Chicken Satay, Veggie Tempura, Meat & fishes that you can request to grill, cakes, jellies, ice cream, yoghurt, shakes, rice cake, fruits, salad, meatballs just to name a few!
• It was our (some of us) first time into an elegant luxurious buffet restaurant. We seized the moment, ambiance, service and of course the gastronomic Food. Food was soooo great, like what we've said "Walang tapon sa mga pagkain, lahat masarap!!"
• Some of my favorites are the Tempura which cooked into perfection, makis, sausages, barbecue, chicken lollipop and desserts of course. The halu-halo was heaven coz you can put unlimited ingredients into your bowl. 
• It was a very memorable experience. I so love it! So much delighted with the gastronomically sumptuous lunch buffet they served us!
• So full and so satisfied! We will surely try visiting again the soonest! I so miss their tempura!

How to get there:

From SM Mall of Asia you can hire a cab to drop you off at Vikings Restaurant, just tell the driver Vikings By the bay at the back of Mall of Asia. Cab Fare will cost you 57 to 60 pesos only.  If you preferred walking, you can start at the MOA Eye and walk heading the direction to the right of the bay until you see Vikings on the last corner part of Seaside Boulevard.

For other information and contact number, please visit their Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vikings-Luxury-Buffet-Restaurant/113225315413751

******It's one extraordinary experience of a lifetime, and we will surely go back and this time, to try their dinner buffet. See you Vikings, the soonest!