Carne Smoke House: The first smoke house in Fairview

Last weekend, we had a quick catch up with my (favorite) tita and cousin. It’s been so long since we had the last one. But since they are from Caloocan, we had to meet halfway, which is Fairview. I found this newly opened restaurant along Mindanao Avenue and immediately planned our catch up there. The restaurant named “Carne Smoke House by Tipsy Porky“.

ABOUT CARNE SMOKE HOUSE

This is under the same management of Tipsy Porky, which offer unli samgyupsal. They recently opened last April 8, 2019. This restaurant is said to be the first smoke house along Fairview.

This 2-storey restaurant’s interior has a light and cool vibe. It has doodle arts around the walls on the 1st floor which was made by the owner’s nephew.

The second floor isn’t air-conditioned because the smoke grill is located here.

About the food, they offer smoked, grilled, fried, silog, wings, pasta, and burgers.

APPETIZERS

For the side dishes, we had their Coleslaw (59 php) and Potato Salad (59 php). Our favorite was the Coleslaw! For the fries, we got their Carne Fries (100 php).

BURGER

We had their Buffalo Chicken Burger (170 php). It has complimentary fries. This is new to me so I got curious. The burger was okay. I think it’s better when you eat it hot because we ate it cold already. HUHU.

PASTA

We had Red Pasta (149 php) which I loved and White Scallop (169 php). According to my cousin and tita, it has legit bits of scallop in it so I think it was really good.

FRIED

We had their Sexy Sisig (180 php) which was my favorite! The pork was so chewy and really flavorful. It was also a bit spicy so it’s a really thumbs up for me. I suggest they add mayo to make it more delicious. HEHE.

WINGS

For the wings, we had Smoked BBQ (6 pcs-199 php). I personally loved the flavor even without having a dip just like other wings that I’ve tried. I also commend the big serving size of the wings.

SMOKED

For the chicken, we had their Original Carne Butterflied Chicken (half-299 php). This one was also the crowd favorite. Their special sauce was so awesome! Just a reminder to eat it while it’s hot to enjoy the juiciness of the chicken.

And last but not the least, the main event of the night, we had their Sweet and Smokey Ribs (half slab-499 php). Love how the meat was cooked. It was so tender but not too juicy. The ribs itself was flavorful even without having a dip. But in case you’re craving for some dip, try the special sauce from the smoked chicken, it was good!

OVERALL RATING

Food – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Service – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ambiance – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Location – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I personally loved the ambiance of the place. I found their handmade doodle cute! The food was good. Surprisingly, the price is affordable and perfect for students and millenials out there. I’m planning to go back again and try their other dishes such as Crispy Pata, T-bone Steak, and their Silog meals.

Operating Hours:

12:00 NN-11:00 PM, daily

Address:

Big Bert’s Professional Detailers Fairview, Blk 136 Lot 27, Mindanao Ave. Extension, Casa Milan Phase 5, Greater Lagro, Quezon City

Social Media Accounts:

Facebook: Carne Smoke House

Instagram: @carnesmokehouseph

August 24, 2019January 9, 2020

1Bataan Ferry: Manila to Bataan in just an hour (vice versa)

We all know that Bataan is one of the historical places in the Philippines. It is the last stop of the Filipino and American soldiers before they surrendered and lost to the Japanese during the World War II. Because of this, there’s many historical sites here such as Mt. Samat and Balanga Wetland. No wonder why they are one of the top pick places to visit here in the country.

But why waste the 3 to 4-hour travel time when you can get to Bataan in just an hour?! Yep, you can! Big thanks to 1Bataan Integrated Transport System.

ABOUT 1BATAAN INTEGRATED TRANSPORT SYSTEM

Since Bataan is strategic to Manila Bay, it is now possible to reach Bataan in just one hour by traveling via ferry. Magic Leaf and Provincial Government of Bataan built this last 2017 to provide a fast and hassle-free trip to passengers to and from Metro Manila.

The terminal in Manila is located at Esplanade Seaside Terminal in Pasay City.

While the terminal in Bataan is located at Port Capinpin in Orion, Bataan.

Actually, we just booked only one way (Bataan to Manila). Here’s the look inside the terminal in Bataan.

It is spacious and has two floors. But the second floor is not yet functional. Numerous chairs and has big electric fans in each corner. It also has a high-speed internet. Perfect if you get here early and suddenly get bored. I also noticed that they have electric outlets at some areas so you can charge your gadgets before boarding.

Plus, I saw a water dispenser inside which means you can drink for free while waiting for your boarding. Don’t worry if you don’t have tumbler, they have plastic cups too. But please, if you can bring your own tumbler, bring it. Let’s not use plastic, please?

UPDATED RATES AS OF JANUARY 2020:

Sulit Economy: 299 PHP

Premium Economy: 600 PHP

Business Class: 1,200 PHP

For the rates, you can choose whether to book online or via walk in. But I highly suggest to book online to avoid hassle on the day of your trip plus you can save up to 200 php. Rates costs only 450 PHP for online and walk-in. Check the inclusion here.

By the way, last April 1, 2019, they posted new ferry schedule:

Manila to Orion

Weekdays (Departure) – 7:30 AM and 12:30 PM

Weekends (Departure) – 7:30 AM and 2:30 PM

Orion to Manila

Weekdays (Departure) – 9:15 AM and 2:30 PM

Weekends (Departure) – 9:15 AM and 4:15 PM

Manila to Mariveles

Weekdays (Departure) – 4:30 PM

Marivels to Manila

Weekdays (Departure) – 6:45 PM

The M/V XCG Express Ferry Boat can accommodate 100+ passengers onboard. It is also air-conditioned and has spacious leg room. I also love their reclining chairs.

It also has a high-speed internet inside the ferry. You can also watch a movie but don’t expect to finish it because in just an hour, you’ll arrive at your destination. Hihi.

It also has a VIP area with a sofa, table, and its own TV and electric outlets.

OVERALL RATING

I highly recommend 1Bataan Integrated Transport System. Aside from the 1-hour travel time, we really had a comfortable and safe trip. We actually slept the whole trip. That’s how we’re comfortable in this trip.

For online bookings, click here.

Contact Numbers

Mobile: 09176294766 / 09088886849

Social Media Accounts

Website: https://its.1bataan.com

Facebook: 1Bataan Integrated Transport System Inc.

Instagram: @its1bataan

Twitter: @its1bataan

August 24, 2019November 18, 2019

Fantastic Chef: Newly-opened unli Korean BBQ in Malate

It’s now obvious that numerous Korean BBQ restaurants are still booming and even hyper than before. In each places, you can spot a Korean BBQ restaurant that will caught your attention.

Last weekend, we went to a newly-opened Korean BBQ restaurant in Malate. Last year, we had a staycation at Hop Inn Malate and we had our dinner in Uncle Hwangsojip Restaurant. That time, Fantastic Chef isn’t around yet. What I noticed in Malate was there’s a lot of Korean restos around the area! So if ever you’re looking for a Korean BBQ resto food crawl, Malate is the place to be.

ABOUT FANTASTIC CHEF

Last August 2017, the restaurant named Galmegi which means seagull then it was changed to Fantastic Chef on January 16, 2019. By the way, all the food is prepared by a Michelin awardee and one of the Korea’s A-list chefs. Her name is Chef Jang Jungyun. So you are secured that all the dishes here are authentic and have good quality.

Here are the following rates and packages:

Unli Pork and Chicken: 499 PHP

Unli Pork, Chicken, and Beef: 549 PHP

Package includes the ff:

Unlimited…

Skirt Meat
Rack
Jowls Meat
Cheek
Seasoned Pork Neck
Pork Belly
Spicy Pork Bulgogi
Seasoned Chicken BBQ
Spicy Chicken BBQ
Beef Plate
Seasoned Beef Plate
Steamed Egg
Soup
Cheese
Rice
9 Side Dishes

Aside from the numerous number of meats, I commend their thick cuts of meat and grilling pan. This made me justify that they really serve an authentic dishes.

Here are some sample shots of their cooked meats. So good!!!

They also have dessert bar inside the restaurant. Take note that it isn’t included in the package.

I had there sundae that costs 100 PHP. Like how they formed the ice cream. It looks like an isaw, a small intestine of chicken. LOL. But it’s good tho.

Take note also that there’s no time limit here in Fantastic Chef, meaning you can eat all you want! YAY. Just a reminder also that at least a minimum of two persons can avail their unlimited samgyupsal.

Photo_1554428351246 — Obligatory shot before grilling!

One thing I noticed there was they have a small space inside the restaurant. When we got there, we had to wait for a few minutes before we can start grilling.

OVERALL RATING

Food – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Service – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ambiance – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Location – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I must say, this one is in my top three best Korean BBQ restaurant today! I really love their food presentation. Very classy and looks neat. Not only the food presentation was good. The food itself tasted really good. So flavorful and you can really taste its spices used. I just hope they improve their space to accommodate more people. It is worth the penny guys, you should try it. Look, my friend Jen enjoyed eating here too.