Charlie's Grind and Grill

I've been hearing stories from friends on how delicious Charlie's is. The foodie in me went to visit the far north (considering I'm really from the south) to discover what the Charlie's craze is all about. I was recommended to try the burgers since I heard this is what Charlie's is known for. Once I got there, I was reminded of how casual and cozy the place is. Their menu is written on a blackboard like simple diners. I love how their condiments are stored in a refrigerator for customers to pick up. Their condiments range from Heinz tomato ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard and aioli. 

I decided to order the Kitamaya Wagyu Burger (210 pesos). Accdg. to Charlie's, their Wagyu beef contains no antibiotics or added growth hormones. They're made from vegetarian-fed beef raised on family owned farms and ranches, wet aged for 15 days and are ground fresh daily. Since I am a huge fan of anything organic, I was exuberant to have my first organic burger. One thing about me is when I try a new dish, I make sure not to put condiments first. I want to know how a dish naturally tastes like. My first bite and I concluded that this was the best burger I've tried in my entire life. The Wagyu patty has that juicy, meaty, natural flavor to it that mixed so well with the crisp lettuce, zesty tomato and cheese.

My friend ordered the Black Angus Burger (200 pesos). Charlie's Black Angus patties are from choice and select USDA black Angus beef, grain fed and wet aged for 15 days and are ground fresh on premise. When I first had a bite, the patty has that barbecue, mixed spices kind of taste. I honestly prefer the Wagyu because I prefer the simpler taste, but I get that feeling that men will enjoy this more flavorful burger. My succeeding bites of the Wagyu burger worked really well with the aioli dip and a squeeze of ketchup. 

Thanks to my boss Chinky, she offered me their new and delicious caramel milkshake (220 pesos)! It's basically caramel syrup, vanilla ice cream, milk, whipped cream, with caramel candy bits on top. Very sweet (just the way I like it) but not overpowering. Charlie's Milkshakes were featured in SPOT.PH!It's really the perfect drink to end a visit to Charlie's. 

For those who feel guilty with buns, try this healthier but still scrumptious lettuce wrapped burger! Add 55 pesos to convert your burger to lettuce wrap. 

Charlie's Black Angus burger

Charlie's Wagyu Cheeseburger (THE BEST BURGER I'VE EVER HAD)

If only Charlie's was available in the south, I'd rush to the restaurant and give their breakfast a try. Thank you Charlie's FB and website for the photos!

Charlie's Grind and Grill

Kapitolyo Branch: 16 EAST CAPITOL DRIVE, 

BRGY. KAPITOLYO, PASIG CITY

San Juan Branch: G/F, RONAC ART CENTER, ORTIGAS AVENUE, BRGY. GREENHILLS, SAN JUAN CITY

Alchemy

I was never really an enthusiast of macarons since I found them too expensive and too sweet. I always thought I was paying 50 pesos for colored sugar. What I do love about macarons is how darling it looks. I love passing by pastry shops seeing all the eye catching colors that seem to delicate and dainty to even touch. Thanks to my job as a business consultant, I finally found macarons that are not only eye catching, but also scrumptious and worth the price! Alchemy, you are just delicious!

The pictures above showcase how creative and thematic the box of Alchemy is. It's so picturesque you'd want to open and take a sneak peek of what's inside. :) The box above holds 6 macarons worth 220 pesos.

Thanks to Meryl, I got to take a sweet sample of her mini heart macarons (85 pesos).  It's wrapped in such cute packaging! Thanks to these babies, I fell in love with Meryl's macarons. The flavors for this set include salted caramel, raspberry, and chocolate ganache. I love how her macarons are the "melt in your mouth" goodness. Her macarons changed my perception of just colored sugar. The ganache of her macarons are  just bursting with flavor. It definitely compliments the color and sweetness of the macaron. 

Of all the macarons I've tried, I can say the raspberry and the salted caramel are my favorites. :) Chai spice has that sweet but surprising filling of cinnamon like spice that tickle my taste buds. The chocolate ganache has that rich dark, milk chocolate like taste while the green tea literally tastes like the green tea you drink but sweeter. I love the salted caramel because it's a mix of flavors while raspberry is just so juicy, sweet, exciting, etc. I have yet to try the mint chocolate macaron. XD

Enjoy Alchemy by Meryl everyone! Thanks to her for some of the photos! (as promised, I'd write about this!)

Alchemy by Meryl Candice Go

For orders: 0917 8963795/ 330 9229

Facebook: alchemybakingmagic

Twitter: @alchemybymeryl

Apache Burgers and Ribs

Finally! Delicious American comfort food that is rightly priced and EXTREMELY satisfying located right in the middle of Aguirre Ave, BF Homes. Apache Burgers and Ribs was thought of over a couple of beers by friends Marvin (marketing head), Richie (store manager), Mike (co manager) and Carl (head chef). The four would always have barbecue at Carl's place and from their gatherings, the idea of Apache was born! 

Why the name Apache? Marvin's brother has a fascination for Apache Indians and the word "Apache"means  fighting men. In my opinion, the theme of this restaurant fits the food they serve and the market they should be catering: men with huge appetites for meaty food! Their dishes are so versatile and affordable though that people that come by are your average employees and students.

What I admire and love about Apache is that their buns, patties and marinades are homemade. Chief Carl is in charge of the cooking while the buns and pastries are made by Marvin. This truly is a restaurant of the south! The interiors of the restaurant are well lit, cozy and painted with a very native theme.

Of the dishes I've tried, it's the Indian bear chops (juicy pork chops) that has become my staple. It's very juicy, tender and has that sweet, tangy, barbecue taste that goes well with atchara, rice and iced tea. The serving is satisfying enough for

 one person. 

My guilty pleasure is definitely the Tomahawk BBQ Pork ribs. It's definitely worth the price because it has huge servings. Every bite will make you smile because it's so soft and juicy. You can request to have it done either sweet or spicy. The sauces are homemade and well concocted by Chief Carl. Definitely a must try. Soon he will be coming up with more sauces for this like honey mustard and garlic aleoli sauce. 

Chief Carl also says the wings are a must try! Definite crispy goodness. "It's not quite Kentucky but it's there na!". Super delicious with the homemade sauces made by the Chief!

The burger above is a new launch of Apache called The Big O. It's what I call an odd looking but extremely delicious burger. It's basically a bagel like bread underneath with a crater in the middle to fit a small but thick burger patty. The patty is topped with lettuce, Quickmelt,  mozzarella cheese,  white onions and 2 strips of bacon. It's pretty tedious to eat but your stomach will surely leap for joy. 

The Indianero is probably the burger for someone who has an appetite as huge as mine. Stuck in a deserted island and finally found home and dying to eat something? This meal is for you. What makes this burger different? The extremely thick patty actually has melted mozzarella cheese inside.

After a hearty meal, the best way to end any Apache dish is with their homemade blueberry cheesecake. :) 

Chief Carl's mantra: Imitated but never duplicated

Apache Burgers and Ribs

Aguirre Ave, BF Homes

For Reservations: 09178500046

Twitter: @dailyapache

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Apacheburgersnribs