Maginhawa strip series: Crazy Katsu

I will always consider Yabu as the best katsu place in the metro. However, for days when Megamall traffic is unbearable and all we want is to unwind and eat, we head to Maginhawa. And when in Maginhawa, Jake and I like to try out new restaurants that have great food at el cheapo prices. Our latest find: Crazy Katsu!

We were craving katsus and miso soup on a rainy day so it was the obvious choice. I think we only spent less than P200 for each meal plus the miso soup! Plus, it was nice eating out on the porch while it was raining. Talk about presko!

They had a different take on chicken katsudon. It was crispy and chili hot served on some sort of sour sauce. It was still yummy, though. I only wish they served bigger portions because I was only temporarily full after I finished my order. I guess I can't complain with the cheap price and all. Would I eat here again? Yes, but only if I'm in the area and in need of a cheap katsu thrill.

And of course, no Maginhawa street date is complete without a side trip to Gayuma ni Maria for desserts. On the table: Pa-cute mango cheesecake and Beats Sex Any Day chocolate cake. Yum!

Maginhawa Strip Series: Gayuma ni Maria

I think it's finally time I write about Gayuma ni Maria. After one too many visits, I have finally come to accept the fact that I love going here for desserts and to get a kick out of their naughty toys display. 

I first saw Gayuma way back when we would pass by their second restaurant along Gilmore. (The first one at Katipunan's already closed). When the Gilmore branch operations came to a halt, I was thrilled to hear they re-opened along Maginhawa so I can finally try it. It's actually right along V. Luna and quite a bit far from the Maginhawa strip with all the restaurants. Jake and I go here for the cakes, they make the yummiest chocolate concoctions at affordable prices.

Our favorites are the Broken Promises--a chocolate crinkle cake, and Beats Sex Any Day--a rich chocolate cake topped with butterscotch, cream, and even more chocolate. At around Php 70 each, these huge slices are definitely worth the trip.

I first went there with the girls to try the main dishes. I have to hand it to the owners, they have the kinkiest and most creative food names on the menu. You can order dishes named My Major Major Love Affair, Once You Go Black You Never Go Back, Fishy Poque-Poque, No Boyfriend Since Birth, Afternoon Delight, and many more funny names. 

I ordered the Lumpiang Barako, chili cheese pepper logs that were perfectly cooked with oozing cheese and spicy goodness. I have always been a fan of chili cheese sticks ever since I tried them at Chicken Charlie.

Since my friends and I went there on a Wednesday, I ordered the 69-ers secret menu. Every Wednesday, the chef prepares a surprise dish that you can order for only Php 69. Just tell the waiter: "I want a 69 please!" That night's secret dish was a coconut seafood noodle dish with puso ng saging. 

To be honest, I'm not that fond of their main courses maybe because I feel the dishes are too oily and nakaka-umay. My mom and sister also share the same sentiment. However, the boyfriend and I love going here for the cakes. They have different offerings depending on what they baked for the day or if they're trying out new creations. My personal favorites:

Beats Sex Any Day. A chocolate cake concoction topped with butterscotch and whipped cream while swimming in fudge.

I forgot what this is called but it was yummy. A chocolate mousse best served chilled.

Jake also loves the Pa-cute mango cheesecake which we were able to try on the first time they offered it on the menu. I don't have a close up photo of Broken Promises, their original chocolate crinkle cake topped with fudge. It was the yummiest crinkle I've had in a long time. I'm also crazy over their I Love My Banana cream pie which is practically a yummy mush of bananas, chocolate cake, and chocolate sauce.

My mom is also gaga over the Twisted Pavlova--a soft meringue loaded with fruits. I'm not a fan of meringue and prefer their chocolatey goodness creations. Also, the place is worth a visit for the naughty nook and other weird and kinky stuff on display:

Perfect for bachelor parties and bridal showers! Can't wait to dine here again and get my chocolate fix!

Maginhawa Strip Series: Kiss the Cook

Because my mom is perpetually dateless during Valentine's season, I took her out on a dinner date for a change at Kiss the Cook. We have been wanting to check it out since we pass by the place practically everyday on the way to Ateneo, and I was lucky enough to get a table for two without reservations on Valentine's night!

The place was packed! I think it's a hub for artists and creative people 'cause apart from the requisite couples, there were musicians and celebrities dining and conversing with the owner. We were seated beside a gaggle of old women who seem to be music professors from U.P. who kept chatting with us all throughout the meal. Lovely girls!

Mom and I ordered the spinach and feta cheese dumplings for appetizers. I also wanted to try the kesong puti fondue but I was sane enough to realize we can't finish both dishes.

 

This was very good, it was fried perfectly and the portions were big. However, before this came we noticed a couple of diners coming up to the receptionist to complain about how they have been waiting for an hour for their orders. Some even walked out in frustration. I guess we were pretty lucky that night and only had to wait 15 minutes for our appetizers and maybe 30 minutes for the entrees. By anyone's standards that is actually a LONG time to wait for a meal. But seeing other diners walk out and complain about waiting for over an hour, I can't really complain.

I ordered the pistachio crusted chicken with mashed potatoes. I would order this again, it's the first time I tried pistachios on chicken and it was a great combination.

Mom had the Afghan grilled chicken which was more on the curry and spice flavor. The meat was tender and I think someone who likes curry would love this.

And let's not forget the honey passion fruit juice! On our last trip to Tagaytay, mom bought a kilo of passion fruit from a road side vendor and since then I've developed a liking for the lemony squeezed juice and crispy seeds.

Frustrated diners aside, we enjoyed dinner at Kiss the Cook with the hushed ambiance and a musician named Bobby something playing jazz guitar on the background. I just wish they have anticipated the crowd especially on Valentine's because I am SURE they ruined a lot of dates with the slow service and sudden unavailability of ingredients. One couple stormed out after being told their orders were no longer available after waiting for half an hour.

I guess it's safe to say I won't be asking Jake to date me here!

Maginhawa Street Series: Cocina Juan

Every time we pass by that giant chili, I can't help but crave Mexican-ish food and try Cocina Juan's Central American cuisine. Jake and I finally decided to check it out one sunny day and headed to our favorite cheap thrills food haunt: Maginhawa!

The whole thing's bigger than me!

Jake's humongous burrito

I can't imagine how he managed to eat the whole thing.

We sat outdoors and I love their vibrant colors!

Quesadilla fajitas!

Baby back ribs in chimichurri sauce! Love how they specialize in grilled meat

Busog and happy fools

I found out the owner went on a trip to Nicaragua in Central America and brought the dishes back here in Manila. It's definitely worth a try since the menu offers more than your average Tex-Mex cuisine. Inside, there are a lot of knick knacks he brought back from his trip and it looks like an oddity museum. The prices are worth it, too. 

Cheers to another restaurant to cross off my list of places to try along Maginhawa!