Razon's by Glenn: In the Business of Serving "DELIGHT!"

Filipino comfort food is always served at Razon's by Glenn. It's a company built with family - and love. Consequently, they're celebrating their 21st anniversary and are gunning to have 60 branches by years end. The chain is largely known for their Palabok, Halo Halo, Bibingmamon, Beef Tapa, Beef Kare Kare, and new innovations on the usual Filipino flare. Their menu stemmed from real Kapampangan heritage and flavors, so you don't get disappointed in what they serve.

The Beef Kare Kare is a bit sweet and can be eaten even without bagoong. The peanut sauce has home made peanut butter in it, which they made themselves. The Bibingmamon is available in 4 flavors namely Original (which I prefer), Cheesy Melt, Custard and Nutty Custard. The Beef Tapa is on the sweet, smoky, and spicy side, but quite tender. Their Fresh Lumpia is good and savory, it felt like what grandma used to make. They have a hefty serving of Pork Chop with gravy (my personal favorite served that afternoon). They also teased us with their conceptual Crispy Palabok, which I'm sure young ones and everyone would enjoy!

For those looking for something extra comforting, they've got Caldo Overload which you can ask for refills if you want more. You get the fuzzy feeling that comes with it on a rainy day.

Razon's by Glenn is third generation owned. Their grandma gave them freedom to be creative in recipes, hence the variations they made with the dishes.

Bibingmamon is quite nice, as the name says, it's a cross between the Christmasy Bibingka and the fluffy Mamon. This was quite delicate and perfect to pair with coffee.

Razon's by Glenn has always been regarded as the best spot for Halo Halo. This Special Halo Halo was quite satisfying despite it only having a few ingredients. I personally think it's the Macapuno that makes it different from the rest in the market.

We also got to talk to the owner and President Mark Anthony "Glenn" Razon. Right now, they have 36 branches operating nationwide, but aggressively plan to have 100 of these stores before 2030.

Glenn reiterated "We are not just selling products, we are providing delight!". This is the reason why people who visit their stores feel happy every time they get to taste the dishes coming out of their kitchen. It's also a family spot, so whether you're a Lola who wants their merienda fix or the cutest bunso that wants something sweet, Razon's by Glenn makes every moment special no matter what age group you belong. 

Visit their stores nationwide, or if you prefer to be part of the movement, they are looking for franchisees. Just get in touch with them via their social channels or official website razonsbyglenn.com.

ROSSINI Serves Comforting Italian Dishes at S Maison

If you've been the person to choose where to eat in the Mall of Asia grounds, I've got good news for you. There's this nice and quaint Italian restaurant at S Maison's 2nd Floor called ROSSINI that I think you should visit. It's light and bright interiors, cozy seats and classy decor won't be the only reason to go here because the food is equally great.

Mango Cannoli and Meatball in Marinara

Cappellini Ai Frutti Di Mare for the seafood lovers out there!

Fruit Drinks and their signature ROSSINI Pizza! The pizza is legendary because it contains chopped up foie gras combined with fig. It was the right amount of sweet and savory. Best dish served that afternoon.

Steak with Salsa Rosso. Angus Steak with roasted asparagus, mushrooms, onions and potatoes.

They also have a private room at the back that can accommodate around 20. If you're looking for a date place, a place to celebrate your birthdays or intimate gatherings, go give ROSSINI a visit. Food is comforting, best shared, because like Italians, we are family-centric.

Again, it's at the 2nd floor of S MAISON at Conrad, Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City. Trust me on the pizza. 

 

Bistro Group Opens SARAP Bistro Filipino and Xi Nen Hot Pot at MY SOUTH HALL

 

After a long time, it was certainly nice to journey down south and have a good meal at My South Hall, Bistro Group's line of concept restaurants at Conrad S'Maison. Got to eat there a few times, and each time, I'd try to order something new because it houses Fish & Co., El Pollo Loco, Modern Shang WCKD, and cult hit Randy's Donuts. 

They had something new up their sleeve when I got there a few days ago. The first is called SARAP Bistro Filipino and the other is Xi Nen Hot Pot. These are two new brands they've conceptualized for My South Hall to add to the already great selections that they had. This is quite fun for restaurateurs since you can pretty much test the waters if people love the new dishes. I had my eyes on a few especially the Filipino dishes from SARAP because even if some were traditionally prepared, it felt new for me.

SARAP Bistro Filipino specializes on Filipino comfort food, the classics and those that were made with a twist. They are served family style so you can order a few to get a taste of the new viands. I like those with sauces that I can smother over hot Garlicky Rice. What's special about MY SOUTH HALL is that you can order from other restaurants without going too far because they are in one place. SARAP Bistro Filipino had Sinigang, Bopis (which doesn't taste organy), Fried Tawilis (eat it while it's hot!), Lumpia (they make a mean one) and Ginataang Kuhol.   

Xi Nen Hot Pot serves Taiwanese inspired hotpot dishes. You just need to choose our protein and they'll cook it for you on the table (yes you don't have to cook!) which is quite different than usual hotpot restaurants. Their broth can be adjusted to taste as they'll give you sauces to adjust the flavor, and since I did like it a bit more intense, I put in the whole plate in because I like it savory. Here's what it looks like on video a few days ago.

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See, there's more where this came from and if you're a person who couldn't choose where to eat or what to have for lunch or dinner, this place is perfect! 

This is again located at the Conrad S. Maison. Walk to the far right at the back (when facing Mall of Asia) and look for the MY SOUTH HALL sign. Ask the friendly hostess to have you seated as there are instances it gets quite busy during those peak hours. Take home desserts, drinks and donuts before going home, you're going to love it!