Aristocrat: Still among 'balikbayans'' favorites

This year, our family welcomed several "balikbayans" - my sister who is a nurse in New York and my aunt and uncle and one of their kids, who has lived all her life in Virginia. In both occasions six months apart, we brought them to Aristocrat, that iconic restaurant that's been around for over seven decades, in its main store on Roxas Blvd. in Manila. 

Aristocrat serves most of our favorite Pinoy food like mechado, kaldereta, bulalo, kare-kare and sinigang. However, I believe it's the chicken barbecue that made Aristocrat famous, though it's not a dish that is native to our islands. An order consists of 3 pieces of grilled chicken, paired with java rice and some achara. If you haven't tried Aristocrat's chicken barbecue, I strongly urge you not to get old before doing so. I almost wanted to say you can't be a true Pinoy if you haven't tried it. Haha! Well, apart from the fact that this chicken barbecue is delicious (sweet, smokey, tangy) , Aristocrat itself is an institution! Well, it sure is a feat being in the business for nearly 80 years, considering the very stiff competition these days in the food industry. For this alone, Aristocrat owners deserve a pat in the back. Yet, it's the various yummy dishes that have attracted hordes of diners to their stores in the metro, and the real reason for this restaurant's staying power. 

These are the dishes that we've tried:

Chicken Barbecue, P210.

Tanigue Steak, P330. 

Sizzling pusit, P210. 

Kalderetang Baka, P375 

Calamares, P260.

Bihon Guisado, P305.

Chopsuey, P295.

Ampalaya con Carne, P250.

Sinigang na baboy, P295.

Hototai soup, P250.

For dessert:


Halo-Halo, special, P125; scoop of ice cream, P55. 

Drinks:

Calamansi juice, P55. Buko juice, P90 (I was only able to take a picture after the buko was cut); Green Mango Shake, Fresh Mango shake and Strawberry Shake, P110/glass; 

Brewed coffee, P60.

More desserts:

Aristocrat on Roxas Blvd. has an in-house pastry and cake shop, where choosing is a difficult task. Haha!

On our first visit, I bought this brazo de mercedes at the cake shop; on the second, we got a mango cake roll. I forgot to take a picture of the latter but it was really good!

(So they say and it could just be true!) Aristocrat on Roxas Blvd. in Malate, Manila 

There's a nice view of the sea outside where you can catch the famous Manila Bay sunset.

Because Aristocrat has been here since 1936, Filipinos who have long left the country to work and live abroad and then come home for a vacation, include the restaurant in their list of must-visit foodie places. They remember their old favorites, and are thrilled to be eating them once more at Aristocrat. Indeed, delicious Filipino comfort food are hard to forget, 
no matter how far you go and how long you're gone. 

Today's Word: Phillipians 4:6-7

This past week, we had many reasons to thank our good God for. Foremost was that He spared Metro Manila and a number of provinces from the wrath of typhoon "Ruby". I watched in awe and gratitude as God gradually diminished the strength of "Ruby" from super typhoon to typhoon to just tropical storm. Isn't He amazing? How good and wonderful our Father in heaven is! He answered the prayers of many Filipinos who last year were downhearted by the vast devastation caused by super typhoon "Yolanda". This, plus many other blessings my family and I received like divine protection and provisions were reasons for thanksgiving. I'm sure you have your share of blessings, too. Have you said "Thank you" to our dear Lord and praised Him? As it  is said in Philippians 4, let us thank God in every situation, even in unfavorable ones because whatever happens, a blessing is sure to come our way. Have a great weekend!  

                                    

 

(Photo credit: www.pinterest.com)

Enjoy a 'Heart Attack' at Backyard Burgers

T'was a rainy Saturday afternoon last week but it didn't stop me and my son from going to Quezon City to try this burger joint in front of ABS-CBN - the Backyard Burgers. It's really just there across the street from the network, and only about one block from Quezon Ave. There are two other restaurants in that compound and Backyard is in between them. Inside, it's really small but there are also tables and chairs outside for the three establishments. The interiors are simple and casual. Quite dim too because the walls are painted in black. But the food, it's really the star in here. Brace yourselves 'coz the servings are huge! We we're not prepared for this so we ordered quite a lot. Haha! But it's okay, the folks at home enjoyed the take-outs. 

Backyard Burgers is big in taste too! 

We had:

The Heart Attack burger, P245. It doesn't have that name for nothing. Make sure to take your meds. Haha!

Buffalo Wild Wings, P165. 

Cheesy Fries, P95. 

Obscene Onion Rings,  P120.  'Obscene' means large serving here.

Brewed Coffee, P40.

House Blend Iced Tea, P35.

The Menu

                                                                       
                                                                        Interiors

We loved the burger called the "Heart Attack", which was too big even for my son and me (Well, my son finished his half but I didn't mine). The beef patty that was around one-inch thick was grilled to perfection, keeping the juices and all the flavors intact. Crispy pork belly (bacon) strips were on top of the burger patty, and cheese sauce was poured over. Delicious and very filling! The size itself (the bun is about 6-7 inches in diameter) might just give you a heart attack but I sure don't want that to happen. Haha! The buffalo wings were yummy as well, especially when dipped in the bleu cheese that came with it. The sweetness and zing were just right. However, I found it way too oily that's why there was the "sawa" factor. I felt my head go light and frankly, this might as well give me the heart attack rather than the burger! I immediately popped up my anti-hypertension pill. Haha! The oiliness was also true with the onion rings so I had little of this. The cheesy fries was quite good, too - with lots of mushroom bits and yes- cheese sauce. One more thing I loved here - they serve brewed coffee! Plus, their prices are quite reasonable. Brewed coffee for just P40! And it was good coffee at that. And yes, service was friendly. All in all, my son and I were happy eaters that afternoon. Check out Backyard Burgers, guys!