Herb Republic

Le Chink treated us out to a nice lunch in Los Banos, Laguna--definitely not student fare--at the Herb Republic. 

What I liked best was the stir fried spinach (P185). 

The tarragon iced tea was refreshing (P69). We also had a pot of the hot tea version (P65) which is better for sharing and stretching your budget. The basil pesto pasta (P190) was quite yummy.

The mushroom tempura (P175) was a bit bland but you do have the dipping sauce. However, we preferred the sauce on the spinach dish. Nice texture though.

  

Finally, the medium garlic basil chicken (P234)... yummy, tender and juicy. 

Dessert in the form of a cheesecake had been calling but there was no space or time left as the King of the Privateers was going to get married and we planned to witness the grand occasion.  

High End, Low End

Le Chink treated me to some yummy ramen at Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen in the new wing of Shangrila Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong. High end noodles do cost a pretty penny at around P330 per bowl. We split it, though I ate more of it. Thanks, Le Chink! 

When you go to dine there, the server will ask whether you want your ramen hard, soft or medium. Le Chink ordered hard (while I quietly kept my trepidation to myself... surprisingly, I liked it. My guess is they're easier to handle with chopsticks).

I believe we ordered the tonkatsu. Its flavor had a certain oriental sweetness that I enjoyed, especially in the marinated eggs. We also had some spring rolls which had a tangy flavor... sort of like lemongrass and vinaigrette, which contrasted well with the ramen.

But when you're on a budget and generous friends are away... then eat at 30/40/50 Rice & Noodle House. This is a newly opened little store across Amira's (which is on the corner of SVD Road, Tagaytay). A noodle dish here costs P30! 

Since I was hungry, I ordered the tapsilog instead. P49 only. They offer free bulalo soup. The iced tea tasted a little too artificial to me but the place is nice (red tables, black stools, red throw pillows on brown varnished benches), the prices are affordable, and the food is okay (the rice was a little dry but I liked the tapa). Overall, good value for your money. Plus, the staff are attentive. At the end of the meal, I was offered free mint/menthol candy too! May God bless their entrepreneurial venture.  

Rogate Cafe

The Rogate Cafe is a religious store and coffee shop in one. While waiting for your order, you can look over the items for sale--inspirational mugs and shirts, priestly vestments, liturgical items and cute statues of saints are on display.

Coffee is around P130. 

I ordered the salmon turnover which cost P76. The crust was a little too toasted for my taste but the filling was quite nice.

You can choose between dining inside where it's cooler due to the air-conditioning or hanging out in the lovely garden. 

You can find Rogate Cafe on the right side of Aguinaldo Highway enroute to Tagaytay. 

Turon

A Chinese twist on turon at Oriang--won ton wrapper instead of lumpia... yummy! Try it at Market! Market!

I don't have a picture but another turon dish I really like is at Tootsie's. If you're up in Tagaytay, try this tasty treat with ube and langka. 

Superbowl favorites

 Steamed Lapu Lapu fish fillet with garlic...

Seafood chopsuey...

Beef with brocolli

Suman at Sampaloc Lake

San Pablo boasts of seven lakes. This is Sampaloc Lake with a circumference of 3.7 kms.

 

 Cafe Lago has a beautiful view outside...

and inside...

Folk artsy knick knacks are sprinkled around the cafe.

The reason to go to Cafe Lago... P65 suman (2 pieces). Yum-yum!

Liliw!

Liliw is really for shoes, sandals and slippers...