FOOD (sorta) REVIEW: YakiMix Robinson's Place Manila

https://www.facebook.com/yakimix

YAKIMIX
4th floor, Robinson's Place Manila
Adriatico Street, Ermita Manila

Php
MON-FRI
lunch 599
dinner 699
SAT-SUN, HOLIDAY
lunch and dinner 699

Ready to MIX and match

Appetizing appetizers. So many choices, so little time!

Master griller in action

Wait for it...

TA-DAH! Squid was surprisingly just enough crunchy.
All meat were juicy and 'malasa', tamang-tama timpla!

For seconds: Miso soup and seafood party with baked clams and oysters

The REAL seconds... or thirds. I loved the puffy mushroom and mantao.
Hubby took a liking to the sliced just right salmon.
Nachos and salsa dip for the love of all things Mexican.
Forgot the noodle's name but it had my fave seaweed so...

Mango, chocolate truffle and chocolate mousse triple threat!
Hubby's cheese and ube ice cream bowl melted in our mouths so fast that we forgot to take a photo.

 Not my photo but worth sharing... credits to the owners!

Entrance
misslovelytan.blogspot.com
misslovelytan.blogspot.com

Dimsum ad Dumpling station
GMA Network Poptalk
www.gmanetwork.com

Cold cuts and kebabs

misslovelytan.blogspot.com

misslovelytan.blogspot.com 

The Dar Santos Verdict

Cheezy smiles..good

Bloated fish look = bloated happy tummys...gooder

Satisfied with genuine smiles customers... goodest!

ENTRANCE/SEATING
Didn't have to wait for a table, lucky us first timer walk-ins, but the resto was always full during our almost 3-hour stay. If you're the impatient tumatakbo ang oras kaya gorabels na to the buffet tables para sulit type, then better call in advance for reservation.

Bonus points: courteous Kuya guard who doubles as grill instructor; when there's waitstaff at the reception, he visits nearby tables and checks that the grills are working. Couldn't help but give him a generous tip on our way out for going the extra mile. Salute!

For the numbers...Searched "YakiMix official website" and got their official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/yakimix , that when ABOUT is clicked redirects to "click ABOUT for locations". HUH?

So I rely on the authorities instead.
1. Munchpunch provides a comprehensive branches list, though no contact details. Yakimix Branches by Muchpunch

2. ClickTheCity has one page per branch, with details, feature articles on the resto, and comments/reviews. Very helpful so click away - ClickTheCity.com - YakiMix Robinson's Place

Posting the relatively popular branches and landlines:
Rob Place (featured) 354.9289, / 353.4674

Greenbelt 3 475.5153 / 475-.5154 / 998.8039
3rd Level, Greenbelt 3
Esperanza St. corner Makati Ave., Ayala Center, Makati

YakiMix Prime, Bonifacio High Street 869.0777 / 869.0888

2nd Level, Bonifacio High Street, 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
*more premium so prepare to shell out a few hundreds more than the usual YakiMix buffet fare

The Podium 634.0302
5th Level, The Podium, 12 ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong

SM Mall of Asia 836.1535-37
SM Mall of Asia, Pacific Drive and Ocean Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay


FOOD
No surprise that our pictures paint a happy portrait of the YakiMix experience.
- fresh meat and seafood
- smoking dimsum and dumplings
- wide variety of cold cuts, appetizers, dessert and salad elements
- united nations-inspired station with pizza, nachos, dips, tortillas, spaghetti
- bottomless drinks (that were self-order, but I didn't know so asked for a glass of iced tea and the waitress happily obliged; probably thinking first-timer kasi)
- always refilled stations with chefs going out of the kitchen to check
- attentive staff ready to take photos, and greet birthday celebrants with their signature 'surprise' dessert song and dance

Downsides would be...
- diners who aren't familiar or keen on the art of grilling. Beware: eaten raw meat is every tummy's nightmare!
- impatience during full-house. Expect the worst of waiting so your trip won't go to waste. Our table was beside the waiting area, so got to record average waiting time is 15 minutes, 20 tops. So call and reserve ahead of sched!
- falling in line, race to get the best pieces. Allow me to remind you that this is a buffet, so expect to be up and running beside buffet veterans and bday/graduation/anniversary celebrants who want bang for their buck. Didn't experience this in Robinson's Place, but it holds true for other more frequented branches like Greenbelt and SM Mall of Asia.

Utlimate test: Would we go back or try other branches? The answer is in my pahabol shmileee pic. 

CHEers!

UP for grabs: Eastwood Escapade

Just in: Itching for a cityescape? Then read, comment and grab this Eastwood Escapade giveaway!
References -
1. READ Purple Shot 10.13.2014
2. COMMENT ON Gracie Dar's FB timeline Graciemercial: What's on your mind today? Here's mine: PURPLE SHOTS http://gracietots.blogspot.com/
3. GRAB the gift

First to provide a clever answer to this GQ (Gracie Question, geddit?) wins a super surprise:
IN WHICH LINE/S AND STANZA DID THE AUTHOR SPEAK TO HERSELF? (bonus points if you explain yourself)

REWARD: Eastwood Escapade! California Pizza Kitchen GCs, Red Box 20% discount voucher and free head charge plus Megaworld Lifestyle malls free parking pass

Comment and grab these now! Thanks to my sponsors Art Oledan Jr. and BDJ (putting your gifts to good fun use)

FOOD: What's at Steak

I love to eat (who doesn't), but not a reliable 'foodie' so it's with great EFFORT to accomplish this 'steak list' in the name of friendship. Not that said friend has a hold on me, but since his parinig and ulit-ulit segue during a sorta-reunion/farewell dinner, and this afternoon's call-a-friend (being me) that led to an almost dropped dumbbell on my carefully pedicured and cured of ingrown feet moment, I just had to give in.

He who must not be named, tagged or commented on - you should be proud!

1. Top 10 Steaks in Manila
http://www.spot.ph
http://www.spot.ph/gallery/1313/top-10-steaks-in-manila/article/48569#photo-1-1

2. Affordable Steakhouse Restaurants in Makati
https://www.zomato.com/manila/makati-city-restaurants/steakhouse?cft=2
https://www.zomato.com/manila/makati-city-restaurants/steakhouse?cft=2

3. Steakhouse Restaurants in Makati
https://www.zomato.com/manila/makati-city-restaurants/steakhouse
https://www.zomato.com/manila/makati-city-restaurants/steakhouse

4. Steakhouses in Greenbelt
https://www.zomato.com/manila/greenbelt-makati-restaurants/steakhouse
https://www.zomato.com/manila/greenbelt-makati-restaurants/steakhouse

5. Best Steakhouses in Makati
http://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Restaurants-g298450-c37-Makati_Metro_Manila_Luzon.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Restaurants-g298450-c37-Makati_Metro_Manila_Luzon.html

6. Popular Steaks and Ribs Restaurants in Makati
http://www.clickthecity.com/food-drink/s/p=MM&csn=8&p=MM&city=Makati
http://www.clickthecity.com/food-drink/s/p=MM&csn=8&p=MM&city=Makati

7. 11 Steaks You Must Try in Manila: Best Steak for your Buck
http://www.wheninmanila.com/11-steaks-you-must-try-in-manila-best-steak-for-your-buck/
http://www.wheninmanila.com/11-steaks-you-must-try-in-manila-best-steak-for-your-buck/

8. Best steaks in BGC
http://theskychick.com/tag/best-steaks-in-bgc/
http://theskychick.com/tag/best-steaks-in-bgc/

9. Miriam Santiago asks where the best Wagyu is
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20090506-203538/Miriam-Santiago-asks-where-the-best-Wagyu-is
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20090506-203538/Miriam-Santiago-asks-where-the-best-Wagyu-is

10. MEAT in Metro Manila
http://www.yellow-pages.ph/search/meat/metro-manila/page-1
http://www.yellow-pages.ph/search/meat/metro-manila/page-1

And you thought there'd be resto reviews, huh? When I said 'effort' it meant the search, cut and paste type. Again, NOT a foodie authority AND the 'top' links were curated from reliable, expert food bloggers and review sites anyway.

My take is number 10 takes the cake for something new, unexpected, with a hint of romance and effort that doesn't need to break any budget to impress. Simply go to the nearest, most convenient meat shop and take your choice cuts. Grill, fry, heat, microwave to perfection, add spice, garnish, sides, bring out the wine, and ready your plating and table-setting prowess, and voila! One meaty date right at the comfort of your home.

Credits go to the website owners and writers linked above.

And the required topic-based original photo from moi (from hubby actually; a poster/e-mailer for the now defunct LOOP Creative Dining Restaurant's new menu launch in May 2011, featuring Chef Joey Herrera). If this resto was still open, I'd refer it for its cozy, date place ambiance on the side of FEU Makati building, creative menu and personalized service. A bit pricey but worth your money. I miss the double cut porkchop with apple barbecue sauce, tuna nicoise and sinigang wings!

The legendary new dishes can be found here: http://www.spot.ph/gallery/1216/CHECK-IT-OUT-New-Dishes-at-Loop-Creative-Dining/article/48341#photo-1-1

Purple Shot

Purple Shot
Of missed once in a lifetime opportunities and mistakes of epic proportions
(Gracie Dar style)

In the summer of 2011
26th of April to be exact
my 2-month dormant blog
was hit by an unprecedented chit-chat

In pursuit of freelance work
AKA in between jobs
it was only 3 years, 6 months and 17 days later
did I discover the career-changing chatter

A blogger redirected to my With Honors the movie post
also 'bout Ateneo Marketing Diploma Program, and my surprise honors
her name was purplefeather
few clicks later, found she's (none other than) YAHOO Philippines big boss

Imagine my delight
a blogger's dream come true
left with a comment from
a rockstar pillar of PHL digital... Yahoo!

As reality set in
Had a jaw-dropping, wide-eyed, what the eff moment
Her message was an invite and a challenge
to check my fit in Yahoo with a first test

The Invite-Challenge

Might have been on a whim (don't over think it Gracie)
or novelty of meeting an online fan (not a stalker, FYI) and co-awardee (stay humble, no bragging)
or simply a big boss's generous offer (that's more like it)
to turn the life of a newbie into something brighter (that's you Gracietoots)

But what ifs don't matter,
missing the post is proof of fodder
I blinked and ended up with a 3-year online dormancy
What an EPIC mistake and MISSED opportunity

Now I'll just contend with sight-seeing and reading (gushing)
about purple polo shirts and Fridays
ergonomic office, war rooms that hold captives 'til they offer their creative juices, and basketball arcade beside workstations
The purple life of the dream team purple crew

-----
This "Ode to Purple" poem is no way a plea or some "papansin" to Yahoo Philippines, especially Ms. Arlene Amarante. Thank you for my Willy Wonka golden ticket chance during a Charlie moment, and sorry that I blew it.

Hope this sharing goes to show that online dreams do come true - hope, post and pray, and it will come to you. Just don't follow my lead, rather always be on your toes, keep your eyes and ears open, and internet connection up and running.

Let's indulge in more tribute to Yahoo with my purple things. Wala lang :)

Purple yoga/workout tights (a bit see-through and may double as stocking)
Bench Php 150-200

Purple hanger
The Landmark Php 100 per set of six

Purple heart pen
FREE from daughter Ate Chloe's pencil case (with permission)

The Purple Starbucks Planner
(Another Starbucks appearance. Man, they should sponsor me!)

Toy Kingdom purple Christmas bear pencil
Php 50 (39 on sale)

Dammit doll's purple punk hair
Php 150 Chloe's Closet
(Msg me for orders)

5 year old Purple test subject Ipanema
Bought this at around Php 895 for Marketing Research class of the legendary brand guru Ms. Grace Marci (RIP).
Ateneo GSB-CCE Marketing Diploma Program
Completed a group case report on different tsinelas brands Havaianas, Banana Peel, and Ipanema their appeal.
Aptly titled, WHAT FLIP- WHAT FLOPS

Verdict:
Havaianas at Php 700-1,250 / Class A, B, upper C who come and buy as a group
Ipanema at Php 895-1,650 / Class A and B looked at designs and bought; Class C and others mostly browsed but never bought
Banana Peel at Php99-149 / Broad C to D

Semi-purple Clinique purse
Gift from Tita

Hubby's purple sling bag for Korea
Bench Php 249

And the BEST purple of the bunch...

Yahoo take home ecobag from an Ateneo event.

Hotel Review: Your Home by the Bay / Bayview Park Hotel Manila

Disclaimer

1. I am NOT affiliated with any group that does expert reviews of food, places, events, etc.
2. I am neither an expert nor an award-winning foodie, techie, traveler, editor, writer, role model, etc.

That being said, this post and those following it are random sharing of experiences that are almost always paid BY yours truly (and/or the hubby), unless won in a raffle or stated otherwise.

On to the review...

Bayview Park Hotel Manila
"Your Home by the Bay"
1118 Roxas Blvd, Ermita, Manila
247.9000

It's not top of mind when thinking about hotels in Manila. But thanks to this GC, won during my tambiolo girl stint at former company's 2012 Division Thanksgiving party and said GC's impending expiration date, it became the last day overnight bash venue choice.

Hooray for free vouchers!
This was for an overnight stay in a Superior Room (breakfast not included).
Buffet breakfast is at Php568 per head.

Arrival and check-in was not as swift as expected; maybe 'cause it's a free room, or a Friday (?). There's valet, which is true to their tagline "Your home by the bay" since parking area is right beside Roxas Blvd, which is a few steps away from the bay. Receptionist was courteous and accommodating though (with a bit of heavy English accent), as well as the valet boys and kuya security guard, so two thumbs up for proactive customer service.

We were given one key card for room 809 and I was tempted to request for room 808, for luck, but the ever uptight hubby said 809 was fine. Two elevators left and right await, and since there were only a few checking in at that time, going up the 8th floor wasn't a prob.

Presenting THE ROOM...

The Drawer: slightly hard to open, creaky and strong old wood smell, which come in handy should a break-in occur.
Hopefully enough to turn off a burglar.

Surprised to see a tub! Comfortably fits one average size human with side handles, too.
Safety is their priority!

Standard coffee and tea selection. Table is far from any socket.
Again, safety is their priority! Iwas sunog/fire in case lasheng/drunk the hotel guest.
(Huwat?!) 

Hotel services inside drawers. Clever placement!

The minibar that I mistook for the safe.
Safety, apparently, is my priority too!

Pleated chair and look, a hairdryer!

Hidden plastic that didn't escape my take home plan.

Single bed - another surprise since we asked for one queen size bed, which we got plus this.
So our bags and clothes had a good bed to sleep on, too.

Bamboo-inspired bathroom. I was too scared of the aparadors to open them.
Juday's horror movie circa 90s. Nuff said!

Nice dainty painting dated 1994

Minibar choices - decent yet pricey (as expected of hotels)

Food choices...

Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet at the ground floor right in front of the reception area.
Special curry/seafood rice good for 5 persons at Php 1,875 NETT.

Christmas and New Year's Eve buffet included in their Php 4,000-5,000 Christmas season promo.
Includes hotel accommodation, Eve buffet, breakfast buffet, use of hotel amenities, souvenir among others.

Since we didn't have breakfast buffet, opted to survey surrounding restos. It was a Hunger Games kind of day at work (no lunch 'cause there were lots to photo finish during my last day), so hubby treated my raging taste buds and rallying tummy to YakiMix dinner buffet at Robinson's Place. (More on this culinary adventure/20-minutes trek in a separate post).

To cap the night, ended up in trusty Starbucks, which is housed at the hotel's GF. Don't expect to get a full late-night Starbucks experience here, as the small cozy branch gets filled up quickly by reviewers, thesis mates, and late-night crammers. The creative atmosphere gets chatty, so if you prefer a relatively quiet atmosphere to savor that coffee cup then enjoy takeout at the comfort of your hotel room.

Morning shot!

Overall, Bayview is a dated hotel giving off a 1408 John Cusack horror flick vibe. There were eyesores in all floors - television screens, furniture, broken paintings and pieces of wood covered by dirty white draping. Old wood and wet carpets-smell, uneven floors (between room 808 and room 809), and chipped paint.

The rooms are A-OK, decent with clean and extra beds. Ours (given it's free and part of the lower end Superior offerings) didn't have a view - just the rooftop of nearby building and a Manila Street (UN Avenue). The other "bay" side and upper floor rooms seem to have it better.

The part I liked least was...

Not as clear eh? Squint a little closer...

Yes folks, a friendly little critter made an appearance in the bathroom.
Good thing we were already checking out when it checked us out!

Checking in at Bayview? Here are additional factoids:

Yellowcab and J Co a stone-throw away. Pasalubong!

- It's a three star hotel

- Near the US embassy; a few minutes away from the airport

- Taxi lane few steps away from the main entrance (careful)

- Friendly staff; seek and you shall find

- Good venue for those reviewing for bar exam, VISA applicants with early schedule, conference-goers

- Value for money for tourists or business peeps looking for a place to sleep; will spend most of time exploring the City/out and about