Foodie Friday: Restaurant / Dining
My usual Thursdays with my boy is to accompany him to his M.A.PE classes (music, art, PE) that starts with swimming in the morning, then drums and painting after lunch. Yesterday's schedule was light. He's done with first sem drums and art, so our afternoon freed up. This invitation to lunch came at a right time and the venue was conveniently located, kaya after his swimming class, we went straight to the newly opened Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room in Ayala Mall the 30th in Pasig.
Have you been to this new Ayala mall on Meralco Avenue? There's an interesting mix of dining places here that you can't find in other malls nearby. TOAST ASIAN KITCHEN & TASTING ROOM is one you should visit. They opened in early February and is already attracting a good following. After trying their food yesterday, I now understand why Toast is becoming a popular dining choice in this mall.
Toast Asian Kitchen and Tasting Room boasts of visually enticing interiors, exciting colors, comfort food that has explosions of flavors in every bite, and a wide array of unique beverages. The restaurant recreates a classic "retro in the metro feel." - @ToastKitchenPH
The warm ambiance, with it's rustic design aesthetics make diners feel cozy and relaxed. It's looks like a tavern and wine bar. While they have a well-stocked bar by the main dining area, Toast boasts of this tasting room with a good selection of beers and wines.
But don't be intimidated by the interiors coz the place is family-friendly and there's something for kids and adults in their menu. Most dishes are good for sharing. My blogger friends and I were able to bring our family members to lunch and everyone has their favorites.
The boy was hungry after swimming so he was served this Chicken Poppers with Fries. He wiped out this plate and wanted more fries!
We were five adults and shared a feast of Asian fusion dishes that did not disappoint.
Here are my 5 favorites from the lot, in no particular order. I simply enjoyed every bite and had seconds of these savory dishes.
BLACKSA (SQUID INK LAKSA)
I did not see this on the menu yet coz it's just about to be launched next week. Luckily, we got to try it first! This warm bowl of rice noodles with assorted seafood in mildly spicy squid ink soup was delicious! Definitely not your typical laksa, coz this one is not as spicy and it's light on the tummy. Hindi nakaka-sawa. Simot ko yung bowl ko. =) First time to have this unique dish and it was a surprise winner. Everyone agreed.
TWICE-COOKED PORK WITH SALTED EGG FRIED RICE
I loved this fork-tender pork belly, braised, seared, and tossed in honey-garlic sauce. Malinamnam! I'm guessing the crunchy strings on top were fried wonton. I didn't taste the salted egg flavor in the rice though... I thought plain fried rice lang, but it was still good.
LUNCH BOWLS
PhP 200++ (Available from 10 am to 2 pm only)
Both the Salmon Belly Teriyaki and spicy KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) Rice Bowls hit the spot. Very flavorful and filling with the generous toppings of the salmon and deep-fried glazed chicken. If you are going to have this for lunch, mabubusog ka na.
THAI BASIL CHICKEN POPPERS
Sweet-salty-savory, crunchy deep-fried chicken pieces with basil in nuoc mam sauce. Pass the rice please! This classic tasty ulam is for everyone, and can also be a perfect beer-match.
YAKITORI
Another hit in my book is the Yakitori. I didn't even try the dipping sauces kasi they were well-seasoned and grilled perfectly, except for one chicken wing that was slightly undercooked. Perfect pulutan din ito with your bar drinks! Choose from chicken wings or thigh, squid balls, pork belly, shrimp, or the best-selling Wagyu Cubes. Sarap!
Ang daming food! While we had second helpings of the different fusion dishes, we still need to make room for the desserts.
We were served three kinds, and my favorite is the DARK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE made with Batangas tablea topped with cream and chocnut powder. Sweetness was perfect for me. I really love anything with tablea and dark chocolate.
For those who like Chocnut, you can try the CHOCNUT CREME CARAMEL Flan. The TAPIOCA AND MANGO TRIFLE is a layer of sweet ripe mango chunks and broas. This came second for me.
Toast to good food and good vibes! Thank you Toast, for having us! I thoroughly enjoyed our lunch fest Rowena, Chessy and their hubs, kulang na lang mag-inuman kami hahaha... Delicious food, reasonably priced, and lovely dining experience. I will surely go back with my family here and try more of their offerings.
Follow @toastkitchenph on Instagram and Facebook.com/toastkitchenph for updates.
TOAST ASIAN KITCHEN & TASTING ROOM
For reservations and inquiries, call: (632) 6224312 or +63917-3203338
G/F Ayala Malls The 30th, Meralco Avenue
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
I'd love to know your thoughts on this post. If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
Get instant updates:
My Mom-Friday on Facebook
Follow @mymomfriday on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat
Also on Google Friend Connect, or Subscribe Via Email.
I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again!
(Comments with links will automatically be flagged by Disqus.)
