I don't know if it's just me but I can't help but associate pancakes with Christmas.
First stop is Slappy Cakes at the SM Aura.
DIY pancakes? What a great concept!
Salppy cakes has hot griddles on your table so you can make your own pancakes and toppings while waiting for your other orders. Their bestseller is the buttermilk (Php 225)
They give you one pancake dispenser like catsup bottle. All you do is the pour it in the hot griddle and make the pancakes according to size. Flip it and you're ready to go.
Upon seeing the menu, I was turned off when I saw that they charged 45 pesos if you would like to have maple syrup. (How can you eat pancakes without syrup!!???) But gladly they said maple syrup were free that day, they also gave a clear gooey liquid like... gasp Caro!!!
Anyway, I like their pancake mix. And the buttermilk pancakes turned out a bit crispy and toasty, just like I wanted. Be sure not to touch the griddle with your hands.
The menu is quite limited with some local breakfast must-haves like tocino (pork or chicken), longganiza, tapa and bangus. These were ok nothing fancy.
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| Chicken tocino with scrambled egg and mango compote Php 250 |
And because we brought along a child, we also ordered their spaghetti (Php 290), not too shabby as well.
But one of the must-orders is the Southern Chicken Tenders Php 390 (did you see the size of this thing?) And the breading is as thick as the chicken fingers making them look like bloated tempura fritters. This also come with fried potato wedges. Good to share.
My overall rating - satisfactory although the menu only has limited entrees.
The day after, we ate at MAPLE.
I've seen this place packed each time I'm at San Antonio. But last Sunday we were able to get a table with friends. Their menu is a hodge podge of Southern and American classics. We settled for 3 items which were new on their menu.
Clam Aglio Ollo
Savory Pancakes
Fish and Chips Basket
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| Savory Pancakes |
I was floored when the orders came in, the plates were good to share. And everything we ordered were really, really good. The Savory Pancakes were probably a frustrated masterpiece of what the chefs at Pancake House (They also own Maple) wanted to do all along. With whipped butter and country ham in-between stacks of pancakes, this is what lipsmacking pancakes should be. Add crunchy bacon and every bite was like pancake pearly gates. Must try and share (Php 390)
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| Clam Aglio Ollo |
The Clam Aglio Olio (php 410) came with generous portions of clams with shaved parmesan cheese in the shell, toss in salmon, canadian bacon (?) in spaghetti with a slightly garlicky and hot sauce that's almost soup like, this is like having the best worlds.
Fish and chips came in generous portions as well, and extra lemon is required.
At first I thought Maple was expensive but you get what you pay for. Plus they don't scrimp on the ingredients. And the dining experience is great, nice service.Great view of Sanctuario de San Antonio Church as well. I will be back.
Spoon Rating
Maple
5 out of 5
Delicious versions of well-loved recipes
Slappy Cakes
3 out of 5
Novelty of doing your own pancakes, a plus for kids.
