Crystal Jade Dining in at the Fort ****

We were almost letdown when we attempted to get a last-minute reservation at Crystal Jade on Father's Day and we were turned down on the phone. Fortunately we tried to risked it and tried to walk (sneak) in and got a table by 6pm. We were with two hungry kids who wanted a mean bowl of corn soup. Thinking this was like the branch in Greenhills, we were also almost disappointed when we didn't see their famous xiaolong pao or the soup dumplings that the kids wanted on the menu. But here's a tip: inform the server in advance and they will check the kitchen if it's available.

Seeing the menu and interiors, We felt a bit underdressed in shorts and sneakers after an hour at nearby Active Fun. Far from the casual vibe of Greenhills, This Crystal Jade was a fine dining Cantonese place . But with two hungry kids, we chose the simplest stuff on the menu. 

We had of course, the corn soup, two orders of Xiaolungpao, the unbeatable sweet and sour pork, some fried rice and ordered their braised chicken and egggplant with salted fish on pot(that was for us)

Interiors were elegant, service was great, the kids were happy, check out our orders. 

Ratings:

Interiors: elegant and spacious

Food: delicious and spot on. The fried rice is hearty and they don't scrimp on ingredients like shrimp. Xiaolungpao is as good as the ones served in SG. The corn soup and sweet abd sour pork is kid-friendly and forgettable, but it does wonders on picky appetites. The revelation is the Braised Chicken and Eggplant, you'll want to enjoy this with a bowl of white rice.

Pricing: a bit premium, basic dishes loke sweet and sour pork and fried rice go for 400 up, a bowl of soup is 180 per bowl  expect 500 up per head

Total experience: very pleasant and waiters were very attentive, great service

I'd return again for other stuff on the menu. 

Crystal Jade Dining In

30th St cor 7th Ave BGC

Landline 8085233 5198191

Seafood in a bucket *

Speaking if weird ways to serve food, we tried the Seafood in a Bucket at BF Homes. We were curious on how the food was served like the Seafood Shacks in Sanfo. Sadly it wasn't what we expected. 

At Seafood in A Bucket, you literally order

A bunch of seafood (250 g of prawns, clams and crabs, potatoes, and carrots) that they serve in a garbage bin-looking bucket. Just choose your sauce - seafood in a bucket, gatlic butter, etc. for 625. The price is not bad and comes with a plate of rice which you can upgrade to garlic rice by adding 35. 

The food arrived fast and they were generous with the seafood, the garlic butter sauce was a bit weak as the flavors didn't seep through the mussels.

Their juices (89) came in really big jars good enough for 3. Big but lacking in flavor. 

We also ordered their grilled liempo or pork belly. This was highly recommended by their server but came in really thick cuts tough enough to eat. A big fail. 

We were pondering if we're going for a second time since the place looked promising despite looking like a beer joint. Most likely we won't.

Seafood in a bucket

El grande

Bf homes paranaque

About 300 per head

Sbarro's promo: a whole Cheese Pizza for 289

Not ready to be outdone by bigger chains, Italian fastfood chain Sbarro has launched its low priced pizza promo- one whole latge cheese pizza for P 289. No conditions. No cards. And all in. The pizza is large enough for 6 to share. Valid for dine in and take away but there's a 15 - 25 minute wait time. The y're also selling it by the slice for  Php 49.Order now!

Update: Their promo is now over, but a whole cheese pizza now cost Php 350,
while a slice costs 55.
Update:  the 289* is back