Conti's Bakeshop and Restaurant

The first time I dined in Conti's was almost 6 years ago, when it is not as popular as it is now.  It was in their Serendra branch and I remember not having a hard time getting a seat, still full but not as over crowded as it can get nowadays.  At present, they encourage customers to book a reservation first before going because I heard that you'll have to wait for hours if you're a walk-in customer.

The Conti's that I used to know has a simple interior.  I remember it to be busy with servers walking to and from the kitchen.  Nothing special, just a normal dining place.  The food is something that I don't remember anymore :)

Anyway, I had the chance to dine in Conti's again with my usual companion, my mom and brother.  This time it is in their Katipunan branch.

THE AMBIANCE

I was impressed with their interior.   It isn't the simple Conti's that I used to know.  The interior looks elegant and cozy at the same time.  You wouldn't think that this branch can be as big as it is looking from the outside.   I liked that they were able to maximize their space by having 2 floors for dining guests: one on the basement (?) area and one on the mezzanine (?) area.  I'm sorry I'm not really familiar with the terms.

The photo above is what you'll see on your right once you enter their door.  Those are their baked cookies and other delicious stuff.  The area facing it are comfortable seating area where to go customers can stay while waiting. Behind it is their cashier.  When you pass by the 'cookie station' and turn to your right, you'll see a number of glass door refrigerators. If I'm not mistaken, they have 4 of it.

Mango Bravo overload, yum!

The photo above is what their glass door refs look like--filled with visually appetizing cakes. Of course each have different flavored cakes in them.  Imagine that?! Heaven, right?

THE FOOD

Chicken Ala Kiev (P285.00)

Mom ordered Chicken Ala Kiev.  I'm sorry I'm really bad at taking photos :) It came with garlic rice and mixed veggies.  According to mom, she like how creamy its sauce is.  The chicken is soft that she didn't need to use a knife.

Grilled Pork Chop (P315.00)

Brother ordered their grilled pork chop.  It consists of two pieces of pork chops grilled to perfection. It came with mixed vegetables and java rice. Brother liked it a lot that he had to order another serving of rice to go with it.

American Grilled Spareribs (P295.00)

I, on the other hand, ordered their American Grilled Spareribs.  Like the usual, it came with rice and  a huge serving of mixed veggies.  I like that their mixed veggies are cooked very well.  It didn't seem like it was cooked straight from the fridge. In short, it tasted fresh.  Just the same, what I have for the American Grilled Spareribs are all compliments. Aside from its big serving, it didn't tasted like just any other grilled spareribs that I tried. Yes, the sweet-sour taste is present but it still has a taste of something aside from it. And also, it is so soft that I didn't feel the need to use a knife like mom.

Uhmmm you might be wondering why we don't have any slice of cake after our meal.  We actually had a cake, but we're unsure if a slice for each will satisfy us.  That's why we ordered for a whole serving of Mango Bravo to go and ate it all at home :) No more pictures, I always tend to forget when I get excited about food :)

THE VERDICT

Everything were delicious! None did disappoint.  We're actually going back two weeks from now with a bigger group :)

Conti's Pastry Shop and Restaurant

224 Katipunan Ave. Extn.,

Brgy. Blue Ridge,

Quezon City

Tel. No.: (+632) 682.0812 / (+632) 646.3306

TOSH: The Old Spaghetti House, Market! Market!

After visiting a relative nearby, we decided to buy our Christmas present for mommy in Market! Market! and at the same time have lunch at TOSH.  It was indeed a very good decision because the establishment isn't packed with people even on a lunch time.

The uncrowded establishment made it feel more relaxing for us.  It gave us a nice break from all the hustle and bustle inside the mall because everyone is busy doing their last minute shopping for Christmas. The staff is attentive enough for us not to feel taken for granted and at the same time not to feel any pressure to order at once.

Now, who wouldn't be relaxed in this uncrowded establishment?

I find menus that indicate some sort of guide interesting.  It somehow help their customers in choosing what to order, most especially if it is their first time.

you can see one of these symbols beside each dish on their menu

For some reason, I love reading menus.  And personally I think it will be great if a menu provides a brief description of each dish.  Well maybe it's because I find it appetizing to imagine how a particular dish tastes like just by reading the procedure on how it is cooked or what it is composed of. lol! Sadly TOSH doesn't have it.  BUT, we didn't had a hard time ordering since the names of their dishes are already a giveaway.

Anyhow, here's what we ordered:

Seafood Marinara (P215.00)

Their seafood marinara tastes great.  The pasta is as usual cooked al dente.  The shrimps are cooked well too, and so as the other seafoods.  I like bell peppers that's why I loved this dish.

Chicken Tequila Pizza (P270.00)

We're not fond of thin crust pizzas but we surprisingly loved this.  Well maybe because of the overload of cheeses that it has. And again, the bell pepper, lol!

Grilled Chicken Jambalaya (P215.00)

Their Grilled Chicken Jambalaya tastes okay.  But considering that it is their bestseller, I find its taste just so-so. Well not to mention the dish's presentation that seemed to lack something.

Blackened Fish Fillet with Mango-Pineapple Salsa and Cilantro Rice (P165.00)

Now this is the presentation that I'm talking about. The taste of every little thing in this dish measured up to its  nice presentation.  The contrast of the salsa's taste with the blackened fish fillet and cilantro rice is perfect. 

American Baked Spareribs (P230.00)

And the last but definitely not the least, their American Baked Spareribs.  Among everything that we ordered, this is the dish that never fails to be on our table whenever we dine in TOSH. Aside from the superb taste, its meat is always in its melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

THE VERDICT

I'm happy that we were able to dine in TOSH again after months now.  All I can say is their American Baked Spareribs is already a good enough reason for us to always come back in the future :)

The Old Spaghetti House

Market! Market!, Mc Kinley Parkway,

Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City

Tel. No. (02) 756.0411