While magazine editor Kissa and her husband only recently moved into San Juan, she finds the city perfect for her very many interests. ” I love to eat and shop so I’m pretty happy to be in San Juan,” she exclaims.
BEST THING ABOUT YOUR LOCALE: I love San Juan’s proximity to everything especially in a city as spread out as Manila. If you look at a map of Manila, San Juan City is right at the center so it’s equally close to Makati, Manila, Quezon City, and Pasig. I love that there are also many ways to get in and out of San Juan. Even though it’s at the center of chaotic Manila, where we live feels very residential and safe. It’s easy to take your bike out and walk (my husband and I cycle around Xavier/ICA area and the back streets) and explore areas like Little Baguio. There are lots of nice neighborhood décor stores such as Jo Liza, Shelter, and apparently there’s a new one called xBesitzer opening shop soon. Of course, there’s also the bargain capital Greenhills (which I don’t frequent as much). And while San Juan is the smallest city in Metro Manila, it has made its mark as a food destination. The variety of food is amazing, and it’s also quite reasonable compared to Makati and Fort Bonifacio.
BRUNCH: I guess one thing that’s missing in San Juan is a lovely brunch spot. Most of the time, I drive to Podium to eat at Wildflour (G/F Podium Mall, Pasig. Tel. No. +63 2 5718588), haha. About PHP300-600. But with Robinson’s Magnolia just around the corner (though technically not part of San Juan), there are more choices like everyone’s favorite Cibo, the Clubhouse, etc. Also, along Broadway, next to Craft Coffee Revolution is La Creperie. A lovely spot for brunch, I’d imagine.
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LUNCH: For a leisurely and somewhat healthy lunch, I suggest two places: Greeka Kouzina (285 Pedro Guevarra St. San Juan. Tel. No. +63 2 6245974) serves large portions of delicious Greek food—you have to come with friends in tow so you can sample a variety. The lamb dishes and salads are great! Prepare about PHP1,000 for a filling starter and a main. Angel’s Kitchen (57 Connecticut St. North East Greenhills San Juan. Tel. No. +63 2 7441018), on the other hand, offers familiar flavors with a twist, quite delicious! About PHP350-500 for one dish.
DINNER: If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful meal, there are tons of options all offering some version of comfort food. If it’s raining, I always end up at Mien San (36 Granada Street, Villa Ortigas II, New Manila. Tel. No. +63 2 7215794) and almost always order the Spicy Beef with Tendon Noodle, Spicy Wanton, and the Fried Shrimp and Raddish Dumplings. Prepare about PHP600 for a main plus a small dish.
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If I’m craving Mexican, I go to B&T Mexican Kitchen (G/F Sekai Buildling, Ortigas Avenue, San Juan. Tel. No. +63 2 4777488) and get the Guaca de Frito with carnitas and barbacoa and a bottle of Blue Moon. It’s sinful but delicious! Prepare about PHP600 for a main plus a small dish. For something more upscale but still quite reasonable, Lugang Cafe (116 Conneticut Street, San Juan. Tel. No. +63 2 5240196) is always reliable. I have a list of favorites: the Xiao Long Bao, the soft tofu and mushroom in Abalone sauce, steamed lapu-lapu, and one of their iced creations for dessert. Here, prepare about PHP900 for a starter and a hefty main.
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Brasserie Cicou (57 Annapolis St., San Juan. Tel. No. +63 917 8858841) is also a great addition as it’s not the typical family restaurant that populates the San Juan area but is still family-friendly. They have dishes for sharing like the Duck Three ways, Le Boeuf Bourguignon, etc. It’s indulgent—it’s the place for a foie fix and a calorie-laden but no regrets dessert of Kouign Amann. Perpare about PHP800 fir a main plus a small dish.
COFFEE: The purported third wave of coffee has its roots close to San Juan in the form of Craft Coffee Revolution (66 Broadway Ave. corner E. Rodriguez. Tel. No. +63 2 5703436). I like the intimate yet casual space and of course, the coffee. I usually get the Flat White or Cortado. Again, technically it’s in Quezon City but it’s literally 5 minutes down the road from me. Prepare about PHP150 for a cup of coffee.
DRINKS: A popular spot right now is Calderon Cocina Tapas y Bebidas (403 F. Calderon St., Little Baguio, San Juan. Tel. No. +63 2 2382264), which is housed in an old apartment. Having tasty tapas and a glass of wine is always a great way to end the day! Prepare about PHP500 for tapas and a drink.
