1. Jack's Loft. Lots of room inside. However, it feels a bit grimy in there but who cares? Its dark and good music is playing. Lots of comfortable chairs and quite a few private dining areas or semi private areas for larger groups.
2. Eastwood Mall by the fountains. Okay the fountains are chessy especially when you've visited places like the Bellagio in Las Vegas. I suppose its better than nothing but I can't help the feeling that more could have been done with that area considering how much they probably spent on it. But still a nice place to relax.
3. The Couches inside Eastwood Mall on several of the levels. If you want cheap (free) and air conditioned environment to relax this is the best place.
4. Starbucks on 4th Floor Eastwood Mall, and Coffee Bean Eastwood Mall. Both have a lot of room to relax and sip and read or text or chat or whatever.
5. Ebisu. If you don't mind the occassional roach this place is usually deserted. Good mellow music playing and soft environment. Grab a beer and who knows you may get lucky with a friendly household pest.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Best Filipino Food In Eastwood
You've got me here. There are a lot of places in Eastwood City that feature Pinoy or Pinoy fusion dishes. However, I'm not a big fan of most of Pinoy dishes. So please feel free to make your own list.
Best Exotic Food In Eastwood City
I guess it depends on what you call exotic. I guess I would call it the restaurants that are not Pinoy, Italian, Japanese or somehow mainstream...
Excellent
1. Cyma
Good
1. Pho Hoa- Vietnamese Food.
Bad
1. My Thai
Excellent
1. Cyma
Good
1. Pho Hoa- Vietnamese Food.
Bad
1. My Thai
Best Fast Food In Eastwood City
Its all a matter of personal taste. But I guess I'll put my personal tastes down and let you all sort it out.
Very Good
1. Chow King.
Average
1. Mc Donalds
2. KFC
Below Average
1. Pizza Hut
2. Yellow Cab
3. Jollibee
Just Plain Bad....
1. Tokyo Tokyo
2.
Very Good
1. Chow King.
Average
1. Mc Donalds
2. KFC
Below Average
1. Pizza Hut
2. Yellow Cab
3. Jollibee
Just Plain Bad....
1. Tokyo Tokyo
2.
Best Coffee In Eastwood City
One thing is for sure...it EASY to find an overpriced cup of coffee in Eastwood City. I'm not sure how Eastwood can support so many coffee joints. There's got to be a breaking point somewhere.
Superior....
1. UCC Park Cafe. Best coffee I've had anywhere in the Philippines.
Just Average
1. Starbucks (2 locations in Eastwood)
2. Coffee Bean (2 locations in Eastwood)
3. Seattles Best
4. Gloria Jean (2 locations in Eastwood)
5.
Not so good....
1. Mc Cafe
Undecided...
1. Dome- opening soon.
Superior....
1. UCC Park Cafe. Best coffee I've had anywhere in the Philippines.
Just Average
1. Starbucks (2 locations in Eastwood)
2. Coffee Bean (2 locations in Eastwood)
3. Seattles Best
4. Gloria Jean (2 locations in Eastwood)
5.
Not so good....
1. Mc Cafe
Undecided...
1. Dome- opening soon.
Best Dessert In Eastwood City
Recommended....
1. Red Mango
2. UCC Park Cafe
Not So Good....
1. Jack's Loft.
2. Starbucks
3. Coffee Bean
4. Gloria Jean.
1. Red Mango
2. UCC Park Cafe
Not So Good....
1. Jack's Loft.
2. Starbucks
3. Coffee Bean
4. Gloria Jean.
Best Restaurant in Eastwood City
This is a tough one. We'll have to go with the top 5. Will fill in more detail later.
1. Wagyu Grill (Steak)
2. Italianis (Italian)
3. Red Mango (for dessert)
4. Cyma (Greek fusion)
5. Mr. Kurosawa (Japanese fusion)
1. Wagyu Grill (Steak)
2. Italianis (Italian)
3. Red Mango (for dessert)
4. Cyma (Greek fusion)
5. Mr. Kurosawa (Japanese fusion)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Best Breakfast In Eastwood City
There are many many places to have breakfast in
Best coffee I’ve had ANYWHERE in the
If you need service a button you can push at the table- never seen that anywhere here and very nice. Most restaurants here once they serve you the food you are on your own and often you need something just after food is served and no one there to help you. With the button the problem is solved.
Desserts looked great but did not try. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
- Heaven n Eggs. They have a huge selection for breakfast available and many off the wall. Manila Spare Ribs are quite good but always bother my stomach later. Many kinds of omletes available. Japanese Stir Fry also good. BEST pancakes I’ve had in the
However, Heaven n Eggs really falls down on service. Probably the worst service I’ve ever gotten anywhere in the
- Pancake House. You would think they would have the best pancakes but they are mediocre. The portions are small but still expensive. The hash brown is a tiny brick that’s been deep fried same as Mc Donalds. Soaked with grease. One good thing though. They do have the best sausage I've tasted anywhere here in the Philippines, but they are only about 1.4 inches long. Sigh. 1.5 out of 5 stars.
- Mc Donalds. They do offer breakfast. Same as
- Sugarhouse. Price was expensive especially considering how much food you actually got. Quality was good and good ambiance. I would pick them over Pancake House any day but still just average. 2.5 out of 5 stars.
6. Old Vine Grille. Nothing special here. The usual breakfast. Not bad, not great. Nice ambiance as it is a new high end restaruant in Eastwood. However prices on par with other restaurants for breakfast in the 200 peso range. 3 out of 5 stars.
There are so many more places to go that I have not yet tried.
Best Hamburger in Eastwood City
Best Hamburgers in
There’s lots of choice here so I’ll write just a little about each. Quality of beef is usually one of the key points for burgers in the
- Stackers. Recently opened 24/7 Australian chain. Sit down restaurant specializing mostly in burgers with some chicken sandwich. Easily the best burger in
- Mc Donald’s. Same as
- Jollibee. Most Filipinos prefer Jollibee over McDonalds. For me Jollibee must have soybean added to the meat. Overall quality is just not there. Also, everything seems to have extra sugar added to it. My kids like it though. 1 out of 5 stars.
Many other places offer burgers in Eastwood but I tend to avoid ordering that. In general burgers here have low quality meat and not enough meat. Also topping are often not fresh and buns not fresh either.
While I’m at rating burger I thought I’d review a couple places outside of Eastwood. TGIF, an American Chain, makes a really bad burger and charges you American prices for it. Don’t go! 2 out of 5 stars.
Wendy’s has several outlets in
Burger King is not quite the same here. Tried it several times and something are off compared to the
I’ve heard that Brothers Burgers is quite good but never made it to one yet. It’s a local chain here in the
Monday, August 24, 2009
Best Japanese Food In Eastwood City
If you’re in the mood for Japanese there are a few good selections in Eastwood City. I’m always concerned about freshness of sushi and have only tried it from Mr. Kurosawa. I hate to say it’s hard to find good Japanese food in Eastwood City. Here are my reviews.
1. Mr. Kurosawa. Okay, it probably the most expensive Japanese food in Eastwood, but not by much and pretty cheap compared to what you would pay in other countries for the same ambiance and food quality. Sushi is exotic and interesting. Though one time I had it there it did not seem so fresh. An exotic array of dishes available as well as the old time favorites. Service is very good. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
2. Teriyaki Boy. The food itself is pretty good. Katsu-don, all styles Ramen very good. Sushi is so-so. This is a mid range Japanese restaurant. However, I’ve been there about 5 times and 2 of those time sighted roaches. Pointed it out to the manager who explained that there is a big Eastwood dumpster in back of the restaurant and they don’t do enough to kill the related roach problem. Stupid answer if you ask me. They should fix the problem. Kills their rating too. 1.5 out of 5 stars.
3. Tokyo Tokyo. Japanese Fast Food. Cheap prices. Small portions. Food quality is so so to bad. Been there about 5 times and the only fairly good thing and their beef or chicken bento boxes but even those are so so. Wish they had Yoshinoya in Eastwood. Much better value and food taste compared to Tokyo Tokyo. 1.5 out of 5 stars.
4. Ebisu. Sit down supposedly high end restaurant. Nice wooden doors as you enter then it goes downhill from there. Saw roaches in 3 different locations in the restaurant. It all made sense when I walked by the really nasty kitchen. This place is good for a beer and that’s about it. Food itself was pretty bad too, and expensive. Service also bad. This place will be gone soon. 0 out of 5 stars.
Others… Haven’t tried Thousand Cranes yet, a shabu shabu restaurant. Looked at the menu a couple times and just go back down to Mr. Kurosawa. Suppose I should give it a try though.
1. Mr. Kurosawa. Okay, it probably the most expensive Japanese food in Eastwood, but not by much and pretty cheap compared to what you would pay in other countries for the same ambiance and food quality. Sushi is exotic and interesting. Though one time I had it there it did not seem so fresh. An exotic array of dishes available as well as the old time favorites. Service is very good. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
2. Teriyaki Boy. The food itself is pretty good. Katsu-don, all styles Ramen very good. Sushi is so-so. This is a mid range Japanese restaurant. However, I’ve been there about 5 times and 2 of those time sighted roaches. Pointed it out to the manager who explained that there is a big Eastwood dumpster in back of the restaurant and they don’t do enough to kill the related roach problem. Stupid answer if you ask me. They should fix the problem. Kills their rating too. 1.5 out of 5 stars.
3. Tokyo Tokyo. Japanese Fast Food. Cheap prices. Small portions. Food quality is so so to bad. Been there about 5 times and the only fairly good thing and their beef or chicken bento boxes but even those are so so. Wish they had Yoshinoya in Eastwood. Much better value and food taste compared to Tokyo Tokyo. 1.5 out of 5 stars.
4. Ebisu. Sit down supposedly high end restaurant. Nice wooden doors as you enter then it goes downhill from there. Saw roaches in 3 different locations in the restaurant. It all made sense when I walked by the really nasty kitchen. This place is good for a beer and that’s about it. Food itself was pretty bad too, and expensive. Service also bad. This place will be gone soon. 0 out of 5 stars.
Others… Haven’t tried Thousand Cranes yet, a shabu shabu restaurant. Looked at the menu a couple times and just go back down to Mr. Kurosawa. Suppose I should give it a try though.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Eastwood City versus The Fort, Global City (Fort Bonifacio)
Eastwood City or Eastwood
I live in Eastwood City so my opinion may be biased. I've also spend a lot of time at The Fort.
The main advantage of Eastwood City is that everything is so close. You can walk anywhere is Eastwood City and it is within 5 minutes walk. And if you don't want to walk they have a shuttle service for 11 hours on most days that will take you around which is nice when its raining and you forgot your umbrella.
Now with the new upscale Eastwood Mall open there are many brand name shops available. Along with the great shopping are at least 20 unique restaurants. Many of these restaurants can be found in other high end areas in Manila however.
City Walk I and II offers even more restaurants usually slightly lower in price. Cybermall offers the least expensive food on the 3rd floor.
Eastwood also offers a medical clinic, dental services, many salons and massage areas, laundry service, water service. Almost everything you would need EXCEPT a grocery store. However, a new grocery store will soon open (we heard its a Rustans) within the next year. For the most part you would never have to leave Eastwood if you don't want to. The nearest hospital, Medical City is about a ten minute drive away with no traffic, but if you need to go the wrong time of day it can take thirty minutes. Lots of good international schools nearby and certainly one to meet your needs.
There is a Shop Wise Grocery within 10 minute walk of Eastwood. However, I can not recommend walking at night and even during the day its can be dicey for someone who looks obviously like an expat and is nervous about walking about in a third world country. For me, I'm okay but still keep my eyes open. Plus there is always security working and watching in front of the retail establishments you'll be walking in front of on the way to Shop Wise.
Taking a cab is about a 15 minute drive. Why longer? Because of the crazy U-turn system for traffic here you can't actually make a left hand turn on C-5 toward Eastwood or getting into Shop Wise either. Instead you must make 2 U-Turns that more thats more than double the walking distance. If you hit traffic just getting there can take 30 minutes by car. The return trip is cake- only about 5-10 minutes.
Safety feels better at Eastwood. There is security everywhere. Really. I've only been approached once by a group of boys begging for money and that after living here for 10 months. However, safety is not bad in The Fort, its just so open that it somehow feels less secure. But you do see joggers, including female joggers, at all hours of the night getting their workouts in so I guess the residents must feel very safe there also.
There are quite a number of places where there are safety hazards in Eastwood. Electrical wires are often just draped across common traffic areas. Underground access areas sometimes have cracked pavement or worse there's an open hole in a sidewalk area with no warning that did not get fixed for months. In many areas sidewalks go from a few meters wide to one meter wide for no apparent reason. This gives Eastwood a cramped city feeling to me. Many surfaces are slick when wet. Drainage in some areas was not properly designed. Many sidewalk are at up to a 30% angle, and if front of The Excelsior it is not only angled but also painted making it a huge safety hazard. All these things add up to some bad design decisions made somewhere along the line. I suspect it was done to save some costs somewhere but it really does affect the overall feel of the city. Compare this to The Fort which does NOT have any of these design flaws. Its almost as if the designer of The Fort saw the mistakes that Eastwood City made and decided not to repeat them.
A park was supposed to be where the Dell building currently is located. The park was promised to all residents of Eastwood City and was an important selling point when they were considering to purchase here. Megaworld decided to later build a huge building there instead. I've heard from more than one resident that they would be interested in signing on to a class action lawsuit against Megaworld this significant change from what had been promised. As a result, Eastwood is mostly a concrete jungle. It does have some greenery but just a few trees and bushes here and there. Also, most condo units do have a private area where you can go for swimming and an outdoor experience so it is not all bad.
Given all that there are a lot of grounds people who do their best to keep things clean, and in general Eastwood is spotless. But still I've been walking there are see doggie doo sitting in the same place for days without being cleaned up. Dogs are allowed almost everywhere inside Eastwood including most stores. However, left over dog poop is quite rare.
If you live here you are forced to use Destiny cable and internet. The signal is so bad for cable the image is actually fuzzy. Only one DSL option is available which is adequate, but often goes down. And when calling Destiny Cable they say they are sending someone and then don't. Basically their customer service is terrible. Like unbelievably terrible- never seen anything like it anywhere in the world. But its your only choice. I wonder why Eastwood City would allow this us to have only one choice?
An unfurnished studio apt about 36 sqm (or 380 square feet) goes for about 12-15k Pesos in Eastwood. In The Fort the same goes for 20-25k Pesos. Both are extemely cheap compared to USA prices, but over a year period can add up to some significant savings by going with Eastwood. Of course larger units are available and both have similar pricing differences.
So there are pros and cons to Eastwood City. See the bottom for our conclusions. Now for The Fort....
Global City, The Fort or Fort Bonifacio.
Most of Manila's expats live in and around Makati and The Fort (part of Makati technically). Walking around you see a lot more expats in The Fort. High Street shopping area is really the nicest shopping experience around. Its wide open and spacious with many fountains and lots of green grass. This is in contrast to Eastwood which often has too narrow sidewalks for the number of people walking around.
Upon visiting the High Street area you would never know you are in Metro Manila. It feels more like you're in some posh high end suburban outdoor mall common around Los Angeles in cities like Brea, Westlake Village, Chino Hills etc..
Then going into Market Market (or if you're texting Market2) you'll get an indoor mall experience. This is the lower end shopping experience but still lots of nice shops and usually very crowded. There is also a movie theater along with all the usual mall stores. There is a large small store area including many fresh veggies and fruits which you will not find at Eastwood. There is also a large grocery store.
If you live in Global City you definitely need to have a car. You could live comfortably in Eastwood without a car except if you need to go to the grocery.
You also have scale differences. The Fort has what I guess to be the biggest bookstore in the Philippines, Fully Booked. It is 4 floors and very similar to a Borders or Barnes and Nobles Superstore in the USA, but BIGGER! This is not saying their selection of books are better however. For example I've found their business and computer sections lacking compared to even small USA book superstores. In Eastwood there is also a Fully Booked but 10% the size of the one if The Fort. Still a nice selection, but nothing compared to The Fort location.
The Fort still has a long way to go in its development. There are huge areas of land just waiting for new development there. With the recent world economic crisis it seems that plans for many of the high end developments have been put on hold. But still there is much yet to be done in The Fort and probably a lot that I am simply not aware of.
But never living in The Fort I guess there are many things that I am missing. I'm hoping that someone living there can fill in some of the blanks and offer more perspective on life there.
And the WINNER is......
That's a tough one. Really. It depends on what you want. Both have a lot to offer, and both have downfalls.
Eastwood feels much more like a community than Global City. Its tight and compact and convenient with some flaws. But still overall a very nice and comfortable place to live. Eastwood is kind of isolated though. Once outside the safe walls of Eastwood you're faced with the heavy traffic on C-5 during the busy times of day a good one hour drive to get to the Fort, and even longer to get to central Makati. That's all for about a 5 mile drive! And if its raining forget it- traffic grinds to a halt.
Global City is better for the expat who wants to be close to the heart of Manila. Its closer to the airport. Its very close to "old" Makati and the huge array of businesses catering to expats and the rich there. But my perspective is really biased. I have not lived there so there really is so much I don't know about Global City. Residents of Global City please respond!
Personally I like being able to walk to everywhere I want to go. Parking is often a big hassle in the Philippines (not enough and double parking) and even in The Fort you have to pay for your parking anywhere you go. Living in Eastwood kind of reminds me of a cross between living in Manhattan and Tokyo. Many of the stores are similar or the same as you'd find in upscale Manhattan and good local stores too. Its similar to Tokyo in that it is very clean overall and very safe (Manhattan is neither). Its funny that most of my friends in the states first question is "Is it safe?". My answer is that you are more safe in Eastwood City than anywhere in Los Angeles. This along with the cost savings (I have a bigger unit here so my cost savings over The Fort are about 40,000 Pesos per month for a comparable unit) I have to take Eastwood City.
But if you want more of a "western" lifestyle I would recommend The Fort. Most Americans at least are addicted to their cars so wont' mind driving everywhere in The Fort. Also, its closer to all the Western amenities that you are used too. Both are great places to live for expats from anywhere. Most people really would be shocked at how great it is to live in the Philippines and in my opinion actually have a better standard of living and a fraction of the cost of a similar living situation in most other countries around the world.
I live in Eastwood City so my opinion may be biased. I've also spend a lot of time at The Fort.
The main advantage of Eastwood City is that everything is so close. You can walk anywhere is Eastwood City and it is within 5 minutes walk. And if you don't want to walk they have a shuttle service for 11 hours on most days that will take you around which is nice when its raining and you forgot your umbrella.
Now with the new upscale Eastwood Mall open there are many brand name shops available. Along with the great shopping are at least 20 unique restaurants. Many of these restaurants can be found in other high end areas in Manila however.
City Walk I and II offers even more restaurants usually slightly lower in price. Cybermall offers the least expensive food on the 3rd floor.
Eastwood also offers a medical clinic, dental services, many salons and massage areas, laundry service, water service. Almost everything you would need EXCEPT a grocery store. However, a new grocery store will soon open (we heard its a Rustans) within the next year. For the most part you would never have to leave Eastwood if you don't want to. The nearest hospital, Medical City is about a ten minute drive away with no traffic, but if you need to go the wrong time of day it can take thirty minutes. Lots of good international schools nearby and certainly one to meet your needs.
There is a Shop Wise Grocery within 10 minute walk of Eastwood. However, I can not recommend walking at night and even during the day its can be dicey for someone who looks obviously like an expat and is nervous about walking about in a third world country. For me, I'm okay but still keep my eyes open. Plus there is always security working and watching in front of the retail establishments you'll be walking in front of on the way to Shop Wise.
Taking a cab is about a 15 minute drive. Why longer? Because of the crazy U-turn system for traffic here you can't actually make a left hand turn on C-5 toward Eastwood or getting into Shop Wise either. Instead you must make 2 U-Turns that more thats more than double the walking distance. If you hit traffic just getting there can take 30 minutes by car. The return trip is cake- only about 5-10 minutes.
Safety feels better at Eastwood. There is security everywhere. Really. I've only been approached once by a group of boys begging for money and that after living here for 10 months. However, safety is not bad in The Fort, its just so open that it somehow feels less secure. But you do see joggers, including female joggers, at all hours of the night getting their workouts in so I guess the residents must feel very safe there also.
There are quite a number of places where there are safety hazards in Eastwood. Electrical wires are often just draped across common traffic areas. Underground access areas sometimes have cracked pavement or worse there's an open hole in a sidewalk area with no warning that did not get fixed for months. In many areas sidewalks go from a few meters wide to one meter wide for no apparent reason. This gives Eastwood a cramped city feeling to me. Many surfaces are slick when wet. Drainage in some areas was not properly designed. Many sidewalk are at up to a 30% angle, and if front of The Excelsior it is not only angled but also painted making it a huge safety hazard. All these things add up to some bad design decisions made somewhere along the line. I suspect it was done to save some costs somewhere but it really does affect the overall feel of the city. Compare this to The Fort which does NOT have any of these design flaws. Its almost as if the designer of The Fort saw the mistakes that Eastwood City made and decided not to repeat them.
A park was supposed to be where the Dell building currently is located. The park was promised to all residents of Eastwood City and was an important selling point when they were considering to purchase here. Megaworld decided to later build a huge building there instead. I've heard from more than one resident that they would be interested in signing on to a class action lawsuit against Megaworld this significant change from what had been promised. As a result, Eastwood is mostly a concrete jungle. It does have some greenery but just a few trees and bushes here and there. Also, most condo units do have a private area where you can go for swimming and an outdoor experience so it is not all bad.
Given all that there are a lot of grounds people who do their best to keep things clean, and in general Eastwood is spotless. But still I've been walking there are see doggie doo sitting in the same place for days without being cleaned up. Dogs are allowed almost everywhere inside Eastwood including most stores. However, left over dog poop is quite rare.
If you live here you are forced to use Destiny cable and internet. The signal is so bad for cable the image is actually fuzzy. Only one DSL option is available which is adequate, but often goes down. And when calling Destiny Cable they say they are sending someone and then don't. Basically their customer service is terrible. Like unbelievably terrible- never seen anything like it anywhere in the world. But its your only choice. I wonder why Eastwood City would allow this us to have only one choice?
An unfurnished studio apt about 36 sqm (or 380 square feet) goes for about 12-15k Pesos in Eastwood. In The Fort the same goes for 20-25k Pesos. Both are extemely cheap compared to USA prices, but over a year period can add up to some significant savings by going with Eastwood. Of course larger units are available and both have similar pricing differences.
So there are pros and cons to Eastwood City. See the bottom for our conclusions. Now for The Fort....
Global City, The Fort or Fort Bonifacio.
Most of Manila's expats live in and around Makati and The Fort (part of Makati technically). Walking around you see a lot more expats in The Fort. High Street shopping area is really the nicest shopping experience around. Its wide open and spacious with many fountains and lots of green grass. This is in contrast to Eastwood which often has too narrow sidewalks for the number of people walking around.
Upon visiting the High Street area you would never know you are in Metro Manila. It feels more like you're in some posh high end suburban outdoor mall common around Los Angeles in cities like Brea, Westlake Village, Chino Hills etc..
Then going into Market Market (or if you're texting Market2) you'll get an indoor mall experience. This is the lower end shopping experience but still lots of nice shops and usually very crowded. There is also a movie theater along with all the usual mall stores. There is a large small store area including many fresh veggies and fruits which you will not find at Eastwood. There is also a large grocery store.
If you live in Global City you definitely need to have a car. You could live comfortably in Eastwood without a car except if you need to go to the grocery.
You also have scale differences. The Fort has what I guess to be the biggest bookstore in the Philippines, Fully Booked. It is 4 floors and very similar to a Borders or Barnes and Nobles Superstore in the USA, but BIGGER! This is not saying their selection of books are better however. For example I've found their business and computer sections lacking compared to even small USA book superstores. In Eastwood there is also a Fully Booked but 10% the size of the one if The Fort. Still a nice selection, but nothing compared to The Fort location.
The Fort still has a long way to go in its development. There are huge areas of land just waiting for new development there. With the recent world economic crisis it seems that plans for many of the high end developments have been put on hold. But still there is much yet to be done in The Fort and probably a lot that I am simply not aware of.
But never living in The Fort I guess there are many things that I am missing. I'm hoping that someone living there can fill in some of the blanks and offer more perspective on life there.
And the WINNER is......
That's a tough one. Really. It depends on what you want. Both have a lot to offer, and both have downfalls.
Eastwood feels much more like a community than Global City. Its tight and compact and convenient with some flaws. But still overall a very nice and comfortable place to live. Eastwood is kind of isolated though. Once outside the safe walls of Eastwood you're faced with the heavy traffic on C-5 during the busy times of day a good one hour drive to get to the Fort, and even longer to get to central Makati. That's all for about a 5 mile drive! And if its raining forget it- traffic grinds to a halt.
Global City is better for the expat who wants to be close to the heart of Manila. Its closer to the airport. Its very close to "old" Makati and the huge array of businesses catering to expats and the rich there. But my perspective is really biased. I have not lived there so there really is so much I don't know about Global City. Residents of Global City please respond!
Personally I like being able to walk to everywhere I want to go. Parking is often a big hassle in the Philippines (not enough and double parking) and even in The Fort you have to pay for your parking anywhere you go. Living in Eastwood kind of reminds me of a cross between living in Manhattan and Tokyo. Many of the stores are similar or the same as you'd find in upscale Manhattan and good local stores too. Its similar to Tokyo in that it is very clean overall and very safe (Manhattan is neither). Its funny that most of my friends in the states first question is "Is it safe?". My answer is that you are more safe in Eastwood City than anywhere in Los Angeles. This along with the cost savings (I have a bigger unit here so my cost savings over The Fort are about 40,000 Pesos per month for a comparable unit) I have to take Eastwood City.
But if you want more of a "western" lifestyle I would recommend The Fort. Most Americans at least are addicted to their cars so wont' mind driving everywhere in The Fort. Also, its closer to all the Western amenities that you are used too. Both are great places to live for expats from anywhere. Most people really would be shocked at how great it is to live in the Philippines and in my opinion actually have a better standard of living and a fraction of the cost of a similar living situation in most other countries around the world.
Best Steak in Eastwood City
Many restaurants offer steak in Metro Manila. Even the one touted as USDA beef often fall short and seem to be of poor quality, poorly prepared, or undersized.
There are a couple stars out there.
1. Wagyu Grill. Though the portions are still small for the price compared to American steak restaurants the steak itself was top notch. This may be one of the best places to have steak in Manila.
2. Pasto. Pasto has a "Manzo Steak" is excellent. The topping on this steak is what makes it superior as the meat itself is just average in quality. Great side dishes there too.
Watch out for the servers there though. One night I sent my ten year old son there to pick a pizza and the female server (in her early 20's) helping him was asking him if he had a girlfriend, his phone number, and a bunch of other questions. Woman are pretty aggressive here with expat kids I guess since this is not an uncommon experience for him whenever he is alone.
There are a couple stars out there.
1. Wagyu Grill. Though the portions are still small for the price compared to American steak restaurants the steak itself was top notch. This may be one of the best places to have steak in Manila.
2. Pasto. Pasto has a "Manzo Steak" is excellent. The topping on this steak is what makes it superior as the meat itself is just average in quality. Great side dishes there too.
Watch out for the servers there though. One night I sent my ten year old son there to pick a pizza and the female server (in her early 20's) helping him was asking him if he had a girlfriend, his phone number, and a bunch of other questions. Woman are pretty aggressive here with expat kids I guess since this is not an uncommon experience for him whenever he is alone.
Best Pizza In Eastwood City
It seems like at least half of the restaurants in Eastwood offer pizza. But where is the best pizza? We've tried many places here and honestly NONE of them compare to a good American Pizza. Sorry! However, some are not bad so here goes.
New #1. Italliannis. Easily the best Pizza in Eastwood. Great crust. fresh ingedients. Meat was top quality. Sauce flavored just right. We had the combo pizza for 441 peso and looked to be medium in size compared to other pizza places. This is the place to go in Eastwood for pizza. In fact this is comparable or better than a lot of USA pizzas. By the way they have moved to the Eastwood Mall from their old location that is now torn down. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
1. Yellow Cab Seafood Pizza. Overall we did not like any of Yellow Cabs Pizzas. The main problem is quality of ingredients is too low. For some reason though the Seafood Pizza really is a diamond in the rough. They are open 24/7. For the Seafood Pizza only... 4 out of 5 stars.
2. Pasto. Thin crust pizza with many exotic offerings. We found the quality of the ingredients far above average and most of their offering would be acceptable in American restaurants. However a bit pricey for what you get compared to Itallianis. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
3. Fazoli. Fazoli is a franchise with many locations in America featuring affordable Italian foods. Its kind of an Italian fast food joint.
They have some very unique offering like a cheeseburger pizza that they put mustard and fresh lettuce on top after baking. It's pretty good. Their cheese pizza is my kids favorite so we actually end up getting pizza there more often than I'd like. oh well. 2.5 out of 5 stars.
4. Pizza Hut. This is NOT American Pizza Hut. Quality of ingredients are much lower especially the meat toppings. bad stuff. They have a huge selection of Pizzas but we've tried going there four times now and always mediocre at best. Also soft drinks are often served without little carbonation (its flat). Other pasta offering are even worse. Sorry Pizza Hut. 1 out of 5 stars.
5. Uncle Benny's. Just open in mid August 2009. Features all kind of brick oven foods. Their brick over pizza was on the expensive side, 400-500 pesos each. Unique topping that you can choose to add yourself are a nice touch like alfalfa sprouts, lettuce greens, and a kind of tomato salsa. Kids hated the 5 cheese pizza. It was okay for me, especially after adding the toppings. Service was so so- new staff seemed to not know what to do sometimes. Seafood Pizza also just okay. Overall the price is too high for what you get. Its designer Pizza really. So if you want Pizza that does not seem much like a pizza try one. 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Many many other restaurants offer pizza in Eastwood. Love to hear comments on this.
New #1. Italliannis. Easily the best Pizza in Eastwood. Great crust. fresh ingedients. Meat was top quality. Sauce flavored just right. We had the combo pizza for 441 peso and looked to be medium in size compared to other pizza places. This is the place to go in Eastwood for pizza. In fact this is comparable or better than a lot of USA pizzas. By the way they have moved to the Eastwood Mall from their old location that is now torn down. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
1. Yellow Cab Seafood Pizza. Overall we did not like any of Yellow Cabs Pizzas. The main problem is quality of ingredients is too low. For some reason though the Seafood Pizza really is a diamond in the rough. They are open 24/7. For the Seafood Pizza only... 4 out of 5 stars.
2. Pasto. Thin crust pizza with many exotic offerings. We found the quality of the ingredients far above average and most of their offering would be acceptable in American restaurants. However a bit pricey for what you get compared to Itallianis. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
3. Fazoli. Fazoli is a franchise with many locations in America featuring affordable Italian foods. Its kind of an Italian fast food joint.
They have some very unique offering like a cheeseburger pizza that they put mustard and fresh lettuce on top after baking. It's pretty good. Their cheese pizza is my kids favorite so we actually end up getting pizza there more often than I'd like. oh well. 2.5 out of 5 stars.
4. Pizza Hut. This is NOT American Pizza Hut. Quality of ingredients are much lower especially the meat toppings. bad stuff. They have a huge selection of Pizzas but we've tried going there four times now and always mediocre at best. Also soft drinks are often served without little carbonation (its flat). Other pasta offering are even worse. Sorry Pizza Hut. 1 out of 5 stars.
5. Uncle Benny's. Just open in mid August 2009. Features all kind of brick oven foods. Their brick over pizza was on the expensive side, 400-500 pesos each. Unique topping that you can choose to add yourself are a nice touch like alfalfa sprouts, lettuce greens, and a kind of tomato salsa. Kids hated the 5 cheese pizza. It was okay for me, especially after adding the toppings. Service was so so- new staff seemed to not know what to do sometimes. Seafood Pizza also just okay. Overall the price is too high for what you get. Its designer Pizza really. So if you want Pizza that does not seem much like a pizza try one. 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Many many other restaurants offer pizza in Eastwood. Love to hear comments on this.
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