They did it again!!! OPAH!!!!

My dearest readers and viewers from where ever you are from.. these past few days I've been very happy with the outcome of my food adventures.

"patawad mga kaibigan kung hindi kaagad ako nakapag blog.." hehehe

Lately I've been given an opportunity to visit some of the hippest and coolest resto there is in Manila, which is very kind of them. I will be visiting your stores soon.

The thing about blogging is…. BEING YOURSELF! Doesn’t matter whether it is bad or good! As long as you write what is in your head going to the vein of your hands. You just need to write or in this case type everything that your mind dictates. I will be honest in all my blogs and I will make sure that people will learn from my blog.

As most of you know I stopped working for call center due to personal and very sensitive matter plus the fact that I miss eating and adventuring on the newest resto and their specialties.. So as a hobby, with a big appetite and being the “masyadong gala” that I am, I eat then blog!

 My mom, My sister (Saly) and My brother (Rj)

Me (a Papa's Girl) and My Dad

October 15, 2011, my mom was too lazy to cook lunch she just decided to go to Robinsons Midtown which is the only Mall that is near to my apartment and eat there. While trying to find a restaurant there we passed by CYMA again! As mention in my previous blog about CYMA Robinsons Midtown, I was very very very satisfied and happy with the first visit. I gave them a 2 THUMBS UP! Words can’t describe how excellent their service was.

My Dad, being the pickiest eater among the family checked out the menu first making sure they have what he wants. (yep! That’s my dad!) So as my family checked the displayed menu, the crew, (as they always do) put a smile on their faces and just welcomed us as if it’s our first time. Who wouldn’t be encouraged to sit and dine in to the elegant ambiance that they have.

I LOVE YOU GUYS….!

 So we sat near the entrance, Mars (the ever dearest receptionist) introduced us to our server named “Jaeyang”. I’m not really sure if I spelled that correctly and I’m really terrible with names. I’m sorry “Jaeyang”. (he told me that he likes KPOP, that’s why he’s name was a resembles). Please bare with me.. I hope the next visit, I will memorize all of your names. He was dressed neatly and He was very Charming. He has a serious eyes but it didn’t stopped him from smiling.

And again.. “school mate from PWU” parating kong nakakalimutan ang name mo! I do hope you could forgive me with this. But your Manager certainly knows who you are. I always like how people greets every guests, even though it is very late. You guys still have a smile on your faces. Sana hindi ito sa umpisa lang.

So we sat there… waiting for our orders, which by the way took forever because we were so slow in choosing which to have. We were such a chaos family. We were really laughing hard and trying to crack silly jokes to our servers.  

As a family, we always loved salad, any kind of salad. So we got the Roka Salata P495.00 (To share), their best selling salad. I’m not really a fan of aragula but my dad and mom loves it. And just as soon “Jaeyang” described what’s in the salad. They just went for it. “Ah ok! Sige yung nalang!”

My mom, who terribly missed the feast in Libya, ordered 2 chops of lamb with roasted potato wedges topped with parmesan cheese and greens on the side lemon wedge. It is called CYMA Lamb Chops P690.00 (Loin Rack Chops). I’m not sure if this is charcoal –grilled or oven roasted chops. It really didn’t taste any smoked wood or anything like that, but the aroma and the flavor are nice. Important thing for me and so as my mom, every time we buy Lamb chops, it’s NOT FRESH! It’s amazing how CYMA keeps their meat fresh and “hindi mabaho/malansa”. Thumbs up!

 My mother’s comment on this was the meat was not tender but it is cooked. The taste is perfect and the sauce of the lamb was incredible and the potatoes had a kick to it - it’s very soft and the aroma was great.

If there’s one person who knows STEAK in the family, that would be my brother, RJ. He sure knows how to have it, how he likes it and how it supposes to taste like. He, together with my dad and my sister (Rosalie) ordered CYMA Fillet Mignon P500.00. The mignon was topped with Flat Feta Cheese with crushed garlic. I think it was pan-seared then baked. The cheese adds saltiness to the fillet. The sauce has an authenticity to it. Lemony and Pepper like sauce.

 The beef fillet reminded my brother of the taste in a local restaurant in Libya called “Las Cala” (a fused French-Italian Cuisine) and the sauce is amazing. He said the tenderness of the beef is not that good but the taste and flavor is perfect.

And as for me I ordered a very cheap dish yet so messy to eat, Chicken Gyro P160.00 with roasted potatoes.  YUM OH! This is similar to a Shawarma, the pita bread is thicker and it has a different sauce to it. The veggies that are used tasted fresh coriander and onion and tomatoes. Everything is simple yet plentiful.

Just a secret my beloved and favorite staff of CYMA, my family likes your restaurant. Whether or not the meat is tender but the taste is GREAT? Who cares if it’s not tender or cooked “medium-rare”. It’s the taste that matter or probably it should still be “eat-able”.  Both my parents are above the age of 50 so it’s normal that the tenderness of a mignon is not right for their teeth and tongue. (oooopsss… sorry mom and dad!) I tasted a slice, it was just the right touch or pinch of how it’s suppose to be.

For my brother, he loved it! And I believe he told “Jaeyang” He would return for another Mignon. Unfortunately we had to go back to Rizal. He said he, liked how people served in CYMA. He was actually expecting an earlier scream of “OPAH” but fortunately when he was almost done with his dish, another guest ordered a specialty which enables servers to scream/greet “OPAH”.

Drinks were the same. Lemonade and Soft drinks. The good thing about a casual or a fine dining restaurant you get to instruct or request or customize their dishes. “please no garlic on any dish” ; “separate the dressing from the mixed greens” ; things like this makes a guest/customer feel welcome and they feel ,that as a server or a staff from a CLASS A restaurant, actually cares for them. Giving more tissues, checking the guests of how they liked their food, asking them if they still need something or something that guests will say “aba! Ang galing naman ng service nila!”.

Personally , I get tired. That’s a fact. But giving service especially in the hospitality industry, we learn how to control our weaknesses and our disabilities. If you want to want an establishment to be known, why not give it your best. Out of any restaurants I’ve been to this year 2011, CYMA Robinsons Midtown is my TOP 1 Best Restaurant for Year 2011.  I would like to tell the Director of the CYMA Restaurants to give tap on the back or if it would be granted to give MR. Gerald Flores, a big raise. He disciplines his staff very well. That’s very rare in restaurants. (here I go again with names I hope I spelled or I got it right, Mr. Flores. Please forgive me for forgetting names.) But you know who you are! Good Job! 

Oh before I even forget.... Thank you for giving as the Apple Pie with caramel and Vanilla ice cream dessert. Milopita P175.00. Fillo Pastry (Flour based Wrapper) formed into triangles with glazed syrup, wallnuts and again vanilla ice cream! It was really good. We were actually planning to have dessert somewhere else but you gave us that dessert and right then and there we knew we had a complete and ultimate lunch! KWAIZ MIYA MIYA!!! GOOD JOB!

To my dearest viewers and readers… Please visit CYMA Greek Taverna at the 2^nd floor of Robinson’s Midtown, Ermita Manila. You will surely enjoy the food (not just the food), the clean and relaxing ambiance, the most amazing staff, those charming managers and obviously the whole Greek style. Just a tip from me to you ; NEVER be shy in saying/screaming/shouting “OPAH!”! You will surely enjoy it!

To the wonderful staff of CYMA Robinsons Midtown…..THANK YOU! AND SEE YOU AGAIN! I will be expecting for more and please don’t hesitate to surprise me!

Thank YOU!

Eat HAPPY Everyone!!

Kwaizz miya miya!!

Yours Truly,

Zielle a.k.a Fat Girl

P.S.

According to one of my friends who works in CYMA. They now offer Catering services. I'm not sure about the Menu or how it is done. But you can always call them in their Contact Numbers.

*to my crush at the back of the house from NSG, you know who you are! hahaha! peace! just a tease. Nothing more. lol! hahaha!*

CYMA Greek Taverna

Branches: Greenbelt Makati / Shangri-la Plaza / Eastwood Mall / Boracay / Ayala Terraces Cebu / and the newly opened Robinson's Midtown

Tel. Nos.:  +632.836.2432

Website : http://www.cymarestaurants.com

OPAHH!!!

I LOVE GREECE! 

Who doesn't? honestly? kung tao lang talaga ang greece matagal na akong nagpakasal.

anyways... there's this one greek resto that i never stop going back to.  It's called CYMA. It's high time I say something about it. 

Cyma serves up greek food that fits the filipino taste buds. Growing up abroad specifically in Libya, made me realize that I still need to test my tasting abilities. It may not be purely authentic greek cuisine, it is OK since it might not blend to the taste of filipinos. It is one of the few that serves Greek Cuisine. And being a fan of the Greek food. I always love going to this restaurant. 

I was so excited that CYMA open up a branch in Robinson's Midtown Manila. I feel like we were meant for each other! Thanks God! haha

After getting a package from the Post Office, me and my sister went straight to Robinson's Midtown. We were so hungry and tired. It was also hot. We were all sweaty and exhausted. As soon as we arrived we immediately went to CYMA and sat and took time to calm ourselves down and just relax. 

Mars our server. Was very polite and very pleasing. She was very nice to assist us in getting us seats. Knowing how haggard we looked like she immediately asked us what drinks we would like to have so that we still have time to order.  Me and my sister ordered Fresh Lemonade. Which was very refreshing. 

Anyways I noticed one lantern was not lid up. I don't know what happen but it was really distracting. I hate that the rain or the typhoon destroyed the view of the outside which made the glasses dirty. 

They were lacking air-condition. But i know it wasn't anyones fault. 

Mars dressed up nicely. She had no stain in her clothes. The tables and Chairs were properly arranged. Silverwares and plates are cleaned. It was hot though. It wasn't the restaurant's fault it was the mall itself. There were technical difficulties. 

Servers were very friendly. Manager was neat and clean too. though he was not able to introduce himself to us. Which i beleive is a default when it comes to restaurant/ hospitality ethics. But it was OK since me and my sister were concentrated on the food.

CYMA's specialties are : 

Appetizer (Salates)

ROKA SALATE  P330.00 for the solo - a best tasting salad. tasty and you can enjoy it.  fresh greens tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, shaved Parmesan and on the house Greek vinaigrette, candied wall nuts that  adds a sweet wonderful crunch.

Main Dishes / Specialties

PAIDAKIA P650.00 - charcoal-grilled lamb rubbed with crushed peppercorns and olive oil  served with a choice of rice-stuffed peppers or Greek roasted potatoes. bursting good flavours. very tender, moist and juicy. One individually can truly enjoy.

Gyros

CHICKEN GYRO P 160.00 - With tomatoes, red onions , tzatziki and wrapped in pita . This is a must try. For under 200 pesos, the dish packs in great value. You'll be full in no time!

They also have great options for wine. which we did not have since it was lunch time and we really didn't want to get tipsy and all that. I believe I read this in one of my book colletions Cyma's white wine includes Lungarotti Pinot Grigio and Monket Bay Sauvignon Blanc.

 my lovely sister so excited for her steak

 Lemonade P75.00 regular and P95.00 for bottomless

 So.. onto our orders: for our appetizer we ordered CYMA Caesar P250.00 for the Solo - Fresh romaine lettuce, with grated parmesan cheese, vine-ripened tomato huge wedges, canned pitted black olives, croutons were baked ahead of time served with lemon caesar dressing.

Since we have ordered the specilaties before.. we decided to try  their Souvlakia Souvlaki (Greek Shish-Kabobs) dishes. so we ordered different types. we had the: 

 Lamb  P450.00 -Skewered lamb chops. big serving. I've always been a fan of big servings. i've mentioned this before growing up in Libya, I was so used to beef, chicken and lamb. the sad part is when I got  back here in the philippines. Lamb is not really much of a typically grocery item. aside from being expensive it is NOT FRESH! So with this dish I salute CYMA people! I loved the lamb. it is grilled to perfection. the oiliness and the juicyness is incredible. I LIKED IT ALOT!  with fresh vegetables. garlic mayo. and warm peta bread. what's more to ask? OPA!! hahaha!

Steak  P430.00 - Skewered beef chunks. as you can see my sister didn't have a hard time cutting that succulent meat.. She was very hungry that she didn't want me to take a picture of her dish. as soon as the server served our orders she was very excited to dig in. the same with the chicken and lamb it was served with warm and delicious pita bread with fresh vegetables and garlic mayo.

 Chicken   P340.00 - Skewered chicken breast fillet marinated with olive oil a few spices. with fresh roasted veggies. served with garlic mayo and salad with warm pita breads. the tenderness of the chicken cooked perfectly.

And for Dessert or in Greek they say "Glyka" we had the Skolatina  P250.00 - Cyma's Molten Chocolate Cake - served with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. This was a diet killer, painkiller, heaven on earth dessert. One can never resist a temptation that's so hard to fight. The one that you want to make love too. The sensualy desire for food. I described it too much already..  a MUST TRY! 

Good thing I notice that one of the servers is my schoolmate. we weren't that close but I knew we went in the same university. He was very kind and patient. I'm sorry I forgot your name but i hope once you read this you'll be able to say that I talked to you. You are doing great and you are always smiling. That's a plus in the hospitality industry. So to all the hospitality establishments and hotels or restaurants , excellent employees  comes from The Philippine Women's University where we are trained professionally and exquisitely. (woooohhh!! hahaha!)

Anyways aside from that they accept credit cards. Reservations are sometimes recommended specially if you go with a large group. It's actually easy specially if you want to order ahead of time so you  don't have to wait and decide on the spot. Unfortunately they don't have any buffets. Corkage fees starts at P 300.00 pesos like for example if you have any favorite wines that you want to test with the CYMA dishes. If you have any health conscious friends or family members that likes vegetarian dishes, CYMA offers it too.

So what are you guys waiting for? Enjoy Greece through its finest cuisine that is offered by CYMA Greek Taverna. Who says Filipinos can't celebrate food Greek Style? Here at CYMA everyone's welcome to say .. OPAHH!!!

Eat Happy Everyone! 

Kwaiz miya miya!!

Yours Truly,
Zielle a.k.a Fat Girl

CYMA Greek Taverna

Branches: Greenbelt Makati / Shangri-la Plaza / Eastwood Mall / Boracay / Ayala Terraces Cebu / and the newly opened Robinson's Midtown

Tel. Nos.:  +632.836.2432

Website : http://www.cymarestaurants.com

Feeling Greek

I went to Glorietta. And I wanted to eat at CYMA but I saw that there were a lot of people. Sad. But I went on and decided to eat dinner at the Food Choices. While strolling and trying to choose the right dinner for my super hungry tummy. at the very corner of the food choices court. I found this little stall called "GO GREEK" so since I was super craving for Greek and even though i wasn't able to eat at CYMA, I was so lucky to find this little stall of greek goodness.. you can't find it right away since it is located at the very back end of food choices.

I grew up in Libya. So basically I know how lamb tastes like since it was one of their main meat in the city. Looking into the menu they have platters to choose from like Lamb platter, Moussaka platter and Lemon chicken Platter. Basically platter for them means meal. They gave you options what would you like match those sweet goodness. Salad, Rice and Potato wedges. I believe they also accept huge orders like a whole chicken, 5 pieces of lamb.

So I chose my fave Lamb Platter and a friend chooses a Lemon Chicken Platter.

 Lemon Chicken Platter - Breast Part. It taste lemon-y and garlic-y. I am not really a big fan of garlic dishes. This was one tough garlic flavored chicken. It had a lot of slices of garlic. at first when the waiter was pouring those slices, I thought they were mushrooms. We had to set aside those because it was too much. The side salad was amazing, i had olives, romaine, tomatoes and parmesan (although it should've been feta cheese) The long grain rice i think was a basmati rice. it was light, long and tender. The chicken was cooked perfectly. still had a few juice. tender. and delicious.



Lamb Platter - oopss.. sorry i had to take a bite before i took a picture. i couldn't resist the urge to taste the beautiful smell of the grilled lamb. as i slice a piece uhhh boy oh boy oh boy.. it felt like i'm in heaven. The knife can cut right through it. it took them about 10mins to cook it so i really had to wait making sure I won't complain about it. I tell you it was worth the wait. The lamb was grilled perfectly. The juices and the sauce was perfect. I the oil that drains from the inside going outside of the meat. it was amazing! I had a side salad and potato wedges. Goodness.. i can still taste the lamb..

I will be back... And will try those kebab platters... drools again...



EAT HAPPY EVERYONE!
Kwais miya miya!






Go Greek!
Branches : Food Choices, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center Makati City, Metro Manila Philippines
Tel. Nos.: (02) 729-0623