Believe the hype: Celeb-owned restos worth a visit

When celebrities branch out into business, the results are often mixed. Some businesses fall flat, riding solely on the popularity of their owners; however, the few that manage to offer high-quality, unique products succeed. Here are three celebrity-owned restaurants that "Pop Talk" promises are worth a visit.

 

Longganisa Sorpresa

Owned by actress Andrea del Rosario

Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City

Budget: Starts at P99

 

We all know Vigan for its longganisa, but did you know Catanduanes and Cagayan de Oro have their own brand of sausage as well? At Andrea del Rosario’s Longganisa Sorpresa, one can try sausages from all over the Philippines, as well as original, in- house recipes. Their Chili Longganisa recipe, for example, was made by Andrea herself.

 

“Talagang magugulat ka kasi ang dami dami nating longganisa mula sa iba’t ibang region,” said Chef Myke. “Linagyan pa nila ng iba’t ibang suka from the different regions. Napakagandang idea ‘yun.”

Longganisa Sorpresa is a welcome, modern alternative to the usual (that is, bahay kubo-esque) Filipino restaurants.

 

Food: 3/3

Place: 3/3

Price: 3/3

Total Pop Points: 9/9

 

Yellow Halo Restaurant

Owned by siblings Elmo and Maxene Magalona

22/F Strata 100, F. Ortigas Road, Pasig City

Budget: Starts at P60

 

The premise is simple: Delicious meals under 500 calories. It seems like a tough promise to keep, but Yellow Halo delivers on taste. “Low-calorie siya, tapos may lasa pa. Hindi siya yung ine-expect mo na diet food na walang lasa,” shared Nicolette, who liked the restaurant’s Tomato Basil Cottage Cheese Sandwich (P90).

 

Temper your expectations though. Since you can’t expect pig-out serving sizes, this resto isn’t about getting the most mileage out of your money. What it does deliver, is quality—meals for the health-conscious. Chef Myke added, “I really believe in the direction they’re going.”

 

Food: 3/3

Place: 3/3

Price: 3/3

Total Pop Points: 9/9

 

Ryu Ramen and Curry

Owned by singer/composer Ogie Alcasid

220 Tomas Morato Ave. corner Dr. Lazcano St., Quezon City

Price: Appetizers start at P120, P240 for ramen

 

A meal at Ryu begins with a saucer of edamame, or young Japanese soybeans still in the pod. It’s a yummy, authentic appetizer which sets the tone for the rest of the meal. For those new to ramen, Shoyu Ramen (P270) is a safe, pork-based bet. For a more adventurous meal, try the Spicy Miso Ramen (P280) or Tantanmen (P280).

 

While all three restaurants got the seal of approval from our reviewers, they were most enthusiastic about Ryu. “Masarap lahat ng ramen. 'Yung curry nila, hindi masyadong maanghang,” shared Louise. “Sakto lang lahat!”

 

Chef Myke was gushing too. “Of all the restaurants we visited today, Ryu was my favorite. It’s just well-prepared food. The ramen was amazing. Really excellent, I’d go back anytime,” he said. “It’s comfort food…[and] cheap for the quality.”

 

Food: 3/3

Place: 3/3

Price: 3/3

Total Pop Points: 9/9

—Cristina Tantengco/PF, GMA News