Serenitea

Stressed at work? And need a break? Don't want to think about anything and just have a good time? A place where you can have a clear mind and good snack food with a twist is Serenitea. It's a small cafe around the corner of N. Roxas cor. Banawe in QC where they serve Milk Teas. I highly recommend their Hokkaido Milk Tea. It's one of their best sellers. You might think that since it's a milk tea, it would be sweet but the good news is, you can actually control the sugar content! You can also choose from pearls (tapioca) to nata de coco as toppings for the Milk Tea but the best and perfect topping is the Egg Pudding. The price range for their milk tea is from P75 (tall size) to P95 (size of venti). Although it's quite expensive but it's worth it!

They also serve some snacks such as the corn in a cob (P50) and chicken chops with crispy basil leaves (P65) and it's already good for 2. The snacks and the milk tea complement each other...so don't just order a drink. By the way, they close early so grab your milk tea before 9pm. Serenitea also has a branch in San Juan (V. Cruz cor. J. Abad Santos) and BF Homes Paranaque.

Cajun

When I'm feeling stressed or down, I always splurge on good food. Just around the corner of Retiro St. in Quezon City stands a restaurant called Cajun. An American cuisine like no other! With their homey style restaurant, it really makes me feel relaxed and forget about the pressures in life even for just an hour.

For appetizer, you may order their sampler platter. The platter contains chicken fingers, onion rings, calamares and my favorite, cheese logs!

For their main entrees, my personal favorite is Chicken Alfred (breaded boneless fried chicken with Alfredo sauce) sides with their sauteed Hashbrowns and Cajun Saflon Rice. I also love their Mustard Chicken and Volcano Burgers! Well, practically, I love all their food! And the price, it's very reasonable. An entree with a big serving costs more or less P215-P275 depending on what type of meat and entree you prefer.

Then, it is going to be perfect to end your meal with their Overload dessert! Fresh hot chocolate cake topped with chocolate coated vanilla ice cream...hmmmmm....need I say more? No need to pay for an overpriced meal anymore on your next relaxing Food Trip; just drop by at Cajun and it now has two additional branches: Atrium at Megamall and Robinson's Galleria Movieworld.

Ersao

During the heat of the summer, I've always wanted something cold to relieve me from the hot weather. And at the same time, have a meal that's cheap and will make me full. At Ersao, you can have everything: delicious food and a freshly blended fruit shake all at P105-P120 only! I would recommend their Spicy Chicken or Spicy Squid rice meal (P105), as well as the Chicken Steak and Pork Steak meal (P120). These meals already come with a 16oz Fruit Shake or Milk Tea. My personal favorite is their Avocado Shake especially when Avocado is in season. I also like their Watermelon Shake and Buko Pandan Shake. In their milk tea variants, I like the Taro Milk Tea or the Coffee Milk Tea.

Ersao has branches in Manila (Abad Santos cor. P. Algue Street), Quezon City (West Avenue and Banawe Street), and SM Sta. Mesa. A simple Food Trip that you would always go back to...Ersao!

Chicken Charlie

Craving for chicken with a price lower than Hooters? This is a place to be. Chicken Charlie is located in NS Amoranto St. (Retiro) Quezon City. If coming from D. Tuazon, just go straight and cross Banawe. Chicken Charlie will be on your right side. There are limited parking spaces and since the restaurant is small, they can accommodate only about 12 people.

Their chicken is so tasty that you would crave for it! A fried chicken like no other! Crispy, sweet, thin breading without the guilt because it's 0g trans-fat. Since they serve their chicken fresh from the kitchen, it is recommended to call them first before you go because the preparation time would take about 15-20 minutes.

The price, it's ok. Although it's kinda pricey for a chicken wing and leg, I guarantee that it's worth going back for another Food Trip!