With all the stress from career and personal life that envelops the 20 year-old me, I really treasure the small time I get in unwinding because believe me, Adulting (yes, that's a term now), is really difficult. So, it is safe to say that like you guys, I, too, look forward everytime I go out with my bestfriend because that means another food adventure around the Metro.
So, where did we go this time?
Our wandering feet had led us to Maginhawa. I know most of you guys in the Philippines have heard it one way or another and this place, and the other streets around it, is my favourite place to hunt for new restaurants to tease my palette and of course to dig holes in my pocket.
One place I came across to when I was doing restaurant search is Westwood.
Westwood sits in a corner of a building in Maginhawa. For an outsider's perspective, it looks nothing special, probably just like the other restaaurants that could be found around the area but what lured me to visit it? The menu. But what's in the menu? Sushitos or sushirritos.
Sushito or sushirrito is what you're thinking right now. I know that your creative minds have worked it all out. And yes, it is the combination of sushi and burrito.
Awesome right?
It has been the talk of the town these days and the curious cat in me said, why not? I mean, it already sounds delicious to my ears so it would most probably taste the same too.
But apart from what's in the menu, the interior drew me even more (like I wasn't sold with the sushito already). The moment I took my first steps, I knew right away that this place would feel like my own safe haven. The place has a rusty, basement feeling. It's all wood, metal tube lights, bricks and art. Things that looks good together. I don't know why but it looks like a restaurant I could find in the big apple but hey, that's just me.
- I don't know why but I find it funny finding it inside the toilet.
- Gorgeous wall art
You can't see it but all the benches have pillows. I stayed away from them and chose to sit on a chair because I knew I would just lay down and sleep. And I just love wood, you know. The tables are wood and I just really appreciated it, and the little plastic plant on the middle? Adorable.
One thing I also admire about this place is their crew. My bestfriend and I went a little too early (excited much) but the crew was so friendly. She was all smiles and invited us to go inside instead of waiting outside. She helped us with all our queries and we felt like she was so genuine in helping us. Kudos to her.
Now, down to the food!
I extremely like their menu book. It's so colourful and so put together. It looks as if the people who created it really took their time thinking of the design and layout. It's not grand but it's really nice. Plus, unlike other menus, it's not tattered. Still pristine.
We didn't order much because the main goal here is to taste the sushitos. But we really enjoyed the Westwood Garden Salad. It is perfect for two or maybe three people. The chicken on top was ammmazing. It was really delicious and they were generous about it. It made me guilty that I was too full to order chicken poppers. It has it's own distinct taste and the crunch on it. Yum.
We ordered three drinks, Virgin Pinacolada, Melonade and Sex on the Beach. They all tasted so good. The Melonade is the house special and it's my current favourite. They are placed in Flasks which is so cute. You can add P99 on the Garden Salad and your Melonade will be unlimited. But I opted for the 12oz so I just added P40 . The Sex on the Beach is one of their bestsellers under Alcohol and it is only P180 below. The Colada is only P115 and my bestfriend swore it is worth the try.
- I actually ate it with my eyes closed and made little hmm sounds
And for the star of the show, sushito or sushirrito. It tasted divine, for my bestfriend and I. It is packed with all the goodness. We ordered the Seoul Beef Bulgogi because the crew said it's the bestseller and now, I know why. From the top down to the last bite, I could still taste the beef. You could squirt some wasabi or mayo on it. I put two of 'em and I was in heaven. It is just so addicting and it is only P249 and you guys can share it with someone.. They also sell the solo which is just the other half for a lower price. I forgot how much but if I were you. I would get the whole because it is worth every penny.
We weren't able to get a taste of their famous desserts especially their ice creams with their specialty cones. The cones have sprinkles or rice crispies and stuff all over the rim and topped with ice creams. The specialty cones cost depending on how many scoops you want. They can go for 3 scoops for only P145.
I will definitely visit this place again and for you guys who are just looking for a me-time or an instagram-worthy restaurant, this is a safe bet. Affordable, good food and nice people.
The place opens at 3PM til 12 midnight.
80 Maginhawa Street, Teachers Village, Quezon City
