MANILA, Philippines - Christmas is a busy time for everyone. One thing is for sure, though: we all love to celebrate the occasion with good food and with good company. At The Block, SM City North-EDSA, one can experience the magic of Yuletide celebrations as it houses casual dining places that tempt the palate with their delectable treats — from pizza and pasta to native dishes, steaks and tea-based drinks. — Lai S. Reyes
X/o philippines: pinoy cuisine at its finest
Celebrate a Pinoy Christmas and feast on the best local fare — from the spicy coconut dishes of Bicol to the sweet confections of Bulacan, to the fresh grills of Davao — at X/O (Extraordinary) Philippines. Whatever region the food items come from, one thing is certain: each dish is prepared with a piece of our heritage. And this is evident in every delicious bite. X/O Philippines is at the fifth floor. Call 441-892.
Pancake house: more than just pancakes
Indulge in the fullness of Christmas with the gift of sumptuous choices at Pancake House. Aside from pancakes, the resto offers sandwich, pasta and rice dishes that will keep you coming back for more. Pancake House is at the first floor. Call 442-0097.
Napoli pizzeria: home of the best new york-style pizza
Napoli Pizzeria is dedicated to providing diners with the best-tasting New York-style pizza and pasta. According to its owner Ramon Ignacio, the authentic NY pizza should not crack when folded. “That’s how busy New Yorkers eat their pizza. You’ll be able to do that if you bake the pizza in an authentic brick oven, exactly how we do it at Napoli’s.” Napoli Pizzeria is at the fifth floor. Call 442-0392.
Mile-hi diner: burgers, steaks, and more
Mile-Hi Diner mainly serves American-style food but their menu also includes Pinoy faves such as tapsilog and longsilog to accommodate the breakfast crowd who frequent the resto. The prices are just right for the hefty servings typical of American diners. Must-try items are the mozzarella-stuffed burger, the tenderloin steak and the Mile-Hi Lite Salad. Mile-Hi Diner is at the first floor. Call 332-3061.
Healthy shabu-shabu: some like it hot
For the ultimate shabu-shabu dining experience, visit Healthy Shabu-Shabu at the third floor of SM The Block. Here, diners cook their meals — using the freshest and finest ingredients — according to their diets and taste preferences. Call 442-0042.
Bubble tea: tea-rific!
Bubble Tea has been bubbling its way into the hearts of tea lovers in the metro since it opened at the first level of SM The Block. Its tea-rific menu offers an assortment of drinks — from milk-based and iced-tea based drinks — that are reasonably priced. Bubble milk teas have a price range of P55 to P88, depending on size and flavor, while the bubble milkshakes are priced at around P100. For Christmas, they offer cakes and pastries for giveaways. Call 441-0097.