The Halo interiorThe Cubao we used to know is that part of Quezon City along EDSA Ave where traffic is most congested. Years back, it was not the place one would dream of being seen, simply because of its reputation as the hub of pick-pockets.
But about two years ago, Cubao was given a face lift, thanks to the developments made at the Araneta Center. Now, Cubao is already a destination even by folks who consider themselves “sosyal,” because now the place looks high-end, especially the Araneta Coliseum and Gateway part. At night, it no longer feels suicidal to walk on the streets of the center. It’s now even romantic, because the area is now well-lit.
One of the main attractions of the area is it’s being a wi-fi free zone. Two nights before my brother Ogie flew for Spain, we (Ryan, Ogie and I) spent a night there, eating and surfing. It was fun. Ryan marveled at how the place transformed. There are now lots of restos and coffee shops where you can spend a relaxing evening.
But there is also a place worth visiting very near the hub. It’s rather un-hyped up, but if you know what’s good for your palate, and your pocket, you’d be driving there very soon. I am talking about the restos at the Cubao Expo area, across the old Rustan’s.
One of the restos there which a friend of mine swears serves the best-tasting pastas in town is the Bellini’s. I haven’t been there yet, but if you could trust my unnamed friend’s judgment, you’d be checking it out soon. This friend of mine also discovered the pasta house near Makati Square for me, and I tell you she knows what she’s talking about.
But enough of second-hand information. Let me talk to you about another resto, also in the area. It’s called Halo. My friend Salve and I went to Cubao just to hunt for it one day. And though it was already late when we arrived, we patiently waited for the chef to arrive and cook for us. It was a good thing that we did. Their food choices were simply sumptuous.
One of the things I enjoyed was our drink, the wheat grass tea. It tasted heaven. I also loved the vegetable burger (banana blossom) and the malunggay pasta. Yes, you heard it right, malunggay pasta. It’s for those with adventurous palates. I don’t consider myself as one, but I enjoyed it. To think that I ate my pasta cold (I took it home because Salve and I were already full).
But about two years ago, Cubao was given a face lift, thanks to the developments made at the Araneta Center. Now, Cubao is already a destination even by folks who consider themselves “sosyal,” because now the place looks high-end, especially the Araneta Coliseum and Gateway part. At night, it no longer feels suicidal to walk on the streets of the center. It’s now even romantic, because the area is now well-lit.
One of the main attractions of the area is it’s being a wi-fi free zone. Two nights before my brother Ogie flew for Spain, we (Ryan, Ogie and I) spent a night there, eating and surfing. It was fun. Ryan marveled at how the place transformed. There are now lots of restos and coffee shops where you can spend a relaxing evening.
But there is also a place worth visiting very near the hub. It’s rather un-hyped up, but if you know what’s good for your palate, and your pocket, you’d be driving there very soon. I am talking about the restos at the Cubao Expo area, across the old Rustan’s.
One of the restos there which a friend of mine swears serves the best-tasting pastas in town is the Bellini’s. I haven’t been there yet, but if you could trust my unnamed friend’s judgment, you’d be checking it out soon. This friend of mine also discovered the pasta house near Makati Square for me, and I tell you she knows what she’s talking about.
But enough of second-hand information. Let me talk to you about another resto, also in the area. It’s called Halo. My friend Salve and I went to Cubao just to hunt for it one day. And though it was already late when we arrived, we patiently waited for the chef to arrive and cook for us. It was a good thing that we did. Their food choices were simply sumptuous.
One of the things I enjoyed was our drink, the wheat grass tea. It tasted heaven. I also loved the vegetable burger (banana blossom) and the malunggay pasta. Yes, you heard it right, malunggay pasta. It’s for those with adventurous palates. I don’t consider myself as one, but I enjoyed it. To think that I ate my pasta cold (I took it home because Salve and I were already full).
Malunggay pasta
I am planning to go back there and have a taste of their other offerings. :-) I was planning of bringing Ryan with me, but somehow I forgot about it when he was here. Bummer. :-(
Another thing I like about halo is the fact that if you are a group, and you want to hang out there, say hold a meeting or simply relax, you can call beforehand and the whole second floor can be yours, without extra charge. All you need to pay for are your food and drinks. Good deal, isn’t it? But of course, this is only during off-peaks. :-)
Vegetable burger//Pictures by Crumbs/Salve were used with permission. Click HERE to read her trip to Halo with her officemates.
