The Art of Dining Al Fresco

Al Fresco dining is eating outside. In temperate climates it is especially popular in the summer months when temperatures and weather are most favorable. It is a style of dining that is casual and often party-like in its atmosphere. In order to promote and accommodate the pedestrian activity and vibrancy associated with Al Fresco dining, communities have passed ordinances permitting it, including the service of food and beverages to customers at sidewalk tables until late at night.


In the Philippines, the business of fine dining, usually Al Fresco, is a booming trend especially in the urban areas. In Makati City alone, almost every corner of the streets is teeming with this type of establishment.


I've tried some of them and I'm planning to try more.

Tuscan chicken with al tonno and side salad, iced coffee and chocolate muffin

Pan fried dory fish fillet infused in zesty provencal sauce and arrabiatta

Tried Figaro. Honestly, I thought it's that super expensive but I found out that they have ala carte meals on budget. And iced coffee is included.

For P220, you'll be delighted should you choose to have a meal. And a free wifi might encourage you to.

I've also tried Mom and Tina's. I have to say it's a bit like Cafe Mary Grace but smaller in terms of the place itself.

Shepherd's pie

Choco-mint shake

Espresso shot

Apple pie

After I wreck havoc on my apple pie...

inside Mom and Tina's

Atmosphere is great but at that time it's raining so we have to get a table inside. It's a nice place to have a get-together with friends and catch up on everything else.

A meal is just about P200, decent.

Fro-yo To The Second Power

Frozen yogurt, also known as frozen yoghurt or froz yog or by the trade names fro-yo and frogurt, is a frozen dessert containing yogurt or other dairy products. It is slightly more tart than ice cream, as well as lower in fat due to the use of milk instead of cream. It differs from ice milk, more recently termed low-fat or light ice cream, which does not include yogurt as an ingredient.


The trend is ever growing in the Philippines, particularly in Makati, with the establishment of Qoola, a Canadian-based frozen yogurt. It is self-service and P75 per 100 grams and there are many choices for the toppings.

For my fro-yo, I chose the original flavor - green tea
topped with strawberries and mango, chocolate chips
and mini-marshmallows

The other one, Tutti Frutti, has a much smaller space at Glorietta 4 and also cheaper by several cents, P20 per oz. Also, it's self-service and I was also told that it was Filipino-made.

My mango-flavored fro-yo with chocolate chips
and mini-marshmallows on top

The quirks, most of all, is its health benefits, good for those watching their calorie count and it's also good for the tekkies because they also have free wi-fi. 

But if I were to choose between the two, I'll choose Qoola. Why? Because it's more spacious and the choices for toppings and stuff is so many, it's difficult to choose.