Plates & Suitcases
First-hand restaurant and travel reviews from Marie Mendillo, covering Ottawa, Orlando, the Philippines and destinations around the world.
Explore active locations: Orlando · Ottawa/Kanata · Gatineau · Manila
Latest reviews
- Location: Parañaque–BF Homes
Korean J Grill BF Homes Review: Premium Price, Poor Execution
Read review: Korean J Grill BF Homes Review: Premium Price, Poor ExecutionKorean J Grill’s upper-tier unlimited package cost ₱899, plus ₱140 for the advertised USDA ribeye. During our visit, neither the food nor the environment justified that premium positioning. Food and drinks “Wagyu”…
- Location: Parañaque–BF Homes
Little Viettown BF Homes Review: A Salty Miss
Read review: Little Viettown BF Homes Review: A Salty MissHoping to find a new Vietnamese favourite in BF Homes, we tried Little Viettown on President’s Avenue. Unfortunately, slow service and an overly salty flavour profile kept the meal from delivering the…
- Location: Alabang
Nara Thai Molito Review: Availability and Billing Problems
Read review: Nara Thai Molito Review: Availability and Billing ProblemsNara Thai at Molito looked more promising online than it performed during our lunch. Three of our selected dishes were unavailable, while a dessert that never arrived still appeared on the initial…
- Location: Baguio
Lafayette Luxury Suites Baguio Review: A Costly Service Breakdown
Read review: Lafayette Luxury Suites Baguio Review: A Costly Service BreakdownAfter more than 30 years of travelling, our stay at Lafayette Luxury Suites in Baguio ranks among our most frustrating hotel experiences. The problems involved check-in communication, an incorrect room assignment and…
- Location: Davao
Royal Mandaya Hotel Davao Review: Reservation and Room Failures
Read review: Royal Mandaya Hotel Davao Review: Reservation and Room FailuresI had stayed regularly at The Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao since January 2025 because of its convenient location near my office. A late-night arrival on June 17, however, produced enough reservation,…
- Location: Manila Bay
The Alley Manila Bay Review: Ingenious Concept, Poor Execution
Read review: The Alley Manila Bay Review: Ingenious Concept, Poor ExecutionThe Alley by Vikings at Ayala Malls Manila Bay has an ingenious food-hall concept, but our lunch was undermined by empty stations, rushed service and several poorly executed dishes. We arrived at…
- Location: Makati
Route 95 Diner Makati Review: Excellent Value, Uneven Cooking
Read review: Route 95 Diner Makati Review: Excellent Value, Uneven CookingRoute 95 Diner in Makati offers strong value and notably warm hospitality. The ₱899 all-you-can-eat platter is attractive for families, although two cooking issues kept our meal from reaching five-star territory. Highlights…
First Meridian Lounge NAIA Terminal 3 Review
Read review: First Meridian Lounge NAIA Terminal 3 ReviewVisited: July 21 First Meridian Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3 offers a comfortable, spacious place to wait before a flight. The washrooms were clean and well maintained, and the food selection was…
- Location: Parañaque–BF Homes
Lido Cocina Tsina Better Living Review: Must-Orders and Misses
Read review: Lido Cocina Tsina Better Living Review: Must-Orders and MissesLido Cocina Tsina in Better Living delivered several dishes worth returning for, along with a few that are better approached cautiously. Must-orders Chinese asado: Smoky, rich and deeply flavourful. It immediately reminded…