Slow and Low at Bleachers Barbecue

For the past few months I’ve been dying to try out this barbecue place right across SM City Northwing, beside Nice Day carwash. They opened around the end of last year and I’ve been hearing good things about the food they serve.

So a few days ago I decided to finally try it, and surely, it was worth the drive!

Bleachers Barbecue serves slow and low smoked American-style barbecue served with their homemade barbecue sauce. They have 5 hour Pork Ribs, 9 hour pulled pork and 14 hour beef brisket, chicken and even smoked kawali. You can also order different side dishes such as corn, salad or mashed potato.

We tried their pork spare ribs and the pulled pork – both in “teaser” serving. They serve their barbecue with rice and a side of pickles.

Their pulled pork was delicious! It was tender and juicy and the barbecue sauce has just the right of tangy-sweet. The spare ribs was just as good. It was tender, but I don’t know if I can call it fall-off the bone kind of good since I only tried a small piece. But the ribs were definitely yummy, even without the barbecue sauce. Honestly, I don’t think you need the extra sauce because the meat was delicious as is. The serving may look small but it really is a generous serving.

 

Will definitely go back and try their beef brisket and maybe get another bite of their pulled pork. If you haven’t tried their barbecue or you’re just craving for something good  and tasty then head over to Barbecue Bleachers. They’re located at Kaoshiung Street, right across SM City-Northwing, beside Nice Day Carwash. They’re open from 12:00 to 9:00 PM. 

 

Hotel Review: Centurion Hotel Ikebukuro

Centurion Hotel Ikebukuro is part of a chain of hotels and cabins in Japan. It is situated in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, a few minutes walk from East Exit of Ikebukuro Station.

The entrance to the hotel is just beside the 7-11 in the ground floor but you have to take the lift to the 3rd floor for their reception area. The staff that greeted us spoke little English, good enough to get by. But it did take a while and a lot of hand gestures for them to finally understand that I was inquiring whether my package arrived at the hotel or not.

Room

I knew that hotels in Japan were small so I didn’t expect much. The room we got was, I think, a twin room with a pull-out couch which accommodated 3 guests. It was a little cramped but we had enough room for our 3 luggage and enough room to walk.

The room had a big TV (sadly, all channels were in Japanese) on the foot of the bed, a small fridge and a small cabinet with yukatas and slippers.

The bathroom was also small and compact, it didn’t bother me too much. It was also well stocked with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, facial wash, a complete skin care line, and other amenities. The one thing that amazed me was their electronic toilet, I have heard of these TOTO toilets that have electronic bidets and seat warmers but this was just awesome – no more ice cold seat in the morning (hahaha!).

Amenities

The room we got was non-smoking but if you are a smoker, you can always opt to reserve a smoking room or just go to their smoking area just beside the reception desk and lobby.

They also have vending machines located in the 3rd floor. Also located near the lobby is an area where you can do your laundry.

Breakfast

Complimentary breakfast served is down in the 2nd floor Denny’s. They served the usual breakfast food you can choose between Japanese style or Western style breakfast. You can choose from different kinds of main dish plus a choice of side with either coffee, tea or soda. I personally like the rice meals more than the ones that serve bread because at least the rice and soup was served hot.

Other than the breakfast combos offered, you can order other food or desserts but I don’t think it is covered with the complimentary breakfast ticket.

Internet

I also choose accommodations based on whether they offer free wifi in the rooms or in the lobby. It’s a good thing the hotel has free and fast wifi in every room. You can also opt to rent a pocket wifi for 500 yen per day from the reception area.

Location

Centurion Hotel Ikebukuro is located in 170-0013 Ikebukuro 1-8-9, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan. It is approximately ~3-5 minute walk from the East Exit of Ikebukuro station. It was a short walk from the station and is surrounded by different shopping malls and stores. For more inquiries, call them at 03-6912-6031.

Of Books and Coffee

 

A book in hand paired with a nice cup of hot coffee or tea is perfect for a rainy day. What better place to spend the afternoon than the recently opened Books & Brews Cafe. The cafe is situated in the Ground floor of Mango Square Mall, just across the parking area.

 

 

The place looks simple with white and black details. The one thing that catches your eye when you enter is the shelves of books lining the walls. You are free to borrow and browse through the books but be sure to return them once your done. A definite heaven for book lovers like me.

Check out their selection of tea, coffee and sandwiches. Their sandwiches are a bit on the small side but they serve it with a nice portion of nacho chips and salsa.

 

They also have pies, cookies and cakes. I personally like their pies – the apple pie is delicious, albeit small.

 

 

Overall, I like the place. It is cozy, spacious with 2 sofas and plenty of tables, plenty enough for a big group and they have a good selection of books to read. So what are you waiting for? Grab a book and a nice cup of coffee and maybe a pie or two, and spend an afternoon in Books & Brews Cafe.