Hong Kong Spring Deer

Name: Hong Kong Spring Deer Restaurant

Where it can be found: Timog

Type of dining place: old style chinese restaurant - semi casual family dining

Type of food served: Chinese

Upside:
Their food is authentic, very fresh and delicious. Among their best dishes are their seafood, of which are all available alive and fresh for your picking - with no extra charge. Any seafood order you make, no matter how simple, will be cooked with something that's fresh and alive. They even host a number of unusual dishes; abalone, eel, rock fish, and even some which I can't name. Their steamed shrimp or halabos is a must try (although the price may seem steep at first glance), but you probably have never tasted shrimp fresher (if theres such a word) than this. Their peking duck is also much cheaper when compared to other upscale restos serving the same. About P400 for half the duck, with the wrapper, cucumber, spring onions and hoisin sauce. Its little heaven in a bundle.

Another upside is their unbelievable service. Even on a moderately busy day, their waiters are attentive, courteous and alert to your needs - to the point that its almost ridiculous. Halfway to reaching for a dish on the far side of the table, their waiters have already picked it up and putting food on your plate. Sometimes it feels bizaare, but if youre bothered by this, just tell them.

Downside:
On the outside, the restaurant is nothing impressive and if youre bringing a kikay,hard-to-please date, be sure to prep her to the ambiance. The ambiance feels very old chinese restaurant, like a place you'd go to Binondo - not that thats a bad thing, some people just may not like it.

Budget for 1 person: About P200 if youre thrifty and order 'strategically'. On average about P400 to P500. Its best to go there as a group or a family.

Must try: Peking Duck, salt and pepper squid, steamed shrimp.

Honest recommendation:
I personally love going to this restaurant. The food is great and the ambiance oddly reminds me of my childhood (going to Peach Blossoms which was also a 'happy' place for me). Some of the prices may seem expensive, but can serve 3 or 4 people, and the food definitely well worth it. The food is so good that my family treks from Antipolo to Timog almost every Sunday just for lunch.