Little Owl: Thick Cut Bacon Steaks, Shakshuka, and more!

Little Owl

Along Broadway Avenue, Quezon City, there's a really nice nook called Little Owl. It looks more a house with a huge door from the outside. While inside is very pleasant and cozy.


high ceiling	pleasant neat ambiance

High ceiling, white walls, glass doors and windows, huge mirrors, and minimalist design -- all of these contribute to that spacious yet inviting ambiance. A lot of natural light coming in and I can just imagine a perfect morning while relaxing and having breakfast.

glass windows and al fresco

This cafe restaurant has 3 main sections: main dining, mezzanine, and al fresco. The mezzanine is perfect for small conferences, events, or gatherings. While the al fresco can be an area for smokers, those with pets, or those who simply want to dine outside. The whole place, which can accommodate around 80 guests, can be booked as well for events such as birthdays, baptismal reception, or company parties.

mezzanine

For the food, I was able to try some of their best sellers.

starters

Grilled Caesar Salad (285Php)

Romaine, arugula & bacon lardons, tossed in caesar dressing

Grilled Caesar Salad

Grilled Caesar Salad is almost your usual simple salad except the greens were grilled on charcoal to capture a subtle smoky taste. Saltiness of the cheese is evident here.


Grilled Caesar Salad	Mixed Mushroom & Roasted Vegetables

Mixed Mushroom & Roasted Vegetables (250Php)

Served with scrambled eggs and fondue

Mixed Mushroom & Roasted Vegetables

Mixed Mushroom & Roasted Vegetables is a clever way to incorporate veggies in toasts. I, who isn't a veggie lover, enjoyed this due to the creamy cheesy scrambled egg complemented by the crunchy toast. The veggies are there but I didn't get bothered at all as they blended well with the overall taste.

Shakshuka (270Php)

Eggs poached in tomato sauce with whipped cheese served with toast

Shakshuka

Shakshuka -- I have no idea what it is until it was served. Never heard nor tasted it before though apparently, it is composed of poached eggs, tomatoes, and spices. It is best with toast but really, even without the toast, it's good. Thick tomato sauce spiced with herbs poached the eggs as it is being cooked. The eggs added texture and balance overall.


Shakshuka	Fluffy Banana Pancake

Fluffy Banana Pancake (220Php)

With maple flavoured syrup

Fluffy Banana Pancake

I have never seen pancake this thick... fluffy indeed, almost like souffle. Fluffy Banana Pancake is bouncy and not too soft, matched with fried sweetened banana. But what I love most is the maple syrup -- yummy and not too sweet.

Fluffy Egg White Omelette (220Php)

Served with feta cheese & pesto, arugula & toast

Fluffy Egg White Omelette

And here's another fluffy for breakfast, Fluffy Egg White Omelette. It's so huge but so light, almost melting in your mouth. The distinct flavor is pesto, that at some point, I wish it would have more pesto. With its serving size, it can be shared by two or three people. I find it as more of an add-on for sharing rather than having it just for myself


Fluffy Egg White Omelette	Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Grilled Cheese Sandwich (220Php)

With caramelized onions served with fries

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Cheese overload with Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Cheddar, mozzarella, and gruyere were used, though I suggest to revisit the proportion. I was looking for a bit more sharpness in the cheese combination. Tomato dip is a perfect match!

Carbonara (295Php)

Tossed in bacon & parmesan cream topped with poached egg

Carbonara

Carbonara cooked the traditional way. Egg yolks and parmesan cheese, topped with bacon bits -- expect it to be creamy but not milky.


Carbonara	Thick Cut Bacon Steaks

Thick Cut Bacon Steaks (365Php)

With apple marmalade served with eggs of choice. Good for sharing

Thick Cut Bacon Steaks

Now this is my favorite among the dishes served -- Thick Cut Bacon Steak. No problem if you prefer it with toasts or rice, plus you get to choose how you want the egg to be cooked.

Thick bacon, indeed! Was it an inch thick? Yet it managed to be tender -- no knife needed. Love the sweet glaze and the crispy parts on the pork skin. It's a huge piece which can be shared, though with this good, I can finish it on my own!

Thick Cut Bacon Steaks

Chocolate Tart (130Php)

Dark chocolate ganache served on flaky crust with whipped cream

Chocolate Tart

Around 4 inches in diameter, this Chocolate Tart is never short of filling. Chocolate is rich, strong, yet soft. Quite overwhelming and would need more of the pie or crust to balance. Whipped cream and rock salt tried to subtly counter the richness, but I would best like this tart in bite size.

Calamansi Tart (120Php)

Tangy, sweet calamansi curd on flaky crust

Calamansi Tart

I like the zest of this Calamansi Tart that invites my palate to go for more. The caramelized sugar on top gives a bit of sweetness but not enough to provide balance. This is best to be shared, though you are welcome to finish it all by yourself.

Warm Apple & Pecan (160Php)

Served with whipped cream

Warm Apple & Pecan

Among the tart selections, Warm Apple & Pecan is surprisingly what I enjoyed the most. I said surprisingly as I'm not much into apple pastries as they usually have cinnamon (I'm not a fan of cinnamon). If there is cinnamon in this tart, it might have blended well in the overall taste that I hardly noticed it. This tart has more texture and variation in flavor compared to the other two.

Drinks

Espresso Cocktail (Php150), Green Sangria (Php150), Orange, Carrots & Ginger (Php160), Latte (Php150)

Little Owl has a variety of drinks depending on your mood: coffee, smoothies, juices, cocktails, and sodas. What I had is the Orange, Carrots & Ginger juice. I find this refreshing and soothing. I wasn't able to taste the carrot but good to know it's there. I prefer it with more orange zest.

A pleasant and inviting ambiance paired with reasonably priced good food. I see it as a go-to place for good-vibe breakfast, a way to start your morning right. Though of course, you can also have your sumptuous lunch or dinner here.

Little Owl
65 Broadway Avenue, New Manila, Quezon City