Weekends are precious for our family that's why we make the most out of those two days doing two things:  relax and look for recreational activities.  Recently, we decided to indulge in an opportunity to experience The Garage VR Zone and Food Park plus some Dreamplay time at City of Dreams Manila (will write a separate blog post about this fun experience too!)
It was our first time at The Garage and we were greeted with families enjoying their meals or at least going around the huge food park and kids excitedly playing at the VR Zone. The Garage has a wide range of casual dining choices of food and beverages for the whole family presented in nice-looking trucks and trailers. 
Set in a 2,714-square meter cool and comfortable space located at the upper ground floor, The Garage stands out with its modern industrial interiors catering to a 563-seating capacity. Designed by award-winning Paris-based creative design agency, Malherbe Design in collaboration with Westar Architectural Interior Design, a group known for its strong sensitivity to contemporary design aesthetics, The Garage is further given life and vibrancy with graffiti works of two prominent names in the street art scene: Kookoo Ramos and DeeJae Paste. 
For me, it's a must-experience latest entertainment and dining attraction. The Garage is offering a selection of more than 10 food and beverage trucks and trailers: Chip Shoppe, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, Katsu Sora, Pink’s Hotdog, Little Flour, El Chupacabra, Pizza Grigliata, Farmacy, Chocol8, The Roaster and Juiced. I also love that The Garage is also enhanced with the sustainability drive of City of Dreams Manila, where they used only eco-friendly, biodegradable and compostable plates, utensils and take-out bags.

Let me share with you what we had during our family's visit:
We were served food from the Chip Shoppe and we enjoyed the COD Save the Queen (battered COD fish), Calamari, Coco Prawn Fritters, Corn Dog, Spam Fritters and Fries.  For dessert, we tried their Banana Fritters with chocolate ice cream on top.

Calamari, COD Save The Queen, Coco Prawn Fritters, Smap Fritters, Corn Dog, and Fries from Chip Shoppe

Pizza Grigliata Manila

Four Cheese Pizza

Pizza No. Two surprised us with a little kick of spiciness and tanginess with every bite.

Lots of cheese, basil leaves and alfalfa sprouts - THIS is my kind of pizza!

Real deal Carbonara and Tomat0-based

Jasmine Iced Tea

A cup of my favorite Cafe Mocha or was this Capuccino?

The Chip Shoppe

Beverage Bar offers a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

The Roaster's giant roasting machine which they actually use but is in a glass case making it look like an exhibit or an artifact.  This is so cool!

The Roaster is the go-to outlet for an array of gourmet coffee creations made from freshly roasted Philippine beans. In keeping with the resort’s sustainability campaign, the beans are sourced from coffee growers and farmers in various communities supported by the Philippine Coffee Board, Inc.

Chocol8 is an award-winning chocolate shop which can be found in The Garage at City Of Dreams Manila

Chocol8 features handcrafted chocolates in a number of shapes and forms, and are enhanced with special ingredients such as fruits, nuts, and spices.

These chocolates were featured in a number of TV shows, I bet their chocolates are one of the bests in the country!

Farmacy Food Truck

Care for some Soccer game?

The VR zone is not for the faint heart and super full stomach.  It's recommended that you play either before eating or an hour or so after because if it's your first time, chances are you may get nauseated.  How do I know?  I can message it to you privately!  Hahaha!  It was an awesome experience overall especially for first-timers like my husband and me.

After having an awesome experience hanging out at The Garage VR Zone and Food Park, here are some of the reasons why we recommend this to families looking for a new place to comfortably hangout:
1.  It's spacious.  Spend time with the family at ease.  Having a spacious area means kids could run around, you don't worry much that you're disturbing another family, hahaha!  Honestly, this happens to every family with little kids in tow.  I love the high ceiling, and really the big space of The Garage.
2.  It has a wide selection of food choices.  There's literally something for everybody!  If you want finger foods that are easy to eat yet filling and satisfying there's The Chip Shoppe or Pink Hotdogs.  For Japanese or Mexican dish lovers like me, you'll be happy to try Katsu Sora, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka or El Chupacabra. Pizza and Pasta Day?  Then Pizza Grigliata Manila is the right truck destination.
3.  It's well-ventilated.  Space is big yet very cool.. I love the air-conditioning system because it adds up to the total happy customer experience for the whole family.  Indeed, anyone's stay or hangout experience is a comfortable one.
4.  It's clean.  Who wants to dine in with the family in an unkempt place right?  They've got you covered, from the dining areas to each of the food stalls, and especially their comfort rooms, totally clean.
5.  It's child-friendly.  I say this because the couches are perfect for sitting small children safely and comfortably.  Having a spacious area to hangout also is a plus point for being a child-friendly venue.  The selection of food even for our little picky eaters is friendly, so you're assured your little man or little girl will also be filled with food he/she will enjoy.
6.  It's pro-environment.  They use both reusable and biodegradable materials for serving food, from bowls, plates, wooden utensils, they are all impressively sustainable, making love for our planet and the future generation felt as well!  Good job City of Dreams! :)
7.  It's casual.  Lastly, no need to dress to impress!  This casual hangout place for the family makes the experience a lot more carefree, not restricting, and comfortable while making great family memories last a lifetime.  No social pressure, no venue pressure, just come as you are and be REALLY HAPPY with the family!  I love this about The Garage VR Zone/Food Park!

WHAT TO TRY NEXT:
What we want to try the next time we come here are the following:
1. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka’s well-loved ramen.
2. Katsu Sora's tonkatsu with rice and other side dishes.
3. Pink Hotdogs' intriguing "The Hollywood Legend" hotdogs and their burgers too.
4. Little Flour Café by the highly successful Wildflour Café + Bakery's rice bowls, delicacies, and grilled items.
5.  El Chupacabra's delectable array of Mexican-influenced dishes such as street tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and grilled chicken sticks.
6.  Farmacy Ice Cream - all flavors! :)

Operating Hours:
On Sundays to Thursdays, the VR Zone is open from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., food outlets at 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and The Roaster at 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and on Fridays to Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., the food outlets at 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., and The Roaster at 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Rates:
Single VR activity ticket is at Php 380; while packages are available for those playing in pairs or groups: Php 700 for two persons playing Ski Rodeo or Galaga Fever; and Php 1,300 for a group of four playing Mario Kart Arcade GP VR, Hospital Escape Terror or Winged Bicycle. For those who want to avail of three or five activities, the ticket prices are Php 1, 300 and Php 1, 650 respectively.

For more information, call (+63 2) 800-8080 or email guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.