Khaleb Shawarma

Khaleb Shawarma is not the best shawarma here in the metro, in my opinion, but it will do, once cravings hit you.

The beef used is marinated, so expect that it's a bit sweet, the pita bread is soft but nothing extra-ordinary, and they used the usual veggies such as cucumber, tomatoes, and onion just like other shawarma stores do. But I heard that they actually have cheese sauce, just like the one they have at Turk’s but they didn't offer that to me. Oh well.

For the price of 50php, you'll have the large serving of this shawarma, and then you can move on with your life.

Got this one at their Cubao Shopwise branch, but they have a lot of kiosks wherever other food kiosks are located.

Kuya Chito's Takuyaki

Takoyaki, which originates from Osaka, is a Japanese dumpling made of batter with diced octopus, tempura scraps, green onions, konnyaku, and pickled ginger, topped with mayonnaise and fish shavings.

Since Filipino is known for its creativity, no wonder that we have come up with the version of our own which definitely suits Filipino palate.

Among the Pinoy version of Takoyaki, my favorite is Kuya Chito's Takuyaki. Owned by a down-to-earth businessman with nothing but love for food and cooking, Edgino Bogayong, also known as Kuya Chito now shares the opportunity to his fellow entrepreneurs by opening this business for franchising.


Kuya Chito’s version of takoyaki are balls made with shredded vegetable fillings drizzled with mayo, topped with chicken, beef or fish flakes then spicy or sweet & sour sauce, depending on your choice. One thing noticeable about Kuya Chito's Takuyaki, is that it is crispy on the outside, soft in the inside, and the shredded vegetables remain crispy. Also, their sweet & sour sauce, plus mayo combined with fish shavings is so awesome you would crave for more.

One serving of Takuyaki consists of three balls for 24php only. The kiosk I usually frequent to is the one in Robinson's Galleria, and I learned that they also have kiosks located on various LRT/MRT station.

Kuya Chito's TakuyakiLevel 1, Robinsons Galleria,
EDSA cor. Ortigas Ave.,
Quezon City

Shakey's Thin Crust Pizza

I am never a big fan of Thick crust pizza.

Unless it's Chicago style pizza, I usually opt for thin crust variety. Well, of course, make Pizza Hut Viva Lasagna and Stuffed Crust Pizza an exception here.

Although I have so much respect for food, and high regards to the fact that there are people who dies of hunger every second, I can never finish a thick-crust slice because it fills me up too quickly. And I believe that it is a monumental waste of money.

I just couldn’t get my self to love the doughy kind of pizza my friends and family usually have. That is why I thank high heavens for the thin crust variety.

So, why do I love thin crust pizza? let me count the ways...

1.) As opposed to the usual pan pizza or thick crust pizza, the dough, since it is thin, does not absorb huge amount of oil which we all know is bad for our health. (you are eating pizza, if you're on a diet, you have to forgo everything or just settle for the lesser evil, so consider the alternative.)

2.) It is easier to eat especially if I'm on a raging appetite. Fold it into half then devour it to your heart's content, as many as you can.

3.) Most of the time, thick crust overpowers the taste of the toppings and I wouldn't want to have the feel of eating plain bread if I ordered for a pizza.

4.) The thick is usually too much dough and then you feel big and bloated afterwards.

5.) We are talking about pizza, not emsaymada, adobo roll, or cheese cluster for that matter.

And when it comes to thin crust pizza, Shakey's is the first thing that comes to mind.

There is always a debate between my elder sister and I when it comes to this matter because most of the time, she prefers thick crust, so, most of the time, (if she'll handle the bill) we'll meet halfway and order for a New York style variety.

But there are moments when she would just give in and so I'll have my pizza thin and crispy. And I love her for that :)

High Protein Supreme Thin Crust Pizza from Shakeys Party Size 426php.

call Shakey's delivery hotline at 77-777

JT's Manukan Grille

Not long ago, my notion of Chicken Inasal was jaded due to an experience I had with some restaurant who claims that they served the best one. Although they are well known, the taste of their Chicken Inasal is not extraordinary, as my mother can do that for me at home, then the serving portion is as poor as it can get.

"Chicken Inorder ko, hindi Inihaw na sisiw." that is according to my mom.

After that, I no longer crave for such a cuisine. So when my friends rave about JT's Manukan Grille which specializes in Chicken Inasal, I was hesitant for a while. But since most of them gave their thumbs up, well, I thought, why not give it a try?

So, to JT's Manukan Grille near Gilmore in Cubao we went. And it erases the bad memories for Chicken Inasal that I had.



We have ordered for their PECHO chicken breast with wings, KANSI the ilonggo version of bulalo, and then their hefty Batchoy. Sawsawan is self prepared using soy sauce, vinegar, calamansi, and chilli.

Owned by a stellar actor, Mr. Joel Torre, thus the initial on the name of the resto, the first thing that you can noticed about the place aside from its carenderia ambiance, are the movie posters of the owner’s past films posted haphazardly on the walls. A very humble place that does not boast of fancy ambiance, all meals are served using banana leaf covered plates, diners sit on monoblock and chairs made out of wood.

Although not fancy, the quality of the food is superb. Big servings, friendly waiters, and fast service. And the price, oh the price is very very affordable.

JT’s Manukan Grille#4 Granada corner Valencia St.
Ortigas Ave. Extension, Quezon City
+632 721-9026

JT’s Manukan GrilleThe Courtyard Building
#26 Sgt. Esguerra St.
South Triangle, Quezon City
+632 928-8085

Royce Nama Chocolate

When a friend, and fellow food enthusiast emailed me this picture, it was sleepless night ever since.

I learned that it is Royce, a chocolate brand hailing from Hokkaido, Japan, that is responsible for this delightfully sinful piece of heaven on earth they called Nama Chocolate.

And as luck would have it, my friend Glenn and CJ chance upon one of its stores in Rockwell. Though it used to be a favorite pasalubong from Singapore, we are lucky enough that they now have a store in Rockwell and Connecticut St. in Greenhills.

Although I was deceived by the photo I first saw in terms of its size because I though each block is as big as a size of a regular match box, the taste did not disappoint me. It even exceeded my expectations, so I guess it evens the score.

Upon purchase, it comes in an insulated bag to keep the temperature steady and avoid the melting of the chocolate for couple of hours. It is best kept below 10 degrees.

When you open the box, you can see a tiny plastic knife (it looks like a spoon to me though, but they said it's a knife) and a tiny booklet of Royce's other products is provided ( the booklet is in japanese, so, just look at the pictures instead )

The chocolate is covered with cocoa powder to avoid them from sticking to the plastic just in case. It is beautifully arrange in a partition that is enough for you to have a taste of heaven.

Royce Nama Chocolate, as expected is pure bliss.

Its taste is velvety smooth creamy goodness with a subtle hint of liqueur since what we have tried out is its Champagne variant. The smooth texture hints of strong and bitter cocoa, but as it explodes in your mouth and gently melts on it, the sweetness and creaminess will set in. Therefore, you wouldn't be assaulted with its strong flavor. A balance is indeed struck as each tastes of goodness complements each other.

As much as one would like to stockpile on this Nama, it is not advisable because it expires rather quickly and is really best enjoyed upon purchased to experience its freshness. It is highly perishable, with a relatively short shelf life.

The variants available in Manila Stores are Au Lait, White, Champagne, Mild Cacao and Bitter. And each box will cost you 580php.

Not bad for a heavenly experience of this delightful chocolate. Next time, we'll try their Potato Chip Chocolate!

Konbini#57 Connecticut St., Northeast Greenhills
San Juan City
Tel. No.: 722-4263

Royce
Playground Section, R3
Rockwell Center, Powerplant Mall
Rockwell Drive cor. Estrella St.
Makati, Metro Manila
Tel. No.: 495-50-51

RoyceGround Level
Greenbelt 5
Legaspi St.
Legaspi Village
Makati, Metro Manila
Tel. No.: 489-6946

photos #1 and #4 (from the top) were grabbed from the email sent, while the rest are from the author of this blog.

Kamayan Restaurant's Buffet Grande

Our family is big when it comes to food. And since we've been hearing a lot about the Kamayan Restaurant's ultimate buffet, we decided to hold the reception of a family event there. True enough, we were not disappointed.

From the time that we called in for reservation, the manager has been very accommodating. Also, the chefs and the food server were all friendly and hospitable.

And since this it is a smorgasbord set up, it is indeed pinoy food overload at its finest. The quantity as well as the quality of food is superb, that is why according to some people, the place is always jam packed.

For the reference of my fellow foodies, here are the menu of Kamayan Restaurant Ultimate Buffet.

SIZZLING:
Sisig, Bangus, Pusit Sagitsit, Mangingisda, Kangkong

CRISPY FRIED:
Asohos, Chicken BBQ, Hito, Pork BBQ, Pusit Big, Sinulog, Inihaw Na Baboy Bicol, Tagalog, Talong, Tambakol

APPETIZER:
Kuhol Sa Gata, Crispy Kangkong, Kilawing Tanigue, Crispy Fried Dapa

SOUP:
Kamayan Soup, Pochero Cebu

LECHON:
Lechon De Leche, Lechon Liempo, Lechon Kawali

BEEF:
Kare-Kare, Kalderetang Baka

PORK:
Banagoongang Baboy, Paksiw Na Lechon, Pork Humba, Bopis

CHICKEN:
Manok Sa Pugad, Chicken Pastel

VEGETABLE:
Adobong Kangkong, Pinakbet, Sauteed Mix Vegetables

SEAFOOD: Seafood in Chili Sauce, Rellenong Bangus, Alimasag at Gulay Sa Gata

LUMPIA:
Lumpiang Ubod, Lumpiang Sariwa, Lumpiang Shanghai

PANCITAN:
Pancit Luglog, Pansit Mixed, Pansit, Bihon, Pansit Canton

RICE:
Pandan Rice, Seafood Rice

SALAD:
Kamayan Salad, Mangga Buro, Pipino Salad, Ensaladang Talong

ATCHARA:
Atcharang Kangkong, Atcharang Papapya, Atcharang Singkamas

DESSERT:
Bibingka, Buko Pandan, Fresh Fruits, Gelatin, Halo-Halo, Leche Flan, Maja Blanca, Matamis Na Saging, Palitaw, Puto Bumbong, turon Supremo, Muron

Moreover, one of Kamayan's trademark is the musicians ready to sing the songs that the customers requested for by going around from table to table. Now, a remarkable way to entertain customers while dining.

Since the place is always jam packed, it is recommended to have a reservation prior to visiting the resto. Moreover, since the resto consist of not just Kamayan, but Dads which specializes in American Food, and Saisaki for the japanese food, One can have a choice of what cuisine that suits their taste.

 
If you choose to have a feast of Filipino Food, you can just settle for Kamayan Buffet just like what we did. The price is only 335php per head, drinks not yet included. But if you want to include the Dads and Saisaki buffet, it will cost you 555php per person. The drinks are priced at 71php, and that is bottomless softdrinks, while its 82php for the bottomless Iced Tea.

Very affordable, you'll definitely get your money's worth.

This is indeed a true gastronomical experience for those who has big appetite for food.

Kamayan/ Dads / Saisaki Restaurant

207 EDSA, Greenhills
Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila

Contact Numbers: 722-8125 / 726-5870

Look for Amer