Cafe Shibuya, Glorietta Makati

This blog post about Cafe Shibuya has been a long time coming. That is not to say that I got no interest blogging about it from the first time. As a matter of fact, being a person who has deep affinity for buttered bread - toast buttered bread with all things incredible on top of it for that matter, I was overwhelmed on my first visit. I just thought I need to revisit them couple of more times and try other items on their menu before penning my thoughts on it.

Yet, succeeding visits were still loaded with basically the same toasts which I fell in love with the first time. I would like  the virtue of loyalty take credit for it, but in all honesty, my favorite toasts at Cafe Shibuya are all enticing I couldn't bend my desire for them quite enough to say pass. So, I am giving this a go. 

With an endearing cafe interior and impressive line of savory and sweet toasts alongside equally impressive line of Ghirardelli chocolate drinks concoction, it is not surprising that Cafe Shibuya draw large followers when it opened its flagship store at U.P. Town Center. Not long after its opening, a second branch at Glorietta 2 follow suit.

Best Restaurants in Manila According to MBKRS 2014

Indeed, many are called but few are chosen as Manila's Best at Manila's Best Kept Restaurant Secrets MBKRS 2014.

YedyLicious Manila Food Blog is very honored to be once again be part of this year's judges in choosing The Best Restaurants in Manila at the MBKRS 2014. Gratitude to Ines Cabarrus-Habayeb and Elian Habayeb, founders of MBKRS.

Here is the full list of winners.

Seattle's Best Coffee Dream Journal 2015 (Giveaway Alert!)

For some it’s already a tradition that started last 2011. For others, it’s one of the much awaited perks of supporting Seattle’s Best Philippines especially during this season. Whatever the reason is, I am pretty sure that most of us are excited for the SBC Dream Journal 2015. I know I am.

I have been collecting Seattle's Best Coffee Philippines Dream Journal for four years now and this time, it'll be fun to share it to one of my lucky readers. After all, it's a season of giving and a great journal such as SBC's are too cute not to share.

But first, some details about SBC Dream Journal 2015, how you can avail it from SBC branches, the Seattle's Best Coffee Holiday Drinks, and the mechanics for my SBC Dream Journal 2015 Giveaway. So, read on.

Of Great Food, Good Company, and Gratitude: The KTG Christmas Party 2014

Truth be told, given the reserved personality that I have, you can rarely find me associated with big groups. Quality over quantity, that has always been a mantra of sort that I always live by. Sounds like a pesky little unfriendly snob? Nah, it's just that only few people can dig my unconventional approach to life and my f*cker may-care-kind-of-attitude. So, choosing to just peacefully co-exist with the rest of the humanity is just the best bet.

That is why it came as a surprise, even for me that five years into food blogging, I am suddenly surrounded with people that renders my hand fingers not enough to count. Yet, given that these people are some of the nicest I have come across with, I feel grateful. We call our group the KTG Family.

K.T.G. stands for Kain Tulog Gang. People sometimes cringe for what the name of our group stands for whenever I am asked about it. And I understand such reaction. Not to offend anyone but I, myself wasn't a big fan of the name at first - it sounds too pedestrian. Until it grew on me. To this day, I am loving the beautiful irony.

9 Peso Ebi Tempura and Other Promos for SumoSam's 9th Anniversary!

Recently, I got a good news from SumoSam which I think well worth sharing. In line with their 9th Anniversary Celebration happening of December 23, 2014, SumoSam is dishing out three exciting promos. These promos are SumoSam's way of saying "Thank You!" to their patrons whose support and love for their brand since 2005 continue to this day.

9 Peso SumoSam's Ebi Tempura, One Year Supply of Ebi Tempura, and an Ipad are the things we could all look forward to.

Read on for the mechanics of these three exciting promos by SumoSam.

Winners Announced! : Win T.G.I.Friday's Jack Daniel's Burger (Happy 20th Anniversary, T.G.I.Friday's Philippines!)

Hey everyone! So, this blog post is a quick giveaway courtesy of the generous people from T.G.I.Friday’s Philippines. As we all know, T.G.I.Friday’s Philippines will be celebrating their 20th anniversary tomorrow.  If you have been reading my blog for a while now, you probably have an idea how I consider TGIF as one of my favorite restaurants here in Manila. So, I am one of those who will be throwing them a big virtual hug coupled with nice warm anniversary greetings, for I am a fan.

Now, the good news is, T.G.I.Friday’s Philippines has partnered with YedyLicious.com to conduct a quick and easy giveaway in line with their anniversary celebration.  9 Winners will get to win one Jack Daniel Burger each.  I could vouch for the awesomeness of this burger, so I am encouraging all of you to join.

T.G.I.Fridays’ Jack Daniel's Burger is expertly seasoned and fire-grilled to order, juicy 7-oz burger is glazed with Jack Daniel's sauce and stacked with two strips of crispy bacon and American Cheese on a toasted bun. Served with a side of jack Daniel's sauce. classic fixings, and crispy seasoned fries.

Joining is really easy. Read on for the mechanics.

The Good Juice PH: My Detox Experience

I have to admit, prior to deciding on writing about The Good Juice PH, I was under the notion that as a food blogger, I may not be the right fit to share my thoughts on it. What does a food blogger who spend most of her waking time trying different food – fatty or not – has to do with juicing healthy drinks meant for detoxification?

Then I figured, that is exactly the point.

Of all the people who should be doing detox from time to time, us food enthusiasts should be it.

We expose our system to varieties of edible things we could take – out of curiosity and sheer pleasure of eating. And admittedly, sometimes, we can get overboard. Hence, detoxifying every now and then make sense.  So what does a fatty food blogger like me has to say about the benefits of detox juice? Trust me on this, a lot.

RiCo Corn Rice: Healthy Alternative to Rice

I am not in a special kind of diet or something but healthy alternative to food I usually enjoy is always welcome to my pantry. When cool peeps from Nuffnang Philippines shared to me a package of RiCo Corn Rice, a product recently introduced to market as a healthy alternative to rice, I was elated.

In our household, corns are aplenty especially when it is in season. If you live somewhere far from the city like I do, chances are, you would understand the romantic notion of planting and growing your own food. Corn is one of those crops I grew up enjoying. Substituting rice in favor of corn is not really a problem for me although I am a big rice eater. So I figured, corn molded into a rice form is something I could enjoy.

RiCo Corn Rice, a product of La Filipina, holds the promise of health benefits compared to rice. It is said that corn rice is low in glycemic index which is good for diabetics and pre-diabetic people, it is also gluten free and trans fat free, and it has no cholesterol which makes it good for the heart. Aside from that, rice corn is also said to be packed with iron, lutein, vitamin a, b-vitamins, amino acids, beta-carotene, calcium, folate, and fiber.

Cravings Fresh Picks: Salad, Soup, and Mongolian Buffet

Buffet and Healthy are words that we do not frequently see together in one phrase nor sentence. When searching for best buffets in Manila, healthy is not really the first word that plays in our mind - well at least for me. But this blog post is all about buffet that allows people to indulge but not without total disregard to health. 

To be specific, as the title suggests, this blog post is about Cravings Restaurant's Fresh Picks Salad, Soup, and Mongolian Buffet.

Soup and Salad Buffet is not really a new concept at Cravings Restaurant. I remember having enjoyed it years ago when I frequent Cravings branch at EDSA Shangri-La Mall. Aside from their Coffee and Cakes Unlimited, this is one of the reason why Cravings is one of our family's go-to restaurant. But this time, Cravings takes a new spin to their promo.

Chelsea Kitchen at SM Megamall

My visit to Chelsea Kitchen located at SM Mega Fashion Hall in SM Megamall happened amidst the time when attending to pressing matter at hand hinders me from throwing affirmative response to dining engagements. I guess luck was on my side the time a friend, Ramil of Pinasmuna.com asked me to join them for an intimate lunch at Chelsea Megamall.

The luncheon schedule indicated was the exact time I was free to do blog related things. That rarely happen these days, truth be told.  So I guess I was destined to dine at Chelsea Kitchen for the first time to finally experience the creations of the talented chef Kalel Chan. Meeting new people and catching up with some blogger friends – the proverbial icing on top.

Under Raintree Group of Restaurants, Chelsea Kitchen at Megamall is the laid back version of Chelsea Grand Café in Serendra. It occupies the space at the ground floor, EDSA side entrance of the bustling SM Mega Fashion Hall.

Oliva Bistro Cafe along Marcos Highway, Pasig City

The thing about moving far away from what is considered as the mecca of restaurants in Manila, you sometimes concern yourself with other options within reasonable proximity. That is if you write about food and do not always have the liberty of time to battle the horrendous traffic jam on the road. I should know. It's the story of my life.

So when I learned that one of the restaurants I admire most, Oliva Bistro Cafe opened its branch along Marcos Highway in Pasig City, I know a visit must ensue. The area can be easily accessed if you are from Antipolo City through Sumulong Highway and other nearby location such as Cainta, Cogeo, and Marikina since it is basically located right beside Barrio Fiesta near Sta Lucia East Grand Mall and Robinsons Mall Metro East.

It was exactly two years ago when I wrote about the first time I experienced dining at Oliva Bistro Cafe Visayas Avenue branch. That time, I was introduced to the talented chef Kanan's kitchen creations. It opened my eyes on chef's take on making each dish that hails from different countries stand on its own instead of resorting to the confusing and overused "fusion." After all these years, Oliva Bistro Cafe still believes in celebrating different culture on plate.

McDonald's Coke Modern Glass Collection 2014: Classy, Stylish, and Fun

Recently, kind people from McDonald's Philippines and EON sent me this McDonald's Coca-Cola 2014 Modern Glass Collection coupled with some good news about it. I am one of those who collects the iconic McDonald's and Coke glasses memorabilia and I am guessing some of you are too. So, this news really got me excited most especially when I saw that this years' iconic glasses are sporting contemporary design in sophisticated hue of light gray.

The strong partnership between McDonald's and Coca-Cola has once again sealed through the introduction of the modern glass collection this year. This tradition between the two big brands has already spanned for seven wonderful years and still counting.

The package I got came in a big box that housed the six design variants of the glass collection. Although I believe that the box is for media promotional purposes only, diners can be assured that the glass/glasses they will be availing at McDonald's will be encased in its usual paper casing just like the previous collections made available commercially.

No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake by Pellegrino's

The email that proposed an introduction to No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake held an enthusiastic tone I could not ignore. The name Pellegrino's was not mentioned. Instead, the letter suggests the excitement of a home baker eager to hear opinion about her product. Recipes for no bake cheesecake usually call for gelatin which I am not a big fan of, hence the apprehension.

Yet, there was something about the sincerity of the letter that got me. After all, one cannot go wrong with an open mind, so I said yes. Days after, Pellegrino's No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake arrived in our doorstep, hand carried by a charming lady named Abbie, the one who wrote me the email.

Abbie is the better half of Erwin, owners of a food stall called Pellegrino's Roasted Chicken Station located at PhilamLife Tower in Makati. They have been in the business for four years now serving roasted chicken, pork bbq, liempo, best paired with side dishes they also mastered such as baked macaroni, eggplant salad, potato salad, coleslaw, among many others. In the hope of expanding their menu, they opened their door to cheesecake making business.

Bhe'st Lasagna, It's Nice to Finally Meet You.

Lately I have been talking about Bhe'st Lasagna, one of the best lasagnas I have tried here in Manila. One reason is that with the Christmas season unfolding before us, I deem it can be the best option for an edible gift and potluck share during parties. 

Another reason is that Bhe'st Lasagna and I, we kinda have a history together. Well, sort of.

Before diving ahead on the story telling, let me just give credit where it is due. I was not in Manila when the awesome package from Bhe'st Lasagna arrived home, so I had my sister took these photos for me. Merci beaucoup!

Going back to the story, to the day I almost met Bhe'st Lasagna for the first time. Almost, being the operative word, we never crossed path the day we intended to. But as with all things in life, if it is destiny, ways will unfold itself no matter what. 

Pomodoro Pizza in Kapitolyo, Pasig City

A guy, barely in his mid twenties, dishing out book recommendations with emphasis on Robert Kiyosaki’s craft was not something that I expected.  A taste of pizza and pasta at Pomodoro Pizza located in Kapitolyo, Pasig City was what I signed up for.

A glimpse of a humble side street osteria that aims to serve simple Italian fares without breaking the bank is on top of my itinerary. Yet, interesting conversation is a pleasant addition to the feast, more so, when it involves food and book authors that I also read. 

To be honest, I am not usually the type who would engage in a conversation while eating. I prefer exchange of words at the end of a feast.  I want to be in communion with my food, to savor it without interruption. To let the intricacies of flavor ingrain in my mind as it play in my palate – I am not the silent type, this is just how I remember food that I need to write.

But that afternoon was a different story.

Meet Captain Manok (Litson Manok, Liempo, Bagnet, Crispy Pata) in Mandaluyong City

Recently, I’ve met Captain Manok.

Sounds like a super hero’s name, right? But let’s admit, some Filipinos have fondness for names like this.

When the people behind this new food establishment that specializes in Lechon Manok (Roasted Chicken) shot me an email to try their food, despite trying to lessen invite loads these days, I could not muster the courage to say no. I always have a thing for start up food businesses because nothing beats the excitement of seeing great potentials. Much more, nothing beats the happiness of seeing these food businesses do well in their field.  Yes, I do not just write for blog hits, I intend to help people,  that’s for sure.

So one day I visited Captain Manok’s first branch along San Francisco St. in Mandaluyong City. The place is a tad easy to locate. If you are familiar with Citihomes Mandaluyong, they are on the opposite side of the same street, left side if you are heading towards Makati.  With a big yellow signage bearing the name Captain Manok, it is not easy to miss.

OKF Premium Coffee: Caffe Latte, Caffè Mocha, and Caramel Macchiato + a GIVEAWAY

Coffee in can is not something I would usually pass up simply because it is convenient to have anytime, anywhere. I am sure those who loves their coffee but are usually on the go could relate. So when I sampled OKF Premium Coffee Drinks ready-to-drink in can, I knew from the get go that it is something right up my alley.

OKF Premium Coffee Drinks is from the same maker of the Healthy Aloe Vera Juice, a product I have featured here at YedyLicious before. It is available in different variants but what I got to try were the Caramel Macchiato, Caffè Mocha, and the Caffe Latte.

Of course there are plenty other big players in the same league. I have tried quite a few myself and I have some favorites. After having tried OKF Premium Coffee, they immediately went on my list of favorites.Quality of flavor and affordability are some of the things I always take into consideration when dealing with ready-to-drink coffee, these premium coffee from OKF Philippines have that.

RUB Ribs & BBQ

Seated at one corner of Rub Rbs & BBQ at Sct. Rallos St. Quezon City branch one busy weekend lunch service, thoughts came running through my head. First, I will finally get to try the much raved about Raki's BBQ Ribs and second, holy guacamole the place is so jam packed!

Another diner from the next table was seated so close to me I feared that if he popped in the ribs into his mouth and chew it, I could might as well spit the bone for him.

Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the picture.

Our visit happened prior to the opening of their newest branch at nearby Roces Ave. corner Sct. Tobias St., also in Quezon City. So, it is pretty understandable that people from the area who craves for ribs at RUB were still pointed to the same direction. Hence, I am not complaining. Also, a school of thought dictates that a restaurant crowded with people hankering for their specialty is always a good sign. Indeed, at RUB Ribs and BBQ, it was a good sign.

Tipulo Restaurant in Antipolo City: Serving Modern Filipino Cuisine [Antipolo Food Trip Series]

Antipolo Food Trip Series: List of Restaurants in Antipolo City, Rizal Province

Just in time when I was acquainting myself to the restaurants in Antipolo City after a decade of my absence, I was introduced to Tipulo Restaurant inside First Pacific Leadership Academy (FPLA). Serving modern Filipino cuisine, Tipulo is considered a dining destination for those coming from different places to experience the beauty of what is tagged as the Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines.

Tipulo Restaurant is both new and familiar to me. Now that statement calls for a trip down memory lane. Allow me to do a little rewind up to the summer that I ditched medical school to pursue Arts.

We used to call the place The Pavillion, an eating place exclusive for Meralco employees and its guests inside Manolo M. Lopez Development Center, (MMLDC) now rebranded as FPLA. During that time, Meralco employees are encouraged to recommend their children for a summer job within the company or its subsidiaries for career exposure. My father got me a spot at MMLDC's Educational Technology Team, a department that handles events and programs in the company.

Bacon and Cheese Gyoza & Peanut Butter and Banana Gyoza at Osaka Ohsho

The news came with such a casual aplomb. "Osaka Ohsho released new gyoza flavors. Bacon and Cheese Gyoza & Peanut Butter and Banana Gyoza. Are you free on Monday? We'll do lunch." My friend Richard of Tales From The Tummy, the same guy who lured me into falling so hard for the  King of Gyoza has a penchant for giving me little heart attacks.

Unflinching, he dropped the words bacon and cheese all in one phrase and he expected just a yes or no from me. Of course, a girl gotta have her oh-em-gee moments, so I gave him that. Then, I said yes to the invite with some of my favorite people.

I didn't make it to our lunch. 

Staycation at Oakwood Premier Hotel Manila in Ortigas [Part Three]

So, we have arrived at the last part of my Staycation at Oakwood Premier Manila Blog Series. The last day of my stay at Oakwood was as nice as the first day having the Jazzy Sunday Brunch Buffet as its highlight. Bonus part was that I spent it with some of my favorite Manila food bloggers which I consider my family in this industry.

I admit that I had a great time recalling that weekend at Oakwood to weave stories to share with you. Although I do not have all the time in the world to finish writing everything in one sitting, I am glad that you have stayed with me. Good memories are not meant to be rushed, only savored. Thank you for your patience.

It tickles me to the bone that some of you sent me emails and messages through my Facebook page just to let me know that you are enjoying this mini series. Do not worry, I am working on making the comment system here at YedyLicious way easier to deal with. Meanwhile, you are always welcome to get in touch with me by any means we see fit. 

Staycation at Oakwood Premier Hotel Manila in Ortigas [Part Two]

On the first part of my Staycation at Oakwood Premier Manila in Ortigas blog post series, I let you in on a little tour of the One-Bedroom Deluxe which I have stayed in. I apologize if it took me a while to post this second part because well, life outside the cyberspace skyrocketed from being downright chill to notoriously demanding. But I am done complaining. I stole some time to make way finishing the second installment of this mini blog series.

So, where was I? Yes, right. We're done with the tour. Now, on to the back story.

Morning of Saturday that I am scheduled to check in at Oakwood, I was at some photo shoot to finish the project I committed myself into. To say that I was exasperated even before the clock hits 12 would be an understatement. On my way to Oakwood, I grabbed a sandwich and commenced what was the first meal of my day while walking and running carrying one overnight bag and another one full of equipment. I met up with my mother so that they could drop me off at Oakwood.

Staycation at Oakwood Premier Hotel Manila in Ortigas [Part One]

One of the things I love doing for my blog aside from dining at restaurants is writing about hotel staycations here in Manila. So, when this month was welcomed with a weekend staycation at Oakwood Premier Manila in Ortigas, I know I have to make time even if it entails moving mountain. It is my birth month after all, I figured I could use a break from the usual.

Having experienced several themed buffets at Oakwood Premier Manila's Oakroom Restaurant, I have always been confident that they are well worth sharing here on my blog. I even hosted couple of giveaways out of Oakwood's generosity and belief that great food are meant to be shared. This time though, what I am sharing is my weekend staycation experience at Oakwood.

If you have been a long time reader, you know how enthusiastic I can get especially when it comes to telling some great experiences about my little adventures. Add to that the fact that I can get trigger happy when exposed to lovely surroundings with pleasant ambiance. Disclaimer though, as with most of the things I have shared here on YedyLicious, this is not a review, I am just sharing my stories with you. Yes, this is going to be a long post with lots of photos and I deem it is only apt to divide it into parts. And this first part right here is what I call, "A Little Tour of My Room at Oakwood."

Nomama at Capitol Commons

Weeks ago, together with some of my favorite Manila food bloggers, we visited Nomama Artisanal Ramen's branch at Capitol Commons in Pasig City to try new dishes on Nomama's Menu. I have always been a fan of chef Him Uy de Baron, so, regardless the fact that there are a lot of ramen places sprouting in Manila, Nomama is still on top of my list.

While the closing of their branch at Quezon City saddened a lot of ramen enthusiast from the North which shares the same affinity for Nomama Artisanal Ramen, the opening of their new branch at Capitol Commons brought joy nonetheless.

I may have mentioned before that I am not one of those who posses an extensive knowledge when it comes to ramen. But I know my palate, and having given a chance to be exposed in some of the ramen places here in Manila, I know what can makes me happy. Ramen with hearty broth that comforts, ingredients that are fresh, and noodles that are made with respect to the dish - this is my kind of ramen. Nomama never fall short in giving me that.

Oktoberfest at Brotzeit, Shangri-La Plaza Mall

October is an exciting month for me not only because it is my birth month, but it is also because it is a month of festivity called Oktoberfest. Since this celebration originated in Germany, there couldn't be apt way to celebrate it than to visit your favorite German restaurant wherever you are and partake with the feast. In my case, it's the Oktoberfest at Brotzeit German Bier Bar and Restaurant.

Our visit at Brotzeit in Edsa Shangri-la Mall to join them in the kick off of their Oktoberfest at Brotzeit celebration prompted us with an awesome night filled with good food, great beer, and a fun experience in general. This month long festivity isn't just reserved for those who were present during its launching because rest assured, the whole month of October is made extra special for everyone.

In line with this celebration, Brotzeit will be giving away Limited Edition Brotzeit Oktoberfest T-shirt and an Original Paulaner Beer Stein to the first 200 guests that can present Php8,000 worth of accumulated receipts at Brotzeit. This promo started last October 1st up to the 31st.

Best Food Forward 2014: Come and Join the Most Awaited Benefit Food Fair in Manila!

If you have been reading my blog, you know by now that one of the food fairs in Manila that I have always been supporting is Best Food Forward. Who could ever blame me? It's a benefit food fair, nothing beats the nice feeling of feasting on great food for a cause. That's always been Best Food Forward's goal from the get go, so, I am all for it. Now the good news is they are back this year, celebrating their 4th year in making food enthusiasts in Manila happy and helping our fellow countrymen in need while in the process.

This coming October 11 to 12, 2014, from 10am to 8pm, The Most Awaited Benefit Food Fair, Best Food Forward will be staging their two-day food fair event at The Rockwell Tent in Makati, City. Since there have been a lot of flood victims in the past year up to now, Best Food Forward beneficiaries will be the flood victims and survivors.

I remember the very first time I attended Best Food Forward way back in 2011 with some of my friends. It was one of those days when I have met the most talented home bakers and food business owners which up to now I still look up to. I also remember enjoying every minute of it since I was exposed to a lot of new food finds which ended up as my favorites up to this day. Now that Best Food Forward is on its fourth year, I know that there are a lot of great things to expect.

YedyLicious X The Food Scout at CHInoy TV, Living Asia Channel

I rarely post photos of my big fat face here on the blog because as you may have known, there's no shortage of indulging fatty food photos here at YedyLicious. I figured we don't need another photos of anything fatty here, do we? 

But I am giving this one a go.

Reason being is, I am inviting you my dear friends to watch CHInoy TV this Sunday from 10am to 11am at Living Asia Channel with live streaming at www.ptv.ph from 10am to 10:30am.

My friend Jill of The Food Scout Blog and I, together with CHInoy TV host Jason Alexander Kiong will be showing you three amazing Chinese restaurants along Banawe in Quezon City. This particular segment of CHInoy TV is called Chinoy Chart, a count down of top brands under different categories. This Sunday, the spotlight is on food, Jill and I are more than happy to be part of it.

Before I head on to my behind the scene stories, here is a little background as to what CHInoy TV is all about, for those who are not familiar.

Linguini Fini Manila at SM Mega Fashion Hall

Linguini Fini, Manila is an Italian restaurant that hails from Hong Kong known for its farm-to-table and nose-to-tail concept. It is one of the newest additions to the ever growing restaurants at SM Mega Fashion Hall in SM Megamall. Serving artisanal food made from scratch using sustainable locally sourced ingredients, Linguini Fini Manila made quite of a noise since its opening early this month especially among Manila Food Bloggers.

Lingiuini Fini was brought here in the Philippines by the Moment Group (‘Cue, Manam, Burger Bar, 8 Cuts, and Phat Pho) in partnership with Todd Darling and Robert Spina of Homegrown Foods. To secure the success of its opening here n our country, Linguini Fini Hong Kong's Executive Chef Vincent "Vinny" Lauria flew in to personally run the kitchen at this early stage of Linguini Fini here in the Philippines.

I was dead set on trying out Linguini Fini upon hearing that they do serve fresh pasta from scratch. I am at a point in my life where making my own pasta from scratch is a normal occurrence at home and I have come to appreciate the innate goodness of it. Living in the countryside made me appreciate the beauty of farm-to-table concept.

My Thoughts on Sliders at Slammin' Mini Burgers + Fries + Dips @slamminminiburgers

I was under the impression that there’s not a snowball chance in the desert that I would ever enjoy Slammin’ Mini Burgers. For one, it has the word “mini” attached to its name. And for a big girl like me, it is not a word I would want to deal with especially when it comes to material things in life that matters. Mini car, mini house, mini clothes - oh, don’t get me started on mini clothes, and yes, mini food. These things, I believe call for “supersize me” marked on its forehead. So naturally, when it comes to burger – one of the things in life that matters, needless to say, I want it manly and macho. Sliders are such tease! Those burger sizes that could put my big fat face to shame? I like those.

But as with all things in life, even a mini burger deserves a chance. Hence, a visit to Slammin’ Mini Burger, Fries, and Dips at their Promenade, Greenhills branch.

It turns out that Slammin’ Mini Burger is the revamp version of Slammers Burger. I used to see their kiosk just right beside Big Chill at Greenhills before they moved to the new Promenade building but I never had a chance nor the desire to try them out for reasons previously stated. The name is a dead giveaway ~ Slammin' specializes on all-American sliders and fries with different dips, and then some.

Bono Artisanal Gelato at Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall: New Flavors to Enjoy!

Last weekend, I paid a visit to Bono Artisanal Gelato at SM Mega Fashion Hall to try their new flavors. Rea, one of the great minds behind this rockstar gelateria has always been excited and proud to introduce Bono's new flavors. I figured, despite the loaded schedule and slightly injured ankle, I should pay a visit to check out their new babies since I am a self confessed Bono fan (Both the rockstar and the gelato, mind you.)

Since Bono Artisanal Gelato opened its door to the gelato-hungry public, several flavors were introduced. This time they have Butterbeer Gelato and The Spoiled Mommy Sundae up their sleeves to once again entertain the palates of gelato-lovers out there.

Their branch at SM Mega Fashion Hall in Mandaluyong is a welcome addition to the branches I usually frequent to. I am from the Eastern part of the Metro, so it is their branch at Podium that I would normally visit. Their branch in Megamall however became an instant favorite since with all the new restaurants opening in the area, it is where I would usually spend my time roaming around. I love that Bono is continuously branching out. People deserve good gelato, to be honest.

The Rockwell’s 4th Ultimate Taste Test 2014: Join the Gastronomic Funfare!

Hey foodies! It’s the time of the year once again to put on your food critic hat and enjoy variety of food samples as Our Awesome Planet and San Miguel Lifestyle Brews presents Rockwell’s 4th Ultimate Taste Test 2014. This food tasting event will feature 50+ home-based food businesses alongside some food establishments under Power Plant Mall’s umbrella. Needless to say, it is going to be a day filled with gastronomic funfare.

I have been supporting Rockwell’s Ultimate Taste Test since 2011 and until now, theirs is definitely one of my favorite food fairs that I love to attend.  While I have been a fan of the entire Ultimate Taste Test series, the experiences and the food finds I encountered at their Rockwell UTT proved to be incomparable ( Thanks to nice location and comfortable tent set up).

So, if you are as excited as I am to be a food critic at Rockwell’s 4th Ultimate Taste Test 2014, here are the details.

Sizzlin' Steak (Formerly Sizzlin' Pepper Steak) #SizzlinSteak @sizzlinsteak

Sizzlin' Steak is not a new concept in Philippines restaurant scene. It used to go by the name Sizzlin' Pepper Steak which most of us are familiar with giving their years in the business. They are known to serve variety of food choices on a patented hot plate system wherein diners can cook their own food, particularly steak, in no time. The slight change in name was brought about by the restaurants re-branding in keeping with the ever changing needs in the market.

This re-branding is slowly being rolled out in every Sizzlin' Steak branch nationwide. With this re-branding, new items like the Sizzlin' Pasta and processes such as the customizable sizzlin' plate are being slowly introduced to the market.

Recently, I went to check out their branch at Greenhills, Promenade to try some of their specialties and to experience the new ordering process they are now rolling out which is the make your own sizzlin' steak plate. While Sizzlin' Steak is not foreign to me, the customizable plate was.

Genuine Broaster Chicken® at Robinsons Magnolia: The Healthy Alternative to Fried Chicken is Now in The Philippines

My visit recently at Broaster Chicken located at Robinsons Magnolia opened my eyes to a new world of well-loved comfort food, fried chicken. The fact that Broaster Chicken is all about providing healthy alternative to the usual sinfully delicious fried chicken, made me embraced this new world without hesitation.

Broaster Chicken is known for their crisp, light, and juicy chicken cooked through Broasting. Most of us may not be familiar with the term Broasting, I myself has little knowledge of it prior to my visit at Broaster Chicken. But if you have seen the episode of Travel Channel’s Man Vs. Food wherein the host, Adam Richmam featured Broasted Chicken, then you’ll have an idea. So yes, we are not talking about straight up fried chicken here, this post is all about the healthy option for the fried chicken lovers in all of us ~ broasted chicken.

By definition, Broasting a chicken is a cooking method made possible by using a pressure fryer and special condiments. This pressure fryer used in creating genuine broasted chicken is not just anything you could grab at any appliance store. It is an equipment manufactured by Broaster Company based in Beloit Wisconsin, licensor of Genuine Broaster Chicken.  So, unless a store is using this Broaster Pressure Fryer from its license manufacturer, the authenticity of broasted chicken may be questionable.

Osaka Ohsho at SM Megamall: New Dishes on the Menu

We recently visited Osaka Ohsho in SM Megamall to try new dishes on their menu. Osaka Ohsho is known for their gyoza tagged by many as "World's No. 1 Gyoza" but they also offer other great tasting dishes well worth one's hard earned money. The newly added dishes on the menu are variety of Fuwatoro Tenshin Han which can be availed ala carte or through Fuwatoro sets.

For those who is not familiar, Fuwatoro Tenshin Han is one of Osaka Ohsho's best sellers that is made of soft and fluffy Koshihikari rice covered with equally fluffy and velvety scrambled egg. It is sort of like omu rice, only better.

Although with limited choices, Fuwatoro Tenshin Han Set is already available at Osaka Ohsho when it opened here in our country. Now, Osaka Ohsho expanded the choices for this set by adding four new options; Ebi Tempura, Chicken Karaage, Curry Cheese Tonkatsu, and Mabo Tofu.