Nutcracker Peanut Butter

A group of young entrepreneur sent bottles of Nutcracker Peanut Butter for me to try. I am all for supporting local entrepreneur especially those who have just started so I gladly accepted the proposal to try these homemade flavored peanut butters and give my opinion about it.

These young business owners behind Nutcracker Manila hails from University of Santo Tomas and I can feel their excitement in having people try their product. Their enthusiasm is contagious and I salute their brave move to go into business.

I may have mentioned before here on the blog that I am very picky when it comes to peanut butter. I am pretty loyal to my favorite brand if pressed to make a decision. But I am not closing my door to trying out new brands and sharing my thoughts on it here at YedyLicious.

Max's Restaurant 70th Anniversary #HBDMaxs #ChickenLove #MaxsFriedChicken @maxsrestaurant

Max's Restaurant, “The House That Fried Chicken Built” and the home of Sarap-to-the-Bones Fried Chicken celebrates its 70th Anniversary this year. 70 long years, they have been in the business, making history and creating memories with Filipino families. 

With staying power such as that, and the ability to cross boarders to share their well-loved fried chicken alongside other dishes which are very Filipino to the core, Max's Restaurant made us proud to be Filipino. Indeed, they are already part of our history.

I am glad to be part of this event so despite the schedule I made it a point to set some time for this celebration. After all, I grew up loving this restaurant. I myself have some awesome memories with max's Restaurant hence, I am more than happy to share this milestone with them.

J.CO Donuts and Coffee Philippines: Halloween Donuts #HalloweenWithJco

This Halloween, J.CO Philippines is giving us reasons to celebrate by introducing their Halloween Donuts. With two flavors namely Trapped in a Web Donut and Nutty Dracula Donut, it's going to be a frightful Halloween this year - as J.CO Philippines aptly put it.

J.Co is known to dish out delightfully interesting flavors in their arsenal of donuts. These two new flavors are just some of them.

So what exactly these two flavors are all about, you ask. 

Charlie's Grind and Grill, Makati

I cannot remember when was the last time I have dined at Charlie's Grind and Grill prior to my visit recently. Perhaps it has something to do with the numbers of different burger joints sprouting all over Manila that I must be visited for the blog. Or perhaps maybe because since I moved here in the East, Charlie's Grind and Grill branches are tad too far to me now.

Despite that, I know at the back of my mind that when asked for best place to get a good burger, Charlie's Grind and Grill is still one of the best recommendation I could give alongside some of my favorite burger joints.

Last time I wrote about Charlie's Grind and Grill here on the blog was year 2011 and it was all about my admiration for their Philly Cheese Steak. So when a chance presented itself one day, I dropped by at their Makati branch to once again enjoy the goodness of the grubs they offer at Charlie's.

Salted Caramel Cupcake by Dishanel

I have already written about Dishanel's cookies and cupcakes before but after having a taste of her Salted Caramel Cupcake, I knew a repeat appearance here on the blog was called for. A box of these babies was delivered to our house one day as a gift because someone in the family was celebrating a birthday. 

I was not asked to blog about this. Yet, I don't think I could quiet my conscience knowing that I have found a little gem of a cupcake and did not even bother to share it here at YedyLicious. So I am giving this one a go.

And I am giving several other blog posts a go in due course because past celebrations were made all the more special with Dishanel's creations (think customized cake which is actually the specialty of Dishanel). We will get there, you'll see. In the meantime, this Salted Caramel Cupcake.

Going Back to Outback Steakhouse Makati for a Satisfying Lunch

I recently had lunch at Outback Steakhouse in Makati and as expected, the experience was delightful. There are several branches of Outback Steakhouse here in Manila but the ones I frequent to is their branch in Glorietta. It was a simple and quick lunch but it brought so many good memories.

I have mentioned in my last Outback Steakhouse blog post that this restaurant has always been one of my favorite even way back those days when I wasn't blogging yet. 

To this day, that still holds true. Had I not moved to Antipolo, I will still probably frequent to this branch. But then again, a trip to Outback whenever I am in Makati isn't a bad idea, right? 

Food Trip at Robinsons Place Las Piñas

Last weekend I was invited to a Food Tour at Robinsons Place Las Piñas. There are numbers of local restaurants at the Southern part of Manila that opened a branch at Robinsons Place Las Piñas so going there can be a good chance to explore these food places all in one roof.

So aside from the impressive line of stores that are housed within the mall, we could say that Robinsons Place Las Piñas is also a good dining destination when visiting the South.

That was what our tour was all about - to visit these restaurants and familiarize ourselves with the food that they do offer. Equipped with passion in finding good food and an enthusiasm to explore new place, I joined several Manila bloggers together with the Marketing staff of Robinsons Place Las Piñas in this food tour.

Marufuku Japanese Restaurant in Ortigas

I have always wanted to try Marufuku Japanese Restaurant in Ortigas which is said to be one of the Best Japanese Restaurants in Manila by some food enthusiasts I know. Despite the itch to take the road less traveled - at least by me - I was not able to do so until a friend invited me for a quick lunch and a little catching up. 

Aptly tagged as a "hidden gem" or a "secret" Japanese restaurant, Marufuku is tucked in a nondescript place that can be easily missed if you are not familiar with the area. Yet if you know that it is located at The Crescent Building facing San Miguel Ave. and the entrance is located in Amethyst St. at the back side of the building, it shouldn't be hard to locate. It's near UA&P.

Parking area is decent enough to hold several cars but during busy days, finding a spot can be quite a challenge. Nonetheless, the challenge will be worth it if you get to try the amazing Japanese that Marufuku serve.

Deal Grocer Experience

Let me say this from the get-go, before trying out Deal Grocer, I am skeptical when it comes to group buying sites. Case in point, during the time when majority of the food bloggers I know were writing about their dining experiences made possible through the vouchers they bought at some group buying site sprouting those days, I got nothing to contribute. Simply because I do not patronize such.

Those horrifying group buying sites experiences documented on blog posts you can find all over the internet also didn't help. So, call me a less than smart consumer if you must, but I will still stand firm on my belief that if I want good quality food and service, I must pay it with fair price.

I have been blogging about restaurants for nearly eight years now, that cliche that says "You get what you pay for" holds truth in it. So, I would rather work hard and save money for those experiences which will guarantee a good quality food and service instead of pushing my luck that my vouchers will not disappoint me. It's food that nourishes the body we are talking about, I hate being disappointed when it comes to that, so I don't mind spending.

Alyanna's Cakes and Cafe

Alyanna's Cakes and Cafe is a new coffee shop / restaurant in Antipolo that specializes in cakes, coffee, and home cooked meals. Located at the lower part of Antipolo, specifically in Marcos Highway / Masinag area, Alyanna's Cakes and Cafe used to be just an online store that caters to those who needs downright impressive customized cakes.

It's success led into a full blown coffee shop that serves all sort of delicious things including one of their specialties, cupcakes. But trust me, there is more to Alyanna's Cakes and Cafe than cupcakes.

I am still on a roll for my Antipolo Food Trip Blog Series and while I went down further Antipolo area than my usual route which is near the city town proper, Alyanna's Cakes and Cafe is a welcome addition to my series. 

Rosanjin Japanese Restaurant

I went to Rosanjin Japanese Restaurant located at the Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall recently to check out their Kaminabe and Tobanyaki offerings. While it was my first time to dine at Rosanjin, it was not really my first encounter with Tobanyaki and Kaminabe as I was previously introduced to these way of cooking and serving food by a Japanese friend.

Tobanyaki and Kaminabe is both an Art and Science in itself. Art in a sense that it involves aesthetic presentation and process. It is also considered as Science by the virtue of the foundation the process is executed. No, you do not call a paper holding liquid over fire and don't get burn just pure Art. Obviously, there is Science behind that.

Located near Osaka Ohsho, Alqueria, and Linguini Fini, Rosanjin Japanese Restaurant's menu holds an impressive number of Japanese dishes. From sushi to ramen to rice toppings - the whole nine yards. But that day of my visit, I was a woman on a mission - to try the Tobanyaki and Kaminabe dishes.

Nostalgic Dining at Lydia's Lechon Restaurant

There is this certain happy feeling I have when writing about food that my parents enjoy even before they had a child who grew up to write about food. It can be a good excuse to peek through the yesteryears with some hint of the root cause why I, as their child ended up liking so much food. 

Lydia's Lechon is one of those which has become part of my parents past which love for it they carry to this day.

So this recent visit to Lydia's Lechon Restaurant along Marcos Highway in Antipolo courtesy of the people behind the brand led to some nostalgic stupor when my mother started telling stories about how she, as a child enjoyed some porcini bliss that only Lydia's Lechon could provide. 

The Halal Guys PH Manila Experience: The Food & The Food Enthusiasts Who Love Them @TheHalalGuysPH

The Halal Guys PH is set to open in Manila on October 13, 2015 at the Food Hall of Mega Fashion Hall SM Megamall. Media and some Manila bloggers were given a sneak preview yesterday of what to expect once The Halal Guys open its door to the anticipating public. 

I was one of those who kept an eye on them since the rumor started spreading that this iconic America-Halal street food franchise will hit Manila shore. And based on my experience, it's worth the wait. 

I haven't met anyone who have tried the Halal Guy's offerings and doesn't love them. Its stature that started from its humble beginnings in New York to what it is now is a pretty clear indication how this brand has earned the love of many food enthusiasts. 

Build Your Own Brownie Sundae at BONO Artisanal Gelato

Build Your Own Brownie Sundae is the new apple of my eye at BONO Gelato's menu. I have always been a fan of BONO from the get go since theirs are the best gelato I have ever tasted here in Manila. Now that they have released this new creation, it made me love them all the more.

I am a sucker for brownies and sundae isn't a bad idea either. The fact that it can be customized to my liking is the proverbial icing on the cake.

So this afternoon at Mega Fashion Hall in SM Megamall, I joined my friends The Mommist, Dude 4 Food, and Hefty Foodie in checking out BONO to try the Build Your Own Brownie Sundae. 

Breakfast Buffet at Fab Restaurant, Holiday Inn Galleria Manila

I stayed at Holiday Inn Hotel Galleria Manila with my family weeks ago to celebrate my sister's birthday. Part of our accommodation was complimentary breakfast buffet at Fab Restaurant. It was not my first encounter with Fab Restaurant since my parent's default hotel choice for family bonding has always been Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza Hotel because of some Priority Club membership they are part of. 

Photos I took whenever we're dinning at Fab Restaurant were all tad too personal to be posted here on the blog, hence it is only now that I get to write about my dining experience at Fab.

Fab is the in-house restaurant of Holiday Inn Galleria Manila that offers breakfast buffet and all-day dining menu. Although Seven Corners Restaurant located at the connecting hotel Crowne Plaza is more famous, Fab Restaurant also offers impressive International food choices.

Earth Kitchen at BGC

Recently, I visited Earth Kitchen at BGC to check out the healthy food offerings they have. Some of Manila Food Bloggers have been raving about Earth Kitchen's farm-to-table concept which piqued my curiosity. I've been on the look out for restaurants that serves healthy food not only for personal consumption but because majority of people I know have been asking recommendation for such.

Earth Kitchen opened their first branch located at White Plains Katipunan in 2013. This year, they opened their second branch at Bonifacio High Street in BGC to cater to people who lives in the Southern part of the Metro.

I haven't been in their White Plains branch but I will surely visit soon since I loved everything I have tried at their BGC branch. I will also do a blog post about it, but meanwhile, let us focus to Earth Kitchen BGC.

Burger King PH: The Celebrity Endorser + The Grill & Chill Cookout + The Angry Whopper

Upon learning that Burger King Philippines has a new burger variant that features Jalapeño, I got really excited. Burger King is one of my favorite burger fast food chains ever because they got one of the best burgers, in my opinion. The introduction of the new spicy variant is very timely since it was only recently that I learned to love spicy food. 

Incidentally, I got an invite for Burger King's event held at their Tiendesitas branch. The event was all about their celebrity endorser Tom Rodriguez, the Grill & Chill Cook-Out, and of course, the Angry Whopper.

Lucky for me, I got my schedule cleared up, so to Burger King Tiendesitas I went. It was jam packed, fun, and exciting! 

The Max's Classic Chicken Burger #ChickenLove

Max's Classic Chicken Burger is the latest addition to the menu of Max's Restaurant in line with their 70th years in the business. Max's Restaurant is known as the home of the ever famous Sarap to the Bones Pinoy Fried Chicken. Their staying power in the business which started way back 1945 is a proof that all these years, despite the many competitors that come and go, they are still on top of their game.

Just like all of their other dishes, Max's Classic Chicken Burger is poised to satisfy people's palate with its impeccable taste and dare I say, charm.

Chicken Burger is not really a foreign concept at Max's menu. I remember enjoying it several times when dining at Max's - it was one of my favorites as a matter of fact. But its current version is way way better than its predecessor. For one, it now boasts of 2 chicken burger patties which make it more satisfying.