A Festive Lunch at Brotzeit, Shangri-La Mall

One of the best things about holiday season is the chance to get together with friends you have not seen for a long while. I really felt that when I had a chance to have a holiday lunch at Brotzeit in Shangri-La Mall with my KTG Bloggers Family. It was a special lunch filled with catching up stories, gift giving, and of course, great food and amazing German beers one can only find at Brotzeit. 

You see, ever since I started working in corporate again, rarely do I get to join my KTG Family during food events. That's pretty obvious by the lack of posts here on my blog this year. Hopefully, once I get the hang of things, I can juggle my blogger/vlogger's life (Yas! I am also on YouTube!) and my life as a salary woman.

For now, I am just so happy that I got the chance to join them at Brotzeit because, hey, it's Brotzeit. Remember it's one of our favorites? 

Smores Bar and Chocolate Cookies by Doughy Delights

I was munching on Doughy Delight's Smores Bar and Chocolate Cookies when I realized that the best thing about this holiday season is the fact that you have all the right reasons to binge on delicious treats with reckless abandon. It's a season of eating after all, we'll deal with the scary aftermath come January. For now, let's indulge. 

Speaking of indulging, one of the delicious treats I highly recommend for you to indulge in is Doughy Delights baked goodies. I've been trying a lot of brand of cookies for blog review lately and trust me on this, this is one of the best. 

While I bake cakes and cookies myself, when it's crunch time like the holiday season that is upon us, I deem that it is a wise move to have a reliable list of baked goodies sellers on your arsenal. Especially when the baker got an impressive recipe for products that can equally satisfy you the way your grandma's heirloom recipes can do.

I am so glad that I was introduced to Doughy Delights as an addition to my list. 

MEY LIN EXPRESS: Affordable Hot Pot Shabu-Shabu and Bento Meals

If it hadn't been for a friend who is crazy about hot pot, I probably wouldn't get to try Mey Lin Express at SM Light Mall. Going home, I always pass by it but I didn't really pay attention thinking it's just another little Asian restaurant. I mean, I love hot pot, but there are default choices of hot pot restaurants in my mind when craving for one. 

Little did I know, Mey Lin Express is also from Vikings Group of Restaurants. I am a fan of Vikings Group's Four Seasons Buffet and Hot Pot. Since it's under the same umbrella, I figured it could be well worth the try. 

Well, I'm happy to report that it did not disappoint. 

McDonald's Flavors of Japan with Twister Fries

I Love McDonald's Flavors of Japan especially the Ebi Burger. I cannot remember how many Flavors of Japan meal at McDo I have consumed after they launched it. It's a treat almost every other day until most of the stores have slowly ran out of the Ebi Burger. Now the good news is that the McDonald's Flavors of Japan is back for its Autumn edition and along came the return of the well-loved Twister Fries!

I've yet to meet someone who does not love McDonald's Twister Fries, but on the second thought, I probably never will because hey, what's not to love about the Twister Fries? 

My Top Picks at The Ultimate Taste Test 2019 #UTT2019

We've been attending The Ultimate Taste Test since its early days. We've enjoyed a lot of new food finds and have met a lot of likeminded individuals who like us, believe in the transformative power of good food. This year is their 10th year. Yes, it's a decade of helping out food merchants introduced their creations to the public and helping consumer find food products well-worth the calories and money. 

I started working in corporate set up months ago so I wasn't really expecting that I'll make it to this year's UTT. Luckily, my friends - the very same peeps who I've gone with to the previous years of UTT with - Rina (@rinasrainbow) a.k.a. Mrs. Pickiest Eater and Glenn (@i_am_glenn_daniel) a.k.a. The Strolling Spoon were there to drag my sleepy self out and enjoy the event. I may lack sleep but no regrets, I tell you.

짜장면 Korean Jjajangmyeon Recipe + Video

I posted a video of How To Cook Jjajangmyeon (Korean Black Bean Noodles) on my YouTube channel a little while back and I almost forgot to post an accompanying blog post for the complete recipe and detailed instruction here at YedyLicious. But it is here now, I am here now.

I feel bad that my blog is turning into a space-gathering dust for the past few months because I am so busy - I got a new job, you see. But let's reserve that story time for perhaps future blog post.

Because right now, while taking a break from studying the processes of my role for my new job and having a quick dinner, I am trying my best to somehow squeeze in finishing this blog post. Because this simple recipe for Jjajangmyeon is so easy and make and so delicious, I hope you could make it at home and share it with your loved ones too.

Homemade Korean Kimchi and Gourmet Tuyo by L'Shef Food

Yesterday, I received a bottle of Homemade Korean Kimchi and a Bottle of Gourmet Tuyo from Shela of L'Shef Food. L'Shef Food is a manufacturer and national distributor of gourmet food products. I was told that they are about to launch their new products, the bottled Korean Kimchi and Gourmet Tuyo in the market. They prided themselves by offering Korean Kimchi and Gourmet Tuyo that are all natural and free of preservatives. 

I love kimchi and gourmet tuyo isn't a bad food choice in my book either hence, I was glad try out the products.

5 Reasons Why I Love Sarangani Bay Premium Bangus

If you've been around the blog for a while now, you probably know that I love seafood. There are plenty of blog posts here that features seafood from variety of restaurants in Manila and beyond that I have been to. And I even co-authored a book wherein I talk about the best seafood you can eat when in Manila. So yeah, I love seafood.

Recently, I got to try Sarangani Bay Premium Bangus and let me tell you, upon first bite, I wondered why it took me so long to try this brand. It's really good. 

I am lucky because we have some relatives and family friends who we rely on to whenever we want some fresh bangus, hence, we rarely resort to buying package one in the market. However, having trusted brand to have in our arsenal is not a bad thing. I'm glad I was introduced to Sarangani Bay.

  

8 Reasons Why You Should Buy Instant Pot [Instant Pot Philippines]

Prior to the launch of Instant Pot here in the Philippines, I use my mother's old-school hand-me-down  pressure cooker she acquired from my grandmother. I love the novelty of family heirlooms that survived generations, don't get me wrong. But if you know how are the pressure cooker of yesteryears - safety and all, you would understand why this girl needs some moving on.

The first time that I was introduced to Instant Pot was years ago when an aunt from Ontario let me try a delicious fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs she made in less than an hour with her Instant Pot. That time, I knew I fell in love - with both the ribs and the Instant Pot.

Now that Instant Pot is already here in the Philippines, my love continues. And the more I use it, the more I see how effective and impressive this kitchen appliance is. So in this blog post, I am going to share with you 8 Reasons Why You Should Buy An Instant Pot. Because I'm pretty sure you would love it too.

Instant Pot is Now in the Philippines!

Instant Pot is now here in the Philippines and that is one news I am excited to share. Because let me tell you, whether you love to cook or not too fond of it, Instant Pot can be that one sleek and smart helper in the kitchen we all want to have. Who doesn't want one revolutionary kitchen appliance that can function and replace seven other types of appliances in the kitchen? 

Instant Pot, a smart Electric Pressure Cooker is known and designed to be safe, convenient, and dependable. It has proven to be an effective kitchen appliance and a pretty popular one at that judging by the various Instant Pot-related Facebook groups and pages you can see online. And yes, this best-selling product in Amazon has a cult following. 

Now that Instant Pot is already here in the Philippines, we all got good reason to acquire one or two for ourselves. 

Lay's Salted Egg Potato Chips [Blog Review + YouTube Video]

I've been dodging chips these days ever since my sister have been scaring me out of my wits about the effects of too much sodium and all those nasty things you can find in seemingly innocent snack food in the grocery aisles that beckons. Guess that's what you get if you have a medical practitioner for a sister. 

So, my usual potato chips binge fest while watching my favorite TV series was put into a halt, needless to say. Until Lay's Salted Egg Potato Chips landed on my lap one day. Then I thought to myself, "Girl, calm thyself. Today's a cheat day."

Apparently, Lay's Thailand who is famous for putting out there some innovative potato chips flavor dipped into the salted egg flavor craze. And here's my take on it. 

Five Reasons Why I Love PRESOTEA Philippines

Presotea, a popular Taiwanese-based tea chain recently reached the Philippines soil and is now impressing Filipino people with its high quality tea drink selections. Whether if you are a fan of milk tea or if you are one of those purist who appreciates the delicious simplicity of freshly brewed tea, Presotea got you covered. 

I love tea. And as I grew older and wiser, I prefer tea over coffee. That is why, I am always on the look out for new tea shops. Having tried out Presotea recently, I could say that I have found a new favorite that I can add on my list. 

On this blog post, I am going to share with you Five Reasons Why I Love Presotea Philippines. 

Islas Pinas Buffet: A Food and Heritage Village [Blog Review + YouTube Video]

I recently went to Islas Pinas Buffet Restaurant which was tagged as a Food and Heritage Village under the famed chef Margarita Fores to check out the place and try out the buffet offerings. Islas Pinas opened last year and originally started as a food hall. Come February of this year, Islas Pinas transformed into a buffet showcasing different Filipino food from all over the county. 

While I am confident that the food would be food since it's under the wing of chef Margarita Fores after all, what I was excited about prior to my visit was the aesthetic of the entire place. And it didn't disappoint. Islas Pinas as a heritage village has a charm of its own. 

Located at Double Dragon Plaza in Pasay City, Islas Pinas is a good destination if you want decent Filipino food while feasting your eyes to the wonders of its decors that mimics different parts of the country and echoes Filipino heritage. Aside from that, they do have a Pasalubong Center that offers local goodies which makes it a perfect destination for people who wants some souvenir edible or not, from the Philippines.

Don Day Korean BBQ Buffet Restaurant, Antipolo City Philippines [A Blog Review + A YouTube Video]

Don Day Korean BBQ Buffet is one of very few Korean restaurants in Antipolo City, Philippines. They offer eat-all-you-can Korean food, unlimited korean barbecue such as samgyeopsal (pork) and chadolbagi (beef), ala-carte Korean dishes, and shabu-shabu or hot pot. 

It is a decent enough restaurant if you in this side of the metro and craving for Korean food. The only thing that I don't like about this restaurant is the way they sometimes change their "rules" pertaining to the unlimited meat without prior notice, and the fact that diners could only have two hours time frame limit to enjoy their meal. 

We dined there one time and availed of their unlimited korean samgyeopsal and chadolbagi. When my friend asked for the refill of his samgyeopsal, the waiter informed us that they only serve maximum of 5 samgyeopsal plate per person. We are under the impression that it is unlimited like what they were claiming on their ads, so the fact that there is a limit of 5 plate per person is just plain stupid. 

How To Cook Tteokbokki 떡볶이 [Toppokki / Dukbokki] Easy Korean Spicy Rice Cake Recipe

This recipe for Tteokbokki 떡볶이 or Korean Spicy Rice Cake, alongside majority of the Korean food recipes I know I learned from an Ajumma 아줌마 (Korean elderly woman) who owned a Korean restaurant near the place where I used to live. My friendship with this ajumma didn't really start off on the right foot, you see. She used to dislike me.

For her, I was this annoying girl who speaks in broken Korean while asking for extra servings of kimchi more than a normal customer would. Until I grew on her. I somehow and surprisingly charmed my way through her heart and the next thing I know she was handing me a notes of her Korean food recipes before boarding the plane that will bring her back to her motherland for good.

I miss her. I miss hanging out in her restaurant and annoying her with my Konglish until she feeds me good food because she'd rather see this annoying girl devour her food happily instead of talking things she cannot understand. But when we speak the language of food, we become friends, there was nothing we cannot understand.

La Travieza Buffet Restaurant, Antipolo City [Blog Review + YouTube Video]

La Travieza Buffet Restaurant is one of homegrown restaurants in Antipolo City, Rizal that is popular among the locals. It offers eat-all-you-can buffet style dining set up as well as plated meals for those who wants to satisfy their hunger within budget. I have a blog series about different restaurants you can visit in Antipolo on my blog archive and now, we are adding La Travieza to the list. 

La Travieza Buffet Restaurant is equipped with several function rooms that make them a perfect venue for different event and occasions. Couple of days back, a relative celebrated her birthday at La Travieza. I figured it can be a good chance to blog about it. 

Aside from this blog post, I also uploaded a simple video of our visit at La Travieza on my YouTube channel. There you can see all the food selections on the buffet spread we feasted on during that day. Feel free to visit YedyLicious TV on YouTube and consider subscribing if so inclined. I will really appreciate it. 

Buta No Kakuni Recipe 豚の角煮 [How To Cook Japanese Braised Pork Belly]

There was this Japanese movie I've seen years ago which title and other information, to my dismay, escaped my mind currently. What I can remember however, was this scene of a man in search of something, who chanced upon an izakaya in the middle of nowhere.

The man, obviously worn out and exhausted from his quest was fed with what the audience can surmise as the best Buta No Kakuni he has ever had in his life. That moment gave him a sort of clarity - a fresh breath of courage to continue with his journey. 

That particular scene was very meaningful thus, it is one which to this day clings to my mind. It was bleeding with metaphorical representation of a despondent man being fed with an edible pep-talk - and a good one at that. By the end of the scene, he was beaming with optimism like that of a glistening chunks of kakuni that hopefully unlike the man's newfound courage, will melt in the mouth.

It was so subtle yet powerful. 

Celebrate Valentine's Day at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

On this special day of hearts, there is something lovely to look forward to when you celebrate Valentine's Day at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.

Indulgent Chinese Set Menu and Dim Sum Buffet, Heart-Shaped Cakes and Valentine Cocktails Highlight Love Month Celebrations at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.

A Late Hello, an Update, a YouTube Channel, and a Very Simple Toast Recipe

Hello lovely readers! It wasn't my intention to turn this blog into a space-gathering dust but somehow it did and I apologize. 2019 started out all well and good but the super cold weather where I am right now is taking a toll on my health I've been sick on and off for the past weeks. I know it is rather late but let me greet you a Happy and Prosperous 2019! I am claiming that this year will be filled with blessings, fulfilled dreams, answered prayers, and delightful surprises for all of us. And yes of course, good health.

So, first blog post for the year. Nothing grandiose, really. As a matter of fact, I am still on my PJ's and lazily sitting on my bed as I am writing this because I am still nursing residual colds from the mean flu that knocked me down recently. But I figured, the Chinese New Year has passed (gōng xǐ fā cái, btw) and I still haven't blogged about anything yet. So, hello there!

I started a YouTube Channel. I have been wanting to start one for a while now because almost everyone in my family have their own channel filming the things they love for all the world to see, while I, was constantly battling the idea of starting my own channel versus my love for my privacy. At the end of the day, a lot of people talked me into starting one. Shout out to my friend Richie a.k.a. The Pickiest Eater In The World, who gave me an encouraging nudge to just get my sh*t together and start.

So here I am - navigating ever so carefully the colourful world of creating videos on YouTube.