KTG Manila Bloggers Went MAD FOR WAGYU at Heat Buffet, Edsa Shangri-La Hotel

When your reality as of late has always been about control and the inevitable avoidance of things that has the potential to screw over your will to strike a balance health-wise, you would long for the good old days. You would long for the time when you can just throw caution to the wind and indulge on whatever the hell that can make you happy.

No, I am not trying to specifically shed off the unwanted pounds. But these days, I am doing my best to be healthy. Novice that I am in this league, I tell you, the beginning of this journey is hard AF.

On a good day, I could say yes to one dining engagement. One, being the operative word. (Note to self: Cheat Days are so 1980s, let's go for Cheat Hours. Let's stick to our guns, go for Cheat Hours, and go over those goddamn choices you made with your life while in the process, Yedy.)

Wishbone, Kapitolyo: Salted Egg Chicken Wings and More!

I visited Wishbone recently since some of my friends, both bloggers and non-bloggers alike tagged it as one of the best restaurants that opened in Kapitolyo Pasig City this year. They do serve variety of dishes but their main selling point is their flavored chicken wings. I cannot say no to chicken wings, so to Wishbone, off I went.

You know that feeling when you are secretly rooting for a business to do really well? And then suddenly, you found out that aside from its expansion, another new concept spring forth from that business which makes everything all the more awesome? That's how I feel while visiting Wishbone.

Wishbone is a new concept by the same cool people behind the popular Pomodoro and partner Rakesh Bhogwani. From its humble beginning, Pomodoro expanded its location and is still on top of its game in serving legit pizza and pasta. Now, it has its sister restaurant, Wishbone.

Sons of Burger, Kick Ass Gourmet Burgers You Will Swoon For

This article about Sons of Burger in Antipolo City was originally published at the maiden issue of a new food magazine, Flavours & Senses Magazine under the publisher Ocular Media Publications Group. I am thankful that our amazing Editor-In-Chief Dianne Dominique Ting gave me the liberty to share this new restaurant in Antipolo City, one of the places close to my heart.

I am more than enthusiastic to share this piece here on YedyLicious not just because of the Antipolo Food Trip Blog Series I am currently running, but also because this kick ass burger joint is well worth a space here.

This piece was published around October of this year which means this particular visit happened months back. I am confident that there are some new additional items on the menu, so it is set on stone that I will be coming back to Sons of Burger and once again share my experience here. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy reading this.

Snow Crab Tendon at Tenya Philippines

As if many are not yet in love with Tenya Philippines' delicious tendon and tempura, they have recently added a new dish on the menu, the Snow Crab Tendon that makes many hearts flutter. And as if the snow crab wasn't enough, they throw in a premium grade scallop into the mix to make it all the more - how do I put it without sounding I am so into this fangirling? - heartthrob-like of a dish! I failed, I know, I am such a fan!

So yes, Snow Crab Tendon is the new dish at Tenya, albeit it will only be available for a limited time. And don't be misled by the name which highlighted only the snow crab because there's also the scallop as a supporting lead.

I have always been a fan of Tenya and I honestly cannot count how many of the people I know have I forcefully encouraged to try it. Forcefully may not be a nice word to use but that's according to those people who have placed their trust on my judgement and ended up thanking me afterwards since they all love Tenya since then. 

Fire In The Hole at Hole In The Wall in Century City Mall Makati: A Pop-up Spicy Noodle Shop #FireInTheHolePH

Fire In The Hole is a pop-up spicy noodle food stall located at Hole In The Wall in Century City Mall Makati put up by the same minds behind Wrong Ramen. "Pop-up and spicy" being its operative words since it will only run up until the end of this year and everything on the menu is spicy save for the dessert which can be a welcome respite from all the fiery stuff one could muster to devour.

Its limited run spring forth from the desire to just fill the void of the now defunct Kwong's Provision. Next year, Fire In The Hole will cease to exist as it gives way to a new concept expected to sprout at Hole In The Wall.  With that said, I suggest you better visit Fire In The Hole before its too late.

So what exactly can diners expect at Fire In The Hole, you ask. Well, there are only five dishes comprising the menu. But I tell you, it does not make it less desirable because Fire In The Hole is meant to flirt with your senses. 

California Pizza Kitchen PH New Menu

California Pizza Kitchen Philippines recently launched its new menu with the theme "California is a State of Mind: For 18 strong years, CPK is still on top of its game by creating innovative dishes that bring the California spirit wherever they are. Menu reinvention is one of CPK's strongest suits which makes them an exciting young, fresh, and vibrant casual dining restaurant to visit despite the number of years they have been in the business.

If you are a California Pizza Kitchen fanatic, these new offerings are the things you wouldn't want to miss.

Selected media and bloggers were invited to sample what is tagged as the new taste of California at CPK Edsa Shangri-La Mall branch. Everyone had dibs on new salad, pasta, pizza, dessert, and drinks offerings at CPK.

Stella Wood Fired Bistro, BGC

It took me a long while to finally visit Stella Wood Fired Bistro at BGC, and when I finally did, it was such a nice experience. There are plenty of restaurants within Bonifacio High Street area of BGC but I deem Stella, which specializes in wood fired dishes is one of those well worth checking out. 

Yeah, you must not follow my foot steps. I waited for too long. Had it not been for a writing assignment I am working on, I probably missed another round of  awful lot of bliss that only food at Stella could yield.

A lot has been said about Stella Wood Fired Bistro. A little Google search and you'll be presented with some factoids about this bistro and its sister bar lounge located just right beside it, the Rocketroom.

Premium Wagyu Burger Selections and Discounted Beer: World of Burgers at Village Tavern, BGC

So this is the story about how I single-handedly down some manly Wagyu burgers and the much needed Weihenstephan Bavarian Lager on a Friday while I watched the wold pass me by.

Okay, I'm kidding.

This blog post is about the new Premium Wagyu Burger Selections by Chef Josh Boutwood at Village Tavern in BGC. World of Burgers as they are tagged since each was inspired by flavors around the world.

I was meaning to join some friends so that I could try all four new Wagyu burgers but my schedule is so screwed I ended up facing the mission by my lonesome.  So yes, somehow, this is the story about how I single-handedly down some manly Wagyu burgers and the much needed Weihenstephan Bavarian Lager on a Friday while I watched the wold pass me by.

Or something to that effect.

Mario's Kitchen, Katipunan

Along Katipunan Avenue, there is this quaint restaurant called Mario's Kitchen. It has several no nonsense Spanish dishes on the menu and an impressive line of liquors including Portuguese wines as its arsenal. Daytime could mean a quiet but nonetheless satisfying dining experience at Mario's Kitchen. Come night time, the place easily transforms into a full on festive mode with acoustic band playing on the background.

I have very little knowledge about Mario's Kitchen prior to my visit, to be honest. Its limited online presence does not help either. So as per usual, I had to go with my gut feel which thankfully rarely disappoints me.

It turns out, Mario's Kitchen is a sort of offshoot from one of my all-time favorite restaurants, Mario's Restaurant in Tomas Morato and Baguio of the Benitez's. "Sort of", being the operative words since Mario's Kitchen is an entirely separate concept.

Chelsea Kitchen, Eastwood Mall Libis

I was at Eastwood City Libis last week working on my writing assignment and part of the itinerary of my day was to check out Chelsea Kitchen in Eastwood Mall. It is the newest branch of Chelsea Kitchen, and just like its branch in SM Megamall, it allows an easy access for busy shoppers to a much needed respite.

It was technically a brunch, my dining experience at Chelsea Kitchen Eastwood. I was dead set on just getting my job done as I have four restaurants to visit that day.

But I am not really the type who could refuse a palatable feast that beckons. So with the strategy in mind relying on the proverbial food pacing, I allowed my self to indulge at Chelsea Kitchen. 

Giligan's Restaurant, Mille Luce The Village Center Antipolo: Unlimited Rice Meals, Cold Beer, and The Best Sisig

Giligan's Restaurant located at the new complex of Mille Luce's The Village Center in Antipolo City is one of the newest restaurants that popped in this year in town. Giligan's which has several branches in Manila is best known for their Sisig which makes them the best place for after work beer session aside from being just a dine-in restaurant.

I have been to Giligan's other branches in Manila before as most of my friends including myself are fan of their Sisig paired with ice cold beer. Since I am doing my Antipolo Food Trip Blog Series, I didn't mind a visit for a decent meal instead of just popping bottles of beer.

The visit happened this evening when my father suddenly made a right turn to The Village Center on our way home. We were expecting a nice dinner at home but no one complained when the suggestion to check out Giligan's first popped in.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

P125 Eat-All-You-Can Buffet at Mom's Pot Restaurant [Antipolo Food Trip Blog Series]

Mom's Pot Restaurant is one of those that offers really affordable eat-all-you-can buffet in Antipolo City. Yes, we have quite a few buffet restaurants here that offers Php100+ buffet rate. Mom's Pot Restaurant located along M.L. Quezon extension was my first brush with these affordable eats. It was formerly known as My Pot Restaurant but with their recent relocation comes with a changed in name.

At first, I was a bit hesitant to try it out because really, what can you expect from a Php125 buffet restaurant?

But then I was always curious. Every time I passed by Mom's Pot, the place was always full and parking area was never empty either. So I figured I should give this one a shot. After all, I am still working on my Antipolo Food Trip Blog Series.