New Katsu Pairs at YABU The House of Katsu @yabuPH

Yabu, the well-loved and probably the most famous katsu restaurant in Manila recently launched its New Katsu Pairs. Alongside these new pairs, two new Tofu Katsu dishes were also launched which adds to already impressive numbers of dishes that one may enjoy at Yabu besides the classic favorites.

Apparently, the New Katsu Pairs at Yabu is the answer to peoples dream of pairing up their favorite katsu options rather than being boxed up to the previous choices of sets at Yabu.

So if you are a Yabu fanatic and is very particular with your favorite katsu combination at Yabu, I am telling you, there are plenty of good things to look forward to when you visit Yabu.

Café Siena, Antipolo City

Siena's Gathering Hall is one of few places in Antipolo City that offers catering services and events place. It has been in the business for ten years now and from that staying power and success sprung forth Café Siena, a little restaurant that serves downright delicious comfort food.

I am always on the lookout for homegrown restaurant here in Antipolo City to fuel my Antipolo Food Trip Blog Series. Yet, such endeavor is not a walk in the park because my knowledge is limited by the fact that I have been away from my hometown for more than a decade.

Thankfully I was introduced to Café Siena via a friend's invite, otherwise, I am certainly missing something awesome. This little nook certainly bagged the top spot on my Best Restaurants in Antipolo list by far.

Lydia's Lechon Pasig Branch, Now Open!

Lydia's Lechon Restaurant's Pasig branch recently opened their newly relocated store with a notable facelift. Being one of the food brand close to my family's heart, a visit one weekend follow suit to check out the place and enjoy some new dishes on the menu as well as some of the all-time favorites. 

Just a couple of units away from its previous location as it is still housed in the same building, Lydia's Lechon Pasig branch still boasts of great service and food but this time, the ambiance is more welcoming and conducive to a festive meal time.

It was around 10 in the morning when we visited the restaurant - couple of minutes passed its opening for the day. The diners were minimal but after a brief moment, people started coming in - mostly in groups. It goes to show that the charm of Lydia's Lechon to its patrons is still palpable. 

The Nest, Dining in the Sky Restaurant at Vivere Hotel Alabang [Part Three of Staycation Series]

There are many things to be loved about The Nest, the in-house restaurant of Vivere Hotel Alabang. While there are many which I acknowledge, there are few that for me, really stood out. That, I learned during my recent stay at Vivere Hotel one weekend.

The Nest is aptly followed by the tag "Dining in the Sky" because with the view from the 31st floor of the property that comes with the dining experience, it is indeed like dining in the sky.

Indeed the view is great, but it is not exactly the thing that blew me away, no sir. It is not exactly the reason why I would want to go back.

Fowlbread BGC

The newly opened Fowlbread at BGC is the place you would want to visit if you got some hankering for manly chicken sandwich so good it can be a universe on its own.

And I am not talking about the old as time mayonnaise-laden shredded chicken meat sandwiched in between white bread we used to bring at school for snack hour, nope sir. This one is macho. This is Fowlbread's Chicken Sandwich.

And we cannot expect anything less knowing that this concept is under the umbrella of Tasteless Group - the same kickass peeps behind Hole in the Wall, Le Petit Souffle, and Hanamaruken. So there's that. 

Calle Preciousa Seafood Dampa Palutuan, Pasig City

Calle Preciousa Seafood Dampa Palutuan is a restaurant in Pasig City that prided itself with variety of fresh seafood and other dishes in a homey provincial atmosphere. Just like any Dampa style or Palutuan restaurants, diners may choose from Calle Preciousa's seafood selections they tagged as their very own "wet market" and have it cooked to their liking. 

Calle Preciousa is not really new in the business. They used to be called Sophia's Villa until it faced a revamped. This family owned business aims to stay true to its tradition of serving fresh food made from scratch. 

I visited Calle Preciousa recently for a quick lunch and to check out some of their offerings. There are several popular fastfood chains within the area but the ample and really impressive parking space of Calle Preciousa - which other restaurants in the vicinity lack was a clear indication that it is a good time to check this one out.

Free Buffet at Four Seasons Buffet & Hotpot by Vikings for 2016 Graduates!

Four Seasons Buffet and Hotpot by Vikings or the entire Vikings Group is not just known as the best buffets in Manila. Their generosity when it comes to buffet promos, discounts, and freebies is also quite popular and well-celebrated. In line with their goal to make their diners happy, they are now giving us the Four Seasons Buffet and Hotpot Graduation Promo. 

This buffet promo is available in all of Four Seasons Buffet and Hotpot by Vikings branches, both in SM MOA and Araneta Cubao. (Heads-up: They are opening soon at SM Sta.Mesa!)

I have been to both branches of Four Seasons Buffet and Hotpot and I must say that each branch has its own charm. My recent visit to their SM MOA branch recently made me glad as I discover that it is now like their Cubao branch in which buffet spreads are now made all the more heftier with incorporation of other dishes you can find at Vikings Buffets. Amazing, I know.

A Delicious French Dinner Affair at Nostalgia Dining Lounge, Oakwood Manila

Nostalgia Dining Lounge, the in-house restaurant of Oakwood Premier Joy-Nostalg Center Manila is currently poised to enchant its diners with classic French Cuisine for the month of March. Oakwood’s Executive Chef Jerome Catailler has whipped up traditional dishes from his hometown in line with Nostalgia’s Nostalgic Culinary Weeks with main focus on France.

Diners may enjoy the classic French cuisine as ala carte dining options every dinner from March 14 to 30, 2016 only at Nostalgia Dining Lounge.

I have written about Nostalgia before and even enjoyed a weekend staycation at Oakwood, and I must say that theirs are one of the hotel restaurants which quality of food I am always confident about. The lunch we had to check out these amazing French dishes only proved that Nostalgia is still on top of its game.

Food Trip at Robinsons Place Antipolo [World Food Tour Without Passport]

Over the weekend, I was invited to join a Bloggers Food Trip wherein we visited different restaurants at Robinsons Place Antipolo.  If you have poked around my blog a bit, you would know that I am currently doing my Antipolo Food Trip Blog Series in which I feature those I deem as the best restaurants in Antipolo City.

With that in mind, I am grateful and humbled to be part of the bloggers’ activity at Robinsons Antipolo because truth be told, some of the best places to eat when in Antipolo is housed within the confines of this amazing mall. Also, this Antipolo Food Tour we had courtesy of Robinsons Malls is just like a World Food Tour without Passport. How? I promise, I will get to that.

A lot has been said and written online about Robinsons Place Antipolo since it opened its door to the public. For someone who resides in the Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines - upper and rather secluded Antipolo area if I might add - Robinsons Antipolo is a prayer answered. We do not have much big malls around here, thanks to Robinsons Malls for providing us that.

Cucina Buffet at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila: Weekday Craze Special Buffet Rates Promo

We recently visited Cucina Restaurant at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila to check out their Weekday Craze Buffet Promo.  This Cucina Buffet’s promo boasts of special rates in which lunch buffet is priced at Php1,100 only while dinner is priced at Php1,500 from Monday to Thursday for the entire month of March. 

Now the Weekday Craze does not just stop right there. It got even more excitingly with a special giveaway in which those who will avail of lunch and dinner buffet at Cucina will get a chance to win an overnight stay in Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. 

Cucina Buffet Promo also gives way for Cucina to highlight the all-new set of featured cuisines for their Seven Days, Seven Reasons themed buffet. 

A Revisit to Lola Cafe and Bar, Quezon City

I have blogged about Lola Cafe and Bar in Quezon City way back and have paid them a visit several more times after that. Some with old time friends, others with family, and the recent one which I am writing about right now was with some of my favorite Manila bloggers. 

Despite several competitors rapidly sprouting, it is still one of my favorite restaurants in Tomas Morato Quezon City area. Hence, a bloggers' lunch to check out new additions to Lola Cafe and Bar Menu highlights an excitement one weekend which would have been ordinary otherwise.

Since Lola's opening several years back, its residential-turned-into-restaurant charm is still palpable. There are several changes that transpired in terms of its appearance, menu, and the likes, but its vision to serve good food thankfully is still ever the same. 

Hai Chix & Steaks Restaurant: The Steak That Will Haunt You, and You Will Give In

Let us not beat around the bush here about the indulging feast I had at Hai Chix and Steaks Restaurant. I am giving this to you right off the bat. Their steak's been haunting me for a while now - and I am a willing victim.

Imagine a 650g hefty slab of US Angus Rib Eye Steak grilled to your liking. Some fats were trimmed off from the meat – those fat aren't meant to be wasted. Instead, those bits and chunks of fats are fated to make your experience all the more lip-smacking.

Now imagine those bits and little chunks of fat fried into perfect doneness that gives off a balanced texture of crispness with a little resistance to the bite. Those kick ass of a savory bits will be put right on top of the steak.  And you will eat it along with the steak rice you will be served.

You are destined to savor it.

Cafe Esse: Coffee, Waffle, Good Vibes, and Then Some

I am writing this blog post about Cafe Esse in Antipolo on a fly because it felt like I have been living under the rock these days being caught up doing things not related to bogging - or writing, in general. My presence here on the blog is getting less frequent much as I don't want to because well, you know, life.

But I don't want the thought of being a cave woman away from the world wide web to become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Hence, trust that I am doing my best here. I've way too many blog posts to share in due course, mostly about travel and of course, food. But for now, let's give this one a go.

Cafe Esse it is - to supplement my Antipolo Food Trip Blog Series.

I would like to say that it was like love at first sight but that sounds too cheesy. And I've no right no be cheesy since there will be a Double Cheese Waffle somewhere in this post as we go along.

So lets avoid being cheesy and settle to the "It's like meeting an old friend, but not really." A tad shady for an opening description but I think I'm cool with that.

Project Pie PH Eats A Date Valentines Promo For Only Php 695

This Valentine's Season 2016, Project Pie Philippines will be rolling out their Eats A Date promo from the 6th of this month up to the 29th. This promo which is priced at Php695 only is a perfect treat for your significant other, friends, and loved ones.

Project Pie PH is known for their built-your-own artisan pizza. From the time they opened to this day, Project Pie PH already boasts of 12 branches and still counting. This promo will be rolled out in all of their branches.

I visited Project Pie SM Megamall branch recently for a preview of their Valentines Promo and to check out some of their offerings.

The Beef, In Reference to The Art of War

Amidst all the hamburger joints in Manila vying to be one of the best by creating crazy and mind blowing burger concoctions, The Beef at Hole In The Wall dived into the battle field armed with one zen-like philosophy that goes against the tide; Unclutter the Hamburger. 

While everyone is stacking up their burgers to outrageous proportion, The Beef has ditched all the notion to become just a mere eye candy with high possibility rate of falling short. Instead, its stratagem focuses on the strength of its core - the beef.

"So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak." - Sun Tzu, The Art of War. 

The Beef could have been just another burger joint, yes. But the thrilling part here is that this one is playing on its opponents' blind spot - and they are so goddamn good at it they are actually winning.

Weekend Stay at Taal Vista Hotel Tagaytay and Food Trip at Taza Fresh Table Restaurant [Day Two]

The second day of our stay at Taal Vista Hotel Tagaytay was all about feasting on the amazing breakfast/brunch buffet at Taza Fresh Table Restaurant, checking out all the other things that Taal Vista Hotel has to offer, and basically enjoying the rest of our stay. 

We are scheduled to check out and head back to Manila at around noon so make sure to make use of the remaining time we had for relaxation and enjoyment - two of the things anyone who wished to stay at Taal Vista Hotel can actually experience amidst the beautiful view and fine weather.

The previous night was one hell of a crazy bonding with our group that we didn't noticed we were already a couple of hours away from the dawn. Not that I am complaining because it was one of the best night spent with friends I had for what seems like a long time. It was a treasured moment, I must say.

Weekend Stay at Taal Vista Hotel Tagaytay and Food Trip at Taza Fresh Table Restaurant [Day One]

Our recent stay at Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay to check out and have a food trip at Taza Fresh Table Restaurant I must say is one of the most enjoyable Tagaytay trips I have ever had as of yet. One of the best staycations I had in my blogging years. Although it was a quick overnight stay, the fun, enjoyment, and relaxation - I appreciate to the core. 

While it helps that I was with some of my KTG Family, we could all say that the main reason for our grand time in Tagaytay City was the accommodation at Taal Vista Hotel and the kind service they provided us.

A lot has been said about Taal Vista Hotel. About how great of a hotel it is, about its historical past, and about how enjoyable it is to stay with them. Now it is high time for me to share here on the blog how I enjoyed my stay at Taal Vista Hotel with some friends.

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.