Four Seasons HotPot City, SM MOA

Four Seasons HotPot City is the newest buffet concept that opened recently along SM By The Bay at SM Mall of Asia. This newest buffet restaurant in Manila specializes in hotpot / shabu-shabu creations which diners can customized by themselves with fresh and healthy ingredients. Being under the umbrella of the famous buffet chain, Vikings Group, Four Seasons HotPot City holds the promise of providing luxurious feast of unlimited proportion. 

In a nutshell, Four Seasons HotPot City concept spring forth from the cook-your-own-food idea which is not really new in the food scene and the noble idea of farm-to-table, a fairly new practice in Manila restaurant scene but not at all a foreign concept. But as expected of any Vikings Group restaurants, it goes beyond that. 

"From the source, to your table" as indicated on Four Seasons HotPot City Facebook page, may very well be apt for a description since the concept is not really boxed in solely at the more known "farm-to-table" idea. The selections of food in a set up reminiscent of a big and really clean market involves great selection of meat (ranch-to-table) and seafood (sea-to-table). There are also notable selections of cooked dishes, delectable desserts, and unlimited drinks including beer (heaven-to-table -- okay, I made this one up.)

McRib at McDonalds Philippines #McRibCraving Satisfied! @McDo_PH

"So, you haven't tried McRib yet? I believe it's already available at all branches of McDonalds Philippines." Says my McRib-loving friend preceded by that kind of look as one would stare on a gloomy sky where a rainbow has recently been - with such pity and regret.

As a self-confessed pork-loving individual, I understand such frustration. But in fairness to my part, this famed sandwich from Mickey D's has always been elusive. Popping on the menu when I least expect it, then vanishing away in a heartbeat like a rockstar taking a break from the limelight much to the dismay of its cult following.

So yes, I have not tried McRib yet until recently when McDonalds Philippines announced McRib's availability here in our country, although for a limited time only. It's available at all McDo PH branches nationwide except in Cotabato (where majority of people I believe do not eat pork), so no reason to miss the chance to finally try it and enjoy its promised goodness while it last.

Roots and Herbs Coffee Shop: That Malunggay Coffee Frappé! [Antipolo Food Trip Series]

Located just by the entrance of Mission Hills Subdivision in Antipolo City, Roots and Herbs Coffee is the nearest coffee shop in my house. Most Restaurants and Coffee Shops in Antipolo City are located either at the Sumulong Highway overlooking area or in Antipolo Town Proper (or Bayan, as locals call it). Rarely can one encounter commercial food establishments operating in the upper part of the town. 

Roots and Herbs Coffee Shop which boasts of serving healthy good quality coffee and dishes is one of the few.

I first heard of Roots and Herbs Coffee when I was still living in Manila. They have a branch somewhere in Quezon City and some of my friends swear by the goodness of their frappe including the interesting Malunggay/Moringa Frappé. I never really had a chance to visit any of their branch in Manila. Little did I know, the opportunity will present itself when I'm already here in Antipolo.