Chicken Pork Adobo in Coconut Milk

Just recently, my mom asked me to start packing my things in preparation for the proverbial move that was about to happen. I am not happy with the idea of leaving. But nevertheless, the day will come when I have to pick up the last piece of my belongings and leave.

Nobody said that it was easy to leave ones comfort zone. It is not easy to tweak something familiar to explore unchartered territory. Yes, it is not easy, but it is possible. Change is good. After all, there is the gift of adaptability, the only way to deal with the greatest cliché and irony that the ‘only constant thing in this world is change’. But it doesn’t mean that you won’t have to look back where you were rooted. Because sometimes, if you have a firm grasp of where a certain thing comes from, change is just a development. The process of crossing the line from something plain and simple to the possibility of holding on to new things which are intricate yet, beautiful.

I guess that applies to everything we hold on dear to our hearts. From lovers to possessions to ideas down to the things as simple as the first dish you have learned to cook. Adobo, a well-loved Filipino dish, simply comprises of three main ingredients which are meat, soy sauce, and vinegar then it’s good to go. But changes led to its development. Now, almost every household, if not all, have their own versions of it.Chicken Pork Adobo in Coconut Milk
Ingredients:

Chicken
Pork
Olive oil
Onion
Garlic
Bay Leaves
Pepper Corn
Soy Sauce
Vinegar
Coconut Milk
Fried Potatoes
Dried Italian Herbs

Procedure:

1. Sauté garlic and onions in olive oil, then add the meat until brown.
2. Toast in pepper corn and bay leaves.
3. Add in soy sauce, vinegar, and water then simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add in Coconut Milk then simmer for another 20 minutes or until meat is tender.
5. Add in cut Fried Potatoes and sprinkle some dried Italian Herbs before serving.

Yes, we can hold on to the usual fare of meat, soy sauce, and vinegar, but wouldn’t it be nice to add some ingredients to further enhance the dish? The flavors we have loved our whole lives can be altered, for the better. The good thing about Adobo and life is that you can always experiment, you can always change.

Truth be told, change is downright scary. But who knows, outside my own life’s recipe, the taste can become more fulfilling.


*credits to Ern Raymundo

Cheese Puffs by Conti's

As a food enthusiast, one weird thing about me is that whenever I am sad, I cook. But I rarely eat it. Not because it is laden with a contagious saddening potion that can poison anyone but because it gives me comfort knowing that I am making someone else happy through the food I cooked. On the other hand, whenever I am happy, I eat.

For some, sadness means running to the nearest store at an ungodly hour of the morning to grab whichever comfort food is available, for me, it's the other way around. That is why I have my own list of my Happy Food. Food that I crave for whenever I am overwhelmed with happiness. Originally, I intended to write down my list here but later on decided that each deserve its respective post. So for now, let me give you one of the food included on the list that makes me a happy foodie.

Contis has always been known for their pastries, cakes, and other delectable food. Most of their cakes I adore, but this little creation called Cheese Puffs never fails to illuminate the Little Miss Sunshine in me.

My month-long hiatus prior to posting food reviews again was a spiral of emotional events. The death of a loved one, quitting a job, finding a new job, loosing friends, gaining new ones, challenges, and trials. Despite all of these things, in the end, what is important is that there is always a blessing. There always is a reason to be happy.



Life is full of surprises, just like this notoriously delicious Cheese Puffs. It looked like an ordinary pastry to me the first time I bought a piece for 25php. It was crispy and sweet with a hint of cheesy taste, so I thought that it was all there is and nothing more. But then I was surprised that after a couple of bites, the hot cream cheese filling oozed out, and then I was forever hooked.

Life is tough. Bite on it. Who knows, there might be a surprise waiting along the way, then comes your happiness.

How about you? What's your happy food these days?
*Credit to Ern Raymundo for revisions and inspiration

Nasi Lemak, Singapore Food Republic

If you have been reading my blog for quite a while now, you would know that I am not a big fan of spicy food. It has always been me and my sweet tooth until Manila Boy himself, Spanky and the owner of Nasi Lemak, Mr. HK Tan, a true blooded Singaporean who fell in love with our country invited us, food bloggers to an afternoon of unforgettable foodie feast.

Not being able to find even a single decent Singaporean Restaurant here in the Philippines is one reason why Mr. HK Tan decided to put up one instead, and so the birth of Nasi Lemak, Singaporean Food Republic. His goal of having Filipinos experience an authentic Singaporean cuisine is one good reason to take a step further after stopping by your usual Krispy Kreme fix, since Nasi Lemak is just right beside it, every time you’re in Galleria.

That afternoon, before feasting on scrumptious meals and after having our Malaysian Coffee , Mr. HK had a brief demonstration on how to prepare a Sambal Blachan, a salty paste which resembles to our very own Bagoong, and is used in most of Singaporean, Indonesian, and Malaysian dishes. After trying out the Sambal Blachan accompanied by the equally tasty Papadum, the feast began.

These are some of Nasi Lemak’s specialties that we had.


Singapore Laksa 200php
It was my first time to taste the most famous noodle dish in Singapore and I fell in love with it. The spicy thickness of the broth, the flavorful chicken and the rice noodles are perfect combination. Days after the food feast, I find myself still craving for Laksa.



Kueh Pai Ti (3pcs) 120php, (5pcs) 180php
Noted as the most ordered appetizer in their menu, this fried rolled veggies fried and wrapped in wanton wrapper topped with fresh shrimp is served with sweet chili sauce that further magnify the freshness of the dish.




Malaysian Sambal Fish 160php
Do not be deceived by this ordinary-looking fried fish because aside from its tasty meat, it is stuffed with flavorful Sambal Blachan on the inside, giving it a distinct taste one would surely remember.



Malaysian Chicken Curry 300php
Chicken curry has always been on the top of my favorite viand, and Nasi Lemak’s has take it a notch further. By far the best Chicken Curry I have tasted.

Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet 245php
The classic Sweet and Sour that everybody loves.

Beef Rendang 360php
This is my favorite of all the dishes we were served. Everyone was already feasting on the other dish while I was still savoring on the goodness of Beef Rendang. Tender Chunky Beef with thick spicy sauce is best paired with steamed rice in my opinion.

Fried Salted Squid 200php
Tender Squid in flavorful and crunchy batter. I would love to have this with a mug of beer.

Fish Head Curry 390php
One of the stellar among the dishes. The Maya-Maya fish is flavorful in itself, so what can we expect if it was cooked in equally delectable curry sauce?

Penang Char Kway Teow 200php
Nasi Lemak’s best selling noodle dish, packed with flavorful veggies, sliced beef, and shrimp.

Stir-Fried Kangkong with Sambal Blachan 158php
Exotic dish of Chinese Kang-Kong stir-fried in Sambal Blachan.

Ayam Panggang Javanese BBQ Chicken
Mouth watering Chicken BBQ, its meat is very tasty and tender, you would instantly distinguishe its difference from your normal Chicken BBQ. This is one of the two new additions to the menu.

Singapore BBQ Stingray
Barbecued Stingray flap made tastier with chili sambal. Another new exotic addition to Nasi Lemak’s menu.

Crispy Baby Squid
Sweet and spicy, crispy squid, another one which made me craves for an ice cold beer.

Sambal Fried Rice 200php
Just like the usual Nasi Goreng, only it has a mix of Sambal Blachan for added spiciness and flavor.

After this afternoon of spicy food feast, I could say that I am suddenly a convert. Nasi Lemak can adjust the spiciness of their food to their customer’s preference and I think that is ne good thing about it. Also, their belief in serving food without Monosodium glutamate is another thing. So if you are in search of an authentic Singaporean/Malaysian/Indonesian Restaurant, you couldn’t go wrong with Nasi Lemak.

Thanks to Mr. HK Tan and Spanky for the invite!

Photo credit to Glenn Dalisay and some revisions to Ern Raymundo

Nasi Lemak

(Beside Krispy Kreme)
Unit 2354, Level 2, East Lane
Robinsons Galleria
Edsa corner Ortigas Ave,
Quezon City
For Deliver: 5718988

All Year Round Summer Indulgence with Swirls

It is already June and although we may be experiencing some rain showers during night time, the scorching heat of the sun is still undeniably present during the afternoons. With that, trips to Baguio or Tagaytay, hanging out at the beach, strolling in malls, and some other things you can do to cool down is a necessity. For foodies, that necessity includes indulging in your favorite ice cream.

Good thing, there is a new cool store that I have discovered at SM Centerpoint in Sta. Mesa called Swirls. Aside from the fact that the place is just a stone throw away from where I am living, I can indulge to my heart’s delight because everything is affordable. First time I chanced upon it, I was captivated by their colorful kiosk which screams delectable ice creams with variations through their stall advertisement.

This new store boasts of their enticing products that would surely capture not just your palate but your heart as well. I have tried their Chocó Brownie Fudge Carfait. Which consist of 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream topped with scrumptious brownies, choco fudge, almonds, whipped cream and cherry.

Carfaits are super-sized Sundaes. It is also available in Strawberry Stripes, consisting of three scoops of vanilla ice cream topped with fresh strawberries, strawberry syrups, choco fudge, almonds, whipped cream, and cherry. And the other variant is called Tower consisting of three scoops of vanilla ice cream topped with strawberries, banana, choco fudge, almonds, whipped cream, and cherry.

Aside from Carfaits and the usual Ice Cream Cones which is also available in Chocolate and Strawberry dipped variants, they also offer Big Cones. A big waffle cone filled with soft-serve ice cream, drizzled with strawberry and chocolate syrup, topped with almonds and kit-kat.

Their best seller is their Spinner which resembles that of Dairy Queens' Blizzard. Some of the flavors are Oreo Cookies and Cream, Oreo Strawberry, Mud Spinner, Brownie Avalanche, M&M's Fudge Brownies, and Chocó Walnut Fudge among many others.

Of course, an Ice Cream store wouldn’t be complete without serving the classic, Banana Split. A truly delightful way to enjoy your ice cream with a twist.

Swirls also has a branch in SM Manila, which according to the owner, Lhen is much bigger than the one they have here at SM Centerpoint.

Indeed summer is not yet officially over, and even if it is, you can go and visit Swirls for your Ice cream indulgence all year round.

Swirls branches are at
SM Manila (near Cinema)
SM Centerpoint Sta. Mesa (Upper Ground Level)

*credits to Ern Raymundo

Casita Xocolat

First time I visited Xocolat, I instantly fell in love with their Frozen Hot Xocolat. Their branch in Eastwood Libis was still in operation at that time, and although their location was sandwiched between two gigantic and well-known coffee shops, it was always this aesthetically eclectic tiny little chocolate store that my friends and I frequent to for our caffeine and chocolate fix.


During that time, they only serve light meals such as Pastas, Salads, Paninis, and Desserts alongside their Hot and Cold Drinks. Fast forward to present, Casa Xocolat is now offering Breakfasts and Rice Meals for their customers.

Last week, when my friend Glenn and I visited their branch at Topy's Place Compound at Economia cor Calle Industria Street, in Libis Quezon City, we were able to sample their Rice and Breakfast Dishes aside from the usual cold chocolate drinks that we adore. And while we were there, we were also able to chat with Marketing Manager, Tricia Avecilla and Co-owner, Val Lopez about the development of Casa Xocolat and its future plan in serving people the best Chocolate in town.

Casa Xocolat’s traditional yet innovative breakfast meals which varies from Pancakes to Spicy Tuyo are served between 8:00am to 11:00am, Mondays through Sundays. It is served with your choice of hot chocolate or freshly brewed coffee.

Ham and Cheese Omelette 175php
Omelette filled with Ham and Cheese has always been one of the breakfasts that are downright simple yet filling. But Casa Xocolat made it special by serving it with grilled tomato and strawberry syrup, a combination I wouldn’t think that can work perfectly well in the palate.

French Toasts 175php
Now, this all time favorite breakfast was taken up a notch because instead of using the usual tasty bread, Xocolat made it into chunks of bread soaked in a special cocoa batter and served with a cup of fresh fruits and country sausages. It looks like bite size brownies but one taste would tell you that it indeed is French Toast, with Xocolat Twist!

It was only this year that Casa Xocolat introduced their equally innovative Rice Meals to further enhance their customer’s Xocolat experience. Innovative in the sense that they do not deviate from their goal of advocating chocolate to the food that they serve since some of the meals has a touched of cacao in it.

Spiced Chicken 195php
Made of Chicken Fillet with Shitake Mushroom lavished with their signature rub which is according to Val, has cocoa powder on it, and served with rice and potato gratin. Being an Adobo lover that I am, I immediately fell for this special dish since it tasted just like Adobo, only made special by the flavorful spices that gives distinction to its taste.

Cream Dory 185php
Now, this meal made me and Glenn swoon. Also served with rice and potato gratin, this fillet of fish seasoned with five spices is one treat you wouldn’t want to miss. It is also made special by the light cream sauce that comes with it.

For dessert, aside from Frozen Hot Xocolat, we lavished in their Deconstructed Molten Flourless Xocolat.

Deconstructed Molten Flourless Xocolat 225php
The Flourless Xocolat Cake is simply to die for while the cream that comes with the set tasted as if was mixed with cream cheese. Of course, the Xocolat itself is enticing and the vanilla ice cream further intensifies the taste. It is definitely a must-try.

That splendid afternoon full of delectable meals wouldn’t be complete without having a Box of Gourmet Brownies from the two wonderful ladies we met. Super moist Gourmet Brownies are available in 6 variants such as Original Sin, Peanut Butter Brownie, Adult Brownie, Citrus, Java Buzz, and Breakfast Blondie.

Aside from their usual fare, Casa Xocolat also has what they call Xocolatini Hour from Mondays through Fridays 6:00pm to 9:00pm in which for every 2 Martinis you order; you would have a free Xocolat Fries or Potato Croquettas. This is indeed a good way to spend an after-office bonding with your friends.

Experiencing chocolate in all its form and glory in a very cozy environment that boasts of free wi-fi in the midst of eclectic yet refreshing ambiance is one Xocolat journey that you would want to experience whether you are a self-confessed Chocoholic or not.

Special thanks to Tricia and Val of Xocolat.

Casa Xocolat
172 B. Gonzales Street, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
929-4186

Casita Xocolat
Topy's Place Compound. Economia cor Calle Industria Street,
Baranggay Bagumbayan, Libis, Quezon City
470-7563

XocolatG/F Shops at Serendra, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
856-2146

Cafe XocolatLobby Promenade, Greenhills Shopping Center

Credit to Ern Raymundo for some revisions.