Cantina Sicilianita along Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong City

It was a quick visit, an unplanned one. I could have let go of the idea of trying some dishes at Cantina Sicilianita but since I was already in the area, there was no point of not giving in. I have heard a lot about the goodness of authentic Italian cuisine that Cantina Sicilianita located along Shaw Blvd. in Mandaluyong City serves and I have meant to visit them since.While I wished to visit this quaint Italian cafe in the company of several friends, I deemed the unplanned visit was just testing the water.

Cantina Sicilianita which is located in one spot as Rex Bookstore along Shaw Blvd. holds to promise to serve authentic Italian cuisine particularly that of Sicily.

The location is small but therein lies its charm. Peppered with trinkets and decorations that exudes an Italian cafe vibe to it, Cantina Sicilianita's boasts of blown up photos of Sicily plastered on one side of the wall. These photos held together by a wooden frame give an illusion of windows overlooking views of Sicily. The place is relatively small, but comfortable enough to have a decent meal.

Your Tokyo Tokyo Ramen Personality + Giveaway!

With the number of ramen places sprouting in Manila, it is high time for well-known Japanese restaurant Tokyo Tokyo Philippines to dish out their own take on it. Thankfully, with the addition of Ramen Bar section in some Tokyo Tokyo Branches, people can now enjoy ramen dishes alongside some of their delectable Japanese dishes.

Tokyo Tokyo is currently serving three ramen flavors; Spicy Chicken Ramen, Braised Pork Ramen, and Tempura Miso Ramen. Koshi ramen noodle coupled with either Tonkatsu or Miso broth which are simmered for at least 24 hours, Tokyo Tokyo Ramen is definitely a great treat for ramen-loving people.

With the ramen variants offered by Tokyo Tokyo, some of us may have a hard time on deciding which one suits our palate. While it is reasonable to try all three and spare yourself from the daunting task of deciding, it is still fun to know what Tokyo Tokyo Ramen Flavor suits you based on your personality. Just like what I did.

Shifu Master's Kitchen: Affordable Chinese Restaurant Serving Great Food

I'm going to let you in on a little secret ~ there is this hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant along Granada St. in Quezon City called Shifu Master's Kitchen that blew me away. The combination of affordable prices and downright impressive food made it a winner for me. Trust me on this, I have been to a lot of hole-in-the-wall restaurants here in Manila and rarely do I tag one as a "gem" worthy to be discovered, but Shifu Master's Kitchen deserves such description.

I have been very honest that I am a sucker for restaurants serving great food with an equal respect for the overall look of the place. I love beautifully decorated restaurant interiors because truth be told, ambiance matters to me. Especially when I am eating. However, in my years of food blogging, there are food places here in Manila that made me forget about the ambiance because the food they are serving is enough for me to forget everything else. Shifu Master's Kitchen is one of them - on top of my list even.

I am not saying that Shifu Master's Kitchen's ambiance is dirty and somehow despicable. As a matter of fact, it is quite the opposite. Yes, it is suggestive of the usual eatery you can find elsewhere, but it is definitely clean. Coupled with great price range and even greater food, the charm of Shifu Master's Kitchen lies in its simplicity.

Hand Drip Coffee at The Cake Club by Diamond Hotel

The Cake Club by Diamond Hotel at Bonifacio High Street The Fort has always been known to dish out unprecedented line of desserts that everybody loves. Just recently, creative minds behind The Cake Club opened its door to the wonderful world of Hand Drip Coffee, also known as the Pour Over Drip method in coffee brewing.

Alongside teas and wines, The Cake Club is also known for serving different coffee variants that go perfectly well with their desserts. Yet, it was only recently that they started doing the manual pour over method in the belief that coffee tasted way better when done in a traditional way.

True enough, with the years of drinking coffee, the afternoon I spent at The Cake Club to taste different variants of hand drip coffees, I realized that it does have a difference. The flavors are more pronounced, and the fact that you know that it took extra effort to come up with a cup of Joe also helps.

Chef of the Year Josh Boutwood's Winning Recipes Coming Soon at The Village Tavern BHS

Bistro Group of Restaurants' corporate chef Josh Boutwood bagged the title “Chef of the Year” at Philippine Culinary Cup (PCC) held during this year’s World Food Expo (WOFEX) 2013. In line with this, Chef Josh who is also known as “The Alchemist” for his unprecedented creativity in the culinary world, had a cooking demonstration at the Village Tavern in Bonifacio High Street.

The cooking demo features three of his award-winning dishes which will be included in Village Tavern’s Holiday Menu alongside other exciting holiday selection to be introduced soon.

The three dishes demonstrated during the gathering with selected media outfit were; Dory Alzheimer’s Memory, Henry The Duck, and Ballade Bodacious. Chef Josh Boutwood is generous enough to share with us some of the recipes of these award-winning dishes.

Support #YolandaActionWeekend for #ReliefPH : Eat to Help #YolandaPH Victims and Build #StrongerPH

This week we are plagued with depressing news that all pointed to the devastating effect of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) to our country. Philippines as a nation is currently wounded - bleeding profusely even. Yet, it is during times like this that the resilient spirit of Filipinos shines through. There are a lot of ways to help Typhoon Yolanda Victims, but we know that we can do more.

Given this, Yolanda Action Weekend spearheaded by Jeremy Slagle of Mr. Delicious was created. It aims to unite Philippine Food Industry including its media partners to extend help to Typhoon Yolanda victims. All participating restaurants and other food businesses pledged to donate portion of their proceeds this weekend to the Philippine Red Cross.

Yolanda Action Weekend believes that through their partnership with Philippine Red Cross, all help will be properly disseminated to those who are suffering from the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda. With this, if you are going to dine out this weekend, may we suggest to please consider dining and/or buying food from the participants. 

Ways to Help Typhoon Yolanda / Haiyan Victims

It has been almost a week now since Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) shook Visayas region to the core leaving our country grieving for lost lives and crushed spirits. To say that what happened particularly in Tacloban is heartbreaking would be an understatement. In reality, it is a kind of tragedy that wounds soul – deeply.

The news about Typhoon Yolanda and its aftermath suggests that it may take a while before our countrymen in Visayas to fully recover and rebuild their lives. Thus, they need all the help they could get. We may not have the foolproof formula to heal the hurt of those are gravely affected, but we can do something, at least.

There are a lot of ways to help Typhoon Yolanda Victims, and the information I have provided here are just some of them. Shout out to dear friend Spanky Enriquez for helping us gather these details on how to extend our help.

Nuffnang Blogopolis 2013: Into the WILD!

This coming Saturday, November 16, 2013 Nuffnang Philippines will bring us Blogopolis 2013: into the WILD, Weaving Information for Leaders of the Digital World. This event will be held at Hotel Intercontinental Manila in Makati City from 1:00pm to 10:00pm. 

Blogopolis 2013: into the WILD is open to everyone - bloggers, social media influencers, students, digital marketing officers, and advertisers, and anyone who is interested in the digital world, particularly social media.

This event aims to take its participants to the information jungle of the digital world. Social media know-how, digital marketing, and advertising trends will be discussed by the key-speakers as they impart knowledge about digital world. Plenary sessions will be held in the afternoon followed by a post-conference party or the Nuffie Awards where selected online influencers will be awarded.

Burger King's Quad Stack Burger

I have been seeing advertisement of Burger King’s Stack Burgers for quite a while now and I have been meaning to get my hands on those manly treats, particularly the Quad Stack Burger. Burger King is one of those which I grew up with hence my affinity for their flame-grilled burger is still ever present. Sure I have safe bets for best burgers in Manila, but the burger you grew up with has always that special place.

Burger King’s Stack Burgers is essentially made of flame-grilled beef patties topped with American cheese, crispy bacon, BK Stacks sauce sandwiched in between sesame buns. Sounds like your usual burger yes, but the thing that makes these stack burgers special is the fact that you can have up to four patties in one go.

Single stack patty is labeled as BK Stack Dude, double stack is Chief, triple stack is Boss, while the quad stack is aptly called King. I eat like a man, so I dig this deal. And when you subject yourself to a challenging feat like this, you man up and take a leap. So I grabbed the BK Quad Stack and ate like a king – without apology.

Matgalne Korean Restaurant: Offering Affordable Korean Buffet in Manila

I have tried Matgalne Korean Restaurant along Kalayaan Ave. in Makati awhile back since I am curious about this affordable Korean buffet they are offering. Korean restaurants in Manila are already aplenty hence it is not surprising that most of us have already developed a liking for Korean dishes. I already have few favorite Korean restaurants but it wouldn't hurt to try others which I have not been before.

Matgalne Korean Restaurant in Makati opened way back in 2003. They also have a branch in Ortigas which just opened December of last year. They are known for their affordable buffet including unlimited Sangyupsal or pork belly and Chadolbaegi or beef.

I have not been to Matgalne Ortigas but I was told that the branch in Makati is more spacious and brighter. It's facade is nondescript while the interior is fairly spacious and clean. It has a comfortable vibe to it too.

Pepita's Kitchen Stuffed Lechon Degustacion: Hayop Na Degustacion!

Two kinds of stuffed lechon, bone marrow, crab fat, prawn, pork brain, the menu during Pepita’s Kitchen Hayop na Degustacion goes on and on.

For the faint of heart, Hayop na Degustacion is a heart attack waiting to happen.

Yet, even all known deities and the universe itself will be crestfallen should someone dies at mid-bite.

After all, The Lechon Diva Dedet dela Fuente’s famed degustacion isn’t an everyday thing. An unforgettable dinner by invite only, to showcase all the indulging dishes and new flavors of Pepita’s Stuffed Lechon one may order from Pepita’s Kitchen.

It was my second time to attend Pepita’s Stuffed Lechon Degustacion held at Pepita’s Kitchen somewhere in Makati area. The first one I almost passed out due to the degree of satiety I braved. But things like that rarely scares me, hence, an immediate YES was quickly dishes out upon receiving their second invite. This time, it was aptly tagged as Hayop na Degustacion. And it was. It really was.

Happy Hour at Village Tavern, Bonifacio High Street

Up until November 15, an All-night Happy Hour at Village Tavern in Bonifacio High Street Central at BGC The Fort welcomes its diners with great selections of cocktails for half the price. Signature concoctions of Village Tavern is at 50% off from Mondays to Thursdays at 5pm to 12 midnight. Friday nights on the other hand boasts of 50% off on their Red and White Sangrias.

Nothing beats a relaxing get together with your friends after a tiring day at work. What else could be a perfect accompaniment to such get together than great selection of cocktails and good food? Village Tavern got you covered. 

Great cocktails and food are just some of the main reasons why I love Village Tavern. The cozy ambiance and accommodating service are added bonus. Now that they are offering a 50% off on their cocktails, I have another reason to revisit.

McDonald's Cookie Butter McFlurry and Salted Caramel Sundae

I may not be one of those who went crazy over cookie butter since it hit Manila shore but I have to admit that I do enjoy the treat once in a while. So when McDonald's Philippines released Cookie Butter McFlurry as part of their Holiday Sweet Pleasures Desserts line up, I thought that I should try it one of these days, and I did.

I am currently residing at the mountain where it is perpetually cold most of the time, but we do have some hot days in here too. Today is one of those days so, to the nearest McDonald's I dragged my siblings. I deemed that it was the perfect time to try Cookie Butter McFlurry and the Salted Caramel Sundae.

Desserts options at McDonald's may not be extensive just like most fast food chains, but I must say that although limited, their line up I always find pleasurable. Their apple pie for instance, remained to be one of my favorites. Their creativity in terms of coming up with variety of flavors for their sundae and McFlurry, on the other hand remained pretty impressive. So it was half expected that they'll jump into the bandwagon that is cookie butter.

Seattle's Best Coffee Christmas Drinks and SBC Dream Journal 2014

It is the time of the year again when Seattle's Best Coffee, home of the finest and premium coffee in the Philippines brings us their Christmas Drinks to make this season all the more lovelier for everyone. Seattle's Best Coffee Christmas Drinks is already on a roll and the much awaited Seattle's Best Coffee Dream Journal 2014 is ready to amaze you with its pure creative awesomeness!

Tapping the kids in us, Seattle's Best Coffee Philippines holiday theme this year showcases Christmas childhood memories most of us could relate to. A trip down to Christmas memory lane would prompt you as you set foot at all Seattle's Best Coffee branches nationwide boasting of "Christmas inside a toyshop" vibe to it. Combination of recalling happy childhood memories and the excitement to get your hands on the dream journal are perfect combination as you sip into their new line of drinks you would surely love.

Prior to rolling out of Seattle's Best Coffee Christmas Drinks and Dream Journal 2014, I was able to join some of my favorite foodies as SBC launched its new products and Christmas campaign. Four Christmas Drinks and four different colors of Dream Journal, I got my own favorites, and I am sure that you will have yours too.

Mochiko: Speculoos Cookie Butter Mochi with Biscoff Cookie Inside!

If you have been reading YedyLicious Manila Food Blog, you would know by now how I love Mochiko. They are by far one of the best food finds in Manila I was introduced to during my visits at Mercato Centrale. Recent visit to Mochiko Shangri-La branch to have a taste of their new flavor Mochiko Speculoos Cookie Butter Mochi reminded me of my deep affinity for this creative Japanese dessert.

The craze that was Speculoos Cookie Butter may have taken a back seat for months now, but it is still there nonetheless.  Hence, the ride that Mochiko took by introducing this relatively new flavor is noteworthy. Keeping up with the times and executing it really well is one great feat that Mochiko is known for.

The fact that Mochiko has expanded to several branches from the time of its inception, and still loved by many, is a proof that they are still on top of its game. All through the years, creative minds behind Mochiko managed to create interesting flavors to make Mochiko all the more close to foodies’ hearts. Their spin on what’s popular and in-demand to the food landscape in Manila is noteworthy and well-worth the try, always.

Meat Feast at Outback Steakhouse Philippines

Way back when I wasn't food blogging yet, Outback Steakhouse was my comfort place when ill bouts of cravings for manly slab of steak and decent rounds of Long Island iced tea hit me. Their Libis branch was the place I usually frequent to because of its proximity to where I used to work and reside. Fast forward to food blogging days, Outback Steakhouse is still an all-time favorite. Although this time, their recently renovated branch in Glorietta 4 Makati is the usual suspect for a chosen spot.

There are a lot of restaurants in Manila that serve good steaks, I am aware of that. But Outback Steakhouse has a special spot in my heart because first, they serve good steak so sexy it will put Adam Levine to shame, and second, their Long Island iced tea is my soulmate. True story.

Each visit at Outback Steakhouse calls for a meat feast coupled with cocktail drinks that further elevates the dining experience. Each visit yields an exceptional experience in terms of food quality and service, something I have always expected from a restaurant that is an all-time favorite.

Jollibee Cheesy Bacon Mushroom Champ and Thor Mjolnir 1GB USB Promo

Last October 16, Jollibee launched its newest extraordinary treat for every one; The Jollibee Cheesy Bacon Mushroom Champ. Aptly housed in a special edition Thor packaging, this new addition to the line of burgers that the well-loved fast food chain in the Philippines now offers comes with a special limited edition Thor Hammer Mjolnir 1GB USB promo.

This partnership is in line with the much awaited upcoming movie, Thor 2: The Dark World which will be showing come the 30th of October 2013.

I may not a big fan of Thor, but I am surely a big fan of Jollibee Champ Burger and having an extra 1GB flashdrive for my file's safekeeping isn't bad either, so I dig this promo. And whether you are a fan of Thor or not, the Jollibee Cheesy Bacon Mushroom Champ is well worth every peso.

Karada Philippines at Serendra The Fort BGC

So, this is a break from the usual blog post about restaurants in Manila. While this may not be the typical gustatory delights I am sharing with you now, I believe that my experience at the newly opened branch of KARADA at Serendra, The Fort BGC is well worth sharing. So let's give this a go.

Typical notion about Karada is that it is a spa, when in fact it is not. KARADA is a Japanese Seitai Salon that focuses on bone/body therapy through massage that can affect overall wellness. It aims to provide its clients an invigorating way to achieve body balance. So clearly, KARADA is not a spa, but a therapy salon. I dig that.

For a while now, my cousin The Hefty Foodie and my dear friend Blogalag were bugging me to try KARADA. Judging from the way they demonstrate all the possible maneuver that may transpire once I try it myself, I deemed that I don't really need it. Okay, I chickened out. So I was really adamant to try it from the get go. Little did I know, I badly needed a visit.

Chubby Chicken at Katipunan, Quezon City

Truth be told, rarely do I find myself, perusing the list of restaurants in Katipunan area to visit. I realized I have to work on that. Being introduced to Chubby Chicken in Katipunan, Quezon City recently was a good way to kick start this somewhat new food blogging responsibility goal. It was a good start yes. Not only Chubby Chicken offers good grubs, they are affordable as well.

Aptly located near universities in Katipunan, Chubby Chicken mainly caters to students with their hefty servings and affordable prices. But no one says that yuppies and those who are kid at heart aren't welcome. This little, albeit impressive spot for good chicken which started in some food bazaars aims to serve people from all walks of life. While Chubby Chicken's soy-glazed chicken has the spotlight, other items on their menu are also well worth your moolah, not to mention, your calorie count.

The location isn't really hard to find, having Mc.Donalds Katipunan as its landmark. Chubby Chicken is just right behind it. It isn't as spacious as I had hoped but it does possessed the charm of the usual students' hang out joint. I went there on a Sunday and it was surprising to see impressive numbers of customers. Even without school, Chubby Chicken is thriving on a what supposedly a not so busy days in its operation. It is a good sign, if I do say so myself.

Burby's Bistro Grill and Restaurant at Libis, Quezon City

Burby's Bistro Grill Restaurant along Libis in Quezon City has been in the business for quite sometime now. This restaurant located just in front of Eastwood City has been known as a place where young professionals spend their after work hours over bottles of beer and finger food that goes with it. I myself have heard of Burby's Grill during the time while I was working in Eastwood City area. With the basic knowledge that they only caters to guests who wants to drink alcoholic beverages, I never really had a chance to visit.

Little did I know, Burby's Bistro Grill Restaurant offers comfort food and other delightful meals that are meant to satisfy palates and appease even the most stubborn of cravings. While it is known to serve cocktail drinks and other alcoholic beverages in a cozy environment, Burby's Bistro Grill Restaurant is also at par with other restaurants serving comfort food in terms of quality and affordability.

With branches at Libis, Taguig, Commonwealth, San Fernando, and NLEX, Burby's Bistro Grill Restaurant boasts of serving wide variety of dishes including all-day breakfasts meal. Having visited them weeks ago, I could attest that I was deeply impressed at how extensive their menu is. In terms of flavor, well, I could say that they did not disappoint.

Top Picks at the 3rd Rockwell Ultimate Taste Test 2013

One Saturday of September, 1000 foodies gathered to partake in the festive event that was the 3rd Rockwell Ultimate Taste Test. It was the 11th servings of Manila's most anticipated food event, The Ultimate Taste Test headed by one of the famous food bloggers in Manila, Our Awesome Planet in cooperation with San Miguel Lifestyle Brews.

Ultimate Taste Test food event aims to showcase up and coming food businesses in Manila by sampling their products to a thousand of foodies playing as food critics for the day. 

Just like the previous UTT events, the 3rd Rockwell Ultimate Taste Test follows the same drill. Food critics were given a passport where they could write down their score and feedback for the food businesses participating the event. I was able to drop by at the Rockwell Tent to wear my food critic hat, and although it was a quick visit, I was able to enjoy remarkable food and was able to collate my top picks as well.

Bounty Fresh Chicken Top Torikatsu

With the numbers of restaurants in Manila claiming to offer allegedly the best katsu in town, we cannot help but to fall in love with this dish of Japanese origin. While it is ideal to visit these restaurants to haunt the best katsu when bouts of cravings set in, sometimes, it is comforting to know that we can just whip up a great tasting katsu at the comfort of our own home in no time. That is why Bounty Fresh recently introduced its new product, Chicken Top Torikatsu.

This may come out of left field but I advocate cooking from scratch. Yet, when situation calls for it, I wouldn't mind the convenience of settling for instant food. As one of the leading chicken supplier in the Philippine market, Bounty Fresh came up with the great idea of marketing an instant chicken katsu especially made for people on the go.

Bounty Fresh Top Torikatsu is currently available in two flavors; Classic and Cheese & Chives. Each katsu is made of 100% chicken breast meat smothered with mayonnaise (classic) and cheese & chives, coated with breading. I do not usually like the word frozen on my meat but having tried Top Torikatsu recently, I realized that "freshly frozen" isn't bad at all.

Moshi Koshi Noodle Boss at Robinsons Galleria

On my previous post about Moshi Koshi Noodle Boss, I have mentioned that if Moshi Koshi is the Noodle Boss, I am willing to be a noodle slave. That still holds true up to this day. In my book, Moshi Koshi Noodle Boss serves one of the best ramen in Manila, and more. After all, you could never go wrong with freshly made noodles. And Moshi Koshi is an expert when it comes to that.

From the time that it opened early last year, Moshi Koshi Noodle Boss now boasts of three branches located at Robinsons Galleria, SM North Edsa, and Market Market. It only goes to show that for the short period of time, this Japanese dine-in restaurant remained on top of its game and still soaring higher.

Their flagship store that used to be located along Shaw Blvd. in Mandaluyong can now be found at Robinsons Galleria.  I deem it was a good move because parking at their first location can be a bit of a challenge. Also, their current spot at Galleria is way better since it is inside a mall.

Naci Comfort Food and Dessert Bar at Bonifacio Global City

For a quite a while now I have been hearing a lot of good things from food bloggers in Manila about Naci Comfort Food and Dessert Bar especially about the delectable dishes they are serving. So imagine how elated I was when I finally had the time to visit this addition to the restaurants at The Fort, Bonifacio Global City. Naci opened their first branch at Greenhills area and then later on transferred at The Fort.

The name is indeed a dead giveaway as to what kinds of food Naci serves. And while there are a lot of restaurants that serves the same fares, what sets Naci apart is that theirs are rooted and developed by the great late Chef Ed Quimson. 

In my book, to say that Naci serves comfort food and desserts would be an understatement. Since after having tasted some of the dishes that they offer, I would have to say that Naci serves well executed and downright delicious comfort food and decadent dessert.

Gloria Maris Banquet Hall in Gateway Mall, Araneta Center

I was notified of the opening of the new Gloria Maris Banquet Hall located at Gateway Mall, Araneta Center in Cubao but it was only recently that I had a chance to visit them. There are a lot of Chinese restaurants in Manila and only few are considered as an institution in the league. Gloria Maris is definitely one of them.

My visit happened while they were celebrating the first day of their 2 weekends celebration of the Mooncake Festival 2013. This festivity features a special buffet spread and dice game for only Php1,088 per person. The first wave of this feast started last September 21 and 22 and another wave will happen this weekend, September 28 and 29. If you are up for some Chinese feast, be sure to catch this promo.

For you to have an idea on what goodies you might enjoy should you avail of the buffet, I have included some snapshots of the dishes alongside the account of my experience at Gloria Maris Banquet Hall in Gateway Mall.

Amores Gluten-Free Cupcakes

Just for the record, prior to trying out Amores Gluten-Free Cupcakes I have zero knowledge about gluten nor gluten-free food. Those are big words for me, seriously. Just like most of you, I am also new to this gluten-free food, gluten-free diet, and the whole she bangs. Not many food stores and restaurants in Manila offer gluten-free food so the awareness isn’t really apparent. 

Google research led me to several different write ups about gluten-free food and gluten-free diet. It is impossible to sum up and dish out glaring wisdom about this topic in one post so I wouldn’t even dare.  But in a nutshell, Gluten is the mixture of protein found in wheat grains including rye and barley. It is tagged as the glue that holds together baked goodies and pasta.

People who opted for gluten-free diet are those who suffer from celiac disease (a condition where gluten creates damage to small intestine), gluten intolerance, and wheat allergy. 

Chuck's Grub Fish & Chips

First time I tasted Chuck's Grub Fish and Chips was during their stint at morning Mercato Centrale. First bite of their beer battered goodies and I already knew that they are definitely the best fish and chips in Manila. Fast forward to 2013, I got a chance to once again experience the goodness of Chuck's Grub, only this time, at one of their branches located in Megamall. There aren't many restaurants in Manila that dishes out noteworthy fish and chips much to the dismay of those who love this fare. Good thing Chuck's Grub is here to satisfy the cravings.

Chuck's Grub Fish and Chips is one of those stalls in Mercato that emerged from being just a mere food stall into a full blown restaurant. Rightfully so, since their courage to give highlights to this British food fare and further introduce it to Filipino palate is remarkably unprecedented.  

With several branches to boot, located at Rockwell, Trinoma, Fontera Verde in Pasig, SM North, SM Megamall, and SM Mall of Asia, it's upward mobility in Manila's food scene proves that Chuck's Grub must be doing something right. And I agree.

House of Lasagna Through Quick Delivery (twoanyone.com)

There are already countless of times when I enjoyed variety of lasagnas offered by House of Lasagna.  I even met its owner and head chef Eric Congmon during my first visit at their branch in San Juan.  I am glad to know that up to this day, they still serve one of the best tasting lasagnas in Manila that I’ve ever had. Up to this day, I am still a fan.

So, few weeks ago, while having a movie marathon with my younger sister at our home in San Juan, I decided to have some lasagnas delivered in our home.  I could not stress enough how I appreciate home food delivery services in Manila which save me most of the time when I am in no mood to cook nor to go out and eat.  House of Lasagna is in partnership with Quick Delivery (twoanyone.com) so I immediately text them to give me a call back.  How convenient, right?

Couple of minutes after texting them, I got a call back from Mariz, one of their call center operator who assisted me with my order. I am pretty familiar with House of Lasagna’s menu so the ordering process was made all the more quicker. Mariz was very efficient in assisting me and within a matter of minutes, my orders were placed and I was asked to wait for 50 to 60 minutes before my food arrived.

Cake and Wine Pairing Experience at The Cake Club by Diamond Hotel

Of the number of restaurants at Bonifacio High Street Central, The Fort, The Cake Club by Diamond Hotel is definitely one of those I frequent to and recommend to friends as well. Who could blame me? The Cake Club is one of the dessert places that dishes out some of the best cakes I have tried here in Manila. Also, their savory dishes are equally impressive. 

Well I guess we couldn't expect anything less than something that carries the name Diamond Hotel, eh? From their impressive themed buffet spread at Corniche, to their take on authentic Japanese cuisine and the teppanyaki feast at Yurakuen, up to their chic and comfortable spot at The Lobby Lounge, I cannot remember not having a great time in each and every visit.

So, during the time that I got to experience a cake and wine pairing at The Cake Club, I knew from the get go that it will be equally satisfying like the previous trips. Cake and wine have always been a proof that food god really do exist, and pairing these two equates to the culmination of all things luxurious and decadent, not to mention, pleasantly intoxicating. 

Yaku Japanese Grill Restaurant at The Podium Mall

For over a decade now, Yaku Japanese Grill located at The Podium Mall in Ortigas has been dishing out reasonably priced Japanese cuisine with impressive quality to boot. Japanese restaurants in Manila are aplenty but great profusion does not always commensurate to the assurance that everything will be well worth neither your money nor your time. Thanks to our friends from Zodio for organizing an intimate dinner at Yaku as it introduced me to the fact that Yaku Japanese Grill restaurant is one of those who are worth it.

Yaku Japanese Grill joined the numbers of restaurants at The Podium Mall in the early 2000. It started as a yakitori place and then eventually expanded their menu and turned into a full blown Japanese restaurant. The word "Yaku" is a Japanese word which means grill, hence their specialty.

With expertise on grilled Japanese food on its helm, Yaku, up to this day, still serves yakitori alongside variety of Japanese goodies such as sushi, sashimi, tempura, donburi, teppanyaki, and more.  Although tucked in an unassuming corner with a gigantic pillar of a post blocking its façade, Yaku is definitely one of those you should not miss when craving for authentic Japanese cuisine.

The Ultimate Taste Test 2013 at Rockwell

The time has come to once again enjoy the fun of being a food critic for a day through Our Awesome Planet and San Miguel Lifestyle Brews’ The Ultimate Taste Test 2013.

Now on its 11th roll and the 3rd time in partnership with Rockwell, The Ultimate Taste Test 2013 will once again rock the foodie world on September 14, 2013 from 11am to 9pm at The Rockwell Tent, Powerplant Mall.

I have always been a fan of food feasts such as The Ultimate Taste Test and based on my previous UTT experiences, I am confident that this 11th installment will be equally delightful.

Diplahan Lechon: A Taste of Zamboanga in Manila

In a perfect world where high level of cholesterol can get us nowhere near six feet under, lechon rules. We will surely eat our way to oblivion without giving flying hoots to our own mortality because hey, it’ll be pure porcine bliss, buddy.

But we are not in a perfect world. So, occasional glimpse to the perfect world that a perfectly roasted pig could bring will do. And a glimpse to that perfect world we were given indeed, when we were introduced to Diplahan Lechon of Zamboanga City weeks ago.

No plane ticket required to experience the wonder that is Diplahan Lechon, all thanks to the great people who brought them here in Manila. Yes, Diplahan Lechon from the south made its way to Manila, ready to rock our world inside out.

High Tea Wednesdays at Wine Depot Featuring French Tea Brand, La Maison Du The

Afternoon High Tea. Big words. It sounds so royal and regal; it’s a thread away from intimidating. For some it can be a total strange concept. But with the emergence of restaurants and cafes in Manila offering afternoon high tea packages, our culture that is rather familiar with coffee is now slowly being introduced to what started as a social event for upper class men in Europe. Recent addition to the establishments offering afternoon high tea is Wine Depot with branches at Alabang, Makati, and Greenhills. Yes, Wine Depot does not just sells wines, they also have café with good selections of gourmet food and drinks.

Wine Depot, in partnership with La Maison Du The, a tea brand of delicately handcrafted premium French tea, celebrates the beauty of tea culture through their High Tea Wednesdays. Although rooted from the much celebrated tea gathering, Wine Depot’s High Tea Wednesdays suggests a different tea culture but not devoid of respect for the traditional ritual.

For a start, High Tea Wednesdays at Wine Depot is priced at Php500 only. An affordable feat considering most high tea packages served in Manila are not as friendly in terms of its price. Second, Wine Depot has this “not just tea” feature thrown in the mix for a good measure. Indeed, it’s a different tea culture that Wine Depot is introducing, so intimidation may take a back seat.