Ippudo Ramen Manila, Philippines

During my first visit at Ippudo located at SM Megamall’s Mega Fashion Hall to try what many said could be the Best Ramen in Manila by far, I knew that it will take me couple of more visits before I could write about it. Not because my first visit earned me an unpleasant experience, it was the opposite as a matter of fact. Save for the unavailability of the much talked about Ippudo Pork Buns, just like the other Manila Food Bloggers who wrote a review of Ippudo, my experience was nothing short of impressive.

You see, Ippudo is one of those restaurants which opening in Manila attracted numbers of curious food enthusiasts resulting to long lines of diners for several weeks.  In situation like that, it can be a bit of a challenge to strike gold when it comes to consistency. That thing, I wanted to check on hence, the wait before a blog post.

Just like what I did during the time when people were mad rushing to dine at IHOP when it also opened a franchise here in Manila, I braved the long line at Ippudo. I do not intend to write about the grueling  hours of waiting, I believe the internet provided us with several accounts of people who also did that. So I am going to spare you with the details.

Green Dot Vegetarian Catering and Healthy Food Home Delivery Service in Manila

There are plenty of healthy food delivery services in Manila where people may order food online but I have seen nothing quite like Green Dot Vegetarian Catering and Healthy Food Delivery Service. Green Dot specializes in vegetarian cuisine, not just on food with low calorie count. Their specialty is Indian food but they also offer other varieties such as Thai, Chinese, Japanese, and Italian Cuisine.

Green Dot started primarily as the only vegetarian catering service in the Philippines and then later on ventured into home food delivery service. Their mission is to provide vegetarian dishes that are both healthy and delicious.

With busy schedule and strong will to still eat freshly prepared healthy food, it is understandable that people resort to this kind of delivery services these days. I, myself, although am not confined in a full time 8-to-5 job still find it hard sometimes to prepare a meal or eat out especially when pressed for time due to some tasks at hand. Indeed, home food delivery is the way to go. 

Nostalgia Dining Lounge at Oakwood Hotel, Ortigas

Nostalgia Dining Lounge is the new revamped version of Oakroom Restaurant at Oakwood Premier-Joy Nostalg Center in Ortigas. Launched February of this year, Nostalgia Dining Lounger still aims to be food enthusiast's best bet as one of the Best Restaurants in Manila. With its rebirth, the restaurant is sporting a new look that is suggestive of old days gone by mixed with modern sophistication - best fit for a fine dining restaurant that represents one of the Best Hotels / Apartment Services known in the country.

Staying true to the name Nostalgia, Executive Chef Jerome Cartailler bring forth his beloved family recipes from France since way back alongside the usual crowd favorites during the time when Nostalgia is still Oakroom.

I have always loved Oakroom Restaurant at Oakwood. If you are a regular reader of YedyLicious, you know the countless times I have blogged about it. I even hosted couple of giveaways. So, when I heard that they recently made a revamped to further better serve their patrons, I was so excited. Right after my trip to Palawan, I went directly to Nostalgia to check out its new look and other offerings.

KFC Philippines Double Down Dog #KFCDoubleDownDog

I was at KFC Antipolo branch the other day to grab some quick snack while doing some errands when I noticed from their menu that they are offering the KFC Double Down Dog. I have heard and seen advertisement of Double Down Dog from TV, Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram for weeks now but with the tag "Limited Offer."  I also heard that only select KFC branches carry this new product. Since I was out-of-town most of the time, I somehow ditched the idea to race against time just to try it. 

But curiosity got the better off me when several friends sent me SMS asking my opinion about the Double Down Dog - theirs are mixed reactions. So, I have checked few KFC provincial branches while on some trips to no avail. Little did I know, I could have this KFC Double Down Dog at the branch near my home.

Just like the KFC Original Double Down, the Double Down Dog variant boasts of KFC's famed fried chicken but in fillet form. Right smack in the middle of the taco-shaped fillet is a piece of regular size Tender Juicy Chick N' Cheese Hotdog topped sloppily with what I think was a sandwich spread. 

Mang Inasal Palabok

Recent hankering for delicious merienda which is nowhere near mediocre led me into trying out Mang Inasal’s newest product, the Mang Inasal Palabok. Advertisement plastered at the front door of Mang Inasal branches I have visited recently features the enticing Filipino’s favorite dish.

So instead of the usual grilled chicken served with unlimited rice, I opted for Mang Inasal Palabok one time to see if it indeed worthy of the tagline. Growing up in a household where Filipino dishes such as palabok and the likes are serve every merienda after having siesta, I pretty much have a strong grip on what kind of palabok that will make me happy. Mang Inasal’s  Palabok did not disappoint.

Its bright orange sauce which is known for a palabok dish is generously laden on top of the thin glass noodle which transparency made the contrast between the orange hue and the green color of plate attractive.  

A French Lunch at Brasserie CiÇou

It was a leisurely lunch that lasted for roughly five hours. With a restaurant as beautiful as Brasserie CiÇou that dishes out French cuisine reflecting the genius of chef Cyrille Soenen, such occurrence is sometimes inevitable. 

With the parade of edible beauty translated in each plated food, the long stretch of time will never matter. Instead, you will hold on to each passing minute with eager anticipation for the next beauty to come while dreading the end of such funfair of a feast.

As with all things in life, good experiences are meant to be savored, not rushed.

With a lot of restaurants within Greenhills area, Brasserie CiÇou is one of those restaurants, if not the only one, which any food aficionado smart enough to appreciate what good food is would not mind spending half a day to. 

Texas Embassy Burger and Fish & Chips Restaurant in Antipolo City [Antipolo Food Trip Series]

I just came from glorious days of food tripping in Palawan and already I am talking about this restaurant in Antipolo City named Texas Embassy Burger and Fish & Chips I have come across with last night. Pardon the excitement, ever since I moved back in this town, one of my personal dilemmas is that there are not a lot of restaurants around I could write about save for the usual fast food chains we also have in Manila.

I bumped into some, yes. Yet, only few have given me the driving force to face my laptop and write about the experience. But I guess it is too early to tell, I am still in the process of reacquainting myself with Antipolo City and its restaurant scene, hence the Antipolo Food Trip series you will be seeing here at YedyLicious from time to time. We will just see how will this pan out.

My goal is to look for restaurants, locally owned if possible, which would give me the reason to just stay within the town and ditch the idea of braving the traffic along Ortigas Ext. and Libis-Santolan area (via Sumulong Highway) whenever I am craving for a full restaurant experience. Just like Tipulo Restaurant which I have written before.

Juggernut Premium Almond Butter and Cashew Butter Spreads

The timing couldn’t be more apt. I was browsing for an easy almond butter recipe when a proposal to try Juggernut Premium Almond and Cashew Spreads came. For a while I have been searching for a good and healthy alternative to peanut butter because truth be told, I am not big on peanut butter. 

There, I said it. I am not big on peanut butter.

I find it quite amusing sometimes that whenever I drop this statement, some people would look at me as if I just told them matter-of-factly that I’m a vegan – they refuse to believe me. All. The. Freaking. Time.

It may have something to do with my appearance suggestive of a person who smears peanut butter on everything she gobbles down. Or it could be because peanut butter is one of those ultimate food for foodies so perfect just like bacon it warrants its own religion. Regardless that the former reasoning weighs heavily, the truth is, I always choose almond or cashew butter over peanut butter in a heartbeat.

Highlands Gold Corned Beef, Made With Angus Beef

Recently I was able to try the new Highlands Gold Corned Beef – an elevated version of the well known Highlands Corned Beef made with Angus Beef. Aptly labeled as the Gold variant, Highlands Gold Corned Beef is a premium corned beef made with choicest cut of Angus beef packed in a can of pure beefy goodness.

I used to think that Highlands Corned Beef in red can couldn’t get any better. I mean, it is one of those canned goods my pantry never runs out of.  Its quality can easily rival some of my favorite local brands I’ve long been patronizing. Then they released the Gold label. And yes, it did get better.

I remember mentioning before that corned beef is one of those which I consider my comfort food. A simple sauteed corned beef peppered with onions and garlic on a bed of fluffy rice is something I would be having a hard time saying no to. Paired it with fried egg - whether scrambled or sunny side up, I'll be a really happy camper.

Modern Shanghai: Grand Dine-Asty and a Birthday

My visit at Modern Shanghai in Glorietta 2, Makati was fueled by an invite to partake of the Grand Dine-Asty offering and a birthday of whom many consider as one of the Best Food Bloggers in Manila. With a lot of restaurants at the new part of Glorietta, Modern Shanghai, is one of those well worth a visit when craving for good Chinese dishes.

A franchise from Hong Kong which goes by the name Modern China, Modern Shanghai opened its first branch here in the Philippines couple of years back at SM Mall of Asia. Peoples good reception of it lead to the opening of its second branch at Glorietta. 

As part of Bistro Group of Restaurants, Modern Shanghai in Glorietta 2 shares location with its sister restaurant, Bulgogi Brothers. It was my first time to try Modern Shanghai unlike Bulgogi Brothers which my family and I frequent to. So I was a bit excited to check them out. 

Vikings Buffet SM City BF Parañaque

The recent opening of Vikings Luxury Buffet at SM City BF Parañaque, the 7th branch of what is tagged as the Philippines' largest and widely patronized buffet, proves that despite few unsavory commentaries, they are still on top of their game. Growing in numbers in terms of branches, continuing to make people happy, and being part of some of Filipino's special moments shared over variety of spreads unparalleled to any other; Vikings Buffet is a celebrated feast many patrons pray to stay.

Judging from the long lines in all of its branches and often fully booked advanced reservations, it seems like Vikings Buffet meant to do just that.

Recent roadtrip to the South prompted an opportunity to visit this newly opened Vikings SM BF. Having enjoyed some leisurely feasts in the past in some of their branches, I expected nothing less and I was not disappointed. It was worth the drive from the East to the South (Thank you Skyway, bumpy road in C6 can be hell at times).

Restaurants To Visit at Shangri-La Plaza Mall

Duck and Buvette, Chops Chicago Steakhouse, Gyu-Kaku, P.F. Chang's, California Pizza Kitchen, and Teddy's Bigger Burgers are just some of the restaurants at Shangri-La Plaza Mall everyone who craves for good food has to visit. Although Shangri-La Mall established itself as a perfect destination where shoppers may find choicest retails especially when they opened up their East Wing, when it comes to equally impressive food destinations, they also do not disappoint.

Shangri-La Plaza Mall houses variety of restaurants some food enthusiasts tagged as some of the best in Manila. From locally owned to International franchise, these restaurants are the reason why Shangri-La Mall is deserving to be considered as one of the top food destinations we now have.

Recently, Shangri-La Plaza held an intimate dinner to showcase some of the best dishes that the restaurants they houses are offering. The event aims to show that Shangri-La can be the best option for leisurely dining engagement this season. But I think, regardless of the occasion, these restaurants are well worth a visit.

How To Join The MasterChef Asia

“Do you have what it takes to be the first ever MasterChef Asia?” 

This question is probably the most challenging yet exciting inquiry any Masterchef aspirants will ever hear. I am guessing most of us are familiar with the famous cooking reality show in the US, MasterChef.  Lucky for us Asians, A+E Networks Asia has approved a pan-regional Asian version of the well-known series. MasterChef Asia will soon hit an airtime at Lifetime channel this year.

While MasterChef Asia judges have not been named yet, but the good news for amateur cooks who wants to have a chance to be part of the show is that MasterChef Asia is now conducting its casting call.

MasterChef Asia is currently looking for amateur cooks with passion for cooking to grab this chance to be the first ever MasterChef Asia. Selected contestants will be chosen from across Asia. Opportunity awaits those brave enough to conquer their dream.

Jollibee Glazed Chickenjoy #Extraordinarylicious

Have you tried Jollibee's new product Glazed Chickenjoy yet? I have, just this afternoon. And I tell you, I find it amazing. Maybe because it made use of the usual crispylicious and juicylicious Jollibee Chickenjoy and just generously glazed it with this amazing sauce akin to honey. Or maybe because I am a sucker for sweet and savory combination in my food.

Whatever the reason is, I am glad that Jollibee released their Glazed Chickenjoy just in time for the sweetest time of the year. 

I have always been a fan of Jollibee Chickenjoy. Ask me about my comfort food and this proudly Pinoy spin on the well-loved fried chicken is always on my list. I grew up loving it and I don't intend to outgrow my affinity for it. Now that they throw in an exciting twist to this classic, with flavor combination that I adore, it made me love it all the more.

Hello Again! [ Mini Pancakes with Almond Butter, Bacon Bits, and Honey Recipe ]

It is my first post here at YedyLicious for 2015 and already I am talking about this easy breakfast recipe of Mini Pancakes with Almond Butter, Bacon Bits, and Honey. Not to get ahead of myself, but I have the option to start this year writing about recent restaurants I have been to or to share this recipe.

I choose the latter with paltry justification that this simple breakfast finds its way to my routine during the blog sabbatical I took recently.

I choose the latter because it feels right to remind myself to stick to my guns for the shape of things to come.

January of last year I almost bid adieu to blogging. Explaining would only lead to long narratives peppered with unspoken regrets and unrealized truths, so let us just leave it at that. All I know that is that everything seems crowded with forced art in different forms and declarations devoid of my personal trademark.

I longed for a blank canvas.

Cafe Shibuya, Glorietta Makati

This blog post about Cafe Shibuya has been a long time coming. That is not to say that I got no interest blogging about it from the first time. As a matter of fact, being a person who has deep affinity for buttered bread - toast buttered bread with all things incredible on top of it for that matter, I was overwhelmed on my first visit. I just thought I need to revisit them couple of more times and try other items on their menu before penning my thoughts on it.

Yet, succeeding visits were still loaded with basically the same toasts which I fell in love with the first time. I would like  the virtue of loyalty take credit for it, but in all honesty, my favorite toasts at Cafe Shibuya are all enticing I couldn't bend my desire for them quite enough to say pass. So, I am giving this a go. 

With an endearing cafe interior and impressive line of savory and sweet toasts alongside equally impressive line of Ghirardelli chocolate drinks concoction, it is not surprising that Cafe Shibuya draw large followers when it opened its flagship store at U.P. Town Center. Not long after its opening, a second branch at Glorietta 2 follow suit.

Best Restaurants in Manila According to MBKRS 2014

Indeed, many are called but few are chosen as Manila's Best at Manila's Best Kept Restaurant Secrets MBKRS 2014.

YedyLicious Manila Food Blog is very honored to be once again be part of this year's judges in choosing The Best Restaurants in Manila at the MBKRS 2014. Gratitude to Ines Cabarrus-Habayeb and Elian Habayeb, founders of MBKRS.

Here is the full list of winners.

Seattle's Best Coffee Dream Journal 2015 (Giveaway Alert!)

For some it’s already a tradition that started last 2011. For others, it’s one of the much awaited perks of supporting Seattle’s Best Philippines especially during this season. Whatever the reason is, I am pretty sure that most of us are excited for the SBC Dream Journal 2015. I know I am.

I have been collecting Seattle's Best Coffee Philippines Dream Journal for four years now and this time, it'll be fun to share it to one of my lucky readers. After all, it's a season of giving and a great journal such as SBC's are too cute not to share.

But first, some details about SBC Dream Journal 2015, how you can avail it from SBC branches, the Seattle's Best Coffee Holiday Drinks, and the mechanics for my SBC Dream Journal 2015 Giveaway. So, read on.

Of Great Food, Good Company, and Gratitude: The KTG Christmas Party 2014

Truth be told, given the reserved personality that I have, you can rarely find me associated with big groups. Quality over quantity, that has always been a mantra of sort that I always live by. Sounds like a pesky little unfriendly snob? Nah, it's just that only few people can dig my unconventional approach to life and my f*cker may-care-kind-of-attitude. So, choosing to just peacefully co-exist with the rest of the humanity is just the best bet.

That is why it came as a surprise, even for me that five years into food blogging, I am suddenly surrounded with people that renders my hand fingers not enough to count. Yet, given that these people are some of the nicest I have come across with, I feel grateful. We call our group the KTG Family.

K.T.G. stands for Kain Tulog Gang. People sometimes cringe for what the name of our group stands for whenever I am asked about it. And I understand such reaction. Not to offend anyone but I, myself wasn't a big fan of the name at first - it sounds too pedestrian. Until it grew on me. To this day, I am loving the beautiful irony.

9 Peso Ebi Tempura and Other Promos for SumoSam's 9th Anniversary!

Recently, I got a good news from SumoSam which I think well worth sharing. In line with their 9th Anniversary Celebration happening of December 23, 2014, SumoSam is dishing out three exciting promos. These promos are SumoSam's way of saying "Thank You!" to their patrons whose support and love for their brand since 2005 continue to this day.

9 Peso SumoSam's Ebi Tempura, One Year Supply of Ebi Tempura, and an Ipad are the things we could all look forward to.

Read on for the mechanics of these three exciting promos by SumoSam.

Winners Announced! : Win T.G.I.Friday's Jack Daniel's Burger (Happy 20th Anniversary, T.G.I.Friday's Philippines!)

Hey everyone! So, this blog post is a quick giveaway courtesy of the generous people from T.G.I.Friday’s Philippines. As we all know, T.G.I.Friday’s Philippines will be celebrating their 20th anniversary tomorrow.  If you have been reading my blog for a while now, you probably have an idea how I consider TGIF as one of my favorite restaurants here in Manila. So, I am one of those who will be throwing them a big virtual hug coupled with nice warm anniversary greetings, for I am a fan.

Now, the good news is, T.G.I.Friday’s Philippines has partnered with YedyLicious.com to conduct a quick and easy giveaway in line with their anniversary celebration.  9 Winners will get to win one Jack Daniel Burger each.  I could vouch for the awesomeness of this burger, so I am encouraging all of you to join.

T.G.I.Fridays’ Jack Daniel's Burger is expertly seasoned and fire-grilled to order, juicy 7-oz burger is glazed with Jack Daniel's sauce and stacked with two strips of crispy bacon and American Cheese on a toasted bun. Served with a side of jack Daniel's sauce. classic fixings, and crispy seasoned fries.

Joining is really easy. Read on for the mechanics.

The Good Juice PH: My Detox Experience

I have to admit, prior to deciding on writing about The Good Juice PH, I was under the notion that as a food blogger, I may not be the right fit to share my thoughts on it. What does a food blogger who spend most of her waking time trying different food – fatty or not – has to do with juicing healthy drinks meant for detoxification?

Then I figured, that is exactly the point.

Of all the people who should be doing detox from time to time, us food enthusiasts should be it.

We expose our system to varieties of edible things we could take – out of curiosity and sheer pleasure of eating. And admittedly, sometimes, we can get overboard. Hence, detoxifying every now and then make sense.  So what does a fatty food blogger like me has to say about the benefits of detox juice? Trust me on this, a lot.

RiCo Corn Rice: Healthy Alternative to Rice

I am not in a special kind of diet or something but healthy alternative to food I usually enjoy is always welcome to my pantry. When cool peeps from Nuffnang Philippines shared to me a package of RiCo Corn Rice, a product recently introduced to market as a healthy alternative to rice, I was elated.

In our household, corns are aplenty especially when it is in season. If you live somewhere far from the city like I do, chances are, you would understand the romantic notion of planting and growing your own food. Corn is one of those crops I grew up enjoying. Substituting rice in favor of corn is not really a problem for me although I am a big rice eater. So I figured, corn molded into a rice form is something I could enjoy.

RiCo Corn Rice, a product of La Filipina, holds the promise of health benefits compared to rice. It is said that corn rice is low in glycemic index which is good for diabetics and pre-diabetic people, it is also gluten free and trans fat free, and it has no cholesterol which makes it good for the heart. Aside from that, rice corn is also said to be packed with iron, lutein, vitamin a, b-vitamins, amino acids, beta-carotene, calcium, folate, and fiber.

Cravings Fresh Picks: Salad, Soup, and Mongolian Buffet

Buffet and Healthy are words that we do not frequently see together in one phrase nor sentence. When searching for best buffets in Manila, healthy is not really the first word that plays in our mind - well at least for me. But this blog post is all about buffet that allows people to indulge but not without total disregard to health. 

To be specific, as the title suggests, this blog post is about Cravings Restaurant's Fresh Picks Salad, Soup, and Mongolian Buffet.

Soup and Salad Buffet is not really a new concept at Cravings Restaurant. I remember having enjoyed it years ago when I frequent Cravings branch at EDSA Shangri-La Mall. Aside from their Coffee and Cakes Unlimited, this is one of the reason why Cravings is one of our family's go-to restaurant. But this time, Cravings takes a new spin to their promo.

Chelsea Kitchen at SM Megamall

My visit to Chelsea Kitchen located at SM Mega Fashion Hall in SM Megamall happened amidst the time when attending to pressing matter at hand hinders me from throwing affirmative response to dining engagements. I guess luck was on my side the time a friend, Ramil of Pinasmuna.com asked me to join them for an intimate lunch at Chelsea Megamall.

The luncheon schedule indicated was the exact time I was free to do blog related things. That rarely happen these days, truth be told.  So I guess I was destined to dine at Chelsea Kitchen for the first time to finally experience the creations of the talented chef Kalel Chan. Meeting new people and catching up with some blogger friends – the proverbial icing on top.

Under Raintree Group of Restaurants, Chelsea Kitchen at Megamall is the laid back version of Chelsea Grand Café in Serendra. It occupies the space at the ground floor, EDSA side entrance of the bustling SM Mega Fashion Hall.

Oliva Bistro Cafe along Marcos Highway, Pasig City

The thing about moving far away from what is considered as the mecca of restaurants in Manila, you sometimes concern yourself with other options within reasonable proximity. That is if you write about food and do not always have the liberty of time to battle the horrendous traffic jam on the road. I should know. It's the story of my life.

So when I learned that one of the restaurants I admire most, Oliva Bistro Cafe opened its branch along Marcos Highway in Pasig City, I know a visit must ensue. The area can be easily accessed if you are from Antipolo City through Sumulong Highway and other nearby location such as Cainta, Cogeo, and Marikina since it is basically located right beside Barrio Fiesta near Sta Lucia East Grand Mall and Robinsons Mall Metro East.

It was exactly two years ago when I wrote about the first time I experienced dining at Oliva Bistro Cafe Visayas Avenue branch. That time, I was introduced to the talented chef Kanan's kitchen creations. It opened my eyes on chef's take on making each dish that hails from different countries stand on its own instead of resorting to the confusing and overused "fusion." After all these years, Oliva Bistro Cafe still believes in celebrating different culture on plate.

McDonald's Coke Modern Glass Collection 2014: Classy, Stylish, and Fun

Recently, kind people from McDonald's Philippines and EON sent me this McDonald's Coca-Cola 2014 Modern Glass Collection coupled with some good news about it. I am one of those who collects the iconic McDonald's and Coke glasses memorabilia and I am guessing some of you are too. So, this news really got me excited most especially when I saw that this years' iconic glasses are sporting contemporary design in sophisticated hue of light gray.

The strong partnership between McDonald's and Coca-Cola has once again sealed through the introduction of the modern glass collection this year. This tradition between the two big brands has already spanned for seven wonderful years and still counting.

The package I got came in a big box that housed the six design variants of the glass collection. Although I believe that the box is for media promotional purposes only, diners can be assured that the glass/glasses they will be availing at McDonald's will be encased in its usual paper casing just like the previous collections made available commercially.

No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake by Pellegrino's

The email that proposed an introduction to No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake held an enthusiastic tone I could not ignore. The name Pellegrino's was not mentioned. Instead, the letter suggests the excitement of a home baker eager to hear opinion about her product. Recipes for no bake cheesecake usually call for gelatin which I am not a big fan of, hence the apprehension.

Yet, there was something about the sincerity of the letter that got me. After all, one cannot go wrong with an open mind, so I said yes. Days after, Pellegrino's No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake arrived in our doorstep, hand carried by a charming lady named Abbie, the one who wrote me the email.

Abbie is the better half of Erwin, owners of a food stall called Pellegrino's Roasted Chicken Station located at PhilamLife Tower in Makati. They have been in the business for four years now serving roasted chicken, pork bbq, liempo, best paired with side dishes they also mastered such as baked macaroni, eggplant salad, potato salad, coleslaw, among many others. In the hope of expanding their menu, they opened their door to cheesecake making business.

Bhe'st Lasagna, It's Nice to Finally Meet You.

Lately I have been talking about Bhe'st Lasagna, one of the best lasagnas I have tried here in Manila. One reason is that with the Christmas season unfolding before us, I deem it can be the best option for an edible gift and potluck share during parties. 

Another reason is that Bhe'st Lasagna and I, we kinda have a history together. Well, sort of.

Before diving ahead on the story telling, let me just give credit where it is due. I was not in Manila when the awesome package from Bhe'st Lasagna arrived home, so I had my sister took these photos for me. Merci beaucoup!

Going back to the story, to the day I almost met Bhe'st Lasagna for the first time. Almost, being the operative word, we never crossed path the day we intended to. But as with all things in life, if it is destiny, ways will unfold itself no matter what. 

Pomodoro Pizza in Kapitolyo, Pasig City

A guy, barely in his mid twenties, dishing out book recommendations with emphasis on Robert Kiyosaki’s craft was not something that I expected.  A taste of pizza and pasta at Pomodoro Pizza located in Kapitolyo, Pasig City was what I signed up for.

A glimpse of a humble side street osteria that aims to serve simple Italian fares without breaking the bank is on top of my itinerary. Yet, interesting conversation is a pleasant addition to the feast, more so, when it involves food and book authors that I also read. 

To be honest, I am not usually the type who would engage in a conversation while eating. I prefer exchange of words at the end of a feast.  I want to be in communion with my food, to savor it without interruption. To let the intricacies of flavor ingrain in my mind as it play in my palate – I am not the silent type, this is just how I remember food that I need to write.

But that afternoon was a different story.

Meet Captain Manok (Litson Manok, Liempo, Bagnet, Crispy Pata) in Mandaluyong City

Recently, I’ve met Captain Manok.

Sounds like a super hero’s name, right? But let’s admit, some Filipinos have fondness for names like this.

When the people behind this new food establishment that specializes in Lechon Manok (Roasted Chicken) shot me an email to try their food, despite trying to lessen invite loads these days, I could not muster the courage to say no. I always have a thing for start up food businesses because nothing beats the excitement of seeing great potentials. Much more, nothing beats the happiness of seeing these food businesses do well in their field.  Yes, I do not just write for blog hits, I intend to help people,  that’s for sure.

So one day I visited Captain Manok’s first branch along San Francisco St. in Mandaluyong City. The place is a tad easy to locate. If you are familiar with Citihomes Mandaluyong, they are on the opposite side of the same street, left side if you are heading towards Makati.  With a big yellow signage bearing the name Captain Manok, it is not easy to miss.

OKF Premium Coffee: Caffe Latte, Caffè Mocha, and Caramel Macchiato + a GIVEAWAY

Coffee in can is not something I would usually pass up simply because it is convenient to have anytime, anywhere. I am sure those who loves their coffee but are usually on the go could relate. So when I sampled OKF Premium Coffee Drinks ready-to-drink in can, I knew from the get go that it is something right up my alley.

OKF Premium Coffee Drinks is from the same maker of the Healthy Aloe Vera Juice, a product I have featured here at YedyLicious before. It is available in different variants but what I got to try were the Caramel Macchiato, Caffè Mocha, and the Caffe Latte.

Of course there are plenty other big players in the same league. I have tried quite a few myself and I have some favorites. After having tried OKF Premium Coffee, they immediately went on my list of favorites.Quality of flavor and affordability are some of the things I always take into consideration when dealing with ready-to-drink coffee, these premium coffee from OKF Philippines have that.

RUB Ribs & BBQ

Seated at one corner of Rub Rbs & BBQ at Sct. Rallos St. Quezon City branch one busy weekend lunch service, thoughts came running through my head. First, I will finally get to try the much raved about Raki's BBQ Ribs and second, holy guacamole the place is so jam packed!

Another diner from the next table was seated so close to me I feared that if he popped in the ribs into his mouth and chew it, I could might as well spit the bone for him.

Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the picture.

Our visit happened prior to the opening of their newest branch at nearby Roces Ave. corner Sct. Tobias St., also in Quezon City. So, it is pretty understandable that people from the area who craves for ribs at RUB were still pointed to the same direction. Hence, I am not complaining. Also, a school of thought dictates that a restaurant crowded with people hankering for their specialty is always a good sign. Indeed, at RUB Ribs and BBQ, it was a good sign.

Tipulo Restaurant in Antipolo City: Serving Modern Filipino Cuisine [Antipolo Food Trip Series]

Antipolo Food Trip Series: List of Restaurants in Antipolo City, Rizal Province

Just in time when I was acquainting myself to the restaurants in Antipolo City after a decade of my absence, I was introduced to Tipulo Restaurant inside First Pacific Leadership Academy (FPLA). Serving modern Filipino cuisine, Tipulo is considered a dining destination for those coming from different places to experience the beauty of what is tagged as the Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines.

Tipulo Restaurant is both new and familiar to me. Now that statement calls for a trip down memory lane. Allow me to do a little rewind up to the summer that I ditched medical school to pursue Arts.

We used to call the place The Pavillion, an eating place exclusive for Meralco employees and its guests inside Manolo M. Lopez Development Center, (MMLDC) now rebranded as FPLA. During that time, Meralco employees are encouraged to recommend their children for a summer job within the company or its subsidiaries for career exposure. My father got me a spot at MMLDC's Educational Technology Team, a department that handles events and programs in the company.

Bacon and Cheese Gyoza & Peanut Butter and Banana Gyoza at Osaka Ohsho

The news came with such a casual aplomb. "Osaka Ohsho released new gyoza flavors. Bacon and Cheese Gyoza & Peanut Butter and Banana Gyoza. Are you free on Monday? We'll do lunch." My friend Richard of Tales From The Tummy, the same guy who lured me into falling so hard for the  King of Gyoza has a penchant for giving me little heart attacks.

Unflinching, he dropped the words bacon and cheese all in one phrase and he expected just a yes or no from me. Of course, a girl gotta have her oh-em-gee moments, so I gave him that. Then, I said yes to the invite with some of my favorite people.

I didn't make it to our lunch. 

Staycation at Oakwood Premier Hotel Manila in Ortigas [Part Three]

So, we have arrived at the last part of my Staycation at Oakwood Premier Manila Blog Series. The last day of my stay at Oakwood was as nice as the first day having the Jazzy Sunday Brunch Buffet as its highlight. Bonus part was that I spent it with some of my favorite Manila food bloggers which I consider my family in this industry.

I admit that I had a great time recalling that weekend at Oakwood to weave stories to share with you. Although I do not have all the time in the world to finish writing everything in one sitting, I am glad that you have stayed with me. Good memories are not meant to be rushed, only savored. Thank you for your patience.

It tickles me to the bone that some of you sent me emails and messages through my Facebook page just to let me know that you are enjoying this mini series. Do not worry, I am working on making the comment system here at YedyLicious way easier to deal with. Meanwhile, you are always welcome to get in touch with me by any means we see fit.