My Top Picks at The Ultimate Taste Test 2019 #UTT2019

We've been attending The Ultimate Taste Test since its early days. We've enjoyed a lot of new food finds and have met a lot of likeminded individuals who like us, believe in the transformative power of good food. This year is their 10th year. Yes, it's a decade of helping out food merchants introduced their creations to the public and helping consumer find food products well-worth the calories and money. 

I started working in corporate set up months ago so I wasn't really expecting that I'll make it to this year's UTT. Luckily, my friends - the very same peeps who I've gone with to the previous years of UTT with - Rina (@rinasrainbow) a.k.a. Mrs. Pickiest Eater and Glenn (@i_am_glenn_daniel) a.k.a. The Strolling Spoon were there to drag my sleepy self out and enjoy the event. I may lack sleep but no regrets, I tell you.

짜장면 Korean Jjajangmyeon Recipe + Video

I posted a video of How To Cook Jjajangmyeon (Korean Black Bean Noodles) on my YouTube channel a little while back and I almost forgot to post an accompanying blog post for the complete recipe and detailed instruction here at YedyLicious. But it is here now, I am here now.

I feel bad that my blog is turning into a space-gathering dust for the past few months because I am so busy - I got a new job, you see. But let's reserve that story time for perhaps future blog post.

Because right now, while taking a break from studying the processes of my role for my new job and having a quick dinner, I am trying my best to somehow squeeze in finishing this blog post. Because this simple recipe for Jjajangmyeon is so easy and make and so delicious, I hope you could make it at home and share it with your loved ones too.

Homemade Korean Kimchi and Gourmet Tuyo by L'Shef Food

Yesterday, I received a bottle of Homemade Korean Kimchi and a Bottle of Gourmet Tuyo from Shela of L'Shef Food. L'Shef Food is a manufacturer and national distributor of gourmet food products. I was told that they are about to launch their new products, the bottled Korean Kimchi and Gourmet Tuyo in the market. They prided themselves by offering Korean Kimchi and Gourmet Tuyo that are all natural and free of preservatives. 

I love kimchi and gourmet tuyo isn't a bad food choice in my book either hence, I was glad try out the products.

5 Reasons Why I Love Sarangani Bay Premium Bangus

If you've been around the blog for a while now, you probably know that I love seafood. There are plenty of blog posts here that features seafood from variety of restaurants in Manila and beyond that I have been to. And I even co-authored a book wherein I talk about the best seafood you can eat when in Manila. So yeah, I love seafood.

Recently, I got to try Sarangani Bay Premium Bangus and let me tell you, upon first bite, I wondered why it took me so long to try this brand. It's really good. 

I am lucky because we have some relatives and family friends who we rely on to whenever we want some fresh bangus, hence, we rarely resort to buying package one in the market. However, having trusted brand to have in our arsenal is not a bad thing. I'm glad I was introduced to Sarangani Bay.

  

8 Reasons Why You Should Buy Instant Pot [Instant Pot Philippines]

Prior to the launch of Instant Pot here in the Philippines, I use my mother's old-school hand-me-down  pressure cooker she acquired from my grandmother. I love the novelty of family heirlooms that survived generations, don't get me wrong. But if you know how are the pressure cooker of yesteryears - safety and all, you would understand why this girl needs some moving on.

The first time that I was introduced to Instant Pot was years ago when an aunt from Ontario let me try a delicious fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs she made in less than an hour with her Instant Pot. That time, I knew I fell in love - with both the ribs and the Instant Pot.

Now that Instant Pot is already here in the Philippines, my love continues. And the more I use it, the more I see how effective and impressive this kitchen appliance is. So in this blog post, I am going to share with you 8 Reasons Why You Should Buy An Instant Pot. Because I'm pretty sure you would love it too.

Instant Pot is Now in the Philippines!

Instant Pot is now here in the Philippines and that is one news I am excited to share. Because let me tell you, whether you love to cook or not too fond of it, Instant Pot can be that one sleek and smart helper in the kitchen we all want to have. Who doesn't want one revolutionary kitchen appliance that can function and replace seven other types of appliances in the kitchen? 

Instant Pot, a smart Electric Pressure Cooker is known and designed to be safe, convenient, and dependable. It has proven to be an effective kitchen appliance and a pretty popular one at that judging by the various Instant Pot-related Facebook groups and pages you can see online. And yes, this best-selling product in Amazon has a cult following. 

Now that Instant Pot is already here in the Philippines, we all got good reason to acquire one or two for ourselves. 

Lay's Salted Egg Potato Chips [Blog Review + YouTube Video]

I've been dodging chips these days ever since my sister have been scaring me out of my wits about the effects of too much sodium and all those nasty things you can find in seemingly innocent snack food in the grocery aisles that beckons. Guess that's what you get if you have a medical practitioner for a sister. 

So, my usual potato chips binge fest while watching my favorite TV series was put into a halt, needless to say. Until Lay's Salted Egg Potato Chips landed on my lap one day. Then I thought to myself, "Girl, calm thyself. Today's a cheat day."

Apparently, Lay's Thailand who is famous for putting out there some innovative potato chips flavor dipped into the salted egg flavor craze. And here's my take on it. 

Five Reasons Why I Love PRESOTEA Philippines

Presotea, a popular Taiwanese-based tea chain recently reached the Philippines soil and is now impressing Filipino people with its high quality tea drink selections. Whether if you are a fan of milk tea or if you are one of those purist who appreciates the delicious simplicity of freshly brewed tea, Presotea got you covered. 

I love tea. And as I grew older and wiser, I prefer tea over coffee. That is why, I am always on the look out for new tea shops. Having tried out Presotea recently, I could say that I have found a new favorite that I can add on my list. 

On this blog post, I am going to share with you Five Reasons Why I Love Presotea Philippines. 

Islas Pinas Buffet: A Food and Heritage Village [Blog Review + YouTube Video]

I recently went to Islas Pinas Buffet Restaurant which was tagged as a Food and Heritage Village under the famed chef Margarita Fores to check out the place and try out the buffet offerings. Islas Pinas opened last year and originally started as a food hall. Come February of this year, Islas Pinas transformed into a buffet showcasing different Filipino food from all over the county. 

While I am confident that the food would be food since it's under the wing of chef Margarita Fores after all, what I was excited about prior to my visit was the aesthetic of the entire place. And it didn't disappoint. Islas Pinas as a heritage village has a charm of its own. 

Located at Double Dragon Plaza in Pasay City, Islas Pinas is a good destination if you want decent Filipino food while feasting your eyes to the wonders of its decors that mimics different parts of the country and echoes Filipino heritage. Aside from that, they do have a Pasalubong Center that offers local goodies which makes it a perfect destination for people who wants some souvenir edible or not, from the Philippines.

Don Day Korean BBQ Buffet Restaurant, Antipolo City Philippines [A Blog Review + A YouTube Video]

Don Day Korean BBQ Buffet is one of very few Korean restaurants in Antipolo City, Philippines. They offer eat-all-you-can Korean food, unlimited korean barbecue such as samgyeopsal (pork) and chadolbagi (beef), ala-carte Korean dishes, and shabu-shabu or hot pot. 

It is a decent enough restaurant if you in this side of the metro and craving for Korean food. The only thing that I don't like about this restaurant is the way they sometimes change their "rules" pertaining to the unlimited meat without prior notice, and the fact that diners could only have two hours time frame limit to enjoy their meal. 

We dined there one time and availed of their unlimited korean samgyeopsal and chadolbagi. When my friend asked for the refill of his samgyeopsal, the waiter informed us that they only serve maximum of 5 samgyeopsal plate per person. We are under the impression that it is unlimited like what they were claiming on their ads, so the fact that there is a limit of 5 plate per person is just plain stupid. 

How To Cook Tteokbokki 떡볶이 [Toppokki / Dukbokki] Easy Korean Spicy Rice Cake Recipe

This recipe for Tteokbokki 떡볶이 or Korean Spicy Rice Cake, alongside majority of the Korean food recipes I know I learned from an Ajumma 아줌마 (Korean elderly woman) who owned a Korean restaurant near the place where I used to live. My friendship with this ajumma didn't really start off on the right foot, you see. She used to dislike me.

For her, I was this annoying girl who speaks in broken Korean while asking for extra servings of kimchi more than a normal customer would. Until I grew on her. I somehow and surprisingly charmed my way through her heart and the next thing I know she was handing me a notes of her Korean food recipes before boarding the plane that will bring her back to her motherland for good.

I miss her. I miss hanging out in her restaurant and annoying her with my Konglish until she feeds me good food because she'd rather see this annoying girl devour her food happily instead of talking things she cannot understand. But when we speak the language of food, we become friends, there was nothing we cannot understand.

La Travieza Buffet Restaurant, Antipolo City [Blog Review + YouTube Video]

La Travieza Buffet Restaurant is one of homegrown restaurants in Antipolo City, Rizal that is popular among the locals. It offers eat-all-you-can buffet style dining set up as well as plated meals for those who wants to satisfy their hunger within budget. I have a blog series about different restaurants you can visit in Antipolo on my blog archive and now, we are adding La Travieza to the list. 

La Travieza Buffet Restaurant is equipped with several function rooms that make them a perfect venue for different event and occasions. Couple of days back, a relative celebrated her birthday at La Travieza. I figured it can be a good chance to blog about it. 

Aside from this blog post, I also uploaded a simple video of our visit at La Travieza on my YouTube channel. There you can see all the food selections on the buffet spread we feasted on during that day. Feel free to visit YedyLicious TV on YouTube and consider subscribing if so inclined. I will really appreciate it. 

Buta No Kakuni Recipe 豚の角煮 [How To Cook Japanese Braised Pork Belly]

There was this Japanese movie I've seen years ago which title and other information, to my dismay, escaped my mind currently. What I can remember however, was this scene of a man in search of something, who chanced upon an izakaya in the middle of nowhere.

The man, obviously worn out and exhausted from his quest was fed with what the audience can surmise as the best Buta No Kakuni he has ever had in his life. That moment gave him a sort of clarity - a fresh breath of courage to continue with his journey. 

That particular scene was very meaningful thus, it is one which to this day clings to my mind. It was bleeding with metaphorical representation of a despondent man being fed with an edible pep-talk - and a good one at that. By the end of the scene, he was beaming with optimism like that of a glistening chunks of kakuni that hopefully unlike the man's newfound courage, will melt in the mouth.

It was so subtle yet powerful. 

Celebrate Valentine's Day at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

On this special day of hearts, there is something lovely to look forward to when you celebrate Valentine's Day at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.

Indulgent Chinese Set Menu and Dim Sum Buffet, Heart-Shaped Cakes and Valentine Cocktails Highlight Love Month Celebrations at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.

A Late Hello, an Update, a YouTube Channel, and a Very Simple Toast Recipe

Hello lovely readers! It wasn't my intention to turn this blog into a space-gathering dust but somehow it did and I apologize. 2019 started out all well and good but the super cold weather where I am right now is taking a toll on my health I've been sick on and off for the past weeks. I know it is rather late but let me greet you a Happy and Prosperous 2019! I am claiming that this year will be filled with blessings, fulfilled dreams, answered prayers, and delightful surprises for all of us. And yes of course, good health.

So, first blog post for the year. Nothing grandiose, really. As a matter of fact, I am still on my PJ's and lazily sitting on my bed as I am writing this because I am still nursing residual colds from the mean flu that knocked me down recently. But I figured, the Chinese New Year has passed (gōng xǐ fā cái, btw) and I still haven't blogged about anything yet. So, hello there!

I started a YouTube Channel. I have been wanting to start one for a while now because almost everyone in my family have their own channel filming the things they love for all the world to see, while I, was constantly battling the idea of starting my own channel versus my love for my privacy. At the end of the day, a lot of people talked me into starting one. Shout out to my friend Richie a.k.a. The Pickiest Eater In The World, who gave me an encouraging nudge to just get my sh*t together and start.

So here I am - navigating ever so carefully the colourful world of creating videos on YouTube. 

Create Your Own Cheese Board with Danes Cheese Ball: A New and Fun Christmas Family Tradition

It's the time of the year again. A season when much awaited Christmas traditions are celebrated and followed. If you're a long-time reader, you probably know that part of our family's Christmas tradition is trying out different recipes each of the member have come up with - not necessarily original, but with a personal twist. I have written about that story in one of my Danes Cheese Ball blog posts way back. 

The Sugar-Free Bakery PH of Ketos of Manila and Muscle Kitchen Manila (And Here is a Discount Code for You!)

Last week, I received some sample goodies from The Sugar-Free Bakery PH. It arrived a little past dinner time but I still indulged on trying each goodies because hey, it's sugar-free. I munched on it without guilt, really. 

The Sugar-Free Bakery PH is a brainchild of the same health-driven food enthusiasts behind the famous Ketos of Manila and Muscle Kitchen. 

California Pizza Kitchen Philippines New Menu: New Adventures and Old Favorites On Its 20th Year Anniversary

California Pizza Kitchen Philippines (CPK PH) is celebrating its 20th year Anniversary and inline with it, they have recently launched a new menu that reintroduces classic old favorites and delicious new adventures that will make every visit at all California Pizza Kitchen branches here in the Philippines well worth it.

Come One, Come All at The VegFest Pilipinas 2018 and Let There Be Peace On Every Plate

If you are a vegan, vegetarian, or veg-curious just like I am, this is an event well-worth going to this weekend. The VegFest Pilipinas 2018. 

It is no secret that I am slowly but surely transitioning into plant-based lifestyle. I have been throwing hints here and there in some of my blog posts and I am grateful that some of my beloved readers are very supportive. Some of you even asked me to blog more about vegan/vegetarian/plant-based recipes that I am learning these days. So I figured, it would be nice to share about the food festival I am excited about. 

Similac Gain School HMO: Check it Out on Lazada 11-11 SALE!

My nephews are in preschool and our main concern always at this stage in their lives are their health and learning development. It used to stressed us a lot because preschool age is the stage wherein kids immune system is still developing therefore making them more susceptible to sickness like cold, coughs, asthma, allergies, and other infections.  Almost every week, one of them is either down with flu or nursing an allergy. If that scenario is not stressful, I don't know what is. 

What more stressful about it is the fact that the kids are missing the opportunity to enjoy and learn new things at school because of their ailments are keeping them at their beds. The sickness was putting a halt into their learning development and it was really concerning. 

Glucerna SR Triple Care

Living with diabetes is no walk in the park. I should know, my mother has been living with it since her late 40s and she is now in her 60s. As a family, we make it a point to be with her in her journey and not to make her feel alone in dealing with it. Diabetes can be really depressing to deal with, as I was told. One minute your blood sugar is as fine as it can be, and the next thing you know it has suddenly skyrocketed to 500 or dug itself to an equally scary low digits. 

Managing blood sugar level into a balance state is not a piece of cake - no pun intended.  A diabetic patient must always be careful with their food consumption otherwise, their blood sugar can create havoc to their system. Uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to long-term problems and complications to the patient's overall health.

The Vegan Grocer: A Store Where You Can Buy Vegan Food And Other Vegan Products in Manila Philippines

I was searching online for some ingredients for the vegetarian and vegan recipes I am currently working on when I chanced upon The Vegan Grocer PH on Facebook. With a bit of research, I learned that they are carrying some of the ingredients I was looking for among many other vegan products that piqued my interest.

The Vegan Grocer is said to be a one-stop shop vegan grocery store that carries variety of vegan brands. They offer healthy vegan food products, eco-friendly hygienic products, and even vegan merchandise. They are located in San Juan City, Metro Manila and they also double as vegan online shop that do door to door delivery if your area is accessible to couriers.

Lee Kum Kee International Young Chef Chinese Culinary Challenge 2018

The recently concluded Lee Kum Kee International Young Chef Chinese Culinary Challenge 2018 proved to be fruitful for three Pinoy chefs who won bronze awards during the event. Winners Chef Elmar Ruelo of Wangfu and Chef Joel Aroy of King Chef and Chef John Flores of Grand Convention Centre Cebu are among the 42 aspiring young chefs from 17 countries and regions who competed in showcasing their true culinary talents. 

Top Three Reasons Why You Should Use U.S. Dehydrated Potatoes [Getting To Know U.S. Dehydrated Potatoes]

Remember the time when I shared a recipe for Korean Potato Pancake? How about the Kimchi-flavored Mashed Potato in one of my blog posts? I made those recipes using US dehydrated potatoes. You know how I love using US potatoes and that includes the dehydrated variety which my pantry is never without.

So what exactly is U.S. dehydrated potatoes (U.S. Dehy)? Allow me to touch upon this for the sake of those who are not familiar yet.

  

Krispy Kreme Bacon and Cheese Doughnut

Bacon and cheese - two of the most popular comfort food in the world and probably one of the most delicious flavor combinations known to mankind. This awesome combination is currently stealing the spotlight at all Krispy Kreme Philippines branches nationwide with the new product "The Krispy Kreme Bacon and Cheese-Filled Ring Doughnut." 

Krispy Kreme is known for its innovative way of creating amazingly delicious doughnuts flavor variants and clearly they are not stopping anytime soon. Thankfully, because for sure there are hundreds of different flavors are still waiting to hit Krispy Kreme menu. 

Recharge School Kids’ Nutrition: The Powerful Potato to the Rescue!

I was at my nephew's school the other day to give a career talk to their upper class men. After my talk, I dropped by his classroom to say hi when I noticed that almost half of his classmates were absent. I was told that the kids were sick and that the weather must have taken its toll on their health. It was really concerning because it will be their exam week soon. 

This reminds me that with the kind of weather we have now, we should exert an extra effort in taking care of our family especially the kids. My sister is a nurse, so, she's very particular in teaching my nephew the precautionary measures to avoid getting sick. I on the other hand, is the chef in our family, hence, I am assigned to look after the nutritional needs of our household. 

McDonald’s McSpicy is Back!

Here's a deliciously spicy news amidst the cold weather we are experiencing right now here in Manila - the well-loved McSpicy is back!

Who doesn't miss the thick, juicy hot crisp chicken spicy cutlet topped with creamy mayo and fresh lettuce sandwiched in between toasted sesame seed buns that is Original McSpicy? And how about the crowd-pleaser Garlic Parmesan flavor that boasts of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor combinations that makes McSpicy all the more crave-worthy?

A Merry and Bright Christmas at CRAVINGS #BrighterCravings2018

Christmas comes early with The Cravings Group as they celebrate 30 years of creating exceptional Holiday memories

As the Christmas season fast approaches, party planning also begins. Whether it’s an intimate dinner at home with family or a feast at the workplace with friends, any celebration only becomes memorable with a plateful of sumptuous food, a well-thought off present and the right party details in place.

MAYA Hotcake Art

Do you love the art? I do! How about the combination of art and food? That's heaven for me, I tell you. So let me share with you a good news from MAYA for those of us who loves the beautiful marriage of food and art. 

MAYA Hotcake is currently having a contest which gives a chance for those artists in us to showcase our talents by creating art thru MAYA Hotcake mix. 

부대찌개 Budae Jjigae Recipe [How to Cook Korean Army Base Stew]

I am not the type to whine about the rain because I seriously love cold weather I could be a self-appointed ambassadress for rainy season. But the incessant rain these past few weeks made me realize that too much of anything is no fun at all. I often wondered when will it stop. Even the things we love can be tiring times, I reckon.

The only consolation is that I could make my favorite soups and stews without risking heat stroke in our kitchen. I once made beef bone broth in the middle of Summer it drove people in our house to ponder over all my other questionable choices in life. 

The other day I made one of my favorite Korean food, Budae Jjigae (부대찌개) popularly known as Korean Army Base Stew. 

GOJU Natural Fruit Infusion Juice Drinks

Do you love fruit juice? I do. I don’t drink soda so aside from water my default choice for drinks is almost always fruit juice. Recently, I was introduced to new brand of fruit juice innovated by Vida Nutriscience called GOJU Natural Fruit Infusion. GOJU is a word play on the phrase on-the-go juice drink which clearly describe what GOJU is all about – a deliciously healthy fruit juice you can have anytime, anywhere.

GOJU Natural Fruit Infusion showcases five different fruit juice concoction from Spain namely Mango Orange, Raspberry Lemonade, Lemonade, White Peach Passion Fruit, and Orange. I have tried all of the flavors and while I love each and one of them, the one that I ended up liking more is the Mango Orange because the combination of flavor is just spot on.  

豚丼 Butadon Recipe [How To Cook Japanese Pork Rice Bowl] + Buta Fried Rice

One time, I found my kid nephew browsing through my food blog. We love to laugh seeing old photos of ourselves here at YedyLicious so I thought it was just one of those days. Then I realized, he was intently looking at the food photos and reading description of food I blogged before. I knew then what was coming next. 

Minutes after, his effort to work his charm into making me cook something for him was so palpable I can’t help but laugh so hard at the cuteness of the situation. It was the same charm he uses to me or his mom right after realizing that he wants to have what Youtuber Ben Deen was having in one of his mukbangs. 

The effect of social media, right there. But I don’t mind. My nephew’s fervent love for food, he got from me, you see.  

The Choice 2018

Now on its fourth year, The Choice Award 2018 is upon us. Once again, we are encouraging you lovely food enthusiasts here in the Philippines to cast your votes in support of your favorite food, restaurants, hotels, and chefs. 

This annual awarding ceremony that aims to recognize people’s choice is spearheaded by Our Awesome Planet, the country’s #1 food blog and one of the Top 50 travel blogs in the world;  the Blogger and Influencer Collective known as the KTG (Kain Tulog Gang); and the prestigious World Food Expo (WOFEX). 

Peanut Butter Chocolate and Apple Sandwich

What do you eat when you’re too lazy? This is the question I would often get from friends who at least once in their lives witnessed me cooked laboriously and often times ceremoniously. In parallel universe, I could probably tell them with much bravado that I am way too passionate of a cook to be lazy. I could also cough a pontifical declaration that every meal I have is labor of love reeking of enthusiasm to create culinary masterpiece.

But we are in this universe and none of those pompous declaration is true. Because the truth is, despite my desire to learn more about the ways in the kitchen, I get lazy at times. On a not so good day, my laziness gets the better off me I could eat tuna straight out of a can – totally not my brightest hour.

Soy Ginger Steamed Fish Recipe

I remember back in college, there was a time when I would eat nothing but steamed fish aside from the usual vegetables my pantry was never without. Just straight up fish, lemon, ginger, and salt, - steamed to perfection. My desire to stay fit far outweigh my love for bacon. I was part of our college dance troupe, theatre club, and the president of our course organization. My schedule was packed with activities I can’t be anything but fit.

While my love affair for that simple steamed fish surprisingly lasted for quite a while, I would sometimes hanker for something with more flavor. During times like that, I would often rely on Soy Ginger Steamed Fish recipe. Although still a light dish, it is packed with so much flavors.

This recipe for Soy Ginger Steamed Fish is one of those which I can make even with my eyes close because it is so easy to make. I rarely make it these days but this morning, equipped with ingredients and little time on hand, I figured it’s time to revisit those lean college days.

Tang Juice Philippines: More Fun and Refreshment

Tang is such a famous household name here in the Philippines and believe it or not, it has been a staple refreshment of choice here in the country for 46 years now. Amazing, right? For a brand to stay that long in a competitive market, it only means that they are doing something right. I’m pretty sure most of us grew up with it – I did.

I could still remember when I was a kid. My mother would fill my Coleman with Tang Orange Juice that I would bring to school with my lunchbox. I wasn’t allowed to drink soda yet but I never envy my classmates who can because I love my Tang so much.

Fast forward to the present day, I already gave up soda for health reasons and my mother would sometime still make Tang Juice for me, albeit in several different flavors now.  We’ve come a long way. 

How To Make Spinach Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Adulting. That bittersweet word of inexplorable truth that sometimes makes us excited and scared at the same time – but we do it anyway. I was browsing through my blog archive when I realized how my food preferences have matured significantly for the past years. Before, I will eat anything I fancy with reckless abandon. These days, I can’t even finish a scoop of ice cream in fear that I might get the nasty diabetes everybody hates. Yep, hello adulting. 

Before, I deemed it was blasphemy to serve bacon with anything green. These days, the ratio of bacon to veggies on my plate is 1 to 3. Before, I would enjoy a greasy grilled cheese sandwich straight up. These days, I would sneak in something healthy, like spinach. 

Welcome to my world of adulting. Try this recipe for Spinach and Grilled Cheese Sandwich, you will love it – both the sandwich and the adulting.