Tomato, Basil, and Cheese Bruschetta

The other night, my friend and I were talking about our favorite foodie movies.  Mine have always been Babette’s Feast, and of course, Julie & Julia.  Between the two, I could relate the most with the latter.  Tired of mundane existence, Julie Powell, the heroine of the movie, played by Amy Adams used food blogging to motivate herself and document her progress as she cooks her way through Julia Child’s The Art of French Cooking. 

Peppered with visual feast of scrumptious dishes, the movie Julie & Julia never fails to give me an urge to cook.  One particular scene on the movie which drives me soaring nuts to the core was when Julie (Amy Adams) and her husband Eric (Chris Messina) dug in to the Bruschetta which Julie prepared.   It looked so delicious it made me cry.  I could almost taste French bread in garlic butter with lavish tomatoes and basil leaves on top the way Eric raved how delicious it is between mouthfuls of bites with oil and tomato juices dribbling down his chin.  It looks so gorgeous (the bruschetta, and yes, Chris Messina as well) and very appetizing.  After watching it the first time, I head straight to our kitchen and made one for myself. 

 YedyLicious' Tomato, Basil, and Cheese Bruschetta

According to Barron’s Food Lover’s Companion (fourth ed.), Bruschetta (broo-SKEH-tah; broo-SHEH-tah) is from the Italian word bruscare meaning “to roast over coals,” this traditional garlic bread is made by rubbing slices of toasted bread with garlic cloves, then drizzling the bread with extra-virgin olive oil.  The bread is salted and peppered, then heated and served warm. 

Variations may include toppings of whatever ingredients that suits you.  The most basic are tomatoes and basil leaves just like in the movie.  Some would want to have mushrooms, cheese, meats, or even fruits, seriously, it’s your call.  For my Bruschetta, I used the usual tomatoes, basil leaves, and cheese.  Very simple, yet the satisfaction I got from it made me a happy camper.

"Bruschetta Scene"  Still shots form the movie Julie & Julia

Tomato, Basil, and Cheese Bruschetta is fairly easy to make.   Grill or toast your choice of bread until it’s crunchy on the outside while retaining some softness inside.  Rub it with cloves of garlic then drizzle it with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle some pepper and salt, then fry or grill it. Top it with combination of chunks of tomatoes, basil leaves, cheese, extra virgin olive oil, herds, and spices tossed together for a good measure.  Then serve it.  The keys to an awesome Bruschetta recipe are absolutely-fresh ingredients, a creative mind, and a big appetite. 

Sweet Charity

Let me take a break from my usual food posts and share with you something which commensurate to something equally delicious, a play entitled “Sweet Charity”.  After all, a delicious life constitute not only of the things that fills our tummy, but things which delight our hearts as well.  In my opinion, watching a play, specifically musical comedy play can do that.

Early last year, I was able to watch “Legally Blonde: The Musical” staged at Meralco Theatre with Nikki Gil as the lead role.  I am not a fan of the actress but she had me at Legally Blonde.  Her superb performance as Elle Woods led me to see her in a different light.  Now, I will get to watch Nikki Gil perform again as she plays a bubbly and feisty taxi dancer named, Charity Hope Valentine for  “Sweet Charity” come the 13th of August 2011 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue in Makati.

Aside from the expected wonderful performances from the cast, what excites me about the play is the story itself.  It revolves around the adventures and misadventures of Charity, a taxi dancer who always gives her heart, and her earnings, to the wrong man. Except for being a taxi dancer and about the earnings as I don’t think I have much, ladies and gentlemen, it could be the story of my life!... or your life? I’m sure hopeless romantics like me can relate.  

Directed by Robbie Guevara, Sweet Charity casts includes seasoned talents such as Kris Lawrence, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Ciara Sotto-Oconer, Sheree Vidal-Bautista, OJ Mariano, and Tasy Garrucha. Based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Plaiano, “Sweet Charity” is presented by 9 Works Theatrical together with Press Play Productions in cooperation with The Rockwell Club and Member’s Only Bar and Lounge. 

I’m sure it will be a night full of fun, laughs, and pure good time.  So let’s all watch, shall we?

For ticket reservations and inquiries, contact Katherine 0917.5342974 or Cheng 0917.8924364 or email pressplayprods@gmail.com You can also add Press Play in facebook or visit their site at pressplayprods.wordpress.com.

World Food Expo 2011

Today marks the first day of the country’s biggest food show this year, World Food Expo 2011 WOFEX.  The ultimate food show experience happens from August 3 to 6, 2011 at two venues, World Trade Center and SMX Convention Center, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Aside from bringing together all segments of the food and beverage industry, WOFEX is the home of most prestigious culinary competition in the country, the 2011 PHILIPPINE CULINARY CUP.  It is indeed the Philippine’s most anticipated food show. 

It’s a non-stop activities for the entire 4-day run of the expo wherein wide array of products and services will be showcased by major F&B suppliers, first-time exhibitors and new industry players.  Learning opportunities are waiting to be shared by the experts to those who would attend, such as baking demos, cooking demos, technical and business seminars, and many more.

For program line up and more information, check out their website. 

See you all there!

The Real Thing Diner

Coco-Cola rules at The Real Thing Diner, but there is more to explore than the beautiful Coca-Cola memorabilia displayed for customer’s amusement.   The ambiance screams Coca-Cola in your face with its predominant colors of red and white, but wait till you get to the menu. 

Owned by singer-song writer Noelle Cassandra and KV Golamco who worked with Coca-Cola for 6 years, The Real Thing Diner offers all American food with Coca-Cola products as part of the ingredients.  I am not a big fan of soda but my first visit was followed by several trips to the diner because hey, they serve good food and the visits were always worth it.

Coca-Cola Baby Back Ribs was an instant hit to my palate.  Incredibly meaty, fork tender, and its cola marinade gave it the right caramelized crunch on the outside.  The savory sweet taste that was enduring up to the tiniest shred of the meat was a dead give a way that it was marinated well with flavors and spices meant to burst into the palate as you chew on it.

Coca-Cola Baby Back Ribs

I have been in love to Bonchon Chicken for a while now but Sarsi Wings has distinct flavor and character worthy to be craved for.  Buffalo wings covered with sweet and thick Sarsi sauce sprinkled with herb and spices for a good measure.  The distinct taste of Sarsi was what made this dish stand out compare to the usual Buffalo wings out there.  If you are into sweet and spicy fare, this dish is worth a try.

Sarsi Wings

Coca-Cola BBQ Burger was the usual cheesy burger made special with Coca-Cola BBQ sauce generously smothered on the patty while on grill giving the sauce a time to permeate every tiny morsel of the meat.  The sauce was also used as a spread on the bun giving it further flavor in every bite. 

Coca-Cola BBQ Burger

It may looked like the lamest and the saddest fish fillet on the planet in my opinion but Eight O’Clock Apple Green Tea Fish Fillet was one mean dish one should not miss when dining at The Real Thing Diner.  The fish was so tender and silky to the palate.  Dip it into the Eight O’Clock Apple Green Tea sauce that comes with it then the fun fare of flavors will begin playfully dancing inside your mouth.  Imagine a push and pull of the bitter taste of green tea and the sweetness of the apple flirting with each other, you’ll know the score.

Eight O’Clock Apple Green Tea Fish Fillet

Their Hail Caesar! Salad was really nothing special until I discover a little secret.  Fresh and crispy lettuce lightly tossed in a dressing and sprinkled with bacon bits and parmesan cheese was the usual fare.  But you know where the magic lies? I tossed it with the Eight O’Clock Apple Green Tea sauce that comes with my fish fillet and it was a whole new different love affair with my salad. 

Hail Caesar! Salad

Tasting their Creamy Tomato Soup was like slurping into a homemade spaghetti sauce without having to ask for pasta.  Yes it was like that, only better.  It was creamy, rich, and downright filling. The sour taste of the tomato does not overpower the cream therefore making it not too overwhelming to the taste. 

Creamy Tomato Soup

Two of their Non-Alcoholic Coca-Cola Mixed Drinks I have tried was Cinnamon Snifter which is a combination of Coca-Cola, Sarsi, Cinnamon, and Vanilla Ice Cream, while the other one was Brazilian Chocolate Iced Coffee, a combination of Coca-Cola, Coffee, Sarsi, Chocolate, and Whipped Cream.  If you are a Coke fan, these drinks are one delightful twist to the usual.

Brazilian Chocolate Iced Coffee

Cinnamon Snifter

Simple yet eye catching, The Real Thing Diner’s ambiance is a dead giveaway that once you enter the diner, you are up for a fun fare of anything Coca-Cola.  Designed like a modern diner accentuated by cute and definitely hard to find Coca-Cola memorabilia, coke lovers or not would surely be amused.

The food attendants were very friendly and accommodating.  They were obviously trained to know their foods really well, offering dishes not based on what’s the most expensive on the menu, but based on what they think will suits to your liking. There are wait time before the orders were served but it doesn’t bother me because food were freshly cooked therefore it’s worth the wait.

If you are a memorabilia collector, they do Coke Swap Night from time to time so if you’re interested, you can check their website for the schedule.

I have dined at The Real Thing Diner more than a couple of times and I must say that the experiences were all good.  They were consistent in terms of quality and service.  I have recommended this diner to some close friends and so far everyone seems like happy with it. It is definitely one of the place I will always go back to.

The Real Thing Diner

2nd floor, IL Terrazzo,

305 Tomas Morato cor. Sct Madrinan,

1100 Quezon City, Philippines

Phone: (632) 352-4320

Website: http://www.therealthingdiner.com

Facebook: The Real Thing Diner

Triple Decker Cheesecake by The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

As my fork glides through the dense layers of thick Mocha, New York, and Oreo Cheesecake, the interplay of expected flavors playfully dance inside my head.  Once it hits my palate, the seducing continues.  

Triple Decker Cheesecake by The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf was so sinfully indulging, the only absolution was to give in.

The thin layer of crust carries just the right amount of buttery taste that holds and accentuates all the other three flavors.  The Mocha gives certain kick of caramel-like sweet coffee which perfectly blends with the mellow tangy taste of the New York layer in the middle, only to be interrupted by more spunky flavor and ragged texture of the Oreo cheesecake layer.  

The chocolate goodness flavor brought about by the crumbs of Oreo cookies which lazily nestled on top intensify the lavish goodness of the triple decker but does not over power.  This cake is the type that melts in your mouth, and lingers in your memory.

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
website: http://www.coffeebean.com.ph/
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/coffeebeanphilippines

Happy Lemon Rocked My World!

“World’s Yummiest Drinks” is the tag line.  With that I strongly agree.  Happy Lemon is by far the yummiest drinks I have ever tasted.  Be it coffee, milk, tea, chocolate drinks, or juices, Happy Lemon does not disappoint.  Just like most of the people I know who consider Happy Lemon their get-happy drinks, since it opened its first branch in Greenhills, it has become my comfort drinks.  Happy lemon indeed rocked and still rocking my world.

Happy Lemon in Promenade Greenhills

 Earlier this year, I as summoned by some friends to try this new talk of the town drink shop located just a stone’s throw away from where I am living.  My first taste of it, I already knew that Happy Lemon will be a constant craving from then on.  I promise myself to taste as many variants as I can before writing about it and so for months now, I am frequenting their store both in Greenhills and Eastwood Mall to try their offerings.  So far, I have not tasted anything which doesn’t please my palate.

Happy Lemon in Eastwood Mall

 Clearly I cannot have everything in one go as it will send my sugar level soaring high, so I am still in the process of exploring some of the drinks they offer, but for now, let me give you my favorites at Happy Lemon.

Happy Lemon Menu

I am a coffee lover rarely do I choose chocolate drink over coffee, but it’s a different story at Happy Lemon.  Their Rock Salt and Cheese variants include green tea, coffee, and cocoa.  It is cocoa that captures my heart in a way that there isn’t a snowball chance in the dessert that I would visit their place without getting one aside from another drink.  Yes, it’s minimum of two drinks for me every time. Everytime.

Cocoa with Rock Salt and Cheese

 I love how the creaminess of the cheese blends well with the chocolate goodness of the cocoa drink.  The salt does not further intensify the saltiness of the cheese but it only accentuates the flavor giving it further kick that leaves me wanting more.  Yummy is the word.  

Glorious yummy cheese and rock salt on top of cocoa drink

Coffee with Rock Salt and Cheese is also delightful but I find their coffee lacking the strength in flavor.  But then again, it could be just me, since I am used to strong variants of coffee.  Nevertheless, this rocksalt and cheese variant is worth the try.

Coffee with Rock Salt and Cheese

If you are a tea lover, you might want to consider opting for their Green Tea with Rock Salt and Cheese.  The tea’s aroma with a sight of cheese gloriously nestled on top is a dead giveaway that it’s definitely a different twist from the usual.  

Green Tea with Rock Salt and Cheese

Their Rock Salt and Cheese variants are meant to be consumed without the straw so that you can experience the layering of flavors caressing your palate as you sip on it. But otherwise, it gives me the same awesome experience.

Another favorite on my list is their Cocoa Milk Tea with Puff Cream.  Cocoa plus Milk Tea is already good on its own but add to that the lavish presence of puff cream which gives the seductive creaminess to the drink, it is one awesome drink chocolate and milk tea lover would crave for.

Cocoa Milk Tea with Cream Puff

Caramel Milk Tea with Brown Sugar Jelly is definitely another treat that pleases my palate.  Expect a sweet kick to your usual Milk Tea with its Caramel component while the brown sugar jelly only sends it a notch higher.

Caramel Milk Tea with Brown Sugar Jelly

Their Yakult Green Tea is one of the drinks happy Lemon is known for.  It was a refreshing drink which screams Yakult in your face while the bitter component of the green tea only intensifies its yummy flavor.

Yakult Green Tea

Lemon Yakult Mousse with Aloe is also not to be missed.  Truly refreshing take on the usual juice, plus the aloe adds exciting flavor and texture to an already awesome treat.

 

Lemon Yakult Mousse with Aloe

Lemon Honey Juice is the usual Lemon Juice only better because of the honey infused on it.  I love to have this after a whole day of shopping to replenish and rehydrate my thirsty palate.

Lemon Honey Juice

Blueberry Mousse Spin with Popping Bobba is one fruity treat I love.  Considering that I am not really fond of Blueberries, well, it had me at its popping bobba!  You would have to try it for yourself to know what I am talking about. 

Blueberry Mousse Spin with Popping Bobba

Their Oreo Cookies and Cream Cocoa is another must try if you’re crazy over Oreo cookies.  You can bite into the generous servings of crushed Oreo gloriously swimming on cream while enjoying the chocolate goodness of the cocoa drink.

Oreo Cookies and Cream Cocoa

These are just some of my favorite, believe me when I say that there are more and I am sure that I am not alone with this Happy Lemon affinity.  I have loved several Milk Tea store before but nothing beats my happiness whenever I am at Happy Lemon.  I was told that another branch will be up and running soon at Rockwell Powerplant Mall.  I just hope that they can come up with an addition to their menu aside from drinks.  Something their patrons can munch on while drinking their yummy drinks perhaps.

Happy Lemon does not only serve yummy drinks but their service is also good.  No wonder their stores are always jam packed with people wanting to have their Happy Lemon fixed. 

To say that I am a fan is an understatement.  It’s been months now and I am still hooked because it is guaranteed that at Happy Lemon, they only serve only the yummiest drinks. 

Happy Lemon

The World's Yummiest Drinks!   

Locations:

G/F Promenade, Greenhills, San Juan

4/F Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City

Soon to Open:

2/F Archaeology Wing, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati

Email   

happylemon@happylemon.ph

Website   

http://www.happy-lemon.com

All Time Favorites at Shakey's

My unwavering love for their thin crust pizza made Shakey’s one of my all time favorite pizza parlors.  For years now, the quality of their food has never changed, at least in my opinion.  Add to that the superb customer experience I always get from them whenever I visit.  I may have fallen in love with other pizza restaurants, but Shakey’s still has a spot on my list.

Thin Crust Belly Buster Pizza is one of my all time favorites.  Packed with 11 kinds of toppings, Italian sausage, beef, pepperoni, ham, salami, cheddar cheese, salami bits, mushrooms, red and green bell pepper, onions, and black olives.  A bite of this ultimately satisfying pizza will send a burst of flavor inside your mouth, while its crunchy thin crust only adds delight to the experience.

Thin Crust Belly Buster Pizza

When dining alone or whenever I am with a just a couple of friends, I usually opt for their Wholesome Combos.  Their Bunch of Lunch or Hero, Salad and Chicken Combo are my usual choices. An extra order of their creamy mushroom soup is always a must.

Bunch of Lunch Combo

Spaghetti, chicken, mojos, and a slice of pizza.  Bunch of Lunch is one filling meal where you can have a taste of the good things that Shakey's offers.

Hero, Salad, and Chicken Combo

Half a Hero sandwich, salad, and chicken. If I don't want to get fully loaded, this combo meal is perfect for me.

Creamy Mushroom Soup

Their Mushroom Soup was surprisingly delicious, a meal without it would be incomplete.

If in the event that I am in a company of more than three, it is rather practical to order for their Monster Deals.  The last time I visited, I was with three of my friends and we feasted on the deal which consists of Angus Steak Pizza ( our personal choice ), chicken, mojos, a platter of spaghetti, garlic bread, and a pitcher of cola.

Angus Steakhouse Pizza

I've already written about Shakey's Angus Steakhouse Pizza, and up to this day, I still enjoy this variant.  However, there are times when it can be a bit salty, so I always request for them to go a little easy on the seasoning for my order. 

Chicken and Mojos

I have gone crazy over Shakey's chicken and mojos way back and up to now, I still have incessant cravings from time to time.  

Spaghetti Platter

Their spaghetti may not look appetizing at all, but it is one of my favorite store bought spaghetti as it reminds me of the one my sister cooks at home.  There's a fine balance between sweet and sour flavor in the sauce which blends perfectly with the al dente pasta.

Garlic Bread

Their good old spaghetti would be very very lonely without these yummy pieces of garlic bread.  The bread was perfectly crunchy and generously smothered with garlic butter.  I can eat this alone if only it is sprinkled with Parmesan cheese on top.

Several Shakey’s are near in my area, but their branch in P. Tuazon Cubao, Quezon City is the one I frequent to for guaranteed fast and good service. Shakey's is and will always be an all time classic favorite, I hope they won't change the good quality of their food and the good customer service.

Shakey's - P.Tuazon Cubao
P. Tuazon Blvd. cor. 10th Ave., Brgy. Socorro
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Phone Number: (63 2) 9120331, (63 2) 912-0156
Website: https://www.shakeyspizza.ph/

An Invite to Desserts Gone Raw! at Sugarleaf

Sugarleaf... foods that nourish, one of today's innovative healthy-eats restaurants invites everyone as they present us "Desserts Gone Raw: A Food Preparation" workshop on August 6, 2011 from 2pm to 6pm together with Bali-certified raw chef and professional educator, Asha Peri.

This event aims to let the participants learn the basic of raw food, specifically dessert preparation and be knowledgeable about the healthy benefits of raw as well as low-glycemic diet - not only for diabetics.

Asha Peri's Mango Berry Cheesecake

Asha Peri will demonstrate how to prepare her delectable menu including lemon berry cheesecake, chocolate and mango tartlets, raw chocolate crunch bars, fruit crepe roll ups and more. 

Asha Peri's Raw Crepes

 “I am happy to team up with Sugarleaf as we share the same advocacy of spreading the value of wellness and promoting a healthy sustainable lifestyle to more people.” shares raw vegan Chef Asha Peri who obtained her certification from renowned raw food educator Elaina Love of Pure Joy Planet Culinary Academy.

Chef and Professional Educator, Asha Peri

Take advantage of the introductory rate of P1,500/person.  Student, couple, group and senior citizen discounts apply.  Early reservations recommended as seats are limited.  Call, SMS Angelo on 0917 8039 055 or email angelo@sugarleafph.com. 

Sugarleaf will be having three-part country- and cuisine-themed workshops with Asha in the fourth quarter of 2011.  Check Sugarleaf's calendar of events and workshops on their website www.sugarleafph.com. 

Indeed, healthy is the new cool.  I hope to see you all there!

Sugarleaf is located at the G/F Health Cube Building, 226 Wilson Street, West Greenhills in San Juan (between Kink Cakes and BDO).  Tel 385 0387.  Open Mondays to Saturdays 8am to 10pm and Sundays from 8am to 2pm.  Follow us on Twitter @sugarleafph

*photo credits to Sugarleaf