On Meeting Sabrina Artadi of The Asian Food Channel's Sabrina's Kitchen

First, I fell in love with her lovely home reminiscent of cool abode you can find somewhere in Bali, Indonesia. Then, I was smitten by her small, albeit functional kitchen where all the beautiful madness transpires.  After the visual feast of the aesthetics, it was Sabrina Artadi’s bohemian personality that reflected in all the dishes she prepared that stuck with me and still lingers by the time I am writing this piece.

How can you not be fascinated by someone who has an upcoming cooking show at the Asian Food Channel and yet boldly declares that “Ooops” is the operative word in her kitchen?  Sabrina Artadi of Sabrina’s Kitchen which will be shown on the 19th of April at the Asian Food Channel believes that much like in real life, it is okay to commit mistakes in the kitchen. We are human after all.

For someone who doesn’t have a formal culinary background, Sabrina’s flair for creating palatable dishes proved to be impressive.  Her belief that bohemian and rustic approach to cooking which for her commensurate to not to perfect nor styled works perfectly well.  It is not everyday that you get the chance to meet a non-chef that can pull off a delightful menu that echoes an endearing personality meant to be celebrated.

Quick Grub at Wee Nam Kee Philippines, Serendra The Fort, Bonifacio Global City

My mom recently tagged me along to Wee Nam Kee in Serendra, Fort Bonifacio Global City for a quick grub before heading to a scheduled business meeting with client. We are up for a big dinner that day but the thought of Hainanese Chicken was too enticing to ignore, so I gave in.

As a Singaporean restaurant in Manila, Wee Nam Kee is known for their Hainanese Chicken and the Hainanese Rice. I know a lot of foodie friends who raved about this restaurant so even if I already have few favorites at hand, I gave Wee Nam Kee a shot.

Their branch at Serendra is decent enough in terms of space but it can get really jam packed during lunch time which is a good thing because it clearly translate that what they are offering is something good. I am not sure if it's the same case during dinner time.

Chuck's Deli at Eastwood Mall, Libis Quezon City

Chuck's Deli has been in the business for years now and the fact that I have first tried Mesclun Restaurant by the same chef Katrina Khun-Alcantara before the so-called Home of Slabwich remains a puzzle to me.  So when a friend invited me to join them at a leisurely brunch at Chuck's Deli in Eastwood, I immediately said yes. 

There's only quite a few restaurants specializing in sandwiches that I have tried as of yet, so having in mind that Chuck's Deli is home of slabwiches here in Manila, expectation was quite high.

I was told that Chuck's Deli Eastwood branch is way bigger compare to their flagship store located in Serendra, The Fort. The place exudes a diner feel that kind of reminds me of the now defunct The Real Thing Diner in Tomas Morato without the Coco-Cola vintage collectibles and has a more country style vibe to it. 

BONO Artisanal Gelato: The Rockstar Gelato in Manila!

Just like a true rockstar, BONO Artisanal Gelato entered Manila gelaterie scene with a cool swag that immediately created foodie followers comparable to proverbial groupies. Dropping the statement “We do gelatos the traditional way” with such a casual aplomb, owners Rea and Zara take pride in creating artisanal gelato in which process was rooted from a gelato university named Carpigiani University in Bologna, Italy where they mastered the craft.

Springing from a firm ground of deep-seated knowledge in the art of gelato making, BONO Artisanal Gelato was easily tagged as the best gelato in Manila.

Recent visit at BONO Artisanal Gelato located in SM Makati paved way to a heart-melting gelato overdrive I would not soon forget. 16 flavors, two talented gelato craftswomen, one rockin’ afternoon of gelato-driven euphoria. Expect loads of photos ahead, and if you’re ready to rock, read on and check out how BONO rolls.

Best Food Forward Year 3: A Benefit Summer Food Fair at The NBC Tent

Hi foodies, I am currently on a holy week vacation but I cannot wait to share with you a good news from our friends at Best Food Forward. (And hopefully, there will be another post tomorrow before I completely go on a Lenten hiatus.)

Now on its third year, Best Food Forward, the country's most awaited benefit summer food fair here in Manila is back! 

Truth be told, some of my favorite food finds were discovered during the time I attended the first ever Best Food Forward food fair last 2011. So, I am excited thatthings are looking good now that they are on their 3rd year of making foodies happy while helping Unang Hakbang Foundation in the process. For more information about this event, here are some words from the forces behind Best Food Forward, read on.

Primero Casa Filipino : Affordable Buffet in Quezon City

Recently, with some of my fellow foodies, I got to visit Primero Casa Filipino to try their dinner buffet. Located in Quezon City, Primero Casa Filipino boasts of affordable buffet deals in an upscale homey ambiance. With a new management to boot and a new marketing route to trek, we were told that this restaurant looks forward in providing a much better dining experiences for its customers.

Situated in a residential part of the Scout area in Quezon City, Primero Casa Filipino exudes a dining destination kind of place where every customer can enjoy a hearty meal in a peaceful environment, away from the buzzing sound of a busy street.  

Nomama Artisanal Ramen in Quezon City: Home of Palatable Creativity

For the longest time, I have been meaning to visit Nomama Artisanal Ramen of Chef Him Uy De Baron located in Quezon City. This celebrated homegrown ramen restaurant boasts of specializing in Japanese fare with Asian influence that uses best ingredients preferably sourced locally.

Scheduled visits in the past were always hindered by all sorts of odd events. So, when opportunity presented itself weeks ago, I vowed not to miss a dinner at Nomama for good or for ill. Good thing that I was able to make it since that night, aside from their best sellers we sampled new additions to Nomama's menu, specifically the Wagyu and Teppanyaki menu.

Nomama has partnered with people who shared the same passion of creating simple but good food. Kitayama Beef, Ministry of Mushrooms, and Kikkoman joined Nomama in its journey of to come up with dishes meant not just to please the palate, but to celebrate the creativity in flavors as well.

Backyard Burgers at Sgt. Esguerra, Quezon City

One of the best things about having foodie friends ready to catch your drift when mean cravings hit you on a lazy Sunday afternoon is their undying support to keep your sanity intact. That was the case weeks ago which led us to Backyard Burgers located along Sgt. Esquerra St, Quezon City.

I have read about Backyard Burgers at Table For Three, Please website and the urge to pay them a visit called for immediate action, hence the Sunday food trip.  Sure, there are a lot of restaurants that claim to carry the best burgers in Manila, but I believe in the noble pursuit of giving new players in the field a fair and just tryout.

Backyard Burgers is tucked right across ABS-CBN main building so it is not really hard to find. This burger joint boasts of decent variety of burgers meant to satisfy one's hunger with its bigger than usual serving portion.