Nourishing Foods at Sugarleaf

Upon entering this quaint little restaurant called Sugarleaf along Wilsons Street in San Juan, its charming ambiance welcomes me in such a way that every corner silently echoes an embracing imaginary voice telling me “come, our foods here will nourish you.” 

True to those words, Sugarleaf is a one-stop shop of healthy food items that nourish.  I’ve met one of their owners, Angelo Songco during my visit at Greenhills Sunday Market and I was in a way introduced to what products do they carry.  But it was only the other night that I was able to visit and dine at Sugarleaf.

I was half expecting that it’ll be just a light dinner due to my pre-conceived notion about healthy food.  I even planned to drop by Everything At Steak after the supposedly light dinner at Sugarleaf but little did I know, I was up for one of the most satisfying dinner without the guilt.


Homemade Fettuccini with Organic Pesto and Mango

I love how the texture of the homemade fettuccini cradles my tongue while the lingering distinctive taste of pesto that blends perfectly with the sweetness of the mango flirtingly tickle my palate.  Every bite screams freshness which reminded me of comforting memories of summer. 




Free-Range Chicken Wraps

Free-range chicken with herbs and creamy Dijon mustard, organic lettuce and cucumber, Goody Kefir dressing wrapped in whole wheat tortilla.  The sound of the crunchy lettuce and cucumber as I bite into it was music to my ears and a treat to my palate.  The combination of chicken, herb, mustard, and the dressing was very flavorful but not overwhelming.




Potato and Cheese Soup

Chunks of potato lavishly swimming on a thick soup hinting of herbs and creamy cheese.  To say that it was a hearty soup is an understatement.  Every spoonful nourishes not just the body but the soul as well.





Non-Dairy Ice Cream

If you love fruits you can never go wrong with this treat.  Flavors of fruits will burst into your mouth in every spoonful, only to be tempered by the creamy component of it.  This is not for the faint hearted as the mixture of fruits is very flavorful as compare to the usual fruit flavored ice cream. 

The restaurant exudes homey ambiance.  It can only housed roughly 30 dinners because of limited space, but that is where the charm lies; the place is cute and charming.  Customers have full view of the mini kitchen where the healthy foods were lovingly prepared.  While waiting for your orders to arrive, you can check out some the healthy food products they sell displayed on every corners of the restaurant for easy access.






Aside from the healthy and delicious food, Sugarleaf which focus on a mission to provide “foods that nourish” also features a mini-mart of healthy picks that carries locally-sourced organic produce from LaTOP (La Trinidad Organic Practitioners) Multi-purpose farmers.  LaTop has the stamp of approval from OCCP (Organic Certification Council of the Philippines) which guarantees that the produce is all organic.

Sugarleaf conducts different seminars and workshops from time to time, and everyone is welcome to partake in those events.  You can check out the events schedules on their website, www.sugarleafph.com.



My experience at Sugarleaf was downright simple but unforgettable.  It reminds me of the fact that healthy food can be enjoyed and savored, of course, without the guilt.  





Sugarleaf Food That Nourish 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. Email: angelo@sugarleafph.com, gina@sugarleafph.com Follow them on Twitter @sugarleafph and like them on Facebook Sugarleaf Food That Nourish.

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