Where to eat in the Philippines?

KFC Tower Buger is My New Comfort Food

2011-08-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

KFC has always been very innovative in the many products that they have offered that we Filipinos have definitely fell in-love with. Back in college days, I must admit that I always drop-by KFC to order my favorite 2-pc original chicken with rice and their oh-so-yummy chocolate mousse dessert before going to class. Up to now that I’m working, whenever I have the opportunity, I stop-by KFC and buy my comfort food there.

Recently, they have once again challenged our taste buds with the all new KFC Tower Burger. This is actually the largest burger of KFC containing layers of towering goodness: sesame seed top bun, crispy lettuce, mayonnaise, KFCs chicken fillet, melted cheese, and crunchy hashbrown! Definitely a massive tower treat especially for the hungry ones! As a matter of fact, I’ve heard that this burger can be finished in 2 minutes!

Why not drop by KFC for the next few days? It'll just take you 2 minutes to finish the burger as they said! I still have to try it out for myself because I think I ate mine longer because I was eating other KFC foods too!

Blog Bites: Ramen Bar and Eskimo Bob

2011-04-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome readers! This is another edition of Blog Bites. In this blog article, I've tried out Ramen Bar in Eastwood and Eskimo Bob in SM Megamall. Read more to know what I recommend in both restaurants as well as food to avoid. Below each short food review is their address, phone number and operating hours.

Enjoy!

Cheftonio

Ramen Bar

For me, one of the best Ramen in Manila as of the moment is in Eastwood. Tucked behind the Eastwood mall is a Japanese Ramen Bar called --- Ramen Bar.

Super Chasyu Ramen -- BEST!

I forgot what my parents ordered but I recommend that you try out Ramen Bar in Eastwood and order the Super Chasyu Ramen! It's somewhat similar to my favorite restaurant in Singapore called Marutama Ramen.

The meat is very soft and the soup is very tasty. The ramen is kind of thick but doesn't have the hollow feeling in it. Words can't express how good it was or maybe, I haven't tried other ramen places here in Manila. Care to recommend one so I can try and maybe, you'll be my new favorite.

Ramen Bar
Ground Level, Eastwood Mall
Eastwood Ave. & Orchard Road, Bagumbayan Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
570-9457

Monday to Saturday 11:00am to 11:00pm
Saunday 10:00am to 11:00pm

Eskimo Bob

This is a rebranded Ice Bergs but is more focused in serving meals rather than ice cream.

Iced Tea

Don't order their bottomless Iced Tea. It's not good. I don't know what brand they use but I didn't like it very much.

Gambas w/ Brown Rice

I upgraded my rice to Brown rice and added 35 pesos for it. I think it's worth it because it was good! It's not simply brown rice as they mixed it with other ingredients that added a twist to the taste. The gambas was soso and the sauce wasn't good. Serving is too small too for a 250 pesos meal.

Overall, I recommend upgrading to their brown rice.

Eskimo Bob
Level 4, Mega Atrium, SM Megamall

Sun-Thu
10:00 am - 9:00 pm
delete
Fri-Sat
10:00 am - 10:00 pm
delete

Blog Bites: Sunrise Buckets and Mango Tree Bistro

2011-04-14T20:26:00.000-07:00

Blog Bites is a blog about my daily eat-outs. Since I can't fully feature each and every restaurant I visit and I can't try out every single food that they offer, here, I feature small bits and bites of my everyday eating experience. Before, I named it 'Random Eats b Cheftonio'. I find 'Blog Bites' more appealing and so, our eating adventure starts... here!

Below each short review, I placed the restaurants contact details, address and operating hours. If you have questions or invites to try, do email me at chef_tonio@yahoo.com. My main blog by the way is Cheftonio.blogspot.com and for full reviews, I post it there.

In this edition, I tried out Sunrise Bucket's Wings and the talked about Mango Tree Bistro. Enjoy!

Cheftonio

Sunrise Buckets Chicken Wings

Surfer Theme inside the Sunrise Bucket Restaurant

The Bone Collector | Self-explanatory. Note: Chicken bones

Home-brewed Iced Tea

I'm a fan of Iced-Teas! Nothing beats the Iced Tea of Royale Tagaytay Country Club but this one from Sunrise Buckets isn't so bad since it's more accessible compared to going to Tagaytay. Another great Iced Tea is from Magyar Hungarian Cuisine.

Both the Iced Tea from Royale Tagaytay and Magyar are bottomless. The one from Sunrise Buckets isn't.

Fries served in mugs

I didn't like the cheese fries so much. The BBQ Fries was good though.

Wings served in buckets

I liked their Chicken wings but it's nothing compared to Bonchon Chicken. Bonchon is my favorite so far. Second would be Chicken Charlie (Hi to Ifore!) and maybe this comes in third. I've tried several 'wing' places already and I'll blog about them one at a time and do a comparison.

Rice was good too!

So far, I loved the in-store ambiance. It felt like I was in a beach in Australia. Good food overall. Will come back if there's available parking because parking there is shared.

Sunrise Buckets
Ground Level, Madison Square , Madison St. cor. Ortigas Ave., Greenhills
4777636

Mango Tree Bistro
We arrived quite late already and we were in a hurry looking for a place to eat because we were going to catch a movie an hour after. We decided to try out Mango Tree Bistro because it was recommended by several people already.

Fried Rice

Vegetable Pad Thai

Lemon Grass Chicken

The recommendation made was great as we enjoyed our quick dinner very much! The Pad Thai and Lemon Grass Chicken is a must order! The chicken was soft and tasty while the Pad Thai exceeded my expectations! I can't quite remember how the fried rice tasted.

I don't recommend the Thai Iced Tea if you don't like sweet drinks. I didn't finish mine because it was too sweet for me.

Mango Tree Bistro
3rd Level, Trinoma Mall EDSA cor. North Ave.Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
585-5460

Email me at: Chef_tonio@yahoo.com

Blog URL: Cheftonio.blogspot.com

Salad Hotdog Only in World Bangers

2011-04-14T01:23:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried a salad topped hotdog sandwich? You now can at World Bangers!

World Bangers has been filling people's tummy more than 4 years now and they are known to have great Hotdog sandwiches. Bangers is what they are referred to in Britain and in other european areas.

Due to their habit of often exploding due to shrinkage of the tight skin during cooking, they are commonly referred to as bangers, particularly when served with the most common accompaniment of mashed potatoes to form a bi-national dish known as bangers and mash. (The designation banger was in use at least as far back as 1919 and is often said to have been popularised in World War II, when scarcity of meat led many sausage makers to add water to the mixture, making it more likely to explode on heating.)

Below are some of the available Bangers in World Bangers Rockwell
Sunshine Banger
Southern Comfort Banger
Pinoy Pride Banger

Other offerings of World Bangers:
Potato Swirls

For this post, let me share you their newest offering, the Salad topped banger!

What to expect? A ceasar salad tasting hotdog. Get this if you want to be on the healthier side.Mine that day lacks the ceasar salad dressing taste. Just request more dressing over your banger so you could enjoy it more.

World Bangers Haute Dog
P1 Concourse Lvl., Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive cor. Estrella St.Makati City
Metro Manila, Philippines
(02) 897-8344

Chef_tonio@yahoo.com

Cerchio | Tomas Morato, Quezon City

2011-04-13T23:23:00.000-07:00

A modern Filipino restaurant in the Tomas Morato area that serves Asian-Mediterranean fusion cuisine. The ambiance of the restaurant was relaxing yet very modern. Cerchio means 'Circle' in Italian.

I wasn't able to take photos of the restaurant but I can share with you guys some of the food we ordered.

Take note that we were only 2 of us that time so we didn't order a lot :)

Singaporean Crispy Squid Heads | Php 180

This was good. My fiance and I liked it. It's not as crispy as you might expect but the taste was great.

Oven-baked Crispy Pata | Php 650

Oven-baked Crispy Pata

The oven-baked crispy pata is a bit overrated. I know a better home-made crispy pata that costs almost half the price of this. (To inquire about the home-made crispy pata, SMS 0908 7568889)

Grilled Vegetables with Tofu and Mushroom | Php 170

Nothing special. We just ordered just so we have veggies.

Squid Ink Rice

Rice Pilaf

Below are photos of Cerchio's Menu:

Overall, I like the ambiance. We ate there around lunch time and it lets in a lot of natural lighting. At night, it has a more cozy effect and I find it very similar to how Romulo Cafe feels inside. Next time I go back here, I'll try out their sisig pizza and their sisig in small portions.

[Photos taken using a Nokia N8]

Cerchio

76 Sct. Limbaga, Tomas Morato, Quezon City

3515279

Facebook of CERCHIO Restaurant and Lounge

Email me at: Chef_tonio@yahoo.com

Blog URL: Cheftonio.blogspot.com

Where to eat in Batanes?

2010-12-09T22:24:00.000-08:00

Dining out in Batanes is pretty tricky. You either need to pre-order first to save you time from waiting or you have to reserve prior, otherwise, the restaurant might be closed. I don't know if this is applicable in peak season but I went there last week of November 2010. I don't think that's a low season.

You can see below the places we tried and what food we order. Check out the Facebook like icon "" to know if it's recommended.

Fundacion Pacita

Want to eat at Fundacion Pacita? Call them up for reservations. If you're not a guest of Fundacion Pacita, you can't enter their premises. But if you dine there... you can! :) They have an excellent view of the Batan island cliffs. From there, you can hear the waves from below.

Click here for the Food samples and short review of the food in Fundacion Pacita:
http://philippinedining.blogspot.com/2010/12/fundacion-pacita-breakfast-lunch-and.html

Contact Fundacion Pacita at:

Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge
Brgy. Chanarian-Tukon
Basco, Batanes
Philippines

Manila Address:
Room 308, Philippine Social Science Center Bldg.,
Commonwealth Ave, Quezon City
Contact Number.: +639272902404

E-mail: myla.pisig@fundacionpacita.ph

Fundacion Pacita Manager

Gene +639391982733

Casa Napoli Pizza (Batanes)

This place has the best restaurant ambiance in the entire island! Yes, it's small but, it's cozy and romantically-lit with santorini-like accents.

Casa Napoli Menu

I can't even remember the pizza's name. They look alike.

Casa Napoli is located at Abad St., Brgy. Kaychanarianan. This cozy place is owned by Chef Javer, an ex-ship chef.

For inquiries, call mobile: 0927-7583370.

Hiro's Cafe (Batanes)

Calamares - Nothing special

Pansit / Noodles (Nothing Special)

Sweet and Sour fish fillet - Too many fish bones

Turmeric Rice - Yummy!

Hiro's Cafe

409 Abad St.Basco, Philippines

Pension Ivatan

Ivatan Platter - Consists of Coconut crab, lobster, Uvud, Ivatan Adobo, and Turmeric Rice among others.

Pension Ivatan Restaurant

+63905.303.58.55

pensionivatan@yahoo.com.ph

Batanes Seaside Lodge and Restaurant

National Road, Kaychanarianan, Basco, Batanes, Philippines

+63921.229.01.20 +63915.940.48.23

lroberto_seaside@yahoo.com

Fundacion Pacita: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

2010-12-07T20:16:00.000-08:00

Fundacion Pacita not only provides an accomodation with an awesome view of the Batan island but, it also provides awesome food!

Staying there for 4 days and 3 nights, we had the privilege to eat there several times. Breakfast is included in our accommodation package. Fundacion Pacita is just 10minutes away from Basco Airport. Upon arriving in Fundacion Pacita, I registered in their office then walked to the main lodging building, which is less than a minute away. It was everything I expected! It's even better in real life than in the photos!

We went to the room an ate our continental breakfast around 11am (no, not brunch. We had lunch around 2pm that day, as per our request)

Breakfast at Fundacion Pacita (Batanes)

Top to bottom: Fruit platter (the one with orange), Utensils (basket with pink cloth), Soft bread (basket with red cloth), scrambled eggs, Orange and Strawberry Jam (left) and Tuna spread (right).

The tuna spread was exceptional! Everyone in our group liked it. My favorite was the strawberry jam.

I was hungry the second day that I forgot to take a photograph of the breakfast fruit platter. Anyway, we were served sliced oranges for our 2nd and 3rd day breakfast. 2nd day breakfast main course consists of Rice, egg and corned beef (Cornsilog?)

Lunch at Fundacion Pacita (Batanes)
This was our lunch, the day we arrived

Soup - Tastes like those instant soups available in the supermarket

Ivatan Adobo - A bit salty but, I LIKE! :)

Coconut Crab - Fatty but yummy! I LIKE!

Chopsuey? - Mixed Vegetables

Dinner at Fundacion Pacita (Batanes)
This is our dinner on our last night at Fundacion Pacita...

Cream Soup - Not as good as it looks

Roasted Chicken - A bit dry. Veggie sidings are good though

Had a bad experience with Maha-Blanca when I was a kid. I overate, got indigestion and got sick. *baaarf*

Snack? Coffee Break at Fundacion Pacita
Since I checked that the coffee was around 98.00 pesos per cup in Fundacion Pacita, I took the liberty and brought Starbucks VIA Ready Brew. Cheaper, gourmet yet instant!

My ideal mix: 2 packs of coffee mate, 2 packs of sugar, 1 cup of hot water and 1 sachet of any of the 3 variants of Starbucks VIA Ready Brew.

Watch out for more restaurant posts here because we ate in several Batanes restaurants!

Planning to stay at Fundacion Pacita? Looking for a place to stay in Batanes?
Read: http://cheftonio.blogspot.com/2010/12/fundacion-pacita-nature-lodge-batanes.html

Do you want to check out other places to eat, dine and try out in Batanes?
http://philippinedining.blogspot.com/2010/12/where-to-eat-in-batanes.html

Lugang Cafe - Connecticut Greenhills

2010-11-14T18:10:00.000-08:00

A short review of my dining experience in Lugang Cafe located in Greenhills Connecticut:
http://cheftonio.blogspot.com/2010/11/lugang-cafe-restaurant-home-of.html

In this post, you will be able to see all that they are offering, from main courses to drinks to dessert!

A short review of my dining experience in Lugang Cafe located in Greenhills Connecticut:
http://cheftonio.blogspot.com/2010/11/lugang-cafe-restaurant-home-of.html

Love Eating Like We Do? Take Care of your Mouth Hygiene

2010-10-01T04:30:00.000-07:00

Use OraCare as part of your day to day regimen

What’s your daily hygiene regimen like?

For Chris Tiu, it involves brushing his teeth, flossing and gargling with OraCare. This basketball star can be seen flashing his winning smile as he juggles his responsibilities in athletics, commercial modeling, TV hosting and politics. Because his many roles involve having to deal with people, oral hygiene has become a priority for him.

Being in the spotlight can be nerve-wrecking at times and every bit counts when it comes to presentation and success. For Chris, OraCare gives him that boost of confidence that he needs go about his day for work or even just hanging with friends.

Having tried several brands, Chris has found the best mouthwash for him. OraCare’s stabilized chlorine dioxide helps rid the mouth of bacteria that cause odor and diseases. It not only freshens your breath instead of just masking the smell, it does not sting as it does not contain alcohol.

OraCare Mouthrinse is also handy to carry around. Its bottle is perfect for someone who is always on the go like Chris. He even carries a bottle in his gym bag to make sure that he is always fresh and ready to meet and greet people with the confidence of someone who has nothing to be embarrassed about.

Include OraCare Mouthrinse to your daily regimen and not worry about feeling awkward when talking to people. Get that boost of confidence and smile your way as you go about your day. OraCare Mouthrinse (in Regular and Cool flavors) and OraCare Toothpaste are available in leading supermarkets and drugstores nationwide.

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao Manila

2010-09-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

It's now open! Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao opened it's doors just last Monday, September 13, 2010 at the ground floor of Virramall. (Near Häagen-Dazs).

Here are some photos of the food:

Noodle with Spicy Chicken [ Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao ]

Steamed Soupy Pork Dumpling "Xiao Long Pao"

Noodle with with Beef in Spicy Soup [ Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao ]

Red Bean Paste Pancake

For more information, please visit this blog post:
http://bit.ly/crystaljadelamianxiaolongbao

Stop Wishing and Start Looking Like a Princess!

2010-08-30T07:16:00.000-07:00

Lucy Torres- Gomez may look like something out of a fairy tale, but she definitely does not have a fairy godmother that waves a magic wand to maintain her beauty and energy. Instead of wishing for beauty, Lucy actively maintains her youth and energy with the help of Immuvit, exercise, healthy diet and a positive attitude.

As a multivitamin, Immuvit stands on its own with its unique combination of two ginsengs, Korea RPC Ginseng and Siberian Ginseng, and CoQ10. The ginsengs fight off fatigue and revitalize the body while CoQ10 boosts the immune system and protects the body from damages caused by free radicals. Other vitamins and minerals in Immuvit help break down toxins and digest carbohydrates and fats as well as assist cell regeneration and protects cells from oxidation. Like Lucy, other women can look and feel young and energized with Immuvit and proper exercise.

No one can deny that Lucy is an amazing woman. She is a mother, wife, TV host and governor. All these mean responsibilities that take time and energy and yet, she is able to do these well. Her health partner, Immuvit, helps her with her hectic schedule.

However Immuvit and proper exercise are not the only factors in staying young. Healthy diet that involves eating properly with appropriate portions keeps the system strong enough to keep up with hectic schedules.
Finally, a good outlook is also vital in staying young. Beauty radiates from within and with a positive take on life; Lucy is able to go through her daily responsibilities with the grace and beauty of a princess.

Awesome Chelsea Market and Cafe Dinner at Serendra

2010-08-25T01:18:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! Will be currently active again in updating all my blogs! :)

Last Saturday, we had dinner at Chelsea Market & Cafe. It was awesome! The waiting time was only around 10 minutes since it was past 8pm already and compared to other restaurants in the surroundings like Abe and Contis, Chelsea's waiting time is shorter because the food there is more expensive compared to the other two.

Upon waiting for our orders, we were served garlic breads

We ordered 2 dishes..

Jumbo Prawns

We were told that the Seabass would take 20-30 minutes so we told the servers to serve the Jumbo Prawns first. The prawns were fresh and the rice below it (I don't know what its called) was superb!!! It has cheese in it! I love cheese! :)

Just in time, after finishing the 6-piece Jumbo Prawns, the Seabass arrived. It was so ~~tender~~ soft! It was like almost wanting to melt in every bite! The mashed potato is also commendable. Not your usual mashed potato because of the milky-white sauce below it!

Chilean Seabass

After finishing the Seabass, we were so full we had no room to try out their drinks and desserts!

Overall, it was a very satisfying dinner. We will definitely come back and maybe try out other specialties there if we can keep ourselves from ordering that Prawn and Seabass again! hehehe

Disclosure: We paid for our meals.

A “Souperstar” on the rise!

2010-08-24T02:28:00.000-07:00

A domesticated “Carrie” seems to be hard to imagine but once you’ve read Lea’s blog, http://souperstar.ph/ you will see how this is possible. With the charm, looks and talent that our favorite SATC character used to lure us in her world of Manolo heels and Dior outfits, Lea entices our taste buds as she becomes the muse to some inspired recipes.

Fancy some chicken for dinner but have run out of ways to make it interesting? Lea “souperstar” has just the recipe. In one of her posts, she shows us how to use Knorr Cream of Mushroom Soup to make everyone’s favorite fried chicken into something that more exciting!

How did the wife of J and the mother of six-year-old, Gab, become a “souperstar”? A friend who works for Unilever told the people at Knorr about the mention of their product in her blog. Upon seeing the blog, they decided to co-sponsor it, et voila! A “souperstar” is born!

Apart from sharing recipes, Lea welcomes us into her world of being a mother in such a way that can be appreciated by the non-mothers as well! A modern-day stay-at-home mom, Lea shows how she can be a homemaker and be able to balance that with a career as a freelance writer/part-time blogger. She definitely can say that she has it all!

Get Your M&M Travel Items Now!

2010-07-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

A bit of M&M facts

The candy shells, each of which has the letter "m" printed in lower case on one side, surround a variety of fillings, including milk chocolate, dark chocolate, crisped rice, mint chocolate, peanuts, almonds, orange chocolate, coconut, pretzel, wild cherry, and peanut butter. M&M's originated in the United States in 1941, and are now sold in over 100 countries. They are produced in different colors, some of which have changed over the years. The difference between the different colored M&Ms is the dye added to the outer coating.

The milk chocolate that melts in your mouth, not in your hand is a statement and a fact from M&M's

What better way to watch your favorite show, or end your sumptuos dinner than to have M&Ms as dessert or as your snack! :)

I can personally imagine when I was 3 years younger from today, that I can finish a medium sized M&M peanuts (Color yellow packaging) in one seating! :)

Cool news from M&M guys!

- M&M’S Luggage Tag at 7 points
- M&M’S Sling-Messenger Bag at 40 points
- M&M’S Foldable Pillow at 80 points
- M&M’S Backpack at 130 points

Buy M&M’s and collect as many empty wrappers as you can. The more wrappers you collect, the more points you get. You can redeem the wrappers and points for travel accessories that you’ll absolutely love!

You can redeem them from 135 selected USSI in GMA, North and South Luzons. (15 July – 15 Oct, 2010)

So, what are you waiting for? Load up your cabinets and keep the wrappers for the ultimate M&M freebies!

Why Switch to Palm Oil?

2010-06-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

“I didn’t know the differences between the cooking oil brands before. I would just use any other cooking oil brand because I thought they are all the same,” says the 34-year old mom who enjoys preparing food for her husband, Paulo, and their three daughters.

“We eat a lot of fried food in our house especially our kids. They love fried food’s crispiness and appetizing taste. And as a mom, I’m fond of frying food because it’s one of the quickest ways of preparing delicious meals. That’s why I want to use a cooking oil brand that’s a healthy alternative for my family,” shares Suzi who is a mom to three daughters Leona, Jade, and Nela.

Golden Fiesta Palm Oil contains Omega 9, which is good for the heart. Omega 9 is known to increase good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol in the body, as well as decrease the incidence of heart diseases and stroke. Just like Omega 3 that is found in fish and Omega 6 that is found in seeds and nuts, Omega 9 is a fatty acid that helps prevent cardiovascular diseases and helps in maintaining bodily systems.

Golden Fiesta Palm Oil Features:
> Palm oil helps in keeping a healthy heart and body as it is cholesterol-free.

> Higher heat tolerance - It has a higher temperature threshold before the cooking oil starts to smoke, discolor, and break down (degrade, producing bad chemicals that are bad for the health)

> Compared to coconut oil, palm oil has a higher smoke point. Hence, it has higher heat tolerance and doesn’t burn easily when exposed to high cooking temperature. This helps in preserving the food’s flavor and texture.

> Affordable compared to other brands.

Fact: Golden Fiesta Palm Oil is made from 100 % pure palm oil and is also fortified with Vitamin A, which helps in improving eyesight, fighting infections, and building strong and healthy teeth and tissues.

Suzi says, “Value for money is a big factor in purchasing cooking oil. It is not only about the price of the product but also its quality and the benefits that you get from it. So if you want a value for your money cooking oil brand, Golden Fiesta Palm Oil is your best choice.”

And just like Suzi, you too, can cook healthy and delicious fried food for your loved ones without spending much with Golden Fiesta Palm Oil. Make the big switch!

How Del Monte Kitchenomics Can Help You Too

2010-04-14T05:40:00.000-07:00

cook at home! :)

I would say that doing household chores is considered to be one of the basic stuffs one has to learn that is often taken for granted. At a very early age, most of us have greatly depended on house-help to the point that we sometimes forget to fix our bed when we wake up knowing that helpers will be doing it for us.

Just recently, our helpers at home had to leave for the province – all of them. I have to admit, I find it really tiring because on top of the loads of work that I have, I had to help in household chores – early morning and after work. From doing the basic things like washing dishes and doing the laundry, I had to start learning from scratch. When it comes to cooking, it’s my brother who supervises even if helpers were in the house as he made sure healthy meals are prepared. I could barely cook rice and I believe cooking requires talent. Preparing food is a challenge that I had to overcome as we are short of manpower.

Internet has been a helpful tool as it gives me complete ingredients of the various dishes I wish to have. Recently, I’ve come across Del Monte Kitchenomic’s website while searching for a healthy pinoy-style recipe that will suite our family’s taste. I found out that the cooking show our helpers used to watch when I was a kid – kitchenomics already went online. Interesting as the site even teaches you the basic techniques in cooking and food preparation – which I find useful, for starters like me. Ingredients for healthy delicious meals are made available easily as guides as I experiment dishes for the family.

Actually, why don't you join the Kitchenomics Club? Guaranteed no spam! Just pure food love! :)
http://www3.kitchenomics.com/join

KFC Creamy Tomato Pasta Bowl Contest

2010-04-12T22:09:00.000-07:00

KFC’s 100 Ways is a Daily Tips Application on how to make your relationships fresh and exciting.

Enjoy this even more with KFC’s Creamy Tomato Pasta Bowl!

Get a chance to win KFC Creamy Tomato Pasta Bowl GCs daily the more you use the application!

1. Become a fan of the KFC 100 Ways Application and use it regularly – post them on your wall, make your own, and send them to your friends.
2. The more you use the application, the closer you get to win Creamy Tomato Pasta Bowl GCs!
3. Every day, there will be six (6) winners of 5 pieces Creamy Tomato Pasta Bowl GCs each.
4. The promo duration is for one month, from April 5 - May 6, 2010.
5. Winners will be announced DAILY on the KFC Pasta Bowl Fan Page.
6. Winners will also receive a notification Facebook Message on how to claim their prize.
7. To claim the GCs, simply reply to the FB Message with your name, cellphone number, and email address. Print out the FB Message thread and bring it along with your ID to Mediacom Office, 7F Lepanto Bldg, 8747 Paseo de Roxas Makati City.
8. Prizes are transferable but not convertible to cash.
9. Winners can win more than once.
10. After the promo period, the KFC 100 Ways App can still be used but no more prizes shall be given away.

KFC Chewy Cheese Contest

2010-04-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

Win a Nintendo Wii with KFC Chewy Cheese!

Stretch the Fun by taking home a new Nintendo Wii or PSP! Simply post your funniest face (e.g duling, wacky, etc), get your friends to vote or like it and have a chance to win a Nintendo Wii, Sony PSP and KFC Gift Certificates!
Mechanics

To post a photo, go to the wall of the Chewy Cheese Fan Page and upload photo.

1. Entries have to be original.

2. Entries may not be composed or edited through Photoshop.

3. Post as many entries as you can!

4. Criteria for Judging
a. Number of Votes (1 like = 1 vote) – 50%
b. Creativity – 30%
c. Humor – 20%

5. Promo period is from March 31 to April 30, 2010

6. Prizes:
1st place: Wii
2nd place: PSP
3rd place: 5,000 worth of KFC GCs
4th place: 3,000 worth of KFC GCs
5th place: 2,000 worth of KFC GCs

7. Prizes are transferable but not convertible to cash

8. Winners will be announced on May 5, 2010 through the site.

First Retails Store of the Asian Food Channel

2010-03-24T23:59:00.000-07:00

Where to eat in the Philippines... or in Singapore?

The Asian Food Channel (AFC) launches its first retail store, AFC Kitchen Studio at Orchard Central, offering viewers from around the region a culinary wonderland they can touch and feel.

The new store will provide the ideal platform to further engage viewers, giving them a place to purchase the most up-to-date culinary products, gadgets and books; check out the latest in built-in kitchen appliances; as well as somewhere to relax, unwind and sample the delicacies from the café, which when opened will serve a variety of teas and coffee, together with pastries and cakes.

Kitchen products for sale in the store will comprise AFC merchandise (T-shirts, aprons, stationery, kitchen equipment), GreenPan, the eco friendly non-stick cookware, Microplane, essential kitchen gadgets for every serious chef, as well as an extensive range of cookery books from AFC featured chefs, such as Nigella Lawson, Laura Calder, Jamie Oliver, Anthony Bourdain, and more – a range of products that will appeal to everyone whatever level their culinary skills.

AFC will also use the store as the location for a variety of hands-on cookery classes and demonstrations to inspire the budding chef in everyone. The classes will be hosted by a range of professional chefs from Singapore and around the region, as well as special guest appearances by selected celebrity chefs featured on AFC.

Commenting on the launch of the new AFC retail store, Maria Brown, Co-Founder and Managing Director of AFC said: “We are delighted to announce the opening of our new store at Orchard Central, at the heart of Singapore’s shopping hub. We are very proud to be able to offer our viewers a place where they can come to learn more about food and health issues, be inspired to cook a variety of mouth-watering delicacies, and have the opportunity to be taught by some of the world’s most gifted and talented chefs, all in our fantastic state-of-the-art kitchen.”

Since the launch of AFC, more than four years ago, the channel has built a strong following of foodie fans, with more than 20 million viewers throughout Asia. From this ever-growing platform, and with its continued appreciation of viewer interests, AFC has evolved, providing not only an excellent range of great programming, which includes a selection of original self-made productions, but now a retail store where fans can touch and feel the Channel.

Ms Brown continued: “The AFC retail store is a place for everyone, whether you’re a foodie and you want to come and learn more about food, or you just enjoy watching the Channel and want a place to hang out with friends, it will appeal to everyone.”

The store will feature a fully equipped built-in kitchen, fitted out with the latest kitchen appliances never before seen in Singapore, including an induction hob, a hood, a gas hob, ovens, a dishwasher and a fully integrated fridge, all proudly

sponsored by LG Built-in Appliance Asia, a part of LG Electronics Home Appliance Company.

“In collaboration with AFC, the AFC Kitchen Studio at Orchard Central is the first LG built-in concept showroom in Southeast Asia,” said Mr. Arthur Huang, Corporate Marketing Director, LG Electronics Asia. “As consumers increasingly embrace built-in appliances, integrating them into stylish and modern kitchen design, it’s a great platform for showcasing our premium built-in kitchen appliances, which are not usually displayed in retail outlets.”

SignatureKitchen, Malaysia’s leading player for creating quality kitchens across the globe has outfitted the AFC Kitchen Studio, showcasing their innovative kitchen design. Mr KC Tan, Managing Director of Signature International Berhad commented, “We are excited about our collaboration with AFC because it enables us to showcase and share our passion in creating a great culinary experience together”.

As well as being used for cookery classes and demonstrations, the kitchen will also act as a studio, for filming of AFC original self-made documentaries and productions.

The AFC store is located at 181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central #07-02, and is open from 11am to 11pm daily.

About Asian Food Channel
The Asian Food Channel (AFC) is the region’s only 24-hour food channel dedicated to airing the best food and lifestyle programming from around the region and around the world. Based in Singapore, AFC’s wide Asian distribution footprint covers seven territories and 20 million viewers, on basic tiers of all the major pay TV platforms across Southeast Asia.

The channel leads the ratings in its territories, regularly achieving the #1 lifestyle channel in terms of popularity and loyalty. It has achieved a broad following from young teenage food lovers and empty nesters to trendy urban females and aspiring male chefs. Its online presence supports the channel with program information, recipes, content and an e-commerce store. As such AFC regularly executes 360 degree advertising and marketing campaigns and solutions for leading FMCG, Financial and Travel brands.

AFC broadcasts on:
• StarHub Channel 69 (Singapore)
• Astro Channel 703 (Malaysia)
• First Media Digital 1 Channel 76 (Indonesia)
• Prime Indovision Channel 22 (Indonesia)
• now TV Channel 527 (Hong Kong)
• Skycable Channel 58 (Philippines)

Please visit www.asianfoodchannel.com for more information

Orchard Road SM Megamall - Review and Feedback

2010-03-11T21:38:00.000-08:00

Where to eat in the Philippines... or where NOT TO EAT.

I've been to Singapore several times already. Even went to Malaysia and other Asian countries. What I love most is the unique cuisine of Malaysia and Singapore. This is why when I saw Orchard Road in SM Megamall, I couldn't wait to try it out.

I first saw it several weeks back and it was still closed. Earlier, we went to SM Megamall and decided to give it a try. Ambiance was great! Looks can be deceiving though.

We ordered:
1 sweet and sour pork
1 black pepper pork
1 beef noodle soup
1 Kopi Tarik
1 iced lychee
1 Milo Dinosaur
and a pita with dip (forgot the name)

Our bill was around Php 750.00 pesos. With such a small serving, it's not that cheap, in my opinion.

It was already near 12:30 and without eating breakfast, we were very hungry.

Sweet and Sour Pork with Kopi Tarik

The order arrive 5 minutes after. My order arrived first, the sweet and sour pork. Upon biting my first bite, it was utter disappointment! The pork was old! It was rubber-like with hard parts. The taste was also terrible. I can say that this was the worst sweet and sour pork I've tasted in my entire life! Yes, it was that bad.

Servings were small. Imagine, I wasn't able to finish my food despite of my hunger and the small serving size. Put in the factor that my dad and brother even tried a piece each of sweet and sour pork. They should rename it to, tasteless pork.

Black Pepper Beef with Dinosaur Milo

I tried my brother's viand, the black pepper beef. It was the same, no taste at all. The only taste my tongue can sense is the pepper taste. Other than that, it was just like you were chewing a tasteless gum.

Beef noodle soup with Iced Lychee

My dad ordered the beef noodle soup. The taste of the soup is OK. Just like the free soup given in some of the foodcourts around the metro.

Kopi Tarik? Just order hot water and you know what this tastes like.

I didn't mind tasting the Iced Lychee and Milo Dinosaur because my appetite already went away.

Orchard Road is located in... never mind, I wouldn't recommend it to ANYONE. I felt rip offed. If they don't improve their food taste, that restaurant wouldn't last more than a year!

Don't tell me I didn't warn you.

Ya Kun Toast Ortigas

2010-02-26T07:03:00.000-08:00

I got the chance to try out Ya Kun Toast in Ortigas with several other bloggers and boy! did we have a good time catching up and chatting while eating some of Ya Kun Toast's best sellers!

A little history about Ya Kun Toast (click image to enlarge)

Here are some of the delicious food they are offering:
(click image to enlarge)

Some more items and the map to their place:

Ya Kun Toast Ortigas Facts and Details:
- They opened last December 10, 2009.
- Operating hours: 7AM to 11PM daily
- Address is G/F FERN Bldg., Escriva Drive cor. Gen. Araneta St., San Antonio Village, Ortigas, Pasig
- Telephone number: 470-4285
- Email:ykkortigas@gmail.com
- Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pasig-Philippines/Ya-Kun-Kaya-Ortigas/348622460160?v=wall
- Munchpunch page: http://www.munchpunch.com/restaurants/branch/6865.aspx
- My Foodtrip page: http://www.myfoodtrip.com/v/220521/ya_kun_kaya_toast.htm

World Class Persian & Mediterranean Cuisine

2010-02-01T18:09:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of When In Manila

If ever you are in the area of Tomas Morato/ Timog, you should definitely check out this place. It has been my favorite restaurant for a quick lunch ever since I discovered it!

An order of 1 beef kebab would only cost you 45 pesos! They also have the famous Cello Kebab which consists of 1 beef kebab and 1 chicken kebab + buttered rice!

Menu and Price

Some of the must tries:
- Beef Kebab (Php 45)
- Ripe Mango Shake (Php 30)
- Hom\us (this is where you dip your Pita)
- Pita (Php 10 each)
- Buttered Rice smothered with White Sauce\
- Ox Brain! (Php 50)

My photos seem to be lost somewhere in my harddrive so just visit WhenInManila's post about the World Class Persian Cuisine.
PS. Do try the Ox brain!!! For 50 pesos, it's a must try!!! It's delicious, no kidding!

World Class Persian Kabab / Persian & Mediterranean Cuisine
#1 E. Rodriguez Avenue (Corner Tomas Morato Avenue), Quezon City, Metro Manila
497-6273

Budget: For less than a hundred pesos, you would already be full!

Another bad experience at Holy Cow Megamall

2010-01-30T04:57:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, I went back to Holy Cow Megamall for my lunch. I saw their lunch meals tempting so I tried to eat there again after the last not-so-good credit card incident also in that same branch.

While the price might be tempting, I ordered their beef strips lunch meal. You can check out the photo here taken by another blogger.

So here's my complaint/rant. The Rice was not new/fresh. It was like recooked. There are parts where the rice was hard already. I know the difference between the rice that is burnt because of the hot sizzling plate and the old rice variety.

Their sauces are not ok too (red wine gravy, mushroom gravy and a spicy gravy). Maybe they can take these comments as constructive criticism.

By the way, this isnt the first time that I ate the same hard rice. This happened twice already and now, I'm making sure that I would think ten times first before eating there again.

Random Eats 1 by Cheftonio

2009-11-04T06:22:00.000-08:00

I am attending 1 of Anton's classes and he mentioned that they eat out 4 or more times a week. I can actually relate because we eat out 5 or more times a week. With that, I have tons of random food shots taken from my mobile phone since I can't always bring my heavy camera with me whenever we go out to eat.

So, for my food blog, I'm going to post a series of random eats (food shots) and put a short description below on where that place is located, how that dish was served to us (hot or cold), tastes, feels like inside my mouth and of course, if I think that it was good or not.

This is my first installation of Random Eats by Cheftonio
Pesto Pasta from Java Man

This pasta is from Java man, located near Starbucks inside The Enterprise Center in Ayala Corner Paseo De Roxas. Everytime I go to TEC, I eat there and I order that. Served to me like it was just preheated BUT, I still like it because I love pesto pastas (disclaimer). Also, as you can see, it's not very dry thus, it is wet (of course!).

My rating: 4 stars!

Lechon Cebu from Cebu

It was just this year that I get to taste what all the people are talking about. They all say that lechon from Cebu is the best of all lechons here in the Philippines (or the world maybe?). It was not that crispy and hot when I ate this because this party was held in Manila. The lechon landed late because it was hand-carried and the person rode Cebu Pacific!

My rating: 4 stars!

Ruffles and Lays

This is from almost anywhere! I just posted it because it has free KFC hotshots :) I'm going to claim mine soon because promo ends November 15, 2009!

My rating: 4 stars for the chips and 2.5 stars for the Hotshots (I don't like KFC much)

Home-made Roasted Chicken

Nothing beats home-made, agree? Well, this one wasn't made by my mom. It was roasted by my younger brother. As you can see, we didn't use any oil to cook that shiny chicken. Roasting chicken slowly has a different effect and gives you a different experience when eating it. Soft, juicy and flavorful in every bite!

My rating: 5 stars!

Imported Blueberry Egg Tart from KFC in China

Another food that was imported. I consumed this a day or two after it arrived here in the Philippines. It was already refrigerated and I love cold egg tarts. A mix of not-so-sour taste plus the rich taste of egg filling PLUS, the crunchy crust that not even lordstows here can compete with.

My rating: 5 stars!

I forgot what this was but the one on the right is an eel

Gloria Maris in Roxas Blvd has one of the best foods when compared to their other branches (Greenhills branch is also good). The eel has plenty of fish bones as expected but, is also very flavorful. It has a salty-sweet taste that tingles your tongue. Warning! If you are over 40, please avoid eating eel. This food is very high in cholesterol.

My rating: 4 stars!

Red Mango Frozen Yogurt

Trinoma branch besides Toys ' R ' us. This is the only frozen yogurt I eat because I do not like my yogurt sour. I know that the real thing is sour but, that is the reason why I don't eat the real thing.

My rating: 4 stars!

Red Mango Kiwi Shake

Warning! This drink is no good. Reminder to self: Go to Red Mango to eat frozen yogurt. Not drink shakes! It was so bad I didn't even bother taking a 3rd sip! It has too many seeds and the taste is just bad.

My rating: 0.000001 star!

Delifrance Lasagna

I was waiting for a client and me and my brother decided to eat in DeliFrance Theatremall because we miss eating lasagna. Nothing special really with this Lasagna. Also, it tasted and looked like it was cook that morning and was just preheated using the microwave. The bread stick was oily and when you bite the bread, oil flows to your tongue. Bad, eh?

My rating: 1.5 star!

So, there you have it. My first batch of random eats. I need to exercise more to compensate the bad lifestyle I am contributing to myself!

Oi! Hong Kong Style Noodles

2009-10-25T20:56:00.001-07:00

I was in Harrison Plaza yesterday and I chanced upon this small yet attractive foodstall inside shopwise.

It's called "Oi! Hong Kong Style Noodles" I'm not much of a noodle fan so, I don't easily get to like noodles. After buying a few groceries, being the curious little me, I finally tried this brand.

Being the third brand I've tried ever since the fried noodles phenomenon started, I've noticed a few differences versus the other brands.

First, their noodles are fatter and tastier. It's white in color unlike the others which uses yellow colored noodles. You get the feel of the real noodle taste unlike their competitors which feels and tastes like, errr, instant noodles.

Second, their sauces are much tastier. In a previous brand I tried, their sauces are watery. let's put that into context. I scoop 10 table spoons of teriyaki sauce on other noodle houses but in Oi noodle house, 3 tablespoons is enough.

3rd, the viand, which in this case is the siomai, is so-so but, much better than the others! You can also choose from different dimsums like sharksfin dumpling or siomai.

At just 26 pesos, you get to taste their yummy noodles, 2 pcs siomai and an unlimited number of their flavorful sauce which includes teriyaki, soy lemon, sweet chili, chili and soy.

Do check out some of the photos below I took using my phone.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

My LukFoo Budget meals

2009-10-07T02:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I am sooo hungry, I just want to pig-out. But, pigging out need not be expensive. Here in LukFoo, this is my "Budget Meal" order:

Alternative 1 - Not so pigging-out

1 order of Siomai (4 pcs) = Php70.00
1 order of plain rice = Php30.00
sauces = Free :)
hot tea = Free :)
filtered water = Free :)

Total Bill = Php100.00

Alternative 2 - Heavy Meal!

1 order of Beef and Wanton Noodle Soup = Php140.00
1 order of plain rice = Php30.00
sauce = Free :)
hot tea = Free :)
filtered water = Free :)

Total Bill = Php170.00

There are several LukFoo branches around the Metro. 1 in Paranaque, 1 in Caloocan and 1 in QC.

Questions? Comments? Errors? E-mail me at chef_tonio@yahoo.com

Mile-hi Diner

2009-10-03T20:44:00.001-07:00

Ondoy left a week ago already but he left a remembrance to us, one way or the other.

After leaving SM centerpoint because of the terrible smell I never imagined in my wildest dreams existed.

I went to a restaurant named mile-hi diner. We were planning to eat at Joey Pepperoni Pizzeria but unfortunately, it was closed.

After entering mile hi diner, the place itself didn't smell bad so I was thinking that they already had a major renovation.

I also interviews the waiters and asked how high the flood in their place is. The waiter said that it was a bit higher than their tables. Immediately, I had second thoughts but still gave it a shot.

When I sat on their chairs, water with bubbles squished out if it and we, without giving third thoughts already left.

Here is my point. You are a restaurant. You need to make sure everything is clean and you must maintain a good hygeine in all your furnitures.

That is the reason why Joey Pepperoni is closed. At least they are honest.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Impromptu LukFoo Dinner

2009-09-30T05:02:00.001-07:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Häagen-Dazs® All You Can!!! (Eat all the Haagen Daz!!!)

2009-09-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

Häagen-Dazs® Offer!!!

Eat all the Haagen Dazs you can for only 499 pesos!!!

Go to Megamall Atrium (2nd level) now!!!!

The Raid - Witness Who Gets Caught! - Ascend SuperClub

2009-09-22T05:52:00.000-07:00

the RAID
witness who gets caught!

September 25, 2009
8pm to 3am
Main Room

Ascend SuperClub
Bonifacio High Street, The Fort

Dress Code: Upscale
DJ Cai Gummer, Techno
DJ Markie Madness, Hiphouse
DJ David Ardiente, Hiphouse

Buy 1 take 1 on selected cocktails and local beers!*

*8pm to 10pm only

For table reservations, pls contact:

oneconceptproductions@yahoo.com
or
0916 5913837

Eat all the pasta you can - for just 150 pesos!

2009-09-08T04:24:00.000-07:00

Where else can you do that? Only at Joey Pepperoni Pizzeria!!!

Check out Joey Pepperoni Branches and know more about the promo >>> please visit THIS SITE.

Cold Rock Ice Creamery, Philippines

2009-08-31T03:40:00.000-07:00

A well-known Ice Creamery in the world -- Cold Rock Ice Creamery is also here in the Philippines!

They have several branches but I often go to their Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma branch. I am not sure if there are other branches other than those 2.

Anyway, this is not your usual Ice Cream parlor as this one is considered high-end by Filipinos. An order of small take home pack will set you back nearly 500 pesos! For minimum wage workers, this means spending more than your a days wage for just ice cream.

The Ice Cream, is very milky. Of course, not your usual Magnolia or Selecta type of quality. This is much better. More $$$ = More yummy!

There are other alternatives too as several restaurants already imitated this concept. One of which is the famous ice cream of 5 cows. They prepare ice creams similar to how cold rock does it. Haven't tried other flavors there though because everytime we order the "liempo" (pork) there, we get free bubblegum flavoured ice cream. (also prepared using the same cold rock process).

I know it's cheaper there at 5 cows but buying the ice cream at cold rock reminds me of the cold rock we used to eat in Australia.

Cold Rock Ice Cream with Mixins

Well, I know taking videos aren't allowed so, I just recorded their fixins section. Watch below.

Banana Split Day Today - August 25!

2009-08-24T20:22:00.000-07:00

It's Banana Split day at 5 cows Trinoma!!!!

Get your banana split for just 70 pesos today!

Not only that, you also get... FREE WIFI!!! (Laptop can be plugged in for 15 minutes according to the store manager)

Happy Banana Split Day!!!

Dine at SM Food Courts! Free WiFi

2009-08-15T02:05:00.000-07:00

The SM Foodcourt business began in the 70's with the opening of the first branch in SM Makati. It was established to provide an eating place for customers after shopping in the mall. To date, there are 33 SM Foodcourt branches already. Another branch will open soon and hand in hand, the other current foodcourts are under renovations to keep up with the changing times. :)

I'm currently here at SM Marikina and there are 7 food stalls in the foodcourt area.

1. Lydia's Lechon
2. Seafood Grill
3. Inihaw Express
4. Pinoy Toppings
5. Baliwag Lechon Manok
6. Chicken Company
7. Sizzling Plate

Of course, around the area, there are a lot more food stalls like Potato Corner, Fruitas, Wham Burger, Gonuts and lots of others!

Best of all, you can use the free Wifi provided by SM Marikina. According to them, they will WiFi enable all the SM malls one by one. Right now, here are a few of the SMs that are WiFi enabled (FOR FREE!)

1. SM Megamall
2. The Podium
3. SM Marikina
4. SM City Cebu
5. SM Bacolod
6. SM Baguio
7. SM Pampanga
8. SM North Edsa
9. SM Bacoor
and more!!!

Jollibee Flash Mob Dance at SM Mall Of Asia

2009-08-13T20:05:00.000-07:00

When talking about Fastfood in the Philippines, one would think of one brand that is almost synonymous to fastfoods here in the Philippines -- that is Jollibee. So, if you are a first-timer here in the Philippines, don't forget to try out the food there, okay?

For years now, kids of all ages (yes, up to 100 maybe) enjoy the food that Jollibee offers. It suits their taste and their taste buds. Also, we are talking about here kids of all classes.

If you are a Filipino and you live in the Philippines your entire life AND you have not eaten in Jollibee EVEN ONCE. Then you must be lying somewhere there. I would love to hear from you! I will post a special blog for you from the several questions I would like to ask you.

My point is, majority of the Filipinos have tried and eaten Jollibee at least once just like Americans have eaten any McDonalds food at least once in their lifetime.

By the way, have you seen the Jollibee video that has been spreading around the internet? No, silly! Not the Jollibee and Hetty video scandal! LOLs.

It's the flash mob dance that was performed at SM Mall Of Asia here in the Philippines.

Watch the video below to know how good and cool there were. (Notice, I didn't say they were original. They are cool and original in their own way)

Holy Cow! No Card!

2009-08-03T03:14:00.000-07:00

...or, where NOT to eat in the Philippines.

This is my first time eating in their SM Megamall branch. I am a loyal customer in their Trinoma branch.

I will make this post very short and precise to my point.

I always get the Buffalo Wings (Appetizer) and the salmon in their Trinoma Branch. Last Saturday, I got the Buffalo Wings and Pesto Pasta. My only complaint is that the Buffalo Wings in this branch isn't as delicious as the one in Trinoma. Shouldn't there be a standardized quality?

After eating, we asked for the bill and Holy Cow! We waited for more than 30 minutes for it!!! Their card machine had no signal or what but, they should have informed us first in the first place. Good thing I have cash with me. What if I didn't, right? That would cause a lot of hassle.

It's their responsibility to inform us beforehand! While waiting, they should've at least gave us something to munch on or what.

I'm never returning here. I'm going to think about returning to their Trinoma branch.

Very Affordable Fine Dining: Cesca Wine Cafe

2009-07-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine brought me to dine at this wonderful wine cafe in the heart of Quezon City. Located at Il Terrazzo mall in Tomas Morato, this cozy and elegant wine cafe might intimidate you with the interior at first but don't let it kill your curiosity! This place is more affordable than your usual weekend dining experience!

Upon entering, you would immediately feel the fine dining ambience. Classical victorian-inspired design with matching classy paintings and elegant silverwares. This is because the owner of this place is an interior designer and architect in one! Architect Francis Ong, according to my friend Cheftonio is the architect of several famous establishments here in Metro Manila. One of his many works is The Spa in Fort Bonifacio.

Going back, upon receiving the menu from their highly professional staffs, I was shocked on how affordable such a beautiful striking place would be! I would imagine paying 500 pesos above for a single meal on other places similar to these one but NO! Just bring around 200-250 pesos and you would be stuffed already! Buurrrp!

I loved their Salmon, Pasta and Salpicao! This is what we got as I listened to Cheftonio's recommendations. It was delisssh! To finish the dinner meeting was their very own homemade out-of-this-world cheesecake. Don't leave Cesca without trying that!

Anyway, that place has good everything! No wonder customers who went there just to try become repeat customers!

Read Cheftonio's review of Cesca Wine Cafe here.

Photos courtesy of AQC Photography - http://aqc.com/photography

Binalot - A Must Eat Filipino Food in the Philippines

2009-07-12T23:40:00.000-07:00

Any Filipino restaurant can serve good Filipino dishes with rice and a side of red egg and tomato. That’s no mean feat. But only one food chain has the distinction of serving Filipino favorites with red egg, tomato, and rice, all wrapped in fresh banana leaves. And don’t forget the sprinkling of salt conveniently tucked between the layers of leaves. The name is Binalot, and they serve affordable Filipino comfort food in a fresh, green, and incidentally, environmentally friendly package. Binalot was initially established as a food delivery service in Makati’s business district in 1996. The owners apparently found the business profitable, because a year after they began operations, they started opening branches in various malls. Demand for Binalot grew increasingly over the years, and now Binalot has grown to 31 branches.

Residents, office workers, grocery shoppers at Puregold QI Central, or just passersby who happen to be in the E. Rodriguez – Araneta Avenue area in Quezon City are in luck because they can satisfy their craving for cheap Filipino delights at Binalot, located at the food court of Puregold QI Central in E. Rodriguez corner Araneta Avenue. Binalot’s meals all have amusing monikers, a clear reflection of the brand’s fun and breezy approach to simple Pinoy dining.

Among the offerings are Tapa Rap Sarap, Fiesta Adobo, and Anytime Inihaw na Baboy, all of which are Binalot bestsellers. Other meals on the menu are Viva Tocino, Bistek Walastik, Sisig na Makisig, No Bones Daing na Bangus, Pork Bongga Longganisa, Bopisticated, Pride Tilapia and My Dinuguan & Only, all of which range from Php70.00 to Php90.00.

There are also Adobonanaza specials that pair your favorite viand with classic adobo rice (with drinks and fried egg), such as Tipidobo, Tapadobo, Tocidobo, Longgadobo, and Bangusdobo, all priced from Php55.00 to Php75.00. You can also order vegetable dishes to go with your Binalot fare, such as You Bet Pinakbet, Along Came Talong with Bagoong, Where Have You Beans?, and Togue-ther Again. Other desserts and sidings to choose from are banana turon, banana cue, sago’t gulaman, Binalot Leche Flan, red egg, fried egg, tomato, and steamed rice.

Binalot allows customers to mix and match various dishes according to their liking, thus making for a plethora of dining possibilities. Binalot is a hit with customers because of its fail-safe formula—good food, affordable prices, and convenient locations.

Binalot does not stop at reaping the fruits of its market success; it also gives back to society and the environment by making use of recycled paper in its packaging and, more importantly, by supporting the livelihood of subsistence farmers who produce the banana leaves used for wrapping. Binalot’s success shows that, with a fail-safe formula coupled with a commitment to social progress, you can’t go wrong.

For bulk orders, call 3962636
http://www.yehey.com/lifestyle/food/article2.aspx?id=27863

To go there, just visit maps.google.com and search for this: 14°37'5"N 121°0'50"E

Asian Food Channel's Chef Robert Rainford in Manila!

2009-06-17T02:32:00.000-07:00

Asian Food Channel’s Chef Robert Rainford Makes His First Trip To The Philippines to Tantalise Crowds with His Skill on the Grill

June 15, 2009 – The Asian Food Channel (AFC) the region’s first and only 24-hour food channel is proud to announce it is bringing over celebrity BBQ chef Robert Rainford. As part of AFC’s barbecue month this June, all AFC viewers will be thrilled to know that the channel is hosting television celebrity Chef Robert Rainford for a 3-city whirlwind tour of Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

The Asian Food Channel presents The King of Grill Robert Rainford’s first ever trip to the Philippines with The License to Grill star in Manila from the 21 to 22 June to delight local fans with his grill and share his BBQ know-how with everyone.

Chef Rainford will be tantalising taste buds by entertaining his fans in the Philippines during these gourmet grilling dates, with his dynamic ‘wherever there’s a grill there is a way’ philosophy.

Having undergone formal training at the culinary school at George Brown College, Toronto, Chef Rainford rapidly developed a professional career in the kitchen, working with a variety of culinary talents. However, his curiosity for food and tastes, coupled with his Jamaican heritage, led him to the outdoors and the now familiar smoke of the barbecue.

A world-class chef more commonly known as the King of Grill, Chef Rainford’s passion for the barbecue allows him to transform a variety of fresh seasonal ingredients into an array of mouth-watering, creative barbecued meals.

“Having brought Licence to Grill to our Asian viewers over the past few years we are delighted to now bring the King of Grill himself, the guru of barbecuing, Chef Rainford, to the Philippines. By bringing international culinary talent like him to the region we want to continue inspiring, educating, and delighting our millions of viewers as well as both budding and experienced chefs.” commented Maria Brown, Co-Founder and Managing Director of AFC.

Ms Brown continued: “Economic conditions is withstanding, the very strong feedback from our millions of viewers and fans are telling us that they love the Channel and the stars we feature and the fact that we are bringing them to the region. We see it as a small way for AFC to let our ardent fans know that we love them, their passion for the Channel, and that we continue listening to them.”

With BBQ events galore, AFC Chef Robert Rainford is sure to satisfy all License to Grill fans and grill enthusiasts in the Philippines! The King of Grill,

Chef Rainford, will be creating a special barbecue extravaganza and a broad array of mouth-watering grill inspired delights on 21 June at Greenbelt 3 Park, Makati City and on 22 June at Alabang Town Center.

The event will be made possible by the following Presentors: Asian Food Channel, Skycable, Ayala Malls and San Remo; Other sponsors: Magnolia Chicken Station, Selecta, F&B World, Max 103.5, Jam 88.3 and Wave 89.1.

During the month of June catch Chef Rainford’s top tips and delicious recipes on ‘Licence to Grill’ every weekday at 8pm, only on Asian Food Channel, Skycable Channel 58. So there really is no excuse not to dust the barbecue down and practice your skill on the grill.

About Asian Food Channel
The Asian Food Channel (AFC) is the region’s only 24-hour food channel dedicated to airing the best food and lifestyle programming from around the region and around the world. Based in Singapore, AFC’s wide Asian distribution footprint covers seven territories and 20 million viewers, on basic tiers of all the major pay TV platforms across Southeast Asia.

The channel leads the ratings in its territories, regularly achieving the #1 lifestyle channel in terms of popularity and loyalty. It has achieved a broad following from young teenage food lovers and empty nesters to trendy urban females and aspiring male chefs. Its online presence supports the channel with program information, recipes, content and an e-commerce store. As such AFC regularly executes 360 degree advertising and marketing campaigns and solutions for leading FMCG, Financial and Travel brands.

AFC broadcasts on:
• StarHub Channel 69 (Singapore)
• Astro Channel 703 (Malaysia)
• First Media Digital 1 Channel 76 (Indonesia)
• Prime Indovision Channel 22 (Indonesia)
• Now TV Channel 527 (Hong Kong)
• Skycable Channel 58 (Philippines)

Please visit www.asianfoodchannel.com for more information

For further information please contact:

For further enquiries on Spain…On the Road Again, please contact:

Pebbles Reyes
pebbles.reyes@asianfoodchannel.com
Mobile: +63 9209040758

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2009-05-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

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Mais Na Manok Recipe

2009-05-06T09:35:00.000-07:00

Recipe Ingredients:
6 na tasang sabaw na inilagang manok
1- 1/2 tasang tinadtad na mais
1 kutasarang tinadtad na celery
betsin asin paminta
6 na busil ng mais

Cooking Instructions:

Lutuin sa mahinang apoy ang manok . Kapag luto na, isama ang isang kutsarang asin. Pakuluin sa loob ng kalahating oras. Sa tagal na ito, pagkaraang lumabot ang manok, maari ng hanguin. Kumuha ng panala at salain ang sabaw. Ang panala ay paraang pabilog na may uka sa gitna na yari sa maliit na alambre at may hawakan. naghihitsura itong kutsaron o panalok. lamang ito, ay mayroong maliliit na masinsing mga butas. Mayroon ding mga panalok na yari sa nilalang maninipis na kinayas na kawayan. Ito ay ginagamit din sa pananalok ng mami sa mga mamihan.

Ihiwalay sa buto ang laman ng manok. Tadtarin nang pino ang laman ng manok saka ilagay sa sabaw.Ang anim na busil ng sabaw . Isama rin ang sibuyas, asin , betsin, celery at paminta.

Pakuluin ng mga ilang minuto at pagkaraan ay maaaring na itong ihain ng mainit. Ilagay sa salad bowl o malaking mangkok. Salukin ang niluto sa pamamagitan ng kutsaon o sandok na yari sa bao ng niyog.

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How to make Palabok

2009-04-30T02:55:00.000-07:00

We Filipino love to eat pancit, bihon and spaghetti’s. It is one food that is well loved by the Filipino.

One of which is called palabok. Because of the the bright orange sauce and toppings, it makes it an attractive dish and garnish while the term luglug was derived from the sound that the noodles make when the bamboo steamer is dipped in the boiling water.

Ingredients:

½ kilo bihon, soaked in water
until softened then drained

Palabok sauce:
¼ cup atsuete seeds in soaked in
¼ cup water
2 cups shrimp juice
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup water
salt or patis and pepper

Toppings:
1 cup cooked pork, cut into strips
2 pieces fried tokwa, cubed
½ cup flaked tinapa
½ cup pounded chicharon
2 eggs, hard-boiled then sliced
½ cup boiled and shelled shrimps
½ cup finely chopped spring onions
1 tablespoon fried garlic

Directions:

Prepare Palabok Sauce:
1. Strain atsuete then combine atsuete water with shrimp juice in a saucepan.
Disperse flour in water then add to the pan.

2. Bring to a boil and cook with constant stirring until thick.
Season to taste.

Cook Noodles:
3. Boil water in a pot.

4. Place noodles in a bamboo strainer or luglugan.

5. Dip in the boiling water and cook until tender but firm.

6. Drain well. Transfer to a platter.

Presentation:
7. Top noodles with sauce.

8. Over the sauce, arrange the pork and tokwa pieces.

9. Sprinkle with tinapa and chicharon.

10. Garnish with sliced egg, shrimps, spring onions and garlic.

11. Serve with kalamansi.

You will really love this recipe. Try to make palabok at home.

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Different Recipe of Bangus

2009-04-17T23:22:00.000-07:00

Bangus is considered as the National Fish of the country. I will give you list of the different recipe we can do in the bangus.

Here are the delicious recipes of bangus:

Lumpiang Bangus (Milkfish Springrolls) - a tasty springroll recipe made from bangus or milkfish flakes. A superb addition to your menus for any occasion!

Bangus Nilagpang - A dish from Western Visayas Region VI. Broiled milkfish, tomatoes and onions with spices.

Sinigang na Bangus ( Stewed Milkfish in Tamarind ) - sinigang na bangus or milkfish is an all time favorite dish of filipinos. The sour taste of tamarind gives the distinctive taste.

Creamy Bangus in a Blanket - cooked bangus in coconut milk and stuffed with bagoong mixture.

Sardinas na Bangus - recipe on how to make milk fish sardines.

Bangus Belly A la Pobre - marinated and fried milk fish bellies.

Paksiw sa Bangus - boiled milk fish in vinegar and water with spices and vegetables.

Stuffed Milk Fish (Rellenong Bangus) - fried stuffed milk fish with it's own deboned fish meat.

Olive Flavored Royal Bangus - same as rellenong bangus with stuffed olives and olive oil.

Dinengdeng with Inihaw na Bangus - broiled milk fish topped with cooked vegetables(dinengdeng).

Grilled Milk Fish ( GrilledBangus ) with Stuffings - Grilled milk fish stuffed with onions and tomatoes then wrapped with banana leaves.

Adobong Bangus - fried milk fish cooked in soy sauce and vinegar.

Totsong Bangus - fried milk fish cooked in fermented soy cake.

Cardillong Bangus - fried milk fish sauted in onion and tomatoes then simmered with slightly beaten egg.

Tiim na Bangus- stuffed milk fish with spices and vegetables, marinated, wrap in banana leaves then deep fried.

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Biclo Express

2009-03-23T05:00:00.001-07:00

We consider Filipinos as a food lovers. We are composed of 7107 plus island and because it is in our blood that we really love cooking we can find different food specialty in different places.
Here is one of the favorite foods from Bicol.
Bicolano are fond of food that has coconut milk and has a pepper. (so do I!!!) I will share you in this post the
Bicol Express Recipe. I hope you like it.
Estimated preparation time: 30 minutes
Estimated cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/4 kilo pork, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Baguio beans
• 3 cups long chili or jalapeno peppers
• 1 onion, minced
• 1 head of garlic, minced
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup coconut cream
• 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
• Salt to taste

Procedure
• In a bowl of water with salt, soak chili peppers for 30 minutes then rinse and strain.
• In a cooking pan, heat cooking oil and brown sliced pork for a few minutes.
• In another pan, sauté minced garlic and onion.
• Add to the sauté the browned pork.
• Then add the coconut milk, bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Add the chili peppers, Baguio beans and cook until dish gets a little dry.
• Add the coconut cream and simmer until the sauce thickens.
• Salt to taste.

Bicol express is also good as a pulutan! Pulutan is a Filipino term for foods that are eaten while drinking alcoholic beverages. Its sorta like pica-pica food.
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Top Ten Filipino Food

2009-03-18T05:32:00.000-07:00

Lechon – Most of the Filipinos are very fun of celebrations especially birthdays, weddings, fiestas and many other occassions. The whole roasted pig or "lechon baboy " is a popular dish in any of the festivities in the Philippines.

Adobo- Filipino considered adobo as the Philippine’s national dish.

Lumpia Shanghai- A recipe I know all Filipinos are proud of! Lumpia (shanghai type) is a type of egg roll, except it's mainly filled with meat.

Pancit Canton- A dish of Chinese origin that has become very much a part of Filipino cuisine, this recipe of pancit canton or lo mein is made with egg noodles, diced pork belly, carrots and green vegetables in a thick oyster-based sauce.

Halo Halo- is a favorite Filipino dessert or snack.

Kare Kare- is a Philippine stew. It is made from peanut sauce with a variety of vegetables, stewed oxtail, beef, and occasionally offal or tripe. Meat variants may include goat meat or (rarely) chicken.

Sinigang- Filipino Sinigang (Tamarind Soup)

Suman- is a rice cake originating from the Philippines.

Dinuguan- Blood Stew

Balut- That delicacy is the notorious balut. Balut is a popular Filipino street snack and is essentially a duck egg http://www.awesomebalut.com/

Why Filipino Love Adobo?

2009-03-16T02:12:00.000-07:00

Filipino considered adobo as the Philippine’s national dish. And at this point of time there are lots of variations in cooking adobo. Sometimes they are using pork sometimes they are using chicken. But whatever they are using they still love eating the Filipino adobo. Lot of Filipino loves adobo because it is very delicious. The ingredients that are being used are good and, not only Filipino love this food but, even foreigners. As we can see, even those families that already migrated in a different country for good don’t forget to cook adobo and teach their children and grand children how to prepare it. The values, culture, and being a Filipino is still there in their heart. Philippine is blessed with beautiful country as well as different food that you really enjoy.

Filipino Food

2009-03-11T04:44:00.000-07:00

Aside from the beautiful place her in the Philippines you can also taste good food here. Lot of places here in the Philippnes has its own delicacies.

The production of dried mango as well as the mango fruit that is being export in the other country can be found in the Province of Guimaras.

There are also lot of Pancit here in our country. There are pancit malabon, pancit hab hab and plabok that can be found in the different place here in the philippines.

Bicolano is fun of eating spicy and with cocunot milk food.

You can also found different "Kakanin" here in our country. There is the suman, bibingka, puto and etc.

Filipino also love eating Chicken adobo. We also love eating litson.

Filipinos love to cook and whenever they do,Filipino love to prepare food for their family6 consumption they always make stringent preparations especially for the food served to guests, and most of the time, guests are pampered with different delectable Filipino dishes.

Where to eat in the Philippines

2009-02-20T17:29:00.000-08:00

Our family dines out at least 5 times a week. This blog will be my online diary of what we eat, where we eat and my own review. Hang-on tight! Comments are much appreciated!