Friday, June 30, 2017

First Bite: Nihon Daidokoro Unagi Asakusa

I absolutely love Japanese food. It never fails to be one of my top picks whenever I get to choose where to eat. And though I hardly frequent Parañaque, hearing the word "unagi" would make me brave the traffic just to indulge in one. And because of this impulsive behavior, I found myself in Multinational Village one Tuesday afternoon.

Hello, Nihon Daidokoro Unagi Asakusa.


The place was still closed when I dropped by at 5pm but I was warmly welcomed by one of the staff who ushered me inside the small but homey restaurant.

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Second Bite: Puzzles Board Game Lounge

Now that I'm officially a member of Titas of Manila, I value staycations more than ever. But when I get invited to play board games over yummy snacks, I'd be ready in a heartbeat. And that's pretty much what happened two Saturdays ago when The Foodie Station invited me to hangout at Puzzles Board Game Lounge. 
 
Hello again, Puzzles.

To be honest, I was a bit iffy to tag along as I had a not so good experience at Puzzles almost two years ago. But everything deserves second chances so I decided to go. Plus, the competitive person in me was dying to visit again.

Monday, June 26, 2017

First Bite: Just Thai

It's hard not to fall in love with Thai cuisine. With dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Kha Gai, Pad Krapow Moo Saap, Gaeng Keow Wan Kai and refreshing Thai Milk Tea, it is a tough battle not to like this Asian cuisine. And so, when the lovely gals of The Foodie Station invited me to savor some of Just Thai's dishes, I quickly said yes and cleared my schedule for a fanTHAIstic day. (Okay, that was a lame pun but it was really fantastic and let me tell you why.) 
 
Hello, Just Thai.

Friday, June 23, 2017

First Bite: Buns & Bros

Burgers never fail to attract me like fly to light. And when its patty is beautifully grilled and succulent, it was like luring Winnie the Pooh to honey. Hence, despite being full from my late lunch, I still found room for some serious burgers from this new food park in City Golf.

Hello, Buns & Bros!
I first saw Buns & Bros to-die-for burgers from The Bald Baker's Instagram feed. It was love at first sight but I had my reservations too as it looked too beautiful to be tasty too. Then again, after reading several comments saying that this rather hip establishment offers legit and bang for the buck burgers, I just have to give it a try.

Thursday, June 22, 2017

First Sip: Yes Please

I occasionally drink and when I do, I always stick to my usuals--margarita, amaretto sour, wine and Patron XO. These past months though, I grew to like other drinks thanks to various events I've attended. And thanks to Zomato, I had deeper appreciation for whisky last Monday. 
 
Hello, Yes Please.

I was lucky to be invited to a whisky appreciation night hosted by Auchentoshan. Though I've never heard of the Scotch brand before, the idea of learning more about something made me clear my schedule and brave the traffic.

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Life Hack 101: No More Thawing with Panasonic’s Prime Fresh

Gone are the days when I can't wait to head out and search for new places to visit and interesting food to indulge in. These days, I like staying in a lot. I get to avoid the insane traffic and get to spend time experimenting in the kitchen. However, when the lazy bug bites, I find myself eating the usual hotdog and bacon. There's one thing I hate though... thawing. 

I hate how my freezer turns my meats into popsicles! 
There are times when I have to remove my bacon or pork chop from the freezer at least two hours before dinner just to be able to thaw it properly. Though I could just pop it too in the oven, I prefer doing it the "natural" way. Thankfully, there's Panasonic to make cooking a lot easier (and quicker) for me. Its latest models are now equip with Prime Fresh. 

First Sip: Bitters Bar

Who says it's too early for cocktails? It is always five thirsty in my clock! 

Hello, Bitters Bar.
Quite hidden on top of 2nd's new home is Bitters Bar, one of the newest bars in BGC with an interesting apothecary theme. 

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Back for Seconds at 2nd's

I was so sad when I found out that 2nd's, the restaurant famous for its bacon chicharon closed down. I regretted not visiting it more often and I kept yearning for its leche flan turon. Thankfully, 2nd's decided to make a comeback and opened once again in BGC. 

Hello again, 2nd's
Now located at Forbestown, 2nd's now has brighter and slightly more feminine interiors. 

Monday, June 19, 2017

First Bite: After All

I love knowing every restaurant's back story as it gives it more character and allows me to have a better grasp on what it aims to be. Some started out as passion projects while others wanted to fill the market's unmet needs or wants. One establishment I've recently visited sprung from the idea of the owners wanting a place to hang out and enjoy their favorite dishes. It turns out though that the food they always crave would be a hit with people outside their circle. After all, their favorites are classics.

Hello, After All Bar & Grill

This restaurant and bar in SM Jazz opened its doors to the public last month and it has been getting a steady following since then. It isn't surprising as After All offers a wide variety of dishes and drinks. 
I was greeted by dim lights and dark hued furniture when I stepped inside After All. It was still very quiet around 6 pm with only some of the owners at the other side of the restaurant. Diners came in around 7:30 pm and the place became very busy around 8 pm. 

Friday, June 16, 2017

Home Find: Panasonic Refrigerator Ag Clean Technology

I love indulging in ice cream at home. But there are a handful of times when I get a nasty taste of fish and everything in the freezer whenever I take a bite. It definitely ruins my dessert experience but I thought I just have to live with it since there's really nothing I can do about it. And boy was I wrong!
Moving out is probably one of the biggest things I've done these past years and I had no idea that it takes a lot of brain cells to figure out how to make a house a home. And since food is essential to stay alive, I put a lot of thought on my refrigerator. 

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Sundays Made Better: Mercato at Heat

Don't you feel that the day is not enough to do all the things you want? Sunday seems to be the only day with an acceptable traffic that would make us more productive. But we also want to spend this day with the good ol family which again makes time a bit more scarce for everything else. Edsa Shangri-La got our backs though and thought of something brilliant.

Hello again, Heat!
It was my first time to visit Heat for lunch so I didn't know what to expect. Though I already know that Heat offers a bountiful and impressive spread from breakfast to dinner, I was not prepared to be awed further. 

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

First Sip: McCafé BGC

Remember all the buzz about McCafé when it opened mid 2000s? All of a sudden, McDonald's is a lot classier and attractive to caffeine addicts. Price-wise, it is close to how the famous siren charges for her cup of joe. But the popularity of McCafé didn't last long as it didn't offer one thing the siren is known for... ambiance. Fast forward to present, McCafé made a comeback and this time, it made sure to give what caffeine lovers want. 
Hello, McCafé

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

First Bite: Blue Post Boiling Crabs & Shrimps

I have a love-hate relationship with crabs and shrimps. Though I love eating these delectable sea creatures, I dislike peeling or cracking off the shells. But I simply could not say no to the grand opening of a new seafood joint in Greenhills. 

Hello, Blue Posts Boiling Crabs & Shrimps.

This well-loved seafood restaurant started in 2013 and was established in Davao city by a group of friends who were looking for a place where they could hang out, relax and have a few drinks. They decided to call the unwinding spot Blue Post. Fast forward to 2017, Blue Post Boiling Crabs & Shrimps have grown and expanded to Manila. 
With a whopping 2,000 kilos of crabs sold per week just in its three branches in Davao, it would be hard to deny Blue Post's success. And this is why Blue Post finally gave in to its distant patrons requests and opened its first company owned and stand alone branch in Manila (with SM North Edsa and Mall of Asia as franchises).

Monday, June 12, 2017

Now Open: Banh Mi Kitchen in SM Hypermart Pasig

If you love banh mi and work or live near Tiendesitas, then this blog post is for you. Banh Mi Kitchen, known for its crunchy baguettes and delectable fillings, is now open in SM Hypermart Pasig! 

Hello, Banh Mi Kitchen.

Saturday, June 10, 2017

Mark your calendars: MAFBEX is back this month!

They say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. But the same applies to some women. And a date in Manila Food and Beverage Expo or simply MAFBEX may just be as romantic as a fancy night at a five-star hotel. Let me count the reasons why. Don't worry, it doesn't have thirteen tapes. 

1. You get to know each other in a deeper level
Walking around the 15,000 sqm space filled with various finds from food to equipment will help you understand your significant other's preferences. And with the place zoned to different categories, it'd be easy to roam around without getting lost!

2. You learn together
With fun activities such as cooking demos and MAFBEX pocket seminars, you grow together as food enthusiasts or entrepreneurs! They even have a Culinary Cup Home Edition where you'd get to see chefs work in action under pressure.

3. You get to have a taste of different countries and provinces together
With MAFBEX featuring food finds from countries such as Italy, Spain, Vietnam and Malaysia, you'd feel like you've travelled together without flying. Do make ysure that you get a taste of international flavors by visiting the international booths. But don't leave without swinging by the homegrown brands' booths as well. 
Single? Fret not as food is probably the best companion. And hey, you don't have to share your favorite loots! 
MAFBEX returns to delight the foodie community on June 14 to 18 at the World Trade Center. Doors open at 10:00 am and closes at 8:00 pm. 

See you there!

Friday, June 9, 2017

First Bite: The Broken Oven

Comfortable dining experience, value for money dishes and ample parking are just some of the important elements to consider for a food park to be successful. Thankfully, the newest food park in Ortigas, Industrie Food Loft got all these covered. Located on the second floor of City Golf's party (or drinking) strip, we were greeted by a colorful wall mural and bright signs. The hippie industrial interiors makes the place very young and vibrant. And our first stop here was The Broken Oven, under the same owners of Olive Treat

Thursday, June 8, 2017

When in Taiwan: How to Get to the City from Taoyuan Airport without Breaking the Budget

I love to explore different places as much as eating. And last January, I had a grand time in Taiwan, stuffing myself with delectable yummy finds and being immersed in its interesting history and culture. I always smile whenever I tell my friends the things I've done and places I've visited while I was there. But one of the common concerns I hear whenever we talk about Taiwan is airport transportation. True, there's the subway to bring us to places but it's a totally different story when your flight arrives past 12 midnight. Several blogs and forums say that it leaves you no choice but to hail a cab to bring you to wherever you have to go to. But that's not right. There's a cheaper way to get to your destination. 

Hello, Taoyuan International Airport.
It is not unusual to see rent-a-car placards and cab drivers near the airport's exit points whenever a flock of tourists arrive. I even heard a fellow Filipino who now works in Taiwan as a cab driver tell tourists to either get a cab or wait till the subway opens. I would have ended up paying a lot more just to get to Ximending if R and I didn't explore the airport to look for a convenience store. 

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

First Bite: Soru Izakaya

There's a new Japanese restaurant in Maginhawa that's making a lot of buzz since it opened last month with its beautiful plating and Instagram-worthy spread. I was a bit iffy to try it myself as I've been to several restaurants that focused more on design than taste. But curiosity hit me bad and soon I found myself in front of Soru Izakaya one Saturday afternoon. 

Hello, Soru Izakaya
We were welcomed by dark and warm interiors as well as Japanese inspired murals and wall designs. There were not a lot of diners too at 4:30 p.m. but the place was quite warm as not all A/C units were on. 

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

First Bite: Sultan Mediterranean Grill

Kapitolyo never fails to fascinate me. I've seen it transform from a quiet residential area to a food haven with countless restaurants and concepts. Now, with the area being too saturated and parking becoming even scarcer, we'd see the newer establishments opening nearby instead of within Kapitolyo. One of the streets becoming busier is Brixton and that's where I spotted Sultan. 
 
Hello, Sultan Mediterranean Grill.

Monday, June 5, 2017

Foodie Alert: Shakey's Chicken 'N' Mojos at 40% off on Mondays

Most of us usually dread Mondays as it means having to wake up early again to beat the Monday morning rush. Thankfully, a world famous joint decided to make Monday a lot better and yummier by offering its bestselling chicken and mojos at 40% off! Yes, I'm talking about Shakey's.
 
Hello, Shakey's!

I initially tried avail of the promo via delivery but I was told that it's only valid for dine-in transactions. Luckily, R was also in the mood for some Chicken 'N' Mojos so off we go to one of the nearest Shakey's.

Friday, June 2, 2017

Love at First Sip: Fundamental Coffee

My eyes turn to hearts every time I get word that there's a new coffee shop in town. But those hearts get broken into pieces when I find out that these cafes are not exactly near or impossible to get to with the current traffic situation. Luckily, being a full time blogger now allows me to be visit areas during less busy hours and I finally got to visit Fundamental Coffee.
 
Hello, Fundamental Coffee.

Thursday, June 1, 2017

First Sip: Selu's Bar

What's a better way to cap the work week than to enjoy a cocktail or two? Though I usually head straight home after work on Fridays to avoid the nasty Manila traffic, spending Friday nights over some drinks ain't a bad idea. And a few Fridays ago, I capped the week at Selu's Bar. 
 
Hello, Selu's Bar.

This is the second stop of the Summer Soiree organized by Discover MNL and Valerie Montenegro which is located a floor below Unna's Corner.