Monday, July 31, 2017

First Bite: Vanderlust Bistro + Patisserie

Missing the dishes you've had during your European tour? Or curious what Germany, Italy and Spain have to offer aside from the usual fare you get from other restaurants here in Manila? Look no further as Vanderlust is here to satisfy your tummy's wanderlust desires. 

Hello, Vanderlust Bistro + Patisserie!
Tucked inside one of the small streets of Tomas Morato is this quaint restaurant that became popular for its Schneeball, a traditional German pastry that you smash with a mallet.

Friday, July 28, 2017

Dynamic Duo: Ramen Nagi and Tendon Akimitsu

Ramen Nagi hit Manila like crazy back in 2014. You have to wait in line just to have some of this famous ramen shop's butao. And unlike other restaurants that started with a bang and slowly faded away, Ramen Nagi never lost its charm. With its limited edition ramen flavors and expansions, it holds a special place in the market's hearts (and tummies). Honestly, I'm not a big fan of Ramen Nagi as its ramen flavors are too bold for my liking. But when I was asked to try Veggie Ramen, I have to give it a try as I've never had any. Also, it was hard for me to comprehend how Ramen Nagi married healthy greens and sinful ramen

Hello, Ramen Nagi (and Tendon Akimitsu)
R and I decided to swing by Ayala Malls the 30th, one of Ramen Nagi's newest branches, to try its limited edition ramen. We were warmly greeted by the staff who ushered us to the table near the window for good lighting. 

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Gavel & Block Brings Food and Art in one Scrumptious Weekend

I love going to museums and being immersed in historical artifacts and beautiful art pieces. But my crazy food blogging schedule always get in the way. But an event this coming Friday gives me no excuse to skip art appreciation day. 

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Toby's Estate Launches New Dishes

I blame Toby's Estate for my Chai Chocolate addiction. It was love at first sip. And just when I thought I couldn't love Toby's Estate even more, this popular coffee shop launched its seasonal savory dishes. 

Hello again, Toby's Estate

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Love at First Bite: Sharyn's Cansi House

One of the dishes I was excited to try in Bacolod is cansi (or kansi). I've tried it before here in Manila but I was not impressed with its extremely salty taste. Apparently, the taste of real cansi is quite far from the one I had. Hearing that it's supposed to be tangy (thanks to this local produce called batwan) made me excited to give it a second chance. And to avoid disappointment, I went to the best cansi place in town, Sharyn's Cansi House.

Hello, Sharyn's Cansi House
This no-frills cansi restaurant is located in what the locals call Shopping Center of Bacolod. 

Monday, July 24, 2017

When in Bacolod: Mimi's Café & Restaurant

I heard that Pendy's in Bacolod is another must visit restaurant in the City of Smiles. With a few dishes in mind, R and I headed to Pendy's for lunch. But Waze brought us to Mimi's by accident. Apparently, Pendy's used to be where Mimi's is now located. Locals say that the owner of Mimi's used to work for Pendy's and things got sour between the two parties hence the split. Mimi's for some reason got the original spot and Pendy's had to move to the lot across the street. And since we were already at Mimi's and got mesmerized by its various delectable pasalubong items, we decided to stay and give it a try. After all, the staff highlighted that Pendy's original chefs now work for Mimi's. 

Hello, Mimi's Café & Restaurant

Friday, July 21, 2017

When in Bacolod: Aboy's

It was an endless eating spree for me last week when I tagged along R's business trip to Bacolod. I had zero expectations for this trip as I've never been to the City of Smiles. I was even worried that I might get bored as my research on things to do in Bacolod only says The Ruins, Negros Museum and Butterfly Museum. Food-wise, I just wanted to visit Calea. But my friends (and clients) were very excited for me. They gave me a long list of restaurants and highly recommended several dishes for me to try. And I must say, their excitement was contagious! I was so excited just staring at the list they gave me. And on my first day, I visited Aboy's. 
 
Hello, Aboy's.

This Filipino restaurant is one of the highly recommended establishments by my foodie friends and R's dealers. 

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Love at First Bite: The Oriental Spice Gourmet

Cebu has become a foodie destination with awesome local restaurants and cheap finds. One of the restaurants that seem to be off the social media radar is this Asian restaurant that is known by, surprisingly, expats, as one of Cebu's finest gems.

Hello, The Oriental Spice Gourmet.


It is easy to miss this restaurant located along Maximo V. Patalinghug Jr. Avenue as it's huge signage simply says TOSG, the initials of the restaurant. But thanks to Waze, we didn't miss our stop.

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

First Bite: En Tirage

Gone are the days when wine is reserved for fancy or special occasions. With establishments redefining wine drinking and making it casual and less intimidating, more foodies grow to appreciate this drink that is said to be good for the heart. And last Saturday, I decided to swing by this newly opened wine shop in Mandala Park for a glass of my favorite sangria and sample some of its bestsellers.

Hello, En Tirage.
Tucked inside the drinking hot spots of Mandala Park, En Tirage (pronouced as en-ti-haj) has this undeniably chill vibe with its cold interior color scheme and dim lights.

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Izakaya Sensu Launches New Dishes this 2017

Sukiyaki is one of my favorite Japanese dishes. I always look forward to slurping some of its sweet yet salty broth and munching on some thinly sliced tender beef dipped in egg, crunchy greens, assorted mushrooms and noodles. To date, I could only name a handful of restaurants in Manila that serves great tasting sukiyaki. And I'm glad to have discovered another one.
 
Hello again, Izakaya Sensu.

Monday, July 17, 2017

First Bite: Seared

I've always wanted to visit Seared after seeing some of its mouthwatering photos online. However, my weird schedule was never cooperative and I always find myself being anywhere but Julia Vargas. Thankfully, my schedule last Saturday finally cleared up and I managed to join Always Hungry PH's food crawl's first stop. 
Hello, Seared!

Friday, July 14, 2017

Restaurant Love: Joey Pepperoni Pizzeria

Joey Pepperoni is no stranger to me as I've worked with Kettle Foods Corporation before and handled this pizzeria for a short while. I still remember going crazy over its delectable pesto pasta and how I make sure I dine there for lunch every payday. And years and other pesto dishes later, Joey Pepperoni's version still delights my taste buds. 

Hello, Joey Pepperoni
This local pizzeria rebranded a few months ago and added new product offerings. Shifting to brick oven also changed how Joey Pepperoni makes its pizza. Now with a puffier and thicker crust, it made carb lovers twirl with happiness. 

Thursday, July 13, 2017

When in Davao: Bluejazz Beach Resort and Waterpark

I've been going to the beach quite a lot these past months. Thirty shades later, I found myself basking under the sun at Samal Island again. But instead of going to Paradise Island, R and I opted to try BlueJazz Beach Resort with some of his colleagues.

Hello, Bluejazz Beach Resort and Waterpark.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

When in Davao: Saging Repablik

I'm always on the lookout for good food. I usually check apps and ask for recommendations whenever I'm somewhere I'm not familiar with. And when ForkSpoonManila recommended Saging Repablik to me when I was in Davao, I made sure that I drop by the place. After all, Forkie said the magic word... bibingka

Hello, Saging Repablik.
I've read a few reviews about this place on TripAdvisor before visiting. Most reviews say that service is slow and that the serving size of the dishes are not that generous. All reviews agreed though that this place offers delicious meals. It's just lacking in some aspects. Reading these made me expect a bit less from the place. 

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Since 1999: Brothers Burger

Do you still remember what you were doing in 1999? I sure don't but I know three brothers who clearly do. The Jose brothers started to revolutionize how burgers should be that year. The genius trio were tired of the usual burgers fast food chains offer and this triggered them to start their own burger joint--the first to make artisanal burgers. And Brothers Burger was born. Several years later, Brothers Burger is still a brand of choice for foodies particular with their patties. But on its 18th year, Brothers Burger has become more than just burgers

Monday, July 10, 2017

First Bite: Open Kitchen

I've lost count of how many food parks opened in Metro Manila. There just seem to be too many to track. I used to even brave unfamiliar places just to visit a few; but more often than not, I go home disappointed. Sadly, some food parks do not curate their establishments that well. Some just get the ones that offer affordable food at so-so quality while others bring in brands because of relationships or connections. There are also food parks that just focused on being Instagram-worthy and that's pretty much the end of its vision. I've told myself several times to stop visiting these so-called food havens. But the curious foodie in me can't resist going whenever I get word that a new one just opened. And I sure am glad that I dropped by this newly opened food park along P. Tuazon.
Hello, Open Kitchen.

Friday, July 7, 2017

First Bite: Le Jardin Café

First impression lasts and Le Jardin sure knows how to charm. I still remember my full course dinner at this spectacular restaurant and I often find myself craving for its superb Dessert de Gils. And I regretted not going back sooner when I found out that they finally closed their huge French doors. But great things never fail to make a comeback and Le Jardin opened once again but as a casual café.
 

Hello, Le Jardin Café.
I was greeted by familiar garden inspired interiors and a menu that is a lot more affordable than its fine dining predecessor. Focusing more on comfort food and breakfast must-haves, Le Jardin has charmed me once again. 

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Love at First Bite: Tiny Teapot Bakery Cafe

Those neighborhood cafes never fail to lure me. I always get curious with what they offer and if it's a gem worth finding. Yesterday, I decided to swing by this new cafe along Pioneer street.
Hello, Tiny Teapot Bakery Cafe.

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

When in Davao: Pearl Farm Beach Resort

I get super excited whenever I score great travel deals. Who doesn't? But this is also the reason why I hesitate to splurge on hotel accommodations as I always think that I'll be away most of the time and will just be back to sleep. Then again, it's nice to stay at posh hotels and resorts from time to time as a treat. And two weekends ago, R and I decided to stay at Pearl Farm Beach Resort.

Hello, Pearl Farm Beach Resort.

Known as one, if not the best resort in Davao, I had high expectations from this place and I was definitely impressed as soon as I stepped inside its wharf.


We were warmly greeted by its staff who assisted us with our baggage and ushered us to the reception where we have to register for the boat transfer. 

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

When in Davao: Tiny Kitchen Creations

I was so scared to visit Davao again after what happened and still happening in Marawi. Knowing that the war zone is just 5 hours away from this smoke-free city doesn't make me feel very comfortable. But after hearing great words about this Spanish restaurant along F. Torres in Davao, I got excited more that worried.

Hello, Tiny Kitchen Creations
This beautiful restaurant is known to be one of the gems of the city. It is often packed for lunch and dinner and unfortunately, they do not take reservations. But they do accept pre-order as some of their dishes take an hour to prepare. We got to the restaurant around 6:30 pm and the place was full at 7 pm! It was a good thing Uncle R decided that we leave the hotel early for dinner. 

Monday, July 3, 2017

Love at First Bite: Don Andres Peruvian Kitchen

I usually visit Pioneer Center to do my grocery shopping.  The place is a gold mine for cheap finds and hard to find imported goods. But recently, I discovered another reason for me to frequent the place. You could say that it was love at first bite.  

Hello, Don Andres.
This Peruvian restaurant may not sound very new to some who hangs out in Quezon City. It has been in Sergeant Esguerra for quite some time before it decided to move to a new location. So for those who were heartbroken with its disappearance, it's back!