Friday, August 25, 2017

First Bite: Ally's All-Day Breakfast

Moms say that breakfast is the important meal of the day. But for us busy bees, we'd be lucky to be munching on a cracker on our way out. I admit, I usually skip breakfast just to get from point A to point B on time. (I blame the intense traffic we have in Manila.) Don't get me wrong. I love breakfast. It's just that I love sleep more and couldn't find the energy to wake up an hour earlier just to cook my morning meal. Thankfully, there are days when my schedule's not as packed and I could enjoy a classic breakfast at a slow pace. And on lazy days, I'd head out for breakfast and one of the spots I've recently discovered is Ally's All-Day Breakfast. 

Thursday, August 24, 2017

First Bite: Lobby Café by B Hotel

I find it fascinating how small boutique hotels are starting to grow in Tomas Morato. I could see it slowly turning into Kalayaan of Makati, an area budget travelers frequent. And the best part of staying in this area is that you'll never run out of places to go to for food. But when your hotel already offers reasonably priced food, why head out?

Hello, B Hotel
B Hotel is one of the many reputable establishments under The Bellevue Group of Hotels. It opened two years ago and since then got a steady number of patrons and is even commissioned as the accommodation of some beauty pageants. I'd know since there were several gorgeous ladies when we visited for dinner at Lobby Café sashaying their way around the lobby with their sashes on. 

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

First Bite: LAVA Cheese Tart's Lava Eruptions Premium Cheese Ice Cream

I've been a big fan of LAVA since it opened in SM Aura. Its delectable cheese tarts are amazing. And I feel great supporting a local brand using local products. I've heard news though that Lava launched a new line and I just have to try it myself!

Hello again, LAVA Cheese Tarts.
I've been busy with work lately that I hardly get to visit malls. But an opportunity to drop by Uptown Mall came one day and I decided to swing by LAVA before attending an event. Luckily, this LAVA branch offers its newest product, Lava Eruptions Premium Cheese Ice Cream (PHP85, cone | PHP135, cup with three toppings of your choice). 

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

First Bite: Kenshin Japanese Restaurant

I love pretending to be a master chef like Gordon Ramsey. Though I may lack the skills to do all those French culinary terms, I appreciate that there are several restaurants now that let us experience cooking our own meals. We have grill your own Korean barbecue, create your own pancake, mix your own hotpot and make your own takoyaki. Yes, I'm talking about those famous Japanese street food treats. 

Hello, Kenshin Japanese Restaurant.
This Japanese restaurant along Yakal Street is a gem in the city. 

Monday, August 21, 2017

A Love Story: Twister Fries and I

McDonald's Twister Fries never fail to make me giddy. Its smacktacular taste is so good that my tummy weeps whenever it bids goodbye. This time around, dear ol Ronald McDonald teased us by having its curly fries available in selected stores first before rolling out nationwide. And since I try to avoid the crazy Manila traffic, it took me a while before I got hold of this yummy treat.

Hello, McDonald's!

Friday, August 18, 2017

Eastwood Mall Launches its First Ever Rainbow and Unicorns Fair this August

There's something about unicorns that make it so appealing to kids and kids at heart alike. I have to admit, I don't find unicorns that cute. But for some reason, I always find myself with goo-goo eyes whenever faced with some of these adorable fictional characters. And I drool whenever I see it in edible form. And if you happen to be fond of these colorful creatures or in denial to loving it, then you'd love what Megaworld has in store for you!
Eastwood Mall celebrates everything colorful this August with the first ever Rainbow and Unicorns Fair. It'll take place every weekend of the month at the mall's atrium. 

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Create Inspiring Memories with Marquis

Everyday is a celebration. Literally. There are countless people celebrating their birthdays, anniversaries and what-have-yous right now while there are numerous brands launching their newest collections or ambassadors. We're not even counting yet all those fancy business and social gatherings just because they have a budget for a fancy venue. And yesterday, I witnessed how an event can become even more memorable, inspiring and worthwhile. 

Hello, Marquis!
Marquis is the newest events place in Bonifacio Global City and it is designed to impress and inspire. 

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

First Bite: Roadster Roasters

Several restaurants open every day making it impossible for me to visit them all. But when a new restaurant gets nothing but praises from foodies, I find myself rushing to the place hoping to have my taste buds delighted as well. Though there were several instances when I was more disappointed than impressed, there are also pleasant experiences where I could say "worth the drive/getting stuck in traffic for". And last weekend, I was happy to say that the new restaurant along Sheridan was worth the trip. 

Hello, Roadster Roasters.
It may be a bit challenging to find this restaurant on the ground floor of TV5 Launchpad as it's not that visible from the road. There's also a tree blocking its facade making it more hidden. Thankfully, I'm familiar with the area and I easily found the home of 12-hour brisket.

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

First Bite: Aruga Cafe by Mesclun

Mesclun is a familiar name for those who frequent Ortigas and Serendra. It has been a favorite of mine ever since my first bite of its Sisig Spaghetti. And last month, this superb restaurant found a new home in Aruga by Rockwell.

Hello, Aruga Cafe by Mesclun.
Mesclun's newest cafe is the first thing you'll see once you enter Aruga. And I was warmly greeted by the front hostess who introduced me to Chef Katrina Kuhn-Alcantara, the talented chef behind Sisig Spaghetti and a lot more.

Monday, August 14, 2017

First Bite: Blue Rocket Cafe + Kitchen

I love going around quiet and residential areas of Quezon City as I usually spot a gem or two. And my trip last week did not disappoint when I finally dropped by one of the restaurants I've been eying for quite some time--Blue Rocket Cafe + Kitchen.
Hello, Blue Rocket Cafe + Kitchen.

Friday, August 11, 2017

First Bite: Falafel Yo!

Tired of the usual popcorn, chips, candy, soda and iced tea as your movie snacks and drinks? Then how about some Israeli treat? No, I'm not talking about moussaka, shakshouka or kebab. I was referring to a more easy-to-eat snack--falafel.
Hello, Falafel Yo!

Thursday, August 10, 2017

First Bite: City Garden Hotel's Encima Roofdeck Restaurant

Dining in hotels could be intimidating especially for the wallet. But I've noticed that a lot of well-known posh establishments have developed reasonably priced menu for those who are dining on a budget. And one new discovery of mine is Encima Roofdeck Restaurant's Everything Bottomless promo. 

Hello, City Garden Hotel.
City Garden is no new name in the hospitality industry but it was my first time to visit City Garden Hotel. I blame Makati due to crazy traffic and confusing one-way streets. But last weekend, I finally made it!

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

When in Bacolod: The Ruins

It was my first time in Bacolod last month so I planned to do the most touristy activity... visit The Ruins. However, Mother Nature seemed to be against the idea as it kept raining when we were there. But after some (sweet) nagging and not so beautiful eyes, I managed to convince R with the help of his local dealers. 

Hello, The Ruins.
I was so excited to take photos of the beautiful architecture. I even checked Instagram for inspiration. 

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Love at First Bite: Zoey's Cakes and Pastries

I love receiving home baked goods. I always feel that it has been prepared with so much love and passion making it extra special. And a bite of Zoey's Cakes and Pastries would make you think the same. 

Hello, Zoey's Cakes and Pastries!
I randomly got a message from Mae, the person behind Zoey's Cakes and Pastries. She asked me if I would be interested to try some of her baked treats. Since I have a sweet tooth, I quickly said yes. 

Monday, August 7, 2017

First Bite: Calea

A trip to Bacolod is not complete without visiting Calea, one of the famous dessert places in Bacolod. It has delighted countless foodies with its wide selection of pastries and I was excited for it to tickle my taste buds. 

Hello, Calea.

Friday, August 4, 2017

Love at First Bite: Pilyo | Cheeky Filipino

I am a big sucker for Filipino snacks. No, I'm not talking about junk food (though I like it too). I'm referring to what we call kakanin. Sticky rice, fluffy flavorful chiffon,  and shaved coconut mixed with sugar is an equation for a lovely afternoon. And a few weeks back, I indulged in some seriously good bibingka cheesecake soufflé. 

Hello, Pilyo
It all started with an Instagram direct message notification from Chrissie. She asked me if I'd like to try some of her bibingka cheesecake soufflé. BIBINGKA CHEESECAKE SOUFFLÉ... how can one resist that?!

Thursday, August 3, 2017

First Bite: Sisig Society

Sisig has been part of our local cuisine for decades and it has been named as one of the uniquely Filipino dishes. Its crunchy and slight chewy texture topped with egg has always been one of my top choices when in a Filipino restaurant. And when I heard that there's a restaurant that offers DIY sisig, I just have to go.

Hello, Sisig Society
This restaurant is one of our stops for Unang Hirit's DIY restaurants segment.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

First Sip: Cattle Milkshake Bar

Milkshakes are like fashion. It has its classic and crazy years. We've seen and tasted clean, creamy milkshakes and we've also witnessed these drinks topped with burgers and what-have-you. As much as I love milkshakes, I often find myself avoiding it when I see it being ridiculously topped with everything in the candy store. I make a few exceptions though especially when I hear that the place is good.

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

First Bite: DaTang

Venice Grand Canal Mall has been a destination of choice for new establishments. When it first opened, the strip near the picturesque attraction is filled with never heard of before restaurants offering European fare. But it is now slowly adding more establishments offering other cuisines. And one of the newest additions has a familiar name. 

Hello, DaTang.
DaTang is Datang Jardin's newest sister. Though the two share the same name and concept, everything else is different.