Monday, August 27, 2018

First Bite: Skippy's Gastropub

I usually associate pubs with mediocre bar chows disguised as good food under dim lights. With such impression, I hardly visit pubs. But spending time with friends in one isn't such a bad idea. And so, I found myself spending late afternoon at Skippy's Gastropub with some of my favorite foodies. 

Hello, Skippy's Gastropub
This Australian gastropub has been a popular drinking joint by several yuppies around the area. I've never seen it empty from the past couple of years I've been working in BGC. Though I've seen Skippy's since 2015, it was only a few weeks ago when I've finally step foot inside this sports bar. 

Friday, August 24, 2018

First Bite: AG New World Manila Bay's Market Cafe

I rarely visit the side of Manila Bay. I think I could still count with one hand how many times I've been in the area in the past decade. But I think I found a good reason to drop by more often. 

Hello, Market Cafe.
Market Cafe has been around back when AG New World Manila Bay was still Hyatt Hotel. Its mouthwatering buffet spread has pleased countless foodies and travelers that have made the restaurant a popular destination

Thursday, August 23, 2018

First Sip: Cocoa Boulevard

With Mother Nature in its moodiest state, I prefer to stay in and enjoy watching the rain as I sip a hot cup of coffee or chocolate. And speaking of chocolate, I discovered a new alternative to my instant mix. 

Hello, Cocoa Boulevard.
I got a random message from Cocoa Boulevard a few months back asking if I would be interested to try its hot chocolate stirrers. Intrigued by the concept, I quickly said yes. I was then asked to wait for a few weeks as they make their hot chocolate stirrers from scratch. 

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Must Try: Samba's Sabado de Fiesta

Weekends are made for lazing around the house and recharging for another battle with reality come Monday. However, there are times when I find myself excited to wake up early on a Saturday despite a grueling Friday because good food awaits! And such is the case a few Saturdays ago. 

Hello, Samba!
Samba is one of my favorite Peruvian restaurants. As one of the few establishments that offer top notch fresh ceviche and to die for Arroz con Mariscos, I found myself visiting this place quite a number of times. 

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Now in BGC: Soru Izakaya

Known for its arty plating of maki rolls, Soru Izakaya has been flocked by millennials who want content for their social media pages. But unlike restaurants and concepts that focused on just aesthetics, Soru Izakaya was able to balance both by offering eye pleasing dishes that also satisfy the taste buds. 

Hello, Soru Izakaya.
I have to admit, I was a bit pessimistic with this concept surviving the ever so competitive Manila food scene. As one of the few restaurants that offer relatively expensive dishes in Maginhawa, a neighborhood known for affordable grub, Soru Izakaya has a lot on its plate. But fast forward to 2018, it now has two branches with its newest one in Burgos Circle, Fort Bonifacio. 

Monday, August 20, 2018

First Bite: ICHŌ Japanese Restaurant

I love how R's parents are always on the lookout for new restaurants to try. They're awesome foodies who would often discover gems in the city that are outside my radar. And one of the restaurants they stumbled upon was ICHŌ Japanese Restaurant. 

Hello, ICHŌ Japanese Restaurant
Located along the busy Annapolis near Greenhills Shopping Center, ICHŌ is a stand alone restaurant that took the place of a former Chinese restaurant. 

Friday, August 17, 2018

Love at First Bite: Gallery by Chele

I always look forward to visiting restaurants that give our usual fare a modern take. Though more often than not, restaurants fail to deliver a unique gastronomic experience worthy to be called "new" or modern. But one restaurant blew me away with just one bite. The flavors I grew up with were transformed into something different yet the same, making me crave for more.

Hello, Gallery by Chele.
Gallery by Chele is a concept that evolved from Gallery Vask, one of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants.

Thursday, August 16, 2018

New Treat: Cara Mia's Classic Ube Cake

I love ube even before it became a hype or a millennial thing. I love it as an ice cream flavor that I'd grab a gallon just for myself! I would also scurry around Baguio to get a few big jars of the famous Good Shepherd Ube Jam. On birthdays or special occasions, one of my top picks would be ube cake. And guess who now offers ube cake? The dessert haven Cara Mia!
Hello, Cara Mia Cakes & Gelato.

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Staycation Chronicles: Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

Rainy days never fail to make me lazy. I tend to hibernate on gloomy days and find it challenging to get up. And the only activity I would be interested in would be to take a staycation. And a few weeks back, I got to spend the night at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. 

Hello, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila.
Every visit at Marco Polo Ortigas is guaranteed to be memorable. This popular destination in Ortigas sure knows how to make every single interaction pleasant. From parking down to riding the elevator, we received nothing short of top notch service. Living to its 5 star rating from the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide, R and I looked forward to our staycation. 

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

First Bite: JT's Manukan Grille

Bacolod is one of my favorite cities in the Philippines. It is a foodie paradise with its practically overflowing great restaurants offering superb food at pocket friendly prices. However, I couldn't visit this city of smiles as often as I could or would want to given the demand of what we call "reality" and "adulthood". Thankfully, I found a place that would quickly transport me to my happy place without having to board a plane (or roro). 

Hello, JT's Manukan Grille!
I've always loved chicken inasal even before visiting Bacolod. I enjoy its slightly tangy taste enveloped by this smoked flavor from the grill. But trying the ones from Bacolod made me realize that I was actually missing a lot. The ones I've had before couldn't even compare to the ones from Manukan Country or classics like Aida's or Chicken House. 

Monday, August 13, 2018

Now in Manila: New York's Magnolia Bakery (M Bakery)

Magnolia Bakery has been one of the well-loved iconic establishments in New York that stood the test of time. Established in 1996, it has delighted New Yorkers since and it has been one of the hottest must-visit brands when visiting the city. With long queues to greet you, one would wonder what made this bakery great. And to be honest, it was not exactly love at first bite for me. But having it the second time around sure won me over!

Hello, M Bakery
The world-famous Magnolia Bakery is finally in Manila as M Bakery. 

Friday, August 10, 2018

First Bite: The Belle and Dragon

We often associate bars and pubs with just drinks and maybe a handful of bar chows. But I've noticed lately that several drinking spots have been paying close attention to their food offerings and making it not just good pairings with their drinks but superb too for dinner! And one of the places worth visiting for dinner (or even lunch) is The Belle and Dragon. 

Hello, The Belle and Dragon.
Located along the busy street of Carlos Palanca, its green facade would be the first thing to catch your attention, a nice contrast against the urban concrete city like Makati. 

Thursday, August 9, 2018

First Bite: Martin Place Social

I've been a night owl ever since I graduated college. As much as I would love to wake up early to enjoy breakfast, I'd rather sleep in. Thank goodness though for brunch to kick start my day at a cheery note. And when a glass of mimosa is the first thing that greets you, then chances are, you are at the perfect brunch place. 

Hello, Martin Place Social
Located at the quiet and rather private The Plaza at Arya, Martin Place Social serves as an excellent venue for titas like me.

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

More Than Just Juice: GoJu

It has been extremely hard to go on a diet these past months due to all the food events, local trips and travels abroad. I've also been to two cruises this year which meant endless eating for days! And despite trying to cut down on calories, I couldn't find myself giving up refreshments, specifically juice as it makes any meal better. But I think I found the brand that would help me get my weight in check. 

Hello, GoJu.

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

New Love: La Petite Fromagerie's Camem-Beer Spread

I am crazy in love with La Petite Fromagerie. It has brought out a whole different level of cheese craving after a taste of its Truffle Cream Cheese spread. It was the best cheese product I've had and I couldn't help myself spazz about it pretty much with everyone. And when this cheese dreamland announced its new product, I drooled for days.

Hello again, La Petite Fromagerie.
I badly wanted to try its Camem-Beer (PHP550/jar)  spread ever since it was released a few months back. However, with a fridge half full with spreads and jams, I'm sure that someone's not going to like the idea of me buying another one. 

Monday, August 6, 2018

Now in Manila: Rico's Lechon

Cebu has been known as the city where one can get great lechon. And with the influx of several lechon brands and restaurants, only the best stood the test of time. One of which is Rico's Lechon

Hello, Rico's Lechon
I would always visit Rico's Lechon whenever I'm in Cebu. Despite having low tolerance for spicy food, I could not resist myself from ordering its spicy lechon, a dish Rico's Lechon started. Each bite of the spiced roast pig never fail to tickle my taste buds. And I was thrilled when I found out that Rico's Lechon is finally opening in Manila. 

Friday, August 3, 2018

First Bite: Hawker Chan Philippines

We'd often equate Michelin-starred restaurant to a fancy meal, costing us an arm and leg. But with the popularity of the likes of Tim Ho Wan, Michelin's list of top rated restaurants grew even wider in terms of cuisine and budget. And just a few years back, the famous Cantonese restaurant was kicked out of its position as the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant by Hawker Chan, a humble hawker stall from Singapore. 

Hello, Hawker Chan.
This famous hawker stall is one of the must visit stops when visiting the land of the Merlion. 

Thursday, August 2, 2018

Chicken Love: Bonchon's Soy Garlic Chicken

I can't get enough of fried chicken. Who can resist its crispy skin and juicy meat anyway? And when I got a bite of the twice-fried chicken glazed with rich sweet soy garlic, there's no way I'd give it up. 

Hello, Bonchon
I was so famished after a shoot that I decided to head over to Bonchon for its no fail, famous chicken. 

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Staycation Chronicles: Seda Vertis North

What do you love to do on rainy days? 

I love staying in on bed weather days and just watch the rain pour down while I indulge in a hot cup of coffee by the window. And a staycation at Seda Vertis North came timely two weeks ago!

Hello, Seda Vertis North
My first Seda experience was in Davao back in January this year. It started off with the delayed check in, clogged sink and noisy guests staying next door. But one thing I liked about my stay was how Seda won me back with its superb service. Hence spending the night at Seda Vertis North made me excited.