Thursday, July 30, 2020

Food Delivery: Choi Garden

The spike of Covid-19 cases in the Philippines is alarming. We have doubled the number of cases in just a month. Hence I am sticking with having my favorites delivered instead of me going out. And I don't feel like I'm missing out that much as most of my favorite establishments now offer takeout and delivery. One of my top picks last month was Choi Garden.

Hello, Choi Garden.

Choi Garden has been one of our go-to restaurants for Chinese food. We would usually have dinner there whenever we crave for roast duck or pork. And last Father's Day, R's dad requested that we get some of our favorites from this classic Chinese restaurant. 

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Restaurant Love: Nonna's

I am a big fan of truffles! I love anything with a strong kick of this fragrant ingredient. For one, Mama Lou's truffle pasta surely makes my top list of truffle dishes. And when I had a belated birthday celebration with my mom and sister, I made sure that we dine somewhere where I get my truffle fix. This time, we went with Nonna's in Robinsons Galleria.

Hello, Nonna's
Nonna's is the sister brand of Mama Lou's. You'd quickly notice it too once you check its menu. 

Monday, July 27, 2020

When in Bohol: Take a Trip to Anda

I fell in love with going to the not so touristy areas of different provinces. These hidden gems are what make me fall in love with my country. It has so much to offer. You just have to sometimes to head towards the unbeaten path. And last December, R and I went to Anda, Bohol for a quick vacation after a grueling journey in South Asia. 

Hello, Anda!
Anda is on the southeast side of Bohol. It is not a very popular tourist spot due to its far proximity from Panglao where most luxurious resorts are situated. In fact, from Panglao International Airport, you have to take a 30-minute ride to get to Tagbilaran and about three hours to get to Anda.

Sunday, July 26, 2020

Food Delivery: Salmon HQ's Sushi Bake

Sushi Bake is one of the hottest food trends that emerged during Manila's lockdown. Several shops started selling this sushi spin-off. From the classic California Maki-inspired sushi bake to fancier pans made with scallop and uni, there are a lot of options to choose from depending on your budget. And if you are more particular with quality over price, Salmon HQ is one brand you should consider.

Hello, Salmon HQ.
Salmon HQ is one of the many new businesses that opened during the Enhanced Community Quarantine. It originally focused on offering different kinds of fresh sashimi. But with the craze for Sushi Bake getting stronger and no sign of slowing down, Salmon HQ decided to join the hype. And it launched its Crunchy California Sushi Bake (PHP500, 6.75" x 5.75" pan | PHP1,000, 8" x 8" | PHP1,200, 8" x 10" pan) and Aburi Scallop, Salmon and Ebi Sushi Bake (PHP700, 6.75" x 5.75" pan | PHP1,400, 8" x 8" | PHP1,600, 8" x 10" pan) last June.

Friday, July 24, 2020

Black Scoop Launches its Pints-To-Go

Milk tea is one of the drinks I find hard to resist. I've been so used to gulping down at least one large cup a week. The lockdown changed all that as I barely had any sweet drink for months. To make up for all the milk tea I missed, I had a gallon of boba from Black Scoop and tried a few new items on its menu.

Hello, Black Scoop.
Black Scoop has been one of my favorite milk tea brands since 2018. I always get its classic boba flavors and fruit teas whenever I pass by. 

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

My Pregnancy Journey: First Edamama Shopping Experience

One of the struggles of expecting moms these days is ticking off items from our long shopping list. With several malls and stores not allowing pregnant women to enter, most of us have to rely on online stores to get our maternity and baby items. Thankfully, there are a handful of reliable shops to help us. One of which is Edamama. 

Hello, Edamama.
I was so excited when I discovered Edamama. It carries several brands I've been eying to buy for my baby and myself. And I made sure to check it out when it had a sale three weeks ago.

Monday, July 20, 2020

All Natural: Bloomglow Luxe Trio Set Review

Being pregnant during a pandemic is not easy. It was especially challenging during the Enhanced Community Quarantine when I didn't get to visit my OB-GYN for two months. Even with the more lenient quarantine guidelines, I'm still not comfortable going out. And all the stress and paranoia took a toll on my physical well being. Thankfully, Bloomglow got my back (or hair and skin to be more precise) and brought it back to life.

Hello, Bloomglow.
Bloomglow is the sister brand of Orange and Peach, a 100% local brand that offers quality products for breastfeeding moms, babies, and children. Bloomglow, on the other hand, focuses on moms and their physical needs. 

Friday, July 17, 2020

Food Delivery Favorite: Gab's Just Desserts

My trip to Italy was one of the most memorable adventures I've had to date. From getting lost in Siena to walking on the cobblestones of Rome and feasting on Naples's iconic Neopolitan pizza, I have wonderful experiences at each stop. One of the highlights of our Italy trip was indulging in Italy's amazing desserts. We went crazy with panna cotta and gelato. But one thing we missed was cannoli. Thankfully, there's Gab's Just Desserts.

Hello, Gab's Just Desserts.
Gab's Just Desserts is one of the few online shops that specialize in Italian desserts. The owners, having been based in Italy for three years, are very familiar with its sweet treats. And they figured that the boom of e-commerce is the perfect time to launch their dessert concept.

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

First Sip: Koomi

Yogurt isn't everyone's top pick when it comes to dessert. Filipinos prefer sweets over something tangy for a sweet ending. But we've noticed a shift in consumer behavior these past few years. With more consumers becoming health-conscious, yogurt brands started to become a great alternative to ice cream and even milk tea. And it was timely for Koomi to enter the Manila food scene. 

Hello, Koomi.
Koomi is a well-known Aussie yogurt-based drink brand with a wide array of equally healthy flavors. And to cater to the local market, Koomi offers two yogurt bases, Aussie, a blend with sharper and sourer flavor, and Filipino, which has a sweeter taste.

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Food Delivery: Go! Salads Smoothie Kits

Eating healthy has been a challenge for me for years. I grew up spoiled with chips, soda, chocolates, and everything one would consider far from nutritious. But the availability of fresh produce made me want to have a healthier lifestyle. And being pregnant made me more motivated to stick to it. Thankfully, Go! Salads got my back when it comes to power smoothies!

Hello, Go! Salads.
Go! Salads is known for their fresh and convenient salad bowls. With several mixes to choose from, it's hard to get bored with eating healthy. For an extra dose of fiber and vitamins, many indulge in its delicious smoothies. And you can now have these guilt-free drinks at home!

Monday, July 13, 2020

Food Delivery Favorite: Pizza X

I love brands that make their customers feel like master chefs! As a novice in the kitchen, I was so happy when several establishments came up with easy do-it-yourself dishes. I've tried a handful, and everything turned out great! And with my insatiable appetite for pizza, I was thrilled when I received a sampler pizza pack from Pizza X.

Hello, Pizza X.
Pizza X is one of the newest food concepts in town. It offers frozen thin-crust pizzas in solo sizes. 

Friday, July 10, 2020

My Pregnancy Journey: The First Trimester Medical Experience

Being a first-time mom made me so dependent on Google. I'd often find myself searching for pregnancy tips and check-up schedules. One thing I found out is that you have to book an appointment with an OB-GYN as soon as you find out that you're expecting. And here's my first trimester medical experience.

Hello, First Trimester.
The first trimester is said to be the most challenging period of pregnancy.  And this is also known to be the riskiest trimester. 

Thursday, July 9, 2020

Food Delivery: Overdoughs Crinkles

Pregnancy has turned me into a crinkle monster. My appetite for this baked treat seems to be insatiable. I always find myself drooling at the idea of having more. Thankfully, one of my favorite brands, Overdoughs, added it in its list of delectable offerings!

Hello, Overdoughs Crinkles.
Overdoughs is one of my top cookie brands. Aside from selling amazing cookies, its passion toward the deaf-mute community made this food group one of the best in my book. And I was thrilled when I found out that they're now offering crinkles!

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

First Bite: Yoshimeatsu's Sushi Bake and Tebasaki

Manila's community quarantine gave birth to many home bakers, chefs, and first-time entrepreneurs. Every day, our social media feeds get filled with photos of baked goods, handicrafts, and items for reselling. It felt like a trap as I couldn't help myself from trying a lot. Sushi bake was no exception. Just hearing my friends gush about it makes me drool. And I was happy to be able to try the one from Yoshimeatsu a few weeks back.

Hello, Yoshimeatsu
Yoshimeatsu is one of the popular Korean-Japanese restaurants in Manila. Known for its wide selection of Korean BBQ meats and Japanese staples, it grew to multiple branches in just a short period. 

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Food Delivery Discovery: T Kitchen's Bangladeshi Dishes

I was always iffy to try South Asian cuisine as I have low spice tolerance. With the region known to add spices in its dishes, I thought that I'd have a hard time in Nepal when R and I visited it last November. But I didn't expect that I would like some of its local dishes. I would even go for seconds! And when I was approached by T Kitchen to try its Bangladeshi cuisine, I was more open to it. 

Hello, T Kitchen.
T Kitchen is the brainchild of Tania, a Bangladeshi home-based cook who decided to offer her home cooked dishes to the public during Manila's community lockdown.

Monday, July 6, 2020

Food Delivery: Food Tray 2 Go

With the community quarantine still in place, occasions are never like it used to be. Gone are the days of big and merry gatherings. But it doesn't mean that we can't have a sumptuous feast. And with Food Tray 2 Go, things are so much more convenient.

Hello, Food Tray 2 Go.
Food Tray 2 Go has been around for years offering delicious party dishes good for groups of five, ten, or even twenty! Its extensive menu also guarantees that there's something for everybody. Yes, even for the pickiest guest. 

Saturday, July 4, 2020

Food Delivery Favorite: Candishhh Bakes' Focaccia

I have a weak spot for bread. I find freshly baked bread so irresistible that I could never say no to it. And when I was asked by D if she could send me some of her focaccia bread, I quickly said yes! 

Hello, Candishhh Bakes!
You may have heard of Candishhh if you are actively reading food blogs. She has been blogging since 2005! Yes, she started more than a decade before the word influencer became a widely used term. She has always been one of the bloggers I trust.

Friday, July 3, 2020

Restaurant Favorite: Via Mare

My constant food craving is driving me insane. It never stops. And when I saw a post about palitaw, I craved for it for weeks. I even tried to have some made at home. But we had a hard time finding some ingredients. Thankfully, Via Mare opened several of its branches to satisfy my appetite for Filipino kakanin.

Hello, Via Mare.
Via Mare is one of my go-to restaurants whenever I feel like having palitaw or bibingka. I also didn't have to wait for the holidays for me to indulge in a plate or two of puto bumbong.

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Love at First Bite: Mama V Delicious Party Trays

I adore establishments that have stories to tell. I love learning about the inspiration behind each brand. And sometimes, knowing the hard work placed on each dish makes the food extra delicious. Such was the case with Mama V Delicious.

Hello, Mama V Delicious!
Mama V Delicious started as a restaurant along Leon Guinto Street, corner Estrada, Malate. Managed by mother and daughter tandem Mama V and Tina V, the quickly became a hit among the students of St. Scholastica, De La Salle University, College of St. Benilde, and the like.

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Food Delivery: Otter Breads' Sourdough Bread and Sourdough Pancakes

Manila's three-month lockdown has turned many into bakers. My social media feeds have been full of cookie, buns, and cake photos that I thought I was browsing through a bakeshop catalog. But one particular post caught my interest. And that was Otter Breads' sourdough pancakes

Hello, Otter Breads.
The power duo behind Fat Girls Day Out has been busy baking sourdough loaves for months before it officially launched Otter Breads last April.