Food Find: Köök Manila

I find it interesting how much I’ve changed over the past few years. Before, I’d make sure that I have plans on weekends and that I get to visit at least five restaurants to serve as my content the following week. As I grow older (with matching aching joints and slower metabolism), I now value staycations and enjoying my alone time in the comfort of my own home. And one staycation got extra special when I got a sweet treat from Köök Manila.

Hello mini vacation with Köök Manila!

I hurriedly went home as soon as the clock hit 6 pm and I placed the vacuum-sealed Greek Chicken in the sink to thaw as I prepare my cookware.

Since I do not have an indoor griller, I decided to pan-fry the chicken sans the oil. Though I do not recommend this as it took me quite some time to cook the chicken, it still gets the job done. Best to puncture or slice the chicken to make sure that all parts get cooked. (Mine took longer than it should have because I wanted my chicken to look pretty when I take photos of it. Priorities.)

Love at First Bite: Juju Eats

I have to lose weight. Yes, reality slapped me in the face real hard this time. And I am more dedicated now to get fit. I’m actually surprised myself that I’m stricter this time. I guess the fear of continuing this unhealthy lifestyle might lead to a not so good future made me realize how much I have to be more careful. So, I signed up for anti-gravity yoga and started to eat healthy. I also happen to read somewhere that there’s a thing called alkaline diet which helps detoxify the body. I gave it a try and I’m now eating nothing but fruits and vegetables on weekdays. ONLY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES! But weekends are my cheat days. Then again, I still strive to eat healthy food while pigging out. And it wasn’t that hard when you’re at Juju Eats.

Hello, Juju Eats!

I have been seeing (or should I say reading?) a lot of positive posts about Juju Eats. I am familiar with the Juju Cleanse which I tried once due to curiosity but I never had the chance to try Juju Eats. I was so delighted when I saw a JUJU EATS COMING SOON signage when I visited Podium. And I finally had a chance to try Juju Eats’ salads last Saturday after yoga.

I was famished! I only had a banana for breakfast and it was already past 1 p.m. when I got to Podium. Luckily, I was next in line.

I decided to go with the ones the staff recommended: Greek Salad (PHP250 regular | PHP165 half/wrap) and Korean Kimchi (PHP295 regular | PHP180 half/wrap). I also got a bottle of Green Bomb and Qcumber Quench.

Seeking for something Greek

Ever since I fell in love with Cyma, I force my family to have lunch in this Greek restaurant almost everyday and they finally gave in two weeks ago.

At first, they were quite hesitant when they saw the menu as everything sound so foreign to them. Nonetheless, they managed to find something to order—Lamb Gyro and Kotopoulo Lemonato (Greek chicken adobo). I chose baked salmon (which was quite predictable). We also ordered Spinach and Artichoke Fondue as appetizer and Skolatina as dessert.

The Spinach and Artichoke Fondue arrived first. My mom and sister liked it; though my sister was not thrilled and still finds CONNIE’S KITCHEN’s spinach and artichoke spread better.

My mom was pretty full when our orders arrived. She wasn’t able to eat the gyro but munched on the potato wedges (side dish) instead.

As for my sister, she was still pessimistic when the Kotopoulo Lemonato arrived. But she managed to eat it. She wasn’t happy though. My mom and I tried it and we find it okay. Not outstanding but good.

As for the baked salmon, IT WAS HEAVEN. My only problem with it was that the serving was a bit small to satisfy my hunger. I had to ask for some potato wedges to make me feel full.

Last was Skolatina. I do not have to share how good it was since I already did in http://gluttonshopper.blogspot.com/2011/04/greek-geek.html. My sister fell in love with it too. She had a hard time finishing it though since we were all too full. Yet, as dessert gluttons, we still forced ourselves to eat it.

Will definitely try the other dishes soon. But I’ll probably invite my friends instead. J