First Bite: Wing's Lab

Food parks are designed to be a melting pot of different cuisines and dishes. Most would have the crowd favorites burgers, tempura, noodles, milk tea or shakes, butterfly squid and so on. One more thing food parks have in common is wings. These good ol' snack is often paired with beer for that chill night cap. But there's this wings place in Poblacion that made wing pairing its expertise.

Hello, Wing's Lab.

Wing's Lab is a new player in the competitive world of wings but it has established a pretty solid unique selling proposition by simply focusing and celebrating this messy dish. 

First Bite: KFC's Chaco and Cracklings

We've seen Jollibee and McDonald's launching new products here and there for the past months and KFC joined the merriment by launching its Original Recipe Cracklings and Chaco. And I finally got to try these last Friday. 

Hello, KFC.

KFC's delectable spiced chicken has always been a reliable meal for me. I never had a moment when I disliked its flavorful chicken. I do like it better though when it is twice-fried. (Hello, leftover chicken from bucket meal!)

If you're always checking your social media accounts, you may have noticed an influx of Chaco posts a few weeks ago. Even the trusted foodie Masarap Ba? reviewed it but sadly got Chaka for its rating. 

Cheat Sheet to Shake Shack Philippines

There's no denying that Shake Shack is one of the most awaited burger joint openings this 2019. With the brand teasing us as early as late last year, many fans have two questions in mind-- when it will open and how much a burger would cost. And we got our answers last week when Shake Shack held its first media preview to select channels and personalities with the announcement that Shake Shack Philippines will open on May 10. But along the excitement for its first day comes some heated debate on which burger is best. Some claim that Shake Shack's burgers are ridiculously priced for a fast food chain while others say that their favorites are far superior compared to Shake Shack's. I'm no burger connoisseur but here's my take on Shake Shack. 

Hello, Shake Shack Philippines!

The popular and iconic New York burger shop finally opens its doors in Manila this May and its pioneer store is massive! It can sit 120 guests at a time and it has four counters to speed up the queue which is expected to be crazy for the next coming months.

First Bite: Slabbers

I am a big fan of Hole in the Wall and most of the concepts in the first ever upscale food hall in Manila. However, I hardly visit Century City Mall as its location's a bit off from where I live. I make sure though that I pass by this picturesque dining hall every time I find myself in the area. And for my latest visit, I tried one of its newest stalls, Slabbers. 

Hello, Slabbers. 

This new concept in Hole in the Wall opened last July and has been firing up some mean ribs and wings since then. With its prime location near the entrance, it would be hard to miss Slabbers. 

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. 

Summer Barbecue Party: The Plaza

The summer heat this year is unbelievably insane! We are now hitting highs of 37 degrees Celsius and that's even different from what we're actually feeling which is about 5 degrees higher. But one thing that could make the sweltering weather bearable is The Plaza Catering's mouthwatering barbecue spread!

Hello, The Plaza. 

The Plaza is known as one of the most reputable catering services in the metro. Having hosted the likes of Pope Paul VI, U.S. President George H.W. Bush, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as well as local stars like Vilma Santos and Susan Roces, it wasn't surprising that The Plaza turned into a household name. And over 50 years later, its brand is a strong as ever. 

Foodie Alert: National Breakfast Day at McDonald's

I absolutely hate waking up early in the morning. I stopped being a morning person after quitting my job that required me to report to the office so early in the morning. It was as if my body rebelled and could no longer function before 8 A.M. But I think I'll wake up extra early on Monday because it's National Breakfast Day!

Mark your calendars as March 19 is National Breakfast Day and you know what that means... FREE EGG MCMUFFIN. Oh wait. It's even better now. It's Longgadesal!

Foodie Alert: Yellow Cab celebrates World Pizza Week

Remember when Yellow Cab had the brilliant idea of holding an Unli Pizza promo? Well, It's back and it is going to make World Pizza Day even better. 

Hello, Yellow Cab.

Yellow Cab began to share with Filipinos a slice of New York back in 2001 with its first branch in Makati Avenue and it has continued to expand nationwide with over 100 branches to date. Such number proves how much Filipinos love its pizza (with perhaps a side of Charlie Chan). 

Krispy Kreme's Original Glazed is now available in Chocolate

Krispy Kreme has always been my go to place whenever I crave for doughnuts. Though I just stick to the classic Original Glazed and a cup of iced latte, mocha or cappuccino, I always enjoy looking at its mouthwatering and picturesque flavored doughnuts. But there was one variant that intrigued me and made me change my usual order. 

Hello, Krispy Kreme Chocolate Glazed!

Original is now available in chocolate! Yes, my favorite Original Glazed doughnut got a yummy tan!

Holiday Treats: New McFlurry Flavors

I am a big fan of Oreo McFlurry and I always make sure to grab a cup or two whenever I visit McDonald's. And to my delight, dear ol' Ronald came up with new flavors to celebrate the festive season. 

Hello, McDonald's.

As I ordered my favorite set meals, I noticed that McDonald's is offering new McFlurry flavors. As green tea afficionado, I quickly ordered Oreo Matcha McFlurry. But it was out of stock on my first attempt last November. 

First Bite: Taco Bell

Would you believe me if I tell you that I've never been to Taco Bell before? Well, aside from it having few branches in Manila, I'm always more inclined to visit a non-fast food Mexican joint for my taco fix. I'd find myself just walk past its purple and yellow facade without any second thought. But last week was different. 

Hello, Taco Bell. 

I was at Trinoma last week for the opening of my favorite yogurt, llaollao. I came in a bit too early for the VIP party so I decided to look for a place to have late lunch instead. I was leaning towards getting Turks Shawarma but I bumped into a friend who wanted to go for Taco Bell. Since I've never been to Taco Bell, I figured that it's not a bad idea.

We saw this meal for two that includes nachos, fries with sour cream, tacos, churros and drinks priced at less than PHP400. Sweet deal right?

Love at First Bite: Auntie Anne's Two-Cheese Pepperoni Nuggets

I love scoring deals as much as food and combining the food makes me giddy like crazy. With the food scene becoming more and more competitive, eating out has never been this fun and affordable. There are several apps and websites offering attractive deals that slashes at most 70% off your bill. Lately, I'm hooked to Booky's Buy One, Get One (BOGO) deals. And I've recently claimed another deal from Auntie Anne's.

Hello, Auntie Anne's.

I dropped by its Greenhills branch before heading to my meeting in Promenade. Since I haven't had lunch yet and needed some serious thirst quenching drink, I decided to claim two of Auntie Anne's BOGO deals, Large Lemonade (PHP80) and Two-Cheese Pepperoni Nuggets (PHP99). My total bill was PHP179 instead of PHP358. Not bad at all!

First Bite: Crosta Pizzeria

Aged pizza dough? It's something I've heard in the US but I haven't really tried anything like it here in Manila... till a few weeks ago. A pizza stall at Social on Ebro offers scrumptious premium pizzas at reasonable prices. And what sets it apart from fancier savory pies is its 48-hour aged dough. 

Hello, Crosta Pizzeria. 

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. 

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!

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.

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.

Second Bite: Puzzles Board Game Lounge

Now that I'm officially a member of Titas of Manila, I value staycations more than ever. But when I get invited to play board games over yummy snacks, I'd be ready in a heartbeat. And that's pretty much what happened two Saturdays ago when The Foodie Station invited me to hangout at Puzzles Board Game Lounge. 
 
Hello again, Puzzles.

To be honest, I was a bit iffy to tag along as I had a not so good experience at Puzzles almost two years ago. But everything deserves second chances so I decided to go. Plus, the competitive person in me was dying to visit again.

First Bite: Buns & Bros

Burgers never fail to attract me like fly to light. And when its patty is beautifully grilled and succulent, it was like luring Winnie the Pooh to honey. Hence, despite being full from my late lunch, I still found room for some serious burgers from this new food park in City Golf.

Hello, Buns & Bros!

I first saw Buns & Bros to-die-for burgers from The Bald Baker's Instagram feed. It was love at first sight but I had my reservations too as it looked too beautiful to be tasty too. Then again, after reading several comments saying that this rather hip establishment offers legit and bang for the buck burgers, I just have to give it a try.

First Sip: McCafé BGC

Remember all the buzz about McCafé when it opened mid 2000s? All of a sudden, McDonald's is a lot classier and attractive to caffeine addicts. Price-wise, it is close to how the famous siren charges for her cup of joe. But the popularity of McCafé didn't last long as it didn't offer one thing the siren is known for... ambiance. Fast forward to present, McCafé made a comeback and this time, it made sure to give what caffeine lovers want. 

Hello, McCafé!