First Bite: Elephant Grounds Opens in Manila

Bonifacio Global City is staying true to the word global with the number of international brands and concepts filling all those empty spaces in the growing business district. Shake Shack just opened a few months ago and it was not too long before foodies shifted their attention towards another brand-- Elephant Grounds.

Hello, Elephant Grounds.

Elephant Grounds is finally open after almost a month long delay and its jam-packed shop is enough to prove that many were waiting to get a sip of its famous coffee and a taste of its ice cream and food curated and developed by Chef Nicco Santos. I actually haven't visited its main store in Hong Kong but I've heard from a few foodies that this place serves great food and drinks. And that was enough to keep me excited. 

First Sip: Malongo Atelier Barista Café

Manila has come a long way--from being a city with limited options to a melting pot of local and global brands. With several new concepts and international brands opening here and there, it is not surprising to see your travel favorites opening a store just around the corner. And for those who went to France, this brand must be a familiar one. 

Hello, Malongo Atelier Barista Café.

With its 85 years of expertise, it is not surprising for Malongo to be one of the sought after coffee brands by taste makers. The family firm grew from a small coffee roastery in Nice, France and into a global leader in fair trade coffees and bio-coffees. And last year, its Malongo Atelier Barista Café has finally reached Asia and opened its first in Manila. But it wasn't until it opened its BGC branch when I got a sip of Malongo's famous coffee. 

Promo Alert: Vatos is turning February FunTACOstic!

Vatos is probably one of the best restaurants I've been to last 2018. Just thinking about its to die for Cowboy Queso or its sweet as nectar Sexy Sanchez margarita is enough to make me drool for days. And just when I couldn't think of more reason to drop by for more, Vatos came up with a special treat for its patrons and would-be fans for the month of February. 

Happy anniversary, Vatos Philippines!

Vatos is celebrating its first year in the Philippines with 100% yumminess with its anniversary promos lined up! 

For the whole month of February, grab your favorite Vatos Urban Tacos for just PHP100 (2 pieces per order). Included in this promo are Spicy Chicken, Chimichurri Chicken, Braised Carnitas, Chili Lime Shrimp, Korean Pork Belly, Baja Fish and Barbacoa Pork. Its premium tacos Carne Asada and Wagyu Galbi Short Rib are available for PHP200 (2 pieces per order). 

New Favorites at Bench Café

Bench is one amazing brand. From a humble retail store, it has expanded to more than just selling clothes. Now seen as a lifestyle brand, it now has spin off brands like Bench Fix and one of its more recent ventures, Bench Café. Its festive and flavorful dishes were instant hit to the BGC market that even those not within the area brave the traffic just to have a taste of the famous Tinapa Cones, Sisig and to die for Halo-Halo. And its newest dishes charmed us as easy as counting 1-2-3. 

Hello again, Bench Café. 

Bench Café recently revamped its menu and added some stellar new favorites in its menu. Now offering more a la carte dishes perfect for sharing, Bench Café becomes a family destination. 

First Sip: Olivia & Co.

It is sometimes challenging to find a spot where you could work without any distraction and with reliable internet connection. Most of the coffee shops I've been to were too noisy or have Wi-Fi connection that loves to play hide and seek. Though there are co-working spaces here and there, I still prefer a real coffee shop where I could order a much needed cup of coffee that tastes good. And last week, I tried Olivia & Co. 

Hello, Olivia & Co.

First Sip: Selfie Cafe

We all had our fair share of taking selfies. From that fun trip you had abroad to luckily bumping into your favorite celebrity, we have all mastered the art of taking photos of ourselves. But a cafe took selfies to a whole different level when it made it edible. 

Hello, Selfie Cafe. 

Tsuta is opening in Manila!

The world's first Michelin-starred ramen shop is finally coming to Manila! And it is opening just in time for Christmas. 

Konnichiwa, Tsuta!

Tsuta is one of the most talked about ramen shops since 2015 when it earned a prestigious Michelin star. The very first in its category to earn such recognition, it has drawn so much attention that lining up at 6 a.m. whereas the store opens at 11 a.m. became normal. 

First Bite: Teppan Okochi

We've been searching for good wagyu places for almost a month now ever since our favorite Buta + Wagyu closed. We've been to Wagyu Japanese Beef which was said to be very close to our love but we found it different and underwhelming. This time around, we decided to go with Teppan Okochi, a new Japanese teppan restaurant raved by many. 

Hello, Teppan Okochi. 

It was a sudden decision for us to dine here as we originally planned to have dinner at Edsa Shangri-La's Senju. However, R's dad suggested that we try something new so I thought of Teppan Okochi which is just two months old. 

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. 

Foodie Alert: The Gourmand Market this May 20-22, 2016

No plans this weekend? Then head to the Gourmand Market by nawwTy's kitchen and indulge in delectable dishes by top and promising food concessionaires. 

Don't miss this chance to stuff yourself with great food. Bring your family and friends as food always tastes better when shared.

See you there! <3

Restaurant Love: Café Seol Hwa

I have been raving about Café Seol Hwa for weeks now. I was really happy with the bingsu that I ordered the last time I visited to the point that I crave it every day. So one hot day, I decided to visit again and this time, I went with R.

Hello again, Café Seol Hwa!

The Korean dessert place was quite empty during lunch and we easily got a table. Since we were a bit hungry, we decided to go for Cheese Garlic Toast (PHP220) and Strawberry Bing Su (PHP240, regular | PHP360, large).

Service in general seems to be slow in Café Seol Hwa as it took them around 10 minutes to prepare our toast. (Then again, an average toast would be 3 minutes so it seems reasonable.)  

And after one bite, I realized that… it was stuffed with MOCHI! This is BRILLIANT!!! The crunchy toast with a generous spread of cheese and garlic and the chewy rice cake was a lovely combination. It may seem pricey for PHP220 but it was worth it.

Love at First Bite: Café Seol Hwa

This is probably one of the longest summers ever! The intense heat is too crazy that it makes me lethargic on weekends. But the heat didn’t discourage me to head out to grab a nice cold treat.

Hello, Café Seol Hwa!

I have been drooling over this Korean dessert place for months. Since the desserts at Café Seol Hwa seem to be good for sharing, I opted not to visit on my own. So one Sunday, before my mom and sister could drop me off, I asked them to visit the place with me. And they agreed. Hooray for captured market!

Café Seol Hwa was packed when we dropped by. My mom though was one wise diner and approached one of the servers and asked for a table for three while we order.  And we got one right in less than 5 minutes! Oh yeah~

While waiting in line, noticed that the place is decorated by trick eye wall paintings. Too bad though that the place was too packed for us to pose with each one.

I chose Pat Bing Su (PHP190) and Mango Bing Su (PHP170) for sharing while my mom ordered Mochachino (PHP155).

First served was my mom’s drink and it was chocolatey yet not too sweet making it still a refreshing drink.

Second Bite: Early Bird Breakfast Club

I love breakfast food. Sunnyside up eggs, waffles, bacon, toasts… aaaah~<3 This is why I enjoy visiting breakfast all day restaurants.

Hello again, Early Bird Breakfast Club!

It has been quite a long while since I last visited this place. I recall my former colleague T was still new with Summit   Media when we visited this quaint restaurant. Early Bird stays the same, charming and homey.

This time around, I tried one of its newest dishes, Cod and Salmon Breakfast Pie (PHP325) with a glass of iced tea (PHP95).

It took a bit over 20 minutes before my food was served.

Restaurant Discovery: Marmalade Kitchen

It has been a while since I last visited Marmalade Kitchen. The last time I went was August of last year and I just had a cup of coffee and caramel custard tart (because I was still full from my dinner at Tipple and Slaw). This time around, I visited famished and was ready to eat.

Hello again, Marmalade Kitchen.

When I arrived, it seemed as if I reserved the whole place for myself as the restaurant was empty. It actually made me feel a bit lonely. But I didn’t have the time to feel sad as I was really hungry.

This time, I ordered a bowl of Spinach Cappuccino (PHP180) and Smoked Salmon and Caviar Eggs Benedict (PHP290).

It took them quite a bit to prepare my meal as the chef was out on a break and was only able to prepare my meal after 7 minutes had passed.

Anyway, after about 15 to 20 minutes, my soup was served.

It was served really hot and I burnt my tongue because I was in a hurry. :(

The spinach soup was quite salty but delicious. I loved the creamy foam on top which reminded me of cappuccino.

Love at First Bite: Ramen Iroha

I love ramen and I’m so happy that more and more ramen establishments are coming to the Philippines. I do mini mental cartwheels every time I see a new ramen shop and I happen to spot one on my way to the Tempur Breeze event.

I spy Ramen Iroha!

This new ramen place opened last December and I have been hearing nothing but good reviews about this place. I told my colleague A that I will have dinner there before heading back home. But since there were a lot of dishes left from the event, we decided to save our money and have a mini buffet instead of having a ramen night. I promised myself though that I will visit this place soon.

Unfortunately, I hardly frequent BGC these days as I was so into getting fit hence I get stuck in Kapitolyo or Rockwell. But the food gods really love me. The principal (from work) I was with last Tuesday night craved for ramen so we ended up having late dinner at… RAMEN IROHA! (Insert deep *oh yeaaah~* here.)

The place was hardly packed by hungry foodies. Only two other tables were occupied when we arrived hence service was quick. And since I was with a principal, I was a bit timid to go all out so I just ordered a small bowl of Toyama Black Soy-Sauce Ramen (PHP250 | PHP395 for regular bowl). This ramen is a winner of the Tokyo Ramen Show for 4 years including 2014 so I had pretty high expectations for this dish.

Restaurant Discovery: O’Rice

Table for one, please.

For some reason, I still feel awkward saying that. But it makes me giddy at the same time. Eating alone doesn’t make me one lonely individual. In fact, there are times that I truly enjoy it. Plus, there’s the perk of ordering whatever I want.

I was planning to have a quick lunch at McDonald’s but it was packed. Since I had to go back to the site (yes, I was in my construction worker mode that time) ASAP, I decided to look for another place to have lunch. And that’s when I spotted O’Rice.

Hello, O’Rice!

The Korean restaurant was pretty busy too though there were still a few tables available. I got a table near the counter and ordered right away. I went with Beef Bulgogi Fried Rice (PHP248), Black Bean Noodles (PHP198) and a glass of Brewed Iced Tea (PHP95).

First served was the iced tea and it sure was sweeeet. Too sweet. I had to wait for the ice to melt for it to be more thirst quenching.

Restaurant Discovery: The Hungry Hound

[Continuation of my BGC food trip story.] N and I were supposed to stop by Sunshine Kitchen for stop #2 but the place was closed. We passed by a German Pub, Burgos Circle and much more but none seem to catch our eyes and tummies. Then N went to Instagram for other finds and we both decided to go to...

Hello, The Hungry Hound!

We practically own the place when we got there as we were the only customers. The young server seemed to be very eager to serve us too. We guessed that he must be so bored and wanted to do his job.

We went with two dishes, Smoked Bacon-Silog (PHP385) and Duck Fat Fries (PHP288). Just two you say? Well, we still have one more stop and food tripping in BGC kills the poor wallet. 

We decided to finally order the Duck Fat Fries as it has been haunting me since I was in California. I just have to order it I guess. (Then I remembered afterwards that I had a few when I visited Green Pastures.)

 

The fries doesn't seem to be anything extraordinary. It tasted like deep fried potatoes. Or perhaps I just don't have the precise taste buds to differentiate the different oils used to fry food. The fries though were cooked crisp which I enjoyed. I just wish that they added a bit more cheese.

Restaurant Discovery: Early Bird Breakfast Club

Never skip breakfast. That’s something our parents always tell us. But with the boom of breakfast-all-day restaurants, this is one reminder that we will definitely remember.

I just love meetings outside the office as it helps me think better and churn out more ideas. And I just love that my officemates are such great foodies that they know the best restaurants.

 

One day, we had a meeting for Real Living’s big celebration and our group publisher (GP) decided that we hold the meeting at Early Bird, a cute restaurant that serves breakfast food… all day long.

 

The place sure is charming. It is screaming Real Living with its printed wallpapers and nice furniture. The lighting fixtures are cute too!

 

For my order, I decided to get the Tenderloin Tapa (PHP375). I hesitated though given that I want a dish with bacon but since GP ordered bacon crisps with maple syrup (forgot to take note of the price though), tapa it is! As for my beverage, I went for Early Bird Signature Iced Tea (PHP125).

Sweet Find: Chez Karine

I first heard of this store from B and ever since she bought a box of macarons, I’ve been curious if it really tastes good (as B was really looking forward to buying a box of it). Months passed by and finally, I managed to grab a few macarons.

 

Hello, Chez Karine!

 

This small pastry shop has a charming feel to it. Filled with light colored items, it sure screams “cute”. I went straight to the macarons and asked the friendly server for their best sellers.

She suggested that I get the Earl Grey, Salted Caramel, Dark Chocolate and Strawberry (all macarons are priced at PHP50/each). I decided to get the first three and opted to get coffee instead of strawberry as my sister is not very fond of it. 

I also bought one Muscovado Pudding (PHP100) and Mango Panna Cotta (PHP100).

Save the Date: Good Housekeeping Family Fun Run 2013

New Year’s Resolution #1: Get fit. I somehow checked it last January when I signed up for yoga. I also “tried” to avoid snacks and soda. But come my favorite month, the month of love (hey, it’s also because I’m a February celebrant), the motivation disappeared. This will change though soon as I can’t wait to join one fun event this coming April!

Cute dogs! Fun activities! Great food! Where can you find all in one venue? 

In Good Housekeeping Family Fun Run of course!

Happening this April 6, 2013 at the 34th St. corner 9th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, expect a lot of huggable dogs, sporty kids, and activities the whole family will enjoy. There will also be food concessionaires during the event worth trying. Kids will have a blast as this time, K-Zone and Total Girl (aside from Good Dog) are on board as well!