One of the Classics: Tropical Hut

I have several fond memories with Tropical Hut. I used to frequent a few branches back when I was young. My grandmother would often bring me there after school for an afternoon snack. We'd share a clubhouse or chicken sandwich, and she'd let me play for a few minutes in its play area. But ever since she stopped picking me up from school, our Tropical Hut visits stopped too. And it took more than two decades for me to rekindle my love with this nostalgic fast food brand.

Long time no see Tropical Hut.

I had this crazy craving for macaroni salad last week. I couldn't stop yearning for it. I used to order from another fast food joint. But the brand recently pulled it out of the menu. And thanks to the Best of the Best Manila, I was reminded that Tropical Hut offers it too.

Love at First Bite: Goto Tendon

The Coronavirus pandemic left almost everyone paranoid. We'd freak out at the sound of a soft cough or tiny sneeze and take several steps back with fear plastered on our faces. We got used to sanitizing almost everything and practice social distancing. Yet, we don't know if that's enough. And when R got a fever a few weeks back, we were a bit panicky and had no idea what to do. All I could think of was to feed him good food. Thankfully, Goto Tendon was open for take-out. 

Hello, Goto Tendon.

Goto Tendon has been one of the highly-rated goto/pares places in Manila. It may be a bit new in the goto or pares scene but its mouthwatering offerings and affordable prices made it an instant hit and favorite to many. 

Popeyes Philippines: Is it really as good as people say?

Popeyes Luisiana Kitchen's store opening was one of the most anticipated food events last year. The crazy queue, rain or shine, was enough to keep everyone curious. And it sure made me wonder too if Popeyes offers way better fried chicken compared to other fast food joints here in Manila. And after a few failed attempts, I finally got to visit its first store in Arcovia City. 

Hello, Popeyes!

I remember having Popeyes in California and it was pretty good. I'd drop by on Tuesdays to avail of its tempting price on its 2-piece dark or white meat chicken at $1.14 for thigh and leg; and $1.99 for breast and wing. However, it didn't really strike me as a superb dish worth lining up for hours. But I might be wrong given all the positive reviews I've read.

Taco Bell Celebrates National Taco Day

Love tacos? Then Christmas came in early for you with Taco Bell's awesome promo this week! 

Hello, Taco Bell.

The well-loved taco joint is celebrating National Taco Day in high holiday spirit with its fun-loving promos. 

Nono's Launches New Favorites

July was a stressful month for me. I had to learn new things for work and keep up with having new content for my blog. I'd often find myself sleeping so late just so I could have everything done. Now that I'm starting to get the hang of it, there's no better way to reward myself than with good food at Nono's. 

Hello, Nono's.

I used to think that Nono's is just a place for desserts knowing that the person behind this dainty shop is the wonderful Baba Ibazeta-Benedicto of Classic Confections. But I was totally wrong when I got a bite of Nono's Fried Truffle Cheese Wontons. Crunchy and packed with umami, this amazing starter made me smile from ear to ear! And I couldn't help myself from wanting more. My sister also had a Cooking Master Boy moment with Nono's when she had its cheesy Mac N Cheese.

Revisited: House of Lasagna

Nothing beats feasting on comfort food after a shoot or meeting. And when I spotted House of Lasagna after a meeting, I just have to stop by and grab one of its famous cheesy dishes.
 
Hello, House of Lasagna.

House of Lasagna has been around for a decade serving simple yet delicious dishes such as fried chicken, pork chop and of course, lasagna. 

First Bite: Franks Craft Beers Manila

We've seen the growth of gourmet burgers in Manila. There would be some that would charge as much as a grand for a thick and juicy patty and there would still be a market for it. But one category that seems to be not as saturated is gourmet hot dogs. Sure, we have the likes of Pink's which was well received when it opened in BGC but there are not a lot of establishments that offer fancy franks. And I was pleasantly surprised to discover a hidden gem tucked inside the casino of Resorts World Manila.

Hello, Franks!

Franks is one of the many signature restaurants of Resorts World Manila. Originally designed to cater to casino guests, it offers quick bites such as fries, nachos and hot dogs. But its delectable offerings were just too good to be bound inside the casino. Soon, patrons would drop by for some of their favorites to go and enjoy it with the whole family as they watch movies on the 4th floor or feast on it at home. 

First Full Bite: Scout's Honor

Scout's Honor is always a happy place for me. I'd usually swing by its store at Hole in the Wall for some yummy cookies and to-die-for flavored milk before heading home. And I was so thrilled to see its full restaurant which also serves other comfort food like all day breakfast meals and pasta dishes. However, I was hardly in Manila these past months that I only got a chance to visit Scout's Honor last week.

Hello, Scout's Honor. 

Scout's Honor is known for its artisan and create your own cookies. It has made a name for itself in the dessert category and it sure got a following too when it launched its savory dishes.

Late Bites: Coffee Project

There are times when I get bitten by the lazy bug and couldn't drag myself to cook something to eat. Thankfully, there are a bunch of places to grab food within my area. And last weekend, I visited our neighborhood's Coffee Project. 

Hello, Coffee Project.

Coffee Project has been a popular Instagram spot since it opened a few years back. I was actually lured to visit its first store in Quezon City because of its picturesque interiors. However, its food and drinks did not exactly match its wonderful look. 

First Bite: Indulgence by Irene Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

I love all sorts of cookies--from the commercially produced ones to the gooey batches you get from home bakers. Lately, I've been obsessed with the latter and would often find myself grabbing a few at food fairs. And I was lucky to get my hands on some Indulgence by Irene cookies a few weeks back when I met the foodie couple Richard and Irene. 
 
Hello, Indulgence by Irene.

Indulgence by Irene has been baking and delighting foodies for years now. Known for its delightful cheesecakes, Irene can definitely bake addictive cookies too!

First Bite: NoKal

The night was still young yet our bellies were about to pop when we got to our last stop for our Poblacion food crawl. But when we heard "Longganisa Mac and Cheese" we all felt our appetite strutting back and ready for something mouthwatering. And knowing that the talented Raul Fores of Made Nice Supper Club is involved made me even more excited. 

Hello, NoKal. 

Nokal or short of North of Kalayaan is a hot spot for night cap. Located along the busy street of Kalayaan, the three-storey resto bar caters to foodies, night owls, beer and cocktail enthusiasts and music lovers. 

McDonald's Philippines Launches The Flavors of Japan

McDonald's Philippines just launched something new that would bring Japan's Sakura Festival to our shores. And it is delicious! 

Hello, McDonald's!

I was lucky to be invited to the sneak preview of McDonald's latest offering-- The Flavors of Japan last February 26 and I had a blast indulging in these new products.

First Bite: Katherine's Café

Homey restaurants never fail to get my attention. I'd often find myself approaching it and checking its menu. Such was the case with Katherine's Café when I passed by it on my way to Mama Lou's. 

Hello, Katherine's Café. 

Brightly lit with a bit of Julia Child vibe, Katherine's Café was bustling with hungry guests when I dropped by for lunch last Thursday. 

New Bites at Tsuta

Christmas is fast approaching and its cool night breeze never fails to make me crave for a hot bowl of soup or ramen. And I sure am glad that Tsuta was our last stop for our FOODEE Crawl.

Hello again, Tsuta.

Tsuta has been one of the most talked about ramen joints since it opened last December. It was hard not to be curious about this place given it is the first ever ramen shop to earn a prestigious Michelin star. 

Langhap Sarap: Jollibee Yum Burger

The local food scene is crazy! One could easily get overwhelmed with the new concepts opening here and there as well as countless restaurants offering twists to classic favorites. But there are times when you just want those tried and tested comfort food on a lazy day. And one of my guilty pleasures is heading to Jollibee for some no frills burgers.

Hello, Jollibee. 

More than just Fried Chicken: BonChon's K-Fries

BonChon has been the top of mind brand when it comes to Korean fried chicken here in Manila. It came to our shores back in 2010 and it has continued to delight our taste buds with its perfectly fried chicken since then. And after the success of its favorite K-Style Chicken and Bibimbowl, BonChon expanded its menu that will make you come back for more. 

Hello, BonChon.

I usually drop by this popular Korean food chain whenever I crave for some Soy Garlic Chicken. Since I always have an order in mind, I never bothered to look at the menu. 

First Bite: Nono's

I've been wanting to visit Nono's ever since it opened mid last year. Knowing that it got a seal of approval from a very particular friend, I was sure that it will tickle my taste buds with glee. But it was hard for me to drop by as I don't frequent U.P. Town Center. Thankfully, it opened another branch at a more convenient location last month-- Podium. 

Hello, Nono's.

It would be hard to miss Nono's at the new wing of Podium mall as it is located near the escalator. But even its eye-catching and dreamy interiors will make any Instagram-loving individual take notice of it. 

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. 

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!