First Bite: Shi Lin

I'm a big fan of Xiao Long Bao. I simply cannot resist these adorable steamed soup dumplings especially when doused with black vinegar. And though Paradise Dynasty and Lugang stole my heart and a part (or whole compartment) of my tummy, I'm always open to trying other places offering my favorite. This time around, I visited Shi Lin. 

Hello, Shi Lin. 

I love how R lets me choose where to eat (except on Mondays when it should be Fish & Co.) for dinner. I'd always pick either our favorite joints or a place I've never been to. Since I've never tried Shi Lin's xiao long bao, I suggested that we have dinner there one night. 

The Sad Reality of Losing Your Dog

I've always wanted to have a dog. Just watching all those adorable videos of hyper active dogs having a blast with their human makes me want to experience it myself. I know it takes a lot of time, effort and money to take care of one. And I prepared myself for that as the hardship is nothing compared to the vast joy these furballs give. But I don't think I could ever prepare myself for the time when they have to go. 

There are a bunch of articles saying that dogs are part of our lives but we are their whole world. Described as loyal companions, we see several dogs providing not just security for homes but comfort and unconditional love as well. 

First Bite: Fantaste

I've been frequenting China for the past few years and each starts as a business trip and ends as a gastronomic adventure. We'd visit several provinces and key cities, each having unique dishes and flavors I've never had before. And I have to admit, all these trips made me appreciate Chinese cuisine in a whole different level. Needless to say, when I found out that a new Chinese restaurant was opening in Makati, I was giddy and couldn't wait to check it out. 

Hello, Fantaste. 

Located at the ground floor of Easton Place, corner Valero and V.A. Rufino, one could easily spot Fantaste with its bold red signage with a panda which would remind one of Po from Kung Fu Panda. 

Now Open: Locavore BGC

Locavore has been one of the hottest restaurants since 2014. With its crazy wait list and social media buzz, foodies and not-so-foodies flocked to the humble industrial looking restaurant along Brixton, Pasig to taste its delectable (and photogenic) sizzling sinigang and equally delicious but not so photogenic lechon oyster sisig. Two years passed and people still line up just to dine here. And it turned crazier when it opened its newest branch in Forbes Town, BGC. 

Hello, Locavore BGC! 

I have been planning to visit this place for weeks now. I already had my fair share of its famous sinigang and sisig but I was so curious with its new dishes exclusive to its brunch menu which is only available from 9 am to 2:30 pm daily. 

Since having brunch here is near impossible given that I'm a corporate slave with a one hour lunch break, I figured visiting here on a weekend would be my only option. And since my weekends have been already planned out for the rest of July, I thought that I'll have to delay my duck congee calling for a few more weeks till... today. 

I was supposed to be feasting in Aguirre with some of my favorite foodies but due to transportation challenges, we made last minute changes and ended up in BGC with Locavore as our first stop. 

I hurriedly walked (because Uber was not cooperating and kept on insisting that there should be surge at 10:30 am) to Forbes Town thinking it will be packed with diners by lunch time. I got to the place glowing with sweat with a few tables still vacant. 

I was quickly ushered to the nearest vacant table and I ordered Duck Lugaw (PHP320) and Champorado ni Speedy (PHP280) thinking it'll take them quite a while to prepare it especially since the place was quite busy that time.