First Bite: JT's Manukan Grille

Bacolod is one of my favorite cities in the Philippines. It is a foodie paradise with its practically overflowing great restaurants offering superb food at pocket friendly prices. However, I couldn't visit this city of smiles as often as I could or would want to given the demand of what we call "reality" and "adulthood". Thankfully, I found a place that would quickly transport me to my happy place without having to board a plane (or roro). 

Hello, JT's Manukan Grille!

I've always loved chicken inasal even before visiting Bacolod. I enjoy its slightly tangy taste enveloped by this smoked flavor from the grill. But trying the ones from Bacolod made me realize that I was actually missing a lot. The ones I've had before couldn't even compare to the ones from Manukan Country or classics like Aida's or Chicken House. 

First Bite: Empacho

Filipino cuisine will always be love. Its rich flavors and textures never fail to charm me. And when I was invited to indulge in a Filipino spread, I simply could not say no.

Hello, Empacho.

Filipino Classic: Lydia's Lechon

Lechon has always been one of the highlights of any festive celebration. We’ve seen it in big events such as fiestas, Christmas gatherings and well… Cebu. I must admit, I already had my fair share of crispy suckling pig but it’s just so hard to resist it when it’s right in front of you begging to be loved or indulged. Screw cholesterol! Let’s YOLO. Okay, using that term might have just revealed that I’m no longer young. Lame lines aside, The Foodie Station tickled my tastebuds once again by inviting me to its foodie eat up at one of Manila’s classics… Lydia’s Lechon. 

Hello, Lydia’s Lechon!

A well-known brand that has been around for over 51 years, Lydia’s Lechon continues to make gatherings, big or small, extra special with its famous roasted pig. But unknown to many, Lydia’s offer more than just lechon. In fact, it serves other dishes that you wouldn’t associate with lechon. 

Restaurant Love: Wooden Spoon

As much as I love visiting new restaurants, I also have some favorites that I do not mind visiting again and again (and again). One of my loves is Wooden Spoon by Sandy Daza. This well-loved restaurant in Katipunan has expanded and is now also in Rockwell and Kapitolyo, two places I frequent! This must be fate.

Hello again, Wooden Spoon!

This time around, we ordered the following: Dinuguan na Bagnet (PHP232), Sitaw sa Gata (PHP142), Wansoy Shrimp Nuggets (PHP175) and Fiesta Rice (PHP172). I also got Cucumber Shake (PHP95).

The cucumber shake was refreshing and it sure quenched my thirst (after attending two classes of yoga and walking around Rockwell just to find Angel’s Kitchen).

The Sitaw sa Gata was your usual veggies in coconut milk. But I liked that there were crispy young anchovies on top.