A Celebration Must-Have: S.A.L.O. Lechon Belly Kitchen

Christmas is just around the corner, yet I could barely feel it. Sure, the breeze is a bit cooler than usual. But the lack of festive and colorful lights make it seem like galaxies away. The coronavirus coupled with damages caused by several typhoons has dampened our high spirits. But we should not let it stop us from celebrating this special occasion with our loved ones. And I'm so glad to discover the perfect Filipino spread that will surely tickle everyone's taste buds!

Hello, S.A.L.O. Lechon Belly Kitchen.

Its name says it all. S.A.L.O. is a food concept that specializes in Filipino dishes that are great for gatherings and potlucks. Its highlighted product, lechon belly, is a sure hit at any party with its perfectly crispy skin and succulent meat. 

Love at First Bite: Mama V Delicious Party Trays

I adore establishments that have stories to tell. I love learning about the inspiration behind each brand. And sometimes, knowing the hard work placed on each dish makes the food extra delicious. Such was the case with Mama V Delicious.

Hello, Mama V Delicious!

Mama V Delicious started as a restaurant along Leon Guinto Street, corner Estrada, Malate. Managed by mother and daughter tandem Mama V and Tina V, the quickly became a hit among the students of St. Scholastica, De La Salle University, College of St. Benilde, and the like.

First Bite: Big Ben's Gourmet Imus Longganisa

Big Ben's is one of Imus, Cavite's gems when it comes to longganisa. It has been known for its delectable Original Garlic Adobo Longganisa which is packed with bold flavors along with crowd favorites Garlic Hamunado and Gourmet Bottled Longganisa. But this charmer down south has a lot more to offer.

Hello, Big Ben's Gourmet Imus Longganisa.

Big Ben's has been around for a couple of years now but I haven't had the chance to drop by its Cavite restaurant. And I wouldn't have guessed that my first time to try it was during Manila's lockdown. 

First Bite: Lola Cafe + Bar

Lola Cafe + Bar is one of the most recommended restaurants in Tomas Morato. Known for its quaint ambiance and interesting menu, I've been wanting to visit this place for years! And finally, after three long years, the stars aligned and off we drove to this foodie district. 

Hello, Lola Cafe + Bar. 

We visited Lola on a Tuesday night and the restaurant's parking was packed! We were told that we could park nearby as long as we get to have half the car up the sidewalk. 

First Bite: Lugaw Manila

A trip to Poblacion is not complete without dropping by a bar or two for drinks. And though this bustling night scene is packed with the trendiest restaurants and bars, it runs a bit short of spots where one can recover from all the cocktails and beer consumed. Thankfully, there's a new shop in town that offers the crowd favorite lugaw. 

Hello, Lugaw Manila. 

Lugaw Manila may be a new kid in the block but it has been around longer than most of Poblacion's frequent guests. 

Established in 1989, Lugaw Manila started out as a small family restaurant in one of the streets of Malolos, Bulacan. For decades, this nameless store attracts locals for its bang for the buck goto and other comfort dishes. It took a bit of courage and perfect timing for it to find the opportunity to finally bring its delectable dishes to Manila.

When in El Nido: The Red Crab Alimango House

After days of swimming, snorkeling and climbing in Apulit and Miniloc, R and I were looking forward to finally relax at Lio, El Nido. Just thinking about lounging on its long shore and enjoying the area's chill vibe made us excited. But another thing made us giddy to spend a few days in this newly developed area... and that was to feast on good seafood.

Hello, The Red Crab Alimango House.

The Red Crab Alimango House opened in Lio Estate just last April and it's one of the best places to dine in the area.

First Bite: Eatogether Food Hall's Jeepney Avenue

Filipino cuisine will always have a special place in my heart (and tummy). Its comforting flavors never fail to make me feel at home or remember the good ol' days with the family. And I was giddy to spot Jeepney Avenue at Eatogether.

Hello, Jeepney Avenue.

Jeepney Avenue is one of the first stalls you'll see when you enter Eatogether. Situated right beside the counter to get your Vikings Card, its mouthwatering display of crispy pata will get your attention.

The Common Good Launches Lunch Sets

Enjoying a meal or two at a hotel always sound fancy and rather expensive. But more and more of these lavish establishments come up with options that appeal to yuppies and to those who want good value food with great ambiance to match. And this is exactly what I'm Hotel's The Common Good did with its lunch packages. 

Hello, The Common Good.

The Common Good is I'm Hotel's food playground which showcases different cuisines to satisfy everyone's palate. It has been one of the bang for the buck dinner buffet options in Makati and it has further pushed the envelope by offering lunch sets to cater to the Makati professionals. 

Delicious with a Purpose: L'Shef

In this world of entitlement, we often encounter people who are too focused on what they could get and barely put any thought on what they could give back. This is why businesses that have Corporate Social Responsibility or give back programs stand out so much. And I find it hard not to support these selfless brands. One new discovery is this online shop that offers bottled kimchi and gourmet tuyo which supports our local fishermen. 

Hello, L'Shef. 

L'Shef is a play of words between chef and Shela, the lady behind this socially responsible shop. It currently offers a short list of homemade products, all of which were made or cooked by Shela. 

Restaurant Love: Sentro 1771

Filipino food always have a special place in my heart and tummy. I'd often find myself craving for bulalo, sinigang or adobo. And one of the best places I know that offers good sinigang is Sentro 1771. But this Filipino restaurant offers more than just Sinigang na Corned Beef.

Hello, Sentro 1771.

It has been a while since I last visited Sentro 1771 and I was glad that the dishes I love are still available and there are a few new items worth checking out. 

Tipsy Pig Launches New Favorites

Tipsy Pig's Beer Can Chicken was one of the many dishes that turned this place as one of the hot spots for night out with friends. Fast forward to 2019, we've seen several restobars close down in less than a year but Tipsy Pig stayed relevant in the market by offering crowd favorites like wings, salmon steak and rib eye steak. Yes, Tipsy Pig offers superb bar chow and a lot more. 

Hello, Tipsy Pig.

Tipsy Pig started when Capitol Commons was still unheard of. It was challenging for a new player in the restobar industry to market itself when it's in a low traffic location. But its scrumptious dishes and bang for the buck drinks made it an easy favorite by the young ones and young at heart. And now, it is three branches strong!

Makati Chronicles: Bench Café

Bench Café is one of my favorite restaurants in Bonifacio Global City. Aside from its pocket friendly prices,  its great selection of Filipino food make it one of the best places to dine in this blooming business district. And when I visited Greenbelt 3 for an event, I made sure to swing by Bench Café.

Hello, Bench Café. 

Its Makati branch is relatively smaller compared to its pioneer branch but continues to keep its warm tones and stylish interiors. I was also impressed how some of the staff remember me. 

Love at First Bite: Lampara Neo-Filipino Bistro

Poblacion has been one of the hottest areas for restaurants these past months. Home of some of the establishments raved by taste makers, taking a stroll in this neighborhood would lead to a gastronomic experience. Such was the case for us last week. And our first stop: Lampara.

Hello, Lampara Neo-Filipino Bistro. 

Hailed as one of the best restaurants in the area by respected food connoisseurs, it is not surprising to find Lampara packed as soon as Poblacion comes alive. 

Tokyo Tokyo Launches Sisig Ramen

Tokyo Tokyo is one of my go to places for affordable Japanese food. I still recall my college days when I'd grab an order of its tempura and pair it with its refreshing red iced tea. And Tokyo Tokyo continues to remain relevant in the food industry by innovating and offering new products to the ever growing demanding market. This time, this popular Japanese restaurant chain came up with something quite Filipino. 

Hello, Tokyo Tokyo. 

We all know Tokyo Tokyo for its crisp tempura and bang for the buck bento meals. It recently launched its Nori Tempura which tickled seaweed lovers' taste buds. And just a few weeks later, it launched a new dish that would pique the interest of ramen lovers. 

First Bite: Maxi Mango

Being viral is one of the goals of anyone in this digital age. Virality leads to a massive increase in followers and in the case of food establishments, queue for hours. Such was the case for Maxi Mango after it became one of the hottest food items late last year. 

Hello, Maxi Mango. 

I've first heard of Maxi Mango from the foodie community Let's Eat, Pare. Its posts received a lot of likes and comments that most stay in my feed for days! And seeing its crazy long line at Robinsons Galleria further fueled my curiosity. However, I do not have that intense desire to know if its Mango Float is worth the one hour wait. Instead, I waited for the day when Maxi Mango barely has a line. And that day finally happened last week when I dropped by Trinoma. 

First Bite: The Red Crab

I've been away most of the time these past weeks that I hardly get to see my family. But I make sure that I block at least a day in a month to see them over lunch or dinner. And a few weeks back, we decided to head to Eastwood and have lunch at The Red Crab. 

Hello, The Red Crab.

The stylized signage of The Red Crab never fails to catch my attention. But its fancy facade doesn't match its worn out interiors. 

First Sip: Milk Tea Taho

The craze for brown sugar milk tea has been around for months and it seems that it is about to get even wilder with new players coming in town. While some are dismissing how great these drinks are given that it's just "arnibal", sweets loving Filipinos are sure to continue to line up and patronize these establishments offering an alternative to our classic taho. But for those who can't decide if they want milk tea or taho, I found the perfect solution for you.

Hello, Soy Yummy!

Soy Yummy has been my go to kiosk for my taho needs when I couldn't get hold of Mr. Taho. I'd always get a large cup of hot taho whenever I spot one except one Friday afternoon when something else caught my attention. 

Holiday Hacks: Empacho's Party Trays

You know you're in the Philippines when the holiday season lasts for several weeks or at least until all the leftover and lechon are out of the fridge. And for those who still have potluck parties to attend to, there's this gem in Tomas Morato worth checking out.

Hello, Empacho.

Empacho has been a favorite of mine ever since I had a bite of its kare-kareng bagnet. A mouthful of the crispy pork with thick peanut sauce would bring you to heaven. But Empacho has much more in store for us. Party trays!

When in Iloilo: Tytche Grill & Seafood Restaurant

Tagging along R's local trips are tiring and fun at the same time. I get to see the Philippines in a different light, seeing places that are not exactly what you'd consider touristy. And at the same time, I get to experience the local life and savor the different cities' rich flavors. One of my favorite places for seafood is Iloilo and a top contender for the best seafood restaurant is Tytche Grill & Seafood Restaurant in Dumangas. 

Hello, Tytche Grill & Seafood Restaurant. 

This restaurant is a bit far from the city center and definitely a place I wouldn't consider going if I was traveling Iloilo on my own. Situated near the Iloilo port, it would be hard to visit this place without a car as there are not much public transportation that pass and stop by this area. 

When in Bacolod: Bilbao Cansi House

Bacolod is one of my favorite provinces in the Philippines. The City of Smiles is not just known for its hospitality or the anticipated Masskara Festival. It is also a popular destination for foodies. With every corner offering scrumptious and bang for the buck dishes, Bacolod is a haven for anyone who enjoys good food. And I always take note of the locals' recommendations. One of which is Bilbao's, a strong competitor of the famous Sharyn's Cansi House. Or so what our acquaintance told us. 

Hello, Bilbao's Cansi House. 

This cansi joint is located along the bustling Lacson street. With it being just a couple of blocks away from Robinsons Bacolod, I'd say that it has a better location than Sharyn's.