A Meaty Heaven: Tender Bites

Food plays an important role whenever we travel. We often reminisce about the meals we enjoyed on those vacations and escapades. Though I'm more open to going out and exploring, I still have my reservations about dining in, especially when traveling with Sam. This is why we'd usually bring food to cook on road trips instead of going to restaurants. And I'm so glad to have come across Tender Bites.

Hello, Tender Bites.

Tender Bites is an online premium meats shop that sells your favorite beef, pork, and lamb cuts. It also has breakfast classics longganisa and tapa as well as ready-to-cook meats like BBQ chops and Korean Beef BBQ.

I was gifted three types of meats -- Rib Eye (PHP1,089/kg), Porterhouse (PHP959/kg), and Korean Beef BBQ (PHP829/kg).

Love At First Bite: Samsam Chikin

Happyfoods Group of Restaurants recently introduced its newest food concept, Samsam Chikin, two weeks ago. And it was nothing short of GREAT. 

With its recipes developed by the award-winning restaurateur, Mr. Sung Rah of Sariwon Korean Barbecue, Soban K-Town Grill, and Sibyullee Unlimited Korean BBQ expect rich and bold flavors in every bite. 

Daily's Diet: Eating Healthy Made Easy

I have a love and hate relationship with my postpartum body. I love how I can naturally nourish Sam with my breastmilk. But my intense dedication to providing as much milk led me to overindulge in lactation treats and drinks. Taking care of a very active baby and squeezing in 4 power pumps in one day made me eat for two (or even three). Daily's Diet meal plans made me realize that all I need is to choose smart and pick nutrition-packed food. And no, it doesn't have to taste bland for it to be healthy!

Hello, Daily's Diet.

Daily's Diet is one of the popular meal plan providers in the city. It has an extensive menu catering to those who prefer high protein, medical (low sodium), diabetic, and pescatarian. I chose a high protein, 2,000 calorie meal plan, as it could help me produce more milk. And with zero expectations, my first meal was delivered the following day.

The Newest Pizza Joint in Town: Corner Pizza by Kenny Rogers Roasters

Ever wonder why round pizzas are placed inside square boxes? I Googled it, and it says that a square box helps secure the pizza and its toppings. It may be true, but I always find the space in the corners to be a waste. That is until I discovered Corner Pizza by Kenny Rogers Roasters.

Hello, Corner Pizza.

Food Delivery Finds: Aedan's Burger

I have been eating a lot of galactagogues since I gave birth a few months ago. I stuff myself with everything that would make me produce more milk. Too much that I shut down ideas of giving in to what I want to eat. But now that my milk supply stabilized, I could finally take a bit of a break and indulge. And the first thing I did was grab a double patty burger.

Hello, Aedan’s Burger.

Aedan’s Burger is one of the newest burger joints in Manila. Established during a global pandemic, Aedan’s has put attention in making its products readily available via delivery.

Roast 2020 with Kenny Rogers Roasters

2020 is not the favorite year of many. With several crazy things that happened, the Australia wildfire and the Taal Volcano eruption seemed so small for some. The global pandemic takes the top spot but we also cannot ignore the damages typhoons Rolly and Ulysses did to several cities a couple of months back. And while all of us are still struggling to cope with the new normal, others are still trying to stand on both feet after months of lockdown. 2020 is one year hard to forget (and perhaps get over with) and this is why Kenny Rogers created a space for everyone to roast the year and put it behind us, with fire! Literally.

Hello, Kenny Rogers Roasters.

Kenny Rogers thought of a creative way to let steam off by literally roasting the year in a delectable way. With meat shaped as 2020, it was roasted last December 29, live on Facebook, as people commented below their best roasts for 2020. 

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. 

Quarantine Favorite: Motorino

I have a great fondness for Italian cuisine. Its practice of using the freshest ingredients never fails to give the most memorable dining experiences. And the best thing is that you don't even have to spend thousands to get it. Traveling to Italy made me realize that whether it's a Michelin-starred restaurant or a ready-made dish at the supermarket, everything was downright superb! I'm so glad that such quality is brought to Manila by Motorino.

Hello, Motorino.

Motorino has been around for years. It was one of the restaurants R and I had our early dates. I recall loving its gelato! This time around, I enjoyed a delicious feast composed of pizza, pasta, salad, and dessert. 

Food Delivery: Infinitea's Family Packs

The new normal has pushed several businesses to be innovative and bring the good ol' days' experience to their patrons' homes. We've seen bento boxes, DIY kits, and so much more. One of my favorites is how the milk tea industry delighted us with their take-home options. And Infinitea's ready to drink collapsible liter jugs sure made it to my top list.

Hello, Infinitea.

Infinitea has known in the market for its affordable milk teas and other beverages. I remember having it weekly back when I was still working for Summit Media. I'd often get its chocolate milk tea or classic milk tea. 

Takeout Picks: Black Scoop

Black Scoop is one of my go-to milk tea shops since 2018. With its delectable fruit teas and addictive milk teas, it's hard not to grab a few drinks whenever I pass by a branch. I know that they have savory meals too, but I only got to try some of its dishes during the community quarantine. And since I now know that they have good chicken poppers, I decided to grab some again after my OB appointment. 

Hello, Black Scoop.

For a milk tea shop, Black Scoop offers a good range of dishes to complement its sweet drinks. Its menu includes rice meals, sandwiches, pasta, and snacks. 

Food Delivery: The Pastry Puff's Portuguese Egg Tarts

I still remember my first bite of egg tart. It was when I was strolling along the busy streets of Binondo and spotted one of the famous egg tart brands in Manila. All it took was one bite for me to be addicted to this delectable Portuguese-style egg tarts. I tried several other brands after. But nothing came close to the one I had in Chinatown. That was until I got to try The Pastry Puff.

Hello, The Pastry Puff. 

I have never heard of The Pastry Puff till Jen of Hungry Apron PH introduced it to me.

Quarantine Favorite: Hungry Apron PH's Hainanese Chicken

Time flies by so fast. I can't believe that I'll be giving birth in a few weeks. And as much as I dread it, I am considering to do ge lai as it is said to help post-partum. But I discovered a dish that I think would make me look forward to eating gingery food!

Hello, Hungry Apron PH. 

I love Hainanese chicken. Sadly, I seldom find good ones here in Manila. More often than not, I'd end up having dry or bland ones that are highly dependent on the ginger spring onion sauce. Thankfully, the brilliant people behind Matt's Waffles decided to share their amazing Hainanese chicken with us.

Quarantine Favorite: Butter and Cheese Creations' Red Velvet Cheesecake

Being pregnant made me crave sweet food all the time. I developed an insatiable appetite for anything chocolate as soon as I hit the second trimester. And my OB-GYNE is not happy about it. I try my best to curb my desire for this sweet treat to no avail. Thankfully, some shops offer cakes and other desserts with less guilt. And one of my current obsessions now is Butter and Cheese Creations' Red Velvet Cheesecake. 

Hello, Butter and Cheese Creations.

Butter and Cheese Creations is an online cake shop owned by Christine Tan, a pilot mommy who has a knack at baking delectable cakes. She decided to pursue her passion for baking during the pandemic. Her current menu of cakes includes red velvet cheesecake, carrot cake, caramel custard cake, super fudge chocolate, mud cake, and ube cake.

Guilt-Free Snack: K-Radish Pickled Radish

I used to think that all kimchis are made and taste the same. My first ever bite of kimchi was beyond appalling that I refused to eat kimchi for almost a decade! Talk about the saying 'first impression lasts'. But after discovering how great ssambaps are, I became open to the idea of having kimchi with my Korean BBQ. I even fell in love with kimchi fried rice to the point of having it for breakfast at least once a week. And one of my favorite snacks now is Kimchi Radish by K-Radish.

Hello, K-Radish.

K-Radish is the brainchild of two doctors who know their way in the kitchen. Drs. Harris and Marie Co came up with the idea of offering pickled radish during the nationwide quarantine and thought that it would be a perfect snack to have while watching our favorite K-Dramas. 

Quarantine Favorite: The Ordinary Sip's White Fungus Dessert

One of the best things we can do for ourselves during this global pandemic is to strengthen our immune system. We could do so by exercising or eating the right food. The first option is becoming too difficult for me when I enter my 9th month of pregnancy, so I try my best to eat nutritious food for me and my baby, Sam. And I'm so happy to discover a delectable treat that not only tastes so good but packed with health benefits perfect for expectant moms like me. 

Hello, The Ordinary Sip.

The Ordinary Sip is the newest brainchild of the talented girls behind Nacho Macho MNL. This time around, they came up with a not so usual dessert that R and I love. 

Best Sourdough in Manila: Otter Breads' Sourdough Noir

I have a weak spot for bread. I would often grab a loaf or two whenever I go to the supermarket or go crazy every time I pass by a bakeshop. And when Otter Breads offered for me to try its newest sourdough creation, I said yes in a heartbeat!

Hello again, Otter Breads.

I love how Otter Breads' dedication and support for local suppliers. It regularly comes up with new artisanal products made with the finest Filipino produce. And one of its latest creations is its Sourdough Noir.

Food Delivery Favorite: Snack in a Tub's Cheese and Cold Cuts

 I have a weak spot for cheese and cold cuts. I'd always go for some whenever I see a platter in a buffet or party. And thanks to Snack in a Tub, I can have my share of a colorful platter weekly!

Hello, Snack in a Tub.

Snack in a Tub is a local online food delivery that specializes in beautifully packed cheese and cold cuts in a tub. Don't be fooled by its luxurious look as this shop offers pocket-friendly tubs. 

Food Delivery Favorite: Gang Gang Boneless Fried Chicken

I have a weak spot for fried chicken. Just thinking about its crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside texture makes me drool. And I'm so happy that I get to enjoy lemon fried chicken anytime I want. But a new food discovery, Gang Gang Boneless Fried Chicken, made me realize that there are other flavors out there that deserve love. 

Hello, Gang Gang Boneless Fried Chicken.

Gang Gang Boneless Fried Chicken is yet another brainchild of the creative individuals behind Boa Kitchen + Socials and Buwan. 

Love at First Bite: The Bright Bakers' Ube Cheese Rolls

Ube Cheese Pandesal is one of the hottest food trends this 2020. There must be over a hundred shops selling this Instagram-worthy product. I admit that I've had my fair share of this trend. Though delicious, I wasn't sold with the whole concept until I had Hi, Bear!'s ube pan. But it was just a start as I discovered something that blew me away even more. And that was with the Ube Cheese Rolls by The Bright Bakers.

Hello, The Bright Bakers.

The Bright Bakers is one of the newest food businesses born during the pandemic. Browsing through its social media feed would give you the impression that it's just another bakeshop selling pretty much the same items as any other shop. But it sells one of the fluffiest cheese rolls in town.

Food Delivery Favorite: Dip't MNL's Candied Strawberries

This year is full of unexpected twists and turns. We were supposed to attend the Canton Fair in April and go around Korea in May. But we all know what happened these past months. Thankfully, many new businesses were born during these trying times and made us cope with the new normal a bit better. And Dip't MNL eased my disappointment for missing our much-awaited return trip to Korea. 

Hello, Dip't MNL.

Dip't MNL is one of the many new online businesses that opened this 2020. It specializes in candied strawberries, one of the popular street foods in Korea (and even in China and Taiwan).