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.

First Bite: Catch of the Day by Cold Storage

I could never say no to salmon. I love this seafood a lot that I'm willing to give up steak for it. And when I spotted it one at Catch of the Day, it attracted me like fly to light. 

Hello, Catch of the Day by Cold Storage.

Catch of the Day is Cold Storage's paluto-type stall at The Corner Market.  

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.

Cheat Sheet to Shake Shack Philippines

There's no denying that Shake Shack is one of the most awaited burger joint openings this 2019. With the brand teasing us as early as late last year, many fans have two questions in mind-- when it will open and how much a burger would cost. And we got our answers last week when Shake Shack held its first media preview to select channels and personalities with the announcement that Shake Shack Philippines will open on May 10. But along the excitement for its first day comes some heated debate on which burger is best. Some claim that Shake Shack's burgers are ridiculously priced for a fast food chain while others say that their favorites are far superior compared to Shake Shack's. I'm no burger connoisseur but here's my take on Shake Shack. 

Hello, Shake Shack Philippines!

The popular and iconic New York burger shop finally opens its doors in Manila this May and its pioneer store is massive! It can sit 120 guests at a time and it has four counters to speed up the queue which is expected to be crazy for the next coming months.

All about Beef: The Beef

Hole in the Wall's The Beef has been named as one of the best burgers in town for years now. Known for its thick and juicy homemade patties, foodies all over the metro went gaga over this premium burger joint. I hate to admit it but it took me a long while before I got to try this picturesque burger almost everyone is raving about.

Hello, The Beef.

Tucked inside the first ever food hall in town, The Beef has earned a lot of patrons with its premium beefy burgers. The no-frills burger joint has a very thin menu only offering hamburger, cheeseburger and fries. Such streamlining allows The Beef to focus on what's crucial, its patties.

First Bite: Skippy's Gastropub

I usually associate pubs with mediocre bar chows disguised as good food under dim lights. With such impression, I hardly visit pubs. But spending time with friends in one isn't such a bad idea. And so, I found myself spending late afternoon at Skippy's Gastropub with some of my favorite foodies. 

Hello, Skippy's Gastropub. 

This Australian gastropub has been a popular drinking joint by several yuppies around the area. I've never seen it empty from the past couple of years I've been working in BGC. Though I've seen Skippy's since 2015, it was only a few weeks ago when I've finally step foot inside this sports bar. 

First Bite: Pompoms

I can never resist French fries. As much as I would love to lessen my carb intake, I could never find myself saying no to some of these crisp and heavenly goodness. And when I spotted Pompoms, a casual restaurant that serves twice-fried, thick-cut French fries, I giddily skipped my way towards its cute shop. 

Hello, Pompoms.

Located at the Ground Floor of Robinsons Place Manila, one could easily spot this fries haven if you frequent Pedro Gil wing.  

Holiday Treats: New McFlurry Flavors

I am a big fan of Oreo McFlurry and I always make sure to grab a cup or two whenever I visit McDonald's. And to my delight, dear ol' Ronald came up with new flavors to celebrate the festive season. 

Hello, McDonald's.

As I ordered my favorite set meals, I noticed that McDonald's is offering new McFlurry flavors. As green tea afficionado, I quickly ordered Oreo Matcha McFlurry. But it was out of stock on my first attempt last November. 

Second Bite: Hello Kitty Cafe

My first Hello Kitty Cafe experience at its newly opened Uptown Bonifacio branch wasn't exactly love at first bite. In fact, I was disappointed with it. But it was hard to decline an invite from the well-loved Sanrio character. As a believer of second chances, I found myself back at this very pink place two weeks after my first visit. 

Hello again, Hello Kitty Cafe!

This time around, I was warmly welcomed by one of the staff who ushered me to my reserved seat, the most requested couches with what seems to be enclosed in a huge golden bird cage (with the signature Hello Kitty bow). Apparently, Hello Kitty Cafe do accept reservations, but only on weekdays. 

First Bite: Taco Bell

Would you believe me if I tell you that I've never been to Taco Bell before? Well, aside from it having few branches in Manila, I'm always more inclined to visit a non-fast food Mexican joint for my taco fix. I'd find myself just walk past its purple and yellow facade without any second thought. But last week was different. 

Hello, Taco Bell. 

I was at Trinoma last week for the opening of my favorite yogurt, llaollao. I came in a bit too early for the VIP party so I decided to look for a place to have late lunch instead. I was leaning towards getting Turks Shawarma but I bumped into a friend who wanted to go for Taco Bell. Since I've never been to Taco Bell, I figured that it's not a bad idea.

We saw this meal for two that includes nachos, fries with sour cream, tacos, churros and drinks priced at less than PHP400. Sweet deal right?

First Bite: Roadster Roasters

Several restaurants open every day making it impossible for me to visit them all. But when a new restaurant gets nothing but praises from foodies, I find myself rushing to the place hoping to have my taste buds delighted as well. Though there were several instances when I was more disappointed than impressed, there are also pleasant experiences where I could say "worth the drive/getting stuck in traffic for". And last weekend, I was happy to say that the new restaurant along Sheridan was worth the trip. 

Hello, Roadster Roasters.

It may be a bit challenging to find this restaurant on the ground floor of TV5 Launchpad as it's not that visible from the road. There's also a tree blocking its facade making it more hidden. Thankfully, I'm familiar with the area and I easily found the home of 12-hour brisket.

Second Bite: Puzzles Board Game Lounge

Now that I'm officially a member of Titas of Manila, I value staycations more than ever. But when I get invited to play board games over yummy snacks, I'd be ready in a heartbeat. And that's pretty much what happened two Saturdays ago when The Foodie Station invited me to hangout at Puzzles Board Game Lounge. 
 
Hello again, Puzzles.

To be honest, I was a bit iffy to tag along as I had a not so good experience at Puzzles almost two years ago. But everything deserves second chances so I decided to go. Plus, the competitive person in me was dying to visit again.

First Sip: Yes Please

I occasionally drink and when I do, I always stick to my usuals--margarita, amaretto sour, wine and Patron XO. These past months though, I grew to like other drinks thanks to various events I've attended. And thanks to Zomato, I had deeper appreciation for whisky last Monday. 
 
Hello, Yes Please.

I was lucky to be invited to a whisky appreciation night hosted by Auchentoshan. Though I've never heard of the Scotch brand before, the idea of learning more about something made me clear my schedule and brave the traffic.

Foodie Alert: Shakey's Chicken 'N' Mojos at 40% off on Mondays

Most of us usually dread Mondays as it means having to wake up early again to beat the Monday morning rush. Thankfully, a world famous joint decided to make Monday a lot better and yummier by offering its bestselling chicken and mojos at 40% off! Yes, I'm talking about Shakey's.
 
Hello, Shakey's!

I initially tried avail of the promo via delivery but I was told that it's only valid for dine-in transactions. Luckily, R was also in the mood for some Chicken 'N' Mojos so off we go to one of the nearest Shakey's.

First Bite: Sunrise Buckets

I’ve never been a chicken wings fan as I always feel that I get less for paying the same amount for a piece of chicken. I’d always go for breast or thigh as these parts have more meat. This is also the reason why I’ve never been interested to try Sunrise Buckets. But I guess I’m fated to dine here as this is one of the food stops of Food Hop 2017 by Zomato and The Grove by Rockwell.

Hello, Sunrise Buckets!

We were greeted by interiors in nautical theme and a retro looking open display chiller filled with various canned and bottled drinks.

First Bite: Sugar Factory

I love sweets and I can't resist it when someone offers me some. And when I got an invite to visit Sugar Factory, I replied with a big, fat YES. Indulging in huge milkshakes and childlike creations always sound like a good idea. 

Hello, Sugar Factory.

I was greeted by a well-lit and spacious dining area that seemed to be a combination of a fancy diner, Vegas and candy land. 

Since we were a huge party of foodies, we were moved to the second floor dining area which gave us a nice view of the whole place. On the other hand, the second dining area is a bit cramped and it was hard for us eager (and aspiring) food photographers to move around and take photos of the fun dishes served to us. But if you're there to simply enjoy the food, you'll be fine. 

First Bite: Sweet Ecstasy

I have been dying to visit Sweet Ecstasy ever since I heard that it serves really good burgers and that its taste is very close to In-N-Out's, a well-loved burger joint in California which also had a few pop up events here in Manila. I was ecstatic when I found out that they have a branch in Uptown Parade. However, all the negative reviews from that branch made me hesitate. Hence, it took me longer to try this joint’s famous patties. Thanks to an event at Miriam College, I finally had a chance to visit its Katipunan branch.

Hello, Sweet Ecstasy!

Located at the second floor of Regis Center, I had an impression that this place will be packed by students and residents around the area. I dropped by around 12:30 p.m. and surprisingly, the place only had two tables occupied. I guess it is busier on weekdays. 

Since I had to go to Banawe at 2 p.m., I quickly ordered Cheeseburger (PHP195) and Ginger Ale (PHP150). 

Instagram Wonderland: Teaspoon Café

One of our Pampanga Food Crawl stops was this adorable café that seemed to have been designed as an Instagrammers’ paradise. Every nook and cranny are screaming cute and with lifestyle bloggers with us during the food crawl, they sure went crazy with the place.

Hello, Teaspoon Café.

“I wish I dressed nicer” was the first thought that came to mind when I entered this charming place. One could score the perfect profile picture here. But aside from its picturesque space, Teaspoon Café offers savory dishes, decadent desserts and nostalgic milkshakes. 

First Bite: Bread and Botany

Ever since I heard from my cousins how much Aguirre has evolved from a quiet residential strip to a blooming foodie destination, I always find myself drooling over food pictures captured from that area. Yes, I did a bit of stalking and it sure makes me sad how far it is from my place. But after months of planning and a bit of coordination, my college friends and I finally made it happen and our first stop was Bread and Botany as it is one of the stores that open before lunch. 

Hello, Bread and Botany!

Located at the second floor of Prime Building along Aguirre, the quaint shop seems a bit bare with only a few wall decors, shelves and seats. 

We approached the counter and was greeted by the young lady manning it. She gave us some suggestions on what to get and we eventually went with Tori Sando (PHP230) as we were told that it is one of their photogenic dishes. I also ordered Kyuchimi Fries (PHP100) as side dish. E on the other hand went with McEgg (PHP220), the store’s lightest sandwich option. 

Service was quick as our fries were served in less than 10 minutes. 

Drizzled with several spices and paired with bull gravy, this dish was pretty good though steep for its price. The spices gave the fries an interesting and unique taste, similar to KFC’s fries but not quite. It was served hot and fresh from the deep fryer but the gravy was cold. Well, I guess they wanted to create some sort of contrast. Nonetheless, dipping the fries in the chilled gravy made it more delectable. I just wish that they put the spices evenly as it didn’t seem proportioned. Some were a bit too spiced and salty while other fries were on the bland side.

Soon, our sandwiches were served.

First served was the Tori Sando and I was hoping it would look nicer than this given its price. It was a small sandwich cut in two. I was disappointed with the bread used as it was just a typical slice of bread that you could get from the supermarket. The chicken though was good. It was crispy and flavorful. 

First Bite: Brick Burger

"Everything is awesome! Everything is cool when you’re part of a team. Everything is awesome! When we’re living our dream.” Those lines have been stuck in my head ever since I watched The Lego Movie. I still go crazy whenever I hear it and I just have to sing along! And I got crazier when I found out that a Lego themed burger joint opened a few months back, I just have to visit it soon!

Hello, Brick Burger!

The place was packed with families on a rainy Sunday afternoon but we were lucky to score the last vacant table. 

We were quickly assisted to our table and were handed menu cards. There are not a lot of dishes to choose from as Brick Burger focused on comfort dishes such as chicken wings, pasta, hotdogs, fries, nachos and of course, burgers. After much thought, we went with Cheesy Mac (PHP210) and Fries (PHP65).