More than just Fried Chicken: BonChon's K-Fries

BonChon has been the top of mind brand when it comes to Korean fried chicken here in Manila. It came to our shores back in 2010 and it has continued to delight our taste buds with its perfectly fried chicken since then. And after the success of its favorite K-Style Chicken and Bibimbowl, BonChon expanded its menu that will make you come back for more. 

Hello, BonChon.

I usually drop by this popular Korean food chain whenever I crave for some Soy Garlic Chicken. Since I always have an order in mind, I never bothered to look at the menu. 

McDonald's Fish & Fries is back!

Something British is back in Manila and no, I'm not talking about One Direction. I'm talking about something yummy (or yummier if you think those guys are yummy too) and dear ol' Ronald McDonald is the man behind it.

First Sip: Dark Specialty Coffee

I found myself getting lost in SM North one afternoon. As I try to look for a camera store that sells the lens I plan to buy for myself as Christmas gift, I spotted Dark Specialty Coffee. And since I love anything with caffeine, chocolate or tea, I decided to take a break from getting lost and have a drink. 

Hello, Dark Specialty Coffee. 

First Bite: Nono's

I've been wanting to visit Nono's ever since it opened mid last year. Knowing that it got a seal of approval from a very particular friend, I was sure that it will tickle my taste buds with glee. But it was hard for me to drop by as I don't frequent U.P. Town Center. Thankfully, it opened another branch at a more convenient location last month-- Podium. 

Hello, Nono's.

It would be hard to miss Nono's at the new wing of Podium mall as it is located near the escalator. But even its eye-catching and dreamy interiors will make any Instagram-loving individual take notice of it. 

Love at First Bite: James & Daughters

I was heartbroken when I found out that Le Jardin closed it doors a year ago. My heart was somewhat mended though by the opening of Le Jardin Cafe. Though it offers good food, it didn't offer my favorites from the well-loved French restaurant. But my heart skipped a beat when I found out from Chef Jonas Ng himself that he was working on another concept. This time, it will feature his family favorites making it a bit more personal. And after a few months, James and Daughters finally opened its doors. 

Hello, James and Daughters.

It would be easy to miss this restaurant as it's far from the bustling High Street where most food establishments can be found. But thanks to insider info and reviews from food enthusiasts, we easily found this place in no time. 

First Bite: Liberation Shawarma

It has been a long while since I've visited Century City Mall. The horrific traffic in Makati never fails to keep me from this establishment. Luckily, I managed to drop by one Saturday with K before a foodie gathering. And of course, a trip to Century City Mall wouldn't be complete without visiting Hole in the Wall. This time, I made sure to try some of the relatively newer concepts and I started with... Liberation Shawarma. 

Hello, Liberation Shawarma. 

I was craving for sharwarma for weeks and it was timely that I spotted Liberation Shawarma at Hole in the Wall. Without spending an extra second to decide, I decided to go with Beef Pita Shawarma (PHP290). It is also available with rice (PHP380) but I wanted to save space for the other food finds in the area. And I also had a party to attend that afternoon. 

First Bite: Buca di Beppo

Manila food scene has been getting busier and busier each day. With more restaurants opening here and there, locals now have more options on where to dine. One of the cuisines that continues to remain strong is Italian. After all, who could resist a tempting slice of pizza or a fragrant plate of pasta? (I can't.) And last November, a new Italian restaurant found home in Manila. 

Hello, Buca di Beppo. 

This famous Italian restaurant chain is no stranger to well-travelled foodies. Starting out as a hole in the wall restaurant in Minneapolis, USA, it became a household name for those who love Italian cuisine. Known for its family-style feast, Buca di Beppo offers a dining experience that would make you feel right at home. 

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. 

Now Open: Tsuta, Michelin-Starred Ramen

Tsuta has been one of the most anticipated brands this 2017 by food enthusiasts, or more specifically by ramen aficionados. I fall under both categories and I can't help but salivate whenever I read reviews on Tsuta's signature and Michelin-starred ramen. Just picturing its rich broth with truffle oil makes me uneasy. I just have to try it as soon as it lands here in Manila. And finally, I did. 

Konnichiwa, Tsuta!

Tsuta Ramen is no stranger to those who frequent Tokyo. As the first ramen shop worldwide to be awarded the prestigious Michelin Star, Tsuta has become a destination for good ramen. 

Now Open: Bake Cheese Tart is now in Manila

Bake is finally in Manila! After over a year of waiting, the world's best cheese tart is now open in Podium. 

Hello, Bake Cheese Tart.

I haven't heard of Bake till I visited Japan last year. The long queue in front of its store near the subway caught my attention and made me curious. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to convince R to line up with me that time. But the enticing aroma of freshly baked tarts left a strong impression that I made sure to grab some when I visited Seoul, Korea and Taichung, Taiwan.

When in Taiwan: Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle

This year has been packed with local and international travels. I've seen so many places and indulged in a lot of great dishes which made me gain extra pounds. I'm not complaining though as I loved every moment (and bite of it)! And one of my favorite finds this year is this famous Taiwanese dish you can find in one of the many streets of Ximending.

Hello, Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle!

First Bite: Little Winehaus

Looking for an affordable place to spend your Titas of Manila night can be a bit challenging. With most tapas and wine bars selling their wine and anti pasti at several hundreds per serving, going out for one could definitely hurt the holiday budget. But, what if I tell you that there's a place that could give you and your amigas a lovely Wine and Jamon Serrano night for only PHP540? Intrigued?

Hello, Little Winehaus.

The quaint wine shop located at the two storey restaurant complex along Mother Ignacia and Scout Lozano offers affordable sangrias and tapas perfect for those who want an all-nighter. 

We got a carafe of Sangria (PHP290), Jamon Serrano (PHP250), Hungarian Sausage (PHP180) and Dulong (PHP180) paired with crackers. 

First Bite: Doux PH

With Christmas fast approaching, we get busier than ever finding the perfect gifts for our family and friends. I've been through a lot of holiday shopping mayhem to remember and there is only one thing I got from it-- plan ahead or suffer. And after years of practice, I'm proud to say that I managed to cross out my entire list after a short call. How do I do it? By having a trusty supplier to provide me with delectable treats to give out to everyone. But one new baker I discovered is making me think if I should order more (for myself). 

Hello, Doux.PH.

I got an email from Beah of Doux.PH one night asking if I would be open to try some of her cookies. As a person who does not say no to sweet, I gladly said yes. And a week later, she sent me an assorted box of cookies!

First Bite: Cable Car

If you have been partying for the past two decades then Cable Car won't be a stranger to you. Considered as one of the pioneers in the restaurant and bar industry, Cable Car has been around since 1992 satisfying late cravings of night owls and party goers. And to celebrate its 25th year, it prepared a handful of surprises that will delight even the morning foodies and non-drinkers.

Hello, Cable Car.

I always see Cable Car whenever I pass by Fort Strip but for some reason, I found it to be a place for pre-game and post-game drinks and meals. Since I don't really go out late at night to party, I didn't find the place appealing. I had no idea though that Cable Car is more than just beer and small bites. In fact, it is known for its sisig rice. 

First Bite: Bento & Co

There's a new Japanese restaurant in Quezon City and it offers bento boxes and other favorites at pocket friendly prices. Bento & Co is one of the handful restaurants in the food complex along Lazcano and Mother Ignacia and it was one of my stops during a food crawl with some of my favorite foodies. 

Hello, Bento & Co! 

Specializing on the usual Japanese dishes like teriyaki, tempura, yakiniku, sashimi, ramen and the like, you'd surely be motivated to create your dream bento box. 

To create your own bento, you start with choosing your base from the options below then top it off with your preferred viand from its teriyaki, teppanyaki, tempura, and yakiniku viands.

First Bite: Kusina Juan Republika

I always get overwhelmed with restaurant options whenever I'm in Quezon City. With several options along Tomas Morato and Teachers Village, I often rely on my foodie friends' suggestions on the best places to eat. And last weekend, I got to visit this new food complex along the busy street of Mother Ignacia that houses a Filipino and Japanese restaurants, tapas bar, cafe and a pastry shop. First stop, Kusina Juan Republik. 

Hello, Kusina Juan Republik.

This Filipino restaurant serves local favorites such as sisig, sinigang, kare-kare and even the street classic balot. 

First Sip: Vengo

I try to avoid hipster restaurants and cafes as much as I could as I've been to so many that just focused on aesthetics and not on what we're really paying for... food and drinks. But I'd get dragged to one from time to time. There would be instances when I would find some gems but more often than not, I wouldn't dare go back for more. One recent hipster place I've visited is Vengo, the coffee shop counterpart of the famous Taco Vengo. 

Hello, Vengo. 

A client suggested that we meet here one Tuesday morning and I had no clue where it is. It turns out to be in the same building as the one I frequent along Dela Rosa, only it is on the other side. 

I got there around 9:30 a.m. and it seemed that the staff was surprised to see someone come in so early. Or maybe it was because I came in the wrong door. Apparently, there's a door specifically for the cafe and another for the dining area that they open up for lunch and dinner. 

When in Tagaytay: Sky Ranch

I usually visit Tagaytay for a quick getaway whenever there's a short holiday. And two weeks ago, I decided to spend a day there to take a break from the insane city life. But instead of unwinding at our favorite resort, R and I decided to do something different and visit Sky Ranch. 

Hello, Sky Ranch. 

This amusement park developed by SM group has been around for a couple of years now and has been a destination of choice of local travelers. It is easy to spot the place with its ginormous Sky Eye ferris wheel. 

My eyes twinkled with delight upon seeing several restaurants surrounding the park. And I saw a few more inside. I figured that it might be best to go on a food trip first before going crazy with the different rides available. 

Love at First Bite: Mirèio

Pinch me, I'm in love. It has been a few hours since I left Mirèio but I can't stop thinking about the food I had for lunch and I'm already planning when to go back for more. 

Hello, Mirèio. 

Mirèio is one of the restaurants of Raffles Makati specializing in Provencal-inspired cuisine. 

LeTAO Holiday Treats

LeTAO is one of the most talked about brands last year when it opened its first pop-up store in Uptown Bonifacio. Focusing on one product, Fromage Double Cheesecake, it successfully captured the local market's attention. Teased with gorgeous photos followed by mouthwatering write ups, foodies around the metro got curious. However, many took a step back after finding that one 6" cake costs PHP1,150. Fast forward to December 2017, LeTAO Philippines now offers more of the well-loved Japanese brand and it came just in time for Christmas. 

Hello, LeTAO. 

I was first acquainted with LeTAO during my trip to Taiwan. I got its famous Fromage Double Cheesecake at almost the same price in Manila.