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.

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.

ECQ Favorite: Martin Markus' Frozen Apple Crumble and Classic Burnt Cheesecake

A meal is never complete without desserts. I'd always grab some sweets after a meal to end each one in a good note. And when Gina Young of Gold Leaf Tea told me that she revived her dessert business, Martin Markus, I was excited to try it out! After all, how can one resist cheesecake and apple crumble?

Hello, Martin Markus.

Martin Markus opened once again a few weeks ago. It has been steadily gaining patrons with its limited yet mouthwatering selection of desserts. 

ECQ Favorite: Matt's Waffles

I'm a big fan of breakfast food. I drool every time I think of good ol' bacon and eggs or garlic rice with bangus. And when I was asked to try some homemade frozen waffles, I quickly said yes. I just didn't expect to be hooked to it!

Hello, Matt's Waffles.

Matt's Waffles is the brainchild of a young kid named Matt who wanted to do something during Manila's lockdown (ECQ). Matt's mom suggested that they make his favorite waffles and open an online shop for it. And it turned out to be a successful venture for the mom and son duo.

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. 

One Stop Shop For All Things Scrumptious: Alternatives Food Corporation

As much as I love to travel, I also enjoy being at home and making a mess in the kitchen. Though cleaning up afterwards is not as fun, seeing the pleased faces of the people I cook for is very rewarding. And a couple weeks back, I tried some of Alternatives Food Corporation's (AFC) products which made our weekend extra special.

One of the dishes R and I love to indulge in on a lazy weekend is freshly made potato crisps. 

First Sip: Bitters Bar

Who says it's too early for cocktails? It is always five thirsty in my clock! 

Hello, Bitters Bar.

Quite hidden on top of 2nd's new home is Bitters Bar, one of the newest bars in BGC with an interesting apothecary theme. 

Food Find: Köök Manila

I find it interesting how much I’ve changed over the past few years. Before, I’d make sure that I have plans on weekends and that I get to visit at least five restaurants to serve as my content the following week. As I grow older (with matching aching joints and slower metabolism), I now value staycations and enjoying my alone time in the comfort of my own home. And one staycation got extra special when I got a sweet treat from Köök Manila.

Hello mini vacation with Köök Manila!

I hurriedly went home as soon as the clock hit 6 pm and I placed the vacuum-sealed Greek Chicken in the sink to thaw as I prepare my cookware.

Since I do not have an indoor griller, I decided to pan-fry the chicken sans the oil. Though I do not recommend this as it took me quite some time to cook the chicken, it still gets the job done. Best to puncture or slice the chicken to make sure that all parts get cooked. (Mine took longer than it should have because I wanted my chicken to look pretty when I take photos of it. Priorities.)

First Bite: 13 Ubay St. Comfort Dining

I got this random SMS from Angelo one evening inviting me to this family owned restaurant along Ubay Street. I am quite familiar with the restaurant as I’ve seen a handful of posts a few days back by Splat Manila. It was perfect timing as I was also invited to Miriam College’s cooking simulation scheduled on the same day where I was assigned as a food critic. *Woohoo!* Anyway, since I was already in Quezon City, I figured that it was the food gods way of telling me to say yes. And I did. 

Hello, 13 Ubay St. Comfort Dining!

I had no idea that Banawe is quite far from Katipunan. What was supposed to be a 25 minute trip turned into an hour and half drive thanks to the holiday road madness. But my annoyance with traffic was soon swept away when I saw the homey facade of 13 Ubay St. Comfort Dining.

We went straight to the second floor where the new menu launch was held. Almost everyone was already there when we arrived and the program already started.

We were given some welcome drinks and we could choose between Ginmansi (PHP200) and 13th Old Fashion (PHP200). I chose Ginmansi while K chose the latter.