The Red Crab Alimango House opens in El Nido

Crab is probably the only seafood I have a love-hate relationship with. I love eating its fresh and slightly sweet meat, not to mention that divine crab fat. But getting all those could be a pain. And more often than not, I avoid ordering crab if it's not de-shelled as I've developed a bit of trauma from being hurt while cracking open those long legs. Then again, seeing ginormous ones could be too hard to resist especially when its a restaurant's specialty. 

Hello, The Red Crab Alimango House. 

If you've been to The Red Crab Alimango House in Manila, you'd know that this establishment takes "crab" seriously as it is one of the best places to satisfy your hunger for this delectable crustacean. 

First Bite: JT's Manukan Grille

Bacolod is one of my favorite cities in the Philippines. It is a foodie paradise with its practically overflowing great restaurants offering superb food at pocket friendly prices. However, I couldn't visit this city of smiles as often as I could or would want to given the demand of what we call "reality" and "adulthood". Thankfully, I found a place that would quickly transport me to my happy place without having to board a plane (or roro). 

Hello, JT's Manukan Grille!

I've always loved chicken inasal even before visiting Bacolod. I enjoy its slightly tangy taste enveloped by this smoked flavor from the grill. But trying the ones from Bacolod made me realize that I was actually missing a lot. The ones I've had before couldn't even compare to the ones from Manukan Country or classics like Aida's or Chicken House. 

First Bite: Open Kitchen

I've lost count of how many food parks opened in Metro Manila. There just seem to be too many to track. I used to even brave unfamiliar places just to visit a few; but more often than not, I go home disappointed. Sadly, some food parks do not curate their establishments that well. Some just get the ones that offer affordable food at so-so quality while others bring in brands because of relationships or connections. There are also food parks that just focused on being Instagram-worthy and that's pretty much the end of its vision. I've told myself several times to stop visiting these so-called food havens. But the curious foodie in me can't resist going whenever I get word that a new one just opened. And I sure am glad that I dropped by this newly opened food park along P. Tuazon.

Hello, Open Kitchen.

When in Pampanga: Bale Dutung

As much as I love to eat out, I also enjoy staying at home and experimenting in the kitchen. Lately, I find attending events a bit too much especially when all my loose clothes are starting to be fit. But an invite to Bale Dutung is too good to resist. And before my brain cells could even process the pros and cons of attending, I already click the send button with yes as my reply.

First Bite: Cubanos Fil-Cuban Cantina

I have been using Zomato for a bit over a month and I was surprised that I was already invited to attend one of the anticipated Zomato foodie eat ups. The host for this eat up was a Fil-Cuban restaurant in City Golf. I have to admit, I was a bit hesitant to attend as it’s a bit far from me but I didn’t want to miss an opportunity to meet some new foodie friends. And so, after an event in Uptown Mall, I rushed to Pasig.

Hello, Cubanos Fil-Cuban Cantina!

The restaurant is located along the same strip as Frankie’s and other drinking places. I’m just not exactly sure if this space used to be the spot of Locale, a former City Golf favorite. 

I was greeted by Louie of Zomato and after a brief hello, I sat down and indulged on a piece of Peri-Peri Inasal (PHP195). An order comes with a Peruvian inspired charcoal grilled chicken with shredded barbecue elote and two dips, barbecue and aji. 

The chicken had a nice subtle tangy taste which I liked. The meat though it was a bit dry. The buttered corn didn’t help much and the strong taste of inasal made the elote bland by comparison. 

Next served was Fil-Cuban Ribs (PHP220, half rack | PHP315, full rack) which is Cubanos’ bestselling dish. 

First Bite: Hiyas Modern Filipino Comfort Food

It has been a foodie dream of mine to try all the restaurants in Kapitolyo. But it was difficult as there seem to be a new restaurant that pops out of nowhere every month. A few months back, I was down to my last 5 but now, I think I’m back to 10 or even more! And it gets even more challenging when you’re with people who are not so adventurous with food. But a few weeks back, I was able to convince my family to have a late dinner at Hiyas Modern Filipino Comfort Food.

Hello, Hiyas!

The place screams Filipino with its décor and wall mural. I love it that they have books and board games to keep the diners entertained. I also enjoyed the wait dish—fish balls.

We decided to order the following: Creamy Kalabasa Soup (PHP195), Salmon Sisig (PHP255), Hinuburan na Lumpia (PHP220), Laing (PHP295), Inasal na Manok (PHP195) and Pritong Sorbetes (PHP170).

Service was pretty quick as we were the only diners that time.

My squash soup was creamy and the serving was good for sharing. It was slightly heavy though for an appetizer.