First Bite: Franks Craft Beers Manila

We've seen the growth of gourmet burgers in Manila. There would be some that would charge as much as a grand for a thick and juicy patty and there would still be a market for it. But one category that seems to be not as saturated is gourmet hot dogs. Sure, we have the likes of Pink's which was well received when it opened in BGC but there are not a lot of establishments that offer fancy franks. And I was pleasantly surprised to discover a hidden gem tucked inside the casino of Resorts World Manila.

Hello, Franks!

Franks is one of the many signature restaurants of Resorts World Manila. Originally designed to cater to casino guests, it offers quick bites such as fries, nachos and hot dogs. But its delectable offerings were just too good to be bound inside the casino. Soon, patrons would drop by for some of their favorites to go and enjoy it with the whole family as they watch movies on the 4th floor or feast on it at home. 

Where to find 'Legit' Taho in BGC

I have one insatiable craving... taho. It might have gotten worse when I realized that hot or warm taho is actually rarer than I thought. I used to grab a tub or two at Soy Yummy but the one near my office closed down a few years back making Rockwell the next nearest place to get my cup of happiness. Thankfully, I discovered this legit taho vendor during the recent McCormick Mother's Day event and found out that it is actually one of the regular vendors of Mercato Centrale BGC. 

I present... Sorbelato. 

Okay, the name of the stall might confuse you. This stall offers two of Pinoy classic favorites, sorbetes (tweaked and improved to have the texture of gelato hence the name) and taho. 

When in Bohol: Isola di Francesco

One of the perks of having a local contact in Bohol is that they'd know the best places to visit in the area. And if they have their own boat, you don't even have to worry about transportation. And that was pretty much what happened when R and I visited Panglao. It is still one of my favorite vacations to date as everything was well prepared by R's dealer, I. And for our second and last stop for island hopping, we went to Isola di Francesco. 

Hello, Isola di Francesco. 

Isola di Francesco is located at Pontod Island and owned by St. Pio devotee, Mr. Ramon Rodriguez. Designed to be a place suitable for retreat and reflection, the place is adorned with several religious sculptures. It also holds regular mass in the island's chapel. 

Spotlight: I Saw Da Sign

No, it's not a typo. That's the title of the newest book released by Summit Media in partnership with Mang Juan. 

 

Down? Bored? Got an extra PHP150? Then grab a copy of the cute (literally as it's only 5" x 5" in size) book I Saw Da Sign, a compilation of 100 funny Pinoy signs.

Be amused with the quirky names of some stores or services, misspelled signs, and more.

Pinoy Food Master: Pepita’s Kitchen

I’ve been saying this for quite a lot already but I want to say it again. I love my job! I get to try new food, meet interesting people, and try more new food because of my work. I love love love it! 

Last Thursday, some of my officemates and I went to the lovely home of Dedet de la Fuente and tried her Pepita’s Kitchen Lechon Degustation. We arrived at around 7PM hungry and desiring lechon like never before. 

I heard that they have really good lechon as these were stuffed (yes, stuffed!). I never thought of having stuffed lechon as it alone was enough to get me stuffed.

We waited for a few more people from press and we started off with Pinoy Patè and Pinoy Caviar. It looked pretty ordinary but the taste of these two were just so addicting!

The Pinoy Patè was made of bihon. Who knew that bihon can be transformed into pate, and a good one at that? It had this grainy texture that went well with the crackers. It was not salty at all and was quite light. Quite a delightful appetizer.

 The Pinoy Caviar on the other hand was made of balut. It seemed to be a bit oilier and it tricked some to think that it was fish or liver. 

The Ultimate Pinoy Desserts

Most Pinoys can’t leave without desserts or as the “elders” call it… pang-alis ng suya.

As part of the food trip I joined, we stopped by Nathaniel’s and Kabigting’s for dessert after a delectable meal from Adarna. At first I was not very excited because the desserts were… kinda common. But you’ll definitely change your mind when you try Nathaniel’s buko pandan and Kabigting’s halo-halo.

Nathaniel’s buko pandan was very creamy and rich in flavor. It seemed like I was eating some frozen whip cream with lots of buko and jelly. Yummy! But I don’t recommend it for those who had too much for lunch or dinner as I find the dessert too filling.

Next stop was Kabigting’s halo-halo, popular for just having 3 ingredients (aside from ice and milk). With just beet, corn, and pastillas, it did taste like halo-halo less all the complexities and wonders of what we were chewing.

It would have been nice if there is also THE PLACE for banana-que, turon, my all time favorite karioka, and leche flan.