Food Delivery: Go! Salads Smoothie Kits

Eating healthy has been a challenge for me for years. I grew up spoiled with chips, soda, chocolates, and everything one would consider far from nutritious. But the availability of fresh produce made me want to have a healthier lifestyle. And being pregnant made me more motivated to stick to it. Thankfully, Go! Salads got my back when it comes to power smoothies!

Hello, Go! Salads.

Go! Salads is known for their fresh and convenient salad bowls. With several mixes to choose from, it's hard to get bored with eating healthy. For an extra dose of fiber and vitamins, many indulge in its delicious smoothies. And you can now have these guilt-free drinks at home!

Love at First Bite: Kitchen Corner by Zula Hostel

There's no denying that food delivery is now part of the new normal. As more and more restaurants now offer in-house or through food app deliveries, ordering food for lunch or dinner gets a bit harder each day. I'm not complaining though as this allows me to try new restaurants with just a few clicks and without getting stuck in traffic. And I'm so happy to discover a new favorite-- Kitchen Corner by Zula Hostel.

Hello, Kitchen Corner by Zula Hostel.

Kitchen Corner is a new player in the very busy street of Makati Avenue. It opened primarily to service Zula Hostel's guests. But the ECQ made it shift its attention to cater to a wider market. And I am glad that they did as I got to try its superb dishes!

Go! Salad Celebrates Anniversary with P99 Fresh Farm Salads

Salad was never a staple in a typical Filipino meal. It was often associated with diet and seen to be not as good as other savory dishes like fried chicken, bulalo, crispy pata and so on. But that was all in the past. Filipinos today are smarter consumers and understand the importance of greens in one's diet. And thanks to Go! Salads, it's so much easier to have a healthier lifestyle. Its promo this month makes it even more pocket-friendly too!

Hello, Go! Salads.

Go! Salads celebrates its 7th Year with a great treat for everyone! Grab your favorite Farm Fresh Salads for just PHP99 from March 13 to 17, 2020.

First Bite: La Vita Ristorante Italiano

Ever since it reopened, Podium has been busy upping its dining options. With some of my favorites in place, this mall brought in a few more international brands as well as new names. One of which is La Vita, an Italian restaurant headed by Chef Maurizio Gabillini. It may be new in the neighborhood but word that it offers authentic Italian fare spread out fast making this new spot very busy during lunch and dinner.

Hello, La Vita Ristorante Italiano. 

Visiting Italy last year made me realize why Italians are very particular with the food they eat. Most, if not all, restaurants take pride in using only the freshest and finest ingredients in the market. Hence, it wasn't that hard to come across good tasting food. In fact, we didn't even have to go to fancy places to indulge. However, pizza and pasta in Manila are too influenced by other cuisines. You'd encounter several fusions here and there with many not working at all; it just happen to be pretty and Instagram-worthy. La Vita, on the other hand, aims to be different and promises to deliver authentic Italian cuisine. 

First Bite: VBQ Vietnamese Barbeque & Hotpot

Korean barbecue is one of the hottest food trends these past few years. We’ve seen so many shops open here and there. I had no idea though that Vietnam also has something similar to this till I visited VBQ.

Hello, VBQ Vietnamese Barbeque & Hotpot.

VBQ is one of the newest spots to check out in Poblacion.

Filipino Restaurant Favorite: Ombu Kusina

I find it so fascinating how our own Filipino cuisine evolved throughout the years. We've seen and tasted several new and innovative interpretation on classic dishes. And though our grandparents' recipes have a special place in our hearts (and tummies), the modern take on adobo, lechon and so on deserve applause. And speaking of modern Filipino restaurants, one of my new favorites is Ombu Kusina. 

Hello, Ombu Kusina. 

Ombu Kusina has been known for serving modern Filipino dishes. It has been around for slightly over a year and it continues to be patronized by locals and tourists alike. 

First Bite: Boa Kitchen + Socials

Breakfast spread never fail to make my eyes sparkle and mouth drool. And when I got word that Boa Kitchen + Socials offers some of my favorites, I made sure to visit this new foodie haven along Scout Rallos. 

Hello, Boa Kitchen + Socials.

Boa is one of the newest establishments in Quezon City's foodie district. Located on the mezzanine floor of ABDC building, make sure to look for a purple signage when you get to the corner of Scout Rallos and Scout Tuazon. 

Pound is now open at SM North Edsa

Pound by Todd English is one of my favorite joints to grab burgers and fries. Not only does it offer thick, juicy and flavorful burgers, its set menu are definitely bang for the buck! Where else can you grab a gourmet level burger with fries and drink for under PHP300? 

Hello, Pound!

Pound opens another shop in the North and this time, it's just a few blocks away from its Ayala Malls Vertis North branch. Located at the busy SM North Main Building, Pound is definitely easy to spot. 

First Bite: AG New World Manila Bay's Market Cafe

I rarely visit the side of Manila Bay. I think I could still count with one hand how many times I've been in the area in the past decade. But I think I found a good reason to drop by more often. 

Hello, Market Cafe.

Market Cafe has been around back when AG New World Manila Bay was still Hyatt Hotel. Its mouthwatering buffet spread has pleased countless foodies and travelers that have made the restaurant a popular destination. 

Birthday Getaway: Amarela Resort in Panglao, Bohol

I knew that this year's birthday celebration would be a lot different as I will be tagging along R on his business trip. Though I was expecting that we'd find time to at least have a mini celebration together, it didn't exactly turned out as such given that we had a packed schedule to follow. But just when I was frowning and at the verge of crying, R surprised me with a lovely stay at Amarela Resort in Panglao, Bohol the day after my birthday. 

Hello, Amarela Resort.

First Bite: Va Bene's Business Lunch Menu

We all have love-hate relationship with lunch break. We look forward to that one hour where we could get our fill and be energized to last us the day but at the same time, we never feel that an hour is enough for us to enjoy our meal. Thankfully, several restaurants saw it as a challenge and opportunity to develop menus that are filling, quick and more importantly, delicious, to help us get the most of our limited lunch hour. And a few Saturdays ago, I got to try out some of Va Bene's Business Lunch Menu dishes.

Hello, Va Bene Pasta Deli. 

Va Bene is consistently named as one of the best Italian restaurants in town. Known for its delectable pastas, it has been patronized by foodies all over.

Celebrating Year of the Dog with Crystal Jade

With the Chinese New Year just around the corner, many restaurants are busy working on their special menu to celebrate the Year of the Dog. One of the restaurants that has been a destination of choice of the Filipino-Chinese community is Crystal Jade. And it sure has a festive and delectable menu fit to welcome 2018!

Hello, Crystal Jade.

It would be hard to miss this Chinese restaurant along Bonifacio High Street. With its prime location along 7th Avenue, one could easily spot Crystal Jade.

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. 

Stress-free Holidays: Sobremesa Christmas Packs

Christmas is just around the corner. Okay, maybe it is still a few blocks away. But it is better to be prepared than joining the whole city go crazy during the holiday rush. More than looking for presents, I find prepping potluck meals more time consuming and tiring. Thankfully, there are now several places where I could buy mouthwatering dishes. And one of my favorites is Sobremesa.

Hello again, Sobremesa.

This Peruvian restaurant is definitely more than its talked-about cellphone cages. It offers a variety of dishes catering to meat and veggie lovers or simply anyone who appreciates good food. 

First Bite: Blue Rocket Cafe + Kitchen

I love going around quiet and residential areas of Quezon City as I usually spot a gem or two. And my trip last week did not disappoint when I finally dropped by one of the restaurants I've been eying for quite some time--Blue Rocket Cafe + Kitchen.

Hello, Blue Rocket Cafe + Kitchen.

First Bite: Falafel Yo!

Tired of the usual popcorn, chips, candy, soda and iced tea as your movie snacks and drinks? Then how about some Israeli treat? No, I'm not talking about moussaka, shakshouka or kebab. I was referring to a more easy-to-eat snack--falafel.

Hello, Falafel Yo!

First Bite: Le Jardin Café

First impression lasts and Le Jardin sure knows how to charm. I still remember my full course dinner at this spectacular restaurant and I often find myself craving for its superb Dessert de Gils. And I regretted not going back sooner when I found out that they finally closed their huge French doors. But great things never fail to make a comeback and Le Jardin opened once again but as a casual café.
 
Hello, Le Jardin Café.

I was greeted by familiar garden inspired interiors and a menu that is a lot more affordable than its fine dining predecessor. Focusing more on comfort food and breakfast must-haves, Le Jardin has charmed me once again. 

First Bite: Sultan Mediterranean Grill

Kapitolyo never fails to fascinate me. I've seen it transform from a quiet residential area to a food haven with countless restaurants and concepts. Now, with the area being too saturated and parking becoming even scarcer, we'd see the newer establishments opening nearby instead of within Kapitolyo. One of the streets becoming busier is Brixton and that's where I spotted Sultan. 
 
Hello, Sultan Mediterranean Grill.

First Bite: Empacho

Filipino cuisine will always be love. Its rich flavors and textures never fail to charm me. And when I was invited to indulge in a Filipino spread, I simply could not say no.

Hello, Empacho.

Restaurant Love: Bawai's Vietnamese Kitchen

I've been in love with Vietnamese cuisine ever since my first sip of pho. The delectable clean taste of the broth never fails to make me feel that I'm indulging in something healthy. And I was beyond ecstatic when I visited one of the famous Vietnamese restaurants around, Bawai's. However, it being in Laguna (and the super traffic White Plains) made Bawai's spread a rare treat. Thankfully, I don't have to drive (or be stuck for) hours to this superb restaurant as it finally opened its doors in Uptown Parade. 

Hello, Bawai's.

I was so giddy on my way to this Vietnamese restaurant and my eyes sparkled with joy when I spotted its facade across the Uptown Bonifacio fountain.