Love at First Bite: Foggy Mountain Cookhouse

Long weekends usually mean staycation but since R and I miss the cool (and kind of fresh) wind of Baguio, we decided to head to the land of ube jam and strawberries for a short getaway. We usually sleep in whenever we’re at the summer capital of the Philippines; but thanks to R’s love for Pokemon Go, he agreed to the idea of us eating out for dinner. I have a long list of restaurants I want to visit but there is this one place that I was very interested in. And after making the necessary arrangements, we found ourselves in front of the gate of Chef Babes Reyes’ home, owner of Foggy Mountain Cookhouse. 

Hello, Foggy Mountain Cookhouse!

Noted as one of the best local strictly by reservation only restaurants, Foggy Mountain Cookhouse requires at least one day heads up before diners drive all the way up to its homey establishment. 

I sent Chef Babes a message 4 days in advance as I was worried that the place might be packed given the long weekend. After half an hour of panicking, the friendly restauranteur replied confirming my reservation and inform me that I had to pre-order our mains at least a day before our reserved date as some of the dishes had to be marinated overnight. I sent him a message before the ordering deadline and chose Split Pea Soup (PHP175), Norwegian King Salmon (PHP700), Brick Oven Roasted Boneless Lamb Leg (PHP650), Pasta in Egg Sauce with Truffle Oil and Parmesan Cheese (PHP180), and Cookhouse Iced Tea (PHP150, pitcher).

I got a message from Chef Babes a few hours before dinner and was informed that his Norwegian salmon did not arrive and suggested that we get Smoked Salmon Carpaccio (PHP700) instead. Since R and I are both hardcore salmon lovers, we agreed.

With the help of Waze, we didn’t have a hard time finding Foggy Mountain Cookhouse. The location could look intimidating though to big cars or low vehicles as the steep and narrow road sure made us worry. Parking is limited and if unlucky, you’d have to back up when one of the diners leave before you. 

We were warmly greeted by the staff (and the neighbor’s cat) and were ushered to our table. 

After 20 minutes or so, our appetizers—mixed greens in orange vinaigrette and salted flat bread with hummus dip—were served.

Honestly, the appetizers look really sad with its poor plating. Taste-wise though, we enjoyed the flat bread with hummus. The greens were the usual crisp veggies with a slightly tangy dressing. 

Next served was our cinnamon pineapple iced tea which tasted like churros in liquid form. It was sweet and refreshing. I just didn’t like the slight rough texture of the drink because of the undissolved cinnamon. 

R and I both enjoyed the Split Pea Soup which we were told took 2 hours to make. 

The broth was thick and oozing with flavor from the ham hock stock and Italian garlic sausage. The grainy texture of the soup and the soft sausage cuts were simply delightful! I just had to pause from time to time as the soup was too salty for me. 

First Bite: Nikuya by Buta+Wagyu

I have been excited for Nikuya’s opening ever since I found out that it is the baby sister of Buta+Wagyu, one of our favorite restaurants to date. Marketed as the more affordable version of the upscale wagyu place, this Japanese Korean restaurant focuses more on yakitori, shabu-shabu and a handful of rice dishes. I was invited to its media event but couldn’t make it given the Christmas rush. But thanks to a work holiday, I finally got to visit this place with R. 

Hello, Nikuya!

We were warmly greeted by its hostess Erica and were quickly ushered us to our table. 

While appreciating the restaurant’s interiors, I realized that Nikuya has very limited seating capacity. Given that each table is equipped with smokeless grill and induction cooker, even solo diners will end up occupying a table good for four or six, especially if they would like to order grilled and/or shabu-shabu dishes. I also noticed that there are no tables  available without griller or induction cooker for those who would just like to order ready to eat dishes like bibimbap or rolls. In short, it is best to book a table before paying this place a visit. 

Aside from the usual kimchi and dilis, Nikuya also serves pickled radish as part of its wait snack. 

While munching on it, the staff was busy preparing our Shabu-Shabu (PHP598) with Sukiyaki and Pork & Chicken broth. 

First Bite: Poke/Poke

You know that the local food scene is getting crazier when more and more cuisines and dishes are being introduced to the market. Just a few months ago, I had my first ever poke bowl and I fell in love with the concept of rice topped with fresh raw fish. It’s like the Japanese chirashi but casually plated. As a hardcore sashimi lover, I instantly said yes when I got an invite to Poke/Poke’s preview event last Thursday.

Hello, Poke/Poke!

Okay, poke may not exactly be an entirely fresh concept here in Manila as there are already a handful of restaurants offering this Hawaiian treat. However, Poke/Poke is the first of its kind to offer Create Your Own Poke Bowls. For those who do not want to think of the ingredients to put in their bowls, fret not as Poke/Poke also has nine standard signature bowls to choose from.

Now Open: Le Petit Soufflé SM Megamall

I am a big fan of the Tasteless Group ever since my first Hole in the Wall visit. My love for it was further fueled up when I attended a sponsored eat up at Le Petit Soufflés Century City Mall branch. Since then, from Fowlbread to Freezer Burn, I have nothing but love for this amazing group of innovative chefs and restaurateurs. But I always go back to my greatest love Le Petit Soufflé when asked which among the Tasteless Group restaurants I fancy the most. This is why I was so thrilled for Tasteless Group as well as for the foodies of the north when I found out that Le Petit Soufflé released the news that it will open its second branch and it'll be at SM Megamall's Fashion Hall. 

Hello, Le Petit Soufflé!  

I messaged Chef Miko one evening asking him when this awaited restaurant will open as aside from its scrumptious savory dishes, I was excited for Workshop, Le Petit Soufflés bakery. I then got an invite from Chef Miko saying that they will hold a special preview on December 6 and 7 for media and bloggers. Sadly, I couldn't make it on both dates due to overlapping events.  Luckily, it was a holiday for me last Thursday hence I asked (and prayed hard) if I could drop by on that day instead. Unfortunately, since it was the last day before the grand opening, they decided to close the store to do last minute prep work for the big day. Talk about wrong timing. *insert crying face here*

Happy Tummies at Happy Tables

It is really fascinating how the Manila food scene has grown from a place with limited restaurants to a bustling city filled with food choices here and there. And with the growing number of food parks or hubs, you could tell that the restaurant industry is on fire! And just a couple of weeks back, we visited a new food park along the long stretch of Congressional Avenue and we were impressed. 

Hello, Happy Tables!

This food park, rather, a restaurant hub, is the brainchild of Happy Tables’ owner Oye Peralta. With his passion of offering quality dishes, he took the time and effort to do extensive food tasting to ensure that each and every dish offered in Happy Tables would delight the growingly discerning foodie market. The end result was a well curated list of restaurants that spoiled us when we visited. 

Freezer Burn's Holiday Specials

Nothing screams “Christmas is near” than the good ol’ bibingka and puto bumbong. These two holiday staples are slowly popping here and there again and it is not surprising that the innovative ice cream parlor Freezer Burn will incorporate it in its offerings sooner or later.

Hello, Freezer Burn!

I was lucky to be invited by High Street's favorite dessert shop to sample some of its limited edition Christmas flavors and I decided to go for Simbang Gabi (PHP225, solo | PHP295, regular) and Santa’s Fave (PHP225, solo | PHP295, regular). Too bad I couldn’t sample all as I was alone when I dropped by and I do not have the heart to waste awesome ice cream just to take photos and a few spoonfuls. 

Love at First Bite: FOO'D by Davide Oldani

Foodee Global Concepts is at it again in bringing new brands that elevate local dining experience. This time around, they introduced to the market FOO'D by Michelin-starred chef Davide Oldani. 

Hello, FOO'D. 

I was greeted by a very simple looking dark door with a minimalistic restaurant signage. The exterior alone exuded understated elegance. Stepping inside further reinforced the restaurant's sophisticated ambiance with its dark hued interiors and yellow lighting. 

I was greeted by Foodee Global Concepts' Eric Dee who gave me a quick tour of the restaurant and shared with me the overall concept of FOO'D. 

Eric mentioned that FOO'D remains consistent with Chef Davide Oldani's passion to provide affordable luxury food with Italian inspiration. True enough, its full course meals are indeed affordable at PHP800 for a 3-course and PHP1,200 for a 4-course meal. They also offer some upgrades for antipasto, primo, secondo and dolce at reasonable prices ranging from PHP150 to PHP550. And with his immense popularity in Madrid and a wait list of over 18 months, I was really giddy to try Chef Oldani's signature dishes.

First Bite: Kumori Cheese Tarts

Kumori has been a favorite of the foodie community ever since it opened its first store in Manila. With its mouthwatering cheesecakes and other delectable baked goods, it’s not surprising that many went crazy and got hooked. I have to admit, I’m one of them. Though pricey for a small cheesecake, I’d find myself buying a few to satisfy my moist cheesecake cravings. And when a fellow foodie recommended Kumori’s cheese tarts, I just have to try it if it is at par with Hajuku Kobo. 

Hello again, Kumori!

After doing some errands, I went straight to the Kumori kiosk in Landmark’s food court and ordered three cheese tarts to go. For PHP60 per piece, I find it a bit steep for a small tart. But if it’s as good as they claim, then I’d definitely get my money’s worth. 

I decided to get three tarts that day and ate one as soon as I paid for it.

First Bite: The Glass Jar

I was thrilled to try crocodile meat a few years back and visited a couple of restaurants just to sample this not so usual piece of protein. I first had a bite of it from a  Japanese restaurant in Manila and followed by a small café kiosk in Wilcon. And I was underwhelmed both times. It was not as special as I thought. And it was very tough too. In short, crocodile meat didn’t leave a good first and second impression. But third time’s the charm!

Hello, The Glass Jar.

This adorable restaurant on the second floor of Wilcon Home Depot along Chino Roces Avenue is the newest baby of the kiosk inside Wilcon serving crocodile dishes. And this one is not just nicer and bigger. It also revamped its dishes and turned me into a fan of this healthier source of protein.

We started our meal with some Classic Cocktails and I chose Woo Woo (PHP140).

The Healthy Diaries: Chimara

I usually steer away from healthy food as more often than not, it tastes bad for me. I guess I’m just not meant to be a healthy eater as I like fats, sweet stuff and everything actually bad for the body. Though I try to eat those dangerous tummy ticklers moderately, I could feel the oil crawling and flowing through my veins and getting stuck somewhere. I just had to detoxify. And when A of Chimara contacted me to sample their dishes, I quickly said yes.

Hello, Chimara!

Located at the ground floor of U.P. Town Center, I was greeted by a bright green counter which screams “healthy restaurant”. 

I went in and was welcomed by the friendly staff who assisted me in getting the bestsellers. I went with Faux Beef Salpicao with Rice (PHP180) and Tuna Wasabi Aioli Salad (PHP230). For drink, I ordered I am Strong (PHP80, petite).

My drink was served first and it tasted really… healthy. The beetroot gave the drink an earthy taste that might take a while for others to enjoy. The carrot and apple added a bit of sweet taste which made my bright red drink enjoyable. 

I was worried with the Tuna Wasabi Aioli as the word wasabi means spicy. I was assured by the staff though that it is tolerable and that the spicy sauce is served on the side hence giving me full control on how spicy I want my greens to be. 

First Bite: Café Lidia

After 9 hours of eating, we have finally reached the last stop of our Marikina food crawl. And just when we thought we’ll just have a spoonful of each dish, we were spoiled with mouthwatering pasta dishes, pizzas, meats and cakes! And we simply could not say no to those!

Hello, Café Lidia.

Café Lidia is one of the pioneer restaurants in Marikina and has been well-loved by residents and foodies alike. Most have seen this establishment grow from a humble restaurant to a space that could cater to special occasions like weddings and birthday parties. And I was surprised that at almost 9 pm, the place was still packed with diners. 

The place has this Hispanic or Old Manila feel with its brick walls, wooden furniture and lovely pond. 

As we waited for the dishes we were about to sample, I browsed through the menu and was impressed with the number of dishes Café Lidia offers. They have several viands, pasta, pizza and cakes to choose from.