Wednesday, January 31, 2018

First Bite: PizzaExpress

There's a new pizzeria in town and it is bound to tickle your taste buds with glee. Yes, Tasteless Food Group is at it again with spoiling us by bringing the famous UK brand PizzaExpress to Manila.

Hello, PizzaExpress.
I was so curious about PizzaExpress when I saw its board up in Uptown Bonifacio. I have never heard of the brand before but the giddiness from other foodies was so infectious that I got excited myself without knowing what to expect. And after a few months of looking forward to that first bite, I finally got to indulge in some of PizzaExpress' popular dishes.

Monday, January 29, 2018

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.

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Krispy Kreme's Original Glazed is now available in Chocolate

Krispy Kreme has always been my go to place whenever I crave for doughnuts. Though I just stick to the classic Original Glazed and a cup of iced latte, mocha or cappuccino, I always enjoy looking at its mouthwatering and picturesque flavored doughnuts. But there was one variant that intrigued me and made me change my usual order. 

Hello, Krispy Kreme Chocolate Glazed!
Original is now available in chocolate! Yes, my favorite Original Glazed doughnut got a yummy tan!

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

First Bite: Bench Cafe

Bench Cafe?! Who would have thought that the retail giant Bench would open its own restaurant? The well-loved local brand that has an impressive global presence has finally got inside the food scene with its first ever restaurant in its flagship store in Bonifacio Global City. 

Hello, Bench Cafe.
Located at the busy Bonifacio High Street, it would be very easy to spot the Bench flagship store. Just look for a building with red lighted signage. 

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

First Bite: Eat 9707

I hardly visit Makati on a weeknight especially knowing how traffic could be such a nightmare in the city. But it is so hard to resist good food. And due to weak will power, I found myself traveling from Eastwood to Roxas Boulevard and finally to Kamagong, Makati to indulge in Chef Kel Zaguirre's creations at this newly opened restaurant Eat 9707.

Hello, Eat 9707!

Located at the roofdeck of 9707 Kamagong, Eat 9707 offers comfort food dishes that combines L.A. street food and Japanese ingredients.
The al fresco dining area makes it a lovely place to chill after work while indulging in some of Taft's famous Syfu's Barbecue. But allow me to start with the scrumptious appetizers we had that night.

Monday, January 22, 2018

Taiwan in Ortigas: Fat Fook Manila

I love how my favorite restaurants are opening branches closer to home. One of my favorites to date is Fat Fook, a Taiwanese restaurant in SM North Edsa. And after more than a year, it finally opened its second branch in Robinsons Galleria. 

Hello, Fat Fook
Located at the newly renovated wing of Robinsons Galleria, Fat Fook retained its glass facade and quirky ceramic plates accents. 

Thursday, January 18, 2018

First Sip: % Arabica

Coffee lovers rejoice! Japan's famous coffee shop, % Arabica is finally in Manila and it is on its soft opening in W City Center, Bonifacio Global City.

Hello, % Arabica.
I've seen a few % Arabica posts from some friends a few months back. Unfamiliar with the brand, my appreciation for it was limited to its minimalist interiors and simple logo which I love. And so, when the buzz came out that % Arabica will be opening in Manila, I couldn't really understand why everyone's semi-palpitating with excitement.

Monday, January 15, 2018

First Sip: Dark Specialty Coffee

I found myself getting lost in SM North one afternoon. As I try to look for a camera store that sells the lens I plan to buy for myself as Christmas gift, I spotted Dark Specialty Coffee. And since I love anything with caffeine, chocolate or tea, I decided to take a break from getting lost and have a drink. 
Hello, Dark Specialty Coffee

Friday, January 12, 2018

First Bite: Nono's

I've been wanting to visit Nono's ever since it opened mid last year. Knowing that it got a seal of approval from a very particular friend, I was sure that it will tickle my taste buds with glee. But it was hard for me to drop by as I don't frequent U.P. Town Center. Thankfully, it opened another branch at a more convenient location last month-- Podium. 

Hello, Nono's.
It would be hard to miss Nono's at the new wing of Podium mall as it is located near the escalator. But even its eye-catching and dreamy interiors will make any Instagram-loving individual take notice of it. 

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Love at First Bite: James & Daughters

I was heartbroken when I found out that Le Jardin closed it doors a year ago. My heart was somewhat mended though by the opening of Le Jardin Cafe. Though it offers good food, it didn't offer my favorites from the well-loved French restaurant. But my heart skipped a beat when I found out from Chef Jonas Ng himself that he was working on another concept. This time, it will feature his family favorites making it a bit more personal. And after a few months, James and Daughters finally opened its doors. 

Hello, James and Daughters.
It would be easy to miss this restaurant as it's far from the bustling High Street where most food establishments can be found. But thanks to insider info and reviews from food enthusiasts, we easily found this place in no time. 

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Starting 2018 Right with The KTG

2017 has been a year filled with discovering new food and meeting new friends. And there's no better way to welcome the new year than with some of the fantastic people I've met and love. I was not expecting to throw away my plan to eat in moderation in less than a week but I'm not regretting it a single bit especially if it means feasting with The Kain Tulog Gang at F1 Hotel.
Held at the Infinity Ballroom, I was welcomed by several familiar smiling faces and scrumptious spread from La Petite Fromagerie, The Plaza Ham, Swizzle Mobile Bar, and of course, our gracious host, F1 Hotel. 

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

First Bite: Liberation Shawarma

It has been a long while since I've visited Century City Mall. The horrific traffic in Makati never fails to keep me from this establishment. Luckily, I managed to drop by one Saturday with K before a foodie gathering. And of course, a trip to Century City Mall wouldn't be complete without visiting Hole in the Wall. This time, I made sure to try some of the relatively newer concepts and I started with... Liberation Shawarma. 

Hello, Liberation Shawarma
I was craving for sharwarma for weeks and it was timely that I spotted Liberation Shawarma at Hole in the Wall. Without spending an extra second to decide, I decided to go with Beef Pita Shawarma (PHP290). It is also available with rice (PHP380) but I wanted to save space for the other food finds in the area. And I also had a party to attend that afternoon. 

Monday, January 8, 2018

First Bite: Kumori's Earl Grey Hanjuku Cheese

I love it when Kumori launches new products or flavors to celebrate its new store openings. And last month, it launched Earl Grey Hanjuku Cheese in line with its Ayala Cloverleaf branch opening and its limited delivery service for the holiday season.

Hello, Kumori.
Thanks to the loving people behind Kumori, I was one of the first to try its newest Hanjuku flavor last month. I was very excited to it after hearing that it's based on one of my favorite drinks.

Friday, January 5, 2018

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. 

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Love at First Bite: Tra Vinh

I've been hearing a lot about this Vietnamese restaurant near Banawe for months. I couldn't find the time to visit this restaurant though given that it's very far from where I live. Thankfully, after several attempts, I finally found myself around the area and decided to do a side trip to Tra Vinh. 

Hello, Tra Vinh

Since its opening last year, Tra Vinh has been receiving recognition from several media outlets and food apps listing it as one of the top Vietnamese restaurants in Manila. And I was so giddy when I finally had the chance to try its dishes. 
I got the chance to meet its owner Michael Ang who gave me a brief background of the restaurant. Tra Vinh is a brand that started in Australia and founded by Mr. Van Chien Ho, a native of Vietnam who specializes in Southern Vietnam cuisine. Mr. Ang also told me that the dishes I was about to taste are not the usual flavors I'm used to as the popular Vietnamese dishes here in Manila are mostly from the Northern part of Vietnam

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Holiday Treats: New McFlurry Flavors

I am a big fan of Oreo McFlurry and I always make sure to grab a cup or two whenever I visit McDonald's. And to my delight, dear ol' Ronald came up with new flavors to celebrate the festive season. 

Hello, McDonald's.
As I ordered my favorite set meals, I noticed that McDonald's is offering new McFlurry flavors. As green tea afficionado, I quickly ordered Oreo Matcha McFlurry. But it was out of stock on my first attempt last November. 

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

McDonald's Not So Secret Menu

I always get excited whenever I see a new item in McDonald's menu. But a few months back, Ronald McDonald thought of offering its new products in a different way. It was presented as riddles and I have to admit, I was dumbfounded by it. It just made sense when serious foodies started posting revealing the answers. 

Hello, McDonald's
I was excited to drop by the nearest McDonald's as soon as I got back in Manila. With four "secret menu" products to choose from, I went with what I found most different-- Surf 'N Turf (PHP159, a la carte | PHP189, small | PHP209, medium | PHP226, large). 

Monday, January 1, 2018

First Bite: Cake Shots

The holiday's festive vibe has been trying to bring out the party animal in me. However, every time I see the horrific Manila traffic, I stay put at home and avoid going crazy or go on a (passenger) road rage. Thankfully, I discovered a new treat that would redefine and spice things up with how I do my afternoon tea sessions at home.  

Hello, Cake Shots!
Just like how its name suggests, Cake Shots offer baked goods infused with liquor.