Tuesday, April 30, 2019

First Bite: Brotzeit's Seasonal Spargelzeit Menu

I've been feasting on a lot of unhealthy food lately that my body craves for vegetables. It was perfect that Brotzeit launches its seasonal white asparagus menu this month. 

Hello, Brotzeit
Known for its scrumptious German fare, Brotzeit is out to impress our taste buds once more with the Bavarian favorite White Asparagus

Monday, April 29, 2019

First Bite: Overdough's OD Cookies

Elait's sister Overdoughs made us rediscover how fun doughnuts can be especially as snack inside the cinema. And while its beignets, loukoumades and cookie dough continue to tickle us pink, Overdoughs has something fresh out of the oven which will be hard to resist. 

Hello, Overdoughs!
Cookie lovers would go crazy with Overdoughs' new offering... OD Cookies!

Friday, April 26, 2019

First Bite: Wagyupsal

We can't deny that Korean culture and cuisine have seamlessly assimilated with ours these past years. With more and more of us loving Korean shows, music and food, it's not surprising to see pockets of Korea Town in almost every city. And just when we thought we've had too much of Korean BBQ, the newest joint in town serves wagyu

Hello, Wagyupsal.
Wagyupsal opened a few months ago in the foodie haven Kapitolyo. 

Thursday, April 25, 2019

First Sip: Chachago

I’m so hooked with milk tea these past few months. I always grab one or two whenever I see a boba shop (with manageable line). And two weeks ago, I was hoping to swing by Macao Imperial to finally try Masarap Ba’s recommended drink. But R changed his mind about having his haircut at Capitol Commons and opted to go somewhere in Kapitolyo instead. And it must be my lucky day as the barber shop we went to is right beside another milk tea joint, Chachago. 

Hello, Chachago.
I’ve seen several posts of Chachago’s milk tea when it opened its first branch in Quezon City. As much as I would love to swing by and check it out, it was way too out of the way for me to just grab a drink. But milk tea gods were good to me as the barber shop R chose is right beside Chachago's newest branch. Needless to say, I was right in front of Chachago as soon as R parked his car. 

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

When in China: Dinosaur Park

China is one of the fastest growing countries in the world. With more and more cities being developed, infrastructures being built and citizens rising from poverty, it's hard to be not impressed by what China has accomplished in just a short period. I am always at awe whenever I go to Canton Fair, one of China's biggest trade shows held twice a year for it has everything in at least twos. And just when I thought China has everything, I had no idea that it also includes having its own version of Jurassic Park!

Hello, Dinosaur Land.
Located at Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, this compound which covers theme park, hotel and even spa, is a gem worth checking out!

Monday, April 22, 2019

First Sip: Tiger Sugar

Tiger Sugar definitely tested how we Filipinos love milk tea. With hundreds braving the unforgiving Manila heat for hours just to get hold of this popular drink, Tiger Sugar became trending and talked about for months! I also tried to line up one time but gave up after 2 minutes when I overheard someone say "Hmm, okay lang. Not worth it." while holding a cup of Tiger Sugar. I told myself that I'll just try it when the craze for it die down. Months passed and the hype for it is still alive! I guess waiting for 30 minutes won't be that bad so I finally gave in. 

Hello, Tiger Sugar.
Tiger Sugar quickly expanded to four branches in under 6 months and I'm so glad that the locations it chose are all near the places I frequent. 

Friday, April 19, 2019

When in Fukuoka: Enjoy Cherry Blossoms at Nishi Park

One of the things I look forward to when visiting Japan is to bask in the beauty of cherry blossoms. Unfortunately, the forecast schedule for the blooms was incorrect and we were there a bit too early. But thanks to Instagram's hashtags and geotags, I was able to discover Nishi Park. 

Hello, Nishi Park!
Nishi Park is just one bus ride away from my AirBnB so it was so convenient for me to visit this massive area. The ride though is a bit costly at 230 Yen per way. 

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Northern Chronicles: Barcino

Barcino has been one of our favorite restaurants when dining with business partners. With its scrumptious food offerings and warm ambiance, our guests are sure to have a good lunch. And it being just a few blocks away from our office makes it the perfect option. 

Hello, Barcino
I always get excited whenever our lunch plans involve Barcino. Just thinking about feasting on paella and ginormous gambas make me smile from ear to ear. And one time, we had a bit more. 

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Late Bites: Coffee Project

There are times when I get bitten by the lazy bug and couldn't drag myself to cook something to eat. Thankfully, there are a bunch of places to grab food within my area. And last weekend, I visited our neighborhood's Coffee Project. 

Hello, Coffee Project.
Coffee Project has been a popular Instagram spot since it opened a few years back. I was actually lured to visit its first store in Quezon City because of its picturesque interiors. However, its food and drinks did not exactly match its wonderful look. 

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Lazy Bug Chronicles: Uma Uma Hakata-Style Ramen is now available via Delivery

Who says you can't have your ramen to go? Well, a lot. Ramen joints refuse to have its delectable noodles for take out even if it's your own leftover. I've seen several customers who went ballistic and argued with the staff when they found out that they can't have their leftover noodles to go. Though I understand that the restaurant just want to ensure product quality, I feel that a simple warning would suffice and just let its customers have their half eaten noodles packed. Thankfully, I don't have to worry about it anymore. In fact, I can even have some Hakata-style ramen delivered! 

Hello, Uma Uma.
Uma Uma has been quiet these past months while all other ramen joints have been launching new products here and there. Turns out Uma Uma has been brewing something cool for us. So, anyone up for ramen at home? 

Monday, April 15, 2019

Summer Must Have: Cara Mia's Mango Cream Pie

I'm not a big fan of summer. With the sun at its meanest, just thinking about being sweaty and sticky as soon as I leave an air conditioned space makes me want to book the next flight to wherever cold. But if there's one thing that consoles me is the fact that this is the season when mangoes are at its best. And nostalgia hit me big time when Cara Mia launches its Mango Cream Pie. 

Hello, Cara Mia
If you are a big fan of Red Ribbon's Mango Cream Pie and got your heart shattered to pieces when they removed it from the shelves, then your summer is just about to be happier! Cara Mia is bringing sunshine back to our lives with its Mango Cream Pie (PHP985, whole | PHP150, slice). And yes, this is the original creamy goodness we all love.

Friday, April 12, 2019

Save the Date: Jim Beam HIghball Pop-Up Bar this April 24-28

Fond of highballs? Then there's an event you shouldn't miss! Mark your calendars as the world's number 1 bourbon brings the first ever Highball Pop-Up Bar!

Hello, Jim Beam!
The bourbon with 220 years of experience under its belt is bringing back the joy of sipping highball at Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater this April 24 to 28 from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight (and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday).

Thursday, April 11, 2019

When in Japan: Fukuoka City Zoological Garden

Zoos always seem to become part of our trips. Planned or unplanned, it never fails to be a fun adventure for us. And when we were running out of places to visit in Fukuoka City, R and I decided that it's time to pay Fukuoka City Zoological Garden a visit. 

Hello, Fukuoka City Zoological Garden.
We skipped visiting the Fukuoka Zoo last time as we opted to go for Uminonakamichi Seaside Park instead which also has a small zoo and huge garden.

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

First Bite: Motto Motto

I just visited Japan a few weeks ago and I'm already itching to go back to bask in its beauty and feast on the freshest sushi and succulent wagyu I could grab from the market. But I know that the soonest I could head back would be some time fall. Thankfully, there are several restaurants that serve good Japanese dishes. And one new favorite of mine is Motto Motto. 

Hello, Motto Motto
This new Japanese dining concept by Raintree Restaurant has won the hearts of many in just a few months. Known for its Special Wagyu Gyudon, sushi, fluffy pancakes and Japanese pastries, expect this place to be busy day and night. And to spice things up a bit, it launches new mouthwatering lunch sets this month! 

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Makati Chronicles: Bench Café

Bench CafĂ© is one of my favorite restaurants in Bonifacio Global City. Aside from its pocket friendly prices,  its great selection of Filipino food make it one of the best places to dine in this blooming business district. And when I visited Greenbelt 3 for an event, I made sure to swing by Bench CafĂ©.

Hello, Bench Café
Its Makati branch is relatively smaller compared to its pioneer branch but continues to keep its warm tones and stylish interiors. I was also impressed how some of the staff remember me. 

Monday, April 8, 2019

Now Open: Soban K-Town Grill SM Megamall

Soban has been one of my favorite Korean BBQ joints since 2016 and it keeps whipping up more delectable reasons for it to stay in my top 5 loves. And this April 8, 2019, Soban finally opens in Ortigas. 

Hello, Soban K-Town Grill.
Soban is one of the three Korean concepts under Happy Foods Group. With dishes developed by the talented  Mr. Sung Rah of Sariwon, Seoul, Korea, expect nothing but flavorful and succulent premium meats here. 

Friday, April 5, 2019

Love at First Bite: Sugarbee

"If you're sosyal, you'd know Sugarbee." It was a brief introduction given to us by S when we stepped inside Sugarbee's SM Megamall store. True enough, if you frequent Manila Polo Club, you'd be familiar with this cake haven. 

Hello, Sugarbee
Hailed by Spot.ph as one of the best cake brands in the city, Sugarbee has a strong fan base even before its first store opened. Born from Ms. Jenny Silayan's passion for baking, Sugarbee is now available in BGC, Makati and now, Ortigas. 

Thursday, April 4, 2019

First Sip: Xing Fu Tang

I spotted a board up of a new milk tea place while taking a stroll around Podium with friends a few months back. I took a mental note to try it when it opens and I finally did last week after dinner at my favorite xiao long bao place. 

Hello, Xing Fu Tang
I've read a handful of lukewarm reviews about this new Taiwanese drink brand but it didn't stop me from dropping by and actually queuing for about 20 minutes. 

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

First Sip: Hui Lau Shan

Summer's here and it seems to be way hotter than before. Thankfully, there are several refreshments to choose from to keep us sane. One new addition to the list is Hui Lau Shan.

Hello, Hui Lau Shan
Frequent Hong Kong visitors would be familiar with Hui Lau Shan's inviting yellow signage. Though its cutesy mango illustration may seem like this is brand is just a few years old, it actually has a long history under its belt.

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Kitchen Hacks: Knorr SavorRich Liquid Seasoning

Cooking for one could be a pain as you still do all those tedious prep work for a single meal. I sometimes cook enough to last for a week instead to get the most out of the time spent cooking. But my taste buds could only stand the same food for a few days (unless it's bulalo or tapa). Thankfully, there are more and more gadgets and ingredients that make cooking a breeze and last weekend, I got to get first dibs on Knorr's newest product. 

Hello, Knorr!
Knorr launched SavorRich, a new addition to its kitchen hacks lineup, last Saturday in a celebrity studded event at Greenbelt 3. 

Monday, April 1, 2019

First Bite: Wing Zone

Wings has been one of the staple comfort food for many. With most wings shops offering several flavors, it would be hard to get tired of munching on these goodies. And one of the most recent additions to the list is Wing Zone. 

Hello, Wing Zone
Wing Zone is an Atlanta-based American food chain founded Matt Friedman and Adam Scott, back in 1991 when they were still studying at the University of Florida. With their buffalo wings' immense popularity within their fraternity, they decided to open two stores in Gainsville, Florida two years later. Eventually, it expanded to Latin America and Central America. And in 2018, it found home in Manila which is now up to five branches in the city.