Friday, May 31, 2019

Beat the Heat: Shari Shari Kakigori House Philippines Opens this June 2019

With summer coming to an end, the heat still lingers and there's no stopping us from wanting cold treats. Thankfully, a new shaved ice dessert shop reached our shores and is up for the challenge to keep us cool. And it has legit matcha to boot!

Hello, Shari Shari Kakigori House!
Shari Shari Kakigori House from Hong Kong is finally opening in Manila this June and will be serving its bestsellers Japanese Tofu Kakigori, Matcha Cream Special, Earl Grey Milk Tea and Strawberry Special among others. As a Manila exclusive flavor, Shari Shari Philippines will also serve Cantaloupe Melon

Thursday, May 30, 2019

Harlan+Holden Coffee now open in BGC

We've all heard the saying "Time is Gold" when we were younger. But it was only a few years back when I got a better understanding of what it truly meant. With the feeling that 24 hours a day not enough to have things done, I tried so many hacks to make myself more efficient. But I still end up rushing doing this and that, especially getting from point A to point B. Thankfully, there are a bunch of online services and apps to help me multitask and I sure am glad that there's a coffee shop that thought of a way to save us coffee lovers precious minutes.

Hello, Harlan+Holden Coffee!
The posh retail shop Harlan+Holden finally opens another branch of its coffee shop concept and this time, it's at One Bonifacio High Street!

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

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. 

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

First Bite: KFC's Chaco and Cracklings

We've seen Jollibee and McDonald's launching new products here and there for the past months and KFC joined the merriment by launching its Original Recipe Cracklings and Chaco. And I finally got to try these last Friday. 

Hello, KFC.

KFC's delectable spiced chicken has always been a reliable meal for me. I never had a moment when I disliked its flavorful chicken. I do like it better though when it is twice-fried. (Hello, leftover chicken from bucket meal!)
If you're always checking your social media accounts, you may have noticed an influx of Chaco posts a few weeks ago. Even the trusted foodie Masarap Ba? reviewed it but sadly got Chaka for its rating. 

Sunday, May 26, 2019

Worth it or not: McDonald's Milk Tea McFloat

The milk tea craze is just getting crazier with more and more brands entering the market. And just when I thought it was already wild enough, McDonald's joined the hype and now offers Classic and Wintermelon McFloat drinks. 

Hello, McDonald's.
I was pretty excited to try McDonald's newest drinks but it took me a while before I got hold of some as I was busy moving from one city to another for work. Luckily, we spotted one on our way back home.

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Tipsy Pig Launches New Favorites

Tipsy Pig's Beer Can Chicken was one of the many dishes that turned this place as one of the hot spots for night out with friends. Fast forward to 2019, we've seen several restobars close down in less than a year but Tipsy Pig stayed relevant in the market by offering crowd favorites like wings, salmon steak and rib eye steak. Yes, Tipsy Pig offers superb bar chow and a lot more. 

Hello, Tipsy Pig.
Tipsy Pig started when Capitol Commons was still unheard of. It was challenging for a new player in the restobar industry to market itself when it's in a low traffic location. But its scrumptious dishes and bang for the buck drinks made it an easy favorite by the young ones and young at heart. And now, it is three branches strong!

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

EDSA Beverage Design Group (EDSA BDG) in Makati

EDSA Beverage Design Group has made a name in the local community as one of the prominent players in the third wave coffee industry. With its first branch aptly located along EDSA, it has received a lot of love from caffeine aficionados. Focusing more on quality and its coffee studio, it took this cafe 4 years before it decided to open another branch. And this time, it was at the posh The Grid food hall in Powerplant Mall. 

Hello, EDSA Beverage Design Group (EDSA BDG)
EDSA BDG is the first stall you'll see when you enter The Grid. Serving as the beverage counter for the food hall's concessionaires, this cafe offers more than a good cup of joe. 

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Flower Boy: Colors of Thailand in Manila

One of the stalls that opened early at The Grid is Tankchop XL which is now named as Flower Boy. Offering ginormous pork chop rice and picturesque Pad Thai, this stall experienced a lot of hiccups on its first few months of operations. Thankfully, it managed to get the groove of moving plates fast after some time. 

Hello, Flower Boy
Flower Boy is one of the first stalls you'll see if you circle The Grid clockwise. Located at stall #2, this kiosk specializes in Thai local fare and one of its signature dishes is its Pad Thai

Monday, May 20, 2019

Tsuke-Men: Dipping Ramen at The Grid

The Grid is one of the best food markets in Manila right now with its lovely selection of concessionaires. We have the likes of Bun Appetit, Risa's Chocolates and La Chinesca to satisfy our growling tummies. But there are also stalls that may have been unheard of before and made its debut at The Grid and one of which is Tsuke-Men.

Hello, Tsuke-Men.
Tsuke-Men is managed by the people behind The Grid and I managed to get first dibs (or should I say dips?) on its tsukemen or dipping ramen concept when The Grid opened last year.

Friday, May 17, 2019

First Bite: Caffe Freddo

The insane heat and Manila traffic turned me into an anti-social hibernating bear for months. I hardly go out unless needed or when curiosity hits me bad. The latter was the case when I dropped by Caffe Freddo, the newest brunch spot in Bonifacio Global City. 

Hello, Caffe Freddo
Located along the busy strip of 9th Avenue and Bonifacio High Street, Caffe Freddo is a shiny gem waiting to be discovered by many. 

Thursday, May 16, 2019

First Bite: Mo' Cookies

Call me a cookie monster but I can never say no to cookies. And when I get a whiff of the scent of freshly baked goodies, my eyes turn into hearts like a crazy in love lady. Such was the case when I spotted Mo Cookies by The Moment Group.

Hello, Mo' Cookies.
I've read countless happy comments on The Moment Group's popular cookies sold at Mess Hall and I was dying to grab hold of one or two. However, the insane Makati traffic kept getting in the way between me and these ginormous cookies. I guess I haven't reached the level of braving carmageddon just to satisfy my cookie craving.

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

PizzaExpress Launches International Flavors

PizzaExpress spices things up on its second year by bringing the famous Pizza Express flavors from Indonesia, Singapore and China. Expect a burst of bold flavors in every bite! 

Hello, PizzaExpress.
We dropped by PizzaExpress' SM North EDSA last week to try the favorites from its international counterparts. A total of five pizza flavors are up for grabs from May 6 to June 30, 2019 and we got to try them all. 

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

First Bite: Shi Lin

I'm a big fan of Xiao Long Bao. I simply cannot resist these adorable steamed soup dumplings especially when doused with black vinegar. And though Paradise Dynasty and Lugang stole my heart and a part (or whole compartment) of my tummy, I'm always open to trying other places offering my favorite. This time around, I visited Shi Lin. 

Hello, Shi Lin
I love how R lets me choose where to eat (except on Mondays when it should be Fish & Co.) for dinner. I'd always pick either our favorite joints or a place I've never been to. Since I've never tried Shi Lin's xiao long bao, I suggested that we have dinner there one night. 

Monday, May 13, 2019

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. 

Friday, May 10, 2019

First Sip: Yogorino

I think milk tea's flowing through my blood stream with the amount of boba drinks I consume. Though I try my best to avoid this delicious drink, I just can't seem to get it off my mind. And when a friend recommended that I try Yogorino and found out that it offers milk tea, I have to reset my no milk tea diet to day 0. 

Hello, Yogorino.
Yogorino is one of the growing brands under Viva International Food & Restaurants, Inc. which also franchises or manages Wing Zone, Paper Moon, Botejyu and Pepi Cubano

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Cheat Sheet to Shake Shack Philippines

There's no denying that Shake Shack is one of the most awaited burger joint openings this 2019. With the brand teasing us as early as late last year, many fans have two questions in mind-- when it will open and how much a burger would cost. And we got our answers last week when Shake Shack held its first media preview to select channels and personalities with the announcement that Shake Shack Philippines will open on May 10. But along the excitement for its first day comes some heated debate on which burger is best. Some claim that Shake Shack's burgers are ridiculously priced for a fast food chain while others say that their favorites are far superior compared to Shake Shack's. I'm no burger connoisseur but here's my take on Shake Shack. 

Hello, Shake Shack Philippines!
The popular and iconic New York burger shop finally opens its doors in Manila this May and its pioneer store is massive! It can sit 120 guests at a time and it has four counters to speed up the queue which is expected to be crazy for the next coming months.

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

All about Beef: The Beef

Hole in the Wall's The Beef has been named as one of the best burgers in town for years now. Known for its thick and juicy homemade patties, foodies all over the metro went gaga over this premium burger joint. I hate to admit it but it took me a long while before I got to try this picturesque burger almost everyone is raving about.

Hello, The Beef.
Tucked inside the first ever food hall in town, The Beef has earned a lot of patrons with its premium beefy burgers. The no-frills burger joint has a very thin menu only offering hamburger, cheeseburger and fries. Such streamlining allows The Beef to focus on what's crucial, its patties.

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Get a chance to win a trip to New York at Central Square

New York has been one of the top travel destinations for many. From Broadway to the famous Central Park, the happening boroughs and shopping outlets, there's just too many things to do in the city. And you could fly to the big apple without spending a cent if you get lucky with the Big City Escape!
Central Square launches The Big City Escape where it brings the iconic city to Manila. Interactive vignettes representing the five boroughs will be up at the mall atrium this month till June to give that NYC vibe. Take a photo and tag @centralsquareph and @ssilifeph, and use the hashtags #CSQBigCityEscape, #CentralSquarePH, and #SSILife to win exciting prizes.

Monday, May 6, 2019

Christmas in May: The Plaza Pop Up Store at Rustan's Makati

Christmas came in early this year as The Plaza opens a pop up store in Rustan's Makati. Aside from its scrumptious ham, it also offers other favorites such as Krispy Kangkong, Lasagne al Forno and Chicken ala Kiev among others. And I got to try a bunch over the short midweek break. 

Hello, The Plaza.
Established in 1965, The Plaza has been a strong brand not just for its delectable ham but also in the catering industry. Its mouthwatering spread and strong clientele made it a trustworthy name and reliable supplier for event needs. And now you don't have to wait for the next gathering to sink your teeth into The Plaza's superb dishes.

Friday, May 3, 2019

First Full Bite: Scout's Honor

Scout's Honor is always a happy place for me. I'd usually swing by its store at Hole in the Wall for some yummy cookies and to-die-for flavored milk before heading home. And I was so thrilled to see its full restaurant which also serves other comfort food like all day breakfast meals and pasta dishes. However, I was hardly in Manila these past months that I only got a chance to visit Scout's Honor last week.

Hello, Scout's Honor
Scout's Honor is known for its artisan and create your own cookies. It has made a name for itself in the dessert category and it sure got a following too when it launched its savory dishes.

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Taiwan in Manila: 50 Lan (50嵐)

Taiwan is the place to be to indulge in milk tea but Manila is becoming a close second. With more and more brands coming in, it gets a bit tough to decide on which one to grab for my daily milk tea run. Sometimes, it boils down on which one doesn't have a queue. And thankfully, one of Taiwan's top boba joints is still yet to make buzz. 

Hello, 50 Lan (50嵐).
I was craving for milk tea while waiting for the screening of Avengers: Endgame and spotted 50 Lan (50嵐) at Rustan's Marketplace. I decided to go for its bestseller Boba Jasmine Milk Tea (PHP80, regular | PHP110 large). Note that the price for large is not published in the menu board so I'm not certain if this is its actual price or I got ripped off. It's still pretty affordable though. 

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Love at First Bite (and Sip): Q House

This summer is just too intense. I can't picture myself basking under the sun even if I was on the fine white sands of Boracay making sand angels. It is just too hot! Thankfully, there are new joints that would help us survive this hellish weather. And my new favorite is Q House. 

Hello, Q House!
Q House is Uptown Bonifacio's newest dessert concept and it serves classic banana cue with a twist!