ECQ Favorite: Pizza Hut's Stay@Home Group Deals

There has been an ongoing debate on whether pineapples deserve to be on pizzas or not. Purists would go crazy and refuse the idea while the more casual foodies wouldn't mind. I'm part of the latter. And to be honest, I love Pizza Hut's Hawaiian Pizza. So it was just natural for me to be thrilled when I heard the news that Pizza Hut launched Stay@Home Group Deals, a new promo that includes my favorite pizza!

Hello, Pizza Hut. 

Pizza Hut has been one of my favorite pizza brands since I was young. My mom would often bring a box or two home. I also still remember those college days when I'd swing by its kiosk at SM Megamall and grab two slices for an afternoon snack. And the habit stuck with me till now. 

First Bite: Friends & Family

Today's food scene has never been this dynamic. There are so many new and innovative concepts that would intrigue anyone. But one thing that trumps all trends and gimmicks is familiarity. And that is what Friends & Family focused on.

Hello, Friends & Family.

Friends and Family made its mark in the foodie community with its nostalgic take on several Filipino dishes such as Birthday Spaghetti and. It grew even more popular when The Raintree Group's Executive Chef Kalel Chan came up with Ube Champorado. And when it launched a very tempting Buy One Get One deal on two of its comforting dishes perfect for this rainy weather, I've decided that it's time to stop delaying my visit.

Fly to Rome for Free with Cibo

Italy is a beautiful country filled with so much history. But one thing I absolutely love about this place is its intense passion for great food. Italians take pride in its cuisine and its use of the finest and freshest ingredients. Many too continue to practice the traditional way in preparing food. And though I miss all the trattoria, ristorante and deli shops, I'm happy that I could have a taste of Italy here in Manila at Cibo. 

Hello, Cibo.

Cibo has been our go to restaurant whenever we're craving for good Italian food. I'd often get Patatine Fritte and Spinaci Zola for starters, Penne al Telefono and Panino Porchetta as mains and Panna Cotta for dessert. And don't get me started with my love for its Pomelo Shake! 

Revisiting Classics: Shakey's

Shakey's used to be my default lunch back in college. I simply cannot resist its bang for the buck Bunch of Lunch set and the famous mojos and dip! And its partnership deal with BPI enticed me to splurge a little.

Hello, Shakey's.

BPI had a yummy deal a few months ago where credit card users get a Shakey's voucher for every PHP3,000 transaction. And after a few swipes here and there, I earned enough vouchers for a meal good for four.

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. 

First Bite: Mamma Mia

I hardly visit the mall these days but I think I just found a reason to go to Uptown Bonifacio on a weekly basis. No, it is not because of Christmas shopping or that I have to watch the latest movies. It's because of an Italian restaurant that wowed me with its heavenly pizzas. 

Hello, Mamma Mia. 

Welcomed by warm and inviting interiors, I felt at home as soon as I stepped in. I got charmed by beautiful combination of bricks, marbles and yellow accents. 

First Bite: Sugar Factory

I love sweets and I can't resist it when someone offers me some. And when I got an invite to visit Sugar Factory, I replied with a big, fat YES. Indulging in huge milkshakes and childlike creations always sound like a good idea. 

Hello, Sugar Factory.

I was greeted by a well-lit and spacious dining area that seemed to be a combination of a fancy diner, Vegas and candy land. 

Since we were a huge party of foodies, we were moved to the second floor dining area which gave us a nice view of the whole place. On the other hand, the second dining area is a bit cramped and it was hard for us eager (and aspiring) food photographers to move around and take photos of the fun dishes served to us. But if you're there to simply enjoy the food, you'll be fine. 

First Bite: The Olive Treat

Ber months are definitely the season to be a fatty. With Christmas just around the corner, I could feel my pants getting tighter and my schedule starting to become a hot mess. I have always been away on weekends for events or dinner out and I was getting tired of being away from my bed or couch all the time. Hence, I was so happy when I finally got to stay at home once again on a Saturday. Staycation was something I needed to recharge. And it was made even more special with some delectable dishes from The Olive Treat.

Hello, The Olive Treat!

I got a sweet message from Mark of The Olive Treat asking if I would like to try their Sisig ni Olives (PHP300/half kilo | PHP500/kilo) after seeing my comment on Foodgrammerph’s post. I quickly said yes and inquired about its famous Stuffed Iberico Chicken (PHP550/whole chicken). To my surprise, Mark offered to give me a sample of his roasted chicken and Birthday Spaghetti (PHP900/pyrex) too. After a few more exchanges, we have finally set on a date for the delivery of the mouthwatering dishes. And true to his word, he got to my place on time. 

Love at First Bark: Barkin’ Blends Café

I am a frustrated pet lover. I love pets; but since I live in a condominium, I have very limited options. I used to have goldfish, hamsters, hermit crabs and all those small adorable bundles of joy. But what I really want is a puppy… a cute, sweet, hyper puppy. So when Barkin’ Blends opened, I was one of the happy dog lovers who went during its soft opening and so many things changed since my last visit.

Hello again, Barkin’ Blends!

It has been several months since my last visit and I was surprised that the puppies grew so much (and in number too). This time, I got to try the puppy café’s savory dishes.

We ordered Marley N’ Cheese (PHP120), Skyegetti (PHP120) and Smile’s Tunawich (PHP90). We also ordered drinks which were PHP180 each and it already includes our 2 hour pass in the puppy area. (There was no limit before but since the puppy area gets packed, they had to limit playtime.)

The Marley N’ Cheese was such a comfort dish. The pasta was al dente and it sure was cheesy. My sister loved it a lot!

Next served was my Smile’s Tunawich and it was the usual tuna sandwich. Nothing fancy but it was filling.

The Skyegetti had giant meatballs on it and it had the lovely tangy Italian sauce. I liked the spaghetti the best.

Restaurant Love: Happy Cream Puff

I have a few favorite places that I go to whenever I’m lazy, tired or just wanted to have a quick break. One of which is Happy Cream Puff at Shangri-La Plaza Mall’s East Wing. (Wow, that’s a mouthful!) The place is not as crowded as Starbucks and they have free wi-fi (which fails me at times). And since they also serve savory dishes, it’s one of my top choices when I’m hungry and need food ASAP.

It was already 4 p.m. when we got to Shangri-La and with no food in our bellies; we were starting to get cranky. My sister and I decided to go to Happy Cream Puff for a quick meal before doing other errands.

Konnichiwa, Happy Cream Puff!

This time around, I decided to go for the Nagoya Spaghetti (PHP230) while my sister ordered the Salisbury steak. We also got Banana Nama Éclair (PHP105) for dessert.

For some reason, I was so addicted to spaghetti that week. Just the day before, I also had spaghetti. I felt like I was possessed by Hetty Spaghetti. Anyway…

Restaurant Discovery: Linguini Fini

I love birthdays. I get giddy waiting for 12 midnight just to greet my favorite people. And I want to be the first one to greet them. Yes, I could be competitive with those things too. (I also want to be the last one to greet them [again] just because I like to pester the people I love.) And birthdays are always best celebrated with people dear to you. Okay, I kind of forced myself to be dear to Lil R.

It was one (failed) tea afternoon when my favorite Dragon lady (T), Lil R, Big R and I decided to explore the new restaurants of SM Megamall’s Fashion Hall. We originally planned to visit Ippudo but I think Ippudo hates me. Every time I plan to visit, the line looks like Nokia’s Snake that has been played for 10 hours.

We roamed around for a bit and saw Linguini Fini, a new Italian restaurant near Boqueria (which is now Alqueria). The place looks cozy. So, why not?

It took us quite a bit to decide on what to order but finally decided to get Porchetta (PHP595, served sliced and with chili mostarda), Bianco (PHP745), On Top of Spaghetti (PHP425), and Pappardelle “Nose to Tail Bolo” (PHP430).

First served was the Pappardelle “Nose to Tail Bolo” and it doesn’t look pretty. But the taste says otherwise. The bouncy pasta with the pork testa, veal and oxtail ragu were savory and delightful. T though found a bone on her portion.

The Bianco is your usual cheese pizza. I only had one slice as it was oily. (Sadly, my tummy reacts funny to oily food after two weeks of Alkaline diet.) Cheese lovers would love this though as the pizza had a generous serving of mozzarella, gorgonzola, ricotta, Parmigiano, and Grana Padano.

The On Top of Spaghetti was the idea of the two Rs. They claim that the meatball talked to them. Anyway, it was indeed pretty good. The meatball was savory and juicy. However, I still think that it is just a typical spaghetti dish with a huge meatball on top.