Hungry Homies opens in Molito Alabang!!

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A SOUTHERN STAYCATION AT SOMERSET ALABANG

        I'm always excited when I get a chance to visit the South, especially Alabang, If only traffic permitted, I'm pretty sure I'd be there more often, checking out the amazing restaurants and hotels in the area. I've been to a few hotels in Alabang, and I've always left impressed with the state of the art facilities, luxurious accommodations and world class service.  

     I was ecstatic when my family and I got opportunity to stay at one of the newest names in serviced apartments down South, Somerset Alabang Manila.

THE NEW MENCHI KATSU BURGER FROM YABU!

       A few months back, Yabu released two dishes that Chef Lee Jose has been teasing me about for quite some time now.. Their Katsu Burgers. So being a huge fan of Yabu and Burgers, it was a no brainer that I trooped to the nearest Yabu to try the Hire Katsu Burger, which I ended up loving. The gorgeous flavor of Katsu that Yabu has become famous for was still highly evident in the Katsu "Patty",  and the toppings, such as Onion Jam and Tonkatsu Sauce ensure that it still had a distinct Japanese Flavor.

          I absolutely loved it and annihilated my burger within minutes. But regardless of how much I enjoyed it, I couldn't help but wonder how delicious it would be if they used the Cheese-infused Menchi Katsu instead.

         Well guess what? Wonder no more, because Yabu has finally answered my prayers (I think my hundreds of emails finally drove them crazy), and you can now get the Menchi Katsu Burger!!

VIVERE HOTEL: STANDING TALL IN ALABANG

            I've always said that I consider Alabang as "Out of town" for me. Which is funny because, if I leave at off peak hours, I can get there in about less than an hour. However, it isn't just the distance that makes Alabang feel like a whole new world.. It's also the environment of Filinvest Business Park. For me, its reminiscent to Bonifacio Global City, where it's clearly bustling, with new establishments sprouting left and right, but a high standard of cleanliness is maintained, making it conducive for brisk afternoon walks (usually to other restaurants hehe).

      I have had the fortunate opportunity to experience three rather excellent hotels in Alabang, namely Bellevue, Crimson and Acacia Hotel. However, there was one more hotel in the Alabang area that Rina and had yet to have the pleasure of staying at-, and that was the Vivere Hotel.

    All that changed during the final leg of Sugar & Spice's Birthday weekend, where the Queen of the South once again graciously tagged my family along for a Staycation at Vivere Hotel!

NEIL'S KITCHEN: A NEW LEVEL OF FILIPINO FOOD!

        If I had a Match.com account (I don't, Rina, I swear!), my profile would probably say, "Richie enjoys reading adventure novels, writing poetry and long walks to the fridge.".  Come and get some, ladies.

      It's always fun to eat at a place that doesn't take itself too seriously, which is the relaxed vibe that you feel when you dine at Neil's Kitchen, a new restaurant that takes Filipino dishes to a whole new level! 

CHAIRMAN WANG'S: HAND PULLED NOODLES IN MOLITO!

         Before Ramen became the rabid food craze it is today, Chinese Noodle Soup was the go-to soup of choice for those looking for a lighter, yet satisfying meal. Chairman Wang's is restaurant in Alabang with a goal: Putting the pride back into noodle soups & reaffirming its place as one of the most popular comfort food(s?) of choice!

THE FLAVORS OF LASA BISTRO

      Going to the South is always fun (Once you get past the traffic, that is), and I'm really intrigued by the selection of restaurants that have sprouted around the area. The restaurant scene has got me so interested, ] I plan to set a few days to go on a Food Trip around Alabang (I'm compiling a list as we speak) later in the year. 

      During our Staycation at Crimson Hotel, my blogger buddy, Richard aka Tales From The Tummy, invited us to try Lasa, the new restaurant of Chef CK Kalaw of X046 fame, which had just recently opened at Commerce Center. I trust Richard's taste in food explicitly, and he had nothing but good words for X046, so I knew we were in for a treat!

B HOTEL: BEYOND A BUSINESS HOTEL

Full on Tourist mode.. In Alabang.

            Ever since I set on expanding my blog to include overnight experiences in Hotels, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to stay in some of the finest that the country has to offer.. Not just around the metro, but all the way from Cebu and Davao as well.

      It's funny though, because even though Alabang and the other areas of the South is just an hour or less drive away, I feel like more of a tourist when I'm there, then when I'm in Cebu, despite the fact that I haven't lived in the Visayas in more than 20 years (Gawd I'm old :( sniff ).

      But at the same time, that's what makes every trip down South even more fun. I have had the pleasure of staying at the stunning Bellevue Manila twice already, and each time, the experience just keeps getting better and better. 

      This time, I was curious to check out Bellevue's so-called "little brother".. B Hotel. 

CRIMSON HOTEL: MAKING A BIG BANG IN ALABANG.. And a GIVEAWAY!

Photo lifted from http://on.fb.me/1gXVWte

         For those of you who don't know, I grew up in the beautiful city of Cebu, because our family's business was established there. For summer vacation, we would come back home to Manila, and to me it would feel like I was in a different country. One of the highlights of our vacations? Our highly anticipated trips to "Big Bang sa Alabang" and the giant slide! It was most fun I had in a sack.. (Until I got older of course hehe). I know i'm showing my age, but I can't help it.. I've got so many great memories there! (In Big Bang.. Not..umm... in the sack hehe.. but now that you mentioned it.. err.. ok let's not lose focus hehe) 

      My brother and I were elementary school students that flew in from Cebu, and making their way to Alabang, coming from the hills of Antipolo- so i'm sure you'll understand if the trek to Alabang always felt like a lifetime, making us feel like we were going out of town.  

Since then, the Alabang area has grown by heaps and bounds. With road developments such as The Skyway, C-5 and most recently, C-6, Alabang and the other cities in the South is more accessible than ever. 

        Still synonymous with residing prominent families of the country, the Southern part of Metro Manila has boomed into a thriving community of its own, making it totally unnecessary to leave the confines of the area, and more importantly, making it a totally viable location for tourists to stay in when visiting the country. 

        As I've gone along through my blogging career, I've been fortunate enough to experience the exception service of some of the finest hotels Alabang has to offer. Rina and I were extremely ecstatic to be given the opportunity to stay in the newest luxury hotel of the South.. Crimson Hotel.          

BACK IN SESSION AT PHOENIX COURT!

        A few months back, Rina, Baby Rain and I enjoyed a short staycation at The Bellevue Hotel in Alabang. I was completely blown away when I found out that it wasn't an international chain, and that it was locally owned. One of the highlights of our stay was the incredible meal we had at Phoenix Court. Our meal was so awesome, I felt it deserved a sequel.

        Lo, and behold, I got it! 

THE BELLEVUE MANILA: PHOENIX COURT IS NOW IN SESSION

       I cannot reiterate enough how much I love Chinese food. I swear, I think I could live on Sweet & Sour Pork for the rest of my life (And bacon). I had heard a lot of good things about Bellevue Manila's Chinese restaurant, Phoenix Court from my other food blogger friends, so in the days leading up to our Bellevue Staycation, I wasn't sure what I was more excited about.. Staying overnight in the Luxury Hotel, or eating in the Chinese Restaurant?

      I'm still on the fence about what I was looking forward to more, but I was fortunate to have both, and I can safely say, that I believe Phoenix Court is one of the best Chinese restaurant's I've ever tried. 

THE MOUTH OF THE SOUTH: SODERNO AT MOLITO

In case you're new to my Blog, I just wanted to let you know that as of today (January 26, 2012), The first ever Pickiest Eater In The World Contest Giveaway is underway, and you can find out the details on how to join by clicking out the post HERE. Get a chance to win Gift Certificates for P5,000.00 worth of services from CATHY VALENCIA SKIN AND BODY CENTER! Guys, if you need pogi points with your girls, this could be your chance! (Unless you wanna use it yourself of course.. Umm.. We're not here to judge)

                Though my long awaited trip to P.F. Chang's would have been the main event to a normal man, but not to me. P.F. Chang's was only Phase 1 of my plan for that Saturday. The second phase got set into motion later that evening, when we made our way to Soderno at Molito in Alabang. 

           Though I've been to Soderno's siblings, Mercato Centrale and Distrito numerous times, this would be the very first time I would be visiting the Southern incarnation.

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR AT P.F. CHANG'S PHILIPPINES!

In case you're new to my Blog, I just wanted to let you know that as of today (January 19, 2012), The first ever Pickiest Eater In The World Contest Giveaway is underway, and you can find out the details on how to join by clicking out the post HERE. Get a chance to win Gift Certificates for P5,000.00 worth of services from CATHY VALENCIA SKIN AND BODY CENTER! Guys, if you need pogi points with your girls, this could be your chance! (Unless you wanna use it yourself of course.. Umm.. We're not here to judge)

The only reason why she looks so tall is cuz she's wearing heels. 

And umm.. I'm wearing "flats". 

              My sister Raquel and I made plans during the Christmas break for me to visit her over at the South. I hadn't been to Alabang since my trip to The Wooden Horse Steak House so I thought it would be fun to find a place to eat over at the other side of the metro. At first I was targeting one of those hole in the wall restaurants around BF, but I found out through Rina's friend that there was a restaurant that was opening in Alabang Town Center (Not at The Fort, as I originally heard through the grapevine) - one that I had seen and heard about quite often, but never got to try. Wouldn't it be a cool way to celebrate the Chinese New Year weekend at the newly opened P.F. Chang's? 

       And as a lover of the Chinese Cuisine, I swore to myself that as soon as P.F. Chang's opens its doors in the Philippines, I owed it to myself to finally get a taste of what the fuss is all about. So on January 19th, 2012, P.F. Chang's finally opened for business at Alabang Town Center. 

       Two days later, I found myself speeding down South Super Highway on my way to Alabang. 

I'M ON A WOODEN HORSE.. STEAK HOUSE!

My audition for the role of the next Old Spice Guy didn't go so well

            I'm a very lazy guy, that struggles to get himself out of bed or away from the computer when at home. I'm a homebody that prefers a large order of pizza and a good movie or series marathon, as opposed to a partying at bars and clubs all night. I've noticed most of my posts have been either Eastwood or Makati (I live in Pasig and I work in Makati), so I decided to expand my horizons just a little bit, and explore what lurks in Alabang (I told ya just a little bit). 

    When Rina told me that her friends were planning a get together down South, I jumped at the chance to go on a food trip with them. At first we were planning somewhere in BF Homes Paranaque, but when I realized that the get together was scheduled on a Harry Potter weekend, I thought it would be best to have lunch somewhere in Alabang Town Center, so that Rina and I could go straight to their cinemas right after. I was able to get some great seats via SureSeats.com for the 4:30pm showing (And it's a good thing I did, because the line was ridiculous and by 1pm, they were only selling tickets for the last full show!), leaving me with only one problem.. where to eat at ATC. 

     It's a nice mall and all.. More like a tidied up Glorietta in Makati, but the choices of restaurants aren't anything out of the ordinary. I didn't want to make that rare trip to Alabang, and just eat at Pepper Lunch, Yellow Cab or Italianni's again (Their concession stands are more interesting then their actual restaurants). I resolved that since we went all this way, our meal had to be something different. 

    Rina's friend Lia, who is a resident of the South and has joined us in many adventures in the past, always boasted that once we visited Alabang or any of her "Territories", she would be the one who would play hostess. It was funny because once we got there, she herself found herself a little lost in the labyrinth that is Alabang Town Center. 

  Then came Rina's friend Aiko, who herself is a citizen of the South. She suggested a restaurant that I haven't reviewed yet, and we decided on that. However, I was a little bit uneasy because I knew there were other branches of that said restaurant in Makati and MOA as well, so I really wouldn't be maximizing my trip. But at that point I was just so exhausted from walking I was thisclose to picking the nearest BBQ stand and just going with it. 

   The place she took us to was actually across from the Alabang Town Center, and as we got closer, Aiko pointed out a Steak House, which was right beside the diner she initially suggested. 

 Since I had never heard of this place before, I knew I had found the restaurant I went down to the South for. 

      The Wooden Horse Steak House.