AN ITALIAN FEAST AT MAMMA MIA, UPTOWN PLACE MALL

           I really enjoy Italian food, so I'm always excited to try new Italian restaurants. Being hyper-acidic, I give plus points to establishments that can come up with dishes that doesn't use tomatoes. I don't know what it was about Mamma Mia, but they seemed to know my plight, so we were served some of their best sellers that didn't use tomatoes, and every thing he had were EXCELLENT! 

STARTING THE NEW YEAR AT F1 HOTEL MANILA WITH THE KTG!

         For the past few years, My blogger family known as The KTG has celebrated our Christmas Party at F1 Hotel at Bonifacio Global City. This is only fitting because it pretty much was the place where our Blogger Collective was born, and we now consider it the Home of The KTG.  For the past few years though, we decided to avoid the December rush and instead, celebrate it during the first week of January.. Which coincidentally happens to be the week of two major events for me, namely my Wedding Anniversary, and my Birthday, making the Party at F1 Hotel extra special! 

        During The KTG's 2018 Holiday Party, not only did we usher in the new year with a bang, we also welcomed Chef Chubby Timban to the F1 Family, as their new Executive Chef!

THE PICKIEST EATER VLOG: A WEEKEND AT ASCOTT BGC

      Though I've been to Ascott Serviced Residences in Makati before, I had yet to set foot in their property at Bonifacio Global City. Fortunately, my family and I were invited for a relaxing staycation, and much like the Makati branch, I was left in awe by how stunning the place looked. From the Hotel lobby, to the rooms, to the function areas and restaurants, intricate detail was put into making Ascott BGC Manila a world class serviced residences establishment. 

FREEZER BURN'S SPECIAL CHRISTMAS FLAVORS!

   

            With the Yuletide season upon us, Rockstar Chef, Miko Aspiras uses this time to get his creative juices flowing in his highly successful Ice Cream Parlor, Freezer Burn. Looking to innovate more flavors, Chef Miko developed a Christmas themed composed Ice Cream line that would make Santa himself want to stop over in the middle of delivering gifts, just for a scoop! 

PINKS MANILA: IT'S THE LOVE YOU DISCOVER

            I was quite surprised that Pink's, the Hollywood Hotdog Legend, decided to set up shop here in Manila. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I love me a good hotdog, but I always thought of it as more of a "Mom and Pop Hotdog Stand" than an international restaurant chain. Being a lover of comfort food, I was fully aware of the legend of Pink's in Los Angeles. During my 2014 trip to L.A., I made it a point to visit to stop by for a hotdog at Pink's, as soon as I realized there was a stand at Universal Studios, which we were visiting that day. 

       I was impressed with the juicy, meatiness of the hotdog, especially that gorgeous snap that came with every bite. Finally, Pink's opened at Shangri-la Hotel at The Fort, and I finally got around to visiting, together with Rina and Rain!

ENJOY F1 HOTEL'S LUZVIMINDA 3: PISTANG PINOY!

      I don't know about you, but one of my most awaited food festivals has happened at F1 Hotel Manila for the past 3 years.. The LuzViMinda 3 Pistang Pinoy! For the past three years, F1 Hotel has gathered the biggest names of the culinary world, representing their respective regions, to come up with amazing gastronomic concoctions that exemplifies the beauty of their hometown's food and culture. These world-class, but proudly Pinoy Chefs, take you on a mouthwatering trip around the country, one dish at a time, letting you experience the wonderful flavors that the Philippines has to offer, one dish at a time!

    This year, the triumvirate included Celebrity Chef Bruce Lim from Luzon, Chef Tatung Sarthou of the Visayas, and Chef Sider Tadtad of Mindanao! 

BURGERS & BREWSKIES: FOOD FOR THE OVERLY MANLY MAN

       Hello, my name is Richie Zamora. And I am a Burger Addict. I dont understand what exactly it is about burgers that have captivated me so. Granted, I spent my formative years in the USA, and burgers were definitely a staple in my diet. Although I've lived a great deal of my life in the Philippines, my Western influenced palate remains drawn to those grilled patties on soft toasted buns. Rina gets annoyed with me when I choose a burger joint over a rice meal ready restaurant. 

  

     What I enjoy about Burger makers nowadays is how they seem to have become more and more bold with their concoctions.. Pushing the limit of abusurdity not only with size, but with the toppings and ingredients that comprise the entire burger. 

    One of those newest Burger places, is Burger and Brewskies. 

KOKO BURI: PAMPANGA'S BEST KEPT SECRET, NOW IN BGC!

          I'm not ashamed to admit that I jumped on to the Korean Twice Fried Chicken train when it first exploded into the Metro Manila Food scene. Bonchon's crispiness was unlike anything I had ever experienced before, and though I don't eat twice fried chicken as frequently as I used to, I still consider it as one of those "Go-to" meals when I can't seem to point my finger at what exactly I'm craving for. 

        During the height of the twice fried chicken craze, a friend told me, "Bonchon is good, no doubt. But you should try Koko Buri in Pampanga". As much as I loved the chicken, I wasn't too keen on travelling an hour or two away for it. So I simply told my friend, "If they're really that good, i'm sure they're going to open a branch in Manila."

     Just a little more than a year or so later, I found out that Koko Buri opened a branch at Bonifacio Global City. I was right. They really are THAT good.    

'CUE MODERN BARBECUE'S NEW PORCH MENU!

        I've actually only been there once, and only got to try a limited number of items on their menu, but Cue is definitely one of my favorite restaurants. From the moment I saw a friend post the picture of the Steak and Bone Marrow Tacos, I knew that this restaurant, whose them is "Modern Barbecue", was right up my alley. 

        As a testament to how good the food was, here's a little anecdote.. I was invited over a few to 'Cue, a couple of months after it had opened. On the date that Rina and I were supposed to visit, the marketing guy that invited me didn't realize that he scheduled my visit on a day that he would be out of town, and didn't endorse me to anyone. He apologized, and said we could re-schedule for another day, which was fine with me. But the problem was, I had studied the inside and out of the menu every single day leading up to my visit. Meaning my mind and heart was dead set on finally trying 'Cue.

     There I was, standing at the door of the restaurant I had been drooling over the past couple of weeks, so I decided, "You know what? Forget the invite! Let's eat now!". 

    Since we were eating there on my own dime, our feature was not as extensive as I would have liked, as 'Cue's price are a little steep - not say it isn't worth every cent, but still a bit steep nonetheless. 

    I told myself that Rina and I would go back soon, but our schedule hasn't permitted it. 

    So even though I don't drink, when I was asked to sample Cue's "Porch Menu", I said YES without a moment's hesitation. 

VISITING YABU AT SM AURA

          Be honest.. Before Yabu existed, was there anyone that ever stopped for a second and said, "Hey, I'm craving for some Katsu!". Back in the day, it was always just usually, "Dude, let's go for some sushi", or "I want some tempura!", or even the generic, "Let's get some Japanese food!". 

         Let's face it.. Yabu: The House Of Katsu elevated Japanese Katsu to a new level of dining, to the point where different franchises from all around the globe scrambled to set up shop in the Philippines, just to get a piece of the action. I haven't tasted all the other Katsu places that have opened just yet, but in my opinion, Yabu's place in the market that it created in this country is safely perched at the very top. 

         Whenever they have a new addition to their menu, I always feel compelled to stop whatever it is I'm doing just to give it a try (I've gotten in trouble at work cuz of that mentality... My boss was waiting on the other line.. Long story..). Which is why I was surprised even myself that I waited longer than usual to give their newest dishes a try. 

       Now I'm kicking myself for not having gone to Yabu's Aura Branch sooner.

I SALUTE THE SINGAPORE FOOD REPUBLIC IN BGC!

          During my trip to Singapore in 2011 with my pregnant Rina and her sister Chaikka, we stumbled upon perhaps the most amazing food court I had ever seen, called Food Republic. Though the Singapore Food Republic located at Bonifacio Global City has nothing to do with that epic food court, they do share the same ideals: 

         Serving to their customers the most authentic, and the best in Singaporean food.  

IHOP'S NEW GRIDDLE MELTS!

          Though its still rather busy during peak hours, the IHOP craze has seemed to die down. The lines are nowhere near as ridiculous as it was during the first few months of their operation. 

        So what does IHOP do to make sure their brand stays fresh? Introduce new products of course! 

         Starting off with their new Griddle Melts!

WINE PAIRING AT THE CAKE CLUB - RINAZ

        People usually find it interesting that between Richie and I, he’s the one who does not drink (at all!) and I’m the one who can take a couple of glasses of cocktails occasionally. I especially love frozen margarita with lotsa salt! (Missing weekends at Chilli’s with my ex-office mates! Huhuhu!)

        But truthfully I never really enjoyed wine (unless it’s my sister-in-law’s special red wine with sprite... I think it’s sprite...) Aaaaanyway, I find the taste of wine a bit too bitter for my liking. I would try but only end up taking 2-3 sips and that’s it.

        And it was only until a few days ago when I finally appreciated the pleasure of drinking wine. It was during the wine pairing at The Cake Club that I started to understand that wine is best enjoyed when paired with the right stuff. 

       Or in this case, when paired with the right dessert! 

MESCLUN BISTRO: A TOUCH OF CLASS AND COMFORT

  

     Late last year, Rina and I were supposed to attend a lunch at Mesclun with my other blogger friends.. As luck would have it, we had already committed to other plans, so we were unable to join the event. Though I had a wonderful time during my own trip, seeing the posts of my other blogger friends made me extremely jealous. Everything looked absolutely amazing.     I intended to bring Rina there one time, but our schedule didn't permit it, until it was eventually forgotten about. 

       When I found out that Mesclun Bistro would be opening in Serendra, It once again re-awakened my longing to visit. This time, luck was on my side, because my and some blogger friends were once again invited to try some items of their menu, I cleared my schedule and made sure Rina and I wouldn't miss it for the world! 

SHAWARMA GUYS AT THE FORT STRIP!

             Truthfully, I'm not a very huge fan of Mediterranean food. I feel that sometimes, the ingredients they used is a bit too far out for my simple, Joe Shmoe Palate. But I do have to admit, I'm a fan of a good Shawarma. I pick out the tomatoes, and cucumbers and whatever vegetable they may have thrown in there (Or request it with no veggies hehe), drizzle my meat packed wrap in the garlic sauce, and BAM, i'm good to go (Did that sound weird?). 

       One time a few years back, I was having dinner at my parent's place. My mom (who loves experimenting with recipes), made a deconstructed Vegetable Shawarma, filled with egg plant, yellow peppers and the like (I say "deconstructed" because you wrap it yourself). Truthfully, when mixed with the garlic sauce she made, it was actually quite good. If there is anyone who is aware that I am a Picky Eater, it's the woman who raised me and had to deal with my picky-ness first hand, so she also prepared a plate of liempo for me to devour, just to make sure I don't complain. 

      As I was watching them wrapping up their shawarmas in the pita bread (she also set aside some grilled chicken breast strips for those who wanted more protein in their shawarma), I realized I was missing out on the fun. The steaming Pitas were too irresistible to pass up, so I decided I wanted to make a shawarma. I had already put a small pile of liempo on to my plate, so I was getting a little guilty (just a little) about double carb-ing my meal.. A chicken breast-veggie shawarma, and liempo with rice? You can't have liempo without rice, can you? You could very well lose your Filipino citizenship! 

      Torn between wanting to make myself a shawarma and eating my liempo, a had a moment of Zen, and did the unthinkable: I made a Liempo Shawarma.  And it was incredible. How incredible? Well.. My companions for the evening.. meaning my brother, my wife, and yes, even my mom saw what I was doing. And guess what? There was loads of chicken breast and veggies leftover that night.. and not a single piece of liempo. 

       I called my creation "Inihaw na Shawarma", and realized that there was so much possible concoctions one could come up with, using that classic Mediterranean wrap. The closest thing I had ever seen to creativity with a shawarma, was when a popular Mediterranean restaurant gave you an option to add french fries into it (Quite good though). But how about a shawarma for the everyman.. the guy that doesn't eat too much veggies.. the guy whose taste buds has been far too influenced by the Western culture.. A guy like me? 

     Enter Shawarma Guys.

THE LUZVIMINDA FOOD FESTIVAL AT THE F1 HOTEL MANILA

    

       You don't have to be a comic geek to know that the success of the movie "The Avengers", which earned a staggering US$1.5 Billion in its worldwide box office, can be attributed to the public's anticipation of seeing Earth's Mightiest Heroes assembled on the big screen for the first time. Even a year after its release, I still sometimes find myself going on to Youtube just to watch the scene where Dr. Banner casually strolls toward the Huge alien transporter/creature that is chasing Iron Man, and nonchalantly tells Captain America, "That's my secret Cap.. I'm always angry", then transforms into the Hulk, and punches the creature square on the nose, causing it to flip over, just in time for Iron Man to blast it to smithereens. 

       To this very day, the scene that followed, where they are all gathered around in a circle, with the camera panning around them still gives me the chills. 

        Though they're aren't superheroes, seeing the collection of talented Filipino Chefs from across the country that F1 Hotel Manila assembled for their groundbreaking "LUZVIMINDA: Filipino Festival of Flavors" stand before me, gave a food lover such as myself tingles down my spine. 

         I knew that this moment, was something very special, and I was excited for what was to come.

PIZZA HEAVEN AT NOLITA BONIFACIO HIGH STREET

     Time and time again, I often repeat my frustration with the culinary wonder known as "Pizza". I love those glorious oven baked pies, but more often than not, it triggers my hyper acidity,and the results aren't pleasant. As much as I would love to be able to indulge in a stunning, thin crust pizza, topped with a double helping of mozzarella cheese and bacon, ham, and pepperoni, I would never do so at the expense of possibly having a brown baby boy in the middle of an important meeting. 

     Which is why It took me so long to visit Nolita. 

     A couple of months ago, as I made plans to meet up with my college friends, I suggested to my friends that we check out Nolita, thinking that I could taste one of their pizzas and realize that it wasn't something I would crave for, and my tummy would not be in jeopardy. Basically get the whole thing over with.

    As my teeth dug into my pizza, the first thing that came into my mind was, "Uh-oh".  

BRUNCH AT THE CAKE CLUB: PART I

          On weekends, there's a very good chance that I would skip breakfast and just have a heavy lunch. If it were up to me though, I would always start the day with Brunch. Maybe something in the mid-morning, around 10 or so.. Not too heavy (Definitely no rice).. So that by 1pm or so, I could have a heavy lunch, then a light dinner in the evening.

      Of course, that would be in a perfect world. One that I don't live in.

      But I did get the chance to try the new Brunch Menu of The Cake Club By Diamond Hotel at Bonifacio High Street, and it gave me a glimpse of what that perfect world would be like. The array of choices were impressive, and I could definitely see myself starting off my day with these mouthwatering dishes. 

RIGHT ON 'CUE: MODERN BARBECUE

          Ahh yes.. Barbecue.. Perhaps my favorite food group. I'm going to be the first to admit that I have a weakness for food that is prepared in this highly esteemed method of cooking. From Barbecued meats, to the different types of sauces, it matters not. I love them all. 

      A couple of weeks ago, a childhood friend of mine, Chaveli, posted a picture on Instagram (follow me, pickiesteater!) that showed "Steak & Bone Marrow Tacos" from a Restaurant called "Cue: Modern Barbecue", with the apt caption, "Heart attack on a plate'. Chavs explained to me that it was a new restaurant at Bonifacio High Street that was opened by couple of our childhood friends from Cebu, Jon and Pebbles. 

     Regardless, though, the concept alone, "Modern Barbecue" had my full attention 

IT'S OFF TO GRAMS DINER WE GO!

       Just last weekend, my company went on our annual summer outing at Zambales. We had lunch at around 1pm, and after a couple of hours of duty free shopping, we headed back to Manila by around 5pm. And though I absolutely demolished everything that I had ordered during our late lunch, I was building up quite an appetite on the bus ride home. Which was totally fine, since I had promised Rina and Chaikka that I would be treating them for dinner, as a reward from picking me up at the office, with Baby Rain to boot! (Proud daddy showing off his baby girl)


     When they picked me up, they were, of course, expecting me to have set plans for dinner already. Unfortunately, all of my suggestions were rejected because I had forgotten that both Rina and Chaikka have a "No Rice? No Thank You" policy when it comes to restaurant choices for dinner. 


     As we entered Bonifacio Global City, I realized that a Diner that I had been wanting to blog about had conveniently opened near the MC Home Depot area.


     All the two sisters had two hear was the word "Diner", and they were sold.. We were going to have a "Late Night Breakfast" at Grams Diner.