A YULETIDE FESTIVAL AT F1 HOTEL MANILA

       I believe I've been going to F1 Hotel frequently for the three years, and I've seen some pretty amazing Chefs from around the country take the reins in their kitchen. Each time I've visited, I can safely say that I've always been impressed with the various dishes that I've tried.  

      With all due respect to the previous Chefs who undoubtedly did an excellent job, I can safely say the current line up of Chefs of F1 Hotel, led by Executive Chef Decker Giocko is by far my favorite. Even during his days at Cake Club, I've seen Chef Decker as a kindred spirit.. in leyman's terms, "ka-vibes ko siya" especially when it comes to our taste in food. 

    With 2016 coming to a close, I was invited to F1 Hotel once again to try out their Holiday spread, and I was blown away by the various entrees that Chef Decker and his team whipped up as part of their Christmas and New Year Buffet... and I was not about to say no to that!

COCINA PERUVIA IN BGC: A FLAVORFUL TRIP TO PERU!

      When I was in the United States last year, my cousins told me that Peruvian cuisine was all the rage at the moment. I was rather taken aback because I had heard nothing about the food of Peru. Truthfully, I was half expecting it to be burgers made with Llama meat or something. Nonetheless, given how the Philippines usually refuses to be left behind when it comes to food trends, I was confident that someone would sooner or later bring a Peruvian restaurant to the country. 

     It turns out I was right, the Peruvian food movement in the Philippines has begun, and I was ultra-excited to find out that it was Celebrity Chef Him Uy de Baron who would be at the forefront of one of the first Peruvian restaurants in the country, Cocina Peruvia. 

NEST MODERN TABLE & BAR: SOARING THROUGH BGC!

           Since my very first meal in URBN Kitchen & Bar, I knew that their Executive Chef, Benjo Tuason was the real deal. More than anything, it's his versatility that impresses me most. One minute he's delving into oriental dishes, the next thing you know he's whipping up a European delicacy. The next, he's schooling you in classic Pinoy dishes.

            The man simply refuses to keep his culinary talents in a box, and is unafraid to explore flavors and dishes from around the world. When Rina and I were graciously invited to Chef Benjo's newest baby, Nest Modern Table and Bar, I knew we were in for yet another mouth watering evening of food and fun!   

TIPPLE & SLAW: SANDWICH HEAVEN AT BGC FORUM

           As soon as the itinerary for my trip to the United States a few months ago was confirmed, the very first thing I did was map out the places I would eat out, using one of my all time favorite shows, "Man V. Food" as a point of reference. Though I haven't written it yet in my blog, I am proud to say I was able to visit three places that have been featured in the show! 

      In case ya'll don't know, Man V. Food is what inspired me to start my blog. After watching an episode for the first time (Season 2: Episode 4, San Francisco), something inside me woke up, and I realized that what Man V. Food Host Adam Richman was doing - Perhaps, not the food challenges, but the going around to different places, and sharing my eating adventure with people - is what I wanted to do. 

    Which is why, as I entered Tipple & Slaw and saw a photo of Adam Richman up on the wall, I knew I had come to the right place for lunch. 

TAKE ME TO THE BUTCHER SHOP & PUB

       Whenever you think of "Expensive Food", Steak is usually the first thing that comes to my mind. Which is why I'm always on the lookout for a great place to have a steak, that offers me the best value for money. Although quality will also be first and foremost on my list of priorities, it is also nice to find a restaurant that you can go back to time and time again, without it hurting your wallet so much. 

       The Butcher Shop and Pub is the latest Gastropub to open in Manila. I'll be honest with you.. I'm not too big on the nightlife, but I love how these gastropubs have been sprouting around the metro. You see, I don't drink, but I eat like a bad mutha (Shutyomouth!). My friends find it difficult to get me to join them for a night of drinks, and they know that it is in the promise of some great food that may lure me out of my hiding hole. Usually, when they ask where we can go, I always choose a place to eat, but the selection of drinks aren't all that great, or could be expensive. Whenever THEY choose, it's usually with food so awful, I usually end up passing by for some drive thru fast food on my way home. 

      The next time that they ask me for a suggestion, I know exactly what I'll suggest... The Butcher Shop & Pub.

THIS IS HOW WE ROLL: CRYSTAL JADE'S DICE GAME AND MID-AUTUMN FOOD FESTIVAL!

          I was really excited when I got an invitation from Crystal Jade to play a Chinese Dice game for the first time! The last time I played a dice game was in high school. The game was Dungeons and Dragons, and I had a high level Magic User. Our mission was to save the daughter of the Village Chieftain from the clutches of the Diabolical Sorcerer, who together with his evil minions, sowed fear throughout the land.

     Apparently, this was nothing like that. No zombies. No goblins. No Dungeons, and definitely no dragons. 

      All it was, was 6 dice and a bowl. 

     And it was one of the most fun I've had in my life! 

WRONG RAMEN'S RIGHT MOVE: THE ARAKAWA ABURA SOBA

           The metro has gone crazy over Ramen.. And I've got to admit, despite being a late bloomer in the game, I've become a fan of it. I admire how Wrong Ramen has carved out a niche for itself for boldly concocting the most ridiculous recipes that would drive the most loyal ramen purist up the wazoo.

        This time, they've collaborated with Ramen heavyweight, Hanamaruken, to come up with a Ramen dish that still has the insanity that Wrong Ramen is known for, but with the authentic techniques that Hanamaruken is known for. 

       Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines, because you have until September 15, to try the Arakawa Abura Soba.

WEEKEND BRUNCHING AT MAIN STREET

               One of my favorite restaurants that opened last year had to be Main Street. If you haven't been to their quaint little spot along Tuscany in McKinley Hill, then you are missing out on some amazing comfort food. 

         It was in the fresh and modern execution of classic favorites, such as Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Grilled Porkchops, and Griled Steak that sold me on to Main Street. I was blown away before, but upon my return, The brains behind Main Street's Kitchen, Chef Adam Tan, made sure that I was blow away to little tiny smithereens this time, by unveiling his new Weekend Brunch Menu!

      And friends, it is simply incredible.  

YABU'S MENCHI KATSU WITH BABE FOR FOOD!

          Friends, meet the lovely Justinne, also known as the Blogger from Cebu, "Babe For Food". I "Cyber-met" Justinne in 2012 when I was searching the net for restaurants to visit in Cebu, and came across her blog. I really felt it was a great read, because it was insightful and fun at the same time. I sent her a comment on her blog page, asking for recommendations on restaurants to visit, and her reply would have put Looloo to shame.

        Since then, our friendship consisted of Facebook messages, Instagram comments, and Tweets. We would often tag one another in facebook posts, particularly when it comes to food that we feel that other would enjoy. 

        It wasn't until December of 2013 that we finally got to meet each other face to face for the very first time, when some of my blogger friends and I visited Movenpick Cebu. Since she was such an amazing hostess when we were there in Cebu, I told her that when she goes to Manila, I would take her to some of my favorite dining spots. 

        On top of that list? 

         Yabu: The House of Katsu.

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. 

A DELECTABLE STROLL DOWN SILK ROAD

                I won't lie to you.. Being a blogger certainly does have it's privileges. But to me, all the free food and hotel perks that I have had the pleasure of enjoying comes only second to being able to meet some inspiring people behind the business, that I am proud to call a friend. 

         One of those people is Chef Cecille Chang. 

         I first met Chef Cecille when a fellow blogger, Shen's Addiction (congrats btw Shen!), invited Rina and I to try Thai Bistro, which at that time, had just opened. My first impression of her, was that she isn't your sterotypical Chef that stays in the kitchen in her Chef Whites, with her hair up, as she stirs pots and pans. True to her nickname, "Chef in Stilettos", Chef Cecille cooks amazing food, and knows how to look fabulous while doing so. 

       More than anything, it was how incredibly down to Earth she is that endeared her to Rina and I. She sat down with us as we ate, and we swapped stories, just like we had known each other for ages. And we loved how she was unafraid to speak her mind with her firm, yet fair opinion. 

      But make no mistake about it- Chef Cecille knows her food, especially when it comes to the complex art of Thai food. She proved that with her work at Thai at Silk, and reaffirmed that with Thai Bistro. It is one thing to know how to cook Thai food.. But it's another to take it to the next level. Which is what Chef Cecille does with every dish she makes. 

  

      It is in her latest "Baby", Silk Road, that she puts a definitive stamp on being the leading name in Thai Cuisine in the country today. Easily one of my best dining experience in 2013. 

        

RAMEN NAGI OPENS AT SM AURA!

           I'm not gonna lie to you, I got into the Ramen game rather late. I'm really more of a meat and potatoes kind of guy, so as my foodie friends were talking about the richness of a ramen's broth, the firmness of their noodles and the like, I was wondering why people were going nuts over something that you can buy at the grocery by the pack. 

        Naturally, as my food blogging career went on, so did my education in the art of Ramen, courtesy of my other foodie friends.  A few months ago, I was invited to visit a taste test of the newest Ramen place that would be arriving in our shores. I had the pleasure of tasting some Ramen dishes that were completely out of the ordinary, and anxiously awaited the day that their doors would finally open. 

       As December came, I got the call I had be waiting for. 

       Rejoice, Ramen Lovers! Ramen Nagi has opened its doors in SM Aura. 

A WALK DOWN MAIN STREET AT TUSCANY, MCKINLEY HILL

         I don't know if you guys know this, but I spent my early years in the States - Which is probably why I'm more particular to simple dishes from the good ol' U.S. of A, than classic Pinoy fare. Though I do love a good Chicken and Pork Adobo or Pochero from my Yaya's kitchen, to me, it was her BBQ Ribs, Roasted Chicken with Bread Stuffing - dishes that tend to lean towards the Western Hemisphere, that I always found the most comforting. 

       Which is why Main Street, a new restaurant at that opened at the growing Tuscany Hill that specializes in Canadian Comfort Food, really piqued my interest from the moment I heard about it. 

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!

COCA RESTAURANT NOW IN THE PHILIPPINES! - RINAZ

With Mr. Trevor McKenzie, Managing Director of COCA Group of Restaurants

           I’m really fascinated with restaurants that serve family dishes that have been passed along for generations, but with their own special twist! And this is COCA restaurant’s legacy. Mr. Pitaya Phanphensophon, the CEO of COCA international Co. Ltd. Told us a simple yet powerful statement that night. “I would not serve you anything that I would not serve my children”. And this is precisely how it should be.

            Just a little history:  This restaurant started back in 1957 when Mr. Pitaya’s parents Mr. Srichai Phanphensophon with his wife Mrs. Patama opened a 20-seater restaurant that immediately became a huge hit, until they moved to a different location (Soi Tantawan) and eventually expanded to a 150-seater restaurant.  From there, everything was history! Suki style cooking was introduced. And this, my friends, was the birth of COCA Restaurant. (COCA derived from “Kekou” which means appetizing. 

       And I gotta tell you, “appetizing” is an understatement! 

DELICIOUS ICE CREAM, IS JUST A COLD STONE AWAY! - RINAZ

          What could be more perfect this summer than an awesome ice cream place opening at the heart of The Fort? Nothing!!!

          Cold Stone Creamery is a premium ice cream brand that serves fresh, smooth, and creamy ice cream with an outstanding and wide variety of flavors you wouldn't believe. Their ice creams have a special formulation of premium milk, cream, and buttermilk fat. (Sounds good already!) It originated in Scottsdale, Arizona and is now here in Manila!

          What's special about Cold Stone is the customer's ability to customize their own ice cream. To give you an idea on how many possible concoctions you can create with Cold Stone Creamery, They have:

22 fresh flavors of ice cream and sorbet made fresh every day.

10 kinds of candy toppings

2 types of Nuts

8 types of fruits

9 other sinfully good toppings

To be more specific, here is a list of their Ice cream Flavors and list of Mix-Ins they currently have:

I can imagine your heads exploding with delight hehehe! The possibilities are really endless!

          You can choose from different cup sizes. I like how they named their sizes.

Waffle Cone

Waffle Bowl

          You can also have it on a waffle. From plain waffle cone / bowl (P35) , to coated waffle cone / bowl (P45).

          The customer chooses their ice cream / sorbet and mix ins. And then the crew mashes them together on a granite stone chilled to 16 degrees Fahrenheit and places it in the cup or waffle. Then presents it to you with a smile!

Two thumbs up!

          So anyway, I fell in line to order and thought of what flavor and mixes I can create. But once I saw the list of their signature creations, I was baffled! It made me want to try it all first before I attempted to create my own. It's like Sophie's Choice! So hard to choose!

          Get what I mean? They serve a variety of Signature Creations. And the ones mentioned in the two photos above is not the complete list. I'll show you later the complete menu.

I got an All Lovin', No Oven!

          I had the All Lovin' No Oven in a Like It size (P180). Forgive my melted photo. It was really a hot day and we were seated outside so it was perfect for me (not for my pictures hehe). It's made of cake batter ice cream, with cookie dough, fudge, and whipped cream. It really screams comfort ice cream! If you have a sweet tooth you will really love this.  But personally the cookie dough chunks were too sweet for me. But that's just me. But the Cake Batter ice cream was perfect!

My friend Gerry's Dark Chocolate with brownies!

          I was also able to try their Dark Chocolate with brownies. Actually it was my friend Gerry who tried it and I just took a bite hehe. I was so full from my All Lovin' No Oven. It was really good! I love dark chocolate and I looove brownies!

And of course where there is ice cream, there are shakes and smoothies!

          And signature ice cream cakes! Oh my! Any birthday with a Cold Stone Cake is a happy Birthday indeed! The launching of the store was jam-packed that I totally forgot to take photos of the interiors. There was a lot going on!

          Video interview of the President of Cold Stone Creamery, Mr. Michael McGill. (Bless you kind sir for bringing your product here in Manila!)

Cold Stone Philippine Crew doing a little cheer outside

          The staff can also do some barista moves where in they throw a scoop of ice cream in the air and another staff catches it with a cup. I had a hard time taking a video of it because every I saw it, it's already in mid air hahaha!

          Unfortunately, me and my friend had to leave for a dinner event. But I would definitely love to go back with Richie and Rain for a refreshing family day at Cold Stone! :-)

COLD STONE Menu, prices, and other amazing flavors!:

Grab a cup today!!! ;-)

Cold Stone Creamery is located at Serendra, Bonifacio Global city, Taguig City, 1634.

Follow them!

Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest : coldstoneph
Official Website: www.coldstonephilippines.com
Tel. No. : 846-0460

BREAKFAST, INTERRUPTED AT MALCOM'S DELI

            Even though I don't get a chance to have it on a daily basis, I am always on the lookout for a great place to have breakfast. I know it's considered the most important meal of the day, but when you're expected to be at the office by 10am everyday, it's pretty tough to make time for a morning meal. 

            I've heard of Malcom's Place, because their burgers are supposed to be stuff of legend. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to try it just yet. When I was told that their sister restaurant, Malcom's Deli at the Fort, was serving a Breakfast menu for us to sample, there's no way I was going to say no to that! 

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".  

A NIGHT OUT AT URBN BAR & KITCHEN

             I am a notorious introvert. The only way you could get me to go out past 7 or 8pm, is if there was a promise of amazing food or a much awaited event movie (Possibly based on a comic book). Other than that, in my house, the lights are out by 10pm. The only time in my life that I would willingly go out at night was during my college days, when my sister introduced me to the awesomeness of rock bands such as Wolfgang, Razorback and Advent Call.. And even then it didn't last very long. 

       Call me an old fogey, but I don't enjoy the concept of "clubbing" at all. I don't drink, and I don't smoke. I have a disdain for loud booming music. 
And because of that, I will admit that URBN Bar and Kitchen is a place that would not have caught my attention on the onset. 

     But thankfully, my eyes and taste buds discovered that this place was much more than just a place for these young whippersnappers to unwind with a few drinks. 

EARLY BIRD BREAKFAST CLUB GIVEAWAY!

Yes, I am indeed holding a jar of bacon. 

           I could safely say that my love for breakfast food - particularly bacon- has reached legendary status. I get tagged on Facebook or mentioned on Twitter about bacon related subjects on a near-daily basis, by friends and complete strangers. And you know what's funny? I read every single one of those posts like it was a Greek epic. 

       Imagine how I felt when I found out that a restaurant dedicated to serving breakfast food opened up at The Fort Strip. Probably the same way you felt.. I must go there STAT! (Sorry, Rina was just watching Grey's Anatomy last night)

      Upon hearing that The Early Bird Breakfast Club had recently opened its doors, I got the feeling that this restaurant was conceptualized specifically for someone like me. I am the embodiment of an "Early Bird", with waking up early not being a problem for me. I am also notoriously "Antukin".. By around 10pm i'm constantly yawning and dazed, which is precisely why you'd probably never see me at a bar or one of them so called "Super Clubs" (I'm an old Fogey, I know). Whenever Rina and I dine out, it's usually on a Saturday or Sunday morning (Not so traffic and you're guaranteed parking.. makes perfect sense, right?).

       In other words, I truly am the Ultimate "Early Bird" (No double entendre, promise).