ONE QUESTION: SUP? CHOW

        I've been meaning to visit "Sup? Chow", the brainchild of Chef Francis Lim for quite some time now, but scheduling a visit was always a challenge. One fateful night, the stars aligned and I was able to visit the Modern Asian Cuisine Restaurant for an epic meal that I'll never forget!

Sup? Chow Modern Asian Cuisine

Unit 203, 2F, Antel Corporate Center, 

121 Valero Street, Salcedo Village 

Makati City, Metro Manila 1209

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EAT 9707: STREET FOOD WITH A JAPANESE KICK!

       Though I studied in The College of St. Benilde in the 90's (Matanda na Tito Richie niyo), admittedly I had never heard of the place they call "Syfu's Grill", which seemed to be incredibly popular with La Sallians. 

    The sun may have set on Syfu's Grill, however from its ashes, a new concept has risen, and with consultant Chef Kel Zaguirre developing a "Street Food with a Japanese Kick" theme to the menu, Eat 9707 is shaking the foodie world to its very core.  

A WEEKEND AT ASCOTT MAKATI: PART 1

         "Did you know there's a swimming pool in Glorietta?", I asked Rina. She looked at me rather puzzled then replied, "Huh? Where in Glorietta?".  "Glorietta 4.. In Ascott.", I said. "Oh.", she said answered, thinking I was being a smart ass (again). "Yeah, I knew that.".

     But you see, I wasn't just being a smart ass. I was trying to prove a point. Ascott Serviced Residences has been operating Glorietta 4 mall complex for quite some time now, yet it doesn't seem to be the top of mind when it comes to Staycations and even dining in Makati. 

    Well, as me and family discovered last Father's day weekend, it should be. 

TEDDY'S BURGERS IS BAE-CON ME CRAZY!

      Teddy's Burger's arrival here in the Philippines in Mid-2014 had a huge impact in the foodie world. The line to get in during its opening day was ridiculous, and stories of grown men going through desperate not to mention pathetic lengths to gatecrash the opening ran rampant. Since that memorable first visit to Teddy's, I have been back around two or three more times with Rina, and we tried a few more burgers that was part of the original menu. 

    Recently, Teddy's added quite a few more items to their menu, including breakfast and rice meals, as it's slowly carving a name for itself as more than just a burger restaurant, and offering more "Diner"-like fare.   

KULINARYA KITCHEN: DELECTABLE NEW MENU ITEMS

        It was my second time in Kulinarya Kitchen. I had a great time with great food during my first visit with some blogger friends. I had so much fun that I invited my old friends there for some catching up. And so when we were invited once again to go back and try the new items on their menu, I was excited because I knew based from experience that everything that flew out of their kitchen was well received by my taste buds and my tummy hehehe.

BURGER HEAVEN AT THE BRGR PROJECT

        Everyone knows Richie, the Pickiest Eater, is a burger person. But I can't say the same for myself. I have moods for burgers. I'm more of a rice person. That's why I have very few favorite burger places. And I am sincere when I say Burger Project is one of them. Why? Because you get to design your own burger! It's another brilliant concept by Chef Ed Bugia, one of my favorite chefs!

PINO NEW MENU: ALL THINGS BAGNET! - RinaZ

        If you ask me who my favorite Filipino Chef is, one of them would definitely be Chef Ed Bugia. Not only is he super cool and down to earth but his creations in his kitchen are just absolutely brilliant! It's like he creates dishes without really thinking too much of it if you know what I mean. Just whatever he feels like eating or putting together. And based on his creations that I have tasted (like Pi: Breakfast and Pies, and BRGR Project), everything works!!! 

        Just like his latest menu at Pino RestoBar. Richie was able to try Pino before, but it was a first for me. And as expected, everything was generously done! Just read the names of the food. And I guarantee you'll agree with me already! Why? Most of it starts with the word BAGNET!

THE ROYAL TREATMENT AT ARISTOCRAT

        I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I spent the first few years in my life growing (or not growing) in the good ol' U.S. of A (Which probably contributed to my picky palate). I was six years old when my family and I moved back to the Philippines after a five year stay in America. 

      The day after I had arrived, I still remember the first meal that my grandmother prepared for us. That images of that dish is still ingrained in my memories, to this very day, simply because what I saw scared the living crap out of me. It was a big bowl of black slop, with little bits of animal parts I couldn't make out floating around. I asked my yaya, "What is that?" and she answered, "Dinuguan.". I looked up at her and asked, "What's Dinuguan?". Never one to B.S. me, she got straight to the point and said, "Pigs blood". I made a face and answered, back, "Yucky!". My mom called me to come eat lunch, and I said, "I don't want to eat the blood of a pig!" and run up the stairs and into my room. Seconds later, my brother followed me into the room. I went up in tears, because in my six year old mind, I was afraid that moving to a strange land such as the Philippines meant being forced to eat food made from the blood of an animal and other exotic dishes.  

    Two minutes later, my mom and dad came into our room, saying that I shouldn't have stormed off, and I should apologize to my grandmother for insulting her food. I was in tears and said, "I hate Filipino food!". That moment, my grandmother entered the room with a tray in her hands, and a warm smile. I didn't have the guts to tell her that I didn't want to eat the food she brought, but thankfully, I didn't need to say anything. She walked in the room, and said, "Richie, you don't have to eat the dinuguan if you don't want to. I prepared this for you.". 

     I was half expecting to see an animal's head perched on to a plate, but instead, I found two plates (for me and my brother), with six slices of Spam, a cup of rice, and a bit of ketchup on the side. Needless to say, we tore into the plate like ravenous cheetahs having a field day with the carcass of a gazelle.  

    Later that evening, at around dinner time, my dad walked into with a bag of food. I won't lie to you. Whatever was in that bag, smelled really good. He said, "Hungry?". I was being bullheaded, and I just replied, "I don't like Filipino Food.". He dipped his hand into the bag, and pulls out a sandwich unlike any other I had seen before. "Its a flying saucer". he said of his strange, round, sandwich. He went in for a bite, and I gotta say, it looked really good. My dad continued to pretend that he didn't notice me watching him, and continued to focus on the TV. He then pulled out another sandwich from the bag and said, "All yours.". I hesitated for a minute, but in my mind, decided that sandwiches are considered American food. 

   I was pleasantly surprised with what I found inside after my first bite. It was definitely new territory for me. It was very meaty, but the flavor was something I had never experienced before. It was only after I had finished my last bite that my dad took the empty sandwich wrapper from me, to throw in the trash, and with a smile said, "That was called "Adobo Flying Saucer". It's made with Chicken. A very popular dish in the Philippines.". I was a little annoyed that I had been had, especially since my Filipino food boycott was still in full effect. My dad, with a laugh, said to me, "See? Filipino food isn't so bad, right?".

   The days following, my dad would bring for me take out food at least once a day, introducing my brother and I to basic Filipino food staples, such as their Chicken BBQ, Liempo and Pork BBQ.. All from Aristocrat.     

     More than 30 years later, I found it ironic that my journey into exploring Filipino Food would continue where it all began: At Aristocrat restaurant, whose standards in food and service still stands tall, till this very day.  

MOTHER KNOWS BEST: LUCIA RISTORANTE IN HOTEL CELESTE

            *Cue in Jeopardy Music*

      Contestant Number 1: I'll take "Unlucky Food Blogger Problems" for $500, Alex.

       Alex Trebek: The Answers are, Authentic Italian Tomato based Spaghetti, Gooey Lasagna, and Crisp Pizzas.

       Contestant Number 2 *Buzz*: "Food that the Pickiest Eater In The World Can't Eat!".

        Alex: Correct! 

          Yes, it's the sad truth. My hyper acidity makes eating those beloved Italian classics quite difficult for me. But some nights I can't help myself and be a little naughty. And my dinner at Lucia Ristorante at Celeste Hotel in Makati, was one of those nights.

HAYOP NA DEGUSTACION AT PEPITA'S KITCHEN!

Serious na si Food Reviews Manila and Chef Sharwin Tee

               Though my blog is already on it's third year, It wasn't until my second year of blogging that I decided to begin accepting invitations from establishments to sample what their dining experience had to offer. Since then, Rina and I have been fortunate enough to have taken part in many amazing dinners. There are a select few that stood out more than the others, and one of those dinners was my 14 Course Lechon Degustation by Pepita's Kitchen. 

          Did you ever watch the movie "Seven" by David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and Gweneyth Paltrow? The scene where the obese man was being force fed with food as a punishment for his alleged, "Gluttony"? If you take away the psychopath pointing the gun to the man's head, that was sort of how I describe that evening. 

         No one was forcing anyone to eat, but all these mouthwatering dishes kept flying out of the kitchen, it would have been a crime in itself to NOT eat them.. Stomach lining be damned. 

         Even though I only actually knew a handful of people there, Rina and I had such a wonderful time. So, when given the opportunity to go back, how on Earth do you say no to that? 

         Easy. You don't. 

         This is our HAYOP NA DEGUSTATION EXPERIENCE at Pepita's Kitchen. 

OUTBACK'S STEAKHOUSES' NEWEST STEAKS! - RINAZ

    

  Whenever we’re dining in Outback, I am always guaranteed a night of good food and good company (given of course you’re dining with your most favorite people hehe). It’s just a night of stories and drinking and lots and lots of eating! This time, we were introduced to two (kinda) new steak members they have on their menu. Meet the Grilled Peppercorn New York strip and Herb Crusted Prime Rib. (More on these newbies in a bit)

THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP: THE NEW STUFF!

             Not content with being known as one of the best places to get some of the best classic Cheese Steaks in town, the Cheese Steak Shop has whipped up some new items to their menu that'll keep your mouth watering! 

    But what could they have done to provide something new to the straight forward melted cheese steak sandwich? 

     I zoomed to Cheese Steak Shop's Amorosolo Branch in Makati to find out!    

FILIPINO COMFORT FOOD.. NAMNAM STYLE!

       Late last year, during the "Sneak Eat" of BurgerBar to be exact, I bumped into Moment Group Co-Owner Jon Syjuco, a friend of mine since high school. Despite the burger madness that was going on, he graciously gave me a little tour of what was happening just a few feet below from us. Even though BurgerBar had yet to open its doors to the public, the Moment Group already had another ace up its sleeve, in the form of "Namnam, Filipino Comfort".  

        I will be the first to admit that outside of "Liempo", I've never been a huge fan of Filipino Cuisine. Which probably explains why I wasn't really too ecstatic about visiting Namnam Comfort Filipino restaurant at Greenbelt a month or so ago. I honestly had no expectations, and figured that it would be just another one of those Filipino restaurants that serves classic Pinoy food that we all know and love. 

       

        Little did I know that I would be walking into a restaurant that I now consider one of my favorites!

RAFFLES HOTEL LONG BAR: POWER LUNCH DONE RIGHT

         

        Earlier this year, a few food blogger friends of mine and I were invited to Spectrum at Raffles Hotel. Unfortunately, Rina couldn't join me, so I had to handle my own photography.. And you know what happens when I do that. As expected, the photos were putrid, and I didn't feel It would do justice to the beauty of Spectrum for me to use it. Thankfully, Rina saved my ass (yet again), and went to the place and took new photographs so I'll be posting about Spectrum soon.

        But before I get into that, I wanted to share with you a Power Lunch that we had over at Spectrum's neighboring restaurant.. The Long Bar.

WELCOME BACK, CPK VINTAGE PIZZAS! BY RINAZ

I still remember the first time I ate in California Pizza Kitchen. It was a certain number of years ago when they had their branch at the bridgeway of Shanrgi-La Plaza. Yep! It was that long ago! And the very first pizza of theirs that I tasted was the wonder that is Peking Duck Pizza! And I fell in love!

CPK has been continuously innovating and experimenting one-of-a-kind pizza flavours (which is awesome) but somewhere along the way, our favorite Peking Duck Pizza faded from the menu to make room for the newbies. Awwww! So imagine our surprise and delight when CPK brought back this beloved Peking Duck pizza and 4 more pizzas and are re-introducing them as their Vintage Pizzas! And upon tasting their new old vintage pizzas, I can’t help but add more of their pizzas on my list of favourites! 

Richie couldn't resist trying the pizzas himself, he skipped out from work for during his lunch break, just to drop by CPK in Greenbelt!

HOTEL HOTSPOTS: RESTO-GO-ROUND AT INTERCONTINENTAL MANILA!

              Dining at a hotel has an air of exclusivity. If you tell someone you're going to have dinner at a hotel, and more often than not, their response will be "Sosyal!". And of course, it's totally warranted. Even the thought of a few hours of parking at a hotel would make one consider a trip to the ATM before pulling your car out. 

          But what if I told you that you could enjoy a sumptuous feast at not one, not two, but THREE first class restaurants in a luxurious hotel, without having to stop by the blood bank to earn some extra cash? 

           Have you heard of Intercontinental Manila's Resto-Go-Round?

SMOKING HOT BarBQ: GLOBAL FILIPINO CUISINE AT GREENBELT 3!

             I'll admit that i'm not the biggest fan of Filipino Food. Whenever we go to a Pinoy resto, my default order is Inihaw na Liempo (Grilled Pork Belly) and i'm good to go! But I had an eerie feeling that Smokin' Hot BBQ, the new Filipino restaurant by The Bistro Group, would be definitely something worth checking out.

       Going to Smoking Hot BBQ was a little bit bittersweet for me because it meant having to finally come to terms with the closing of fish and co.'s Greenbelt Branch.. A personal favorite of mine. Imagine how I felt.. The restaurant that serves the best fish and chips in town is being replaced by another whose cuisine i'm not too fond of. Hurts, right? 

         Nevertheless I decided to put my faith in Chef Josh Boutwood, and trust that he would do amazing things with Filipino Food.

       And boy, was I right.

A MITSUYADO SEI-MEN GIVEAWAY :)

It's not everyday that someone gets photobombed by one of their "blogger idols"

        For someone who keeps saying, "I'm not too big on Japanese Food", it's funny that I'm writing about the fifth Japanese restaurant that I've visited in the first four months of 2013. I can't explain it, but there just seems to be something about that cuisine that serendipitously finds me sitting in front of a plate or a bowl, and enjoying a dish that I could have sworn I wouldn't care for just days earlier.   

     But this time it was different. This time, I was a man on a mission. I had a couple of opportunities in the past to visit Mitsuyado Sei-men along Jupiter Street in Makati, but scheduling conflicts would constantly keep us apart. 

     Finally, I had my date with destiny just before Holy Week, when Rina and I got together with some friends to finally try some of their new dishes. But I had my eyes set on the one dish that many have been talking about.. The Double Cheese Tsukemen. 

A G'DAY FOR OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE'S LUNCH SPECIALS!

                It's been years since I had been to Outback Steakhouse. As in, I can't remember the last time I was there. I think it could have been during my college days, when my then-girlfriend and we would sneak out of class, and take an LRT Ride to Robinson's Place Ermita to watch a movie. I would then try to impress my ex by taking her to Outback. Unfortunately, since I was still on student allowance, she and I had to split a "Jackaroo Chop" (And when I say "split", I was fine with giving her all the meat as long as she gave me all the fat hehe)  

           I've always loved the food, but for some reason, I had never gotten around to making a return (Which is weird because, although i'm not exactly Mr. Megabucks either, I'm fairly certain that I can afford more than just half a Pork Chop by now hehe). 

          When an opportunity came along to try Outback's New Lunch Specials, I felt like a giddy college kid once again! 

SECOND STOP AT THE CHEESESTEAK SHOP

         A few months ago, I was absolutely heartbroken when I found out that The Cheese Steak Shop would be closing the doors of their branch along Arnaiz Avenue - The same street wherein I work. Although it still was quite a bit of a walk to get there, the mere thought of being unable to visit their restaurant for some of their mouthwatering Cheese Steaks nearly brought tears to my eyes. I had heard that they would be moving to a new branch at The Fort.

        The Cheese Steak Shop would be my "Go-to" place whenever I need I need a quick solution to a client dropping by, and we need a no frills, yet impressive meal for them to dine on while they're in our office. You wouldn't think a simple sandwich would be so well received, but then again, their Cheese Steak isn't just a "simple sandwich".

       Last year, when I heard they were moving, I decided to make the walk to the Cheese Steak Shop to say one last goodbye. With a heavy heart, I ordered my Bacon Cheese Steak (Default), and let out a deep sigh. I couldn't take it any more, so I as I was standing at the counter, I couldn't help but share my feelings with the cashier. 

      I said, "I can't believe you guys are moving to The Fort! It's so far away from my office! I really don't want you guys to leave!" Jokingly, I even offered, "Let me talk to your boss! I'll convince her to let you guys stay!". 

     She smiled and said, "Actually Sir, we're just moving to another branch in Amorsolo Avenue. When you get to the stoplight of Amorsolo and Arnaiz, just turn right. Go a few meters down, and you're there!". 

     All of a sudden it hit me. The new location is actually nearer to my office then this branch was. 

     So naturally my next response was, "Can I help you pack?"