A NEW BEGINNING AT SUMMER PALACE

         Chinese Food is one of the things I rarely say no to. And as cliche as it sounds, Sweet and Sour Pork is one of my all time favorite dishes. And I discovered last year, that Summer Palace makes one of the best sweet and sour dishes in the land. Though they were undoubtedly in the upper echelon of Chinese restaurants in the Philippines, the look of the restaurant was admittedly rather dated, and was in dire need of sprucing up. 

        So late last year, after 22 years of operation, Summer Palace underwent a long overdue face lift, giving the famed restaurant a more modern look, without losing its original identity. 

      And the results were absolutely stunning. 

AIRASIA FLIES TO TAIPEI & 8 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU GET THERE!

             It's not every day you get asked to be a witness to a historic occasion, and when you do, it would be silly to pass up the opportunity. That is exactly what the little voice in my head said to me when I was asked at the last minute if I was available to be part of the contingent of Filipino bloggers and media to join Air Asia's inaugural flight from Manila to Taipei. 

       Rina and  I had always wanted to go to Taiwan for a food trip, but our schedules never really permitted it. When I got the call from Air Asia asking if I would be interested in joining them, and finding out that getting a Visa for Taiwan would take me roughly around 15 MINUTES (You can apply for an exemption if you have a Visa from countries such as the USA), I knew I couldn't pass up this chance. 

    So on a whim, it was off to Taipei I went.. and as it turns out, Taiwan would be one of the most beautiful countries I've ever visited in my life! 

THE TEXAS ROADHOUSE ANNOUNCEMENT + ANOTHER ANNOUNCEMENT

AND THE WINNER OF THE LEGENDARY STEAK DAYS GIVEAWAY IS...

ARLA POP UP AT SM AURA PREMIER: LET THE GOODNESS IN!

             It was only 2016 that I first heard the name "Arla", not realizing that its products, including that of it's sister companies, have been a part of my life for quite some time. My cousin posted on his facebook page, a picture of a delicious piece of toast, smeared in cream cheese with a jar of "Arla" in the background, and raved about how delicious it was. After that I was rather intrigued. During my next trip to the Supermarket, I chanced about a small Jar of Arla, and was pleasantly surprised with how affordable it was, and decided to try it for myself. 

         The following day, I had the Arla toast I had seen in my cousin's picture, and was not disappointed, making a Jar of Arla Cheesy Spread a staple in our grocery list. 

        Which is why I excited when I found out that Arla had set up a Pop Up Station at SM Aura Premier, showcasing some of their delicious products, prepared as delicious combo meals that imbibe the clean type of eating Arla adheres to, within a budget friendly range! 

HAPPINESS IS A GLASS OF ALASKA MILK!

         When I was a kid, I always said that when I have a child, I would be the “cool dad”. Being a Picky Eater, my 8 year old self told my mom when she tried to convince me to finish my milk before allowing me to have dessert, “When I have kids, I’ll let them eat and drink anything they want!”. 

        Fast forward more than 30 years later, and I discovered raising a daughter is really no joke. You realize the importance of nutrition in your child’s diet, and how critical it is to her growing up. It’s a good thing Rain, unlike her picky daddy, is a fan of Alaska Powdered Milk drink, and with it’s Lakas Nutribuilders, I know she’s getting healthy benefits with every glass!  

TOKYO TOKYO'S NEWEST HIT: UMAMI PORK RIBS!

Through the years, Tokyo Tokyo has taken serious steps to set itself apart from its fast food contemporaries, by constantly evolving its menu to include classic Japanese dishes, as well as favorites from the orient wiht innovative, modern twists.

     I’ve enjoyed their Beef Festivals, Their Ramen offerings, and their Karaage Entrees, but I couldn’t help but be excited at the thought of Tokyo Tokyo creating a new Pork Ribs dish, for us meat lovers… The Umami Pork Ribs!     

MERANTI HOTEL'S SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SET MEAL!

       I think I've made it clear in a previous post how absolutely relaxing my stay at Meranti Hotel was. I lived in my Grandfather's in the Scout Area for a few years during my college days, so this actually gave me a new perspective to a familiar neighborhood. We spent many Christmas celebrations there, so I felt right at home when Meranti invited us over to feast on their upcoming Christmas Set meals that will be served this Holiday Season at the hotel's flagship cafe, Maple at Meranti!

        Here's a peek at the delicious spread we enjoyed!   

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!

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! 

MIGHTY QUINN'S SLOW SMOKED BARBEQUE LANDS IN MANILA!

             From New York to Dubai, and now in Manila, Mighty Quinn's Slow Cooked Barbeque is set to take Manila By Storm! I was lucky enough to get a chance to be among the select few to get a taste of their slow roasted, mouth watering Barbeque before their opened their doors in Manila!