THE ALLEY BY VIKINGS BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY WALKTHROUGH

The Alley By Vikings finally opened a branch at BGC, making it more accessible to me! This unique #FoodHallYouCan concept has been a hit with Pinoy Lovers, as its reasonable prices and delicious food make it a favorite place to dine and drink at! Luckily I was able to go to the media launch for a quick peek of what BGC's newest restaurant has to offer! Please don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!

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JAMES AND DAUGHTERS BY LE JARDIN: A FOOD HAVEN IN BGC

       One fine Saturday, we visited James and Daughters By Le Jardin, the brainchild of Chef Jonas Ng! We were blown away by his wide array of diverse dishes, which put his undestanding of flavor profiles on full display.

His epic desserts were also amazing!

James & Daughters
Grnd Floor 
The Westin Residences Manila 
21st Drive Corner McKinley Parkway 
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

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NEW VLOG SERIES: THE RAMEN RULES AT RAMEN NAGI ONE BONIFACIO HIGH STREET

           When it comes to Ramen here in the Philippines, it's hard to argue with Ramen Nagi's status as being on the top of the heap. When it came to opening yet another branch, the brains behind Ramen Nagi decided to take things to the next level by designing a whole new concept store that would break from the tradition, and give it's interiors a sleeker, more upscale look, while staying true to the excellence in service and food quality that they are known for. 

      So last week, I was fortunate enough to witness the blessing of their newest store, conveniently located at One Bonifacio High Street, the heart of BGC!   

     And what makes the branch even more awesome? They'll be the only branch that will be serving the legendary Truffle King Ramen from its opening, all the way until December! 

CAFE ENYE OPENS AT CITI PLAZA, BGC

        I still remember when I tried the Brunch Menu of Cafe Enye at Eastwood, and I felt that I wouldn't be surprised to see more branches of this delicious discovery in the near future. A year later,  Cafe Enye finally decided it was time to expand, with its second branch opening at Bonifacio Global City!

PICKIEST EATER VLOG: A Japanese Feast at IZAKAYA SENSU

       Given that I've never had a disappointing experience with The Raintree Group of Restaurants,  I was excited to try their new Japanese restaurant, Izakaya Sensu, which is located at Net Park at Bonifacio Global City.  

        Izakaya Sensu's menu features a wide range of Classic Japanese dishes, as well as some items that were innovated to keep up with the times, without losing its sense of tradition. 

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!

APPLEBEES: CELEBRATING EVERYTHING AND HAPPY HOUR!

        Ever since she visited the pre-opening Sneak Peek event at Applebee's in Bonifacio Global City last year, Rina has been raving about their food. I took her gushing about their food with a grain of salt, because I had been to Applebee's in New Jersey a couple of years ago, and although I did enjoy our meal there, it wasn't something that I feel I need to go back to given the chance. 

      Rina, however, was adamant. She kept saying, "Trust me.. The Applebee's here is better than the one in the states!". A bold claim, but as I would find out a few months later when I was invited to Applebee's Happy Hour.. she was 100% accurate.    

SOMETHING BIG IS COOKING UP IN MANILA: APPLEBEE'S! - RINA

        My first memory of Applebee's was in New Jersey when we met up with my Aunt Eva and Uncle Tony. It was late at night and it was still open, and there were a lot of customers still hanging out and having a great time watching a football game.(See my post here) This was way back in 2013. And now, fast forward to 2 years after, Applebee's is finally opening here in the Philippines! In the heart of Bonifacio Global City, Taguig!

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! 

MY FIRST TIME IN 2ND'S! (AND THIRDS. AND FOURTHS. AND FIFTHS.)

       As a blogger that has been at it since 2010, I am quite ashamed to admit that I had never had a full meal at the popular restaurant, "2nd's". I can't give you a valid explanation why, but my schedule has usually been the culprit.

      2nd's burst into Manila dining scene in 2011, with an eclectic menu that features unique takes on some of your favorite "Comfort food", including their version of Bacon that helped put them on the map. 

     As teary Renee Zelwegger told Jerry Maguire, "You had me at bacon.." (At least in MY version that's what she said). 

FARMACY ICE CREAM & SODA FOUNTAIN: THE PRESCRIPTION FOR ICE CREAM AWESOMENESS!

          I've always found the concept of a "Drugstore" an intriguing piece of classic Americana. Let's face it, to us Filipinos, the first thing that comes to our mind when we think of a "drug store" is Mercury, right? Well, back in the late 1800's to the early 1900's, a Drugstore was more associated with Soda Fountains than an actual Pharmacy. I'm a assuming the mixing of the chemicals and syrups to make your carbonated soda was once thought to be best left in the hands of the Pharmacist, who in turn employs a "Soda Jerk" to take care of your drinking needs. The Drugstore pretty much involved into an ice cream parlor as well, and became a very popular hangout, especially for the teen crowd.  

        A new restaurant in Bonifacio Global City opened recently, that gives us Pinoys a glimpse of what it may have been like to enjoy a nice Chocolate Fudge Sundae under the summer sun back in the day. 

       One lovely Sunday afternoon, Rina and I took Baby Rain to Farmacy Ice Cream and Soda Fountain, to experience the vibe of an old school Ice Cream parlor, but it turns out it was us who ended up feeling like kids again! 

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! 

VILLAGE TAVERN'S CHAR-GRILLED WAGYU BURGERS!

           In a country where rice meals dominate practically every dining table, I, on the other hand, have had a long standing love affair with Burgers. Even I am left baffled at how I seem to be powerless against the allure of a mouth-watering slab of meat, snuggled between two soft buns (And YES, I'm still talking about food, you perv). 

       From the first time I tried it, Village Tavern has been one of my favorite restaurants. Bistro Group Executive Chef Josh Boutwood never fails to leave me in awe with how he elevates your dining experiences with his culinary concoctions. 

      This time, his creations hits close to home, as Chef Josh has come up with some Char-Grilled Wagyu Burgers that left me and my taste buds (we are separate entities) spellbound. 

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.

URBN BAR & KITCHEN'S NEW BAR CHOW!

Spotted!!! (Literally) : Richie ready to party!

       People who know me and Richie (especially Richie) would probably be confused if they saw us at one of the most happening bars in the metro today. For the second time, The Pickiest Eater was again spotted at URBN Bar without a drink in his hand for one main and very obvious reason: NEW BAR CHOWS!

URBN has new beautiful additions to their already awesome menu!