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An Awesome Secret Foodies Tour at McKinley Hill's Tuscany

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Twenty dishes, from appetizers to mains all the way to desserts. Eight Restaurants. All in one place. Now that's one awesome foodies tour...


Anton Diaz and RJ Ledesma, in collaboration with Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, presents "An Awesome Secret Foodies Tour," a sumptuous and mouthwatering degustation tour of some of the best restaurants in Tuscany, McKinley Hill. Each stop offers distinct flavors offering diners a unique sampling of the best in Tuscany at McKinley Hill.


Tuscany at McKinley Hill, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls' newest establishment, houses some of the metro's best kept secrets. Surrounded by lush greens and Italian-inspired facades, Tuscany at McKinley Hill is The Fort's newest dining destination. Megaworld Lifestyle Malls is giving everyone a chance to discover Tuscany's best kept secrets through a mouthwatering degustation tour open to the public starting November 30. "An Awesome Secret Foodies Tour," will be held on four consecutive Saturdays, with the first tour scheduled on November 30 followed by December 7, 14, and 21, 2013. Each tour runs from 2:00pm to 5:00pm and hosted by RJ Ledesma and Anton Diaz, two of the most influential foodies in the country. My tour begins with a refreshing glass of Horchata, a cool blend of almonds, rice with cinnamon from B&T Mexican Kitchen, and here's a sneak peek at "An Awesome Secret Foodies Tour"...


1. B&T Mexican Kitchen, classic Tex-Mex cuisine in a fun and casual setting, B&T Mexican Kitchen offers some of the best tacos and burritos (for more on B&T Mexican Kitchen, check out my previous posts on B&T Mexican Kitchen's cool tacos here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-taco-trifecta-at-b-mexican-kitchen.html,  or their classic burrito here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2012/03/beating-traffic-with-carne-asada.html, more tacos here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2011/10/taco-time-at-b-mexican-kitchen.html, and their signature burger at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2012/07/b-mexican-kitchen-burger.html. For "An Awesome Secret Foodies Tour," B&T Mexican Kitchen offers a delectable platter with their Mango Glazed Habanero Chicken, Chipotle Chicken Pizza, Taquitos Espesyal with Barbacoa and Nachos with assorted dips, all washed down with a refreshing Horchata.


Mr. Tan of B&T Mexican Kitchen welcomes guests to the second floor, as more of B&T Mexican Kitchen's signature dishes were served during the food tour. And it's really great to see my favorite Tex-Mex place at McKinley Hill's Tuscany.


2. Planet Grapes. A cool red and white wine pairing at Planet Grapes, with its impressive inventory of selected wines from all over the world, paired with your favorite sides and some unusual and surprising dishes as well. With the aim of bringing the joy of wine to the people, Planet Grapes included popular street food fare in the wine pairing, including siomai and yes, balut. I just discovered that a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon goes down nicely with some balut and chicharon...


Planet Grapes also has a cool wine vending machine that dispenses wine by the glass, allowing you to sample the different vintages before ordering a glass or a bottle. Making your wine selection with Planet Grapes' vending machine adds to the overall experience at Planet Grapes.


To help you choose your wine, Planet Grapes's friendly staff are ready to assist. With an impressive selection of both old and new world wines, you'll definitely find your favorite vintage, or maybe even discover new favorites here at Planet Grapes.


And with Planet Grapes' cool "wine meets street food" concept, you'll find familiar and comforting dishes to pair with your wine for a fun and unique experience. More chicharon with your Shiraz? Why not.


3. Trattoria Poggio Antico. Classic Italian cuisine right in the middle of Tuscany, McKinley Hill. Inspired by his travels to the farms and meadows of Italy, Roland Lorilla decided to bring home the rustic and authentic flavors of Italy in his new restaurant. Trattoria Poggio Antico's starters were served, including Prosciutto con Melon (ham and melon on a thin and crisp pizza crust), Crespella del Poggio Antico (crepe stuffed with ham and cheese, and mushrooms in truffle oil), Pomodoro e Mozzarella Crostini, and Oyster Sur Pate di Fegato (oyster on liver pate), a personal favorite, served with a glass of wine from Trattoria Poggio Antico's Italian selection. Rustic and authentic, real old world flavors. And Roland Lorilla captures all these flavors with Trattoria Poggio Antico.  


4. L.E.S Bagels. Nothing can be more comforting than fresh bagels and cream cheese, and at L.E.S. bagels, you get this and more. Specializing in New York style bagels, L.E.S. Bagels (or Lower East Side Bagels) offers classic bagels with a selection of cheese blends and other fillings from salmon to berries to herbed greens. L.E.S. Bagels offers 14 choices of cream cheese, including Plain, Scallion, Garlic and Chive, Vegetable, Herb, Jalapeno Cheddar, Caramelized Onion Raisin, Bacon Cheddar (this one's a personal favorite), Sundried Tomato and Basil, Garlic and Chive, Blueberry, Strawberry, Apple Cinnamon, and the traditional Lox. A classic sesame seed bagel with bacon and cheddar? Awesome.


For something different and sweet, L.E.S. Bagels also offers a chocolate bagel stuffed with apples and cinnamon. Great with a cup of L.E.S. Bagels' very own fresh brews. Plus, leave space for L.E.S Bagels' Fudge Brownies. Seriously good.


5. Sauceria. The best of global cuisine, made from scratch, in one place. Sauceria specializes in combining different flavors and sauces for unique dishes. Take Sauceria's Artisanal All-Beef Burger, with premium grade beef topped with Tuyo Blue Cheese spread on a Furikaki Bun...


...and the Tuna Tataki with Zaru Soba with homemade wasabi sour cream dip for a fusion of flavors that's familiar yet new and different. Using only the finest and freshest ingredients for full flavors, Sauceria gives you a taste of the world's best.


6. Marciano's. Led by Chef Giorgio Buciarelli, one can expect classic Italian cuisine served with a modern and refreshing twist. Marciano's Dow Jones, a premium US T-Bone with Italian sausages, potato wedges and roasted vegetables, a fitting main dish in the food tour. Other signature dishes like the West Side Four Season Pizza (12" pizza topped with pepperoni, mushroom, seafood and four cheeses) and Woody Allen Linguine (with shitake, button and oyster mushrooms, prosciutto and truffle cream sauce) were also served.


Fresh Strawberry and Mango Panna Cotta were then served for dessert. At the halfway mark of the tour, there's still more to come...


7. Main Street. Adam Tacderas-Tan's homage to French-Canadian cuisine, Main Street offers classic comfort food with a distinct Canadian twist. Poutine, thick-cut fries served with beef gravy and cheese curds set the tone for your dining experience at Main Street. Rich, hearty flavors, and a sure-fire remedy to any nasty hang-over.


Inspired by his afternoons in Vancouver's Main Street, Adan Tacderas-Tan brings home the comforting flavors of Canadian cuisine to Tuscany at McKinley Hill with an impressive selection of classic comfort food.


Main Street's Wagyu Burger, with Kitayama beef in sesame buns served with tomato relish, cheddar cheese and their very own house sauce. And this one goes to my list of favorites. And leave some room for Main Street's Organic Maple and Candied Bacon Artisan Ice Cream. Like they say, anything with bacon...


8 Sophie's Mom. And the tour ends on a sweet note, with Sophie's Mom's wide array of desserts, from cookies to cupcakes. Sample Sophie's Mom's Oreo Cheesecake Cookies and Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes, and you'll definitely be in a happy place. What started as baking for her daughter Sophie's high school friends has now evolved into Sophie's Mom, serving sweet treats guaranteed to bring a smile.


One word. Awesome. And you can have your very own awesome secret foodies tour in one of four consecutive Saturdays starting November 30. A limited number of tickets will be available from 11:00am to 6:00pm at the booth between Ukkokei Ramen Ron and Marciano's for the tours, with ticket prices at P1,000 per head. For more information, you can call 709-0888, 709-9888 or 0917-838-0111. Special thanks to RJ Ledesma, Anton Diaz, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and all the participating establishments for an awesome secret foodies tour.

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Bacon Love at The Quirky Bacon

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Maybe it's the Tempura Bacon Salad. Or the Bacon-Peanut Butter-Strawberry Jam-Cheese combo. Or the deep-fried Ensaymada. Whatever it is, The Quirky Bacon nails it. 


No rules, just simple and honest good food. Classic comfort food that's familiar yet different, presented with a playful inventiveness that can only come from a restaurant named "The Quirky Bacon."


Chef Sharwin Tee's newest concept brings everyone's favorite, bacon, to an entirely new level with creative yet comforting dishes. Just look for the flying pig along Wilson and you're there, and prepare for a full-flavored bacon assault like no other.


Start your meal at The Quirky Bacon with its "quirky" take on the classic Poutine, Adobo & White Cheese Poutine (P 295), crisp sweet potato fries drizzled with adobo gravy and kesong puti. The sweet potatoes, adobo gravy and kesong puti give this dish a distinct local flavor. Rich flavors, definitely different.


2-4-7 Grilled Cheese Spread (P 405), with layers of kesong puti, mozarella, strawberry jam, peanut butter and smoked bacon. Chef Sharwin Tee's homage to the legendary Elvis, the 2-4-7 Grilled Cheese Spread has four flavorful spreads on pressed toast, with smoked bacon topping off all the flavors. I never thought peanut butter with strawberry jam and bacon would work, but one bite is all you need. And that's what The Quirky Bacon is all about, no rules.


Tempura Bacon Salad (P 310), breaded and deep-fried bacon strips on lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and mushrooms drizzled with a sweet vinaigrette, a personal favorite. Crisp, smoky and everything good about bacon, adding a flavorful twist to your usual salad. And no need to feel guilty, the fresh greens and veggies just balances this dish.


Homemade Fishballs with Kariton Sauce (P 260), fish fillet seasoned with five spice, garlic, muscovado, and siling labuyo with sweet spicy sauce. Your favorite street food, reinvented by the quirky kitchen at The Quirky Bacon. Soft, tender and well seasoned, another cool take on a familiar classic.


Craving for more bacon? No worries. Go for the Pork Panalo Roll with Guava Labuyo Glaze (P 440), juicy pork tenderloin stuffed with Calumpit Longganisa and wrapped in smoked bacon with sweet guava glaze and served with Bacon Java Rice. Pure bacon love.


The Quirky Bacon's Steak Platter (P 1,490 Ribeye/P 540 Chuck), Kitayama Wagyu Ribeye Grade 6 grilled to medium perfection topped with Tamarind Miso Butter and caramelized Bistek onions. Premium grade ribeye topped with Chef Sharwin Tee's uniquely flavored tamarind miso butter for a refreshingly different steak dish. The beefy flavors of the steak are retained, with the creamy butter adding just a subtle layer of flavor. Tender and juicy, just what you'd expect from Kitayama.


And for dessert, try something different. The Quirky Bacon's Deep-Fried Ensaymada-Nut, made with the classic old-style dough topped with Bulacan kesong puti and Horlicks ice cream, only from The Quirky Bacon. And it works. A crisp outer layer over soft dough, with local cheese and ice cream. And the Quirky Bacon continues to surprise...


No rules, just good food. And if The Quirky Bacon's dishes are any indication of Chef Sharwin Tee's bold approach, then you can expect even more surprises. Special thanks to Chef Sharwin Tee for an awesome and pleasantly quirky dinner at The Quirky Bacon.

The Quirky Bacon is located at 192 Wilson Street, San Juan. For more information, you can check out The Quirky Bacon's Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/qbresto.

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All Boxed Up with Yellow Cab's Tango Box Christmas Fleet

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A 12" Pizza. Two Pasta dishes. A half-dozen wings. One pretty cool deal. Add some Jalapeno Potato Wedges and a pitcher of Coke, and you have a feast good for six. And all you have to do is call in the gang and leave the rest to Yellow Cab Pizza Co. 


This Christmas, Yellow Cab introduces its new Tango Box Christmas Fleet, a merry feast with your favorite pizza, wings, pasta, potato wedges and a pitcher of Coke, ideal for sharing with family and friends. Great times, great pizza, all boxed up by Yellow Cab.



You can enjoy Yellow Cab's Tango Box Christmas Fleet with your friends at any Yellow Cab outlet nationwide, or simply have it delivered by Yellow Cab's cool Vespa scooters to your home or office, it's just a call away, or a quick click online. And on cue, the doorbell rings and my very own Yellow Cab Tango Box arrives on time. As you open up the boxes, the different aromas fill the air.. Start with Yellow Cab's Garlic Parmesan Wings, perfectly crisp with the sharp note of parmesan. The crisp outer layer still retains its perfect crunch over juicy and tender chicken as you open the next box...


...Yellow Cab's Jalapeno Potato Wedges, thick-cut and crisp potatoes with a little heat, served with garlic ranch dip, perfect when paired with Yellow Cab's Garlic Parmesan Wings. And there's more...


You also get a choice of two pasta dishes, and I go for the Chicken Alfredo Pasta, a creamy pasta with sauteed chicken strips, black olives and basil chiffonade; and my usual pick, Spaghetti & Meatballs, a rich and comforting pasta with two giant meatballs baked and simmered in chunky red wine tomato sauce. Perfect.


For your large, 12" pizza, choose from Yellow Cab's fifteen classic and specialty pizzas. I go for Yellow Cab's Dear Darla, a personal favorite, a rolled thin crust pizza topped with pepperoni, button mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, black olives and capers  (see more on Yellow Cab's Dear Darla here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2012/11/dear-darla-its-been-while.html).


Add some fresh arugula and alfalfa sprouts, and drizzle some of Yellow Cab's chili oil and roll away.  


Pizza, pasta, wings, potato wedges and a pitcher of Coke. A feast for six, all for only P 1,600. Not a bad deal. Not bad at all.

Get your Yellow Cab Tango Box Christmas Fleet now at your nearest Yellow Cab outlet, or call 789-9999 for delivery. You can also order online, simply visit www.yellowcabpizza.com.

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Another Scoop: Bono Artisanal Gelato Opens at SM Aura

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Probably the metro's best gelato, Bono Artisanal Gelato opens its third branch at SM Aura offering the real scoop at The Fort. 


And with the new outlet comes new and exciting flavors that can only come from the creative dynamic duo behind Bono Artisanal Gelato.


Bono Artisanal Gelato's newest outlet features a cozy seating area under SM Aura's skylight, the perfect spot for a scoop or two. And for the coming holiday season, Bono Artisanal Gelato offers an exciting range of flavors.
Bono Artisanal Gelato's Marketing Director, Rea Gomez-Harrow (L) and R&D/Production Manager Zarah Zaragoza-Manikan (R), prepares a sampling of their new flavors, and here's a sneak peek...

Need a caffeine fix? Go for Bono Artisanal Gelato's Affogato, a cool coffee concoction with Bourbon Butterscotch paired with a shot of Italian espresso. Coffee with a twist.


Simply pour the espresso on the Bourbon Butterscotch gelato, and allow the gelato to slightly melt and blend with the rich espresso. Take a few spoonfuls of the gelato, followed by a sip. Perfect. The bold and robust flavors of the espresso are complemented by the sweet and creamy gelato, a perfect match. Bono Artisanal Gelato also recommends Brownie Fudge, Cioccolato and Pistacchio flavors for their Affogato.


In collaboration with one of the metro's newest restaurants, Bono Artisanal Gelato presents the Hatch 22, a smooth Thai Tea Latte sweetened with caramelized condensed milk. Unlike most tea-based gelato which have a grainy texture, Bono Artisanal Gelato's Hatch 22 is far smoother and creamier. And the condensed milk adds a layer of sweetness that balances well with the Thai tea. A must-try for tea lovers.


And here's a sneak peek at Bono Artisanal Gelato's newest seasonal flavor, a festive blend of chestnuts, marmalade and premium Hennessy Cognac. Not too sweet, with subtle notes from the chestnuts and cognac combined with the sweet marmalade makes this festive scoop ideal for the season.


And here's a personal favorite, Bono Artisanal Gelato's Rogue, a creamy blend of butter pecan drizzled with toffee and small-batch bourbon sauce topped with walnuts. A special flavor in collaboration with Rogue Magazine, this will make you go for another scoop, so go for a double. Trust me. Seriously good.


S'mores, toasted marshmallows with Graham crackers and the Lori, Dulce de Leche gelato with flambeed bananas, chocolate syrup, and peanut brittle crumble. Bono Artisanal Gelato's S'mores just brings back so many memories of childhood summers, while the Lori, a special flavor in collaboration with the country's premier blogger and publisher Lori Baltazar of Desserts Come First, is yet another inventive play of flavors. Definitely not your usual gelato.


The Yummy, with buttered popcorn gelato topped with salted caramel sauce, caramel popcorn and almonds, is another collaborative effort, this time with Yummy Magazine. The buttered popcorn and salted caramel combo makes this another winner.


Bono Artisanal Gelato also offers a full line sorbets, like the Strawberries and Prosecco, Bono Artisanal Gelato's non-dairy sorbetto with real strawberries and Italian Sparkling wine. Light yet flavorful, the fresh and tart strawberries combine well with the sparkling wine for another unique blend.


Feeling nostalgic? Bono Artisanal Gelato brings another blast from the past with the Milo Dinosaur, chocolate malt topped with malt powder dust. Just can't get better than that.


Craving for something without the guilt? No worries. Go for the Dietetico Low Sugar Cappuccino, rich and smooth coffee gelato with Malagos Cacao Nibs. Rich flavors, without the guilt.


Creative, inventive and playful flavors, that's what sets Bono Artisanal Gelato apart. And you just know that the dynamic duo behind Bono Artisanal Gelato will continue to surprise and amaze as they continuously push the flavor boundaries with their cool concoctions. Next time you're at The Fort, go for the real scoop. Or two. Special thanks to Rea Gomez-Harrow and Zarah Zaragoza-Manikan for another awesome "BONO-fide" experience. For more on Bono Artisanal Gelato, see my previous post on the art of making gelato here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-real-scoop-at-bono-artisanal-gelato.html and new flavors here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2013/04/and-heres-latest-scoop-from-bono.html.

Bono Artisanal Gelato is located at the Lower Ground Floor of SM Aura Premier, Mckinley Parkway, Taguig City. For more information, visit their cool site at http://gelatobono.com/. You can also visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BonoGelato. 

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Ready for the Pan de Donut? Now Baking at Pan de Manila

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Your favorite pan de sal, reinvented with an exciting new twist. Pan de Manila, long known for its classic pan de sal, introduces the Pan de Donut. 


A playful combo of the popular pan de sal and the doughnut, and a healthier option to the regular doughnut, Pan de Manila's new Pan de Donuts are freshly baked, not fried, and are bromate-and trans-fat free so you can expect soft, filling bread in every bite.


With the opening of its newest branch located at Fiesta Market Market, Pan de Manila now has over 153 outlets in Manila, North and South Luzon, and most recently in Cebu and Iloilo. Like all Pan de Manila outlets, one is greeted by the aroma of freshly baked bread, including fresh batches of the new Pan de Donuts.

With seventeen flavors to choose from, including locally-inspired flavors like Chocnut, Polvoron, Ube, and Pili to almonds and cookies and cream, you're sure to find your own favorite. Here's a quick rundown on the various flavors: Chocomonds (white chocolate topped with almonds), Polvoron Crumbles (white chocolate topped with polvoron), Snow Kisses (white chocolate topped with chocolate chips), Piling Pili (white chocolate topped with pili nuts), Chocolate Hills (chocolate topped with rice crispies), Chocnut Crumble (chocolate topped with Chocnut), Cookie Crema (chocolate topped with crushed cookies), Chunky Cookies (chocolate topped with cookie chunks), La Dulce Vita (topped with sweet dulce caramel and yema), Cocojammers (chocolate topped with coco jam and pili nuts), Nippy Nips (chocolate topped with Nips), Nutty Crunch (topped with crunchy peanut butter), Berrylicious (topped with strawberry jam), Blueberry Bliss (topped with whipped cream and blueberries), Marbles (topped with whipped cream and chocolate), Strawberry Shortcake (topped with whipped cream and strawberries), and Uberlicious (topped with whipped cream and ube). 


Soft, not too sweet, and definitely different. Pair it with Pan de Manila's signature Spanish-style chocolate  flavored coffee, the Cafe Mocha with muscovado sugar, to complete your experience. And with so many flavors to choose from, you can expect even more surprises from Pan de Manila with their Christmas goodies, including new breads and spreads. Currently available only at Pan de Manila's Fiesta Market Market branch, so stay tuned for updates on the roll-out.


After the sampling, we were then asked to create our very Pan de Donut. Here's mine. The Doble-Double, with white and dark chocolate topped with almonds and pili nuts. Not bad. Not bad at all. If you're in the mood for something new and different, check out the new Pan de Donut from Pan de Manila, exclusively at the Fiesta Market Market branch.

Pan de Manila is located at Space FFV 47, Fiesta Market Market (across Serendra), Taguig City. For more information and updates, you can check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PandeManilaOfficial.

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Step Up to Johnnie Walker Red Label

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You're invited to step up to Johnnie Walker Red Label, the world's number one scotch whisky...


Starting December 1, Johnnie Walker Red Label will be made more accessible to Filipino consumers, with the 1L bottle priced at only P 650 SRP, and the 750mL bottle for only P 490 SRP in leading supermarkets. Now you can step up to Johnnie Walker Red Label and enjoy this iconic blend.

To celebrate this cool and special announcement, Johnnie Walker hosted an interactive mixing, tasting and mentoring session at the Balcony Gastropub last Decmber 4, hosted by Gino Quillamor of RX93.1, Aaron Atayde of Magic 89.1 and Johnnie Walker's Global Brand Ambassador, Tom Jones.

Dubbed as the Johnnie Walker Red Label Academy, Johhnie Walker Global Brand Ambassador Tom Jones took select guests on a journey through the rich heritage and unique enjoyment of Johnnie Walker Red Label. And I was ready to step up to the world's best-selling whisky brand...

Johnnie Walker Red Label, known as the pioneer blend of the Johnnie Walker family, began from humble beginnings in a small shop in Kilmarnock way back in 1820 and has since grown to be one of the world's most iconic global brands. Originally named the "Special Old Highland Whisky," a special blend designed to be perfect enjoyed either neat or with a mixer, providing a depth of flavor even when mixed with ice, water or soda, it was renamed Johnnie Walker Red Label in 1909 due to its distinct label. Then, the Walker family instituted two significant changes that would forever be associated with their signature blend: the use of a square bottle for ease of shipment and less breakage, and an angled orientation for their red label to make it stand out more with increased branding. To this day, these innovations remain the most iconic features of the world's number 1 Scotch Whisky, and part of Johnnie Walker's range of award-winning whiskies accounting for more than 18 million cases annually. Now that's a lot of whisky, and Johnnie Walker's Global Brand Ambassador, Tom Jones, put it all in perspective, each time you you raise a glass of Johnnie Walker Red Label, the rest of the world joins with you in a toast.


Johnnie Walker Red Label combines the light and delicate whisky of Scotland's east coast with the heavy and peaty whisky of the west coast, resulting in a smooth smooth blend with a robust whisky flavor and depth that can hold its own when mixed with anything. Tom Jones shared that in some parts of the world, green tea or even coconut water is mixed with Johnnie Walker Red Label, reflecting the different tastes around the world.  Fresh, vibrant with sweet, peaty, vanilla, citrus, spicy, and malty notes, finishing with a lingering smoky signature, all in a shot of Johnnie Walker Red Label. Johnnie Walker glasses with the iconic square shape were then distributed, and it was time to mix it up. 


Start with a refreshing Johnnie Ginger, with ginger ale and garnished with a lime wedge...


...and follow it up with Johnnie Red Soda with your favorite cola and an orange twist...


...or have it neat and straight up, pure and simple, like a shot of what many describe as "liquid sunshine." Sometimes less is more, and with the world's best-selling scotch whisky, you simply can't go wrong.


"Nothing typifies the Walker's journey more than the pioneer blend, Johnnie Walker Red Label. The story of this blend exemplifies the bold ambitions of the Walker family," shares Tom Jones. "The Walker family needed a whisky that travelled well - one with a depth of flavor even when mixed with ice, water or soda; one that would transcend cultures, tastes and climes." And here's a toast to the Walker family, and their magnificent blend.

Now, it's your turn to step up. Grab your Johnnie Walker Red Label and create your very own JW Red Label moment with these easy recipes:

Johnnie Red Soda - The Perfect Serve

1 part Johnnie Walker Red Label
2 parts of Lime Soda
Ice
Optional: Orange Twist

Pour the whisky into an ice-filled glass, top up with lime soda and rim the glass with an orange twist. You can also use a cola instead of lime soda.

Johnnie Ginger

1 part Johnnie Walker Red Label
3 parts Ginger Ale
Ice
Lime wedge garnish

Combine in an ice-filled glass and stir. Add a lime wedge garnish for additional zing.

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Quick Bites: Yabu's Oroshi Katsu

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How else can one top probably the best katsu in the metro? Just leave it to Yabu to surprise you...


Yabu's new Oroshi Katsu, certified US pork tenderloin (Hire), topped with grated radish and spring onions and served with fresh grapefruit and ponzu sauce for a refreshing new take on your favorite katsu.


Yabu's new Oroshi Katsu (P 420), is served with unlimited Japanese white rice or organic brown rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles, unlimited organic cabbage with your choice of dressing (go for the new Wasabi dressing, trust me) and a bowl of fruit. I go for the leaner Hire, with less fat than the usual Rosu, and the pork cutlet is still juicy and tender, something you'd expect from quality pork.


Simply squeeze the grapefruit and pour some ponzu on the crisp katsu, along with the finely grated radish and green onions, and just go for it. The tangy grapefruit and sweet ponzu provide a subtle yet distinct layer of flavor, nicely complementing the radish and spring onions for an entirely new and refreshing flavor experience. A cool blend of flavors and textures, and that's how you top the metro's best katsu. Only from Yabu.

Yabu, House of Katsu is located at the Ground Floor, Robinsons Magnolia, Aurora Boulevard corner Dona M. Hemady Avenue, Valencia, Quezon City or call 961-4975 for inquiries.

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Afternoon Tapas at Calderon

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A glass of Calderon's Sangria Rojo and a few tapas. All the makings for a cool afternoon...


And with December's cool breeze, there's no better way to spend an afternoon. Start with Calderon's Esparragos en Aceite de Oliva with a glass of Sangria Rojo, a light vegetable dish with asparagus, ham, and cherry tomatoes cooked in olive oil.


Bandeja de Jamon, Chorizo y Queso, an assortment of premium Spanish ham, chorizo and cheese, topped with olives, grapes, shaved almonds and herbs served on a wooden tray, perfect with another round of Calderon's Sangria Rojo.


Calamares Fritos, crunchy deep-fried squid rings sprinkled with herbs. the crisp outer layer and the tender squid provide contrasting textures complemented by the rich dip.


Gambas al Ajillo, a true Spanish classic, with plump and juicy shrimps cooked in olive oil, peppers and garlic. Rich, with a subtle sweetness from the fresh shrimps, and a delicious snap in every bite.


Chori-Gambas al Ajillo, a savory combo with plump shrimps and savory chorizo with peppers in a rich sauce. Rich, intense flavors from the chorizo play with the subtle sweetness of the red peppers and fresh shrimps, and don't forget the sauce. Ask for some bread to mop up the sauce, seriously good.


Almejas en Salsa Verde, succulent clams in a rich green sauce topped with peppers and herbs. a light dish that pairs well with Calderon's Sangria Blanco.


Chorizo Fritos, fried chorizo in olive oil, simple and rustic, packed with bold flavors.


Salpicao, tender beef sauteed in olive oil with garlic, lots of or crunchy garlic. Classic tapas, and a perfect afternoon at Calderon. For more on Calderon's signature dishes, check out my previous post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2013/09/nine-must-try-dishes-at-calderon-cocina.html. Stay tuned for more  updates on Calderon's new dishes, coming soon...

Calderon Cocina Tapas y Bebidas is located at 403 F. Calderon Street, San Juan, Metro Manila or call 238-2264 for inquiries.

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Seeing Red & Green: Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen Introduces Two New Ramen Dishes

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Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen welcomes the holiday season with two new ramen dishes in the festive colors of red and green...


Each different and distinct, with bold and intense flavors for an entirely new ramen experience. 


Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen specializes in Chikuho-style noodles with a rich tonkotsu pork broth, a popular regional style of ramen from the Kyushu region. And Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen adds two new ramen variants to its list of signature tonkotsu ramen dishes...


While waiting for the new ramen dishes, check out Ikkoryu's cool guide to enjoying your ramen in five easy steps to complete your dining experience (for more on Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen and their signature tonkotsu pork broth ramen, check out my previous posts here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2013/03/ikkoryu-fukuoka-ramen-authentic.html and http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2013/06/food-news-ikkoryu-fukuoka-ramen-now.html.).


Ikkoryu's Gyoza , a delicious blend of crisp and chewy textures, and one of the best tasting dumplings in the metro. Perfect when paired with Ikkoryu's signature tonkotsu.


Then, the first of the two new ramens arrived, starting with the green ramen. Ikkoryu's new Yuzu-Tama Tonkotsu (P 380), flavored with yuzukosho, a local and traditional spice from the Kyushu region. A fermented paste blended with yuzu peel, a Japanese citrus, chili and salt, the yuzukosho provides intense flavors and some heat.


At first, the intense flavors seem to be coming from the spicy heat, but after a few more slurps, one can taste a subtle hint of citrus to round out the flavors.  The rich, creamy and almost buttery broth blend well with the spicy yuzukosho flavor, adding a flavorful punch. If you want your noodles with a little bite, the Katamen (hard) or Barikata (very hard) works well with the intensely flavored broth. A little broth, some noodles, a piece of the tender chashu pork, some pickled vegetables...perfect. And with the robust flavors of the broth, there's really no need to add more condiments. The enticing bright green color is like a visual cue to just go right in. And if you enjoy a little heat, this one's a winner.


Next up, Ikkoryu's new red ramen, the Aka Tonkotsu (P 380), topped with a dollop of red miso paste, Slowly stir your bowl, and your ramen gradually transforms into a bright red broth. Another distinctly flavored ramen, packed with intense flavors. In contrast with the green ramen, the spice is more subdued, yet with equally bold flavors.


The flavor has depth, with a delicious and mild saltiness that combines well with the other components of the ramen. As with the previous green ramen, there's really no need to add more condiments to the red ramen, already filled with so many rich flavors. Bold, intense and rich flavors, yet each of the new ramen dishes are different and distinct, worthy additions to Ikkoryu's line of authentic tonkotsu ramen.


Craving for some heat? Go for the green ramen. Looking for bold and intense flavors? The red ramen's for you. And you can expect Ikkorya Fukuoka Ramen to introduce even more ramen variants in the future. Special thanks to Mr. Kenji Komuro, Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen's PR Director, for an awesome red & green ramen lunch.

Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen is located at the second level of SM Aura Premier, McKinley Parkway, McKinley Hill, Taguig. For more information, you can visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ikkoryuph.

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Food News: Have Your Cheese Fix with Pizza Hut's New Cheesy 7

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Seven. Not just four, but seven cheeses. All in one pizza...


Pizza Hut introduces the new Cheesy 7, topped with seven imported cheeses, available in Pan Pizza, Stuffed Crust Pizza, Thin 'N Crispy, and Tuscani to kick off the holiday season.


The Cheesy 7 combines the rich flavors of seven imported cheeses, including Mozzarella, Parmesan, Provolone, Monterey Jack, Romano, Cheddar and balls of cream cheese for an indulgent cheese fix guaranteed to satisfy your cheese craving. The sharp notes combine with the creamy, almost buttery flavors of the different cheeses, all on Pizza Hut's signature Pan Pizza crust.


This Christmas, try something new and different. For dine-in, just add P 40 (Regular) or P 65 (Family) to upgrade your supreme line pizza to Cheesy 7 with Pizza Hut's Big Group Feasts. You can also choose Pizza Hut's new Dewberry Group Feast for Delivery with a Cheesy 7 Family Size, 2 orders of Spaghetti Bolognese, 4 pcs Wingstreet, 1L Tropicana Twister Mango Juice Drink with 4 pcs Dewberry Cookies for only P 699. That's a pretty cool deal for get-togethers with friends and family this holiday season. And there's more. Join Pizza Hut's Cheesy 7 promo by simply uploading your very own version of the Cheesy 7 music video and jingle on YouTube and the winning entry will be determined by the number of most likes and  and shares for a special Cheesy Dinner Date from Pizza Hut.


Seven cheeses, one pizza. One real cool cheese feast...

For more great dishes, check out Pizza Hut's website at www.pizzahut.com.ph, dial 911-1111 for deliveries  in Metro Manila or be a fan of Pizza Hut Philippines on Facebook.

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In Good Company at Fish & Co

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All your seafood favorites in one place...


Fried Calamari (P 375 Regular Portion), crispy, breaded squid drizzled with herbs and served with tartar sauce. Perfectly crisp, just squeeze a little lemon to round out the flavors. 


Steamed Mussels in Pico de Gallo (P 545), one of Chef Josh Boutwood's newest dishes for Fish & Co, with juicy and plump mussels with fresh and tangy tomatoes, herbs and chili. The cilantro and pico de gallo add a tangy and zesty note to the fresh mussels, playing well with the briny broth. 


The chili pumps up the flavor, adding a layer of heat that complements the tangy pico de gallo. And don't forget to mop up some of the broth with the bread...


Spaghetti Marinara (P 335), generously loaded  prawns, fish cubes, and Chilean mussels in a rich flavorful tomato-basil sauce topped with cheese. A comforting seafood pasta with rich, rustic flavors.


Peri-Peri Prawns (P 495), grilled prawns with peri-peri sauce, served with buttered vegetables and seafood rice. A meal in itself, the spicy peri-peri sauce adds a flavorful punch to the prawns. Fish & Co also offers a variety of chicken, pork and beef dishes, just in case. But it's the seafood that takes centerstage at Fish & Co. And with an extensive variety of seafood dishes to choose from, you can't go wrong at Fish & Co.

Fish & Co is located at Unit 4011-4012, Trinoma Mall, Edsa corner North Avenue, Pag-Asa, Quezon City.

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Celebrate Grand Pizza Day at Papa John's

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Mark your calendars. December 17. Tuesday. It's Grand Pizza Day at Papa John's...


An all-new pizza variant and more...and here's more news to make you feel like a winner at Papa John's...


This December 17, Papa John's celebrates its 2013 Grand Pizza Day with a big Yuletide blowout that's definitely not to be missed. Be among the first 100 customers for the day as all Papa John's outlets will be rewarding early birds with its newest pizza variant, a free 9" Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pizza or John's Fave for every purchase of a pasta dish  or any pizza variant (Super Papa, Fisherman's Catch, Spicy Italian Meatball, Texas Heat, Chicken Bacon Ranch and Chicken BBQ, along with other classics Garden Special, Simply Cheese, The Hawaiian, and Margherita pizzas). Christmas comes early at Papa John's, so bring the gang for a cool Papa John's blow-out. Also try Papa John's newest line of pastas, like the Pasta Asiana (above)...


...the Crabmeat Pasta...


...and the Hot Salad with Canadian bacon. And there's more.


Papa John's all-new Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pizza, with a rich, buttery garlic sauce topped with generous chunks of grilled chicken breast, onions, and a flavorful combo of mozzarella, parmesan and romano cheese. And with Papa John's signature crust, you'll enjoy every bite. Just add some garlic butter and pepperoncini to complete the flavors for more on Papa John's signature pizzas, check out my previous post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2012/11/food-news-papa-johns-big-bonanza.html). To support the launch of Papa John's newest pizza variant, every purchase P 350 worth of food purchase or an order of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pizza (take-out, dine-in and delivery transactions via hotline 887-7272) automatically qualifies customers to a raffle coupon for a chance to win any of the following cool prizes: 12 Limited Edition Papa John's G-Shock watches and one of three Free Overnight Accommodation for two at the Berjaya Hotel, including 20 Papa John's gift certificates worth P 1,500, and 10 MyPhone Mobile units. But better hurry, purchases until December 31 will be eligible for the raffle.  Deadline for submission of entries is on January 2, 2014, 9:30 pm. The winners will be announced via a Grand Draw on January 7, 2pm at Papa John's 3rd Level Mega A, SM Megamall.


After a sumptuous meal at Papa John's, don't forget to try one of Papa John's signature desserts like the Choco Magma...


And here's the cool part. I made my very own pizza. Loaded with Italian pepperoni, Canadian bacon, green peppers, onions, mushrooms and olives topped with a heap of mozzarella. Not bad.


And just after a few minutes, my very own pizza arrived. Hey, this might just be Papa John's next signature pizza...


Be sure to catch The 2013 Papa Johm's Grand Pizza Day celebration at any of the following Papa John's outlets: Robinsons Galleria Veranda, University Mall Taft Avenue, Greenhills, Brick Road, Sta. Lucia Mall, Tomas Morato, BF Homes Paranaque, SM Fairview, SM Mega Mall, SM North Edsa, Greenbelt 3, Waltermart Sucat, and Jupiter Street, Makati Avenue; and at the new branches in Bluebay Mall of Asia, and Ever Gotesco Mall Recto.

New pizza and pasta variants, cool deals and chance to win more cool prizes. It just gets better at Papa John's.

Call 887-7272 for Papa John's delivery. For more updates, "like" Papa John's Philippines on Facebook or follow Papa John's Philippines on Twitter.

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Franco's: Reconnecting with Comfort Food

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Familiar and comforting, yet new and inventive. Classic flavors with a playful twist. At Franco's, you can reconnect with your favorite comfort food, and discover new favorites along the way...


Burgers, pizza, and premium steaks, all in one spot, Franco's is the kind of place where you can enjoy classic comfort food all day. In fact, it's the kind of place where you'd like to stay the whole day...


Located at Powerplant Mall, Franco's is the latest concept from Mon and Monique Eugenio, the creative duo behind Myron's. Named after their youngest, Franco's exudes a playful warmth that complements its new line of signature comfort food.

Toy soldiers, a vintage toy train, even a set of Hardy Boys fill the shelves and display cabinets, and almost immediately one can sense a connection. And at Franco's, the food strengthens this connection combining familiar flavors with playful twists.

Tinapa-Cream Cheese Cigars (P 125), crisp spring rolls stuffed with rich cream cheese and smoked fish, served with a vinegar dip. A refreshing and playful twist on the familiar cheese stick, with just the right layer of smoky flavor from the smoked fish.


Onion Soup (P 160), a hearty and comforting broth topped with rich cheese, a perfect starter to any meal at Franco's. Served hot, the real fun begins when you pick up the soft, stringy cheese.


The Barcelona (P 240), a rustic thin crust pizza topped with chorizo, cheese and caramelized onions. The sharp notes of the chorizo are perfectly balanced by the rich and creamy cheese and the subtle sweet flavors of the caramelized onions, all on a perfectly crisp crust.


Sisig Baguette (P 230), a freshly made baguette filled with beef sisig (yes, it's beef), lettuce, and tomatoes, served with fries,and yet another cool and playful reinvention of classic flavors.


Using beef instead of pork adds a richer flavor, making this sandwich unique and different. Leave it to Franco's to surprise you with new flavors...


The Italian Burger (P 320), a premium beef patty seasoned with Italian herbs and spices topped with cheese and tomato on lettuce and a freshly baked bun. Inspired by the classic Italian meatball, the Italian Burger is a refreshing new take, familiar yet new and different. The rich flavors of the premium beef patty combine well with the buttery bun, delivering rich flavors in every bite. The freshly baked bun is soft, and remains intact even as it absorbs the juices of the beef patty. And with the perfectly seasoned patty, you don't need to add any other condiment. Seriously good.


Classic comfort food with a playful twist, in a homey, casual spot. Always a winning combo. Congratulations to Mon and Monique Eugenio for another winning concept, and an awesome dining experience. Find your old favorites, and discover new ones, only at Franco's.

Franco's is located at the Ground Floor of  Power Plant Mall, Estrella Street corner Rockwell Drive, Poblacion, Makati.

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Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery: Rockwell's Newest Neighborhood Cafe

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Finally. A neighborhood cafe offering all-day dining at Rockwell. Now there's a place where you can start and end your day...at Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery. 

Bite-sized versions of Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery's signature dishes.
Inspired by Heller's classic satire, the name is a word play on Catch-22, but instead of the frustrating cycle of no-win situations, Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery offers an extensive menu with "food and drink versatility" to match your mood "with every passing hour," ending with cocktails "before hatching again the following day." Sounds like my kind of place...


Located at the ground floor of Rockwell's Powerplant Mall, Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery offers an all-day dining experience with its bakery, cafe and a bar serving fresh fruit juices, wine and some real cool cocktails.

Open daily from 7am to 1am, you can enjoy Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery's signature breakfasts and brunch, hang out for lunch or a late afternoon snack, an early dinner and even end the evening with cocktails. And just like a neighborhood cafe, Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery is the place for an all-day dining experience.

Erwan Heussaff welcomes guests to Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery, as the kitchen prepares bite-sized versions of their signature dishes. The mini portions are perfect, allowing you to sample Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery's extensive line of signature dishes.

A refreshing watermelon, ginger and apple juice blend starts your Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery experience. 100% fresh and all-natural, just a preview of more good things to come.


A basket of freshly baked bread is served, featuring some of Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery's signature items, including Butter Brioche, cheese rolls, a Muscovado roll and sourdough bread. Here's a sneak preview of Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery's signature dishes, in bite-sized servings...


Tomato and Chickpea Soup, served in espresso cups, with roasted tomatoes, mixed bread croutons, chickpeas, Lucban sausage, and fried basil. Rich, hearty and comforting, the local Lucban longaniza adds that perfect hint of saltiness that pairs well with the thick and creamy tomato and chickpeas (for more on Hatch 22's signature dishes in regular servings, check out my post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-hatch-22-breakfast.html).


Falafel Salad, mixed greens with golden falafel, goat cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red beets, lemon oil, and black olives.


Fresh flavors in a tiny package, reflecting Catch 22 Cafe & Bakery's diverse menu, influenced by different flavors from all over the world.


Hatch 22's McHatch, inspired by the fastfood chain's breakfast muffins, with breakfast sausage patty topped with egg, strawbery jam, and cheddar cheese. The bite-sized versions feature mini-muffins with sausage topped by a quail egg and a crunchy strip of bacon, and you can easily go for two or three in one go.


The Walowitz, homemade corned beef beef brisket, red sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, black pepper aioli, whole grain mustard and dill pickles. The bite-sized versions may be small, but each piece just packs so much flavor, can't wait to try the regular sized order soon.


Croque Maserati, open-faced brioche french toast topped with seared salmon fillet, sous vide egg, mornay sauce, lemon thyme oil, and black caviar. Rich, creamy flavors on a crunchy brioche...perfect.


Monkey Business, buttermilk pancakes topped with caramelized bananas, chunky peanut butter, candied walnuts, cinnamon, caramel and marshmallows. It's amazing how Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery's kitchen downsized the buttermilk pancakes, with a stack of three miniaturized pancakes topped with walnuts and even mini-marshmallows, exactly like the regular-sized dish.


Cannoli, just one of the many desserts offered by Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery. Paired with a good cup of coffee, just can't get better than that. Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery offers an extensive range of baked desserts, including cookies and brownies.


The bite-sized versions of Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery's signature dishes were perfect, as I was able sample quite a number and experience Hatch 22's unique cafe style cuisine by Chef Pete Ayson. For more on Hatch 22's signature dishes, check out my post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-hatch-22-breakfast.html. Special thanks to Catch 22 Cafe & Bakery's Erwan Heussaff (L) and Monique Monasterio (R), Marketing Manager, for an awesome dining experience.

Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery is located at the Ground Floor, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell, Makati.

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A Hatch 22 Breakfast

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Start your day with one of Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery's signature dishes...


After sampling Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery's signature dishes in bite-sized versions (see my previous post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2013/12/hatch-22-cafe-bakery-rockwells-newest.html), here are the regular-sized dishes...


Tuna and Watermelon Salad (P 350), seared ahi tuna au poivre, mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, mint watermelon, marinated olives, and feta cheese drizzled with a light citrus dressing. Light yet flavorful, with complex flavors.


Hatch 22's signature NYOB (Not Your Ordinary Benedicts, P 445), fresh baked muffins topped with wild mushrooms, sous vide eggs, Italian ham, sauteed spinach and torched citrus hollandaise. Elegantly plated with rich, bold flavors, definitely not your ordinary benedict.


Croque Maserati (P 580), open-faced brioche french toast topped with seared salmon fillet, served with sous vide egg, mornay sauce, lemon thyme oil, black caviar and fresh greens. The rich and delicate flavors of the salmon are complemented by equally rich sauce, and the caviar rounds out the flavors. A personal favorite, and a must-try at Hatch 22.


Monkey Business (P 430), soft buttermilk pancakes topped with caramelized bananas, chunky peanut butter, candied walnuts, cinnamon, and caramel, crowned with marshmallows.


Rich, sweet, and fun. Nothing like a sugar rush to start the day...


Slum Dog Millionaire (P 620), lobster and shrimp fritata, pineapple, kaffir lime, peppers, red coconut curry, poppadum crisps and grilled naan bread. Global flavors in one dish.


Craving for pasta? Hatch 22 's got you covered. The Siggy's Special (P 395), a comforting pasta dish with warm spaghettini, roasted tomatoes, herbed garlic oil, capers, garden herbs, and shaved parmesan tossed with flavorful garlic butter croutes. Perfect any time of the day.


For dessert, try some of Hatch 22's cakes and freshly baked pastries. The White Cake (P 210), one of Hatch 22's elegant cakes.


Can't go wrong with Hatch 22's freshly made cannoli, great with any of Hatch 22's signature coffee blends.


And you can even take out some of Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery's bread and pastries, and relive your Hatch 22 experience for breakfast the very next day...

And there's more. Stay tuned for my next post on Hatch 22's signature cocktails.

Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery is located at the Ground Floor, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell.

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Cool Cocktails at Hatch 22

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You probably already started your day at Hatch 22, why not end your day with Hatch 22's signature cocktails?


With over twenty signature cocktails, ranging from classic blends to unique and playful combos, there's one with your name on it.


And with Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery's signature cocktails, this isn't a bad idea at all...


Port Wine Sangaree (P 270, L) a cool blend of Ruby port, lemon cherries, nutmeg, Cassis and syrup, and Black Flights (P 290, R), a unique concoction with champoy-infused rum, calamansi, Angostura Bitters, spiced syrup and homemade Falernum. The Port Wine Sangaree is smooth and easy, while the Black Flights packs a punch, with bold and distinct flavors from the champoy.


Inner Child (290), a horchata and almond milk blend with egg white, dark rum and spiced syrup, garnished with a wafer. A sweet blend with a subtle kick from the rum, a refreshing and unique drink.


Drunken Cider (P 350), a mix of cognac, honey lime juice, apples, spice syrup, egg white and honey. A comforting blend, with just the right sweetness to balance the other flavors.


Hatch 22's signature cocktail, Hatch & Balls, a refreshing blend of hatch 22's very own calamansicello, rosemary syrup and Noliprat inside a hollow ice ball. Served in a martini glass, the ball of ice is quite a sight, just way too cool to pass up.


The ice ball cools the cocktail, and after a few more sips, the sphere of ice gets clearer. Just can't get any cooler than that...and ending your day at Hatch 22 isn't a bad idea. Not bad at all. For more on Hatch 22's signature breakfast and brunch dishes, check out my previous post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-hatch-22-breakfast.html, and for a sampling of Hatch 22's unique menu here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2013/12/hatch-22-cafe-bakery-rockwells-newest.html.

Hatch 22 Cafe & Bakery is located at the Ground Floor, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell. 

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Fresh: The Tous les Jours Christmas Gift Basket

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Fresh baked products. Everyday.


The best quality and freshly baked products everyday, the very core and foundation of Tous les Jours' (loosely translated as "everyday" in French) corporate philosophy, with the latest on-site production system in each store to provide exactly that: 100% freshly baked products. Everyday.



Tous les Jours is a French-Asian bakery offering freshly baked products using the finest ingredients (for more on Tous les Jours' fresh-baked products, from traditional bread and pastries to exquisite and delectable cakes, check out my previous post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2012/06/food-news-tous-les-jours-opens-in.html). Recently, I received a basket from Tous les Jours containing some of their signature items...


Tous les Jours'Strawberry Jam (P 178), Blueberry Muffins (P 68), soft and moist with blueberry filling; and Cream Cheese Muffins (P 78 for two), with a rich cream cheese flavor.


Mini Castella (P 88, R), a popular Japanese sponge cake made with flour, sugar, and eggs and baked in a special oven to retain moisture, and the Mini Chiffon Cake (P 68 for a box of 6, L), soft and light cakes with a subtle sweetness, great with some coffee.


Chocolate Chip Cookies (P 128), crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy inside, with chocolate chips. Plus, the basket also contained a box of Tous les Jours's very own Brownie Mix (P 248).


With over 1700 branches in Korea, China, Vietnam, Indonesia and the US, and 13 branches in Metro Manila, you're never too far away from freshly baked products made fresh. Everyday.

For more information on Tous les Jours, visit their website at http://www.tlj.ph/ or their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/touslesjoursph. You can also follow Tous les Jours on Twitter at https://twitter.com/TousLesJoursPH.

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Pino Resto Bar's New Dishes

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Chef Ed Bugia does it again...


Creative, playful and inventive, Chef Ed Bugia introduces new dishes with a cool spin on classic Filipino comfort food. I've always enjoyed Chef Ed's fresh take on traditional favorites, and the latest batch of new dishes confirm this even more (for more on Pino's inventive take on Filipino dishes, check out my previous post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2012/12/pino-resto-bar-fine-filipino-food.html).


Go for some of Pino's newest appetizers, like the Isol Popcorn (P 205), Pino's take on the popular street food, fried and crispy chicken butt tossed in soy-miso-inasal glaze. Sweet and crisp in perfect bite-sized pieces, great with a few beers...


...and the Bagnet Spring Rolls (P 235), crispy spring rills filled with bagnet, chinese chorizo, salted eggs, vermicelli noodles, and served with calamansi vinaigrette. Packed with so much flavor, each crisp spring roll brings a medley of bold and complex flavors in each and every bite. And its got bagnet, can't go wrong with that.


Bagnet Bicol Express (P 295), winged beans cooked in spicy (real spicy) coconut milk and alamang, topped with a crispy bagnet.


The spicy and creamy Bicol Express combines well with the crispy bagnet, providing contrasting flavors and textures. Extra rice? Definitely.


Bagnet Ribs Lechon Paksiw (P 245), fried pork ribs stewed in vinegar liver sauce and chicken liver. The rich sauce, enhanced with chicken liver, adds depth to the flavors of this hearty and comforting dish.


Tender bagnet pork ribs in a rich sauce served with steamed white rice, a complete meal in itself.


Pino Pochero (P 385), tender beef and pork stew with crushed tomatoes, saba, kamote, pechay and chinese chorizo. The slow-cooked, rich and thick stew blends all the flavors, with a layer of sweetness from the plantain, sweet potatoes and vegetables.


Steamed Lapu-Lapu (P 495), fresh grouper steamed in lemongrass and leeks, topped with pineapple aioli, salted egg, bell pepper, pickle relish, cheddar cheese, scallions, and garlic chips. The slated egg, cheese and vegetable topping add more layers of flavor to the delicately-flavored fish.


Nilasing na Tahong (P 245), succulent and plump mussels cooked in beer, lime soda and chili. The citrusy sharpness of the lemon, a flavorful punch from the chili and a comforting beer broth complement the plump mussels. A deceptively simple dish with complex flavors, rounding out Chef Ed's new dishes.

Familiar and comforting with a refreshing new twist. Leave it to Chef Ed Bugia for a delicious and cool spin on your traditional favorites.

Pino Resto Bar is located at 38 Jupiter, Bel-Air, Makati or call 550-1781 for inquiries.

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A Cold Beer and Small Plates at Black Olive Cerveceria

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Great food and the world's best beers on tap. My kind of place...



Chef Carlo Miguel, the creative force behind Draft Gastropub, Opus, Beso and Publiko, introduces his newest concept at Capitol Commons. The Black Olive Cerveceria offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine paired with some of the world's best beers. 


Inside, Black Olive Cerveceria offers two floors to fit an intimate dinner for two or a victory celebration with the entire team. The bright and spacious layout, along with a friendly and efficient staff, combine for a unique dining experience.     
With eight premium German and Belgian brews on tap,  choosing your first glass won't be easy. Mac, Black Olive's bartender, can run you through the different beers before making a choice. Once you've decided on your brew, a special glass is then chilled with a blast of ice-cold water before the beer is poured. 

Start with a light pilsner, Stella Artois, a leading Belgian pale lager with its familiar light golden color and fresh, clean flavors.


And since its December, follow it up with Paulaner's St. Thomas Brau Christmas Draft, a malty Bavarian wheat beer with a darker, golden amber color. Sweeter, and less bitter than the lagers, this specialty brew pairs well with many of Black Olive's mains and appetizers.  And if you're a fan of this Munich brew, Black Olive Cerveceria also offers four more Paulaner wheat beers on tap.


Beck's pale lager, with sharp flavors and a more pronounced bitter taste from the hops. The refreshing and clean flavors also pair well with the rich flavors of Black Olive's mains and "small plates."


And you just can't pass up on Chimay. You just gotta love these trappist monks for brewing such a heavenly brew. Brewed inside a trappist monastery in Belgium since 1862, Chimay's line of trappist beers are definitely among the world's best. The deep amber colored ale is capped by a creamy head to complement its sweet, almost caramel-like flavor.


Go for another round and pair it with Black Olive's Cerveceria's signature starters, or "small plates." Drawing from Italian, Spanish and Greek flavors, the best of the Mediterranean, Black Olive Cerveceria offers a wide range of dishes to go with world's best beers. Like the Crispy Boneless Chicken Wings with Mojo Picon (P 280), perfect with a light lager. The delicately crisp wings and the mild heat from the red pepper sauce combine well, perfectly washed down with a Stella Artois or Beck's.


The Burrata with Prosciutto, Walnuts and Marinated Onions, a light and tasty starter with fresh, creamy mozzarella and sharp prosciutto. The contrasting flavors of the bold prosciutto and rich mozzarella pair well with the full-bodied flavor of the dark Chimay ale.  


Involtini of Green Eggplant, Feta Cheese, Roast Tomato and Black Olive (P 270), classic and fresh Mediterranean flavors punctuated by the rich feta cheese and sharpness of the black olives. I never thought I would enjoy an all vegetable starter, and this one's a winner. Better yet, pair it with the St. Thomas Brau. 


Grilled Octopus, Green Romesco, Black Olive Salsa (P 230), a personal favorite. Smoky and tender octopus with fresh salsa and a creamy sauce made from almonds and peppers, complex flavors all in one plate. Grab a piece of grilled octopus, some creamy romesco sauce and fresh salsa, and go for it. Wash it down with a light lager or any of Paulaner's wheat beers. Perfect. 


Squid Ink Battered Prawns with Jalapeno-Honey Aioli (P 390), crisp prawns with a richly flavored squid-ink batter for a unique blend of flavors. The lightly salty squid-ink batter plays well with the subtle sweetness of the plump prawns, and the jalapeno-honey aioli rounds out the flavors. A light lager pairs well with this dish. 


Black Olive's Barbecue Pork Riblets (P 280), tender pork ribs topped with crisp thinly-sliced garlic (which reminded of the scene in Goodfellas, with Paulie Cicero using a razor blade to gently slice garlic in paper-thin shavings). The mildly sweet sauce and the juicy pork combine for another cool dish, great with a full-bodied wheat beer. 


Sous Vide US Angus Beef Salpicao (P 385), yet another favorite. The sous vide method results in unbelievably tender beef, with an almost melt-in-your mouth butter-like feel. Cooked for 18 hours, this is another must try at Black Olive. And goes perfectly with yet another round of trappist beer. 


Great food with some of the best beers. Stay tuned for my next post on Black Olive Cerveceria's mains, coming soon. Special thanks to Chef Carlo Miguel for a cool dining experience at Black Olive, just one more reason to check out the new Capitol Commons.

Black Olive Cerveceria is located at Unit R3A & B, Camino Verde Avenue, Capitol Commons, Meralco Avenue corner Shaw Boulevard, Brgy. Oranbo, Pasig City or call 633-2071 for inquiries and 0917-507-3512 for reservations.

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Mediterranean Flavors: Lunch at Black Olive Cerveceria

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Here's one more reason to check out the new Capitol Commons...


After trying Black Olive Cerveceria's "small plates" with a few rounds of premium imported beers (see my previous post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-cold-beer-and-small-plates-at-black.html), it was time to try the signature mains... 


Chef Carlo Miguel's newest concept offers the best of Mediterranean flavors, drawing inspiration from classic Italian, Spanish and Greek cuisine. At Black Olive, all these classic flavors converge, from their "small plates" to signature mains. Black Olive's Brick Oven Pizza, a thin and crispy crust topped with Prosciutto de parma, fresh arugula, tomato and mozzarella (P 495). Simple, rustic with bold flavors on a perfectly crisp crust. 


Stracchi Pasta with Lamb, Black Olive, and Sage Ragu (P 430), a hearty pasta dish with tender lamb punctuated by the sharpness of black olives and a rich sauce, capturing the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean. 


Risotto Verde, a rich green risotto with crispy skin salmon fillet with salmon tartare (P 605). The perfectly seared salmon is moist and juicy, contrasted by the layer of crisp skin and the creamy risotto. The delicate and subtle flavors blend together so well, in one perfectly balanced dish.


Grilled Pork Chop with Balsamic Figs and Mashed Sweet Potato (P 480), tender pork chop topped with a sweet balsamic sauce on a bed of sweet potatoes. The sweetness of the balsamic figs and sweet potatoes pair well with the juicy pork chop for another flavorful combo.


Porchetta with Rosemary Roast Potato and Caponata (P 490), a slab of the juiciest pork belly with a crisp layer of skin on potatoes and vegetables, and a personal favorite. Slow cooked for hours, and one of the best porchettas I've tried so far. 


The richly flavored caponata, made with fresh eggplants and vegetables, complements the porchetta's subtle flavors. And the buttery mashed potatoes complete the dish. Pure pork bliss.


For dessert, Black Olive's got you covered too. Chocolate, Almonds and Raisins Torte with Vanilla Ice Cream (P 200), a perfect ending to any meal at Black Olive Cerveceria. 


The classic Tiramisu (P 230), great with a cup of coffee. Small plates, signature mains and desserts, Chef Carlo Miguel's Black Olive Cerveceria's got you covered. Just one more reason to check out the new Capitol Commons.  

Black Olive Cerveceria is located at Unit R3A & B, Casa Verde Avenue, Capitol Commons, Meralco Avenue corner Shaw Boulevard, Brgy. Oranbo, Pasig City or call 633-2071 for inquiries or 0917-507-3512 for reservations.

Dude for Food is now on Facebook, check out the Facebook page for regular updates on good eats. Better yet, click "Like" and enjoy the ride...just look for the FB "Like" widget on the right sidebar.  
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