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Eat Consciously. Live Consciously. At The Wholesome Table...

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Fresh, natural, and organic, it's all about going back to basics and rediscovering comfort food in a healthier new way at The Wholesome Table...


Now with three branches, The Wholesome Table aims to change the way you eat, one plate at a time. Real, pure, clean and honest flavors that's comfortingly familiar, who says healthy food has to be completely vegetarian, or even bland? Discover a whole new dining experience and a healthier lifestyle at The Wholesome Table, and it's about time you did...

Young restaurateur Bianca Araneta-Elizalde (L) shares her mantra of "Eat consciously. Live consciously" with her organic restaurant's wide repertoire of familiar comfort food recreated with the freshest, all-natural, and organic ingredients at The Wholesome Table.


It was my first time at The Wholesome Table, and entering the bright, spacious interiors immediately tells you there's more to this growing culinary movement. At The Wholesome Table, healthy cuisine isn't just any whimsical trend, it's a conscious lifestyle and passion to build and encourage a healthy food culture. And each dish is an expression of The Wholesome Table's single-minded advocacy of farm-to-plate-to-belly and nothing more. Only the freshest produce from organic sources are used, including grass-fed beef with absolutely no artificial hormones and antibiotics, free-range poultry and eggs, and wild-caught sustainable seafood. Refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are replaced by raw sugar, coconut nectar, or wild honey. You won't find any processed food and absolutely no transfat at the The Wholesome Table's kitchen, where all the sauces and condiments are made from scratch. At The Wholesome Table, you'd expect nothing less... 


The Wholesome Table uses the best local ingredients whenever possible, supporting local farms and communities as part of its advocacy and that's always good to know. And there's no better way to immerse yourself in this emerging food culture than a leisurely breakfast. Start your dining experience at The Wholesome Table with their signature Wholesome Tea (P 120-140ml/P 140-200ml), a refreshing blend of lemon grass, pandan leaves, basil, tarragon, turmeric, ginger, Japanese green tea and raw honey. Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, it tastes good too, warming up both the palate and the body. 

Pair your Wholesome Tea with Wholesome Benedicts, their inventive take on the classic Eggs Benedict. The Mushroom-Ricotta Benedict (P 460), with two English muffins topped with wild mushrooms, ricotta cheese, mushroom stock, poached free-range eggs and breakfast side salad sets your day on the right track...


...or the Kale & Ham Benedict (P 340), with fresh kale, nitrate-free ham, and Hollandaise sauce. The fresh ingredients make all the difference, with one bite delivering a natural and subtle richness for pure and bold flavors. The Wholesome Table also offers a Salmon Asparagus Benedict (P 460) for even more healthy options.


New on the menu is their Avocado Toast, with fresh-baked sourdough topped with Dijon mustard, fresh avocado, free-range egg, and flavorful Dukkah spice, an Egyptian blend with herbs, nuts and spices.

The new Avocado Toast (P 260) weaves layers of rich flavors and textural contrasts in a seamless blend, with the richness of the free-range egg and the creamy avocado are delicately tempered by the bold notes of the Dukkah spice for balanced flavors. Cap it with another soothing sip of Wholesome Tea, and it's a perfect morning.


The deep and vibrant hue of the egg yolk and the bright green color of the avocado are as intense as the flavors that can only come from the freshest, all-natural and organic ingredients.At The Wholesome Table, everything starts with the freshest, all-natural, and organic ingredients.


Other breakfast staples are given that healthy yet flavorful spin by The Wholesome Table, with their Gluten-Free Yogurt Pancakes, three soft and fluffy lemon-yogurt pancakes served with Coco-Vanilla Butter, sweet Coconut Nectar or Raw Honey, and a choice of Apple Pear Cranberry (P 330) or Strawberry (P 420). The pillow-soft pancakes remain firm without crumbling, retaining its form all the way to the last bite. Just the coco-vanilla butter and raw honey combo works for me, and the strawberries kicks it up to an even higher notch. 


The Gluten-Free Waffles, crisp lemon-ricotta waffles served with Coco Vanilla Butter, Coconut Nectar or Raw Honey and a choice of Apple Pear Cranberry (P 290) or Strawberry (P 390) is another healthy way to start your day at The Wholesome Table. The soft and chewy waffles have a nice lightly crisp outer layer for contrasting textures, leaving you satisfied without feeling bloated.


The Crispy Duck Adobo (P 640), with crunchy shredded duck, garlic brown rice, tart and refreshing pico de gallo, and free-range eggs is another comforting option at The Wholesome Table. All the familiar breakfast flavors you love, recreated in one dish in a healthier way. And there's no need to rush. The Wholesome Table Breakfast Menu is available from 7:00 am to 11:00 am daily to start your day right.


Or why not try one of The Wholesome Table's Breakfast Power Bowls like the Amazon Acai Bowl (P 490), a date-sweetened acai berry smoothie topped with homemade granola, Mt. Atok strawberries and bananas. Other toppings include the Brazilian Acai Bowl (P 490) with bananas, homemade granola, almond butter drizzle, and desiccated coconut. You can also customize your own Power Bowl with The Wholesome Table's add-ons, like Cacao Nibs (P 30), Sunflower Seeds (P 15), Cashew (P 30), Almonds (P 30), Hemp Seeds (P 15), Bee Pollen (P 60), Goji Berries (P 30), Granola (P 60), and Desiccated Coconut (P 15). Other Power Bowls include the Berry Granola Chia Pudding (P 230) with chia seeds, sweetened coconut milk, homemade granola, seasonal berries, bananas, and raw honey; the Mango Pistachio Chia Pudding (P 260) with sweet mangoes, pistachios, and ground cardamom; Overnight Oats (P 360) with gluten-free rolled oats, chia seeds, homemade almond milk, cinnamon, honey, Mt. Atok strawberries, bananas, and homemade granola; the Chocolate Nut Butter Oats (P 430) with homemade vegan almond milk, raw cacao, almond butter, coconut nectar, bananas, cacao nibs, and almond butter drizzle; and the Wholesome Granola (P 290) with honey-sweetened oats, mixed nuts, dates, and organic whole milk.


After breakfast, stay for lunch and have a taste of The Wholesome Table's signature dishes like the colorful Cordillera Salad (P 190 Solo/P 350 regular), a hearty mix of kale, romaine, boiled duck egg, baked onions, carrots, Benguet Gooseberry tomatoes, squash, candied chayote, Benguet Pole Beans, and Sagada oranges tossed in Cordillera citrus vinaigrette. The aptly named salad highlights the best local produce from up north for fresh and clean flavors in a bowl.


At The Wholesome Table, you'll find another line of Power Bowls for lunch, like the new Poke Bowl (P 450), a Japanese and Hawaiian-inspired bowl with raw salmon, wakame, brown rice, onion leeks, stir-fry sauce, romaine, ebiko, furikake, pickled ginger, and togarashi spice drizzled with Japanese mayonnaise. Gently mix the bowl for a taste of all the fresh ingredients and treat your palate to a flavorful burst of real freshness. A meal in itself, the fresh Poke Bowl offers layers of distinct flavors, with each ingredient delivering its own unique notes without overpowering the other. You can also opt for their Vegan Poke Bowl (P 250) with tofu and vegetables. Other Power Bowls include the Buddha Bowl (P 380) with organic brown rice, mixed vegetables, spicy Thai red coconut curry sauce, pea sprouts, peanuts, homemade peanut brittle, and lime; the Protein Power Bowl (P 520) with quinoa, chickpeas, carrots, wild mushrooms, flax seeds, alfalfa, and tahini sauce; and the Macro Bowl (P 450) with quinoa, wakame, white beans, sweet potato, kale, spinach, teriyaki almonds, and garlic almond dressing.


For heftier appetites, The Wholesome Table's new Mushroom Paella (P 640 Solo/P 1,230 To Share) is yet another refreshing spin on a classic dish. The vegan paella is a rustic dish made with saffron Arborio rice, button mushrooms, asparagus, artichokes, red onion, garlic, roasted pepper, and walnut chorizo. Who knew that a meatless paella could bring so much flavors with each spoonful, and the seasoned walnuts and earthy mushrooms does the trick nicely. It's touches like these that make The Wholesome Table special, and a pleasant change from the usual fare without missing out on the flavors you love. 

Pair your healthy meal with The Wholesome Table's fresh juices and shakes, like the Watermelon Shake (P 180), Mango Juice (P 200), and Buko Juice (P 120), a personal favorite. The Wholesome Table also offers fresh blends  of Detox Juices, Superfood Juices, Nutmilk, and Smoothies. But save room for dessert...


The Wholesome Table's culinary mission takes dessert to a healthier level with indulgent creations by Wholesome Bakery, from Smore's Cupcakes, Banana Peanut Butter Cupcakes, Chocolate Hazelnut Cupcakes, Matcha Latte Cupcakes, Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes, Lemon Cupcakes, and Salted Chocolate Cupcakes...


...to Fudge Brownie Bars, Nutty Fudge Brownie Bars, and Food for the Gods. Cookies? Wholesome Bakery's got that covered too, with Callebaut Chocolate Chip Cookies, Double Oatmeal Cookies, Superfood Cookies, Valrhona Double Chocolate Cookies, and Valrhona Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. And there's muffins and cakes too. Not to be missed is their signature Banana Bread, perfect with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.  

Better yet, why not take home a box of assorted baked treats from Wholesome Bakery, pure indulgence without the guilt. Just like their savory dishes, only the freshest and natural ingredients are used. With just a whisper of sweetness, you can enjoy your cheat day everyday with Wholesome Bakery's indulgent treats.


Redefining the familiar and comforting, The Wholesome Table offers another refreshing perspective on comfort food. And no, healthy food doesn't have to be bland, not at all. And knowing where each ingredient comes from is part of the culinary journey at The Wholesome Table. Eat consciously. Live consciously. Take the first step in the right direction, one plate at a time, at The Wholesome Table...

The Wholesome Table is located at the Ground Floor of Infinity Tower, H. V. Dela Costa corner Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati or call 848-7777 and 0917-885-7520 for more information.

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Seeing Vegetables in a Fresh, New Way and an Internship at the Big Apple...

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Using the freshest seasonal vegetables is all you need to create that single perfect dish. And seeing some of New York's top chefs transform vegetables into masterfully executed culinary creations can be a mind-blowing experience. Imagine if you could work alongside New York's finest in some of the Big Apple's best restaurants...


Now you can give it a shot. Enderun Colleges, in partnership with Placement International, recently launched the Jean-Georges Academy last March 6, 2017, offering experienced chefs, culinary arts graduates, and food enthusiasts unique opportunities to work with culinary icons via coveted internships at some of the best restaurants in New York. If you're ready for the Big Apple, read on...


Jean-Georges Vongerichten is a real rock star at the helm of a massive culinary empire that includes 32 restaurants worldwide, four of which are Michelin-starred. Jean-Georges began his culinary journey as an apprentice to Chef Paul Haeberlin at the Auberge de I'll, followed by stints under Paul Bocuse at L'Oasis and Master Chef Louis Outhier before heading out to the other side of the world to work for Bangkok's Oriental Hotel, Singapore's Meridien Hotel, and Hong Kong's Mandarin Hotel. It's this unique multi-cultural and global perspective that helped Jean-Georges Vongerichten develop his own culinary style, driven by constant innovation by drawing inspiration from his exposure to different food cultures and cuisine. Now a recognized Michelin-starred chef, a savvy restaurateur and a successful author, Jean-Georges Vongerichten is on a mission to share the same opportunities that helped him achieve international fame with a unique internship program in New York. Enderun Colleges and Placement International completes the loop with the launch of the Jean-Georges Academy. "For culinary students, an experience to work with any of the Jean-Georges' properties bears great weight on their resume because this provides any high-level employer proof of their international qualifications and competence. This will give them an edge in getting hired and penetrating the culinary industry," said Victor Delfour of Placement International. And just like what Ol' Blue Eyes said, if you can make it in New York, you can definitely make it anywhere. 

During the launch, Chef Tim Ferrel of ABCV, one of Jean-Georges Vongerichten's innovative dining concepts in collaboration with ABC Home, shared some of their signature dishes in a demo using only fresh seasonal produce (for more on ABCV in New York, check out their site here).


It's this creative brand of culinary mastery that sets Jean-Georges' many culinary concepts apart from the rest, using nothing more than a mix of seasonal produce for one memorable dish.


A simple Amuse Bouche of fresh mushrooms and peppers draped with a nut-based chili sauce and wrapped in paper-thin slices of sweet ripe mango becomes an experience in itself. This is the kind of innovation one can expect in all of Jean-Georges' 32 restaurants worldwide. And at New York's ABCV, they create and innovate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every single day. It's this level of culinary innovation working alongside some of the world's best chefs that will help aspiring chefs to develop their own global perspective. Enderun Colleges and Placement International can help get you there with the Jean-Georges Academy.


Delicately roasted baby carrots topped with fresh chili and herbs on a richly flavored roasted pepper sauce recreates rustic seasonal flavors for yet another of ABCV's signature dishes prepared by Chef Tim Ferrel. And you can just imagine what Chef Tim Ferrel and the rest of the team at ABCV can do with other ingredients. Now, it's your turn. If you think you're ready for the Big Apple, here's your chance. If selected, interns will go through an intensive one-month training program at Enderun Colleges' Jean-Georges Academy to understand Jean-Georges Vongerichten's vision and standards, followed by a 12-month internship program in New York for an experience of a lifetime. And your journey begins at Enderun Colleges' Jean-Georges Academy. But better hurry...

For more information on the Jean-Georges Academy at Enderun Colleges in McKinley Hill, contact Enderun Extension at extensioncourses@enderuncolleges.com or call (02) 856-5000 local 505 for more inquiries and more information. You may also visit http://www.enderunextension.com/

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Serious Beef: We Steak and Wine Seriously...at Sage Bespoke Grill.

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A slab of premium beef paired with fine wine, that's serious business, almost a religion. And at Sage Bespoke Grill, they take steak and wine seriously...


Sage Bespoke Grill introduces its unique We Steak and Wine Seriously, a sumptuous and savory feast with premium steaks paired with unlimited wine from March 1 to April 30, 2017. And if you're serious about steaks and wine, read on...

Inside the elegant interiors of Sage Bespoke Grill, the warm tones of wood and leather cast a comforting glow, the perfect spot for steak and wine (for more on Sage Bespoke Grill, see my previous posts, An Intimate Sunday Brunch Buffet at Sage Bespoke Grill and A Negroni, Trish's Blossom, and Sagecello at Sage Bar).


And from March 1 to April 30, 2017, you can enjoy premium Australian Wagyu and round after round of fine wine at Sage Bespoke Grill. Simply choose one from five different featured steaks, and your wine glass will never be empty during your steak dinner. Sage Bespoke Grill's We Steak and Wine Seriously offer is available daily from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm for March and April.

And washing down a perfectly good steak with a glass of wine just makes your steak dinner so much more special. Gather your friends for the ultimate steak and wine dinner, or you can opt to dine solo so you get more wine. And steak. Either way, good steak and fine wine does the job for me. Anytime.  


Every meal at Sage Bespoke Grill starts with their freshly baked bread, served with creamy herbed butter, tomato salsa, and nutty pesto, just what you need as you go over the list of appetizers.

Sage Bespoke Grill offers a wide range of appetizers, and here's some of my favorites. Start your feast with Sage Bespoke Grill's Cured Ham "Pata Negra" Bellota Jabugo (P 720) and the Grilled Bacon (P 380) with garlic and parsley fresh from the Josper Grill for a double dose of pork love. 


Refresh your palate with Sage Bespoke Grill's Ceviche Scallops (P 920), a personal favorite, drizzled with flavorful basil oil and lemon topped with sun-dried tomatoes...


...and the Waffle (P 520), a soft and lightly crisp waffle topped with smoked salmon and boiled quail egg draped in rich sour cream. Fresh, light and healthy, the pair of seafood appetizers are the perfect starters before the mains, adding credence to what Julia Child once said, "the only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook..."


You just know dinner is going to be special when you see a cart positioned next to your table with trays of freshly grilled steaks and a bowl of premium Pink Himalayan Salt...

Sage Bespoke Grill's Chef Eric Weidmann then prepared to serve their signature steaks, delicately carving each massive slab and adding Pink Himalayan Salt to complete the dish (for more on Chef de Cuisine Eric Weidmann, see my post, Meet Chef Eric Weidmann. At Sage Bespoke Grill...). 


And here's the beef, with three of five signature Australian Wagyu steaks that come with the unlimited wine pairing, Sage Bespoke Grill's Jacks Creek MB 5 Porterhouse (P 7,620-900 g)...


...the Jacks Creek MB 5 Tomahawk (P 8,200-1,300g)...


...and the Jacks Creek MB 5 Chateaubriand (P 7,950-900 g), each one perfect for sharing. If you're gong for steak, go all out and forget about the calories, this is the ultimate comfort food that overrides all reason and logic. And you'll just have to admit, there's absolutely nothing like a premium slab of beef fresh from the grill to bring out your long dormant primordial instincts. Each steak is perfectly grilled to medium rare with a juicy pink center. You can opt to have your slices grilled further to your desired doneness, but shame on you. It's got to be medium rare, and anything more just ruins a perfectly good steak.

Complete your steak feast with Sage Bespoke Grill's popular sides, including Creamed Spinach, Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Peas, Forest Mushrooms, Mashed Potato, Grilled Asparagus, Skin-Filled Baked Potato, French Fries, Potato GratinBourbon Creamed Corn, Josper Corn on the Cob, and Roasted Vegetables.


And you can even have the trimmed sides toasted on a sizzling hot skillet, after all fat is flavor. Even Tom Colicchio, popular chef and TV personality, says "a steak needs fat to taste great," so go ahead.


The fork-tender slices of the Tomahawk releases a beefy richness with every bite, lining your palate with robust flavors. The Porterhouse, with its thin layer of fat, bursts with equally bold and intense beefy flavors. The Chateaubriand, which looked like the leanest cut of beef among the three, was still impressively juicy and tender to the bite. And with steak this good, you don't need any sauce at all. The Pink Himalayan Salt just works so well with the beef, bringing out pure and clean flavors.


Cap your steak and wine feast on a sweet note with Sage Bespoke Grill's indulgent desserts, including the Banana Sticky Toffee Pudding (P 315) with Louisiana Pecan Nuts and velvety smooth Salted Caramel Ice Cream...


...the rustic Traditional Warm Tarte Tatin (P 315) with apples and vanilla ice cream...


...the classic Crepes Flambees (P 315) with caramel and orange sauce...


...and the Floating Island (P 315) with caramelized hazelnuts and vanilla creme anglaise, a personal favorite.


Sage Bespoke Grill also offers a wide variety of other dishes, and you can always find a dish with your name on it, and soon you'll have a list of your own personal favorites (more on Sage Bespoke Grill's signature dishes on my earlier posts, Lunch Set and Go at Sage Bespoke Grill for their special power lunches, fresh seafood dishes at Doing Seafood Right: Celebrating Sustainable Seafood Week at Sage Bespoke Grill and The Sunday Grill Buffet at Sage Bespoke Grill). But if it's steaks and unlimited wine you're after, then it's time to take steak and wine seriously...with Sage Bespoke Grill's We Take Steak and Wine Seriously.

Sage Bespoke Grill is located at  the second level of Makati Shangri-La, Manila, Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati City or call (632) 813-8888 for inquiries and reservations.

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Weekday Blues: The Blue Plate Specials At Racks...

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Can't get over the slow weekday blues? Spice it up with a flavorful Blue Plate Special at Racks...


Kick out the notorious weekday blues with a sumptuous lunch at Racks with their Blue Plate Specials. A comforting meal at Racks always does the trick, and the Blue Plate Specials are just what you need for a flavorful punch to get over the dreaded weekend blues...


And having your own Blue Plate Special is easy, with all your favorites in one plate. Just choose your favorites, which include the Classic Pork Rib Plate (P 375), the Rib Flakes Plate (P 345), the Garlic & Cheese Sausage Plate (P 325), or the Sweet N' Smoky Pork Rib Plate (P 395). Then pick your rice, Steamed, Java, or Garlic Rice. And finally, select your side, and your options include Coleslaw, Mac & Cheese, Potato Salad, Corn & Carrots, and Pasta Salad. And you're on your way to kick-out the dreaded weekday blues...

Each Blue Plate Special comes with a refreshing glass of Iced Tea (L) to complete your meal for even more value. As my Blue Plate Favorite was served, have your Racks Barbecue Sauce, both Original and Extra Hot, by your side. Time for some serious eats...


The Rib Flakes Plate (P 345), with tender shreds of Racks' signature pork ribs just brings back fond memories of childhood summers when my mom used to shred left-over chicken and pork adobo and deep-fried to crispy perfection. The distinct smoky notes of the signature ribs linger long after the first bite, capped by the intense flavors of the Racks Original Hot Sauce. Paired with soft Java Rice and creamy Potato Salad, it's a complete meal guaranteed to make any weekday so much better.


Always a favorite, the Classic Pork Rib Plate (P 375), with a tender, flame-grilled, fall-off-the-bone slab of juicy pork rib paired with Java Rice and Coleslaw is my way of getting past the weekday blues, and it just works for me all the time. A fork is all you need for the ribs, delicately falling-off-the-bone with each gentle slice. The familiar and comforting smoky hints and the savory richness of the pork ribs just melts away any trace of the weekday blues, replaced by vibrant flavors.  


And if you want to indulge in even more pork love, go ahead and just give in with the Racks Classic Pork Ribs (P 395-Quarter Rack/P 615-Half Rack/P 1,095-Full Rack) with your choice of sides.There's just nothing like the good old-fashioned flame-grilled and dry-rubbed pork ribs, and Racks still serves some of the best in the metro.


End your classic meal with another favorite at Racks. The Classic Apple Pie A La Mode (P 155), a rustic pie stuffed with sweet apples and topped with velvety smooth vanilla ice cream ends your weekday feast on a sweet note. Get your own Blue Plate Special at Racks, available from Monday to Friday, and kick off the weekend blues with your dependable Racks favorites all in one plate...

Racks is located at the El Pueblo Complex, ADB Avenue corner Julia Vargas Avenue, Pasig City, or call 632-1458 for inquiries.

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Having Your Comforting Pasta Fix at Cibo...

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Not having any kind of pasta dish in your list of comfort food favorites just doesn't make it complete. And for over twenty years, Cibo has been satisfying pasta cravings with their line of authentic Italian-style pasta dishes. That's twenty years of pure pasta amore...


Since 1997, Gaita Fores and Cibo's authentic Italian pasta dishes have become staples in the metro's culinary landscape. And it still tastes every bit as good as the first time I had a comforting plate of pasta made with amore and more at Cibo...


Classic and rustic flavors, Cibo takes freshness and authenticity seriously with its line of signature dishes. Start with a bowl of comforting Zuppa di Zucchine Burrata (P 230), a refreshing vegetable broth with zucchini, burrata, butter, and garlic, a new addition to the menu and a satisfying meatless indulgence just in time for the season of Lent. 


The Linguine Alla Ghiotta (P 360), al dente noodles with earthy mushrooms and slab bacon bits draped in rich cream, is an all-time favorite. The richness of the bacon, mushrooms, and cream sauce come together weaving its distinct notes in a harmonious blend capped by the firm and chewy noodles. It's dishes like this that make Cibo so special, adding a rich and comforting note to make any day so much better. And twenty years on, it still does...


The Linguine Alla Siciliana (P 340), with gamberetti, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, anchovy and capers offers simple, fresh, and clean flavors with the briny hints of plump shrimps and sharp notes of anchovies and capers perfectly tempered by the nutty extra virgin olive oil and garlic. Pure, honest and classic flavors, you can always find that pasta dish for that comforting pasta fix, guaranteed, at Cibo. And twenty years says a whole lot for serving comforting pasta dishes every day since 1997...

Cibo is located at the Ground Floor, Robinsons Magnolia, New Manila, Quezon City or call (02) 642-2426 for inquiries.

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#ChangeYourCravings at The Food Hive Food Park

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The north's newest dining destination is about to change your cravings...


The Food Hive Food Park brings together some of the metro's finest and talented chefs and dynamic entrepreneurs in one cool spot along Visayas Avenue in Quezon City. Enjoy a comforting lunch, a light afternoon snack, cocktails, dinner and more without even having to transfer to another place, it's all here at The Food Hive...

Filipino, Japanese, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, and even Bulgarian cuisine and more all under one roof, all 620 square meters of pure, fresh, and creatively inventive cuisine at The Food Hive Food Park. Time to change your cravings at the newest dining destination up north in Quezon City...


The young chefs and owners of the different dining concepts at The Food Hive Food Park hosted our food crawl last Saturday, serving their signature dishes for an afternoon filled with rich and unique flavors. What sets The Food Hive apart from the other food parks is that it's chef-driven, highlighted by some of the metro's best chefs and creative young entrepreneurs offering diners both classic and modern cuisine in a casual yet vibrant al fresco setting. And each concept is distinct and unique, so having a number of dishes from each of the different concepts is the way to go at The Food Hive. Take Chef Nino Laus and his take on modern Japanese cuisine at HamaruYakitori & Sushi, or Chef Rosebud Benitez comforting potato bombs at Po-Bo, there's always something new and different to discover at The Food Hive. And there's more. From Chef Ed Buguia's inventive spin on classic comfort food at Blaze Flaming Sizzlers, tasty and innovative wings by Chef Luigi Muhlach'sWingfather and the Fry Mafia, rustic and comforting Italian cuisine and Asian-inspired noodle dishes at Chef Gem Tee's Pappare, Chef Plamen Yordanov's Bulgarian specialties at Yordanovi, to Chef Wado Siman's indulgent frozen creations at Cool Juans, The Food Hive has it all covered to satisfy any craving or appetite. You'll also find all the pork love you need at Bab and Boy's Smokeshack, savory and sweet treats at Bubble Wrap, hearty flavors from south of the border at La Carnita Modern Mexican Cantina, traditional local lamb dishes at the wittingly-named Goatcha, handcrafted cocktails and artisan craft beer at Pixel Stop, sinfully decadent frappes and teas at Mozzafrio, and fresh juices and teas at Juicifi. Read on and take a virtual tour of The Food Hive's tasty and flavorful offerings...     


Once inside the spacious al fresco interiors of The Food Hive, start your dining experience with a refreshing beverage from Juicifi with their line of iced lemonades, juices, teas, and coffee. Using the freshest fruits, teas, and coffee, you get pure freshness in a glass, Tall or Grande. Choose from Fresh Brewed Teas (P 75-Tall/P 95-Grande) like their signature house-brewed Iced Tea, Blueberry Tea, Green Apple Tea, Strawberry Tea, and Yakult Green Tea; Classic Lemonades (P 75-Tall/P 95-Grande) like Cucumber Basil with Lemongrass, Blueberry Lemonade, and Strawberry Lemonade; and Fresh Milk Beverages (P 75-Tall/P 95-Grande) such as Green Apple Fresh Milk and Strawberry Fresh Milk. And there's more. Juicifi's Cocoa Series (P 75-Tall/P 95-Grande) combines the richness of chocolate in a variety of unique beverages like the Cocoa Godzilla and Neslo or the bold notes of freshly brewed Coffee (P 75-Tall/P 95-Grande) with their Iced Cappuccino, Iced Latte Macchiatto, Iced Cafe Latte, Iced Cafe Mocha, and Iced Mochaccino. And when you feel like having a Soda Float (P 55-Tall/P 75-Grande) instead, Juicifi's got that too, with their Rootbeer Float, Sprite Float, and Royal Float.

You can also try something different like Juicifi's Brazilian Lemonade (L), a rich blend of fresh lemonade with condensed milk, or a soothing Honey Lemonade (R), a refreshing thirst-quencher that's perfect when paired with any of The Food Hive's different dishes.


With a refreshing beverage by your side, time to sample some of The Food Hive's savory dishes in a big way with a slab of old-fashioned ribs from Bab and Boy's Smokeshack. At the amusingly-named Bab and Boy's Smokeshack, you'll find their succulent pork back ribs, delicately smoked for hours for that fall-off-the-bone goodness. Tender, juicy, and bursting with rich flavors, you need to get down and dirty to properly enjoy Bab and Boy's Smokeshack's signature ribs, so go ahead, use your hands. Draped with their homemade sweet, tart, and smoky barbecue sauce, it's a meal in itself. Depending on your appetite, have your Bab and Boy's Smokeshack ribs in Single (P 220 with rice and one side), Buddy (P 350 with a half-slab and two sides, serves two), Shack Attack (P 700 with a full slab and two sides, serves four) or the Deli Buster (P 720 with a full slab in four flavors and three sides, serves four).


Bab and Boy's Smokeshack's Deli Buster (P 720) is the best way to acquaint yourself with their signature ribs glazed in different sauces like Original, Garlic, Chili, and Hickory BBQ. The Deli Buster comes with three sides and you can choose from Java Rice, Macaroni and Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, and Mixed Vegetables (P 50 per side for additional orders).  Each sauce offers distinct flavors, but it's the fall-off-the-bone ribs that really drives home the pure and honest flavors of pork, a culmination of long hours of smoking under low fire. The charred ends deliver robust smoky notes, capped by the juicy pork for a satisfying meal at The Food Hive.


Chef Ed Buguia lets you explore the iconic pork sisig with his rich variations at Blaze Flaming Sizzlers, like the Sizzling Bulalo Sisig, with tender and crisp pork mask, torched cabbage and corn, and roasted bone marrow slathered with their signature gravy. At Blaze Flaming Sizzlers, the signature gravy is poured on the sizzling cast-iron skillet and lit for that dramatic fiery entrance. It's sisig taken to the next level. The blue flame releases that fragrant aroma, and it's time to dig in...


The soft and crunchy pork mask add texture to the dish, capped by the savory gravy. But it's the bone marrow that absolutely takes this dish over the top, with its buttery richness capping an indulgent sisig makeover. The torched corn and cabbage completes the dish with its fresh and subtle sweet notes to balance the dish. And Chef Ed Buguia has more sisig creations to whet your appetite. Sisig with cheese and chicken skin? Absolutely. At Blaze Flaming Sizzlers, you'll find other savory and sizzling options including their Sizzling Steak and Rice, Sizzling Burger Steak with Cheese Core and Corn Mash, Fried Chicken with Cheese and Corn Mash, and Sizzling Lengua with Gravy.


One of the unique dining concepts at The Food Hive is Goatcha, with its suggestive name identifying it as the place for local lamb and native goat meat dishes. Goatcha offers familiar local dishes using fresh goat meat, from Sinampalukan, Papaitan, Goat Sisig, Adobo, Goat Pares, Mutton Curry, Salt and Pepper Cabrito, Lamb Chops with Garlic Rosemary, to their Chevon Burgers. The only premium gourmet dining concept specializing in native and fresh goat meat, Goatcha also advocates a healthy and natural farm-to-table approach with each of their dishes. Goat meat is known for its many health benefits, including a potent source for Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) that aids in easing inflammatory conditions, and with its lean meat, a healthy option at The Food Hive. Start with their sour, tart and spicy Kilawin (P 185 with Rice/P 160-Half/P 285-Full), with fresh and raw goat meat marinated in calamansi and chili served with thin slices of cucumbers. The gamey notes of the fresh goat meat are tempered by the bold flavors of the calamansi and chili, rounded out by the refreshing hints of the cucumber slices. One bite triggers fond memories of childhood summers in Pampanga when my grandfather used to prepare a similar dish, one of the many regional rites of passage dishes that form part of growing up.


Goatcha's Cabrito Caldereta (P 195 with Rice/P 170 Half/P 295 Full), with tender chunks of goat meat covered in a thick tomato-based sauce with just a whisper of heat pairs well with a steaming bowl of white rice (P 30) for another complete meat at The Food Hive. Fork-tender with just a hint of the familiar gamey notes, the Cabrito Caldereta is another unique dish from this specialty dining concept. Cap your meal on a high note with Goatch's indulgent Duck Egg Flan (P 60) for that perfect finish. 


Sushi, yakitori and highballs? Game on. Continue your tour of culinary mash-up at The Food Hive with award-winning Chef Nino Laus at Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi and his creative reinterpretation of modern Japanese cuisine. From starters to mains, desserts, and cocktails, Chef Nino Laus combines freshness and authenticity with a bold, modern, and daring approach to flavors with his impressive creations at Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi. Start with Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi's plump and succulent Oyster Motoyaki (P 195), with baked oysters topped with chili-garlic mayo and cauliflower puree, with the delicate and briny sweetness of the oysters complemented by the creamy mayo and sweet puree...


...and the signature Hamaru Soft-Shell Crab Roll (P 430) with deep-fried soft shell crab wrapped in a rice roll topped with crab meat and creamy aligue or crab fat mayo.


Chef Nino Laus offers a wide variety of Yakitori, like the Tsukume Shiso (P 120), a pair of skewered chicken meatballs with fried chicken skin and battered shiso leaf served with a creamy egg yolk as your dipping sauce. The smooth and creamy richness of the egg adds a unique flavor to the chicken skewer, definitely different and new. It's these bold and innovative flavors that make Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi such a pleasure to dine in, where traditional flavors are reinvented with new and exciting touches. Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi also offers all the traditional assortment of chicken yakitori, including Negima (chicken thigh with scallions), Tebasaki (chicken wings), Yotsuni (chicken wings with wasabi), Bonjiri (chicken tail), Hatsu (chicken heart), Sunagimo (chicken gizzard), Reba (chicken liver), and Kawa (chicken skin).  Pair your yakitori with Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi's extensive selection of Japanese whisky, sake, and beer...perfect.

Not to be missed is Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi's Black Sakura (P 195), another unique dish created by Chef Nino Laus, with crunchy chicharon bulaklak coated in squid ink and laid on creamy uni oyster sauce, best paired with their signature Highballs, like the classic Suntory Kakubin (P 240).


And you just have to try one of Chef Nino Laus' creative and tasty mash-ups like the appetizing Nori Taco (P 275), small bite-sized tacos of salmon and nori deep-fried in tempura batter. The contrasting textures make each bite so refreshing, with the creamy salmon and nori weaving its own distinct notes. Inari Gunkan Maki, Aburi Sushi, Kushiyaki, and even Wagyu Steak, turning Japanese at Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi is easy. Dine al fresco, or go inside the air-conditioned and spacious two-level interiors of Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi for another round of yakitori, sushi, and highballs.


You can have the usual nachos, or try something different like La Carnita Modern Mexican Cantina's Nachos Ala Bomba (P 195), with thin and crisp nachos grilled for that perfect crunch. That's right, the nachos are grilled and not baked or fried for clean flavors. The grilled nachos are just perfectly crunchy, and it's next to impossible to stop after one bite. It's also the first-ever grilled nachos in the metro, just one more reason to check out The Food Hive. The Nachos Ala Bomba are then topped with richly seasoned Mexican-style beef, Cheddar and Mozzarella, and their signature La Carnita Cheese Sauce right at your table. It's that added ritual, with the servers laying the special cheese sauce on the nachos that add to your dining experience. The dish is served with your choice of La Carnita Modern Mexican Cantina's signature dips, the tart Tomato-Cucumber Salsa, the creamy Cilantro Sauce, the spicy green Chili Verde, and the equally spicy red Chili el Bomba.  You just can't say no to nachos. And cheese. So just go with the flow and grab another crunchy piece...


Complete your Mexican flavors with their Carnitas Quesadillas (P 160), a grilled flour tortilla stuffed with Cheddar, Mozzarella, caramelized onions, and a choice of carnitas served with shredded lettuce, Cucumber Salsa, creamy Cilantro Sauce and spicy Chili El Bomba Sauce. The Carnitas Quesadillas are the perfect light snack paired with an ice-cold beer. It's nice to add another spot to your list of all-time Mexican favorites, and La Carnita Modern Mexican Cantina fits the bill with their line of Soft Tacos, Crispy Tacos, Burrito Wraps, and Quesadillas.


Pasta in a cone? Why not. Pappare offers rustic Italian cuisine and some inventive linguine and spagheti pasta dishes infused with bold Asian flavors for a new experience. Think of it as Little Italy and Chinatown converging at the heart of Quezon City right here at The Food Hive. And when they serve your pasta in a cone, you just know it's different. And special. Just let Chef Gem Tee take you on a flavorful fusion of flavors with her original and playfully creative culinary style...


Pappare's Panini de Porchetta (P 235), a soft and lightly crisp "hot-branded" brioche bun with nutty Pappare pesto topped with a hefty and thick slab of juicy and crunchy porchetta, arugula, and balsamic caramelized onions, is one of those must-try dishes at The Food Hive. The almost one inch thick pork belly is masterfully executed, with its juicy meat contrasting with its crisp and crunch crackling for textural contrasts in every bite. The sweet balsamic caramelized onions adds another flavorful layer, with the arugula and pesto rounding out the flavors. 


A slice of Pappare's Panini di Porchetta reveals just how thick the pork belly is, with its mildly sweet notes kicked-up by the delectable crispness of the crackling for another comforting meal at The Food Hive. Wash it all down with their special Drunk Confucius (P 150), their spin on the classic limoncello with wine, gin, lemon and dried plum or champoy.


But Chef Gem Tee has even more surprises up her sleeves. At Pappare, you'll find a variety of pasta dishes, including Asian-inspired flavors like the Mee Gamberi (P 250), with plump shrimps, fishcakes, and earthy shiitake mushrooms topped with special sauce, egg, and crispy shallots for another comforting option. The hand-pulled noodles deliver just the right amount of firmness, followed by the briny notes of the fresh shrimps, the delicate sweetness of the fish cakes, the nutty shiitake mushrooms and crispy shallots. And it's best enjoyed hot, fresh from the kitchen.

At Pappare, you can enjoy your pasta dishes in handy and convenient cardboard cones with its own stand or simply eat and go. Other pasta dishes include the Reginette alla Pesto, Bleu Carbonara, Meatball Colazione, and Dan Dan Mian, each one a satisfying and comforting option at Pappare.


The wittingly-named CRABonara (P 250) with al dente noodles draped in rich and creamy carbonara sauce, Pappare bacon, crab claw meat, crab fat, and 63 degree egg is another must-try dish guaranteed to satisfy any pasta craving. The flavorful spin on the Italian carbonara offers a whole new flavor experience with the delicate notes of the fresh crab meat and crab fat punctuated by the bold flavors of the homemade bacon tempered by the richness of the egg. A pasta dish just makes any day so much better, and this is just one of the many flavorful surprises at The Food Hive.  


Craft beer, cocktails, and bar games, The Food Hive has that too. You can enjoy a round of artisan beer and hand-crafted cocktails at The Food Hive's very own bar, Pixel Stop.  Drawing inspiration from video games loved for generations, Pixel Stop is a video game-themed bar that also offers gaming consoles by the bar where you can cash in your extra life with another round of cocktails, like the refreshing Adventure Island, Final Fantasy, Donkey Kong, and other original cocktails. Take the Donkey Kong, a smooth blend of Bacardi Gold, muscovado syrup, coconut water, apple cider vinegar, beer, and bitters clearly illustrates Pixel Stop's refreshing approach to cocktails. Cool cocktails and a cool vibe up at the second level of The Food Hive. Now how cool is that...


But it gets better. Have a taste of craft Belgian-style beer at Pixel Stop with Bel Ale Gold, a dark-hued amber ale with 5% ABV. Traditionally brewed with premium ingredients, Bel Ale Gold is smooth and easy with a pleasant kick without the overly bitter hoppy notes. Full-bodied and robust yet velvety smooth, you'll want another. One more round and it's good vibes all the way...


Or try something different like the Bel Ale Kriek, a cherry-flavored Belgian-style craft beer that's tart with just a whisper of mild sweetness. The vibrant color of the Bel Ale Kriek is a visual cue to its sharp and bright sour notes, the perfect afternoon tipple at The Food Hive's Pixel Stop. The craft beers also pair well with the dishes served at The Food Hive's different dining concepts.


Every food park's got to have some spuds, as Chef Rosebud Benitez and Po-Bo takes our love for potatoes with yet another exciting and new twist. Baked, mashed, fried, who doesn't love a hearty serving of old-fashioned spuds? Po-Bo, short for "potato bombs" is another comforting dining experience at The Food Hive. Chef Rosebud Benitez mashes, breads, and deep-fries the potato before covering it with a generous assortment of toppings from savory ground beef, sweet corn kernels, caramelized onions, and cheese. Lots of cheese.  Start with some of Po-Bo's Gourmet Fries (P 160), like the Kimchi Fries, Nacho Fries, Pizza Fries, and the Sisig Fries...


...or go for the signature potato bomb, the Po-Bo (P 130), breaded and deep-fried mashed potatoes topped with beef, caramelized onions, sweet corn kernels and egg covered in a thick cheese sauce. It's the complete food pyramid in a box, and all for just a little more than a hundred bucks. Comforting and satisfying, it's a full meal in itself, perfect on the go. Chef Rosebud Benitez is doing spuds right...at The Food Hive's Po-Bo.


And you can find wings too at The Food Hive. Chef Luigi Muhlach of Wingfather and the Fry Mafia share their interpretation of chicken and wings with original and tasty expressions of culinary creativity, like their Corleone Boy Bawang Crusted Wings (P 230) with the familiar garlicky notes of Boy Bawang adding a distinct local flavor...


...the traditional Maple Buffalo Wings (P 190) served with Blue Cheese Dip...


...and the unbelievably rich Capone Crab Fat Aligue Wings (P 230), crispy wings coated in crab fat served with Kesong Puti Aioli. Boy Bawang and aligue, who knew. And it works. Chef Luigi Muhlach redefines the popular staple with bold flavor combinations for a totally new take on wings. Tender and juicy inside and crisp on the outside, these are wings you can't refuse. They also offer Black Pepper Wings with Smoked Bourbon Barbecue Sauce (P 190) and Bacon-Wrapped Wings with Condensada Mayo Sauce (P 230) for even more tasty options. Not to be missed are their equally inventive appetizers, like the Molotov (P 150), fried lumpia wrapped green chili stuffed with ground beef and Mozzarella; the Grenade Launcher (P 140), breaded three-cheese macaroni balls with truffle paste; and the De Plato (P 190), Chef Luigi Muhlach's deep-fried chicharon.


But save room for another first in the metro. You can't find authentic Bulgarian cuisine anywhere in the metro except at The Food Hive. And Chef Plamen Yordanov always makes sure you get the real thing at Yordanovi. Eastern European cuisine can be hard to find, but it's rich influences by Turkish spices from the east makes it comfortingly familiar. Start with the refreshing Zucchini Salad, thinly sliced zucchini breaded and deep-fried draped in a creamy sauce is light and flavorful, with the crisp outer layer contrasting with the soft and mildly sweet zucchini. Simple and uncomplicated, it's pure and honest flavors made with fresh ingredients, recreated by Chef Plamen Yordanov. And the home-style dishes combine for yet another satisfying meal at The Food Hive.


Yordanovi's Kebapche (P 169), the Bulgarian version of the kebab served with three scoops of richly spiced Bulgarian-style mashed potatoes, is another satisfying option with excellent value at The Food Hive. The savory richness of the meat is enhanced by the blend of eastern spices, with a light smoky hint from the grill completing the flavors. Other must try Bulgarian dishes include the Vreteno, a buttered and deep-fried chicken fillet stuffed with dill pickles, ham and cheese and served on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, and the Bulgarian Meatballs with Eggplant, Zucchini, and Okra. That day, Chef Plamen Yordanov made us try a new dish soon to be added to the menu, a delicately grilled dry-aged pork with red onions and peppers and grilled pork liver with onions. Can't wait for these dishes to be up on Yordanov's menu.  


And if you're still hungry for more, no worries. All you need is a bubble wrap waffle from Bubble Wrap, with bubble-shaped waffles stuffed with both sweet and savory fillings for a light meal or snack. The uniquely shaped waffles are the perfect base to hold practically anything delicious, like their Crispy Breaded Chicken draped in creamy Mozzarella and Cheddar for that chicken and waffle combo. Be sure to check out their Hungarian and Frankfurter Sausage wrapped in soft and lightly crisp egg waffles topped with fried egg, nori, and bonito flakes...


...or the sweet Bubble Wrap Original (P 100) and Matcha (P 110), guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. Ice cream, pretzels, chocolate syrup, white chocolate chips, and wafer sticks wrapped in a waffle, what's not to love?  Packed in convenient hand-held cones, you can enjoy your Bubble Wrap anywhere you go.


By late afternoon, it was a good time to cool off with Mozafrio Frappes & Milk Tea's desserts you can drink, including their lavish Freak Frappes and milk teas. Crowned with assorted toppings, including Tapioca Pearls, Nata de Coco, Coffee Jelly, Creme de Menthe, Cotton Candy, Brownies, Chocolate, Oreo Cookies, Tostado Mamon, Wafer Sticks, Whipped Cream and Ice Cream, you can create your own customized frappe with everything you love. Biting through your frappe may not be the usual frappe, but I like it.


Each glass is meticulously and ornately arranged, and it tastes as good as it looks. Mozafrio's selection of signature Frappes (P 115 Regular Frappe/P 165 Freak Frappe) include the Juanita, a Java chip blend; the Vittoria, a vanilla latte blend; the Odanda's with cookies and cream, the Digna with dark chocolate, the Margarita with sweet mangoes and Grahams, the La Paz with buko pandan and cream, the Senorita Sofia with strawberries and cream, the Solana with salted caramel, and the Carita de Macaria with coffee and matcha. Mozafrio also offers Milk Teas (P 100) in Original Blend, Assam Tea Blend, Jasmine Green Tea and Matcha with Strawberry, Coffee, Wintermelon, Chocolate, Caramel and Taro flavors. Desserts you can drink? Yes, please...


End your feast at The Food Hive with some sinfully decadent ice cream treats from Chef Wado Siman's Cool Juans, offering a line of freshly prepared ice cream in some really wild and unique flavors. His "sobrang cool" offerings include (clockwise from top) the Charcool (P 180), a refreshing chocolate and ash ice cream blend served with marshmallows; the Skrambolan (P 180), Chef Wado Siman's cool spin on the "iskrambol" with ice cream, polvoron, chocolate sauce, candy sprinkles, milk powder, and mini-mallows; and the Kuwatro Kantos (P 180), inspired by the gin pomelo with ice cream, pomelo, cereal, and a shot of gin. Have it in a soft Hokkaido bun or in a liquid nitrogen bath, Chef Wado Siman's lavish creations brings back so much childhood memories, refreshed in a new and fun way. With summer just around the corner, expect the lines at Cool Juans to grow at The Food Hive. 


A bowl of cookies, candies, and marshmallows from Cool Juans is then served, poured with liquid nitrogen, and enjoyed for a memorable afternoon at The Food Hive. If you're ready to change your cravings, head north to The Food Hive. It's the next big thing this side of the metro...

The Food Hive is located at 80 Visayas Avenue, Brgy. Vasra, Diliman, Quezon City and open from 11:00 am to 12 midnight. You can also visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/TheFoodHivePhilippines/ for more information and updates.

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Fresh: A Taste of Vietnam at Crimson Hotel's Cafe 8...

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The rich culinary heritage from the Land of the Dragon People come to the metro in a lavish feast of flavorful entrees and desserts...


Crimson Hotel, Filinvest City, Manila, presents A Taste of Vietnam at Cafe 8 from March 10 to 18, 2017, with a sumptuous spread of authentic dishes prepared by guest chefs from Vietnam. It's the freshness of ingredients that make Vietnamese cuisine so rich and flavorful, and healthy too. The pure, fresh and clean flavors with layers of distinct notes delicately balanced in a seamless blend typifies Vietnamese cuisine, and you can experience the very best of Vietnam...at Cafe 8. Read on for a peek at a unique culinary journey of Vietnam's diverse flavors...

Inside the elegant and spacious interiors of Cafe 8, diners will enjoy the linear layout of the buffet spread located on the sides surrounding the main dining area. From your table, diners have easy access to all the stations for a taste of everything. At the entrance, the warm smiles from the staff kicks-off my Vietnamese culinary journey...


Let Guest Chefs Nguyen Thi Khanh Ngan, Tran Kim Hoang, and Vo Van Chien take you on a flavorful culinary journey of Vietnam in the comfort of Cafe 8's luxurious interiors with their array of fresh appetizers and salads, savory mains, and indulgent desserts. Each day from March 10 to 18, 2017, the guest chefs will showcase different dishes reflecting the diverse flavors of Vietnam. From comforting bowls of Pho and Crab Noodle Soup to tasty bites of Fried Tofu and Fresh Spring Rolls, guest chefs Nguyen Thi Khanh Ngan, Tran Kim Hoang, and Vo Van Chien are ready to show you real Vietnamese cuisine made with the freshest ingredients.

At Cafe 8's main station, the guest chefs displayed the day's menu for A Taste of Vietnam. At the station, one can find the freshest vegetables and herbs, the foundation for the fresh and vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. The colors of the fresh ingredients and condiments add a festive vibe to the station...

...setting the mood for Cafe 8's A Taste of Vietnam. A noodle cart, reminiscent of the bustling street food scene in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, adds authenticity to the station, as the guest chefs prepared their signature bowl of noodles. The noodles are prepared ala minute, so you get a steaming hot bowl every time.


My culinary journey began with a steaming hot bowl of Nha Trang-style Fish Pho, with soft noodles in a light yet flavorful broth topped with chunks of tender and mildly sweet white fish, fresh tomatoes, spring onions, and minty herbs. The flavors are both subtle and delicate, with the freshness of the ingredients delivering clean flavors. My Vietnamese culinary journey is off to a great start...


That day, the guest chefs also featured the iconic Vietnamese favorite, Bo Bia, the classic Vietnamese Spring Rolls served with a thick and sweet sauce. The thin white rice paper reveals the bright orange hue of fresh shrimps and the vivid greens of fresh vegetables, a visual cue to its fresh flavors.


Filled with fresh vegetables, rice vermicelli, and plump shrimps flavored with fish sauce and hoisin sauce, the spring rolls are light yet tasty starters. Simply pick up a plate and a few spring rolls with the sweet sauce garnished with pickled vegetables and herbs, and come back for seconds. And thirds...

That day, the guest chefs prepared a pair of savory mains including Tom Ram Me, the traditional Stir-Fried Prawns with Tamarind (L) topped with vegetables and herbs, and the rich and mildly spicy Ca ri Ga Kiew, a rustic Vietnamese Chicken Curry with spring onions and chili (R). Extra rice? Absolutely.


Pair your mains with the unique and refreshing Goi Wan Tuyet Voi Tom, another traditional dish of White Fungus Salad with Fresh Prawns. The freshness of the vegetables delivers a distinct crispness with every bite, providing rich textural contrasts. The sweet, tart, and sour dressing completes the flavors with just a whisper of soothing heat.


At the main station, you'll find a variety fresh condiments to complete your dish, including the traditional Vietnamese fish sauce and fiery hot red chili...

...spring onions and an equally wide selection of fresh herbs. The use of different herbs and spices lay the foundation for Vietnamese cuisine, building layers of rich yet delicate and balanced flavors. And you can customize your dish with these fresh ingredients to suit your taste and preference.


At one side of the station, you'll find lightly blanched carrots, bitter gourd, okra, winged beans and cabbage neatly arranged on a basket. With a premium on freshness, the simplicity of the dish is just one more reason why Vietnamese cuisine is considered one the world's healthiest. The Ran Luoz Kho Quet, or Boiled Assorted Vegetables with Pork Caramel, is a homestyle dish paired with a richly seasoned pork stew...


Select a few boiled vegetables and add the pork caramel, with crisp chunks of pork in a mildly salty sauce. The sauce adds that vibrant burst of flavor to the vegetables, complementing its delicate sweetness. It's one of those simple yet memorable dishes that make A Taste of Vietnam at Crimson Hotel's Cafe 8 so special. If I knew this dish as a child, I would have grown up eating more vegetables...


Complete your Vietnamese culinary journey with a freshly made Banh Mi, loaded with marinated grilled pork, fresh vegetables and herbs on a a crisp baguette. The richness of the pork is perfectly tempered by the fresh and clean notes of the vegetables and herbs, kicked up by a subtle hint of fish sauce. From the baguette to the savory and fresh filling, each component combines for an authentic taste of Vietnam.


Cap your Vietnamese feast with traditional sticky rice desserts with coconut milk, like the Che Dau, a sweet peanut delicacy. With many of the ingredients hand-carried by the three guest chefs to prepare the different dishes, you get to enjoy and experience pure and authentic Vietnamese flavors at Cafe 8's A Taste of Vietnam.


After your Vietnamese feast, you can continue your global culinary journey with the rest of Cafe 8's different stations. Indulge in some choice cold cuts, premium imported cheeses, sausages, beef pastrami, and pork terrines...


...fresh salads with a wide selection of dressings and other prepared appetizers. Sushi and sashimi? Head over to the Japanese station for some freshly prepared rolls. And there's more...

Have your fill of paella at the Paella Station, or enjoy the day's freshest catch at the Seafood Station (L). Enjoy it fresh, baked, or sauteed in butter with garlic and lemon. And if it's beef you're after, the Carving Station is another popular stop with their prime Wagyu Beef (R)...


Nothing quite like a plate of plump fresh oysters with lime, with its comforting briny sweetness...


...or have it baked with cheese by the station chefs, along with a pair of lobster tails. Cafe 8's impressive buffet spread offers both value and variety, and definitely one of the best this side of the metro.


And for dessert, Cafe 8 indulges you with a sinful selection of sweet temptations...


...so go ahead and enjoy. And come back for more...


From ornate and intricate pastries to elegant cakes and homemade ice cream, Cafe 8 makes your every visit a worthy cheat day to reward yourself. Matched with excellent and attentive service, any meal at Cafe 8, whether for lunch or dinner, becomes special. 


And there's no better way to end your unique A Taste of Vietnam dining experience than with a freshly brewed cup of Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk. Each soothing sip brings the bold and robust notes of Vietnamese coffee followed by the creamy sweetness of condensed milk for balanced notes.


Before you go, why not make your own customized Halo-Halo with all the ingredients topped with leche flan and homemade ube ice cream just for good measure. Experience A Taste of Vietnam and more at Crimson Hotel's Cafe 8 from March 10 to 18, 2017, for only P 1,235++ for their lunch buffet and P 1,410++ for dinner, inclusive of free-flowing beverages such as wine, beer, juices, and sodas. Now that's one cool deal...

Cafe 8 is located at the 8th Floor of Crimson Hotel, Entrata Urban Complex, 2609 Civic Drive, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa or call (02) 863-2222 for reservations and more information. You can also visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/CrimsonFilinvestCity/ for more updates.

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Ombu Kusina Turns 4: Chef's Picks, Inventive Filipino Spins, All-Time Favorites And More...

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A new look, new dishes, comforting favorites, and sweet value-added deals, Ombu Kusina celebrates its fourth anniversary with exciting new offerings...


Ombu Kusina turns four, marking the milestone with new dishes, Chef's Picks, paired with sweet treats for another comforting dining experience this side of the metro. Simply choose one of six new dishes and get your dessert for only four bucks. Now that's a cool fourth anniversary treat from Ombu Kusina...

Located at the Ground Floor of Sequoia Hotel along Mother Ignacia Street in Quezon City, Ombu Kusina marks another milestone in a culinary journey that began four years ago as a small cafeteria serving comforting homestyle Filipino cuisine. Now, Ombu Kusina kicks it up a notch with new dishes and sweet treats... 

Once known simply as Ombu, named after a South American herbaceous evergreen, Ombu Kusina goes back to its roots rebranded with a new logo reflecting its modern approach to Filipino cuisine. The management team, led by owner Edison Lo (R) briefly described what diners can expect from Ombu Kusina...   


...and there's definitely a lot happening here at Ombu Kusina, and soon, maybe even more branches. The addition of the word "kusina" to the restaurant's name says it all, bringing familiar favorites updated with a modern spin. Fresh, playfully inventive, and contemporary, Ombu Kusina takes Filipino cuisine to flavorful heights while retaining its familiar home-style vibe. The menu features a mix of traditional favorites along with inventive dishes with a unique Filipino spin reflecting that distinct local feel that made it popular among diners these past four years. And with their special anniversary offerings, stopping by Ombu Kusina for a hearty meal is an even better deal.   

During the formal relaunch of Ombu Kusina, guests were served their signature Tamarind Iced Tea (L), a refreshing beverage that pairs well with their wide repertoire of dishes. A plate of crunchy Pork Chicharon (R) served with a vinegar dip with red onions is the perfect starter before the mains...


Four seafood mains and two savory beef dishes complete Ombu Kusina's new Chef's Picks, offering diners even more comforting options. Plus, you can cap your meal with any of the new Chef's Picks with selected desserts for only four bucks. Now that's a sweet deal...


The new Chef's Picks at Ombu Kusina include the light yet flavorful Gambas in Garlic and Olive Oil (P 370), plump shrimps sauteed in rich olive oil with loads of garlic and just a whisper of heat from the fresh chili. A popular and local favorite, the briny sweetness of the fresh shrimps weaves its distinct notes with the nutty garlic and the richness of the olive oil for traditional flavors. A light meal that's great with an ice-cold beer, it's just one of six new dishes for Ombu Kusina's fourth anniversary celebration. 


The Pan-Fried Sea Bass with Mango Salsa (P 790), a premium fillet of lightly seasoned sea bass with its delicate notes complemented by a refreshingly tart mango salsa offers fresh and clean flavors. The subtle yet rich notes of the sea bass are perfectly complemented by the tart mango salsa for contrasting flavors, a personal favorite. Simple, uncluttered, and uncomplicated, you don't need much when you're having sea bass. 


The Baked Prawns (P 420), Ombu Kusina's classic Hinurnong Sugpo, with fresh prawns baked with cheese and garlic, is the third dish featured in the Chef's Picks. The perfectly grilled prawns get a burst of rich flavors from the cheese and garlic without overpowering its delicate notes. It's a dish best enjoyed fresh from the grill, when the flavors are at its peak.


Capping the medley of fresh seafood dishes from Ombu Kusina's Chef's Picks is the Fried Tuna Belly (P 430), tender tuna deep-fried to crispy perfection served with soy-vinegar dip and green mango relish salsa. The belly, that prime fatty cut of tuna, delivers so much flavors on its own, and deep-frying it gives it a delectable textural finish. The side of green mango relish with its tart and refreshing notes complete the dish. 


And here's the beef. A pair of savory beef dishes complete Ombu Kusina's new Chef's Picks starting with the Angus Beef Salpicao (P 690), tender Angus beef cubes with mushrooms sauteed in olive oil and garlic sprinkled with crunchy garlic bits...


...and the Angus Beef Steak (P 680), the traditional Bistek Tagalog using Angus beef cooked with calamansi, black pepper and soy sauce. The use of premium beef really levels up the pair of beef dishes, and you'll probably go for extra rice with this savory beef duo. And for dessert, cap your meal with Ombu Kusina's special fourth anniversary P 4 Sweet Treats. Start with one of the six Chef's Picks and end with a sweet deal. For Ombu Kusina's special fourth anniversary, Ombu Kusina offers diners even more value with its P 4 Sweet Treats from March 15 to April 16, 2017, including Buko Pandan (P 80 Regular Price), Leche Flan (P 80 Regular Price), Strawberry Panna Cotta (P 90 Regular Price), Mango Panna Cotta (P 90 Regular Price), and a scoop of Ice Cream (P 60 Regular Price), all for only four bucks when paired with any of the new Chef's Picks. Or you can also select from their extensive range of signature desserts for a special anniversary price of only P 99, like their Frozen Brazo de Mercedes (P 180 Regular Price), Halo-Halo (P 150 Regular Price), Sans Rival (P 160 Regular Price), Mais con Hielo (P 130 regular Price) and many more. 


Ombu Kusina's menu includes innovative dishes infused with Filipino flavors. You can also try some of Ombu Kusina's other signature dishes, including two playfully creative dishes with a uniquely local spin, like the Sisig Pizza (P 490), a rustic crust topped with the familiar pork sisig with onions, green chili, and mozzarella topped with a fried egg drizzled with yogurt sauce...


...or the Salted Egg Spaghettini (P 240), a rich and hearty pasta dish draped with a creamy sauce made from salted egg yolks topped with fresh tomatoes, cucumber, and salted egg whites. The tasty pair adds a flavorful and fun vibe to your feast at Ombu Kusina.


And if you're still up for it, there's always the all-time bestsellers at Ombu Kusina guaranteed to satisfy any appetite...


...like the Thrice-Cooked Crispy Pork Leg (P 690), Ombu Kusina's take on the iconic Crispy Pata served with a soy-vinegar dip for pure pork bliss...


...and the Crispy Glazed Chicken (P 280), tender and juicy chicken capped by a crisp outer layer coated with sweet garlic sauce. And there's more...


Not to be missed are the popular seafood dishes of Ombu Kusina, including the Herb-Crusted Mahi-Mahi (P 470), pan-fried mahi-mahi fillet coated with an herb-flavored crust with cream sauce...


...and the Seafood Mix Laing (P 270), taro leaves stuffed with fresh and succulent shrimps, crab meat, onions, and lemongrass and delicately cooked in coconut milk. A gathering with family or friends, make it a real celebration with Ombu Kusina's new Chef's Picks and all-time bestsellers. 


End your feast with Ombu Kusina's Frozen Brazo de Mercedes (P 99 when paired with a Chef's Pick or P 180 Regular Price), an indulgent layered dessert with frozen meringue, custard filling, and ice cream on a Graham cracker crust, perfect with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.


Enjoy a sumptuous meal with Ombu Kusina's Chef's Picks and get your dessert for only P 4 or P 99 from March 15 to April 16, 2017 for a special fourth anniversary treat. And here's even more fun news. Join Ombu Kusina's anniversary promotion on Facebook and get a chance to win a Breakfast Buffet for Four or a Modern Filipino Dinner for Four, and here's how: simply like the Ombu Kusina Official Facebook Page (see link below), share the official poster of Ombu Kusina's P 4 Sweet Treats with the caption "Let's go to Ombu Kusina and when you order a Chef's Pick, you can buy one of the featured desserts for P 4.00" with the hashtags #OmbuKusina and #OmbuTurns4 and upload on your personal Facebook timelines. Easy, right? But better hurry, announcement of winners will be on April 16, 2017, the official date of the fourth anniversary of Ombu Kusina. A big four-week blow-out for Ombu Kusina's fourth anniversary with the new Chef's Picks, P 4 Sweet Treats, and all-time bestsellers, see you at Ombu Kusina...

Ombu Kusina is located at the Ground Floor of the Sequoia Hotel, Mother Ignacia Street, Quezon City. You can call (02) 441-1789 or "Like" their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/ombufilipinorestaurant/ for more information and updates.

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Gotta Eat 'Em All: The New Pokemon Cakes at Boulangerie22

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Jigglypuff, Snorlax, and Pikachu...gotta eat 'em all at Boulangerie22.


Finding that elusive Pokemon can be a real challenge. But at Boulangerie22, tracking one down is a sinfully indulgent and flavorful adventure. Change the game and the flavor of the hunt with Boulangerie22's new Pokemon Cake Collection...



Boulangerie22 introduces its new Pokemon Cake Collection featuring your favorite pocket monsters. Choose from the Pikachu Chocolate Cake (P 699), a rich chocolate chiffon with chocolate fudge and chocolate chips, the Jigglypuff Strawberry Cake (P 699), a decadent vanilla chiffon with real strawberries in strawberry buttercream; and the Snorlax Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake (P 799), a rich blend of chocolate chiffon with peanut butter buttercream and chocolate chips. The Pikachu Chocolate Cake gives you a triple dose of pure chocolate love with chiffon, fudge and chips, just the way I like it. And that's just the first batch, with more Pokemon-themed cakes to come. And if you still can't satisfy your Pokemon cravings, Boulangerie22 also offers tasty Macarons with Pokemon-themed designs in six flavors like the Cherry-flavored Jigglypuff, Slopoke, and Clefairy; Chocolate Diglet, Riachu, and Evee; Grape Dratini, Poliwag, and Vaporean; Green Apple Balbasur and Squirtle; Maple Charmander and Jolteon; and Vanilla Pikachu and Snorlax. Form your own Pokemon squad and take home a box of five macarons (P 195). 

While at Boulangerie22, why not have light meal too? Let Pikachu chill for a few more minutes and enjoy a soothing cup of freshly brewed Caffe Latte (P 89), followed by a bottle of refreshing Old-Fashioned Quenchers  Lemonade (P 199) and a hearty Italian Spaghetti Bolognese (P 149) served with garlic bread.


The rich creamy notes of the coffee are just what you need for your next Pokemon adventure. The comforting flavors of the Italian Spaghetti Bolognese and the sharp yet refreshing notes of the Lemonade recharges you for the next Pokemon hunt. After a satisfying meal, time to bring Pikachu home...


The hunt leads you to Boulangerie22's chillers. And there it is, the very last one in Boulangerie22's chillers. And just like the thrill of the hunt, you seize the moment and grab it. But don't worry, Boulangerie22 will soon be offering a second batch of these adorable pocket monsters...


Gotcha. One last look before the friendly staff securely packs it in a box, and I got my Pikachu. Jigglypuff and Snorlax, you're next. You just gotta eat 'em all...at Boulangerie22.

Boulangerie22 is located at the Ground Floor of One Legaspi Park, Rada Street corner Rodriguez and legaspi Streets, Makati or call (02) 801-6597 for inquiries. You can also visit their FB Page for more updates at https://www.facebook.com/boulangerie22/

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Our Daily Bread: A Baker's Dozen at Boulangerie 22...

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There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly-baked bread and the sight of fully-stocked shelves filled with traditional loaves, rustic and traditional bread to sweet and savory baked treats, all in one place...


Boulangerie22 brings together classic artisan methods and modern state-of-the-art baking in a seamless fusion of old world techniques with a flavorful contemporary spin. From baguettes and rolls to croissants, muffins, cakes and cookies, grab a tray for a baker's dozen of the day's freshly-baked treats, and pick your daily bread and more...at Boulangerie22.


Delectably soft and airy with a light texture capped by a creamy and almost milky and buttery flavor, Boulangerie22 takes bread seriously. Using the finest ingredients, you get clean and fresh flavors with every bite. And here are more of the bestsellers and favorites at Boulangerie22...


The Classic Loaf Bread (P 79) made with premium flour is a favorite staple with its soft and fluffy texture, while the Mozzarella Honey Garlic Butter Loaf (P 129) has the familiar dense and milky texture punctuated with the infusion of creamy Mozzarella, nutty garlic and the deep rounded sweetness of honey. Toast it, add your favorite spread, cheese or topping, and you've got a serious sandwich.


Boulangerie22 also offers a selection of freshly baked sourdough bread, including this rustic and traditional country-style SourdoughCampagne (P 99) made with 150 year-old French sourdough. The sourdough imparts a distinct flavor due to the fermentation of the dough, delivering mildly sour notes. A generous dab of butter or a hefty schmear of cream cheese, perfect.


You can also find the Sourdough Raisin Walnut Rye Bread (P 199), made with 150 year-old French sourdough and loaded with natural probiotics to aid digestion. The different contrasting hints of sweetness and nutty notes combine with a whisper of sourness for unique flavors. Butter and jam? yes, please.


The healthy 9-Grain Tanzhong Whole Rye Loaf (P 129), a multi-grain bread prepared with the Japanese Tanzhong method for a soft, creamy, buttery, and milky texture that just melts in your mouth with every bite, is another favorite. Perfect with cured and brined meats like pastrami or aged ham, works well with cheese too. The earthy notes of the rye bread and its grainy texture combine for a satisfying snack.


At Boulangerie22, you'll find tradition alongside innovation, with their inventive new product offerings. Say cheese with Boulangerie22's Holy Cheesus! (P 149), a soft, buttery, and milky bread stuffed with a creamy three-cheese blend and Holy Blue Cheesus! (P 149) with premium aged blue cheese. Fresh from the oven or toaster, simply slice and watch the cheese flow and enjoy...


You'll also find the Asian bread culture well-represented at Boulangerie22, like the Hokkaido Milk Rolls (P 129-Pack of 10), pillow-soft rolls made with fresh milk and butter for that signature milky flavor and texture, great with a dab of butter.


The Pepperoni Toast (P 69), a lightly crisp toast topped with cheese and pepperoni is another bestseller at Boulangerie22. Think of it as pizza on toast, it's the perfect light afternoon snack. Other fresh-baked savory treats include their Hungarian Sausage Mozzarella Bread, Cheddar Chicken Floss Bread, Char Siu Sesame Bread, Spicy Curry Corn Beef Bread, and Baguette Pizza.


Baguettes, classic loaves, croissants, floss bread, rolls, muffins, cakes, cookies, and macarons, you can find it all here at Boulangerie22. Stop by for your daily bread and get your baker's dozen at Boulangerie22...

Boulangerie22 is located at the Ground Floor of One Legaspi Park, Rada Street, Makati or visit their FB Page for more updates at https://www.facebook.com/boulangerie22/

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Live a Guilt-Free Sweet Life with Leaf Life Stevia

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Zero carb, sero calories, all the sweetness you want with absolutely no sugar...


...enjoy life's indulgences without the guilt. And it's good for you too. Read on and find out how to live a guilt-free sweet life with Sweet Life Stevia...


Finding new products offering healthier alternatives is always a good thing. And here's one more product in the market to set you on a healthier track. Leaf Life Stevia is an all-natural sweetener ideal for diabetics, hypertensives, and weight-watchers. Derived from the South American Stevia Rebaudiana, a green leafy plant known for its intense sweetness, Leaf Life Stevia delivers all the sweetness you want without the carbs or calories. Perfect for a cup of coffee, tea or juices and other cold or hot beverages, Leaf Life Stevia is also ideal as a sugar substitute for cooking savory dishes like fish, chicken and sauces. And you can also use it for baking cakes, pastries, desserts, and bread. All-natural sweetness and versatility make Leaf Life Stevia special, and you can have your cake and eat it too...


Each pack comes with 40 handy and convenient sticks, with each stick equivalent to one teaspoon of sugar, but without the carbs or calories. And you get the familiar sweetness without any hint of bitterness associated with artificial sweeteners. Steviol Glycosides, the naturally occurring sweet molecules of the plant, brings on all the sweet notes you want with each and every stick.


A proven natural process is used to extract the sweetness of the Stevia Rebaudiana, sourced directly from local farms following international processing standards to ensure you get the good kind of sweetness without the guilt. Proudly Filipino, all-natural, and organic, it's a welcome addition to the market offering healthier alternatives for consumers to enjoy life without holding back. The Stevia Rebaudiana plant, also known as "sweet leaf" or "sugar leaf", is loaded with nutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, protein, Vitamins A & C, zinc, and a good source of fiber. And it's widely known health benefits make it an ideal sweetener, ranging from stabilizing blood sugar levels, lowering blood pressure, aiding digestion, and reducing inflammation.


But it's the clean flavors that really make all the difference. A simple cup of coffee, with just the right amount of sweetness without a trace of any bitter aftertaste, guarantees a perfect start for the day. And having that familiar whisper of sweetness without the guilt makes it even more special with Leaf Life Stevia.You can conveniently order Leaf Life Stevia directly from the website (see link below), and start living a guilt-free sweet life with just one click...

For more information on Leaf Life Stevia, visit their website at https://leaflife.ph/

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#HamaruLetsGo: Night-Out at Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi

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Oysters, sushi, yakitori, highballs and Sake Bombs, it's a night-out at The Food Hive's Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi...


Tadeo Chua and Therese Larroza had a simple idea. After leaving the banking industry, Tadeo and Therese realized that the QC area was ready for something new and different despite the proliferation of dining establishments. To enter Quezon City's competitive culinary landscape, Tadeo and Therese needed something unique and refreshingly different, leading to the creation of Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi, a modern izakaya with a bold and innovative take on Japanese cuisine and one of the many reasons to visit The Food Hive along Visayas Avenue (for more on The Food Hive, see my previous post, #ChangeYourCravings at The Food Hive Food Park). Creative, playful, even crazy, Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi blends traditional Japanese favorites with contemporary and modern spins for new flavor experiences. Leading the charge of culinary innovation at Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi is ChefNino Laus, the same creative force behind Alamat, with his own inventive style and unique vision on modern Japanese cuisine.

Be prepared for Japanese cuisine with a "crazy" twist at Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi. Inside the spacious two-level interiors of Hamaru, the cool vibe makes it the perfect spot for creative and innovative cocktails, yakitori and sushi prepared by one of the metro's talented chefs, Chef Nino Laus (R).


More than just a restaurant and bar, Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi is a haven for new flavors and culinary discoveries. And true to its name, which loosely translates to "go crazy over," Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi is up to the task of delivering flavorful surprises and more. The sleek interiors, described by Tadeo and Therese as a blend of urban chaos and Japanese precision was designed by Paolo Sayo, a noted interior designer and furniture artist, adds to the unique dining experience at Hamaru. From its modern interior space to its cuisine, it's all bout the details at Hamaru. The evening starts with Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi's signature Highballs, the Classic Suntory Kakubin (P 240) and the Honey + Lime (P 240) paired with Nino's Chicken Poppers (P 155), with tender chicken draped in a sweet sauce topped with bonito flakes. The sweet and savory notes of the poppers are washed down perfectly by the highballs, and yes, another round is always a good idea at Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi...


...or go for the Hamaru Rising Sun, a refreshing cocktail blend with whisky, yuzu, and honey topped with creamy egg white. The sharp, citrus notes of the yuzu are tempered by the deep and smoky shints of whisky, rounded out by the honey and capped by the foamy egg white for soothing flavors in a bowl. From cocktails to main courses, you can always expect Tad, Therese, and Chef Nino to add their own playfully inventive style at Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi.


Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi's Black Sakura (P 195) was then served, with crunchy chicharon bulaklak draped in squid-ink batter and laid on creamy uni-oyster sauce, yet another example of Chef Nino's innovative style. The crunch of the batter and the chicharon provide textural contrasts that's perfectly finished by the rich and creamy uni-oyster sauce, with each bite delivering a burst of flavors. The richness of the chicharon weaves in with the distinct notes of the nutty squid-ink batter, followed by yet another layer of flavor from the sauce. The contrasting notes come together in a smooth and seamless blend, a tasty prelude before the next round of dishes. And even more cocktails...

At the bar, a round of tall cocktails were served, including first dibs on their special Cherry-Cranberry Chuhai (L) to be rolled out in time for the Hanami Cherry Blossom Festival at Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi starting April to May (stay tuned for more updates soon), along with their tasty signature starters.


The Black Oyster Tempura (P 250), with succulent oysters draped in squid-ink tempura batter drizzled with oyster cream, is another favorite at Hamaru. The contrasting textures play in your mouth with every bite, releasing fresh and briny flavors capped by the squid-ink batter and oyster cream. It's all about that delicate balance of flavor masterfully orchestrated by Chef Nino in each dish that sets Hamaru from the usual Japanese dining spots in Quezon City. And Chef Nino has even more flavorful tricks up his sleeves...

The Food Hive is transformed once the afternoon sun slowly fades, and the evening brings a festive vibe and a totally different facet to one of Quezon City's newest food parks. Back at the open kitchen of Hamaru Yakitori and Sushi, Chef Nino Laus prepared the next courses for the evening's dinner... 


Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi's New Style Sashimi is their version of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's celebrated dish, with the freshest seafood lightly seared with hot oil. The Shake New Style Sashimi (P 290) features fresh salmon dressed with ginger, scallions, jalapeno, and ponzu poured with hot olive-sesame oil, retaining the freshness of the salmon and its pure flavors. Uncomplicated yet elegant, with pure and honest flavors, the Shake New Style Sashimi is one of those delectable discoveries you can find at Hamaru.


And if you're craving for more oysters, no worries. The Oyster Motoyaki (P 195), with fresh oysters covered in chili-garlic mayo and cauliflower puree, is another must-try dish at Hamaru. The clean and fresh briny notes of the oysters are kicked up by the creamy chili-garlic mayo and cauliflower puree without overpowering the oysters. The flavors of each component comes through, and going for seconds is a no-brainer...


Chef Nino then served their selection of sushi dishes, each using the freshest and finest ingredients for clean flavors. The Hamaru Soft-Shell Crab Roll (P 430), soft rice rolls with deep-fried soft-shell crab topped with kani and aligue mayo is the perfect dish to get you acquainted with their unique culinary style, infusing a variety of both flavor and texture in one roll. The subtle sweetness of the crab and crab meat are gently layered with the creamy and mildly spicy chili and crab fat mayo for rich flavors, followed by the bursts of briny notes from the fish roe.


The impressive Ryujin "Dragon God of the Sea" Roll (P 480), with tiger prawns, salmon, tuna and avocado, is another elegantly plated dish combining three kinds of seafood for fresh flavors, capped by the creamy sweetness of the avocado. There is a sense of creative and unbridled complexity with the dish, yet the different flavors complement each other in another masterfully executed creation by Chef Nino.


The Salmon Aburi Philly Roll (P 330), with torched salmon and cream cheese, is a double dose of creamy richness with the salmon and cream cheese for another tasty sushi dish. The freshest ingredients bring all the flavors, and that's what you get at Hamaru. Every single day...


The Tsukune Shiso (P 120), a skewered chicken meatball covered with crispy chicken skin on a deep-fried shiso leaf and served with a fresh egg yolk dip is another creative expression at Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi, along with the Tofu Pocket (P 230), a crisp pocket of tofu filled with tuna, fermented pako and abura-age.


The grills are then fired up for Hamaru's signature yakitori selection, including various chicken, pork, and seafood yakitori, perfect with an ice-cold Japanese beer. The tender and savory US Beef Intestine (P 115) kicks off our yakitori feast at Hamaru...


...followed by the flavorful Bonjiri (P 60) or grilled chicken tail...


...and the equally rich Butabara (P 90), grilled pork belly on sweet potato puree. The richness of the grilled meat are perfectly balanced by the charred smoky notes from the grill for rich flavors with every bite. The attention to detail evident in each skewer results in robust flavors, small bites that deliver a flavorful punch. But there's more...

Nothing like grilled chicken skin to complete your yakitori feast, and Hamaru's Kawa (P 60) is one of the best this side of the metro. Pair your yakitori selection with an ice-cold Kirin, Sapporo, or Asahi,  or why not make it a meal with Hamaru's Gyu Chahan (P 150) or the Salmon Chahan (P 130) with salmon and crab fat.


In between courses, have a shot of Umeshu (P 100), a traditional Japanese liqueur made from the Ume fruit, with its sweet and tart notes, and you're just about ready for another round of cocktails and yakitori.


Cap your Japanese feast with the indulgent Goma Panna Cotta (P 150), with a choice of white or black panna cotta and mango coulis topped with a fresh strawberry slice. It's the perfect ending to a sumptuous feast at Hamaru, then again, the night isn't truly complete without another round of cocktails...

Have one last cocktail for the road before calling it a night at Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi. The mildly sweet notes of cucumber and the soothing heat of chili combine in another refreshing tall cocktail, the Chili + Cucumber + Kakubin (P 210), or go for the sweet Lychee + Kakubin (P210) to end the evening on a high note.


At Hamaru Yakiniku & Sushi, diners can also choose from a wide selection of premium sake. The best way to appreciate the different subtle nuances of sake is with their Tanka 5-Sake Tasting Flight (P 650), with Hakushika Junmai Daiginjo, Gekkeikan Nigori Sake, Hakushika Ginjo Namachozo, Hakushika Yoshino Taru Sake, and Gekkeikan Kirei Peach Sake. Each shot offers its own unique flavor and tasting notes, and having a flight is the way to go. The bar is another reason to visit Hamaru. In the afternoons, you can sit by the bar and discover the art of single origin coffee, and come the evening, shift gears with Japanese whisky, sake, highballs, and chuhai. In between, enjoy Hamaru's Buy 1 Take 1 deal on selected Japanese beers, and cocktails from 3pm to 7pm. Now that's a cool deal...


But you can make the evening a lot more special with Hamaru's Sake Bomb!!! (P 220) combining sake and beer in one glass. The bar staff even have this fun ritual when you order the Sake Bomb!!!, so just go with the flow and thump your fists on the table until the shot of sake drops in the glass. Fire in the hole, and drink up... 


One final order of Honey + Lime Highballs (P 240) followed by another loud cheer of "kampai" all around, caps another memorable evening at Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi. Tadeo, Therese, and Chef Nino definitely had the right idea, and you can find out yourself by visiting Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi...

Hamaru Yakitori & Sushi is located at The Food Hive, 80 Visayas Avenue, Tandang Sora, Quezon City or call (02) 246-9069 extension 176 for inquiries.

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A Taste of Feel Good Food at Bistro United

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If there's one thing that brings people with varying opinions together, it's good food. And if you're talking about "feel good food," there's Bistro United by The Round Table in Kapitolyo...


Everything you loved about The Round Table, from their signature Roast Beef, Adobo sa Mangga, Q Salad, Carrot Cake and more can now be found, rediscovered, and enjoyed once more at Bistro United by The Round Table.

Located along United Street in Kapitolyo, the appropriately named Bistro United by The Round Table brings back comforting neighborhood style casual dining with its brand of "Feel Good Food." The spacious interiors with its rustic and minimalist theme is the perfect stage for its hearty cuisine...

Chef Mia K. Capay (L) redefines comfort food by infusing a uniquely local Filipino ingredient in each of the signature dishes at Bistro United, building on the all-time favorites from The Round Table (for more on The Round Table, see my previous post from two years back, An All-You-Can-Eat Tasting Session at The Round Table).


A refreshing carafe of Basil Lemonade (P 199) starts off your dining experience at Bistro United by The Round Table, mildly sweet and soothingly tart, opening up your palate for the comforting dishes by Chef Mia. It's the playful and inventive infusion of local ingredients to familiar dishes that makes each dish different and even surprisingly new, like the Grilled Cheese Dunkers (P 155), panini-style pressed kesong puti sandwiches served with a comforting bowl of homemade tomato soup drizzled with pesto oil. The perfectly toasted and pressed sandwiches bursts with a familiar richness from the local cottage cheese, amplified even more when you dunk it in the home-style tomato soup with its vibrant flavors. Dunking the kesong puti sandwiches is all part of the fun, just the way "feel good food" should be.


The Crispy Ubod Salad (P 125), described by Chef Mia as the "salad for non-salad eaters," is another innovative dish inspired by local flavors. The unique salad includes a healthy mix of coconut palm, carrots, squash, and kamote beans topped with layers of deep-fried wanton crisps draped in a tart balsamic vinaigrette and sprinkled with candied Iligan nuts. You can enjoy your vegetables with an added twist, a reflection of Chef Mia's creative culinary style.


Simply pour the balsamic vinaigrette and mix it up, and prepare for bold flavors with a delectable crispness. The vegetables deliver a mild sweetness along with a fresh snap, followed by the crispy wantons and the sharp vinaigrette to complete the flavors. And it works. Think of it as your favorite lumpiang ubod in a salad. And just like many of the dishes at Bistro United, you'll find the infusion of local and regional ingredients adding that extra flavor to the dish.


Even a traditional salad gets the special touch by Chef Mia. The signature Q Salad (P 215), a mix of fresh greens with bacon, croutons, Parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes, and dalandan gets a flavorful punch with the Caesar dressing infused with Bagoong Balayan, a native fish paste from the south, replacing the usual anchovies in the traditional Caesar salad. The tartness of the cherry tomatoes and sweetness of the dalandan combine for rich layers of flavors, capped by the bacon, Parmesan cheese and the unique Caesar bagoong balayan dressing for another unique spin on a classic.


Bistro United also offers other tasty starters like the Nacho Poppers (P 105), with savory adobo-marinated minced pork topped with ripe mango-tomato salsa drizzled with Bagoong Balayan, paprika, and sour cream on crispy cup-shaped wontons. The comforting familiar notes of the adobo flavored pork is tempered by the sweet and mildly sour mango-tomato salsa, with the distinct salty notes of the bagoong balayan adding even more flavor. The sour cream rounds out the flavors, and you'll definitely go for seconds and thirds. 


The UPS, or United Pound Sampler (P 255), offers a trio of house sliders with Bangus Teriyaki, Spiced Salmon, and the signature Grilled Roast Beef, all in one dish. Each with its own unique flavors, the Spiced Salmon and Bangus Teriyaki delivered rich and savory notes, just some of the flavorful surprises at Bistro United. Have the grilled roast beef slider last, and end with a taste of the all-time favorite from the early days of The Round Table.


But Chef Mia has even more flavorful surprises to share, like the Bagnet Ravioli (P 245), fresh homemade pasta filled with bagnet and sisig spices sprinkled with chicharon bits, available in a choice of olive oil base or creamy aioli sauce. I recommend you go for the olive oil base to best enjoy the pure flavors of the bagnet sisig, and don't forget to sprinkle some crunchy chicharon to complete the flavors. In between courses, Bistro United serves a shot of homemade orange slush made from fresh oranges to cleanse the palate, just what you need before the main courses...


The starters and salads offered pleasantly flavorful surprises, but you can expect even more from Chef Mia's innovative yet comforting mains, like the Dalandan Chicken with Ube Rice (P 245), tender grilled chicken marinated in spices and pressed dalandan served with flavorful ube (purple yam) rice and tart dalandan sauce. I've never seen or tasted a dish like this before, and you can find it here at Bistro United...


The dish exemplifies Chef Mia's approach to flavors, weaving contrasting notes in a seamless blend for a new flavor experience. And the best way to enjoy this dish is having all the components in one spoonful, with a slice of dalandan marinated chicken, the purple yam rice, and the dalandan sauce to experience the savory, sweet, and sour notes all together. The seemingly contrasting flavors pair well together without overwhelming the other for a delicate balance. Definitely different, and a must-try at Bistro United.


Everyone loves fried chicken, and Chef Mia understands this so well. Her Buttermilk Fried Chicken (P 295), is an homage to the all-time classic, refreshed with her own creative spin. Tender and juicy boneless breast and thigh battered and fried to crispy perfection, it just can't get better than that. But add one of the three sauces, the Secret Sauce, Hot Damn Sauce, and Au Jus Gravy, and it does get a whole lot better. Each sauce gives it a unique flavor profile, from the sweet and sour Secret Sauce, the spicy kick of the Hot Damn Sauce, and the richness of the Au Jus Gravy for traditional flavors. You can enjoy different flavors by simply switching sauces. And here's a cool tip, try combining the Hot Damn Sauce, made with fresh labuyo, and the Secret Sauce...and enjoy. 


Building on the Buttermilk Fried Chicken idea with three sauces, Chef Mia's equally rich and savory Bacon Liempo Adobo 3-Ways (P 215) lets you enjoy it in different flavor variations. The juicy slab of grilled liempo is already great on its own, but it gets better with the three sauces representing the regional variations of adobo, including Adobo sa Dilaw, Adobo sa Gata, and Adobong Tagalog. And like the Buttermilk Fried Chicken, each sauce adds its own unique flavor to the bacon liempo, from the turmeric-infused Adobo sa Dilaw sauce, the creamy Adobo sa Gata with coconut milk, and the familiar vinegar and soy sauce blend of Adobong Tagalog. All these flavors in one dish make this another satisfying meal at Bistro United.


And here's more pork love. Bistro United's Porchetta Kare-Kare (P 345) is guaranteed to satisfy any serious craving for pork, combining a crunchy rolled slab of pork with kare-kare, always a winning combination. With a hefty slice of crispy roast rolled pork served with vegetables in a rich kare-kare peanut sauce served with a side of bagoong, go ahead and order that bowl of extra rice. Seriously.


The rolled pork is perfectly crisp, delivering an audible crunch with every bite. The thick peanut sauce adds to the savory richness of the dish, capped by the subtle sweetness of the vegetables and sharp notes of the bagoong. I've always enjoyed kare-kare, and this dish made me love it even more. Extra rice? Absolutely.


No meal at Bistro United is complete without their signature roast beef. The Amazing Roast Beef (P 415), a thick slice of US Prime Roast Beef Belly marinated in their signature spice blend and slow-roasted for six hours served with au jus gravy, steamed rice or mashed potatoes, is another favorite at Bistro United. It's the dish that made The Round Table a popular dining destination in Kapitolyo two years back, and it's the dish that will make Bistro United a new favorite. Fork-tender and juicy, it's beef in its purest, simplest and tastiest form, masterfully created by Chef Mia and her team at Bistro United.  


After a satisfying meal, be prepared for another flavorful surprise from Bistro United's indulgent desserts. You can always have a scoop of ice cream, but why not dare yourself to try something totally different?


And if you're game, Chef Mia has the right ice cream just for you. The Tilapia Ice Cream (P 55/scoop) is not your usual ice cream, with its blend of fish, cream, and chili flakes, but it is an experience in itself. The creamy white fish absorbs all the rich notes of the of the cream, resulting in an indulgent ice cream creation, tempered by the soothing heat from the fresh chili flakes. There is a fine, grainy texture from the fish that almost tastes like cheese, but there's absolutely no cheese in this ice cream, it's all tilapia. And Chef Mia does it again, with yet another flavorful surprise to cap a sumptuous meal at Bistro United. Give it a try, and who knows, you might even find this one more reason to visit Bistro United. Again.


Give in to your chocolate cravings with Bistro United's sinful Chocolate Brownie, perfectly moist and fudgy with a lightly chewy and crisp top...


...or the equally decadent Gold Medal Carrot Cake (P 175) with layers of velvety smooth cream cheese to end your feast on a sweet note. It is, after all, feel good food, so just go with the flow and enjoy.


Bistro United brings back the simple yet comforting pleasures of the casual neighborhood bistro with its repertoire of comfort food, or as they like to describe it, "feel good food." Mark it as another must-try dining destination in Kapitolyo, and you'll be glad you did.

Bistro United by The Round Table is located at Ground Floor of D-Strip Building, 20 United Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City or call (02) 706-1668 for inquiries.

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Culinary Journeys in Asian Fusion at Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room

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The vibrant and distinct flavors of Asian cuisine come together in one place...


Embark on a culinary journey of Asian flavors and experience playfully inventive combinations of rich and diverse regional notes at Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room, the newest dining concept from the same group behind Relik Bistro & Bar. The bold flavors of Asia are masterfully woven in a seamless tapestry of inventive and innovative dishes for a refreshingly unique flavor experience at the new Ayala Malls the 30th. Read on for a tasty preview...

Drawing inspiration from the culinary richness of Asian cuisine, the unique dishes are highlighted against the warm and rustic interiors of Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room, reflecting a cool "retro in the metro" vibe with its earthy and muted brick and wood tones. It's the perfect setting for their innovative cuisine...
 
At the al fresco dining area, one can enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee made from the finest local coffee blends. With summer already here, a refreshing Ice Cafe Latte seemed like the perfect way to start our dining experience at the new Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room.

Inside, you'll find the tasting room stocked with shelves of fine wine and a selection of premium single malts. Tempting. But go ahead and just go with the flow. It's never too early for a shot of single malt, on the rocks, at Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room. Still on soft opening mode, Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room is ready...


Chinese, Japanese, Singaporean, Thai and Filipino flavors are recreated, combined, and meshed together in a unique gastronomic mash-up reflecting the richness of the region's culinary heritage. The infusion of local ingredients or a cooking technique transforms a familiar dish, adding to the dining experience at Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room. Classic dishes become new and refreshed, setting the tone for exciting flavors, and that's what you can expect at Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room. Our Asian culinary journey began with a refreshing bowl of Chicken and Pomelo Salad, with grilled chicken thigh paired with sweet and tart pomelo tossed with garden-fresh salad greens draped in a rich and creamy coconut vinaigrette. The tartness of the pomelo and the delicate notes of the grilled chicken complement each other, perfectly finished by the subtle sweetness of the fresh greens and the rich coconut vinaigrette.


The wittingly named Gyosig typifies the Asian Fusion cuisine at Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room, with the classic and traditional pork sisig stuffed in soft and lightly crisp dumplings drizzled with a tangy and zesty citrus mayo. Soft with that lightly seared chewy bottom, the pork sisig adds its own flavorful twist to the popular Japanese dumpling with a distinct savory richness tempered by the citrus mayo for balanced flavors. 


And if you're after even more tasty bites, Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room also offers a selection of Yakitori, freshly grilled skewers with Chicken Wings, Shrimps, and Wagyu cubes glazed in teriyaki or soy sauce, and served with garlic or sweet and spicy sauce. The garlic and the sweet and spicy sauces add a nice layer of flavor to the mildly sweet and smoky hints of the yakitori. Think of it as yakitori with an extra flavorful punch with the choice of sauces. 


The Asian fusion concept is once again highlighted with the Tom Yum Meatballs, juicy pork meatballs richly seasoned with tom yum spices covered in tom yum sauce and melted cheese. The delicate richness of the pork meatballs are kicked up a notch by the flavorful tom yum spices and sauce, making each bite burst with bold flavors. 


Another must-try dish at Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room is their Slow-Cooked Pork Buns, a tasty pair of soft cua pao buns filled with tender and savory braised pork belly draped in spicy hoisin sauce, pickled vegetables and fresh herbs. The rich and savory notes of the tender and juicy pork belly are tempered by the sharpness of the spicy hoisin sauce, pickled vegetables and fresh herbs, rounded out by the subtle sweetness of the soft and chewy buns for balanced notes.


Thai-Basil Chicken Poppers, tender cubes of bite-sized chicken deep-fried and glazed with nuoc mam sauce and fresh basil for sweet and savory notes, is another refreshing starter at Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room. The bold and upfront flavors of the sweet and tart sauce complements the subtle notes of the chicken, with its juicy center capped by a lightly crisp outer layer for textural contrasts. Pop one, and you can't stop...


A traditional favorite gets a flavorful upgrade at Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room. Just how does one top a real Asian classic? The unique Blaksa, Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room's creative take on the traditional Singaporean laksa, is infused with squid ink to heighten the flavors of the creamy coconut broth for even richer notes. Stir the broth gently and watch the colors transform, slowly getting darker with the squid ink. The already rich broth is amplified with the addition of squid ink, making this dish another potential favorite. The complex flavors of a traditional laksa can be found in Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room's version, and more.


The innovative style of Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room is illustrated yet again with their next dish. The Twice-Cooked Pork with Salted Egg Fried Rice, soft and fluffy rice cooked with the sharp yet creamy notes of salted egg topped with braised and seared pork belly tossed in honey and topped with garlic, is a hearty meal in itself. The rich savory notes of the juicy pork belly pair well with the salted egg rice for a complete meal. Pork and rice, with salted egg, what's not to love? The serving portion is ideal for sharing, but I really can't blame you if you don't. 


Another Singaporean classic gets a creative makeover. Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room transforms another iconic Singaporean favorite, Hainanese Chicken, with its Sous-Vide Hainanese Chicken, with two pieces of chicken leg quarter fillet delicately seasoned and cooked sous-vide for 2-3 hours and laid on soft and moist Hainanese rice. The sous-vide technique results in a delicate melt-in-your-mouth texture releasing a burst of richness with every bite. Pour the pair of sauces and get an even bolder dose of flavor. You might want some extra Hainanese rice with this dish...


Even the comfortingly familiar crispy pata gets a creative tweak with Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room's Sous-Vide Crispy Pata, cooked sous-vide for 3 hours and deep-fried for that signature juicy on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside texture that everyone looks for in crispy pata. It's the little details, the innovative variations, that make dining at Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room so unique and special. 


And here's the beef. The Wagyu Beef with Chinese Broccoli, fork-tender premium Wagyu beef that just melts like butter with fresh broccoli and teriyaki sauce, elevates the familiar Chinese dish with the use of premium beef. The fresh broccoli, with is pure and clean notes, plays well with the savory beef, it's comforting and at the same time new and different. And that's probably the best way to describe what one can expect at Toast Asian Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room. It doesn't have to push the envelope for something totally new resulting in overly complicated and even confused flavors, instead it simply reinvents familiar flavors, enhancing it with delicate tweaks, and it works.  


If you're cravng for pasta, try Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room's rustic Longganisa Pasta, soft yet firm al dente fusilli pasta with fried longganisa in a savory tomato cream sauce served with focaccia bread. The familiar notes of the longganisa come through with its smoky and richly seasoned flavors, complemented by the tomato cream sauce. It's pasta with a local touch, completing our preview of Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room's culinary style. It's an impressive preview, with each dish reflecting the focused and single-minded culinary style and concept of Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room.

After a sumptuous meal inspired by vibrant Asian flavors, why not stay for a while and have a cocktail. Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room's also offers equally inventive handcrafted cocktails like the Jack Sparrow, a spiced rum blend with jackruit and apple, or the Nutty Evening with cognac, Frangelico hazelnut, and cocoa.


Comfortingly familiar yet refreshingly new and different, Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room's innovative dishes is another unique dining concept and a welcome addition to the metro's rapidly growing culinary landscape. And judging from the soft launch preview of their dishes, Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room is more than ready to take you on a flavorful culinary journey of vibrant Asian flavors, right here at the new Ayala Malls the 30th.

Toast Asian Kitchen & Tasting Room is located at the Ground Floor of Ayala Malls the 30th, Meralco Avenue, Ugong, Pasig City or call (02) 622-4312 or 0917-320-3338  for inquiries and reservations.

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Going for The Original Slam and More at Denny's

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The Original Slam and weekend brunches, always a winning pair. And when you're at America's favorite diner, going for a Slam is always a sure thing...


It was just supposed to be like any other late Sunday morning, but a sudden craving for The Original Slam at Denny's just made it a whole lot better...



A mildly sweet, citrusy and refreshing glass of Cucumber Orange Celery (P 155) eases you in at Denny's, as you take in the cozy and casual diner vibe at America's favorite diner (for more on Denny's and their signature dishes, see my previous post, America's Diner is Finally Here: Denny's Opens First Restaurant in the Philippines).


Why not start with a salad? The Chicken Cranberry Apple Salad (P 395), a refreshing salad with grilled seasoned chicken breast, glazed pecans, apple slices, and dried cranberries on garden-fresh greens tossed with honey balsamic vinaigrette has all the fresh and clean flavors to get you in the right groove. 


The Original Slam (P 385), a hearty breakfast with two buttermilk pancakes, two bacon strips, two sausages, and two eggs, two of everything you love. The buttermilk pancakes are delicately light and fluffy, yet firm retaining its shape without crumbling. Add a generous portion of creamy butter and an equally generous drizzle of maple syrup, then gently break the yolk and you've got a true-blue slam. The crisp bacon and savory sausages rounds out The Original Slam.


A soothing cup of Denny's signature Brewed Coffee (P 55/P 95 Refillable) completes The Original Slam experience.


But Denny's also offers a variety of comforting options, including local flavors, like the Crispy Bangus Belly (P 395), with pan-fried milkfish belly, two eggs, garlic rice, and vinegar dip, a complete meal in itself.


And if you're still hungry, go for another personal favorite, the Country Fried Steak (P 495), a crisp and hefty-sized golden fried chopped beef steak served with a rich and creamy country gravy, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. Perfect. Thinking of slamming your next weekend mid-morning meal? Head on over to Denny's...

Denny's is located at the Ground Floor, Uptown Parade, 9th Avenue corner 38th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City or call (02) 246-9069 extension 348 for inquiries and more information.

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Scratch Kitchen. Craft Bar. Village Tavern Marks 5th Year with New Dishes...

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And just like that, it's amazing how five years can just pass like a blur. And in those five years, Village Tavern has remained true to its original mission, serving made from scratch signature dishes using the finest and freshest ingredients reflecting the very best of classic American cuisine.


Scratch Kitchen, craft bar, aptly describes Village Tavern's culinary approach for their comforting American dishes. Now on its fifth year, Village Tavern celebrates this milestone with new dishes reflecting their unique culinary style. US-based Filipina Executive Corporate Chef Grace Viado and The Bistro Group Corporate Chef Josh Boutwood recently unveiled new dishes to mark Village Tavern's 5th Anniversary. The fifth year of Village Tavern is also special for me on a personal note, one of my blog's very first posts was on the Village Tavern (more on that first time at Village Tavern five years ago on my old post, Food news: Awesome New Dishes and Old Favorites at Village Tavern). And it's great to be back...

Conceptualized as a traditional old world tavern serving classic American cuisine back in 1984, Village Tavern remains true to its original concept with its comforting dishes. And when two talented chefs collaborate, you just know you're in for something tasty and exciting at Village Tavern.

Village Tavern's US-based Corporate Chef Grace Viado and The Bistro group's very own Josh Boutwood recently shared their new dishes with a cooking demo, just what you need to build up an appetite for that comforting Village Tavern dining experience. Start with a refreshing Malunggay Citrus (P 75)...


Known for their rich and honest flavors, craft cocktails, and stellar service matched with excellent value for diners with discerning tastes, Village Tavern continues this tradition of made-from-scratch All-American specialties with their newest dishes. And just in time too. "The foodie scene continues to grow. In terms of notable changes, the taste profile has become really sophisticated. Filipinos love to eat and travel, so they're always open to trying new creations. I continue to see a lot of diversification when it comes to cuisine," said Village Tavern's Corporate Chef Grace Viado. The first Filipina Corporate Chef for the US-based restaurant, Grace Viado is an inspiration to many young female chefs. And teaming up with Josh Boutwood, one of the metro's talented chefs at the helm of The Bistro Group's 15 restaurant concepts, is yet another remarkable culinary story in itself...


...creating new signature dishes in that unique Village Tavern style. Village Tavern's US-based Corporate Chef Grace Viado shared her Baked Brie, a sumptuous starter with baked brie topped with toasted almonds served with grilled French bread, sliced Granny Smith apples and dried fruits with a side salad. Chef Grace takes brie to a whole new level, adding the nutty and mildly sweet notes of toasted almonds enhancing the creamy richness of the cheese pairing well with the grilled crisp bread. The tartness of the green apples and dried fruits add contrasting notes for balanced flavors. It's the perfect starter before the mains...

After the cooking demo, Corporate Chefs Grace Viado and Josh Boutwood joined guests at the table as they presented Village Tavern's new dishes. And the two talented chefs definitely make a formidable team, both having their own unique culinary journeys to the top, truly inspiring stories recreated through their dishes...


The Bistro Group's Corporate Chef Josh Boutwood then served the first of the new signature mains, the Thyme-Roasted Chicken with Sweet Corn and Popcorn, delicately roasted tender chicken with flavorful thyme draped in a light yet rich and sauce. Topped with sweet corn and crunchy popcorn for both flavor and textural contrasts, the dish reflects the traditional and comforting style of Village Tavern's rustic cuisine yet infused with a modern and playful touch. 


The group was served a family-style version of the dish for sharing, and this was gone in minutes.


Village Tavern's Corporate Chef Grace Viado then served a taste of rustic Americana with her Southern Shrimp & Grits, a comforting dish with stone ground grits topped with Gruyere cheese, plump shrimps, bacon, mushrooms, and green onions. Grits, that iconic staple of the American south, is finally showcased at Village Tavern. It's been said that a man fed with grits is a man of peace, "given enough of it, the inhabitants of planet Earth should have nothing to fight about..." 


It used to be difficult and next to impossible finding authentic grits in the metro. Not anymore. Chef Grace brings this classic dish to local diners at Village Tavern. The soft and creamy texture of the ground corn is velvety smooth, bursting with the rich notes of butter and Gruyere cheese with every bite, followed by the briny sweetness of the shrimps, the sharp notes of the bacon, and earthy hint of mushrooms capped by the clean flavors of the green onions. True grit, you bet.


And here's the beef. Chef Josh Boutwood's Roasted Hanging Tender, a 36-hour marinated slab of premium beef topped with Village Tavern's signature relish. Perfectly grilled to medium with a juicy pink center,  each slice delivers bold, beefy notes with the pickled fresh vegetables and micro-greens tempering the richness for balanced flavors. Simple, clean yet vibrant flavors made with the freshest ingredients, each of the new dishes reflect the scratch kitchen concept at Village Tavern. Baked Brie, Thyme-Roasted Chicken, Southern Shrimp & Grits, and Roasted Hanging Tender, all must-try dishes at Village Tavern. And you can enjoy these new dishes starting April, just in time for the official fifth year anniversary of Village Tavern. I started my own personal journey through my food blog with restaurants like Village Tavern, and five years on, it still feels so special coming back to the place where my blog began. That's what makes Village Tavern special, and with new dishes on the  menu, it's going to get even better...

Village Tavern is located at the Second Floor, Bonifacio High Street Central, 7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City or call 621-3245 for inquiries.

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Flavors of Pampanga: Mangan Tamu Queni at Binulo Restaurant...

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Any trip to Pampanga always includes a mandatory and tasty meal...


And Binulo Restaurant is one of those flavorful stops to complete your Pampanga road trip. With its name inspired by the traditional method of cooking using bamboo, Binulo Restaurant serves local Capampangan cuisine in a comforting and homey style, like dining in your favorite aunt's place.


A pair of fresh fruit shakes starts off your dining experience at Binulo, with the refreshing Mango Shake (P 80) and Watermelon Shake (P 80), ideal thirst-quenchers that's just perfect after a long road trip up north.

All the dishes at Binulo are best enjoyed with their signature Binulong Nasi (P 145), fragrant steamed sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in bamboo reeds. Simply unwrap the banana leaf and enjoy the sticky rice with Binulo's signature mains...

...like the Pangat na Ulang (P 348), a seasonal dish with fresh river prawns in a sour broth loaded with ginger and fresh herbs. Like many of Binulo's dishes, the Pangat na Ulang is cooked in bamboo, and with a light tap, poured on a bowl by the server.


Tart and sour, with the rich hints of ginger contrasting with the delicate notes of the plump river prawns, Binulo's Pangat na Ulang is always a must-try when it's in season.


The Crispy Binagoongan (P 290), deep-fried crispy pork served with shrimp paste and vegetables is Binulo's crunchy spin on the traditional begukan. Each crunchy bite releases a savory richness from the pork, perfectly tempered by the sharpness of the shrimp paste. Extra rice? Absolutely.


Pair your Crispy Binagoongan with the Pinakbet with Pititian (P 210), a northern vegetable stew cooked with shrimp paste, fresh shrimps, and topped with crunchy pork rinds, another tasty dish prepared with the freshest local ingredients. The crunchy pititian not only adds textural contrast to the dish, but intense flavors as well. 


The iconic Sisig (P 260), the classic Capampangan dish with chopped pig cheeks and ears, liver, onions, and chili makes a sizzling arrival, served on a sizzling hot plate. Squeeze the calamansi and mix it all up before serving. The tender cheeks combine well with the liver, with the fresh chili adding a layer of soothing heat to complete the dish. Topped with crunchy pork rinds, you get a double dose of pork love.


The steaming hot bowl of Bulalo (P 420), a rich and hearty beef bone marrow soup with vegetables, brings its unique beefy richness to your feast at Binulo, with the subtle sweetness of saba, a local plantain, adding another layer of flavor. The light yet flavorful broth delivers vibrant notes complementing the fork-tender beef, and that creamy and buttery bone marrow delivers that perfect finish.


The Kare-Kare (P 465), with tender US oxtail in a thick and rich peanut stew served with shrimp paste rounds out our feast at Binulo. The thick sauce, with its delicate grainy texture from the freshly ground peanuts, is a meal in itself. When in Pampanga, be sure to make a stop for a tasty meal, and Binulo offers some of the tastiest local dishes at the Clark Freeport Zone. Mangan tamu!

Binulo is located at 6410-6413 MA Roxas Highway, Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles, Pampanga.

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Burger Love at Pound by Todd English

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Premium all-beef patties delicately cooked sous-vide before grilling, house-cured slabs of smoky bacon, and brioche buns freshly baked in-house, it's the little details that make the burgers at Pound by Todd English one of the best in the metro. And now, you can find it here at the Mega Fashion Hall...


From the same group behind Todd English Food Hall, Tim Ho Wan, Maisen, Hook, and Mesa, Foodee Global Concepts shares the spotlight on its signature burgers at Pound by Todd English with its newest branch at Mega Fashion Hall. Get ready to indulge in some serious burger love...at Pound by Todd English.

The newest branch of Pound by Todd English retains the key design elements of its Bonifacio High Street location with its rustic brick walls and elegant old-world feel. The cozy space which can accommodate 16 diners also features their distinct open kitchen layout, where all the magic happens...

...and if you can't find a table, no worries. Just head on over to Pound by Todd English's satellite location a few steps across the main establishment for your bite of burger love. The space is transformed with a contemporary and modern art installation-inspired vibe, enclosed in an airy structure of metal forms and arches.

The innovative design concept of the satellite location brings a comforting sense of privacy while retaining a spacious and wide open feel, making it a unique dining experience in itself. Inside the modern space, diners can settle down with a refreshing ice-cold T. E. Iced Tea (P 90) as you go through the menu.


You need some great sides to pair with your burger, and Pound by Todd English has all the goods, like the Pound Onion Cubed (P 90), their inventive take on the classic onion rings, perfectly crisp and crunchy served with ketchup...


...and the Truffle Fries (P 160), richly seasoned house-cut fries with truffle oil and truffle ketchup. The nutty notes of the rich truffle oil adds that flavorful finish with every bite. 

And there's more. Pound by Todd English also offers other tasty sides like the Fried Chilis (P 75), deep-fried jalapenos with mildly sweet and tart notes followed by a soothing layer of subtle heat; the flavorful Fried Pickles (P 75) with its fresh and clean notes, and the Truffle French Beans (P 120), a tasty and healthy option. 


The Bacon Poutine (P 210), with fresh-cut fries draped in a rich homemade gravy topped with cheese and house-cured bacon is another tasty side served at Pound by Todd English, and a meal in itself. The range of flavors from the different components of the dish come together in a comforting blend, capped by the richness of the homemade gravy and the sharp notes of the house-cured bacon.


If you prefer a salad instead, Pound by Todd English offers a refreshing Caesar's Salad or go for the Crispy Goat Cheese Salad (P 150), a hearty salad with garden-fresh mixed greens and heirloom tomatoes drizzled with raspberry vinaigrette and topped with deep-fried goat cheese ravioli. Now, it's time for the burgers...


The Amsterdam Burger (P 280), with house-ground beef patty, fried onion, pastrami, Gruyere, sauerkraut, mustard, relish, and the signature T. E. Sauce on a toasted homemade brioche bun sets you off on the right track. The juicy and savory richness of the all-beef patty contrast with the mild briny notes of the pastrami and sauerkraut, rounded out by the creamy notes of the Gruyere and the tasty T. E. Sauce, releasing a burst of vibrant flavors with every bite.


Customize your burger with premium add-ons like Seared Foie Gras (P 250), Foie Gras Mousse (P 200), or Roasted Bone Marrow (P 120). Other add-ons include the Parmesan Crisp (P 50), Gruyere (P 50), Gorgonzola (P 50), White Cheddar (P 50), and Yellow Cheddar (P 50) along with other Extras like Fried Egg (P 25), Caramelized Onions (P 25), T. E. Crispy Chicken (P 50), T. E. Burger Patty (P 50), and Crispy Bacon (P 75). You can also choose your own sauce, like the Mustard Relish (P 50), T. E. Sauce (P 50), Truffle Cream (P 50), Apple Aioli (P 50), T. E. Sweet Spice (P 50), Cilantro Aioli (P 50), and Truffle Ketchup (P 50). Pound by Todd English takes their burgers seriously, and diners can customize their own burgers just the way they like it.


Pull out all the stops and go for the Roasted Bone Marrow (P 120), with its creamy and buttery richness capped with crunchy garlic bits. Spread some of the marrow on your burger and enjoy...

It's all about pure and fresh flavors, and taking your burger to the next level without holding back. Pair your Roasted Bone Marrow with a round or two of ice-cold premium Asahi Dry (P 150), just what you need to wash down the signature burgers at Pound by Todd English.


And here she is, the ultimate expression of pure burger love. The Pound Foie Gras Burger (P 700) tastes as good as it looks, with house-ground beef patty, tomato, iceberg lettuce, crispy onion, mustard relish, T. E. Sauce, caramelized onions, 50g of seared foie gras, and foie gras mousse...


And this one is as good as it gets, no need for any other additional toppings or extras. The melt-in-your-mouth seared foie gras and the foie gras mousse lays a double-dose of richness to the juicy all-beef patty for savory bites.


The soft, freshly baked brioche, branded with the signature stamp of Pound by Todd English, completes the burger, the perfect base for the ultimate expression of burger love.


Pound by Todd English also offers a variety of other tasty and savory bites to fit any mood or craving, like the Crispy Chicken Wrap (P 175), soft pita stuffed with crispy baby romaine lettuce, anchovies, T. E. Crispy Chicken covered with T. E. Creamy Dressing...


...and the Truffle Risotto Tater Tots (P 75), tasty little bites that's big on flavor.


Go for a light yet satisfying snack with the Bacon and Egg Sliders (P 200), with house-cured bacon topped with apple aioli and quail egg on toasted homemade mini brioche buns. House-cured slabs of bacon topped with quail egg on a freshly-baked brioche, it just doesn't get better than that.


And here's even more good news. Starting April 1 to 31, 2017, Pound by Todd English introduces their $1 Menu Deals offering both flavor and value for its diners at the new location in Mega Fashion Hall. The new $1 Menu Deals (valid for dine-in only) include the Pound Pomodoro, a comforting pasta dish with roasted garlic pomodoro sauce, confit garlic bulbs, and herbed bread crumbs. And for just $1, or roughly fifty bucks, it's a real deal. Other $1 Menu Deals include the Onion Blossom, crispy beer-battered onions served with spiced dipping sauce; the TE Slider, with house-ground beef patty, tomato, lettuce, crispy onions, mustard relish and T. E. Sauce; and the signature Truffle Fries, seasoned with truffle oil and served with truffle ketchup. That's more than enough reasons to visit Pound by Todd English at Mega fashion Hall...


Cap your burger feast with the T. E. Sundae, velvety smooth vanilla ice cream topped with chunks of their OMG Brownie and Betty White Brownie drizzled with caramel sauce and rock salt to complete your dining experience at Pound by Todd English on a high note.


Pure indulgence, and you just won't have it any other way. Not at Pound by Todd English.


A refreshing cup of premium Malongo Coffee completes a satisfying and memorable meal at Pound by Todd English. Now you know where you can find pure burger love, just head on over to Mega Fashion Hall for a tasty rendezvous at Pound by Todd English...

Pound by Todd English is located at the Second Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City or call (02) 753-9892 for inquiries.

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#DiscoverNewMOAEats: Delectable Discoveries at SM Mall of Asia's New North Wing

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Japanese, Thai, Southwestern, and Filipino flavors are just some of the delectable discoveries at SM Mall of Asia's new North Wing. Add some refreshing teas and indulgent desserts, and that's all the reasons you need to visit the new North Wing.


SM Mall of Asia adds a world of flavors, from familiar favorites to exciting new culinary discoveries, each one located next to the other at the new North Wing. Dubbed as the new Entertainment Mall Food Zone, it's the perfect spot for a classic food crawl. Read on and take a flavorful peek at the new #MOAEATS...

SM Mall of Asia recently hosted a culinary Discovery Tour showcasing the wide selection of dining options at their new North Wing. At the Discovery Tour, SM Mall of Asia's management along with the participating dining establishments (L) welcomed guests to the North Wing tour, a full itinerary with nine restaurants.


For the discovery Tour at SM Mall of Asia's North Wing, guests were handed special visas for the day's food crawl, a special pass to nine restaurants. First stop, Tenya, an old favorite, classic Japanese cuisine with their All-Star Tendon, Asakusa Special Tendon, and the Chicken Mayo Tendon.

Guests were also served Salmon, Ebi, and Kani draped in their signature batter and perfectly deep-fried for that signature crispness (for more on Tenya, see my previous posts, A Peek at the Next Japanese Food Trend on their exclusive preview and Tempura Tendon Tenya Unleashes the Tendon Invasion at SM Megamall).

That day, Tenya offered a new spin to enjoy their all-time favorites. Enjoy your favorites at Tenya with their new selection of flavored salts, available in Curry, Yuzu, and Wasabi, delivering sharp hints to bring out more of the flavor while retaining the crispness. You can still enjoy your favorites with Tenya's thick Tare Sauce, but give the flavored salts a try for a change of pace and experience how tempura is traditionally enjoyed back in Japan. 


For the second stop of the Discovery Tour at SM Mall of Asia's North Wing, diners get a taste of authentic Thai cuisine at Basil, with their Crispy Fish with 3-Flavored Sauce...


...and the classic Pad Thai. The flavors are fresh and clean, with the full range of delectable notes from sweet, sour, salty, and mild bitter hints to a soothing heat from the spices. Other must-try dishes at Basil include the Fresh Spring Rolls, Shrimp Cakes, and Chicken with Cashew Nuts.


Third stop, Botejyu and their take on traditional Japanese cuisine. Established back in 1946 in Japan, Botejyu serves rustic homestyle Japanese comfort food led by their popular Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki.


Start with the refreshing Botejyu Salad, a refreshing dish with thin strips of crisp wontons, garden-fresh vegetables and noodles...


...followed by a comforting bowl of Paitan Ramen with Chicken Tempura for a tasty combo of textural contrasts.


Not to be missed is Botejyu's All-Star Takoyaki, your favorite Japanese staple executed in a variety of ways.

For heftier appetites, Botejyu also offers satisfying meals with their Garlic Rice Bacon and Egg (L), a meal in itself with slabs of bacon; and the Premium Moonlight Okosoba (R), a hearty pancake with cabbage and yakisoba noodles topped with an egg. 


Craving for some pork love? Botejyu's got that covered too with their Amiyaki Grilled Pork Ricebowl, with fork tender and savory pork on rice with a side salad. Draped with a mildly sweet sauce, the richness of the pork comes through with every bite, followed by a whisper of grilled smoky hints.


And there's more. Filipino-Spanish flavors take the spotlight on our fourth stop at SM Mall of Asia's new North Wing, at Agos by Chef Mike "Tatung" Sarthou. His newest dining concept features traditional Filipino and Spanish cuisine inspired by the historic Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. Using the freshest local ingredients, Chef Tatung recreates classic flavors, including his light yet flavorful Tuna Ceviche...

...tasty Croquetas (L), soft and tasty bites capped by a delicately crisp outer layer; and the equally tasty Fried Eggplant (R). Pair it with Chef Tatung's soothing Manila Galleon Cocktail, a tasty blend of white rum, fresh fruits and spicy siling labuyo for that sweet, tart and mildly spicy finish.


Chef Tatung combines meatballs and shrimps with his Almondigas con Gambas draped in rich tomato sauce. The tartness of the tomatoes play well with the meatball and shrimp combo, rounded out by hints of garlic. 


And did you say bacon? The Crispy Bacon, served with a creamy dip, is just pure pork love. And it just doesn't get better than that.


The Paella Fiesta Filipina, soft and fluffy rice topped with chicken, seafood, smoked chorizo and vegetables cooked with atchuete oil caps our festive feast at Agos.


Sticky bones and ribs highlight our fifth stop at Morganfield's, with their line of signature ribs. The new Inasal Pork Spareribs, a full slab of fall-off-the-bone ribs marinated in a rich blend of herbs and spices glazed with a sweet homemade and spicy soy-based BBQ sauce, is impressive (for more on Morganfield's, see my earlier post, Sticky Bomes and Ribs at Morganfield's). But Morganfield's has another flavorful surprise...

Morganfield's served guests their new Inasal Pork Ribs, Cheesy Cheese Dog, Smoky Bundit Sausages, and the crispy Pulled Pork Ribs, another new dish. The rich, smoky notes and crunch of the Pulled Pork Ribs served with rice and egg delivers full flavors, perfect with a refreshing Ginger Peach Cooler or the Midnight Blue.


Guests at the Discovery Tour were treated to a welcome pause at the sixth stop with TenRen's Tea's signature Green Tea with Fresh Fruits, Green Tea Mango Slush, 914 King's Oolong Tea, and Black Milk Tea with Pearls. Taiwan's leading brand for the highest quality and freshly brewed whole leaf teas, TenRen's Tea brings its line of signature handcrafted teas to the new North Wing. Using the freshest fruits and ingredients, TenRen's Teas contain absolutely no transfat or artificial flavoring for an authentic tea experience, just what you need before or after a sumptuous meal at the new North Wing of SM Mall of Asia. 


Mexican flavors from south of the border were highlighted at the seventh stop, Fiery Style Southwestern Grill, bannered by their Chicken and Rib Platter fresh from the grill along with steaks, burgers, fajitas, tacos, and burritos. Fiery Style's comforting Southwestern cuisine is a welcome addition to SM Mall of Asia's new North Wing, offering even more dining options.


Fiery Style Southwestern Grill served up tasty bites during the Discovery Tour at SM Mall of Asia's North Wing, including their Mexican Street Croquettes...

...flavorful Cheese Quesadilla with Grilled Lime Chicken (L) and creamy Baja Mixed Seafood (R). Not to be missed are Fiery Style's Onion Rings Stacker, Fiery Nachos, Bucket of Bones, Fiery BBQ Bacon Mushroom Burger, Chimichangas, and Bottomless Margaritas and Mojitos.


And if you're looking for a cold beer and authentic yakitori, welcome to the eighth stop at SM Mall of Asia's North Wing Discovery Tour. Direct from Kyoto, Japan, Tori-Ichi Yakitori & Bar offers a wide selection of tasty yakitori, from chicken to pork and vegetables, along with ramen, tonkatsu, tempura, and torikara set meals.


Delicately grilled, each skewer has its own distinct flavors, and going through several sticks can be a light and satisfying meal in itself. The semi-open kitchen layout gives diners a peek of the different types of yakitori on the grill like Butabara (pork belly), Kawa (chicken skin), Tebasaki (chicken wings), Shisomaki (chicken thighs), or Kimo (chicken liver), just name it and Tori-Ichi Yakitori & Bar does the rest.


Finally, our Discovery Tour at SM Mall of Asia's North Wing ends on a sweet and indulgent note. Out ninth stop, Paper Moon Cafe, caps our food crawl with delicate yet sinful desserts. Founded by Japan's grand dame of innovative and specialty cakes, Emy Wada, Paper Moon Cafe offers a selection of light savory dishes and beverages, and a whole lot of desserts. You'll find Strawberry Shortcakes, Chocolate Checkered Cakes and Paper Moon's Original Mille Crepe in a variety of flavors (Original, Chocolate, Mango, Matcha, Ube, Queso Real, and Coco Pandan), a delicately layered and indulgent dessert that's definitely another reason to visit the North Wing. The layers of thin crepes deliver rich buttery notes, an indulgence that's so definitely worth it. A visit to Paper Moon Cafe makes it an official cheat day to reward yourself with their signature Mille Crepe.


Nine restaurants, all in one place. But the new North Wing has even more restaurants and dining options to be discovered. Experience and savor your own delectable discoveries at SM Mall of Asia's new North Wing, or better yet, embark on your own foodcrawl for a taste of everything. 

Visit the new North Wing at SM Mall of Asia, Seaside Boulevard, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

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Where The Sun Never Sets: A Provencal Lunch at Mireio...

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Flavors as vibrant as sunshine, the very essence of Provence, lights up your palate with dishes inspired by the endless summers of southeastern France...


The rustic flavors of Provence, with its sunny and fresh, rich flavors, shines for lunch at Mireio, as Chef de Cuisine Nicolas Cegretin adds new dishes to the bright and flavorful repertoire of Mireio's comforting Provencal cuisine...

The elegant interiors of Mireio are draped in natural light peering through the panoramic glass walls, recreating the sunny vibe of Provence. Chef de Cuisine Nicolas Cegretin (L) showcased new dishes for Mireio's Menu Dejeuner lunch inspired by Mistral's Provence (for more on Mireio, see my previous post, A Taste of Provence at Mireio).


A tipple before lunch is always a good idea, and Mireio's fruity and citrusy take on the Old-Fashioned is not only refreshing, adding a touch of sunshine with every sip, it opens up the palate with its bright and sunny notes (for more on Mireio's signature cocktails, see my earlier post, Sunset at Mireio Terrace).


A fresh-baked Baguette and Sourdough served with French butter and olive oil kicks-off my culinary journey to Provence at Mireio...


That day, we sampled some of Chef de Cuisine Nicolas Cegretin's new dishes along with their current bestsellers for another classic taste of Provence at Mireio. Clean and fresh flavors, recreating the very essence of Provence's eternal sunshine, are served on a plate with Chef de Cuisine Nicolas Cegretin's Tomato Tart with Clams, Snails, Rocket, and Parmesan (P 510), a light and flaky tart topped with garden-fresh greens, succulent clams and snails artfully drizzled with a creamy dressing topped with Parmesan.


Chef Nicolas then served some of his new dishes for Mireio's Menu Dejeuner, with light starters ideal for pairing with their signature mains. The classic Salade Nicoise, an elegantly plated salad with lightly seared tuna, cherry tomatoes, eggs, potatoes, onions and crisp French beans, all "products of the sun" reflecting summer's freshest produce of Nice where the salad originated, is recreated at Mireio. 


The simple yet elegant plating highlights both freshness and flavor, with the distinct notes of each ingredient weaving a rich tapestry of rustic flavors. It's summer on a plate, at Mireio.


The Pork Neck and Chicken Liver Terrine with Pickled Gralic, Shallot, and Beets is another new dish featuring the traditional French terrine. The richness of the terrine is perfectly tempered by the sharpness of the pickled vegetables, preparing you for the next slice. And another. It's classic flavors like these that make Mireio that comforting little spot of Provence right here in the metro.


Chef Nicolas then served his duo of tartare dishes, starting with the Beef with Goat Cheese and Basil (P 420 Starter/P 720 Main), another elegantly plated dish with simple yet pure, bold and rich flavors.


The richness of the savory beef, with subtle hints of Dijon mustard, becomes even richer with the egg and creamy goat cheese balanced by the sharp notes of the fresh onions, a tasty starter and another favorite at Mireio...


...along with the Fresh and Smoked Salmon Tartar with Granny Smith Apple and Dijon Mustard Cream (P 1,050) completing the tasty tartare pair. The sweet and mildly tart apples and sharp Dijon mustard contrast with the creamy and buttery texture and flavor of the fresh salmon for balanced flavors, capped by the crisp salmon skin crackling. There are only a few other dishes as honest as a savory tartare, where only the freshest ingredients combine and deliver uncomplicated yet real flavors.


After Mireio's starters and salads, the main courses were then served, starting with the Grilled Butcher's Choice Beef with Sauteed Potatoes and Black Pepper Sauce (P 1,550). That day, Chef Nicolas served a fork-tender Striploin and Flank Steak perfectly grilled to medium rare for that flavorful beefy punch. Delicately seasoned, with the sharp notes of the black pepper sauce on the side, the savory richness of the beef comes through with each slice and eager bite.


Diners at Mireio can now find new additions to the menu, including a hearty Prawn Risotto with plump grilled prawns on soft and creamy Arborio short-grain rice cooked with tart tomatoes and topped with fresh herbs...


...and the Fresh Clams a la Mariniere, with succulent imported clams cooked in wine, butter and fresh herbs adding that distinct Provence charm to your meal at Mireio. The subtle briny sweetness of the clams, the fresh flavors of the prawns and the lively notes of the risotto offer diners the rich flavors of the day's freshest catch in a pair of masterfully executed seafood dishes at Mireio.


Then, there's Mireio's signature dishes, like the Slow-Cooked Ox-Tail Parmentier with Black Truffle Jus and Mesclun (P 1,450), with melt-in-your-mouth ox-tail topped with soft and creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with the nutty notes of black truffle, another personal favorite...


...and the equally comforting Traditional Puff Pastry filled with Chicken and Foie Gras, with Poultry Foam and Mesclun (P 1,050), a light and crisp pastry with a savory stuffing of chicken and foie gras. The light foam adds even more richness to the dish, rounded out by the thick gravy. The pair of simple yet hearty dishes take you on a culinary journey along the tranquil and quaint towns of Provence with every bite. 


Our Provencal feast continued with a duo of seafood dishes, with the Mussels in Mustard and Saffron Sauce with Onion Coulis (P 1,300) served in a pot with fresh herbs...


...and the beautifully plated Pan-Seared Herb-Crusted Sea Bass and Ratatouille-Stuffed Cannelloni with Ginger and Olive Oil (P 1,350), with each dish delivering flavorful bursts of sunshine. The succulent mussels, coated in a rich Dijon mustard and saffron sauce, release a briny sweetness, while the delicate notes of the herb-crusted sea bass are layered with vibrant hints from the ratatouille. Again, the freshness of the ingredients deliver clean flavors, and Chef Nicolas won't have it any other way at Mireio.


Finally, Chef Nicolas served his Classic Crispy Pork Trotter Galette served with Potato Puree and Mesclun (P 1,150), a savory pork dish draped in a rich sauce. The subtle flavors of the tender pork lines your palate with a decadent richness for another satisfying dish at Mireio. From starters and salads to mains, Mireio recreates the essence of the Provence in a variety of sunny and vibrant dishes for a comforting lunch.


For dessert, Mireio's Selection de Fromages (P 800), a cheese selection, was served...


...followed by the Flan Tart, another new dish created by Chef Nicolas, a mildly sweet yet creamy dessert served with ice cream. The velvety smooth flan isn't too sweet, kicked up by the deep, nutty hints from the chocolate drizzle and capped by the ice cream, perfect with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.


Cap your Provencal feast with Mireio's signature Lavender Creme Brulee with Lemon Madeleine and Roasted Compote Provencal (P 450, another indulgent dessert with that rustic Provencal charm. The sinful brulee with its lightly torched golden upper layer is just pure bliss, with hints of lavender tempered by the tart roasted compote, and finally the lemon madeleine adding textural contrast. 


Mireio's Provencal-inspired cuisine is one the metro's best-kept secrets, and now diners can enjoy their special Menu Dejeuner for lunch. Simply choose between the two or three course set menus specially prepared by Chef de Cuisine Nicolas Cegretin priced at P 988++ and P 1,100++ from 12 pm to 2:30pm daily, and you're all set for a classic taste of Provence.


And as the late afternoon light slowly fades, Mireio prepares to light up the evening once more with its sunny and vibrant dishes inspired by Provence for the dinner service. At Mireio, the sun never sets, with its fresh and bold flavors shining through like the endless summers of Provence...

Mireio is located at the 9th Floor, Raffles Makati, 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati. For more information and reservations, call 795-0707 or email mireio.makati@raffles.com. 

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