Sip and Gogh, Paint and Sip Studio

The last time I ever held a paintbrush was in high school.  My favorite Chinese teacher (well, I’m mighty surprised to even have one), asked me and my good buddy Sean to do a series of paintings for a small exhibit in school.  We got exempted from some Chinese classes to paint eclipses, full moons, dark clouds and an outer space view of the earth.  We’d spent time at the library trying to mix watercolor paints and learning how to do shadows.  I had no idea how to start but I followed the pictures that we had to copy.  I knew I wasn’t gonna do a good job, Sean is the artistic one (he’s now an architect).  I was just all too happy to be out of class… in a sort of legal way, contrary to the usual.

I enjoy going to exhibits and art museums, even if I have zero idea which of which is realism, expressionism, impressionism and surrealism.  Ah, abstract, I might be able to tell that with one eye closed.  I’ve heard too many abstract reasoning that it’s too familiar -that type that don’t make any sense yet some try to push the logic of it to get something or get out of something.  Funny how creative people can get. 🙂

The interest to learn how to paint came up again maybe 3 years ago but I never got around to it.  Early this year, I thought that trying my hand in painting would be a good distraction or medium of expression.  I was sort of running out of words to say something without saying it.  Har-har.  I’m very open but there are words that you restrain yourself to say.  You know, like diet.  That word I don’t like very much.  But yea, I wanted to paint.  I wanted colors.

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Poco Deli, A Revisit

It’s been a while since I last ate at Poco Deli but I was able to visit again sometime mid-July.  Parking is still tough around this part of Kapitolyo but luckily, we were able to park right out front.  I walk in the familiar dining area with the display case and counter on the right and a huge shelf of wine at the far end.

READ MORE:

Take a Poke at Poco Deli

In Crumbs: Poco Deli 

 

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Tis the Season to Deal Grocer

 

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year

With the kids jingle-belling

And everyone telling you

Be of good cheer

It’s the most wonderful time of the year

It’s the hap-happiest season of all

With those holiday greetings

And great happy meetings

When friends come to call

It’s the hap-happiest season of all

 

I’ve been humming and singing Andy Williams’ song, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” this week.  If you can actually hear my voice, you’d think I just murdered one of my favorite Christmas songs.  I shrug and be glad that I’m starting to feel the breath of Christmas.  Honestly, there’s still fear that this Christmas will not have a happy tone like in the past 2 years (2010 was when my father passed and 2011 was when there was abandonment during a grieving year) but I feel more positive this year that things are turning around.  I remember this season with gladness in the heart that God has His promise laid out for me and I soak in His love.

 

I will be cheerful this Christmas.  How can I not be?  There’s some sense of hope in the air.  You look around and people have that cheerful vibe.  Strangers are nicer to strangers.  Surrounding me are happy, merry people.  This season we recall how God so loved the world that He gave His only Son and we are grateful. 

 

Just before December hit, I’ve had much quieter and slower moments greeting November, enjoying “Me Time” and prayer time as well.  But towards the last part of November, things have started going pretty fast and I am swept in the rush finalizing deals needed to be done before the holidays and other projects in the pipeline.  I’ve also been dragged to an activity here and there by friends, old and new –pushing me out of my shell.  Now that first week of December is almost out, I’m getting jitters that I haven’t even started any Christmas shopping.  If I were in my old fighting form, Christmas shopping would’ve been all checked out by October.

 

Traffic has been crazier than the usual.  Malls are literally crawling with people and lines are long.  This year, I barely get any shopping done (well, not in my recent trip in Hong Kong but that’s another story) and my recourse has been to go online.  For easy shopping at discounted price, my destination is Deal Grocer.  That’s the direction I’m going again to escape the stress and make it hassle free through December.

 

Addiction to Deal Grocer has spread among friends.  They personally hand-pick the city’s best experiences and since these are first rate choices, it’s so hard to resist but it makes it all easy for me if I’m buying for gifting.  I can actually do shopping at home or at a coffee shop and see a fab selection of gifts from over 300 premium brands – at a discount.  Some discounts are hefty and substantial, others, reasonable.  Go online at www.dealgrocer.com and if you’re a member like I am, you’d be exposed to EXCLUSIVE Deal Grocer Members-Only prices.  Membership is absolutely FREE.

 

I’ve made two too many purchases in Deal Grocer, most times through friends (since I didn’t have a Visa Debit Card then) and I’ll just pay them when they had me the “gift.”  I was able to try La Cocina de Tita Moning through Deal Grocer and date CW (that’s former Bubba) there.  Many online purchases at DG followed.  The recent purchases I made on my own were the deals for Korea Garden and Hydra Facial Jet of AIP.  Both I was happy about. 

 

READ MORE:

La Cocina De Tita Moning

 

If you have a passion for life and life’s good things, enjoy deals across categories, from dining to getaways to hotels to beauty and wellness to food gifts to baby items.  They have tons of items to choose from. 

 

When I saw Deal Grocer’s Christmas Collection, I am beyond the point of no return.

 

Say I spotted the deal for Beso Cucina Vinoteka, which is one of the hottest dining spots in BHS Central featuring Spanish favorites with a twist by Chef Carlo Miguel.

 

RELATED POST:

Beso Cucina Venotika

 

Exclusive offer for Deal Grocer members buys you a scrumptious 3-Course Lunch for 2 at only P695 (P1,397 originally) that highlights modern Spanish dishes:

Enjoy two classic tapas dishes: Grilled Sardines with Rock Salt, Lemon & Parsley and Spiced Pork Meatballs in Tomato Sauce, perfectly seasoned with paprika and coriander.

Ox Tail and White Bean Fabada on Fideo and Olive Oil

Crema Catalana, a popular Spanish dessert, flavored with a touch of orange zest

2 glasses of Beso’s refreshingly fruity iced tea!

 

When I hold wine and cheese nights at my place, I need to prep before and clean after.  I’m eyeing the L’Incontro Ristorante Italiano Wine and Cheese for 2 P975 (P2000 originally).  Read the deal details below and my mouth quivered in excitement:

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Between Bites TOP 10 MUST BITES 2011

 

I have scoffed, gobbled, munched, wolfed down different dishes in many, almost countless, restaurants that I have to really organize my food thoughts.  That is the reason time and again I come up with these Between Bites Top 10 lists.

 

 

READ MORE:

Between Bites TOP 10 Food Highlights of 2010 (1st Half)

Between Bites TOP 10 Best Japanese Restaurants

BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST DATE PLACES

BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST FILIPINO EATS

BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST PAELLA

BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST Buffalo Wings

TOP 5 Sultry Strawberry Treats

Mercato Centrale, Where Food Lovers Meet, The TOP 10

Between Bites TOP 10 Things About Bali 

And here we go again!  This time I have dubbed my annual list as “MUST BITES” in line with the Between Bites “brand.”  Yuck, brand daw oh.  Haha.

10. Rub Ribs and Barbecue

A simple duplex with a red signage that spelled RUB stands in Tomas Morato.  With more comfortable dining area on the 2nd floor, the small space has quotable quotes in frames adorning the wall.  Their menu offers wings, potato wedges, pastas, pork belly, among others but obviously, it is a no-nonsense restaurant devoted to the love of ribs and barbecue.

 

[Read more…]

Boulevard Diner

 

 

Sometime July last year, I was invited for a “Secret Taste Test” and fortunately, I came out of it alive –alive and ready to kick for some more!  I tasted a range of burgers and wings that Saturday and left the venue panting because I was working hard… eating… and eating… I couldn’t stop eating, even if my belt was complaining of near explosion.  This got me eagerly anticipating for the opening of that restaurant.

 

READ MORE:

The Secret Taste Test

 

 

Now, the diner that haunted my burger/fries/wings fantasies stands like a small David in Xavierville.  The small diner offers only approx. 30-seating capacity but don’t let the cramped space deceive you.  It offers a Goliath of taste and personality that will make you change your mind about other burger places.

   

 

To simplify, everything almost starts with the Hero Burger, which is Boulevard Diner’s classic recipe of green ice lettuce, fresh tomatoes, beef patty, and pickle relish.  It’s that familiar comfort taste that your taste buds would time and again come home to… that classic burger that withstood the test of time.  Boulevard Diner cooks it medium to medium-well so as to keep the savory juices in.  If you like it well-done, the kitchen can grill it some more upon request.

 

Let’s line-up again the full cast below:

 

Larry Lana’i PHP 175

Hero Burger, cheese, smoked bacon, grilled pineapple, red onions

 

 

Different layers of flavor in one simple Hawaiian burger.  Dig the crunch of the crispy smoked bacon and contrast it with the soft sweet and citrus mellow of the pineapple… then sprung to a biting tinge of the red onions.  As all other bacons, this one also can’t stay in place.  Definitely one of my Boulevard Diner favorites!

 

Gorgon-zola PHP 180

Hero Burger, cheese, sautéed oyster mushroom, gorgonzola dressing  

 

 

Using the classic burger taste as the foreground, bite into a chunk of tender oyster mushrooms that doesn’t compete with the meat’s beefy-ness and instead compliments it.  The gorgonzola dressing is the tie that binds it all with its partly sharp and creamy essence.

 

Sgt. Slaw-ter

Classic burger coupled with cheese, red cabbage slaw, peanut-sesame dressing

 

 

This burger gives a pleasant surprise with its red cabbage slaw is tossed in a delightful peanut-sesame dressing that has a touch of citrus and tang that tastes refreshing. 

 

Nuclear Bean

Hero Burger, cheese, special chili beans, chopped jalapeños

 

 

It’s definitely a number of things.  The special chili beans aren’t soggy at all and add a depth of texture to the burger with an unusual bite.  I’m not a big fan of beans unlike Bubba but this one caught my interest and opened my mind a bit.  The chopped jalapeños make it more appealing to me.  It’s such a happy mess to eat.  You cannot miss not to try it.

 

Sha-Zam!!! PHP 195

If you’re like me that sometimes opens the top bun and puts fries in the burger for that extra layer of starch and bite, Sha-Zam is a must-order.  The burger served with crispy potato strings and a fried egg in its ingredient roster.

 

Wingerangs PHP 130 / ½ lb and PHP 255 / 1lb

 

 

Their heat-o-meter ranges from the cowardly Hickory to Lust, Fury, Love, Smoked, Death and Better than Hell.  As the name implies, you’d actually get what you’re asking for.  If you’re Lust-ing for buffalo wings with just enough heat that’s tolerable, then this is what you should gun for.  Lust has chili and lime flavor to balance out the taste.

 

 

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, or so they say.  Level with a scorned woman’s anger with Boulevard Diner’s Fury Wingerangs.  Love Wingerangs is their chocolate-spiked wings while Death and Better than Hell is the heat torture that you’re aiming for.

 

Cheddar Charles PHP 170 / ½ lb

Other than the flavorful wings, these cheese-stuffed potato tots are my favorite sides to my burger at Boulevard Diner.

 

 

 

So if you’re a big grub eater like me who LOVES, LOVES, LOVES cheeseburgers, fries and wings, Boulevard Diner is going to be one of your top favorites.  You will be so happy like me every time you see that Boulevard Diner is OPEN 😉

 

 

 

Yes, you know me too well, my dear readers, you’d probably bump into me at Boulevard Diner again.  SOON.

 

 

Photo Courtesy:

Richard of TalesfromtheTummy.com

Carlos of FoodieManila.com

 

 

 

Related Entries:

The Secret Taste Test

 

Kraft Eden Keso De Gallo in 100 Days in 100 Towns Builds One Nation

 

Every year, the Philippines as One Nation starts the World’s Longest Christmas Celebration and Kraft Eden is right in the middle of the action as they launched Kraft Eden Keso de Gallo and search for the best unique dish in 100 towns.

 

100 Days.  100 Towns.  100 Unique Dishes.

 

December may be the start of Christmas for the rest of the world. But here in the Philippines, Christmas history is made–because the world’s favorite season of the year starts a hundred days early. 

 

 

As early as September 4, Eden Cheese–the country’s well-loved cheese brand spearheads the world’s longest Christmas celebration with Eden’s Sarap ng Pasko: 100 Days of Christmas. Previously igniting the joy and faith of Filipinos nationwide in last year’s Keso de Gallo, Eden is  back to once again bring the warmest and tastiest Yuletide tidings to everyone, reminding Filipino of hope and unity.

 

 

“It is very evident that Filipinos have an innate sense of early excitement for Christmastime whatever situation they may be in,” Kraft Foods Philippines’ Category Marketing Manager Alex Dan Tacderas explains. “That is why we wanted to embody this excitement and bring the entire nation together for Christmas as early as September 4,” he adds.

 

 

Christmas may now have officially started in the Philippines. But this latest Yuletide undertaking by Eden in partnership with ABS-CBN Network kicked off as early as July when participating towns were asked for a cook off. “Each dish was made with indigenous ingredients native to their very own town–making every dish original and unique,” Tacderas says.

 

 

Now with 100 towns competing to have the country’s number one dish, Eden’s 100 Sarap ng Pasko: 100 Days of Christmas will bring out even more the culinary creativity in every participating town nationwide. “We believe in the natural talent and healthy competitiveness of Filipinos in making nutritious, delicious and affordable meals especially during this Christmas season,” Tacderas says. “That is why we leave the rest of the nation to vote for and decide who deserves to be the town that will be most recognized,”  

 

 

Last year, Kraft Eden gave the celebration of Misa de Gallo a cheesy twist by feeding churchgoers for 9 mornings in 9 different cities from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, in 9 different churches with 9 carefully selected Filipino recipes. “This year, we aimed to invite a hundred because during this season of merrymaking– the more really is merrier,” Tacderas shares.

 

1 Nation. 1 Festive Season. 1 Grand Yuletide Feast.

 

With a natural love and passion for food, this pioneering celebration isn’t merely a competition. Moreover, it brings the entire nation together in time to share the tastiest of Yuletide tidings. “Christmastime is a time wherein sharing is found most prominent especially among families,” Senior Brand Manager Anna Sapitan discusses. “Through this, we wanted to unite the country together as one big family with a common love for Christmas feasting,”

 

 

As a country that is known to be naturally warm and generous, Kraft Eden also aims to share Christmas joy and faith to every Filipino across the nation. “We selected towns precisely because we wanted to reach out from the most popular ones up to the less recognized ones–in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao,” Sapitan says.

 

Underscoring an optimistic, festive and delightful Christmas for everyone in the country, this year, Sarap ng Pasko: 100 Days of Christmas, strengthens the Yuletide spirit alive for each Filipino across the world.

 

1 Proud Country to Inspire the Whole World

 

“Apart from bringing the entire nation together during this celebration, we believe that this will also inspire the rest of the world on how passionate we Filipinos are when it comes to food,” Sapitan claims.

 

Being the world’s first longest Christmas celebration, this event pushes food tourism to a whole new level. “The Filipinos’ natural knack at creating scrumptious, healthy and budget-friendly meals makes, I believe makes us world-class,” Sapitan shares. With the country’s unique brand of culinary creativity, the world will surely want to get a taste of what our country has to offer.

 

 

“Having 100 towns nationwide create 100 unique cheese-based dishes will entice our friends from abroad to come and experience the country for themselves,” Tacderas says.

 

With the Spirit of Christmas ignited as early as September 4 and kept alive until the first Sunday of January 2011, the country is sure to make a mark in Christmas history the world-around. Moreover, the Yuletide warmth and joy spread by the country’s well-loved cheese among Filipino families nationwide will empower and unite the country even more.

 

 “Christmas really is the best time to be closer to our loved ones and to extend our love and faith to one another,” Tacderas explains. “And to have this culminating event is a way for all of us to end the year with great joy and start the next with utmost optimism,”

 

Vote for your town and help them realize their simple community wish by winning 2M in support fund and 100,000 for yourself. Send an Eden carton and be counted. Visit www.sarapngpasko.com or call 72-PASKO for more details.

 

Campaign for the participating town in Pasig City!

 

Pasig City is known as the capital of Rizal before Metro Manila was formed. The University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), one of the most exclusive universities in the country and the headquarters of San Miguel Corporation, owner of the largest producer of beer in the Philippines can be found here.

 

An interesting fact is that Pasig City is known for the legend of Pasig River which used to be an important transport route of  the Spaniards  in Manila.   The river connects  the famous Laguna de bay and Manila Bay.  It is also the home of one of the oldest edifices in Metro Manila, the Immaculate Conception  Church.

 

Their dish: Sweet and Sour Cheese Tofu.

 

 

What could be an easier dish to prepare (sweet and sour sauce made from scratch, anybody can cook it at their home) but excites the tastes buds (cheese is always wonderful) with a note of healthy bid (because of the tofu) than sweet and sour cheese tofu?

 

Kraft Eden Keso De Gallo Album  

 

Balkan Express

 

After visiting my “Beloved Papa” last Saturday morning, I brought my family out for lunch at Balkan Express. 

 

I’ve been hearing quite a buzz about Balkan Express from foodie friends. 

 

Related Posts:

 

Spanky’s

Anton’s

Franny’s

Carlos’

Richard’s

 

It’s a stone throw away from my place so when I finally found the time to check it out, that’s where we headed.  Balkan Express is situated almost at the corner of Mon and J. Abad Santos streets. 

 

 

If you’re not familiar with the Little Baguio area, the easiest route is to take Wilson Street from Greenhills and turn right to P. Guevarra.  Drive along the street past the SKY Cable office and turn right when you see Mon St., where you will turn right again.  I’m sure you won’t miss the yellow Balkan Express signage with two cute Balkan icons (?) with moustache.  

 

 

Parking can be a setback but fortunately, we were able to find one near the entrance door.  The restaurant, with yellow and orange walls and jar-like lowlights, is quite small with limited number of matching brown tables and chairs.  There were 6 of us so we had to merge another table to fit our party. 

 

 

Order should be placed by the counter (or even at the table but I decided to go to the counter anyway) where Serbian owner Marko Batricevic courteously helped me with the choices. 

 

 

Marko Batricevic is a fellow La Sallian who was part of the DLSU team that took home the 2007 UAAP Basketball Championship trophy.  Balkan Express is his and his brother Martin’s venture into bringing Eastern European Home Cooking to Filipino palettes.        

 

 

On the Table

 

Chicken Batak PHP 290

Grilled boneless chicken thigh stuffed with mozzarella cheese served with Jasmine rice

 

 

I’ve heard “hit and miss” reviews about their chicken batak.  My first try was not a letdown.  The boneless chicken thigh was grilled perfectly without losing its moisture and the stuffing of mozzarella cheese was generous giving the chicken enough saltiness from the cheese to season the meat.

 

Goulash PHP 230

Internationally popular stew made of lean beef, onions, and paprika served with noodles, 150g of lean meat

 

 

The brown stew had tender chunks of lean beef and interestingly swirls of pasta noodles.  The lean meat breaks apart easily without the effort of chewing.  The goulash gravy was smooth and quite tasty with Serbian spices and touch of ground paprika powder and onions.  The meat is coated well with the flavor of the goulash. 

 

Stuffed Pljeskavica PHP 320

Grilled Serbian meat served with homemade sauce, tomato, lettuce, onion and French fries

 

 

The semi-thick slab of meat is grilled evenly with visible grill marks that always looked appetizing to me.  Cut into it delicately and the cheese stuffed inside oozes out daintily.  The Serbian meat sprinkled probably in Serbian spices was flavorful but on the salty side –which might turn off some people but it was okay to me. 

 

Musaka PHP 195

Layered oven casserole dish made with shredded potato, ground beef, eggs, yogurt, milk, and onions.  Made to order

 

This is supposed to be a made-to-order dish which is usually ordered at least a day before, but Marko checked with the kitchen and since somebody ordered ahead of time, they can pull of another serving to accommodate our order of Musaka.

 

 

The Musaka crumbles easily barely anything that holds the minced meat together except for the partial yogurt, egg, milk and shredded potato mixture on top.  Texture is interesting with softness of the minced meat in contrast with the semi-crunch of the upper layer.

 

Balkanski Kebab PHP 330

Serbian barbecued chicken kebab (320g) wrapped in bacon served with Jasmin rice

 

 

Barbecued in my dictionary meant it must be grilled or smoked even just a tad bit –this doesn’t give that notion at all.  The chicken cuts tasted like it was boiled instead of grilled without probably any type of seasoning because it’s flat out bland –that not even the shade of saltiness from the bacon could save.  Fascinatingly, my sister Joanne seemed to like it and finished this.  I couldn’t even finish half a bite. 

 

Cevapcici PHP 180 (2)

All time favorite Balkan dish made of grilled minced meat served on a burger bun with homemade sauce, tomato, lettuce, onion, and French fries

 

 

Appearance is close to a hamburger except that the patty inside is actually three pieces of sausage-looking grilled meat.  In terms of price and taste plus consistency in quality, the Cevapcici takes the crown.  I ordered another Cevapcici to go so I could bring it to Dihia for his snack in the office and for him to try.

 

Service was handled well with minimal staff, even Marko was helping out in serving water and attending to the tables.  I find the price a bit steep for the overall combination of taste/serving, service and ambience.  

 

 

What I guess really turned me off the place was a noisy group at the far end of the dining room.  My patience can usually stretch for noise (but maybe I did mind that time since I just came from a solemn place and still had a lot of unidentified emotions) but this particular lady in the group was obnoxiously loud with no courtesy for the other diners.  Her booming voice can be heard audibly and painfully like she was just sitting right next to your EAR.  I see a Chinese family next to us and they too seemed to be distressed.  I recognize that the place is small and noise may resonate easily within the room –but my practical mind does know that if she could have unselfishly toned it down a bit, everyone would have had a more pleasing Saturday lunch there. 

 

Rocky and Shobe

Fat and Thin

My Reason to Breathe

 

If it’s going to be like that every time, I don’t think I’d be happy to bring my family back.  My mom enjoyed the food despite the noise but I personally could barely think, much less eat with all the harping.  If we do pay a return visit, it’s probably just going to be Bubba and me or with the Foodie Club.  

 

If you’re interested in trying out Eastern European home cooking in Manila, Balkan Express can actually dish out that experience for you.  The stuffed Pljeskavica, Chicken Batak and Cevapcici were the more popular choices for me and the rest on the table. 

 

 

Balkan Express

Eastern European Home Cooking

87 J. Abad Santos., Cor. Mons St.

Little Baguio, San Juan City 1500

(632) 330 0945

 

 

Balkan Express Album  

 

Photo Credit:

 

Carlos of FoodieManila.com

Richard of TalesfromtheTummy.com

 

 

The Secret Taste Test

 

 

Saturdays are made for sleeping in but what better reason to wake up early (okay, 11am is not early) than to get ready for a Secret Taste Test that afternoon?  My friend ZP (a.k.a Carlos Palma) invited me to this Secret Taste Test he’s been harping about for a couple of weeks now.    

 

 

Bubba and I reached the place without any hitches and were happy that the house door opened to a table of burger selections.  Burgers of sorts are laid on the table and they seem to call out my name.  I was sorta snobbish at first… say, a bit guarded.  It was the first meeting after all and I can’t be too easy.  I was in love with a burger once… and before “burger” broke my heart, it first broke my belt.   

 

But then, as Mariah Carey belts out, a hero comes along…

 

Hero Burger is Alvin Ong’s recipe of green ice lettuce, fresh tomatoes, beef patty, and pickle relish.  This hero is the burger classic –simple but with a lot of class, an unbroken taste.  And that’s where the clan of supreme burgers comes from.

 

 

Let’s meet the rest.

 

On the Table

 

Gorgon-zola

Hero Burger, cheese, sautéed oyster mushroom, gorgonzola dressing  

 

 

Using the Hero Burger as the foreground, get a chunk of tender oyster mushrooms that doesn’t compete with the meat’s beefy-ness and instead compliments it while the gorgonzola dressing unifies all the taste with a partly sharp essence.

 

Larry Lana’i

Hero Burger, cheese, smoked bacon, grilled pineapple, red onions

 

 

Cat got my tongue?  No, this burger got my tongue.  Different layers of flavor in one simple Hawaiian burger.  Dig the crunch of the crispy smoked bacon and contrast it with the soft sweet and citrus mellow of the pineapple… then sprung to a biting tinge of the red onions.  As all other bacons, this one also can’t stay in place.

 

Sgt. Slaw-ter

Hero Burger, cheese, red cabbage slaw, peanut-sesame dressing

 

 

This burger was a nice surprise especially when people are used to red cabbage slaw slathered with mayo.  The red cabbage slaw is tossed in a delightful peanut-sesame dressing that has a touch of citrus/tang that tastes refreshing.  Simple but still different and holds its own.

 

Nuclear Bean

Hero Burger, cheese, special chili beans, chopped jalapeños

 

 

It’s definitely a number of things.  The special chili beans aren’t soggy at all and add a depth of texture to the burger with an unusual bite.  I’m not a big fan of beans unlike Bubba but this one caught my interest and opened my mind a bit.  The chopped jalapeños make it more appealing to me.  It’s such a happy mess to eat.

 

Wings of Fury

½ lb chicken wings with extra hot chili sauce

 

 

It’s another happy mess to eat.  Finger-licking good wings coated in extra hot chili sauce that drips on my fingers and I don’t mind at all.  It kinda reminded me of this or this and this but difference is, I had maybe 8 pieces that Saturday afternoon.  8 pieces in one sitting!

 

Justice Fries

½ lb imported potato fries with grated parmesan cheese

 

 

Photos and styling are greatly done by ZP (these are photos from the previous taste tests).  The burger flavors aren’t that complicated and you can taste freshness in each bite like it was made simply from home. 

 

But I’m glad that it won’t be made only from home anymore… a restaurant/diner will soon open that serves these burgers and wings -in probably 1-2 months.  Crossing my fingers tight that the same will be for the diner! 😀  I’m thrilled that it will open around the area I frequent.  At least, that’s what the owner is currently trying to work out. 

 

It was a scrumptious afternoon of secret taste test.  It’s the secret you want to be in.

 

 

And while I wait eagerly for the diner’s signage to light…

 

 

I’m off to find a new belt.  A longer one, in fact.

 

I might be in love again.

 

 

 

Photo Credit:

Carlos Palma of FoodieManila.com

 

*Thanks to Carlos Palma and Alvin Ong for the invite.  And congrats to Joe Kuan, hope you had a great graduation dinner last Saturday 😉

 

Between Bites’ TOP 10 Food Highlights of 2010’s 1st Half: What a Mouthful!

 

 

Between Bites TOP 10 Food Highlights (2010 -1st Half) 

 

 

10. King One’s Shabu Shabu

 

That Sunday lunch at King One’s Shabu Shabu (PHP 529 per head) was a wonderful lunch where the food were abound and of good quality –prepared well I should say.  I get turned off with restaurants that offer buffet sometimes because of the way the food is prepared… but in this case, King One’s staff handles the food properly.  Service was friendly, prompt and inclined –more reason to enjoy your King One feast.  Don’t forget to order fresh prawns, mozzarella balls, tao pao and lambOh lamb!

 

 

 

READ MORE!

Foodie Club Series: The Shabu Shabu Fit for a King

 

 

King One Rotary Hot Pot

M2-A Lower Hobbies of Asia

#8 Macapagal Ave., Pasay City

(632) 556 1370

 

 

9. Sweet Revenge of Maitre Chocolatier

 

Sweet Revenge is Maitre Chocolatier’s Lindt Molten Lava Cake -dark chocolate molten lava cake made from Europe’s finest Lindt Excellence Dark 70%, filled with oozing sweet and vengefully spicy chocolate served with vanilla ice cream

 

Sweet Revenge was the unanimously favorite on the table with its gooey warm chocolate that ruptures from the moist cake that’s bittersweet dark and spiced with chili.  Midway when the chocolate flavor sinks in, the chili essence abruptly creeps in creating a sweet heat inside your mouth.  Cool off with the vanilla ice cream that soothes your taste buds to a calm reverie.  Bubba, Zipster and I loved the yin yang taste of darkness and sweetness, as well as the heat and arctic feel.

 

 

The spunk of the chili in the luscious chocolate liquid inside and the vanilla ice cream bring it all together in sweet harmony. 

 

 

READ MORE!

Exquisitely Choco Loco at Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Café

Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Café

 

 

Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Cafe by Eva Wong 

2A (Beside Starbucks), No. 28 Jupiter Street 

Bel Air, Makati City, Philippines 

(632) 897 8559 

 

 

8. Minato’s Great Korean Barbecue

 

Other than the smorgasbord of side dishes that includes Kimchi, spiced green vegetables, peanuts, bean sprouts, marbled potatoes among a variety of other side accompaniments, it is really the barbecue that’s quite good at Minato.  It has to be one of the best in town.

 

 

Kimchi Pancake

The Kimchi Pancake is oil-fried pancake with bits of beansprouts and cabbage flavored Kimchi-style.  And I think it’s free.

 

So Kal Bi PHP 350

Marinated beef short ribs –has a shadow of sweetness, garlic and soy.  It’s hard to restrain oneself from gnawing the large bones with charred meat.

 

 

Sam Gyeop Sal PHP 240

The plate had thick, fatty slices of pork belly (almost looks like uncured bacon) alternating meat and fat and then skin.  Meat is left unseasoned and usually cooked on a grill at the diner’s table.  In this case, the wait staff helped in cooking the pork belly slices.  On the side, green onion leeks and lettuce are served in case you prefer to wrap your meat inside.  Customize it and add different side dishes or Kimchi and dip in sesame oil with fine black pepper and salt for a perfect finish.

 

 

 

READ MORE!

Foodie Club Series: Great Korean Barbecue at Minato

 

 

Minato Korean Restaurant

Escriva Road (between Furu Restaurant and Agua Vida)

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

 

 

#8 is a toss-up between Minato and Chic Boy

tied at the same number.

 

 

8. Tasty Lechon Liempo at Chic Boy

 

Great food doesn’t necessarily have to come at a price.  There’s a new affordable (almost dare to say cheap) food discovery along Jupiter Street in Makati.  Call on the Chic Boy.  Chic-Boy is actually a play on the words Chicken and Baboy (pork) –the meats that are quite popular in the Filipino community particularly when it’s grilled.

 

Chic Boy is putting a whole new turn on chicken inasal, lechon manok and lechon liempo like you’ve never tasted before.  They’ve taken a special secret recipe of tasty lechon manok and lechon liempo in Cebu and chicken inasal of Bacolod and put it all in one easy-breezy and affordable restaurant here in Manila.

 

 

Must-orders include their Cebu Lechon Liempo and Salmon Sinigang (PHP 45).  With those affordable prices and flavorsome and satisfying meals, how can anyone go wrong? 😀

 

 

READ MORE!

Tasty Lechon Liempo at Chic Boy

 

 

Chic Boy

Jupiter St., Makati City

 

 

7. 22 Prime’s Tomahawk Chop

 

Quick-fire thoughts:

I love the ample size of fat that adds a buttery texture  

and heightens flavor of the meat 

Peppercorn sauce bursts a bouncy flavor that goes perfectly with the chop 

The salad is a good pause in between bites of meat as a cleanser to the palate 

Side of baby vegetables had the right crisp and seasoning  

–the lone brussel sprout was my favorite!  Quite tasty!!!  

 

 

 

Don’t miss out on ordering my FAVORITE Chef Rick’s Cheese Bread!

 

 

Chef Rick’s Cheese Bread PHP 140

Gooey warm cheese topped on three breads, soft and bursting with tantalizing flavors.  Served with baby greens in a mild citrus dressing sparkled with pink peppercorn.  Sun dried tomato and broiled four cheese together?  It’s an exercise in indulgence.

 

READ MORE!

22 Prime’s Tomahawk Chop is a Prime Mover

Premium Night at 22 Prime

 

 

22 Prime 

22nd Level, Discovery Suites 

25 ADB Avenue 

Ortigas Avenue, Ortigas Center 

Pasig City, Metro Manila 

(632) 719 8888/ (632) 719 6821 

 

 

6. Ya Kun Kaya Toast –Ortigas

 

Want a great breakfast that lifts you up at any time of the day?  Head over at Ya Kun Kaya! 🙂

 

Kaya Toast (Half PHP 115, Set Menu PHP 140)

2 slices of delicious Kaya toast with butter –has the right lightly toasted crunch of the bread, slathered with butter and just enough green sweet coconut spread.  Satisfies when washed down with Ya Kun’s famous coffee tarik or the traditionally pulled coffee.  It’s not on their menu, but you can change your coffee to Yin Yang, which is this delicious half-coffee and half-tea drink. 

 

 

Noticeably, the Ya Kun eggs were cooked perfectly, which other Kaya stores can’t quite get, where the eggs usually come out with still some raw uncooked parts.  My little spoon broke into that fountain of yolk and I was soaked in sunshine delight.  There’s no brighter day than eating wet and perfectly prepared eggs with the crunch of your toast.

 

 

READ MORE!

Ya Kun Kaya -Ortigas

In Crumbs: Ya Kun Kaya, Taverna Verde and Taal View Heights

 

 

Ya Kun Kaya Toast 

G/F AYK Bldg., Escriva Drive (Right beside Astoria Plaza) 

San Antonio Village, Ortigas, Pasig City 

(632) 470 4285 

7AM-11PM 

 

 

5. Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice

 

Suffused in its natural chicken juice/broth, the chicken meat was very tender and delectable –quite tasty for what can be considered a “healthy food.”  The exquisite and juicy flesh of the steamed chicken is finely balanced with the fragrant rice sprinkled with green onions.  Add a splotch of color and taste by blending in the ginger in sesame oil, chili and sweetened soy sauce. 

 

 

Ooh, the appetizing smell and pleasant gingerly-sesame light taste mixed with a touch of soy and red spice… makes you definitely bite off more than you can chew.

 

 

READ MORE!

In Crumbs: Stevie’s Hainanese Rice, Clawdaddy and Cibo

Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice: Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

 

 

Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice (For pick-up orders only)

21 Libra St. Bel Air,

Makati City

(0906) 508 4155

 

 

4. Legend of India

 

Next to my favorite cuisine, I think Indian cuisine is one of the most interesting and flavorful fares in the world.  Indian cuisine uses various spices, herbs, and vegetables and fruits sometimes grown only in India.  It also has a wide assortment of cooking techniques. 

 

Kadai Paneer PHP 260

Cottage cheese cooked in a traditional kadai masala paste

 

 

Rogan Josh PHP 450

Rogan Josh is an aromatic curry meat dish cooked with a mixture of strong Indian spices where the fat of the meat is usually roasted first in yogurt marinade.  Legend of India tamed their version for our group, which mean it wasn’t intensely hot, but it was still intensely enjoyable paired with the vegetable biryani or the naan.

 

 

Sweet Lassi PHP 110

It was my first time to actually drink a whole glass of sweet Lassi.  I’ve tried it before in other Indian restaurants but found the others’ version too sour for my taste.  Lassi is a popular and traditional Indian yogurt-based drink.  I tremendously enjoyed Legend of India’s sweet lassi since it has a perfect blend of yogurt, milk and sweetener.  There’s a bit of tangy taste to it but it mellows down with a frothy sweet milky flavor.  It fully relaxes your taste buds from the spices.

 

 

 

READ MORE!

Legend of India is Legend of Taste

 

 

Legend of India

114-B Jupiter St.,

Bel-Air II, Makati City

(632) 836 4232

 

 

3. Tsumura’s Wagyu Beef Usuyaki

 

Other than the sushi and sashimi…

 

 

It’s the Wagyu Beef Usuyaki that’s memorable at Tsumura! 🙂

 

Wagyu Beef Usuyaki PHP 600

Supple mushrooms wrapped in thinly sliced Wagyu beef –very tender, flavorful that it’s mighty impressive.  The mushrooms were very light, in mellow contrast of the excellent beef.  It is simply an indulgence in fine food.  The taste is divine.

 

 

 

READ MORE!

The Way a Sushi Should Be at Tsumura

 

 

Tsumura 

2nd Level 88 Corporate Plaza 

Sedeno corner Valero Streets, 

Salcedo Village, Makati City 

(632) 887 4848/ (632) 4850 

 

 

#3 is actually a toss-up between Tsumura and Serenitea

tied at the same number.

 

3. Serenitea’s Okkinawa or Hokkaido Milk Tea

 

Serenitea is your one-stop shop for all things serene about tea.  They have different variants of tea that will help boost a definite change of drinking lifestyle.  It is the healthy alternative to colas, coffee and sugar-loaded smoothies.  We visit 3 to 4 times a week to get our “Serenitea fix,” which is usually their Okkinawa milk tea drink with nata or pearls (depending on what topping you want) or Hokkaido with pearls.

 

 

 

READ MORE!

Different Tea Assortments to Love at Serenitea

A Sunday Afternoon Picnic

 

 

2. Frazzled Cook’s Paella

 

In terms of taste and price, I consider Frazzled Cook’s Seafood Paella as the best in my book so far.

 

Seafood Paella PHP 550

For those diners who love their seafood paella with the full generous portions of mussels, squid rings, shrimps, chorizo and egg, this is their best bet for paella and huge value for money.  I love the fact that they serve it on the paellera since I enjoy most my paella with the burnt crispy part at the bottom. 

 

 

For other recommended orders, below are some dishes worthwhile to try:

 

Wagyu Salpicao PHP 550

When the serving arrives on your table, initial thought would be, “this dish is pricey.”  If you’re being served with quality Wagyu that certainly softens in your mouth in a buttery texture without any effort, then your money is good.  Have no qualms being served only a few flavorful cubes of beef drenched in its sautéed oil with lightly fried chips of garlic and slices of button mushrooms.  Superb.

 

 

Peruvian Hot Pot PHP 400

The Peruvian Hot Pot is their version of spicy lamb stew.  This was Bubba’s favorite as the spicy invigorating flavors all come together from the lamb, olives, bell peppers and wine –great flavor and unbelievable rich sauce.  The lamb meat had no gamey aftertaste that will surely convert those non-lamb eaters.

 

 

 

READ MORE!

The Frazzled Cook and His Dazzling Dishes

 

 

The Frazzled Cook

#916 Luna Mencias Street, Baranggay Additional Hills,

Mandaluyong City

(632) 782 5980

 

  

1. La Tienda Steak

 

Chuleton PHP 2,150 (PHP 425/100 grams)

It was the steak that was the highlight of this dinner date for me (okay, plus Bubba’s adoring chinky eyes).  One of the best steaks I’ve tasted in Manila is not found on a focused steakhouse.  It’s at a Spanish restaurant called La Tienda.  I was pleasantly surprised how the steak gratified my meaty cravings.  I think we had it cooked in medium doneness.  The delicious steak was quite tender –glistening with appropriate grease and seemingly lightly salted while being cooked.

 

 

 

READ MORE!

La Tienda

 

 

La Tienda

43 Polaris St. Bel-Air

Makati City, Philippines

(632) 890 4123

 

 

Because I love food so much, I have #11-#20 but I’ll save it for another post.  Watch out for that soon! 😉

 

For the meantime, here’s looking forward to the wonderful eats and gastronomic experiences for the next half of the year!  Food Highlights from July-December 2010 –2nd half version!  And finally, by the end of the year, TOP 10 of 2010!!! 😉  I’m so giddy with excitement!  CHEERS!

 

THANK YOU Ming for this photo! 😉

 

 

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE and EAT!!! 😉

 

Photo Credit:

Carlos Palma of Foodie Manila

www.FoodieManila.com

Take a Poke at Poco Deli

 

 

Bubba invited out to lunch and I can only be a happy beaver to get out of the office environment and enjoy a slow lunch with him.  Away from the tall buildings of Ortigas Center, we found ourselves at a small deli near Charlie’s Burger (our usual for lunch dates on weekdays). 

 

 

Poco Deli, situated unassumingly along East Capitol Drive in Pasig City, has only 5-6 tables including those outside.  Upon entering, you’d notice Dave’s Natural Yogurt stand near the counter, display cases of cheeses and other deli products like sausages, and wine display at the end of the dining area.   

 

 

Their menu consists of pasta, pizza and sandwiches as well as cheese boards and cold cuts of Mickey Deli’s products.  Dave’s Frozen Yogurt for dessert and a list of wines are also available.

 

On the Table

 

Pomodoro PHP 155

The pasta pomodoro arrived 5-8 minutes after ordering.  It had that sweet light tomato base on angel hair pasta. 

 

 

Pizza Margherita PHP 280

The pizza took approx. 20-25 minutes before it arrived that Bubba and I only had a slice each before we had it wrapped.

 

 

Glass of Wine PHP 140

 

 

Pistachio Yogurt PHP 80

 

 

I’d probably do a repeat once there’s another lunch out invite, especially if I wanted to stay off the crowded areas like Charlie’s Burger (unless I’m craving for Charlie’s!). 

 

 

 

21 East Capitol Drive,

Barrio Kapitolyo, Pasig City, Philippines

(632) 664 0519

 

 

Poco Deli Album

 

Ya Kun Kaya Toast –Ortigas

 

Ever since I read about Arpee’s post on Ya Kun Kaya, it’s been a breakfast I’ve long coveted.  That’s the reason I was really bent on trying Ya Kun Kaya in Singapore last October 2009 when I went there for the Nuffnang Blog Awards.  Our schedule was too tight that I only had the travel back from IKEA to Link hotel in Tiong Bahru (30 minutes before our private bus supposedly leaves for the airport) to find the most popular all day breakfast place.  Jen and Kate were with me during my quest. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to cut it so we just settled for another Kaya place in SG.

 

 

Fret no more because Singapore’s Favorite Coffee Chain is now in Manila!  Taste the very best of coffee and Kaya breakfast in the heart of Ortigas Center.  Lucky me, this is only a stone-throw away from my office. 

 

On the Table

 

Kaya Toast (Half PHP 115, Set Menu PHP 140)

2 slices of delicious Kaya toast with butter –has the right lightly toasted crunch of the bread, slathered with butter and just enough green sweet coconut spread.  Satisfies when washed down with Ya Kun’s famous coffee tarik or the traditionally pulled coffee. 

 

 

There are different hot drinks available.  Get conventional with the Coffee “O” or Tea “O,” which is black (as pronunciation of O in Chinese means black) or try it with a bit of milk and order Coffee “C” or Tea “C.”  Other drinks in the menu include Hot Milo, Hot Mocha, Hot Chocolate, Ginger Tea, and Japanese Green Tea.

 

Yummy soft-boiled eggs –I got the set meal so I got two eggs.  I seasoned with a bit of special Japanese soy sauce and pepper.  Richard did notice that I love pepper.

 

 

Noticeably, the Ya Kun eggs were cooked perfectly, which other Kaya stores can’t quite get, where the eggs usually come out with still some raw uncooked parts.  My little spoon broke into that fountain of yolk and I was soaked in sunshine delight.  There’s no brighter day than eating wet and perfectly prepared eggs with the crunch of your toast.

 

 

Hankering to slurp more yellow-k goodness, Bubba stopped me from ordering another set because eating 4 eggs (I already had two) will ruin my diet for the Bali trip.

 

 

Cheezy French Toast Kaya Set Menu PHP 150

1 slice of cheesy French toast with Kaya –for people like Bubba a.k.a the Cheeseman who likes their toast with cheese, this is the must-order.  They also have cheese toast with kaya (PHP 140) if you’re craving for grilled cheese sandwich.

 

 

Yin Yang –fragrant coffee and tea drink

Richard let us try the Yin Yang, which is not part of the menu (but feel free to order this during your Ya Kun Visit).  Yin Yang is part coffee and half tea –get that stimulating coffee flavor and the calming effect of tea.

 

 

 

Start your day right with the breakfast of champs at Ya Kun Kaya Toast.  You missed to start the day with that delicious breakfast?  Ya Kun Kaya Toast is open from 7AM to 11PM so get your breakfast fix even way after breakfast time –all day everyday!

 

 

Ya Kun Kaya Toast

G/F AYK Bldg., Escriva Drive (Right beside Astoria Plaza)

San Antonio Village, Ortigas, Pasig City

(632) 470 4285

7AM-11PM

 

Ya Kun Kaya Toast Album

 

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Singapore Day 3: IKEA

 

Greenwich Pizza Levels UP!

 

 

Other than Monday, midweek is usually the busiest time of the week.  But you just got to make time for dinner when you get an invite from Arpee to meet the Greenwich brand and PR execs –the folks who got us laughing watching the “sobrang cheesy” advertisements.  Smiling at the thought of Bubba giving his “sobrang cheesy!!!” remark with that cheesy facial expression of his 🙂

 

(Azrael of www.azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com with Lace of www.styleandrelax.blogspot.com)

 

Now, the Greenwich team is back with more power and more supremacy.  The country’s favorite pizza chain, Greenwich, who gives the most scrumptious blend of delicious and exciting pizza (remember Sisig pizza? I was a fan!) and pasta innovations, recently launched the new Ultimate Hawaiian Overload –declaring it to be the best Hawaiian pizza in the country today!  Why?  Because it has double the Hawaiian toppings you love –double the flavor, double the fun!  Definitely, nag-level up na sa sarap!

 

 

Other Greenwich favorites!

 

We got an exclusive (hot off the “editing room”) viewing of their new campaign.  See local movie stalwart John Lloyd Cruz like you’ve never tasted seen him before!  Ibang level talaga! 😉

 

 

The New Ultimate Hawaiian Overload is available at close to 250 Greenwich stores nationwide.  Metro Manila Delivery hotline is 5-55-55.

 

Dine in/ Take out prices:

Rolled Edge double, family                P265, P419

Thin & Crispy double, family                P225, P379

Party Square                                         P455

 

Even their pizza boxes leveled-up!!!! Check out the design from Team Manila! 😉

 

Photo from Azrael: http://azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com

 

 

Your regular pizza flavor is not so standard anymore –so upgrade your bud’s expectation and level-up your taste to the Ultimate Hawaiian Overload!!!

 

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Azrael’s Merryland 

Fritzified

 

Taste of LA

It was my doting sister Joanne’s 19th birthday last May 25, 2009.  We spent her birthday dinner at Taste of LA restaurant located at Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

 

On the Table:

(Join the club, I don’t like my photos too)

Buffalo Chicken Wings PHP 310

We have very high standards for buffalo chicken wings having tasted so many variations from different restaurants.  We have three on our favorite list –sure fire no disappointment when you check out the buffalo chicken wings there (will do a separate post on this).  However Taste of LA’s version wasn’t even at parity.  The meat was tough and dried out.  There will definitely be no repeat order for this one.  The whole table agrees.

 

Lazy Beef Fondue PHP 420

Tenderloin tips with various dips served with olive and mushroom fried rice on a separate container.  I had another presentation envisioned prior to seeing the plate on our table.  I thought we were going to cook the beef ourselves but it was served cooked.  No problem there, we were starving anyway.  The beef was very tender and had a garlicky taste.  There was no need for the sauces served on the side.  Presentation I must say can do better though but the beef was wonderful.

 

Char grilled Lamb Chops with fried garlic and brown gravy PHP 580

This was my dear mother’s order.  I took a few bites and it was okay.  She liked it and finished the three racks.  I wish they also served a small amount of mint on the side as an alternative condiment choice.

 

Hot Hot Hot Sausage Pizza PHP 350

Thin, extra crispy pizza with hot Italian sausage, garlic, and mushrooms.  Everyone gushed about how good the pizza was.  It was particularly thin but the crunch invites you to bite some more.  It was insanely good that everyone was on it!  The pizza is prompting me for a second visit soon.  I hope it’s not the same as the Persian and Lechon cravings back again.

 

Fettucinne with Shrimps in Jalapeno Cream Sauce PHP 420

I requested the wait staff to change the pasta to spaghetti instead of Fettucinne.  I’m not that fond of Fetuccine’s think cuts.  He politely inclined the request.  We were only able to touch a portion of the pasta because we were so full by this time and I liked it a lot.  Had a touch of lemon or citrus taste to it with a kick.  The shrimps bring a different texture and balance to the Jalapeno cream sauce.

 

Taste of LA

171 A. Roces Cor. Tomas Morato

Quezon City.

+632 3742461

+632 5251352

 

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Get Delicious at Dinelli Gourmet

 

The Inauguration and Press Launch of Dinelli Gourmet happened last Tuesday evening, 18th of November 2008.  Dinelli Gourmet is the latest addition in Manila’s gourmet and specialty foods market.

 

 

The newly opened gourmet shop is your new stop for the freshest and unique selection of gourmet foods.  More than the exclusive imported items and fresh cold cuts and wide array of cheese selection, the store also has a section for kitchen equipment from Australia, Europe and USA.  The husband and wife tandem of Anthony and Kristine Meehan, proprietors of Meehan Cellars Inc. decided to open a chain of gourmet shops in the Metro.  The Tomas Morato branch is the first of the three set to open.  The second branch is fixed to launch in December which location will be at the Fort.

 

 

The Amazing Race Asia 3 Philippine Team contestants (and hopefully winners!  We’ll find out tonight) model Geoff Rodriguez and beauty queen Tisha Silang hosted the event.  While cocktails and various wines were being served around since 630pm, the official ceremony started at 8pm with the formal ribbon cutting.

 

 

The Australian Senior Trade Commissioner Ross Bray, was the Guest of Honor and consequently presided over the ribbon cutting.  It was a well-attended event as local dignitaries, eminent businessmen, celebrities and models graced the event alongside the media cluster.  Representatives from Yummy Magazine (calling Fran Haw, where were you?) and Uno were also present. 

 

 

As the event kicked off, Geoff passed the floor to Mr. Anthony Meehan who welcomed the guest and thanked those who made the event possible, as well as the media partners.

 

I got to have a quick chat with Geoff and egged him to reveal if they won TARA 3.  It was after all, 2 nights away.  He was mum all the way.  I guess I had to wait for 48 more hours.

 

 

Whether you’re looking for a strong-tasting cheese or smooth creamy cheese, or even cheese studded with pimiento or chilies for that extra zing, Dinelli Gourmet offers a complete cheese selection.  Dinelli advises that hard cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino, Manchego and Grana Padano are great for crumbling or grating texture.  Cheddar, Edam, Gruyere, Emmenthal are semi-hard cheese that have milder flavors and can melt quite easily.  For other cooking needs such as adding a height to your sandwich creations, semi-soft cheeses are available too, like Bleu d’Auvergne, Port Salut (saint Paulin), Fourme D’Ambert, Roquefort Societe, Gorgonzola Dolce, Feta.  For rich creamy variants, the popular ones are Brie and Camembert, followed by St. Nectaire, Mascarpone (usually used in desserts) and Cambozola Cheese Kaserei.

 

 

They also carry Moondarra cheese brand: ashed goat, chilli, creamy blue cheese, fruit and nut, garlic and chives, garlic and herb goat cheese, honey and pistachio, melon and mango, pear and vanilla bean, sun dried tomato (Mm-mm!) and herb, bruschetta cheese among others.

 

 

For those who have a discerning taste for the expensive, Castaing Fois Gras products are available in Dinelli Gourmet stores.

 

 

Refreshments and treats from the store’s gourmet selection and menu items were at every corner.  The food (cheese, meat, pasta, dessert) and wine were free flowing throughout the night –even at the time when we left, fresh batches were being brought out.  The treats were simple ingredients tossed together –but it definitely tasted like designer cocktails.  Seeing all the products, I had the urge to buy so many items off their racks.  A bottle of cocktail onions, brie, gorgonzola, manchego and fontina, grapes, dried apricots, walnuts, wine and I’m good to go for a cheese party.  There were Moroccan lamb stew and couscous on a microwave-able container that Bubba was interested in, plus a dish of Tortellini and cream cheese.  Whereas for me, my curiosity was more piqued with the individual ingredients I’ve only seen there.  That launch surely fired up a vanishing cooking passion in me. Getting an access to an assortment of distinctive ingredients inspired me to concoct new dishes.

 

 

Each guest also received a gift basket with a selection of gourmet foods to be able to sample the Dinelli gourmet lifestyle at home.  Dinelli Gourmet will surely change the landscape of Metro shopping and hopefully ups the ante of deli stores as well as Filipino home dining.  Get creative with Dinelli gourmet products and come up with the freshest dish ideas.  Dinelli Gourmet is located at 5 Timog Avenue, Quezon City.

 

 

Thanks to Christopher Pettersson, CEO of Kingpin Syndicate Inc. for the invitation.

 

Dinelli Gourmet Album