December 18, 2012

Kape Chino- Ancestral Dining in Casa Roces Malacañang


Welcome to Casa Roces! A hidden gem in the vicinity of Manila's white house- Malacañang. I've spent 13 years of my elementary and high school life side by side with the palace, yet, I've never heard of Casa Roces until I graduated college. I was very eager to finally visit the place and check out what I've been missing ever since. 

Kape Chino is the restaurant and cafe in Casa Roces which is currently under the management umbrella of the Cravings Group. The menu includes classic Filipino dishes, some of which are even heirloom dishes tweaked a bit for that unique twist.


One will immediately fall in love with the ambiance of the place. It's very cozy and relaxed as if you're just in another friend's house. I love the homey vibe brought about by the furniture and interiors which captures the mood for an intimate get together with friends, families and loved ones. I would say that it is also a perfect date spot far away from the busy and crowded establishments around other cities. 


Choritos En Balsamico (P355)Crispy fried Spanish pork sausages drizzled with a balsamic reduction


A great starter to tease the palate, the pork sausages came out with a strong and distinct smokiness and flavor. A little too salty for me but the balsamic reduction helped to bring out a nice salty-sweet balance to the appetizer. 

December 17, 2012

Gift Idea For Christmas- The Bistro Group Premiere Card

The ultimate gift you can give your foodie friends/families this Christmas.. The Bistro Group Premiere Card.


Are you familiar with the Bistro Circle Card? It's a card that gives diners great privileges and dining discounts from all Bistro Group restaurants. I must admit, getting the Bistro Circle Card is so much worth it, especially for people who loves eating out and at the same time would like to avail huge savings and discounts. 

However, grabbing the new Bistro Group Premiere Card will grant you a whole lot MORE privileges and dining benefits from all concept restaurants by The Bistro Group. 

The Bistro Group currently has twelve (12) concept restaurants where you can use your Premiere Card.


                       - T.G.I.Fridays                           - The Stock Market Cafe
             - Italianni's                               - Bulgogi Brothers
    - Fish & Co                               - Ma Maison
- FlapJack's                               - Watami
           - Pig Out                                    - Village Tavern
                                      - Krazy Garlik                            - Modern Shanghai (opening soon)

So why get the Bistro Group Premiere Card?

With the new Premiere Card, here are the dining privileges and discounts one could enjoy:
- 20% off on Total Bill 
- 25% off on Total Bill on your Birth Month
- 30% off every Monday
- Complimentary Coffee or Tea for every visit
- Two (2) 40% off Dining Vouchers up to P3,000 spend
- Six (6) Appetizer Vouchers up to P400 value each (may be used in any concept of your choice)

All these benefits in just one card- The Bistro Group Premiere Card for only P2,500!

Hurry! Grab your Bistro Group Premiere Card and avail of these awesome perks and privileges now! :) 

You may purchase the Premiere Card in ALL Bistro Group Restaurants.

December 11, 2012

ChaLife Milk Tea- Relaxingly Hot, Refreshingly Cold!


Good news milk tea fanatics! Now, you may enjoy your favorite milk tea beverage at the comforts of your home with the new ChaLife Milk Tea Powdered Drink Mix

One sachet of ChaLife Milk Tea weighs 20 grams and could fill a 230ml glass. Yes, that's greater than other milk tea powder mix available in the market. ChaLife Milk Tea is available in 7-11 storesLandmarkWaltermart, and other leading supemarkets for only P7.50 per sachet or P44.00 per box of 6's. 

We were treated to a nail spa session last month at Nail It Salon- Rockwell Business Center in Ortigas, courtesy of the people behing ChaLife Milk Tea. It was a simple and casual event where bloggers were able to try the new Chalife Milk Tea drink while enjoying their nail spa services. 


We were asked to choose the services we want to avail and I ended up choosing the manicure w/ nail polish. My attendant started to clean my nails, moisturized my hands and then applied my chosen nail polish. 

December 8, 2012

Gift Idea For Christmas - Indulge in a Queso de Bola Cheesecake from Indulgence by Irene


It's no secret that I love cheesecakes. Blueberry cheesecake, strawberry cheesecake, Oreo cheesecake, mango cheesecake, white chocolate cheesecake, dense cheesecake, light cheesecake, soft cheesecake, fluffy cheesecake, what ever form it may be, if it's cheesecake, I'll love it. 

So just imagine my excitement when I was given a small box of Quezo de Bola Cheesecake. Interesting cheesecake right? When one mentions Queso de Bola Cheesecake, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the cheesecake from "Indulgence by Irene". In fact try googling it and the same name pops up. 

Ms. Irene Co, owner and baker of this much raved about cheesecake, is also the wife of Mr. Richard Co, blogger behind the famous food blog Tales from the Tummy

December 7, 2012

Jasmine Restaurant Offers Authentic Cantonese Cuisine at the New World Makati Hotel

Jasmine is the Cantonese cuisine specialty restaurant of New World Makati Hotel that boasts to serve  fine and authentic Cantonese dishes. The place exudes elegance with modern Chinese art deco, spacious dining area and cozy ambiance. 


Helmed by the new Chinese Executive Chef, Wong Kam On, Jasmine will take diners to a whole new level of world-class dining. With his more than 20 years of Chinese culinary experience, prepare yourself for a palate-pleasing creations that will surely delight one's appetite. 


Dim Sum Basket


Initially satiate your hunger with Jasmine's Dimsum Basket, which is a trio of Shrimp Dumpling, Chicken and Abalone Dumpling and Scallop Dumpling. 

December 5, 2012

Gift Ideas For Christmas- Kalikhasan Eco-Friendly Solutions

Thinking of what to give away this Christmas?
Why not go all organic and eco-friendly this holiday season and make your own loot from Kalikhasan Eco-Friendly Solutions as a Christmas present to loved ones. 

Kalikhasan Eco-Friendly Solutions is a small scale business that distributes natural-based products such as insect repellents, massage oils, linen sprays, soaps, fragrance oils and oil burners. 

All products are 100% organic, natural, environmental friendly and most of all, Filipino.   


Kalikhasan offers individual products and gift packages that will certainly suit your budget. Their lowest package costs around P200 while the highest could go for around P1000 depending on the package chosen.

All products could be placed in an eco-friendly native abaca gift bags that are recyclable and at the same time unique.

December 3, 2012

Mu Noodle Bar- Mother Knows Best in Wilson, San Juan


D was consistently bugging me that we try this new noodle bar in Wilson, San Juan called Mu. He told me that their serving is really big and prices are affordable too. Seldom do I crave for noodles during dinner but one Sunday night, I decided to heed to his request and give Mu Noodle Bar a try. 

The place has this simple and modern interior with black walls, hanging lamps and wooden ceilings. It was very cozy and the place looks perfect for a quiet casual date. 


On the Table

Seafood Gyoza (P120/6 pcs.)


We ordered for the Seafood Gyoza which came in clear dumpling wrappers like that of hakao and seafood crystal balls. A nice twist to the classic steamed gyoza giving it a silky and chewy texture. 

Cereal and Hoti Prawn (P320)

November 29, 2012

Yabu House of Katsu Finally Opens in SM Mall of Asia + Giveaway

Imagine my excitement when this came in the mail earlier this month- An invite to Yabu's grand opening at their newest branch in SM Mall of Asia.

I just can't wait to be one of the first few guests to try their new katsu dishes crafted exclusively by Katsu Master Kazuya Takeda


By the time I arrived at the venue, few guests were already enjoying their snacks and cocktails as they  were all thrilled on what Yabu has to offer that night.


Soon enough, the ribbon cutting commenced, and the doors of Yabu Mall of Asia has finally opened to the hungry attendees. 


We were welcomed by all the servers as the black curtains unfold the brightly lit room behind it. They were all smiles as they shouted a welcome greeting in Japanese with such enthusiasm in their voices. 

November 27, 2012

Ayala Triangle Gardens Christmas Lights and Sounds Show

Have a bright and beautiful experience at the Ayala Triangle Gardens this Christmas Season!


We were able to witness this amazing event and the place was packed with people admiring the symphony of sounds and fantastic display of colorful lights.

It was so beautiful that everyone in the area stopped for a while to admire the wonderful sight. 







Catch the spectacular Lights and Sounds Show at Ayala Triangle Gardens starting Nov 16- Dec 30 every 30 mins. from 6:00pm-9:00pm.  

November 26, 2012

Kichitora of Tokyo- A New Authentic Japanese Ramen Place in SM Megamall


After attending Chalife Milk Tea's launch at Nail It Salon last week, we met up with D in SM Megamall and decided to have dinner at this newly opened Japanese ramen place owned by his former schoolmate Mr. Larson Chan.

Kichitora of Tokyo is located in SM Megamall Atrium right in front of Yabu: House of Katsu.

Mr. Larson enthusiastically welcomed us as he thoroughly explained their menu and recommended some of their specialties. We were told that Kichitora actually means "lucky tiger" which explains the tiger prints on the walls. On the right side of the restaurant is their open kitchen wherein diners could get a sight of Japanese chefs preparing the orders.

They were still on soft opening when we visited, but quite a number of guest were already dining in on a Thursday night.


We ordered for their Set Menu which includes a bowl of their signature Paitan (white soup) Chicken Ramen + Gyoza.

Gyoza (P150/5 pcs.)


I must say that this is one of the best gyozas I've tried aside from the ones we had in Kokoro Ramenya. We were told that their Gyoza were machine made and so the meat fillings were uniform in size. It also gave the dumplings a nice toasted covering yet making the meat filling moist and oozing with juices inside. Just add a little more soup inside and it could pass as a pan-fried xaio long bao gyoza.

Paitan (White Soup) Chicken Ramen (P360)

November 24, 2012

MoMo Cafe House Specialties in Ayala Triangle Gardens


Last week, D and I decided to use our 1k worth of House Specialties from MoMo Cafe in Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati

It was a perfect timing since that day marks the start of Ayala Triangle Garden's spectacular Lights and Sounds Show. The who garden was packed with media and people capturing this wonderful sight. 


As the show finished, we headed over to Momo Cafe for dinner. It was a busy night and due to their limited seating capacity, we had to wait for an hour before we were accommodated. 

Finally, we were ushered to our seats and were served with some complimentary bread with cheese pimiento spread. 


It didn't take a while before our orders were served that the small table we got was literally full of huge plates.

Creamy Crabby Seafood Casserole & Rice (P395)- crab meat, mixed seafood, double smoked bacon chunks, MOMO's special seafood cream, corn, peas and carrots, Hollandaise


November 23, 2012

ANG MO KIO - Singaporean Hawker Cuisine at The Podium


Ang Mo Kio is a district in Singapore known for its gastronomic finds like hawker food stalls and other gustatory treats. Every time I think of hawker food, the first thing that comes into my mind is Singapore. 

I just love the diversity of Singaporean cuisine that plays around with other Asian fares. It gives me the feeling of an Asian food adventure around Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Thailand, Philippines and China in just one destination- Singapore. 

But did you know that we also have an Ang Mo Kio in the Philippines? Located at the 3rd floor of Podium Mall in Ortigas, this Singaporean Hawker Cuisine promises a "True Authentic Singaporean Cuisine" like no other. 


Roti Prata (P50/piece)


A great starter would be this light, fluffy and flaky flat bread served with curry sauce as a perfect complement. 

Chicken Satay (P35/stick, minimum of 3 sticks)

November 21, 2012

Gerry's Grill Offers Pinoy Condiment- BAGOONG (Shrimp Paste)

Popular restaurant Gerry’s Grill has expanded its menu offers, adding favorite Pinoy condiment Bagoong (shrimp paste) in bottles to its roster of take-home goodies.  

Available in regular and spicy flavors, Gerry’s Bagoong is set to perk up local dishes savored at home such as Kare-Kare, Green Mango Salad, and grilled dishes.  


Now, I am excited to avail one to make my favorite Bagoong Rice :)

Gerry's Grill Bagoong is available in selected Kusina ng Gerry’s and Gerry’s Grill outlets
For more information log on to www.gerrysgrill.com

November 19, 2012

TeaTap Cafe in San Juan- Teapresso Bubble Milk Tea "Keep Calm and Drink Tea"



Whenever we are in Wilson area and have nothing in mind on where to have dinner or light snacks, our default go-to place would be TeaTap Cafe. Unless, of course, we want to try something new around the area where numerous restaurants have been sprouting like mushrooms.

TeaTap Cafe may be one of the many who joined the milk tea bandwagon in our country but what sets them apart is that they also serve food and snacks such as pasta, burgers, rice bowls and appetizer favorites on their menu. 



I love the casual and laid back feel of the place creating a conducive atmosphere for study, work or simple chitchats with friends. 


First, let me start with their drinks. Choose from TeaTap's wide selection of milk teas which I had a hard time choosing 'cause everything seems great. 

Since D and I are both fans of taro from Quickly, we decided to try TeaTap's Taro Milk with Egg Pudding (tall-P95/grande-P105). We also asked for their bestseller the Hokkaido Black Milk Tea (tall-P95/grande-P105) as recommended by the cashier. 


November 16, 2012

Lombardi's Authentic Italian Goodness- Robinson's Magnolia


Just recently, The Foodies Circle were invited for an Italian food tasting at Lombardi's newest branch in Robinson's Magnolia. I just couldn't say no as Italian cuisine used to be my favorite back when I was a child. As much as I wanted to stay away from this carb-loading cuisine, it seems that it still has a soft spot in my heart. 

Located in the second floor al fresco area, the restaurant exudes this casual and laid back ambiance with dainty interiors and wooden walls for its open kitchen. 

We were initially served with complimentary bread and a glass of wine while waiting for our orders. 


Starters

Carpaccio Di Tonno (P390)- tuna, lemon, arugula, cherry tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil

Press Release: Chef’s Noodle Holds Special Photoshoot Feat. The Semerad Twins and Down to Mars

The country’s first inter-pop group, Down to Mars joins the Semerad twins in supporting Chef’s Noodle, the latest Korean restaurant franchise to open in the Philippines.
From left (standing): Kenji Chua, Sky Young, Kiro Rivera, Daisuke Hagihara, Yheen Valero, Jang Amparna
From left (seated): Jeongwon Song, Anthony Semerad, Chef’s Noodle 

President Mr. Patrick Simisim and David Semerad




Chef’s Noodle
2nd floor, University Mall, Taft Avenue, Manila
7089520 / 4050129
G/F Atlanta Center, Annapolis St., Greenhills, San Juan
2340266 / 2340840