February 26, 2013

Home-Cooked Meals for Valentines Day 2013 ♥

Feb 14, 2013- How we spent our Valentines Day 


Last year, we had a fancy dinner at the Oakroom to celebrate Valentines Day. This year, we decided to just stay at home so as to avoid the heavy traffic. 

Since we weren't going out, I thought maybe we could just cook dinner at home and prepare our own version of a romantic dinner set menu. 

After all the brainstorming and utilizing the ingredients we have at home, we finally came up to a pretty decent 4-course meal.

February 25, 2013

Breakfast at Torch Restaurant International Fusion Cuisine- Connecticut, Greenhills


Torch Restaurant holds a special place in my heart. We may not dine here often, but each time we do, it feels truly memorable. It was here when D and I celebrated our 1st anniversary together, and he surprised me with a love song rendered by two of Torch's staff Gwen and Melanie. How can I forget that special night.. Up to now, I could not believe he did that. Check out that sweet surprise here.

Last month, a spontaneous Saturday morning brought us to Torch Restaurant for a quick breakfast.

Even before arriving at the place, I already knew what I would order. I've always wanted to try Torch's Truffled Eggs Benedict (P235.95) and finally this day came.


The Truffled Eggs Benedict has two poached eggs with strips of crispy bacon over a toasted bun, drizzled with white truffle oil and topped with Hollandaise sauce. Love it! A must-try!

U.S. Angus Beef Tapa (P186.95)


February 22, 2013

Press Release: Gerry's Grill Expansion in the Philippines


Gerry’s Grill has expanded its restaurant network during the first two months of 2013 with three branch openings: The District Mall in Imus, Cavite; Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro and Robinson’s Mall in Palawan. This brings Gerry’s total to 55 nationwide.

“The positive business climate has bolstered an expansion mode among entrepreneurs. Last year was a good year for us with more branch openings in key cities around the Philippines. We hope to reach more areas as the economy continues to grow,” says Gerry Apolinario, chief executive officer (CEO) and managing director of Prime Pacific Grill, Inc. (PPGI), operator of Gerry’s Grill.

Three more openings are scheduled to open this year Market Market in Taguig, Newport at Resorts World in Paranaque, General Santos and Eastwood in Libis, Quezon City.
PPGI continues to generate franchise inquiries “which we are reviewing very well”.

Last year the popular Filipino chain opened a third branch in Singapore, bringing its total to 5 overseas; with two in the U.S. Gerry’s is also studying the feasibility of opening more branches overseas this year.

PPGI has also branched out its food business with a do-it-yourself, fast-casual restaurant named Kusina ng Gerry’s which has two branches: Subic and Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo, Manila.

Gerry’s Grill is celebrating its 15th year anniversary this month. 

Happy 15th Year Anniversary Gerry's Grill!!!

Press Release: The Sea-son’s Best from BonChon



With sunnier skies and the beginnings of warmer days in the city, the time is nigh for longings of a taste of the sea.  While summer outings are yet some time away, city-dwellers can – in the meantime --  ride the mouth-watering wave of the Season’s Crispy Catch from BonChon.  The phenomenally successful global brand known for its crispy chicken secret showcases the best of the season with its new seafood offerings.

Press Release: Gourmet food galore at The Filinvest Tent, Alabang


Gourmet food galore at The Filinvest Tent, Alabang


The Filinvest Tent invites you to taste the world at The Gourmet Food Fair

To say that Filipinos love to eat is an understatement. Whether it’s just a couple dating or a whole clan celebrating an occasion, the Pinoy’s gatherings usually revolve around food. Now, you can have the entire world on your plate in one convenient location at spacious gardens next to The Filinvest Tent in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

The Gourmet Food Fair was held last Feb. 15 to 17 abut you can still catch them on March 9 to 10, from 5 pm-11 p.m.

February 18, 2013

IHOP Restaurant Philippines- All Day Breakfast in The Fort Bonifacio Global City

Last Saturday, D and I went to the Fort as early as 7:00 in the morning for a heart pumpin' Valentines Challenge organized by Barefoot Running Philippines and Vibram FiveFingers. It was a fun but really tiring activity as we were made to do some squats, lunges and tuck jumps with a quick run around the area for each interval. 

We were able to finish the whole workout in 15 minutes with 156 squats, 110 lunges, and 52 tuck jumps, for a total of 317 reps. I am proud to say that I did 167 reps while D made the remaining 150.  Ha! As of this writing, my legs still hurt like hell. It's so hard to walk, sit and go up and down the stairs.

After the event, we decided to have breakfast at the newly opened IHOP. Good thing it was just walking distance near Track 30th. 


When we reached IHOP, we weren't surprised with the number of people waiting outside the restaurant. As we head inside, we overheard some customers complaining about waiting for more than an hour already. We didn't mind though as D and I were both very willing to wait. Surprisingly, our names were called 40 minutes later. See, it wasn't that bad. 

D got himself an order of the Big Steak Omelette (P325) which is made with a splash of IHOP's famous buttermilk and wheat pancake batter and served with two fluffy pancakes.


The Big Steak Omelette is a big omelette with tender strips of steak, hash browns fresh green peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes and Cheddar cheese, served with salsa dip on the side. 

I, on the other hand ordered for the Spinach & Mushroom Hash Brown Stack (P295) 'cause it really looked good on the picture. I opted for a seasonal fruit siding since D and I could both share the sidings we've chosen.

February 14, 2013

Pho Hoa Noodle Soup- The Health Conscious Choice for Vietnamese Cuisine

Feb 2, 2013- D and I went to SM Mall of Asia to catch the Samsung Galaxy SIII Mini First Day Rush. It was a whole day event wherein one could purchase the new Samsung Galaxy SIII Mini for P12,990 instead of its regular price of P14,990. Plus, 100 lucky individuals could also get a chance to get an additional P3,000 discount. 

It was a around 10:30am when we arrived and boy were we surprised to see the ridiculous line of people waiting to get a hold of the new Samsung phone. 

Since we wanted a chance for that additional discount, we patiently waited in line until 3:30pm. Yes that was 5 hours of leg torture. Finally, our turn to pick from the fishbowl... "THANK YOU for joining..." :( Ugh! Another should have moment.. 

After purchasing a unit, we headed straight to Pho Hoa for our late lunch. 


We should have been very hungry after waiting for 5 hours but I was kinda craving for something healthy and light.. and Pho Hoa seemed to be the perfect place for that "waited for nothing..felt sorry for ourselves" recovery. 

As usual, I ordered for my favorite Viet Chicken Salad (P190) which is a large serving of fresh greens, carrots, cucumber, chicken, toasted garlic and nuts. 

February 12, 2013

FOODGASM II- The Yummiest Event in the Metro is Back!

After the success of Foodgasm: Indulge Your Tastebuds last year, UP Economics Society once again brings us Foodgasm II to be held at Mercato Centrale, Bonifacio Global City Taguig.

Save the Date!


Are you an aspiring food business owner? Want to showcase your products? Then this is the place for you! Join Foodgasm II and get a chance to win P10,000 and a free space in Midnight Mercato

Registration is until Feb 23, 2013.


Visit Foodgasm on Facebook for more details: www.facebook.com/UPEcosoc.Foodgasm

February 7, 2013

Banapple Pies and Cheesecakes: Banoffee Pie, Maple Pecan & Candied Bacon Cheesecake and Strawberry Amaretto Cheesecake

What's the first thing that comes to mind when one says pies and cheesecakes?

Banapple! 

It's probably our favorite go-to place whenever we crave for cakes.. cheesecakes especially.

Last month, my brother and sister arrived from China, and we all decided to grab some late night desserts at Banapple Il Terrazzo. It was past 10pm but the place was still packed with customers dining in.

What I love most about Banapple is that they have a wide selections of cakes to choose from. Everything on the display chiller looks mouth-watering that you would want to order more than you can consume.

Cakes and other dishes in Banapple are very affordable and worth it, not to mention their serving sizes for sharing. 

Strawberry Amaretto Cheesecake (P110)

February 5, 2013

Pinkberry's Newest Flavors: Lychee w/ Lime and Salted Caramel


What can you do with a Lychee Pinkberry?


Squeeze in some lime wedges and top it with your favorite toppings!


I was fortunate enough to sample Pinkberry's anniversary flavor last month which is the Pinkberry w/ Lime. It was a match made in heaven with the fruity sweet lychee yogurt, even more enhanced by the citrus tang from the lime wedges. 

February 1, 2013

Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant in the New Glorieta


After receiving my Bistro Group Premiere Card, I knew that I'd soon be dining in Bistro Group concept restaurants more often. Who wouldn't? The card is packed with awesome dining benefits! 

To baptize my card, we decided to dine in Watami- one of Bistro Group's newest addition to their concept restaurants located in the New Glorietta Mall

Salmon Sashimi (P225)


Fresh slices of Salmon Sashimi on the table. Since I don't eat salmon sashimi, my parents were more than happy to get my share.

Watami Salad (half-P220, whole-P350)


We decided to get the whole order of Watami Salad, but was a little disappointed with its size. Somehow, the actual dish and the photo from the menu looked different. I knew there was something lacking in there. Nevertheless, the greens were crisp and fresh. I still loved the overall taste.