House of Desserts: Fruitas Group of Companies- Robinson's Magnolia

Fruitas Group of Companies started as a small beverage stand offering fresh fruit shakes in SM Manila way back in 2002. A decade after, the company has now expanded into a number of concept stores that made a name in the food and beverage industry. 

Earlier this month, we were able to visit Fruitas' House of Desserts at the lower ground level of Robinson's Magnolia. It occupies a whole kiosk that houses several concept stores from the Fruitas Group of Companies like Fruitas, Buko ni Fruitas, Black Pearl, Mango Farm, and Buko Loco.

The name that started its fruitful success, Fruitas has been constantly providing the Filipinos with a healthy and affordable beverage since 2002. It currently has 250 outlets and counting. 

Burger King Launches A #moreFILLETvorful Chicken Crisp Fillet

Burger King, home of the famous Whooper, recently launched a fresher, juicier, tastier, and more "fillet-vorful" chicken sandwich in the market- the new Chicken Crisp Fillet Sandwich. 

Burger King's Chicken Crisp Fillet comes in two flavors: the creamy and zesty Garlic Mayo, and the sweet and tangy Honey Mustard. 

The new Chicken Crisp Fillet Sandwich is made with 100% real chicken fillet that's freshly prepared in-store everyday. The hand-pressed chicken fillet are breaded and deep fried to perfection using transfat-free oil to create a crispy coating and at the same time retain its juiciness inside. 

Big D's Smokehouse- Nachos and Ribs at Blue Ridge, Katipunan

My ever favorite comfort food aside from buffalo wings.. Ribs! Especially the ones smothered in sweet, tangy and smokey barbecue sauce. 

We went all the way to Katipunan to try Big D's Smokehouse. The place was like a pitstop and we were the hungry race drivers scouring for food. 

Fueled up with a carafe of Iced Tea (P98) to refresh ourselves after a long drive. It tasted like fancy apple flavored iced tea mix but nevertheless it was thirst quenching.

Puro Fairtrade Organic Coffee- Save the Rainforest

Puro Fairtrade Coffee is a company that sources fairtrade, organic and shade grown coffee since 2005. Their coffee products are blended, roasted and packed in Belgium by Miko, an award winning company that has been roasting coffee since 1801.

What makes Puro Fairtrade Coffee stand out among other coffee products, is that they recognize the need for ethical and environmental awareness in this day and age. It is not all about business and selling their products for profit, but also about selling their products for a cause and giving back to the community and environment. For every cup of coffee sold, a part of the money goes to the protection and conservation of the rainforest in South America.  To date, they have saved over 5,600 acres of rainforest in Ecuador, Brazil, Borneo, Guatemala and Colombia, all with the help of their loyal clients.

Check out this documentary about Puro Fairtrade Coffee and its ongoing projects:

World of Toyota Motor Show- The Past, The Present and The Future (Toyota FCV-R and Lexus LF-LC)

Toyota Motor Philippines held the biggest and exclusive week-long motor show at the World Trade Center last August 10-18, 2013. The event highlighted various Toyota vehicles that have shaped the local automotive industry for more than 40 years. Aside from the classics, Toyota also showcased 2 concept cars that gave people a glimpse of the brand's future designs and technology. 

Since D was more of the car enthusiast than me, he was more than excited to take part on this wonderful event.

These were just some of the cars showcased during the event:

Moshi Koshi Noodle Boss- The World of Koshi in SM North Edsa

This kind of weather calls for a hot bowl of noodles don't you think? Just recently, we were able to drop by Moshi Koshi Noodle Boss in SM North Edsa. We seldom frequent the area, but after they closed down their Shaw branch and transferred to Robinsons Galleria, I guess this is already the nearest branch to us. 

After my first Moshi Koshi Noodle Boss experience, D and I have been visiting their Market Market branch whenever we're in the Fort area. Usually, our ramen cravings would mean spending around P300+ for an order. But in Moshi Koshi, that's already enough for us to have one bowl each.  

Moshi Koshi makes their noodles fresh in-store everyday. What makes them unique is that they provide a suggested eating time for their noodles. They understand that timing is essential for the perfect "koshi" noodle experience. 

Niku Udon (P170) 

Eating time: 8 minutes

Foodgasm III- Triple The Flavor at Mercato Centrale Aug 31, 2013

Foodgasm brought to us by the UP Economics Society, is back for a third time at the Mercato Centrale, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig this coming August 31, 2013. 

"All American Feast"- Food and Wine Festival at Diamond Hotel

America is a melting pot of different cultures and same can be said about the rich diversity of their cuisine. Some can be traced from the roots of European, Asian, Caribbean, Latin and Mexican cuisine. Some of the all-time favourites are fast food concoctions, while others are variations of ethnic dishes that Americans have created on their own. 

There really is no definite classification or identification of the American cuisine, but one thing comes to mind when talking about real American dishes, and that is “The bigger the better.”

To commemorate America’s endless culinary creativity, Diamond Hotel Philippines will hold an “All American Feast” U.S. Food and Wine Festival, running from August 22-29, 2013. 

With featured international Chef Christopher Gallaga of Fat Angelo’s at the helm, he is ready to whip up some of America’s most wonderful eats.

Gerry's Grill Opens 58th Branch at SM Southmall, Las Pinas

Gerry’s Grill 58th branch is now open at SM Southmall in Las Pinas City!!

The new outlet is part of Gerry’s commitment to open 11 branches during the second half of 2013.

“The demand for dining continues to grow with the economy picking up, and with more malls opening in major cities around the country. We hope to ride on the surge of demand in food service,” Gerry Apolinario, president and chief executive of Gerry’s Grill operator Prime Pacific Grill Inc (PPGI), said.

The country’s leading grill restaurant recently opened at Centrio in Cagayan de Oro City; Ayala’s The District in Imus City, Cavite; Robinsons Place Palawan in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, Market! Market! in Taguig City, and Resorts World Manila’s Newport Mall in Pasay.

Other branch openings this year include The Terraces in Fairview, Quezon City in November and Robinson’s in Binan and Laguna in December. 

For more info, log on to www.gerrysgrill.com

What's New with Yabu: It's Beryllicious x Yabu Giveaway!!

What's new with Yabu? If you haven't heard about Yabu's new and exciting dishes, let me share to you some of the new things they offer to all diners, for a whole new Yabu experience.

Thai Bistro: Authentic Thai Cuisine in Robinsons Magnolia

Just like what I mentioned before, I love Thai cuisine. I love it so much that I tried very hard to convince D to love it as well. I couldn't imagine going out on our dates and missing out on one of my favorite cuisine.

Good thing he easily developed his love for Thailand's Pad Thai and Bagoong Rice. He has yet to appreciate Tom Yum Soup and other Thai dishes with strong and distinct Thai spices and herbs though.

Ironically, he was the first to try this Thai place in Robinsons Magnolia called Thai Bistro. He was constantly raving about the dishes at Thai Bistro, and that I should try it out. Finally, the date was set. 

Of course, by default, we ordered for their Pad Thai (P350) and Khao Khluk Kapi (P315) 

Beautifully encased in an egg net, Thai Bistro's Pad Thai is definitely a catch! Taste was as good as its presentation, as we dug into the pile of soft and chewy noodles mixed with pork, shrimp and sprouts. Of course, don't forget to squeeze in some lemons to enhance the flavors.

Smoper Chicken- Korea's Popular Chicken in Bonifacio Global City

When the Korean-style fried chicken craze hit Manila, I wasn't one of those who went gaga over the double-fried crispy chicken joints. Don't get me wrong, I find them really good, but sometimes, I feel the flavors are all just on the skin and sauce.  

And since I'm a sucker for sweets than salty, my go-to fast-food place for chicken wings would be Manang's Chicken. I just love their sweet glazed crispy wings that's juicy and tasty inside and out. 

A few weeks ago, I was introduced to Smoper Chicken in One McKinley Place just beside Seattle's Best Coffee and 7-Eleven. Smoper Chicken is actually Korea's most popular and biggest chicken joint with over 800 branches in Korea. 

Their menu is pretty simple that gives customers the freedom to choose any chicken part they want. They can also choose from 4 different sauces available: original, soy-garlic, spicy, and curry.

Wings (P175-6 pcs.)