September 27, 2014

Ecru Nail Spa- CND Marine SpaPedicure® and Gelish® Gel Polish in Banawe

I love to eat, I love trying out new restaurants, checking out the latest food craze, and discovering new food finds. I enjoy documenting these things to remind me of the experiences and memories of the things I love to do. But once in a while, I also write about things I love other than food. If you're following me on Instagram, you'll see that majority of my posts are food shots of what I've eaten, or where I've been eating. At the same time, you'll also catch some snippets of my everyday life other than eating out. 

Just recently, I was invited to try this new nail spa located just a few blocks away from the office.

ECRU Nail Spa in Banawe is one of the few salons in the Metro that offer CND spa services. They offer both CND SPAMANICURE® and CND SPAPEDICURE® to clients who want a complete premium nail spa service from fingers to toes.


I tried Ecru's Signature Manicure (P230) for my hands, and Gelish Soak-off Gel Polish (P800) was also applied to my nails.


Their gel nail polish is priced higher than regular nail polish, but it was definitely one of the best and shiniest polish my nails ever had. It was also convenient how gel polish dries up fast so you don't have to worry about reapplying I never liked gel polishes before, because aside from the fact that it's more expensive, it also needs skill and expertise to apply it.

September 24, 2014

Slammin' Mini Burgers + Fries + Dips- Greenhills Promenade New Wing

Slammin' Mini Burgers may not be as visible as the new establishments in the new wing of Greenhills Promenade, but they surely get a lot of visits especially from moviegoers who are tired of the usual popcorn and chips from the cinema's snack bar.


Slammin Mini Burgers reminds me of White Castle sliders from S&R, only this time, the burgers are cooked fresh rather than microwaved out of the box. 

Being not much a huge eater of burgers, I appreciate sliders that let me taste different flavors without stuffing myself. And that's why I really enjoyed our recent visit to Slammin' Mini Burgers earlier this month. 

As much as we were eager to try their classic mini burgers, it was Slammin's Exclusive Black Box Series that made us excited.

Thanks to their Black Box Triple (P265), we were able to sample all three limited edition flavors.


September 23, 2014

One Dim Sum 一點心 - One Michelin Star Restaurant in Hong Kong

After our Hong Kong Disneyland Resort adventure, we checked out Citygate Outlets in Tung Chung for a while, then headed to One Dim Sum Chinese Restaurant in Prince Edward Station. One Dim Sum is another One Michelin Star dimsum place in Hong Kong, aside from the famous Tim Ho Wan.


A line was already building up outside the restaurant when we arrived, but fortunately, our friends came early and were able to get a table for the group.

Being a dimsum lover, I was pretty excited to finally try One Dimsum. Too bad my dimsum buddy D wasn't with me during this trip.. He would have enjoyed this dinner as much as I did.

Steamed Siomai (HKD 22/ P126)


September 19, 2014

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort- Where The Magic Begins!

It was a tough decision between Hong Kong's Disneyland and Ocean Park while we were planning our 3-day Hong Kong trip. I was told that if we were all for the rides, then we should choose Ocean Park. It's been ages since I last visited Ocean Park and I was looking forward to see the changes for myself. But, the kid in me was pulling me towards Disneyland. Plus, I don't really enjoy extreme rides very much.. Or should I say I am not even brave enough to try. A unanimous decision was made, and so Hong Kong Disneyland it is. 


We rode the MTR going to Sunny Bay Station and then transferred to the Disneyland Resort Line. What I love about Hong Kong's transport system is that you can easily get around the island via the MTR. It's so convenient and accessible to everyone. 


The train to Disneyland Resort Station has these mickey mouse windows and handles. Plus, the seats were extra comfy with some Disney character figures and displays. 


The park opens around 9am so be sure to visit early to avoid long lines and crowded attractions. Imagine having your group photo here with dozens of tourists doing the same at the background..


September 12, 2014

Ippudo Philippines 一風堂- World Famous Ramen Now in Manila! (SM Megamall)

Ippudo, the world's famous ramen house finally opens in Manila! Located at the 3rd floor of the new SM Mega Fashion Hall, Ippudo took the food scene by storm during its first day last September 10, 2014.


Ippudo Philippines is brought to us by the same group behind Yabu: House of Katsu, the leading katsu house in the Metro. And with that, you'll know Ippudo won't just be another ramen hype in the country.


I was able to try Ippudo in Hong Kong last June, just hours before our flight back to Manila. I remember enjoying a hot bowl of their limited edition Tokushima Ramen in Silvercord, Tsim Sha Tsui. Since Butao/Ramen Nagi was already in Manila, we decided to try Ippudo instead. Not knowing 3 months later, I would have my second Ippudo experience without leaving the country.

Tokushima Ramen in Ippudo HK

I was fortunate to attend a pre-opening dinner at Ippudo 2 days before its opening.

If there's a Yabu ritual, Ippudo has Zuzutto!- the slurping sound to signify maximum enjoyment of your ramen. All it takes is Sip, Slurp, Top.


We were treated to Ippudo's signature ramen dishes, but we sampled some of Ippudo's side dishes first.


Goma Q (P140)- sliced Japanese cucumber with sesame dressing


Honestly, I wasn't expecting a lot from this appetizer. But just one bite of these cool and crunchy cucumbers, and I can't seem to stop myself from eating more.

Dashimaki Tamago w/ Mentaiko Mayo (P150)Japanese omelette roll served with mentaiko mayo dip



Instead of the usual sweet-style tamago in Japanese restaurants, Ippudo's version is a simple soft and fluffy omelette roll. It was nothing extraordinary but I found the spicy cod roe mayo interesting.

Curry Cheese Harumaki (P190)- deep fried spring rolls stuffed with curry, minced pork and cheese


If you're a fan of curry like me, then you'll love this! I wish it was cheesier though.

Ippudo Hakata-Style Gyoza (P195)- original pan-fried dumplings. An Ippudo classic! 


Classic gyoza done the right way.. thin chewy wrapper, juicy meat fillings, pan-fried to perfection.

Ippudo Pork Bun (P100)- steamed bun with juicy braised pork belly and Ippudo's original sauce


Everybody was raving about how good Ippudo's Pork Bun was. I found the pork too fatty but decided to indulge nevertheless. The bun was a cuapao pocket, but it was the pork belly that made this dish special. It was flavorful with juicy pork fat trimmings bursting into my mouth. Indeed it was a guilty pleasure! 

Moving on with the night's highlight, I got myself a bowl of Ippudo's  Akamaru Shinaji (P390)


"Ippudo's original tontotsu broth, enhanced with special blended miso paste, and fragrant garlic oil. Served with thin noodles, pork belly, kikurage and spring onions. A refined modern-style ramen. "

Now this is my kind of ramen. It is not too light as the classic Shiromaru Motoaji, yet not too rich as the spicy Karaka-Men. A well-balanced ramen with creamy tonkotsu broth and savory miso paste, topped with aromatic garlic oil. Ippudo uses thin ramen noodles and serves it in different levels of hardness depending on your preference- Soft/ Medium/ Hard/ Very Hard.

I have yet to try Ippudo's other signature ramen dishes.

Shiromaru Matoaji (P375)


"Ippudo's original tonkotsu broth served with ultra thin noodles, pork loin, bean sprouts, kikurage, and spring onions. Classic Hakata-style ramen."

Karaka-Men (P390)


"Ippudo's original tonkotsu broth served with thin wavy noodles, pork belly, and spring onions. The special spicy minced meat, miso paste, and fragrant garlic oil add a kick to the senses."

You can also request for an additional order of noodles or Kae-Dama (P70) as long as there is enough soup left in your bowl. Kae-Dama is a Japanese system offered in some restaurants wherein customers can have a noodle refill for a minimal fee. I don't think I'll be needing that since Ippudo's serving of noodles is already more than enough for me.


They have these cute pink and blue ramen bowl set for kids too!


Ippudo Philippines may not be one of the pioneering ramen houses in the country, but the Standard Hospitality Group surely knows how to save the best for last. Being one of the firsts is an advantage, but what's more important is ensuring the ultimate customer dining experience. And that is what Ippudo Philippines promises- to bring "Smiles" and "Arigatou" through bowls of ramen

Congratulations for finally bringing Ippudo in the Philippines!! 

Ippudo Philippines
3/F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong
Tel Num: 470-1837
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ippudoPH
Website: www.ippudoph.com

September 11, 2014

Mad For Pizza Toppings All You Want in Il Terrazzo Tomas Morato

Are you mad for pizza? I used to be. Then I realized the more I stuff my face with my favorite pizza, the more it becomes round as the crust. I tried to stay away from pizza restaurants the past few years, but, as they say, first love never dies. So when a local concept of a do-it-yourself-pizza opened up in Il Terrazzo, I just had to check it out.                               


We're witnesses to the coming and going of a lot of establishments in Il Terrazzo, but I'm just happy that two of our frequented restaurants are still there. We'd always go to Banapple or Omakase whenever we find ourselves in Il Terrazzo. 

But for today, it's gonna be Mad for Pizza.

The place is very spacious and exudes a bright and cheerful vibe as you go in. A huge sign board with steps in creating your own pizza hangs above the counter. 

September 6, 2014

Tous les Jours French-Asian Bakery in Korea Opens in Trinoma

Tous les Jours (TLJ) is a French-Korean bakery serving a unique selection of bakery goods and beverages, that are made from all-natural ingredients to ensure fresh and high-quality flavors. Last August 25, 2014, Tous les Jours opened up its 14th store at the Lobby Level of Trinoma  to fulfill the cravings of Filipinos for authentic and indulgent breads and cakes.


"Tous les Jours is the definition of the perfect baked treats: fresh, delicious, and healthy. And we are happy to reach more and more patrons in Metro Manila," said Ms. Andrea Amado, President of Everyday Fraycheur.

September 2, 2014

Crisp on 28th- The Secret is Out in Bonifacio Global City

The secret is out! Crisp on 28th is now open at the Alveo Corporate Center in Bonifacio Global City. Fortunately, we were able to try quite a few dishes during the last leg of BGC Eats 2014- "Healthy Eats" edition with Denise Celdran of Edgy Veggy and Chef JJ Yulo of Pinoy Eats World


Crisp on 28th is owned by Erwan Heussaff of The Fat Kid Inside and Ms. Carmela Villegas of Casa San Luis Pastries.  A perfect team of passionate foodies, with one making sure that healthy food does not mean boring, and one that reminds us that it's ok to indulge once in a while. 

Salmon Sliders (P300)- seared salmon medallions, Hawaiian buns, cucumber, lemon and mustard remoulade, capers, cream cheese


A light and tasty starter of salmon with cream cheese served with crispy taro and sweet potato fries.

We also got to try a sampler of mini Crab Cakes topped with Asian slaw of carrots, cabbage, and mangoes in a sweet and spicy honey siracha dressing. 


But the stars of the night were these classic Pinoy breakfast made healthy with a twist.

Adobo Flakes (P300)- flaked chicken thigh and pork belly adobo, salted egg salsa, brown dirty rice, sunny side up and seared tomatoes


Crispy Corned Beef (P340)- spiced up crispy corned beef, garlic brown rice, sunny side up and seared tomatoes


Trio of Longganisa (P280)- home made Vigan, sweet and peppery longganisa, garlic brown rice, sunny side up egg, tomatoes and spiced vinegar


The Pinoy breakfast dishes were all served with brown rice.  My personal favorite is the Adobo Flakes, while the Crispy Corned Beef gets plus points for its uniqueness.

For dessert, we were served with a sampler of cookies, brownie bars, and mini doughnuts. I really enjoyed the crunchy nutella cookies and fudgy brownie bars. 


Bring together an advocate of healthy eating and living, and a passionate baker of comfort desserts, you'll have this unique tandem that will make "healthy eating" exciting and "sinful desserts" so much worth the calories. We really had a wonderful time at Crisp on 28th. I love the colors and textures in every dish, plus the beautiful presentation that looks as good as it tastes. I'm looking forward to trying out their NYOB, Chipotle Chicken Quinoa Salad and other desserts next time.

Crisp on 28th
28th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City
0917-5843665