Ooma Modern Japanese Creations by Chef Bruce Ricketts Opens at Rockwell

Ooma has been on our list since it opened its first branch in SM Mega Fashion Hall. But since we seldom go to SM Megamall nowadays, I knew this plan was not going to happen anytime soon. Fortunately, Ooma opened its second branch in Rockwell. Although we don't frequent Rockwell as much, it was timely that we will be dropping by Dessert Kitchen in Powerplant Mall.

So, before we head out for dessert, we decided to eat at Ooma first. We arrived early for dinner, but we were already 4th on the waiting list. I noticed that the place was quite small and that tables were a  bit cramped. I could almost touch the girl beside me if I extended my arm. We also decided to use bowls instead of plates to save some table space.

Tomo Japanese Dining- The Hidden Japanese Restaurant in Addition Hills San Juan

I've been seeing posts about this "hidden" Japanese restaurant in San Juan called Tomo Japanese Dining. Since my friends also wanted to check the place out, we booked a reservation to guarantee our seats. I've heard the place is always full so it is advisable to call for reservations. They have a 6-8pm or 8-10pm seating schedule. We went with the latter time as everyone will be coming from work.

We arrived a little past 7:00pm and were asked to wait outside since the 6pm customers haven't finished their dinner yet. Finally our group was called and was led to the second floor of the restaurant. To our surprise, there were a few vacant seats, and the table reserved to us was also vacant all the time we were waiting downstairs. Perhaps they want to stick with the 8pm schedule.

We started with the Spicy Salmon Sashimi (P395) while waiting for the others to arrive. For its price, we were expecting more from this appetizer. They should have at least used Japanese mayo on this. Everyone swears the mayo used on this dish tasted like regular mayonnaise. It was not even spicy that we had to ask our server if it was done right. She brought it inside the kitchen and came out with the dish sprinkled with lots of togarashi powder on top.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Opens Six New Branches for 2016

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® continues to pour happiness across the country by opening six more branches during the first half of the year. They recently opened in Circuit Lane and The Enterprise Center in Makati, Robinsons Galleria in Cebu, SM MOA Arena Annex (MAAX) in Pasay, SM Southmall in Las Piñas, and U.P. Town Center in Katipunan, Quezon City. 

As of the month of July, the brand has renovated its stores at Trinoma Mall and Ortigas Park in Pasig City.

Shakey's 40% Off Chicken N' Mojos Monday Madness is Back From July 25-Aug 22

Good news to all Shakey's fans and Supercard holders! Shakey's gives us another reason to start the week right as we celebrate good times and great memories every Monday. The Shakey's Monday Madness is back starting this July 25, 2016. The promo is exclusive to all Shakey's SuperCard members which entitles them a whooping 40% off their favorite Chicken N' Mojos packs.

Nestle All Purpose Cream Recipe- Creamy Chicken Adobo #CreateWithCream

Nestle has always been part of our everyday lives- from morning breakfasts to jump start our day, to family lunches and intimate dinner conversations. Nestle was always there to bring simple joys and exciting surprises. Speaking of surprises, Nestle brings us another surprise from the number one all-purpose cream used in every household. The Nestle All-Purpose Cream introduces a whole new level of cooking by giving a twist to our favorite local dishes.  

Last week, I was invited to an intimate gathering of friends and families at the Blue Leaf Events Place in McKinley Hill, BGC. We witnessed how Nestle All-Purpose Cream can be used not only in sweet dessert recipes, but also in classic savory dishes, such as our timeless Chicken Adobo. 

With the help of culinary expert and chef Rob Pengson, we were able to recreate this Creamy Chicken Adobo, made extra special with Nestle All-Purpose Cream. 

A cook-off was held, and I was teamed up with good friend and fellow blogger Sumi of thepurpledoll.net. 

Fortunately, she has some mad skills in home-cooking, so together, we were able to pull-off this extra creamy and savory twice-cooked chicken adobo in just a matter of minutes. The addition of Nestle All Purpose Cream certainly made a difference, and gave a nice balance to the naturally rich and salty dish.  

Here’s our own version of Nestle All-Purpose Cream Creamy Chicken Adobo:

Everyone enjoyed cooking their own adobo creation, and since every version was different and unique on its own, all three teams were declared as winners! 

It was definitely amazing to personally experience how easy it is to #CreateWithCream using Nestle All-Purpose Cream. 

Visit Nestle Cream Facebook page and check out www.createwithcream.ph for more recipes and creamy inspirations. 

Althea Korea Turns 1- Birthday Celebration Blowout and Giveaway! #AltheaTurns1

Althea Korea celebrates its first birthday today- July 20, 2016. For those who still don't know, Althea Korea is a K-beauty online store that offers a comprehensive line of beauty products. The website carries almost all known beauty and skin care brands from Korea.

Don't miss out on the biggest online birthday party, as Althea Korea gives away amazing surprises and goodies to all online shoppers.

Oishi Snacktacular 2016- Oishi O,Wow! Weekend at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall

I finally experienced the famous Oishi Snacktacular 2016 last weekend. Now on its third year, Oishi Snacktacular got bigger and better with more booths and activities compared to previous years. The event was held at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall which was also a bigger venue than the first two runs at Glorietta and Trinoma. It was so much fun I can't believe I missed this O,Wow! kind of event during its first 2 years.

Welcome to the Oishi World of O,Wow! Registration was free so everybody can go in the activity center. Some booths required minimal fee, but it was totally worth the prizes and treats that you'd get.

Feeling Good at Chimara Feel Good Kitchen- UP Town Center Katipunan

I have been and still am a loyal customer of Chimara's flagship store in Greenbelt 3. It's our go-to place and default companion whenever we watch movies in Greenbelt. We never miss out on bringing a bag of Chimara's heavyweight sour cream popcorn in theaters, even when we just had lunch or dinner. Another favorite of mine is Chimara's tofu chips! I'd say that Chimara/Taters' tofu chips is the best I've had so far.

Chimara started out as a neo-vegan cafe in 2002 offering healthy food alternatives to the emerging health-conscious market. This year, Chimara reinvents iteself as a "feel good kitchen", to promote a feel good lifestyle that gives its customers the freedom to be healthy at their own pace.

Just recently, Chimara Feel Good Kitchen reopened its branch in UP Town Center Katipunan where customers can sit down and enjoy their meals. It's a different approach to their previous branches where customers just order their meals and snacks to-go.

Taiwan Trip Day 2- Danshui/Tamsui District's Fisherman's Wharf and Lover's Bridge

Here's the continuation of our trip in Taiwan few years ago. I have forgotten to post about the remaining days of our trip due to several backlogs. I just remembered it recently when I was invited to be the guest speaker for Time for Taiwan event held during the Travel Madness Expo in SMX. While it was years since my last visit, the memories suddenly became fresh and vivid as I was making my presentation.

Check out my first public speaking experience here:
http://www.itsberyllicious.com/2016/07/time-for-taiwan-by-taiwan-tourism.html

After a tiring first day (Fu Hang Dou Jiang, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, Mala Hotpot, National Palace Museum, Shilin Market) we managed to wake up early for a trip to Danshui district. Danshui is located at the northern part of Taiwan, quite far from the main city but very accessible via MRT.

Danshui District 

MRT: Tamsui Station

We walked along Danshui's old street until we reached the riverfront and ferry dock. We bought some refreshments and snacks along the way.

This vendor selling freshly-squeezed orange juice caught our attention. (NT60 approx. P85)

Time For Taiwan By Taiwan Tourism Bureau at Travel Madness Expo 2016

Last week, I was invited by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau to be their guest speaker for the Time For Taiwan Promotion Event. The promotional activity was held during the Travel Madness Expo 2016 at the SMX Convention Center last July 10, 2016.

The event aims to encourage the Filipinos to visit Taiwan, while giving them a taste of what Taiwan can offer to tourists and travelers.

Vittorio's Steakhouse- Wings, Ribs, Steak and More at Tomas Morato

There are days when you just crave for steaks.. a nice steak lunch or dinner that doesn't have to be fancy and expensive. It was that kind of day when we visited this fairly new steakhouse in Tomas Morato called Vittorio's Steakhouse. We always pass by Vittorio's whenever we go around the Morato area, and after reading good reviews, we decided to check it out.

We had the whole place for ourselves during our visit since we dined around 2pm. 

Time For Taiwan at the Travel Madness Expo July 10, 2016 SMX Convention Center

Good news to our jetsetter friends and travel buffs, the Travel Madness Expo is happening this weekend July 7-10, 2016 at the SMX Convention Center. In line with this much anticipated event, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau presents Time For Taiwan- an afternoon affair introducing Taiwan to the Filipino people.

Event: Time For Taiwan

Date: July 10, 2016 (Sunday)

Time: 3:00-6:00pm

Where: SMX Convention Center 2/F Meeting Room 7-9

Time For Taiwan will be an afternoon of fun, games and surprises as free hotel accommodation vouchers, flight to Taiwan, and special gifts will be raffled off to all attendees. 

Robinsons Place Manila- Grand Manila Sale 2016 Bloggers Fashion and Food Crawl

Robinsons Place Manila celebrates the 445th founding anniversary of City of Manila by holding a 2-week long grand sale from June 24-July 3, 2016. Robinsons Place Manila, in partnership with its affiliate stores, Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Appliances, Handyman, Toys "R" Us, and select Robinsons Specialty Stores, will offer exciting promos and exclusive discounts to all mall shoppers during this period. Expect to enjoy up to 50% off on selected items from participating brands such as Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins, Daiso, and more!

The Grand Manila Sale 2016 promises mall goers an ultimate food and shopping experience with Robinsons Place Manila's wide selection of restaurants and lifestyle brands.

I was lucky to be part of The Grand Manila Sale 2016 Fashion and Food Crawl, wherein selected bloggers were able to fully experience what Robinsons Place Manila has to offer.

The food tour began at Tim Ho Wan where we enjoyed a sumptuous feast of the restaurant's signature Baked Bun w/ BBQ Pork, best-selling dimsum selections, and their new Chef Specials.