Chinese Angel's Food Trip

EAT. DRINK. CHILL at REDD

2016-06-11T02:38:00.001-07:00

Who doesn’t love Filipino cuisine?

Foreigners visit the Philippines for two reasons: Food and Travel.

Ofcourse, the Philippines do not disappoint.

REDD, located at Prism Plaza in Mall of Asia Complex recently held its grand launch, introducing its very cool mixture of our favorite Filipino dishes. The menu is extensive, with enough Filipino food choices for any kind of craving and size of appetite.

That means that whether you are dining solo, in a date or even with a group of friends or family – REDD provides you with those perfect options mainly #Selfie (good for 1), #Date (good for 2-3) and #Groufie (good for 4-6) dish orders. The dishes are prepared and presented with a twist, while staying to the authentic slow-cooking methods that brings out the best flavors from each ingredient.

Chinese Na Matakaw will guide you on what to order when dining at REDD.

Appetizers

Naturally appetizers means a small dish served before the main meal, but you will be surprised that REDD’s line up of appetizers are as good as their mains!

Juana Fries

These potatoes underwent an extensive hydration process, so you are assured this is no ordinary fries! Plus the chili con carne and cheddar cream gives a perfect combination of sauce to the hand cut pototaes.

Wen Manong

This Ilocano dish is composed of pork mascara and liver, ginger, calamansi, chili and mayo. The taste is similar to that of Kilawin. Perfect to partner with a cold beer!

Bangus Sisig

Sisig Ala Kanto

Sisig

I was able to try 3 kinds of sisig (Yes, they have more than one!) and as gluttonous you would say I am, I loved all of them! For pork lovers, try Sisig ala Kanto. For seafood lovers, try Bangus Sisig and a special sisig original recipe by the owner, which has 3 kinds of fish.

Main Dish: Oh-La-Lam!

Your favorite comfort foods are even made better with the twist that REDD provides.

Short Ribs Kansi

Kansi is an Ilonggo dish which is a crossover between sinigang and bulalo. The ribs are slow-cooked for 8 hours so you are sure it is perfect and tender. This dish which is cooked in kamias and lemongrass, is especially good during this rainy season.

Kare Kare Trio

Must order this one of a kind Kare Kare dish because it includes grilled chicken, beef brisket and fried pork, paired with house-made-sweet-salty Bagoong!

Chicken Pork Adobo

Not your usual adobo at home! This one has pork belly bagnet, chicken leg and thigh inasal combined in their special adobo sauce. I really love thick adobo sauce.

Glazed Tuna Belly

Seafood lover? Their grilled and glazed Tuna from Gen San is a must try, perfect with sautéed veggies. For all watching their diet, this is one my fave seafood dish from REDD.

Gising-Gising

Lighter options for those going green can choose from the Oh My G! portion of the menu that includes the Bicolano Gising-Gising - sigarilyas and fried tofu made rich and creamy with coconut milk.

Tinapa Rice

Bagoong Rice

Rice

While all the dishes are usually paired with plain white rice, it’s also best to try their #RicePaMore menu. I tried both Bagoong ang Tinapa rice, and I love the Bagoong rice! Although it has a flavor of its own, it’s still perfect with the main dishes I ate. They also have Aligue rice and all three flavored rice are available in Pang Date and Pang Groufie servings.

Now, it’s time to make some room for dessert.

Dessert: Sweet Endings

Ending but sweet indeed, both the Turon Overload and Leche Flan would win and clean your palette from all the savory dishes you will eat at REDD. Both are also customers faves! (insert thumbs up!)

REDD offers a great twist in their Filipino dishes that I’m sure will be a favorite of many. Try it out and let me know what you picked!

REDD

4th Floor, Prism Plaza, TwoE-Com Center

Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

Tel: 808-7683

REDD Facebook Page

REDD Instagram Account

#‎REDDEatDrinkChill

No-Bake Baked Macaroni Recipe

2014-11-03T10:41:00.003-08:00

My "No-Bake" Bake Mac is so easy to make.

I came to love this dish because of my sister. She made this simple pasta dish at home and after I tasted it, I always bug her to make it again. Her style, after cooking the pasta and mixing the sauce, she would bake it for a few minutes before serving, making sure the cheese is melted in a delicious gooey way.

But since I don’t have an oven yet, this is my style, which my husband loved just the same. The ingredients below do not have exact measurements, this is because since I’m no expert cook, sometimes I just estimate how many per ingredient I will put.

Ingredients:

· Elbow Macaroni
· Sweet Style Sauce
· Tomato Sauce
· Ground Beef
· Garlic and Onion
· Salt and Pepper
· Quickmelt Cheese

Bechamel Sauce (this was taught to me by my Chef Friend, Mac)

· Butter
· Flour
· Milk
· Salt and Pepper
· Nutmeg (optional)
· Quickmelt Cheese

Directions:

Cook the elbow macaroni according to pack instructions.
In a separate pot, saute the garlic and onion.
Add the ground beef and cook for 5 minutes or until the color changes to medium brown.
Add the Sweet Style Sauce and simmer for 2 minutes.
Add the Tomato Sauce. The Sweet Style sauce should have more than the tomato sauce.
Simmer for another minute.
Once the pasta is al dente, mix it in the pot of sauce then stir.
Put a small amount of cooked baked mac in a bowl, add béchamel sauce on top and grated cheese.
For those with oven, you can bake it for a few minutes before serving.

For the Bechamel Sauce:

Melt the butter in a separate pot then add flour
Stir constantly and make sure there are no lumps.
Add the milk and a pinch of nutmeg if you have, if none that fine.
Continue to stir constantly then add mozzarella or any quickmelt cheese you have.
Stir constantly until you achieved desired texture, make sure it’s texture is like white ketchup or sauce.

Enjoy!

Angels Pizza Pasta Combo's Rainy Day Umbrella Promo

2014-09-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

The rainy season has begun, but don’t let the rain ruin your parade!

Angels Pizza will surely let you stay dry and satisfy your pizza cravings too!

Introducing the Angels Pizza Pasta Combo's Rainy Day Umbrella Promo.

Get a free Angel’s Rainy Day Umbrella when you complete eight (8) stamps on your stampede card. Get one stamp every time you buy pizza, pasta and drinks worth Php700 at participating Angels Pizza outlets.

Here’s the Mechanics:

1. A customer can avail of an Angels' Rainy Day Stampede Card with one stamp upon a Php700 single receipt purchase of any Angels' food and beverages.
2. Avail of multiple stamps when you buy more than Php700 food and drinks at selected participating branches.
3. For purchases more than Php700 getting multiple stamps, only one card claim per customer.
4. This Stampede Card Promo is valid only at the specific branch of initial purchase.
5. Complete eight (8) stamps in one card to claim your FREE limited edition Angels' Rainy Day Umbrella.
6. Promo runs from Sept.1,2014-Dec.31,2014 per DTI-NCR Permit #6011 s.2014.
7. Redemption period is from Sept.15, 2014- Feb.28, 2015

The package came in time for my birthday! I was about to buy an umbrella because my old umbrella suddenly gave up on me and it was a wonderful surprise to get one! The orange color is a bonus, because it happens to be my favorite color!

I'm getting through the rain in style with Angels Pizza Pasta Combo's limited edition Rainy Day Umbrella, thanks Angel's Pizza for the birthday gift :)

The heavens are in your favor so take it from the Angels, bringing heaven at your doorstep. Call 922-2222 or order online at www.angelspizza.com.ph. Visitwww.facebook.com/angelspizzapastacombo and follow @angelspizza on Twitter and Instagram for more promos and updates.

KFC Breakfast Buffet

2014-07-03T10:22:00.001-07:00

For all weekends of July, KFC will offer unlimited breakfast in selected KFC stores.

No unlimited serving of KFC bucket and coleslaw but indulge in the unlimited serving of Chocolate Chip Pancakes, Longganisa, Tocino, Chicken Fillet with Steak Sauce (i love this!), Egg, Garlic Rice , Arrozcaldo and more!

KFC' breakfast buffet is 199p per adult and 99p per child between 3-4 feet in height. Below 3 feet is FREE!

Advance reservation is needed. Buy your tickets at the nearest KFC Buffet participating store near you. Breakfast buffet starts at 730am up to 10am on all weekends of July!

Participating Stores are:

KFC Eastwood

KFC Congressional

KFC Jupiter

KFC San Pablo

KFC Edsa Central

KFC St. Joseph

KFC Tagaytay

KFC Vito Cruz

Good News from IMAX and Starbucks!

2014-07-02T03:55:00.001-07:00

This July, well-loved brands IMAX and Starbucks partner to give a special treat to its patrons!

After enjoying the movie in IMAX, you will be treated to a complimentary upsize of your handcrafted beverage in Starbucks! Just surrender your ticket, and you'll get the treat!

And when you present your Starbucks receipt in Snack Time branches in IMAX, you will get a complimentary upsize of your popcorn!

Promo Period: July 7 to August 31,2014

• Offer is only valid on the date printed on the IMAX / Starbucks POS Receipt.

• Terms and Conditions apply.

• Please visit www.smcinema.com or www.starbucks.ph for the complete mechanics.

Krem-Top Coffee Creamer launches Change for the Better Pilipinas campaign

2014-01-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

Krem-Top’s annual “Change for the Better” campaign has been all about making small changes to make a big impact.

This year, those small changes are about to get bigger as they rally the entire country to make a change through the “Change for the Better Pilipinas” campaign which was launched last December 5, 2013 with Krem-top’s brand ambassadors Papa Jack and Richard Yap.

Simulan na ang pagbabago, starting with your choice of coffee creamer! Change for the Better Pilipinas! For more information, log on to our facebook page: facebook.com/AlaskaKremTop or follow us on twitter: @kremtopPH

KFC Crispy Butter Chicken

2013-11-07T01:23:00.001-08:00

For only p99, you can now enjoy the newest fried chicken offering of KFC, the Crispy Butter Chicken meal.

When i first saw the ad in one of the KFC stores I pass by everyday, I thought to myself, finally I can eat a crispy chicken in KFC (because I am not a fan of hot and spicy foods).

So awhile ago, I ordered the KFC Crispy Butter Chicken meal for lunch. The meal cost 99p and comes with 1pc. Chicken (chicken part of your choice, provided it's available), butter rice, mash potato topped with corn kernels and your choice of drink (soda and juice only).

As the name states, it is CRISPY and BUTTER chicken. The chicken is marinated in and breaded with butter. The crispy skin of the chicken would show that it is indeed #BetterWithButter because of the salty and sweet flavored butter. The mash potato siding is like three spoons of mash potato then with sprinkles of corn kernels. The butter rice compliments though to the meal, making it ultimately “all-butter themed meal”.

I was not satisfied though with the meal, probably because the buttery and garlicky (if I spelled it right) taste of the chicken is not what I was expecting. For me it’s nothing special at all, just a crunchy-not-spicy chicken of KFC. I don’t even think the gravy is a fit for a sauce with the chicken.

For butter-loving persons, they might like this so give it a try.

I would still go for the Original Recipe, I like the salty chicken flavor of this recipe.

Kinder Joy: The Joyful Surprise

2013-10-17T03:07:00.002-07:00

Who doesn’t like surprises?

Studies show our brain likes surprises. These little unexpected things or events means so much to us because it gives us joy.

Psychologist Norbert Schwarz conducted a classic study where it was found that a small but pleasant surprise, such as finding 10 cents, uplifts a person’s mood. Schwarz repeatedly placed a coin near a copy machine where it can be easily seen. When the subjects who found the coin were surveyed shortly thereafter, their overall satisfaction with life was significantly higher than those who did not find the coin. Surprises have, indeed, powerful effects.

Pleasant surprises can improve one’s disposition.

One time, my office mate Cian, once bought us a pasalubong-for-kids type of thing. We were giddy as a kid in a candy store, it’s a big colored egg! When we opened it, it has two surprises! Chocolate on the left side and a toy on the right side! It was indeed a surprise!

It was KINDER JOY!

The joy and pleasure of discovering something new was irresistible.

Kinder Joy is now in the Philippines to spread delightful surprise, provide joy and unique chocolate treat.

Feel good and experience a huge surprise happening on October 19 & 20, 2013, from 10am to 10pm at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Activity Center. Expect fun-filled activities and awesome surprises on top of yet another big reveal—a special guest who will surely charm Filipino kids and their families.

Come and explore the amazing world of surprises!

Alaska Krem-Top "Change For The Better" Campaign

2013-09-16T15:19:00.002-07:00

Spreading a cheerful change is Alaka's KREM-TOP coffee creamer.

As part of Krem-Top’s Change for the Better campaign, Papa Jack, Krem-Top’s brand ambassador, awarded the Proud Pinoy Digital Contest winners last September 7, 2013 at Fleur De Lys in Quezon City. Krem-Top invited fans to submit photos showing how Proud Pinoys can help change the nation for the better.

The winners whose entries were chosen based on content, relevance to the theme, creativity and originality and number of likes and shares, were given gift packs and a special Krem-Top moment with Papa Jack where they can converse and ask him for advices.

Krem-Top continues to encourage the people to make better choices and be better individuals because even small changes can have big impacts! Want to join in the conversation and meet Papa Jack too? Join us by liking www.facebook.com\alaskakrem-top.

CBTL's Espresso Cream Blended Drinks

2013-08-09T14:15:00.001-07:00

Oh, when I come back to CBTL, I will try this.

Available on August 18, 2013.

Starbucks White Chocolate Pudding

2013-07-24T16:39:00.001-07:00

Tried Starbucks newest drink yesterday. They were on buy one take one promo from 2pm-5pm.

It's Dark Mocha with White Chocolate Pudding and Green Tea with White Chocolate Pudding. It looks something like this if it will be served on a clear plastic cup, but since Makati has a new "no plastic" policy to follow it was served in their traditional white paper cups.

I tried the Dark Mocha since that's the only drink I love from Starbucks, kiddin'. The white pudding added a contrasting texture to my usual blended drink with chocolate chips. I would recommend then to try white chocolate pudding to plain blended drinks. I think you can make this an Add-On to your drink. Just not sure!

They also have a new cake addition! It's called Outrageous Cheesecake because all 3 outrageous flavors in one cheesecake! It's Mango, Blueberry and Strawberry cheesecake in one big cake! Got this photo from my friend's blog Azrael.

Head on to your nearest Starbucks to try these new offerings!

Angel's Pizza Chicken Parmigiana

2013-07-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

Angel's Pizza is not new to the Chinese na Matakaw blog, i've had several post about their pizza including their Lenten Special and Heart-Shaped pizzas. We even had Angel's Pizza for cocktails during our #AngelsWedding!

Now Angel's Pizza Pasta Combo recently launched another pizza flavor that is sure to make your taste buds wanting for more.

Introducing Angel's Pizza's Chicken Parmigiana.

Parmigiana, an Italian dish that consist of a sliced filling layered with cheese and tomato sauce is now a well loved dish, developed and popularized in other countries. Angel's Pizza's idea of making it a pizza flavor is a great variation and addition to their delightful pizza flavor choices.

It's Chicken and Pizza all in one! The newest flavor of pizza combines the chunky chicken bits and the rich and creamy cheese bed into one delicious and hearty meal.

The scattered chunky chicken bits, green bell pepper and tomato slices is what makes this beauty not only eye catching but mouth-watering also. This would also taste different from the other pizza flavors because of the Culinary cream used and two types of cheese: Cheddar and Mozarella. Something special, right?

Like almost all Angel's Pizza, the Chicken Parmigiana comes in two forms, the Thin Crust and the Thick Crust. I always loved thin crust pizza, specially the burnt crisp edges! Having tried the two forms of crust, I loved the thick crust this time. The thick crust or hand tossed pizza is actually an Angel's Pizza asset. The dough is something the customers loved. (I can attest to this!)

We are the forever endorser of Angel's Pizza :)

Speaking of endorser, why not be an endorser yourself by availing the Angel's Pizza Club Card. For only 299p you not only get to be part of Angel's Pizza Club, but you can also avail of the following perks:

• Buy 1 pizza Take 1 pizza free any time, any day (available only for Family and Big Family sizes only)
• 25% discount on all pizza purchase
• Free 1 medium pizza (Angel's Aloha or Angel's Bacon & Cheese) on your birthday.

It was Angel's Pizza that pioneered the Buy One Take One pizza and just so you know their Buy One Take One promo is very flexible. You get to choose your "buy one pizza" and choose another one "take one pizza".. And, you even have two choices for the size! It sure is a treat!

Dial in now for delivery 922-22-22. Watch out for the launching of their online delivery via their website www.angelspizza.com.ph, and don't forget to like their Facebook Page for promos and follow them in Instagram and Twitter for more information.

Angel's Pizza Pasta Combo

"A Taste of Heaven at your Doorstep!"

Krispy Kreme Celebrates 76th Anniversary

2013-07-14T10:27:00.001-07:00

Krisy Kreme lovers will get a treat today as Krispy Kreme celebrates 76th years in the industry!

Customers will be treated to a 76p worth of Original Glazed doughnuts!

Find out how!

50% off - Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf 50th Anniversary Celebration

2013-03-30T04:36:00.000-07:00

Join in the 50th Anniversary Celebration of

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf!

Starting April 1, 2013 you will get 50% off on Coffee Bean's famous beverages every Monday from 3pm-5pm.

Next week's featured beverages are the Mocha & Vanilla Ice Blended®.

These rich and creamy drinks were born & blended back in 1989, and have been loved by all ever since.

Get the full beverage schedule when you RSVP!

#thankyoufor50

See you there!

Angel's Pizza Lenten Pizzas

2013-03-24T19:22:00.005-07:00

The Lenten season is now here and as a tradition, and as for some believers, they go through the period of preparation of prayer, penance, and repentance and this includes abstaining from eating meat.

As the start of the Holy Week, people will now look for other variations of food they can eat, especially seafood and vegetables. Angel’s Pizza’s newest offering for the Lenten Season includes Garlic Shrimp and Margherita.

Angel’s Pizza's Garlic Shrimp is a wonderful offering specially for seafood and shrimp lovers! Pizza smothered with mozzarella cheese with shrimp surprises is a personal favorite now. The garlic kick of the pizza made it more interesting.

Prices are Medium – 329p, Family – 470p, Big Family – 556p.

Angel’s Pizza’s Margherita is a sure hit for the vegans and health conscious pizza lovers. Topped with fresh tomato and basil leaves in a bed of mozzarella cheese, this pizza creates a colourful and contrasting taste of sweet and saltines. A lot cheaper than Garlic Shrimp too!

Prices are Medium – 297p, Family – 416p, Big Family – 491p.

Both pizzas are available in thin and thick crust.

What more can you ask for?

Ever heard of buy one take on pizza?

Angel’s Double Deal all day promo is always available for you!

Buy 2 BIG FAMILY pizza for just 724p and save as much as 474p!

Buy 2 FAMILY pizza for just 550p and save as much as 390p!

This is a choice of two original hand tossed pizza valid for dine in and take out!

Check out the facebook page of Angel’s Pizza, follow them on twitter @angelspizza and on Instagram @angelspizzaph.

For orders just call 922-22-22.

Angel’s Pizza Pasta Combo, a taste of heaven at your doorstep!

The Reyes Barbecue Cookbook: Frank’s Sauces Recipe Collection

2012-12-14T17:43:00.004-08:00

This Christmas, spread the joy with a unique gift for friends and loved ones. Give them a limited edition Frank’s Sauces Cookbook from Reyes Barbecue, featuring new and exciting recipes developed through a collaboration between Reyes Barbeque founder Frank Reyes and upcoming chef, Chef Meg Pilares.

The collection features contemporary recipes that are perfect for this holiday season using Reyes Barbecue’s famous Peanut, Pica Pica, Teriyaki, Caramel, Barbecue Marinade and Atchara sauces.

“They are so easy to follow, even my Yaya Mary can make them!” said Mitos Camahort, a food business owner and president of Image Dimension, ad agency.

The Frank’s Sauces Recipe Collection is exclusively available at participating Reyes Barbecue stores starting this December 2012. This limited edition cookbook is specially priced at P100. Various gift packages combined with individual Frank’s Sauces are also available starting at P165 only!

Visit Reyes Barbecue participating stores now!

Participating stores : SM Mall of Asia, SM Marikina, SM Bicutan, SM Las Pinas, SM Marilao, SM Clark, SM Tarlac, SM Pasig, Greenbelt 1, Alabang Town Center Food Court, UP Ayala TechnoHub, Nuvali Evozone, Pavilion Mall Sta Rosa, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Magnolia Food Court, Robinsons Lipa, Venice Piazza McKinley Hill, Waltermart Makati, Cash & Carry Mall Food Court, 168 Mall Food Court 3/F, 168 Mall Food Court 5/F Phase 5, Shangri La Mall Food Court, Emerald Mansion, Pacific Star Building Makati, Puregold Shaw.

For customer feedback, inquiries, and information, please visit www.reyesbarbecue.NET, email frankreyes.reyesbarbecue@gmail.com, text 09178684306 or call 7257502.

Barbecue. Peanut Sauce. Java Rice. Best way to go!

Sweet Gastronomic Experience at Sweet Bella Cafe

2012-12-08T06:45:00.000-08:00

The success of the 1st Sweet Bella Café store led to another soon to be successful 2nd store in Greenbelt 5.

Sweet Bella Café owner, Cristina Santiago-Rivera (daughter of Melo Santiago, renowned restaurateur behind Melo’s Steakhouse) cooks up additional dishes in her menu for the 2nd store in Greenbelt 5.

The menu offers a gastronomic experience from start to finish. Let me show you what I’m talking about.

Before I could even sit down an attendant came up to me and ask what I would like to drink. Normally I would just drink water or iced tea or whatever soda available, but ofcourse being a French fine dining that Sweet Bella is, we were offered a different drink that night. We were offered cocktails instead.

Grape and Lychee Mojito

Vodka Watermelon

I chose the cool looking Grape and Lychee Mojito. This refreshing drink is a mixture of Lychee, Lime, Grapes with a speck of rum.

The Appetizers

Over the course of time where I find myself always eating out, I find appetizers very important. Simply because they prepare you for something grand and tasty. Appetizers are stimulants also and it is the first important portion of the meal that you will remember.

I was so glad that they served Oysters for appetizer. We were served with three Oyster dishes.

Fresh Oysters (P395)

You can never go wrong with Fresh Oysters. ‘Nuff said.

Baked Osyter with Champagne Sauce (P395)

This is my favourite, because of the solid champagne sauce that I have not yet tasted before. The béchamel sauce is a perfect complement to the oyster itself.

Osyter Rockefeller (395)

Classic but still a traditional Oyster dish not to miss!

Gambas Ajillo (P270)

Apart from the Oyster, another seafood love was served, Shrimps!

The Shrimp appetizer comes with Focaccia Bread. The soft and tasty shrimp was wiped out in an instant leaving the oil for dipping. The Focaccia bread dipped in the Gambas oil was very appetizing.

Here comes the Main Course

In my Sweet Bella beginnings blog post, I mentioned that Cristina “Tintin” Santiago-Rivera is the daughter of Melo Santiago, of Melo’s Steakhouse. The first Sweet Bella Café in The Fort only serves dessert, gourmet sandwiches and some pasta. Tintin decided to go full blow with the second Sweet Bella Café in Greenbelt that’s why their Main Course offers, her father’s specialty – Steaks.

Wagyu Ribeye Steak (p995)

We, ofcourse enjoyed our own shared of the infamous Wagyu Ribeye Steak. This is paired with mashed potato perfect with the juicy and tender steak you can ever find.

If you are a rice person, this is a treat for you! They also serve Wagyu Rice, it’s like their version of fried rice cooked in wagyu’s own oil with fats and all.

Chilean Sea Bass (P1050)

Going back to seafoods, they also served us with Chilean Sea bass. The soft and creamy fish dish is a supple break from meat and is perfect with the oven cooked vegetables on the side.

Ah, Pasta!

Two very different and delicious pastas were served; it’s a new pasta dish unique to Sweet Bella. In fact, it’s the first time I tried a pasta dish as such.

Capellini Pomodoro e Salsa Verde (p395)

This angel hair pasta combines pesto, truffle and pomodoro sauce in a distinctive pasta dish with thin slices of deeply fried caramelized eggplant.

Gamberetto Pasta (P395)

This one of a kind pasta is sure to win your heart literally and figuratively. Between the two, I love this thick and creamy shrimp bisque cream sauce linguine pasta. Very delicious and full of flavour.

Move over, Dessert is here!

I just have to make another post for desserts because I always find it very special. But take a peek at the cakes that knocked everyone over because of the perfect and right flavour.

Mi Camille (P295)

Chocolata (P220)

Every chocolate, every cake is unique in flavor and taste. One more thing unique about the Sweet Bella cakes is that, all cakes are served with the Sweet Bella trademark: an edible pink and yellow butterfly, very pleasing and appetizing to the eyes.

The Pearl (P295)

Strawberry Charlotte (P1700)

You can never get enough sweetness when you're in Sweet Bella Cafe. Another exceptional offering of Sweet Bella is their Hot Belgian Chocolate. This sweet and hot offering is very suitable at any time of the day.

Sweet Bella Cafe offers more than just dessert. With it's very tempting appetizers to their satisfying desserts, you would surely enjoy your experience in Sweet Bella Cafe.

Visit Sweet Bella Café at Burgos Circle, The Fort and Greenbelt 5, Makati.

You may also follow them on Twitter @sweetbellacafe and like their Facebook page.

Sweet Beginnings of Sweet Bella Café

2012-12-08T05:34:00.000-08:00

Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first. – Ernestine Ulmer

Everybody loves dessert. Period. Some people even prefers dessert over the main course. As a child, I began to like chocolates as a prize and something I should work hard for. The story of Sweet Bella starts with Cristina Santiago-Rivera and her passion for creating the most desirable dessert anyone can imagine.

Cristina “Tin Tin” Santiago-Rivera is an accomplished pastry chef and a very loving mother. She graduated from California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, USA and came back to Manila to follow the footsteps of her Dad, Melo Santiago, the renowned restaurateur behind Melo’s Steakhouse.

Sweet Bella Cafe, named after her only daughter, Isabella, began as a home based dessert bar in 2006. Since then, her fervour in making only the most delectable desserts and unforgettable experience to the palate led to the inception of Sweet Bella Desserts, now known as Sweet Bella Café.

In January 2011, Sweet Bella Café opened it’s first serving of sweetness and goodness at Burgos Circle, The Fort. A warm and cozy atmosphere would welcome you with French Flair and soothing music. The store offers, a sumptuous breakfast, together with select soups and fresh salads, brick oven pizza, pasta, gourmet sandwich and juiciest USDA Prime grade beef salpicao.

Sweet Bella Café bearing the name sweet, offers delicious desserts such as voted best dessert cakes, tempting line of chocolates and very colourful French Macarons.

Less than 2 year in the business, Sweet Bella Café opened it’s second store at Greenbelt 5, located at the ground floor (fronting the Greenbelt Chapel). The second store offers a more gastronomic dining experience from start to finish. Literally from Start to finish because they have appetizers such as oysters, new pasta dishes, Angus and Wagyu steak from the makers of Melo’s Steakhouse and more.

The café proudly serves Nespresso Coffee and Belgian hot chocolate, a must try!

Read my gastronomic experience here.

Tintin’s dedication for producing only the most desirable desserts has ensured a truly unparalleled and unforgettable experience for the palate. Tintin takes a step further by providing thoughtful packaing that will bring back sweet memories while serving as as practical keepsakes as well.

Visit Sweet Bella Café at Burgos Circle, The Fort and Greenbelt 5, Makati.

You may also follow them on Twitter @sweetbellacafe and like their Facebook page.

Something Old and Something New at Chateau 1771

2012-11-17T22:12:00.002-08:00

Chateau 1771 has managed to keep up with a reputation of serving the finest No Borders Cuisine since the 80’s back when it was still in its original Malate home. Evoking the feel-good vibe of exquisite flavors of Swiss, Italian, and French, Chateau 1771 was able to make a winning concoction that kept foodies linger over the past two decades.

Now residing in its posh and upscale Greenbelt address, Chateau 1771 remained on top-of-mind for those who wish to experience only the finest in dining. Yes, Chateau 1771 is for people who understand that food is a crucial part of planning in every occasion that deserves a celebration. But of course, those who wish to make an ordinary day transform into something special, starting with gourmet food is the way to go.

So before the year comes to a close and in preparation for Chateau's 25th year anniversary next year, Executive Chef Vicky Rose Pacheco rounds out the quarter with a new batch of dishes bringing back old flavors, which will surely change the way a gourmet food is defined.

Here’s a sample degustation menu that possess the gloss of luxury, an experience that’s packed with allure from all angles. For starter one shouldn’t miss the salmon pillows (P300 net, 2 pieces) showcasing salmon in whole new different light: bits of salmon flakes encased in golden puff pastry over mango cream sauce and basil flakes, this is a revival from the old menu wherein a more high tech way of baking it makes the waiting time shorter. Light, soft, and airy, the combination makes the texture exciting while salmon and mango makes a refreshing, palate-tickling sensation.

There’s no denying that oyster almost tops the rank of everyone’s favorite shellfish which even Chateau Group of Restaurants CEO Ricky Guttierez couldn’t resist. There are many ways to dress these iconic shells, but Executive Chef Vicky’s version is arguably the best, highlighting the bivalves at their zenith while the soft and creamy toppings never overwhelm the briny juiciness retained inside. And at Chateau 1771, the delicate sweetness of the fresh oysters were marked as an oyster-lovers’ paradise —light quality yet filled with ordinary flavors made extraordinary from the freshly harvested oysters of Aklan, baked with butter flavored with shallots, worcestershire sauce and lemon.

Executive Chef Vicky not only was able to make a name for Chateau 1771’s all-time favorite pasta chorizo (P490) since 1988, but this time, with whole wheat spaghetti as a choice. This is definitely a stroke of a genius, holding its own as the star in this simple and healthy pasta perfection.

When doing fish for a crowd, Executive Chef Vicky found out that poaching is the best way in cooking its delicate meat, thus the birth of olive-oil poached halibut (P1070). A foolproof choice for something light and healthy, the tender halibut fillet is poached in olive oil and garlic, with precious spices such as bay leaf, thyme, shallots, and lemon zest producing a distinct aroma, finished off with tomato-orange marmalade for a light kick of citrus.

Next comes another fish specialty, a flavorful baked ocean trout (P630), oven-baked with lemon slices and scattered with fresh thyme leaves, pecans, capers, drizzled with healthy extra virgin olive oil is a classic and clean way to enjoy fish. What’s interesting with the exotic ocean trout is its firm and thick-fleshed meat, made tasty by the fresh waters of Australia. It is always mistaken as salmon although of the same family.

Another treasured and unique dish, vanilla brick spring chicken (P660 net), is a certified organic whole spring chicken, butterflied and deboned, with a spread of vanilla bean dots, butter and garlic grilled under a brick. While cooking under a brick slab is a technique that may seem primitive, the procedure proved to be the best way of creating a tasty and crisp texture of the skin and also makes the meat moist and tender.

Plus, the vanilla bean when smeared on the skin enlivens its delicate taste and flavor, especially when paired with cauliflower two-cheese gratin (P280 net). Simmering pork with milk and a generous handful of herbs such as sage results in very tender and rustic yet full-flavored meat with rich, silky juices. That’s why the milk braised pork shoulder (P450) is the perfect foil for either lunch or dinner boasting an old-Italian technique of cooking--with one bite enough to understand why it’s often called one of Chateau 1771’s great dishes.

Another meat dish that’s worth saving up the space for is the grilled lamb cutlet (P1750). Lamb is the least of the meat that most Filipinos prefer, but Chef Vicky rejects the notion. Grilled to perfection and seasoned with a mint-walnut pesto, it’s added with roasted capsicum sauce, grilled bell peppers and marble potato salad—a unique way of sealing the flavors without the disheartening “gamey” taste of lamb which most people would shy away from. Most diners wouldn’t even thinking about spreading over the lamb with some mint jelly which makes the dish a certified big winner among Chef Vicky’s creations.

Dessert is another work of masterpiece at Chateau 1771 not only for its superior taste and quality, but for every item’s unique homespun charm, just like the Valrhona chocolate ganache tart (P250net). Chef Vicky capitalized on the bittersweet flavor of 70% Valrhona chocolate, a quality French brand which has a deep, well-rounded, flavor and a silkier texture when mixed with French cream making this dessert quite addicting. Chef Vicky swears by the fact that some of the tastiest, most irresistible dishes are not only about originality, nuance, and verve—most of the time, the old ones have become classics and deserves a rightful place in the new menu. So whether you’re looking for everyday gourmet food or simply has an appetite for fine food, whether you’re treating yourself or somebody else, Chateau 1771 definitely got you covered.

Chateau 1771 – Greenbelt 5 is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every Sunday to Thursday and 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 m.n. for Friday to Saturday. For reservations, banquets and catering services, please call 729-9760 to 61 or (0917) 8626467.

Chateau 1771 is a member of the Chateau 1771 Group of Restaurants that include Sentro 1771 in Greenbelt 3, Sentro 1771 in Serendra, Bonifacio Global City and Café 1771 in El Pueblo Real de Manila, ADB Avenue cor. Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

REYES BARBECUE Opens 2 stores at Robinsons Magnolia and Festival Mall

2012-11-17T21:54:00.003-08:00

Reyes Barbecue recently opened two new stores at the Robinsons Magnolia and Festival malls, making their delicious barbecue meals more accessible to a wider range of customers.

“We are pleased and excited to bring the best barbecue dining experience to new markets, and will continue to work very hard to develop an organization that aims to always keep our customers happy and satisfied,” says Frank Reyes, Founder CEO of Reyes Barbecue.

Festival Mall

Robinson Magnolia

The new stores feature fresh interior designs that encourage family bonding and enjoyment. They also show the brand’s latest “Yes, Yes, Yes, ReYES!”commercial. New crew uniforms, new packaging designs, and the latest new product “Grilled Fish Barbecue Meal” – skewered fish fillet marinated in a special sauce and grilled to perfection, served with the delicious Java Rice, Pica-Pica Sauce and Ensaladang Talong – are also part of the evolving growth of the Reyes Barbecue stores.

Enjoy your favorite Boneless Chicken Barbecue Meal, Pork Barbecue Meal, Grilled Bangus Belly Meal, Reyes Arroz Caldo, Reyes Goto, Garlic Sotanghon, and all the other classic barbecue dishes at the Reyes Barbecue store nearest you!

For customer feedback, inquiries and information, please log on to www.reyesbarbcue.NET, email frankreyes.reyesbarbecue@gmail.com, text 09178684305, or call 7257502. Barbecue. Peanut Sauce. Java Rice. Best way to go!

SEPTEMBER is Soup and Barbecue Month!

2012-09-26T17:22:00.001-07:00

Don’t let these rainy days get you down! Take the time to have a hearty meal that will keep your energies up!

Reyes Barbecue energizes its customers for this month of September with a special Soup and Barbecue Meal combo promo! For all Mondays of September, and for the entire day, all Reyes Barbecue customers get a Free Mini Sotanghon Soup or a Free Mini Molo Soup for every barbecue meal purchase! The delicious combination of a warm, filling and heart soup, with the tasty Java Rice, rich Peanut Sauce, and your favorite barbecue dishes – like the Boneless Chicken Barbecue, Pork Barbecue, Grilled Liempo, Grilled Bangus Belly, Grilled Pusit, Grilled Tuna Belly and the new favorite, Grilled Fish Barbecue – will surely recharge your spirits and energize you for the day!

Visit Reyes Barbecue participating stores now ! Participating stores : SM Mall of Asia, SM Marikina, SM Bicutan, SM Las Pinas, SM Marilao, SM Clark, SM Tarlac, SM Pasig, Greenbelt 1, Alabang Town Center Food Court, UP Ayala TechnoHub, Nuvali Evozone, Pavilion Mall Sta Rosa, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Magnolia Food Court, Robinsons Lipa, Venice Piazza McKinley Hill, Waltermart Makati, Cash & Carry Mall Food Court, 168 Mall Food Court, Shangri La Mall Food Court, Emerald Mansion, Pacific Star Building Makati, Puregold Shaw.

For feedback and inquiries: Text 0197 868 4306, Call 726-9725, Email frankreyes.reyesbarbecue@gmail.com, visit our website www.reyesbarbecue.NET. Barbecue. Peanut Sauce. Java Rice. Best way to go! The Reyes Way is the Way to Go!

Marriott Café sizzles with it’s Newest Teppanyaki Station

2012-09-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

Japanese Cuisine is well loved by many because its classic culinary appeal is incomparable to anywhere in the world. The Japanese station is one of the most visited station in any buffet.

Among the large variety of dishes and regional specialties of the Japanese cuisine, I came to love sushi and maki and beside these delicious dishes, Marriott Café now sizzles with it’s newest Teppanyaki Station for buffet dinner which still priced P1750 net.

Marriott Café’s Teppanyaki station offers only the freshest and meaty choices of seafood, fish, pork and chicken, grilled to perfection. Executive Chef Meik Brammer makes everything tastier and satisfying in all aspects from the grill to the plate.

Derived from the word “teppan” or iron plate, this side of the buffet is loaded with the following choices: Gyuniko (diced beef tenderloin with vegetable in teppanyaki sauce); Tori (diced chickem with vegetable in teppanyaki sauce); Shake Teppanyaki (teppan salmon fillet with vegetable in special sauce); and Kaisen (mixed seafood with vegetable is sweet and spicy garlic sauce).

It was my first time to try Marriott Café’s Teppanyaki Station and I tried a combo dish. I mixed everything possible, I got Gyuniko, Tori and Kaisen.

The special Teppanyaki sauce made the dish so full of flavour and tasty to the last piece. I liked my beef well done, the chicken, and squid was perfectly cooked also. The vegetables were a perfect compliment to the meat. I really love my meal, I was even tempted to make another one.

You can convert it to a complete meal too by adding rice whipped up with meat sauce and spices, where in the mixing results to an aromatic golden brown color.

While Teppanyaki is the new star section of Marriott Café, the thoughtful daily dinner menu in the buffet from appetizer to dessert can never be left behind in its execution—leaving the choices and great memories almost endless! I would recommend also the fruits dessert station.

I just love the selection of fruits available, compliments to each meal Marriott has to offer. I can't wait for another exciting gastronomic night at Marriott Cafe!

Marriott Cafe
Marriott Hotel Manila, Resorts World Manila
988-9999

Buddha Bar Opens Doors for a Special Ladies Night this August 31, 2012!

2012-08-31T01:11:00.000-07:00

To all the jovial, lovely ladies of the cosmopolitan Metro, brace yourself to celebrate this August 31, 2012, as Buddha-Bar Manila stirs up an enthralling revelry that will surely enliven Manila’s party scene. Buddha-Bar Manila is opening its doors for Ladies First!—a night for all women who know how to party in style. Manila’s hottest DJ trio of Ornusa Cadness, Mia Ayesa, and Sanya Smith—collectively known as The Zombettes, will provide the unique world-famous Buddha-Bar music, soothing yet sensual that will transport you to a place away from the clatter and clutter of everyday life. The affair will be hosted by iconic radio DJ Sam YG, plus prizes like an e-gadget and a French designer bag will be raffled to all the lady attendees. Ladies First! is truly set to fuel the fabulous crowd all night.

But what makes it even more exciting is that the place is not just a typical setting with an open dance floor and couches on the sides. As a franchise of the world renowned bar-lounge-restaurant chain conceived by the late Raymond Visan in Paris, France in 1996, Buddha-Bar Manila carries the Buddha-Bar signature sophistication that has awed even the crowds of Monte Carlo, Kiev, Prague, Budapest, Mexico, Dubai, Beirut, Cairo and Tblisi. Buddha-Bar Manila has the same grandeur and opulence, with mystical interiors coupled with a glorious expanse filled with ornate fixtures, subdued amber lightning, and eclectic Asian décor.

And of course, what’s a party without delicacies and thirst-quenchers? Palates are guaranteed to feast with Buddha-Bar’s wide array of drinks and dishes that are all conjured with first-class ingredients and gustative concepts. With cuisine that perfectly fuse the strong Asian flavors with delicate French influences, dishes like Seared Sesame Tuna with Shiitake Vinaigrette, Fillet Mignon cooked “Teppan Yaki” Style, and a full selection of sushi palates will truly lift any party up a few notches.

A Classy Destination in the Metro

With or without themed events, Buddha-Bar Manila is always poised to satisfy its guests. In addition to its luscious treats and drinks, the mix of original Buddha-Bar music— ambient tracks and chill-out grooves— complement its overall ambiance. And since Buddha-Bar is known for its world-class DJs, it also offers compilations of musical collections that are exclusively selected by these DJs and stamped uniquely Buddha-Bar.

The newest lifestyle destination that is nestled in Makati at Picar Place has now become the haven for people who want to escape the frenzy of urban life and bask in Buddha-Bar Manila’s fantastic backdrop. Formally launched in January, Buddha-Bar Manila’s opening was graced by the presence of top fashion models Tweety de Leon-Gonzales, Mariana Benipayo, Bianca Valerio, fashion designers JC Buendia and Randy Ortiz, TV personality Rovilson Fernandez, and other prominent and discerning individuals who all have a penchant for classy party spots.

So ladies, mark your calendars and experience the exceptional delight first-hand this August 31. Feel free to bring your gentlemen friends along and be dazzled as you revel in the spotlight on a stylish night of music and culinary delight—only at Buddha-Bar Manila.

###

Ladies First! is Buddha-Bar Manila’s special ladies night out on August 31. For only P1000, every guest is entitled to two (2) complimentary drinks. All the ladies get the chance to go home with an e-gadget or an iconic French designer bag. For ticket reservations, call (02) 856-6719/6859/5738. Buddha-Bar Manila is located at Picar Place, Kalayaan Avenue and is open six days a week from 12nn until 2am (3am on weekends). For more information, visit

Antonio's Coffee+Bibingka

2012-08-19T21:26:00.001-07:00

What is Bibingka?

Bibingka is a Philippine rice cake that is usually eaten during Christmas season. This is usually being sold in wooden kiosk outside church. Bibingka is usually paired with Puto Bumbong, glutinous rice cooked in bamboo tubes and colored with purple coloring. During Simbang Gabi in the Philippines, these two delicacies sell like pancakes as early as 4 o’clock in the morning.

Today you don’t need to wait for the Christmas season to taste them because there is already ANTONIO’S Coffee + Bibingka, this is actually the first store that I know that made Bibingka available to people who shop every day at malls.

During the SM Megamall Food Sale, I was able to try all three variants of Bibingka that Antonios’s offer to foodies out there. They all have the same ingredients; the only difference among the three is the cheese they use as topping to each Bibingka variant.

Original uses Kesong Puti (Med P95, Big P105)

Special uses salted egg and plain cheese (Small P25, Med P75, Big P95)

Super Special uses Queso de Bola (Med P85, Big P105)

The soft and spongy texture is what I love most in Bibingkas. The cheese, coconut and sugar toppings make this delicacy much more special than it is. I would also recommend eating this while it’s hot, after it is freshly made. My favourite among the three is the Special though they used plain cheese.

I love the creaminess and fluffiness of the Bibingka, it is also made sweet and tasty because of the niyog (coconut shavings) and muscovado sugar that tops the Bibingka with cheese. The medium size is already good for two and I bet the Big is already good for 3-4 already.

During the SM Megamall Food Sale, Antonio’s treated it’s shoppers with 1 medium hot choco, salabat or tea with every 1 big super special or original Bibingka. Antonio’s Bibingka is best paired with their brewed coffee but I like how the hot choco tablea compliments each other’s sweetness. They also have colds drinks, they have different frappe flavors.

Ever wondered how Bibingka is made?

The traditional preparation is time consuming, but basically you mix all the ingredients (rice flour, eggs, and milk) place in a pan and then cook it inside the oven.

Antonio’s Coffee + Bibingka is strategically located at the 5th floor Bridgeway in SM Megamall.

SM MEGAMALL Food Sale! Aug 17-19, 2012!

2012-08-18T20:32:00.030-07:00

If you are thinking that the only sale items you can enjoy are clothes, bag, shoes, accessories, book, gadgets and furniture, then you’re definitely wrong..

SM Megmall brings you, for the third time…

You heard it right! Even food is on sale too! SM Megamall brings your dining experience into a whole new and exciting level with over 100 restaurants with exciting deals, promos, buy one take one, and freebies..

Different cuisines are available to satisfy all your cravings! From dimsums, to steaks, to burgers, to pasta, to desserts, to milk teas, to bread and even to rice all you can.. you will never go home hungry!

Participating restaurants are all over the place just look for the attached food sale poster outside or ask the staff.

At the event center near the food court in Bldg A you will find more delicious finds with MEGA FOOD Tripping with Lifestyle Network. They have live cooking demos, and deliciously healthy offerings.

You still have one more day to treat yourself for a gastronomic day and eat til your heart’s desire!

Bon appétit!