Food In The Bag

NEW MAGNOLIA GOLD LABEL ICE CREAM: Just In Time For the Holidays

2021-11-01T08:03:00.002+08:00

Sometimes, we just need something sweet to end our meals. MAGNOLIA just upped the game by bringing out the new GOLD LABEL ICE CREAM. As Filipinos gather around the table during this season of giving, we can't help but have our sweet endings. MAGNOLIA really did a number.

What makes MAGNOLIA GOLD LABEL ICE CREAM different from others would be that they are made with REAL CARABAO milk. This makes the ice cream creamier and healthier. Natural and smooth, these ice cream flavors are just perfect.

Just last October 26, 2021, there was quite the reveal. Different talents from the industry came out and showed their support for the new ice cream line. Marvin Agustin, Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, Megan Young, Alden Richards, and even Hidilyn Diaz were there. They talked about the new flavors. The new flavors were: Choco Peanut Butter made with Skippy, S'mores, Tablea Yema, Rocky Road, Taro White Cheese, Avocado Macchiato, and Mango Dark Chocolate.

Aside from having a huge collection of premium flavors they came out with a couple new ones. Quite intriguing that I really want to try them all out. Remember, all these are all natural without artificial flavors.

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A 1.3 L tub of the new Magnolia Gold Label Ice Cream for only P295 starting November 1 to December 31, 2021. They are all available at your nearest supermarket or grocery store.

Disclaimer: wrote this based on my experience, opinions, and views. This is a sponsored post.

RAIDER'S ALLEGIANT STADIUM LAS VEGAS TOUR: Checking out the DEATH STAR

2021-10-28T08:03:00.001+08:00

I know what you're thinking. How come there's REBELS on the endzone. That's the name of the College Football team over at UNLV or the University of Las Vegas. But, let's not really dwell into that. We're here to check out the Allegiant stadium. It's the stadium specifically built for the NFL team RAIDERS. Also known as the DEATH STAR, this place is just humongous.

On no event days, ALLEGIANT STADIUM TOURS are scheduled. When you visit, you could park for free. Better to book your slot a week or two out in their website so that you could pick a time. If not, you might be able to get a walk in slot or you could just visit the official team store. (If you do the tour, there's a discount for whatever you buy at the store).

So when you enter the north side of the stadium, the store would greet you. Just follow the sign to the left side and enter up the escalators to the receiving area. There, they will give you lanyards and you could buy a few refreshments and wait for everyone in your group.

Once everyone is there, you would be accompanied by a couple of staff. Remember, this is a walking tour so wear comfortable shoes as it will roughly take an hour or so to get around. They will then bring you up the escalators to a landing where you will see the torch. The glass panels facing the strip actually opens up. Plus, the standing area's table has wireless charger for your phone as well.

The tour would then lead you to a hallway filled with art works and also towards the coveted suites. Unfortunately or fortunately, this is were all the good stuff starts. It's here that you get access to places that are off limits during events and game days.

On the way, you could see famous paintings that were collected just for this stadium. Aside from that, there are areas to buy some refreshments and even the press center.

Speaking of suites, we were almost this close to the 50 yard line but was unable to enter because they were renovating it. Instead, we had a peak into one of MGM's suites on the 45th line. Bummer.

Once you enter, you have access to private washrooms, a bar, tables and chairs plus flat screen tvs and other things to pamper you.

If you really want to see the action, there are stadium seats that are accessible in those suites. The only thing that's quite unique though for the owner's box would be these white chairs. Theirs are the only ones that have a different color from other suites.

Afterwards, you get to see the Champions club were the VIPS could mingle. We just passed through the twitch room, and was led to the Raiderettes locker.

The press room was up next but we were shown the trophies that were won by the raiders. Here, we watched a film for a good 5-10 minutes. We were able to relax our feet as well.

Just through a couple of doors, we were led to the locker room. The locker room was really spacious and modern. Each player has a digital lock box for their belongings as well as other stuff.

Here's me with a closer look at one of the lockers. Derek Carr is the current quarterback for the Raiders.

Aside from the locker room, we passed through the medical area of the team. They have an xray and even a cold and hot jacuzzi.

Would you believe that some of these tubs have moving "treadmill" for the players to walk on?

The field itself is quite unique. Since the Raiders play their games on natural grass, they had to "train" the grass in. What you see here would be the cement flooring with astro turf for the Rebel's game. The Raider's has an automated "train like" system that's 4ft high that would allow their grass field to be brought in from the outside. Talk about expensive.

Just behind those white doors would be the grass area were they let them absorb the sun. There, they are taken cared of.

From the bottom, you could definitely see the top. This is the view from the field.

It's just amazing how money could be spent on such a thing.

And another look on the other side.

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After the tour, you're given a discount at the store. Also, if you chose to get the tour with the drink add on, the staff would lead you back to the trophy area to enjoy your beer and buy some snacks.

If you ask me, it was worth it. A little expensive but quite nice if you think about all the access you get.

Disclaimer: wrote this based on my experience. paid for my ticket.

KENNY ROGERS x BEYOND MEAT: HEALTHY PLANT BASED DISHES in MANILA

2021-09-16T08:03:00.002+08:00

Kenny Rogers just went above and beyond by introducing some healthy options. They partnered with BEYOND MEAT to provide some plant based dishes for you picky eaters.

This time, they offer a burger and a mashed potato that's made with or partnered with BEYOND MEAT. The burger itself is a genius piece of meat. If no one told you that it was plant based, you won't really know. They could have made the bread better but it's all good. The ingredients were pretty fresh. So, that's a plus.

I could definitely say that the burger could pass for the "real thing". If that's not something you're into, you might want to try the mashed potato version. Their packaging of it was kind of genius! The dishes are priced at 295Php each. A little pricey but it's definitely healthy.

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You could head on over to your nearest KENNY ROGERS or give them a call at 8-555-9000. Kennyrogersdelivery.com.ph is also available if you're an online person.

Disclaimer:wrote this based on my experience. the items were delivered c/o of Kenny Rogers.

WINERY PH MIDYEAR CLEARANCE SALE: AMAZING CHOICE OF WINE AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

2021-06-28T08:03:00.010+08:00

Wine sounds good right about now. With the things that are happening around us, sometimes a little bit of wine could and would take the edge off. Thankfully, WINERY PH got us covered. They're actually launching their MIDYEAR CLEARANCE SALE so it's a perfect time to go wine shopping.

This is not your ordinary sale where you would see normal liquor. Rather, WINERY PH is offering great wines with character and flavor that would definitely hit the spot. Not only that but it's up to 57% off.

They're offering 11 Red Wines, 6 White Wines, One Rose, and a Sparkling Rose from 34% off up to 57%. Winery.ph 's sale will run for four days from June 30, 2021 to July 3, 2021. The more you buy the more you save. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peak on their list of wines. I was able to try a couple that are great pairings to delicious food. I don't usually stick with the norm where reds are to meat and whites are to seafood. Rather, I personally just go with the flow. If it tastes great, then go for it right?

The Torre Solar Tempranillo Syrah is described as succulent and juicy. It came from Spain and has around 13% alcohol content. Honestly, I'm not a wine expert but I do enjoy a good one with good food.

Here's a list of the sale that's coming up:

1. Raig de Raim White 2019 Sixer – ₱2,990 (56% OFF; ₱498 per bottle)
2. Raig de Raim Red 2017 Sixer - ₱2,990 (56% OFF; ₱498 per bottle)
3. Nuestra Senora Portal Blanc 2019 Sixer - ₱2,990 (56% OFF; ₱498 per bottle)
4. Nuestra Senora Portal 2016 Sixer - ₱3,990 (57% OFF; ₱665 per bottle)
5. Sa Natura Organic Red 2017 Sixer – ₱3,790 (57% OFF; ₱632 per bottle)
6. Guadalupe White 2017 Sixer – ₱2,390 (45% OFF; ₱398 per bottle)
7. Cline Rose of Mourvedre 2016 Sixer - P 4,790 (38% OFF; P 798 per bottle)
8. Haribon Red Dozen - ₱3,190 (46% OFF; ₱266 per bottle)
9. Ramon Bilbao Crianza Rioja Tempranillo 2016 Sixer - ₱3,190 (37% OFF; ₱532 per
bottle)
10. Ramon Bilbao Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 2011 Sixer - ₱7,850 (37% OFF; ₱1,308
per bottle)
11. Chrismont La Zona Pinot Grigio 2018 Sixer - ₱3,590 (45% OFF; ₱598 per bottle)
12. Torre Solar Tempranillo Syrah 2018 Dozen - ₱3,790 (51% OFF; ₱316 per bottle)
13. M. Chapoutier Crozes Hermitage Petite Ruche 2015 Sixer – ₱5,290 (43% OFF; ₱882 per
bottle)
14. Livio Felluga Sharis Blanc 2016 Sixer – ₱6,790 (43% OFF; ₱1,132 per bottle)
15. Piccini Memoro Rosso Sixer - ₱3,690 (41% OFF; ₱615 per bottle)
16. Richebaron Selection Rouge Dozen - ₱3,490 (41% OFF; ₱291 per bottle)
17. Richebaron Selection Blanc Dozen - ₱3,490 (41% OFF; ₱291 per bottle)
18. Peter Lehmann Art & Soul Shiraz Grenache 2014 Sixer - ₱2,350 (34% OFF; ₱392 per
bottle)
19. Valdivieso Sparkling Brut Rose NV Sixer - ₱3,190 (46% OFF; ₱532 per bottle

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Head on over to www.winery.ph to checkout this MIDYEAR CLEARANCE SALE.

www.winery.ph is your one stop wine place. They also offer more than just wine. Aside from such, they

got beer, other liquor, and even extra items that you might want and need.

Disclaimer: wrote this based on my opinions. the wines I tried are c/o of winery.ph

DIN TAI FUNG IN LAS VEGAS: Taiwanese Dishes in SIN CITY

2021-06-20T08:03:00.008+08:00

One of my favorite places to visit would be Taiwan. I've been to the place probably more than 5 times already and it never gets old. One of the most popular restaurant from Taipei would be Din Tai Fung. What started in the Da'an District, this restaurant has been a global force with a number of franchises all over the world.

Since this is Las Vegas, they try to showcase everything here. More so they brought this restaurant over to the ARIA Hotel. They opened to the public in 2020 and never looked back. Once you enter, you are greeted by the dumpling making kitchen. You could see and take photos of chefs making the soupy dumplings or xiao long bao.

Since this is Las Vegas, the place is hyped up. With decors and high ceiling, they make sure that everything is worth your visit. As with any famous restaurant, a reservation is a must. Because of covid, it would be best to make one a week or so before especially for weekends.

Just like any other DIN TAI FUNG restaurants, they give you a piece of paper where you check and write down your orders. Granted that it seems quite incredible to charge for extra ginger, I just went with the flow.

Since this wasn't my first time eating in a DIN TAI FUNG, I figured I let my friends do the ordering. They went with the go to choices of course. From the original xiao long bao, to the crab roe flavored version, and even some other dishes.

In all honesty, visiting DIN TAI FUNG would be perfect for an early snack before dinner but never for a full meal. The prices seems to be a little on the high side compared to other DIN TAI FUNG places I've been too. The dishes were just okay. To be honest, I still preferred other xiao long bao places because of the quality and quantity.

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All in all, it was an okay visit. Nice to remember and experience Taiwanese dishes. Although, I don't think I'll go back anytime soon. Honestly, it was just okay. The service was great but the food was so-so. I don't know but it seems Chinatown would have been a better choice.

DIN TAI FUNG

ARIA Resort & Casino,

3730 S Las Vegas Blvd,

Las Vegas, NV 89158

Disclaimer: paid for the meal. wrote this based on my experience.

MANDALAY BAY STAYCATION: Las Vegas is Open

2021-05-24T15:03:00.001+08:00

Noted to be the south most hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, Mandalay Bay Hotel has its own style and charm. As with any casino + hotel + resort, this place aims for you not to leave the compound and enjoy all its offering. Of course with accessibility, this would lead to a significant price tag. A week or so ago, I was able to stay in this resort and enjoy its offerings. Here's a little bit of room tour/experience.

Mandalay Bay is an MGM property. As such, it offers a STAY WELL version of their room. This means that your room has some upgrades that would make your visit a cleaner and more relaxed stay. Mandalay is a little bit of an upgrade from MGM Grand in terms of rooms. The MGM is more accessible while the Mandalay tends to be a family oriented place to visit. With the wave pool and shark reef aquarium, it targets family visits.

Well enough of that. My friends and I checked into our respective rooms. There was a little hickup with their reservations. Thankfully, it got fixed. They weren't charged for their upgrade but it was a little bit of a hassle as we got in late and tired. I was upgraded to their floor without me asking. I did leave a tip for the front desk for her service. The room in itself is quite normal except for the "stay well" features.

The features include an air purifier, diffuser, and even a vitamin c water purifier for your shower area. Since we brought bbq for dinner in my room, it was notable that the smell didn't linger. I guess the purifier did work it's charm.

Washroom wise, the toilet was separated by a door. The shower was on a corner and not with the tub. Unfrotunately, there was no television in there.

The bar was fully stocked but you should already know that it would cost you an arm and a leg for these items. Thankfully, ice was still free. Better to just pack your luggage with drinks and snack from the local grocery to save some dollars.

The view though was pretty good. It's not to lit up that you might have a hard time sleeping.

The pool is another reason to stay here. If you're staying at the Mandalay Bay you have access to the Beach. It's a collection of pools. A lazy river, a heated wave pool with sand, and a couple of normal pool. If you're staying at the Delano or the Four Season, you have access to private pools just for their guests.

The place opens up at 9am and closes at 6pm. There's a lot of seats that you could go for since it's 100%capacity already. Some though are by reservation. You have to pay for the cabanas and some of the premium seats. Towels are free of course. A few minutes before 9am though, a line could be seen forming. You just need to show your hotel room key card for you to gain entry.

There are of course food and drinks available. There are wait staff that roam around. You could also go to the stalls themselves.

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VEGAS IS DEFINITELY OPEN. There are a lot of visitors that roam the strip. Hotels and restaurants are ramping up their employment drive because of the demand. There are now a lot of places that are opening up as well.

Mandalay Bay Hotel is one of them. The place is relaxed although the casino isn't as complete as other places. It's a definitely a must try to visit but honestly, I might go for something else next time.

Disclaimer: paid for my stay. wrote this based on my experience.

SUSHI NEKO: LAS VEGAS' BEST SUSHI AYCE? Let's See

2021-04-13T08:03:00.008+08:00

So here's the thing with me. I'm in love with sushi. Granted I love food in general but sushi and Japanese cuisine has a special place in my heart and in my tummy. Even though there's a pandemic going on, there comes a time when you really need to scratch that itch. Thankfully, here in Las Vegas, things are starting to pick up.

One of the best SUSHI AYCE restaurant in Las Vegas (according to some of my friends) would be SUSHI NEKO. Located in the unofficial-offical Chinatown of Las Vegas, this place seems to be quite small but it does cater to a lot of patrons because of the fast turnover. Since there is a pandemic going on, they do have a limit on capacity. They also no longer accept reservation.

You and your party needs to be there and complete before they could let you have a seat. Parking seems to be a little problematic at first, but they do have a covered parking to the right of the restaurant.

The menu is quite straight forward. They have a number of cooked dishes, sushi, rolls, and of course dessert. Appetizer wise, they would suggest you try the bulgogi nachos. To be honest, it was just okay.

They also have a number of small plates like gyozas. You can't go wrong with this deep fried dumpling. If you're up for some tempura, they also have it here. I would suggest getting the creamy shrimp rather than just the ordinary ebi tempura. This version is almost the same except that it's filled with cream cheese inside.

One thing that differs from other sushi ayce places that I've been to would be that this one offers skewers.

It seems that the one thing that makes them different from other places is that they have tons to offer. I actually placed a copy of their menu at the bottom of this article. The katsu curry seemed to be great at first but the meat was dry. The sauce was okay though.

Sushi wise, I'm happy to say that the quality was pretty good. Furthermore, they do not over put rice in them. Making them more seafood than rice.

The Salmon was great. They didn't have the mackerel so I went with the yuzu yellowtail instead.

One thing I didn't like though was their ikura. The Salmon Roe didn't pass the pop test. I ordered it a number of times so it seems that it's the batch that they got. It wasn't as fresh as one would like.

If you're into rolls, I would suggest you go for the baked version. Granted that Sushi Neko is part of a group of restaurants that specializes in kbbq, hotpot, and sushi, you might actually have experienced some of these at their other restos. That time, the Japanese Lasagna Roll made me curious so I tried it out. Thankfully, these rolls are already in default half roll. It was creamy and cheesy at the same time.

The other roll that I tried would be the Baked Lobster. I thought that they would serve real lobster meat. Unfortunately, they use deep fried balls to pass up as lobsters. It did still taste good with the garlic mayo and unagi sauce.

One thing that would usually signal the end of the meal, would be dessert. At an AYCE place such as this, ordering dessert would automatically bill you out. I would suggest skipping the tempura ice cream as the batter was quite different. I had a number of these before at different places and I have to say that you should skip this.

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Overall, SUSHI NEKO in LAS VEGAS is a pretty good place to go to. I would suggest visiting on an off time as I figured that lines would be long. I went there on a Monday lunch time and it was filled with people waiting outside for their turn. Service wise, everything was fast and great except for the last part. They forgot one of the dessert but it was okay. I did enjoy my time there.

SUSHI NEKO
5115 W Spring Mountain Rd #117, Las Vegas, NV 89146

Disclaimer:

Wrote this based on my experience.

Paid for our meal.

PINOY NURSE EXPERIENCE AND THOUGHTS ON THE MODERNA VACCINE

2021-01-14T14:08:00.001+08:00

Hi! My name is Jeng. I'm a nurse and have been such since 2008. I was lucky enough to be able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine because of my job status. Here's my experience and thoughts about it.

Since I work as a nurse, I am part of the first tier of people able to receive the vaccine. I was able to get a link that allowed me to set up a appointment to receive the vaccine. After inputing my information and getting the desired time and date that I wanted, I received confirmation e-mails as well as links to information and fact sheets regarding the vaccines. It was either the Pfizer or Moderna version but personally, it didn't matter to me. Aside from the signed consent form, I also brought a proof of employment or id containing my role.

I arrived at the site roughly 20 minutes before my time slot. It took me around 45 minutes to get in the building. During this time, I noticed a number of police officers outside. Also, there were staff reminding people to stay 6 ft apart. Once I got it, they checked my name against a list and checked my credentials. There were 3 stations that I would need to visit. The first one was to double check and verify your consent and current status. They would ask if you're pregnant, had any vaccine allergic reactions, or received a vaccine within the past few weeks. Unfortunately, you're not allowed to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if you answered yes to any of those questions. Also, you can only receive the same type of brand of vaccine if it's your second dose.

The second station would be where they would inject you. Here, the staff would double check your information and also ask you a few more questions. They would also remind you that you need to stay 15-30 minutes after getting the vaccine. They would ask you to sit down and give the shot in the arm. Aside from that, they would give you a vaccine record card that has all the information including your return date for the second vaccine. This time, they administered the MODERNA vaccine. I had to return a month after. If I couldn't get the vaccine on the same date, I can do it a day or so later.

Afterwards, I was led to an observation area where there were chairs spaced out and available. This is the third and final station. Take note, there is someone that would clean and disinfect each chair after use for both the administration area and the observation area. Here, they gave you a tape with the time that you're able to leave. According to them, they would monitor you for 15-30 minutes. There were a number of EMS staff around just in case you needed some medical attention. While waiting, you could check out the fact sheets and the app or website that the CDC has on the vaccine. VSAFE is a program that would allow you to check-in and report how you are doing. If they see something that is a red flag, they would contact you and help you out.

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All in all, everything was well-planned and organized. From start to finish, there were staff present. Someone would check the credentials and your name against a list, someone would guide you, there's a list of questions that are asked, professionals administer the vaccine, you're observed for a few minutes, and then you're done. Social distancing was practiced and they would clean high touch areas. Overall, it took me around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Not bad.

So of course, I wanted to treat myself. I went to a Korean Food Court and had a delicious meal. For those asking how everything went, here's a link to my Youtube video describing my experience from start to 24 hours after the administration of the Moderna vaccine.

COVID 19 MODERNA VACCINE EXPERIENCE

Disclaimer: wrote this based on my experience. please read up on the facts regarding vaccine and administration. This article is not a fact sheet. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns regarding Covid-19 and the vaccine.

WINERY PH 11/11 Clearance Sale: Getting Ready For The Next Drink Up

2020-11-10T09:03:00.002+08:00

Sometimes, you just want to have a great drink together with that juicy steak or meal that you've been planning. Maybe you just want to unwind and relax. Since being under lock down and in a pandemic, what other way to have your wines or e-numan in the metro but through WINERY PH. It's a local website that could get your quality wines to you within a couple of business days.

Tomorrow 11/11, WINERY PH will be having a clearance sale. Aside from their low priced drinks, they will have more to offer. As high as 41-56% off from really good wines. If that's not enough, if you get half a dozen or even a dozen more, you get a bulk price discount automatically.

If that's not enough, they even give you an automatic 500 Php off on your first order.

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So, remember tomorrow 11/11/2020, WINERY PH will have an online clearance sale that is just amazing. Quality wines are can never be more affordable than this.

Best for you to check them out at www.winery.ph

Disclaimer:wrote this as a sponsored post for winery.ph

9 POPULAR DISHES: You Can Recreate at Home

2020-08-24T08:03:00.000+08:00

Months of quarantine have prompted many to explore their culinary talents and recreate dishes that broke the internet. From street food to drink mixes, desserts, restaurant favorites, and fancier versions of convenience store food, many have learned to recreate popular dishes in their own kitchen.

Here are nine popular dishes you can try to make at home.

MAC N' CHEESE

Mac n' Cheese is considered one of the most beginner-friendly dishes to cook at home. it only needs macaroni, milk, and cheese mixed in a pot. Mac n' cheese also comes in all shapes and sizes, making it one of the most versatile and delicious dishes out there.

One popular mac n' cheese dish uses Beecher's flagship cheese sold in public markets and grocery stores in the U.S. The good news is you don't have to flu to the U.S. to taste this mac n' cheese dishes. USE THIS RECIPE TO REPLICATE THE FAMOUS BEECHER'S mac n' cheese with ingredients available in your grocery store.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Cookies are a great snack to munch on or to give as rewards after your kids have finished arranging their toys or doing their chores. The Luxurious DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL shares its recipe on how to create their signature chocolate chip cookies. If you want chunkier chocolate chips on your cookies, PRET A MANAGER recommends using large chocolate buttons.

SEAFOOD PAELLA

With the Christmas countdown beginning in September, you might want to take advantage of being in quarantine to master cooking paella. Originally a laborer's dish, this Spanish course has become one of the most well-known European dishes. SPAIN ON A FORK shows you how to recreate the authentic seafood paella from Valencia that will be perfect for your family Noche Buena.

BAKED SUSHI

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Baked sushi is another dish that became popular on social media due to many vloggers and chef's recreating the recipe. This has led to many online entrepreneurs selling baked sushi to bring the contemporary dish to homes everywhere. BUT YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN BAKED SUSHI AT HOME since sushi ingredients are available at Asian grocery marts and online sellers of Korean and Japanese food. Here's my version of the BAKED SUSHI that I made at home easily.

FISH N' CHIPS

Yet another international classic, fish n'chips allows you to get a taste of London, Engliand without leaving home. Fish & Co., a restaurant in SM North EDSA's Sky Garden, is one of the few places you can order fish n' chips from. Sm North EDSA is just MINUTES AWAY FROM ETON CENTRIS making it easily accessible if you live in this side of the city.

If you live in an area where fish n' chips isn't available for delivery, you can still satiate your fish n' chips craving by MAKING YOUR OWN VERSION OF THE BRITISH DELICACY AT HOME.

MILK TEA

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The milk tea craze has just gotten bigger when the quarantine was implemented. Food delivery services have made it possible for you to explore various milk tea flavors and quech your thrist for sugary drinks.

If you are craving milk tea but you want to save money from buying a cup weekly, you can make your own for cheaper. THERE ARE RECIPES THAT SHOW YOU HOW TO MAKE VARIOUS MILK TEA FLAVORS with ingredients you have at home or from your grocery store.

XIAO LONG BAO (SOUP DUMPLINGS)

These soup dumplings from Jiangsu Province, China have stirred the interest of dumpling lovers everywhere. It is perfect with rice and hot tea, and the idea of having broth inside the dumpling is baffling and offers a magical eating experience at the same time.

Recreating xiao long bao at home might require a lot of practice as preparing the dough for the wrapper alone is already quite tedious. But with patience, YOU CAN LEARN TO CREATE THE PERFECT SOUP DUMPLINGS AT HOME.

BEEF PHO

The Vietnamese noodle soup is perfect for the chilly rainy weather. With its thick noodles, hearty broth, perfect slices of beef, and spices, pho remains a favorite soup dish all over the world. Other than being delicious, beef pho is also healthy and easy to cook in your kitchen. A RECIPE BY THE ASIAN FOOD NETWORK teaches you how to recreate Vietnam's beloved beef noodles soup.

STARBUCKS DRINKS

Iced blended coffee is also one of the most popular drinks for many. But because many coffee shops remain closed and only a few offer delivery, it might not be ideal for some to line up and wait for their orders. The good news is that THESE DRINKS CAN BE EASILY REPLICATED with crushed ice, chocolate syrup, chocolate chips, spices, and a blender in your kitchen.

With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic keeping you and your family at home, take time to recreate these well-loved dishes. Enjoy and hone your culinary skills while staying safe.

Disclaimer: Some Photos are care of pixabay.

TRYING OUT PACIFIC WEST SEAFOOD: Safe Dining At Home Made Easy

2020-07-23T08:03:00.000+08:00

So it's been like this. Preferring to eat at home just because you won't know if it's safe to eat out. With COVID cases in the thousands, it would make sense to eat at home. At least, you're sure of the stuff that you get. One of the things that I was lucky enough to try out would be PACIFIC WEST SEAFOOD. It's a known brand that has ready to cook frozen meals. To be specific, they got very good restaurant quality seafood.

They sent on over a number of easy to cook frozen seafood. I like how you don't need to be a great chef to have restaurant grade dishes. For today, I was able to try 4 of their special dishes. From Dusted Baby Squid, Lemon Pepper Squid Chunks, Popcorn Shrimps, and Cheesy Fish Fillet.

Cooking them is pretty easy. No need to thaw, just heat up a pan with oil. Then, deep fry for roughly 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.

Whoever did the RND on the Cheesy Fish Fillet is a genius. The breading kept the cheese inside. It didn't leak and destroy the dish. This actually reminded me of a seafood restaurant that shall not be named but it's really that good. Partner this with some aoili sauce or lemon and butter plus some chips or fries and you're good to go.

I was actually thinking how to differentiate the two types of squid that was sent over. The dusted one is a little darker in color because of the breading. It was also more formed compared to the chunks. In contrast, the chunks are a like small balls made with breading and cut up pieces of squid. The popcorn shrimp though would be perfect with some cocktail sauce. My goodness, everything in this seafood platter is pretty good.

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These and a lot more from Pacific West Seafood is available from @afcphils or Alternative Food Corp (www.alternatives.ph) for delivery and online order. They're also available in Rustans Supermarket, Shopwise, Fishermall, Best Value Factory Outlet (Eastwood), and in other major supermarkets.

Disclaimer:These items were sent on over. I wrote this based on my experience and opinions.

QUICK BITES: MILKY DUST DONUTS

2020-07-01T16:46:00.000+08:00

This is not your ordinary munchin. It looks normal from the outside but these donuts are different. MILKY DUST DONUTS is extraordinary. A brainchild of Twinkle Lacsamana, this is her labor of love.

Sprinkled with sugar dusting, different small balls of fun would surprise customers. Each has a filling that would make you want to eat more.

Mocha would definitely be our favorite. The mixture found inside makes it a perfect one for coffee lovers.

Chocolate tastes a bit traditional for me. The bread is soft and moist. They're pretty good as a snack on the go.

There's also a milky vanilla flavor and ube cheese. The vanilla is a little too sweet for me. The ube has a familiar cheese flavor inside it. Maybe next time, I'll ask her not to add sugar coatings so that I can eat some more.

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You could check them out in instagram @milkydustdonuts . They're based in Edsa, Pasay. They currently have 4 flavors. Dark Mocha, Ube Cheese, Vanilla Milk, and Pure Chocolate.

Disclaimer: wrote this based on my experience. I ordered and paid for some of these donuts but where also given some as a treat.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR GUT: World Digestive Health Day 2020

2020-05-29T17:31:00.002+08:00

As a foodie, I tend to go overboard with food. Who wouldn't right? With food present left and right, it's a bit too much sometimes. Especially now that Metro Manila is in a quarantine, we tend to create dishes and eat as long as we want to. One thing I realized early on is that we need to take care of our gut.

Today is WORLD DIGESTIVE HEALTH DAY 2020. Today, it's all about taking care of our tummy. It's something that we need to do to keep up with everything that's happening around us.

Stress, oily dishes, and not eating on time could lead to problems for our stomach. It's better to have a preventive approach when it comes to this. Eat healthy dishes like veggies. Go for high fiber intake. Don't forget to take in tons of fluids. Exercise is also the best way to go.

Just in case, you might need some medications that could help you out. When, there's pain involved, there's a decrease in the way we move about. It's best to take care of it asap. If we're having loose bowel, we need to take care of it just so that we don't get dehydrated. On the flipside, having constipation is also bad for us. It's all about balance. Sanofi Philippines sent on over some samples of their dependable meds. As always, please consult your healthcare provider before taking any of these.

If you're feeling constipated, DULCOLAX will be your best bet. It's best to take it before you sleep just so that when you wake up, you'll have an easier bowel movement. Best to drink it with a full glass of water.

On the other hand, when you have loose bowel movement, ERCEFLORA is a great medication when you're trying to restore the normal balance in your tummy. It's basically a probiotic to help your gut return to normal. They now offer these for kid as well in the form of Probi Bears.

Essentiale Forte P is something for your liver. It helps protect and promote liver health especially when you have a chronic liver disease. So, it's best for you to take alcoholic drinks in moderation and never go overboard.

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BUSCOPAN is a great antispasmodic medication to help you with abdominal pain. They now offer one that's targeting cramps for our female friends with the Buscopan Venus. These would help decrease stomach spasms and help us get through the day.

SANOFI is encouraging everyone to talk about their gut feelings. They're using the hashtags #WDHD and #LetsTalkAboutGutFeelings. Maybe you could share your stories too. Cheers.

Disclaimer: wrote this based on my experience. These sample medications were care of Sanofi Philippines. As always, please consult a doctor before taking any of these medications. There are contraindications and also severe reactions that may occur to some when taking in these medications.

EASY TO MAKE SUSHI BAKE: THE LATEST FOOD CRAZE IN METRO MANILA

2020-05-25T08:03:00.000+08:00

Ever since Metro Manila has been in a lockdown, people are craving for sushi and sashimi and even rolls. The fact that raw dishes are quite easy to contaminate, my family and I would only get outside food that we could reheat before eating. Just to be safe. A dish that came in handy during the lockdown would be SUSHI BAKE.

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Deconstructed california maki. ❤️❤️❤️ #foodinthebag

A post shared by Food In The Bag (@foodinthebag) on Apr 10, 2020 at 8:17pm PDT

It's basically a make your own california maki. It's quite easy to make. Ingredients are easy to find especially if you're near a Japanese market store. Sometimes, Korean shops have these items too.

To start off, you will need a lb of imitation crab or kani sticks, nori or seaweeds, 3/4 cups japanese mayo like kewpie, 3 cups of cooked rice, furikake for seasoning, 1/2 cup sour cream, and sriracha (optional). You could also have some extra seaweeds or nori wrappers and sweet mango slices. If you want it to be more special, add some ebiko or those little orange eggs that you see.

Mix together the crab, japanese mayo, sour cream, and some furikake. In a casserole dish or baking pan, spread a layer of cooked rice up to a little below the halfway mark. Don't over do it because you could get really full easy. Add furikake on top and a sheet of nori just to cover it up. Then, spread the mixture that you just mixed. Add the ebiko on top. Broil for a few minutes until the topping is browned. Once done, you could serve it as is or get a little bit then place it in a nori wrapper. Add mangoes and dip into soy sauce. Here, you have your very own SUSHI BAKE. For sure, you can mix and match different toppings as well. I'm thinking of adding some uni to the mix too and maybe cheese.

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My goodness gracious!!! Sarap!!!! Mom made Sushi Bake! Just scoop, place on nori, add mangoes and kewpie.... BAM! So good! Let’s eat! #foodinthebag #sushibake #sushi

A post shared by Food In The Bag (@foodinthebag) on May 5, 2020 at 12:39am PDT

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Here's an extra. If you have tons of kani or imitation crab sticks, just egg wash them and put some panko breadings. Add nori or seaweed in the middle then deep fry. You then got your very own KANI FRY. Easy.

Disclaimer: Wrote this based on my experience. Bought and made such.

SEVEN THINGS I ATE DURING THIS QUARANTINE: Foods To Try In Metro Manila

2020-05-18T08:03:00.000+08:00

It has been a roller coaster ride for the past few weeks. Metro Manila is one of the worst hit in the Philippines. Places were placed on lockdown and one could not go out of their houses without the right reasons. For health and safety wise, this was a good idea. Although, mass testing would be a key part of helping the community. Anyways, I'm here to get off the couch and write about the things that I bought or received that might tickle your fancy. During this quarantine, you can't really go to a restaurant and eat there. The best solution is to either cook or have your food delivered. Here are some of the things I ate during this metro manila freeze.

For my sweet tooth, I went for some TAZA PLATITO's everything but the kitchen sink cookies. From marshmallows to pretzels, and nuts and chocolate. These are really good and would certainly help your appetite. Sometimes in the middle of the night, I would sneak off to the cookie jar and get some of these babies. You can read more about taza platito here.

For some afternoon snacks, one could go for MERASHIAN'S chicken pie. These empanada like pies are really good. The crust are just right. The filling wasn't dry. It actually reminded me of those red ribbon snacks. Just put them in the toaster and they should be fine. Thank you very much Mitch and Mikee for this.

I'm no longer a house of bao virgin. That's what I told myself yesterday. As I tried it, the smell and taste reminded me of my travels to Taipei. These little munchins from HOUSE OF BAO were moist and just right. There are actually 3 flavors to choose from. Chicken, vegetarian, and the pork. If I was going to order again, it would be all pork. Reheating them on a pan with little oil and water works well as it gives you a toasty bottom.

One of the most easiest transaction I have ever made during this quarantine period would be with FALAFEL YO. You just need to go to their website and they will handle everything. From ordering, payment via credit card, and even delivery. The falafels hit the spot. Ever since I have tasted them a few years back, I realized that I actually like these little balls. Deep fried, they are sandwiched in pita bread. Add a little bit of hummus and even fries and everything would be fine. This is comfort food at its finest.

See that popsicle stick? Yes, it's from that restaurant. LIVESTOCK is known for having crunchy skin crispy pata with moist and delicious meat inside. Ever since I tried Livestock, I have tried them a number of times. From deliveries to takeouts, and even dine in, this place has a lot of fond memories. Aside from crispy pata, they're also known for other Filipino dishes. You can read more about livestock here.

For people craving for ramen, one place that now has a take home packet would be RAMEN NAGI. Since a couple of weeks back, they started piloting ramen boxes. These small boxes have a lot of ingredients for you to take home and reheat. From there, you got your own bowl of ramen. Aside from ramen, they also offer other dishes like karaage. You can read about ramen nagi here.

One of the first restaurants to stay open in UP TOWN KATIPUNAN would be MAMA LOUS. They were the first restaurant I tried out when Metro Manila was in lockdown. The food was okay but it was a little bit of hassle coordinating pick up. I understand that during this time we need to be a little more patient. Aside from some ordered items missing and being late when the pickup time was confirmed, the food was okay. It was good enough to heed my cravings.

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During this time, I hope everybody could keep safe and sound. Remember that our rights are synonymous to respecting others as well. When going out, please wear the proper PPE and do social distancing. Stop touching your mask and moving it around. Stay safe.

Disclaimer: bought all of these food except for the merashian chicken pie as they were given as a gift.

Ways to Earn Money Chasing Your Foodie Dreams While Traveling the World

2020-04-05T17:00:00.002+08:00

We've all heard the word "foodie" before... But Have you ever wondered what exactly gives someone the right to call themselves a "foodie"? The term is used so loosely that it's hard to tell if someone is really a true foodie or not.

By definition, a foodie is someone with a deep interest in food, in both cooking and eating. But there has to be more to it than that, right? Or else why would certain people get upset at other people calling themselves foodies? That basic definition of the term practically describes everyone who enjoys food for sustenance and taste.

Our taste buds are designed to automatically ignite an interest in food, especially when it tastes goo, so that definition alone, isn't enough to explain what a true foodie is. In fact, true foodies will argue you down over what a foodie truly is! So before you go and label yourself as a foodie around other foodies, honestcooking.com recommends you,

BE able to recommend a restaurant while providing several menu options

BE knowledgeable on various cooking styles

BE able to pick out flavors and ingredients in various dishes

Those are just a few recommendations that will save you a scolding and embarrassment from real foodies. To settle the score on what a foodie really is, it's safe to say that a foodie is someone who is extremely passionate about food and all its facets. It's also safe to say that a foodie will travel the world just to pursue their food passion.

TRAVELING THE WORLD FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD

It's no secret that travel and tourism were designed with the foodie in mind. Although the term is still fairly new, the love of food isn't. There are food festivals, cooking TV shows, and food tours all over the world that people enjoy but only a true foodie lives, eats, and breathes food. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that foodies travel the world just to satisfy their foodie desires.

But traveling the world just to satisy your foodie desires isn't a realistic way of life... You still have a lofe outside of food, right? You at least have to work! Well, of course, but the thing about some foodies is that they love food so much that they've made being a foodie a complete lifestyle! And you can too if you're as passionate about food as you think you are!

The great news is that you can take your passion for food, travel all over the world, and make money while fulfilling your passion!

If you consider yourself a foodie and want to explore the lifestyle of a traveling foodie, here are some of the best ways to earn income with jobs involving food, all while fulfilling your passion for food.

WAYS TO MAKE MONEY WITH FOOD WHILE TRAVELING THE WORLD

Food Photographer

Image address: https://www.bravotv.com/sites/bravo/files/styles/blog-post-embedded--computer/public/the-feast-instagram-food-videos.jpg?itok=k2dKAszF

In many cultures, it's a sacred and religious tradition to pray before you eat your food... Well, in the world of foodie-ism, it's a sacred tradition to take pictures of your food before you eat! There's just something about when your food is brought out to you, the smell, the presentation of the food, and the overall vibe of the dining location just makes you want to share your experience with the entire world! And there's nothing wrong with that... In fact, there's a whole business that focuses on it.

There are lots of entrepreneurs who have started their own online business with the sole focus of selling food photography. The amazing thing about selling food photography is that it doesn't just have to be pictures of meals. Food Photography can come in the form of:

Pictures of spices and ingredients
Pictures of food vendors from all over the world
Pictures of the restaurant staff (cooks, chefs, servers, managers, etc)
Pictures of customers enjoying their meals

If you can follow the simple steps to build your online storefront, you'll be able to post your pictures on your site and vloggers, bloggers, and fellow foodies will be able to purchase the photos you had the peasure of taking and utilize them for their own personal use.

You can even sell various ingredients and spices you've taken pictures of through your site if you wanted. With an online store, you can sell practically anything!

Food Truck Owner

Image address: https://pixabay.com/photos/the-city-the-city-busan-busan-3515815/

Being a food truck owner, you literally embody the definition of "meals on wheels"... but being a food truck owner also gives you the ability to travel the world and make money doing it ! Maybe you are a connoisseur of all things involving a hot dog... You could take your hot dog skills and share your delicious dogs with the whole world!

It's amazing the places you will find yourself on four wheels.

Food Stylist

Stylists have always been though of as people working in the makeup, hair, and fashion industries... little do most people know that stylists run deep in the food industry as well! Just think about it... those bacon, avocado-ranch burgers don't just come off the grill looking that tasty... It takes a food stylist to make them look that good for restaurant menus.

If you consider yourself as someone who has a knack for putting things together and who personally, always makes your own homecooked meals look delicious, a career in food styling might be an avenue for you to travel down.

Food Critic

As a foodie, you've probably experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly of food, and in those food experiences, isn't it your duty to inform the world of your dining experiences? If you're a foodie who feels that type of social responsibility, then you're going to love working as a food critic.

Maybe you had a great experience at Friends and Family in BGC and wanted to share your experience with your online audience... That's a great way to not only inform the public but to also enhance your critiquing skills. As a food critic, you're not only providing helpful information on the food but also on the overall experience.

Everything from the food and service to the cleanliness of the environment and overall vibe of the dining establishment, all paints a picture for those reading. Details are everything!

Disclaimer:this is a sponsored post.

BAREFOOT LA UNION: BREAKFAST DISHES TO TRY AT ELYU

2020-03-28T08:03:00.000+08:00

A few weeks back, I was with my friends up in La Union. It's known as the surf place to visit when in the north. It's also one of my go to places for good food and surfing. One of the places that I really enjoyed visiting was BAREFOOT. Located along the beach near Monaliza Resort, they offer very good breakfast dishes. Breakfast is one of the few things I really look forward to every single day. It is so important that sometimes, I have to have 2 of those. Since we were staying in Vessel Hostel, Tagpuan was a stone throw away. So that was breakfast number 1. I went for a Beef Pares bowl and a Combo number 3. This consisted of tofu, a few cuts of crispy pork and half an egg.

After getting my first meal at TAGPUAN, we went on over to BAREFOOT afterwards with the gang. Known as a place to have your morning breakfast or lunch, BAREFOOT makes their own bread and does filling dishes that's all tailored for a hungry tummy. The place isn't that big but has a few tables that could accommodate roughly 20 people.

They offer both vegan and non-vegan dishes. Most of them are partnered with bread which, as I mentioned, they make in house. You might want to check out MASA BY BAREFOOT as well. The Hamshouka, is a perfect for dip lovers. Break a piece of the bread and dip it all in there. It's basically an upgraded hummus.

The Shakshouka is a cheesy dip that's great to partner with bread. The baguette works well with this. It might be a little spicy but it does the job well. This is basically a mixture of tomatoes, onions, spices, egg, and cheese.

For someone that is super hungry, their FULL TAGLISH is the way to go. It's the Filipino version of the classic British meal. It got your bacon, egg, sausage, and bread.

A breakfast will not be complete without FRENCH TOAST. Their version is covered with crispy bacon. It's a must try as well. This all might seem a bit too much for breakfast so maybe, it's better to call it lunch.

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BAREFOOT is located in Monaliza Surf Resort in San Juan, La Union. It's more accessible if you're walking along the beach as it is beach side. It's usually open from 8 am to 3pm, Thursdays to Mondays.

RELATED LINKS:

MASA BY BAREFOOT

Disclaimer:wrote this based on my experience. Paid for our meals.

MASA BY BAREFOOT: ELYU'S GO TO BAKERY

2020-03-10T08:03:00.000+08:00

When I visited LA UNION or ELYU or LU a few days ago, I can't help but be amazed. There were a lot of new developments both good and bad. It depends on how you look at it. There were new restaurants and places to visit in addition to old ones. Some upgraded, some stayed the same. I'm not saying I'm all for it but everything comes at a cost. In any case, together with friends, we visited MASA.

Roughly 5-10 minutes away from the main surf spot in LA UNION, MASA is from the same owners of BAREFOOT. MASA is the bakery to visit when you're in the area. The place is open air and blends in with the neighborhood. I believe, they converted an old house into a cafe shop.

They got a number of old school breads to choose from. The quality on each is quite phenomenal. You could compare them with high end bakeries in the metro but with affordable prices. In contrast to Barefoot, Masa is a more drink chill place. You could pick from a number of coffee or not so coffee drinks.

I went for the CALA-OG. Quite refreshing, this drink is calamansi juice mixed with tonic water.

For my snack, I had the NOTORIOUS PIG. Almost similar to sisig, there are tons of pork underneath all the vegetables. The veggies are similar to the ones you might see in a banh mi. Everything is packed into one of the freshly baked baguette. Splash a bit of lemon on it to cut the oiliness but it was so good.

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This place is a must visit on your way home. Why? You have to take some of the breads that they have to offer back to Manila. I would also suggest bringing a container to place them all in. The paper bag that they give might not be good enough for the long trip back. Protip: get an order of their brioche. PLUS, stock up on the donut. REALLY EFFING GOOD. Don't forget to eat at Barefoot. They use the same bread but has more dining choices and is right by the beach.

RELATED LINKS:
VESSEL LA UNION

MASA BY BAREFOOT
San Roberto Street. 2514
San Juan, La Union.

Opens at Thursday-Mondays
9am-5:30pm

Disclaimer: wrote this based on my experience. Paid for my meal.

OORI: KOREAN RESTAURANT IN RESORTS WORLD MANILA'S SHERATON HOTEL

2020-03-04T08:03:00.000+08:00

A few Sundays ago, a friend of mine hatched a plan to propose to his now fiance. It was semi-elaborate and difficult since the then girlfriend can smell anything a mile away. From flowers, to ring, to video showing, and even restaurant menu reservation, everything had to be on the down-low.

When the day came, everyone invited was early to OORI. The new Korean Restaurant of Sheraton Manila was prepped for us. There was even a special couch placed in the private room just so that we could use it as a prop. The flowers were covered and placed in a corner.

While waiting for the main couple to arrive, I went around and checked out some of the offerings. Since the OORI had a bar, they were pushing for their signature cocktails. Interestingly enough, it's like a restaurant within a restaurant. To enter the main restaurant, OORI, you passby a BIBIMBAP place that is actually open all through out the day. Unlike OORI, this place didn't offer any grills nor any of the fancy service you may get from OORI.

Since, it took awhile for the main guests to arrive, they started serving some banchan. These were unlimited. I personally enjoyed the fishcake and even the flavored boiled egg.

A visit to a Korean Restaurant will not be complete without JAPCHAE. Theirs wasn't super sweet as one would expect. The flavor was a mix of savory seasoning.

A definite must order though would be the DAKGANGJUNG. This Korean Styled Fried Chicken was a legend. Crispy outside but moist insides. There was a mix of sweet and spicy in terms of flavor profile.

As for the grill, we went for the WAGYU A5 Ribeye and the DUROC COLLAR. The wagyu was exquisite. With its marbling, the meat to fat ratio made it a joy to eat. The Duroc Collar was something different. This pig cut is made from a breed of Spanish hogs that were fed a special diet. They were perfect to partner with rice.

With the main course out of the way, we went for our usual class picture. This is were the proposal was supposed to happen. After all was said and done, the two sat on the couch. One of our main mastermind friends went to them and gave a fake box. The soon to be groom played like he didn't like it. He then got the flowers, bent on one knee and showed the ring. He proposed right there and then. Of course, the girl said yes!

Then, a video of their original proposal in Palawan was shown on the television while everyone snacked on shaved ice.

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Everything went as planned. We were able to get the flowers and the ring into the venue without the girl knowing. The video was able to play on the television. The food was great. It was one for the books. I'm super duper happy that they went for it.

Disclaimer:wrote this based on my experience. I'm not saying who it is as a sign of respect for their privacy.

CANADIAN BEEF in MAKATI SHANGRI-LA'S SAGE

2020-02-28T08:03:00.000+08:00

CANADIAN BEEF has been a staple in restaurants here in the metro. If you're not familiar, Canadian Beef is a flexible and great source of flavors. Recently, Makati Shangri-la and the CANADIAN BEEF partnered together to create and serve delicious dishes at SAGE in Makati.

A small gathering of sorts was held in Sage Bespoke Grill in Makati Shangri-la a few days ago. Guests were treated to a multi-course selection of fine dishes made with Canadian Beef. The meal was themed after the different seasons in Canada. First stop was SPRING. Here, Le Bouilli de Grand Maman was served. This is Canadian Beef Consomme. There was subtle truffle flavor mixed with the consomme. It was light and perfect to start the dinner. Wine pairing was even done to elevate the flavors. Not a surprise, Canadian wines were used.

For Summer, Reef and Range on Three Summer Sisters was the name of the dish. It composed of a cofit of Canadian Spot Prawn and Beef Cheeks Tortellini. The prawns were sweet and magnificent. The tortellini brought out the beef flavor in a different way. It actually worked with the squash, cheese, and corn that came with it.

The next dish was for FALL. BEEF CHUCKS 2 WAYS. A very simple and straight forward approach to trying out what CANADIAN BEEF HAS TO OFFER.

First bite into the Braised beef gave me a great feeling. The flavoring was spot on. According to Chef Sebastian of Sage, the process was a long but worth it. Stock was used to reinforce everything. The grilled Canadian Beef Chuck had the perfect texture. It wasn't rubbery nor was it painful to eat. It was divine. Partnered with some mustard, this dish was by far the favorite of the night.

To further showcase the qualities of CANADIAN BEEF, they served WOOD GRILLED PRIME RIBEYE. Partnered with charred cabbage, honey glazed turnips and mustard jus, this piece of meat was simple and direct.

Winter was their dessert. This is their pumpkin spice with sticky toffee pudding. On the side, there was dark beer sorbet with dried fruits and nuts. Once they presented this to the table, you could smell how freshly baked it was. It reminds you of pine trees and the holiday season.

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CANADIAN BEEF has again showed its character as a go to ingredient when it comes to the kitchen and grill. You could catch CANADA'S FOUR SEASON in SAGE BESPOKE GRILL up until March 28.

RELATED LINKS:
CANADIAN BEEF: SOMETHING FILIPINO SHOULD TRY
MAKATI SHANGRI-LA: SUNDAY BBQ AT SAGE
SAGE BESPOKE GRILL at MAKATI SHANGRI-LA

SAGE BESPOKE GRILL
MAKATI SHANGRI-LA

Disclaimer:wrote this article based on my experience. was invited as a media guest to this event.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY: ENJOYING A FILIPINO-CHINESE LUNCH IN BGC

2020-01-27T08:03:00.000+08:00

If I was asked what food I would enjoy when I'm feeling homesick, I would usually answer something to the tune of anything from my childhood. It has got to be familiar and tasty. The food needs to remind me how it was and bring joy to what I am doing. One place that I recently visited brought smiles to my tummy and great pleasure to my taste buds. I just had one heck of a time enjoying FRIENDS AND FAMILY in BGC.

Located in Bonifacio Global City's High Street Central, FRIENDS AND FAMILY is right in the middle of everything. It's a restaurant from the Raintree Hospitality Group. This is the same people behind a number of restaurants and hotels in the Philippines that is known for quality service. (RELATED: CHECK OUT MY EXPERIENCE AT BLUE MARINA BORACAY) They know what they are doing and I'm glad I visited them that day. No other than chef extraordinaire Kalel Chan was there to welcome us.

"It has got to be something comforting. Dapat masaya pagkinain mo." These were the words of the chef that is known to make things simple but delicious. You could see how passionate he was when he was talking about the different dishes and how they got to be. He knew that the dishes had to be best shared with friends and family. Hence, everything on the new menu jived in.

It was no surprise for chef to make something that is familiar from his childhood. New additions were all related to FILIPINO-CHINESE dishes that would make you remember how Binondo or even Greenhills used to be. There were a lot of similarities and flavors that were definitely spot on with the dishes in FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

Honestly, I would have been happy with just the CHINATOWN FRIED RICE. It was not your normal yang chow. This had cuts of spring roll or lumpiang shanghai and even some sweet Chinese sausage.

Speaking off, you could get an order of their LUMPIA SHANGHAI as well. It's not your ordinary spring roll. There's a spark that is clear with the quality of ground meat they used to make the rolls. The wraps were crunchy but the meat kept its form. Really good on its own but better with a bottle of beer.

Other main dishes that should not be forgotten would have to be the HONEY LEMON CHICKEN, CHINESE ADOBO, SWEET AND SOUR PORK, and the CAMARON REBUSADO. The Lemon Chicken had a bit of a sweet streak in it. The Chinese Adobo was pure heaven with each spoonful. The Sweet and Sour pork was just crunchy and perfect. Heck, I had such a great time that I almost forgot about the Camaron Rebusado. Somewhat similar to tempura, this shrimp puff was a great treat.

Another part of the new menu from FRIENDS AND FAMILY that got me hooked was their Noodle section. Comprised of mostly Makis, it can't get better than this.

A Filipino-Chinese Heritage dish, this thick and silky sweet soy soup is filled with egg whites and fried pork. You can choose between MAKI, MAKI MI, and MAKI and KIAMPUNG COMBO. The Maki is basically just the soup itself. The MAKI MI has noodles in it. The must order though would be the MAKI and KIAMPUNG COMBO. This is soup served together with rice topped with chinese sausage, peanuts, thinly sliced pork humba, and pickled mustard greens. Don't forget to mix in some black vinegar and hot sauce. They complete everything.

Just to get that crunchy texture, the MIXED SEAFOOD CRISPY CANTON TOSTADO ON A SIZZLING PLATE might entice you. The noodles is first served separately from the toppings and sauce. It is then added. Here, you get to hear the sizzle coming out from the hot plate. A great dish for noodle lovers.

If these aren't your type, you might want to try the CHILI GARLIC MIXED SEAFOOD JAPCHAE. Granted that it sounded like a Korean dish, this is mixed with xiao xing wine along with seafood ingredients.

At this point, I was already full but I was determined not to stop. With a Filipino Styled Spaghetti, I dug in. Each bite let me have a sweet salty flavor that you would have experienced as a kid. It was joyful and reminisce of my past. I devoured it with gusto. Yes, I finished the dish.

Dessert would make anyone swoon with delight. You have to make room for them. The Buchi were filled with peach mango, flat tops, and even salted egg cheese dulce. Flat top would be the easy choice but I was surprised with the salted egg cheese dulce. It was actually weirdly good. If you like something refreshing, they also offer mango and sago and even almond jelly.

If you're a smoker, you'll be happy to know that COCONUT CLUB, just beside Friends and Family, is a designated smoking area. It has ac just like chotto matte, another sister restaurant that offers the same refuge for smokers.

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FRIENDS AND FAMILY is like your home or your friend's house. It's where you get a little dose of your past just so that you enjoy the present. Good Stuff from this restaurant.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY
G/F Bonifacio High Street Central
Near Central Square Mall
Bonifacio Global City,
Taguig, Metro Manila

Disclaimer: Wrote this based on my opinion. Was invited to try out the restaurant.

TOKYO MILK CHEESE FACTORY CAFE NOW OPEN IN ESTANCIA, CAPITOL COMMONS

2020-01-22T08:03:00.000+08:00

It's no surprise that TOKYO MILK CHEESE FACTORY now runs a cafe. I know this line says a lot but it was well received by foodies in the metro. Not only do they now offer quick sweet bites, they now have a full menu offerings for guests visiting their new cafe.

Just opened a few days ago, THE TOKYO MILK CHEESE FACTORY CAFE now serves comfort food that leans towards the Japanese side.

If one wants something light, they could go for the chips, the kani salad, or my personal favorite the sweet corn tempura with truffle mayonnaise. The corn fritters reminds me of my visit to Tsukiji's outer market. It's sweet and you won't notice how you might have eaten 2 or 3 then 6 pieces. Yeah, it happened to me.

Snack bites are aplenty in the menu. One could go for the Molten Mozzarella Hamburg, TMC Tamago Sliders, and 12 hour short-rib sandwich when you just like a quickie.

The cheese was perfect with the small hamburgers. The egg sliders though was a little different to what I was expecting. I was thinking that it might be one the sweet side but it was more savory.

The 12 hour short-rib though was magnificent. The meat was perfectly seasoned and went well with the bread.

Pasta lovers would enjoy the ebiko carbonara and the baked three-cheese and tomatoes. They are pretty heave for the stomach so thread lightly when you go for it.

If you're into rice, you could very well head for their OMURICE dishes. The Hayashi Beef was the better choice compared to the Chicken Cheese.

The beef was tender and went well with the egg rice. The chicken dish, on the other hand, was just okay.

Another favorite would be the Pork Mille-fuille Furai. Cheese kept on oozing out once you cut it in half. It's better to order it with a cup of rice.

Dessert is a must when visiting TOKYO MILK CHEESE FACTORY. Aside from being known for their cookies and soft serves, their Japanese Pancakes and Waffles are just plain awesome.

In my honest opinion, you have to try the Summer Berry Pancake and also the Caramel Banana Waffle. The pancake is jiggly and light. The waffle has perfect crisp spots that go well with the whipped cream.

Checking out TOKYO MILK CHEESE FACTORY CAFE is well worth your time. It's more than just coffee and sweets. It's now a full pledge restaurant cafe that would and could fulfill your needs and wants.

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TOKYO MILK CHEESE FACTORY CAFE
G/F
New Wing of Estancia,
Capitol Commons.
Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center,
Pasig, Metro Manila

Disclaimer:wrote this based on my experience. was invited to check out this new restaurant.

CHECKING OUT HEINZ ASIAN SAUCES: NEW FLAVORS FOR THE KITCHEN TABLE

2020-01-20T08:03:00.000+08:00

Just recently, a number of influencers were invited to a special lunch in the city. Each one of us were asked to try out the new sauces coming from HEINZ. Heinz is known for their ketchup, mayo, and even mustard sauce. It's a no brainer that ketchup is synonymous to Heinz. This time around, they are getting into the asian flavor sauce business.

Visiting a hotpot and grill buffet was the best place to show how HEINZ ASIAN SAUCES were versatile and catered for the Filipino tastebuds. Granted that buffets tend to marinate their meat most of the time, it's not enough for us. HEINZ ASIAN SAUCES makes a great addition to the kitchen cupboard.

Actually, Heinz has been in the business of Asian Sauces since 2002. They recently launched it here in the Philippines. It's actually available in big supermarkets around the metro. Leading supermarkets like Robinsons, Unimart, All Day, Citimart, and even Landmark carry Heinz Asian Sauces.

Heinz has a number of offerings like: GOLDEN MARK OYSTER SAUCE, PREMIUM OYSTER SAUCE, GOLDEN MARK SOY SAUCE, PREMIUM LIGHT SOY SAUCE, GARLIC CHILI SAUCE, THAI SWEET CHILI SAUCE and BLENDED SESAME OIL. These are available in small or large versions.

Some of these sauces are great ingredients to simple or even complicated recipes. Mostly, I enjoy them as dipping sauce. The Chili sauce is perfect with anything deep fried. The oyster sauce works well as a marinate for steaks and even stir fry vegetables.

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HEINZ ASIAN SAUCES are now available in leading super markets. At family friendly prices, you sure are guaranteed to enjoy these high-quality sauces.

Disclaimer: wrote this based on my opinions. This is a sponsored post.

ENDO SUSHI: A MUST TRY SUSHI PLACE IN OSAKA, JAPAN

2020-01-13T08:03:00.000+08:00

I will definitely not be able to live with myself If I can't have at least one decent meal whenever I visit Japan. I make it a point to have at least a meaningful dinner or in this case breakfast when I go to a different place. This led me to a very old sushi institution in Osaka. It's one of the few places that struck me when I was researching about OSAKA. This would be ENDO SUSHI.

Located in the parking lot of a working fish market. ENDO SUSHI has been in the business for more than 113 years (since 1907). They have been in their OSAKA CENTRAL FISH MARKET LOCATION for more than 89 years right back when it opened in 1931. There is a lot of history and character for something like this to stand out and stay alive for many decades. Getting there was an adventure in itself.

My brother and I had to wake up pretty early as the restaurant opens around 6am and closes around 2pm. We actually had an adventure getting there as we tried to go down and upward moving escalator, got left by the train, and even got lost in a parking lot.

Getting to ENDO SUSHI'S original shop location is a bit of a walk from the nearest station. Roughly 1km away or 15 minutes, you can get there easily since it's all flat. Just get off the NODA station if riding via JR LOOP LINE. Go towards the south. Stay on the right side of the main street and cross the intersection just before reaching the river/bridge. There will be a pedestrian lane on your left towards the middle of the parking lot of the OSAKA CENTRAL FISH MARKET. Cross the pedxing and enter the parking lot. Continue walking in this parking lot and head towards the main building with the clock. You should see a couple of restaurants that are stand alone on the left side of the parking lot when facing the main buildings. That is where ENDO SUSHI is.

That day, they opened up at around 0615. Unsurprisingly, we found ourselves at the restaurant together with locals. We were the only foreigners. It was early but they already had a number of guests lining up. Thankfully, we were all accommodated.

Once you enter, you are transported back in time. There are a number of memorabilia on the wall. You could see a traditional sushi counter as well. One thing to note about ENDO SUSHI is that they created the technique known as TSUKAMI-ZUSHI. Unlike nigiri-zushi, warm rice is loosely pressed together to make it.

The tables are filled with ginger and soy sauce. In this restaurant, you brush the soy sauce onto your sushi. Don't forget about your sushi etiquette though. For foreigners, they have an english menu which is a big help.

They have a couple of rules to follow. A plate of 5 pieces would amount to 1,320 yen. An order of miso soup would be 330 yen. If you know me well, you could easily tell that I had the entire course. Yes, I ordered everything from 1-4 together with the miso soup.

While waiting for our dishes, we were given our miso soup first. Drinking this would make your tummy warm. It would definitely prepare yourself for the meal ahead. This is no ordinary miso soup as clams were used as the base and it seemed to be a little more reddish than usual.

For the first plate, we had the L-R: ANAGO (sea water eel), UNI (sea urchin), TAI (sea brean), TORO (Fatty Tuna), Hamachi (yellow tail.). My brother and I both started with the ANAGO. If you had been there and seen both our faces you would laugh at us. We looked as if we had just had an foodgasm right there and then. The ANAGO was sweet but had a delicate texture. It was something that was meant to be. The uni was fresh and perfect. The TORO was just amazing. It was extremely fatty.

For the second plate, L-R KANI (boiled crab), AKAGAI (Ark Shell), HOTATE-BASHIRA (Scallop), TORO, TACHIUO (Hairtail). Please forgive me as I forgot to take a photo of the crab. Let me just assure you that it isn't fake crab. Rather, they used real crab meat from their arms and legs. It was sweet! The Ark shell was somewhat different. The scallop was plump! The Hairtail was just incredible. It was torched and had a smokey flavor.

For the 3rd plate, L-R TAMAGO (egg), EBI (Shrimp), AWABI (abalone), TEKKA (tuna roll), TAKO (octapus). This has got to be the beginner plate. If you aren't as adventurous as your other friends or family members when it comes to sushi, this might be your intro plate. The tamago was different. I was expecting it to be sweet. Rather it was sweet but had a fermented taste. It was different. The Shrimp was sweet as heck. The abalone was delicious. The tuna was simple. The octapus had a sweet flavor as well.

For the fourth plate, we had the L-R IKA (calamari), IKURA (salmon roe), SAYORI (halfbeak), TORO, SAKE (salmon). I was expecting for the calamari to be rubbery but it wasn't. Instead, you could cut it with each bite. The ikura was just splendid. Each roe would pop in your mouth. The salmon was fresh as it could ever be. My goodness.

If it was me, I would definitely go back for the ANAGO, SALMON, KANI, UNI, TORO and TACHIUO. These made an impression with me.

Believe it or not, you could also order take out from them. Although it might be a bit pricey, I guess if you're willing to share the wealth then go for it.

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We finished our meal after almost an hour of eating. It was delicious but wasn't as expensive as one would think compared to other michelin restaurants. The quality of the seafood was spot on. Since they get their seafood right there in the market, you can definitely be assured of the freshness. It was actually surprising to see that the chefs of the restaurants were wearing rubber boots. I guess they also participated in the 0415 tuna auction in the market. Definitely worth a visit.

ENDO SUSHI
1 Chome-1-86 Noda, Fukushima Ward, Osaka, 553-0005, Japan
6am to 2pm. Closed on Sundays and Holidays.

They also have another location in a mall/train station in Osaka and one in Bangkok.

Endo Sushi English website

Disclaimer:wrote this based on my opinions. Paid for our meals.

MAXIMS HOTEL in RESORTS WORLD MANILA: A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP.

2020-01-08T08:03:00.000+08:00

What is a staycation? It's a vacation without going out too far. Like staying in but in a different environment. I wanted one since I was stressed out. With the hassle of the holiday season, I wanted to rest. I really needed to stay away. Thankfully, I was able to do that in MAXIMS.

A couple of years back, I was able to score a free night stay at Maxims Hotel in Resorts World Manila. Thankfully, it has no expiry date and was still valid when I tried to redeem it a couple of weeks back. Maxims is being projected as a 6 star hotel with an all suite room category. In all honesty, it seemed to be a marketing strategy. They say that you have a dedicated butler but I didn't see one nor heard of one when I checked in. In any case, I was just there to relax and enjoy my stay.

Check-in was a breeze. Since valet parking is free for staying guests, I went with that. Unfortunately, they do not have self-parking slots. So remember, to just bring your valuables. The hotel lobby was at 5th floor. There was no lines when we got there and was able to have our room earlier than the standard 3pm check-in. The fact that my brother and I stayed there during the weekday made it more seamless.

We stayed in a Maxims Suite. It was their entry level room. It was quite big for a hotel room but wasn't as impressive as other suites found in other hotels in the metro. At 54 sq meters, it was spacious and even had a study table and a lounge area. They had welcome fruits for guests too.

The study area had everything you might need for your business. From coffee to tea, and even scratch paper for your work. They also have a flat screen, cable tv, mini bar, refrigerator, and safe. Unlike other suite rooms, their mini-bar is not part of the room charge.

The toilet area was pretty big as it's shower is separated from the the toilet. They also have a bath tub together with a his and hers sink.

Guests would be happy to note that their toilet has a bidet.

Turn down service was a let down. They only did it for one bed and even got my own stash of bottled water to place beside my bed. I can't help but compare the service as other hotels with the same room category would offer snacks and would even replenish toiletries used.

The sleep factor was amazing. It was quiet and relaxing. Shower and tub was amazing too. The next day, breakfast buffet is served at the Terrace. This is one of their in house restaurants. They offer drinks together with a line up of dishes.

The choices were a little too plain for a hotel like this. The food wasn't as great that it would force you to wake up. It was as if I wished I had slept in instead and ordered room service. Speaking of service, it was much to be desired too. I had to call the attention of the wait staff so that we could be served water and coffee. At times, I had to get water myself from their work area.

On the other hand, their gym is top notch. Although there isn't any staff inside, you'll be happy to know that it's 24/7.

Another draw for MAXIMS would be their pool. It's quite an escape. There are cabanas for you to use as well.

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MAXIMS at RESORTS WORLD MANILA is a great 5 star hotel. I wouldn't bill it as a 6 star hotel as things were lacking. The sleep was perfect but breakfast and service needs some attention. Seeing that base rate for a night's stay is around 15,000Php, I would skip this hotel and head on over to other hotels in the area. From what I also learned, hotel rooms are catered more towards the gambling guests. Resorts World's Maxims offers free or discounted room stays for their guests when it comes to tables.

BELMONT HOTEL in RESORTS WORLD MANILA

MAXIMS HOTEL
RESORTS WORLD MANILA
5th floor.
Newport Blvd. , Pasay, Manila

Disclaimer:wrote this based on my experience. used a voucher I won from a tournament.