It was my first time to learn more about OB Montessori as the culinary art school when I got the chance to attend the launch of Istituto Culinario and Brasserie Cicou last February.  I learned that OB Montessori has a farm and botanical garden in Alfonso, Cavite which is where they get their fresh produce to supply their needs in the school. They have a Brasserie Cicou which serves European cuisine and also were students of Istituto Culinario have their internship program. So basically, OB Montessori is a culinary art school, gets their fresh produce from their farm and they have a restaurant where culinary interns practice before working in the “real world”. A pretty wholistic approach, right?

We were able to go around the campus and see their classrooms and laboratories. The classrooms are at the top floor (I think 5th and 7th floor). I was really fascinated with the kitchen! When they asked for a volunteer to make ravioli, I didn’t hesitate to try. I wanted to experience how it feels to be doing “hands-on” in their wonderful kitchen. I wish I have a kitchen like that.

Library

Audio Visual Room

I guess you have questions in your mind such as what courses are available and how much?

Well, Insituto Culinario offers:

• 2 year Diploma Programs (TESDA): Culinary Arts and Food Service Management
• In Istituto Culinario, they will allow you to continue your diploma program leading to a full 4 year bachelor’s degree.
• 4 year Bachelor’s Degree Program (CHED): Bachelor of Science in Food Management, Major in Food Service

Now we go to Brasserie Cicou, where the future chefs do real kitchen training with real hungry paying customers!

We actually got to tour the actual kitchen where the action happens. They allowed guests to roam around and see how they prepare the food that will be served to the guests. A lot of food were served, I couldn’t find the list I made but I can still remember my favorites.

Since it was an event, there were cocktail tables but of course in normal setting there will be dining tables and chairs.

As to the food, everything tastes really good! I could really say this is quality food. It doesn’t taste cheap. I feel like I am in heaven. My taste buds are happy with different kinds of flavors. I love it!

I’ve described my favorites below.

Salad Nicoise

Pork Garlic Sausage

Egg Cocotte with Squash Foam

Bouillabaisse

Bouillabaisse is basically fish stew. What i liked about Brasserie Cicou’s Bouillabaisse is that the stew itself is very flavorful. I immediately felt that strong seafood taste which does not have the fishy smell. Very nutritious.

Seared US Beef with Pasta Coquilette cooked in bacon, mushroom and cream

Sardines with Goat Cheese Epuma and Black Olives

I think I ate 2 – 3 of this because I really enjoyed the “surprise” at the end of the bottom of the shot glass. The surprise is actually the black olive powder which really gives this dish a unique flavor.

I like to be surprised with flavors while eating and there was one dish that we were not able to take a photo of which is the Cromesquis of Sea Urchin. It’s like a croquette and when eaten you will feel a burst of icy juice which is the Sea Urchin inside your mouth. We were flabbergasted with this dish and were trying to determine how it was cooked. I believe that was the most in demand food at that time.

Kouing Aman

This dessert section was my favorite. Koing Aman is the restaurant’s dessert specialty. It’s actually a sweet laminated dough which is caramelized with sugar.

Assorted Pastries  (Cannelle, Financiers, Madeleines)

I loved the assorted pastries especially the Financiers. What I liked about their desserts is that they’re not too sweet.

Homemade Banana and Peanut Butter Ice Cream

I’m not a peanut butter person but I appreaciated the taste of their peanut butter ice cream. I liked it!

French Macaroons

Brasserie Cicou
57 Annapolis St, Greenhills
San Juan City, Metro Manila
Philippines

Related posts:

1. Lolo Dad’s Brasserie

Tibok tibok, 70 pesos

On our first day at DFAT (Davao Food Appreciation Tour), we had our afternoon snack at Ranchero. It was a typical Filipino merienda where we had some pancit bihon, fried and fresh lumpia, dinuguan with puto and some sweet local delicacies. I remember when I was still working in an office in Makati City, I would either have some pancit bihon or fried lumpia as an afternoon snack a few hours before my work in the office ends.

Inside Ranchero, Abreeza branch

I like the interiors of Ranchero. It is very Filipino. The cowboy hats inside gives you the feeling that you’re in a place owned by someone who has a ranch.

Pancit Bihon, 175 pesos (good for 2-3 people)

Amongst the savory snacks, my favorites are Pancit Bihon and Fried Lumpia. What I love about their Pancit Bihon is that it has a generous amount of meat and vegetables. The noodles in their Pancit Bihon is not overcooked as well.

Fresh Lumpia, 85 pesos

I like how Ranchero prepared their fried lumpia. The vegetables are still intact in the wrapper and it is tightly packed as well. I also like that their fried lumpia is not greasy. If you will order fried lumpia, dip your lumpia onto the vinegar to add a sour kick.

Fried Lumpia, 85 pesos

For Ranchero’s Dinuguan with Puto, Sharlyne was able to try it. Honestly, me and Sharlyne are not fans of Dinuguan (blood stew). However, according to Sharlyne, she liked their Dinuguan. Ranchero is now included in her list of restaurants in which she liked the dinuguan.

Dinuguan with Puto

As for the sweet local delicacies that they offer, I suggest that you try Kakanin Trio of you’re in a group of 5. The Kakanin Trio is like a sampler consisting of Suman sa Lihiya at Latik, Tibok tibok, and Sticky Rice with mango. The kakanin sampler comes with a pot of hot tea.

Kakanin Trio (with free hot tea/salabat), 275 pesos

Amongst the three, my favorite is the Tibok tibok. Tibok tibok is also known as maja blanca. This dessert is very smooth and melts in the mouth. Sharlyne loves the Suman sa Lihiya at Latik.

Suman sa Lihiya at Latik, 70 pesos

Ranchero’s Merienda Cena is available daily from 2pm to 5pm. They also have other menu items to choose from their Merienda Cena menu.

Sticky Rice with Mango, 70 pesos

Ranchero used to have a big restaurant at F. Torres Street in Davao however I wasn’t able to see it on its original location. By the way, Ranchero was originally from General Santos City. We were able to dine there previously and really enjoyed having lunch there. This was the first time that we had merienda in Ranchero.

Ranchero
3rd floor, Roof Garden, Abreeza Ayala Malls, Davao City
(082) 225-1199

Related posts:

1. FoodTrippings will be participating in DFAT 2012
2. Binondo Food Tour Series #3: New Po-Heng Lumpia House
3. Albay Food Tour Series #2: Balay Cena Una

Cafe by the Ruins (in the morning)

Because it was so hot in Manila, me and Sharlyne went to Baguio City and stayed there overnight. We really made the most out of our Baguio City trip by having dinner and having breakfast at Cafe by the Ruins. I like the ambiance of their restaurant. You’ll feel like you’re just eating at the comfort of your own garden.

Cafe by the Ruins (at night)

The combination of the menu items we ordered when we had our dinner there might seem weird to you. For our appetizer, we had English Muffins with herb cheese (dip), Pandan lemongrass iced tea for drinks (80 pesos per glass), Lemon Ricotta and Grilled Chicken Breast Pasta and Beef Ribs Sinigang.

English Muffins with herb cheese (80 pesos)

Beef Ribs Sinigang is just perfect to warm ourselves up because Baguio nights are really cold. Quite a bit disappointed because the soup was too salty for me. One order of it is already served with a cup of mountain rice. The serving size of their Sinigang is good for 2-3 people. The bowl is filled with vegetables and has an ample serving of beef ribs too.

Lemon Ricotta and Grilled Chicken Breast Pasta at 240 Pesos

As for the Lemon Ricotta and Grilled Chicken Breast, it was again kind of disappointing. The fettuccine noodles were soggy but I liked the  combination of lemon ricotta. The chicken was overcooked but it’s tasty.

Beef Ribs Sinigang, 300 pesos

We capped off the night with an order of Strawberry Shortcake and a cup of Rizal’s Tsokolate-e for the both of us. How can one resist that tower of fresh strawberries, cream and scones drenched in syrup? That dessert is made of pure bliss. Rizal’s Tsokolate-e is not thick but I think it would be better to pair this with the other pastries. In addition, their hot chocolate (Rizal’s tsokolate-e) is a bit expensive (140 pesos per cup). I would probably order hot tea next time.

Strawberry shortcake, 200 pesos

We went back to the hotel happy with the Strawberry Shortcake and the ambiance. However, we decided to give Cafe by the Ruins a chance so we returned there for breakfast.

Fruit bowl

For breakfast, I ordered a Filipino Lon-si-log while Sharlyne ordered the Farmer’s morning feast. Both of our orders already include cup of brewed coffee and a fruit bowl As for the coffee, we upgraded the regular brewed coffee to Ruins coffee (coffee filtered with cardamom, topped with whipped cream, cinnamon and muscovado sugar).

Ruins coffee, 80 pesos per cup

What I like about having breakfast at Cafe by the Ruins is that their serving is really generous. Sharlyne didn’t get to finish the bacon and even gave some of it to me. She liked it so much because the bacon is crispy. Perfect breakfast! For me, I like the Farmer’s feast more than the Filipino lon-si-log. FYI, they make their own bacon which is healthier than that of the processed ones being sold in the grocery.

Farmer’s morning feast, 260 pesos

What I like about their Filipino lon-si-log is that there is more meat and less fat which is what I hate about the typical longganisa being served in other restaurants.

Filipino Lon-si-log, 260 pesos

This was our first time to dine at Cafe by the Ruins so I was quite disappointed that some of their dishes were not able to meet our expectations. We recommend this restaurant for breakfast. I might give this another chance when I come back. They have lots of dishes to choose from anyway. Many people say that the place has better ambiance before because it really looked like ruins but since buildings were constructed around it, the place looked out of place now.

Cafe by the Ruins
23 Chuntug Street, 2600 Baguio City, Philippines
(074) 442 4010

Related posts:

1. Indulgence Cafe
2. Cozy and Charming Place in Vigan Called Cafe Uno
3. Cafe Ten Titas at Gateway

I’ve been to Davao a lot of times but there are still a lot of things to explore! Davao is huge and one visit is not enough. Sharlyne and I are very excited to be one of the chosen lucky participants of this year’s DFAT (Davao Food Appreciation Tour). Our gastronomic feast begins tomorrow, May 4, 2012 and our Davao food tripping will end on May 7, 2012.

Posted here is our itinerary from May 4 – May 7.

MAY 4, 2012 (Friday)
Morning – Tour of Crocodile Park and Buttefly House
2pm Briefing, Introductions, and Welcome Snacks at RANCHERO, Abreeza Ayala Mall
7pm Dinner and socials with Davao Bloggers at LACHI’S
9pm Visit to Magsaysay Fruit Stand

MAY 5, 2012 (Saturday)
7am Departure for Kapatagan Valley, Davao del Sur
10am – Brunch at Fiesta Sorpresa in Digos City
12nn – Visit to Kublai’s AGONG HOUSE and TIBOLO VILLAGE
1pm – Visit and Snacks at Mt. Apo Highland Resort
2pm – Departure for Davao City
5:30 pm – Fire Dance Show at Tribu K’Mindanawan
7pm – Dinner at PiYESya KTv and Restobar

MAY 6, 2012 (Sunday)
7am – Island hopping with ISLANDS BANCA CRUISES TOUR; lechon sponsored by http://www.EatsTerrific.com
4pm – Return to Davao City
5pm – Sabroso Food Market
7pm – Dinner and at Crepelato
9pm – Frozen Yoghurt at Yoh Froz

MAY 7, 2012 (Monday)
12nn – Lunch at Mam Bebs
2pm – Snacks at Tiny Kitchen
5 pm – Early Dinner at Rego’s Cafe and Cupcakes at Jonathan’s Cupcakery
7 pm – Send off

Thanks to Airphil Express for sponsoring our Manila-Davao and Davao-Manila airline tickets!

AirPhil Express flies daily to Davao from Manila.

In addition, thank you to the organizers of DFAT 2012
Renz Bulseco of the Travelling Nomad
Mark Cabrera of Markable
Andrew dela Serna of Davao Foodie
Ria Jose of Kusina Maria
Dulce Lada of Padd Solutions
Anj Nacorda of Davaoisms

No related posts.

Hainanese Chicken Rice @ PHP 220

Some say that the chicken rice from Hai Chix & Steaks is to die for so when a group site had this, we bought it immediately. The voucher say didn’t say where its exact location was in Ortigas Home Depot so we had to call them. Suddenly, we realized that it was located at the old Obsidian Bar, which was previously owned by our friend. Karla and I chuckled because the place changed from being a simple open-aired bar filled where independent and mainstream local bands performed to an upscale restaurant which serves eastern and western cuisine. 

Inside Haichix and Steaks

A friend of a friend (or acquaintance) said that we must order their Hainanese Chicken Rice. So with our PHP 1000 voucher, we ordered Hainanese Chicken Rice, Hanger Steak with Shrimp Pasta, Buttered Garlic Shrimp and Pinkerton Ice Cream.

How was the Hainanese Chicken? Hmm, it was ok. The Hainanese Chicken Rice was nicely presented in a wooden chopping board with wax paper together with the 3 sauces: dark and sweet sauce, ginger and chili sauce. The chicken was tender and moist. The chicken rice was ok, I feel that it lacked its essence (essence of chicken? haha). The disappointment was the sauces. Traditional Hainanese Chicken Rice is paired with dipping sauces and one of which is oyster sauce. Their “dark, sweet sauce” wasn’t oyster sauce but was just dark, sweet and a bit watery.

Buttered Garlic Shrimps @ PHP 250

I liked the Buttered Garlic Shrimps because I love the three main elements of this dish – butter, garlic and shrimps! Make sure to dip the toasted bread onto the garlic-butter sauce for more awesomeness. The shrimps were a bit overcooked though but it’s ok.

Hanger Steak and Shrimp Pasta @ PHP 330

Their steaks were priced PHP 875 and above so we only ordered their Hanger Steak and Shrimp Pasta. The hanger steak was tender however, it lacked flavor. A little more marination would help I guess? The shrimp pasta is a bit spicy which I like. If you like beef and seafood at the same time, order this dish.

Red Velvet Pinkerton Ice Cream @  PHP 120 (2 scoops)

And to end our eastern and western feast, we ordered their Red Velvet Pinkerton Ice Cream. I’m really happy though, they only had 2 flavors available – Banana Nutella and Red Velvet. I hope they add some more like Salted Caramel.

Overall, Hai Chix & Steaks was ok. The ambiance is nice and the menu is simple. Budget per person is about PHP 250 or more (if you order their steaks, price per person may increase to 300 – 400). I believe that they will have to prove the east meets west combination, although some people may find it weird, will work.

Hai Chix and Steaks
Ortigas Home Depot, along Dona Julia Vargas Pasig 1605 (near parking lot at the back and beside Berting’s)
https://www.facebook.com/haichixandsteaks

Related posts:

1. Goodfellas Steaks and Burgers
2. Are you KXP? Try the Kulinarya Experience
3. Greenwich Bigatin Overloaded Pizzas

Cafe Uma’s Boneless Chicken Inasal at PHP 350+ per order

Masskara Festival in Bacolod is a very busy season for all restaurants and hotel owners who are based where the action is. While we were there last October, we went to Lacson Street where the Electric Masskara was happening. The street is closed and each and every restaurant was filled with people. It was already 10 pm and we haven’t eaten our dinner yet so out of desperation, Cafe Uma was the only restaurant without much people so we decided to have dinner there. When we looked at the menu, we already knew why the restaurant wasn’t filled with people, it’s because of their steep prices. I already knew that Cafe Uma has the same owners with Trattoria Uma, an Italian restaurant a few steps away from Cafe Uma. Because we are really so hungry, we didn’t care about the prices anymore. We were assured by the waiter that they their food is good.

The waiter suggested that we order their Chicken Inasal. We were doubtful at first because it costs around PHP 350+. I knew where to get affordable  and delicious Chicken Inasal in Bacolod so I thought that this was a rip-off. Anyway, we fell for it because we were damn hungry then we partnered it with a pasta dish.

The nicely presented  Boneless Grilled Chicken Breast Inasal arrived at our table. The breast fillet was topped with eggplant paste (like the Middle Eastern dip Mottabal). Underneath the chicken breast were grilled eggplant and tomato salad. In order to stick to the traditional style of serving Chicken Inasal, they paired it with achuete garlic rice. Typically Anato Oil is poured onto the rice.

I reached foodgasm on the very first spoonful of this dish. I could not believe that a traditional and yet simple Chicken Inasal can still be this fancy yet delicious.

Shrimp and Chorizo Pasta at PHP 400+

The Shrimp and Chorizo Pasta tasted wonderful as well. Most of their dishes are good for 2 people and we didn’t even finish this past dish so we have to bring this back to our hotel.

Cafe Uma is worth coming back for. Now we realized that their prices are not that steep because 2 or more people can share 1 dish plus they use quality ingredients. Their menu is interesting because they offer Asian and Western fusion cuisine. Just like the Chicken Inasal we had, it was very interesting.

Cafe Uma
15th & Lacson Streets, Bacolod City
Negros Occidental, Philippines

Telephone No. (63) 34-7099966 Telefax No. (63) 34-4323853

Related posts:

1. Manokan Country: The Inasal Mecca of Bacolod
2. Chic-Boy: Chicken at Baboy
3. Unit 8 Cafe: Italian Fusion Cuisine By the Bay

Pecho with Garlic Rice

I first tried the inasal of JT’s Manukan Grille several years ago with Sharlyne and some of our friends. I remember we went to the first branch of JT’s which is located at the corner of Valencia and Granada Streets. For me and Sharlyne, the chicken inasal at JT’s is our favorite.

Outside JT’s Manukan Grille – Tagaytay branch

When I was invited to go to JT’s newest branch in Tagaytay, it was hard to say no because it’s our favorite chicken inasal and I haven’t had one for a long time. The Tagaytay branch of JT’s Manukan Grille is very different from their first branch. The Tagaytay branch has two floors, its own parking space (not a parking on the side of the road), and the cool Tagaytay breeze.

Inside JT’s Manukan Grille

The walls are accented with movie posters where Joel Torre is amongst the cast.

Garlic Rice with Atchara

Whenever I eat chicken, I always choose the breast part because I like white meat. I ordered garlic rice with the “petso” (breast). JT’s Manukan Grille’s garlic rice is drizzled with inato oil. For me, I prefer to have control on how much inato oil I will put on my rice just like in Aida’s in Manokan Country. I ordered atchara to pair it with the chicken inasal. JT’s atchara is quite different from the typical atchara that I’ve tried because their atchara has a lot of string beans.

I used to eat chicken inasal with soy sauce, Philippine lemon (calamansi) and red chilli (siling labuyo). Now, I prefer eat it with sinamak (spiced vinegar) and additional red chilli. If it’s your first time, it’s best to try their chicken inasal first without condiments.

Leche Flan

For dessert, we had a leche flan. What I like about their leche flan is that it’s not too sweet.

JT’s Manukan Grille, Tagaytay branch is located right after Mushroomburger. If you’re coming from Manila, it’s located on the left side of the road.

Related posts:

1. Uno Grille / Kusina Felicitas in Vigan
2. Mongolian Buffet in One Tagaytay Place
3. Manokan Country: The Inasal Mecca of Bacolod

Finally, Jollibee Tuna Pie is back! I was really excited about this because I haven’t had Tuna Pie for a long time. I remember when Tuna Pie was a regular part of their menu, I would either order a Jolli Hotdog or a Tuna Pie as a snack.

Jollibee Tuna Pie has a generous filling of tuna flakes and various vegetables in peppery sauce with cheese. The Jollibee Tuna Pie uses the same crust being used with their Peach Mango Pie.

You may get your Jollibee Tuna Pie fix for 33 pesos. If you would like to have it with a regular-sized softdrink, just get the value meal at 45 pesos each.

Jollibee Tuna Pie will be available for a limited time only. I wish it’ll become a regular itemon their menu.:D

Related posts:

1. Saguijo’s Tuna Sisig
2. Breakfast Suggestion 1: Jollibee Pancake Sandwich with cheese and Hot Chocolate
3. Treat yourself with Jollibee’s Strawberry Sundae

Inside Le Bistro D’Agathe

The Christmas season is the best time to reunite with friends with great, quality food so me and Sharlyne went to a French restaurant called Le Bistro D’ Agathe with two of her high school friends (Meg and Margo). Meg actually suggested this restaurant which I believe is one of Sharlyne’s reliable foodie friends. The restaurant just opened a few months ago (around mid-2011) and this is owned by a French Chef Patrice. The location of the place is quite odd, not in your typical strip of restaurants or even malls. It is located at a residential district which is in Bangkal, Makati.

And because of their Valentine’s Special set menu, we’re definitely going back because the photos I took there weren’t good. It won’t do justice to the quality of their food.

Le Bistro D’Agathe’s Valentine Set Menu at PhP 990

Each set menu is inclusive of one glass of French red wine and will start from February 13 and will end on February 18, 2012.

For starters you may choose from:
Tomato Cream Soup
Tuna Mousse

For the main course, you may choose from:
Creamy garlic prawn (served with rice)
Pepper steak (with pan-friend potatoes)

For dessert, you may choose from:
Chocolate Mousse
Mango Mousse

Amongst the items from the Valentine’s set menu, we’re only able to try the Pepper steak and the Chocolate Mousse. For first-timers, the pepper steak and the chocolate mousse are must-tries. It was definitely love at first bite when I tried their pepper steak. Their smooth and creamy chocolate mousse left an unforgettable taste in my mouth. Every teaspoonful of chocolate mousse is bliss especially when paired with French red wine. Chef Patrice actually suggested that. Aside from the texture of their chocolate mousse, what I like about it is that it’s not so sweet. Chef Patrice mentioned to us that they do not use sugar for their desserts and just let the natural sweetness of the ingredients do the trick.

If you’re planning to go there for a Valentine’s date, I suggest that you should make a reservation.

Le Bistro D’Agathe
1154 Gen j . Lacuna st., cor Rodriguez Avenue. Bangkal, 1233
Makati, Philippines
09475192148

Operating hours:
Monday to Saturday, 11:30am – 3:00pm and 5:00pm – 10:00pm

Related posts:

1. The difference between Pizza Hut and Pizza Hut Bistro
2. Sizzling Pepper Steak at Glorietta 5
3. Ya Kun Kaya Toast

I just got home and was surprised by two dozens of J.Co Donuts! They arrived here in the afternoon while I was at work and only got to taste them a few minutes ago. They all looked so yummy and couldn’t really choose which one to taste first. As you can see, someone (not me) was too eager to taste the donut before the photo sessions are going on hence, explains the space on the box of Al Capone donuts. 

J.Co Donuts originated from Indonesia and they have already expanded to Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai and Singapore. They will be opening their flagship branch here in Manila (specifically in SM Megamall) on February March16, 2012. I believe another branch will be opened in Greenbelt 3 afterwards. I was curious to know who brought the franchise of J.Co Donuts and the PR told me that they were brought here by Contemporain Foods Inc (sister company of Liwayway Marketing). They already have a kitchen here and they are busy training for the crew who will be working for the flagship store.

Al Capone

So I decided to first taste Al Capone, it’s made of white chocolate sprinkled with almonds. Not sure if the abundance of almonds will be  like this when they sell it at their stores soon.

Assorted Donuts

The other box is composed of assorted J.Co donuts. The green one is Green Tea flavored with cream filling. Other flavors were coffee, strawberry and many others. What I liked about their donuts is that they’re not very sweet compared to Krispy Kreme. I am just not sure on the price yet .

Aside from donuts, they will also be serving their signature coffee and yogurt ice cream.

Good news for the first 200 customers on February 16, 2012 because J.Co Donuts will be giving away a surprise! Take note that they will open at 9:00 am so if I were you, better arrive early!

Related posts:

1. My pledge of love for Original Glazed Krispy Kreme donuts