Pig Out Sessions!

The Blogger Is Out

2012-01-15T07:23:00.000-08:00

I don't want to go melodramatic in my food blog, so I won't. This isn't the space for that. Just to let you know that I won't be updating my blog for an indefinite period of time. I'm not sure if I will come back one day but rest assured that I will keep this space open just for the memories, and for people who still want to read the archives or whatnot.

So until the next pig out sessions,

Madz :)

Pig Out Sessions' Favorites For 2011!

2012-01-03T09:42:00.000-08:00

Another year has passed and looking back, though I have to admit that there's quite a lot of misses, there's still a handful of hits that regardless of the price, availability and location, as long as it makes me "elephantly "sufficed, it's a winner in my book! Let's start shall we?

Muncher's Inc.'s Fish and Chips Platter. Munchers Inc.'s version is my Achilles' heel, my creme de la creme, my holy grail in Fish and Chips. I don't think I'd want to try any other Fish and Chips version than this. Serving wise, they just need to maybe put the fish fillets and chips side by side, so the customers can see both immediately, instead of placing the fillets on the bottom. Flavor wise? It's the bomb! They've flavored their chips rightly so, with just the right amount of saltiness. The fish fillet had just the right thickness of breading, it was crunchy outside but soft and moist inside. I love it that the fish isn't dry or funny tasting in any way. Chum and I relished this dish but at the end of our meal, I was begging him to take the last darn fillet, just because I was so darn full.

Author's note: Recently found out that Muncher's Inc. closed so the owners can better prepare for their wedding. When they do go open again, expect me to still be salivating and dreaming about their incomparable fish and chips. :)

Dulcinea's Churros con Chocolate. I felt like I was in a trance, reaching for a crisp churro and dipping it ever so often in the heady, rich, addicting, bittersweet, hot chocolate. Each bite is intoxicating and sends off a happy buzz inside. This is definitely comfort food material, though I doubt I will wait for a long time to have an ~~excuse~~ opportunity to have another serving and I have no intention of sharing.

Wee Nam Kee's Cereal Prawns. It's divine! You can't see it but there's 4 medium prawns hidden in that mountainous pile of crushed cereals,oats and other stuff that makes it awesome. I realized that this is best eaten with lots of rice because if you just consume it as is, the heady buttery, sweet flavor will give you the umay factor faster.

Chocolat's Death by Tablea. It's like, with each mouthful, I die and go straight to chocolate heaven. I love how moist their cake is. This is one of the few desserts where I know I really do get my money's worth. I simply cannot get over the creaminess of their bittersweet icing, and the subtle crunch the pure cacao slivers give. I can't help but close my eyes and relish each spoonful as it melts and stops my world to a halt, where nothing else matters for the moment. Just me and my cake slice.

CCME Home Made Food Stuff Co.'s Fish in Mayonnaise. The Lapu-Lapu in mayo has got to my favorite out of all the dishes ordered. The fish was moist and flaky plus it jived well with the mayonnaise, plus the diced vegetables and grated cheese aren't for decorations only, as it makes each spoonful more flavorful and add interesting textures to the palate.

Persia Grill's Tehrani Salad. I can forego the salad when dining out but not after tasting Persia Grill's Tehrani Salad. It's the perfect salad with the freshest greens, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy mangoes, succulent grapes, croutons, and very generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. Add to that their rightly concocted Persian dressing that really puts the cherry on top of this must try salad.

Persia Grill's Charbroiled Beef Tenderloin [Taka] Kebab. I thought that I've savored the tastiest and most superior kebab I'll ever encounter in my whole life but I was in for an awesome suprise. I'm gonna chew my words and declare that this has got to be the best beef kebab I have ever devoured to date! It's soft, it's juicy, it's savory and it's everything a beef kebab should be.

Last, but definitely not the least...

Office Packed Sushi. Just place the Japanese seaweed sheet, the shiny part facing down, on your bamboo mat. Add a layer of prepared sushi rice, top it with the fillings of your preference and just roll away! You can even put the wasabi at this part, but I prefer my sushi with lotsa mayo in it. *Diet? Never heard* :)

See, that ain't much! Hope you have also gotten to try one or two on my favorites list. If not, please do give it a try, I guarantee you will fall head over heels addicted as well. Here's to yummier and more unforgettable pig out sessions ahead! :)

Your pig out buddy,

Madz

Early Pre~Christmas Dinner At Persia Grill

2011-12-26T08:32:00.000-08:00

Makati is a treasure trove of good dining spots. Some times you just have to look a wee bit further to discover there's still more beyond what you thought was already the horizon. My house mates and I had a small Pre-Christmas dinner last week and initially wanted to dine at any restaurant in Ayala Triangle, though as expected the lines were long and waiting time takes forever, good thing Joey suggested Persia Grill, partly hidden like gem in Valero Street beside a Carpark of all places, waiting to be noticed.

Charbroiled Beef Tenderloin [Taka] Kebab with long grain rice, tomato and eggplant with yogurt dip PHP 155.00 or USD 3.56. I thought that I've savored the tastiest and most superior kebab I'll ever encounter in my whole life but I was in for an awesome suprise. I'm gonna chew my words and declare that this has got to be the best beef kebab I have ever devoured to date! It's soft, it's juicy, it's savory and it's everything a beef kebab should be.

Sizzling Ox Brain PHP 140.00 or USD 3.22. A first for me and I must admit that I loved it. The texture is soft and almost had that melt-in-your-mouth consistency. The only drawback would be your cholesterol skyrocketing up, so it's best to share a plate of this, just like we did.

Tehrani Salad [To Share] PHP 320.00 or USD 7.36. I can forego the salad when dining out but not after tasting Persia Grill's Tehrani Salad. It's the perfect salad with the freshest greens, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy mangoes, succulent grapes, croutons, and very generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. Add to that their rightly concocted Persian dressing that really puts the cherry on top of this must try salad.

Ground Beef Express on Hummus with Pita PHP 199.00 or USD 4.57. I swear I'm not normally fond of hummus but I couldn't help myself and took more than what I initially thought I'd consume with this side dish. Maybe because of the ground beef, or maybe their hummus doesn't give off a dry texture to my taste buds. I'm sure hummus lovers out there will enjoy this, Batch included.

Pastillas Cheesecake PHP 120.00 or USD 2.76. Ordering desserts at the same place was a spur of the moment decision and as it turns out, it was a bad one too. Although their cakes were good enough, we thought it was overpriced for such a tiny, tiny serving size. Batch originally ordered the Pistachio Sansrival but the kitchen was out of it, and ordered this instead. The verdict? Too sweet for Batch's picky standards.

Black and White Cake 120.00 or USD 2.76. My dessert. It was a better choice than their cheesecake but they could still be more generous with their serving size. I'm just glad that the cake was very moist and heavenly. I guess next time we dine at Persia Grill, we'll just stick to their tried and tested Persian dishes offered and just have dessert elsewhere. Oh, and we haven't stopped having kebab and shawarma filled dreams ever since! See you on my next pig out session! :)

Persia Grill

Valero Carpark 2, Valero St., Salcedo Village

Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

(02) 818-9090

For a list of other branches, click HERE

Website: Persia Grill

Facebook: Persia Grill

Delivery: Minimum order of P300.00. Delivers in 30 - 45 minutes.

Estimated Budget: ~P250.00/meal

Payment Methods: Cash

Business Hours: 10:00AM to 11:00PM Daily

Your pig out buddy,

Madz

A Cake So Heavenly, It's Gone Like A Thief In The Night :)

2011-12-21T08:31:00.000-08:00

Warning: Purchase at your own risk. Any leftovers should be heavily guarded, specially when left in the office fridge. This cake conspires some people to steal, true story :)

Berry Temptation Premium Cake from Cheesecake, Etc. PHP 895.00 or USD 20.50. Dive into a sinful combination of strawberries, raspberries, and layers of melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese filling that's balanced out by the crumbly crust. Who says every cake requires a cherry on top? With a cake so divine as it is, even a fresh piece of grape will do.

We couldn't finish off everything in one sitting so we packed up the remaining slices and placed it in the office refrigerator, so we can enjoy a slice or two the next day. When the next day came, we were dumbfounded to know that a "thief" stole a hefty slice from our cake leftover and left a large hole in the box as proof of his/her/it's deed. Sure, we were pissed but what else could we do? At least now we know not to leave cakes like this out of our sight. See you on my next pig out session. :)

Cheesecake, Etc.

SM Mall of Asia

G/F SM Mall of Asia North Wing, SM Central Business Park I, Island A, Bay City

Pasay City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(02) 556-0766

For a list of other branches, click HERE

Website: None Found

Facebook: Cheesecake, Etc.

Delivery: No

Estimated Budget: ~P200.00/meal

Payment Methods: Cash, Visa, Mastercard

Business Hours: 10:00AM to 10:00PM Daily or depending on mall operating hours

Your pig out buddy,

Madz

Pig Out Sessions! Now Has An Android App :)

2011-12-18T11:59:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post before I hit the sack, just wanted to let you guys know that my blog is now available on Android too, through its own app. All you need are 2 things, an android phone and a QR/Barcode scanner application. Most barcode scanners come free at the Market so installing will be easy schmeasy :)

How to get the Pig Out Sessions! Android App? Just use your barcode scanner and scan the QR code image above. It'll take you to the installation page in a jiffy.

Click the Install button once your download is complete. It's relatively very small in size so don't worry about my app taking too much space :D

Wait for no longer than a minute and everything should be finished. If you're a bit lost on where to find it, just head over your applications list and it should be prettily sitting there. I love how legit the screenshot makes the Pig Out Sessions! Android App feel. So there, just a heads up for you guys. See you on my next pig out session! :)

Your pig out buddy,

Madz

T.G.I. Friday's: Great Food But Callous Service

2011-12-12T08:20:00.000-08:00

I appreciate the way restaurants go the extra mile to make their loyal customers feel extra comfy and satisfied by checking up on them and inquiring how has the dining experience, the food preparation and all that jazz, but you see, there's a very thin line with being attentive and just plain insensitive.

Pacific Grilled Pork Chop PHP 395.00 or USD 9.05. Perfectly char-grilled porkloin chops with lightly salted corn on the cob siding and a hefty serving of rice or rice pilaf. I was feeling under the weather that night so I'm blaming myself for my bad decision making. Though the chops were in fact very savory and generous in serving, I spent most of my time cutting it into bite sized pieces.

Fried Mozzarella [6 pieces] PHP 315.00 or USD 7.22. Perfectly deep fried mozzarella slices with just the right amount of breading. How can you go wrong with anything cheese, right? Batch and I enjoyed this appetizer while waiting for our other orders for the night.

Sizzling Chicken and Shrimp PHP 625.00 or USD 14.30. Batch's choice of dinner for the night. A combination of sauteed garlic-marinated chicken breast and shrimp, with cheddar cheese mashed potatoes paired with onions and peppers. All that on top of melted Colby and Jack cheeses. Despite the generous proportion and being a certified "takaw tingin" person, Batch surprisingly polished her plate clean. Makes me wish right now that I ordered something like her dish too.

Oh yeah, back to the insensitive part of the evening. No sooner had our dishes been served and as we were just about to take our first bite, a staff of T.G.I. Friday's casually goes to our table to ask how our food was. We understand that some restaurants do that to make sure that customers are happy and any mishaps are handled first hand, but can't you ask us after we've eaten already? So after being thrown a question we didn't know the answer to yet and letting some awkward seconds pass by, we just nodded our heads solemnly and said "ayos lang" to the insensitive staff that just stood there and wouldn't go away.

I'm not usually irritated by uncouth or careless behavior anywhere I dine, but I guess I was just extra agitated because I was not feeling too well to begin with. I understand and am appreciative that T.G.I. Friday's goes the extra mile and utilize their "service charge" to provide good customer service but next time, please gauge the situation and take a hint. Please don't ask customers awkward questions when they honestly cannot give any answers yet, because even though the food was superb, any dining experience can easily be dampened by insensitive service. Have you dined at T.G.I. Friday's? Any must try dishes you can suggest off their menu? Or are you an irritated customer as well? Do share your stories, reviews or feedbacks below! Oh well, see you on my next pig out sessions :)

T.G.I. Friday's

T.G.I. Friday's / TGIF, SM Mall of Asia

North Wing Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia

Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines

(02) 556-4456

For a list of other branches, click HERE

Website: T.G.I. Friday's

Facebook: T.G.I. Friday's

Delivery: No

Estimated Budget: ~P300.00/meal

Payment Methods: Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Amex

Business Hours: 10:00AM to 11:00PM Daily or depending on mall operating hours

Your pig out buddy,

Madz

The Little Tokyo Chronicles: First Stop, Hana

2011-12-05T08:45:00.000-08:00

Out of the cab and a few steps inside, I had to make a double take as I thought I was already in a small village somewhere in Japan with all the wooden designs and hanging lanterns aglow. I say, not bad for a first impression! though to make the transportation complete, it's not only my eyes that need be satiated but my growing hunger as well.

Futo Maki PHP 280.00 or USD 6.47. Gigantic rolls generously stuffed with crab stick slices, crisp and fresh cucumber, slightly sweet tamago, pickled radish and tasty shiitake mushrooms. A single order is good enough to make 2 hungry people ecstatic, case in point ~Batch and I. I really enjoyed pigging out on Hana's futo maki. The contrast of flavors and textures just can't be organized into words that would give justice to how good it was. Even Batch, a questionable Japanese aficionado relished each roll and greedily gobbled up her share. :)

Takuyaki PHP 120.00 or USD 2.77 [6 pieces]. I've tried so many Filipino takuyaki versions before that I really anticipated finding out what makes the real thing stand out against all those commercially sold takuyaki. The verdict: I was not sold. Maybe my taste buds are already tainted by eating the Filipino style takuyaki that Hana's takuyaki failed to get a major impression out of me. Even Batch shared the same sentiments. I wonder, what is wrong with me?

I finally find out for myself that I'm not a fan of authentic Japanese takuyaki but I still am positively a sushi and maki lover! We're planning to try Kagura's Okonomiyaki on our next visit and I hope it does not disappoint. Have you guys tried dining at Little Tokyo? Any other highly recommended dishes to pig out on? I'd love to hear them all! Hope to see you on my next pig out session. :)

Hana, Little Tokyo

Location & Phone:

Hana, Little Tokyo

Don Chino Roces Ave., Legaspi Vill.

Makati City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(02) 339-3855

Website: None found, but they have a Facebook Page HERE

Delivery: No

Estimated Budget: ~P200.00/meal

Payment Methods: Cash

Business Hours: 10:00AM to 11:00PM Daily

Your pig out buddy,

Madz

Café Breton Est Magnifique!

2011-11-30T08:57:00.000-08:00

A step inside this quaint crepe and coffee place and it's like I'm transported to Paris. There's this undeniable and inviting feeling as I sit comfortably and nod my head along with the chic music all around me as I anxiously wait for my crepe. I feel like I should be wearing a beret for this. :)

La Pinay PHP 168.00 or USD 3.85. Make no mistake in underestimating this crepe. It might look ho-hum from the outside but oh so sinful once you take your first bite. I know because I fell in love with the gratifying combination of mango slivers resting inside layers of folded crepe, topped with vanilla ice cream and glazed with chocolate sauce.

Cherries Jubilee Flambe PHP 254.25 or USD 5.82. Batch's choice of dessert and it did not disappoint. We got a bit of entertainment as well as our waiter poured the flaming rum over her delectable looking crepe.

Batch was going "Hmmmm" at every spoonful and it had me laughing, only to realize I was humming contentedly to myself as well the whole time eating my La Pinay crepe! She made sure she had a bit of everything at every bite, crepe+cherries+cinnamon+whipped cream+caramel ice cream and she was in crepe heaven. I totally agree with her, there might be so much going on with her crepe but everything totally jives together!

So when we want a quick trip to Paris or just want to boost our mood up, we definitely know where to go. I'm lucky it's only a stone's throw away from my office, if that's a good or bad thing, I don't know yet. :) So, have you guys tried dining at Café Breton? Any other recommendations and must try you'd like to share? I'd love to hear them all! See you all on my next pig out session. :)

Café Breton

Location & Phone:

Café Breton, SM Mall of Asia

G/F SM Mall of Asia, Entertainment Mall, SM Central Business Park, Bay City

Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines

(02) 556-0279

For other branches, click HERE

Website: None found, but they have a Facebook Page HERE

Delivery: No

Estimated Budget: ~P300.00/meal

Payment Methods: Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Amex

Business Hours: 10:00AM to 12:00AM Daily, depending on mall operating hours

Your pig out buddy,

Madz

A Bite Of Flavours Of The Sun At Café Mediterranean

2011-11-23T08:40:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been craving for meaty meals which I think is both a good and bad thing. Good because I live in the city where everything is ~~available~~, and bad because~ I live in the city where everything is ~~pricey~~.

Greek Salad PHP 225 or USD 5.18. Fresh, crisp greens tossed with kalamata olives, cucumbers, tomatoes and feta cheese drizzled with vinaigrette. For the life of me, I do not get why they had to crush the cheese to a gazillion tiny pieces. We couldn't appreciate or honestly even distinctly taste it, specially if you add more dressing for extra zing. More importantly, remind me not to order this again, it's so not worth the price.

Five Plate Sampler PHP 325.00 or USD 7.48. Batch's order. Portions of hummus, baba ghanoush, tzatziki, falafel and tabbouleh in one convenient plate. It doesn't look like it can do a lot for a hungry tummy, but it actually is more than enough, as Batch later on realized.

Of the five samplers, Batch loved the hummus most. I don't share the same enthusiasm with garbanzos, so with no help whatsoever she tried her best to polish off every streak of hummus left with Cafe Med's awfully nicely made pita bread.

Beef Gyro Plate PHP 325.00 or USD 7.48. Their Gyro Plate looks so sulit even at first glance. There's plenty of meat that makes the sides look so minuscule. It's like I ordered a sampler plate as well. There's some helping of baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, tzatziki and couscous.

I liked it that the beef was very tasty and not at all that tough to eat, but I still prefer it to be at least a tad bit more juicy, if at all possible. Pairing my beef with couscous rather than rice pilaf seemed like a good choice. The feathery, light texture and taste of the couscous complemented the savory and flavorful meat. Out of all the sides, I didn't take a liking to the tzatziki that much even though I love cucumber. I guess it was the bitter aftertaste that lingers in my mouth.

Overall, we would still go back for a bite or two, but for sure we'd be more wary of our choices. There are just some dishes that aren't worth it, but I think there are still some other dishes still worth the pending return. Have you tried any other dishes from Cafe Mediterranean? Do share your dining experiences here, I'd love to hear them all! See you on my next pig out session. :)

Café Mediterranean

Location & Phone:

Café Mediterranean, Greenbelt 1

G/F Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legaspi St., Ayala Center

Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

(02) 751-9705

For other branches, click HERE

Website: Café Mediterranean

Delivery: Minimum order of P500.00. Delivers in 45 - 75 minutes.

Estimated Budget: ~P350.00/meal

Payment Methods: Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Amex

Business Hours: 10:00AM to 9:00PM Daily, depending on mall operating hours

Your pig out buddy,

Madz