BERYLLICIOUS

My Foodgasm 2013 Second Bite Experience and Top Picks

2013-05-17T09:47:00.001+08:00

After my first Foodgasm experience as a blogger judge, I was more than excited to attend the second bite at a bigger space and with more food concessionaires.

There were a lot of participants this year but only a few stood out for me.

First on our list is Ping Gu Mushroom Fries.

Awarded as the "People's Choice" for that night, I couldn't agree more as their booth probably has longest line of people waiting to try those mushroom fries.

These are basically organic oyster mushrooms in special breading and then deep fried until crispy brown. I love how crunchy it was on the outside and chewy and juicy on the inside. You could choose from four dips available: Sweet Chili, Gravy, Tomato Ketchup and Garlic Mayo. My personal choice was their sweet chili as it best complements the fried mushrooms.

Next is Paire's Class A Amaretto Sour and Almond Slice pairing which also received the "Expert's Choice" award that night.

The Amaretto Sour was a refreshing cocktail favorite, while the sweet and chewy Almond Slice complemented the drink. It was truly a perfect "paire"!

Shawarma Bros' Lamb Steak Shawarma Plate also topped the list for D as he enjoyed the spoonful of biryani rice topped with juicy lamb steak, cheese, garlic yogurt and spicy sauce. It was certainly a fusion of flavors.

Speaking of fusion, I also loved Sisnarp's Street Food Fusion's Jamaisian Bacon Wrap. It was better late than never as they started to give away samples during the last few hours of the event.

Luckily, we were still able to taste their dish and it was actually pretty good. It was bursting with spices and flavors of chicken, bacon, garlic, ginger and tomato saffron sauce. Yummy!

Another savory dish that we loved was Frabelle Foods Mini Pies.

The mini pies were topped with different Frabelle Food products which went perfectly well together.We just loved this so much that one piece was not enough.

As for the drinks, Lipdip Milkshake got a unanimous vote from us. Well, they were basically the only concessionaire serving drinks aside from the Amaretto Sour from Paire so I guess everybody really loved the sweet and creamy cooler.

And of course, we saved the best for last with New Zealand Natural's Premium Ice Cream. It was so hot during the event and it was just the perfect dessert to cool down.

I chose my favorite Macadamia Supreme which I got to taste during the Ultimate Taste Test 10.0 in Rockwell. It was still the same full-flavored, sweet and creamy ice cream I fell in love with. D, who's not much into coffee got himself their Cafe Espresso, which he surprisingly liked. With the generous amount of serving they gave during the event, it was more than enough to keep us satisfied and happy before going home. Congratulations to New Zealand Natural Philippines for bagging the "Overall Champion" title that night.

Again, congratulations to the UP Economics Society for another successful Foodgasm event. It was truly one enjoyable experience and I couldn't wait for the third bite. :)

Check out my First Foodgasm Experience:
- www.itsberyllicious.com/2012/09/my-foodgasm-2012-tasting-event-and.html

Naci Comfort Food- Feast on Comfort Food and Desserts at their New Home in Fort Bonifacio

2013-05-14T14:29:00.000+08:00

Remember Naci Comfort Food and Dessert Bar in Greenhills? I just love the place so much that I was really sad when it closed down last year. D even brought my sister and mom here to celebrate mom's birthday while I was away.

After one year, here I am at the newly opened Naci Comfort Food which rebranded itself as a fun and modern comfort food destination in Fort Bonifacio.

High ceilings, colorful chairs, cute and fancy decors, the place looked totally different from their first branch. It was now bright, vibrant and fun which gives a casual and relaxed vibe and dining experience.

Aside from the traditional placemat menu, guests are now offered with tablets wherein they could browse through Naci's food and beverage selections. What's great about using the tablet is that diners could check out the actual look of the dishes they want to order.

Now, our feast begins..

I am an appetizer type of person,and as much as possible, I want to try a little bit of everything on the menu without going over budget or worrying about left overs. But usually it's just D and me on foodtrips, so that's quite impossible to happen unless we are totally famished.

Good thing Naci has Nat's Appetizer Sampler (P520) that give customers a chance to choose four of Naci's best-selling appetizers.

Glazed Chicken Wings (P350)- Chicken Wings w/ Naci’s Secret Glaze w/ Lemon Cream Dip & Fries

Cajun Mozzarella Balls (P280)- Fried Mozzarella Croquettes served w/ Pimiento Salsa and Fries

Beef Taco Spring Roll (P280)- Crispy Springrolls w/ Beef Taco filling, Tomato Salsa served w/ Sour Cream

Classic Salpicao (P380)- Sauteed Beef Tenderloin in Olive oil with Chilli fingers and Garlic

It is really hard to choose which among the sampler is the best 'cause each has its own twist to it. But since I love buffalo wings/chicken wings so much, I'll have to say the Glazed Chicken Wings tops my list with its bold, and sweet-tangy flavors. Next is the Beef Taco Springroll which is a unique take on the classic tacos without the mess. The Classic Salpicao was very tasty and tender while the Mozzarella Balls were crispy and perfect for cheese lovers. I miss their Chorizo and Brie Puffs though.

For healthy eaters, Naci has 4 kinds of salads that will surely tickle your fancy.

Classic Caesar (P200)- Crisp Lettuce tossed in Caesar Dressing w/ Croutons, Bacon Bits & Parmesan Tuile
Kani Mango Crunch (P260)- Greens, Kani, Mangoes, Cucumber, Wonton & Vermicelli in Wasabi Mayo
Tofu Green Salad (P220)- Greens, Crisp Tofu Croutons and Peppered Calamari in Chinese Black Vinegar
Smoked Salmon Salad (P280)- Greens, Smoked Salmon, Onion Rings, Tomatoes, Parmesan Shavings in Honey Lemon Dill Dressing

The Kani Mango Crunch is still my favorite salad from Naci, followed by the Smoked Salmon Salad. I just love the added texture from the wonton strips and fried vermicelli complemented by the mild and tasty wasabi mayo.

Browsing through Naci's soup menu, we thought that each order is for sharing given its price. But the waiter told us that an order is actually good for one. But even though Naci's soup selection comes in a single-serve bowl, each was equally filling with its rich, thick and creamy consistency and could even be shared by two people.

Onion Soup (P180)- Caramelized Onion Soup topped w/ French Baguette slices & Mozzarella Cheese

Tita Em's Chowder (P280)- Creamy & hearty chowder w/ Shrimps, Corn Kernels & Bacon

I found the Onion Soup too rich and sweet for my taste though it was loaded of caramelized onions and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Tita Em's Chowder on the other hand was thick, rich and creamy that could be quite heavy and filling for one person. They ran out of bread bowls during our visit so I guess it was already lighter than usual.

Penne Al Fungi with White Shrimps (P360)- Penne tossed in Basil Mushroom Cream w/ White Shrimps served with Focaccia Bread

Nadine’s Adobo Cannelloni (P360)- Classic Flaked Adobo rolled in Pasta topped w/ Bechamel laced w/ Adobo Sauce & Mozzarella served w/ Focaccia Bread

Being a white sauce pasta lover, both pasta dishes we got were equally delicious and tasty. But if I were to choose, I'd probably stick to Naci's best-seller Nadine's Adobo Cannelloni.

As for our Pizza, we were served with the Steak and Cheese Pizza (P540) in a perfectly thin crust layer. It was topped with slices of tenderloin, cheese sauce and fresh shitake mushrooms.

I love how thin and crispy the crust was making it less heavy to eat. Although I still prefer Naci's Asian-inspired Peking Chicken Pizza which I've tried before, this one has a simpler and more kid-friendly taste.

Moving on with Naci's Specialties, their best selling baked rice dishes were served fresh and piping hot on the table.

Peruvian Chicken Rice (P420)- Slow Cooked Baked Rice w/ Chicken Chunks, Capsicums topped w/ Aioli

Shrimp Jambalaya Rice (P480)- Slow Cooked Baked Rice w/ Curry, Coconut Cream, Shrimps, Eggplant, Tomatoes & Raisins

Both were beautifully served in small paella trays that could probably be shared by 3-4 people. The texture of the dish was a play between paella and risotto, which is creamy, not too dry yet firm to the bite. I personally prefer the simplicity of the Peruvian Chicken Rice over the complex flavors of the Shrimp Jambalaya.

By the time the Entrees were served, we were already full from everything we have feasted on. But that didn't stop us from trying this beautifully plated Grilled Mahi Mahi (P380) topped with dill cream and cherry tomatoes over parsley rice.

This Oven Baked Bbq Chicken (P320) over java rice, served with buttered vegetables looked so appetizing with its colorful plating and presentation. The chicken itself was tender and juicy and the sweet bbq sauce was perfect to go along with the java rice.

And to cap off the feast, we sampled Naci's premium cupcakes and mouthwatering cakes. Aside from comfort dishes, Naci is actually known for their yummy and delectable desserts.

CAKES

Red Velvet Cake (P130)- Classic Red Velvet Cake smothered with our tangy vanilla cream cheese frosting
Pistachio Sansrival (P120)- Layers of crispy meringue & rich pistachio buttercream loaded w/ roasted pistachio nuts
Chocolate Ganache Cake (P165)- Melt-in-your-mouth premium dark Belgian Chocolate Ganache sandwiched between generous layers of moist dark chocolate sponge.

Among the 3 cakes we've tried, the Pistachio Sansrival stood out for me. It was crunchy and chewy at the same time with generous serving of pistachio nuts enough to win me over. The Chocolate Ganache Cake on the other hand was rich and moist perfect for all chocolate cake lovers. My least favorite was their Red Velvet Cake which we found dry and crumbly albeit soft.

CUPCAKES

Red Velvet Cupcake (P75)- Cream cheese frosting on top of a dense, red cupcake w/ a hint of cocoa.

Although I didn't much liked the Red Velvet Cake, I totally dig its cupcake version. The cupcake itself was so moist and slightly dense without any hint of crumble and dryness.

Caramel Cream Cupcake (P75)- Light chiffon cupcake w/ a surprise caramel filling topped w/ vanilla cream & caramel fudge.

Another cupcake that I liked was this Caramel Cream Cupcake with soft and airy chiffon base filled with caramel and topped with light vanilla cream and caramel fudge.

Chocolate Ganache Cupcake (P90)- Premium Dark Belgian Chocolate Ganache on top of a dark chocolate cupcake

Black and White Cupcake (P90)- Premium Dark Belgian Chocolate Ganache on top of a vanilla cupcake

Just like the cake version, the Chocolate Ganache Cupcake was dense and moist with rich and bittersweet Belgian chocolate ganache topping. Another great cupcake from Naci is the Black and White Cupcake which is a combination of vanilla base cupcake with dark chocolate ganache that cracks and melts in your mouth like truffles.

DRINKS

Grape Shake (P165)- refreshing slush of blended black grapes
Tamarind Iced Tea (P120)- a nice twist to the classic iced tea

Strawberry Kiss (P235)- fresh strawberries, vanilla ice cream and white chocolate

Mocha Java Chip (P225)- Espresso blended w/ dark chocolate, vanilla ice cream and chocolate ganache topped w/ whipped cream and caramel

Naci offers a wide selection of drinks from refreshing shakes and juices to cold and sweet smoothies and milkshakes. I would recommend getting the Grape Shake as it was naturally sweet and refreshing. The glass was also big enough to last until my last course which happens very seldom.

Overall, I would describe our Naci experience as a wonderful and filling feast! The quality of food was very consistent from before or even better. It was nice that they were able to maintain the delicious creations of the late Chef Ed Quimson and be able to share a gastronomic memory of him with diners. I can't wait to visit Naci with the whole family, perhaps my mom could celebrate her upcoming birthday here again.

Thank you and congratulations to the management team of Naci Comfort Food, especially to Nadine Nocom and Natasha Villaroman for hosting this gastronomic feast.

It's Beryllicious Top Picks:

Nat's Appetizer Sampler

Kani Mango Crunch

Peruvian Chicken Rice

Nadine's Cannelloni

Grilled Mahi Mahi

Pistachio Sansrival

Red Velvet Cupcake

Caramel Cream Cupcake

Grape Shake

( I know it's a lot, but everything was just so good!)

Naci Comfort Food

Unit 3, Two Parkade, 7th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig

Contact number: 847-6224

Website: www.nacicomfortfood.com

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/NaciComfortFood

Zomato now in Manila- Discover More Places To Eat Around You

2013-05-14T14:24:00.000+08:00

Zomato, the world's fastest growing online restaurant and nightlife guide finally hits the South-East Asian market with Manila as its first stop. Covering major cities in the metro mainly Makati, Quezon City, Manila, Mandaluyong, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, Taguig and Muntinlupa, Zomato has recently crossed 10,000 listings for restaurants and nightlife places on the Manila section of their website. The best part about it is that it is available both on the web (http://zomato.com/manila) and on mobile apps (iOS, Android, Windows and Blackberry).

Zomato is currently present in 21 cities across 7 countries including UK, Sri Lanka, UAE, Qatar, South Africa, Philippines and India, where it all began. Zomato actually receives 12 million users every month who use the platform to discover the places to eat around them.

The social aspect of the website is really something that encourages users to continue writing reviews for Zomato. The more a user make reviews, the more he becomes visible to others hence gaining more followers. The Leaderboard which features the Top 25 Foodies in Manila is motivation for users to keep on writing. Reviews are posted real time, however, they are moderated by the Zomato team within 12 hours of posting for unacceptable language or low quality reviews. They correct grammatical and spelling errors to some reviews for increase in readability for end users. On the other hand, excellent reviews that have clear descriptions of the food, ambiance and service, get chosen to be featured on the website's homepage.

Just recently, Zomato came up with their first promotion and gave away iPad Minis to the first 20 connoisseurs in Manila. In just a little over a month since their launch in Manila last March, they are already receiving 100 reviews a day and numbers are continually growing. That fact reinstate the belief that there is a need for Zomato in the Philippines.

I've downloaded the Zomato app and trust me it is so helpful for foodies looking for a place to eat. You may filter searches depending on location, budget, cuisine or even to a specific food you are craving. Plus, what I love most about it is that it gives you a list of nearby restaurants around the area you are in. Zomato also provides restaurant menus, photos of the place and other important details in searching for a restaurant to try.

For more details check out: www.zomato.com

Mercato Centrale Brings Levante- The Newest Night Food Market in Eastwood Citywalk 2

2013-05-10T13:17:00.003+08:00

It's going to be a fun foodie adventure in Eastwood as the Mercato Centrale group, organizer of the premier food and lifestyle night markets around the metropolis, brings to you Levante – the newest night food market in Eastwood Citywalk 2. Grand opening is on May 17, Friday from 6pm to 3am.

Enjoy a culinary adventure at Levante with its mouth-watering homemade cooking straight from the kitchens of Eastwood’s budding food entrepreneurs, along with your favorite Pinoy street foods and, of course, the best-selling dishes from your favorite Mercato Centrale vendors.

“Eastwood has always been very supportive of new food concepts, from their new fusion restaurants up to their gourmet food markets in the malls. We are very glad to bring the Mercato Centrale concept to Eastwood to further complement the foodie-friendly lifestyle they have created” said Anton Diaz, co-organizer of Levante. Diaz is responsible for the popular food and travel blog www.OurAwesomePlanet.com.

Come over to the grand opening of Levante and enjoy great-tasting and affordable food, pastry and dessert choices and live acoustic entertainment. Levante is open only on Fridays, 6pm to 3pm.

“We can’t wait for the residents, office workers and visitors of Eastwood City to enjoy the wide variety of gourmet and artisanal vendors we are bringing to the market!” added RJ Ledesma, co-organizer of Levante.

For vendor inquiries, please contact (+63 917) 840-1152 or (+632) 812-0102, email admin@levanteeastwood.com or visit www.facebook.com/levanteeastwood.

Slappy Cakes- All Day Breakfast, All Day Fun! The Do It Yourself Pancakes in Eastwood

2013-05-07T10:14:00.000+08:00

The all-day-breakfast craze is here! After IHOP's successful opening in the Philippines, the most popular breakfast spot in Portland in now in Manila!! Slappy Cakes has been featured on different shows like The Cooking Channel and Rachel Ray and was awarded as one of America's top ten destinations by the Food Network with the title "America's Best".

Their first branch is located in Eastwood and they will also be having a second one in SM North Edsa soon.

So what makes Slappy Cakes unique? It's their do-it-yourself pancakes that give diners a whole new level of fun and interactive dining experience.

Here at Slappy Cakes, you do all the cooking of your pancakes. In front of you is a big non-stick pancake griddle that will unleash the cooking skills of everyone. I'm pretty sure D would love to try this and update his "3 things I can cook" to "4 things I can cook".

What time is it? It's Slappy Time!!!

The first step is to Choose Your Batter.

Choices are: Classic Buttermilk (P225), Whole Grain (P225), Peanut Butter (P260), Vegan (P260) and Chocolate (P260)

Prices are per bottle which could make around 6 regular sized pancakes good for 2-3 persons.

My personal favorites are peanut butter and whole grain. You may go for the classic buttermilk if you want something plain and simple. The vegan batter was slightly watery in consistency while the chocolate was rich and bittersweet. I suggest that you don't toast the batter so much 'cause it tends to taste bitter when overcooked, especially the chocolate.

Next, Pick Some Fixins

And Add Some Toppings

Slappy Cakes has a lot of toppings and fixins that you could choose from like sweet sauces and syrups, fresh fruit toppings and savory add ons.

Their menu also has a list of popular combinations which first timers could try out.

Explore fruity combinations like the Blueberries and Lemon Curd that is like a match made in heaven.

You may also go for healthy and savory choices like this Assorted Mushroom in Whole Grain batter.

Or better yet, try a combination of sweet and savory with their Bacon and Maple Syrup pancake.

The fun part here is that you may just create small pancakes and try which combination actually works for you. After that, you could just create another one.. and another one and another one..

Or you could make it two layers..

and even three with different pancake flavors..

I think it is now obvious what my favorite combination is.. Blueberries and Lemon Curd! I just love the sweet-tangy and refreshing combo.

Aside from pancakes, they also serve Slappy Plate and Entrees perfect for those who don't want to cook and just want to eat.

I suggest getting the Country Fried Bacon (P230) which is bacon dipped in batter and fried with caramel sauce. The batter was quite thick but it was sweet and crunchy good!

They also serve classic Filipino breakfast called Slappy Happy-Noy served with 2 eggs, garlic rice and mango salsa.

Their Tocino Tociyes (P250) is certainly a must try! We were able to taste the tocino in skewers with potato and it was really good. I so love the tender and juicy tocino glazed in a sweet and caramelized sauce.

Here at Slappy Cakes, it is never too early or too late for cocktails with their Specialty Drinks.

But for me, I prefer their Zero Proof drinks bursting with flavor but without the alcohol.

Slappy Cakes Menu:

What's great about Slappy Cakes is that you are free to do anything you want with your pancakes. I love that I can create mini ones to make sure that everything is still warm even up to the last bite. There's nothing really exceptional about their pancakes but the whole experience is truly one-of-a-kind and will surely be enjoyed by the kids and the kids at heart. I only wish that they could at least have free maple syrup for customers given the prices of their toppings and add ons :)

Play around with shapes like circles and hearts, or letters to spell your name out. Be creative with doodles and drawings to express yourself and mostly importantly, just have fun!

Slappy Cakes- Unleash the Kid in You!

Slappy Cakes

Ground Floor Eastwood Mall, Quezon City

Contact Number: 371-1116

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/SlappyCakesPH

Yabu House of Katsu: Join the Katsu Craze and win an iPhone 5!

2013-05-06T15:04:00.000+08:00

Hey guys!! Want to win an iPhone 5?

Yabu, our favorite katsu house is giving away the much coveted iPhone 5 to one worthy fan.

How to join? Simple.

Download.

Snap.

Customize.

Share.

Win!

1)Download the Katsu Craze app from the App Store. (Don't worry non-Apple users, you are free to borrow the iPads in Yabu branches to create your entry. )

2)Take a photo of your katsu or a photo of you and your friends/family with your favorite katsu.

3)Add a cool filter. (YES, we have filters!!!)

4)Add a creative caption in the thought balloon. Crazy thoughts are welcome.

5)Save to Device and click on SHARE ON www.yabu.ph. Encode email address and caption.

6)Share on your Instagram or Twitter with the caption " it`s the #katsucraze @yabuph! I want a #yabuiPhone5".

Also, the top 10 most creative entries will each receive Yabu gift packs and P2,000 gift certificates. The grand prize winner will be announced on May 31, 2013 at www.yabu.ph

So wear your thinking caps and squeeze out those creative juices. Question is, how far would you go for Yabu? Join now!!! :)

My entry was chosen as the Katsu Craze winner of the week :) Yey! Thank you so much Yabu!! :)

Beat the Summer Heat with Gerry's Grill Summer Coolers!

2013-05-06T10:24:00.002+08:00

What's the best way to cool down this summer? A trip to the beach, or probably a family outing to Baguio or Tagaytay. But with Gerry's Grill new Summer Coolers, you could cool down and beat the summer heat without going too far.

Choose from 4 delightful desserts to top your dining experience in Gerry's Grill.

Banana Boat- Gerry's take on the classic Banana Split

Banana Caramel- A scoop of ice cream topped with banana slices whisked with rum glaze and caramel sauce

Gerry's Fruit Platter- Generous serving of tropical fruits in light syrup topped with vanilla ice cream

Toasted Ice Cream- Ice cream wrapped in crispy and toasted wafer drizzled with chocolate syrup

Gerry's summer coolers are now available in all Metro Manila branches. For more details, log on to www.gerrysgrill.com.

Miner's Castle, Miner's Falls and Pictured Rocks Cruise- Munising, Upper Peninsula of Michigan

2013-05-06T09:52:00.001+08:00

A trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan brought us to the beautiful Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Truly a breathtaking scenery.. never seen anything like it before..

The famous Miner's Castle that lost one of its turrets back in 2006.

Follow the trail and appreciate the beauty of nature along the way..

After 1km of walking, we arrived at the Miner's Falls. Now another kilometer to go back..

One attraction highlight in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is the Pictured Rocks Boat Tour ($35).

Chapel Rock and Spray Falls

An example of a tree defying nature. The tree stands above a rock with its roots connected to the other side.

Color Cave

Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse and Rainbow Cave

Indian Head and Grand Portal

A rock formation of a native American and the arch that has gone several transformations due to natural changes and weathering.

Battleships

Can you count how many ships are there?

Lover's Leap

Caution: Do. Not. Jump. Ironic how it is called such when the base level is just a few feet deep.

A tombstone-shaped rock and more trees growing on rocks.

Such a beautiful and breathtaking view of the Pictured Rocks.. Wish I could go back :)

Harley-Davidson Museum, St. Josephat Basilica and Miller Brewery - Milwaukee, Wisconsin Attractions

2013-05-05T10:39:00.001+08:00

Summer is here and my Facebook news feed is full of friends enjoying the Boracay beach and family trips abroad. Can't help but reminisce my last year's summer vacation with relatives in Chicago.

Went for a long drive to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and stopped by some attractions.

Harley-Davidson Museum

St. Josephat Basilica

The place is modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

Miller Brewing Company

It's Miller Time!!

Watched a short video presentation about the history of Miller, followed by a quick tour inside the factory.

Miller Brands:

Frederick Miller's Ghost Tour:

And everyone's favorite part: Free Beer!

They also handed out pretzel packs to go with the beer and soda/lemonade for minors.

But you know what's better with Miller beer? Hotdogs and Sausages available at the nearby concession stand.

Cheers!!

♥♥♥ Birthday Surprise: Comic Strip, Terra & Água and A One Day Shopping Spree with D ♥♥♥

2013-05-04T11:03:00.002+08:00

March 19, 2013 11:50pm- D called me up and asked me to check my email. I initially thought it's a letter or message he prepared for my birthday. I was busy playing Candy Crush so I told him that it's not yet my birthday and that I'll check it later after I finish the level was playing. He kept bugging me to check my email already, and so I did and finally saw his email with a PDF file attached to it.

It was a comic strip with photos of beaches and sands. D knows that I love travelling above all things. He also knows how hesitant I am on spending money on branded clothes, shoes, bags etc.. We would always talk about how we would limit our shopping budget now, for us to be able to splurge on travel plans in the future.

The first thing I thought when I saw the comic strip was that maybe it's his way of creating a travel memory even if it's just a made up story..for now.. hehe :)

Then, I noticed it was written in Tagalog. The funny things is, I constantly tease D about his Tagalog. He fluently speaks Tagalog but there are times when he mixes up his words and creates a whole new funny meaning. Ok, maybe he used Google translate or asked someone to help him, I thought.

Anyway, here's the comic strip he made:

I can't help but laugh and at the same time smile as I read through the strip. At the back of my head, I thought, where is this going? Perhaps a plane ticket to Brazil? (I wish!) Then the last part hit me.. I already knew then and there what it was.

I opened my cabinet and there it was...A Terra & Água Paper Bag.

It was the sandals from Terra & Água which I've always wanted to buy but didn't because of the reason stated above :) I immediately tried on the yellow sandals which fitted perfectly. It was very light with soft straps and durable plastic base, and it was so comfortable to wear. It also has this simple yet classic design which came in a fun and vibrant yellow color that screams "Hello Summer!" :) I couldn't be any happier.

And that's not all, inside the shoe box was a letter/invitation to a one day shopping spree at 168/999 mall in Binondo. Funny and sweet.. D knows me really well.

I asked him regarding the comic strip and he proudly said that he made it all by himself..I didn't believe him at first. I told him that I was sure he just used google translate which he denied but admitted seeking the help of Google images for the photos. Then I found an evidence.. There is no way he knows what "Bahura" means without seeking help of another source. Guilty as charged with Google translate as accomplice.

But with or without the help of anyone or anything, I must say that D remains to be the sweet guy I knew back then. He never stops trying to surprise me even if he always gets caught with his plans.

Fast forward to my shopping spree day, believe it or not, I was able to but 1 top, 1 jeans, 2 bangles and a pair of shoes with the P1,000 budget. Cool right? Smart shopper here :)

To Darrel Denby So, Thank you for the surprise and effort. I am the LUCKIEST! :)

URBN Bar & Kitchen- Contemporary Comfort Food in Bonifacio Global City

2013-05-01T15:17:00.001+08:00

I was at URBN Bar & Kitchen earlier this month, but no, I was not on high heels dancing and partying with friends. Instead, I was on my empty stomach ready to indulge in URBN's mouth-watering dishes with fellow foodies. That's a better bar scene don't you think?

From the same owners of Relik Tapas Bar and Lounge, URBN Bar & Kitchen isn't all about clubbing and partying all night long. With a kitchen helmed by Chef Benjo Tuason, expect nothing but the best comfort food with a twist.

Just like in Relik, URBN has this separate section for dining customers and another for those who just want to party and have some drinks. The place has this modern industrial vibe with metal pipes and fans on the ceiling and huge chairs and tables at the center of the room.

Now moving on with our food scene..

We were initially served with URBN's Home Made Potato Chips (P250) with aioli and pesto dip to have something to munch on while waiting for the night's food highlights.

I must say that this is quite addicting! It was thin and crunchy just the way I like it, but I had to stop and control myself for the succeeding dishes.

Double Baked Manchego Souffle (P395)

At first I thought this looked like whipped potatoes with cream sauce. But it was actually a Double Baked Manchego Cheese Souffle with crispy jamon serrano and truffle cream sauce. Calling all cheese lovers, this cheese souffle is something worth trying out.

URBN's House Salad (P220)

For those looking for something light and healthy, try URBN's House Salad of fresh greens, slow poached pear, candied walnuts and Parmesan shavings in honey balsamic vinaigrette.

Seared Scallops (P590)

Expect nothing but top grade Seared Australian Scallops on a bed of cauliflower puree, topped with crispy jamon. Big, chunky, and juicy scallops that has a fresh sweet taste.

Spicy Shrimp Cocktail (P280)

A nice blend of sweet and spicy, this Spicy Shrimp Cocktail is definitely one appetizing dish with cucumber slices that adds a nice crunch and texture to every bite. I love the sweet and creamy combination of the shrimp and mangoes followed by a subtle and tolerable kick of spice.

Chicken Fried Steak (P390) and Crispy Duck Leg (P560)

It's funny how our table was initially ignoring this Chicken Fried Steak mainly because everyone thought it was "fried chicken steak". Imagine when Chef Benjo told us that it is actually beef sirloin coated in buttermilk batter, fried and smothered with mushroom gravy sauce. In fact, after he said that it was beef, everyone was getting themselves a slice and probably didn't hear how the dish was prepared and why it was called such.

Another notable dish at URBN is their Crispy Duck Leg with mushroom risotto, braised carrots and red wine jus. The duck skin was very crispy and the meat was just so aromatic and tender. I also love the texture and consistency of the creamy mushroom risotto.

Sticky BBQ Pork Ribs (P550)

Aside from buffalo wings, I am a big fan of ribs especially the ones basted with sweet and savory barbecue sauce. URBN's version didn't disappoint as it was so tender and almost fall-off-the-bones. Not to mention, the barbecue sauce was smokey and sweet perfect to go along with the rice pilaf and butter sweet corn kernels.

Mac & Choreese (P290) and 24 Days Dry Aged In House Rib Eye Bone (P2,800/550grams)

If you are looking for something heavy and filling then the Mac & Choreese is a must-try. A cheesy and creamy pasta dish with a unique twist of chorizo bits.

But our dinner highlight is URBN's Rib Eye Steak Dry Aged for 24 days in-house. Quite pricey but serving size was really huge and good for sharing. It was perfectly done medium rare to obtain the maximum tenderness and juiciness of the meat, and served with a Shiraz jus for an added flavor and taste.

Australian Rack of Lamb (P960)

No words could explain how much I love URBN's Australian Rack of Lamb. It was cooked to perfection with herb and horseradish crust, served with roasted pumpkin and garlic yogurt sauce. This is probably my favorite dish that night and I'll definitely be back for this. Tender, juicy and tasty without the strong gamey taste of lamb. A must-try!!!

Aside from their scrumptious dishes, URBN Bar & Kitchen is also famous for their desserts.

URBN's Salted Caramel Cheesecake (P150)

Since I am a cheesecake lover, I immediately feel in love with their Salted Caramel Cheesecake drizzled with caramel sauce. It has the perfect texture that melts in your mouth bite after bite. I just love everything about it. Make sure to drink up lots of water though as it could get a bit sweet along the way.

Chocolate Classic Souffle and Mango Classic Souffle (P300)

One dessert that interests me so much is the classic souffle. Maybe because I can't help but wonder how a dessert made with simple ingredients be hard to perfect and master. All I know is that souffles should retain its fluffy, puffy and pillow like consistency and holds up even after leaving it for some time. URBN's Classic Souffle was definitely perfect! It was soft, moist, airy and sinfully good! Over the two flavors, I liked the Mango Souffle better because it was light, fruity and refreshing at the same time.

Chocolate Love-ah Cake (P250)

Although I am not much a fan of chocolate cakes, I love chocolate molten cakes. URBN's version is sprinkled with rock salt and olive oil (surprisingly a great combination) with rich warm chocolate filling oozing out from the cake. It wasn't as moist and gooey as my favorite lava cake from Kuppa but it was still a pretty good meal ender.

Thank you to the bright minds behind URBN Bar & Kitchen
May Liwanang, Chef Benjo Tuason, Patricia Cortez

URBN Bar & Kitchen Menu:

It's Beryllicious Top Picks:

Double Baked Manchego Souffle

Australian Rack of Lamb

Crispy Duck Leg

Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Mango Souffle

URBN Bar & Kitchen

3rd Floor, Fort Pointe II Building,

28th St. BGC (Formerly Pier One), Fort Bonifacio

Tel Number: 0917 564 9333

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/UrbnBarAndKitchen

Larcy's Cupcakery Cafe- A Sweet Find in Aguirre Street BF Homes, Parañaque

2013-04-29T14:03:00.001+08:00

After our late lunch at Asiong's Resto Bar in BF Homes, we maximized our trip by checking out other places along Aguirre Street.- the food haven of the South.

That's when we found Larcy's Cupcakery Cafe.

I was completely awed by the overall concept of the place. It was chic and cute with very girly interiors and decors that exudes a cozy yet playful vibe. A showcase of cupcakes greeted us at the counters, and we can't help but admire the beautiful creations.

It was so hard to choose which cupcakes to try 'cause everything looks good and delicious. Finally, the choices were trimmed down to two.

Banana Nutella (P70)

I so love their serving plates for their cupcakes. It was like a small stand with different designs and shapes holding each cupcake like a crowning jewel.

The Banana Nutella was soft and moist with a light and smooth Nutella frosting. The cake itself was already good on its own but the frosting gave a subtle Nutella taste and flavor.

Pink Velvet (P65)

I initially wanted to try the classic Red Velvet cupcake, but something more interesting caught my attention..the Pink Velvet.

Comparing the Red Velvet and the Pink Velvet, the former has a vibrant and bright red color while the latter has a more natural hue which is more appealing to the sight. The cake was very soft and airy like chiffon with smooth cream cheese frosting.

Choco Obsession (P125)

For chocolate lovers, Larcy's Choco Obsession served with cream is a must-try! A slice of rich and dense chocolate-y cake that is almost melts-in-your-mouth good. The chocolate lover D enjoyed it to the last bite.

Mocha Freeze

D loved this drink! He said it was close to Starbuck's Frappucino. I couldn't agree more..a great alternative :)

They also sell some Larcy's shirts, mugs and other collectibles. I love the cute espresso cup with their logo. :)

We ❤ Larcy's!!!

Our drive to the South was so worth it! After checking out some restaurants along the area, I can't help but get all giddy and excited on our next food trip to Aguirre. Let's go!

Other great tasting cupcakes in the Metro:

Larcy's Cupcakery Cafe

178 Aguirre Street, BF Homes, Parañaque

Contact Number: 478-2849

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/LarcysCupcakerycafe

Asiong's Resto Bar- Affordable Filipino Dishes in BF Homes Paranaque

2013-04-25T15:55:00.000+08:00

One Saturday afternnoon, D and I drove all the way to BF Homes to try this new place called Asiong's Resto Bar. It was named after Asiong Salonga, an infamous gangster in Tondo and considered to be Manila's public enemy years back.

With that being said, one could expect hardcore Filipino dishes that's right on budget.. Nothing too fancy, just some classic Pinoy food that's great to share with the gang.

The place is quite small but not too cramped. Diners may also opt to sit at the tables outside, ideally during the night for a cool and relaxing al fresco dining.

A visit to Asiong's should always include an order of their best-seller.

Sizzling Sisig ng Tondo (P149)

I know what you're thinking, pretty affordable right? And to think that most dishes at Asiong's are to share. I seldom eat sisig because it tends to be so oily, but this one wasn't too oily at all. It was served sizzling hot and crispy to the bite. The egg on top also kept the dish from drying up.

Dynamita Sticks (P109)

I was able to make these chili cheese sticks during a party before, but Asiong's does it better. Each green chili was stuffed with generous amount of cheese and then wrapped in crispy lumpia wrapper. As the menu suggest, best to pair it with an ice cold beer. For non-spicy lovers, I would still recommend trying it out. It wasn't too spicy since the seeds were scraped out and the cheese neutralized the spiciness of the chili.

Bistek ni Juan (P199)

Another local favorite, Bistek ni Juan is the classic beef dish with onions in a sweet and tangy sauce. Simple but doesn't fail to disappoint. You certainly won't go wrong with this one.

Sizzling Bang! Bangus! (P189)

If the Sizzling Sisig ng Tondo isn't quite appealing to you, then healthy eaters could go for the Sizzling Bangus instead. Marinated in garlic and calamansi, the fish was very flavorful and served with mushroom and gravy sauce. In my opinion, the fish was already good even without the gravy that tends to thicken after sometime.

Bulalo Soup (P219)

For just a little over 200 pesos, you can already enjoy a steaming hot bowl of this Batangas-style bulalo. It has slow-cooked tender beef shanks, native pechay, potatoes, Baguio beans and corn on the cob. I was surprised how the soup was very light-tasting rather than oily and heavy compared to other bulalo I've tried. My only comment was that it wasn't too flavorful and lacked that Bulalo aroma I was looking for.

Lumpiang Binondo (P109)

Dubbed as the Pinoy version of pork sausage, these fried lumpia wrappers were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Although I personally prefer the Dynamita Sticks as my appetizer, D quite enjoyed these very much.

Asiong's Resto Bar Menu:

Asiong's Resto Bar is a perfect place to meet up with friends and enjoy some Pinoy food that's truly affordable. They also have some rice meals for as low as P89 only. I think Asiong's is ideally a place for all-day Pinoy food cravings, and late night bonding with friends over some bucket of beers, cocktail mixes and Filipino snacks and dishes without hurting the pockets.

Asiong's Resto Bar

111 President's Ave. Greenworld Plaza,

BF Homes, Paranaque City

Tel Number: 720-5758

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/AsiongsRestoBar

Kabukicho: Manila Pop Up x Yabu - Follow.The.Bulb.

2013-04-22T16:24:00.000+08:00

photo from www.facebook.com/ManilaPopUp

So what is Manila Pop Up?

Manila Pop Up is the brainchild of Erwan Heussaff, Mike Concepcion and Deejae Paeste, that specializes in an unconventional and one-of-a-kind marketing strategy to create an out-of-the-box experience for consumers.

They go from conceptualizing and developing creative ideas all the way to implementing a unique but temporary event that would create a whole new level of brand awareness.

photo from www.facebook.com/ManilaPopUp

An invite from Manila Pop Up got us travelling all the way to SM Southmall for their one day pop up event in collaboration with Yabu: House of Katsu.

The concept was a Kabukicho Dive Bar that transforms Yabu into this intimate setting and transports you to a different environment. Guests were treated to tasty strong Japanese cocktails, Japanese street food, live music, art and culture.

Menu for the night:

Everyone was given an appetizer bento of Yabu’s Wakame Salad, Salmon Tartare, Vegetable Crudités with Edamame Dip, and my favorite among all appetizers, the Soft Shell Crab Maki. I wish Yabu makes it a regular on their menu.

And what’s a dive bar without cocktails and drinks. Regular sodas, house blend iced teas and juices were offered, but everyone was all over the signature drinks that night.

Umami- a concoction of Cucumber Juice, Oba Leaf, Sake Rose Syrup and Honey

Kitty Fizz- A mix of Passion Fruit, Cranberry, Ginger Syrup, Sochu and Ale

Edens Den- A blend of Mango Juice, Sochu, Yuzu Syrup and Black Tea

For other food selections, they reinvented our Yabu favorites into innovative katsu dishes such as Mini Katsudon, Mini Yabu Special, Kushi Menchi Katsu (Menchi Katsu on a stick) and Katsu Slider w/ Layu Aioli.

Aside from the food and drinks, live music was performed by up and coming indie soul band, Yolanda Moon, and a live Japanese style art was showcased by Sigmund Torre and Takako Sono.

Curious and excited on what's popping up next? Follow.The.Bulb.

Manila Pop Up

Website: http://manilapopup.com/

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ManilaPopUp

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ManilaPopUp

Infinite.ly: Launch your Brand in 60 Seconds

2013-04-22T16:21:00.001+08:00

What is Infinite.ly?

Infinite.ly is a Philippine startup that offers domain hosting for small businesses. It is an effective page builder that helps you create your own website and launch your brand in just 60 seconds.

How Infinite.ly could help small business and individuals?

Infinite.ly has a user-friendly interface that could help those businesses/individuals who do not have technical skills to build or create their own website. Infinite.ly takes care of all technical details so you could just focus on your website's content.

With Infinite.ly, businesses could now promote their brands, market their products or services and increase their network.

With Infinite.ly's Page Builder, one could just select his chosen style from blogs, business, personal, event, portfolio, shopping and restaurant. No need for other technical expertise, just a few click and you are good to go.

I was able to try Infinite.ly's Small Biz package that includes 500mb storage, access to all widgets, custom Facebook page tab, and free custom domain.

I built a product website wherein I just uploaded some of our products' photos and wrote the content that I wanted. The site was very easy to navigate and with its page builder, launching our own website was easy as 1-2-3. The page was very clean, simple and it basically shows everything that I want to put up on the site without being too cramped and disorganized.

For someone who is starting their own business and would like to create their own website, I would recommend checking out Infinite.ly for a start. Everything that you will need is there, from basic tutorials, to advanced website customization.

I didn't have any major problem in using the website's features. It was also very easy to communicate with the Infinite.ly team as they were very accommodating and prompt to my questions and inquiries.

Check out https://infinite.ly/ for more information.

Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino in Jupiter Street, Makati

2013-04-16T16:21:00.002+08:00

Since March is my birth month, I went to a spending spree and treated my family for dinner again. This time, we traveled all the way to Makati for Pipino. I remember the first time I've tried Pipino in Maginhawa/Malingap, I knew right away that it would be something my mom would love to try. I was not sure with my dad though..

Pipino in Makati also shares a space with Pino Resto Bar and is just separated by white "fences". We choose to sit in Pino so that we could order some of their dishes too. I remembered last time when we were told that Pipino dishes could be served in Pino but Pino dishes couldn't be served in Pipino.

Wicked Walnut Salad (P165)- Mixed organic greens with dalandan balsamic, candied walnuts, cherry tomatoes and walnut parmesan cheese.

Remember the Wicked Walnut Salad? I vowed to order this again on my next visit to Pipino and so I did. Fresh and crisp lettuce, the tangy dalandan balsamic dressing, the candied walnuts, the walnut parmesan.. it's basically the same wicked salad I've fallen in love with.

D loved the dalandan balsamic that he asked the waiters if they are selling them in bottles. Sadly, they are not selling it.. is there a YET I hear Pipino?? :)

Tofu Lemongrass Skewers (P145)

I also ordered for these Tofu Lemongrass Skewers again. I noticed that the skewers were smaller compared to the last time I've tried it. But nevertheless, it was still good with the sweet chili sauce complementing the hint of lemongrass from the tofu.

Tomato Soup (P45)

Not much a fan of this Tomato soup but mom managed to finish the bowl.

Watermelon Steak (P220)

Of course, we could not leave Pipino without ordering their famous Watermelon Steak. This time, I noticed that the watermelon was bigger. I loved the taro chips atop the taro mash, but the taro mash was dry and tasted different from the last time I remember. Still, it's all about the "steak".

Eggplant and Tofu Miso (P165)

D got the Eggplant and Tofu Miso with coconut cream and served with brown rice. He liked it very much, but I was not a fan of the coconut cream sauce.

Spicy Tuyo Pesto (P165)- Basil, garlic and pine nut pesto sauce over linguine noodles topped with spicy tuyo flakes.

My dad ordered for this Spicy Tuyo Pesto from Pino's menu. The first thing he said was that it was salty.. then I guess he noticed that it was tuyo (salted fish) he was eating. I guess he loved it too since he didn't say anything after he finished his plate.

Kaderetang Lengua (P225)

Lastly, my brother got himself an order of Pino's Kalderetang Lengua. It is basically stewed beef tongue served with java rice.

We pretty much loved everything we ordered and I'm glad that my family enjoyed their Pino/Pipino dining experience as well. This definitely won't be the last time that we visit Pino/Pipino. Good thing they decided to put up a branch in Makati which is more accessible for us.

It's Beryllicious Picks:

Wicked Walnut Salad

Tofu Lemongrass Skewers

Watermelon Steak

Check out my first review on Pipino:

www.itsberyllicious.com/2012/06/pipino-vegetarian-restaurant-by-pino-go.html

Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino

38 Jupiter St. Makati City

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pipinoveg

Mabuhay Palace- Fine Dining Restaurant and Must Try Dishes in Manila Hotel

2013-04-10T15:07:00.001+08:00

For my birthday this year, I decided to treat my family at Manila Hotel's Mabuhay Palace. I wanted to bring them here for a change. You see, a normal family celebration for us would be dining in a casual Chinese restaurant and have a lauriat service. I didn't quite stray from that idea but I decided to make this celebration more intimate for the family. My family belongs to the group of fast-paced diners (if you now what I mean) and this time I wanted us to slow down and take time to appreciate the restaurant's ambiance and food.

Crispy Wonton Chips with Honey and Toasted Sesame

Mabuhay Palace probably has the best complimentary appetizer while waiting for your orders. I love love love these wonton chips with honey, I could finish the whole bowl all by myself.

Homemade Beancurd with Bailing Mushrooms and Conch Meat in Brown Sauce (Large- P960/10 pcs.)

A must-try when visiting Mabuhay Palace is their Chef's Recommended Homemade Beancurd with Bailing Mushrooms and Conch Meat in Brown Sauce.

The texture of the beancurd is a play between tofu and soft egg custard topped with spinach. It is then topped with generous servings of bailing mushrooms, golden mushrooms, asparagus and shredded conch meat.

Honey Glazed Chicken with Crispy Ginger (Medium-P570)

Another one of my favorite is this Honey Glazed Chicken w/ Crispy Ginger. The sauce may be a bit sweet and overpowering but I love it especially the crispy ginger on top. The chicken was tender but came in big slices, I think it would be better if they made it into smaller cuts.

Sweet and Sour Pork w/ Pineapple (Medium- P480)

The only dish that didn't impress me that night was their classic Sweet and Sour Pork w/ Pineapple. I have tried few good ones from other restaurants and I must say that this one was just plain and ordinary.

Stir-Fried Vegetable Mushroom and Cashew Nuts in a Crispy Fried Taro Ring (Medium-P570)

Another favorite of mine is this fried taro basket of mushrooms and assorted vegetables. A must-try!

Braised Seafood Birthday Noodles (Medium-P630)

What's a birthday celebration without the classic Birthday Noodles. Mabuhay Palace's version is loaded with seafood, veggies and quail eggs. Weee! Cheers to long life! :)

Roasted Peking Duck (Whole-P2,300)

How can you go wrong with a one whole Roasted Beijing Duck??

1st way:

Sliced Crispy Duck Skin with Pancake and Condiments

2nd way:

Stir Fried Minced Duck, wrapped in Fresh Lettuce

3rd way:

Duck Soup

And that's how I celebrated my birthday with my family and D :)

Overall, the food was great and my family loved the experience as well. The only issue we had was the slow service even though the place was not packed that night. The Duck Soup and Minced Duck took several follow ups and we were already done eating when the two dishes arrived. Dessert anyone?

It's Beryllicious Top Picks:

Homemade Beancurd with Bailing Mushrooms and Conch Meat in Brown Sauce

Honey Glazed Chicken with Crispy Ginger

Stir-Fried Vegetable Mushroom and Cashew Nuts in a Crispy Fried Taro Ring

Mabuhay Palace

Manila Hotel, G/F One Rizal Park, Manila

Tel Num: 527-0011

Website: www.manila-hotel.com.ph

Primero Casa Filipino- Filipino Buffet on a Budget in Quezon City

2013-04-03T15:48:00.001+08:00

I must admit, I'm no fan of Filipino cuisine. It's just that I've been to some Filipino buffet restaurants before and most of them make me "not-a-good-kind-of-way" full. Yes, they serve a lot of dishes, but most are mediocre if not so oily.

Recently, we've been invited to try Primero Casa Filipino in Quezon City. We frequent Tomas Morato area but the name doesn't ring a bell. Turned out, the place used to be Chef Laudico's Casa Filipino, which is now under a new management. They got a new chef, but some classic favorites were retained and tweaked a little bit.

Entering the place would give you a notion that you've just went to a fine dining restaurant and that prices must be really expensive. Yes, they have this fine dining atmosphere with candles and wine glasses on the table, but the whole place exudes a warm and homey feeling. Plus, with a rate of P398 on weekdays and P498 during weekends, who said dining with class should be expensive?

The buffet spread isn't as extensive but most of their dishes are of quality and taste. And I must also commend the unique style and presentation of some best-sellers like these Sisig Shooters and Egg Salad.

Appetizers

Crisp wanton wrapper made into cups and filled with meaty sisig- pour the sauce from the shot glass and enjoy!

I loved this appetizer called Sisig Shots, the wanton remained crisp and the sisig was just sinfully good with a subtle kick of spice.

Now this one is another winner. At first I thought they mistakenly placed the Egg Salad label on these fancy rolls. Turned out, it's like a deconstructed egg salad in crisp wanton rolls. I assure you one or two is not enough.

I decided to skip on the Pinoy Salad Station which had carrot strips, cucumber slices, green mangoes, tomatoes and lettuce.

Hawaiian Coleslaw and Baked Oyster in Bechamel Sauce

The Hawaiian Coleslaw reminds me of tropical summer while sipping on pineapple juice- Love it!

I don't eat raw oysters, but since this one was baked, I managed to eat a piece- still tasted raw though.

Baked Aubergine & Cumin, Mustasa Wrap, Steamed Tofu Cake, Lumpiang Shanghai

Of all the appetizers above, my favorite was the Mustasa Wrap. It was something different and unique with meat fillings inside the mustard leaves. Best to dip in honey mustard sauce for an added sweetness.

Tomato Pizza and Stuffed Pandesal

Didn't really want to load on carbs but I still tried the Tomato Pizza and Mushroom Stuffed Pandesal. Not a fan of the pizza 'cause I want it thin crusted, but the pandesal was pretty good with creamy shitake mushroom stuffing.

Main Courses

Vegetable Fritata and Steamed Vegetable

Dishes for the vegetarians.. Healthy and delicious! Of course, I prefer the one with egg :)

Fish Fillet in Pepper Adobado and Braised Chicken BBQ

What's great about the dishes here is that everything is placed over a warmer to ensure that everything is still warm when eaten. The only problem is that it tends to make the food dry. Good thing the dishes have sauces so you can at least work on that matter.

Bicol Express Pasta

Who would have thought that Bicol Express goes well with pasta. It was creamy, a tad spicy and just plain delicious! I know that Primero Casa Filipino's dishes change regularly but I do hope that they'll have this Bicol Express Pasta again on my next visit.

Seafood Kare-Kare and Seafood Paella

Seafood lover? Then dig in on Primero Casa Filipino's seafood dishes like this Seafood Kare Kare best paired with their Seafood Paella that is loaded with mussels, clams, squid, shrimps and more.

And if that's not enough seafood for you then feast on these...

Buttered Shrimp and Chili Crabs

Seriously, I can't get enough of the Chili Crabs. I would have eaten more if only cracking crabs was easy as 1-2-3.

Steamed Maya-Maya

Roast Angus Beef and Zubuchon

For Primero Casa Filipino's carving station, pick your poison from these two mouth-watering meat goodness. Tender, juicy, succulent and savory.. What more could you ask for?

Desserts

Brownies and Rhum Balls

Native Palitaw and Tapioca w/ Langka Sauce

Suman Panna Cotta

Cherry Cake and Chocolate Fondue

Pineapple and Watermelon

Halo-Halo Shooters and Tekali Shot

For dessert, I tried almost everything from the dessert spread. My favorites are the Rhum Balls and Halo-Halo Shooters. They also have a dessert chiller where you could sample more desserts and a soft serve ice cream machine, but I was already too full to try it out.

Overall, we had a great and tummy-filling experience in Primero Casa Filipino. Thank to Sir Kim Marcelo for inviting us over. Yes, I may not be a fan of Filipino cuisine but dining in Primero Casa Filipino was something that changed that idea even just for a day. The dishes were not oily and everything was pretty good. I would certainly recommend this place to friends and relatives. Not only do they serve great food, but their buffet prices are also very affordable. I suggest visiting during weekends because for just an additional P100, you get to feast on those Chili Crabs as much as you want.

Primero Casa Filipino

26 Scout Torillo cor. Sct. Fernandez,

Brgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City

Tel Num: 921-2448, 921-1850

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/PCF.PrimeroCasaFilipino

Press Release: Gerry's Grill Tops Lonely Planet Survey Again

2013-04-01T17:34:00.003+08:00

GERRY’S TOPS LONELY PLANET SURVEY ANEW

Homegrown chain Gerry’s Grill tops the “Restaurants in Philippines” list for the second year in a row, according to popular website lonelyplanet.com. The restaurant has also earned the number one spot in “Things to do in Manila”.

Gerry’s which bested 90 others for the top spot scored high on the areas of food, atmosphere, and service

“We have seen a marked increase in the number of foreign guests who would visit our branches to have a sampling of the best Filipino dishes,” says Gerry Apolinario, chief executive officer (CEO) and managing director of Prime Pacific Grill, Inc. (PPGI), operator of Gerry’sGrill.

In 15 years since it commenced operations of its first restaurant at Tomas Morato Extension in Quezon, Gerry’s has expanded t more locations – particularly in key cities around the country with many tourists; among them Boracay, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, and Baguio which experience very high traffic particularly during the summer season.

“We recently opened at Robinson’s Mall in Palawan which, as we all know, is fast becoming a major tourist destination thanks to the Subterranean River National Park. We are happy to see not only locals but foreign guests enjoying our food, our friendly service - the best of Filipino hospitality,” adds Apolinario.

The popular chain recently opened three branches at the District Mall in Imus, Cavite; Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro and Robinson’s Mall in Palawan.

It is set to welcome guests in three more locations this year: Market Market in Taguig, Newport at Resorts World in Paranaque, General Santos and Eastwood in Libis, Quezon City.

Gerry’s foray in the international market has also attracted foreign guests to their restaurants. In Singapore where the local chain opened three branches in a span of two years an estimated 30% of their clienteles are non-Pinoys.

Wherever Gerry’s is, Apolinario guarantees that the food maintains its high-quality taste.

“Whatever the time or occasion may be, we serve excellent Filipino food cooked to satisfy the most discerning of palates.”

Among Gerry’s signature offers include Crispy Pata, Sisig, and Kare-Kare.

For more information log on to www.gerrysgrill.com

Carnival de Rainhas 2 Carnival & Fair presented by Regina Iustitiae Sorority of the Ateneo Law School

2013-03-25T11:05:00.001+08:00

What: Carnival de Rainhas 2

Where: NBC Tent, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

When: April 7, 2013 10am-9pm

Ticket Price: P100

Regina Iustitae Sorority, a sorority composed of law students from Ateneo Law School, proudly presents Carnival de Rainhas 2, a carnival and fair rolled into one. It is to be held at The NBC Tent, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig on April 7, 2013 (Sunday) from 10:00am to 9:00pm.

Carnival de Rainhas literally translates to Carnival of Queens and is held annually in the city of Bethlehem in Brazil. It is an event and preparation for the coming Easter and considered to be a farewell to all negative things.

Last year's Carnival de Rainhas held at the Rockwell Tent was a huge success with over 60 concessionaires providing bazaar goers various selection of clothes, bags, shoes, make-up, accessories and other unique finds. Attendees of the event also witnessed a fun-filled event with interesting activities such as game booths, caricature booths, figurine paintings, face painting, glitter tattoo booths etc.

This year's second installment of Carnival de Rainhas is expected to be bigger and brighter, with over 100 concessionaires offering food and non-food items. Immense yourselves in activities that will surely entertain friends and families such as game booths, inflatable castles, face painting, balloon twisting, caricature drawing, fortune telling and many more. The fair will surely be a fun way to spend the Sunday with the kids and kids at heart.

For more info about the event, check their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CarnivalDeRainhas2

It'sBeryllicious 2nd Year Blog Anniversary and Birthday Giveaway!

2013-03-20T14:19:00.003+08:00

It's the time of the year guys! It'sBeryllicious and yours truly, turn a year older once again. And what does that mean? Yes, another giveaway for everyone! This is to thank all of you for supporting It'sBeryllicious for 2 years now.

Now, moving on to the prizes for this year.. I'm excited to announce that I'll be giving away (14) prizes to (14) winners. Isn't that great? More prizes to be raffled off and more winners to be drawn.

Everyone is encouraged to join as I'll be giving away different prizes that would match your personality.

Prize #1 - Trendy Fashionista

Queenie Flats from Sugarfree Shoes

Sugarfree Shoes is a brand from Sweden that offers trendy and chic footwear for ladies. They have different styles and designs that could match any outfit for any occasion. Choose from flats, heels, boots, wedges and sandals which also come in fun and vibrant colors.

I personally have Sugarfree's Queenie in black which is very comfortable and durable as well. I love how it can turn a simple outfit into a modern and stylish ensemble.

This year, (1) winner will receive a Sugarfree Queenie flats of her choice. She could choose from 3 colors: pink/orange, white/black, green/blue.

Sugarfree Shoes are available at SCHU-Trinoma, Chocolate Schu Bar-Rockwell, Rustan's Makati (Young Adults Department), and Rustan's Alabang (Young Adults Department).

Check Sugarfree Philippines Facebook Page for other styles and designs that they offer.

Please follow all MANDATORY steps for your entry to be valid. Will be deleting the entries of those who skipped even just one step.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prize#2-4 - Sweet Tooth Cupcake-aholics (3 winners)
1 box (6pcs.) Cupcakes from Epicurean Cakes

For this prize, I will be drawing (3) winners who will each receive a box of cupcakes from Epicurean Cakes. Yes, 3 winners could take home these cute and delectable cupcakes from one of the best in the Metro. I've completely declared my love with their luscious Red Velvet and chocolatey Oreo S'mores Overload here and I think any cupcake flavor that Epicurean whips up would be a surefire hit too.

Check Epicurean Cakes Facebook Page for orders and inquiries.

Please follow all MANDATORY steps for your entry to be valid. Will be deleting the entries of those who skipped even just one step.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prize#5-6 - 100% Chubby-fied Foodies (2 winners)
Chubby-Chicken-All-You-Can from Chubby Chicken

Great news to all chicken lovers out there! In line with their 1st year Anniversary, Chubby Chicken is giving away an eat-all-you-can chicken pass to (2) lucky winners! With that, you could enjoy their crispy and juicy chicken until you get 100% Chubby-fied!

While you're at it, why not try Chubby Chicken's new Sloppy Joe Sandwich and some ice cream from the Big Scoop to beat the summer heat. And speaking of heat, Chubby Chicken now came up with a Spicy Sauce for your favorite chicken. Looking forward to try that out on my next visit.

Unlimited Chicken + Brown Sauce
*Valid for 2 hours for the first serving of the chicken
*1 Free Serving of Rice and White Sauce will be given
*Valid for 1 month
*Not valid with any other promos

Check my previous post about Chubby Chicken here:

Chubby Chicken Katipunan- 100% Chubby-fied

Chubby Chicken Facebook Page : www.facebook.com/chubbychickenph

Please follow all MANDATORY steps for your entry to be valid. Will be deleting the entries of those who skipped even just one step.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prize#7-10 - Screaming for Ice Cream (4 winners)
P500 New Zealand Natural Philippines Gift Certificate

There will also be (4) winners who will each receive a P500 gift certificate courtesy of our friends from New Zealand Natural- the leading premium ice cream band in New Zealand and Australia.

I was able to try their products during the Ultimate Taste Test in Rockwell last year and at the recently concluded Foodgasm II in Mercato Central wherein they bagged the Overall Champion among other concessionaires.

My personal favorite is their Macadamia Supreme while D loves their Cafe Espresso. New Zealand Natural has a lot of delicious flavors to choose from so better bring the whole gang when claiming. Or better yet, why not take home some hand-packed ice cream for the whole family to enjoy at the comforts of your home.

New Zealand Pints are also available in Rustan's Fresh Katipunan, San Antonio (Outside Dasma Village), Rockwell and Glorietta-Makati.

New Zealand Natural Branches: Robinson's Place Manila, Sm City Fairview and Sm Megamall.

New Zealand Natural Philippines Facebook Page : www.facebook.com/newzealandnaturalph

Please follow all MANDATORY steps for your entry to be valid. Will be deleting the entries of those who skipped even just one step.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prize #11 - Tech & Photography Enthusiast

Canon 70-200mm Lens Mug Vancouver Olympics Edition

I gave this away during my 1st year anniversary giveaway and now I'm bringing it back!

This Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM Lens Mug was first introduced at a major Olympic event during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. It was also given away by Canon during the Canon Photomarathon event last 2010. Again, I also have my own Canon Mug which is very unique and is still in good condition after years.

(1) lucky winner will receive this limited edition Canon Lens Mug which will surely be a perfect gift to all photography enthusiasts out there. Make it your "perk you up" office desk partner and expect good vibes all throughout the day :)

Prize#12 - Prompt and Proper or Fashionably Late Chic
O.D.M Assertive I Ladies' Watch

I'm also going to throw in this O.D.M. Assertive I Ladies' Watch for (1) winner to have. A classic yet chic and trendy watch with original design, dynamic function and minimal artificiality. So what type are you? the Prompt and Proper or the Fashionably Late Chic?

Prize#13 - New York Pizza Lover
Yellow Cab's 18" New York's Finest Pizza

(1) winner will enjoy a one whole 18" New York's Finest Pizza from Yellow Cab Pizza Co. Bring along your friends and family at Yellow Cab and feast over this happiness and joy in a pizza.

Check out my post about their Christmas Fleet here:

www.itsberyllicious.com/2012/11/yellow-cabs-christmas-fleet-is-coming.html

Prize#14 - Proudly Pinoy Foodie
P300 Gerry's Grill Gift Certificate

***Not the Actual Gift Certificate

(1) winner will get a P300 Gerry's Grill Gift Certificate for him/her to enjoy the classic Filipino dishes of Gerry's Grill.

Please follow all MANDATORY steps for your entry to be valid. Will be deleting the entries of those who skipped even just one step.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

There you have it guys! Just follow the simple mechanics and get high chances of winning. Good luck to everyone!! No cheating please :) I will be double checking all entries!

Giveaway will end on: April 15, 2013

Heroes Hobby Lounge by MaxiCollector- Toys for the Big Boys in Bonifacio High Street

2013-03-18T09:05:00.004+08:00

We were strolling around Bonifacio High Street one weekend afternoon when D suddenly stops at this concept store called Heroes by MaxiCollector. It is basically a shop/showroom of action figures, DC and Marvel characters which D really wishes to collect in the future. I could still imagine his eagerness to enter the place with his eyes wide open and acting like a kid who've been to Disneyland.

I must admit, these action figures and collections are of high quality, thus it comes with a hefty price tag too. Some toys are for display only while some cost around 10,000-100,000+.

In addition to the the toy store concept, it is also a lounge where customers could sit down and have some snacks and drinks.

Grilled Wings (P175)- 6 pcs. of lightly marinated grilled wings

We liked this one however the size of the wings were too small. I love the sweet glaze and smokey grilled flavor but it didn't seep through the chicken wings.

Pork BBQ (P95)-2 pcs. of our special pork barbecue

It's great that their pork barbecue has less fat on it. It was tender and juicy with the sweet and smokey taste like it was really fresh off the grill.

Sweet & Spicy Tapa (P245)- served with fried egg and our very own fried rice

A generous serving of the classic Pinoy breakfast served with fried rice and 2 eggs on the side. Again, it was sweet but it wasn't spicy at all. There wasn't much fat trimmings but the beef slices were tender and juicy.

Heroes Hobby Lounge Menu:

Heroes Hobby Lounge is a great place to stay especially for guys who loves collecting or even just looking at these action figures. D finally found his shrine in High Street.. perhaps he would not join me in window shopping next time because of this.

It's Beryllicious Picks:

Sweet and Spicy Tapa

Pork BBQ

Heroes Hobby Lounge by MaxiCollector

B6-971, Building 6, Bonifacio High Street, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City

Tel Num: 5117327

Agico Vegetarian Cafe- Healthy Just Got Delicious in San Juan

2013-03-12T15:00:00.000+08:00

I may not be a vegan or vegetarian but vegetarian restaurants interest me. Maybe because I find it challenging for a restaurant to offer vegetarian food items and be able to make it taste so good. Years back, the only vegetarian place I know is Bodhi and Quan Yin Chay where my mom usually buys dishes for a regular Chinese offering tradition. I was amazed on how they were able to make a sweet and sour pork dish to a vegetarian version. It was really good but sometimes I get tired of the same ingredient cooked in just different sauces.

Now, with more people gearing towards a healthy lifestyle, some restaurants offer vegetarian selections and there are even some vegetarian restaurants sprouting in the Metro.

Agico Vegetarian Cafe is one of them. What's great about Agico is that they don't serve the usual Chinese vegetarian dishes I've been used to eating. Their extensive vegetarian menu has some of the classic favorites like sushi, grill, noodles and even burgers.

D and I went to visit Agico Cafe one night for a casual Saturdate. It surprises me how D learned to love different kinds of food which he was not even open to try before. He used to dislike Thai and Vegetarian food. Now, he loves Thai cuisine and I'm assuming he's now okay with vegetarian dishes.

It was funny how D wasn't able to get the concept of Agico's menu. He was surprised when he saw Tonkatsu, bacon and beef on the list. He was like "Uy, cool a nagseserve pala sila dito ng tonkatsu kahit vegetarian place sila. Yun sa 'kin" (Cool, they are serving Tonkatsu even if they are a vegetarian place, I'll get that!). I had to explain to him that what he's getting would not be real pork. He changed his mind after.

We ordered for their Takoyaki (6 pcs/P158) which is a must-try appetizer. I love how soft and moist it is inside with a nice crunchy texture from the vegetarian floss sprinkled on top. The mayo dressing also added some hint of sweetness and creaminess to the balls.

Gyoza Dumpling (P158)

Agico's Gyoza Dumpling was slightly toasted outside with juicy fillings of mushroom inside. A healthier alternative to the pork gyoza but equally tasty and delicious.

Philadelphia Torch Maki (P238)

I was looking forward to order the Philadelphia Torch Maki 'cause I wanna see the whole torching process. Sadly, we missed it as it was served to us "torched" already. I think the highlight of this maki is the generous serving of cream cheese on top making the dish creamy and tasty as well.

Tofu Steak (P186)

If you love tofu like me then ordering Agico's Tofu Steak is a must. Indulge in six large pieces of breaded tofu topped with mushrooms and bell peppers. Serving was really big that two pieces were already enough to satisfy my tofu craving.

Vegan Burger (P288)

Since we were in a meat free zone, D decided to go all in and ordered for the less confusing Vegan Burger. I took just one bite from his burger and immediately called dibs on the other half. I will definitely come back for this vegan burger made of mushroom burger patty, lettuce, cucumber and eggplant in tofu mayo dressing. A must-try!!

Agico Menu:

It's Beryllicious Top Picks:

Takoyaki

Vegan Burger

Tofu Steak

Other Vegetarian/ Healthy restaurants in the Metro:

Agico Vegetarian Cafe

83 Araullo St. San Juan

Tel Num: 705-1452

Website: www.agicovegetariancafe.com

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/AgicoVegetarianCafe

Diamond Hotel's The Lobby Lounge Revisited

2013-03-07T08:48:00.000+08:00

I've posted about my experience in Diamond Hotel's The Lobby Lounge before, and this time I brought D with me for him to give his seal of approval.

I wanted him to try Diamond Hotel's famous Truffle Fries (P200) which I first discovered at The Cake Club in Fort.

What I love about their Truffle Fries is that they remain crispy all throughout. The smell of truffle is there after every bite and the only thing I hate about it is the carbs, calories and extra pounds I get from finishing a whole order. I honestly am not a fan of fries but I think I'll make truffle fries an exception.

Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli (P455)

I missed to try this during my first visit so I decided to order one for us. The ravioli were stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese which tasted very light yet filling. I love that they included more spinach on the side and chopped walnuts for added texture.

Zucchini Cream (P250)

I remember how I enjoyed Lobby Lounge's Zucchini Cream with the Parmesan Cheese Crisp on top, so I ordered one for D. He said it was good but I noticed that it was different from the one I had before. This bowl looked pale in color and the cheese was not crispy enough either.

Lamb Burger (P510)

The moment D was waiting for.. Diamond Hotel's Lamb Burger- Morrocan spiced lamb patty, feta, Parmesan cheese and harissa yogurt with onions, tomatoes and lettuce with a side of crispy fries.

The lamb patty was so thick and juicy, D devoured it in minutes. Looks like he really enjoyed this one.. he mentioned how good it was several times.

For dessert, I ordered for Ispahan (P280)- a macaron-based dessert with lychee, raspberries, cream and rose essence.

Since we still got room for more dessert, we also had some Genmaicha and Super Moist Chocolate Cake Ice Cream (P180/2 scoops)

We both liked the Genmaicha with its distinct roasted brown rice flavor. The Super Moist Chocolate Cake on the other hand has this bitter-sweet taste with some chocolate cake bits in it.

Diamond Hotel's Lobby Lounge Menu:

Overall, D enjoyed the Lobby Lounge so much especially their Lamb Burger. Their menu may not be that extensive but that just shows how they perfect each dish to make it special.

Check my first review of The Lobby Lounge:

www.itsberyllicious.com/2012/10/diamond-hotel-philippines-opens-lobby.html

The Lobby Lounge
Diamond Hotel, Roxas Blvd., cor.
Dr. J. Quintos St. Manila
5283000 ext. 1121
Website: www.diamondhotel.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/diamondhotelphilippines

Manang's Chicken New Garlic Pork Meal, Fresh Sides and Luscious Red Velvet Sundae

2013-03-04T16:16:00.003+08:00

I could still remember the first time I tried Manang's Chicken in Mercato Centrale. You wouldn't miss it as it had the longest line of customers patiently waiting to have some of Manang's sweet and crunchy soy garlic chicken.

There were many competitors left and right, but I would say that Manang's Chicken stood out for me. Maybe because of its crunchy skin and sweet taste that perfectly suits the local palate.

Just recently, D and I visited their branch in Tomas Morato and tried their new additions to their menu.

Garlic Pork Meal (P109)

After seeing some photos of the Garlic Pork Rice Meal, I thought I wouldn't like it since it was topped with lots of garlic. Turned out it was a mix of toasted garlic and some crispy crumbs to balance out the taste of garlic. I loved it! Serving size was quite big especially and the pork was surprisingly tender and juicy. It was served with upsized rice and a vinegar dipping sauce on the side. I must say this is quite a steal for its price, inclusive of iced tea or lemonade for that complete and budget friendly meal. What more could you ask for right?

While you're at it, also try Manang's Chicken Fresh New Sides of Macaroni Salad, Buttered Corn and Coleslaw. They also introduced their new dip for their Crispy Chips- the Spicy Ketchup Dip.

Manang's Chips & Dip (P39/regular, P64/large)

I honestly don't know why I haven't tried Manang's Chips before. It was so good and addicting. Not too thick, not too thin, perfectly crunchy! A great.. or should I say a better alternative to fries. The newest addition to their dips is the Spicy Ketchup which D loves so much. It was sweet and tangy with a sudden kick of spiciness in the end. My favorite would be the Garlic Mayo which is Manang's best seller and the Creamy Cheese.

Coleslaw and Macaroni Salad (P29/reguar, P45/large)

I love KFC's coleslaw and I think I've never tried anything like it. Manang's version was kinda similar but has less dressing and has bigger veggie shreds. I still prefer KFC's version but Manang's could pass as an alternative. I equally liked the macaroni salad as it was creamy, tasty and not too sweet.

The highlight of our visit was Manang's new and limited time offer dessert- Red Velvet Sundae (P49)

It was love at first bite. A must try! D and I both loved it! To think we were already full from everything we ate during our visit.

A great combination of hot and cold, the Red Velvet Sundae was made with a layer of warm, moist and velvety cake and a sweet and creamy swirl of vanilla ice cream. It was then topped with some candy sprinkles for added texture and crunch.

Great news to people who haven't tried it yet. They extended this limited edition offer until March 31! Imagine my excitement when I learned of this. Now, I could enjoy this luscious dessert all throughout my birth month.

Of course, our visit to Manang's would be incomplete without ordering their best-seller.

Manang's Chicken Wings

Since we were already there, we thought why not indulge in Manang's sweet and crunchy chicken wings. We got my favorite Mild Spicy flavor which never disappoints. Even after we finished our meals, we still can't seem to have enough of Manang's Chicken.

Manang's Chicken

Unit 2&3, Lansbergh Place, Tomas Morato
Tel Num: 661-1111
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/manangschicken
Website: www.manangschicken.com