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	<title>happyfoodies.com - Philippines Food Blog</title>
	
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	<description>Travelers embark on a journey to explore the food landscape.</description>
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		<title>A truly organic experience at Terrazas de Barako</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/happyfoodies/~3/xo1yFDtmGAQ/</link>
		<comments>http://www.happyfoodies.com/2012/02/06/organic-terrazas-de-barako/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:00:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>oggie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gut Feel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Batangas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fine dining]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Free Range Chicken]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Organic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Red Tilapia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vegetable Soup]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.happyfoodies.com/?p=1451</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/6766138047/" title="Hacienda San Benito - Appetizer Sampler by lagal[og], on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6766138047_52b9173403_m.jpg" width="159" height="240" alt="Hacienda San Benito - Appetizer Sampler"></a> Approaching the estate of <strong>Hacienda San Benito</strong>, we look up to see the view of Mt. Malarayat standing out in the middle of the Batangas landscape of farms and habitation.  Coming off the main road after almost two hours of travel, we pass through eight kilometers of farm after farm, a strip which we learned was known as the Millionaires Row as these are private farms of celebrities and tycoons, on the narrow path leading to Barangay San Benito.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/lQZ5jUMzZRztsujZy-8Srb8qgLc/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/lQZ5jUMzZRztsujZy-8Srb8qgLc/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/>
<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/lQZ5jUMzZRztsujZy-8Srb8qgLc/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/lQZ5jUMzZRztsujZy-8Srb8qgLc/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/6766138047/"><img class=" " title="Appetizer plate" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6766138047_52b9173403_b.jpg" alt="Appetizer plate" width="500" height="753" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Appetizer plate</p></div>
<p>Approaching the estate of <strong>Hacienda San Benito</strong>, we look up to see the view of Mt. Malarayat standing out in the middle of the Batangas landscape of farms and habitation.  Coming off the main road after almost two hours of travel, we pass through eight kilometers of farm after farm, a strip which we learned was known as the Millionaires Row as these are private farms of celebrities and tycoons, on the narrow path leading to Barangay San Benito.</p>
<p><span id="more-1451"></span></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6789207189/"><img title="The Terrazas de Barako" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6789207189_f210b6c046.jpg" alt="The Terrazas de Barako" width="500" height="375" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Terrazas de Barako</p></div>
<p>It was a little past lunchtime when our van stopped at a gate that announced &#8220;The only organic sanctuary in the Philippines&#8221; and opens up to a short dirt road leading to a terrace-like structure sitting on a land formerly planted to liberica or barako coffee.   The place is appropriately called <strong>Terrazas de Barako</strong>, an organic restaurant located within the 22-hectare Hacienda San Benito in Lipa, Batangas.  While there&#8217;d been a plethora of restaurants that rode the organic bandwagon years ago, Terrazas de Barako seeks to be short on the hype and long on the promise of a truly organic food experience or what they want to call as &#8220;farm dining&#8221;.  After all, it sits right inside a farm cum organic sanctuary and sources most of its ingredients on site and from its sub-farms elsewhere in Batangas.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/6766133089/"><img title="The dining area" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6766133089_d05505f7d8.jpg" alt="The dining area" width="500" height="332" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The dining area</p></div>
<p><em><strong>Let&#8217;s talk about the farm ambiance</strong></em></p>
<p><strong>Lagal[og] says:</strong>  It&#8217;s hard not to relax in these surroundings.  From the veranda and <em>al fresco</em> dining area, you can see Mt. Malarayat to the east.  From the inside of the screened dining area, you can see either the trees, the horses and the farm lots.  At mid-day, it may be sunny and warm outside but cool inside.  The wind picks up mid-afternoon and the place becomes really conducive to an unhurried meal, the peace only occasionally punctuated by neighing horses and distant rumble of vehicles.  I was eyeing the <em>cabanas</em> outside near the coffee trees and grape vines which would be ideal for an after-meal massage.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6789219655/"><img class=" " title="Malunggay Butter and Complimentary House Bread" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6789219655_7e821f9964_b.jpg" alt="Malunggay Butter and Complimentary House Bread" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Malunggay Butter and Complimentary House Bread</p></div>
<p><strong>Ironwulf says:  </strong>I definitely liked the boldness in the architecture of the Terrazas playing with angles and distortion. Even if its in the farm it doesn&#8217;t have to look like a hut. It was modern but makes use of abacca furnitures. The koi pond is amusing along with the z-pathway. It&#8217;s definitely a place not only for dining but to relax and slow down, either by engaging in an interesting conversation with friends or family or by oneself with a good book and rich <em>barako</em> coffee.<strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/6766140095/"><img class=" " title="Mango Chutney Pate" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6766140095_dc709c50c9_b.jpg" alt="Mango Chutney Pate" width="500" height="753" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Mango Chutney Pate</p></div>
<p><em><strong>The diversions before the meal</strong></em></p>
<p><strong>Lagal[og] says:</strong>  It takes awhile to prepare the food as Chef Teresa Lobb gives each dish her personal touch.  That gave us a window to explore the organic sanctuary onboard the electric tram.  I&#8217;ve been here two years ago for a magazine assignment and was curious about the changes.  The friendly and very knowledgeable farm manager, <em>Mang</em> Nev (Villamar), took us around explaining the main concept behind the integrated hexa organic sanctuary where each part is part of a symbiotic whole &#8212; from the animal husbandry to vermiculture.  It&#8217;s nice to ogle the ostriches, chase after the shy sheep and survey the horses.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6789240733/"><img class=" " title="Cream of Roasted Vegetables Soup and Goat Cheese Crouton" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6789240733_8004d315f0_b.jpg" alt="Cream of Roasted Vegetables Soup and Goat Cheese Crouton" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Cream of Roasted Vegetables Soup and Goat Cheese Crouton</p></div>
<p><strong>Ironwulf says: </strong>For a person like me who&#8217;s not really into farming, the large chunk of land may seem like nothing but plenty of farmspace, however, a tour with Sir Nev is a fun and easy way of  learning the ways of organic farming.  It gave me a better appreciation of the place. Aside from the sheep, ostriches and horses, he also showed us the Red Tilapia ponds which I didn&#8217;t know exist. For some divine quiet time and another architectural inspiration, check out the Capilla Sagrado Corazon.<strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/6766146149/"><img class=" " title="Fillets of Tambans" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6766146149_f144481650_b.jpg" alt="Fillets of Tambans" width="500" height="753" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Fillets of Tambans</p></div>
<p><em><strong>Savoring the meal, one dish at a time</strong></em></p>
<p><strong>Lagal[og] says:</strong>  Part of the charm of Terrazas de Barako is the deliberate lack of haste not because the service is slow but that each dish is meant to be savored.  For starters, we were served a basket of warm, homemade bread dusted with <em>malunggay</em> bits and complimented by a pat of butter laced with <em>malunggay</em> (Moringa Oleifera).  This  obsession with incorporating this nutritious leaf becomes more apparent with the serving of the other dishes but I&#8217;m getting ahead of the story.</p>
<p><strong>Ironwulf says: </strong>There&#8217;s also a couple of bite size <strong>Chicken Liver with Mango Chutney Crouton</strong> as starter treats. The liver was smooth with the mango chutney adding tangy flavor. The bread was also pleasantly crisp. <strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6789248319/"><img class=" " title="Fresh Malunggay Lumpia" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6789248319_d747f67bfe_b.jpg" alt="Fresh Malunggay Lumpia" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Fresh Malunggay Lumpia</p></div>
<p><strong>Lagal[og] says:</strong> For appetizers, we got the benefit of sampling all three choices available on the menu:  the <strong>Cream of Roasted Vegetable Soup</strong>, the <strong>Fresh Malunggay Lumpia filled with Prawn and Crabmeat with White Wine and Tofu Sauce</strong>, and the <strong>Tamban Fillets in Crispy Bacon</strong>.  I really liked the Roasted Vegetable Soup which was really thick and viscuous, the slightly tart taste accented by the slight saltiness of the goat cheese on top.  I also liked the Tamban (Sardinella Albella) Fillets, the sardines sprinkled with herbed breadcrumbs thoroughly satisfying though I felt it can be quite a heavy choice for an appetizer.  I just thought it would be a fine meal in itself served with organic red or brown rice.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/6766148319/"><img class=" " title="Pan Fried Red Tilapia" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6766148319_2f2e1a7941_b.jpg" alt="Pan Fried Red Tilapia" width="500" height="753" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Pan Fried Red Tilapia</p></div>
<p><strong>Ironwulf says: </strong>We were fortunate to sample the three appetizers they offer. I really like the <strong>Cream of Roasted Vegetable Soup</strong> too with its thick consistency and oftentimes crunchy bits with hints of spiciness here and there. The <strong>Tambans Fillets</strong> were good, wrapped with crispy bacon and sprinkled with a thick coat of crumbs but too heavy for an appetizer  It could be an entree though. I really liked the <strong>Fresh Malunggay Lumpia filled with Prawn and Crabmeat</strong> as every bite felt like I was taking a sip of good wine which compliments the rich seafood flavor of the meal. It leaves a pleasant aftertaste of the flavor of wine with a slight citrusy note on the throat. <strong></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6789246967/"><img class=" " title="Free Range Organic Roast Chicken" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6789246967_4be7cba128_b.jpg" alt="Free Range Organic Roast Chicken" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Free Range Organic Roast Chicken</p></div>
<p><strong>Lagal[og] says:</strong>  For our entree, we were able to taste all three choices on the menu and I was really curious about the <strong>Pan Fried Red Tilapia</strong> which was harvested from the farm&#8217;s own pond.  The tilapia meat was light and flakey, without that usual fishy aftertaste.  It was served with a Ginger and Cucumber Relish but I liked it even sans the accompaniment just fried lightly so the meat is tender and comes off easily using my fork.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/6766137009/"><img class=" " title="Trilogy of Chocolate" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6766137009_6b6ffa6494_b.jpg" alt="Trilogy of Chocolate" width="500" height="753" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Trilogy of Chocolate</p></div>
<p><strong>Ironwulf says:  </strong>It&#8217;s my first time to try  <strong>Red Tilapia</strong> and the fish meat tasted really clean unlike the regular tilapia. It was also pan fried evenly so that there&#8217;s the right amount of saltiness and crispiness on the skin. The <strong>Free Range Organic Roast Chicken Breast with Langgonisa</strong> was a surprise. The chicken meat was unbelievably tender and really goes well with the strong flavor of the <em>langgonisa</em>.  ThePotato Croquette that goes along with the meal also have an interesting mix of flavors lent by the lemongrass, roasted garlic cloves and beans.  A really complete meal.<strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6789236319/"><img class=" " title="A Cup of Barako Coffee" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6789236319_4e0e6a453d_b.jpg" alt="A Cup of Barako Coffee" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">A Cup of Barako Coffee</p></div>
<p><strong>Lagal[og] says:</strong>  There&#8217;s only one dessert item on the menu but the <strong>Trilogy of Chocolate</strong> doesn&#8217;t disappoint especially for a chocoholic like me.  There&#8217;s the mini hot chocolate fudge, a chocolate-filled cannolli cone, and interestingly, a chili ice cream.  The fudge finds a worthy pairing with the chili cream, the latter having a interesting hint of spiciness after the initial chocolate-sugar flavors hit the taste buds.  The better to enjoy the <em>barako</em> coffee that comes with this sweet treat, perhaps to ward off the sleepiness induced by the meal and the afternoon breeze.</p>
<p><strong>Ironwulf says: </strong>The dessert was much-awaited seeing Trilogy of Chocolate on the menu. The Chocolate Fudge was really rich with warm molten choco and thick buttery taste. The Chocolate cannoli cone was a delight especially with the tinge of spiciness. After the terrific trio dessert we capped off with a cup of <em>barako</em> coffee, like I always tell my friends I&#8217;m not a regular coffee drinker, but I appreciate good coffee like we had here.<strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Terrazas de Barako</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.terrazasdebarako.com">www.terrazasdebarako.com</a><br />
Call 806-2580 (Manila), (043)806-3834 (Lipa)<br />
or Mobile (0927) 909-1867<br />
Email at <a href="http://info@terrazasdebarako.com">info@terrazasdebarako.com</a><br />
Open for breakfast and lunch by appointment only<br />
(Diners are encouraged to book at least three days ahead)</p>
<div class="shr-publisher-1451"></div><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:none;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='standard' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happyfoodies.com%2F2012%2F02%2F06%2Forganic-terrazas-de-barako%2F' data-shr_title='A+truly+organic+experience+at+Terrazas+de+Barako'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='standard' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happyfoodies.com%2F2012%2F02%2F06%2Forganic-terrazas-de-barako%2F' data-shr_title='A+truly+organic+experience+at+Terrazas+de+Barako'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/happyfoodies/~4/xo1yFDtmGAQ" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Wine dining at Nectar Restaurant — Wine not?</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/happyfoodies/~3/ySNvk_ZeyHM/</link>
		<comments>http://www.happyfoodies.com/2012/01/25/wine-dining-at-nectar-makati/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:20:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>oggie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gut Feel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Burgers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food Pairing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Italian]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Makati]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pasta]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wine Dining]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.happyfoodies.com/?p=1434</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6730629967/" title="Nectar La Mancha Burger by ferdzdecena, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6730629967_bd2f05777a_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Nectar La Mancha Burger"></a> The last time <strong>Happyfoodies</strong> attended a lunchtime wine tasting event, we left the venue slightly inebriated. As we boarded the lift with some editors, we seem to share a collective feeling of being primed for taking an afternoon nap and foregoing the tasks reserved for the afternoon. When we set our appointment with <strong>Nectar Restaurant</strong> in Makati for some lunchtime wine and food tasting, we thought history might repeat itself. Happily, with a bit more restraint, it did not. Oh, we're not big wine drinkers, certainly no connoisseurs, but the concept of promoting a more democratic wine dining tradition sounded very interesting and too good to pass up.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/oRuet7hhF-o4QDhquCyJhabSSR4/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/oRuet7hhF-o4QDhquCyJhabSSR4/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/>
<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/oRuet7hhF-o4QDhquCyJhabSSR4/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/oRuet7hhF-o4QDhquCyJhabSSR4/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6730629967/"><img title="La Mancha Burger" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6730629967_bd2f05777a_b.jpg" alt="La Mancha Burger" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">La Mancha Burger (P590)</p></div>
<p>The last time <strong>Happyfoodies</strong> attended a lunchtime wine tasting event, we left the venue slightly inebriated. As we boarded the lift with some editors, we seem to share a collective feeling of being primed for taking an afternoon nap and foregoing the tasks reserved for the rest of the day. When we set our appointment with <strong>Nectar Restaurant</strong> in Makati for some lunchtime wine and food tasting, we thought history might repeat itself. Happily, with a bit more restraint, it did not. Oh, we&#8217;re not big wine drinkers, certainly no connoisseurs, but the concept of promoting a more democratic wine dining tradition sounded very interesting and too good to pass up.</p>
<p><span id="more-1434"></span></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/6730367177/"><img title="The interior of Nectar Restaurant" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6730367177_f45106fc6d.jpg" alt="The interior of Nectar Restaurant" width="500" height="332" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The interior of Nectar Restaurant</p></div>
<p>Wine dining isn&#8217;t necessarily novel in the country. But in a nation where a big bulk of alcohol consumption centers around beer and at a very distant second, hard drinks, wine seems to be consigned to the sidelines, appreciated only by a select few who are either more exposed to the wine-drinking culture, more patient to learn it, or braver than others to develop a liking for this acquired taste. <strong>Nectar</strong>, so named because wine is deemed the nectar of the gods, obviously has its work cut out for it. But this new restaurant which escapes conventional name-calling &#8212; fine dining with a smart casual attitude? or casual dining with a more refined attitude towards wine? &#8212; has introduced new wrinkles which just might make wine dining a hit with the masses.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/6730364643/"><img title="The Wine Stations" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6730364643_b509613409.jpg" alt="The Wine Stations" width="500" height="337" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Wine Stations</p></div>
<p><strong>Lagal[og] says:</strong> One of the obstacles to making wine an automatic accompaniment to meals and less of an afterthought is the unfamiliarity with what&#8217;s out there. It&#8217;s easy to be intimidated by the choices available and floundered by the different wines on offer. Another thing is the lingering &#8220;myths&#8221; about wine being reserved only for certain occasions instead of being part and parcel of a meal. Nectar resolves these by introducing wine pairings &#8212; suggestions on what wines will enhance this or that item in the menu.  No more snobbish waiters frowning on one&#8217;s choices (or lack of knowledge).  No esoteric lectures on which wine came from this or that region of the wine-growing world (not unless you want a crash course, of course).  The place is also decidedly &#8220;un-stiff&#8221; and borders on the casual, somewhere you can hang-out with your friends or bring your date.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/6730366309/"><img title="The Octagon Bar" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6730366309_fa23bb0ca5.jpg" alt="The Octagon Bar" width="500" height="337" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Octagon Bar</p></div>
<p><strong>Ironwulf says: </strong>The interior is definitely warm and accommodating. The wine dispensers are something new and interesting. Nectar would like to infuse the knowledge of wine on a more personal level, focusing more on taste and sensation not only on the intricacies of how they were made. It also goes beyond wine + food into the realm of wine + food + art which is why there are rotating exhibits where each piece of art finds a complement in a particular wine that evokes the same feelings as the artwork.<strong></strong></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6730629213/"><img title="Cinnamon Pumpkin Soup" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6730629213_c2712c94de_b.jpg" alt="Cinnamon Pumpkin Soup" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Cinnamon Pumpkin Soup (P185)</p></div>
<p><strong>Lagal[og] says:</strong> One of Nectar&#8217;s interesting innovation is the personality test. You may be what you eat and in the same vein, you can be what you drink. And it&#8217;s not about technicalities or some high-brow criteria but rather which particular wines resonate with you. I took the test and it&#8217;s quite a surprise how accurate it was (turns out I&#8217;m a <strong>Merlot</strong> person though I also took a particular liking to the rather sparkling <strong>Montes Alpha Chardonnay</strong> fetched directly from one of the wine stations). Oh, and the wine stations are really a simple but great idea to let diners have a sip of different wines without having to spend so much or intoxicate themselves silly.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/6730371695/"><img class=" " title="Spanaconchitas" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6730371695_82dcc9bba0_b.jpg" alt="Spanaconchitas" width="500" height="753" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Spanaconchitas (P295)</p></div>
<p><strong>Ironwulf says: </strong>Of course, Nectar has a delectable menu to lure in people to try their wine with their food and I should say it&#8217;s a really good bait. We had <strong>Spanaconchitas</strong> as appetizer. The triangular pastry was really flaky and the cheese and spinach filling was smooth and pleasant accentuated by the <em>chorizo</em> in the middle.  Accompanying it was the <strong>Chardonay</strong> wine which had a hint of pineapple fruitiness which made the pairing perfect. Dipping the Spanaconchitas in the yogurt dip changes its complexion, preferring the <strong>Merlot</strong> this time around to complement the slight sourness with the wine&#8217;s deep plum flavor.<strong></strong></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6730630309/"><img title="Burguitos" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6730630309_a36fcf63c0_b.jpg" alt="Burguitos" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Burguitos (P275)</p></div>
<p><strong>Lagal[og] says:</strong> All this talk of wine dining would be all for naught if the dining part will not deliver on its role in balancing out the meal. We started out with the <strong>Burguittos</strong>, pairing it with the <strong>Shiraz</strong>, which brought out the smoky flavor of the ground beef burgers decked with quail eggs and potato allumettes.  While Nectar is into Italian-Mediterranean fare, the chef, we learned, has a passion for burgers which explains the Burguittos and the restaurant&#8217;s signature <strong>La Mancha Burger</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>Ironwulf says: </strong>I enjoyed the play of textures on the Burguittos topped with shoestring potatoes and lying on a bed of bread which added a crisp texture to the juiciness of the burger.  However, the La Mancha Burger takes the spotlight. The patty was rich, flavorful and juicy. Instead of using ground beef, the chef used minced steak to preserve the marbled fat. Combined with the pickled peppers, shredded beef and wheat bun<strong>, La Mancha Burger </strong>reveals its decadence with every bite.  And the what better wine to pair with this dish? For me it was the <strong>Pinot Noir</strong> with the sultry smooth taste.<strong></strong></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/6730372587/"><img class=" " title="Aglio Olio Gamberi" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6730372587_b1df40f924_b.jpg" alt="Aglio Olio Gamberi" width="500" height="753" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Aglio Olio Gamberi (P425)</p></div>
<p><strong>Lagal[og] says:</strong> We had the <strong>Aglio Olio Gamberi</strong> served with the Sauvignon Blanc. The pasta dish was deceptively simple as the pasta was infused with the flavor of garlic and shrimp, the wine enhancing the rich flavors of the dish.</p>
<p><strong>Ironwulf says:</strong> I also like how the pasta absorbed the shrimp&#8217;s flavor and the hefty bits of garlic on top. But  what really heightened the flavor for me was the <strong>Sauvignon Blanc</strong>. Chilled at the right temperature, it was a perfect wine to cap off the meal.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Nectar Restaurant</strong><br />
G/F Concorde Condominium<br />
Salcedo corner Benavidez St.<br />
Legaspi Village, Makati<br />
Open from 11am-2pm for lunch, 6-10pm for dinner<br />
Mobile: 0920-952-6350/0917-842-4232<br />
Landline: 478-2941</p>
<div class="shr-publisher-1434"></div><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:none;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='standard' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happyfoodies.com%2F2012%2F01%2F25%2Fwine-dining-at-nectar-makati%2F' data-shr_title='Wine+dining+at+Nectar+Restaurant+--+Wine+not%3F'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='standard' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happyfoodies.com%2F2012%2F01%2F25%2Fwine-dining-at-nectar-makati%2F' data-shr_title='Wine+dining+at+Nectar+Restaurant+--+Wine+not%3F'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/happyfoodies/~4/ySNvk_ZeyHM" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Lia’s Cakes, Always in Season</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/happyfoodies/~3/JVU4IHFFyK8/</link>
		<comments>http://www.happyfoodies.com/2012/01/13/lias-cakes-always-in-season/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:19:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ferdz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Light & Hearty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sweet Talk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Avocado]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Baked Fish]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cakes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kapitolyo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pasig]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pasta]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.happyfoodies.com/?p=1421</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6689113857/" title="Lia's Cakes in Season Avocado Cake by ferdzdecena, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6689113857_6a5d5bb540_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Lia's Cakes in Season Avocado Cake"></a> Avocado is one of my favourite fruits and being a sucker for desserts, the combination of the fruit on a cake is lethal. Strolling along with a fellow foodie friend in the streets of Kapitolyo, Pasig, which is fast becoming a food hub with a lot of new dining options popping up, we discovered <strong>Lia’s Cakes in Season</strong>. Lia’s is one of the old dining establishments in the area (been there since 2004) that has been known for their signature <strong>Avocado Cakes</strong>.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/XdpiYa2DwGgNbU40WiW9kPueab0/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/XdpiYa2DwGgNbU40WiW9kPueab0/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/>
<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/XdpiYa2DwGgNbU40WiW9kPueab0/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/XdpiYa2DwGgNbU40WiW9kPueab0/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 490px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6689113857/"><img title="Lia's famous Avocado Cake" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6689113857_6a5d5bb540_z.jpg" alt="Lia's famous Avocado Cake" width="480" height="640" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Lia&#39;s famous Avocado Cake (P670 - whole/ P85 - slice)</p></div>
<p>Avocado is one of my favourite fruits and being a sucker for desserts, the combination of the fruit with a cake can be lethal. Strolling along with a fellow foodie friend in the streets of Kapitolyo, Pasig, which is fast becoming a food hub with a lot of new dining options popping up, we discovered <strong>Lia’s Cakes in Season</strong>. Lia’s is one of the old dining establishments in the area (it&#8217;s been there since 2004) known for its signature <strong>Avocado Cakes</strong>.</p>
<p><span id="more-1421"></span></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6689113093/"><img title="Interior of Lia's in Kapitolyo" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6689113093_8ee6349c99.jpg" alt="Interior of Lia's in Kapitolyo" width="500" height="375" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Interior of Lia&#39;s in Kapitolyo</p></div>
<p><strong>Jen:</strong> The look and feel of Lia’s easily blends with many of the establishments around: deceptively modest, yet casual and inviting to curious passersby. It features no more than four or five tables, with slightly dim interiors that somehow puts a highlight on the cake and pastries display almost right at the door.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6689113357/"><img title="Baked Fish" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6689113357_3eb7a7dafb_b.jpg" alt="Baked Fish" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Baked Fish (P135)</p></div>
<p><strong>Jen:</strong>  I decided to give the <strong>Baked Fish</strong> a try for dinner. When the dish, which was served with rice, arrived, it looked so simple that I wasn’t really expecting anything. But the dory seemed to have been marinated in a fusion of different spices, because even a little bite made the flavours burst in my mouth. I liked it a lot, though I wish the serving have been just a little bit bigger, a little more generous. It’s tempting to just indulge in the viand sans the rice – which I did – and that’s why I didn’t finish off my plate.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6689113501/"><img title="Aligue Pasta" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6689113501_eb5ca7c3de_b.jpg" alt="Aligue Pasta" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Aligue Pasta (P135)</p></div>
<p><strong>Ironwulf:</strong> The <strong>Aligue Pasta </strong>looked like typical spaghetti but the flavour of Aligue was there, not overly strong though, just right enough to yearn for more with each forkful.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6689113647/"><img title="Avocado Cupcake" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6689113647_75c4c22ff6_b.jpg" alt="Avocado Cupcake" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Avocado Cupcake (P45)</p></div>
<p><strong>Jen:</strong>  It’s nice that Lia’s doesn’t disappoint when it comes to dessert – not surprising because actually they’re known for their cakes in season. We had <strong>Avocado Cupcake</strong>, which is like the miniature version of the avocado cake, the store’s best-selling item. The cupcake itself was a bit bland, which was great because the icing topping it was really sweet. I though it made a rather good combination.   We also had <strong>Banana Caramel</strong>, a modestly sliced piece of cake generously concocted with bananas and drizzled with just the right hint of that sweet syrup.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6689113205/"><img title="Banana Caramel Cake" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6689113205_9f7eca38c0_b.jpg" alt="Banana Caramel Cake" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Banana Caramel Cake (P380 - whole, P50 - slice)</p></div>
<p><strong>Ironwulf:</strong> I bought a whole <strong>Avocado Cake</strong> as dessert for media noche to welcome 2012. It looked delectable with bits of pistachio on top and a whiff of avocado aroma. I’m not too fond of <em>uber</em> sweet desserts and a lot of cakes are guilty of this especially when it comes to the icing. But the cake is packed with Avocado flavour even on the icing which made its sweetness just enough as not to spoil the palate. No wonder it has become a hit after all these years.</p>
<p><strong>Lia’s Cakes in Season</strong><br />
Kapitolyo – 377.4808<br />
<a href="http://liascakesinseason.multiply.com">liascakesinseason.multiply.com</a></p>
<div class="shr-publisher-1421"></div><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:none;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='standard' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happyfoodies.com%2F2012%2F01%2F13%2Flias-cakes-always-in-season%2F' data-shr_title='Lia%E2%80%99s+Cakes%2C+Always+in+Season'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='standard' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happyfoodies.com%2F2012%2F01%2F13%2Flias-cakes-always-in-season%2F' data-shr_title='Lia%E2%80%99s+Cakes%2C+Always+in+Season'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/happyfoodies/~4/JVU4IHFFyK8" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>J. Co Donuts get the sweetness and softness just right</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/happyfoodies/~3/Og2KHjYS5fE/</link>
		<comments>http://www.happyfoodies.com/2011/12/25/j-co-donuts-philippines/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 25 Dec 2011 13:58:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>oggie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Sweet Talk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Donuts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[J. Co]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pastry]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.happyfoodies.com/?p=1404</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/6553373851/" title="J Co Almonds Donut by lagal[og], on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6553373851_f3ce7dee0e_m.jpg" width="159" height="240" alt="J Co Almonds Donut"></a> Before you know it, we're deep into the Christmas holiday.  It's the time of the year when part of the tradition is the merry eating, often a cause for indulgence that will visibly manifest itself come January.  It's also the time to give and receive (food calories included in the merry swapping of presents) so it was really a pleasant surprise to get boxes of <strong>J. Co</strong> Donuts at the doorstep.  Hmmm, gets us into thinking:  is there really room for another donut brand in a sweetly saturated market?  J.Co isn't really a new brand, having been around in other Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia where it got started since 2005.  Well, only with a taste test can tell so we made room for extra calories to give <strong>Happyfoodies</strong> readers our impressions.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/mHG64UH1IBYGhatiwrx4bc7vktM/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/mHG64UH1IBYGhatiwrx4bc7vktM/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/>
<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/mHG64UH1IBYGhatiwrx4bc7vktM/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/mHG64UH1IBYGhatiwrx4bc7vktM/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/6553373851/"><img class=" " title="Alcapone Donut" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6553373851_f3ce7dee0e_b.jpg" alt="Alcapone Donut" width="500" height="753" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Alcapone Donut</p></div>
<p>Before you know it, we&#8217;re deep into the Christmas holiday.  It&#8217;s the time of the year when part of the tradition is the merry eating, often a cause for indulgence that will visibly manifest itself come January.  It&#8217;s also the time to give and receive (food calories included in the merry swapping of presents) so it was really a pleasant surprise to get boxes of <strong>J. Co</strong> Donuts at the doorstep.  Hmmm, gets us into thinking:  is there really room for another donut brand in a sweetly saturated market?  J.Co isn&#8217;t really a new brand, having been around in other Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia where it got started since 2005.  Well, only with a taste test can tell so we made room for extra calories to give <strong>Happyfoodies</strong> readers our impressions.</p>
<p><span id="more-1404"></span></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6559510619/"><img title="A good variety of J.CO donuts in the box" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6559510619_0d84336802.jpg" alt="A good variety of J.CO donuts in the box" width="500" height="375" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">A good variety of J.CO donuts in the box</p></div>
<p><strong>Lagal[og] says:</strong>  I used to be a big donut eater but in recent years, I&#8217;ve scaled down my sugar intake and curbed my sweet tooth.  But I wouldn&#8217;t miss out on a &#8216;new&#8217; donut offering so when the J.Co boxes came, I know I got to have a sampling of everything.  My initial impressions: most of the variants were pleasantly not overly sweet and the donuts are soft even without the benefit reheating which is great since I love my donuts cold.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/6553376189/"><img class="  " title="The Don Mochino in the middle" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6553376189_b3973a31b4_b.jpg" alt="The Don Mochino in the middle" width="500" height="753" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Don Mochino in the middle</p></div>
<p><strong>Ironwulf says: </strong>Despite the entrance of a couple of big brand international donut chains, I found myself still patronizing the local ones because I found the popular brands too sweet for my taste. What intrigued me when I opened a box of J. Co donuts variants were the unique flavors and generally moist and soft bread used.<strong></strong></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6559515343_8e5ce35602_b.jpg"><img class="   " title="The crunchy Choco Caviar beside the peanuty Why Nut" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6559515343_8e5ce35602_b.jpg" alt="The crunchy Choco Caviar beside the peanuty Why Nut" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The crunchy Choco Caviar beside the nutty Why Nut</p></div>
<p><strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p><strong>Lagal[og] says:</strong> I&#8217;m not big on white chocolate but I like the <strong>Alcapone</strong>, nevertheless.  It&#8217;s got Belgian white choco topped, nay smothered, with California almonds &#8212; a nice layering of textures with its medley of creaminess and crunch.  The <strong>Heaven Berry</strong> is also berry good (I&#8217;m a strawberry-anything fanatic so excuse me for the pun) which is different from other Strawberry donuts since it uses a berry cream as filling instead of the usual jelly.  Of course, I won&#8217;t miss out on dark chocolate goodness of <strong>Don Mochino</strong>.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6559511459/"><img class=" " title="The surprisingly light Snow White" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6559511459_89761c9db1_b.jpg" alt="The surprisingly light Snow White" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The surprisingly light Snow White</p></div>
<p><strong>Ironwulf says: Alcapone</strong>, with its layers of sliced almonds on top of its white chocolate is my instant favorite. The <strong>Snow White</strong> though surprised me with its lightness, from the thin layers of confectioner&#8217;s sugar on top to the soft-whipped cream filling. It&#8217;s like biting on a cloud. <strong>The Green T </strong>bavarian donut was also unique but it has a very likable flavor that&#8217;s fresh on the taste buds. The <strong>Why Nut</strong> made me question if I was biting into a layer of Reese&#8217;s chocolate &#8212; it was that good. Finally, a play of textures and crunch is the name of the game with the <strong>Chocolate and Strawberry Caviar</strong> donuts with its wafer-like toppings.<strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6559513521/"><img class=" " title="The rich chocolate covered Black Jack" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6559513521_81a88493f1_b.jpg" alt="The rich chocolate covered Black Jack" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The rich chocolate covered Black Jack</p></div>
<p><strong>J.Co Donuts &amp; Coffee</strong><br />
The Strip, Megamall (Opens February 16, 2012)<br />
*There is a <strong><em>special treat</em></strong> for the first 200 customers to visit the store starting 9am.<br />
<a href="http://www.jcodonuts.com.ph">www.jcodonuts.com.ph</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCoDonuts.Pilipinas">www.facebook.com/JCoDonuts.Pilipinas</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="shr-publisher-1404"></div><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:none;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='standard' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happyfoodies.com%2F2011%2F12%2F25%2Fj-co-donuts-philippines%2F' data-shr_title='J.+Co+Donuts+get+the+sweetness+and+softness+just+right'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='standard' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happyfoodies.com%2F2011%2F12%2F25%2Fj-co-donuts-philippines%2F' data-shr_title='J.+Co+Donuts+get+the+sweetness+and+softness+just+right'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/happyfoodies/~4/Og2KHjYS5fE" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Fun dining at Madam Kwan’s</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/happyfoodies/~3/3d4ZZhfDb0A/</link>
		<comments>http://www.happyfoodies.com/2011/11/21/fun-dining-at-madam-kwans/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:49:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>oggie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gut Feel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beef Rendang]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kuala Lumpur]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Madam Kwans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Malaysia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prawns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Satay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vegetables]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.happyfoodies.com/?p=1391</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/6295265603/" title="Malaysia - Madam Kwan's Beef Rendang by lagal[og], on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6032/6295265603_22327e3f51_m.jpg" width="159" height="240" alt="Malaysia - Madam Kwan's Beef Rendang"></a> Ahhh, those Malaysia, truly Asia commercials running endlessly on the cable channels.  Catching them every so often, you can't help but wonder about the sightseeing, shopping and of course, the eating over there.  By a stroke of luck, Happyfoodies got an invite from <strong>AirAsia Philippines</strong> and <strong>Tourism Malaysia</strong> for a look-see, look-buy and look-taste in Kuala Lumpur.  One of our memorable food stops was <strong>Madam Kwan's</strong> at the upscale Pavillion Mall which is a good opportunity to see why the place is popular.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/MOvgG-2coQoX4c3NCG4EK8cXmkI/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/MOvgG-2coQoX4c3NCG4EK8cXmkI/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/>
<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/MOvgG-2coQoX4c3NCG4EK8cXmkI/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/MOvgG-2coQoX4c3NCG4EK8cXmkI/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/6295265603/"><img class=" " title="Malaysian Beef Rendang" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6032/6295265603_22327e3f51_b.jpg" alt="Malaysian Beef Rendang" width="500" height="753" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Malaysian Beef Rendang</p></div>
<p>Ahhh, those Malaysia, truly Asia commercials running endlessly on the cable channels.  Catching them every so often, you can&#8217;t help but wonder about the sightseeing, shopping and of course, the eating over there.  By a stroke of luck, Happyfoodies got an invite from <strong>AirAsia Philippines</strong> and <strong>Tourism Malaysia</strong> for a look-see, look-buy and look-taste in Kuala Lumpur.  One of our memorable food stops was <strong>Madam Kwan&#8217;s</strong> at the upscale Pavillion Mall which is a good opportunity to see why the place is popular.</p>
<p><span id="more-1391"></span></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6375540235/"><img title="Belacan Kangkong" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6057/6375540235_7613e5003d_b.jpg" alt="Belacan Kangkong" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Belacan Kangkong</p></div>
<p><strong>Lagal[og] says:</strong>  Eating with a group has its pros and cons.  Pros: you get to order more variety and sample more items in the menu.  Cons:  it&#8217;s easy to get lost in the shuffle of dishes as your taste buds become increasingly confused with the rush of different flavors, some of which are strangely familiar but somehow different from our Pinoy dishes.  But I ain&#8217;t complaining.  Anyway, the <strong>Belacan Kangkong</strong> left a big impression on me.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/6295270809/"><img title="Fried King Prawns in Garlic Soya Sauce" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6046/6295270809_08a9fdb2f4.jpg" alt="Fried King Prawns in Garlic Soya Sauce" width="500" height="332" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Fried King Prawns in Garlic Soya Sauce</p></div>
<p>It&#8217;s like a flavor-drenched version of our <em>Kangkong with Bagoon</em>g (river spinach cooked in fermented fish paste). tickling your palate with saltiness mixed in with the soft kangkong leaves.  I also liked the <strong>Fried King Prawns in Garlic Soya Sauce</strong> as I like anything with garlic in it.  In fact, it&#8217;s got lots of halved garlic cloves steeped in the soya sauce, the better to repeatedly dip the shrimp in the sauce as I relish the piece of prawn I got.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6375540843/"><img title="Dumpling Soup" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6047/6375540843_740750afe4_b.jpg" alt="Dumpling Soup" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Dumpling Soup</p></div>
<p><strong>Ironwulf says: </strong>I started out with the <strong>Dumpling Soup</strong> which has  a warm and flavorful broth suffused with  flavors to drench my hunger pangs. The dumpling has shrimp and pork meat that was soft, chewy and oozing with flavor. The <strong>Malaysian Satay</strong> was packed with meaty and perfectly-grilled  chicken and beef perfectly, something I thoroughly enjoyed using to scrape off the rich peanut sauce from the dish it was served on.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/6295799024/"><img class=" " title="Malaysian Satay" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6041/6295799024_b760735289_b.jpg" alt="Malaysian Satay" width="500" height="753" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Malaysian Satay</p></div>
<p>I also specifically ordered  <strong>Beef Rendang</strong> and it didn&#8217;t dissapoint. The easy to pick out tender meat was packed with spices so each bite reveals a burst of flavors. Another favorite was the <strong>Brocolli Mushroom</strong>. I may be a bit biased with the mushroom but this one was really good coupled with the fresh and crispy broccoli and the very tasty sauce.<strong></strong></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6375540643/"><img title="Brocolli and Mushrooms" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6044/6375540643_1e464cb5a9_b.jpg" alt="Brocolli and Mushrooms" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Brocolli and Mushrooms</p></div>
<p><strong>Lagal[og] says:</strong>  For dessert, we knew we had to have some <strong>Ice Campur</strong>.  It&#8217;s sort of like our Halo-halo, shaved/crushed ice laced with beans, nuts and milk.  Nothing too sweet, just something light and easy to cap our heavy meal.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/6295796612/"><img class=" " title="Ice Campur" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6232/6295796612_9fa44f0273_b.jpg" alt="Ice Campur" width="500" height="753" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Ice Campur</p></div>
<p><strong>Madam Kwan&#8217;s</strong><br />
Bangsar Tel: 03-22842297,<br />
Suria KLCC Tel: 03-20262297/98,<br />
Mid Valley Mega Mall 03-22872297/98,<br />
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur 03-21432297/96,<br />
Empire Shopping Gallery Subang 03-50222297/98</p>
<div class="shr-publisher-1391"></div><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:none;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='standard' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happyfoodies.com%2F2011%2F11%2F21%2Ffun-dining-at-madam-kwans%2F' data-shr_title='Fun+dining+at+Madam+Kwan%27s'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='standard' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happyfoodies.com%2F2011%2F11%2F21%2Ffun-dining-at-madam-kwans%2F' data-shr_title='Fun+dining+at+Madam+Kwan%27s'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/happyfoodies/~4/3d4ZZhfDb0A" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Milk Tea: The Cha Dao Tea Place Way</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/happyfoodies/~3/hJNXUrFAc94/</link>
		<comments>http://www.happyfoodies.com/2011/10/18/milk-tea-the-cha-dao-tea-place-way/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Oct 2011 03:50:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ferdz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Quenchers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cha Dao Tea Place]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Milk Tea]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pasig]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Refreshments]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.happyfoodies.com/?p=1381</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6255765245/" title="Cha Dao Tea Place by ferdzdecena, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6109/6255765245_daf9ca5539_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Cha Dao Tea Place"></a> Nowadays, the choice of beverages has never been so complicated. It’s no longer as simple as coffee or tea but a more complex mixture of ingredients suited exclusively to one’s palate. Take for example the growing popularity of Milk Teas in the past years as a healthy alternative drink. Though I’ve never been really a fan, there’s no harm in trying especially when <strong>Cha Dao Tea Place</strong> gave us an opportunity to try out their Milk Teas. There’s one branch near our neighborhood so I invited guest foodie Jen to their Kapitolyo branch.]]></description>
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<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/R8FvT0TNOIN2jXRQuCihpYeGlsk/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/R8FvT0TNOIN2jXRQuCihpYeGlsk/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/>
<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/R8FvT0TNOIN2jXRQuCihpYeGlsk/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/R8FvT0TNOIN2jXRQuCihpYeGlsk/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6255765245/"><img title="Serving a Cha Dao Milk Tea" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6109/6255765245_daf9ca5539_b.jpg" alt="Serving a Cha Dao Milk Tea" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Serving a Cha Dao Milk Tea</p></div>
<p>Nowadays, the choice of beverages has never been so complicated. It’s no longer as simple as coffee or tea but a more complex mixture of ingredients suited exclusively to one’s palate. Take for example the growing popularity of Milk Teas in the past years as a healthy alternative drink. Though I’ve never been really a fan, there’s no harm in trying especially when <strong>Cha Dao Tea Place</strong> gave us an opportunity to try out their Milk Teas. There’s one branch near our neighborhood so I invited guest foodie Jen to their Kapitolyo branch.</p>
<p><span id="more-1381"></span></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6255764951/"><img title="The Cha Dao Tea Place Kapitolyo Pasig Branch" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6224/6255764951_86ca7df961.jpg" alt="The Cha Dao Tea Place Kapitolyo Pasig Branch" width="500" height="375" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Cha Dao Tea Place Kapitolyo Pasig Branch</p></div>
<p><strong>Location</strong></p>
<p><strong>Jen says:</strong> I really like the location of this branch (we went to Kapitolyo). It manages to be both convenient and quite off the main road. In fact, the tiny district has a fair share of several quaint eateries that have that good neighborhood feel – like you can just take a leisurely stroll and stumble upon a place you’d like to try.</p>
<p><strong>Ambiance</strong></p>
<p><strong>Jen says:</strong> I was pleasantly surprised by the relaxed feel the interiors evoked. I guess the murals of trees set against a gaily green background, coupled with wooden chairs and tables, lends an earthy atmosphere to this modest tea place.</p>
<p><strong>Ironwulf says:</strong> The interior does lend a relaxing and casual feel with its cool green wall, foliage patterns and earth-colored fixtures. The addition of free Wi-fi is a plus.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6255765111/"><img title="The Peach Mango and Cha yen Milk Teas" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6098/6255765111_621f995417_b.jpg" alt="The Peach Mango and Cha yen Milk Teas" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Peach Mango and Cha yen Milk Teas</p></div>
<p><strong>Beverage </strong></p>
<p><strong>Ironwulf says: </strong>For a person not used to ordering milk teas, the choices can be overwhelming.  But it helps to ask and be educated by the friendly staffs there. First is a choice of Blends, since I like fruits and Yakult, I chose the <strong>Peach Mango</strong> from the <strong>Yakult Blends</strong>. Then it was time to choose the sinkers. I was intrigued by the <strong>Popping Bobba</strong> (a tapioca pearl with juice inside) so I chose that one to go with the Milk Tea. I really like the fruity blend with a touch of Yakult in the mix. The Popping Bobba sinker adds an amusing flavor and texture as the lychee juice pops from the bubble. I was delighted that my first experiment with milk tea was a flavorful success.</p>
<p><strong>Jen says:</strong> I opted to have <strong>Cha Yen</strong>, which is a concoction of red tea, vanilla, cinnamon, and milk, and for sinkers I had coffee jelly. The cold drink reminded me a lot of Thai iced tea, because the taste of milk and tea surfaced the most for me. It’s a good option on a mildly hot afternoon, but I really think it would have been better if paired up with snacks (which unfortunately ran out when we visited Cha Dao), like maybe a hearty sandwich or a pastry of some sort.</p>
<p><strong>Value</strong></p>
<p><strong>Ironwulf says</strong>: Based on the popular Milk Tea places I’ve seen, Cha Dao Tea Place is probably the more affordable of the lot. Their Bestsellers, Classic and Yakult Blends, cost only P75 for the X-Large size and P65 for the Large. Their Basic and Fruit Teas go for P65 XL and P55 L</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>For more information on Branches and Locations check out their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chadaoteaplace">Cha Dao Facebook Page</a></p>
<div class="shr-publisher-1381"></div><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><div class='shareaholic-like-buttonset' style='float:none;height:30px;'><a class='shareaholic-fblike' data-shr_layout='standard' data-shr_showfaces='false' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happyfoodies.com%2F2011%2F10%2F18%2Fmilk-tea-the-cha-dao-tea-place-way%2F' data-shr_title='Milk+Tea%3A+The+Cha+Dao+Tea+Place+Way'></a><a class='shareaholic-googleplusone' data-shr_size='standard' data-shr_count='true' data-shr_href='http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happyfoodies.com%2F2011%2F10%2F18%2Fmilk-tea-the-cha-dao-tea-place-way%2F' data-shr_title='Milk+Tea%3A+The+Cha+Dao+Tea+Place+Way'></a></div><div style="clear: both; min-height: 1px; height: 3px; width: 100%;"></div><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetBottom Automatic --><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/happyfoodies/~4/hJNXUrFAc94" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>When in Davao, can’t resist Luz Kinilaw</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/happyfoodies/~3/Q5-UioOEhSs/</link>
		<comments>http://www.happyfoodies.com/2011/09/21/davao-luz-kinilaw-place/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:01:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>oggie</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gut Feel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Davao]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grilled Fish]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seafoods]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Squid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tuna]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.happyfoodies.com/?p=1367</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6168205848/" title="Luz Kinilaw by ferdzdecena, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6168205848_6739f96f90_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Luz Kinilaw"></a> We concluded our recent Mindanao trip with an overnight in Davao City.  With limited time on our hands, the temptation to cram never entered our mind as we took our sweet time shopping for durian candies, malongs and ref magnets at Aldevinco before heading out for dinner to where else but <strong>Luz Kinilaw</strong>.  We came on a midweek evening but the place is still half-filled with eager diners.  Funny but the times I've eaten here, I've never ordered their <em>kinilaw</em> (fish or seafood cooked with only vinegar or a similar souring/acidic liquid) as the biggest attraction for me was and is always, the <strong><em>Inihaw na Panga ng</em></strong> <strong>Tuna</strong> (Grilled Tuna Jaw).]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/mn3qN3blqslnpvsrH316cfv9cIY/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/mn3qN3blqslnpvsrH316cfv9cIY/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/>
<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/mn3qN3blqslnpvsrH316cfv9cIY/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/mn3qN3blqslnpvsrH316cfv9cIY/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop Automatic --><div id="attachment_1372" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.happyfoodies.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/luz-kinilaw-01.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1372 " title="Luz Kinilaw in Davao" src="http://www.happyfoodies.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/luz-kinilaw-01.jpg" alt="Luz Kinilaw in Davao" width="500" height="375" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Luz Kinilaw in Davao</p></div>
<p>We concluded our recent Mindanao trip with an overnight in Davao City.  With limited time on our hands, the temptation to cram never entered our mind as we took our sweet time shopping for durian candies, malongs and ref magnets at Aldevinco before heading out for dinner to where else but <strong>Luz Kinilaw</strong>.  We came on a midweek evening but the place is still half-filled with eager diners.  Funny but the times I&#8217;ve eaten here, I&#8217;ve never ordered their <em>kinilaw</em> (fish or seafood cooked with only vinegar or a similar souring/acidic liquid) as the biggest attraction for me was and is always, the <strong><em>Inihaw na Panga ng</em></strong> <strong>Tuna</strong> (Grilled Tuna Jaw).</p>
<p><span id="more-1367"></span></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6167669599/"><img title="Luz Kinilaw's Tasty offerings" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6152/6167669599_d8fe568eec.jpg" alt="Luz Kinilaw's Tasty offerings" width="500" height="375" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Luz Kinilaw&#39;s Tasty offerings</p></div>
<p><strong>Lagal[og] says:</strong>  Forget ambiance and lose yourself in the simplicity of Luz Kinilaw&#8217;s tasty offerings.  I&#8217;ll take their <strong>Inihaw na Panga ng Tuna</strong> any day and recommend it to friends who visit Davao City.  There&#8217;s no fancy marinade, no fancy cooking method; the <em>panga</em> is grilled just right so the outer layer is burned to a tasty crisp while the flesh inside is soft.  One order is big enough for 3-4 hearty diners.  And should I add, eating with your bare hands is very much encouraged.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6168204858/"><img title="Huge interiors at Luz Kinilaw" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6168204858_648a79cbd2.jpg" alt="Huge interiors at Luz Kinilaw" width="500" height="375" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Huge interiors at Luz Kinilaw</p></div>
<p><strong>Ironwulf says:</strong> It&#8217;s my first time to try out Luz Kinilaw and its non-descript facade made me think it&#8217;s just a typical street side eatery. When I got on the second floor, I was surprised how huge the place is and how many people were coming in during the peak dinner hours. Friends, families and office workers seem to enjoy the place.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6167669431/"><img title="The large Tuna Panga" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6166/6167669431_2ed76ef3af_b.jpg" alt="The large Tuna Panga" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The large Tuna Panga</p></div>
<p>I  enjoyed digging through that meaty <strong>Tuna Panga</strong>. Really fresh and tasty especially when dipped into soy sauce liberally mixed with chili and <em>calamansi</em> (native lemon). Likewise, I also enjoyed our order of <strong>Grilled Squid</strong>. It was grilled perfectly keeping the flavors intact and meat very chewable, not rubbery at all.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6167669251/"><img title="An order of grilled squid" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6167669251_934c7e29d3_b.jpg" alt="An order of grilled squid" width="500" height="667" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">An order of grilled squid</p></div>
<p>It&#8217;s really an enjoyable place to eat in with a group without breaking the bank. For the four of us, we only spent P700+ with both the Tuna Panga and Grilled Squid and drinks.  Our full, contented tummies will attest to the good flavors, good vibes, and of course, the good value.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Luz Kinilaw Place</strong><br />
Quezon Blvd., Davao City<br />
226-4612 / 221-8377</p>
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