HodgePodge Lifestyle

Hole in the Wall: Saint Honore Artisan Cafe and Bakery

Near our village, there's a lack of good coffee shops and bakeries. What you'll find are franchise ones such as Starbucks, Red Ribbon, Goldilocks, Mocha Blends and Figaro. It can get a tad boring if you frequent these places. To my delight, I stumbled upon a newly-opened cafe and bakery near my house.

Saint Honore Artisan Cafe and Bakery is the answer to my prayers of freshly-made bread and authentic coffee. To satisfy my curiousity, I decided to drop by this week to buy fresh bread and see for myself if this is worth the buzz. I've been meaning to bring my mom here since I first saw it but I have no idea if it also offers more than just pastries, desserts and coffee. 

Inside the Saint Honore Artisan Cafe and Bakery

One rainy morning, I stepped into the cozy and quaint interiors of the cafe. The first thing I saw are croissants and turnovers as well as dainty cakes and other pastries. I was warmly greeted by a lady at the counter. I'm happy to see that they also got a menu that offered pastas and other dishes. Surprisingly for a beautifully interiored cafe, the prices weren't sky-rocketing comparable to well-known establishments.

Cozy interiors of the cafe and bakery 

I decided to stay for few minutes and had some coffee to perk me up before doing a couple of errands that day.  I ordered their latte while I surf the net since they got free wifi. I also got some Ciabatta and Foccacia bread to go so my mom can try it at home.

Their coffees were around P50 and up while their loaf breads range between P45 and P60 depending on the kind.  I noted that their pastas and other dishes begin at P150 and above. Not bad but hopefully they taste good. 

The Saint Honore Artisan Latte

Their coffee was frothy and it tasted just right--not too sweet nor too strong for my taste buds. At home, I made some tuna spread for the Focaccia bread. Surprisingly, the bread wasn't like the ones you'll find at Italianni's that has that chewy feel to it. It's soft and moist once your teeth sinks into it. Next time I visit this place, I'll bring my mom so we can have dinner and try their pastas. 

The dough-making area where fresh breads are made

The hole in the wall cafe also had an equipment that creates dough which you could see from where you are seated. The young owner also kneaded the dough there so you could witness how their products were made fresh. From what I gathered, the young male owner came home from the US after doing several stints at different restaurants there before putting up his own business. Hopefully, his Saint Honore Artisan Cafe and Bakery will be successful because it will surely gain a following when we're all tired of the franchises of cafes and bakeries around the metro.

Delish brown rice recipes

As I continue my plan to eat healthier, I'm blogging on different recipes using Doña Maria's brown rice. Eating healthy can be fun since you can experiment using different ingredients for your dishes. Your food doesn't have to be so bland, you're bored to death from chewing it. It can have flavor that titillates your taste buds.

Since I wasn't able to devour sushi in China during a recent trip, here's a recipe which I can definitely do at home. If you decide to host a dinner or cocktail party, you can add this to your menu. 

SUSHI BROWN RICE

Ingredients

3 cups                   Doña Maria Miponica brown rice

6 cups                   Water

1/3 cup                 Rice wine vinegar

3 Tbsp.                  Granulated sugar

1 dash                   Salt

 

For the filling

2 pcs.                  Avocado, thinly sliced

5 pcs.                  Kani, thinly sliced

1 pc.                   Carrot, shredded

250g                   Cream cheese, sliced horizontally

100g                   Romaine lettuce

1 sheet                Seaweed

 

Procedures

1. To make the sushi rice, use a rice cooker
2. To make the sushi sauce, mix the pure rice vinegar, granulated sugar and coarse table salt into a small mixing bowl and blend together well
3. Add the contents of the mixing bowl in a small skillet and heat until the sugar is completely melted on a low heat
4. Remove from heat and let it cool at room temperature
5. Once the rice is done, spread it out on a plate and drizzle the vinegar liquid onto the rice folding it very gingerly, try not to smash the rice down

If you're not a fan of sushi, why not make a Seafood Congee instead?  Fresh seafoods with brown rice is delicious.  Here's a recipe on how to make one at home.

SEAFOOD CONGEE BROWN RICE

 Good for six persons

500g                Uncooked Doña Maria Miponica Brown Rice

1L                    Water

500ml              Seafood stock

60ml                Olive oil

30ml                Sesame oil

60ml                Fresh lemon juice

60g                  Ginger, chopped

60g                  Carrots, diced

60g                  Red bell pepper, diced

120g                Shitake mushrooms

50g                  Bamboo shoots, sliced

30g                  Spring onions, chopped

50g                  Shrimps, deveined and peeled

50g                  Fish fillet

50g                  Scallops, shelled

50g                  Chinese fish balls, cut into half

396g                Soft tofu, diced

garnish             Coriander sprigs

pinch                Salt and pepper

 

PROCEDURES

1. In a saucepan, sauté ginger, onion, carrots, red bell pepper, shitake mushrooms and garlic with olive oil and sesame oil. Set aside.
2. On a separate stockpot, stir in chicken stock and water. Let it boil for 15 minutes.
3. Blanch shrimps, scallops and Chinese fish balls in the stock and rinse in cold water to preserve its texture and color. Set aside.
4. Using a strainer, blanch the shrimps’ head and skin until cooked. Set aside.
5. Add Doña Maria Miponica Brown Rice. Gently stir to incorporate. The amount of liquid may vary depending on how thin you want the soup to be.
6. Cover and let it boil for another 45 minutes or until the brown rice is cooked. Be sure to stir consistently to prevent sticking to the bottom.
7. Stir in again the shrimps, scallops, fish and Chinese balls. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
8. Stir in tofu.
9. Add fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve immediately
11.  Garnish with coriander and lemon wedges on the side.

 

 Recipes developed by Chef Sarah Mei (Doña Maria Centre for Culinary Excellence)

 

 

 

Brown rice: the healthier alternative to dieting

Eating healthy is the key to a better and longer lifestyle.  My grandparents give a true testimony to this from living in a farm decades ago. Rice, root crops, own poultries and fresh air--you name it. Too bad I was born in the age where processed foods and fast food chains became the trend. Beginning last year, my mom and I decided to eat more vegetables and fish.  True enough, it coincides with our fast-paced, busy work lifestyle and gave us more energy to go day-by-day.

I came across an article about brown and red rice. After visiting Sagada, Banawe and Bontoc last 2008 and 2009, we bought several packs of the well-known rice Igorots eat--an alternative to the white rice staples found in every Filipino household.  In Manila, one can find different brands of rice as well.  Lately, the variety of red and brown rice are available in the grocery rice sections of Cherry Foodarama, Puregold, Savemore and other leading stores. 

Back in 2006, I was introduce to Doña Maria rice.  Now, I've this brand has different kinds such as Jasponica, Jasponica Brown Rice, Miponica, Miponica Brown and Jasponica Plus.

Brown rice is also called Pinawa.  It's similar to white rice but the former is unpolished, dehusked, dehulled and considered as a cargo rice.  It's more nutritious because the bran and the embryo are retained during the milling process.  

According to research, 100 grams of cooked white rice has 50% to 80% of energy produce when consumed by children and adults. Although polished rice takes away about "15% protein, 85% fat, 90% calcium, 75% phosphorus, 80% thiamine, 70% riboflavin, and 68% niacin."

Apparently the milling process takes away about half of manganese, 60% of the iron and all of the dietary fibers and essential fatty acids. Moreover, according to research, brown rice can protect consumers from "metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, the formation of gallstones, as well as certain types of cancer.”

So what's your type of rice? Happy cooking! :)

www.sl-agritech.com/donamaria

 

 

 

Beginning the year right @ 2011: Deal Grocer & Awesome.ph

We're nearing the last leg of 2010. Time flew by sooo fast! So we better start year of 2011 right!  Here are two coupon websites I stumbled on lately.  Deal Grocer (https://www.dealgrocer.com) and Awesome.ph (awesome.ph, by Our Awesome Planet blog's ultimate blogger Anton Diaz). I signed up for both but I haven't tried buying from their websites.  They have auctions or coupons at different lifestyle establishments, resorts, spas, etc. such as Bellarocca, Crocs, Collezionne, Cav, Attica, Global Beer, Sugarhouse and other lifestyle establishments in the country. Basically, you can purchase coupons in lesser price via online.  They also have tie ups with BPI and Fitness First.

 

Photo courtesy of Deal Grocer: The Farm @ San Benito

Photo courtesy of Deal Grocer: Bellarocca Resort & Spa

                                                    Photo courtesy of Deal Grocer

 

 

 

 

 

Abundant pizza and pasta at Abbondanza Pizzeria Ristorante

 
 

Abundance in food, abundance in life—Abbondanza Pizzeria Ristorante lives by its name.  In Italian, abbondanza means abundance, explains Sophia Marie Lee, daughter of Donn and Ginn Lee who owns the hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Ortigas. Along with Chef Giorgio Bucciarelli, Abbondanza became a household name for those living in the vicinity of the Italian restaurant.

I remember seeing Abbondanza when I was still at UA&P and teaching at The Manila Times Language Institute.  It was located at Crescent Condominium which is near the tent area and the clusters of small restaurants where my friends and I hangout.

   

Last Fashion Week 2010, my friend from high school and I decided to eat here at SM Mall of Asia (MOA).  It's their new branch and they have several promos. Sophia told me that their old branch in Ortigas was full of blessings. “It was July 7, 2007, a lucky date for the Lee family to begin their new business venture with Chef Giorgio Bucciarelli.  The Italian chef is a family friend for so many years.  He creates dishes with the Lee family for the restaurant,” said Sophia. 

A lot of blessings indeed happened for three years. “We got a lot of families over the weekend.  We had the pleasure of hosting [parties] for the CEO of San Miguel Corporation or the Papal Nuncio when he went to the Philippines.  That location has been very good to us,” recalled Sophia when they first started the Italian restaurant.

Authentic Italian dishes

Their signature Abbondanza pizza is “one of [their] fastest moving orders” in MOA.  It’s a 27-inch oblong pizza with four different toppings.  They currently have a promo of their signature pizza with two pitchers of iced tea in MOA.

MOA branch of Abbondanza Pizzeria Ristorante 

“Our specialty is really pizza. The reason why it is good is because we only knead the dough when you order it. So it's really fresh.  Even if we knead the dough fresh, the pizza will be made between seven to 10 minutes,” explains Sophia.  She compares it to other pre-made dough that is too starchy (which takes away the natural flavors of the toppings) and the texture is harder. 

Signature Abbondanza Pizza  

They also have regular size pizza like Frutti Di Mare (P350).  It’s a healthy seafood pizza with mozzarella, tomato, oregano and drizzled with olive oil.  Pizza Con Polpette (P350) is made with fresh eggs, black olives, tomato, artichokes and meatballs.

Thin crust dough and fresh toppings 

I told Sophia about their heart pizza back in 2007 for Valentines Day.  She said that you can still request it by order.  It's really nice because it's a unique gift for someone special like your mom, your boyfriend or your husband. 

For their pasta, the bestseller is Pasta Alla Pescatora (P120/P225), spaghetti with seafood sauce topped with shrimps, squids and mussels.  They also have Spaghetti Vongole e Gamberetti (P120/P225) which is seafood (clams, shrimps, anchovies) and tomatoes, cook in red wine and cream sauce.

Seafood pasta and foccacia bread 

As for their desserts, there’s Tiramisu (P125), Panna Cotta (P95), Crema Catalana (P95) and Gelato (P80).  Their coffee-infused Tiramisu is good with brewed coffee.  It’s not too sweet but not too bland for the taste buds.  Their Panna Cotta has fresh berries and is really creamy.  She quips that this particular dessert has a “cult following” after patrons try it.  Abbondanza has their own Italian version of Crème Brulee, the Crema Catalana which is different because it’s orange-infused. It reminds you of Leche Flan with a twist and creamier texture.  Their gelato was voted by an online lifestyle website as one of the best ones in Manila.

Tiramisu, Panna Cotta & Creme Catalana all together

I was so full after eating everything that was serve.  The desserts were divine and the gelato was so creamy.  If only I have more than one stomach, I can eat everything here. 

She also shared that their c

For inquiries, visit www.abbondanzarestaurant.multiply.com, http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Pasig-Philippines-and-Pasay-City/Abbondanza-Pizzeria-Ristorante or visit SM Mall of Asia; Tel. nos. 633-6336 or 931-8389

Photographs by Rem Lucio and Abbondanza website

Gourmet Pao: Made from love of food

Jose and Mika sharing their Gourmet Pao at Greenbelt 5

The first time I met Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez was at a photo shoot for one of my fashion styling/set design class at John and Paul Herrera's house in Ortigas.  She was our Alice at the Mad Tea Party photo shoot.  She was simple and quiet.  But the second time I met her for Gourmet Pao, she was surprisingly friendly, talkative and nice.

So when I heard about her new business I immediately texted her again this year if I can feature Gourmet Pao.  It was not easy because our schedules were mishmash! But it came through recently! We met at Greenbelt 5 with her husband, Jose 'Chucho’ Martinez, at Damaso restaurant.

“My dad passed away last year so we wanted to do something,” said Jose on how it all began in December 2009.  The couple love food so they decided to revive it.

Gourmet Pao menu

Gourmet Pao’s siopaos has 10 unique flavors.  “Seven Treasures is actually taken from the original business.  That's the only one that stayed original.  Dancing Queen came from the favorite song of his mom and that's her favorite flavor—cheese, ham and egg.  We also have Chucho which is cheese, ham with chorizo because we're Bisaya and also that's his (Jose) name.  Bob's Queso because it's baboy with cheese.  Manuquini [is] manok and egg. Bob-y-Q is chicken, pork barbeque and hardboiled egg.  Everyone really ask [us] about the name.”

It is the most fun part for Jose because the names were discussed over dinner or family get together.  He claims their dough is the special part of the siopao because of the texture. But he can't tell me the secret.  They have vegetarian siopao, Pesto-Veggie, that are vegan-friendly and kid-friendly.  

Mika says there's a customer who goes to their Alabang Town Center stall and orders daily for her son because he doesn't like vegetables.  

There's no special sauce for Gourmet Pao unlike those bought from groceries or siopao stores.  Mika and Jose says the filling itself is already enough for your taste buds.

Wheat and regular Gourmet Pao

So how did this siopao business suddenly became popular among celebrities, models, djs and other personalities such as Bubbles Paraiso, KC Montero, Ehra Madrigal, to name a few?  “It was realy connections,” says Jose.  “Word of mouth. It spread really fast [with] friends alone.” It was also because of Twitter users who love to retweet or post pictures while eating Gourmet Pao.

KC Montero introduces the "Pizza Pao" that has all the flavors!

It's more expensive than those sold in the market but Jose says it's quality is great because for P100/P120 you're stuff already.  You have a choice between regular or wheat dough.

I took home two siopaos Mika gave me. My mom and I split the two for dinner.  It was good and different!  You can reheat the siopaos or not anymore.  It's made fresh everyday so the dough stays soft. It's not sticky nor course unlike other siopaos.

Mika also shares with me her new baby, homemade Salsa! Nope not a real baby but her new product.  “I just thought that I should bottle it and sell it so. You can eat it with chips, salads, bread, anything.  That's what I make. I have orders for today and tomorrow already.  It's homemade salsa.  It's different because it has lime and spice in it.  And then I sell it for a pint, 16 ounces for P380.  And then for a quart which is 32 ounces, it's P500.  I have customers who order Gourmet Pao and that.”

I'm looking forward to their new stalls opening soon at Ayala Malls. Hope to see you Mika and Jose there!

For orders, Gourmet Pao can be contacted at 2111099, 09175377726 or visit their Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez & Jose Martinez with Gourmet Pao photograph

by Rem Lucio 

Menu from Gourmet Pao official Facebook account

Siopao photographs by Jenni Epperson, KC Montero

Mother's Day around the globe!

الأم (Arabic) Майка (Bulgarian) 嬷嬷 (Chinese) Äiti (Finnish) Mère (French) Mutter (German) Madre (Italian) Moder (Swedish) Nanay (Filipino) 

Around the globe, celebration of Mother's Day is a tradition.  Although majority celebrate it in May, some pay tribute to their mothers in different seasons.  Bahrain is in March, Africa in mid-fall, India in October, Thailand in August, so on and so forth.

Traditions across the globe also vary. Most are Hallmark infused, flower brigades, and chocolate sweetened.  Others are different. Nonetheless it all boils down to how you show your mother how much you truly love her.

AUSTRALIA and SOUTH AFRICA

Carnations are worn around the neck during Mother's Day in Australia and South Africa. Colored carnation means your mother is still alive. White carnation honors moms who already passed away.  

  

 

MEXICO

In Mexico, this once in a year day for Mother's is celebrated with much gusto like any Catholic church celebrations.  A grand orchestra plays las mañatas to honor them.  Hot Mexican tamales and atole are served for early morning breakfast.

NEW ZEALAND

Euphoria is emphasized. Locals celebrate by having family picnics and dinners. Markets are filled with families buying food and gifts for their moms, grandmothers, aunts and friends. They indulge their moms with breakfast in bed.  It is the time when moms rest from doing household chores.

UK

During Mothering Sunday in England, special Almond cakes known as Mothering Cakes or Simnel Cakes are baked for this special day.   The name of the cake came from a folk tale about Simon and Nell, a married couple, who could not decide whether they should boil or bake a cake.  They derived the name Simnel from their names. 

YUGOSLAVIA

 

Materitse (Mother's Day) is link with Children's Day or Dechiyi Dan that happens three days prior to Christmas Day.  Parents and children alternately tie each other up.  It means kids promise to remain good to their parents.  Their mothers will give treats so that they could be freed.

Photographs from various websites

10 summer lifestyle pit stops

1.       Coffee bean collection for your taste buds

 

 

Coffee Afficionados are always looking for great coffee beans.  Antonio Sevilla, owner of Philippine Mountain Coffee Collection, created his own coffee shop to source coffee beans from Malaybalay, Kalinga, Batangas, Cavite, etc.

This quaint coffee shop is unassuming and very simple.  It’s nestled in one of the stalls in Tiendesitas.  Sevilla wants his customers to really savor their coffee (the beans are charcoal-roasted).  For him, it is really about showcasing Philippine coffee.  Customers can inquire on their best recommendations.  From cold coffee to hot coffee below P100, they have it.

 

Tiendesitas, Frontera Verde, Ortigas Ave. corner C-5, Brgy. Ugong, Pasig City.

Photo courtesy of Tiendesitas website

2.     Filipino: Proud and loud

  Yabang Pinoy—that’s what it is all about.  Being proud of one’s heritage is going back to one’s culture, letting other nations know who we are as Filipinos, and doing things that we are proud of.  Sigaw Sambit creates this nationalistic atmosphere through creative ways.  Their T-shirts, Camisa de Chino, bracelets, lanyars—whatever you name it—all emphasizing on being Filipino.  

Yabang Pinoy bracelets made from abaca, on the other hand, has been in major bookstores nationwide.  Like Sigaw Sambit, they’ve been promoting being a Filipino for years.  They have a website where their clients who purchased their bracelets can put up sayings on why it is great to be a Filipino.

 

Sigaw Sambit and Yabang Pinoy products are sold at Serendra, Powerbooks outlets and websites

http://sigawsambit.multiply.com/

www.yabangpinoy.com.ph

 

 

3.     Hole in the wall Galileo Enoteca restaurant

al    

          

 

        Photo courtesy of Market Manila website

Only few Italian restaurants can offer authentic cooking.  Galileo Enotica, on the other hand, meets the scrumptious Italian cooking.  A small deli and restaurant in Mandaluyong, it’s comparable to a wine cellar of a monastery.  Wine bottles decorate the walls and wooden benches complete the ambiance.  For P450 (VAT inclusive), couples can try their set meals which include antipasto of cheese and bread, pasta (tomato-based or white sauce-based), a glass of house wine, and a cup of coffee or tea.  Their meals are scrumptious and filling.  It’s a great date place for couples or for friends who need a quite time to unwind and savor good food.

Galileo Enoteca: 80 Calbayog corner Malinao St., Mandaluyong, 5344633 or 5320482

 In-yo Fushion Cuisine for your taste buds

 

 

When one utters the word Katipunan, either Philippine history or Ateneo de Manila comes to mind.  A few know about a house converted into a beautiful restaurant in Loyola Heights called In-Yo.  Locally, the Filipino word inyo means yours in English.  But for the restaurant, it was derived from the chef’s name, Ninyo Laus. 

Upon entering the gate of In-Yo, a small pocket garden with a swing, several iron-wrought chairs and tables will greet you.  There’s a small pond and wooden bridge when you enter the interior of the restaurant.  It’s quaint but it has a romantic, homey ambiance.  Upstairs is where artists convene for poetry sessions, open mic nights or musical gigs.  But it is really the food that Chef Ninyo creates that has kept this restaurant going and people raving. Their fusion cuisine is better than hotels.  Although the prices are quite similar.  Degustacion is P1,000.  Their set meal will give you several different courses to choose from.  Their entrée cost P400 each.  The Pumpkin soup is creamy and comforting.  Their Halibut pasta is divine, the pasta al dente.  For the Lamb Shanks, the meat is moist and tender.  It’s definitely worth every penny.

In-yo Fusion Cuisine: Estaban Abada St., Loyola Heights, QC, 9286459, closed on Mondays. 

 

5.     Happy happy eating at Nomnomnom Happy Food

 

 

Happiness and good comfort food—it’s what Nomnomnom Happy Food is all about.  It’s the sound that people make when they are eating.  You see it in Café World, Archie Comics ,and any other cartoons or comic strip.  A creative name in their “no red meat vegetarian food” is Malinomnom which is whole wheat dough with tinapa bits (P195).  Their Fried Ravioli (P80) is golden with rich mozzarella and tomato sauce.   You can also go happy with their Hemp Pesto (P140).  Nomnomnom Happy Food is a vegetarian restaurant with a twist.  There are quite a few good vegetarian restaurants in Manila that offers great dishes that are affordable.  Nomnomnom is one of them.  I'll try this one.  Although until now not one has toppled Greens Vegetarian Restaurant in my list.

GYY Building 1 Tomas Morato cor. E Rodriguez, Quezon City

6.     http://nomhappyfood.multiply.com/

 

CUILLERE dairy milkshakes and ice creams

 

It’s summer and Manila is really hot—imagine hitting 38 degrees!  Yummy and cramy milkshakes are the way to go to cool down.  Cuillere, a French restaurant owned by the owner of Arce Dairy Ice Creams, is located in Bonifacio High Street, The Fort.  I'm always hearing this great restaurant at work and I have no idea why.   No wonder people are raving on this restaurant because Arce Dairy Ice Creams were already in Manila back in the 80s.   Arce Dairy was always part of my mom's vocabulary.  Now, the curiosity is beginning to kick in. Before Selecta and Magnolia, it is one of the leading ice cream brands because of the creamy and tasty ice creams they created.

 

Bonifacio High Street The Fort, Taguig City

 

7.     Trunkshow hidden finds of fashion treasure

 

 

I love to shop but not just purchase anything that my eyes land on.  I check the construction, the cut, the design, and the materials of clothes.  I check the uniqueness, the sturdiness, and practicality of shoes or bags. Trunkshow is on my list of best boutique shops in Manila.  It has always given me great finds with shoes and clothes.  Although the price is definitely  not like bazaars or department stores, still the quality and the uniqueness of their products keep on luring me back.

 

8.       VIDEO 48: Where cinephiles convene

 Gael Garcia Bernal, indie film and mainstream actor

        Cinephiles from around the world will look forward to stepping inside Video 48.  It is where rare indie and mainstream films are sold.  It has still has Betamax, VHS, laser disc, VCDs and now DVDs. Apart from films, they also sell memorabilias such as movie posters, magazines, film-related action figures or toys.  It’s a treasure hunt for those who love movies from an era beyond 2010.

    West Avenue, Quezon City

 

9.     ART 2B gallery for the artists at heart

        Budding artists hold their art or photography exhibits here.  It’s an old shop converted to a simple 2-storey art gallery.  It cost less compared to big museums or art galleries such as Metropolitan Museum or Silverlens Gallery. 

        The crowd in Cubao Expo is artsy and low key.  Most people who visit this gallery are really into art, talent, and crafts.  It’s a great place for tourists to visit since it will enable them to indulge in rich Filipino culture—both young and old.  Surrounding quaint shops, restaurants, and hangout places are alive at night time.  

Cubao Expo Cubao, Quezon City

    Cafe at the corner

This is a paradise for vegans and vegetarians.  Apart from their good food, the soothing music, and nice ambiance will really provide you a great time.  It is a dining haven.  Their Corner Tree Starter Plate (P180) is a combination of Dukka and White Bean Hummus for sharing.  If you are really hungry then order their Crisp Polenta Parmesan Triangles (P150) that has creamy mushroom rosemary sauce.  For the ones craving for a good burger, they have their own version of Baked Tofu Walnut Burger (p280).  It is huge served with salad, yogurt and sweet potato fries. Talk about mouth watering.

Bel Air, Makati City

All

All 

Experience different on 2010 Valentine's Day

Whether it was Hallmark who set the trend on celebrating Valentines or that cute chubby cherubim who struck most people's hearts, it is still adamantly one of the most celebrated event.

But it is such a headache to think about a special date.  Women wants flowers, chocolates, jewelries--the works.  Men most of the time give those mentioned above to make them happy.  We, women, love to be surprised by our pseudo knight in shining armor.  So get a little bit more creative!

Recession-wise, we don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money or go to high end places for Valentine's Day.  St. Valentine will not mind if you're a cheapskate anyway.

Food tripper at heart

 

These days, a food trip is one of the most fun leisures anyone can do.  How about going to UP Diliman for a change? For those who are cowboys, eating Isaw and Barbecue for P3 a stick is the real deal.  It's clean yet very cheap.  Then head off to the Coop to eat at Roddicks for their really good Tapa meal.  Afterwards, bring out your checkered red blanket and picnic basket filled with delectable desserts plus red or white wine.  It's perfect for the sunset at the sunken garden.

But if you want a more formal setting, try eating at Chateau Verde or Chocolate Kiss.  Chateau Verde has a rustic ambiance.  It's surroundings lush from various greeneries.  They have pastas, sea foods, meat, vegetables, cakes and wines.  They also have buffet for the weekend.  

 

 

Phone: 928-8180 or 927-3035
Address: Apacible St., (behind Health Service), UP Diliman

Chocolate Kiss is a good restaurant because of their delicious food.  Their pastas and rice meals are on the top of the list.  They have a lot of things going on for this month because it's Valentine's day and their 13th anniversary.

 

2nd Floor, UP Kiss Cafe | P175

Mon	Chicken Pastel
Tue	Kare-Kare
Wed	Stuffed Pork Chops
Thu	Shrimp Relleno
Fri	Seafood Paella

Served with Rice, Leche Flan and Iced Tea. P175

Happy 13th!

The Chocolate Kiss Cafe - UP
13th Anniversary Promo

Order 12 slices of Cake, Bottomless Iced Teas, House Specialties, or Pasta Dishes, and get your 13th FREE!

From February 1 - March 31, 2010 

Sunday Brunch Buffet

Finally!
A reason to wake up on Sunday!

Chocolate Kiss Cafe - Roces
9:00 am to 1:00pm

Regular prices: Full Buffet: P350
Kids' Buffet and Set Plates: P250

For inquiries and reservations, call 412.7876 

http://www.thechocolatekiss.com/index.html

Cruising together in Manila Bay

(photo courtesy of Skyscapercity)

The Manila Bay sunset is just utterly AMAZING.  I've seen it myself a lot of times and it's just fascinating. If you love the ocean and the sunset, a cruise is a great way to spend Valentine's Day.  

They have a buffet dinner with drinks for P 2,000 per hear on February 12, 13 or 14.  You may contact Raymond at 0917-5808800 for reservations because they are only accommodating few people.  This is to avoid a Titanic sinking ship situation perhaps.  Certainly, you wouldn't want that to happen on a romantic evening.

You can also inquire with Prestige Cruises.

Contact	Ms. Lara Barraza
Phone	Tel: 551-5290, 551-5291 / Fax: 832-8967 Mobile: (0927)555-5502
Address	Unit 1, CCP Bay Terminal, CCP Complex, Pasay City
Web site	http://www.manilabay.net

Fly high with the Valentine balloon

Ever wondered how the very cute chubby kid and temperamental grandpa felt like when they were way, way UP in the sky?  The 15th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is here again.   A wedding proposal perhaps while on board the hot air balloon?  

Below is the complete schedule from their official website.

February 11 THURSDAY	FIRST FIESTA DAY
	Philippine Army Flag Jump with Rondalla on Wheels	5:30-5:45AM
	Hot Air Balloon Flights	5:45-7:00AM
	Philippines/Thailand/Malaysia/Indonesia/UK Paragliding Exhibition	7:00-7:30AM
	ACFC Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights & Flour Bombing	7:30-8:30AM
	Meynard Halili / Bill Wright Aerobatic Air Show	8:30-9:00AM
	AFP / Civilian Skydiving Exhibition	9:00-9:30AM
	Radio-controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration	9:30-10:00AM
	AOPA-P Light Aircraft Balloon-Bursting Competition	10:00-11:00AM
	Kite Flying Exhibition	11:00-11:30AM
	Airlink/WCC/AAA/Omni/PPA/CA/Orient/Light Airplane Flyby	11:30-12:30PM
	Radio-controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration	12:30-1:00PM
	AFP / Civilian Skydiving Exhibition	1:00-1:30PM
	Light Airplane vs Car Race	1:30-2:00PM
	AOPA-P Light Aircraft Balloon-Bursting Competition	2:00-3:00PM
	PHILSCA Rocketry Demonstration	3:00-3:30PM
	ACFC Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights	3:30-4:00PM
	Meynard Halili / Bill Wright Aerobatic Air Show	4:00-5:00PM
	Philippines/Thailand/Malaysia/Indonesia/UK Paragliding Exhibition	5:00-5:30PM
	Hot Air Balloon Fly-In	5:30-6:00PM
February 12 FRIDAY	SECOND FIESTA DAY
	Philippine Army Flag Jump	5:30-5:45AM
	Hot Air Balloon Flights	5:45-7:00AM
	Philippines/Thailand/Malaysia/Indonesia/UK Paragliding Exhibition	7:00-7:30AM
	ACFC Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights & Flour Bombing	7:30-8:00AM
	Meynard Halili / Bill Wright Aerobatic Air Show	8:00-9:00AM
	Radio-controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration	9:00-9:30AM
	AFP / Civilian Skydiving Exhibition	9:30-10:00AM
	AOPA-P Light Aircraft Balloon-Bursting Competition	10:00-11:00AM
	Kite Flying Exhibition	11:00-11:30AM
	Airlink/WCC/AAA/Omni/PPA/CA/Orient/Light Airplane Flyby	11:30-12:00NN
	Winch-Launched Glider Demonstration	12:00-12:30PM
	AFP / Civilian Skydiving Exhibition	12:30-1:00PM
	AOPA-P Light Aircraft Balloon-Bursting Competition	1:00-2:00PM
	SIL Helio Courier Short Takeoff and Landing Demonstration	2:00-2:30PM
	Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Regional Summit	2:30-5:00PM
	Radio-controlled Aircraft Modeller Display	2:30-3:00PM
	PHILSCA Rocketry Demonstration	3:00-3:30PM
	ACFC Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights	3:30-4:00PM
	Bill Wright / Meynard Halili Aerobatic Air Show	4:00-5:00PM
	Philippines/Thailand/Malaysia/Indonesia/UK Paragliding Exhibition	5:00-5:30PM
	Hot Air Balloon Fly-In	5:30-6:00PM
February 13 SATURDAY	THIRD FIESTA DAY
	Philippine Army Flag Jump	5:20-5:30AM
	Hot Air Balloon Flights	5:30-7:00AM
	Candaba Birds Fly-in	5:30-7:00AM
	Philippines/Thailand/Malaysia/Indonesia/UK Paragliding Exhibition	7:00-7:30AM
	ACFC Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights & Flour Bombing	7:30-8:00AM
	AFP / Civilian Skydiving Exhibition	8:00-8:30AM
	Meynard Halili / Bill Wright Aerobatic Air Show	8:30-9:15AM
	Helicopter Flight Display	9:15-9:45AM
	AOPA-P Light Aircraft Balloon-Bursting Competition	9:45-10:45AM
	Philippine Coast Guard Rescue Demonstration	10:45-11:45AM
	Airlink/WCC/AAA/Omni/PPA/CA/Orient/Light Airplane Flyby	11:45-12:15PM
	Radio-controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration	12:15-12:45PM
	Winch-Launched Glider Demonstration	12:45-1:30PM
	Kite Flying Exhibition	1:30-2:00PM
	AOPA-P Light Aircraft Balloon-Bursting Competition	2:00-2:45PM
	AFP / Civilian Skydiving Exhibition	2:45-3:15PM
	CIAC Fire-fighting Demonstration	3:15-3:45PM
	Bill Wright / Meynard Halili Aerobatic Air Show	3:45-4:15PM
	ACFC Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights	4:15-4:30PM
	PHILSCA Rocketry Demonstration	4:30-5:00PM
	Philippines/Thailand/Malaysia/Indonesia/UK Paragliding Exhibition	5:00-5:30PM
	Hot Air Balloon Night Glow	5:30-6:00PM
February 14 SUNDAY	FOURTH FIESTA DAY
	Philippine Army Flag Jump	5:20-5:30AM
	Hot Air Balloon Flights	5:30-7:00AM
	Candaba Birds Fly-in	6:00AM
	Philippines/Thailand/Malaysia/Indonesia/UK Paragliding Exhibition	7:00-7:30AM
	ACFC Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights & Flour Bombing	7:30-8:00AM
	SIL Helio Courier Short Takeoff and Landing Demonstration	8:00-8:30AM
	Meynard Halili / Bill Wright Aerobatic Air Show	8:30-9:15AM
	Philippine Coast Guard Rescue Demonstration	9:15-10:00AM
	AOPA-P Light Aircraft Balloon-Bursting Competition	10:00-11:00AM
	CIAC Fire-Fighting Demonstration	11:00-11:30AM
	Pilot Proficiency Events Awarding Ceremonies	11:30-11:45PM
	Radio-controlled Model Aircraft Demonstration	11:45-12:00NN
	Winch-Launched Glider Demonstration	12:00-12:30PM
	AFP / Civilian Skydiving Exhibition	12:30-1:00PM
	Airlink/WCC/AAA/Omni/PPA/CA/Orient/Light Airplane Flyby	1:00-1:30PM
	Kite Flying Exhibition	1:30-2:30PM
	Valentine's Day Flower and Candy Drop	3:00-3:15PM
	AFP / Civilian Skydiving Exhibition	3:15-3:45PM
	ACFC Ultralight / Microlight Aircraft Formation Flights	3:45-4:15PM
	Meynard Halili / Bill Wright Aerobatic Air Show	4:15-5:00PM
	Philippines/Thailand/Malaysia/Indonesia/UK Paragliding Exhibition	5:00-5:30PM
	Hot Air Balloon Valentine's Night Glow	5:30-7:30PM
	Valentine's Day Fireworks	8:00PM

http://www.philballoonfest.net/

Flipping over FlapJacks

 

There has been an influx of food promos lately wherein expensive restaurant chains offer coupons that are sold around the price of P300++. It's a great deal since you get to eat a lot for the price of merely P500 for three dishes or more. 

Recently, I got to try FlapJacks. My mom bought a coupon promo from them that enabled us to buy one dish with another free dish. And so after a stressful day at work last week, I told her and our friend that I was treating them to FlapJacks. I needed comfort food.

We went to FlapJacks at the UP-Ayala Tech Hub. They have a nice interior. The colors are upbeat, perfect for my off mood. The interiors has a good blending of yellow, orange and violet decors. It definitely looks like your favorite family restaurant--and it has definitely been included in my favorite list of good dining places.

We ordered three dishes--Blueberry Pancakes, Barbecued Shrimp Skewer (P375)and Chicken Stuffed Parmigiana (P265). 

Blueberry Pancake

Their Blueberry Pancakes was just simply delish and heavenly! Nope, I'm not exaggerating. It was served slightly warm with whipped cream and blueberries on top. Upon taking a bite, the pancake was moist with butter and oozed on your mouth. It was better than Pancake House's pancakes.

Chicken Parmigiana (P265)

The Chicken Stuffed Parmigiana was my favorite. The chicken was stuffed with yummy cheddar cheese. The linguine pasta was al dente with delicious rich Marinara sauce. The Marinara sauce was not too sour. It was just a perfect blend of tomato, herbs and cheese.
 

 
Barbecued Shrimp Skewer (P375)

The Barbecued Shrimp Skewer was served with buttered veggies on the side and herb rice. The shrimps were quite fresh with tangy barbecue sauce. 

I paid only P555 including our Iced Teas. So the promo was pretty great. Nonetheless, with or without the promo, I would still eat there. So all in all FlapJacks deserved a good review. It got great food, great ambiance and good price.