Cake Decorating With Fondarific

Last September 25, I joined a group of homemakers and baking enthusiast at The Cookery in Kensington Place, BGC for an afternoon of fondant adventure. Fondarific and LorAnn products were used thanks to Bake Essence.


Culinary Institute of Aristocrat

Along with the Openrice.ph Team and another blogger, we got invited to observe an ongoing class at the Culinary Institute of Aristocrat in Malate. The culinary school is just at the back of Aristocrat Restaurant if you're wondering where its located.



Cheers To Megan Young, Miss World 2013

Congratulations to Megan Young for winning the Miss World 2013 Crown. We're so proud of you.


The Kitchen Goddess with Miss World 2013
photo taken at The Garage Ball 2013

FOOD FINDS: Dried Mango Chocolate

These lovelies came all the way from Cebu and lovingly hand-carried by a friend who indulges my foodie cravings. Actually, she is also a foodie-at-heart so she knows what its like to be on the lookout for new food products, delicacies, restaurants, etc. And since Cebu is known for its dried mangoes, there's a new craze in town and these are the chocolate covered dried mangoes. My friend got these from the airport before flying to Manila. Thanks much!


Filipino Cuisine at Sentro 1771

Lunch yesterday was at Sentro 1771 in Serendra. The restaurant has an array of mouth-watering Filipino dishes to offer including its famous Sinigang na Corned Beef that began the Filipino Cuisine evolution from traditional to modern. We dined at the Serendra branch yesterday to check out the new dishes on the menu and also got to meet Chef Vicky Pacheco. Wow!



FOOD FINDS: The Spreadables

I got these beauties from a friend who also happen to sell them. Actually, the curiosity bug bit me so I ordered all three. Not to mention that we still have a big bottle of Nutella, Crumpy, and Skippy at home.


Marshmallow Fluff. This one we opened first. I mean, who doesn't love marshmallow? Also, it reminded me of my favorite cake with marshmallow icing from the Chocolate Kiss Cafe- its called, Devil's Food Cake.


So here's the marshmallow fluff. Its really amazing because the bottle is so light weight but upon opening it, it expands like magic. Nice on cupcakes if you are in a hurry and have no time to make icing, frosting or whatever. We use it as pandesal spread, though. Hahaha. Its what we call, "sosy na pandesal." 


Lotus Cream Biscoff. This is the most popular among the three. At par with Trader Joe's Speculoos. Love at first bite but I wasn't able to taste this until after a few weeks since a cousin begged me to give her a bottle. Luckily, my friend has another bottle left (it sells fast) so I claimed it. Even daughter and hubby loves me. It tasted like cookies- Biscoff being a cookie brand that is usually served on airlines. I prefer mine with hot or warm bread such as "pandesal." Daughter like to use it on cookies, apples and bananas. Hubby prefers it on bread, like me.


This one we haven't opened yet. I'll post a review asap. Its just that we still have tons of spreads to finish. Goodbye, diet. ;)


Reasons To Dine At Clawdaddy Subic

Clawdaddy at the Harbor Point Mall in Subic will soon celebrate its 1st Year and to make the event more special, they came up with new dishes specially created for the Subic branch only. And to those who frequent Clawdaddy in Manila, there are so many interesting things and menu offerings here that you will hardly miss your fave restaurant in Manila.

I love the "diner" vibe of the resto as well as the color scheme. It's so vibrant but ruggedly classy as well. This is one resto wherein you won't feel intimidated.

PROMO: September and October Deals at The Hyatt

Steak-lovers, head off to The Fireplace at The Hyatt Regency Manila for your Mayura Wagyu fix and get 20% off. Call F&B Reservations at +632 245 1234.


The Aristocrat: An Affair To Remember

Last September 8, I joined a food tour organized by the Aristocrat Group and Openrice.Ph Team. We all met up early in the morning at The Aristocrat in Malate which is the main branch. This food tour excites me as I literally grew up eating at Aristocrat with every possible occasion that my family can think of. Sometimes during birthdays, Valentine's Day, Graduation Day (almost every year since my mother was a school teacher), after watching a show in CCP or MET, Sundays, or simply any day that my family had the urge to dine there.


Boodle Is More Fun In The Philippines

Today marks the 9th year of Seafood Island in the Philippines and what better way to celebrate with its very own National Boodle Day. For those who are wondering, Seafood Island was the one who popularized 'boodle" in the metropolis. Of course, this is not the usual "kamayan" but rather, a group "kamayan" of sorts. According to urbandictionary.com boodle originated from the military wherein it is called "the boodle fight or a military style of eating where long tables are prepared and food are on top of banana leaves. Viands and rice are ready to eat using your bare hands." 


FOOD FINDS: Trader Joe's Fig Butter + Real Dr.

I admit I joined the biscoff and peanut butter craze several months back but I haven't blogged about them. Maybe its because almost every blogger and everyone I know have been raving about this biscoff, this speculoos, this choco peanute butter, etc. That is until this bottle arrived at my house.

Trade Joe's Fig Butter. At first, I was hesitant to try this because I don't know what to expect. Also, the color doesn't look appetizing (dark brown jelly). But when I did taste it, thanks to a very hot pandesal --- WOW. For me this is better than the biscoff et al craze. Not too sweet also. And it tasted like "fig." But then, I haven't seen a fresh fig nor tasted one before this amazing bottle of goodness.


Oliva Bistro Cafe

One Saturday morning, I found myself having brunch at Oliva Bistro Cafe. I think I may have heard of this restaurant before but since I don't usually step beyond T.Morato and Timog when in Quezon City, it is only now that I was able to dine here. Thanks to my foodie friend for fetching me at home. And I can say that I'm amazed with this restaurant which is owned by an Indian Chef who married a Filipina.


Benito's Kitchen

Last Saturday, I attended a SEO Seminar and venue was in Benito's Kitchen along Katipunan near White Plains. It's my first time at this pizza place and I'm a bit curious too since there's not much oven-baked pizza around town. And I think that over-baked is healthier that the usual greasy pizza. ;)

Pizza Ala Coron. I love the thin crust and the toppings.


Spicy Chicken Wings.


Nachos. Its okay.


Carbonara. Yum! Except that I find it too pale. Maybe some parsley garnish next time?








Sawasdee, Thaipan

I've been hearing a lot of good reviews about this restaurant in Quezon City but since I live in Manila and doesn't frequent QC that much, it was only tonight that I was able to dine here. Thanking my lucky stars! :)

The restaurant opened its doors on September 28, 2010. It is owned by a group of friends who loves to travel, particularly in Asia. Also, there's no restaurant that specializes in Thai cuisine in the Scout Area back then so they chose that for the restaurant.


Proud Mommy

Just sharing my daughter's article about The Manila Collectible Co., which was published today (September 7) by Manila Bulletin's Fun Page Section. This is her second article for Fun Page. Congratulations, anak! You make us proud. :)




The Manila Collectible Co.,
Cabildo cor Beaterio Sts.,
Intramuros, Manila
(at the back of Manila Cathedral)
Tuesday - Sunday (10am- 630pm)

Taisho Ramen

Last Wednesday, I and some fellow foodies were invited to sample the ramen and other food offerings at TAISHO Ramen prior to its opening the following day at the Sky Garden, SM North. There seem to be a ramen-craze in the Metropolis lately or I should say, battle-of-the-ramen and that made me curious to try out the place.

The ramen house is very easy to find as its just near the entrance of The Block, and near the bridgeway towards Trinoma. Just look for the fountain.


Mr. Rockefeller

Had dinner here with my family, including a cousin and her family. But since it's my cousin who's picking the tab, I let her order for us (bad mistake!). Not that the food didn't taste nice but because she ordered the same meal for all of us. Oh my! So there's not much photos-- hahaha.


Balinese Feast At The Market Cafe

I just had a wonderful Balinese dinner at The Market Cafe, thanks to Chef Ni Made Sadnyani and Chef Kompyang Wikanta from Grand Hyatt Bali for preparing sumptuous Balinese dishes that has a touch of Indonesian, Chinese and Indian cuisine. This ten-day food festival at The Market Cafe will run from August 30 to September 8, dinners only and lunch and dinner on September 8.


Silver Anniversary

Twenty years ago, my mother and I had a special dinner at The Rigodon Ballroom of The Manila Peninsula. The event was the 43rd Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature.

And tonight, the 63rd winners of this Literary Award will be treated to a sumptuous dinner during the awarding ceremonies at The Rigodon Ballroom of The Manila Peninsula. Congratulations !!!

I can't wait for daughter to receive her own Palanca Award soon. :)