Pino Resto + Bar Turns 1

Pino Restaurant in Makati City just celebrated its first anniversary and they are now introducing new dishes on their menu. Chef Edward, the force behind the restaurant enticed us with his creatively presented Filipino dishes.


FEU's The Next Big Sandwich Hit

Last October 17, Far Eastern University in cooperation with Gardenia held a cook-off between five teams from the university coming from a team of two who will prepare sandwiches embodying two themes from the following fun categories: Hell Week, Free Cut, Fuel Up and Good Morning. Of course, they will be using any two loaf variants from the wide array of selections from Gardenia. The five teams will battle it out for a chance to represent their school in the finale. 


FOOD FINDS: Oreo Cheesecake Cookie & Gavino's Mochi

A few days ago, daughter and I had a blast mall hopping. We also attended the Trade Fair showcasing products from Bicol. Got myself a miniature belen made from buri and some boxes made from abaca leaves.

Of course, mall hopping won't be complete without some food discovery.

Figaro's Oreo Cheesecake Cookie. What a mouthful- but so delish! I love that its sweet, sugary and cheesecake-y at the same time. Cost P62 for this big piece of love.  I want some milk with my cookie! Daughter opted to play safe and ordered two chocolate muffins- yum yum!


Gavino's. I've seen Gavino's a couple of times in the past but it was only a few days ago that we bought some. Actually, their donuts reminds me greatly of Pon de Ring.


We're supposed to get the donuts but saw these babies and bought them instead. Its mochi-donuts. You know, the hole-y part of the donuts. Got three flavors: Chocolate Hazelnut, Double Chocolate and Red Velvet.


Daughter was the one who chose Red Velvet since its her current food addiction- red velvet cake, red velvet cupcake, and now, red velvet mochi. Hahaha. What's next, red velvet cape or dress? Halloween! Anyways, the chocolate flavored mochis are good and chewy. Btw, Japanese donuts are chewy because they use a different type of flour. Also, donut mochi is different from a real mochi, okay? But the clear winner in the mochi flavors is the red velvet. Wow, so happy that daughter is red velvet-crazy. I love that it tasted like red velvet-y chewy and complete with the cheese-y frosting on top. Definitely going back to Gavino's to hoard red velvet mochis. And not only that, the mochis only cost P15 each. Coolness.

Masflex and Chef Gene Gonzalez Introduces KitchenPro

The rainy Wednesday afternoon didn't dampen our spirits as we all trouped to The Loft at The Manansala Tower in Rockwell Center to spend our afternoon with Masflex. Little did we know that we are in for a lot of nice surprises including some cooking lessons from reknowned Chef - Gene Gonzalez, the force behind Cafe Ysabel.

But first, allow me to tell you about the KitchenPro Culinary Knife Collection. These features eight types of essential knives, each with a different functional use depending on the type of food: the Paring Knife, Fillet Knife, Cleaver, Santoku, Serrated Knife, and Chef's Knife. And the nice thing about these knives is that Chef Gene Gonzalez and Maslex joined hands in creating them for us, Filipinos. Coincidentally, these knives are at par with the other famous brands that is being used by Chefs and culinary enthusiasts but is more competitively priced without sacrificing quality.


Yoshinoya Unveils Newly Renovated Restaurant

Yoshinoya- a favorite among foodies who loves Japanese food in the Philippines recently relaunched its branch located at the SM Megamall, ground floor of Bldg. A. The newly renovated restaurant opted for a simple elegance look with touches of colors here and there. Other Yoshinoya branches are currently undergoing renovations and improving their dishes that will cater to Filipinos penchant for Japanese food. 


Shown in photo during the opening festivities are (from left) Timothy James Yang, Yoshinoya Century Pacific, Inc. President and General Manager; Kiyoshi Takeuchi, Director, Japan Information and Cultural Center, Embassy of Japan; SM Megamall representatives (3rdand 4thfrom left); Richard Yang; and Ricardo Cepeda, movie actor and aspiring chef.




Finding The Right Mix

            Life is not as easy as it used to be and we now all find ourselves always trying to catch up with the pace of life. We often find ourselves attempting to balance our career, hobbies, relationships, and aspirations, but how do we know if we have the right mix? Sometimes we feel it in our gut, but other times, it’s our daily regimens that tell us if we have the right mix. If the day starts off smoothly, that’s an instant energy booster for us to get through anything. So, start your day right with Optimo’s 3+3 Coffee Mix.



Bounty Fresh, The Chicken Expert

For many years, Bounty Fresh Food, Inc. (BFFI) dedicated itself to providing Filipino families with fresh, all natural chicken products that will be truly loved regardless of reason or occasion. With a bevy of prestigious national and international awards in the poultry and livestock industry for product excellence coupled with exceptional consumer service, BFFI is truly the “chicken expert.”

From its early years, Bounty Fresh developed and introduced its own innovative and globally acceptable standards in raising poultry from farm to plate. It is the only poultry integrator to continuously innovate and invest in new systems and poultry technology. Before a Bounty Fresh Chicken product arrives in the kitchen, trust that it went through a stringent processing that guarantees only the freshest chicken available, giving customers real value for their money.

EVENT: MarQuee Mall's Big Bite, October 18-20

Ten Reasons You Can't Miss MarQuee Mall's Big Bite

Every foodie will have to mark their calendars for "Big Bite! The Northern Food Festival" from October 18-20 at MarQuee Park, Angeles City, Pampanga. Get your gang ready, grab a date, bring the whole family along or have the office sign up for a road trip. Big Bite! is the glorious Filipino food celebration that promises to surpass all food fests before it. And here are the reasons why:

1. It's the largest Northern Food Festival ever.
2. It's a food fiesta of regional cuisines in one location.
3. It's at the Philippines' culinary center.
4. It's at MarQuee Mall.
5. Food legends will take the stage.


Clubbing at Lunchtime

I was a guest at the Dell Latitude Series Launch last week and venue was at the K-Pub in BGC. I am not really familiar with the place but when I googled (yes, thanks to google) it, the venue is located in the old For Strip. Gosh! I feel so old. Seems like yesterday when we made the rounds of the restaurants/ clubs there and usually went home way beyond curfew time. And such fun we have not to mention also being able to fit in Rei's mini-car.


Ban Chan or the free pica-pica. Spicy dilis, spicy tofu and spicy pickled cucumber. I like the dilis and the cucumber best. The dilis was crispy, and the cucumber explodes in sweet, spicy and sour goodness.

Moms Brunch At Casa Roces

We (with JL and IL) haven't seen each other for quite sometime now that when IL texted us that she has a scheduled meeting with her daughter's adviser the following day and that she's available for breakfast.Chosen brekky place was in nearby Casa Roces, its just a short walk from where our kids go to school.


Christmas at Mariott Hotel Manila



As early as September 25, Mariott Manila already has a line-up of exciting Christmas goodies for everyone
and I had the chance to attend the preview and meet Executive Chef Meik and Chocolatier Chef Chris. It was a visual feast with lots of merriment and cheer included in each item.

Marquee Mall's Food Festival

MarQuee Mall presents grandest Northern Food Festival this October
            MarQuee Mall, Ayala Mall’s first dining, shopping and entertainment destination north of Manila presents “Big Bite!  The Northern Food Festival” at the MarQuee Park, Angeles City, Pampanga from October 18 to 20, 2013.
           

Big Bite! is a foodie’s dream come true with its huge outdoor food market featuring everything from cooked Filipino favorites to famous native delicacies and baked goodies, fresh fruits, vegetables and more.  The food festival showcases over 100 food stalls featuring the best food products from across the provinces of Pampanga, Bulacan, Ilocos, Baguio, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Bataan, Pangasinan, Cagayan and La Union.  It’s a culinary showdown of the most mouth-watering heritage cuisines from Northern Luzon.