Quantcast
Channel: jin loves to eat
Viewing all 605 articles
Browse latest View live

JR and Kim's Wedding Ceremony

$
0
0

And finally, after 14 long years, he made her his wife.



 And it was the happiest day of JR's life



 Handsome thorn among the roses.
Our chinese-inspired gowns were by Mel Orlina.



Our pretty cousins Joyce, Justine and Jennifer



Dapper cousins Danny, Toby and Ryan



 Proud parents of the groom



 The groom



Dashing as ever



 Uncle Frank and Auntie Babie



Uncle Johnson and Auntie Beth



My nephew Ryan, the tallest ring bearer I have ever seen!



Not to be outdone in size, my niece Riyanne, also the biggest flower girl!



Parents of the bride



Maid of honor Diane. Gotta love that sweet smile! :P




 My favorite moment at every wedding, the bride's first step down the aisle ♥



Awww… Look at the big guy cry like a baby :)




Kim's parents joined her halfway down the aisle



 A loving hug before Uncle Simeon gave his eldest daughter away



 Giving her hand in marriage



 The new bride being welcomed by Dad and Mom



 So precious!



Too precious that our sister couldn't hold back her tears. She was practically bawling.



Tears flowed everywhere and from everyone's eyes



Pastor Jotham Villafranca officiated the wedding



And there was not a dull moment, especially during the exchange of vows.



"I vow to respect you as a whole person with your own interests, desires and needs. I promise to
accept you the way you are, even when you are at your most sungit days. Even when you do not
feel like it, I will tell you that you are beautiful, because you are and will always be in my eyes.
Today, you are the most beautiful that you have ever been. Sana araw-araw tayo ikasal."












"On the first day we met, you said, 'You are the one I will marry and I am very sure about that. 
I have never been so sure about anything in my life.' Honestly, I never took that seriously.
But months with you became years and years will now become forever. Thank you for 
keeping that promise, for one lifetime with you can never be enough."




We were laughing and crying, laughing and crying… But the most sentimental ones were
the fathers.


Just look at them. And look at the moms.








And look at this shot where Dad did not know whether to laugh or cry anymore. Hahahaha!



 A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, and always with the same person



 They have done it for 14 years and will continue to fall
over and over and over again.



 Sealing all the promises with a kiss



Congratulations to the newlyweds!!!






Principal Sponsors



Entourage



 Kim's Family



Our Family



Father's Side Family



Fatterside Family



Mr. and Mrs. Perez ♥


See related posts:

JR and Kim Prenup Photos

JR and Kim Wedding Preparation



JR and Kim's Wedding Reception

$
0
0

JR and Kim celebrated their wedding with an intimate reception last December 27 
at the Marriott Hotel Ballroom



Robert Blancaflor did an amazing job with the flowers. Each table was adorned
with a unique and simple but elegant centerpiece.



Except for the presidential table




 IT WAS A GARDEN!!!



A marvelous, bursting-with-colors one at that



With beautiful blooms cascading down the sides 



Double Happiness wedding cake



The newlyweds surprised the guests with a fun song number - 
Love is an Open Door from the movie Frozen



And with the sweetest kiss



Opening prayer by our pretty flower girl Riyanne



 More pretty girls



And handsome men



A rare get-together with father's side cousins. Many of them flew in for the happy occasion.



A family who kisses together, stays happily married forever.
The newlyweds with parents of the groom and parents of the bride.



Dinner was chinese food.
Disclaimer: Not my choice! Lol!

I have to say though, Marriott's Chinese Executive Chef Law Wui Wing did not disappoint.


Hot prawn salad with ripe mango



Peking duck



 Sauteed scallops with asparagus in XO sauce



Braised fish lip soup with dried scallops and sea cucumber 



Steamed live garoupa



 Spare ribs with fresh strawberries in mandarin sauce



Braised e-fu noodles with assorted meats and vegetables


I wasn't able to take photos of all the dishes because, for once in my life, my attention was not on the food.

The speeches were all so moving, leaving me a happy emotional wreck.

Thankfully, Metrophoto captured everything. 



Our sister Jerrilyn being overly emotional for the 1000th time that day



Meme, as we fondly call her, lives all the way in Virginia with her family and we miss her everyday



Another wreck



Time for some laughs! Wives competed to plant as many kisses on their husbands' underpants.



And the naughtiest girl won!



 Congratulations, Jill and her very lucky husband Danny! :P



Cake-cutting



Toasting to a future together



JR surprised everyone a second time with another song



WATCH!!! 



Look at his girlfriend of 14 years, in love na in love parin!



And his best man Danny cheered for him the loudest



The couple saying their thank you's. So much raw, beautiful emotions. So much heart.



Of course, it called for another heavy drama moment



For the finale, JR sang Dad's signature song - New York, New York



Dad joined him on stage



 Father's side family



Fatterside family



Father's side cousins



Fatterside cousins



With Auntie Vangie and Uncle Pat who flew in all the way from LA



This photo booth backdrop was my favorite. It was oozing old Shanghai!



Mom and Dad



 Meme and Ryan



 Ahia Emil and I
No kissing because, for the nth time, we are cousins!!! :D



Guests happily took home the gorgeous flowers



They were just too pretty it was a shame to leave them behind



Guess who brought home the botanical garden? Hahahaha!



Congratulations, JR and Kim!!!



 The Entourage



Kim's family



 Our family finally complete ♥


See related posts:


Ceremony and Reception Venue: Marriott Hotel Manila
Photographer: Metrophoto
Videographer: Treehouse Story Films
Bridal and Entourage Gowns: Mel Orlina
Flowers and Styling: Robert Blancaflor
Hair and Make Up: Dior Co
Wedding Coordinator: Christine Ong-Te
Event Host: Atom Ungson


Ming Kee ♥ ♥ ♥

$
0
0

It's been ages since I blogged about a local restaurant. I've eaten in so many places old and new I don't know where to begin anymore. So I thought I'd just start by writing about this place I have frequented lately - three times of chinese food in 30 days is very uncommon for a person who is not the biggest fan of the cuisine = Me!


Although I've never come across it in my Singapore trips, Ming Kee is a franchise
 from the Lion City



It serves southern chinese cuisine and is most popular for its live seafood dishes



This greets you as you walk into the building. I find it rather unattractive, but it is
always good to see the kitchen clean and orderly.



You can climb the stairs or take this elevator up to the higher floors. 
There are four levels in total, the highest floor houses the private rooms.



Dining area



Booth seats overlooking Makati Avenue



Pickled fruits and veggies



Ming Kee uses tablets for order-taking. And look, they have a website, too! 



Disclaimer: We are a big group, hence the number of orders. (Just saying!)



To make life easy for you, I am going to file the dishes into three categories.


MUST ORDER:


1. Crab Beehoon
Really, just trust me on this. If you are more than four people, order two.



2. Sambal Clams - the spicier the better



4. Sambal Kangkong - vegetables for a balanced meal



4. Sambal Fried Rice - carbs that are worth it



IF STILL HUNGRY:


1. Roast Duck



2. Ming Kee Homemade Tofu



3. Oyster Omelette



4. Teocheow Style Garoupa - just make sure they do not overcook it like they did ours



SKIP EVEN IF HUNGRY:


1. Suckling Pig



Delicious in photos, but terribly lacking in flavor



2. Honey BBQ Pork



3. Teocheow Style Beancurd



I had this Yam Paste dessert twice in the last month. They served it like this the
first time and it was the weirdest-tasting thing ever. On my last visit, they prepared
it differently, mashing the taro over fire tableside, creating a thick, delicious paste. 
Taro lovers, make sure you ask them to do the same.



Last women standing



Ming Kee: 7852 Makati Avenue, Poblacion, Makati (Across Berjaya Hotel)
Tel: +632 893 4533

Ming Kee Website


Ming Kee, Revisited ♥ ♥

$
0
0



Service was excruciatingly slooooowwwww on my second time at Ming Kee. 

Our first few dishes arrived relatively fast, but once the restaurant started to fill up, it took 20 minutes for our server to come back and inform us that the cereal prawn dish we ordered was not available. Hello???!!

We were already very lucky because people from the other table complained their food never came!

Apparently, something went wrong with Ming Kee's POS system that evening and the kitchen was not receiving the orders that were being punched in. 

Still, not an excuse, and worse, the manager seemed unapologetic, even advising us not to come during weekends because it can get crazy. What a considerate sweetheart! Lol. I guess she was replaced because I didn't see her on my third visit. Whew.

If you read my first post on Ming Kee, please add these next two dishes to the "must order" list:


1. Crispy Fish Skin - like eating chicharon but without the guilt



2. Beef Hofan - so tasty and almost as good as the ones in Hong Kong and Taiwan




We also had my other favorites:


Sambal Clams - as fresh, plump and juicy as I remember



Sambal Fried Rice - spicier this time. I need white rice with my fried rice.



Oyster Omelette



Ming Kee Homemade Tofu - this time served in a clay pot over fire 


You see, the only consistent thing at Ming Kee is inconsistency. Lol.

And the Crab Beehoon.


This will forever be the star at Ming Kee. I dream about going to the restaurant alone so I do
not have to share this baby with anyone else. One day soon it will be just you and me. ♥



I know I said in my last post to skip the suckling pig



After a second try, I say it again, and with much conviction this time. 
SKIP THE SUCKLING PIG.



And the Honey BBQ Pork. This was a complimentary plate given to all tables that evening.
The meat was so tough it was like eating pork jerky. :P



Good thing Nicole brought this pack of american-style biscotti which we happily munched on
 while waiting for our dessert. It was sooooo buttery and heavenly and extremely addictive. 
Guess who brought home another pack? Thanks so much, Nicole! It was gone the same night! :D



The Lychee Pudding looked like a disaster but tasted quite lovely



Anyway, if you are in Ming Kee, look for this guy Ivan, the chef, co-owner and the
only one who seems to be able to make decisions. When we gave him feedback on the
super slow service, he whipped up a plate of cereal prawns for us almost immediately.



They were out of prawns so he used suahe for this one. We believe he used crushed barquillos
as cereal and it was delicious!



Good food, terrible service, but the company greatly made up for it. Always a riot with
these ladies - Nicole, Tippi, Ana, and the VERY demure and soft-spoken Angelette!


See my previous Ming Kee post here.

Ming Kee: 7852 Makati Avenue, Poblacion, Makati (Across Berjaya Hotel)
Tel: +632 893 4533

Ming Kee Website


Ming Kee, A Third Time ♥ ♥ ♥

$
0
0

Back at Ming Kee and this time with my family for our Sunday dinner.


I spy more live seafood this time (they ran out last visit!)



Oysters and clams



Sea mantis, lobster, garoupa



Complimentary pickles



Your eyes are probably bleeding after seeing repeat dishes from my Ming Kee posts, but I ordered the same stuff again this time because I was with MK virgins and wanted them to try my favorites.


Crispy Fish Skin



Ming Kee Homemade Tofu



Oyster Omelette



Sambal Clams



Tip: Dip crispy fish skin in sambal sauce



Crab Beehoon. Always a must!



Sometimes they give you a bowl of tea for cleaning your fingers. Sometimes they don't. Ask for it!




Tried a couple new dishes, too.


Guiness Beer Pork Ribs



Seafood Hofan - texture of the noodles was different this time. The management said they
changed suppliers but will work to get the old one back. Anyway, go for the beef!



Poached apple - zzzzzzz



Lychee pudding - quite delightful if you can get past the deformity. Lol.



I am so glad Mom insisted we order the Yam Paste dessert. They serve it differently now, 
mashing the taro over fire until smooth and creamy.



Not like the very first time I had it. Bleck!!!



Next time I will ask them to replace the pumpkin with more taro. All taro lovers should do the same. ;)



My Sunday Crew ♥


See my previous Ming Kee posts:


Ming Kee: 7852 Makati Avenue, Poblacion, Makati (Across Berjaya Hotel)
Tel: +632 893 4533

Ming Kee Website


Smith Butcher and Grill Room ♥ ♥

$
0
0

I don't know how this steak place escaped me. The staff said Smith Butcher and Grill Room
 has been open since March. Hidden behind the parking lot and with no signage at all, 
it certainly does not want to be found. I must admit I love it for that.



The Bar



Wine nook



Deli



Steak Room



Everything at Smith screams steak, including the couches!



More seating



Semi-open kitchen



What a pleasant surprise to see Chef Steven Scudder, formerly of Bistro Mondo, at its helm



It was a bit chilly at our table and the kind staff at Smith handed us shawls to keep us warm



And this bottle of Layer Cake kept us even warmer. 
I really enjoyed the chocolate and black currant flavors of this California wine.



Complimentary snack of oyster rockefeller



Big Eye Tuna Poke



Big chunks of local tuna tossed in a mixture of wasabi, calamansi and avocado, and topped 
with caviar. A nice way to start our meat-laden dinner.



A Little "Cheeky" - a cheeky name for my favorite non-steak dish of the night. 
Braised veal cheeks open ravioli stewed in shiraz with mushrooms and wild spinach.



The meat was exceptionally tender and oh so flavorful! 



And then, the main event. A platter of steaks from different countries.



Charolais filet mignon, chilled and air flown from France




Matsuzaka beef, chilled and flown in direct from Japan



Grass-fed, 45-day dry aged sirloin from Ireland



The steaks come with your choice of sauces. I like mine as it is,
or sometimes with a dab of mustard or horseradish



Choose your weapon



This reminds me of The Steak House at The Intercontinental Hong Kong, where diners are
asked to choose from the handsome selection of knives, pretty-colored sea salts, and the 
biggest collection of mustards I have ever seen. Check out my post here.



The French steak was the leanest and most tender, the kind that I don't really care for. 



The Matsuzaka needs no introduction. You know how much I loooooove fatty Japanese beef.
Can't have too much of it, but I'll have it every chance I get. Lol. I just wish the kitchen grilled
the steak over higher heat to bring out more of that precious flavor.



The Irish steak was the biggest surprise. I'd never had it before Smith and it tasted beefy
and macho, the kind of steak I imagine Channing Tatum would love. Of course, like me, 
Channing would have wanted it a little more bloody. 



Our healthy friend Marco had the chargrilled Norwegian king salmon and was quite happy with it.



However hungry you still are, I advise against ordering the plateau de fruits de mer



It had (previously frozen) lobster, tuna sashimi, a teaspoon of oscietra caviar and a lot of ice



Oysters, mussels, tiger prawns



At P2,800, you are better off ordering another steak



Or four of the Smith Burger
"Toasted British bap, with gooey melted mature cheddar, sharp and English just like my nature, caramelized maui onions, sweet, tart and sticky, and of course premium selected hand cut aged 
beef ground with just the amount of fat for full flavor, sun ripened tomato from local farms, 
and our secret sauce." - SMITH



It was good burger. If it came with blue cheese, I would be back for it often. 



We had two desserts which you can skip.


Belgian white chocolate macadamia cheesecake



White, milk and dark chocolate mousse with wild strawberries

Both forgettable.



Smith is still on its soft opening stage and I see a lot of potential. 
I love the concept and ambiance, the meats are good quality and the service thoughtful, 
but there is still a lot of room for improvement. Most importantly, it needs better desserts. 



I will be back and next time I'll come with a group and reserve this space. I get some sort 
of cheap thrill knowing the cows are watching while I eat my beef.  



Smith Butcher and Grill Room: ACI Building, 147 H.V. Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Tel: +63927-3759467, +63915-4295167

Smith Butcher and Grill Room Website
Smith Butcher and Grill Room Facebook Page
Smith Butcher and Grill Room Instagram


Hong Kong Eat List

$
0
0

EAT LIST
Where to eat the next time you are in Hong Kong

Published on Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, July 2, 2015


In my iPhone notes I keep a catalog of my favorite restaurants in the cities I frequent. My Hong Kong list has remained the same over the last year (Mott 32, Ronin, Liberty Private Works, Lung King Heen, Tate, Carbone…) until the past weekend when I flew to the gastronomic capital of Asia for a quick trip with the parents. I happily added three new restaurants to the precious list.

You see, my folks are not huge fans of western food, especially those that look like miniature artworks on a plate. Their idea of a good meal consists of roasted meats (plenty of them and preferably served with innards), braised abalone, sea cucumber, shad fish, and a thick almond cream with egg white for dessert. So when I announced that we will be celebrating Father’s Day at Serge et le Phoque, disappointment was written all over their faces.



Serge et le Phoque



The French restaurant was located right beside the Wanchai Market. We walked past it a couple of times before we finally found the entrance (tip: look for the row of colorful chairs). Mom kind of freaked out when she was told the restroom was outside at the parking lot next door, but as soon as we were seated and served the first dish of crispy white bait with seaweed flakes, I knew I made the right decision. Chef Frédéric Peneau, formerly of Le Chateaubriand, and Chef Christophe Pelé, formerly of La Bigarrade in Paris, served a fun and unpretentious 7-course menu starting with a frozen ceviche of oyster with coconut milk and fresh raspberry, followed by tasty frog legs in tamarind sauce. It was my first time to have yellowtail sashimi with peanuts and fresh peach, and what a revelation! 


Yellowtail sashimi, peach, peanuts, sea grape, black garlic, squid ink



Grilled scallop was served on a velvety cauliflower puree and sprinkled with matcha powder, the almost-raw-the-way-I-like-it mackerel was complemented with smoked eggplant topped with seaweed and sesame seeds, and my favorite course, the pigeon, was cooked so masterfully with its skin all crisped up yet its meat remained red, moist and tender. The gamey bird was served with blackberries and in a pool of sauce made with its own liver. Killer. 


French pigeon, beetroot, blackberry, pigeon liver sauce



Serge et le Phoque surprised us dish after dish after dish, but nothing could have prepared me for the desserts. The unassuming pot of lemon cream blew me away. It was the lightest in texture, like clouds, but packed a punch of tangy, citrusy, milky flavors. The painfully plain-looking chocolate tart was the smoothest, deepest dark chocolate dessert, and it was playfully sprinkled with you’d never guess - kiamoy crumbles!!! It was a perfect meal from start to finish, and my only complaint was the kitchen forgot my request to write a Happy Father’s Day greeting on the dessert, although I could see from my dad’s face and bulging stomach that he had a fantastic one.


Dark chocolate tart 



The next day I brought the parents to have something they both love – Cantonese cuisine. Seventh Son Restaurant is the successful attempt by the seventh son (surprise, surprise!) of the famous Fook Lam Moon family to branch out on his own.


Seventh Son Restaurant



It was comforting to be back in a traditional chinese restaurant setting with tasteful, no-frills interiors and good old charsiu – no iberico pork or ultra chic bathrooms, which I both adore, by the way. We enjoyed barbecued pork and a plate of honey glazed chicken liver before we moved on to two of the most exquisite dimsum dishes I’ve had in a while - steamed fish tripe and steamed tofu skin roll stuffed with roast duck and vegetables.


Steamed tofu skin roll stuffed with roast duck and vegetables



The goose web was cooked expertly with Japanese tofu and crisp vegetables in a rich and tasty thick brown sauce. The signature stuffed crab was pregnant with generous chunks of crab meat sautéed with sweet onions. 


Stuffed crab



I drooled over other tables’ orders of whole suckling pigs and made a mental note to come back with a bigger group, there was only so much three people with huge appetites could eat. Our desserts of malay sponge cake, almond cream with egg white, and walnut soup were among the best we’ve had. Every dish at Seventh Son was carefully prepared, the ingredients fresh, and the service exemplary. The parents were delighted. So was I.


Suckling pig



Yat Lok’s roast goose proved to be the biggest surprise of the trip. I wasn’t expecting much from the tiny Hong Kong style eatery. We arrived before noon and were seated immediately.


Colorful chopsticks at Yat Lok and my HK style milk tea



Sexy roast geese hung from the open kitchen, and beside it were buckets of used plastic spoons and chopsticks ready for dishwashing. If you do not mind this view, hurried service, cramped and communal seating, a meal at Yat Lok is a must.


Sexy geese



 My roast goose and charsiu rice combo



I don’t care if you order it with rice or noodles, just order the drumstick, not the breast part, not the chasiu nor roast pork, just the roast goose leg with skin that glistens, and meat that is flavorful and succulent and almost falls off the bone. Go early to avoid the queue that was forming when we left with happy bellies at half past noon.


Yat Lok at 12:30pm




Serge et le Phoque is located at 3 Wanchai Road, Hong Kong. Tel: +852 5465 2000.

Seventh Son is at the 5th and 6th floors of Kwan Chart Tower, 6 Tonnochy Road, Wanchai. Tel: +852 2892 2888.

Yat Lok is at 34-36 Stanley Street, Hong Kong. Tel: +852 2524 3882.


Home Hotel Daan ♥ ♥ ♥

$
0
0

Home Hotel Daan was in its early months of operations during our stay. Honestly, I was a bit
 hesitant because it was so new I could not find any reviews online. Plus, I thought the name 
"Home Hotel" sounded a little funny. 



But all that uncertainty disappeared once the huge wooden door slid open and welcomed us
into this bright and cheery space. I loved it the moment I set foot in it.



"Welcome Home," the wall greeted us. Then everything at Home Hotel began to make sense.



Reception is at the 5th floor and check-in time is at 2:00pm, but the hotel staff was so nice
to let us into our rooms when we arrived before noon.



It is called Home Hotel because it champions homegrown artists and designers. 
Everything here is proudly MIT or Made in Taiwan



From this vertical garden display rack...



Down to the furnitures, flowers, magazines, and throw pillows



I wanted to take these home!



My favorite piece of furniture is this chair. What genius play on marble, wood, and leather!



Not your usual hotel lighting fixture. Those are lightbulbs inside the deer!



A fireplace which is not really necessary in the current Taipei heat, but will be comforting
 during chilly winter months



Computers free for hotel guests to use



The keycard bears the nicest message - No place like HOME ♥



Another heart-warming greeting when the elevator doors opened on our floor. 
Love begins at HOME. ♥



 Hallway to the rooms



Our Standard Marvelous Room



The design is warm and cozy, simple yet tasteful. Every night we slept like babies in our beds.



No to boring hotel room furnitures! Each piece at Home Hotel is an artwork.



Including the notepad and tissue paper holders



The desk lamp is simple yet so stylish



My bedside table light, called The Home Lamp by Taiwanese designer Tony Yu, is made from 
a whole-cut trunk of Taiwania Justo from the Taiwan aboriginal tribes. This part of the tree is 
actually a refused piece that is considered junk, and look what beauty came out of it! 
The stainless steel triangle represents the traditional aboriginal rhombus symbol, and together
these two elements bring a design with form, functionality, and very special meaning.



Robes and in-room safe



The cutest shopping bag. I admit I took home quite a few pieces. :P



Drip coffee, tea set, and the most adorable coffee mugs. These are designed by FRANQ
and can be purchased at the hotel lobby. Edison gifted me with the bear. Thank you! :)



Now you see the sunken shower from the work table...



And now you don't!



The bathroom uses shiny gold fixtures



Toiletries include toothbrush, comb, razor, shower cap, cotton kit, and cypress essential oils soap



Shampoo, conditioner and body wash by Cha Tzu Tang in very special scents like lotus leaf,
 marigold, and mulberry. These made me so excited for bath time everyday!



You can opt to shower in private



Or with the view of Taipei skyline. 
I adore the happy, colorful tiles, but wish the water pressure were a little stronger.



Balcony with the chicest wooden rocking chair, another amazing design by Taiwanese talent



Coffee, mornings, and me :)



I appreciate the separate toilet which allowed me to do my personal "business" while my
roommate Sheryl used the shower



I don't really like sharing bathroom spaces so this second sink is perfect



Another wonderful thing I need to mention about our room is the presence of electrical outlets 
everywhere. This is very important to me because I bring so many devices when I travel (mobile
phone, camera, multiple powerbanks, pocket wifi, etc), and now I can even charge while 
conducting very important business on the bathroom throne. Lol.



Our room came with breakfast at the hotel restaurant Fancalay 



Cold cuts, salad and fruits



Breads and cereals



Congee, coffee and tea



I can't get over how beautiful these coffee mugs are!



Aside from the buffet spread, you get a plate of bacon, ham, sausage and hash brown with 
your choice of egg



Always soft-scrambled for me



Remember the Cha Tzu Tang toiletries I so enjoyed in the shower? Good news! 
They sell them at the lobby!



Each product is special and unique, and don't you just love the packaging? 
This one is cucumber honey body lotion. They have many other chinese-inspired scents 
like lotus leaf, rosskastanie, mulberry, and marigold



These travel sets make the perfect gifts to family and friends back home



Another bonus is the hotel location. Home Hotel is right smack in the middle of Daan District, 
close to two Sogo Department Stores where you can go crazy with food pasalubong shopping, then
enjoy a meal at the xiao long bao institution Ding Tai Fung. There is also a Family Mart right beside
the building, meaning 24 hours of tea eggs, milk teas, and other Taiwanese snacks enjoyment.



That's Sogo in the far right, and directly below it is the Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station
which connects you to all other areas of Taipei. It's a short 5-minute walk away.



You will be eating A LOT in this city, so the Yoga studio across the hotel will save your life. :P



I truly enjoyed our stay at Home Hotel Daan. The room is cozy and comfortable, the atmosphere welcoming, and most importantly, the service is warm and genuine. Dison and Michelle at the reception helped me with our restaurant reservations and sent me updates through Line. 


He was such a pooh bear who always made us feel we were coming home to Home.


I whole-heartely recommend Home Hotel for your next Taipei tip, and for the best deals, book through Agoda.


Home Hotel Daan: No. 219-2 Fuxing South Road, Section 1, Daan District, Taipei, Taiwan
Tel: +886 2 8773 6333



To book Home Hotel Daan through Agoda, click here.



Seville Favorites ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

$
0
0

Published on Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, July 9, 2015



The more I travel, the more I realize I am truly an old soul who loves old music and old towns. I spent one month touring Spain, hitting the Andalusian region, the Basque Country, cities both big and small. And yes, I ate my way shamelessly around in each of them, averaging three to four meals a day, sneaking in little snacks here and there.

The number one question people ask, aside from “what was the best meal of the trip?” is “what is your favorite destination in Spain?” It is Seville, the most charming and laidback of them all.



Me in front of the Alcazar of Seville



This southern city in Spain is not necessarily my first choice for unparalleled gastronomic experience—that spot is reserved for San Sebastian—but I had unforgettable meals in its old towns that boast of beautiful architecture, narrow cobblestoned alleyways, horse-drawn carriages, and sweet-smelling oranges. I love Seville and its food with all my heart.

After dropping my bags off at the hotel following a long-haul flight from Manila and a train ride from Madrid (with a quick stop at San Ginés for some churros con chocolate), I literally ran to conTenedor to make it to my 4 p.m. lunch reservation.



Pots and pans hanging from the ceiling at conTenedor



A friendly server led me through the bright, colorful, quirky restaurant and seated me at a table with Tiffany blue paint. Ordering was a breeze as I already knew what I wanted. I pointed to two items on the handwritten chalkboard. It was my first time in Spain, but I understood clearly what I needed to survive. At that moment, it was tartar de salmon con mango, aguacate y ajoblanco de anacardos, and arroz negro crujiente de calamar y alioli.


Salmon Mango Tartare


The salmon mango tartare was incredibly fresh and sat on an irresistible almond and garlic cream, topped with crisp, peppery arugula. I finished this in no time and used the bread to mop up every last drop of the ajoblanco. The flavorful squid ink rice had crispy bits of grains in it, crowned with tender calamari strips. 


Arroz Negra 


My poor stomach was ready to explode after that, but I saw the magic word when my server handed me the dessert menu—tiramisu. The sweet mascarpone was as heavenly as it looked. I had absolutely no regrets polishing off the whole plate. It was a perfect first meal that kept me full and satisfied throughout the most intense and passionate flamenco performance I enjoyed that evening.


The next day, after a whole morning of sightseeing around the magnificent, every-corner-is-picture-perfect Royal Alcazar, I was ready for a big lunch at La Azotea. Starved to death by the time the restaurant opened at 1:15 p.m., I exercised great control not to order the entire menu. I started with homemade foie gras served with soy crunchies and orange jam that Seville was famous for. Then, octopus on potato puree, followed by probably the most delicious potato salad I have ever had, speckled with smoked fish and capers. 



Homemade foie gras with orange jam at La Azotea



Pulpo



I would skip the cheese and prawn triangles next time so I could have two servings of the amazingly tender Iberico pork cheek, cooked in red wine and topped with goat cheese gratin. Or three.


Potato salad, Iberico pork cheek, cheese and prawn triangles



Light dinner was jamon bellota, sausage cooked in white wine, baby squid in its own ink, albondigas, and queso Viejo de Zamora at Casa Morales. I wanted to try more tapas except it was standing room only and my feet were killing me after touring the biggest gothic cathedral in the world and crossing over to see the other side of the Guadalquivir River. I slept very soundly after two glasses of Ribera del Duero.


Casa Morales



Tapas dinner of sausage cooked in white wine, jamon bellota, 
baby squid in squid ink, and a glass of local wine



Lunch the following day was at the popular Eslava, which, save for the expertly grilled razor clams, proved to be rather underwhelming. Still, I was glad I went because it was there that I met the friendly local who tipped me about La Brunilda. I canceled my original booking for dinner and proceeded to have what turned out to be my best meal in Seville. 


La Brunilda


The portions at this tapas restaurant were generous, so generous I thought I would not be able to finish the mountain of tuna tataki on my plate, but I did, effortlessly, down to the last grain of couscous. I even ordered another heaping plate of beef tenderloin because the waiter promised it was not to be missed. He was right. Had I known about this gem at the start of my trip, I would have gone back, again and again, to try every dish on the menu. 



Tuna tataki



Beef tenderloin and roasted potatoes


As it was, it was my last night and I capped dinner off with a slice of sweet, moist carrot cake. La Brunilda will certainly be my first stop next time I visit my favorite Spanish city.



conTenedor is located at Calle San Luis, 50, Seville, Spain. Tel: +34 954916333.

La Azotea is at Calle Mateos Gago, 8, Seville, Spain. Tel:+34 954215878.

Casa Morales is at Calle Garcia de Vinuesa, 11, Seville, Spain, Tel: +34 954221242.

La Brunilda is at Calle Galera, 5, Seville, Spain. Tel: +34 954220481.

Costa Coffee

$
0
0

I live in the south and you all know it takes A LOT to tempt me to go past Makati. 

But one fine Tuesday, I made it to Eastwood.


Only coffee from London possesses that power over me



I was not surprised to see half of Quezon City in Costa Coffee. After all, it is the newest
concept to arrive in our shores and did I mention it is also UK's #1 coffee chain?



 Costa Coffee promises fresh brew all day every day



Coffee beans are roasted and shipped all the way from London.
In this bag is the famous Mocha Italia, a unique blend of arabica and robusta that combines 
sweetness, bitterness and the body needed to make a good, strong cup of joe.



 While I took photos of this lean and mean caffeine machine, the barista proudly pointed out that
 it is THE coffee machine of all coffee machines, even describing it as "The Jaguar." Ooh la la.



There are cakes and sandwiches on display



Salads, too. But I did not travel all the way here to eat like a goat.



 I placed my orders and went up to the second floor because "the best seating is upstairs,"
according to the wall.



What I saw made me smile



I totally did not expect this cuteness. Costa Coffee succeeded in creating a fun and homey, 
cheerful and cozy place for its diners.



And I was pretty sure this little nook was designed for me



See? Perfect fit! 
Except the table was too small for everything I ordered.



Since I crossed continents to get to Costa, I did not shy away from pointing at every interesting thing on the menu. 


 Tuna with Sea Salt and Italian Vinegar Cucumber on Ciabatta



Melted Swiss Cheese with Mushrooms on Flatbread 



BBQ Pork Loin in Ham & Cheese Panini. I enjoyed this the most.
Do you see the extra layer of cheese on top of the bread?



Being the dessert monster that I am, I ordered double the amount of sweets, of course!


Freshly baked cookies: Belgian Chocolate Chip, Salted Caramel Chip, Oatmeal Raisin



The Sinful Cake, which, in my honest opinion, needed more wickedness.



I finished this light, sweet and creamy Oreo Cheesecake in no time. This was my favorite thing
 to bake when I was younger and every bite brought back happy childhood memories.



 The coffee at Costa will always be the star. My cappuccino was smooth and velvety.



 And the Flat White was one of the best ones I've had recently. The coffee melded seamlessly
with the milk yet retained the depth of flavor of the roast. 
Yes, I needed two cups to wash down the army of cookies and cakes.



I swear this poor guy lost a few pounds watching me eat! Hahaha!
Mark Shofield came all the way from London to train the Costa Philippines Team and I must say he 
did an excellent job. The service was warm and friendly, and my coffees perfectly balanced.



 Businesses don't make great coffee. People do.
I wholeheartedly agree!



The closest to London I can get for now… That is, until Costa Coffee opens its second branch
in Robinsons Manila this July 31. Finally, much closer to me!


Costa Coffee: Citywalk 1, Eastwood Mall, Quezon City

Costa Coffee Website
Costa Coffee Facebook Page
Instagram: @costacoffeeph


Jonathan Phang's Gourmet Train

$
0
0

There is something novel about eating in a moving vehicle. I cannot go on a road trip without bringing snacks to munch on while we speed through the highways, I look forward to inflight meals with some wine and chocolates, but my favorite of all is enjoying a big dinner inside a train. I think trains are the most charming mode of transportation.

Earlier this year, I had a grand time traveling around Spain on the Renfe.


AVE train from Madrid to Seville



I had a few good meals in them, too, mostly sandwiches stuffed with jamon iberico de bellota


I do not like to complain, but these amazing jamon-filled sandwiches are a far cry from what you get on Jonathan Phang's Gourmet Train.



And just look at the elegant train interiors that scream old-world opulence. Every gentleman 
was in a handsome suit, every table covered in white linen, and every glass filled with good wine. 



Recently, the Chinese-Caribbean chef traveled on the Eastern and Oriental Express on a gastronomic journey through Singapore, Malaysia and Bangkok, visiting markets, sourcing ingredients, and preparing a dinner feast for fellow travelers.



Jonathan Phang ready to board the Eastern and Oriental Express for the three-day two-night 
gastronomic journey



Very early the next morning, he visited the Kuala Kangsar Market to shop for ingredients.
This morning market is bustling with vendors selling all kinds of fresh poultry, seafoods, fruits 
and vegetables.



Jonathan with Eastern and Oriental Express Executive Chef Yannis Martineau 
personally picking out fresh produce to use for the special dinner. I was told they bought
 long beans, coriander, other leafy vegetables, plus a few local limes to use for dessert. 



While everybody else was enjoying some music and entertainment at the train's piano bar, the chef
busied himself in the kitchen. I can't wait to show you the dishes he prepared! It seemed impossible
to do it in the cramped kitchen in a moving locomotive, but he did it masterfully. 



Okay, maybe just a little sneak peek…





Watch out for the full 5-course meal tomorrow!

Catch Jonathan Phang's Gourmet Train 2 on Asian Food Channel, Sundays 3pm and 10pm.


Asian Food Channel Website

Jonathan Phang Official Website

Jonathan Phang's Gourmet Train Facebook Page


Jonathan Phang's 5-Course Dinner on Gourmet Trains

$
0
0



As promised, here is the 5-course meal that Jonathan Phang served on the Eastern and Oriental Express that I wrote about here.

The dishes he lovingly prepared onboard were Caribbean-inspired recipes that he grew up with - a mix of Chinese, East Indian, Mixed European, African, North American and Amerindian. Good news for people who love to cook: Jonathan shares these recipes in his cookbook "The Pepperpot Club," a collection of rich-flavored foods including meatball soup, chinese ribs, jerk chicken coconut cream pie… Ahhhh take me to the Caribbean now!!!



Breaded Cod with Mango Salsa and Red Pepper Mayonnaise



Spiced Pumpkin and Seafood Soup



Jerk Chicken



Beef Pepperpot



Coconut and Pineapple Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream


Watch all the kitchen action, join the market tours, travel through Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, and appreciate the beauty of the Eastern and Oriental Express on Jonathan Phang's Gourmet Trains 2 on Asian Food Channel, Sundays 3pm and 10pm.

Four New Restaurants to Try in Manila

$
0
0

Published on Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, July 30, 2015

The Newcomers 
No more eeny-meeny-miny-moes. Here are 4 of Manila’s must-try restos

I remember not so long ago, my biggest dilemma in life was finding a new restaurant to try. It is amazing how fast things have changed over the last two years. New establishments pop up so frequently nowadays that my to-try list has grown longer than the trail of cars along EDSA on a Friday night. It may sound silly, but I ponder over one question rather often lately, which is also the most frequent query I get from readers: Which new restaurant should I try first? After all, we are abundantly spoiled with choices, and life is too short to consume unworthy calories.

Today, I share with you four newcomers I enjoyed recently, and the dishes not to be missed at each place.



1. OOMA

Perhaps the most awaited opening in recent months is the younger sister of the hottest table in town, Mecha Uma. Food is fun, modern, playful, and mischievous, reflecting the personality of its talented young chef, Bruce Ricketts.

What to order:


Tori Karaage
Ooma’s version of this Japanese staple puts mainstream restaurants to shame. Bruce takes 
fried chicken to a whole new level by coating pieces of chicken thigh with crunchy camote 
spikes and a generous dusting of scallions and togarashi.



Soft Shell Crab Taco Maki
Little nuggets of crispy, soft-shell crab smothered with crab fat mayo and a sprinkling of tobiko
 (flying fish roe) on open-faced temaki. Did I mention they are little nuggets of pure joy?



Hanger Steak
Beef slices, earthy mushrooms, and crispy baby potato chips on a bed of velvety sweet potato 
mash with ponzu butter, pickle dressing, and yes, truffle oil. I finished a whole plate on my own. 
I bet you will, too.


Ooma is located at 3F, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong.

Ooma Facebook Page



2. LE PETIT SOUFFLE


Walking into this French-Japanese bistro by chefs Miko Aspiras and Kristine Lotilla is like stepping into an enchanted garden. The greens, the warm glow, the sunshine-colored chairs make me want to stay all day and devour shameful amounts of soufflé.

What to order:

Kinoko Frites
I did not expect to be so enamored of deep fried fungi, but that was the effect of Le Petit Souffle’s
 crispy enoki and oyster mushrooms on me. I munched nonstop on the tasty, full-of-umami treats
 and, for a while, I forgot they were vegetables.



Japanese Beef Curry Souffle
Take my favorite soft and creamy Japanese rice, toss it with mild curry, top it with the most 
delicate slices of beef, and then crown it with puffy, airy, savory soufflé. Now, feed it to your 
belly to make it happy.



Matcha Valrhona Ivoire 35% White Chocolate Souffle
What can I say, Miko and Kristine have mastered the perfect soufflé—a light, springy exterior 
that gives way to a jiggly, molten center. The matcha flavor is evident, pleasantly bitter the way 
I like it and sweetened just enough by white chocolate.


Le Petit Souffle is located at 3F Century City Mall, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati. Tel: 02 886 3056

Le Petit Souffle Facebook Page




3. BONDI & BOURKE

What a joy to discover that the newest Australian restaurant in town is headed by no other than Chef Wade Watson, formerly of Abaca Cebu, where I enjoyed many a delectable meal. His style hasn’t changed. At Wade’s new Makati outlet, you can expect the same hearty dishes prepared with much love.

What to order:

Lamb Shepherd’s Pie
Flavorful, shredded lamb that I am sure has been languorously simmered to reach its current 
state of tenderness, blanketed in creamy mashed potato and baked until golden. 
Ultimate comfort food for the soul.



Chicken Parmigiana
I am, admittedly, not a huge fan of chicken, but there is something about the crispy crust, 
the savory tomato, and parmesan cheese topping that makes this a favorite at B&B. 
A dish so painfully simple, but pretty darn good.



Strawberry Lamington
Pink and dainty little cake with a thin layer of strawberry jam in the middle and covered all 
over in coconut snow like a sweet strawberry dream.


Bondi & Bourke is located at Ground Floor, Cattleya Condominium Building, Salcedo Corner Aguirre Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City. Tel: +639988406268

Bondi & Bourke Facebook Page




4. SMITH BUTCHER AND GRILL ROOM

Hidden behind a parking lot with no signage at all, the new steak place by Chef Steve Scudder certainly does not want to be found. I must admit I love it for that. Smith is carnivore’s heaven, boasting premium steaks from different regions including my most beloved matsuzaka from Japan. Even the couch there screams “moo.”

What to order:

Jamon Iberico
Freshly carved from the whole leg as you order, this treasure from Spain is a great way to start
 a red meat-laden meal. Every bite makes me want to get up, stomp my feet, and shout at the
 top of my lungs, “Ola!”



A Little “Cheeky” 
Truly a cheeky name for my favorite nonsteak dish at Smith. Slow-cooked veal cheeks open ravioli,
 stewed in shiraz with mushrooms and wild spinach. Rich, generous, lip-smacking goodness.



Irish Sirloin Steak
Grass-fed and dry-aged for 45 days, this hunky meat from Ireland is a big surprise. It is lean yet
 amazingly tender with silky texture and intense flavor. Enjoy it medium rare in all its juicy glory.
 I promise you this one cuts the mustard.


Smith Butcher and Grill Room is located at ACI Building, 147 H.V. Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City. Tel: +63927-3759467, +63915-4295167

Smith Butcher and Grill Room Facebook Page



Tokyo Eat List ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

$
0
0




In case you haven’t checked Instagram lately, Japan has become the new Hong Kong. With reasonable airfares, easier travel requirements, and the Japanese yen at a record low, more and more people have been vacationing in the land of the rising sun, and the bustling city of Tokyo is always the first destination.

People travel to the Japanese capital for several reasons: cherry blossoms, Disneyland, fashion, the energy, or like me, fabulous food, food, and food. It is not true you can get great meals anywhere in Tokyo. Trust me, I wish I skipped a few. For a 100 percent foolproof gastronomic trip, exercise prudence in making restaurant choices, or just trust me when I share my list of favorites. Book them now, thank me later.



TSUKEMEN AT FUUNJI


Come early or be prepared to wait in line (but it’s worth every second) for the best tsukemen, with noodles so perfect and dipping broth so addictive. I can only imagine how long the simmering process was to bring the chicken and fish broth to that level of depth and richness. Multiple layers of flavors cling to each fat strand of the chewy, bouncy noodle. Fuunji is not for the faint of heart as there is just too much sensuality and satisfaction in every slurp.

Fuunji is located at 2 Chome-14 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; 03 6413 8480
See detailed post on Fuunji here.



SUKIYAKI AT IMAHAN


Unlike the sukiyaki places you are familiar with, where the staff dump everything into a pot, at Imahan, they do things slowly but surely, and ever so gently. My server waited for me to finish my first piece of perfectly marbled meat before he started cooking the next, always making sure to give me a fresh bowl of raw egg to dip each new slice of Japanese beef. After I had consumed all the meat, he prepared the fluffiest, runniest scrambled egg in the same pot, the yellow goop soaking up all the precious beef sukiyaki essence.

Imahan is located at Odakyu Daiichi Life Building 1F, 2-7-1 Nishishinju-ku, Shinjuku, Tokyo; 81 3 3345 1470
See detailed post on Imahan here.



TEPPANYAKI AT UKAI-TEI


Go ahead, order the signature eight-course abalone and Ukai beef set and indulge in one of the best meals of your life, starting with a shrimp cocktail in avocado mousse, masterfully cooked fish, foie gras topped with black truffle (Wow!), chilled onion cream soup, tender abalone in seaweed butter sauce, and the main event–tremendously rich, flavorful, fatty ukai beef. Finish off the extravagant meal with dessert in the tearoom. I highly recommend the velvety, luxurious chocolate cake.

Ukai-tei is located at 5-10-1 Omotesando Gyre 5/F, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo; 81 3 5467 5252
See detailed post on Ukai-tei here.



TONKATSU AT BUTAGUMI



Located at a quiet residential area, Butagumi is not the easiest place to find, but the search for it will end your search for the best tonkatsu in the city. The restaurant carries around 40 varieties of pork. I decided on trying the Hakkin-Ton sirloin from Iwate Prefecture. It is said that this pig’s parents have kurobuta blood. “Like royal family,” my server said. I was sold. Baby soft, delicate, tender, supple, porky, meaty, and rosy, it was unlike any other fried pork I’ve had before.

Butagumi is located at 2-24-9 Nishiazabu, Minato, Tokyo; 81 3 5466 6775
See detailed post on Butagumi here.



YAKITORI AT TORISHIGE


I wish I could insert the intoxicating aroma of grilled meats here so you can experience the magic that happens in this place. The menu at Torishige is in Japanese so I had no choice but to put my trust in Chef Sakamaki, who wowed me, stick after stick, with pork tongue, pork intestines, pork tsukene, and large intestines. Grab a seat at the bar to enjoy the kitchen action and don’t forget to treat yourself to that amazing Japanese beef topped with uni and caviar. 

Torishige is located at 2-6-5 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; 81 3 3379 5188
See detailed post on Torishige here.



SUSHI AT SUSHI YOSHITAKE


Book early at this no-menu, seven-seater sushi bar and let Chef Masahiro Yoshitake take you on a sublime sushi journey. Expect a beautiful progression of sashimi, sushi, rolls, tamago, and soup, each piece showcasing the outstanding knife skills of the chef, his creativity, and his meticulous attention to detail. To this day, I still think about the abalone served in thick and creamy abalone liver sauce. It was like nothing I’ve ever had before, I wanted to hold the plate up and lick it clean.

Sushi Yoshitake is located at 8-7-19 Ginza, 3/F SuzuryuBuilding, Chuo, Tokyo; 81 3 6253 7331
See detailed post on Yoshitake here.



YAKINIKU AT YORONIKU


Go for the tasting menu and be ready to sample different cuts of meat—yes, including the male genital organ! My server spoke perfect English and pointed to the corresponding body part of the cow before she cooked each piece of the heart-wrenchingly tender meat, tableside. On her third reminder to eat the beef folded, I asked her why. She explained that because the meat is so fatty and marbled, if I ate it in one single layer, it would just melt, within seconds, in my mouth. Enough said.

Yoroniku is located at B1F Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo; 03 3498 4629
See detailed post on Yoroniku here.


The Shaw Prize Award Ceremony Presentation 2014

$
0
0

Where did the last 11 months go?

I cannot believe it is September already, and I feel embarrassed that I haven't posted about this important event held last year when, in a few weeks' time, I will be flying out for 2015's award ceremony.

Time sure escapes us. But philanthropy, good deeds, and achievements that better the world we live in leave a mark forever.

Year after year since its founding in 2002, The Shaw Prize has been honoring individuals who have achieved significant breakthroughs in academic and scientific research or application, and whose works have resulted in a positive and profound impact on mankind. It is the Nobel Prize of the East and the awarding event is held annually in Hong Kong.


The room abuzz with anticipation for the 11th Shaw Prize Award Ceremony



The Grand Hall at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre



Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung graced the event and presented the awards to 
the seven Shaw Laureates



Professor Daniel Eisenstein, Shaw Laureate in Astronomy 2014



Professor Shaun Cole, Shaw Laureate in Astronomy 2014



Professor John Peacock, Shaw Laureate in Astronomy 2014



Professor Kazutoshi Mori, Shaw Laureate in Life Science and Medicine 2014



Professor Peter Water, Shaw Laureate in Life Science and Medicine 2014



Professor George Lusztig, Shaw Laureate in Mathematical Science 2014



The feast:

Braised abalone with five grains, lobster and avocado timbale, caramelized sea scallop,
taro dumpling filled with diced chicken



Double boiled sea whelk soup with fish maw and yellow fungus



Veal wellington, codfish with red miso, aomori garlic, pomme gratin, vegetable medley



Chocolate chestnut dome, berries panna cotta, New York cheesecake, coffee pudding crumble,
lemongrass ice cream



Assorted chocolates… all for me!



Congratulations to the Shaw Laureates and their families!




















Every year after the event, I go up to the VIP tables and take one million photos of the floral centerpieces. It's a whole Butchart Gardens right there on every table!














With the famous composer, singer, screenwriter, and director Liu Jia Chang



My folks



Vanessa and Karen Cheung



And my favorite Mrs. Mori who came in complete traditional
Japanese formal wear


To learn more about The Shaw Prize, visit its official website here. To see past Shaw Laureates and award presentation ceremonies, visit my posts for 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010.




72 Hours in Singapore

$
0
0

Published in Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, September 3, 2015

What to eat, see, and do, eat, and eat




I live for the long weekend and recently, we were lucky to enjoy quite a few. While most people hopped over to Japan and Hong Kong, I revisited the Lion City. As a gastro-tourist (meaning I travel to eat, eat, and eat), I was magnificently enamored by the city’s offerings and even brought home with me a few extra pounds to prove it. Eating is a national pastime in Singapore and when you’re there, do as the locals do—eat! Although I adore Singapore’s iconic dishes and strongly believe that one must devour each one of them on one’s first trip to the city, there is really so much more to eat than chili crabs, chicken rice, prawn mee, and bah kut teh. Here is a guide on how to plan your next long weekend in the city. Enjoy, overeat, and do not think about the waistline lah!



FRIDAY

Dinner at Burnt Ends


Drop off your bags at the hotel and head over to this gourmet barbecue destination with bad-ass wood-fired ovens at its heart and soul. Start off with beef marmalade and pickles on toast, small bites that explode in your mouth with big, big flavors. Split the famous Sanger, a sweet and tangy 10-hour pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw and chipotle aioli in toasted brioche bun, and follow it up with the main event—a masterfully grilled rump cap that is so tender and packed with beef umami. You are allowed to eat all the bone marrow resting on top of the steak as long as you promise to order veggies. I recommend the charred leeks covered in brown butter and hazelnuts. Be warned that Burnt Ends is a tiny place with a long waitlist, but the beauty of it is you have all night and the whole weekend. 



 Beef marmalade and pickles



Rump cap, burnt onions, bone marrow


Burnt Ends is located at 20 Teck Lim Road, Singapore. 
Tel: +65 6224 3933



SATURDAY

Breakfast at Ho Kee Porridge at Maxwell Food Centre


I make sure to always try something different when traveling and in this case, frog congee first thing in the morning. On your tray will be a hearty pot of tasty gong bao-style frog legs (They taste like chicken, promise!) that you ladle over a separate bowl of slow-cooked rice porridge. Wait a few seconds for the thick and smooth carbs to absorb all the flavors and then, dig in. I really don’t know how much more delicious your morning can get. 



Claypot frog legs



Rice porridge


Ho Kee Porridge is at Stall #01-45 Maxwell Food Centre, Singapore



Lunch at Candlenut


If I live in Singapore, this is the first place I will bring visiting friends to, not only because Peranakan cuisine is a good introduction to the diverse cultures and flavors of Singapore, but because dining at Candlenut is like enjoying a homecooked meal at your grandmother’s house. Every dish I had—from the ngoh hiang, wing bean salad, lamb rendang, and gula melaka prawns to the buah keluak wagyu—was made with so much love and care. I know because I tasted comfort and devotion in Chef Malcolm Lee’s creations, two very rare things to find nowadays despite the unbelievable surge in new dining establishments. Desserts are heavenly, the chendol cream and textures of coconut are not to be missed. I urge you to order all the dishes I mentioned, and I apologize in advance for causing you to eat more rice than you should. 


Ngoh Hiang



Lamb rendang


Candlenut is at 331 New Bridge Road, #01-03 Dorsett Residences, Singapore 
Tel: +65 8121 4107



Dinner at Restaurant Labyrinth


 This is a meal that will change your life forever. Chef LG Han takes classic Singaporean favorites and transforms them into something you will never in your wildest dreams imagine. His laksa comes in a bowl without broth, with noodles that are actually coconut jelly, the soup dehydrated into laksa snow, and a fat and creamy oyster resting on top of the pile. When eaten altogether, it is one of the most incredible noodle dishes. He applies the same playfulness to Hainanese chicken rice, beef satay, pisang goreng, and chendol dessert, which comes in the form of xiao long bao and is served in a dimsum basket complete with “gula melaka” vinegar and chopsticks! The winning dish for me, however, is the Singaporean chili crab course that is designed to look like a beach, with deep fried soft shell crab resting on sand made with mantou crumbs, and shares the space with seaweeds, a shell-shaped chili crab sauce ice cream (one word: Genius!), and prawn bisque foam, on a blue-colored plate that resembles the sea. The dishes at Labyrinth scream confidence and make up my most unforgettable meal this trip.


Laksa



Chili crab


Restaurant Labyrinth is at 8 Raffles Avenue, #02-23 Esplanade Mall, Singapore
Tel: +65 6223 4098



Breakfast at Tiong Bahru Bakery


There is something about the sight of freshly baked carbs and the smell of freshly brewed coffee that complete the morning. A friendly warning though: there are too many temptations inside this house of sin. Grab a kouign amann (Skip all the others no matter how devilishly handsome they look!) and wash down the flaky, buttery layers of the Breton pastry with a cup of joe specially crafted for you by Common Man Coffee Roasters. 


Carbs heaven!!!



Kouign amann


Tiong Bahru Bakery is at 56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-70, Singapore 
Tel: +65 62203430



Lunch at Corner House


I imagine how even more romantic it is at night inside the black-and-white colonial bungalow that houses the new restaurant of Chef Jason Tan. The talented young chef serves gastro-botanical cuisine in the midst of the city’s most famous garden, where you enjoy pretty plate after pretty plate of his exquisite creations. To this day, I still think about the Spanish Carabinero prawn served with the most gorgeous tomatoes, each treated uniquely, my favorite being the one marinated in honey and Thai basil. And the onions, oh God!!! I’ve always enjoyed the humble vegetable but his Cevennes onion destroyed it for me forever. I can never eat onions again without secretly fantasizing about his baked onion cup filled with sous-vide egg, onion puree, and black truffles with his onion tart, topped with parmesan, his dehydrated onion chips, and the most amazing onion tea that is a harmony of cold and warm, sweet and savory, silky and creamy. It gave me pleasure too great to bear. Do not leave until someone gives you a salted egg macaron. It is one of the best things I ate this year and if anyone offers me a box of 12, I will scramble for a seat on the next flight to Singapore. 



Carabinero prawns and tomatoes



Chef Jason Tan's iterations of Cevennes onion


Corner House is at 1 Cluny Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens, E J H Corner House
Tel: +65 6469 1000



Dinner at My Little Spanish Place


I know what you’re all thinking. Who eats Spanish food in Singapore?! But the cochinillo asado at this unassuming little Spanish place is even better than the one I had at the world-famous Meson de Candido in Segovia, the Land of cochinillo. Chef Edward Esmero, who proudly hails from Batangas, has perfected the art of roasting suckling pigs, resulting in an extra crunchy skin and the most tender, moist, and milky meat. His garlic shrimps made me feel like I have never eaten a proper gambas al ajillo before. Aside from the usual ingredients of olive oil, garlic, and chili, he added—drum roll, please!—shrimp head juice into the mix! I’ve never had anything like it before and took pleasure in mopping up the dangerously addicting sauce with bread. But cochinillo and gambas aren’t just the reasons to visit My Little Spanish Place. It is also the only restaurant in Singapore that carries whole legs of Joselito, Cinco Jotas, Sierra Mayor, and Fermin jamon. 



Cochinillo asado



Gambas al ajillo


My Little Spanish Place is at 619 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore
Tel: +65 6463 2810



SUNDAY

 Breakfast at Ya Kun Kaya Toast


You must not leave Singapore without having an authentic local breakfast of kaya toast with thick slab of butter, soft-boiled eggs swimming in soy sauce and sprinkled with white pepper powder, and washed down with your choice of kopi or tea. There are multiple branches of this popular breakfast chain across the city, but nothing beats the experience at its very first shop in Chinatown. So old school chic, and according to local friends, still the best outlet. 


Soft boiled eggs



Kaya toast


Ya Kun Kaya Toast is located at 18 China Street, Far East Square
Tel: +65 6438 3638



Lunch at Tippling Club


There were purple gluhwein bubbles on my foie gras plate. Whoa! Only the playful and imaginative Chef Ryan Clift can think of something so whimsical, as proven again and again by the never-ending, fun little snacks he served before the mains. Imagine fish on seaweed cracker, pancetta on manchego pillow, red bell peppers coated in squid ink (that you eat with a tong), Singaporean curry with rice crispies in a jar, margherita-flavored fried beef tendon, basil “lava lamp” shot, and hay smoked quail egg that arrives in no less than a makeshift nest. I’ve never seen a prettier snow crab dish wearing a crown of onion ring adorned with edible flowers, or a more handsome Mangalica pork collar blanketed in milk skin and freshly shaved black truffles. I let out a giggle as I popped the cheesecake “pills” into my mouth. Go to Tippling Club with an open mind and be in for a pleasant treat. 



Snow crab, onion ring



Mangalica pork collar, milk skin, truffles


Tippling Club is located at 38 Tanjong Pagar Rd, Singapore
Tel: +65 6475 2217



Dinner at Jaan


The newly appointed Chef Kirk Westaway of Jaan proved to be the biggest surprise of my trip. From beginning to end, he impressed me with his quiet genius, with little snacks of wagyu tartare, fish and chips, and foie gras macaron to the incredibly sweet and luscious, stuffed heirloom tomato with basil sorbet and burrata espuma, and finally, the piece de resistance—his signature forest pigeon with the breast slow-roasted to a beautiful medium rare. The tender fillet is covered simply in chives and is served with white polenta, grated Hokkaido corn, and a rich and decadent cromesquis of pigeon heart and liver. Each course was unpretentious, brilliant, and most importantly, delicious. I was at Jaan for lunch, but I am recommending it for dinner so you can fully appreciate the vibrant and stunning views of Singapore at night. (Don’t forget to request for a window seat!) As you enjoy your roasted French peach dessert and petit fours, I know you are already planning your next trip back. 



Heirloom tomatoes, basil sorbet, burrata espuma



Forest pigeon, polenta, corn, cromesquis


Jaan is located at 2 Stamford Road, Swissotel The Stamford, Level 70, Equinox Complex
Tel: +65 6837 3322


For more information on what to see and do in Singapore, visit www.yoursingapore.com

My Favorite Cocio Chocolate Milk Now in Manila ♥ ♥ ♥

$
0
0


I am no expert in a lot of things, but I know my chocolates. And I highly, confidently, whole-heartedly recommend Cocio to all fellow chocoholics.

I still remember my very first taste of my favorite ready-to-drink chocolate milk. It was 2011 in Copenhagen, I fell in love at first sip. I picked up a few bottles every chance I got, and drank at least two dozens on our two-week Scandinavia trip!



Enjoying my favorite dark chocolate milk in the streets of Oslo
See full post here: 



So guess who was the most ecstatic when Cocio announced that they are coming to Manila? It was one of the happiest news for me this month of September! :)


 Karina Bech, Sales Representative for Arla Philippines, and my kilig face


Cocio is developed in the home kitchen of Danish couple Anker and Ella Pallesen in 1951. It took them 3 years to perfect the formula, but the results are worth it. In the pursuit of the greatest chocolate drink, they discovered that they only needed three good-quality ingredients: milk, cocoa, and a little sugar.



Cocio Classic and my personal favorite, Cocio Dark  ♥
Rich in chocolate, velvety in texture, with just the right amount of sweetness to 
wash all the blues away 


The Danish chocolate milk brand prides itself for using only fresh cow’s milk from Arla Foods, the world’s biggest farmer-owned cooperative and one of the oldest in Europe. The cocoa is from West Africa and is UTZ Certified, meaning the more cocoa we consume, the more we help our farmers!


Let’s toast to sustainable farming and drink more Cocio!



It is also the only chocolate milk in the market that is free from stabilizers, which explains the sediments you see at the bottom.


Just shake before drinking, it’s part of the fun :)



But what I love the most is the fact that Cocio is not as sweet as other chocolate drinks in the market. Trust me, I’ve tried them all. (AND gained so much weight in the process. Eeep!)

With only fresh milk, premium cocoa, and minimal amount of natural sugar, Cocio is the best thing to happen to us discerning, chocolate-loving Filipinos. Truly, there is nothing but great taste in every bottle!


Welcome to the Philippines, Cocio! I am overjoyed that I can now enjoy as much rich, smooth, 
and chocolatey goodness as I want and still be as fit as these sexy Cocio models! Yay! :D



With another sexy Cocio lover, GeiserMaclang's PR Head Jules Veloso



Paolo Serrano, Maketing Head for Arla Philippines; Karina Bech, Sales Representative for 
Arla Philippines; Jin Perez, Number 1 Cocio Fan; GeiserMaclang's Amor Maclang and
Elio Machillanda



Cocio is now available in all major convenience stores and supermarkets nationwide. If it's out of stock, I apologize in advance. I am guilty of hoarding.


I drink it in the movies



I drink it in bed. 
And for your information, I don't bring just any chocolate milk to bed. 


Website: www.cocio.ph
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CocioPH
Instagram: @CocioPh


Yes, This Blog is Alive!!!

$
0
0

Hi Guys,

It may seem like I've lost interest in the blog, but no, I've just been really busy.

Are you still there?

Anyway, as I was saying, I've been busy.

Sometimes working, oftentimes doing this:


Being a pig.


It's not funny anymore.

I almost fainted.

This morning when I stepped on the weighing scale.

F%$@^#&*LOL@#$%&WTF@&%?*!!!!!!!!!!

The damn thing said I've gained back all the weight I lost on Cohen. ALL. Plus more.

Yes, I did a stint with the super effective weight-loss program awhile back, but quit after 3 months before my family had to confine me to a mental institution.

I was 20 pounds lighter, grouchy, hot-headed, psychotic. I would wake up in the middle of the night screaming, "GIVE ME MY FREUCKIN' CHOCOLATES!!!!!!!!"

I kinda miss those days.

Especially when I see photos of success stories.































I don't know these women, but I have the utmost respect and admiration for all of them. 

And for my friend Jeff who was my inspiration for enrolling in the program. 

I am happy and proud to announce that he is still as fit as ever.


CORRECT BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTO



TOTALLY MESSED UP BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTO


Gaggan's expression says it all. Wahahahaha!

I am not going back on Cohen. Oh, God, no. But I promise to eat at home more. And update this blog more. And try my best not order everything on the menu when I eat out.

I want a correct before and after photo.

And I want to get rid of my 2000+ backlogs.


Ruby Jack's Steakhouse and Bar ♥ ♥ ♥

$
0
0



You'd never guess, but Ruby Jack's, the newest steakhouse in City of Dreams, is actually a franchise from Tokyo.

I love anything from Tokyo. 

We booked a table for dinner almost immediately. 



Handsome open kitchen



The main dining room is perfect for meals with family and friends



Booths for romantic dates



Grab a drink at the bar before and/or after your romantic date



Private room with a Masashi Ozawa painting named "Wagyu"as backdrop.
I say this one's medium rare, the way I like my beef.  :P



The menu is simple but well-curated
(Click photo to enlarge)



I always enjoy eating with a big male-dominated group because it means we 
can order and try more food. And we did exactly that.


For those of you who wonder, the answer is yes. I eat a good portion of every single dish laid out in front of me so I can give better recommendations. So don't judge if I am getting fatter and fatter when you should, in fact, be thanking me. Hahaha!

YOU'RE WELCOME.


This is what I mean. If you order the following dishes, it could be a very average meal. You will not be devastatingly disappointed, but you won't be so impressed either. In short, the following dishes are OKAY TO SKIP:


Ruby's Caesar Salad



Teppan-grilled Foie Gras with Caramelized Pineapple and Black Sesame Dust



Wagyu Steak Tartare with Parmesan Crumbs and Organic Yolk



Tomahawk



Creamed Spinach



Mashed Potato with Garlic Chips



Spicy Onion Rings



Cookie and Cherry Ice Cream Indulgence



Kathy really liked this cough syrup-tasting dessert though. We had to order an additional 
serving because she single-handedly finished everything on this plate.



Now for an excellent-from-start-to-finish meal at Ruby Jack's, here are the dishes you MUST ORDER:


Boutique Tomatoes with Shaved Red Onion and Gorgonzola
I don't normally go around recommending tomatoes, but these are flown in from 
Japan and they are extremely fresh and sweet. Perfect for whetting the appetite.



Crab Cake Donut with Jalapeño Tartar
No scrimping here. The picture says it all.



John Dee Black Platinum Wagyu Sirloin



Because look at that marbling!!!



Japanese Ohmi Wagyu A5 Striploin
If you want another rich, fatty, marbled steak, go for this award-winning Japanese beef.



John Dee Super Gold 160-day Grain Fed Black Angus Prime Rib
If you prefer something leaner and flavorful, this one's for you. 



Lobster Mac & Cheese
A sophisticated version of your childhood favorite with generous lobster pieces 
baked in lobster bisque



Sauteed Shimeji Mushrooms
Because vegetables are good for you



Baked Cheesecake
When cheesecake and baked custard fell in love and had a baby. 
This comes with dayap curd and earl grey ice cream which I think are totally unnecessary.
Takes 15 minutes to bake, but worth every second of the wait. 
Filed under "No Sharing Dish."



Strawberry Pomegranate Agar with Coconut Lychee Sorbet and Passion Fruit Cream
For a light, refreshing, guilt-free ending.



We are carnivores.


Ruby Jack's: Upper Ground, City of Dreams, Aseana corner Roxas Boulevard, Pasay
Tel: +632 801-8888, +632 886-9646

Ruby Jack's Website
Ruby Jack's Facebook
Instagram: @RubyJacksManila



Discovering the World Through Cross Cultures

$
0
0

Published in Manila Bulletin Lifestyle on October 15, 2015

Discovering the World Through Cross Cultures
Chefs Gaggan Anand and Chele Gonzalez takes us on a journey across India, Japan, Bangkok, Spain and the Philippines


Chele Gonzalez and Gaggan Anand at the Gallery Vask Kitchen


Gaggan was my best meal in 2013. I still remember how a smiling Indian man walked up to me as I was taking photos of the beautiful restaurant. He offered to help me move the chair that was obstructing my view. Halfway through the exquisite meal, the same man walked up to our table and asked how everything was. The kind and friendly samaritan turned out to be the chef! When Gaggan Anand discovered we were visiting from Manila, he only had one question: Which do you think is better—Philippine mango or Indian Mango?

He found our reply rather unsatisfactory and sent us home with a bag of Indian mangoes after a personal tour of his kitchen, just to prove his point.

Fast forward to October 5, 2015, the same funny man was standing in the Gaggenau Kitchen in Makati, demonstrating how to make a dessert using a balloon , liquid nitrogen… and Philippine mangoes. (He was all praises for our local fruit, but insisted the one from his hometown was still best.) Gaggan was sharing techniques and cracking jokes in front of the Filipino audience, and on the next evening, cooking up a storm at Gallery Vask for the 50 diners who were lucky enough to score a reservation. All seats were sold-out in less than 24 hours!


Gaggan demonstrating how to make a mango dessert at the Gaggenau Kitchen



It felt so surreal. Gaggan of S. Pellegrino Best Restaurant in Asia and 10th Best Restaurant in the World, working alongside our very own pride, Jose Luis “Chele” Gonzalez of Gallery Vask, which was recently named one of the six inspirational restaurants in Australasia and Southeast Asia. This very special collaboration was made possible through Cross Cultures, my dear friend Cheryl Tiu’s newest baby.



Who's the happiest? :)




Gallery Vask Crew



Cheryl always amazes me. A world traveler, publisher, editor, and writer, this lady with a voracious appetite for life founded Cross Cultures with the mission to connect and integrate countries and continents, flavors, and cultures by building a global community through food.


Cheryl with one of the photos she took in Ethiopia


She traveled to Ethiopia in June, fell in love, and decided to bring the African country to Manila through photos and gastronomy, so that the rest of us can fall in love with it, too. And boy, she made it so easy for everyone. The stunning pictures that she took said a thousand words, and the delicious Ethiopian spread prepared by Helena Tesega of Eat Ethio had the guests wanting to book the next flight to Africa. Even before I could get over how fantastic the injera is (Did you know this Ethiopian bread contains zero calories?), I found myself again at the fourth floor of CLIPP Center, enjoying a most delectable 15-course meal with a little Indian lovin’ here and a little Filipino magic there.



Gaggan x Gallery Vask 15-Course Menu



With my tablemates who were as excited as I to eat - Claudine, Weh, Betts and Brian



Erika, Monette, Leslie, and the woman of the hour, Cheryl Tiu



Chefs Gaggan and Chele teased our palates with dish after dish of new, unexpected flavors, aromas, and textures. From Gaggan’s signature “Yogurt Explosion” that flooded my mouth with a velvety egg taste, followed by the “Chele Bomba,” a marriage between the Spanish chef’s trademark crispy pandesal shell and spiced cream filling that boasted all the precious flavors of India.



Yogurt Explosion
Gaggan's greatest hit since the day they opened



Chele Bomba
Gallery Vask cheese and rice puff with spiced herbed mousse



Crazy Nut 
Edible plastic bag with nuts from all over Asia



The packets of mixed Asian nuts were edible—yes, including the plastic! I saw bewildered faces break into smiles as people popped the little bags into their mouths. Crunchy tapioca pearls papadum was topped with vibrant tomato chutney while the bird’s nest was actually deep-fried potato strings that held a sweet dollop of dates chutney. I could eat about a hundred pieces of the brilliant Pinoy cookie covered in Bengali mustard, seaweed, and adobo powder.



I Am Indian
Tapioca pearls papadum and tomato chutney




Pinoy Cookie
Bengali mustard, seaweed, adobo flakes



Bird's Nest
A fantasy about fries and chutney



Gaggan threw in some local tuna into his spicy Indian marinade, and voilà a ceviche was born! To tame down the heat was a dish inspired by his travels to Fukuoka—a refreshing uni bowl with melon strips and yuzu.


Ceviche
Local tuna, corn and avocados in a spicy Indian marmalade



Japanese Connection
Fresh uni and melon inspired from Fukuoka



The magic mushroom was one of my absolute favorites. Kashmiri morels and truffles were served side by side with Philippine mushrooms and spices to create different layers of earthiness that flirted heavily with my taste buds. Then, there was the maya maya charcoal tempura, a 16-hour slow-cooked local pork with vindaloo curry, lobster done South Indian-style, and the most raved about dish of the night - swimmer crab in an arrestingly delicious spicy curry sauce mixed with coconut milk and served with fluffy Indian rice. Everyone at our table wanted seconds. You’d never guess, but this sensational dish was inspired by none other than our humble palabok!


Magic Mushroom
Kashmiri morels and truffles growing on the wood as a log



Charcoal
Maya maya in charcoal batter tempura



BAA… boy
Baa means mad in Thai language and boy means man enough to eat this spicy dish



Catch of the Day
Lobster in South Indian style with curry leaves and pepper



Soul Food
Swimmer crab in curry, coconut milk, and Indian rice


The night ended on a sweet note with Philippine mangoes cured with vanilla miso and ice cream flavored with sake kasu.



Cross Cultures
Gallery Vask's incredible dessert with yuzu sorbet and Gaggan spices



Happy Ending
Philippine mango cured with vanilla miso, and sake kasu ice cream



It was Gaggan’s first time in Manila and also his first time to work with Chele, but it felt like they have been friends for a long time. Gaggan brought to us not only India, but also Thailand and Japan, and I am certain he took home with him a piece of Spain and the Philippines. In fact, he proudly admitted to stealing a few of Chele’s secrets! Haha! What a darling!



This funny man! :D






















On my way out, I walked past the kitchen and saw Cheryl with the two chefs and their teams celebrating the evening’s success, just being silly boys and girls, laughing and having fun. It was such a heartwarming sight that pretty summed up what Cross Cultures is all about—sharing, learning, loving, connecting, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.



Kitchen crew celebrating the evening's success


With Menashki, Cheryl, Chele, and Gaggan



Congratulations to the Cross Cultures, Gaggan, and Gallery Vask teams!



To know about future Cross Culture events, email crossculturesbycheryltiu@gmail.com.

Cross Cultures Facebook
Viewing all 605 articles
Browse latest View live