2022 Recap 2023 Restart
A lot of U.P. Foodies were thrilled to see the former U.P. Thai Canteen open in Ortigas Home Depot early this year. Most people thought that Mommy Thai (as the owner was fondly called by U.P. students) closed the resto for good in 2006 after moving twice outside of the campus. I finally had the chance to try it in its current home near Starbucks in Ortigas Home Depot.
I’ve loved chimichurri ever since Terrace at the Fifth introduced me to it. So, I was delighted to find out that Cocina Juan in Maginhawa St., Q.C. (which specializes in grilled meat) offers chimichurri sauce (Yes!). The owner’s recent trip to Nicaragua in Central America inspired this offering. There, the staple sauce is chimichurri for meats … Continue reading Cocina Juan’s Grilled Meats and Chimichurri
Bellini’s is one of the institutions in Cubao eXpo (formerly Marikina Shoe Expo) since it opened in July 1999. It continues to be one of my favorite Italian restaurants in the Metro, together with Cafe Puccini in the Fort. They serve al dente pasta and authentic Italian thin crust pizza with a simple tomato and mozzarella base. Our favorites are the Four Cheese Pizza and the Pasta with mushroom sauce, prosciutto ham and truffle oil.
ULTIMATE TASTE TEST DISCOVERIES (Last of the Series) Having lechon in the Ultimate Taste Test was a very good idea. One whole native lechon was served by Sabroso Lechon, which got a rating of 3.6 out of 5.0. Most people liked it because of its crispy skin and flavorful meat (which was a bit salty) … Continue reading Sabroso’s Native Lechon
Now Manila can enjoy French bread and pastries from Alexandre, the first authentic French Bakery and Cafe — named after its French owner.
Personally, I didn’t notice any difference. Most of the people in the Ultimate Taste Test liked it and it got a rating of 3.6 out of 5.0. It was a bit too sweet and the tasting portions were a bit too big for people to enjoy. The most important thing, my wife (who is a sans rival-monster) loves both the Sans Rival and Silvannas.
Kefir is starting to become a buzzword in the Healthy Circle. “It is cultured, enzyme-rich, and filled with micro-organisms that help balance your ‘inner ecosystem’. It is 100% probiotic and supplies the body with complete protein, essential minerals, and valuable B vitamins.” Kefir Power, promoted by Cory Quirino, was the first one to offer Kefir in the local market and then Kefir Culture by Jeren Cabral from the Healthy Store, Arama in Serendra.
Benji Reyes is a Filipino furniture artist based in Antipolo, who has an international cult following because of his customized chair creations handmade from recycled wood and hand-polished in oil. I heard about the Legend of the Benji Chairs when I was still with P&G. Most of the P&G Expats would buy his creations with price ranges from P20,000+ to P200,000+. One expat even furnished their entire house with Benji’s furniture.
Rizal Dairy Farms produces the best fresh milk products and fresh yogurts in the Philippines. Its greek yogurt has a cult following in the foodie circle. I love their plain yogurts with Mango or Strawberry because of the rich and creamy consistency. Best of all, they are locally produced in the Philippines!
Yes, it was my first time to visit Crescent Moon Cafe last month. We were doing a research trip for an upcoming Culinary Tour of Antipolo that will feature the best art places and culinary destinations in Antipolo, Rizal. Lanelle Abueva-Fernando’s Crescent Moon Cafe will definitely be part of the tour because of its signature alagaw appetizers, home-cooked dishes and suman/mango dessert. I also love buying Lanelle’s pottery here, especially the bargain ones that are sold for P200 per kilo.
