Entries Tagged 'Filipino' ↓

Happy New Year everyone! We’re starting the year with a bang and a fight! A Boodle fight that is!

Panlasang Pinoy Boodle Feast

Honestly, the idea of a Boodle Feast was foreign to me. So when Blackbeard’s Seafood Island invited NomNom Club for their Robinsons Magnolia Mall opening launch weeks ago, the curious cat in me immediately said ‘yes‘.

On it’s 8th year in the restaurant industry, Blackbeard’s Seafood Island (BSI) is staying true and strong to what they are known for – the Boodle Feast. It was a first for me to try on a Boodle Feast. It is characterized by eating directly from one big banana leaf with boodle trays where the food is served with minimal utensils because you are expected to eat with your bare hands. Although I was a bit late for the gathering, I took on the Boodle food gracefully and ate slowly while trying on the different kinds of seafood in the Boodle set. Although I have yet to be acquainted more with the practice, the food was satisfactory.

Blackbeard’s Seafood Island

Boodle Feasts Sets

I also came to know that there are actually 15 boodle feasts sets to choose from. The servings can either be for a SMALL group of 3-4 persons or the BIG one for a family of 5 to 6 hungry individuals. The 15 Boodle Feast sets are:

• Magellan’s Landing (P965/P1250) – with danggit chips, kinilaw na tanigue, grilled tilapia, grilled squid, grilled shrimp, steamed crabs, chicken inasal, grilled talong and bagoong rice.
• Panlasang Pinoy (P875/P1365) – Hipon sa aligue, Sinuglaw, Ginataang Alimango, Adobong Manok, Kare-kareng gulay, ensalatang lato with crispy dilis and plain rice.
  

  Boodle Feast Set

• Fiesta Bicolandia (P765/P1150) – Halaan sa buco, pork BBQ, Ensaladang talong, Bicol express, Ginataang Alimango, Laing, Grilled Tilapia with Bagoong Rice.
• Tali Beach (P965/P1299) – grilled chicken, inasal, BBQ, steamed white shrimps, grilled tilapia, grilled tahong, crabs, grilled squid, grilled tomatoes, lato, mangoes, watermelon with steamed rice.
  

  Tali Beach Boodle Set

• Palawan Shores (P785/P1150) – grilled shrimps, tahong, halaan, squid, tilapia, steamed crabs, grilled corn, lato, sauteed Kangkong sa bagoong with clams and rice.
  

  Magellan’s Landing

Other boodle feasts are Dagupan’s Pride, Dapitan’s Pride (I am Ninoy), Boracay’s Feast, Mt. Apo, Davao Gulf, Chang’s China Chow, Vigan, Kanyaman, Shabu Shabu (Grand Binalot) and Luau.

15 Boodle Feast Sets

Fried Ice Cream Dessert!

If you haven’t tried a Boodle Feast yet, try one soon at Blackbeard’s Seafood Island and eat to your heart’s content without the fuss of your usual dining wares and utensils. And of course, it is best consumed with your whole family or group of friends.

Knorr Sinigang na Tilapia for Noche Buena

In a recent interview with the contestants of the MasterChef Pinoy edition, most of the participants agree that spaghetti is the number 1 food choice of Filipinos for Christmas. and I think it is true to my observation.

However, it doesn’t mean we will just settle with comfort food. We can always up the ante of our meals specially during Noche Buena (Christmas Eve feast) which is a special occasion for us Filipinos. One suggestion is the well-loved Filipino dish called Sinigang (Tamarind Soup).

Sinigang

In fact, we just had Sinigang na Tilapia for lunch earlier which my mom prepared using Knorr Sinigang sa Sampalok Mix. She prepared a lot so I know we’ll be seeing it again later for Noche Buena. 🙂

A steaming serving of the tamarind-base soup is enough to warm the heart and tummy especially during the cool evenings. Mom put in the traditional mix of tomatoes, kangkong, onion, pepper, and radish. The play of flavors found in a warm pot of Sinigang brings back fond memories with the family.

Knorr Sinigang sa Sampalok Mix

And to make the preparation less taxing, Knorr Sinigang is on hand to bring out the rich sinigang flavor in a convenient way. It is made from real sampalok and available in convenient sachet packs. It can also be mixed with pork or seafood together with gabi and other vegetables.

Holiday Season with Chef Marvin Agustin

Chef Marvin Agustin

Similarly, Chef Marvin Agustin makes sure that he goes the extra mile to offer something different yet definitely familiar to the Filipino palate. He uses leftover lechon as the main ingredient in making his classic sinigang.

“Everyone loves sinigang. We all grew up with it, and with a little creativity and a little help from Knorr Sinigang, you can have a winning dish for the holiday season,” Marvin concludes.

Knorr Sinigang Mix

So don’t hesitate to have some Sinigang in your Noche Buena! 🙂

Jamba Juice Philippines opens yet another store / branch, this time up north of Metro Manila, or more specifically SM City North – The Block.

Jamba Juice Merchandise

This is an expected strategic move by the fairly new Jamba Juice brand in the Philippines having opened earlier in the south with Jamba Juice Alabang and Jamba Juice SM Mall of Asia.

People from Caloocan and Quezon City can now enjoy California’s famed lifestyle brand and try their Banana berry smoothie and Fruit & Yogurt Parfait, among other juice and menu items.

Jamba Juice Menu

Jamba Juice Smoothie Preparation

Jamba Juice SM City North

Jamba Juice SM North The Block is the brand’s fourth store in Southeast Asia.

In their launch early this month, they brought in challenging and energetic activities like Zumba, wall climbing, biking, trampoline jumping, and the famous Bike Blender.

Ms. Sharon T. Fuentebella, Managing Director of Jamba Juice Phillippines

The Bike Blender is the tool that highlights Jamba Juice Philippines’ Give Me Five campaign. The project was first introduced in conjunction with the opening of their pioneering flagship store in Bonifacio High Street Central and was made possible through a partnership with the Bureau of Plant Industry­­­-Guimaras National Mango Researcher and Development Center (BPI-GNMRDC).

“Aside from further bolstering the thrust of Jamba Juice as a brand that complements dynamic living, we wanted our customers to experience the thing that Jamba Juice passionately upholds,” says Sharon T. Fuentebella, Managing Director of Jamba Juice Phillippines.

Jamba Juice The Block Branch

We recently tried a regular smoothie from Jamba Juice SM City North The Block branch. It’s good that they have maintained the Jamba Juice price amidst aggressive marketing. We hope they would come up with new flavors soon.

Rockeoke Dinner with the Greenwich Barkada and Crispy Chicken

Greenwich Barkada

It was a fun night of music, good food, and bonding. It was my second Rockeoke Night with the Greenwich Barkada a few weeks ago at the Greenwich Katipunan branch in celebration of the successful campaign of the Greenwich Crispy Chicken.

As expected, the program started with hesitant singers who just need some prodding before they gave in. I’m always game for these things but not that night because I think I was about to get the flu. But just  like in high school, we sometimes give in to peer pressure. 🙂 I was actually with my fellow blogger and fiance Marjorie so we gave a duet just like what we did the first time a few months ago, but with a more daring song this time around.

The Greenwich team was also very game as they joined us in taking turns with the microphone. Thanks to “Ang Banda Ngayon” who supported us all through the fun night. The lady DJs also  joined us in the rockeoke.

Greenwich Rockeoke Night @ Katipunan Branch

Congratulations again to Greenwich for their successful Greenwich Crispy Chicken campaign. May Greenwich continue bringing about innovative a great-tasting products for its customers. Check them out at http://www.greenwich.com.ph/ ; Greenwich delivery is 5-5555.

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School Spirit Boost with new Jollibee University Floats Flavors

When it comes to displaying school pride, students will go the extra mile to stand out and be creative. This is how Jollibee adds fun to its refreshing twist of the all-new refreshing flavors of Jollibee University Floats.

Jollibee University Floats

DJ Gino Boi

Upon invitation, we had a sort of fun ‘braniac’ trivia game with other blogger teams last week. I was assigned to the green team representing the Green Honeydew Float. The other teams are Blue Berries Float, Yellow Pine-Orange, and Red Apple Float. Unfortunately, we lost; nonetheless we had a fun afternoon.

Jollibee Float

The Jollibee University Floats are available for only P28 (regular) or P38 for a giant size. You can also upgrade any regular value meal to Go Float just by adding P21.

For delivery, call Jollibee Express Delivery Service hotline at 8-7000 or log on to www.jollibeedelivery.com. Also available are Jollibee Coke, Sarsi, and my favorite Jollibee Coffee and Chocolate Floats.

Figaro Enterprise Building

As part of its continuous expansion of branches and franchise, Figaro opens yet another branch this time at the Enterprise Building in the Makati Central Business District – Figaro Enterprise.

The launch started with the traditional Catholic blessing  in the morning followed by, of course, a brief food tasting while it’s already open to the public.

Figaro Enterprise Branch Blessing

Figaro Coffee Shop Counter

Figaro Enterprise also serves as the pioneer branch for its updated store interior design incorporating a bar counter and a function table to maximize the space. For the regular Figaro customer, you would also observe that the branch is more lit in contrast to the usual dim setup.

Bar Counter

Figaro Meals

Figaro Pastries & Cakes

Figaro & Starbucks Neighbor

I love the new cushion pillows complimenting the sofa chairs which serves as a good laptop support. I am actually using it while typing this article while inside Figaro Enterprise sipping on a Cappuccino Frost and Smoked Salmon Sandwich.

I asked the franchisee how he considered the competitors literally surrounding the new branch – Starbucks in front, Coffee Republic at the back, Oliver’s Sandwiches across, and Ministop on the side – and he gamely answered that they are all friends.

He was also banking on Figaro’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals which differentiates Figaro from the pack.

Figaro Enterprise Crew

Congratulations to the franchisers and new owners of Figaro Enterprise who are a very young group of friends in their 30s. Kudos on your new business!

The last quarter of the year is a prime season for new products specially for those catching the Christmas season market. And just when the third quarter of 2012 was just about to end, Pepsi-Cola launched a coconut craze with the new Tropicana Coco Quench drink with super model Charo Ronquillo as its brand ambassador.

Tasting the Tropicana Coco Quench

I have recently tried the 330ml single-serve of Tropicana Coco Quench which retails at P30 and I liked it!

Being a fresh coconut juice drinker myself, I had reservations at first with its freshness since it’s a processed and packed good. I also thought it would be filled with preservatives for shelf-life – I was wrong.

I came to know that Tropicana Coco Quench actually has no preservatives and its container is made with Tetra Pack packaging techonology that replicates the protection of coconuts It has 6 protective layers to maintain quality and freshness for an 8-month shelf-life.

Tropicana Coco Quench 330ml Tetra Pack

Benefits of Coconut Water

• I have gathered some coconut water benefits in this list for reference as well:
• Naturally hydrating with less sugar and calories due to its electrolytes similar to the human plasma
• Rich source of iron, calcium, magnesium and 4 times higher potassium content than bananas
• Helps reduce food cravings and aid in weight loss
• Flushes out toxins

Tropicana Coco Quench – 1 Litre pack (reclosable & resealable)

I think Tropicana banked on the ubiquitous demand of coconut water not only in the Philippines but also around the world. It also brands itself as made from real coconut water and 100% fresh fit for any age. The same demand has also drawn global attention to the Philippines as one of the leading sources of coconut water in the world. I wish the new product all the best for the public to appreciate the portability it offers while getting the benefits of coconut waters

Aside from the 330 ml pack in a pull-tab mechanism, Tropicana Coco Quench also comes in a 1 litre pack with a reclosable and resealable cap for the coconut juice lover. 🙂

Although our editor-in-chief has been to previous UTT, Clasrissa and I were first-timers and excited to be “food critics” for a day in the recent Rockwell’s Ultimate Taste Test 2.

The Fruit Garden

Knowing that there would be 40 different food stalls to try at the Rockwell Tent, we had to craft a plan so we can try everything just like how our EIC made it in last year’s Ultimate Taste Test. I couldn’t imagine how to go through each and every booth so I told Clariss that we should start with main dishes such as pork, chicken, and other meat down to the desserts and beverages.

Frisch Liquor Ice Cream

We were given a set of food tray, a pen, and a map with a grading sheet with the names of the participating vendors. It’s actually our passport to every food stall. We don’t have to finish all the stalls but it would be an awesome experience if we do!

The Scoring System:

• 1 – Thanks, but it could be better
• 2 – It’s Okay
• 3 – We had a good time!
• 4 – I love it!
• 5 – Awesome! I would recommend!

Bayani Brew

The UTT management has made it very comfortable for the “food critics”, there’s enough space, drinking water dispenser and disposable plastic cups.

On my list, I actually had 12 different food stalls with a grade of 5, but will shorten it the Top 10. Let me share our great food finds with a grade of 5 at UTT2.

1. Hillside Ranch
o This is one of the most scrumptious meat entrée in UTT2. To be honest, I’m a little picky when it comes to meat. I always want it juicy, moist, flavorful but definitely not salty, and most of all tender! Available in two variants, the corned beef brisket an my favorite  slow roast beef belly. Unfortunately, they are not available in major supermarkets but you can buy them at Trellis in QC and Essel Supermarket in San Fernando, Pampanga (the province where they came from – a place famous for good food).

Hillside Ranch

2. Carlo’s Kitchen
o The crispy, crunchy goodness of Carlos Kitchen pork belly goes very well with a bottle of San Miguel Beer! I got to try it when I visited Mercato Centrale about few months ago. The flavour, which is not too salty, and the crispiness remain the same. Crunchy belly is good for “pulutan” (finger food or appetizer). I almost forgot my favourite Bulacan chicharon!

Carlo’s Kitchen

3. Baked by Anita
o Known for their delicious cupcakes, Baked by Anita surprised us with their newest offering – a flavourful savory pie called the “Wild Mushroom Gruyere & Truffle Oil”. The truffle oil made it more appealing to the palate.

Baked by Anita

UTT would not be complete without dessert such as creamy and irresistible ice cream, cakes, pastries and smoothies. Here’s my take on their dessert & beverage section.

4. Blue Togue
o When it comes to desserts, I highly recommend Blue Togue! Initially, I was hesitant to try the cakes and pastries since I had some cheesecake overload the past few days. As of this writing I still have two boxes of Conti’s cakes in my fridge. Nonetheless, their Nutella Mouse Cake looks so divine I can’t resist! And yes, I was bewitched with its moist and creamy chiffon. I highly recommend Blue Togue!

Blue Togue’s Nutella Mouse Cake

5. Matasami Flavoured Shave Ice
o This one is definitely different from other flavoured shave ice I tried in the past. I never thought it would be so smooth, so luscious, so creamy and so delicious! I tried two flavors – the Swiss Cheese and Langka, in favor of the former. The owner was very generous offering us to try other variants but I had to refuse. Perhaps on my next visit, I will try the Hawaiian Shave Ice and their liquor syrups.

o Matasami can be found in: SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Galleria, Glorietta 4 Cinema Level and soon at Robinsons Magnolia.

Matasami

6. Villa Del Conte
o I’m already familiar with Villa del Conte as boyfie once gave me a box of these luscious, rich, premium chocolates.

Villa Del Conte

7. Saint Alps
o They served us their refreshing Blueberry Double Chocolate which was outstanding!

Saint Alps

8. Bayani Brew
o Bayani brew offers interesting and healthy beverages. I tried their Lemongrass Pandan Iced tea and Purple leaf tea Iced tea. Guess what is a purple leaf tea? It’s actually “talbos ng kamote” (kamote tops)! Interestingly, it doesn’t taste like kamote tops. However, the lemongrass pandan is just like a regular brewed iced tea but I liked it nonetheless! Each bottle costs P35.

Bayani Brew

9. Pinkberry – They served us Coconut Pinkberry and made us choose 3 toppings. It had a good balance of tanginess and sweetness to crave for.  Check out my separate post on Pinkberry.

10. Mochi Sweets

o A soft and not-too-sweet mocha dessert goes well with a cup of hot tea. Since we’re already full, I paired it with Nescafe Dolce Gusto Cappuccino.

Mochi Sweets

With a wide variety of food, I never thought I would be spending almost four hours at UTT2.

Other interesting food items are the Hokey Pokey Ice Cream from New Zealand Natural, Frisch Liquor Ice Cream, Maria’s Ilocos Empanada, Chef Anton, Lulu Belle, & the Plaza.

Bake Buddy

The Plaza

Nutella Rocks

On the other hand, there were two food stalls that I had to visit twice because they run out of food – Chief Wings and Chow Fun. The latter offered us their interesting chocolate butchi.

* Story and photos by Marjorie Pineda of www.livingmarjorney.com

New Zealand Natural

Maria’s Ilocos Empanada

Nescafe Dolce Gusto

Those are my Top 10 food items from Rockwell’s Ultimate Taste Test 2! I was so full I had to skip dinner that night.

If I’m not mistaken, this would be the first time Starbucks Philippines is offering breakfast tapa in their menu. Probably a come-on for those looking for a local taste, the new Starbucks sandwiches for breakfast are available starting today which also includes the Spam Black Pepper, Forest Ham, Breakfast Tapa & Egg, and Ratatouille & Mozzarella Cheese.

Released on a significantly historical day of September 11, the all-day breakfast sandwiches are made available in all Starbucks stores around the Philippines. I hope you are trying one now as you are reading this food blog so you can relate to my feedback.

The new Starbucks breakfast sandwiches has somehow made my breakfast more sophisticated as I’m simply used to either the usual Filipino breakfast of rice with egg and tapa or corned beef, or the more western style of milk and sandwich combo.

Starbucks Forest Ham Sandwich

For example, the Forest Ham is made with slices of forest ham, scrambled egg white and smoked Gouda cheese which makes it more flavorful as a sandwich but with less fat and on healthy toasty oat bread.

The second one is a vegetarian sandwich – the Ratatouille And Mozzarella Cheese (TOP PHOTO). It’s a healthy blend of cheese, spinach, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, portobello and shiitake mushrooms, garlic and onions – all packed in-between a multi-grain bread. The usual perception on vegetarian sandwiches is being bland, but this one isn’t. In fact, I love it and wouldn’t have known it was vegetarian.

Starbucks SPAM Black Pepper Sandwich

Beef Tapa with Egg Sandwich

I’d predict the third would be a blockbuster – the Spam Black Pepper. Everyone’s favorite SPAM® is spiced up with black pepper, creamy scrambled egg and layered with melted American Cheddar cheese on cornmeal bread

And finally, Starbucks puts a twist to the traditional favorite Filipino breakfast – the ‘Breakfast Tapa & Egg‘.

Starbucks Philippines added garlic mayonnaise and put it in a whole wheat bread, instead of the staple rice (of course, we’re talking about sandwiches). It was an interesting approach for someone used to having their beef tapa in the morning with rice. 🙂

New Starbucks Breakfast Sandwiches (Starting Sept 11, 2012)

I’ve got the chance to try all the new Starbucks breakfast sandwiches which are all priced similarly at Php 115 (US$2.78), Generally all four are good but my recommendations are the Ratatouille & Mozzarella cheese on multigrain bread and Spam Black Pepper w/ egg & Cheddar cheese on cornmeal bread.