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First, I’m currently not in Singapore; but I would like to consider yesterday’s lunch as a symbolic one in appreciation of this year’s Singapore Food Festival (SFF). 🙂

Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board invited a group of bloggers including food blog NomNomClub.com for a feast of Singaporean signature dishes at the Heritage Hotel in Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

In order, we had Singapore Slaw, Nyonya Meatball Soup (Bawan Kepeting), Singpore Laksa and Mee Goreng,  Hainanese Chicken Rice, and Sago Gula Melaka with Vanilla Ice Cream for dessert.

Singapore Slaw

The Singapore Slaw served as the meal appetizer and was constituted by layers of green cabbage, julienned jicama, and strips of onion, carrot and cucumber, among others. The dressing gave hints of sesame oil and vinegar topped by sesame seeds.

It was crunchy and rich in texture with a sauce made just right well-fitting for a starter.

Nyonya Meatball Soup / Bawan Kepeting / Bawan Kepiting

The Nyonya Meatball Soup, also referred to as Bawan Kepeting/Kepiting, was a simple traditional meatball soup mixed with shredded bamboo shoots.

Allow me defer my spicy adventure with the Singpore Laksa and Mee Goreng in a next week’s post. 🙂

And of course, the star of Singaporean Chinese Food – the Hainanese Chicken Rice. Your trip to Singapore is never complete without having at least one serving of Hainanese Chicken Rice.

Singapore Original: Hainanese Chicken Rice

The chicken meat was tender and good as expected although I found the rice quite different from the ones I usually have in Singapore. While variants in rice preparation can include “oily rice,” or with coconut milk, or with pandan leaves,  the one we had was like the local ‘sinangag‘ (re-cooked rice). It was ok though. 🙂

It was accompanied by three side sauces of which I can’t remember the second (I’m thinking if it’s chili but it’s not!). The other two were soy sauce and pounded ginger.

Sago Gula Melaka with Vanilla Ice Cream

To cap our Singaporean lunch, we had the Sago Gula Melaka with vanilla ice cream for dessert. “Gula Melaka” means ‘palm sugar’. This dessert is basically sweetened small tapioca with ice cream on top.

And since I love almost anything with ice cream (although I hoped for an Ice Kachang), needless to say, this one’s good as well. 🙂

Singapore Food Festival 2010

So if you’re on your way to Singapore or is planning to be there anytime soon, prepare for a mouth-watering experience of culinary cultures as you get immersed in a myriad of Singapore Chinese dishes in this year’s Singapore Food Festival 2010.

Tracing its roots as far back as 1994, the Singapore Food Festiva focuses on local food culture and heritage which is a diverse mix of oriental, Indian, and Middle Eastern dishes to the gastronomic delight of participants, foreigners, and visitors alike.

The annual event is not only about ‘nomnoming‘ (eating), there are also culinary workshops, themed celebrations, and competitions.

Schedule Highlights of Singapore Food Festival for your guidance:

• July 16-24 – Clarke Quay Food Street (Clarke Quay Rear Bridge)
• July 25 – Singapore Chinese Dialect Heritage Feast (Clarke Quay Rear Bridge)
• July 16-25 – Singapore Chinese Dialect Tingkat Cruise (Merlion Park)
• July 16-25 – Singapore Chinese Dialect Street Snacks (Central River Promenade, Merlion Park, Clifford Square)
• plus Makansutra SFF Culinary Master Classes

Singapore Food Festival

Missing Something?

I know, I know, you might be wondering where Bak Kut Teh, Chili Crab, and Satay are…maybe we’ll have a Singapore Food Festival 2010 ‘closing‘ lunch a few weeks from now, who knows? (*wink). 🙂

This is my first time to try Persian cuisine. Although there’s a popular misconception that Persian food is spicy, I learned through this experience that most dishes are actually rich with ‘spices,’ but not necessarily spicy.

Persian Cuisine

Also referred to as Iranian Cusiine, Persian cuisine covers an extensive range of cooking preparations and style. In Iran alone, the regions and provinces features different dishes. There are some parts whcih are not into spicy foods while there are those who are. Just like in the Philippines where Bicol is characterized mostly for their spicy dishes while the rest of the country does not.

Their list of recipes and dishes, including appetizers, salads, and desserts is broad. Usual spices include onion, garlic, and herbs like basil, cilantro, fenugreek, tarragon, and shaahi (Persian watercress). Other accompaniments include saffron, dried limes, cinnamon, and parsley.

Case in point, Arya located at the Podium Mall in Ortigas offers varied concoctions of pork, chicken, and beef dishes, among others. The spicy ones have a “chili” icon on the menu’s side.

When my eyes gazed upon the Lamb Biryani in the menu, I told myself I will not let pass the chance to try this one. A Lamb Biryani serves the lamb shank part, tender and stewed in spicy Biryani sauce and matched with your choice of Biryani or Jasmine rice. (Top Photo)

Beef Mahksus

My photo above is just how it looks like. The deep dark brown Biryani sauce was generously served great for mixing with the rice. The lamb meat was one of the most tender and tasty lamb meat I ever had. This is highly expected of meat parts near the bones.

But wait, have I mentioned that it had the “chili” icon on the menu? 🙂 I was able to take the spice level though; which means it would be perfect for those who like spicy foods.

And now, for the dish I enjoyed more and I highly recommend: Beef Mahksus (skewers of Shish and Koobideh). ‘Shish‘ is tenderloin while ‘Koobideh‘ is grounded.

Arya Dip Platter

In translation, this is the Skewers of Beef Tenderloin and Grounded Beef. Served with rice and 2 tomatoes on the side, you may ask a server to slice and prepare the tomatoes into something quite special.

Roti

They don’t have a formal term for what they do with it but they basically slice the tomatoes into small pieces and mix it with spices. The result is an awesome topping or dip (depending on how you intend to use them). Allow me to elaborate on this on a separate future post. As a bonus, I have a video on how they prepared it. 🙂

For now, just believe me to have them prepare it that way and you’ll not be sorry. 🙂

Prior to the main dishes, we had the Arya Dip Platter which consists of Hummus, Motabal, Tzitziki, and Mirza Ghazemi. This a good group appetizer for four especially if you want to try something different from the usual American bread and butter before a hearty meal.

If you’re in a mood for more appetizers, have a ‘roti.’ It’s a whole wheat unleavened flat bread pan fried and served with curry sauce.

We also had the skewer platter.

Skewer Platter

Arya Persian Restaurant

Part 2 will follow soon and part one will be updated with prices 🙂

Tip: If you love the lamb shank but want to do without the spiciness, order the Mahiche Polo. It’s a Persian style lamb shank stew with dilled Jasmine rice or Basmati rice (Iranian Rice). I haven’t tried it though, I’m trying it the next time I step in Arya.

I first ate at Panciteira Lido early this year at their SM Fairview branch. I wasn’t aware then of its other branches.

Chami Special

The first one I tried was their evidently signature dish – Pugon-Roasted Asado – which was prominently displayed in their restaurant walls.

The Chami Special (pancit) had an almost equal billing but I only took the pugon-roasted asado for take-out. Chami is their best seller in the pansit category.

When I reached home, I was no less than satisfied as the pork loin was roasted in a pugon, (old-fashioned brick oven) marinated with secret ingredients and aromatic flavors concocted by Panciteris Lido’s first chef – Chef Lido – more than 70 years ago. The pugon-roasted pork asado came with a sweet sauce complementing the roasted aroma.

Steamed Fish Fillet

The Pugon-Roasted Asado is truly something unique, not only among Chinese restaurants, but all local restaurants here in the Philippines. The closest I could think of is Raviolli Bistro‘s pugon pizza and Pan De Manila‘s pugon pandesal. 🙂 But those are wheat-based products so baking it in pugon is not a surprising option.

I never got the chance to get back to SM Fairview since then.

But a few days ago, I found out that they also had a branch in Capitol Towers along E.Rodrigues avenue in Quezon City (across Trinity College).

This time, I tired more dishes including Steamed Fish-Fillet in soy sauce (P255), Chami Special (petit-P112), Drunken Lechon Macau (P257), Shrimp Balls (P275), Poached Tofu (P105), and of course, 1/4 kilo of Pugon Roasted Asado (P267).

Shrimp Balls

Syphon-Filtered Coffee

The meal was capped with Panciteria Lido’s very own syphon-filtered coffee; a full bodied cup of coffee which they introduced since 1994.

Poached Tofu

Coming from a Chinese family, the Chinese cuisine was  a familiar taste. All the above mentioned dishes were outstanding especially the Shrimp Balls, the crispy Drunken Lechon Macau, and of course the signature pugon roasted asado pork. Only the poached tofu needs more improvement. In fairness, selecting tofu from the market and cooking them is quite tricky. You should be able to maintain its soft texture through proper storage and careful cooking.

Panciteria Lido E.Rod Branch

I also got to know that the E/Rodriguez branch only had a small space because the bulk of its sales come from deliveries. Business seem to be good indeed with brisk orders from both dine-in customers and loyal clients who orders kilos and kilos of pugon roasted pork asado and prefer to eat them in the comfort of their homes.

As a natural consequence, Panciteria Lido is in the road to expansion as they have a new upcoming branch in BF Homes Paranaque that is due to open by August 08, 2010.

They have also opened up their system to franchising. In fact, the aforementioned Paranaque branch is a franchise.

The typical branch similar to the one in E.Rodrigues can be estimated at 4 million in franchise investment including all kitchen equipments and total store construction.

It’s a well-priced investment since all is taken care of from equipments to construction and design. With an estimated 3-year return on investment, you just have to find a jackpot location for your intended Panciteria Lido franchise. 🙂

Panciteria Lido

Panciteria Lido also delivers within the 1.5km radius with a minimum purchase of P300. For your Pugon-roasted asado, call 414-5436 (Panciteria Lido Delivery Telephone Number).

So what is an Eclipse movie post doing in NomNomClub?

It’s because Jollibee recently sponsored an Eclipse Block Screening in Podium Mall in its first day of showing. At the same time, NomNomClub had a private contest for its foodie club members.

Marizen: NomNom Foodie Club Winner

Jollibee Burger Meal & Jollibee Barkada Meal

Marizel Villamora won the short contest which was posted in NomNom Club FB fanpage.

We met at the cinema venue, where she got the ticket and the Jollibee Eclipse promo meal with the Eclipse tumbler of her choice. The three main character’s faces are on the tumblers: Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), and Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner).

Aside from the fact that The Twilight Saga: Eclipse was better than its predecessors mainly because there were more action (personal view), I believe Marizel enjoyed the whole experience as well.

Jollibee Eclipse Movie Screening; Brent Javier (rightmost)

Thank you to Jollibee for the invites. If you are a Twilight Saga / Eclipse fanatic, you may get those limited edition tumblers with any Jollibee Burger Meal or Hotdog Value Meal by adding P25.  If 1 tumbler is not enough, get 3 tumblers with any purchase of Jollibee Barkada Meal for P275; which also comes in a special themed box. 🙂

It’s D-Day today, Dad’s Day! And with the fathers on mind, Melo’s Steakhouse has prepared something special for the man of the house – Steak Ala Dad.

Melo's Steak Ala Dad

Known initially to be the first restaurant to serve certified Angus Beef in the Philippines, Melo’s now also features Wagyu beef. And speaking of Wagyu, Steak Ala Dad is Melo’s latest creation to commemorate all the fathers for their hard work and sacrifices. I’ve tried it myself a few days ago in Melo’s Makati and the steak is soft and luscious just as what I expected from Melo’s. Although it’s my first time in Makati, I have tried Melo’s in Quezon City near ABS-CBN.

“We came up with our own Fathers’ Day Special which is certified to make the man of the house melt,” shared Melo’s Marketing Manager Carolina Santiago Macasaet, daughter of owner Carmelo L. Santiago, known as “Melo”.

Personally, I appreciate Melo’s personalized service in making sure that the steaks served in our tables were carefully cooked and grilled according to our liking. You can have your steak cooked in any level but I suggest you have them medium rare to have the firm surface while maintaining the soft meat inside. The Wagyu tenderloin is wrapped in bacon and sits on a serving of mash potato, some vegetables including carrots and asparagus, and mushroom porcini sauce.

Melo's Father's Day Special - Steak Ala Dad

Watch out as we’ll be featuring more of Melo’s new Wagyu variants soon. Subscribe and be updated!

Melo's Jupiter in Makati

So in case you’re browsing for a good place to treat dad on his special day, give him a taste of Steak Ala Dad which is in line with Melo’s expertise of the tastiest steaks, and perhaps follow it with Red Ribbon‘s Father’s Day Cake as well for a sweet finish. 🙂

Don’t have a gift for Dad yet for this weekend’s upcoming Father’s Day?

Red Ribbon Father's Day Cake

Does daddy have a sweet tooth? Even if not, Father’s Day might just be the best excuse for you to get you cake fix! Red Ribbon releases their Father’s Day Cake starting tomorrow!

From June 18 to June 20, delight your Dad with a specially designed Father’s Day cake from Red Ribbon at P550. Decorated like Dad’s polo shirt, the 8″ chocolate cake is wrapped in fondant icing made extra special. 🙂

In a recent Jollibee Breakfast Joys breakout party, Jollibee introduced their new Sausage and Egg Pandesal with a surprise performance involving the members of the media.

Jollibee Breakfast Joys Breakout with Bloggers Arpee, Ryan and Eric

Jollibee Sausage and Egg Pandesal

It came as a surprise when fellow morning diners and strangers begun standing up, singing, and dancing. This was followed by media practitioners from print and TV. Then suddenly, fellow bloggers Eric, Arpee, and Ryan who were with us at the table, also broke out into a song and dance number.

Jollibee Breakfast Meal

The Jollibee Sausage & Egg Pandesal I was holding almost fell of my hand. However, naturally, I had to put it down for a while as my blogger instincts kicked-in and powered up my camera – I took pictures and a video of the once-in-a-lifetime chance to record a song and dance number by some of the most prominent food bloggers in the country. 🙂

Here’s the short video of fun and celebration :)  :

Jollibbe Breakfast Joys Breakout Event

And yes, the new Sausage and Egg Pandesal is Jollibee‘s morning breakfast answer to McDonald‘s Sausage McMuffin with Egg. 🙂

East for Eastwood, that is. About a month ago, I found myself with some friends trying out the new Korean restaurant in Eastwood City Libis, Quezon City – Kogi Bulgogi.

Kogi Bulgogi Appetizers

They are conveniently located at the second floor of the new Eastwood Mall. Because of our large group, we had to dine alfresco. From the outside, the interior looks simple but stylish and cozy.

Now, the food. We started with the traditional Korean complimentary appetizers consisting of potato slices, crispy dilis, string beans, vegetables, and of course – Kimchi.

We had the pan fried Korean Tofu Steak and California Roll for appetizers. The fresh crabsticks, mango, cucumber strips and rice rolled in fish roe packs the California rolls.

Tofu Steak

California Roll

Japchae Noodles

Japchae Noodles (stir fried vermicelli) with beef and mixed vegetables came next. Japchae noodles never fail me as I love the soft noodles made flavorful with the spices.

The main dishes came in droves with Chicken Kalbi, Bulgogi, and Kimchi Rice served at the same time. There was an instant rush of desire to indulge but we had to restrain ourselves and take some photos first (blogger’s nature).

Chicken Kalbi is a set of grilled spicy chicken thighs accompanied by three sauce variants (which I cannot remember anymore 🙂 ) while Bulgogi is marinated beef with mushrooms. The owner also mentioned that the beef they use are all imported US Prime.

Chicken Kalbi

Bulgogi

The stir-fried Kimchi Rice came with pickled cabbage, white radish, and cucumber flavored with garlic, green onion and chili pepper.

Dulsot Bibimbap

The highlight of the dinner for me would be the Dulsot Bibimbap (Beef with raw egg). Bibimbap is steamed rice with beef, seasoned vegetables, and egg served in a heated stone pot.

The dish is served with ingredients neatly placed separately within the bowl. The traditional prepration is to stir-mix all the ingredients inside the bowl and pour the raw egg while it is smoking hot. This will lightly coook the egg which mixes well with all the ingredients (top photo).

After dinner, as the usual me, I was already anticipating dessert. However, my seatmate Rowena enlightened me that traditional Korean cuisines are not actually fond of the usual sweet desserts we Filipinos are used to. They are usually limited to simple servings of mixed fruits. With this, I managed my expectation and realized that this is the reason their menu is not fond of desserts.

Kogi Bulgogi Eastwood City

Expect the possibility of some changes in their menu as they were only about a month in operations when we dined in (which makes two months as of this writing). The serving sizes are also good for two to three persons only. We failed in this area as there were five of us in the table. It’s good that there were a number of dishes.

Overall, it was a good Korean dinner at Kogi Bulgogi highlighted by the Bibimbap. 🙂