Entries Tagged 'The Fort' ↓

The Philippine national weather agency recently announced that the Philippines will experience a lengthened summer extending from May to end of June.

Figaro Summer Frost Peach Lychee Sunrise

This means that the 38 or so degrees Celsius temperature everyday would most likely to be experienced up to next month.

Thank goodness that in this country, drink coolers abound. One such to be sought for is Figaro‘s Summer Frost line of icy cool drinks to quench that heat-drenched throat.

Figaro Summer Frost Summer Beverages

Figaro‘s Summer Frost is a mix of finely blended ice for that smooth refreshing gulp that comes in three varieties namely Watermelon Grape Breeze, Green Apple Cucumber Whirl, and Peach Lychee Sunrise.

Having tried all those three, my favorite is the sweet Watermelon Grape Breeze with grape skin fiber. Peach Lychee comes next with the strong lychee flavor and finally the Green Apple Cucumber.

Try one now as Figaro‘s summer quencher Summer Frost is available only until June 22, 2010 at P125 each.

ManilaQ's Corned Beef Pansigang

The Ultimate Taste Test 4.0 was concluded a  few hours ago – May 14 – at the NBC Tent in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

I’m usually slow in publishing my stories taking a few days or more. So, I’m first releasing some of the photos I took earlier in the Ultimate Taste Test 4.0 foodie event organized by Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet and hosted by foodies Ivan Man Dy and Spanky Enriquez.

Marty's Baconette Strips Snack (chichirya)

A lot happened and so much food consumed within the three solid hours of food tasting by more than 1000 foodies being served by about 50 food suppliers.

There’s even a voting / ranking system of the best tasting food in the UTT.

For now, feel free to feast on some photos of the Ultimate Lamon, este, Tasting event:

Main Courses / Entrees

Denim Kitchen

Ultimate taste Test Lechon

The Fruit Garden (leftmost top), Happy Green (Right bottom)

Ultimate Taste Test 4.0 - ManilaQ

Empanada Avenue

Roast DucK Siopao

Desserts:

Chocolate Moist Cake

Purple Dough Desserts

Frozen Meringue by Tina Raines

Divinr Drsserts (Leftmost Top ); Dulceline Gourmets (Leftmost Bottom); Monterey (Upper Right)

Kraze Kitch Bakeshop

Ultimate Taste Test Desserts (I forgot the dessert place name) 🙂

More Brands

ManilaQ, Crave Burger, Muscovy, Swirls

The People / Crowd

Mombloggers (upper left); Performers (lower left); Bobby Yan (lower right)

Arpee Lazaro of Aqua Health Alkaline Water

Ella Ganda's Liempo (upper left); college orgmates (upper center); Crave Burger (upper right)

Ivan Man Dy of Old Manila Walks (night's host with Spanky Enriquez)

Ultimate Taste Test 4.0

The stories behind the photos and my recommendations of the Ultimate Taste Test 4 will follow in a few days so visit this blog again to check out which servings made it to NomNom‘s top list. 🙂

After the successful Ultimate Taste Tests in the previous years, Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet, with the participation of about 50 food suppliers invite you to the Biggest Ultimate Taste Test in the Philippines!

To be held on May 14, 2010, 7 to 10pm at  1,000 foodies are expected to troop to the NBC Tent, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. The foodies-turned-food critics will taste-test some of the upcoming food concoctions of tomorrow and newest young brands.

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May 13 5pm Update
The 1000 foodie slots are all filled up; even for walk-ins on the day itself
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Not to be dismissed as a simple buffet, it’s like taking a peek inside a foodie’s kitchen and getting a taste of their food. Moreover, participants can rate them and provide feedback.

The event will be hosted by Old Manila Walks food-culture guide and foodie Manila Boy Blogger Ivan Man Dy and Spanky Enriquez, respectively. The Comedy Cartel will also be there a s a special guest.

A contribution fee of P230/head includes a P200 contribution to MASED (Macario Arnold for Socio-Economic Development) Foundation’s Out-of-School Youth Program and P30 for one bottle of any of the San Miguel Lifestyle Brews: San Miguel Super Dry, Premium All-Malt and Cerveza Negra(on ly for 18 yrs old & above) . For children who are 3-6 years old, the contribution fee is only P100.

Participation mechanics through registration as one of the 1,000 foodies in the event is not included in the article anymore since it is two days away. You are encouraged to try coming early as walk-ins. For more details, you may email Rache at rache@diaz.ph

Note: Parking is available at The Fort Strip or around the NBC Tent.

Food Suppliers as of last week

Appetizers / Starters (9)

1. Brazo by Ces Lopez
St. Francis Quiche (with Portobello and Asparagus)
Chicken Pork Adobo Quiche
Classic Quiche Lorraine in Gruyere Cheese

2. Denim Kitchen
Bangus Sardines in Canola Oil
Smoked Mackerel in Olive Oil, Crunchy Garlic, Mango Chutney

3. Chile Vitas
Chile Cheese, Chile Vinegar, Chile Mustard & Chile Pepper sauce

4. Maison de Valere‘s chicken liver pate on toasts.

5. The Fruit Garden Assorted Fruit Jam

6. Joax Ingredients & Food Development Corporation‘s Fried cured meat and Dimsum

7. Emapanada Avenue‘s Empanadas

8. Oishi Smart C+ lemon variant and Marty’s Baconnette Strips

9. Anla’s Congee

Main Course / Meat (13)

10. Lattize’s Lengua Sulipena and Corned Beef

11. Pepita’s Kitchen Lechon

12. Sunrise Bucket Chicken Wings

13. Dulcelin main course + 1 dessert

14. Sakae Sushi Spider Roll Sushi

15. Pepetons Grill
Kapalmuks – deep-fried pig face, it’s like crispy pata
Sinuman na tyan ng Bangus – Bangus belly wrapped in banana leaves
Binalay – Ibanag’s kakanin
Bundok rice – Pinoy version of Thai bagoong rice

16. Goodles Pasta

17. Crave Burger

18. JAM Foods‘ Angus Beef Tapa

19. True Santos Duck Farm’s Muscovy Duck Ham (with special ham sauce)

20. Jay’s Caldereta

21. The Classic Roast Whole Roast Duck and Roast Duck Siopao

22. Qasa 61‘s Marikina Cuisine

Desserts (16)

23. Kraze Kitch Bakeshop
Lengua de Gato – original, almonds, oatmeal raisin, ube
Flourless Chocolate Cake

24. Adee’s Caramel Bars

25. Savoury Pies
Frozen Lemon and Herb Pie plus Frozen Strawberry Pie

26. Marveron Enterprises
Macaroons, apple pie, food for the gods and fresh lumpiang ubod

27. Purple Dough
Chocolate Chip Cookies/Peanut Butter Cookies

28. Heidi’s Taiwan Snowflakes Ice

29. Craveman Food Ventures Inc.
Shaved Snow with toppings/flavors: Strawberry, Mango,
Chocolate, Banana-choco, Ube-Munggo, Sweet Corn, Peanut

30. Better Sweet Spot’s Cakes & Cupcakes – Dark Chocolate Cheese,
Red Velvet, Chocolate Lava, Chewy Chocolate

31. Crepes & Cream Fiesta Halo Crepe

32. The Bandana Baker Mango Bars, Mega Chocolate Cookies, Cranberry & White Chocolate cookies

33. Anne Hilario‘s Chocolate praline ganache cake

34. Benzi‘s Cheese Brownies, Apple Bavarian Torte Cheesecake Lollipop or Cheesecake Truffle

35. Divine Desserts

36. Jeren‘s Kefir for Vegan from Coconut Kefir Dressing

37. Boracay’s Frozen Swirl Kefir

38. Fruits in Ice Cream Summer Cafe (FIC) Sansrival

Drinks (6)

39. San Miguel Lifestyle Brew’s San Mig Dry, Cerveza Negra, Premium All-Malt

(Tasting Portions for FREE, P50/bottle during the event)

Note: Beer will only be served to Foodies 18 years old and above

40. SodaStream by Max.Ideas Marketing Corporation

41. Conlins Coffee by Conlins Coffee World Inc.

42. El Kapitan Coffee

43. Arpee Lazaro’s Aqua Health alkaline ionized water

44. Paco Magsaysay‘s Holly’s Milk

See you at the Ultimate Taste Test 4.0 on May 14 and let’s take on the food critic’s hat. Everybody’s input will be essential. 🙂

P10 C2 500ml for Voters

The C2 Green tea brand advocates a cool and clean elections this coming May 10 with their campaign “I keep my Vote Cool and Clean!”. It intends to heighten awareness and encourage Filipinos to vote and promote honest elections.

C2 Cool and Clean Elections!

C2 Green Tea products and some exciting premium items will be made available to voters at C2 booths located in selected voting precincts around Metro Manila on May 10, 2010.

C2 500ml bottles of any flavor would also be available for voters only at P10 in any 7-Eleven and Ministop stores simply by presenting the indelible ink marked on their fingers.

Through the campaign, C2 Green Tea maker aims to empower Filipinos to keep their votes cool and clean while making the voting experience a more meaningful and affirmative experience.

Krispy Kreme Free Orange You Glad Chillers for Voters and KK Friends

Join Krispy Kreme‘s Promo and wait for your corresponding email. On Election Day, bring a print out of the “VOTE” email you will receive (similar to the one below) and visit any Krispy Kreme branch in the Philippines.

Krispy Kreme Encourages Voters!

Present the email print out and show your finger with the indelible ink and enjoy a free Krispy Kreme Orange You Glad Chiller. Let’s DOugh Our Part and Vote!

Noy-Bayani

NoyNoy Aquino

I have also decided to share my choice for president in the person of Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. In this election, I am giving my vote to the one I believe can make a true change in the government. I decided to choose a candidate who is criticized to lack experience and background but is dedicated to eliminating corruption and has a clear conscience.

Among all the presidentiables, I believe he is the one who will do what he said and fulfill with his best what he promised.

Bayani Fernando

I choose Bayani Fernando for the capabilites he has shown and the changes and improvements he has implemented in Marikina City and the MMDA. A man of action with ideals for a disciplined public society.

For the senatoriables, my longlist include Ople, Hontiveros, Acosta, Cayetano, Guingona, Drilon, Defensor–Santiago, Roco, De Venecia, Osmena (Serge), Tamano, Ocampo (Satur), Lim, Pimentel, and Enrile. Three more needs to be dropped. I still have the weekend to think it through. 🙂

The online community is encouraged to use the #juanvote hashtag for their reports and social comments on May 10, 2010.

Yummy Magazine has a tasty way, among many others, of celebrating its 3rd-year anniversary in the business of food magazine publishing. I’m referring to its collaboartion with one of the most-loved popcorn brands recently – Chef Tony’s.

Yummy Magazine Popcorn

Yummy Magazine and Chef Tony’s Popcorn will release a new flavor – Southern French Herbs with Cream Cheese come June. A new flavor specially created for YUMMY, it has the tangy taste of the said southern French herbs; and of course, cream cheese.

Although I favor a shorter and more catchy flavor name (for commercial purposes as well), the flavor does not fall short of the brand.

I opened one last night and consumed almost a third of the tub. Feel free to share as it tends to be too salty in time.

Southern French Herbs with Cream Cheese

Yummy - Chef Tony's Popcorn

I was actually surprised when I first heard about the Yummy popcorn, as I was not aware Chef Tony was open to customizing flavors and co-branding. I think this open concept would eventually be tapped by other foodie brands as well in the near future.

Congratulations to Yummy for it’s 3rd-year of satisfying and feeding foodies like NomNom with tasty information  through their printed and online foodie magazine.

Yummy Magazine Southern French Herbs-Cream Cheeze Chef Tony's Popcorn

You can grab a YUMMY popcorn tub in any Chef Tony’s Popcorn outlets for only P200 this June 2010.

It all started last Saturday, April 24 with the B.G.C Summer Passion Fest 2010 Food Tour at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig with renowned food and culture guide Ivan Man Dy lead the BGC food tour.

It was followed by a personal impromptu Tagaytay trip turned Tagaytay food tour three days later (April 27 & 28).

And now, I’m on the first day of the three-day Davao Food Appreciation Tour (DFAT) here in, where else – Davao City.

Yes, I didn’t realize it until today. In a span of seven days, I’ve been to three food tours across the Philippines while I’m now on the third one in Davao.

More details on NomNom‘s foodie adventures for the whole month of May from this three foodie escapades.

Good News

For now, check this out as the aforementioned Bonifacio High Street Food Tour has a part 2 tomorrow – May 1, 2010. Come and join tomorrow as it is open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Walk-in registrants start 1pm. Event proper starts 2pm.

Briefly, last week, we had desserts at Sonja’s Cupcakes and Miss Desserts. This was followed by the main course in Sao. We also went to Pasto, Yoh-gurt Frost, and The Establishment. This week’s line up would be different with new restaurant-participants and some of the spots repeating.

Be prepared for Polu Kai, Italianni’s, Stock Market, Ice Cream Bar, Trio and Amber.

The registration concierge B8 along Bonifacio High Street is located near the front of Coffee Bean Tea Leaf BHS Branch. Tell the reception you were invited through NomNomClub and Ivan Man Dy. Again do take note that slots are limited and is available on a first come first serve basis.

*Photo from http://www.ayalaland.ph/article/bgc_passionfest2010 used for event promotion purposes.

Have a fun and stomach-filling PassionFest BGC Food Tour.

After the two weeks of guessing game among NomNom Club subscribers, NomNom’s favorite is finally revelaed – the Starbucks Apple Fritter Doughnut! 🙂

Thank you to all the 87 subscribers who participated. They had a 33% chance of getting the right answer having to choose from among the 3 doughnuts.

Starbucks Doughnuts

I loved the apple fritters because of the apple bits and flavor and the hint of cinnamon combined. The old fashioned glaze was fine but I fancied the apple fritter more. The chocolate old fashion glaze was really just the chocolate version of the former. 🙂 It tastes ok too, nonetheless.

If the sugar coating is too much for you, I have a tip – take some off literally, to feel less guilty. 🙂

The Starbucks Top Pot Doughnuts will be available in all Starbucks Philippines Coffee shops starting May 3, 2010.

The Winners

From among the 87 entries, there were a number which had missing wall posts so they had to be validated. About 10% had to be disqualified. And From among the 70++ remaining, 23 guessed the Aple Fritters choice.

That’s about 30%! More than half of the answers were the original Glazed Old Fashioned Doughnut and the chocolate version came in last with the least number of guesses.

Starbucks Doughnuts Finalists A

Starbucks Contest Finalists B

So the 23 entries were subjected to the random list generator in Random.org where three winners were selected from those coming out on top of the list (click images above for larger image).

Congratulations to:

1 Michelle – hushbaby**@yahoo.com
2 Myla Naig – mylasue**@yahoo.com
3 Roy Kabiling – troy_machinto**@yahoo.com

Guess My Fave Starbucks Doughnut Contest

You will be notified by email based on your email subscription next week where your Philippine-based addresses will be requested. Starbucks Philippines will then courier the Starbucks Gift Certificates each of you will receive.

Starbucks Top Pot Doughnuts

Thank you once again for participating in our NomNom Club contest. If you haven’t subscribed in our email list, please do so HERE. You would get updated on our latest foodie news and contests. You may also want to join our Facebook Page and join the NomNom Club.

The Starbucks Doughnuts will be available in all Starbucks Philippines coffee shops starting May 3, 2010. Try the Apple Fritters! 🙂

Starbucks will be offering Top Pot Doughnuts in select Starbucks Coffee outlets in the Philippines come April 12, 2010, Monday.

What's inside the box? 🙂

Background

Top Pot is a family owned business started by two brothers Mark and Michael Klebeck. With its unique, old style signature “hand-forged” doughnuts, Starbucks hand selected Top Pot back in 2005 to carry their doughnuts in western Washington.

The Top Pot doughnuts are made using little automation giving each doughnut a hand crafted taste and look that fits Starbucks® hand crafted beverages and coffee.

The Doughnuts

With zero grams trans fat, the three doughnuts are the Glazed Old Fashioned Doughnut, Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnut, and Top Pot Apple Fritter.

Starbucks Glazed Old Fashioned Doughnut

The ‘Glazed Old Fashioned Doughnut‘ is considered a “classic” inspired through a recipe from the 1930’s. Inside the golden exterior is a moist, cake with hints of vanilla and some nutmeg. It’s covered with Top Pot’s own proprietary “Air Sped” glaze while it’s hot .

Starbucks Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnut

While the ‘Chocolate Old Fashioned Doughnut‘ is the chocolate version of the classic Glazed Old Fashioned doughnut.

Starbucks Top Pot Apple Fritter Doughnut

The ‘Top Pot Apple Fritter‘ is made of hand chopped apples mixed with cinnamon and spices and cooked golden brown and covered with “Air Sped” glaze.

The Contest

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April 19, 2010 Update: the Contest is UPGRADED & EXTENDED!

The prizes just leveled up from 1 GC to 3 GCs! And because of this, NomNom is also extending the contest another week from April 19 to April 24! The three raffle winners from those with the correct answer will be announced on April 25. Thank you to Starbucks Philippines for the prizes.

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If you noticed, the article’s direction is more descriptive than a recommendation. That is because I’m gonna let you guess which among the three Starbucks Top Pot doughnuts caught my fancy best.

Top Pot Doughnuts

Mechanics

Simply create a Facebook wall post (shared with ‘everyone‘) indicating which Starbucks doughnut you think NomNom liked best. Include this link (http://nomnomclub.com/restaurants/2010/starbucks-top-pot-doughnuts/) in your message as well.

Finally, place the URL of your facebook wallpost on the comment section below and you’re done!

Rules

One comment per person only. Multiple entry cheaters will be turned to stone by Medusa then swallowed by the Kraken.

Contest will start from now until April 17 24, 2010.

All valid and correct answers will be included in the electronic raffle using Random.org. Winner will be announced on April 18 25, 2010 on this blog.

For any inquiries or clarification, please don’t put in the comment section (it’s for the answers and URL links), instead you may email admin<at>NomNomClub.com.

Top Pot Doughnuts

Prize

A Three (3) Starbucks gift certificates for a free drink of your choice at any size.

It All three will be couriered to your choice of address anywhere in the Philippines.

Qualification

Starbucks Top Pot Doughnutd

The contest is open only to anyone with a valid Philippine address where the prize will be couriered. It is also open only to NomNomClub.com Email Subscribers. If you are not yet an email subscriber, you may do so by clicking here.

So, which could be my favorite Starbucks Top Pot doughnut? Is it the old fashioned glaze? The chocolate version? or the Apple Fritter? 🙂