Entries Tagged 'Dessert' ↓

Have you recently “Thanked” your best friend?

Have you shown your appreciation of your epic best friend who has been there ever since, through thick and thin? With or without chocolates? 🙂 Toblerone has actually done a similar campaign last year with a Thank You Day Photo Contest.

Well, Toblerone encourages you to do so. Tobelerone prods you to thank your super best friend now.

Your favorite triangular Swiss chocolate encourages you to say “thank you” to your best friend through simple things that show your appreciation. And why don’t you let the world know about it too! 🙂

Talk about how you met your epic friend, the adventures you’ve gone through together and especially why you are thankful for your relationship with him or her!

Mechanics:

1. “Like” the Toblerone Fan Page on Facebook
2. Upload a photo of you and your epic friend
3. Tag yourselves and TobleronePilipinas
4. Post your answers in the Comments section of your photo
5. Have your epic friend to “Like” the post as well!

Winners:

Ten winners will be chosen based on the number of people who “Liked” your post as well as the feedback from the Toblerone team and a special panel of judges.

Prizes:

Winners will be treated to Toblerone gift packs and a full day of fun and exciting bonding activities, featuring body care treatments at The Spa, with their epic friends.

Isn’t that a great and unique way to start saying “thank you” to your best friend! The contest will run from July 5, 2010 to August 11, 2010. Check more about this promotion at www.toblerone.ph

Gratitude, like friendship, should not simply be a one-day deal. Let this “thank you” opportunity from Toblerone inspire you to think of many different ways to show your friend how much you appreciate all he’s or she’s done for you.

Win Big Prizes from Red Kimono‘s “My Maki Masterpiece Challenge” as they celebrate their fifth year of serving modern Japanese cuisine.

Get a chance to win P5,000 in cash and P5,000 gift certificates by being one of the Top 5 winners. Moreover, your creative Maki recipes will be featured in Red Kimono’s Maki Masterpiece menu.

Red Kimono Modern Japanese Cuisine

No worries even if you are a kitchen newbie as the ‘maki‘ requirements are lenient. No specific rules with your recipes and way of cooking as long as it’s a ‘roll‘ and is ‘nomnom’-able. 🙂

Mechanics:

1. Submit your creative maki recipe with title and a photo.
2. Include your name, contact number and email address as well your story or inspiration behind your masterpiece.
3. Only one entry per participant.
4. Submit your entry via email mymakimasterpiece@gmail.com or in any Red Kimono branch in CD format

Deadline for Submission

• July 29, 2010 (extended from the July 25 earlier announcement)

Perks & Prizes:

• 5,000 in cash and P5,000 in Gift Certificates
• Feature in Red Kimono’s Maki Masterpiece menu
• Feature in print, TV and radio publicity

Red Kimono My Maki Masterpiece Challenge

Judging and awarding of the top 10 finalists will take place on July 31 at Red Kimono Fort branch. Five best makis will be chosen by judges including Ricky De Vera (Philippine Marketing Association Chair), Dr. Edgardo Rodriguez (Dean of Enderun College), DJ Rob Joseph (Wine Merchants and Ralph Wines & Spirits), Carlos Celdran, and Tweetie De Leon Gonzales.

For any inquiries on Red Kimono‘s “My Maki Masterpiece Challenge,” you may check www.redkimono.com.ph call 0917.822.5757 or 577.8382.

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). 🙂

Good news for M&M fans! They will be having a promo starting today (July 15, 2010) where M&M’s chocolate consumers can collect as many empty wrappers possible and redeem M&M’S travel accessories.

At stake are travel accessories including the following:

– M&M’S Luggage Tag at 7 points
– M&M’S Sling-Messenger Bag at 40 points
– M&M’S Foldable Pillow at 80 points
– M&M’S Backpack at 130 points

Not All M&M’s chocolate are Created Equal

So how does it work? Each variant of M&M’s have corresponding point weights.

Be guided accordingly:

1 point (any of the following):

• 1 pc M&M’s Milk Chocolate 40g
• 1 pc M&M’s peanuts 40g
• 1 pc M&M’s Crispy 34g
• 1 pc M&M’s Minis 30.6g
• 1 pc M&M’s Milk Chocolate 47.9g

2 points (any of the following) :

• 1 pc M&M’s Milk Chocolate 100g
• 1 cp M&M’s Peanuts 100g

5 points (any of the following):

• 1 pc M&M’s Milk Chocolate 200g
• 1 cp M&M’s Peanuts 200g
• 1 pc M&M’s Milk Chocolate 232.5g
• 1 cp M&M’s Peanuts 232.5g

8 points (any of the following):

• 1 pc M&M’s Milk Chocolate Funsize 202.5g
• 1 cp M&M’s Peanuts Funsize 202.5g
• 1 pc M&M’s Milk Chocolate Funsize 267.9g
• 1 cp M&M’s Peanuts Funsize 264.8g

All wrapper and tube must have a Best Before Date of 2010/2011 to be considered valid.

M&M Promo Detailed Mechanics

The more wrappers you collect, the more points you get. These premiums items, while supplies last, can be redeemed in 135 selected USSI in GMA, North and South Luzon, and Concepts in Action Inc., G/F 92 New York cor. Purdue Sts.,Brgy. E. Rodriguez Sr., Cubao, Quezon City. Redeemption of the wrappers and points for travel accessories can be made from today (July 15) up to October 15, 2010.

For inquiries, you may call M&M’s Fun Travel hotline at +632-709-4847 during business hours.

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.

The 1st Philippine Chocolate & Ice Cream Show in the Philippines will soon open its doors to chocolate addicts & ice cream lovers like me.:)

There has been a lot of food shows and trade fairs in the past years but never before was there a food show that concentrated on these two heavenly comfort foods. As if chocolates are not enough, they paired it with a similarly delectable ice cream.

The website adds:  “Attendees to this event will look forward to the best chocolate and ice cream shopping in the Philippines.  Consumers and entrepreneurs will discover the remarkable and surprising range of chocolate and ice cream products that the Philippines and the world have to offer.  Visitors will be able to savor the widest variety of chocolate and ice cream delicacies under one roof for three straight days!“

1st Philippine Chocolate & Ice Cream Show

Exhibitors profiles include Cacao Bean Growers, Suppliers of Nuts, Preserved Fruits, Jams and Fillings, Chocolate Manufacturers-Suppliers & Distributors, Suppliers of Chocolate Processing Machineries, Equipment Manufacturer, Distributors of Kitchen Supplies & Equipment. Furthermore,  Ice Cream / Sundae Manufacturers Suppliers & Distributors, Ice Cream Machineries, Supplies & Equipment, Culinary Schools, Logistics & Distribution Companies, Authors on Books of Food, Publishers & Distributors, among others.

The event also hosts the 1st Hotel-Hostel And Restaurant Expo Philippines. Moreover, attendees will get to witness a Chocolate Spa Treatments conducted by professionals and experts in the beauty industry.

Registration Fee is P100 but you may pre-register here until June 30 (extended to July 10), 2010 and get 50% off.

Check out more details from their website here.

From the organizers of Outdoor Advertising Philippines 2009 and Bakery Fair, BMT Events Solutions, in partnership with Pastry Alliance Of The Philippines, presents the First Philippine Chocolate & Ice Cream Show happening on July 14 to 16, 2010 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

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. 🙂

Well, not actually “with” celebrity/actor John Lloyd Cruz.

John lloyd Cruz with Magic

It just so happened that John Lloyd Cruz is the latest main man endorser of Jack n’ Jill Magic. Being one of the country’s biggest food manufacturers, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) chose John Lloyd Cruz based on his background and credibility as an endorser.

“For me, magic is something that has no formula, something you just cannot create,” John Lloyd shares. “What I’ve achieved in the business is no joke. But it couldn’t have been all hard work and talent. There has to be some kind of magic that made things work out.”

Jack 'n Jill Magic - John Lloyd Presscon

They also appreciated John lloyd’s versatility as an actor which is comparable to Magic’s varied product lines of biscuits and snacks composed of six varieties namely:  Magic Flakes (Onion Chives, Cheese and Chocolate), Magic Thins, Magic Coated, Magic Creams, Magic Roundwich, and Magic Chips.

“There is truly more to him than being a dynamic actor. It’s like he works a kind of magic on and off screen to make life more exciting, and that is what our product is all about—living a life filled with fun, excitement and spontaneity, ” said Teree Eugenio, VP for URC Snackfoods 2, at the recently held press launch for Jack ‘n Jill Magic at Bar One in Crowne Plaza, Ortigas

John Lloyd Cruz thinking of Nomnoming

Walnut Cake w/ Magic

While the press conference was made enjoyable by the comic performances of Silly People’s Improv Theater or SPIT. Everyone had a hearty lunch where some of the food were made from Magic flakes and creams.

Allow me to share the photos with you:

Chocolate Mousee Magic Roundwich

The first (topmost photo)  is the Walnut Cake with Magic Chocolate Coated Crumble.(left photo) This is the best dessert in the table

The second is Chocolate Mousse with Magic Creams Roundwich Choc-o-licious. (right photo)

And finally, Fish Fillet in Magic Flakes Savory Cracker Dust sauce and Brasied Vegetable Chinese Style. (photo below)

Fish Fillet in Magic Flakes Savory Cracker Dust and Brasied Vegetable Chinese Style.

Magic Variants

One main dish and two desserts, these three are just some of the creative ways you can prepare your Magic flakes or creams; beside John Lloyd Cruz or otherwise. 🙂

*URC are also the manufacturers of C2 and Yin Yang CoolingTea.