Entries Tagged 'Casual' ↓

The Ultimate Taste Test 4.0 in Photos

ManilaQ Corned Beef Pansigang

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)

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

Denim Kitchen

Ultimate taste Test Lechon

Ultimate taste Test Lechon

The Fruit Garden

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

Ultimate Taste Test 4.0 - ManilaQ

Ultimate Taste Test 4.0 - ManilaQ

Empanada Avenue

Empanada Avenue

Roast DucK Siopao

Roast DucK Siopao

Desserts:

Chocolate Moist Cake

Chocolate Moist Cake

Purple Dough Desserts

Purple Dough Desserts

Frozen Meringue by Tina Raines

Frozen Meringue by Tina Raines

Dulceline Gourmets

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

Kraze Kitch Bakeshop

Kraze Kitch Bakeshop

Ultimate Taste Test Desserts

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

More Brands

ManilaQ, Crave Burger, Muscovy, Swirls

ManilaQ, Crave Burger, Muscovy, Swirls

The People / Crowd

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

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

Arpee Lazaro of Aqua Health Alkaline Water

Arpee Lazaro of Aqua Health Alkaline Water

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

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

Ivan Man Dy

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

Ultimate Taste Test 4.0

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. 🙂

Ultimate Taste Test 4.0 – It’s a Food Critic’s Day!

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. 🙂

C2 Green Tea & Krispy Kreme Encourage Voting; NomNom Chooses Noy-Bayani

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 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!

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

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

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, DefensorSantiago, 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.

NomNom Joins Yoshinoya Beef Bowl Eating Contest Tomorrow!

If you have seen my physical stature or know me personally, you wouldn’t guess that I do join food eating contests.

Burger Avenue Hamburgers

Burger Avenue Hamburgers

With my average body built, you would be surprised that I have joined a Hamburger-eating challenge and a Hotdog-Eating contest before.

Yoshinoya SM Megamall

Yoshinoya SM Megamall

I was off by 30 seconds from Burger Avenue‘s 5-minute Hamburger-eating challenge. It was a big 3-patty 1 pounder burger of pure beef. I also had the eating dare on video.

On the other hand, I somehow fared painstakingly well enough with 7-Eleven’s Hotdog-Eating contest. Although it was not good enough for the semi-finals, I was able to finish 5 jumbo hotdogs with 5 big buns and a large cup of iced tea in 5 minutes and 33 seconds..

And now, we’re upto a new challenge – Yoshinoya‘s Blogger’s Beef Gyudon Eating Contest.

The mechanics for registered participants from Boy-Kuripot blog states that…..

Yoshinoya Beef Gyudon

Yoshinoya Beef Gyudon

  • The bloggers should be at Yoshinoya Megamall on May 5, 2010 6PM to participate in The Beef Gyudon Eating Contest (Late comers will not be allowed to participate)
  • At the event, bloggers will be asked to eat as much Beef Gyudon Bowls they can within two (2) minutes
  • Bloggers will race to finish the most number of Beef Gyudon Bowls in two (2) minutes using a pair of chopsticks
  • Each time a bowl is finished, the blogger has to turn the bowl upside down. After two (2) minutes has elapsed, all bloggers will stop eating and stick out their tongue.
  • The blogger who ate the most number of Beef Gyudon Bowls will be declared the winner
  • In case of a tie, there will be tie breaking round. Bloggers will race to finish one regular beef bowl and the fastest will be declared as the winner
  • Yoshinoya Beef Bowl (Gyudon)

    Yoshinoya Beef Bowl (Gyudon)

    So if you happen to be in SM Megamall building A tomorrow, do pass by Yoshinoya at around 6pm and take a peek on NomNom‘s quest to be the king of Yoshinoya Beef Gyudon Bowls. And yes, I’d be starving myself off lunch in preparation for the Yoshinoya Blogger’s Beef Bowl Eating Contest tomorrow night 🙂

    3 Food Tours in 7 Days

    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.


    Legazpi Sunday Market Hosts “Grilla In Manila”

    Another adventure in Legazpi Sunday Market is set as they organize the first “Grilla In Manila” grilling contest and festival on April 25, 2010.

    Although registration for the contest is already closed, you can still join us as we witness the actual contest this weekend from 8am to 11am. Teams just had their debriefing last Sunday. Aspiring cooks, chefs and entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend.

    Here is a backgrounder on the contest:

    The contest is open to non-professionals, foodies, student chefs, starting out entrepreneurs, etc. (amateurs).  Teams with a maximum of 3 members will be allowed.

    a. The teams will submit a total of 3 dishes prepared in its entirety at the market (preparation and cooking time is a total of 3 hours).

    1. Grilled Beef Dish – 2.5 kilos of Angus  beef will be provided by the LSM courtesy of sponsor Tenderbites.
    2. Specialty Grilled Dish (choice of team)
    3. Side Dish (produce to be purchased at the LSM by the team). Produce (vegetables, fruits, protein etc.) must be purchased at the LSM by the team on the day of the event  for only P200 (to be sponsored by the market). It must also be prepared in its entirety at the market (preparation and cooking time is a total of 3 hours)

    b. Preparation and cooking time is a total of 3 hours. All 3 dishes should be ready for tasting at 11am.

    c.  All grilling and cooking equipment, unless specified, will be provided by the team. No electricity will be provided.

    Legazpi Sunday Market's Grilla In Manila

    Legazpi Sunday Market's Grilla In Manila

    d.  All ingredients will be provided by the teams except where specified.

    e.  5 gallons of water will be provided for each team’s use.

    f.  Teams should be at the venue by  8:00 am.

    g.  Teams must provide all cutlery, dish towels, utensil , grillers and any appliances or Ingredients not specified.

    h.  Cleanliness and safe food handling is of at utmost importance.

    i.  The amount of food prepared must be enough for:
    40 small tasting portions
    -  5  full portions for judges (plated)

    Judging Criteria
    Presentation/Visual Appeal        15%
    Palatability/Flavor            50%
    Tendreness                15%
    Originality/Creativity            20%

    Awards
    The Market Griller (people’s choice)
    The Grill King (overall winner)

    For inquiries on Legazpi Sunday Market‘s “Grilla In Manila“, you may call Maan at (632)425.0851 or email Legazpi_SundayMarket@yahoo.com

    Level Up With Greenwich

    Ok, this is actually not the freshest news, but I just had to point it out. 🙂 In the past few months, you may have noticed a lot of changes in Greenwich‘s food line and store make up.

    Greenwich Levels Up!

    Greenwich Levels Up!

    And hence the commercial phrase: “dahil ang favorite pizza chain ninyo, nag-level up na!

    They ‘leveled up‘ a lot of things.

    From the regular Hawaiian Pizzas, they leveled it up into a new premium pizza offering called the Ultimate Hawaiian Overload with 2x more Hawaiian toppings of ham, glazed pineapple, smoked bacon and 100% Mozzarella and Cheddar cheese.

    Team Manila Designed Pizza Box

    Team Manila Designed Pizza Box

    And it comes in a stylish generally-black-and-white pizza box designed by Team Manila.

    More on food, Greenwich also introduced two new American Lunch Specials: the Quarter Slab Ribs and Thick ‘N Tender Chops. The Tender Chops comes at P179 with java rice, mixed veggies and a regular drink

    I have tried the quarter slab ribs and it was good. Surprisingly, it’s only priced at P199 already with java rice, mixed veggies and regular drink. You wouldn’t find that price range for a slab ribs even in non fast casual stores.

    Greenwich Quarter Slab Ribs

    Greenwich Quarter Slab Ribs

    Greenwich Pizza Fries

    Greenwich Pizza Fries

    The new Greenwich Pizza Fries also serves as a good partner to their pasta and meals. It comes in pepperoni and cheese & garlic flavors plus a special pizza sauce dip.

    Wait, there’s more! 🙂

    Greenwich Thick n' Tender Chops

    Greenwich Thick n' Tender Chops

    You’d  see that almost all stores had a make-over as the new Greenwich fast casual stores. In a press conference two months ago, they introduced Tim Yap as its ambassador. The set up is now more young and fit as a barkada place for the adventurous and outgoing.

    The crew also had a ‘level up’ with the stylish and colorful new store team uniforms designed by renowned Randy Ortiz. And finally, to complete the package is their presence on the web with the new Greenwich website www.greenwich.com.ph.

    Greenwich Ultimate Hawaiian Overload Pizza

    Greenwich Ultimate Hawaiian Overload Pizza

    Greenwich started 2010’s first quarter with a bang! Expect to see more from your favorite pizza chain as they continue to ‘Level Up!’

    Kuse and Old Vine Alfresco Treat at 30% Off

    The Venice Piazza‘s newly opened restaurants Kuse and Old Vine has a new alfresco dining promo.

    Customers of both Kuse and Old Vine both gets 30% off on all drinks and pica-pica 9pm onwards everyday!

    Kuse serves traditional Filipino cuisine while the term, which originated from the Filipino word ‘Kusinero’, means ‘chef’. Old Vine offers Mediterranean dishes with a wide variety of wine collection.

    Among the pica-pica and dishes you could order for the alfresco dining include Buffalo Wings with tomato-coriander (P210), Hot and Spicy Dynamite Roll (P190), and Tokwa’t Baboy (P200), and of course, beer.

    For inquiries on Kuse and Old Vine, call: 836.4966, 836.4969 or 0920.9243044. Email at larrycortez_chefsquarter@yahoo.com.