March 9th, 2011 — Affairs, Batangas, Casual, Cebu, Cravings, Cuisine, Filipino, Fusion, Greenhills, Iloilo, Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, Naga, New Brews, Ortigas, Paranaque, Pasay, Promos / Events, Quezon City, Restaurants, Tagaytay, Taguig, Where To Eat
Being a predominantly Catholic country, one would immediately observe if the lent season is approaching in the Philippines. One of the give-away signs is that restaurants offer their non-meat alternative to their customers. One of the early movers this year is Max’s restaurant which has started offering their Max’s Seafood Fest since yesterday.
Fish Fillet for the Lent
Fish & Seafood Fest
Max’s has started its Seafood Selections Promo and offers non-meat dishes familiar to the Filipino taste.
The seafood spread include Filipino cuisines like Camaron Rebosado and one of my favorites Sinigang na Hipon.
A wide selection of fish dishes are also part of the option such as Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet, Spicy Laing Tilapia, Fish Fillet in Black Bean Sauce, Sinigang na Tiyan ng Bangus, and Steamed Fish Fillet in light soy.
Max's Seafood Fest Promo
“…the timeless flavors of Filipino cuisine and warm memories of sharing these meals with their friends and family. ..this is what Max’s brings to the table with its Seafood Selections Promo… a taste of home with every hefty serving of these traditional recipes,†says Bobby Simborio, Corporate Communications Officer for Max’s Group of Companies.
Seafood Fest Frequency Card
Seafood Selections Frequency Card Promo + Chicken-All-You-Can GCs
Max’s also launched a special seafood fest frequency card where each purchase of a qualified seafood selection dish with a glass of Pepsi gets a sticker for a card slot.
From March 8 to April 30, 2011, diners who can complete the six sticker slots will get a free Max’s Chicken-All-You-Can gift certificate.
Frequency Card Promotion Mechanics
Max's Offering for the Lenten Season
Have a non-pork meat diet with Max’s Seafood Fest and enjoy a meatless Lenten season. 🙂
March 4th, 2011 — Affairs, Promos / Events
The upcoming Philippine International Food & Beverage Expo 2011 (PIFBEX 2011) is set fro March 31 – April 2, 2011! Also known as the 4th International Exposition on Foodservice, Catering Systems, Specialty Foods, Beverages & Wines, Food Franchising, Supplies, Equipment & Technology, it will be held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
The three-day food expo event will bring together Food & Beverage industry players and professionals from around the country and the world. PIFBEX 2011 offers opportunities for businesses and related industry players for new potential customers. The latest development in food & manufacturing, machinery, equipment and technology related to food processing, handling and packaging will also be featured.
An estimate of at least 300 exhibitors both locally and internationally will fill the halls hosting three sub-located events namely:
CREATE FOOD 2011
- Ingredients
- Bakery & Confectionery
- Food Processing & Packaging
FOOD & HOSPITALITY 2011
- Food & Beverages – Food Products
- Beverage Products
- Organic /Health Foods
- Retail & Hospitality Equipment – Restaurant, Hotel & Catering Equipments, supplies & services
- Technology Equipment
- Trade Franchise, Consultancy, Specialist Skill Training Program of Food & Drink Processing and Preserving
WINE, SPIRITS & COCKTAILS 2011
There would also be a dessert making competition and cocktail competition.
Register at www.pifbex.com for free admission. For more information about Philippine International Food & Beverage Expo 2011 (PIFBEX 2011), email tradecon.inc@gmail.com or contact Tradecon, INC. at 395-5137, 395-5009.
February 28th, 2011 — Casual, Cravings, Cuisine, Filipino, Italian, New Brews, Restaurants, Tagaytay, Where To Eat
I recently came from a weekend trip at the Nurture Spa in Tagaytay and I would simply like to share the unique dishes I had over my weekend stay.
Nurture Spa Menu
Upon arriving at the place in the morning, we had ‘Suman with Mangga‘ (Sticky Rice with Mango) with a small cup of hot ‘tsokolate‘ (chocolate) on the side. It was a filling morning snack to begin with.
For lunch, it was an option between “Chicken Kare-Kare” and “Ossobuco” (beef).
I chose the chicken kare-kare for it’s uniqueness. We often, if not always, had pork or beef kare-kare.
An ossobuco is an Italian recipe of braised veal shanks usually with broth and vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, celery and onions.
Chicken Kare-Kare
Pinoy Beef Steak
The chicken kare-kare was a good one.
It provided a refreshing alternative to the usual pork and beef preparations. It still goes perfectly with ‘bagoong‘ (shrimp paste).
Dinner was a simple beef steak pinoy-style. They got the Filipino taste just right but the tenderness of the beef could have been better.
The next day’s breakfast was also the typical Filipino breakfast of tocino, egg, tomato slices, and of course – rice.
Ossobuco
Garden Salad
And before we left Nurture Spa Village, lunch was a crispy serving of Lechon Kawali. It had noticeably less fat and is really crispy. I wanted to have another serving but resisted to do so.
My general experience with Nurture Spa’s menu was really good. I just observed that the amount of servings were just right for a….woman (no pun intended). I mean, as a guy, I think can order two servings of each everytime. 🙂
February 18th, 2011 — Affairs, Appetizer, Bar/Grills, Beverage, Bonifacio Global City, Casual, Chinese, Cravings, Cuisine, Dessert, Filipino, Fusion, Italian, Japanese, New Brews, Pizza / Pasta, Promos / Events, Quick Service, Restaurants, Steakhouse, Street Fare, Sweet Shops, Taguig, Western, Where To Eat
I haven’t visited Mercato Centrale (the day market) since it started, but I was able to check out Midnight Mercato first with other blogger friends last weekend. This is defiintely for night people like me who can’t wake up early on weekend mornings. 🙂
Chilled/Hot Taho by Tahooo!
It was also the launching night of Midnight Mercato at the Bonifacio Global City last Friday so there was a simple opening ceremony, ribbon-cutting, guests, and the likes.
Briefly to the unaware, Midnight Mercato is a weekend late night food bazaar where foodies and barkadas can hanging out and enjoy great food you can’t easily find otherwise. You can feast on a wide array of food choices from gourmet selections to ‘lutong bahay‘ (home cooked) dishes; even sosyal street food and balut included. Add to that acoustic musical performances by Rock Ed – all in an air-conditioned ‘kubol.’ Yes, that is Tagalog for ‘tent’ (as fellow blogger Alex shared).
Here are some food trip photos I’m sharing from:
Buy 1 take 1 Sausages @ P150 and Chips To Go Booth (similar to Potato Loops)
Monster Burger & the Monster Burger Challenge (finish it in 4 minutes and it's FREE!)
Nutsylicious have different kinds of nuts including walnuts and pistachios!
After all the photos, it’s my tummy’s turn. So I got an authentic shawarma (P75) from a Mediterranean-looking guy whose booth I forgot, three Mochiko mochi ice cream, and some Takoyaki balls.
Mochiko Mochi Ice Cream @ P70
Mochiko had a very long line and was out of stock before 12midnight. That speaks for itself. 🙂
I also had a set of Armenian Lavosh Chips with Pesto Mozarella Cheese dip (P145) from the stall with a witty name of ‘5 loaves and 2 Fishes.’
Armenian Lavosh Chips (right); Claypot Chicken Rice (left)
Big Bob's Quarter Pounder Burgers
I also got a bottle of Raw Honey and Organic Gourmet Rice from ‘Fresh Start‘. They’re quite pricey actually but I know mom would love the brown rice while I use the honey as sugar substitute in my morning milk (there goes the revelation). 🙂
Fresh Start Organic Gourmet Rice (Brown Rice P200) & Raw Honey (P300)
There were a number of media outfits and got to spot some celebrities including Mara’s Mom in ‘Mara Clara‘ , Ashlee Gosengfiao, Sarah Meier (I think), Mercato Centrale guy RJ Ledesma, and others. I also spotted Anton Diaz and wife Rachel at the Human Nature booth.
Rachel @ Human Nature booth (right); Mexican Kitchen (left)
Balut (Duck Embryo)
I wanted to try so much more but I can only take in so much having come from a full dinner at Rai-Rai Ken a few minutes before going to Mercato Centrale.
There were also other food finds which caught NomNom’s fancy and instantly became a favorite.
Watch out for that post coming out next week including my predictable Mochiko review. 🙂
It was a haven of grilled food, hamburgers, and suasages outside the Midnight Mercato Tent.
Moreover, I got some tips from foodie friends and is looking forward to try the following in my next visits:
Off Beat Burger‘s Krispy Kreme Burger, Ravioli’s of Natalia, and the Angus Beef Tapa Rice Toppings, among others.
Krispy Kreme Burger
I also got news from Antin Diaz’s blog that Bale Dutung will start tonight @ Midnight Mercato! I’ll have to wait a little longer though as I will be going to Thunderbird’s Resort in Rizal tonight and I’ll be at the Pyromusical competition in SM Mall of Asia tomorrow.
Check out more about Midnight Mercato and Mercato Centrale here.
Midnight Mercato Tent, Tables, and Interiors
Midnight Mercato happens every Fridays and Saturdays at Bonifacio Global City from 11pm to 3am the next day. They are located at the corner of 31st and 9th streets (vacant lots between Serendra and STI Fort). Mercato Centrale day market continues Saturday and Sunday 7am to 2pm.
February 14th, 2011 — Affairs, Promos / Events
Happy Hearts’ Day! Samsung Microwave Oven, in coordination with NomNomClub.com, shares the love to everyone today – Valentine’s Day. We are holding a contest giving away – a brand new Samsung Microwave Oven!
The Samsung Microwave Oven AMW 83E-SB model is great for home usage with its Rapid Defrost and Triple Distribution System features. It also has an angled control panel for effective viewing, child lock, and LED Display. It is available in color silver at an SRP of P4, 595.
Samsung Microwave Oven
Contest Mechanics
1. At the wall of NomNom Club Facebook Page, post a creative photo of a person holding a written message “I Love Samsung Microwave Oven and NomNomClub.com!” This could be an artwork or simply written on a bond paper (up to you). Just make sure that the message is clearly seen in the photo.
2. Put this caption for the photo that you should complete:
“I Love Samsung Microwave Oven & NomnomClub.com because___________________________________.
Join this contest as well at https://nomnomclub.com/affairs/2011/samsung-microwave-oven “
3. Register your Name, FB Profile URL, and email address at this link: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDBhcG9ZeUc0bHpVNkhKbzFHNHpoamc6MA
You may also get free NomNomClub.com articles in your email inbox by signing up here.
4. The TOP Photo
It’s that simple!
Reminders:
Contest Duration: Feb 14 – Feb 27 , 2011
The winner will be announced on March 6, 2011 after counting and verification of all the entries.
* Comments can be of any form (ie: “awesome”). Unique comments means the same person/ FB profile commenting 15 times is only counted as one. We use a system to filter duplicate comments during the judging/verification.
*Corrected mechanics 12nn Feb 27, 2011.
Samsung Microwave Oven AMW83E-SB
I’ve always associated the brand of Samsung with quality and durability. And with the introduction of Samsung Microwave Oven in the Philippine market, you can expect the same. If only I can join this contest myself. 🙂
February 11th, 2011 — Casual, Cravings, Dessert, Restaurants, Sweet Shops
Bloggers take role as Cupcake Bakers
I attended a pre-Valentine blogger event courtesy of Max’s Corner Bakery last night. Max’s highlighted their Valentine edition cupcakes and other bakery products.
The main activity of the event was a demonstration of how to make cupcakes. The bloggers were then encouraged to participate in crafting their own cupcake creations with Max’s own cupcake-making ingredients such as icings and multi-colored sprinkles
Max's Event Hosts
I believe everyone enjoyed the activities and prizes; blogger Glenn was later on awarded as the one with the best Cupcake Design and Dedication. 🙂
It is also sweet to note that husband and wife blogger Jeff & Jen were celebrating their 14th-year anniversary as a couple on the same day. <3
Cupcakes received by NomNom
On Max’s Corner Bakery Cupcakes
Formerly known as ‘Max’s Bakeshop‘ of Max’s Restaurant, Max’s Corner Bakery is proud to say that their cupcakes are made with the same ingredients they use for their cakes.
And indeed, after tasting their chocolate variant and vanilla cupcakes, it was undeniably good.
The cupcakes come in six variants namely Cream Cheese, Choco Espresso, Choco Caramel, Double Chocolate, Choco Strawberry, and Troubador (Custard Cake).
I love the Double Chocolate best among all. Nomnomonom.
Blogger-Designed Cupcakes 🙂
Perhaps most of us are only familiar with Max’s Caramel bar. There are also other products in the bakeshop which include Max’s Ensaymada, chocolate chiffon cake w/ chocolate fudge icing, banana cakes, food for the gods, caramel cream cakes, and colorful rolls.
Other Bakery / Bakeshop Products like Max's Caramel Bar & Ensaymada
When it comes to rolls, I purchase from the usual leading bakeshops so I haven’t tried theirs. Maybe soon. I’m curious as to how it is at par with the other leading bakeshops. 🙂
Valentine Promotions
In recognition of the Valentine season, Max’s Corner Bakery has recently launched specially garnished valentine-cupcakes with eye-candy layers of sweet confections for the sweet-toothed customers.
Max's Corner Bakery Valentine's Day Promotions
Max's Corner Bakery
They ares also having a promo where for a minimum purchase of P1,500 from February 12 to February 14, Max’s diners will receive a box of chocolates for free to make you feel the ‘sarap kapiling‘ tagline. This is valid for dine-in, take-out or delivery.
February 7th, 2011 — Affairs, Promos / Events, Top Commenters of the Month
Finally, I was able to automate the identification of my monthly top commenters for my regular top commenter of the month contest. Thanks to the WordPress Top Commentators Widget.
Top Commenter Widget
The Top Commentators Widget which I installed at the latter part of last year automated the counting of the comments per commenter/commentator per month. I have to admit, I used to count it manually, pathetic, IKR. 🙂
Now, it could be found at the bottom leftside of the homepage similar to the images in this article. Furthermore, it displays the Top 10 commenters so you could see if you are in the running. Ok, it’s actually Top 11 (since the other one is me). 🙂
Top Commenter - November 2010
The first set of top commenters announced were from the previous September and October 2010. They were treated to an Angel’s Pizza foodie gathering. For this set of winners, we’re going to try out Figaro‘s new breakfast meals (or anything you like actually)!
Top Commenter - December 2010
Congratulations to Joy “JoyfulMom” and Peachy “Peachkins” for topping the number of comments for the months of November and December, respectively.
Please choose from either lunch or dinner time of Feb 10 or 11,2011. We’ll be having it at Figaro Glorietta. Email admin AT NomNomClub.com for your response. Again, congratualtions and see you soon!
January 31st, 2011 — Affairs, Chinese, Cravings, Cuisine, Dessert, Recipes
Also known as sticky rice cake or pudding, cooking ‘tikoy‘ has been deeply embedded in the Chinese-Filipino culture in the Philippines, especially in the season of Chinese New Year.
Serving ‘tikoy‘ represents prosperity in Chinese belief that is why it is associated with the Chinese New Year. It serves good hope and a better life for the upcoming new year.
It is also said to enhance family bonding for the whole year hence the â€stickiness†of the rice cake. Therefore , whether you are Chinese or otherwise, receiving a ‘tikoy‘ as gift is said to be ‘good luck.’ The Chinese New Year this year will be on February 3, 2011. If you haven’t received one yet, you can buy one for yourself at Polland like how I featured their heart-shaped tikoy last year. Or you can simply cook one for yourself and your family. 🙂
Cooking & Preparing Your Tikoy for the Chinese New Year
How to Cook Tikoy
1. Crack and beat egg yolks in a bowl. A whole large-sized tikoy needs about 20 beaten egg yolks with albumen. For creamier preparations, use only the egg yolks, do not include the albumen (egg white); but you have to double the number of eggyolks.
2. Heat your pan with 1/4 cup cooking oil.
3. preferably beforehand, slice the tikoy into small 1 inch by 2 inches rectangles at about 1 centimeter thick. While doing this, start to heat your pan.
4. Dip the tikoy slices into your preparation of beaten egg yolks.
5. Place the tikoy one slice at a time in the pan if the oil temparature is already hot enough. Do not put a tikoy slice on top of another.
6. Cook each batch by about 2 minutes each side or until the egg coating has turned golden brown.
7. Take the tikoy from the pan.
Tip: My personal style is placing the tikoy in a plate with table napkin or clean, tough tissue paper where I could initially place the tikoy for some oil to settle and transfer. This makes your tikoy serving less sinful.
Now you know how to cook your tikoy in case you receive or buy one. Enjoy the upcoming Chinese New Year NomNom Club! 🙂