food
food trip
What can I say… I love food. And I love taking photos of the food adventures I come across. But more often than not, i don’t bring my camera with me. Luckily, my iPhone is always in my pocket.
Of course, these weren’t all consumed in one sitting. This is a collection of some of the fare that I stuffed my face with over the course of a week or so.
[chirashi with extra uni from nihonbashi tei]
[shake unigiri from nihonbashi tei]
[bananutella ice cream from sebastian's]
[home made ensaymada, farmer's ham and some cheese]
[starbucks spam, egg and cheese on cornmeal bread]
All photos were taeken using Instagram.
mama’s table, encore
One month after my first experience, I came back to Mama’s Table for another treat. Being that it was my second time, chef Vicky Tinio-Clemente mad sure that there were no repeat dishes.
As usual, it was a feast of the senses… Amazed at her creativity and ingenious blend of flavors, I leave you to take a look at the photos (and descriptions) to get an idea of just what a scrumptious experience one lunch at Mama’s Table can be.
[an assortment of appetizers: organic chicken liver pate, artichoke spread, blue cheese spread, semi-cured tomatoes, some fruit and nuts]
[our amuse: tarte alsation -- filo base with goat cheese cream, caramelized onions, organic cherry tomato, fresh basil drizzled with olive oil]
[asparagus soup garnished with asparagus spears and parsley petals]
[our intermezzo: mushroom crustade sprinkled with parmesan cheese and parsley]
[miso-sake-maple soaked cod with shrimp & mussells on braised potato, leeks, organic cherry tomato and snow peas]
[intermezzo 2: swedish meatball topped with pickled cucumber and lingonberry preserve]
[tenderloin with red wine jus & corn, bacon, and mushroom risotto with scallions and zucchini]
[digestif: greens, watercress topped with reduced balsamic vinaigrette, strawberries and crumbled blue cheese]
[dessert: hazelnut choco & panna cotta parfait topped with mango couli & dried mango]
Mama’s Table
Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of experiencing a gastronomic spread — an eight course meal, with each dish a delightful feast of the senses. Up in the mountains, Chef Vicky Tinio-Clemente took us through a custom prepared meal over at her resto, Mama’s Table.
With each dish coming out, it became harder and harder to concentrate on the names of the dishes, even if we were given ample time in between each serving. My mind was on getting the food into my belly.
Here are a few iPhone photos from the dinner.
[Amuse Bouche with Anchovy Butter Bread]
[Porcini Cappuccino]
[Prawn Fritter w/ Mango, Cilantro and Ginger Mayo]
[Salmon Grenoblaise]
It was at this point, that I forgot to take my mental notes, completely. Dish names were forgotten… but the ingredients were not.
Interested parties can find Mama’s Table in 888a Ambuklao Rd. Baguio City or contact them via telephone: (074) 442-1794 or mobile: 0915-6438775.
weekend diversion
This was a pretty busy weekend, but I made sure to take a few photos, while bouncing from place to place. Here are a few select photos from the past three days.
[salmon on pears]
[caramel almond brownie]
[lotus pads]
[massage huts]
[lil alejandro aka pepe]
[anshel busy fishing]
[q contemplating]
[lola nina watching over ate pilar]
Chili’s Blog Event
Chili’s has just made their delicious burgers even tastier with their exciting new line of Deluxe Big Mouth Burgers — mouth watering mounds of pure goodness, true to the quality of the Chili’s dining experience. And yesterday, we had a few bloggers on hand to try out Chili’s new offerings.
Here are a few photos from the event.
Photo of the Day [POTD]: essential
Sure, you gave me a choice. None of them were really desirable, but I had to go with one.
Anchor Connoiseur Duels
Yehey, in cooperation with Anchor held a special blogger cook off yesterday, at the Magsaysay Institute of Hospitality & Culinary Arts. The Connoisseur Duel pitted the cooking skills and imagination of the bloggers, given a short time limit with provided ingredients to plate a whole 3 course meal.
The judges on board:
1. Dorothy Ferreira, well respected pastry chef and culinary teacher.
2. Juan Miguel Borja, Senior Chef Instructor at MIHCA
3. Leah Barin, Food Service Manager for Fonterra.
At the end of the event, the judges were fairly impressed with the dishes. But more importantly, everyone had fun in the kitchen and even got to sample the food that they had slaved over.
Here are some photos from the event:
More photos on
Texas Roadhouse Grill
Just a few hours ago, I had an extremely fulfilling meal — and I was just taking bites in between schmoozing with the bloggers and resto management.
Texas Roadhouse Grill, with the participation of Pepsi held a sumptuous event at the TRG El pueblo branch last night and offered a wide array of dishes. From soups to salads from surf to turf, and of course, the evening was capped off with a delicious bit of dessert.
The meal commenced with a Tortilla Soup: a hearty starter packed with bits of chicken, corn and ham topped with slivers of crisp and crunchy tortillas. The soup in itself is quite filling, with all of the ingredients packed into a small bowl. Those that are into the Tex-Mex taste, this is a definite must-try.
Of course, what are starters without appetizers? To satisfy the growing hunger, the bloggers were also served the Jesse James Sampler — a platter of buffalo wings and cheese fritters just to whet the appetites.
isaw time
Today, we had a bit of free time. As a small reward (for a long week) we headed over to grab some artery clogging, carcinogen filled isaw goodness.
Billy Rock
Last June 26, amidst very little fanfare, I was treated to another Bistro experience. BillyRock, the newest bar and restaurant hangout in Streetscape Shangri-la Plaza (and the [Bistro] Groups newest local offering), held a welcoming / opening party to celebrate their brand new establishment.
And much like you would expect from a Bistro Group outlet, the quality of the food, service and drinks was top notch — with a seemingly endless variety of choices. And as a guest for that evening, I was treated to a generous offering of free-flowing drinks and order til you drop food.
Yehey Pandesal
I opened my mail, after a quick cigarette break. Lo and behold, I got a surprise from my friend, Belle
For the record, Yehey! Corporation has not branched out into baked goods. ^_^
Or the food business, as seen here.
Update:
You can read about the Yehey Pandesal campaign in Malaya.
Starbucks celebrates Earth Day
This April 22 and 23, celebrate Earth Day with Starbucks. Help save the environment and bring your own mugs or cups to any Starbucks branch for your fill of caffeine. As a token of their appreciation, Starbucks will give you PhP 40 off any of your drinks, by helping out Mother Earth.
Yehey! – Fish & Co.
Today, Yehey! in cooperation with Fish & Co. held a special blogger’s event for a few who were able to make it.
Bloggers were tasked to come up with variations on fish & Co’s hottest seller — their Fish & Chips. Grouped into four different nations (India, Malaysia, Japan and the US – Philadelphia), the bloggers set out to purchase necessary ingredients from the supermarket, rush back to the resto and plate their dishes.
We had a hard time deciding which group won, as all dishes were very uniquely prepared. But in the end, Group US – Philadelphia [comprised of Melo, Eric, Rowena, Eldelweiza and Mec] came out on top with their creation, Philly Fish Steak.
[bloggers in action]
[the creations]Thanks to everyone who made it to the event!
New Bombay
Last week, we headed over to New Bombay over in The Podium for a quick lunch.
The food was great, and the colors just added to the overall experience.
For those of you fond of Indian cuisine, this place is a definite must-try.
Here are a few photos from my mobile phone.
a taste of americana
Together with a few invited bloggers, I experienced a taste of Americana over at T.G.I.Friday’s, Bonifacio High Street. We were treated to a great meal and a bit of entertainment in celebratory anticipation for the inauguration of the United States’ 44th president.
Here are a few photos from my cell phone…
[red, white and blue all around]
[u.s. flag, Filipino beer]
[marilyn monroe]
[wonder woman]
[jonel's sago with a message]Whip up Your Own Super Bowl!
Another blogger event is coming up… and this time around, you get to try out some of the new dishes that Super Bowl of China is offering, as the Chinese resto is adding a number of gustatory delights to their already spectacular menu.
Be one of 30 bloggers that will get an invite to this flavorful event by registering here.
RSVP: Kankan Ramos or Jona Oboza at 910-6427/0917-8687438 or email superbowl@teamyehey.com
I met Forrest Gump
Just this afternoon, Bubba Gump invited a few people from the media and press to experience some of the new dishes being offered in their branches.
The food was aplenty. Old favorite dishes were served up, as well as some of the newer fare. There was so much food, that I simply sampled the dishes, to make sure I got a taste of all the flavors.
ON THE MENU:
Appetizers:
- She Crab Soup – blue crab and caviar bisque
- Dynamite Shrimp – Shrimp Poppers cracklin hot with a spicy Asian Glaze
Salad:
- Grilled Shrimp Salad with Garlic-Cilantro Dressing – Crispy Romaine tossed with a Garlic-Cilantro Dressing and topped with tender, marinated Shrimp, fresh roasted Red Bell Peppers and Pine Nuts
Bubba’s Shrimp Specials:
- Shrimp & Veggie Stir Fry – Tender sautéed Shrimp with crispy Vegetables, all tossed together with a sweet and spicy sauce, served over Rice
- Spicy Jambalaya Pasta – Shrimp and Spicy Andouille Sausage over Linguini with Bourbon Street Tomato Sauce
Fresh Catch Specials:
- Mediterranean Trevally (Talakitok) – Fresh Trevally pan-seared with Grape Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, herbs and Capers
- Fresh Cajun Pompano with Mayan Salsa & Shrimp – Garlic fresh Cajun Pompano and grilled Shrimp placed over a bed of Jasmine rice and served with Salsa Fresca
Forrest’s Favorites:
- Grilled Dory with Jambalaya – Grilled Cream Dory over a spicy New Orleans style Jambalaya with tender Shrimp and Andouille Sausage
- Dixie Style Baby Back Ribs – An all time favorite at Bubba Gump.
Dessert:
- That Chocolate Thing – We’re not sure what to call it, but we know you’ll love it! A special jar of warm flourless Chocolate Cake, topped with Vanilla Ice Cream and Whipped Cream, and drizzled with a Raspberry Sauce. You’ll say, “I HAVE TO HAVE THAT CHOCOLATE THING!”
As, I didn’t have my camera with me, I had to make do with my cell phone camera. So here are some of the photos of the food… and of Forrest.
[party atmosphere calls for party hats]
[the Dynamite Shrimp]
[Grilled Shrimp Salad with Garlic-Cilantro Dressing]
[Mediterranean Trevally]
[Kankan meets Forrest]Flapjacks Greenhills
Flapjacks just recently opened their newest branch in Greenhills, right beside the Theater Mall.
As expected, the food was delish.
Bo’s Coffee Club @ High Street
Bo’s Coffee Club held it’s second blogger’s event last Friday, in their Bonifacio High Street branch. It was a cold and rainy morning, so hot mugs of our favorite brew awaited all the visitors.
Again, President and CEO Steve Bentitez introduced Bo’s to the bloggers, before initiating the “create a coffee” contest.
Here are a few photos from the event…
[coffee beans, pre-roasting]
[comfy corner for two]
[sack of beans]
[cooling off the roasted beans]
[creating their concoction]
[zee, arpee and noreen enjoying the cheese rolls]
[the amazing biyahilo]
[biyahilo and arpee]
[our winners, audrey and abbie with steve benitez]Caramon Concoction by Abamania
Last September 27, Bo’s Coffee held a blogger’s event for students from the Katipunan area. (read about it here)
As I mentioned, there was a mini contest for the bloggers: a coffee mixing competition, wherein the students got a chance to play baristas.
After brainstorming and cooking up a new and unique coffee mix, each group of student bloggers got to work, with the assistance of Bo’s Coffee president, and passionate coffee afficionado, Steve Benitez.
While all four mixed concoctions tasted great, there had to be one winner. And the winning mix: Caramon Concoction by Abamania, a group of UP students.
Their potable invention is a combination of caramel and cinnamon (thus, the name) mixed into a cool, creamy ice blended drink. While it may seem like an odd pairing, you’ll have to trust me on this; it is a very tasty bev.
And according to Bo’s Coffee Katipunan owner, Winston Quesang, the drink is now available and ready for public approval as the Drink of the Month in the Katipunan branch.
Here’s a shot of the winning group of UP students:
Bo's Coffee @ High Street
Reaching out to the coffee loving community, Bo’s Coffee is hosting another Blogger’s event over at their Bonifacio High Street branch.
This October 10, get to sample their delicious brews, their tasty pastries and learn more about your favorite bean.
Limited slots are available, so if you want to reserve your place, email the organizers.
Share the Bo's Coffee experience
When you’re passionate about something, it shows. And I think that was evident, when president of Bo’s Coffee, Steve Benitez shared his thoughts and views on the special bean in this local coffee house.
Student bloggers gathered at the Bo’s Coffee Katipunan branch for a unique day of coffee tasting and creation (as written in my previous post).
So after Steve “shared his passion,” the main event began. Students grouped themselves together, and were given the task of creating their own drinks. Excitedly, they discussed their mixtures and combinations for their home made concoctions.
Being a coffee lover, myself, I was eagerly anticipating the results of the brainstorming. And I was not disappointed. The brews were original and very tasty. But as there will be another event coming soon, I can’t give away too many details on the coffee drinks whipped up by the four groups.
And as an added incentive to the winners, their inventions will be featured in the Bo’s coffee houses across the country for a month, with full recognition given, with the runners-up getting a week of coffee glory.
So, without writing too much more, here are a few photos from the event.
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Share the Bo’s passion
Attention all student bloggers!
You are invited to join fellow coffee aficionados for one delightful coffee experience at Bo’s.
Sit down with your favorite cup of Bo’s blend and listen as the experts talk about the flavorful world of coffee. Embark on a journey that will guide you through the art of brewing the perfect cup of this dark, bittersweet liquid we all come to love.
Delight your senses. Come and stay for unique coffee experience.
Here at Bo’s, we don’t just make coffee.
We brew it with passion.
September 27, 2008 | Bo’s Coffee, Katipunan | 329 Katipunan Road corner B. Gonzales Street, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
