The Beetle: An Icon is Back

Baby you can drive my car, beep beep’m beep beep yeah.  Of course, you would want to drive my car if I’m driving The People’s Car from Volkswagen!  Built as one of the most successful cars of all time, people from all generations and cultures were drawn to it.  Looking back at its beginning, it symbolized the democratization of mobility with 21.5 million cars sold since its first production in 1939 to 1997.

Nicknamed according to precisely what it looked like, a beetle, it is one of the first rear-engined cars longest running in a single design platform.  In 1998, a New Beetle arrived and brought with it Beetle Mania.  The Final Edition completed the New Beetle series in 2010 that had sold more than one million cars.  And now, looking forward, the future of the most famous car in the world begins now, in a completely new generation.

 Volkswagen, 2014 Volkswagen, Ayala, Mind Museum, The New Beetle, cult car, muscular tension, sports, dynamic, Volkswagen, Volkswagen beetle, review, car review, auto review, automanila, Volkswagen BGC showroom, 28th Street City Center, Bonifacio Global City, Operation Hours, Open, test drive, adress, bonnet, new design, photo, hollywood, actors, Philippines, Filipino, Zobel Ayala, specifications, model, betweenbites, Fort, between bites, car review, Pinoy car, The People’s Car, Germany, Filipino market, Philippine market, importer, distributor, Mr. JP Orbeta, president of Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc. (ACEI), 2014 Beetle, model, photos, event photos, Ayala Auto Holdings Corporation (AAHC), Fernando Zobel de Ayala his brother, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, MRM Worldwide, agency, car showroom, most successful, fast selling, car of the year, 2014, 2013, awarded, award, sports car, 2014 VW Beetle, sporty, volkswagen Philippines, car shows, lineup, list, price list, car price list, cheap, affordable, payment plan, bank loan, car loan

Today, the third generation of the Volkswagen icon is officially back: The one and only Beetle.  The new Beetle displays impressive sports appeal – primarily in its extended bonnet, sharply swept-back windscreen and a longer wheelbase.

[Read more…]

Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez on SKY Cable HD

Too many Alvarez boxers that this fight is named Mayweather vs. Canelo instead of the latter’s last name.  Supposedly the highest purse fight in boxing history with $41.5 cool million as his minimum guarantee to just step inside the ring.

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, 23, will be facing 36-year-old Floyd Mayweather Jr.  this coming Sunday (Manila time) –both fighters with undefeated record.  Mayweather maintains that he is still at the peak of his game and continues to be his usual confident arrogant self.

Canelo is apparently the Spanish translation to the boxer’s ginger hair.  No mistake that he is also a world champ even if Mayweather dismisses the fact saying there are just too many belts in the field now and these young bloods easily get one compared to the time veterans really have to earn it the long hard way.

Catch the Mayweather vs. Canelo fight this weekend.  SKY Cable is giving this PPV fight FREE and in HIGH DEFINITION via SKYcable FREE VIEW HD to all subscribers with the HD box.  The event will air this Sunday, Sept 15.  Live telecast begins at 9AM.

 

For those SKY Cable subscribers who do not have the HD Digibox, other than me suggesting you get one to change your life and up your viewing experience, you can still catch this real-time, as it happens, via LIVESTREAMING on iWantv also at 9AM.

  [Read more…]

Haru Sushi Bar and Restaurant, Kapitolyo

 

The motor has been running these past weeks with barely any pit stop.  I’m feeling heavily fatigued again with mounting workload and crazy schedules, missing playing Ultimate this week after work to break a sweat and paradoxically relax my mind.  Nothing breaks the weariness than unearthing a hardly hidden gem in Kapitolyo.  A simple evening, good food and scattered laughter are the right tools for a quick escape.

Philippines, Metro Manila, Manila, Manila food reviews, recipe, Filipino, Pinoy, location, date places, best, best dinner dates, best date restaurants, restaurant reviews, Between Bites, betweenbites, food, foodie, food finds, location, menu, map, Fort, Quezon City, list, photo, Taguig, Ortigas, list of restaurant, photos, videos, www.janedchua.com, address, steak, beef, best, best dining spots, price, promo, discount, enjoy, bars, clubs, branches, food blog, food blogger, lifestyle blog, travel blog 

ENGR and I were supposed to veer towards Lola’s Café in Tomas Morato but ended up checking out nearby restaurants.  Haru Sushi Bar and Restaurant was a twilight beam to Little Tokyo with its very fascinating interiors. 

Philippines, Metro Manila, Manila, Manila food reviews, recipe, Filipino, Pinoy, location, date places, best, best dinner dates, best date restaurants, restaurant reviews, Between Bites, betweenbites, food, foodie, food finds, location, menu, map, Fort, Quezon City, list, photo, Taguig, Ortigas, list of restaurant, photos, videos, www.janedchua.com, address, steak, beef, best, best dining spots, price, promo, discount, enjoy, bars, clubs, branches, food blog, food blogger, lifestyle blog, travel blog

Haru Restaurant is owned by Dr. Vasquez of Cafe Juanita and Au Gusto fame, who’s also a thespian and a friend of my former boss.  Tell tale signs are in the interiors that this is also his restaurant. 

Philippines, Metro Manila, Manila, Manila food reviews, recipe, Filipino, Pinoy, location, date places, best, best dinner dates, best date restaurants, restaurant reviews, Between Bites, betweenbites, food, foodie, food finds, location, menu, map, Fort, Quezon City, list, photo, Taguig, Ortigas, list of restaurant, photos, videos, www.janedchua.com, address, steak, beef, best, best dining spots, price, promo, discount, enjoy, bars, clubs, branches, food blog, food blogger, lifestyle blog, travel blog

RELATED POST

Café Juanita

Kainan Au Gusto

Mad Mark’s Diner

Mystified at Café Juanita

CW Bday at Café Juanita

Glass chandeliers have pink flowers snaking around it reminiscent of cherry blossoms during spring time in Japan.  Japanese fans and umbrellas decorate the walls.  The sushi bar greets you as you enter the door and then the rest evokes eclectic Japanese.

Philippines, Metro Manila, Manila, Manila food reviews, recipe, Filipino, Pinoy, location, date places, best, best dinner dates, best date restaurants, restaurant reviews, Between Bites, betweenbites, food, foodie, food finds, location, menu, map, Fort, Quezon City, list, photo, Taguig, Ortigas, list of restaurant, photos, videos, www.janedchua.com, address, steak, beef, best, best dining spots, price, promo, discount, enjoy, bars, clubs, branches, food blog, food blogger, lifestyle blog, travel blog 

On the Table

Dynamite Roll P320

Sushi roll with spicy tuna, salmon, Japanese cucumber with a coat of tobikko

 Philippines, Metro Manila, Manila, Manila food reviews, recipe, Filipino, Pinoy, location, date places, best, best dinner dates, best date restaurants, restaurant reviews, Between Bites, betweenbites, food, foodie, food finds, location, menu, map, Fort, Quezon City, list, photo, Taguig, Ortigas, list of restaurant, photos, videos, www.janedchua.com, address, steak, beef, best, best dining spots, price, promo, discount, enjoy, bars, clubs, branches, food blog, food blogger, lifestyle blog, travel blog

I was eyeing the Crazy Roll, which is sushi roll with kani, ripe mango, cucumber, with haikara flakes and topped with kani tossed with Japanese mayonnaise but among three choices I had Eric pick, Spider Maki Roll included, he opted for the Dynamite Roll.

Philippines, Metro Manila, Manila, Manila food reviews, recipe, Filipino, Pinoy, location, date places, best, best dinner dates, best date restaurants, restaurant reviews, Between Bites, betweenbites, food, foodie, food finds, location, menu, map, Fort, Quezon City, list, photo, Taguig, Ortigas, list of restaurant, photos, videos, www.janedchua.com, address, steak, beef, best, best dining spots, price, promo, discount, enjoy, bars, clubs, branches, food blog, food blogger, lifestyle blog, travel blog 

Each bite has exact portions of each ingredient making each of their freshness present.  You get a taste of the best of the sea from the fresh spicy tuna and salmon while the julienned cucumber adds a crunch and clean swab.  I just love the roll of tobikko inside my mouth and nibbling the miniature orange pearls with my teeth.  I no longer dab my rolls in soy.  I simply put wasabi on it and plop it inside my mouth.

Philippines, Metro Manila, Manila, Manila food reviews, recipe, Filipino, Pinoy, location, date places, best, best dinner dates, best date restaurants, restaurant reviews, Between Bites, betweenbites, food, foodie, food finds, location, menu, map, Fort, Quezon City, list, photo, Taguig, Ortigas, list of restaurant, photos, videos, www.janedchua.com, address, steak, beef, best, best dining spots, price, promo, discount, enjoy, bars, clubs, branches, food blog, food blogger, lifestyle blog, travel blog  [Read more…]

Cochinillo Asado, A New Discovery at 22 Prime, Discovery Suites

 

22 PRIME always had a soft spot in my heart.  Bubba and I find random refuge at the restaurant located at Discovery Suites’ 22nd floor after a long day at work.  Having occupied the Number 1 post on my Between Bites’ Best Date Places in 2010, it’s no secret that I like going here for dinners and even cocktails at Serendipity Lounge.  Listed among the top five Philippine restaurants by the international Miele Guide on its 2011-2012 Edition, it confirms that my taste is not far from theirs.

 

Bubba and I in 2009

During Spot.Ph’s Goldspot Awards, 22 Prime was also awarded as the city’s best steak specialty restaurant. 

 

READ THE STORY HERE:

World of Flavors at Discovery Suites’ Restaurant 5

In Crumbs: 22 Prime and Others

Between Bites Top 10 Best Date Places

Premium Night at 22 Prime 

 

For regulars like me who go from time to time to enjoy the steaks, surf and turf, the bone marrow with apricots or simply Chef Rick’s Cheese Bread (mouth-wateringly my favorite!), you’re in for a new dish discovery. 

22 Prime doesn’t only serve well-cooked steaks as diners are delighted anew with its latest culinary offering – Cochinillo Asado.   

[Read more…]

Between Bites TOP 10 MUST BITES 2011

 

I have scoffed, gobbled, munched, wolfed down different dishes in many, almost countless, restaurants that I have to really organize my food thoughts.  That is the reason time and again I come up with these Between Bites Top 10 lists.

 

 

READ MORE:

Between Bites TOP 10 Food Highlights of 2010 (1st Half)

Between Bites TOP 10 Best Japanese Restaurants

BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST DATE PLACES

BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST FILIPINO EATS

BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST PAELLA

BETWEEN BITES TOP 10 BEST Buffalo Wings

TOP 5 Sultry Strawberry Treats

Mercato Centrale, Where Food Lovers Meet, The TOP 10

Between Bites TOP 10 Things About Bali 

And here we go again!  This time I have dubbed my annual list as “MUST BITES” in line with the Between Bites “brand.”  Yuck, brand daw oh.  Haha.

10. Rub Ribs and Barbecue

A simple duplex with a red signage that spelled RUB stands in Tomas Morato.  With more comfortable dining area on the 2nd floor, the small space has quotable quotes in frames adorning the wall.  Their menu offers wings, potato wedges, pastas, pork belly, among others but obviously, it is a no-nonsense restaurant devoted to the love of ribs and barbecue.

 

[Read more…]

Pacquiao vs Margarito on November 14, 2010

 

 

Will another one bite the dust?

 

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao steps again in the ring on November 14th, Manila Time, to face another opponent in the face of Antonio Margarito.  They will plow it out for a vacant WBC (World Boxing Council) Jr. Middleweight Title that, to some critics, is a fictitious weight class.

 

 

Filipinos would like to believe that this would be another easy win for Pacquiao since he is the best pound for pound fighter in the world and Antonio Margarito is coming off a 1-year suspension for getting caught trying to use illegal hand wraps.  If Pacquiao does win, it will be a new title in his eight weight class.

 

 

But don’t write off Margarito just yet.  Margarito’s camp says that his height, reach and size will be the difference.  He better know how to use them though because with Pacquiao’s speed, he doesn’t have enough time to strategize deliberately in the ring.  He won’t be able to see what hit him.

 

And this will be another walk in the park for the boxing champ, Manny Pacquiao.  I really hope that Margarito puts up a great fight against Pacquiao to give the boxing fans their money’s worth.  Otherwise, it’s just a win-win scenario for both fighters with huge purses in their pockets while the biggest loser is… the fans.  Pac, pac, pac!

 

 

Catch the Manny Pacquiao versus Antonio Margarito fight in FULL HIGH DEFINITION!

 

 

WORLD SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP:

PACQUIAO vs MARGARITO

in FULL HIGH DEFINITION

November 14, 2010, SUNDAY, 8AM

 

LIVE, UNINTERRUPTED and in TRUE HIGH DEFINITION

on SKYCABLE HD

 

 

Boxing fans are in for a treat as SKYCABLE HD, the country’s first high definition cable TV service, brings the last big fight of 2010 in TRUE HIGH DEFINITION.

On November 14, live from Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, seven-division world champion and the reigning WBO welterweight champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao will defend his title against “The Express Train” Antonio Margarito Montiel.

Be on a ringside seat right in the comforts of your home as SKYCABLE HD brings the clash of these titan pugilists LIVE and commercial-free in true HIGH DEFINITION!  Catch all the boxing action in breathtaking detail, panoramic viewing and clear digital sound.

 

It’s the finest way to watch sports.

 

Call SKY Cable at 631 0000 for more details.

 

 

Related Entries:

 

Another One Bites the Dust- Pacquiao Wins Over Miguel Cotto via TKO

Manny Pacquiao Faces Miguel Cotto in the Ring

Pacquiao Meets Cotto or Mosley?

The Real Deal: Pacman Signs with ABS-CBN

July 6 Marked the 1st Round Between Ateneo and DLSU

Unfinished Business: Pacquiao v. Marquez

Manila Ice and the Philippine Heat

It’s a Match: Pacquiao – Hatton

Pacquiao Floored Hatton

Shane Mosley Wants To Meet Pacman in the Ring

Floyd Mayweather Injured

Pacquiao – Cotto Face Off Brewing

 

 

Summit Ridge Tagaytay Online Promo

 

 

Looking for a weekend getaway?  Why not head over to the hills of Tagaytay? 😉

 

Summit Ridge Tagaytay has a great online promo on accommodation.  You still have 2 days left to book 🙂

 

Summit Ridge Tagaytay

Room rates as low as Php 2,988

Book online from July 16 to 31 and get exclusive room rates!

Stay period: August 1 to September 30, 2010

 

 

 

LIMITED TIME OFFER! BOOK NOW!

Visit www.summitridgehotel.com

 

*Valid for online bookings only. Subject to room availability. Breakfast not included.

 

Km 58, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City. TEL: (632) 240-6888 

 

 

—  

Between Bites’ TOP 10 Food Highlights of 2010’s 1st Half: What a Mouthful!

 

 

Between Bites TOP 10 Food Highlights (2010 -1st Half) 

 

 

10. King One’s Shabu Shabu

 

That Sunday lunch at King One’s Shabu Shabu (PHP 529 per head) was a wonderful lunch where the food were abound and of good quality –prepared well I should say.  I get turned off with restaurants that offer buffet sometimes because of the way the food is prepared… but in this case, King One’s staff handles the food properly.  Service was friendly, prompt and inclined –more reason to enjoy your King One feast.  Don’t forget to order fresh prawns, mozzarella balls, tao pao and lambOh lamb!

 

 

 

READ MORE!

Foodie Club Series: The Shabu Shabu Fit for a King

 

 

King One Rotary Hot Pot

M2-A Lower Hobbies of Asia

#8 Macapagal Ave., Pasay City

(632) 556 1370

 

 

9. Sweet Revenge of Maitre Chocolatier

 

Sweet Revenge is Maitre Chocolatier’s Lindt Molten Lava Cake -dark chocolate molten lava cake made from Europe’s finest Lindt Excellence Dark 70%, filled with oozing sweet and vengefully spicy chocolate served with vanilla ice cream

 

Sweet Revenge was the unanimously favorite on the table with its gooey warm chocolate that ruptures from the moist cake that’s bittersweet dark and spiced with chili.  Midway when the chocolate flavor sinks in, the chili essence abruptly creeps in creating a sweet heat inside your mouth.  Cool off with the vanilla ice cream that soothes your taste buds to a calm reverie.  Bubba, Zipster and I loved the yin yang taste of darkness and sweetness, as well as the heat and arctic feel.

 

 

The spunk of the chili in the luscious chocolate liquid inside and the vanilla ice cream bring it all together in sweet harmony. 

 

 

READ MORE!

Exquisitely Choco Loco at Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Café

Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Café

 

 

Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Cafe by Eva Wong 

2A (Beside Starbucks), No. 28 Jupiter Street 

Bel Air, Makati City, Philippines 

(632) 897 8559 

 

 

8. Minato’s Great Korean Barbecue

 

Other than the smorgasbord of side dishes that includes Kimchi, spiced green vegetables, peanuts, bean sprouts, marbled potatoes among a variety of other side accompaniments, it is really the barbecue that’s quite good at Minato.  It has to be one of the best in town.

 

 

Kimchi Pancake

The Kimchi Pancake is oil-fried pancake with bits of beansprouts and cabbage flavored Kimchi-style.  And I think it’s free.

 

So Kal Bi PHP 350

Marinated beef short ribs –has a shadow of sweetness, garlic and soy.  It’s hard to restrain oneself from gnawing the large bones with charred meat.

 

 

Sam Gyeop Sal PHP 240

The plate had thick, fatty slices of pork belly (almost looks like uncured bacon) alternating meat and fat and then skin.  Meat is left unseasoned and usually cooked on a grill at the diner’s table.  In this case, the wait staff helped in cooking the pork belly slices.  On the side, green onion leeks and lettuce are served in case you prefer to wrap your meat inside.  Customize it and add different side dishes or Kimchi and dip in sesame oil with fine black pepper and salt for a perfect finish.

 

 

 

READ MORE!

Foodie Club Series: Great Korean Barbecue at Minato

 

 

Minato Korean Restaurant

Escriva Road (between Furu Restaurant and Agua Vida)

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

 

 

#8 is a toss-up between Minato and Chic Boy

tied at the same number.

 

 

8. Tasty Lechon Liempo at Chic Boy

 

Great food doesn’t necessarily have to come at a price.  There’s a new affordable (almost dare to say cheap) food discovery along Jupiter Street in Makati.  Call on the Chic Boy.  Chic-Boy is actually a play on the words Chicken and Baboy (pork) –the meats that are quite popular in the Filipino community particularly when it’s grilled.

 

Chic Boy is putting a whole new turn on chicken inasal, lechon manok and lechon liempo like you’ve never tasted before.  They’ve taken a special secret recipe of tasty lechon manok and lechon liempo in Cebu and chicken inasal of Bacolod and put it all in one easy-breezy and affordable restaurant here in Manila.

 

 

Must-orders include their Cebu Lechon Liempo and Salmon Sinigang (PHP 45).  With those affordable prices and flavorsome and satisfying meals, how can anyone go wrong? 😀

 

 

READ MORE!

Tasty Lechon Liempo at Chic Boy

 

 

Chic Boy

Jupiter St., Makati City

 

 

7. 22 Prime’s Tomahawk Chop

 

Quick-fire thoughts:

I love the ample size of fat that adds a buttery texture  

and heightens flavor of the meat 

Peppercorn sauce bursts a bouncy flavor that goes perfectly with the chop 

The salad is a good pause in between bites of meat as a cleanser to the palate 

Side of baby vegetables had the right crisp and seasoning  

–the lone brussel sprout was my favorite!  Quite tasty!!!  

 

 

 

Don’t miss out on ordering my FAVORITE Chef Rick’s Cheese Bread!

 

 

Chef Rick’s Cheese Bread PHP 140

Gooey warm cheese topped on three breads, soft and bursting with tantalizing flavors.  Served with baby greens in a mild citrus dressing sparkled with pink peppercorn.  Sun dried tomato and broiled four cheese together?  It’s an exercise in indulgence.

 

READ MORE!

22 Prime’s Tomahawk Chop is a Prime Mover

Premium Night at 22 Prime

 

 

22 Prime 

22nd Level, Discovery Suites 

25 ADB Avenue 

Ortigas Avenue, Ortigas Center 

Pasig City, Metro Manila 

(632) 719 8888/ (632) 719 6821 

 

 

6. Ya Kun Kaya Toast –Ortigas

 

Want a great breakfast that lifts you up at any time of the day?  Head over at Ya Kun Kaya! 🙂

 

Kaya Toast (Half PHP 115, Set Menu PHP 140)

2 slices of delicious Kaya toast with butter –has the right lightly toasted crunch of the bread, slathered with butter and just enough green sweet coconut spread.  Satisfies when washed down with Ya Kun’s famous coffee tarik or the traditionally pulled coffee.  It’s not on their menu, but you can change your coffee to Yin Yang, which is this delicious half-coffee and half-tea drink. 

 

 

Noticeably, the Ya Kun eggs were cooked perfectly, which other Kaya stores can’t quite get, where the eggs usually come out with still some raw uncooked parts.  My little spoon broke into that fountain of yolk and I was soaked in sunshine delight.  There’s no brighter day than eating wet and perfectly prepared eggs with the crunch of your toast.

 

 

READ MORE!

Ya Kun Kaya -Ortigas

In Crumbs: Ya Kun Kaya, Taverna Verde and Taal View Heights

 

 

Ya Kun Kaya Toast 

G/F AYK Bldg., Escriva Drive (Right beside Astoria Plaza) 

San Antonio Village, Ortigas, Pasig City 

(632) 470 4285 

7AM-11PM 

 

 

5. Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice

 

Suffused in its natural chicken juice/broth, the chicken meat was very tender and delectable –quite tasty for what can be considered a “healthy food.”  The exquisite and juicy flesh of the steamed chicken is finely balanced with the fragrant rice sprinkled with green onions.  Add a splotch of color and taste by blending in the ginger in sesame oil, chili and sweetened soy sauce. 

 

 

Ooh, the appetizing smell and pleasant gingerly-sesame light taste mixed with a touch of soy and red spice… makes you definitely bite off more than you can chew.

 

 

READ MORE!

In Crumbs: Stevie’s Hainanese Rice, Clawdaddy and Cibo

Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice: Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

 

 

Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice (For pick-up orders only)

21 Libra St. Bel Air,

Makati City

(0906) 508 4155

 

 

4. Legend of India

 

Next to my favorite cuisine, I think Indian cuisine is one of the most interesting and flavorful fares in the world.  Indian cuisine uses various spices, herbs, and vegetables and fruits sometimes grown only in India.  It also has a wide assortment of cooking techniques. 

 

Kadai Paneer PHP 260

Cottage cheese cooked in a traditional kadai masala paste

 

 

Rogan Josh PHP 450

Rogan Josh is an aromatic curry meat dish cooked with a mixture of strong Indian spices where the fat of the meat is usually roasted first in yogurt marinade.  Legend of India tamed their version for our group, which mean it wasn’t intensely hot, but it was still intensely enjoyable paired with the vegetable biryani or the naan.

 

 

Sweet Lassi PHP 110

It was my first time to actually drink a whole glass of sweet Lassi.  I’ve tried it before in other Indian restaurants but found the others’ version too sour for my taste.  Lassi is a popular and traditional Indian yogurt-based drink.  I tremendously enjoyed Legend of India’s sweet lassi since it has a perfect blend of yogurt, milk and sweetener.  There’s a bit of tangy taste to it but it mellows down with a frothy sweet milky flavor.  It fully relaxes your taste buds from the spices.

 

 

 

READ MORE!

Legend of India is Legend of Taste

 

 

Legend of India

114-B Jupiter St.,

Bel-Air II, Makati City

(632) 836 4232

 

 

3. Tsumura’s Wagyu Beef Usuyaki

 

Other than the sushi and sashimi…

 

 

It’s the Wagyu Beef Usuyaki that’s memorable at Tsumura! 🙂

 

Wagyu Beef Usuyaki PHP 600

Supple mushrooms wrapped in thinly sliced Wagyu beef –very tender, flavorful that it’s mighty impressive.  The mushrooms were very light, in mellow contrast of the excellent beef.  It is simply an indulgence in fine food.  The taste is divine.

 

 

 

READ MORE!

The Way a Sushi Should Be at Tsumura

 

 

Tsumura 

2nd Level 88 Corporate Plaza 

Sedeno corner Valero Streets, 

Salcedo Village, Makati City 

(632) 887 4848/ (632) 4850 

 

 

#3 is actually a toss-up between Tsumura and Serenitea

tied at the same number.

 

3. Serenitea’s Okkinawa or Hokkaido Milk Tea

 

Serenitea is your one-stop shop for all things serene about tea.  They have different variants of tea that will help boost a definite change of drinking lifestyle.  It is the healthy alternative to colas, coffee and sugar-loaded smoothies.  We visit 3 to 4 times a week to get our “Serenitea fix,” which is usually their Okkinawa milk tea drink with nata or pearls (depending on what topping you want) or Hokkaido with pearls.

 

 

 

READ MORE!

Different Tea Assortments to Love at Serenitea

A Sunday Afternoon Picnic

 

 

2. Frazzled Cook’s Paella

 

In terms of taste and price, I consider Frazzled Cook’s Seafood Paella as the best in my book so far.

 

Seafood Paella PHP 550

For those diners who love their seafood paella with the full generous portions of mussels, squid rings, shrimps, chorizo and egg, this is their best bet for paella and huge value for money.  I love the fact that they serve it on the paellera since I enjoy most my paella with the burnt crispy part at the bottom. 

 

 

For other recommended orders, below are some dishes worthwhile to try:

 

Wagyu Salpicao PHP 550

When the serving arrives on your table, initial thought would be, “this dish is pricey.”  If you’re being served with quality Wagyu that certainly softens in your mouth in a buttery texture without any effort, then your money is good.  Have no qualms being served only a few flavorful cubes of beef drenched in its sautéed oil with lightly fried chips of garlic and slices of button mushrooms.  Superb.

 

 

Peruvian Hot Pot PHP 400

The Peruvian Hot Pot is their version of spicy lamb stew.  This was Bubba’s favorite as the spicy invigorating flavors all come together from the lamb, olives, bell peppers and wine –great flavor and unbelievable rich sauce.  The lamb meat had no gamey aftertaste that will surely convert those non-lamb eaters.

 

 

 

READ MORE!

The Frazzled Cook and His Dazzling Dishes

 

 

The Frazzled Cook

#916 Luna Mencias Street, Baranggay Additional Hills,

Mandaluyong City

(632) 782 5980

 

  

1. La Tienda Steak

 

Chuleton PHP 2,150 (PHP 425/100 grams)

It was the steak that was the highlight of this dinner date for me (okay, plus Bubba’s adoring chinky eyes).  One of the best steaks I’ve tasted in Manila is not found on a focused steakhouse.  It’s at a Spanish restaurant called La Tienda.  I was pleasantly surprised how the steak gratified my meaty cravings.  I think we had it cooked in medium doneness.  The delicious steak was quite tender –glistening with appropriate grease and seemingly lightly salted while being cooked.

 

 

 

READ MORE!

La Tienda

 

 

La Tienda

43 Polaris St. Bel-Air

Makati City, Philippines

(632) 890 4123

 

 

Because I love food so much, I have #11-#20 but I’ll save it for another post.  Watch out for that soon! 😉

 

For the meantime, here’s looking forward to the wonderful eats and gastronomic experiences for the next half of the year!  Food Highlights from July-December 2010 –2nd half version!  And finally, by the end of the year, TOP 10 of 2010!!! 😉  I’m so giddy with excitement!  CHEERS!

 

THANK YOU Ming for this photo! 😉

 

 

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE and EAT!!! 😉

 

Photo Credit:

Carlos Palma of Foodie Manila

www.FoodieManila.com

Australian Tomahawk Chop of 22 Prime: A Definite Prime Mover

 

 

Thursday, I made my way to Discovery Suites to partake in a hearty lunch made even more wonderful with the company at the table.  Stepping into the elevator, I pressed the button with the number 22.  As mentioned in my previous post, the 22nd floor has a comfortable lounge setting as well as a relaxed dining area amidst the lavish surroundings of Discovery Suites shared by Serendipity Lounge and 22 Prime.

 

The last time Bubba and I were here, we had a lot to order –bisque, their bone marrow dish (served on the bone!), cheese bread and steak.  It’s not surprising to order practically everything on the menu (almost all are favorably satisfying) since 22 Prime is one of our favorite restaurants in the Metro while Chef Rick’s cheese bread tops our list of comfort favorites.  It is a gastronomic oasis found at the heart of Ortigas business district.

 

Interestingly, having a number of dinners here, I have never visited during broad daylight.  Thursday was a good opportunity to view during daytime the familiar place accustomed to me in low lights.  It has a warm and inviting atmosphere even with the sun’s brightness coming through their beautiful massive floor-length windows.

 

 

There’s always a sense of satisfaction whenever we dine here –from knowledgeable, adequate and genuinely friendly service to being served great tasting gourmet food.

 

 

22 Prime has always been known for its mouth-watering premium steak selections.  A gargantuan guest will change the “food” landscape by introducing the largest prime steak that will definitely appeal to you and your meat-ravenous comrades.  On June 1, 2010, Discovery Suites’ 22 Prime unveils the Australian Tomahawk Chop and “Verse 1” Specialty Menu.

 

Two of Australia’s best produce, beef and wine, take center stage at 22 Prime from June 1-15, 2010 for lunch and dinner.  Gourmands with a taste for fine meats can now indulge in a large serving of Tomahawk Rib-Eye Chop, approximately weighing 1 kilogram, grilled to a gourmet’s delight and accompanied with a casserole of perfectly seasoned baby vegetables, a bowl of Caesar salad, and a bottle of Verse 1 Cabernet Sauvignon.

 

June is definitely a month where there’s more to discover at Discovery Suites as 22 Prime acquaints you with the Tomahawk Chop.

 

A Tomahawk Chop can be an intimidating piece of meat.  When we came face to face with its raw greatness, the group collectively gasped, obviously wowed by the huge bone-in Australian beef. 

 

 

Chef David Pardo de Ayala, Corporate Chef of the Discovery group of hotels, explained that such a distinguished piece of meat deserves a flawless preparation from readying the meat in room temperature to the actual grilling of the meat and to its “resting” stage which is absolutely crucial.  The whole ceremony done attentively ensures an evenly juicy, tender, succulent steak at the table.

 

For those who are less inclined, Chef David Pardo de Ayala was born in Bogota, Colombia and was the youngest winner of Colombia’s the Nestle “Toca de Oro” representing Colombia at gastronomic competitions of continental level.  He traveled to New York to further expand his professional scope and attended the prestigious Culinary Institute of America.  After a number of years as Executive Chef in several five star hotels in Colombia and restaurants in New York, he settled in the Philippines in 2007 and opened the prominent Soleil Restaurant in Makati. 

 

 

Currently, Chef David functions as Corporate Chef for the Discovery hotel group where he sets the food and beverage directions of Discovery Suites in Pasig City (which houses Restaurant 5, 22 Prime and Serendipity Lounge), Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay City (home of Café Verbena) and Discovery Shores Boracay (Indigo, Platitos and Sands).  Anything that comes out of Chef David’s high-powered kitchen proves to be cooked with the freshest ingredients, care and creativity.

 

 

On the Table

 

Bread Sticks/Bread and Three Spreads

The perky staff brings to the long table several “tin baskets” of bread and breadsticks escorted with three different dips that are positively addicting. 

 

 

1st Dip: Skordalia

Potato puree, silky and smooth spread with a hint of lemon

 

2nd Dip: Sofrito

Tomato with olive oil

 

3rd Dip: Chicken Liver Pate

Very creamy with a hint of mushroom

 

 

Australian Tomahawk Chop and Verse 1 Specialty Menu PHP 4,800

Grilled Tomahawk Chop 1 kilogram, 6-Star Tenderplus Australian Beef Rib Eye Steak

Served to share with a Casserole of Baby Vegetables and a Bowl of Caesar Salad “22 Prime”

1 Bottle of Verse 1 Cabernet Sauvignon

*Allow 25 minutes cooking time

 

The Tomahawk Chop is one of the largest rib eye steaks in Australia and culled from Tenderplus 6-star grass fed beef.  It takes its name from the 30-centimeter of rib bone that is left attached to the meat, which in turn increase the meat’s flavor and tucks in the moistness when grilled.

 

My Portion of the Tomahawk Chop

 

 

Quick-fire thoughts:

I love the ample size of fat that adds a buttery texture

and heightens flavor of the meat

Peppercorn sauce bursts a bouncy flavor that goes perfectly with the chop

The salad is a good pause in between bites of meat as a cleanser to the palate

Side of baby vegetables had the right crisp and seasoning

–the lone brussel sprout was my favorite!  Quite tasty!!! 🙂

 

 

 

The Tomahawk Chop is a perfect order when dining with friends.  Cast off inhibitions as you all dig in with immense hunger for the tender and flavorful Australian beef.  There is an option to have it sliced proportionately in the kitchen.  Share with a group the unadulterated pleasure of high-end beef and clink your glasses “cheers” to a vibrant wine served on your table.  This is the moment that is best shared with good friends.

 

Accompanying this gastronomic indulgence is a bottle of Verse 1 Cabernet Sauvignon from Brookland Valley –cited Winery of the Year by the James Halliday 2009 Australia Wine Companion.  Verse 1 wine has rich, vibrant garnet in color while it displays full blackcurrant aromas with hints of leafiness balanced out by fine French oak.  The palate is fruit driven with a soft texture and oak flavors.  Elegant richness balances well with the meat’s intensity.

 

 

Chef David, with years of experience cooking in Colombia, Manhattan and Long Island, prepares wonderful dishes both menu staples that have become favorites and upscale monthly specials that you’d certainly want to catch.  22 Prime becomes a more familiar place to you and friends for great food and conversation –a prime spot to share an enjoyable meal that first awes your dining group visually with its massive size, and once cooked, follows through with winsome taste. 

 

 

22 Prime

22nd Level, Discovery Suites

25 ADB Avenue

Ortigas Avenue, Ortigas Center

Pasig City, Metro Manila

(632) 719 8888/ (632) 719 6821

 

 

22 Prime Album

 

 

Related Entries:

Premium Night at 22 Prime

Café Verbena at Discovery Suites Tagaytay

 

 

Foodie Club Series: Great Korean Barbecue at Jang Ga Nae (formerly Minato)

 

 

Photo Credit:

Carlos Palma of Foodie Manila

http://www.FoodieManila.com

(Those watermarked are from FoodieManila obviously 🙂  while the rest are mine)

 

 

The advent of a little Korea has dawned ever since Korean population in the Philippines has grown enormously.  Other than really good and sweet ice cream in their Korean stores, something to look forward to is dining at the authentic Korean restaurants. 

 

April 21, Wednesday evening, the “Foodie Club” members meet once again for another gastronomic adventure.  Pick of the week was from Richard Co’s suggestion –Minato.  Among a dozen of Korean restaurants that populate the Ortigas area, Minato along Escriva Drive is supposed to be one of the best.  This particular Korean restaurant we visited before also caught our eye but Minato caught our Korean taste bud that we had to return three days immediately after the first official introduction.

 

 

The group that huddled in the “no-shoes” area of the 2-part dining room comprised happy foodies like Richard and wife Irene, Rowena Wendy and husband Peter, Abet and wife Joan, Carlos a.k.a Zippy, and Bubba and I.  As we enter the low table area, I suddenly remembered that I’ve eaten here once or twice before when Korean channel affiliates bring us over for a lunch meeting.  It’s quite different though when you’re dining casually with foodie friends, definitely more relaxed and enjoyable –with audible moments of laughter and appreciation of good food.

 

On the Table

 

Free Side Dishes

The smorgasbord of side dishes includes Kimchi as the most recognized Korean preserved appetizer, spiced green vegetables, peanuts, bean sprouts, marbled potatoes among a variety of other side accompaniments.

 

 

Korean Miso

A sip or two soothe the spice and then you’re ready for more…

 

 

Kimchi Pancake

I didn’t know that they serve it for free.  I should have asked when I treated my parents here Sunday evening.

 

The Kimchi Pancake is oil-fried pancake with bits of beansprouts and cabbage flavored Kimchi-style.  Bubba and I finished one Kimchi pancake by ourselves, while the other one on Carlo’s side was left untouched –to which Irene so thoughtfully and sweetly had wrapped to go for Bubba along with the kimchi soy bean paste that she amusingly noticed Bubba was tremendously enjoying.  Irene was sitting across Bubba that’s why they were partners in food crime that dinnertime.  She was also so attentive to everyone’s needs on the table, asking the wait staff for this and that and some special requests.  The wait staff was eager to attend to the requests particularly Richard’s and Irene’s as they seem to be the favorite patrons there having visited the restaurant for approx. 20 times already in less than a year. 

 

 

Richard and Irene share the same philosophy as Bubba and I of visiting the restaurants they like for multiple repeats.

 

Jok Bal PHP 390

It’s a Korean dish consisting of boneless pig trotters cooked in soy sauce and spices, sliced in a round shape with layer of meat, fat and skin.  Jok Bal is boiled with leeks, garlic and ginger and Korean rice wine until tender.  It is served with fermented shrimp sauce called saeujeot –imagine Filipino “bagoong” (shrimp paste) without the dark brown liquid, it’s actually dry and on the salty side that Irene loves.

 

 

Dak Gal Bi PHP 350

Char-grilled spicy chicken –marinated on the sweet and spicy note

 

 

Tempura PHP 390

Peter ordered Tempura because he claims to be restrained in eating shrimps at home since Wendy is allergic to it.  When Richard asked if he liked the tempura, Peter straightforwardly said, “No.” –which made us roar in laughter.  I guess it’s still safe to order Korean cuisine in Korean restaurants and leave what’s originally Japanese to their own.

 

 

So Kal Bi PHP 350

Marinated beef short ribs –has a shadow of sweetness, garlic and soy.  It’s hard to restrain oneself from gnawing the large bones with charred meat.

 

 

Sam Gyeop Sal PHP 240

The plate had thick, fatty slices of pork belly (almost looks like uncured bacon) alternating meat and fat and then skin.  Meat is left unseasoned and usually cooked on a grill at the diner’s table.  In this case, the wait staff helped in cooking the pork belly slices.  On the side, green onion leeks and lettuce are served in case you prefer to wrap your meat inside.  Customize it and add different side dishes or Kimchi and dip in sesame oil with fine black pepper and salt for a perfect finish.

 

 

We were served free fresh pineapple slices that are creamy sweet.  Despite a busy restaurant, we were served adequately with few instances where the wait staff had to be reminded.  Bubba and I enjoyed Minato tremendously that we were still thinking about the grilled meats the next day.

 

 

After dinner, we headed out to Richard’s place in Astoria to check out his TV Room and his media gadgets that got the group ooh-ing and incline to get their own HD system and a portable 1TB media drive. 

 

 

Wendy and Richard even had a PS3 showdown.  Ya Kun Kaya was our last stop for the night as we refreshed with cold drinks while the conversations continued until midnight. It couldn’t stop even at the parking lot like there’s more and more to talk about. 

 

 

The Minato dinner was superb.  We had so much food on the table that it felt like it was a feast for the King! 😉

 

I couldn’t wait for the next one.   Foodie Club UNITE! 🙂

 

 

Minato Korean Restaurant

Escriva Road (Between Furu Restaurant and Agua Vida),

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

 

 

Minato Album

 

Related Entries

Ye Dang

 

The Fight is On! Pacquiao versus Clottey. March 13, 2010

 

 

There’s going to be a fight on March 14, 2010 (Manila Time).  Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao will stand at one corner.  The question is, who will stand at the other corner?  Will it be Ghanaian Joshua Clottey  or Floyd Mayweather Jr.?  After weeks of negotiation circus, Top Rank’s Bob Arum finally decided to set the WBO welterweight title fight against Clottey.  The negotiation fizzled out between the two dominant American boxing promotional companies when Mayweather Jr’s camp demanded for a rigorous drug testing procedure –random examination like the Olympics that can be really close to the fight night.  

 

 

The boxing commission only requires urine testing but the stringent drug testing will call for random blood and urine sampling prior to and after the proposed fight.  Team Pacquiao couldn’t agree to the blood testing 30 days before the match concerned that this might affect Pacman’s performance.  Pacquiao filed a lawsuit against Mayweather’s camp last month, claiming several members had defamed him by intimating he uses performance-enhancing drugs.

 

 

The Pacquiao-Mayweather fight was supposed to be one of boxing’s biggest revenue-generating fights.  There’s still time before March to reopen talks but Arum has closed his doors to Mayweather for March, more especially that he feels Mayweather will start the nonsense media talk again about the testing and regulations.

 

 

Pacquiao’s new opponent in Clottey is a strong, aggressive African that beat Zab Judah of the United States for the IBF Welterweight title in August 2008 and lost a split decision to Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto last June.

 

Greenwich Pizza Levels UP!

 

 

Other than Monday, midweek is usually the busiest time of the week.  But you just got to make time for dinner when you get an invite from Arpee to meet the Greenwich brand and PR execs –the folks who got us laughing watching the “sobrang cheesy” advertisements.  Smiling at the thought of Bubba giving his “sobrang cheesy!!!” remark with that cheesy facial expression of his 🙂

 

(Azrael of www.azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com with Lace of www.styleandrelax.blogspot.com)

 

Now, the Greenwich team is back with more power and more supremacy.  The country’s favorite pizza chain, Greenwich, who gives the most scrumptious blend of delicious and exciting pizza (remember Sisig pizza? I was a fan!) and pasta innovations, recently launched the new Ultimate Hawaiian Overload –declaring it to be the best Hawaiian pizza in the country today!  Why?  Because it has double the Hawaiian toppings you love –double the flavor, double the fun!  Definitely, nag-level up na sa sarap!

 

 

Other Greenwich favorites!

 

We got an exclusive (hot off the “editing room”) viewing of their new campaign.  See local movie stalwart John Lloyd Cruz like you’ve never tasted seen him before!  Ibang level talaga! 😉

 

 

The New Ultimate Hawaiian Overload is available at close to 250 Greenwich stores nationwide.  Metro Manila Delivery hotline is 5-55-55.

 

Dine in/ Take out prices:

Rolled Edge double, family                P265, P419

Thin & Crispy double, family                P225, P379

Party Square                                         P455

 

Even their pizza boxes leveled-up!!!! Check out the design from Team Manila! 😉

 

Photo from Azrael: http://azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com

 

 

Your regular pizza flavor is not so standard anymore –so upgrade your bud’s expectation and level-up your taste to the Ultimate Hawaiian Overload!!!

 

Related Post

Style and Relax

Azrael’s Merryland 

Fritzified

 

Pacquiao vs. Mayweather Coming to a Close?

 

 

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum made a trip to the Philippines to talk to Manny Pacquiao, who broke records of being the only champion with 7 world boxing titles under his belt.  After Pacquiao’s clear welterweight win over Miguel Cotto last November, everyone is slating Floyd Mayweather Jr. as the next in line to face the formidable Filipino boxer.

 

March 13, 2010 is the date they are eyeing.  This can be the biggest boxing event of next year since people have been anticipating this match-up.  Pacquiao is the top pound-for-pound fighter while Mayweather is currently No.2 –although the No.1 position is not new to Mayweather since he was No.1 before he retired in June 2008.

 

 

The public has been clamoring for this fight to happen but according to Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s coach, March 13 is too fast a turnaround.  Remember that Pacquiao suffered a broken eardrum during his duel with Cotto.  Roach wants Pacquiao to be in his best possible shape before he steps again in the ring.  Roach is looking into a May 2010 bout but that will coincide with the election month.  Pacquiao already filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) this week to run for Congress.

 

Ticket for the live fight is expected to cost around $2,500 (P117,500) while the cheapest seats at around $500 (P25,000).

 

Will Schaefer and Arum get this deal done and set a fight date before the 2nd half of next year?  The public will have to wait and see.

 

 

 

Lovely Dinner at Antonio’s

 

 

September 2009 

Antonio’s has a fine reputation in the Philippine dining community… and rightfully so. 

 

Nestled in the hills of Tagaytay some kilometers off the main road, the restaurant is made up of three levels, joined by a common patio.  The charming dining rooms have different vibes: one romantic amidst the garden and koi pond overlooking the lower level, 2nd area is more for small functions amidst the wooden panels, while the lower level has a contemporary look.  The lower dining area is decorated with elegant chandeliers in a white and black motif and matching wall sconces.

 

 

 

The dining rooms are softly lit, creating a romantic ambience.  Piano music plays in the background.  Whichever room you dine in, the food comes from the same wonderful kitchen of Executive Chef Antonio Escalante.  The Chef greets his diners with a friendly smile and a warm hello and you know you’re in for a special treat. 

 

 

It was such a fantastic evening, the cool night breeze gently nipping on my skin.  His face tinted with a glow from the candlelight.  Warm and happy smiles were all around.  A spark.  Rekindling.

 

 

The meal started with complimentary spread and a variety of warm bread while we perused the menu.  The extensive menu lines up so many mouthwatering dishes that it was difficult for us to make a choice while their wine list is made up of reasonably priced selections. 

 

Antonio’s set menu includes house salad, soup of the day, entrée, dessert and coffee or tea.  Choice of entrée will determine price of the meal.  Prices are already inclusive of 12% R-VAT but exclusive of 10% service charge.

 

On the Table

 

 

House Salad

Fresh Mesclun Salad from the Garden, Bleu d’Auvergne Crumble, Glazed Walnuts, Dried Currants, Dried Cranberries with Raspberry Vinaigrette

 

I was tempted to get the Baked Brie and Cranberry in Puffed Pastry (PHP 300) but decided to try it on the next visit.

 

Oyster Sampler (forgot the name) PHP 300+

I love the oysters.  I wanted to order a second plate.

 

Watermelon Calamansi Sorbet

Refreshing and enjoyable cleanser for the palates

 

 

Grilled Certified Angus Prime Rib Eye Steak, Rubbed with Cardamon | Antonio’s Steak Sauce (700 grams) PHP 4,200

 

Entrée also comes with a choice of their delicious sidings.  I had the Gnocchi Potato as my siding while Bubba had the pumpkin risoni.  Risoni is pasta that looks like rice, or also known as orzo.  It is often used in soups but it can also be used in savory dishes like a pilaf.

 

Gnocchi, on the other hand, are dumplings usually made from potato, but it can also be made from flour, squash, polenta or cheese.  It can also stand as a pasta dish by adding cream or other sauces and some Parmesan cheese.

 

 

The fresh gnocchi was delicious in a light savory sauce.  The beans were cooked perfectly –al dente style, retaining its color and crunchy texture.

 

The highlight of the entire meal was the grilled prime rib eye steak.  It was cooked to our preferred doneness -we had it medium.  The beef titanic arrived in a large rustic plate, looking pristine in its oil, garnished with loads of crispy spring onions and garlic.  The meat is soft, juicy and flavorful with just the right marbling.  Every bite evoked a soft whimper.

 

 

Up to this date, 2 months later, he is still being haunted by a speedy return to Antonio’s to get his hands on the best steak he has ever tasted.  I have a handful of friends who say the same thing –that’s how commendable the steaks are in Antonio’s.  The steak definitely gave a palatable satisfaction that gets your buck’s worth. 

 

Tartufo Nero with Grand Marnier

Ended our meal with a sweet note. 

 

 

 

Dalandan Juice –His drink of the night

 

Red Wine –my drink of the night.

 

 

Service was excellent and adequate for this type of setting.  The wait staff was fairly knowledgeable of the dishes in the menu as well as with the wine selection.  Every dish was obscenely delicious –begging for a much-anticipated return.

 

 

Chef Antonio Escalante cooks with a light touch, letting the flavors of the fresh ingredients come through.  Every dish is made to order.  Comfortably decorated with warmth and charm, Antonio’s is a great place to relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet meal. 

 

It’s got to be the best dinner of Year 2009. 

 

 

Antonio’s Restaurant

Brgy. Neogan, Tagaytay City, Cavite.

(0918) 899 2866

 

 

Antonio’s Album

Antonio’s Album 2

 

Related Post

Vanilla Suites

 

 

Another One Bites the Dust: Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao Wins Over Miguel Cotto Via TKO

 

 

The Pacman still has the hand and foot speed and the left big swing to grab another belt –his seventh world title across several weight classes.  He proves once again that he is the best pound for pound fighter of his time.

 

The MGM Grand was packed to the roof, with seats all sold-out; the anticipating crowd inside the arena watched one of the best matches of Pacquiao as of late (Pacquiao supposedly got a 13 million dollar purse.  Add the endorsements to that and you have the richest Filipino boxer of all time…). 

 

Round 1 appeared to be Cotto’s round throwing more punches and with them landing on Pacman’s head and body. 

 

 

Round 2 was clearly Pacquiao’s round scoring a knockdown from Cotto.  Cotto showed ferocious counterpunches.  The Pacman was too quick to sustain serious damage.  When Pacquiao unleashed a leftie, Cotto fell to the floor, dazed.  Since then Cotto didn’t look like he was the same fighter that stepped in the ring barely 5 minutes that passed.

 

Rounds 3-7 were all in Pacquiao’s favor marking another knockdown from Cotto in Round 4.  Everyone held their breath predicting that the bout will end soon with Pacquiao unleashing the deadliest that will bring Cotto down for the third time –and for good.

 

However, the 29-year old underdog from Puerto Rico didn’t relent so easily.  He got pumped up with his second wind and worked the ring, letting Pacquiao run after him.  He released a few jabs and body shots that connected.  It seems like he was back on his strategy of attacking Pacquiao’s body.

 

Judging from Pacquiao’s cauliflower ear and minor cuts under his eyes along with some bruises, Cotto did land some heavy shots of his own.  It was definitely a toe-to-toe match than Pacquiao versus Hatton or Dela Hoya.  You definitely got your money’s worth watching the fight.

 

 

Despite a puffed and brutally bruised face and spitting blood, Cotto stayed in the game, unyielding, hanging on to every round, surviving.  He earned my respect with his athleticism -I heard he’s also loved like Pacquiao because he’s really a very nice guy outside the ring.  Rounds 9 and 10, he looked hopeful to land a devastating left hook that can knock Pacquiao out.  But Pacquiao just wouldn’t have it –and he also didn’t want the fight to go to scorecards even if it was clearly his arm the referee would raise at the end of the day.  He wanted a knockout that his coach, Freddie Roach predicted.

 

 

 

Referee Kenny Bayless stepped in for the boxer’s safety and waved his hands to put an end to the fight after Cotto received a big left to the head and looked like he couldn’t defend himself intelligently. The end came in the 55-second mark of the final round.

 

 

Pacquiao has successfully stripped off Cotto his WBO welterweight belt.  Pacquiao’s speed coupled with throwing many punches from different angles is a firepower that is tough to extinguish -plus the fact that he has the unwavering heart of a champion.

 

 

Kanye West Upstages Taylor Swift at MTV’s Video Music Awards (VMA)

 

 

Taylor Swift, the cutest American country pop singer, won Best Female Video in MTV’s Video Music Awards and bested out Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Beyonce. 

 

 

She took the stage to accept the award and deliver her thanks when Kanye West suddenly jumped on stage and grabbed her microphone to declare that Beyonce should have won because she had the best videos of all time. 

 

 

The crowd booed the Kanye interruption and Kanye stormed off stage.  Swift was left on stage flabbergasted looking at the floor before she was ushered off stage.  Beyonce was as stunned as Taylor Swift.

 

Watch what happened

 

**UPDATE**

 

Beyonce won Best Video of the Year, the biggest award of the VMA show, and generously shared the spotlight with Taylor Swift.  Beyonce danced her way to the stage, with the Single Ladies playing on the background.  “Wow, this is amazing.  I remember being 17 years old, up for my 1st MTV award with Destiny’s Child and it was one of the most exciting moments of my life. I’d like Taylor to come out and have her moment…”

 

 

She then calls Taylor to the stage, “where are you?”  The crowd cheered in uproar.  Taylor comes out in a red ensemble as well, different from her silver backless gown she wore earlier during her acceptance speech, approaches Beyonce and gives her a hug.

 

“Maybe we could do this again,” Swift opened her statement.  Like any grateful kid, she thanked the director of the video, including the fans who followed her on MySpace and Twitter and her brother’s high school for the video venue.

 

 

Premium Night at 22 Prime

 

It was Saturday, the cool and crisp evening air surrounds the city.  The night was begging for a gratifying dinner and off we headed to Discovery Suites.  Café Verbena of Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay was a delightful experience when I gave Bubba his birthday treat in 2008.  No need to travel far south as Discovery Suites in Ortigas can perhaps replicate that. 

 

 

The 22nd level of Discovery Suites leads to a modernly decorated lounge with plush interiors and expansive glass windows that provide a luminous visual of North Manila’s skyline.  Live piano music fills the air.  Candle lit lamp adds romance to each table.  The elegance and sophisticated charm of Serendipity Lounge of Discovery Suites extends to the restaurant adjoining it, 22 Prime –the very destination of that evening’s dinner.

 

On the Table

 

Bread Sticks/Bread and Three Spreads -Free

 

1st Dip: Skordalia

Potato puree, silky and smooth spread with a hint of lemon

 

2nd Dip: Sofrito

Tomato with olive oil

 

3rd Dip: Chicken Liver Pate

Very creamy with a hint of cheese pimiento

 

 

Chef Rick’s Cheese Bread PHP 140

Sun dried tomato bread, broiled four cheese topping with baby greens

 

 

Gooey warm cheese topped on three breads, soft and bursting with tantalizing flavors.  Served with baby greens in a mild citrus dressing sparkled with pink peppercorn.  Sun dried tomato and broiled four cheese together?  It’s an exercise in indulgence.

 

 

Their Prime Rib nights (PHP1, 195) are every Friday, 350 grams Prime Rib with soup and salad.  We opted to go for the Rib Eye instead since I’m not a big fan of meat sitting under the strobe of light for hours.

 

22 Prime Rib Eye Steak 400 grams PHP 1,295

USDA certified prime beef served with choice of two steak sauces from a selection of Forrest Mushrooms, Three Peppercorn, Teriyaki Barbeque, Three Mustard Cream and Horseradish Cream.

 

Horseradish is a staple in sauce option.  Instinctively, the decision was to go with Three Peppercorn, which is an obvious choice for me since I love peppercorn.  Option for the second sauce left a debate between Horseradish Cream and Forrest Mushroom.  Irresolute faces prompted Dors, the friendly and knowledgeable table attendant, to pipe in and recommend Horseradish between the two.  She was nice enough to throw in Forrest Mushroom as our third sauce though.

 

 

The accessories that came with the steak entrées to enhance the gourmet experience are Twice Baked Potatoes, Potato Gratin, Hand Cut French Fires, Potato Puree, Garlic Roasted Potatoes, Roasted Mushrooms, Spinach Gratin, Grilled Asparagus, Braised Baby Carrots and Grilled Zucchini.  Potato Gratin was the prime choice.

 

 

The steak was already split into two on its arrival. A blob of mashed potato artfully needled by crackers and roasted tomato twigged by a clump of herbs accompanied the Prime highlight of the meal.  I wanted the doneness to be medium while Bubba wanted medium well so I opted for the latter. 

 

 

The first few bites were sheer beefy pleasure with fat that melts in your mouth.  Halfway through my steak though, the meat tends to be dry, which is a complete puzzle because the first half was juicier.  When Dors came to ask how was the steak, I told her that it was tad bit dry.  She said that it must be the doneness, which is a good point.  I’ve tried medium well so many times and it wasn’t usually as dry as the other half of the steak.  A spade is a spade.  It was really a bit dry.  I call it as I taste it.

 

 

Bubba enjoyed his part of the steak very much and said it was moist and tender.  The steak tasted luxurious and liked it better than the Wagyu we tried a month ago.  I agree with him only midway *wink* and didn’t finish the drier half of the steak.  He finished it for me.

 

 

Complimentary dessert –trio of dessert

Pandan cheesecake, mango panna cota, strawberry chocolate with whipped cream

 

 

The allure of Discovery Suites carries through its restaurant, 22 Prime.  This refined place served palatably creative food and offers service that is professional and attentive.  Service is top notch –Discovery is truly known for so many years.

 

 

Reasonably priced, enjoy an intimate dinner for two or celebrate with a group.  At the elegant 22 Prime, experience a meal that throws off sparks in a dining room that radiates in both service and gourmet food.

 

22 Prime

22nd Level, Discovery Suites

25 ADB Avenue

Ortigas Avenue, Ortigas Center

Pasig City, Metro Manila

(632) 683 8222 loc. 3722

22 Prime Album

 

Related Post

House of Wagyu Stone Grill

Café Verbena

In Yo

Manny Pacquiao Faces Miguel Cotto in the Ring

 

After a soiree of dialogues and press releases, Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao will face Puerto Rican boxer Miguel Cotto in the ring.  The next Pacquiao event is slated on November 14, 2009 and will be held in Las Vegas.

 

Both fighters have agreed to meet at a catch weight of 145 pounds, which is two below the welterweight limit and five above the light-welterweight maximum limit.

 

World Boxing Association welterweight titleholder Shane Mosley has publicly showed in the past several weeks his eagerness to fight the boxing superstar, but promoter Bob Arum who handles affairs for both Pacquiao and Cotto, is more keen on setting a match-up between Pacman and Cotto.  Mosley was even willing to fight at 140 lbs and at only 40% revenue cut.  The 10% give on the purse wasn’t too attractive for Pacquiao’s camp and have decided to close the deal with Cotto’s camp.

 

Expectedly, the Mayweather Jr. and Marquez fight in September 20 (Manila Time) will also be highly anticipated since this is Mayweather’s comeback after his retirement.  The fight was postponed to September (from May) due to Mayweather’s rib injury sustained during training. 

 

Both Mayweather and Marquez return to the ring in September, while Pacquiao’s rumored 2nd to the last fight is set 2 months after.  Boxing fans are eager to see if Mayweather will triumph in that meet to face Pacquiao.

 

Related Post

Pacquiao Meets Cotto or Mosley?

The Real Deal: Pacman Signs with ABS-CBN

July 6 Marked the 1st Round Between Ateneo and DLSU

Unfinished Business: Pacquiao v. Marquez

Manila Ice and the Philippine Heat

It’s a Match: Pacquiao – Hatton

Pacquiao Floored Hatton

Shane Mosley Wants To Meet Pacman in the Ring

Floyd Mayweather Injured

Pacquiao – Cotto Face Off Brewing

Pacquiao Meets Cotto or Mosley?

Is the Pacquiao fight in November against Cotto coming around the bend?  Or are there still talks underway for a Pacquiao versus Mosley meet?  Since it’s taking time for Pacquiao’s camp to negotiate the weight issue with possible Puerto Rican foe Miguel Cotto, Mosley is lurking again trying to outbid Cotto’s camp for the fight.

 

Shane Mosley is yapping again challenging the best pound for pound Filipino boxer and he agrees recently to go down his weight division and fight Pacquiao in the junior welterweight division at 140 pounds.  Previously, he expressed his willingness to go down to 144 lbs just to get the premium fight.  He wants the opportunity to steal the elusive belt from Pacquiao and was even offering Pacman a 60-40 revenue cut in favor of the latter..

 

 

“I thought about my legacy and my history,” said Mosley. “I think that me being willing to fight and the only thing that stands between us is 143 or 144 and we’re going back and forth and he’s playing games with Cotto.”

 

With his current offer at 140 lbs., Mosley said Pacquiao would surely run out of excuses not to fight him.  He is waiting for Pacquiao to say, “yes, let’s go ahead and do it… and let’s fight”.

 

 

“There should be no excuses. There should be no hold ups for Bob Arum or nobody.  I’m the only one stepping up to the plate and willing to do something, willing to fight, willing to give the fans what they want… a great fight,” said the welterweight champ.

 

Meantime, the Marquez and Mayweather fight is scheduled on September 19 in US and September 20, Manila Time.

 

Related Post

The Real Deal: Pacman Signs with ABS-CBN

July 6 Marked the 1st Round Between Ateneo and DLSU

Unfinished Business: Pacquiao v. Marquez

Manila Ice and the Philippine Heat

It’s a Match: Pacquiao – Hatton

Pacquiao Floored Hatton

Shane Mosley Wants To Meet Pacman in the Ring

Floyd Mayweather Injured

Pacquiao – Cotto Face Off Brewing

The Man in the Mirror, Michael Jackson Dies at Age 50

 

Legendary music icon Michael Jackson was found dead at his Los Angeles home, Thursday. 

 

The King of Pop, the biggest celebrity world over, was suspected to have died of cardiac arrest.  The Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call placed around 12:30pm.  The responding paramedics performed CPR trying to revive the star (ET has an exclusive photo).  He wasn’t breathing when he was found and was immediately rushed to the UCLA Medical Center in LA.  The cause of Jackson’s death is still sparse and uncertain.  Some reports speculate that it might have been an overdose of prescription or certain substances.  Michael Jackson didn’t have any symptoms of cardiac problem or any heart illnesses and resuscitation would have been able to revive himThis sudden tragic death shocks all music fans and there is outpouring of sympathy for the loss of Michael Jackson.

 

 

Coincidentally, Jessica Zafra wrote in her column in the Philippine Star a Michael Jackson feature today.  On Larry King Live and Anderson Cooper, Michael Jackson’s friends sends their deepest sympathy, Quincy Jones, Randy Jackson, Sheryl Crow, Cher, among others.  Donna Sommer will dedicate her concert to Michael.  Madonna says he was one of the greats and truly an inspiration to her music as well.  I wonder how Macaulay Culkin and Chris Tucker feels.  They were pretty close to Jackson. 

Jermaine Jackson, Michael Jackson’s Brother, with a heavy heart faced media at a press conference releasing the cause of Jackson’s death.

 

 

 

Michael Jackson first rose to stardom in the late 1960s as the lead singer of the Jackson 5.  He was that little gifted boy with so much energy performing with the music group that he formed with his four older brothers.  Their famous hits include “ABC” and “I’ll Be There” that has so many renditions from other artists.

  

The 1982 album “Thriller” is the best-selling album of all time having sold over 50 million copies worldwide.  The much famed album includes top charters “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and the most recognizable song to the world, “Thriller.”  Usher, Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake music are from Michael Jackson’s influences.

 

 

Jackson’s career started to tarnish with a series of scandals.  From his universal popularity in the 1980s, his stardom started to decline with a series of surgically altered appearance.

 

 

Michael Jackson popularized so many dance moves such as the moonwalker, pulling up the pants and the crotch-grabbing dance moves.  Justin Timberlake’s voice reminds me of Jackson’s high-pitched voice that is punctuated with squeals and titters.  He was the ultimate performer, if not the best dancer… King of all Generations and probably all genres for me… He was admired for his songs but Michael Jackson was also very instrumental in uniting Black and White together.  The soulful lyrics of They Dont Care About Us, Heal the World, Boogeyman, Man in the Mirror, Black and White transcends across nations.  Someone said that Michael Jackson’s death is like passing of an era.  I totally agree.

 

I am deeply saddened by the loss of the King of Music, Michael Jackson.  He was an all-out performer and has changed the music scene.  My bucket list includes watching a Michael Jackson concert.  I was so ecstatic to learn that he was doing a final run of concert series in Europe starting with London.  There were even talks that he might do one in Asia.  There are only three legendary icons for me, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson (and probably Beatles as a group).  The only female counterpart I can think of that is on the same level is Madonna (who is also in my bucket list of performers I want to watch).  They are the only artists that really made such enormous impact that shifted music landscape.  His legacy in the music industry and the inspiration his creativity brought will remain in music fans’ hearts generation after generation. 

 

Final Curtain for Michael Jackson

 

Michael Jackson Feat. Usher and Chris Tucker (Chris Tucker was super funny)

Michael Jackson’s Best Dance Moves

They Don’t Really Care About Us Music Video (Prisoner’s Version) 

 

 

Iran Elections, Social Media, and the Death of Michael Jackson

Rest in Peace, MJ!