image Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez on SKY Cable HD

September 13, 2013 by Janey

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.

Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen

May 9, 2013 by Janey

Although stores and shops are still sparse in the newly opened East Wing of Shangri-la Mall, its food landscape is starting to shape up. The well-lit spanking new hallways of the mall can easily usher you to check out the line of new restaurants. I’ve tried two in this part of Shang and another one last Sunday after attending the 4pm Service taking on an unscheduled dinner invite.

RELATED POST:

Balboa, East Wing

Wrong Ramen Makes it Right

Nomama Artisan Ramen

Kichitora of Tokyo

After scouring 2 levels and eliminating Shabu Shabu, Sushi and Filipino restaurants, we finally settled to have something light and not heavy that evening. Ramen was the choice and I was sort of craving for it. That brings us to the door of Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen, which had a line outside. Good thing we just needed a table for two and there was one ready for us.

The interior of Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen is quite an eyeful, heavily designed with wood panels marked with Japanese characters. I don’t know if space-functionality is compromised but it certainly gives a bona fide Japanese feel with all the lighting fixture and wood element.

Specializing in Ramen, the menu is quite limited but centers mainly on ramen offerings. Soup flavors come in different categories mainly: shio ramen (salt flavored soup), shoyu ramen (soy sauce flavored soup), tonkotsu ramen (pork bone based creamy soup), and miso ramen (miso flavored soup).

On the Table

Gyoza P150

6 pieces of Japanese potstickers, a great starter or side dish for the bowls of ramen. Bite into the tasty dumpling filled with minced pork and chives, dip lightly in the gyoza sauce it comes with and pop the whole thing in your mouth and enjoy the outside crunch intermingled with the soft filling inside.

Miso Tonkotsu P380

Tonkotsu-based soup with very rich pork broth specially blended with quality miso paste. It comes with green onion, bamboo shoots and 2 slices of pork chasu. I smell the waft coming from the bowl and I know I am in for a treat. The warm broth was comforting yet had spikes of unexpectedness, like it is familiar but I am still surprised.

The bamboo shoots add a crunch while the half / soft boiled egg (P50) I ordered on the side attached softness and some creaminess. The slice of roasted pork is tender but lacked the taste of roast but the flavorful orange broth brings everything in.

New World Hotel Brings the Ultimate 18 Treasures to Chinese New Year

January 23, 2012 by Janey

Between Bites already featured Jasmine Restaurant in New World Hotel a few months ago when they included authentic Shanghai cuisine in their menu. Jasmine Restaurant is bringing a whole new flavor and experience to celebrating the Chinese New Year. Nothing is more fitting than welcoming the Year of the Dragon with a menu that highlights the Ultimate 18 Treasures Feasts.

If you’re in touch with your roots, Poon Choi (Pun Choi) a.k.a Ultimate 18 Treasures is a tradition associated with New Year celebrations where they serve a big basin of assorted dishes for everyone to feast on and partake. You don’t have to be in Hong Kong just to experience this first hand. New World Hotel’s Executive Chef Choi Wing Ki knows how to make a feast truly worthy of the fireworks of Chinese New Year.

On the Table

Wagyu Beef with Mango Roll

I’ve tasted this when they had the YUE 1525 dishes as part of the menu. Since this became popular, Jasmine Restaurant decided to retain it as a regular ala carte dish. That crumbly flaky roll wrapper almost disappears instantaneously upon hitting your tongue’s glands.

It’s still the familiar tender and flavorful Wagyu piece partnered with a sliver of sweet mango that submits to the beefy taste.

Nav Modern Thai Cuisine

January 17, 2012 by Janey

More often, my favorite lunch memories (other than awesome lunch meetings) will include lunch buddies, Richard and Irene. Last year, it was so easy for us three to get together and just have random or planned lunches. We even reached as far as Ateneo just to get dibs again of Manang’s famous liempo. We’ve had countless (Monsees, Silya’t Sili and lots I have not blogged) of lunches and usually, it’s to try new restaurants or revisit old favorites.

Nav Modern Thai Cuisine is also a stone throw away from the office. Service was very accommodating and wait staff was knowledgeable on the items in the menu. Ortigas area, specifically Kapitolyo, is starting to be a really good area for some food-spotting. Nav is situated near Uncle Moe’s and Longganisa Surprise.

On the Table (Photo Credit: Richard of www.talesfromthetummy.com)

Crab Cakes P230

Crab cakes are one of my favorite seafood dishes since I love crab. It eases out nitpicking crabs by my own hands or a crab picker and supposedly packs a meatier aspect with the other ingredients thrown in. It’s a little dry on the inside but they serve it with sauce on the side that can compensate.

L’Entrecote, A Taste of Europe

October 25, 2011 by Janey

L’Entrecote literally means sirloin steak. It adopts the same style as how they cook it in Geneva. Straightforward, simple, delighting… steak and frites with a “secret” herb butter sauce.

“L’Entrecôte bistros define three iconic groups of restaurants, all originating from the Gineste de Saurs family. The first group consists of the celebrated Le Relais de Venise – L’Entrecôte, which was born in the 17th arrondissement of Paris and founded by Paul Gineste de Saurs. It boasts restaurants all over the world, including branches in Barcelona, London, Bahrain and New York. The second group was developed by one of Gineste de Saurs’ sons, and is commonly known as L’Entrecôte – these restaurants are found across France, with popular branches in Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nantes and Montpellier. The third group is also known as L’Entrecôte but refers to a chain of restaurants under Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, operated by another daughter of Gineste de Saurs. The oldest of these restaurants is in Paris’ 6th arrondissement, and boasts branches across the world, including Beirut, Kuwait and Doha City. What classifies all of these restaurants is the l’Entrecôte style of dining: salad and steak frites with herbed butter.”

Adopted in Paris, Milan, and all over the world, and only a year ago, in Metro Manila, L’Entrecote bistro brings comforting style into steak dining –no complications, just the powerful magnetism of a good steak and herb butter sauce. Swiss owner, Martin Kaspar, opens this restaurant at Bonifacio Global City’s Burgos Circle with interiors reminiscent to a happy, quaint little European bistro complete with red leather chairs, wait staff clad in black and white uniforms, and vibrant paintings of Carlos Rocha. You don’t have to be dressed in the nines to eat here. Expect a relaxed ambience and this will set off the tone to your lunch meetings or after-work dinner shindig.

On the Table

House Salad with Walnuts PHP 230

Crisp fresh greens flipped with plump ripe vibrant red tomatoes, cool minty cucumber slices, and freshly chopped walnuts and tossed in herb white wine vinaigrette salad dressing. The dressing hits the tongue with just the right level of acidity while the walnuts add a nutty and crunchy layer to this simple refreshing palate opener.

Geneva Fondue Cheese Bites (6pcs) PHP 240

Expecting to get some dipping action of long-stemmed forks, I was surprised to see that there was no cheese fondue to dunk breads into. But I was equally surprised that L’Entrecote’s Geneva Fondue Cheese Bites can romance my taste buds as sexily as any fondue set.

The plate consists of 6 pieces of these luscious little bites of bread with a puffed upper coating. The golden brown puff is this superbly crispy texture that crumbles inside my mouth and reveals spurts of warm cheesy goodness that’s sharp and distinct. I am so excited to bring Bubba here, and our friend Irene, who love cheeses as much as I do. (EDIT: By the time of posting, we have been back to L’Entrecote with Bubba and Irene and ordered this)

2nd’s is a Charm

October 18, 2011 by Janey

I’ve been hearing about coming back for 2nds at 2^nd’s. One Sunday lunch, Bubba and I decided to check it out for the first time. 2^nd’s stands where defunct Mag:Net Café, popular for its rockband nights, used to be at the Wumaco Building at the Fort. Situated on the second floor, it is hard to miss which button to hit inside the elevator. On the 2^nd floor, a gorgeous huge wooden panel door opens to the handsome interiors of 2nds.

There is a coat hanger by the right side of the entrance, a big bar with numerous empty wine and liquor bottles hanging by the countertop, black and white photos framed on the wall, aristocratic upholstered seats and a massive shelf at the far end of the dining room. The book shelf appears to be the focal point with its shelves containing Bread of Life book among other books, pyramids, old Batman photo, classic aluminum movie tape cases, old monopoly, encyclopedias, and 3-tiered silver tin lunchboxes of forgotten times. It just completes the whole brown motif and makes me wonder if that shelf is actually a secret door to another era. 60s blues music plays in the background.

If not for their modern take of comfort food and Filipino favorites, I’d think we were at an American mafia’s library waiting to discuss our mob’s next target in lower Manhattan.

Raku Hokkaido Ramen

October 13, 2011 by Janey

Other than Taiwanese milk teas sprouting like stray mushrooms in the Metro, ramen houses have also started lining up and grazing the food landscape. The arrival of this renewed fondness for ramen could not be a better timing… especially this year, when the weather is much colder and rains have soaked the city. Imagine the calming flowing almost mute sound of a ladled soup with the steam wafting across your face.

Raku Hokkaido Ramen in the midst of bustling Makati City aims to give just that. The interior can easily transfer one to a quaint ramen restaurant in Japan. Modish framed photos of beautiful geishas and scenic Japan facets complete the concept. Space can be limited and cramped but this fact soon forgotten with what the kitchen can put forward. I visited on a Thursday lunch and the place was packed, brimming with people slurping broth or picking at their bento boxes.

On the Table

Yakitori PHP 145

Yakitori makes great appetizers, dampening your tongues with that touch of barbecue sauce covering succulent chicken meat. The grilled chicken skewers of Raku Hokkaido Ramen seemed perfectly grilled over hot charcoals with taste highlighting smoky charred flavor embraced with the slightest sweetness of teriyaki sauce.

Fair warning, you might end up popping this continuously in your mouth mindless that lunch time is already over. The same story goes for their mouthwatering gyozas, which I totally want to inhale plates and plates of.

Lechon Degustacion Private Dinner at Pepita’s Kitchen

October 4, 2011 by Janey

How I wish this is some sort of a storytelling with a deep emotional resonance –one that can inspire and stir or fire up passion in you to take a step towards your dreams or your life goals. I’m afraid, my brethrens, that even if that’s what I intend to do with this lifestyle blog that breathes an appetite for the good life, this particular entry is a wicked attempt to reveal all things tasty and wonderful about a Private Dinner I had not so long ago at Pepita’s Kitchen.

World-changing? Probably not. But it is a whole new perspective on our local lechon (roasted pig). Watch what Pepita’s Kitchen does as Pinoy lechon goes global.

This exclusive private dinner in Magallanes was dubbed Lechon Degustaction. Let’s break that down a bit. Degustacion is a culinary term that entails sampling small portions of all of a chef’s signature dishes or a window to his / her new innovative kitchen experiments in one sitting. This brings you to at least 8-course-journey of a careful and appreciative tasting of various foods that merge tastes, senses, and high culinary art. Of course, good company is never taken out of the equation.

–

Mere mortals like me have high dreams of dining at The Fat Duck of Chef Heston Blumenthal in England. There, the degustacion experience takes 4 hours with a lot of molecular gastronomy involved. Pepita’s Kitchen also provided 4 HOURS of dining ecstasy in a slow, trance-like fashion.

Flapjacks Returning Favorites

September 29, 2011 by Janey

When we think of Flapjacks, one picture comes to mind –stacks of golden yellow light and fluffy pancakes all ready to be smeared with butter, whipped cream and bathed in glistening maple syrup. We imagine hunky uniformed and expert “Flapjacks” men who flip and flap the pancakes into perfection. But there is more to Flapjacks that just deliciously stacked signature pancakes and breakfast combos.

Their breakfast meals and items are available at any time of the day –whether at the crack of first sunlight, or when the sun is at its highest peak or when it’s about to kiss earth goodnight. If you are craving for other fares, Flapjacks seasonally changes their menu to introduce new dishes that can stop a strike on your bored palates.

In 2008, I thought they still had a limiting menu but Flapjacks has long improved on the items they can offer. And while they keep patrons’ palates refreshed every now and then, some look for Flapjacks dishes that have become their favorite.

READMORE

Flapjacks Greenhills

On the Table

Mango Exotica PHP 325 (Regular)

The colors of the salad ingredients are vibrant and inviting from mango wedges to dried cranberries and raisins, almond chips, refreshing greens and the white-brown balance of croutons and chicken. The crunch of the fresh vegetables and spikes of mellow sweetness from the berries and nutty taste spell SPRING on a plate.

The mango vinaigrette was light and had the right sweetness and acidity.

Parmesan Chicken Wings PHP 255

My friends, particularly Richard and Irene of www.talesfromthetummy.com, tease me that it is my “chicken wings” season again (having eaten the mango habanero chicken wings of B&T Mexican Kitchen and finishing almost the whole basket, despite being “FULL” and on a “diet.” GOSH, now I’m craving for those wings. You should try it).

I love all things chicken wings and Flapjacks Parmesan wings are one of the best Parmesan versions I have tasted so far. I’d probably rate it Top 2 with the top spot going to Wingman’s lemon parmesan wings followed by Flapjacks closely behind. The success of the wings rely heavily both on the crispiness of the skin and the actual glaze of the sharp Parmesan cheese which Flapjacks nailed on the spot. It has that buttery taste but nothing overpowering. Their Parmesan chicken wings are nowhere oily or dripping butter. [Read more…]

1 Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, 2011, address, best, bistro group, blogger, branches, Bubba, chris, contact number, date, didi, Filipino, flapjacks, Flapjacks location, Flapjacks menu, food, food blog, food blogger, food review, Fran, gh, Greenhills, how much, image, list, location, magazines, Makati, Manila, Map, menu, Metro Manila, pancakes, paul, Philippines, Photo, pinoy, price, rates, restaurant, Restaurants, sab, San Juan, Taste Manila, theatre mall

Authentic Shanghai Cuisine from Famous YUE 1525 at Jasmine Restaurant, New World Hotel

September 26, 2011 by Janey

Last Thursday evening saw me with foodie friends at Jasmine Restaurant in New World Hotel welcoming renowned chefs of top Shanghai Restaurant YUE 1525. An enthusiastic 23-year veteran of the Chinese kitchen and in specializing authentic home-style Cantonese fare, Executive Chef Wong Kam Chung will be at the helm of the kitchen of Jasmine Restaurant from now until October 1, 2011.

Before YUE 1525, he spent 5 years in Hong Kong’s famous Dragon King Restaurant in Wanchai as head chef. He also had a two-year stint at a St Moritz ski resort in Switzerland in the mid-90s before going to Shanghai. YUE 1525 is already one of the most popular Cantonese restaurants in Changning District, Shanghai. Well-known for offering a wide selection of traditional homestyle Cantonese fare, including 20 clay pot dishes and 20 signature soups on the menu with an extensive variety of delicious dim sum.

If you’re interested to visit YUE 1525, it is located at 2/F, 1525 Dingxi Road, Changning District, Shanghai, next to New World Shanghai Hotel. But why go that far when you can try their sumptuous offerings right here? Now all Chef Wong’s signature dishes are available in Manila. [Read more…]

1 Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, 2011, address, best, best dimsum place in Manila, best food blog, blogger, Cantonese chefs, Chef Wong, contact number, date, Dimsum, discount, event, exclusive, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, food review, foodie, Foodie Club, how much, image, Jasmine restaurant latest menu, list, location, Makati, Manila, Map, menu, menu price, Metro Manila, New World Hotel restaurants, New World Makati City, New World Renaissance, Philippines, Photo, pinoy, price, restaurant, review, service, Shanghai, Taste Manila, where, YUE 1521 Jasmine Restaurant New World Hotel Menu, YUE chefs

A Patch of The Fruit Garden at L’Entrecote

September 21, 2011 by Janey

Most foodies have dipped their pudgy or puny fingers (okay, maybe butter or bread knife sometimes) into the urbane jars that bear the brand, The Fruit Garden. The clamor started when Anton’s Ultimate Taste Test (UTT) paved the way for the introduction of these original natural jams.

As early as 2003 in his Paris home he shared with his lovely and beautiful Filipina wife, Pierre Marmonier has been experimenting with jam recipes. He and his wife are now based in the Philippines and thought of jamming (pun intended) their French recipes with local fruits.

Pierre was long aching for good jams and couldn’t find any quality ones in the market. He felt that the ones in the shelves of groceries can be better. And that desire for high quality tasty jams and sharing it with the rest of the hungry world translated to The Fruit Garden.

The Fruit Garden also applies the French technique years ago of cooking jam in small batches in copper cauldrons. And with one quick taste, you can tell the difference of jams that are mixed with preservatives and those without. The Fruit Garden doesn’t use preservatives at this time –that’s why quicker expiration date. But I wouldn’t worry about that –particularly if you love specialty jams that only use natural fruits and sugar cane as additional sweetener and preserving agent.

Pierre uses 60 grams of fruit used in your 100 grams of jam. I can’t count pass that so please do your own math for their 350 gram jars. Imagine the natural fruit flavors swirled into the jam!

We think about all the croissants, white breads, tinapays, pandesals, monays that we can spread these smooth jelly spreads on. But it doesn’t stop there. Yes wait, there’s more.

Have you ever thought of mixing it with savories? I don’t know what French bubbly L’Entrecote Executive Chef Matin Kaspar has been drinking but he definitely has thought of it! I should have a sip of that to spring me into finding a creative inspiration somewhere. Anyway, the lunch I dragged Ricardo of www.talesfromthetummy.com to was inspired by the Fruit Garden’s latest jam collection.

On the Table

Bread with Butter

This was so sinfully good! I kinda swore off butter for months now (my calorie and cholesterol count is too high) and tried to cut my carb intake but me and Ricardo (sometimes Montalban) couldn’t help but half another large block of bread just to have some reasonable grounds for finishing the big dollop of butter infused with pineapple coco jam. It was aah-mmmm-azing!

Most people would usually ignore the free bread and butter but NOT THIS ONE. I’m telling you! The butter had specks of pineapple bits that are both slightly sweet and tart. So next time I’m at the grocery, I’ll find good quality butter and will manually mix The Fruit Garden Pineapple Coco Jam for my own eating pleasure.

Gruyere Cheese Croquette with Mango Spices jam

Our primero began with a trio of enticing bite-size munchies. One of which is the gruyere cheese croquettes with mango spices jam. These were small fried rolls with sharp nutty tasting cheese that balanced off well against the spice and sweetness of the mango jam.

Foie Gras with Black Pepper Pineapple Jam and Melba Toast

Who would think that a peppery pineapple jam can work? Another good idea. Next time I’m eating grilled pineapple, I will season it first with pepper. I’ve always enjoyed foie gras pan-seared. The foie gras, albeit indulgent, was a bit too raw for my taste that I didn’t get to finish it (so eerily unusual. The end of the world is near, my friend, REPENT!). Half cooked with still visible redness skating on its velvety surface.

Goat cheese Tartlet with Tomato Chutney and Honey dressing

The third of the trio is the goat cheese tartlet. Popped the flaky disk in my mouth, it had that feta-like semblance glazed with a note of pungency from the chutney but kissed ever lightly with honey –fantastic. [Read more…]

2 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, 2011, address, Anton of OAP, best, best food blog, best food blogger, best French restaurant, blogger, contact number, copper cauldrons, date, discount, entre, entree, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, food discoveries in Manila, food review, Fort, French restaurant in Manila, image, L Entrecote, L'Entrecote, L'Entrecote menu, L'Entrecote restaurant, L’Entrecote Executive Chef Matin Kaspar, latest, Le entrecote, Lentrecot, list of restaurants, Makati, menu, Metro Manila, newest, Our Awesome Planet, Philip, Philippines, Pierre Marmonier, pineapple coco jam, pinoy, price, Promo, Quezon City, recent, RPA, September 2011, steaks and fries, steaks and frites, Taste Manila, The Fruit Garden collection, The Fruit Garden Jam, The Fruit Garden Jam and L'entrecote lunch, The Fruit Garden jams, Ultimate Taste Test, UTT, where

Nomama Restaurant

September 20, 2011 by Janey

Artisan means someone who has a skill in a trade. Chef Him Uy de Baron is definitely skilled in the kitchen, without a thread of doubt. Count the number of people who recognize him as the genius behind East Café and you’ll be counting more than the fingers on your hands and your friends’ hands. Heck, even Bubba recognizes him as a celebrated chef and the only other celebrities he knows are UFC mixed martial arts fighters. That should mean something then.

Chef Him graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Sidney, Australia. Today, he has dipped his hand in a hot bowl of ramen… or so to speak. He recently opened his first restaurant, Nomama Artisanal Ramen in the Tomas Morato area.

Artisan ramen probably refers to the ramen he makes from scratch. It is simply handmade ramen that can change the ramen scene in Manila, mostly dominated by Ukkokei and Shinjuku fans (and now even Ramen Bar fans).

After a short but exhausting time at 360 Gym for circuit training (2 visits in 2 weeks is quite an improvement from my one-time workout last year), I called to see if we can still make it before their last call of orders which was at 945pm. Did we make it? No, we didn’t even have time [Read more…]

5 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2011, 2011 new restaurants, address, Asia, best, best food blogger, best of Tomas Morato restaurants, blogger, Chef Him, Chef Him Uy de Baron, contact number, date, discount, discoveries, East Cafe, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, food review, how much, image, landmark, list, list of Ramen places in Manila, Makati, Manila, Map, menu, Metro Manila, new restaurant discovery, Noma, Nomama, Nomama Artisanal Ramen, Nomama complete menu, Nomama food review, Nomama in Tomas Morato, Nomama menu, Nomama price, Nomama Ramen House, Nomama Ramen restaurant, Nomama restaurant, Nomana, Philippines, Photo, photos, price, Promo, Quezon City, restaurant, restaurant find, Restaurants, service, Taste Manila, where

Hyphy’s San Francisco Cuisine Meets Manila

September 20, 2011 by Janey

Restaurants have opened in the veranda area of Robinson’s Galleria and one restaurant is easily set apart with its introduction of new dishes found almost nowhere else in Manila. A visit to Hyphy’s a couple of weeks ago showed me diversity in the menu –an attempt to introduce San Francisco favorites and spinning a soul of Manila in them.

Gastronomic Indulgence at the Chef’s Table

Chef’s Table

Asian Food Channel’s Eats Asia

One thing about fusion of cuisines is… it can definitely get mixed responses as well –mostly from purists of each cuisine. Those who appreciate the dish when it’s closest to its original form and taste look for its familiarity and get somehow disappointed when they’re faced with nearly a stranger. For some, they welcome the refreshing take on an old favorite and taste the dishes completely with open mind and taste buds.

Hyphy’s braves the views that come from both ends of the spectrum.

Arriba! Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar

September 1, 2011 by Janey

Last August 11, 2011, I was still feeling quite tired from the 16-hour flight (which doesn’t include layover hours) I took the day before returning to Manila. But no matter how tired the body is, the mind tummy is stronger. That is why that very evening, I saw myself with Spanky and fellow foodies at the newest Mexican spot to hit the metro.

I’ve wanted to visit Chihuahua since it opened but barely found the time. Mexican food is one of my top favorites that Bubba and I were willing to travel all the way to Pampanga to taste good Mexican cuisine. I love the bright colors and the bright flavors that different tacos and burritos bring. Chihuahua definitely did not disappoint.

Photo Credit: Richard of www.TalesfromtheTummy.com

Chihuahua is situated right across A. Venue along Makati Avenue and has started to create more noise for the area especially during its themed nights like Chips and Dale night and their Salsa nights. Right at the helm of the party scene and Tex-Mex restaurant vibe are the couple Ines Cabarrus and Elian Habayeb of music and wine radio.

Restaurant is quite spacious for moving and bumping hips. Walls are adorned with Mexican icons like Ricardo Montalban, which got me laughing hysterically because I finally saw his photo. I have baptized my friend Richard of www.TalesfromtheTummy.com “Ricardo” a few months back and I’m trying to get everyone to call him that. Sexaaay eh?

On the Table

Chihuarita PHP 195

While waiting for the others, we sipped a glass or two of Chihuarita –this is Chihuahua’s version of margarita. It tastes so light and so good –just a lemony hint that’s not too acidic and right amount of sugar. It gets you in a bubbly mood because the alcohol creeps in slow and soft but hits you right up. I also love that the salt on the rim of the cups are spiced up for that extra kick. Purrr-fect!

Nacho Grande PHP 245

This starter gets the conversation going and going like an Energizer battery. This was clearly a favorite on the table with a bowl of crunchy yellow chips cascaded with tasty chili beans, gooey guacamole, salsa of tomato and onion, jalapeno, 2 kinds of cheese and generous sour cream. You shouldn’t miss ordering this when you’re at Chihuahua.

Chihuahua’s simple menu is on their red boards and it’s only 4 steps. Step 1 is choosing between pork, steak, chicken or vegetarian. Step 2 is whether you’ll have your choice in a taco, burrito, burrito bowl or salad. You can be done by Stage 2 but if you’re an eater like me, Step 3 will never be ignored.

This is where you choose accompaniments or appetizers for your meal. 5 choices are provided that includes Mexican rice, Chili, Nacho Grande, Chips and Queso, and Tortilla Soup. Step 4 is the drinks which are actually a collection of imported beers, sodas and even an imported mineral water. [Read more…]

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, 2011, address, best, best margarita in town, blogger, Chihuahua, Chihuahua Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar, Chihuarita, contact number, date, discount, Elias Habayeb, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, food review, foodie, how much, image, Ines, lemon, list, location, Makati, Manila, Map, margarita, menu, menu prices, Mexican, Mexico, Philippines, Photo, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, restaurant, Restaurants, Taste Manila, where

Terry’s Selection

July 12, 2011 by Janey

We have been so busy in the office that we almost forgot about Meann’s birthday early June so dee boss and her troupe sauntered to Podium for some good hearty lunch the week after for a delayed celebration. We walked towards Terry’s Selection at the basement level and secured a table for four.

Owned by Chef Juan Carlos de Terry, Terry’s Selection is a deli slash restaurant that specializes in Spanish cuisine. Some say, Terry’s Selection Segundo Piso is the best among its branches but the Podium branch has a stand on its own. Business lunches and meetings are done here and it has also made its mark amid the discerning Ortigas crowd.

On the Table

Scallop and Prawn Croquettes PHP 290

6pcs. prawns and diver scallops in a unique Port wine Bechamel

Prawns and diver scallops minced and blended with delicate and creamy béchamel sauce encased in crunchy and light golden breadcrumb batter. I only wished that the scallops weren’t minced since they are better enjoyed when identifiable.

Fabada Asturiana PHP 390

Spain’s famed bean casserole, cooked with chorizo Terry, Asturian smoked black sausage, Jamon Serrano, pork belly and a magic touch of Spanish saffron

I had a hard time taking photos plainly because I was hungry. I was ready to devour what was in front of us but had to take a few, unfortunately pitiful, shots. The bean casserole had full flavors even if it was highlighted by the smoked black sausage made out of pig’s blood –which can eject a certain placid taste.

–

The Jamon Serrano and pork belly adds the right balance of saltiness.

Red Snapper in Lemon-Butter Sauce PHP 360

A tangy lemon and butter sauce with capers and enhances the subtle texture and flavor of this delicate fish

Although Karen enjoyed the red snapper, I wasn’t a big fan of it. It seemed like the lemon butter sauce separated midway to finishing the dish. There was a splash of acidity, probably from lemon and capers, to it that was a bit overpowering and spoils the subtle taste of the dish for me.

Super-Paella Parellada PHP 740

An original recipe from Barcelona. Their most appreciated entrée. Please give them an allowance of 30 min. to prepare

One of the better paellas you can find in the Metro. Terry’s Selection paella absolutely deserves a spot in the Between Bites TOP 10 Best Paella list I made a while back. Paella was on the slightly wet side but carts with it a thin layer of soccarat, or burned crust of rice that gives a textural crispiness to the dish. I want best of both worlds, a bit of the runny rice and slightly burnt part.

Callos a la Andaluza PHP 370

Their unique ox stripe stew, enriched with chorizo Terry, chickpeas, and Jamon Serrano

Callos is one of my favorite Spanish dishes. The tender ox tripe wasn’t hard to cut with fork and perfectly easy to chew. The sauce seemed notably complex but a reliable pleaser. I could eat bowlfuls of this, with rice or with bread.

Chuletillas de Cordero PHP 595

Baby lamb cutlets accompanied by Piquillo peppers, stuffed with a refined concoction of Asturian smoked black sausage bathed with a distinctive Ribera del Duero red wine reduction

The baby lamb cutlets are small in size but banging in flavors. The side of piquillo peppers was deliciously roasted and the lumpy stuffing was perfect accompaniment to the meat.

Marquesa de Chocolate PHP 175

Sprinkled with almond praline, this chocolate marquise is another delicious variation on a decadent theme. Pure bliss!

I can only agree. Terry’s Marquesa de Chocolate is a conundrum of mousse and gelatin. The smooth texture glides in the tongue daintily and paints it with seductive chocolate civilized by coarse sprinkles of almond praline.

Every dish we ordered, and we ordered a LOT, was spot on, except for the red snapper. I’d love to make another visit but I’ll save it when Bubba comes back to Manila and for Terry’s Selection Segunda Piso branch in Pasong Tamo.

Terry’s Selection

L/G Podium Mall, 18 ADB Avenue,

Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City,

(632) 636 3513

Terry’s Selection Album

—

1 Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, 2011, address, Asturian smoked black sausage, bean casserole, best, best Manila restaurants, best Spanish restaurant, bestseller, black sausage, blogger, branches, Callos a la Andaluza, Chef Juan Carlos de Terry, Chuletillas de Cordero, contact number, date, deli, event, exclusive, Fabada Asturiana, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, food review, Fort, how much, image, Jamon Serrano, list, location, Makati, Manila, Map, Marquesa de Chocolate, menu, Metro Manila, ortigas, Philippines, Philippines 2011 holidays, Photo, Podium, price range, promotion, Quezon City, restaurant, Restaurants, review, segunda, service, Spain, specialty, Taste Manila, telephone number, Terry's Selection, Terry's Selection menu, Terry's Selection segundo piso, time, where

General’s Lechon is Top Rank Lechon

June 29, 2011 by Janey

Last June 9, 2011 (which was incidentally Irene’s birthday… HAPPY BIRTHDAY love!), I was invited by Spanky Spanx at a rendezvous somewhere in Parañaque. To be honest, I’m lazy to travel or drive far nowadays, even as central as Makati. Heavy traffic just doesn’t fly with me anymore and I’d rather be bored with the same old if it means not being stuck stationary for at least 30-45mins. Life is too short to be wasted in heavy-congested streets. I have become attached to Ortigas, Eastwood and Greenhills areas but it does get boring after awhile. I guess it’s only a phase for now.

READ MORE:

Claude Tayag’s 5 Ways Lechon

Tasty Lechon Liempo at Chic Boy

Zubuchon Brings Lechon to a Prime Roast

Ultimate Taste Test UTT 3.0

Screeching sirens started alarming and big bells clonking when I heard it was an exclusive lechon taste test. I mean, it is lechon! I don’t think anybody needed to say more. LECHON… slowly-roasted pig over open fire… is there anything else that can be more important?

General’s Lechon is a home-based lechon venture by couple Brian and Lynett Ong, whose recipe originates from San Carlos city in Negros Occidental. Yes, I figured out who the General is when Brian pointed to Lynett’s direction.

General’s Lechon’s unique selling point is their offer of flavored lechons. Their huge lechons come in a variety of flavors: Original, Chili Garlic, Garlic and Curry.

When we entered the kitchen, the vision of three huge lechons almost stopped me in my tracks. Key word, almost. It was a split second pause trying to make sense how I can fit three lechons in my tummy. It was a feat I’ve never attempted or achieved before this night. Then I looked around in daze and realized that there were other people around. For awhile there, I thought I was in lechon heaven… or the aftermath of the Three Little Pigs fairytale story… alone and ready to pounce.

Brian explained the parts of lechon and probably the beginnings of General’s Lechon but I can barely concentrate on the words coming out of his mouth. My mind was too focused on what’s going inside my mouth in a few. And I was quite distracted by the glistening well-cooked skin of the roasted pig.

I bit into the crackling skin even before I sat down on the table. The crispy skin drowned the noise of the surrounding area. At least in my mind, it did. The beauty of lechon is (really skin and) skin deep. The meat was tender and heavily flavored. I particularly loved the curry-flavored lechon.

I picked up a few tips on HOW TO SAVOR THE LECHON:

1. Crisscross the skin with a sharp knife and break it apart from the rest of the lechon

2. Let other people grab the outer layer of meat (and occasionally grab some for you if you’re already hungry but leave room for the best parts)

3. The best parts of lechon are the ribs and belly. Indulge in your carnal desire and grab the ribs with hands and nibble on them

4. The belly of the lechon is the tastiest and most tender portion. You cannot miss forking portions of the belly since this is highly flavored

5. For flavorful lechons like this one, there is barely any need for gravy or dipping sauce. General’s Lechon still serves the liver sauce for those who enjoy lechon with it but they recommend just dabbing it in vinegar.

I’m sure there were other tips that involved ears and back but I was lost in the pig moment by this time already.

General’s Lechon brings lechon into a whole new level with their flavored lechons. Change up the game a bit during parties and order curry lechon. I personally would love to spunk up my lechon cravings with chili garlic or curry that they infuse in the meat. There are more flavors in the curry though than the chili garlic since the latter I felt lacked a bit of that chili spice.

All elements are still there, the crispy crackling skin, the soft tender meat, but now with variants!!! Lechon made more drool worthy.

Price ranges from PHP 3,000 to PHP 6,000 depending on the size and flavor of your preference.

General’s Lechon

3 Guillermo St. Parañaque

(632) 408 6850 / (63) 917 897 5966

Photo Credits:

Related Entries:

Our Awesome Planet’s General’s Lechon

Tales from the Tummy’s The General has Arrived

Trip or Treats, The Three Lechon Flavors of General’s Lechon

Glenn’s Salute to the General

Claude Tayag’s 5 Ways Lechon

Tasty Lechon Liempo at Chic Boy

Zubuchon Brings Lechon to a Prime Roast

Ultimate Taste Test UTT 3.0

—

3 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 5 hours, 5 hours lunch, 5 Ways Lechon, abode, address, afternoon, Anthony Bourdain, best, best lechon in town, best skin ever, Bicutan, blogger, Cebu Lechon, cheap, Claude Tayag address, Claude Tayag's 5 Ways Lechon, contact number, cooking, crispy skin, culture, curry lechon, date, delivery, directions, discount, Discovery, expensive, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, food discovery, food review, foodie find, foodie haven, General LEchon, General Lechon flavor lechons, General's Lechon, General's Lechon flavored lechon, google map, home, house, how much, how to roast pig, image, landmark, lechon, lechon curry, lechon delivery, lechon flavors, list, location, longest lunch, Makati, Manila, Map, menu, Metro Manila, Must Try, ortigas, Pampanga, Pampango chef, Paranaque, Philippine Tour, Philippines, Philippines Tour, Photo, photos, pork, pritchon lechon, Quezon City, recipe, restaurant, Restaurants, review, roasted pig, Spanky Enriquez, Taste Manila, tasty, technique, Tour, travel, trick, trip, where

Yumemiya Japanese Café

June 24, 2011 by Janey

Bubba and I spent the long weekend in Manila. It’s actually been more than a year since we last traveled far or overseas. I miss traveling a lot. I’ve been putting off traveling to this “part of the world” for more than 2 years already and it’s likely that I will miss it again this year.

I didn’t mind much spending long weekend in the quiet city… especially when I find good eats in the Metro. We visited Yumemiya Japanese Café for the first time last Saturday for lunch. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting more than the usual Japanese fare. I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy their Udon. We liked it so much that we ended up eating there again Sunday for merienda cena. Two days in a row over one weekend. Yumemiya probably got my tongue.

Yumemiya Japanese Café is located in the recently-opened NorthEast Square Bldg in Connecticut, Greenhills. Like restaurants in Japan, the frontage, as seen through a glass window, has a plastic display of dishes decked neatly. The interior was modern minimalist with enough comfortable seats and upholstered booths.

On the Table

Udon Noodles with Beef in Japanese Curry PHP 280

Yumemiya specializes in Udon Noodles and green tea-inspired treats being a café so don’t expect sushi and sashimi here. But this particular Udon dish caught Bubba and I’s attention that we just had to go back the next day. I guess the cold weather also adds to the lure of hot or warm tasty broth.

Served in a black bowl, the udon noodles were thick, chewy and tasted fresh. It reminded me when I made Udon noodles from scratch in Kagawa Perfecture, Japan.

Those were good times! Pressing, rolling, rolling, wrapping in plastic, rolling, adding a pinch of salt, a pinch of that…

Can we just eat?

–

Ungggh, PRESS

–

Working on the flour

–

I’m gona pin you down!

–

Stomp the yard!

–

that’s too thick… i’ll show you right way ok? *Janey grumps*

–

with my Udon-making partner and friend Ronald

–

Cooking final product

–

finished product yay! *CLAP CLAP*

…and then the unthinkable… they had us dance on top of the carefully wrapped wheat mass in the tune of “Mahia hi… mahia ho…” I actually forgot the title of the song laughing uncontrollably in humiliation. All in the name of good udon!

See, we can make udon!

Back to Yumemiya, the Japanese curry broth had the perfect mild spice of curry. Sliced beef was tender and had good amount of fat. People here are more used to ramen noodles so I’m not sure if they are akin to liking udon since it is 2-3cm thick. BUT I LOVED IT!

Clam in White Wine and Japanese Cream PHP 178

Bubba is not big on clams but managed to finish this bowl –almost to the point of not letting a drop of the cream go to waste. Clams tasted fresh and you also get a hint of the white wine in the sauce.

Shabu Shabu PHP 450

Sliced beef with vegetables and tofu served tableside along with a small hot pot and a separate cooked udon noodles.

–

Raw

–

This was good especially when you put a bit of the white sesame sauce accompanying it. Clean taste but Bubba feels like this is a bit on the pricey side and he would rather order the teppanyaki next time.

Green Tea Drink

I forgot what we ordered but it had mochi balls and caramel inside.

Matcha Vanilla Ice Cream with Azuki Red Bean – Free

Since we dined during Father’s Day, and they thought Bubba looked like a father (har-har), they gave us a free matcha ice cream that day. Two bowls were finished by Bubba. I liked this better than the green tea frothy drink we ordered. The Azuki red bean paste added a different sweet dimension that I enjoyed.

Service was fast and inclined. Food was served quick. There’s nothing to harp about the service.

The raining hasn’t stopped and my craving for Yumemiya’s Udon Noodles with Beef in Curry hasn’t either.

Yumemiya Japanese Café

47 NorthEast Square Bldg, Connecticut St,

Greenhills, San Juan City

(632) 722 4838 / (632 )721 0700

Business Hours: Monday – Thursday; Sunday: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.;

Friday and Saturday: 7 a.m. to 12 midnight

Yumemiya Japanese Café Album

—

2 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, 2011, address, best, blogger, Connecticut, contact number, date, discount, event, exclusive, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, food review, Greenhills, how much, image, June 2011, list, location, Makati, Manila, Map, matcha ice cream, menu, Metro Manila, new, North East Building, northeast building in greenhills, ortigas, Philippines, Photo, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, promotion, restaurant, Restaurants, review, service, Taste Manila, where, Yumemiya Cafe review, Yumemiya Japanese Cafe, Yumemiya Japanese restaurant Greenhills, Yumemiya Menu

Chef’s Table

June 17, 2011 by Janey

Before Chef’s Table at the Fort, there was a “Chef’s Table” private dining somewhere within the outskirts of Fort. That was where Bubba and I celebrated our 2^nd anniversary in February 2009. It was our first time to meet Chef Bruce Lim, Le Cordon Bleu graduate chef and host of the show Tablescapes, along with his amiable wife and car drifter, Michelle. We’ve constantly bumped into each other in events after that.

February 2009

How time flies eh? Another 2 years later, we find ourselves in the company of our foodie friends / bloggers, aptly called “Foodie Club” checking out the new Chef’s Table. Chef’s Table sets a unique ambience since it’s literally an open kitchen, where you can watch and see how the dishes are prepared… yes, including the intensity / organized chaos. Other than the up-close encounter of the kitchen, you’ll also notice that all the sous chefs are bald. Yea, it’s some sort of Chef Brotherhood.

March 2011

That night we arrived, it was almost jam-packed. Of course, the 8 of us (Rowena, Peter, Irene, Richard, Carlos, Trixie, Bubba and I -minus 8 more from the Club) make up one big table.

On the Table

Roasted Tomato Halaan Soup PHP 210

Fresh halaan steamed in lambanog combined with a rich roasted tomato puree

I think this was ordered by Carlos and Trixie. A light clam broth infused with roasted tomato puree.

Kangkong Melon Soup PHP 180

A unique blend of kangkong and melon due simmered in sweet buko juice garnished with buko meat and croutons accompanied with skewered grilled prawn.

Hot Rock Pusit PHP 250

Beer-marinated squid pressed between hot rocks served with spinach

This Hot Rock Pusit was such a revelation! One of the most tender squid I have ever tasted that there was barely any need for teeth. Can you imagine squid with almost melting effect? Meat yes, but not squid. If you can’t, you should go ahead and order one at Chef’s Table. This delicate beer-marinated seafood can’t be had anywhere else.

The Club’s remark though is they find it a little too expensive since you only get a very small plate of squid. I personally don’t mind paying that much to get that mind-blowing squid texture.

Prawn Aligue My Way PHP 350

Prawns on a bed of sotanghon flavored with aligue sauce

Corned Pork PHP 380

Creamy laing topped with soft pork strips served with tinapa rice.

Pulled pork shaped into a can sitting on a bed of mouthwatering laing

Beef Steak Pasta PHP 230

Penne Pasta sautéed in steak sauce enhanced with calamansi topped with tender beef slices, onion rings and queso de bola

Penne pasta cooked al dente seethed with citrus hints from the calamansi and a beefy taste. The large onion rings and soft beef steak slices add the bite to the pasta. Pasta is of Italian origins but this echoes classic Filipino taste.

Steamed Clams and Mussels PHP 280

Clams and mussels steamed in lambanog, white wine and yellow ginger served with garlic croutons.

Reversed Sotanghon Soup PHP 150

Fried Sotanghon noodles in a savory classic French onion soup topped with crispy liempo bites

Striking presentation and concept! Fried vermicelli noodles served on a shallow bowl beautifully garnished with crispy liempo on top. The French onion soup served separately in a teapot to be poured on the dry ingredients. The Club gave a big thumbs-up for this one from presentation to taste. Other than the bright color, the soup had that stark flavor that heightened the traditional Sotanghon soup.

Calamansi Tuyo Spaghetti PHP 210

Spaghetti sautéed in tuyo oil and flakes, enhanced with calamansi juice and topped with fried tuyo and queso de bola

This was Peter’s order and I wasn’t able to taste it but the plate was completely polished off which says a lot about how he liked Chef Table’s calamansi tuyo spaghetti.

Braised Liempo PHP 350

Pork belly slowly braised in a sweet spiced humba sauce

This was Bubba’s order and this dish arrived almost towards the end of our meal.

Chill-a-Fino PHP 550

Chinese-style steamed Lapu-Lapu on a bed of Filipino ube mash topped with pechay

I ordered Kalderetang Lamb (PHP 510) but it wasn’t available that night. Instead of ordering another dish, I left the choice to Rowena who then chose Chill-a-Fino.

What I truly appreciate about Chef’s Table is the intent and brilliance of making modern Filipino cuisine spiral into international standards. It weaves that familiar local taste into exquisite cooking styles and creativity.

Chef’s Table

Unit 106 The Infinity Tower 26th Street

The Fort Global City Taguig, Philippines

(63 2) 399 1888

Photo Courtesy:

Carlos of www.FoodieManila.com

Richard of www.TalesfromtheTummy.com

—

2 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2011, address, best, blogger, Chef Bruce Lim, Chef Bruce Lim of Chef's Table and Hyphy, Chef Table, Chef's Table, Chef's Table menu, Chefs Table Fort, contact number, discount, exclusive, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, food review, Fort, how much, image, list, location, Makati, Manila, Map, menu, Metro Manila, ortigas, Philippines, Photo, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, promotion, Quezon City, restaurant, Restaurants, review, service, Tablescapes, Taste Manila, where

Twelve Course Degustation at Society Lounge

June 15, 2011 by Janey

I saw a seemingly good deal on one of the deal sites that I frequent and poked Bubba to review if he was up for it. Bubba and I love a good deal. Who doesn’t? We have bought quite a lot and instead of looking at the spending, we look more at the SAVING. Most deal sites offer products and services at such a huge discount and it is too tempting to turn a blind eye on. (CHECK OUT an upcoming deal site: www.dealshappy.com)

And for foodies like me, it’s such a welcoming opportunity to try new restaurants at a fraction of the cost –which means that if the new “try” comes out to be a disappointment, then I wouldn’t have lost MUCH. Hopefully, that means less of a letdown.

Whenever I pass by Makati Avenue, I see Society Lounge, where Schwarzwälder restaurant used to stand. I wanted to try it and decided to do so when they offered the 12-Course Degustation at half the price.

The Twelve Course Degustation Menu is normally priced at PHP 3,200 but we were able to get it for only PHP 1,500 per head. The food menu is inspired by French Fashion Food wrapped and presented in a touch of modernity combined with fine products to convey the theory of “Feed your soul with taste of food.” This is Chef Patrice Freulson’s concept.

On the Table

Appetizers

Goat cheese with onion jam

Tartine de fromage de chevre a la confiture d’oignon

The onion jam spread on the bread piece gives a bit of sweet tart and combines with the tangy creamy cheese perfectly. Goat cheese is one of my favorite cheeses so I’m very happy with this starter.

Vol au Vent with fresh mushrooms

Croustade fourre aux champignons a la crème

Service was really well-trained. The wait staff makes an effort to pronounce the dishes properly. Bubba and I don’t speak French, other than the occasional “bon appetit!” right before our face becomes a blowfish. We kept repeating “boulevard of mushrooms” while eating the second appetizer, scratching our heads wondering where boulevard figures in the dish, because we didn’t figure out Vol au Vent.

Vol au Vent literally means “flying with the wind.” It is a light pastry shell filled usually with ragout of meat or fish. In this case, it’s deep flavored mushrooms.

The French Snail Provencal

Escargot ala Provencal

Among Europeans, this dish isn’t really out of place. Same goes with Filipinos who eat “ginataang kuhol,” which group I don’t belong. The two-tined snail fork placed conveniently on the table made picking out the edible snail easy. I closed my eyes and popped it inside my mouth, almost with the intent to swallow it whole without breathing.

Good thing I found the courage to chew and felt the silky tenderness of the escargot, far from the rough and rubbery one during my first try elsewhere. C’est bon!

Soups

Hot vegetable volute

Soup de legume du jardin

If vegetable soup tasted this good when I was young, I wouldn’t have secretly flushed it down the drain each time I found it in my lunchbox.

Warm cauliflower shot with truffle oil

Veloute de choux fleur a la truffle blanche

The essence of truffle oil brings such zeal into any dish. Yes, even that cauliflower soup can enthrall.

Cold Tomato Pepper Gazpacho

Gaspacho de tomate et poivron rouge

The tomato gazpacho has the slightest touch of heat… The sweet tomato gives a cold but sweet caress on your tongue but with a mild peppery punch. It was good but hands down the best gazpacho I have tried is at La Cocina de Tita Moning’s.

La Cocina de Tita Moning’s Gazpacho

The trio of appetizers and trio of soups tickled the palate and groomed it cheerfully for the main highlights of this evening.

Main Dish

Giant Scallop in Lemon Sauce, Bedded with Chiffonade of Vegetables

Noix de Saint Jacque Grille sauce citron et chiffonage de legume

This dish was a visual winner. All the elements are brilliantly plated and balanced together better than a seasoned gymnast on a beam. The brown liquid squiggle tasted like ponzu or teriyaki sauce… sweet soy while the yellow is lemon sauce that isn’t overwhelmingly tart but savory. The ponzu sauce with the lemon sauce combined is a striking mélange of flavor.

Undress the scallop from its bacon shawl and find that the scallop was flawlessly cooked like a million dollar sea jewel in the mouth. It straddles the tongue for a mere second before evaporating to almost oblivion. Bacon was on the salty side but perfectly settles when you douse in the blotch of lemon sauce on the side of the plate. The Julienne vegetables added a textural crunch.

I picked on my plate with its different aspects and loved how it played back with me coyly.

Lamb Chop Provencal, mashed potato

Cotellete d’agneau et sa puree de pomme de terre

Flavorful and tender lamb chop begged me to imagine I had more. The mashed potato holds no water against the rustic garlic mashed potato we had at Rub earlier that day but the lamb chop was superb!

Duck Breast in Apple Peach Sauce, Grilled Apple

Magret de canard au pomme sauce a la liqueur de peche

You know the kitchen knows what they are doing when you are served with perfectly cooked duck meat that has a beautiful pink center and well crusted skin. The only flaw for me is the sauce that’s a tad too sweet.

The peach taste and smell can be a bit overpowering… similar to perfume. I gently scrape the sauce off the meat with my knife and enjoyed the tender-melt duck in its purity.

Desserts

Crepe suzette cointreau liqueur

Crepe suzette a la liqueur de cointreau

Red Fruit Express and Caramelized Popcorn

Fruit Rouge et Popcorn Caramelisees

This dessert was sublime –my favorite among the three. Bubba tore the mint leaves on his cup and I was stupefied that he was tearing it. 5 minutes later, I found myself doing the same. Haha. I love the caramel crunch of the popcorn against the plush-ness of the strawberry, and other red fruit.

Trio of French Macaroon Pierre Hermes

Trois macaron a la facon Pierre Hermes

Don’t forget to try their Passion Fruit Mojito (PHP 280).

Bubba and I finished two glasses and wanted more. The drink tasted good and the buzz creeps silently in.

I was remarkably satisfied with our late-dinner at Society Lounge with the seamless service and spot on taste of the dishes. The thought put into the dishes are impeccable –carefully and, most are, delightfully executed. It was one of the most pleasant dining experiences I’ve had lately. I could only say to those planning to try Society Lounge is Bon Apetit!

Society Lounge

G/F Atrium Building, Makati Avenue

Cor. Paseo de Roxas, Makati City

(632) 408 1852

Society Lounge Album

La Cocina de Tita Moning

—

3 Comments Filed Under: (NEW HERE??) TAKE A BITE OF THE FAVORITES FIRST!!!, Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, 2011, address, best, blogger, Chef Patrice Freulson’s, concept, contact number, date, deal grocer, deal site, deals, discount, exclusive, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, food review, Fort, French Fashion Food, French restaurant, group buying sites, groupon, how much, image, list, location, Makati, Manila, Map, menu, Metro Manila, ortigas, Philippines, Photo, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, restaurant, Restaurants, service, SL, Society Lounge, Society Lounge 12 course degustation, Society Lounge address, Society Lounge menu, Society Lounge review, Taste Manila, time, Twelve Course Degustation menu, Venue, where

Samsung GALAXY S II 4G Android Smartphone

June 9, 2011 by Janey

Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp., announced that they are bringing in the much-awaited sleekest Android smartphone, Samsung GALAXY S II (Model: GT-I9100), the first 4G phone to hit the country.

Get your smooth attitude on with this beautifully thin, modern and lightweight 4G Android smartphone. The Samsung GALAXY S II with its powerful 1.2 GHz dual-core processor bears with it the latest Android smartphone OS, Android 2.3 Gingerbread. It also has the most vivid and brilliant Super AMOLED Plus screen for your viewing pleasure and the smartest voice solution that enables the user to call, text, email and even surf the internet hands-free.

Yes, you heard it right folks. Its pre-loaded voice solution feature allows users to command their phone to call, text and even send an email simply by activating the voice solution with these simple words “Hey Galaxy” and the phone automatically responds by asking the user what he would like to do. This unique solution translates uttered words into both commands and actual text so SMS and emails cam be dictated and sent without the use of one’s fingers. It is like having your very own office assistant on your phone. Cool huh?

Incorporating a dual-core application processor and advanced 4G wireless network (HSPA+ 21) connectivity, the Samsung GALAXY S II has the speed and power to provide the best mobile performance. The 1.2 GHz Dual-core application processor mentioned earlier offers fast web browsing, multi-tasking comparable to a PC-like environment, supreme graphics quality and instantly responsive 3D user interface on the large screen.

For those who transition from one app to another without batting an eyelash, the GALAXY S II also offers seamless multitasking, switching between applications instantly.

The Samsung GALAXY S II is equipped with an 8MP, high-profile camera and camcorder with 1080p full HD recording and playback. With Samsung’s patented AllShare technology capture, create and share experiences hassle-free.

Samsung also launched its Samsung Hubs which are integrated mobile applications designed to fit every element of an active lifestyle in the GALAXY S II. Alongside this is their Music Hub. Discover what’s hot from top charts, search for favorite music, get recommendations on albums, enjoy previews and download them directly to Samsung GALAXY S II.

Stay entertained and connected with the hottest 4G Android smartphone from Samsung. Samsung Galaxy S II delivers the most delightful smartphone experience to date.

—