July 2019 – Jellybeans in the City

Alternative Filipino Cuisine at Abbiocco, Paligsahan

Do you remember that warm, comforting and sleepy feeling you get after a big and satisfying meal?

Well, the Italians call that feeling “abbiocco,” after which Quezon City’s newest restaurant is named.

To live up to its name, Abbiocco Alternative Filipino offers up classic favorites and imaginative reinventions of Pinoy dishes in large servings best enjoyed with others, from intimate get-togethers to large, full-scale celebrations. These well-loved viands honor local and authentic flavors while incorporating contemporary elements and techniques that reinvigorate old recipes.

Abbiocco even included Italian, Spanish and other Western selections to its menu, signifying not just the influences these had on Filipino cuisine but also the growing cosmopolitan tastes of Filipino diners.

Together with my foodie friends, I was lucky enough to join an exclusive preview of what Abbiocco has to offer. During our food tasting event, we were able to try delectable dishes such as:

Soups (sabaw):

House Kalabasa Soup (Php198). Pureed pumpkin and diced biscocho make this a mildly sweet yet savory cream soup.

Cream of Tomato with Malunggay Pesto (Php198). Tomatoes and malunggay pesto enhanced with cream and crispy toast make this a fresh start to the meal.

French Onion Soup (Php198). In this localized version of the French dish, caramelized red and white native onions, fresh thyme and rosemary leaves are incorporated in a beef stock base and topped with a layer of melted cheddar cheese.

Appetizers (pampagana):

Fried Shrimps in Salted Egg Sauce (Php388). The trend of adding salted egg yolks in dishes is in full swing in this dish. The shrimps are plump and succulent while the salted egg sauce is subtle enough not to be too overpowering.

Kinilaw na Tanigue sa Calamansi (Php298). I usually associate this local version of ceviche with bar chows and drinking parties but, as demonstrated by Abbiocco, it serves well as an appetizer, too.

Salad (ensalada):

Abbiocco’s Ensalada ala Anton (Php348). In this localized version of the Ceasar salad, romaine and iceberg lettuce are tossed with smoked bacon bits, biscocho, sundried local tomatoes, parmesan cheese and house-made dressing.

Sandwiches:

Abbiocco’s Triple Decker Sandwich (Php358). Roasted chicken breast, scrambled native eggs, smoked bacon and lechon kawali are layered over each other along with cucumber, lettuce and tomatoes with calamansi and garlic mayo in between whole wheat bread slices.

Mains:

6 Hours Braised Lamb Shank (Php1,888). A shanknof lamb is slow cooked for six hours to achieve that falling-off-the-bone level of tenderness then doused in curry sauce and served with Abbiocco rice and side vegetables. The lamb is notably missing that gamey flavor and is well complemented by the mildly spicy curry sauce which makes this – surprisingly – my favorite among the dishes served.

Pinoy BBQ Baboy Back Ribs (Php698). Lean pork ribs is slow-cooked to tenderness, marinated in local lime, soy sauce and honey and served with garlic mashed potato, whole kernel corn and buttered vegetables.

Anton’s Salted Egg Fried Chicken Wings (Php348). Crispy chicken wings are coated in salted egg sauce then served with Mango Avocado Salsa.

Seafood Kare-Kare sa Gata (Php798). Mixed seafoods and vegetables are cooked in a rich peanut sauce and served with bagoong.

Pasta Crema Carbonara (Php348). Firm spaghetti noodles are tossed in a sauce made of egg, caramelized local onions, queso de bola, smoked bacon and pepper.

Desserts (pahimagas):

Leche Flan (Php168). The homegrown version of the creme caramel dessert, made very sweet with condensed milk with a bit of citrusy flavor from dayap rind.

Halo Halo (Php228). This traditional dessert of shaved ice, evaporated milk and other sweetened ingredients is perfect for a hot summer day. I prefer mine without the pinipig, though.

Beverages:

Mocktails (non-alcoholic drinks). Virgin Mojito (lime, mint leaves and soda water), Tornado Twist (Grapes, Tresec and Soda Water) and Shirley Temple (raspberry syrup and fizzy lime soda).

If you’re looking to reinvigorate your relationship with Filipino food, look no further than Abbiocco!

Thanks to the lovely folks of Abbiocco for the warm welcome and the fine food!

Abbiocco Alternative Filipino is located at G/F Metro Stonerich Building, 3 Scout Rallos St. corner Mother Ignacia Street, Bgy. Laging Handa Quezon City, open daily from Sundays to Thursdays from 11am until 11pm, and Fridays to Saturdays from 11am to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 9892350.

Disclosure: Together with other foodies, I attended a food tasting event held here wherein food and drink items were served to allow us to sample the fare. These were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Mitsuyado Ramen Shokudo Gives You More Delicious Options at Budget-Friendly Prices

Just when you thought you’ve experienced all there is to it when it comes to ramen dining, in comes another concept from the same company that gave you the Tsukemen experience.

Infinity Foods Alliance, the firm behind Mitsuyado Sei-men: The House of Tsukemen, recently opened a cafeteria-style ramen shop at the Japan Town of Top of the Glo in Glorietta 2 that is reminiscent of the noodle houses in Japan.

Mitsuyado Seimen is a concept that originated from Tokyo, Japan. It specializes in Tsukemen (dipping noodle). This is what it has been known for in the Philippines for the past six to seven years. It is known for making good quality thick noodles for Tsukemen. For Mitsuyado Ramen Shokudo, meanwhile, uses good quality thin noodles.

“Mitsuyado Ramen Shokudo is a ramen house where you can choose your own ramen and pair it with your preferred topping,” explained Judy Kay C. Ang, representative of Infinity Food Alliance.

Mitsuyado Ramen Shokudo was born because the company wanted to offer a fast-paced restaurant to satisfy the ramen cravings of Filipinos. In the Philippines, ramen has been priced on the average of P400-P500 per bowl. Through Mitsuyado Ramen Shokudo, it wants to bring ramen appreciation to a price level that is more affordable, which is about only P180 per bowl.

Their ramen offerings include the Hakata Ramen, a pork-based broth that originated from the Hakata District of Fukuoka in Kyushu in southern Japan. They also have the white original Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen, Red Spicy Ramen (which makes use of the Japanese spice, karashi), Black Garlic, and Green Matcha.

To add variety to the ramen they ordered, customers are encouraged to customize it by selecting from various favorite Japanese toppings. Choices include the Charsiu, Sukiyaki, Ajitama, and Boneless Pork Chop, among others. Ang said that there are currently 10 to 12 toppings, and this number can increase in the coming months.

“We want to offer something different to the popular ramen, and we want it to be very affordable. At Mitsuyado Ramen Shokudo, customers can enjoy good quality noodles at very budget-friendly prices,” said the company’s Marketing and Customer Care Specialist April Faith Alquiroz.

Now, if you want to enjoy your ramen with other popular Japanese food on the side, you can do, too! For Filipinos who love rice, meanwhile, there are donburi options available. There are the Pork Cutlet Rice Bowl Don, Ebi Tempura Don, Chicken Karaage Don, Boneless Porkchop Don, and Gyoza to choose from.

Ang said that after their Glorietta ramen shop, they will be opening another Mitsuyado Ramen Shokudo in Vertis North. In the coming months, they will also be unveiling a CoCo ICHIBANYA Curry House in Top of the Glo before the end of the year.

Infinity Foods Alliance is among the many companies focusing on Japanese concept restaurants by entrepreneur Hubert Young, who has been credited for growing the UCC Coffee chain in the Philippines. He is also set to open the biggest Japanese fast food burger chain Mos Burger in the last quarter of the year.

Mitsuysado Ramen Shokudo is located at Top of the Glo, Roofdeck, Glorietta 1, Ayala Center, Glorietta Complex, Makati City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 10am to 9pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 10am to 10pm.

Restaurant details and images provided by Mitsuyado Ramen Shokudo in a recent press release.

Yummy and healthy eats at Nomi Cafe, BGC

Being a foodie, I find that when given a choice between what is flavorful and what is healthy, I would usually go for flavor. For me, eating is not just something I do to nourish my body; it is also something I do to calm my mind, soothe my soul or warm my heart.

The thing is: sometimes, there doesn’t have to be a line between flavor and health. At Nomi Cafe, for instance, Japanese food are prepared using fresh produce and premium ingredients to present diners with a meal that whets their appetite while helping them keep themselves healthy.

On our way to our staycation, I took my mom and my daughter to Nomi Cafe in Bonifacio Global City. (Yes, we’re three generations of women out for good food and good vibes!)

We liked the chill, casual and relaxing vibe of the place, from the use of pastel colors, the fun sayings on the walls, to the faux greens under the glass tables that give diners a feeling of nature and freshness.

One of Nomi’s founding partners, Take, was there to tell us more about the cafe’s origins. Take and his friends synergized what they like about their favorite modern Japanese cafes in Kyoto, Osaka and Kyoto, and brought about Nomi Cafe in Bonifacio Global City to a receptive Filipino dining public.

We were able to enjoy some of Nomi Cafe’s yummy and healthy offerings such as:

Beef Me Up (Php350). A balanced bowl of sauteed beef tenderloin, roasted garlic, broccoli, bell peppers, mixed greens, olives and soy garlic dressing on top of steamed Japanese rice, this is perfect for my mom who’s into getting more veggies in her meals. If she wanted to, she could have opted to replace the rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice.

My mom paired this rice bowl with a Berry Power Up (Php180), one of Nomi Cafe’s low-fat smoothies. This drink is made of strawberry, blueberry and acai shipped from Brazil which are then blended with coconut water and yoghurt. This, and the other drinks we ordered, also make use of earth-friendly bamboo straws which makes my environmentally aware daughter very happy.

Pork Katsu Curry Rice (Php330). My daughter has been craving for Japanese curry for some time now, so it’s fortunate that she chanced upon this dish. The katsu pieces were tender and tasty and well complemented by the potato, carrots and curry sauce.

My baby girl, who also happens to be a matcha connoisseur, opted for a Matcha Weight Loss Smoothie (Php190), a banana smoothie infused with organic match flown in from Japan, to enjoy with her rice meal.

Tantanmen (Php395). In yet another instance that proves my #RamenPhase is here to stay, I opted for this spicy and hearty ramen given the day’s sudden burst of rainfall (which, thanks to the inconstant weather deities, dried up by the end of our meal). Tantanmen gets its richness from the sesame seeds and paste incorporated in the soup flavored with ginger, spring onions and other aromatics. Together with the bits of ground pork and tamago, it presents a complex flavor that I just can’t resist.

I got myself a Mango Madness (Php180), made with fresh mangoes mixed with bananas, coconut water and cinnamon to cool and refresh my palate after the Tantanmen.

Nomi Style Cheesecake (Php250/slice). For dessert, we treated ourselves with this confection composed of matcha cheesecake on a graham cracker crust topped with a rich matcha-flavored mousse.

Thanks to the wonderful folks of Nomi Cafe for this fun foodie adventure with my favorite girls!

Nomi Cafe is located at Ground Floor, W City Center, 30th Street corner 7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, open Mondays to Saturdays from 11am to 12 midnight and Sundays from 12 noon to 8pm.

Disclosure: Our meal was sponsored by Nomi Cafe as a way for us to sample the fare in exchange for an honest review.

Happy fam brunch at Over Easy, Marikina

When we think of brunch, we think of ladies leisurely eating a meal while exchanging gossip.

However, one Tuesday, while my mom was out doing errands, my daughter #ExhibitA and I decided to take my groovy dad out for brunch at Over Easy.

So, after a short trip from our house in Pasig to this trending resto in Marikina, soundtracked with classic rock ‘n roll from my daughter’s Spotify, we found ourselves at Over Easy’s sprawling premises.

And my dad lost no time taking a pose! (So now we know where I got it from! 🤪)

Actually, the resto’s premises is quite conducive to photo opps (“IG-worthy” is how kids today would call it).

From the colorful wall murals to the artfully displayed tchotchkes, Over Easy exudes an atmosphere of warmth, comfort and welcome while still retaining that “cool” factor. Badly put: you might get dragged here by your tita, but, deep inside, you wouldn’t mind.

Yep, you wouldn’t mind hanging out here one bit especially once you’ve tasted what Over Easy has to offer such as what we enjoyed during our brunch with Daddy-o:

Macaroni and Cheese (Php220). This is actually #ExhibitA’s go-to dish. Over Easy’s version features creamy and hot melted cheese mixed in with macaroni and topped with bacon bits.

Fish and Chips (Php295). Fish fillets coated with beer batter, deep-fried until golden brown and served with parmesan dusted potato chips and tartar sauce.

BBQ Ribs (Php510 for half-rack with 2 side dishes). Fall-off-the-bone tender braised ribs, then grilled to get that rich smokey flavor, then served with Over Easy”s signature barbecue sauce. All I can say about this dish is that the bones were picked clean by the time we’re done.

While my dad sipped on his Coke Zero (Php55), #ExhibitA and I treated ourselves to a European Strawberry Cooler (Php140), a refreshing fizzy drink flavored with sweet strawberries (yeah, it’s a tita drink, hahaha!)

Lava Cake (Php195). Our foodie adventure here wouldn’t be complete without dessert. We got ourselves a molten chocolate cake topped with classic vanilla ice cream and doused with chocolate syrup. What a perfect way to cap our meal!

This brunch may not have been an all-out gossip over drinks sesh among ladies but it allowed my daughter and me to spend some precious time with my dear daddy.

Over Easy is located at G&W Terraza, Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue, San Roque, Marikina City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 7am to 11pm and Fridays to Sundays from 7am to 12 midnight. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 2554686.

Disclosure: Part of our meal was sponsored by Over Easy through gift certificates shared by Harvard of Always Hungry PH.

VERY RALPH, the first documentary portrait of fashion icon Ralph Lauren, debuts 13 November on HBO GO

VERY RALPH, the first documentary portrait of fashion icon Ralph Lauren, debuts same time as the U.S. on 13 November exclusively on HBO GO. The feature-length film reveals the man behind the icon and the creation of one of the most successful brands in fashion history. VERY RALPH is directed and produced by award-winning documentarian Susan Lacy (HBO’s “Jane Fonda in Five Acts,” “Spielberg”).

With an uncanny ability to turn his dreams into reality, Ralph Lauren has built a multi-billion-dollar, global powerhouse out of his aspirations, becoming a living embodiment of American optimism and the American Dream. For more than 50 years, he has celebrated the iconography of America and defined American style, translating his vision and inspiration into one of the world’s most widely recognized brands. In VERY RALPH, as he enters his sixth decade in business, Lauren reflects on his journey from a boy from the Bronx who didn’t know what a fashion designer was, to becoming the emblem of American style all around the world.

Offering unprecedented access to his life and work, Ralph Lauren speaks candidly in extensive interviews about his childhood, his five-decade-long marriage, the early days of his company, his response to criticism, his inventive multi-page ad campaigns and his pioneering vision which includes a remarkable series of firsts: Lauren was the first designer to create and market a complete lifestyle brand and expand into home furnishings, one of the first to champion diversity on the runway and in advertising and the first to create immersive retail environments that transformed the shopping experience.

VERY RALPH also features vivid archives from 50 years of the fashion brand, as well as intimate, revealing interviews with Lauren’s family, long-standing colleagues and other notables, including Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld, André Leon Talley, Hillary Clinton, Robin Givhan, Jason Wu, Naomi Campbell, Martha Stewart, Calvin Klein, Tyson Beckford, Tina Brown, Diane von Furstenberg, Jessica Chastain, Vanessa Friedman and Paul Goldberger.

Susan Lacy is the creator and former executive producer of the celebrated WNET series “American Masters,” which is shown on PBS nationwide. She has won countless Emmy®, Peabody and other industry awards, and has produced and directed a broad library of acclaimed films exploring the lives of America’s most enduring cultural icons. Her previous HBO documentaries include the Emmy® nominee “Spielberg,” which debuted in 2017 and “Jane Fonda in Five Acts,” which debuted in 2018.

HBO Documentary Films presents a Pentimento production; produced and directed by Susan Lacy; produced by Emma Pildes and Jessica Levin; executive produced by Graydon Carter.

HBO Original Series as well as live channels are available for streaming on HBO GO which is exclusively available to SKY subscribers. To subscribe, call 418-0000 or your local SKY office or fill in your details here.

Show details and image provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

Check out my posts on HBO shows:

Catherine the GreatThe Righteous GemstonesA Black Lady Sketch Show

Silicon Valley

HBO Comedy Series Silicon Valley returns for sixth and final season

The HBO comedy series SILICON VALLEY returns for its seven-episode, sixth and final season this October exclusively on HBO GO and HBO. A collaboration between Mike Judge and Alec Berg, the Emmy®-winning and Golden Globe-nominated series takes a comedic look at the modern-day epicenter of the high-tech gold rush, where the people most qualified to succeed are the least capable of handling success.

The series stars Thomas Middleditch as Richard, Zach Woods as Jared, Kumail Nanjiani as Dinesh, Martin Starr as Gilfoyle, Amanda Crew as Monica, Jimmy O. Yang as Jian-Yang, Suzanne Cryer as Laurie Bream, Matt Ross as Gavin Belson and Josh Brener as Big Head.

The Atlantic hailed the show’s fifth season as “exciting” and “hilarious,” while A.V. Club praised the series as having “one of the best comedic ensembles on television.”

Judge and Berg serve as executive producers, writers and directors. Executive produced by Clay Tarver, Lew Morton, Michael Rotenberg, Tom Lassally and Jim Kleverweis; co-executive produced by Ron Weiner, Sarah Walker, and Daisy Gardner. Created by Mike Judge & John Altschuler & Dave Krinsky.

HBO is available on SKYcable Ch. 54 SD/Ch. 168 HD (For Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Lipa-Batangas) or on Ch. 402 SD/710 HD (For Bacolod, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo). SKYdirect subscribers can watch it on Ch. 22 HD. HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming on HBO GO which is exclusively available to SKY subscribers. To subscribe, call 418-0000 or your local SKY office or fill in your details here.

Show details and image provided by HBO in a recent press release.

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A new foodie haven: Shizuka Cafe, Little Baguio

With all the frenetic activity at work and at home, don’t you sometimes for a place where you can just relax and enjoy your time alone or with a few close friends?

Well, look no further than this relatively new cafe located a few minutes’ ride away from Greenhills.

From the outside, Shizuka Cafe may blend in among the many dining establishments in Little Baguio, but inside is a welcoming and cozy haven. Muted lighting and artfully displayed Japanese-themed bric-a-bracs make it a comfy and relaxing place, in line with the meaning of its name – shizuka, which means calm, peaceful, silent and quiet.

Shizuka’s Chef Paul Tan and his partners introduced quite a lot of innovations and advocacies to the local dining scene which include Shitzuka’s drives for artisanship (by carefully crafting its food and beverage offering), sustainability (through minimizing the use of plastic in its operations), local commerce (by sourcing its ingredients for its homey Japanese cuisine and finely craft coffee beverages from local merchants) and diversity (by employing differently abled staff).

Together with my foodie friends from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH, I was able to sample some of the well-crafted dishes that Shizuka brings to the table. Check them out:

Onion Tempura (Php125). Onions coated in tempura batter then deep-friend and served with wasabi aioli. I love how texture of the onions and the flavor complexity that the wasabi aioli adds to the dish.

Pork Gyoza (Php150). Five pieces of the popular pork and vegetable pot stickers. In contrast to the usual gyoza from other restaurants, these come in pretty square shapes.

Nachos (Pho180). Crispy wonton wrappers doused with a sauce made from three cheeses and topped with soy Bolognese and parmesan cheese. I found myself reaching into this bowl and popping those nachos into my mouth again and again.

Tori Tebasaki (Php155). Tender chicken wings glazed with a sambal sauce, an exotic take on the chicken wings dish.

Tori Salad (Php180). Mixed greens with grilled chicken and miso balsamic vinaigrette.

Katsu Sando (Php190). Breaded ground pork katsu sandwiches coated with house-made tonkatsu sauce.

Tori Pesto (Php165). Sandwich with freshly grilled chicken and shiitake tossed in pesto sauce.

Nori Mac and Cheese (Php190). Shell macaroni in a cream sauce made of mozzarella, cheddar and parmesan served a crispy nori. I tried this hearty pasta dish with both with a touch of seven spices and without and I like it better without the spice.

Gyu Salpicao (Php290). Flavorful tenderloin in garlicky salpicao sauce over rice served with a sous vide egg. Salpicao is oftentimes a hit or miss with me: any excess in salty, sweet or spicy flavors tends to detract from my enjoyment. I’m happy to discover that this version of the dish is very well-balanced with added richness from the sous vide egg.

Tori HBS (Php210). Crispy fried chicken tossed in honey butter glaze over rice, also served with sous vide egg. What makes the Gyu Salpicao a standout also applies in this dish.

Big Breakfast (Php230). Imagine waking up to a hearty breakfast of hefty pancakes smothered in premium butter, generous slices of Italian sausage and fluffy scrambled eggs. Heck, fill yourself up with this meal any time of the day.

The Nursery (Php115). Peanut butter cream cheese with chocolate soil. A real treat for a sweet tooth like me.

Better than Doughnuts (Php100). My first taste of freshly made Southern American-style beignets more than met my expectations. Fluffy and chewy and perfectly complemented by matcha or chocolate ganache, this serves as a wonderful cap to the meal.

Shizuka Cafe also brings imaginatively crafted beverages to the table. These include:

White Genmaicha Cha (Php108 for 16oz | Php128 for 22oz). One of the Flaky Sea Salt and Cheese series, this features a not-too-sweet earthy rice and green tea flavor. I would have loved it sweeter but this would be good for those who are managing their sugar intake.

Strawberry Milk (Php118 for 16oz | Php138 for 22oz). Fresh strawberries blended with milk and also topped with Flaky Sea Salt and Cheese. I wish it could have maintained its consistency (we took a long time taking pictures) but it is sweetly refreshing just the same.

Cold Brew Latte (Php108 for 16oz | Php128 for 22oz). The more caffeinated among the Flaky Sea Salt and Cheese series, this is good for those looking for a pick-me-up.

Strawberry Chamomile (Php145). Refreshing loose-leaf chamomile tea and strawberries.

Sparkling Yuzu Mojito (Php220). This refreshing citrusy drink is made with yuzu and lime fruit juice, tonic water and white rhum.

Strawberry Sakerita (Php230). Loose-leaf chamomile tea blended with fresh strawberries and sake served in a glass with salted rim. A sweeter and milder Japanese version of the margarita, one I can imagine myself enjoying again and again.

So when you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want to unwind in a relaxing and welcoming environment, head off to Shizuka Cafe. Bring your friends with you for an extra good time!

Shizuka Cafe is located at 709 Jose Abad Santos Corner F. Calderon, Little Baguio, San Juan City, open daily from 8am to 10pm. For inquiries, reservations and pick up arrangements, call +63 926 0792964.

No time to drop by Shizuka Cafe? Order what your craving for via Grab Food and have it delivered right to your doorstep.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I attended a foodie meet-up held in this restaurant. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Sketch comedy series A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW debuts 3 August, exclusively on HBO GO

A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW, debuting same time as the U.S. on Saturday 3 August at 11am exclusively on HBO GO, is a narrative series set in a limitless magical reality full of dynamic, hilarious characters and celebrity guests.

The show presents sketches performed by a core cast of black women, including creator Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Gabrielle Dennis and Quinta Brunson. Thede executive produces, writes and stars and Issa Rae (Emmy and Golden Globe nominee for HBO’s “Insecure”) executive produces.

https://youtu.be/7XS2_Vuz1gQ

Upcoming episodes

Season 1, episode 1: “Angela Bassett Is the Baddest B***h”

Premiere: SATURDAY, 3 AUG 11:00-11:30AM

Two women seek an escape from an ominous fog. 1960s soul group Claude and The Boppers perform their hit song “Ice Cream Shop.” A world-renowned author and “philosophizer” promotes her latest masterclass. Maya’s confession in a support group gets a less-than-supportive response. Trinity, the Invisible Spy, meets a formidable adversary. Drea confronts a mysterious woman stealing her dance moves at a club. Fun and games lead to tension, as Robin, Ashley, Quinta and Gabrielle are stuck in a house after an end-of-the-world event.

Written by Lauren Ashley Smith, Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Akilah Green, Brittani Nichols, Amber Ruffin, Rae Sanni and Holly Walker; directed by Dime Davis.

Season 1, episode 2: “Your Boss Knows You Don’t Have Eyebrows”

Premiere: SATURDAY, 10 AUG 11:00-11:30AM

A perpetually-late-to-work Shayla decides to forgo her morning makeup routine, to her coworker Toni’s dismay. Trinity the Invisible Spy hunts down The Recluse, an elusive villain with a surprising identity. An array of average, awkward contestants perform before a panel of judges at the Basic Ball. Security guard Fatimah helps an office worker investigate who stole her missing mug. Robin, Quinta and Gabrielle uncover a shocking truth about Ashley’s night time ritual.
Written by Lauren Ashley Smith, Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Akilah Green, Brittani Nichols, Amber Ruffin, Rae Sanni and Holly Walker; directed by Dime Davis.

Season 1, episode 3: “3rd & Bonaparte Is Always in the Shade”

Premiere: SATURDAY, 17 AUG 11:00-11:30AM

Asia is shocked by a very public, very unexpected marriage proposal from her new boyfriend Dewayne. New recruits talk about their goals and expectations at a gang orientation. A church service devolves when congregants take to the mic with self-centered motivations. Dr. Haddassah Olayinka Ali-Youngman turns a toast at her sister’s wedding into a teachable moment. Gabrielle, Ashley, Quinta and Robin bond while discussing their ideal men and some of their worst dates.

Written by Lauren Ashley Smith, Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Akilah Green, Brittani Nichols, Amber Ruffin, Rae Sanni and Holly Walker; directed by Dime Davis.

Season 1, episode 4: “Where Are My Background Singers?”

Premiere: SATURDAY, 24 AUG 11:00-11:30AM

A divorce party spirals out of control following Eboni’s bad mushroom trip. The tragic tale of star-crossed lovers, Rome & Julissa. A 1930s groupie, Feather Atwood, sets her sights on Negro League baseball player Satchel Paige. A frustrated airline passenger seeks a like-minded customer service representative. Denise tries to prevent yet another breakup and its typical, unusual side effect. “Taskmaster,” “Insecurity” and “Turnt” help Krystal navigate a possible cat-calling situation. Quinta, Gabrielle, Robin and Ashley lay down odd rules while playing cards to pass the time.

Written by Lauren Ashley Smith, Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Akilah Green, Brittani Nichols, Amber Ruffin, Rae Sanni and Holly Walker; directed by Dime Davis.

Season 1, episode 5: “Why Are Her Pies Wet, Lord?”

Premiere: SATURDAY, 31 AUG 11:00-11:30AM

Four friends on a camping trip unknowingly disprove a stereotype. A pastor tries to take back control of his church potluck. A flight attendant struggles to get compliance from newlyweds Chris and Lachel in the exit row. Elementary school students notice a change in their teacher Ms. Miller. Jackie receives a less-than-warm welcome when she returns to her hometown high school. Robin, Quinta, Ashley and Gabrielle discuss their weird turn-ons and stage an intervention.

Written by Lauren Ashley Smith, Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Akilah Green, Brittani Nichols, Amber Ruffin, Rae Sanni and Holly Walker; directed by Dime Davis.

Season 1, episode 6: “Born at Night, But Not Last Night” (season finale)

Premiere: SATURDAY, 7 SEPT 11:00-11:30AM

Two friends come to regret their decision to visit a new black-owned restaurant. A mother and daughter go toe-to-toe in the latest episode of “Get the Belt.” “Taskmaster,” “Turnt” and “Insecurity” help Krystal through a surprise hot-air balloon ride. Carl and Lori’s “special guest” has very specific boundaries. A judge, bailiff, court reporter and attorneys celebrate their first ever all-black lady courtroom. Tensions rise between Ashley, Gabrielle, Quinta and Robin as the reality of their situation sinks in.

Written by Lauren Ashley Smith, Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Akilah Green, Brittani Nichols, Amber Ruffin, Rae Sanni and Holly Walker; directed by Dime Davis.

Creator/executive producer/writer/star, Robin Thede; executive producer, Issa Rae for Issa Rae Productions; executive producers, Dave Becky, Jonathan Berry for 3 Arts Entertainment; executive producers, Tony Hernandez, Brooke Posch for JAX Media; head writer/co-executive producer: Lauren Ashley Smith; producers, Deniese Davis, Montrel McKay for Issa Rae Productions; producer, John Skidmore for JAX Media.

Show details and image provided by HBO in a recent press release.

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Catherine the Great

The Righteous Gemstones

New HBO Original Series THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES, starring Danny McBride and John Goodman to premiere August 19

THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES, starring Danny McBride, Golden Globe® winner John Goodman, Edi Patterson and Adam Devine, kicks off its nine-episode season with an hour-long episode same time as the U.S. on Monday, 19 August at 10am, followed by half-hour episodes on subsequent Mondays, exclusively on HBO GO and HBO. The episode encores on the same day at 11pm on HBO. Telling the story of a world-famous televangelist family with a long tradition of deviance, greed and charitable work, the series was created by McBride (HBO’s “Vice Principals” and “Eastbound & Down”), who is an executive producer, director and writer. McBride collaborators Jody Hill and David Gordon Green also serve as executive producers and directors.

Well into the second generation of a grand televangelist tradition, the renowned Gemstone family is living proof that worship pays dividends in all sizes, including their megachurch. Danny McBride stars as Jesse Gemstone, the eldest of three grown Gemstone offspring, who looks to lead in his father’s footsteps, but finds his past sins jeopardising the family ministry.

Playing Jesse’s siblings are Adam Devine (“Pitch Perfect”) as pseudo-hipster Kelvin, the youngest of the trio and a thorn in Jesse’s side, and Edi Patterson (HBO’s “Vice Principals”) as Judy, who is secretly living with her fiancé and dreams of escaping the Gemstone compound. John Goodman (HBO’s “Treme”, “The Connors”) is Eli Gemstone, the family’s patriarch, who finds himself at a crisis point as he mourns the loss of his wife, Aimee-Leigh (Jennifer Nettles), and questions the Gemstones’ mission.

https://youtu.be/owuMbTamleM

Also starring are Walton Goggins (Critics’ Choice Award-winner for HBO’s “Vice Principals”) as Baby Billy, a former child star who clogged and sang for Jesus. As an aging man, he has fallen on hard times and comes to the Gemstones for salvation; Cassidy Freeman (“Longmire”) as Jesse’s wife, Amber, a former journalist now devoted to the church; Tony Cavalero (“School of Rock”) as ex-Satanist Keefe Chambers; Tim Baltz (“Drunk History”) as Judy’s finance, BJ; and Greg Alan Williams (“Greenleaf”) as Martin Imari, Eli’s right-hand man.

THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES marks the third HBO series for the Rough House Pictures team of McBride, Hill and Green, following “Eastbound & Down” and “Vice Principals.” McBride wrote and directed the pilot, with Green and Hill splitting directing duties on the other eight episodes. Green directed last year’s hit “Halloween” instalment, starring Jamie Lee Curtis, as well as 2017’s “Stronger,” starring Jake Gyllenhaal. Hill directed 2018’s “The Legacy of a Whitetail Deer Hunter,” starring Josh Brolin. McBride collaborated as writer and executive producer on “Halloween” and as writer, executive producer and actor in “The Legacy of a Whitetail Deer Hunter.”

Episodes include:

Episode 1: “The Righteous Gemstones”(Premieres Monday, 19 August at 10am)

Upon returning from a baptism marathon overseas with his father Eli (John Goodman) and brother Kelvin (Adam Devine), Jesse Gemstone (Danny McBride) receives a video from blackmailers seeking to sully his reputation. Eli moves forward with plans to expand the Gemstone empire as he continues to mourn his late wife Aimee-Leigh (Jennifer Nettles). Written by Danny McBride; directed by Danny McBride.

Episode 2: “Is This the Man Who Made the Earth Tremble” (Premieres Monday, 26 August at 10am)

After discovering Amber (Cassidy Freeman), Pontius (Kelton DuMont) and Abraham (Gavin Munn) reminiscing about an estranged family member, Jesse (Danny McBride) tasks his friends with acquiring surveillance footage that could explain the strange events of the night before. Written by Danny McBride; directed by David Gordon Green.

Episode 3: “They Are Weak, But He Is Strong” (Premieres Monday, 2 September at 10am)

Aimee-Leigh’s (Jennifer Nettles) elderly brother Baby Billy (Walton Goggins) returns to the Gemstone ministry, bringing along his much younger wife Tiffany (Valyn Hall). Jesse closes ranks on his co-conspirators to root out the identity of his blackmailers. Written by Danny McBride & John Carcieri; directed by David Gordon Green.

THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES is created and written by Danny McBride; directed and executive produced by Danny McBride, Jody Hill and David Gordon Green; executive produced by John Carcieri, Jeff Fradley and Brandon James; produced by David Brightbill; co-produced by Justin Bourret and Melissa DeMino; consulting produced by Grant DeKernion, Jared Hess, Kevin Barnett, Chris Pappas and Edi Patterson.

Show details and image provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Check out my posts on HBO shows:

Unli Japanese fusion dishes at Hodai, West Triangle

Considering I work in Quezon City, it’s a wonder I’ve only explored a fraction of the gastronomic choices the other side of Quezon Avenue has to offer.

This is why I grabbed at the chance to dine at Hodai together with my foodie friends.

Located in a sprawling renovated two-storey house along Examiner Street which was originall built in the 1960s, Hodai offers a cozy and comfortable atmosphere for its diners, perfect for group get-togethers and family outings. The decor is minimalist with bits of Asian accents while windows throughout the dining area let in a lot of natural light.

“Hodai” translates to “all you can” in Nihongo, and really, you can eat to your heart’s (and tummy’s) content of Japanese cuisine (with some Korean food thrown in) in this resto.

Curious on what you can enjoy at Hodai? Feast your eyes on these!

Fish Teriyaki

Japchae

Rose Cream Pasta

Tempura

Sushi Rolls

Korean Fried Chicken

Kani Salad

Kimchi Gyoza

Tonkatsu

Cheese Cream Spicy BBQ Bowl

To get your fill of these delicious dishes, choose from two value-packed meal sets:

Silver Set (Php499). Includes Teriyaki, Japchae or Rose Cream Pasta, Tempura, Sushi Rolls, Korean Fried Chicken, Kani Salad, Kimchi Gyoza and Tonkatsu.

Gold Set (Php599). Includes everything in the Silver Set plus Cheese Cream Spicy BBQ Bowl.

Note: Unli rice and miso soup are also provided on a self-service basis. Guests are also given Korean frozen sweets as desserts after the meal.

The sheer number and variety of these sumptuous dishes may be daunting at first. However, for hungry foodies and fans of unli servings, Hodai’s meal sets present quite a good deal.

And to sweeten the deal further, Hodai has irresistible Lucky 7 promo offers this July:

On weekdays, get 1+1 on the Gold Set. That means two people can dine on all these food for only Php599.
On weekends, get discounted rates on the Silver set (now at Php349) and the Gold Set (now at Php419).

So, really, there’s no better time to gather up your family and friends to feast on all-you-can-eat Japanese food at Hodai!

Thanks to Clarissa of Clarisays.com and Carlo of EatsCMT.Food.Blog for extending their invites!

Hodai is located at 14 Examiner Street, West Triangle, Quezon City, open daily for lunch from 10am to 3pm and for dinner from 5pm to 10pm. For reservations, call +63 956 4605848.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I attended a foodie meet-up held in this restaurant. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.