Gel Jose

Fine dining at Bistro Manuel, Poblacion

I’ve never had the pleasure of dining at Lolo Dad’s Cafe in Malate which closed its doors a few years back.

From what I hear from veteran (ehrrm!) foodies and what I’ve gathered online, Lolo Dad’s is known for its fine dining, culinary masterpieces and the awards they merited.

Too bad I didn’t get to experience Lolo Dad’s but there is a silver lining to this predicament: in 2016, Chefs Ariel and Mia Manuel of Lolo Dad’s opened a new restaurant in Poblacion called Bistro Manuel.

It is a quiet establishment, almost hidden being situated away from Poblacion’s more casual (and noisier) bars and restaurants. The place is well-suited for workday lunchouts, intimate dinners for two or elegant family celebrations.

Diners are even given a sneak peek into the kitchen to see Chef Ariel Manuel and his team in action.

Together with my fellow foodies, I recently visited Bistro Manuel where we were welcomed by Chef Ariel himself. We also sampled the resto’s signature dishes which feature many of the old favorites from Lolo Dad’s as well as new creations that showcase the chefs’ mastery of their craft.

Starters. Tasty dishes to kickstart the meal.

Amuse bouche and freshly baked bread and butter (compliments of the chef).

Double Espresso Soup (Php295). Tomato and mushroom cream-based soups served in separate espresso shot glasses. Definitely a new way to enjoy soup!

Romaine Ceasar Salad (Php380). Crispy pancetta and six-minute boiled egg tossed in romaine lettuce with anchovies, lemon and parmesan cheese dressing.

Spinach and Warm Mushroom Salad (Php380). Mushrooms sauteed in smoked bacon on top of spinach leaves and doused with roasted garlic vinaigrette.

Lolo Dad’s Cafe Baked Oysters (Php230 per piece). A real treat to the taste buds, each oyster is accompanied by angel hair pasta under a layer of melted cheese, and accompanied with a cube of foie gras.

Sorbet (compliments of the chef). A citrus sherbet to cleanse the palate.

Mains. Hearty and flavorful viands showcase Chef Ariel’s mastery of European cooking techniques.

Mild Spice Arabbiata (Php550). Penne tossed in tomato base sauce seasoned with basil, garlic and chili flakes. A light dish that portended of great things to come!

Lamb Shawarma Grilled Pizza (Php700). In this pizza with a Mediterranean feel, lamb belly, tomato and onions are placed on a charcoal-grilled thin crust and served with yoghurt and chili dip.

“Only for the Rich” Pizza (Php1,290). One of the resto’s more playful dishes, this dish features many luxurious ingredients that led to its name. Lobster, duck liver, scallops, prosciutto and smoked salmon with carabao’s milk cheese and truffled tomato sauce on top of charcoal-grilled thin crust garnished with edible flowers.

Pan-fried Fillet of Salmon (Php695). A hefty piece of well-seasoned salmon, seared and served caramelized onion, potatoes and bacon butter sauce.

Roasted Duck Breast (Php860). Breast of moulard duck on compressed potatoes.

Seared Scallops and Scampi (Php990). Bechamel-stuffed rigatoni pasta accompany seared scallops and plump shrimp.

Lamb & Lamb with Lamb (Php860). Three ways to enjoy various parts of lamb: roast lamb rump, stewed lamb breast and fried lamb sweetbread with sieved potatoes.

US Rib-Eye Prime Steak (Php2,200). 300 grams of premium steak grilled to medium doneness and served in rendered fat with truffled mashed potatoes and chilled Hollandaise. A carnivore’s dream come true!

Desserts. A delectable selection of decadent confections whipped up by pastry chef Mia Manuel that capped a wonderful meal:

Freshly Baked Apple Tart with Rock Salt and Olive Oil Ice Cream (Php295)

Lemon Meringue Pie with Chocolate Ice Cream (Php295)

Baked Cheesecake with Orange in Spiced Syrup (Php275)

White Chocolate Creme Brulee with Berry Tartlet (Php240)

Tiramisu Souffle with Vanilla Sauce (Php350)

Declension of Mango and Mascarpone Cheese with Vanilla Frozen Cream and Dulce de Leche Sauce (Php285)

Every dish was exquisitely crafted and a feast for the senses. Bistro Manuel is definitely a welcome addition to my list of favorite restos in Poblacion.

Many thanks to Chef Ariel and the staff of Bistro Manuel for the warm welcome and fabulous food and the Jen of Sand Under My Feet for extending the invitation!

Bistro Manuel is located at Second Floor, Six Axis Center, 4347 B. Valdez Street, Poblacion, Makati City, open daily from 11am to 2pm and from 6pm to 11pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 88718566, +63 926 7341067 or +63 998 3423566.

Disclosure: Together with fellow foodies, I attended a good tasting held in this establishment wherein the items mentioned above were served to enable us to sample the fare to facilitate an honest review and were not paid for by the participants including myself.

Check out my posts on other fine dining establishments:

Japan’s MOS Burger to open pop-up store in Robinsons Galleria this January

MOS Burger, the second largest burger chain in Japan, will have a pop-store in Robinsons Galleria this January 2020 prior to the opening of its first branch in the Philippines.

The pop-up store will sell two items from its standard menu: The Signature MOS Burger and the Yakiniku Rice Burger.

“We can’t wait to open the first MOS Burger in the country. As we prepare to open its doors to the public, we’re giving everyone a chance to enjoy its well-loved burgers,” said Masahide Araki, President of MOS Burger Philippines, Inc. A joint venture between MOS Foods Services Inc. of Japan and Tokyo Coffee Holdings, MOS Burger Philippines will own and operate MOS Burger restaurants in the country.

The first MOS Burger restaurant in the Philippines is slated to open in the first quarter next year in Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas. More store openings are scheduled in 2020 in different commercial malls and business districts.

MOS stands for “Mountain, Ocean, Sun.”

“We are excited to fulfill MOS’ ‘Making People Happy Through Food’ promise here in the Philippines,” said Araki.

Food fast and affordable at BBX, Glorietta

Lowbrow Casual Restaurants, the company behind restaurant brands such as Fowlbread, Beefier and Bad Bird, has recently launched its new store at Glorietta.

BBX was originally intended to be an extension of the group’s fried chicken chain Bad Bird (with BBX standing in for “Bad Bird Express”) but it has outgrown its old concept and evolved its own identity.

BBX is now a semi-self-service restaurant that provides mall-goers an alternative to other fast-food places. This is the place to be for great-tasting and afforadably priced fried chicken, burgers and rice meals.

Oh, and being self-service means that you fetch your own condiments, clean up after yourself and pack your own leftovers for takeaways. (So parents, do take your kids here to teach them the value of CLAYGO.)

During a recent visit together with my foodie friends, I was able to try out some of BBX’s offerings, which included:

Fried Chicken.

Fried Chicken Plate (Php179). Juicy and crispy chicken deep-fried Southern-style to golden brown perfection and served piping-hot with house-made gravy. The fried chicken piece is big, satisfying and well-complemented by the gravy. This is available in safe and spicy variants. Diners also have the option to go boneless just by adding (Php20).

BB Crispers (Php259). Crispy fried boneless chicken thighs in a garlic and butter glaze. A variant in better than buffalo glaze is also available.

Sandwiches.

Ruben Sandwich (Php289). Corned beef, pickled onion and cheese between toasted sourdough. I’m not a fan of corned beef sandwiches but the pickled onion and the sourdough give this sandwich a special kind of taste that I like.

Crispy Fish Sandwich (Php246). Deep-fried fillets of fish, sliced tomatoes and shredded cabbage in creamy sauce in a fluffy artisanal burger bun.

Rice Meals.

Double Longganisa and Egg (Php229). House-made longganisa patties served with sunny side up egg, atchara and vinegar.

Double Burger Steak (Php259). Two flavorful patties made from 100% ground fresh beef served with corn and cream cheese.

For these rice meals, an option to upgrade to garlic fried rice is available for Php29.

Salad.

Garlic Sesame Chicken (Php230). A light and fresh salad of romaine lettuce, fried chicken and croutons doused in garlic sesame dressing.

Side Dish.

Corn and Cream Cheese (Php89). A lovely blend of sweet corn and cream cheese which serves a great accompaniment to any of BBX’ rice plates or sandwiches.

Diners also have the option to add this or any other side dish plus iced tea to any rice plate or sandwich for just Php99.

Desserts.

Huskies (Php119). Parfaits made of chia seeds and coconut milk flavored with mango and coconuts. Other variants include pineapple dragonfruit and chocolate tiramisu.

BB Cakes (Php125). Moist cake rolls of Spiced Pumpkin & Cream Cheese and Ube & White Chocolate which serve as a fitting end to the meal. Also available in Banana & Dulce de Leche and Double Chocolate flavors.

BBX is definitely a welcome addition to my favorite Glorietta food haunts. Why don’t you drop by and give it a try?

Many thanks to the management and staff of BBX for the wonderful food and to Jen of Sand Under My Feet for extending the invitation!

BBX is located at Second Floor, Glorietta 2, Glorietta Complex, Makati City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 10am to 9pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries, call +63 2 73738659.

Holiday sets at Medley Modern Mediterranean, BGC

Being a self-confessed bookworm, the Fully Booked building in Bonifacio High Street used to be one of my favorite places. I loved its rows upon rows of books and how it seemed to warmly welcome book lovers into its premises.

Sadly, the worsening traffic situation curtail many of my trips to the area and it has been some time since I last visited this building.

Well, last night, I discovered a new motivation to brave the traffic to spend time at this happy place. The Fully Booked building also houses a new concept restaurant called Medley Modern Mediterranean.

The restaurant had its beginnings as a small kiosk at the Legaspi Sunday Market. There, the father-and-son team of Michael and David Tweg (both hailing from Israel), offered Mediterranean snacks to the market goers. The demand for his offerings grew and soon, David decided to set up Medley, a Mediterranean restaurant with home-style dishes that harken back to his childhood but also caters to the on-the-go lifestyle of Metro Manila’s denizens.

At Medley, each dish is designed for taste and nourishment. All ingredients are freshly prepared daily and sourced local farms and suppliers, with no artificial flavorings or preservatives. Each dish is made to-order and can be customized according to the the diner’s preferences, with options for meat lovers, vegetarian or vegans.

Together with my fellow bloggers, I attended the Medley Community Christmas Party where it launched its new and exciting dishes:

Holiday Sets. These are meal sets that combine solo-sized rice or hummus bowls with Cardamon Tea and a Dates and Walnuts Bar, giving the diner a complete meal bursting with fresh flavors.

These include:

Beef Kofte Meal (Php269). Juicy grilled beef kofte kebab with sides of tabbouleh, corn salad , sumac onion salad and a dash of mamba sauce.

Levantine Chicken Meal (Php259). Broiled and shredded chicken flavored with a mix of Middle Eastern spices with sides of Moroccan carrot salad, Israeli salad, fried eggplant, matbukha and flavored with garlic sauce.

Falafel Crunch Meal (Php249). Crunchy deep-fried patties made from ground chickpeas flavored with herbs and spices with sides of Mediterranean rice, tabbouleh, corn salad, fried eggplant and tahini sauce.

By the way, diners can also opt to get the Cardamon Tea (Php80 for 16oz | Php99 for 22oz) and Dates and Walnuts Bar (Php49 per piece) ala carte.

New on the Menu.

Smoked Paprika Shrimp Power Bowl (Php399). Freshly smoked shrimp flavored with paprika in a bowl with hummus, pita bread, tabbouleh, bulgur what, Israeli salad, fried eggplant and lemon and garlic sauce.

Za’atar Fries (Php79). Sweet potato fries tossed in various seasonings.

Baklava (Php39). Rich and decadent dessert made from chopped nuts and syrup in between layers of flaky phyllo dough.

Bourekas (Php49). Savory pastries made from different fillings such as spinach, feta cheese and mushroom sandwiched inside phyllo dough.

Hummus Shake (Php169 for 16oz). I didn’t know that hummus can be made into a drink! In this exotic yet healthy beverage, the chickpea mixture is sweetened by the addition of bananas, cardamon and dates.

So whether you’re looking for a light snack or a healthy meal, do give Medley a try.

By the way, during the Medley Community Christmas Party, my fellow bloggers and I were tasked to create our own rice or hummus bowls. In this enjoyable activity, we started out by choosing between hummus or Mediterranean rice as our base, selecting our proteins among beef kofte, falafel crunch, Levantine chicken and smoked paprika shrimp, then adding up to three sides before finishing off with our chosen sauce. The best looking one won a prize.

Here’s my attempt: what do you think. (Spoiler alert: I didn’t win.) 😜😜😜

Even in the midst of such crushing defeat, I still had a lot of fun together with my fellow bloggers and ate my fill of Medley’s tasty Mediterranean dishes.

Many thanks to the management and staff of Medley Modern Mediterranean for the fun time and fabulous meal, and to Bella Javier for extending the invitation!

This Medley Modern Mediterranean branch is located at the Ground Floor, Fully Booked Building, B6 Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, open daily from 10am to 11pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 8206402 or +63 949 7209914.

Another branch is set to open soon at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Entertainment City, Paranaque.

Disclosure: Together with other foodies, 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.

Check out my reviews of other restaurants serving Mediterranean dishes:

Rediscovering Filipino comfort food at Kusina Moderne, Poblacion

Do you remember the food served during your family’s get-togethers? The recipes passed down from your great-grandmas? The dishes that your mom and titas magically put together in the kitchen before calling everybody in to partake of the meal?

These are comfort food: down-home cooking that evoke a feeling of well-being. They may not be haute cuisine nor even exciting at times but they do call to mind the joys of childhood and family.

At Kusina Moderne, the recently opened restaurant in Poblacion, the comfort food passed down through generations of Filipino families are elevated through imagination and technique.

Tucked away in one of Poblacion’s side streets, Kusina Moderne is a hidden gem for ardent foodies to discover and share.

The restaurant’s modern yet warm interiors welcome guests into an exciting gastronomic experience: wood tables, benches and chairs provide color contrasts to the industrial-type unpainted concrete walls and exposed ceilings, and diners can take a peek into what goes on during food preparation through the open kitchen. Small bric-a-bracs and potted plants add some personality to the space, evoking the feeling of home even in such a modern setting.

Kusina Moderne offers classic dishes we grew up with but prepared using French cooking techniques and presented in a deconstructed manner, adding a veneer of sophistication and excitement to familiar viands while still remaining affordable for families and friends to enjoy.

During a #ZomatoXListerine foodie meetup, my fellow foodies and I got a taste of Kusina Moderne’s menu items such as:

Mechado Tacos (Php195). Honestly, I almost never eat mechado unless my mom prepares it but this reimagining of the braised beef dish is so refreshingly different from its usual iterations. The tender shredded beef seem to melt in your mouth in a burst of flavor enhanced by the addition of guacamole, cilantro, sour cream and pickled onion, with a satisfying crunch with every bite thanks to the fried wonton wrapper which takes the place of the taco shell.

Adobong Pusit (Php195). Sauteed squid heads on a bed of garlicky squid ink adobo sauce. Never have I seen adobong pusit served as prettily as this!

Embutido Scotch Egg (Php195). Your tita’s embutido gets a makeover with this dish: a runny soft-boiled egg is placed inside chicken embutido, and deep-fried theb served with banana ketchup.

Lumpiang Sariwa (Php200). In this classic merienda dish, sauteed veggies are wrapped in freshly made crepes and served drizzled with sweet and savoury peanut sauce.

Sotanghon Soup (Php345). A rainy day favorite, this Pinoy-style chicken noodle soup is made with thin glass noodles and sauteed veggies in flavorful chicken broth served with a soft-boiled egg.

Halaan Soup (Php395). Manila clams in a clear broth flavored with chili leaves, ginger, corn and kamote tops, and served with garlic toast.

Isda Tanigue (Php395). The tanigue or chub mackerel is often served plainly fried in Filipino dinner tables but this version it is served seared, sandwiched between a bed of pureed vegetables at the bottom and a medley of chopped and sauteed carrots, papaya, cabbage and pumpkin on top. If this was served to me when I was a kid, I would have eaten more fish and veggies!

Tuna Belly with Chimichurri (Php450). Marinated tuna belly is broiled then charred for that smokey flavor, and well-complemented by its chimichurri sauce.

Binagoongang Baboy (Php395). Roasted pork belly drizzled with binagoongan sauce and served with strips of green mango and radish salad on a bed of pureed roasted egg plant.

Cheesecake Flan (Php175). Graham cracker crust topped with smooth and creamy leche flan served with mango bits, sliced walnuts and Marie biscuit crumbs giving this dessert nice contrasts in flavor and texture.

Sans Rival (Php215). This dessert is definitely without rival. How else can you describe balls of meringue studded with chopped walnuts and filled with buttercreama and served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream?

With these creative reimaginings of classic Pinoy dishes, Kusina Moderne adds a bit of excitement to its comfort food.

Check them out for yourself!

Many thanks to the management and crew of Kusina Moderne for the warm welcome and awesome food, and to Zomato and Listerine for making this event possible!

Oh, and watch this space for my blog post on the importance of mouthwash for foodies, coming soon!

Kusina Moderne is located along Caceres Street, Poblacion, Makati, open Sundays and Tuesdays to Thursdays from 11am to 10pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 11am to 12 midnight. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 927 0830688.

Disclosure: Together with other foodies, I attended a foodie meetup 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.

Bai’s Boneless Lechon Cebu, Pasig

The holiday season brings with it all manner of parties and gatherings. And you know what that means: lots and lots of eating!

The staple for many Pinoy celebrations is, of course, the lechon. The Filipino take on the roasted pig is also considered that national dish. The communal and oftentimes merry manner of eating the lechon make it a symbol of community and joy.

The lechon Cebu, in particular, is growing in prominence among many foodies. It is prepared by stuffing a slab or pork belly with spices such as garlic, onions, pepper, laurel leaves and lemon grass, and applying salt to the skin prior to roasting. This process results to a crispy skin and flavorful meat: so flavorful, in fact, that the lechon Cebu has no need for condiments and sauces.

Bai’s Boneless Lechon Cebu, which began its operations as a takeout counter in Alabang for its lechon offerings, recently opened its newest branch along Market Avenue in Pasig City. This is the first among its branches to have a sit down area where diners can enjoy, not just its much-celebrated lechon made fresh everyday, but budget-friendly rice meals as well.

Owner Dexter Ding actually hails from Carcar, a munipality in Cebu known for its lechon.

Together with fellow foodies, I attended the store’s grand opening where I was able to sample some of its menu items:

Cebuano Breakfast. Diners can take their pick of rice meals served with fried egg featuring classic Cebuano breakfast items: Danggit Silog (Php49), Squid Silog (Php49) and Bacon Silog (Php49).

Lunch Meals. For those seeking heartier fare, Bai’s has lunch meals made of Java rice and soup paired with classic viands: Siomai Meal (Php49), Shanghai Meal (Php59) and Humba Meal (Php79).

However, the centerpiece for this store is still its mouthwatering Boneless Lechon Cebu.

Available in regular and spicy flavors, it is it can be ordered for takeout or delivery in these packs which are great for sharing:

Family (Php820). Good for 4 to 5 persons.
Barkada (Php1,950). Good for 10 to 15 persons.
Party (Php3,200). Good for 20 to 25 persons.

It is also available as a Lunch Meal with Java rice and soup for Php120.

If you want additional fingerfoods for your party, check out Bai’s Pungko Pungko Set, which brings together more Cebuano favorites: chicharon bulaklak, hamonado, ngiohong, fried chicken and lumpia.

It can be ordered for takeout or delivery in these sizes:

Small (Php449). Good for 4-5 persons.
Medium (Php799). Good for 7-10 persons.
Large (Php1,199). Good for 15-20 persons.

So whatever the celebration is, whether a solo one to splurge on yourself on a paydays or a large gathering of family and friends, Bai’s Boneless Lechon Cebu is a good bet.

Thanks to Derek, the management and staff of Bai’s Boneless Lechon Cebu for having us and to Natacia of TigaSouth Ka Ba for extending the invitation!

This branch of Bai’s Boneless Lechon Cebu is located at 22, Market Avenue, Bgy. San Miguel, Pasig City. For inquiries and delivery orders within Pasig, Antipolo, BGC, Mandaluyong, Ortigas and Marikina, call +63 917 8341010. COD, online transfer, GCash and credit card payments accepted.

For delivery in other areas within the metro, contact these branches:

Alabang: covering Muntinlupa-Sta.Rosa, Paranaque, Makati, Manila, Binondo and Pasay (+63 917 5825333)
Binangonan: covering the whole Rizal area (+63 977 4939825)
Malabon: covering the whole CAMANAVA area (+63 966 4658348)
Quezon City: covering Quezon City and Manila

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 to facilitate honest reviews. These were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Naked Patisserie launches Naked Spreads, Party Trays, and Gift Sets in time for the Holidays

Naked Patisserie made its debut at the most important event for Christian Mark Jacobs – his very own wedding with celebrity fashion designer Francis Libiran. It was an opportune time to let their guests experience the recipes that his closest family and loved ones have enjoyed over the generations, evoking good memories and shared joys.

Fast forward to the present and Naked Patisserie has become one of the most sought-after cake suppliers for celebrity weddings, with its offerings of sweet and savory recipes using signature combined “naked ingredients.” The Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake Truffles, which Christian has been making since he was a teenager, has become a well-loved crowd favorite and a benchmark for great desserts.

Recognizing how much Christmas means to Filipinos, Naked Patisseries has chosen the holiday season to launch its newest offerings, representing the next step in its continuous evolution as a mainstay in the Philippine food scene.

The exciting holiday line-up was launched at Naked Patisserie’s thanksgiving event held at Marquis Events Place in BGC, whose elegant set-up and personalized service definitely heightened the guests’ experience as they discovered Naked Patisserie’s offers for the Holiday season.

The premier venue for grand experiences opens its Marquis Christmas Joy Regale festivities with a delightful Yuletide banquet created around Naked Patisserie’s “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” celebration. They’ll be offering affordable festive banquets; sweet and savory holiday gifts; party platter pleasures; and Yuletide outside catering packages are sure to bring joy in many celebrations.

Among the products launched are the Naked Spreads—the perfect addition for any gathering. Not only are the grazing tables Instagram-worthy with its signature rustic aesthetic, but it is peppered with Christian’s Southern roots recipes made with naked ingredients. One can choose the Build-Your-Own Naked Spread package, which allows the client to customize the spread based on budget and number of guests. Special add-ons (premium cheese, premium deli meats) and upgrades are also available, giving one the opportunity to curate a spread.

There are also the Celebrity Naked Spread packages designed for actual celebrity weddings and events. One can also opt for Luxe Celebrity Spreads, including the actual spreads used by celebrities Julia Barreto, Marian Rivera, Jinkee Pacquiao and Vern and Verniece Enciso.

For those who want a memorable Yuletide spread, Naked Patisserie’s Southern Roots Party Trays is sure to create new memories while bringing back a taste of home. It features the Breaded Italian Pork Chops with the Naked Foodie signature breading, seasoned to perfection with creamy Southern bacon gravy as a side; Italian Sausage with Bell Pepper & Onions, which are sauteed and served with grilled bell peppers and red onions on a petite bed of creamy mashed potatoes; the irresistible Sriracha Chicken is a crispy boneless skinless breast chicken tossed in the signature Sriracha Honey Sauce and topped with red pepper flakes and spring onions; and the Tuscan Chicken is a beautifully roasted chicken coated in premium olive oil, Italian herbs and spices, and finished with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and zest.

Even the sides are sure to make every foodie drool: The Baked Brie Mac n Cheese, which is a sinful 4-cheese dish comprised of an explosion of flavor of pepper jack, sharp cheddar, parmesan, and baked brie with a creamy, structured texture; the Frittata is a baked egg casserole filled with feta cheese, steamed spinach and vine ripened tomatoes and parmesan cheese; and Buttered Corn is a premium roasted corn with butter and signature spices. Just as memorable are the Sweet and Sour Green Beans and Roasted Broccoli.

To complement the savory dishes, Naked Patisserie also offers Made-to-Order cakes with unique flavor combinations to choose from: Strawberries & Cream (winner of Inquirer’s Best Desserts of 2019), Chocnut Cheesecake, Chocolate Chip Calamansi Cheesecake, Toasted Coconut Cream Dulce de Leche, Pick-me-Up Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake, Chocoholic Truffle Cake, Pucker Up Lemon Cheesecake, and its Signature Red Velvet Cake.

Other goodies that Naked Patisserie is offering this holiday season are the Luxe Wine Gift Sets, and Gingerbread Houses; Limited edition offerings are the White Chocolate Red Velvet Truffles, Christmas cake, and the Holiday Snacker.

“I’ve always loved the way food brings people together like nothing else can –– breaking down barriers and creating new friendships through telling stories and sharing in laughter. Southern Roots by Naked Patisserie Party Trays is the byproduct of my love for cooking, which I stems from my mother and grandmother, and is my way of inviting you into my kitchen to share in my family’s traditions and recipes, some of which span back to three generations. My promise to you is always: good food, naked Ingredients,” says Jacobs.

People love Naked Patisserie because it is more than just a bake shop – it’s a place where people know they are valued, and where they can have delicious and photo-worthy cakes and pastries. They return, too, because of the defining and memorable experience which they want to experience again and share with friends and family, especially this Christmas.

For your holiday celebrations, you may order online through their website www.nakedpatisserie.com or message them on Viber at 09454685141 and/or 09651396609. Stay up to date with their offerings and promos by following Naked Patisserie on social media at www.instagram.com/nakedpatisserie.

Event details provided in a recent press release.

Lunchin’ on the Php55 Peso Menu at Pound, SM North EDSA

At first glance, you would think that Pound by Todd English is too classy to be a burger joint.

Of course, its stylish and well-appointed interiors are a far cry from the usual formica tables, upholstered chairs and greasy floors of the run-of-the-mill burger places.

Nope, this swanky resto is where you can enjoy expertly crafter burgers and sliders in leisure and style.

But guess what: you can dine here quite affordably too!

My officemates and I recently ventured away from the office for lunch and as soon we caught sight of this poster, we knew exactly where we would be having our midday repast.

Also known as the Dollar Menu (because Php55 converts roughly to USD1), the Special Php55 Menu presented us the opportunity to treat ourselves to some of Pound by Todd English’s well-crafted offerings for just Php55 each.

We took advantage of this offer and got ourselves some yummy eats:

Tomato Cream Pasta. A half-serving of pasta in a creamy tomato-based sauce.

Truffle Ketchup Fries. Well-seasoned French fries accompanied by ketchup in truffle oil.

Onion Cube. Lightly battered, thinly sliced onion rings deep-fried to a crispy golden brown and shaped into a cube. It is served with a Todd English sweet spice sauce.

TE Sliders. Two pieces of sliders at Php55 each which are made of house ground beef, tomato slices, iceberg lettuce, crispy onions mustard relish and #sauce.

Betty White. Vanilla milkshake topped with whipped cream, blondie bits and caramel sauce.

My officemate also got herself a Pound for Pound (Php195) which consists of sampler of TE Slider and a #Crispy Chicken Slider.

Imagine having such a tasty lunch at such a fancy place with a spend ranging from Php110 to Php250 per person, thanks to the Php55 menu!

This Pound by Todd English branch is located at the Upper Ground Floor, Main Building, SM North EDSA, Bago Bantay, Quezon City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 6302176.

Other branches are located at:

Second Floor, Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City
Second Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Mega Mall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
B3 Bonifacio High Street, 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Level 1, Ayala Malls Vertis North, Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City
Ground Floor, Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia, MOA Complex, Pasay City
Ground Floor, Pedro Gil Wing, Robinsons Place, Ermita, Manila
Corte de Las Palmas, Alabang Town Center, Alabang Muntinlupa

Check out my previous experiences at Pound by Todd English:

Avocado Lovin’ at Avocadoria.ph, Ayala Malls Vertis North

Anyone who knows me knows that I love avocados. When I was a child, I used to look forward to the rainy season because that’s when I know avocados get in season. I would pester my mom to buy as many avocados as she can which should would then make into a dessert by adding sugar and evaporated milk to the avocado chunks in a bowl.

Nowadays, they seem to be available all year (yey me!) and are even getting made into fabulous desserts such as those offered at Avocadoria.ph.

Avocadoria prides itself on the quality of its avocado-based products as well as its drives for sustainability. It showcases produce from local farmers and ensures that waste is minimized by adding the discarded skins to fertilizers and providing the seeds to partner farmers for planting.

Aside from its laudable advocacy, it also elevates the avocado-eating experience by combining the fruit with ingredients that enhances its taste and texture.

The Avocado Lover (Php110 for 8oz | Php125 for 12oz), for instance, is a delectable dessert made layers of homemade cream and biscuits, tapioca pearls, avocado chunks, crushed almonds and a dashes of flax and chia seeds.

The contrasts of textures and the complementing flavors make for a crave-worthy frozen treat.

This Avocadoria kiosk is located at the Basement, Ayala Malls Vertis North, Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City.

Other kiosks may be found at:

Quezon City: Eastwood Citywalk 2, Robinsons Galleria, Ali Mall Cubao, Farmer’s Plaza, Robinsons Magnolia, UP Town Center, Fisher Mall Del Monte, SKY Garden SM North EDSA, Waltermart North EDSA, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf Balintawak, SM City Fairview, Robinsons Novaliches, Ayala Fairview Terraces
Manila: Robinsons Place Manila, SM City San Lazaro
Pasig: Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls the 30th
Makati: Ayala Malls Circuit, Philamlife Tower Salcedo, San Lorenzo Place Condominium
Marikina: SM Marikina, Ayala Malls Marikina,
Mandaluyong: EDSA Central Pavilion, Forum Robinsons
San Juan: V-Mall Greenhills Shopping Center,
Taguig: Market! Market!, Food District Signatures on the 5th
Paranaque: SM City Bicutan, Victory Food Market Baclaran, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, SM City BF
Caloocan: SM Center Sangandaan
Malabon: Fisher Mall Malabon
Valenzuela: SM City Valenzuela
Las Pinas: SM Southmall, Vista Mall
Alabang: Alabang Town Center, Starmall Alabang, Ayala Malls Southpark

Liloan’s Pride Liempo, Greenhills

Much has been said of Cebu’s take on the lechon: its crunchy golden skin, its tender, juicy and flavorful meat, its independence from sauces and condiments that usually accompany the country’s national dish.

Liloan’s Pride Liempo, the brainchild of a family based in the municipality of Liloan in Cebu, is borne out of the recipes and practices that make the family’s lechon a local treasure.

The secret lies in choosing the freshest and juiciest meat, marinating it in garden-fresh herbs, spices and seasonings, then slow-roasting the flavor-infused meat to tender and flavorful perfection.

The Cebu lechon chain recently opened its newest store in Greenhills Shopping Center where it serves up, not just its celebrated Cebu lechon-style liempo, but also other classic Pinoy dishes that brings a taste of home away from home, all affordably priced to suit the Pinoy everyman’s budget.

Together with my fellow foodies, I was able to sample some of its offerings which included:

Cebu Liempo (Php360). The star of the show, this roasted pork belly is infused with herbs, with juicy meat highlighted by its crispy skin. A spicy version is available for Php380.

Roasted Chicken (Php380). A whole chicken prepared in the Cebu lechon manner.

Crispy Garlic Bangus (Php200). Marinated and lightly battered milkfish pan-fried to a holden brown and topped with toasted minced garlic.

Classic Sisig (Php160). Minced pig cheeks seasoned with calamansi, onions and chili peppers, topped with egg and served on a sizzling plate.

Bulalo Sisig (Php199). The store’s new take on the classic sisig which combines the classic dish with beef bulalo.

Beef Pares (Php99). Braised beef stew served with clear soup and garlic rice.

Pochero (Php149). Pork belly slices stewed in a tomato-based sauce along with potatoes, garbanzos. green beans and shredded cabbage, and served with sliced plantains.

While food choices – many of which are from foreign cuisines – abound in Metro Manila, it is heartening to know that our local delicacies are also represented.

Many thanks to the management and staff of Liloan’s Pride for the tasty meal and to EJ of #WeLoveToEatPH for extending the invitation!

This Liloan’s Pride Liempo branch is located at Ground Floor, Connecticut Arcade, Greenhills Shopping Center, Greenhills, San Juan.

Other branches may be found at

SM Hypermarket, Upper Ground Floor, Building B, SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
California Garden Square, Domingo M. Guevarra Street, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City
Lower Ground Floor, SM Cubao, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City
Third Floor, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue, Salcedo Village, Makati City
The Block, SM City North EDSA, Bago Bantay, Quezon City
SM Hypermarket, North Wing, SM Mall of Asia, MOA Complex, Pasay City
Food Court, Second Floor, Alabang Town Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa