Eat – Page 36 – Jellybeans in the City

Travel across the Philippines in just 2 hours at Lakbay Museo

Like me, you might have been keeping your wanderlust contained for the past two years because of the pandemic.

It would be so good to be able to wander freely through many places, see the sights and get a much-needed change of scenery, wouldn’t it?

Well, given the still present threat of COVID-19, and the rising costs of travel due to soaring gas prices, we have no choice but to stay right where we are.

Or do we?

A visit to Lakbay Museo should soothe your need to wander.

The first PH interactive millennial museum

Lakbay Museo offers you a way to travel through our beautiful country in just a thousand steps. Over a two-hour time-frame, you can visit the majestic sights, delve into the rich culture, participate in the colorful festivals and get a slice of life from various parts of the country. This is done through fourteen unique experiences representing eleven exciting destinations around the country.

The museum also espouses the conservation of the environment, with nearly all of its exhibits built using 4,560 old and used tsinelas and scrap materials, 328 old rubber tires, 453 car mats, and other recyclable materials.

Plus, you get to take all the pictures you want for the ‘gram, with the museum’s IG-worthy displays as your backdrop!

Aside from the many photo opps that you can take inside Lakbay Museo, a visit here would definitely be perfect when you want to:

Dive into iconic locations and experiences such as the Tondo alleys, the cobbled streets of Calle Crisologo, the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio, religious and historic destinations such as the Barasoain Church in Bulacan and Magellan’s Cross in Cebu, the Mindanao Royal House and the country’s marine biodiversity, all without leaving the metro
Take a break from your usual haunts and go somewhere for a unique experience
Supplement your kids’ learnings from Sibika at Kultura outside of books and videos, using tangible objects and interactive materials
Introduce our varied, extraordinary and historic culture to returning balikbayans or friends from abroad

Immersive Pinoy experience

While strolling through the museum, you get to engage with various aspects of Pinoy life, a way of stepping out of your usual experiences and see the world from your fellow Pinoy’s eyes. These include:

… selling wares at the marketplace…

…reveling at the sheer variety of our local produce…

…and other aspects of life of many enterprising Pinoys through the ages.

Of course, the Pinoy life is not all work, work, work. Our lives have room for a touch of whimsy and the fantastical. From underwater creatures to floral bounties and floating horses, there are many things here to spark your imagination and fancy.

A sneak peek into the Pinoy’s rich and eclectic culture

What would a trip around the Philippines be without savoring its many cuisines? Regional delicacies are on full display, showcasing their particular culinary influences and practices.

From a room of floating lechon, a hanging flatlay of food to a long boodle table and a wide-set diorama explaining the nuances of local cuisines from thirteen different regions, the Pinoy’s love of food is quite evident.

Each region’s displays also showcase local color, products and crafts, from weaving to growing coffee, all highlighting the Pinoy’s penchant for creativity and craftsmanship.

Of course, all of these come into play during Pinoy-style celebrations where food, costumes, dances and songs abound.

So don’t fret about being stuck in the metro. There’s so much to see, do and experience at Lakbay Museo!

Lakbay Museo recently reopened at 2nd Floor Filipino Village, Ayala Malls Manila Bay Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, cor Aseana Ave, Paranaque City.

Book your tickets via TicketWavePH and use my code BEINGJELLYBEANS for additional discounts.

Know more about Lakbay Museo by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Want more fiber in your diet? Make it easy with Quaker Oats!

It’s been said that what you eat not only reflects how you look but also how you feel. One way of boosting the health benefits of your diet is found in the magic of fiber which are commonly found in fruits, veggies, cereal grains, oats and beans.

However, a study has shown Filipinos actually consume less than 50% of the daily fiber requirement which means your current diet might not be enough as you think!

According to the Philippine Society of Nutritionist-Dietitians, Inc. (PSND), a study they conducted on working Filipino adults show only almost 8 grams of fiber was reported to be consumed per day on average. “This is very far from the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) of 20 to 25 grams,” shares PSND Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian, Jake Brandon Andal.

This low intake of fiber means Filipinos are missing out on an important nutrient which helps in aiding digestion, preventing constipation and maintaining good digestive health. It also helps manage weight and reduces the risk of acquiring heart disease.

Through the years, Quaker Oats, the number 1 oats brand has introduced many fiber-rich products to help Filipinos have a more balanced diet.

Oats have been proven to have 7x more fiber per 100g serving versus long grain white rice which helps fulfill the recommended consumption of fiber our body needs every day.

Now, Quaker Oats is again introducing new and innovative recipes to encourage Filipinos to make fiber a daily staple in their diet using oats from breakfast dishes, lunch, and even to treats and desserts!

The Battle for the Best Healthy Treats

Quaker Oats recently hosted The Quaker Kitchen Cook Off which featured brand ambassadors Luis Manzano and Solenn Heussaff who challenged each other to prepare easy to do, tasty, and nutritious recipes using Quaker Oats.

During the event, which was also broadcasted via Quaker Philippines’ Facebook page, both health buffs shared their go-to fruity and delicious desserts such as the Rainbow Superfloat, Caramelized Bananas No-Bake Cheesecake, and Homemade Sorbetes.

Luis and Solenn whipped up these fun recipes using Quaker Oats, and along with expert nutritionists, also shared their tips to increasing fiber in your diet and sustaining a healthy lifestyle without completely cutting out treats.

“I love Quaker Oats and it has been a kitchen staple in the Manzano household since I was young. My favorite recipe to make is definitely Overnight Oats because it’s quick and easy but I’ve recently been leveling up my culinary skills! So now, the Rainbow Superfloat recipe is a new favorite. It’s a great option if you feel like having a more fruity and colorful breakfast or dessert that is also healthy, light, and refreshing!” Luis shared during the program.

“It’s very interesting how many healthy dishes you can make with oats as the main ingredient!,” says Solenn. “Though there are other sources of fiber, Quaker Oats is my go-to because it carries 7x more fiber* and it is highly versatile. You can use it in every meal both for savory and sweet dishes like homemade sorbetes, no-bake cheesecakes, and more!”

With these fiber-rich recipes, treats can definitely still be sweet and delicious while healthy and good for your body. Indulge yourself in tastier flavors without sacrificing your diet and disturbing your digestion with Quaker Oats.
Try any of these recipes and tag @quakeroatsph when you share your own #Quaker7xMoreFiber creations!

Visit https://linky.ph/quakeroatsph for more information on recipes and upcoming events.

Rainbow Superfloat

Recipe serves 2 glasses or jars

Ingredients:

¼ Cup Quaker Rolled Oats
250 g or 2 pots of Yogurt (0% Fat or any other kind of yogurt)
3-4 Tbsps Coco Sugar
2 Calamansi Fruits (for the zests)
1 Kiwi
1 Mango
1⁄2 Pineapple 1/4 Pink Dragon Fruit
¼ Cup of Strawberry
¼ Cup of Blueberry fresh or frozen (¼ cup)

Note: All fruits can be substituted based on your sweetness preference as long as it’s colorful fruits to create that rainbow effect!

Prepare the Calamansi Yogurt Base:

Mix together yogurt, coco sugar and calamansi zests. (TIPS: to remove zest from citrus, you can use a cheese grater!)

Prepare the fruits:

Wash all fruits, then peel and cut the dragonfruit, pineapple, kiwi and mango in 2 cm cubes.
Cut the strawberries in two. For the blueberries, keep them whole.
Keep each fruit in a separated container.

Assemble the dessert:

First with a spoon, pour the calamansi yogurt and add a generous layer of Quaker Rolled Oats.
Add multiple layers of fruits to create the rainbow effect.
Place it in the refrigerator and serve cold!

Caramelized Bananas No-Bake Cheesecake

Recipe serves a 7” cake

Ingredients:

Oats Crust

1 Cup crushed Quaker Rolled Oats
¼ Cup Light Brown Sugar
¼ Cup Margarine
2 Tbsps All Purpose Flour
1 pinch of Salt

Caramelized Bananas

2 Sweet Bananas
3 Tbsps Light Brown Sugar
2 Tbsps Margarine

Cream Cheese Batter

2 Cups Cream Cheese
1 Can Condensed Milk
¼ Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
1 Tbsp Vanilla

Note: You can also decorate your cheesecake with berries, fruits or even chocolate shavings!

Make the Caramelized Bananas:

In a pot, pour the light brown sugar and caramelize it.
Using a fork, mash the bananas.
Add the bananas in the light brown caramel and add margarine
Cook it until the caramel is well dissolved in the mashed bananas.
Keep these in the refrigerator.

Make the Oats Crust:

In a bowl, mix all ingredients together with the melted margarine.
Press the crust using a spoon into a *7-inch mold (bottom only)
*Option: if you don’t have a pastry ring, you can use a glass, an aluminum tray, or a ramequin
Chill it for an hour minimum before adding the filling

Make the Cream Cheese Batter:

Squeeze the lemon to obtain fresh lemon juice
In a bowl, mix all ingredients together until you obtain a smooth and no lumps consistency
Pour this mix over your oats crust and chill it for 5 hours minimum
With a spoon, spread the Caramelized Banana Jam.
Decorate with oats and fresh bananas. Similarly, you can decorate your cheesecake with berries or fruits or even chocolate shavings!

Homemade Sorbetes

Recipe serves 4 sorbetes sticks

Ingredients:

½ Cup Quaker Rolled Oats
1.5 Cups Yogurt or Light Cream
1/3 Cup Light Brown Sugar
75 g Canned Peaches
Optional: 1 teaspoon of Cinnamon

Note: All fruits can be fresh / canned / frozen

Make the sorbetes:

Using a spoon and a saucepot, melt the brown sugar into the cream or yogurt (for a lighter version). Place it on the side.
Wash, peel and cut fruits in big chunks.
Add fruits and oats inside the sweet mix and carefully pour it into the sorbetes molds
Keep it in the freezer for at least 24 hours.
Remove the sorbetes from the mold and serve frozen!

Event details and recipes provided by Quaker Oats in a recent press release

Photo Credits:

Oats photos by Khloe Arledge and Melissa Di Rocco on Unsplash
Event photos by Salie Dimayuga of Unshakable Foodie and Karl Sinocruz of Fuda.ph

Affordable Japanese Lunch at Happon, Maginhawa

Maginhawa Street in QC has made a name for itself as a foodie haven, particularly with the proliferation of small and artisanal eateries there.

One such restaurant is Happon Ramen House which my fam came upon – oddly enough – as we left another Japanese restaurant due to the unavailability of most of its menu items.

Fortunately, just across the street is this seemingly nondescript eatery, located in a narrow space in a commercial building.

Upon entering, we noted that the store’s interior decor and furnishings were sparse, with some anime-themed tchotchkes to add some color and points of interest to the space.

We gave our orders at the counter then found our seats upstairs at the loft.

There, we enjoyed our lunch which consisted of reasonably priced Japanese food:

Edamame (Php78). Soybeans boiled in saltwater while still in their pods which served as our appetizer.

Spicy Tantanmen (Php228). Chewy ramen noodles resting a creamy and nutty sesame-based broth topped with spicy minced pork.

Gyoza (Php138). Japanese potstickers made of minced pork and finely chopped vegetables mixed with aromatics steamed in a pan then allowed to crisp on one side then served with an tangy dipping sauce.

Chahan (Php78). Also known as yakimeshi, this is the flavorful Japanese version of fried rice.

Karaage (Php138). Marinated chicken pieces are lightly coated in starch then deep fried in oil until brown and crispy.

Tonkatsu (Php138). Breaded pork cutlet deep-fried in oil until golden brown and served with shredded cabbage and zesty tonkatsu sauce.

After our meal, we headed downstairs and settled our bill. Thankfully, the store accepts payments via GCash!

We’re glad that we chanced upon this low-key Japanese restaurant and enjoyed our affordable lunch.

I look forward to new discoveries that Maginhawa has in store for me and the fam!

Happon Ramen House is located at 143 Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village (near Bayantel Office), Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 9pm.

For inquiries and reservations, call + 63 922 2203911.

Other branches are located at:

Caltex Gas Station, F7 Bldg., Belfast Ave., Fairview, QC (back of SM Fairview)
Blk 21 Lot 1 Bristol St. cor. Flores de Mayo St. Greater Lagro, QC (near Lagro Subd. entrance)
70 Cepeda St. cor. Col. Divino St., Concepcion Uno, Marikina City (near Concepcion Highschool/ DEPED)
41 Lilac St. Hacienda Heights, Concepcion Dos, Marikina City (same building as Watsons)

To know more about its menu items and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Get the #LubdExperience at Lub d Makati (because you didn’t come for the normal)

Whether you’re a foreigner backpacking in the Philippines and looking for a place to serve as your “base of operations” while you’re touring the capital, a domestic traveler who wants to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the metro’s busiest district or an urbanite who’s seeking for a change of scenery, Lub d Makati is the place for you.

The biggest hostel in the Philippines, Lub d Makati is part of the Lub d hotel chain which also has presence in other buzz-worthy Asian destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand, and Siem Reap in Cambodia. Its concept reimagines the experience of traveling, whether you’re on a solo trip or wandering with your buddies. Lub d prides itself on giving its guests a memorable and comfortable stay as they dive into the local scene.

Center of the action

Located along Makati Avenue in Makati City, the hostel is conveniently located near the high rises of the central business district as well as shopping malls that house dining and entertainment establishments such as movie theaters, restaurants, designer shops and supermarkets.

It’s within walking distance from Poblacion, Makati’s cultural and heritage district, as well as a short ride away from Bonifacio Global City (where you can find some of the hottest night spots) to the east and Old Manila (where you can immerse in the old capital’s colonial history) to the west.

Comfy stay

After a busy day of touring the metro, you can take your rest at your choice from Lub d Makati’s 153 private rooms and ten shared rooms.

Indulge yourself in an air-conditioned private sanctuary in a Deluxe Room which comes with either a king-size bed or a two single beds, as well as an en-suite bathroom with toiletries and hair-dryer. Other amenities include: keycard system, TV, power outlet, safety box and complimentary coffee and tea.

Until July 31, 2022, you and a companion can enjoy a stay at a Deluxe King Room with complimentary breakfast and internet for just Php1,999.

Digital nomads can also use a Deluxe Room during the day (9am to 5pm) for remote work or for day trips in the city for just Php1,999.

Traveling with family or a small group of friends? A Barkada Room provides your group with an air-conditioned private retreat with a king-size bed or two single beds plus two single bunk beds, along with an en-suite bathroom. Other amenities include: safety box, TV, a mini-fridge and complimentary kettle and coffee.

If you’re traveling with a larger group of people you can opt for a Mixed Dorm Room which comes with eight bunk beds so you can enjoy time togather yet retreat into your private space, thanks to privacy curtains and reading lights. Other amenities include: shared bathroom with towels and toiletries, as well as a wardrobe with lockers.

Do more at The Space

Besides providing you with a space to rest your head for the night, Lub d also provides you with venues for other activities and to meet new friends. Its second floor houses The Space which has meeting rooms for conferences, a WiFi-equipped co-working space for remote work as well as common area where you can hang out and play games with fellow guests.

Taste global flavors with Pinoy flair

Of course, you wouldn’t want to miss the great eats that Lub d’s roodeck bar and restaurant, Essential goodness for Pilgrims, has in store for you.

You can have your meal at the deck where you can enjoy the amazing view of the Makati skyline…

…or you can enjoy your meal in the lush comfort of its posh interiors.

As Lub d’s Cluster General Manager Reycie Gutierrez puts it, the restaurant is guided by the philosophy of food being essential as the nourishment that fuels everyday lives and provides the feeling of satisfaction.

Helming the kitchen is Chef Jinggoy Fernando who translates this philosophy through an updated menu for the restaurant that introduces Filipino food to foreigners. His team achieves this by adding a Filipino twist to typically western dishes or ingredients.

This is also a great way to introduce Pinoys to new ways to enjoy old favorites, such as in the restaurant’s latest offerings:

Mushroom Chicharon. Crispy oyster mushrooms served with a tangy ranch sauce.

Nachos. House-made nacho chips with a side of fresh gracamole, pica de gallo and calamansi crema.

Garlic Bread. A new experience of spreading roasted garlic on buttered toast and sprinkling a bit of flaky salt for an explosion of flavor.

Bicol Express Wings. Chicken wings covered in a spicy coconut milk sauce served with charred lemon for a bit of zest with each bite.

Bistek Tagalog Sliders. Grilled 100% beef patties with calamansi mayo and topped with caramelized onions and local cheese in fluffy toasted buns.

Soft Shell Crab Palabok. Thin rice noodles covered with palabok sauce and topped with a soft shell crab, served with a charred lemon for zest.

Sisig Fried Rice. A variation of the Pinoy staple sinangag (garlic fried rice) mixed with house-made sisig (chopped pork cheeks sauteed in chilis and onions), topped with scrambled egg.

Salted Egg Tostada. House-made crispy flat tortilla topped with bits of salted egg and cucumber salad with citrus dressing.

Corned Crispy Pata. Brined pork trotters which are deep-fried then served with soy vinegar dipping sauce.

Desserts include Pandan Cheesecake with mango coulis and Tres Leches Bread Pudding with vanilla sauce.

Refreshing drinks include house-made Four Seasons and Iced Tea.

No matter what kind of traveler you are, make Lub d Makati one of your stops for a truly extraordinary and memorable adventure here in the metro. After all, you didn’t come for the normal, did you?

Lub D Makati is located at 7820 Makati Avenue, Brgy Poblacion, Makati City, Philippines.

For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 85416358 or email contact.makati@lubd.com.

Know more about Lub D Makati at its website or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held here. Food items mentioned in this post were served free of charge to facilitate this feature.

Homemade goodness from Baba’s Kitchen

Want to jazz up your mealtimes without slaving all day in the kitchen? Or have tasty munchables ready whenever you get hungry for a midnight snack or get in the mood for a Tv binge?

Well, you won’t have to do hard kitchen labor because you can get your hunger pangs and cravings catered to by Baba’s Kitchen!

Yep, my cooler bag from Baba’s Kitchen is chock-full of tasty homemade goodies that opens up a world of wonderful gustatory possibilities.

I’ll tell you more about these but first, let’s check out the bag’s contents.

These include ready-to-cook viands such as Breakfast Patties, Spanish Chorizo and Wagyu Tapa, snackable dips such as the sweet and spicy Mango Jalapeno, the tasty Garlic & Herb and Chicken Rum Pate, the highly snackable Beachcoast Crisps: Cranberry Edition, as well condiments such Baba’s BBQ Sauce and Baba’s Spicy Bitchin’ Sauce.

With so little time for food prep after a hectic workday, I had to get a bit more creative when coming up with a dinner that the kids will get excited for.

So, I whipped up a batch of Cheesy Peppery Burgers using Baba’s Kitchen’s Burger Patties!

We paired our meal with some crackers, Baba’s Kitchen’s Beachcoast Crisps and Baba’s Kitchen’s dips!

With much of the prep work of the meal already done by Baba’s Kitchen, I had more time to enjoy dinner time with the kids!

This meal-in-minutes sure seems like a resounding success, wouldn’t you say?

UPDATE:

I also whipped up a quick lunch for the family: Tapsilog using Baba’s Kitchen’s Wagyu Tapa!

So, now, what can I whip up with the other items from Baba’s Kitchen? Use the Spanish Chorizos for some Deviled Eggs? Use the BBQ Sauce as a Chicken Teriyaki Marinade? Let me know if you have more ideas.

If you want to have more fun mealtimes with the fam while feasting on great food (with little effort!), check out Baba’s Kitchen!

Order now from Baba’s Kitchen’s website. To stay updated on Baba’s Kitchen’s products and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

Paella Valencia from Mom & Tina’s

Which dish that, when added to your spread, automatically levels up your home celebration?

For me, it’s the paella.

It’s one the dishes brought over from Spain during our colonial days and it has since found its place in our local cuisine. It combines the use of rice (our staple food), seafood (which we have in abundance) and chicken (which makes it a complete and filling meal in itself).

Paella’s origins can be traced back to Valencia in Spain, and is widely considered as one of the regions cultural symbols. It takes its name from the wide and shallow pan traditionally used to cook it.

Local bakery cafe Mom & Tina’s also makes traditional homecooked dishes which also includes paella.

Its version of Paella Valencia has the same basic ingredients: rice, mussels, shrimp and chicken, which are sauteed in olive oil with garlic, tomatoes and chorizo. Squeezing some lemon juice into the cooked paella right before eating adds a zing of citrusy freshness to the dish.

For my fifteenth wedding anniversary celebration at home, I decided to pair it with my version of the Cheesy Baked Salmon, which resulted in a winning combination!

The briny and acidic tones from the paella perfectly complemented the rich taste of the baked salmon.

Well, this combo will definitely be included in my home celebrations from now on!

This Mom & Tina’s branch is located at FRDC Building, 106 Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Avenue (C5), Bgy. Ugong, Pasig City. It is open daily for dine-in, takeout or delivery from 9am to 9pm. For reservations, orders and inquiries, call +63 2 85711541 or +63 999 8850092.

Other branches are found at:

Tropical Palms Condominium, 103 De la Rosa St., corner Perea St., Legazpi Village, Makati City
Across ABS-CBN, 58 Sgt. Esguerra Ave., South Triangle, Quezon City

Check out my previous posts about Mom & Tina’s:

Mom & Tina's Greenhills — Mom & Tina’s Greenhills

Classic Chinese Meal at EmERALD Restaurant

Where do you go for authentic Chinese food when you’re in the Manila-Pasay area?

Well, Hubby recently introduced our family to EmERALD Restaurant, situated along the historic Roxas Boulevard.

It’s one of those no-frills kind of Chinese eateries where occasions such as baptisms, weddings or graduation parties of loyal patrons are celebrated amidst a feast consisting of the fam’s favorite Chinese food.

From its round tables with their corresponding Lazy Susan turntables to help distribute the wide array of dishes served family style, to the frenetic energy as wait staff quickly serve EmERALD Restaurant’s signature dishes to their waiting diners, everything about this place is quite characteristic of much-loved, old-timey Chinese joints that we visited with our parents when we were kids.

During our family’s visit at this restaurant, our brood enjoyed a delicious and bountiful lunch which consisted of:

Spinach with Garlic (Php320 small | Php480 medium | Php1,020 large). A side dish made of spinach stir-fried with garlic.

Seafood Polonchay Soup (Php360 small | Php540 medium | Php1,080 large. Thick egg-drop soup made with spinach and seafood.

Three Kinds of Cold Cuts (Php350 small | Php525 medium | Php1,050 large). Platter of Chinese-style cold cuts which include asado (flavored with soy sauce, five-spice and sugar), century egg and seaweed.

Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php320 small | Php480 medium | Php960 large). A popular wok fried rice made with pork, shrimp, scrambled eggs, peas as well as chopped scallions and carrots.

Beef with Broccoli (Php450 small | Php675 medium | Php1350 large). Beef strips stir-fried with garlic, ginger and brocolli.

Lemon Chicken (Php380 small | Php570 medium | Php1,140 large). Battered and deep-fried chicken pieces and served with a thick and sweet lemon-flavored sauce for dipping or coating.

Spare Ribs with Salt & Pepper (Php380 small | Php570 medium | Php1140 large). Marinated and deep-fried pieces of pork spare ribs seasoned with salt and pepper.

Camaron Rebusado (Php450 small | Php675 medium | Php1,350 large). Battered and deep-fried shrimp served with sweet sauce.

Shakes (Php150). Icy shakes made with milk and fresh fruit.

What I love about eating at an old-timey Chinese restaurant is the layering of flavors, from the soup and sides to the mix and match of dishes in each bite. Also, given the family-style of food serving, it was a great way to introduce our kids to dishes that are new or unfamiliar to them.

Considering how many viands we ordered, I was initially doubtful if we could fully consume our spread. However, it turns out, I shouldn’t have worried at all because the fam finished off the meal with hardly any leftovers.

EmERALD Restaurant is located at Ground Floor, Gedisco Terrace, Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila, open daily for dine-in and pick up from 6am to 9pm. For reservations and orders, call +63 2 70918137, +63 915 7073167 or +63 968 6009827.

To know more about EmERALD Restaurant, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Sweet dads deserve sweet chocolatey treats from Red Ribbon this Father’s Day

Hey, Daddy, we appreciate how hard you work for the family.

We know that you may have some late nights in the office, a lot of handyman tasks at home and, even take over some of our chores when we moms are too tired or busy.

We know that these various labors that you take on are just some of the sweet ways that you show your love.

So for Father’s Day, we are also giving you two especially sweet treats from Red Ribbon!

As our #BestDadEver, you get to pair a slice of Red Ribbon’s Triple Chocolate Roll – savoring its moist chocolate chiffon cake roll covered with a rich milk chocolate icing – with your morning cuppa joe. Taking your coffee break with this chocolatey treat is a welcome respite from all your work.

After indulging in your Father’s Day Feast, you know that there’s always room for dessert! You can indulge yourself with a decadent slice of Red Ribbon’s Chocolate Mousse. Sink your teeth into a rich chocolate pound cake covered by a delicious chocolate mouse and topped with Red Ribbon’s signature cream and chocolate chips.

You deserve all these sweetness and more, sweet Daddy! Happy Fathers Day!

Aside to Momshies: don’t let Father’s Day pass you by without giving the man of the house a sweet treat.

Order today at your nearest Red Ribbon store, or through the Red Ribbon app, the Red Ribbon delivery website, Red Ribbon on Facebook Messenger, or by calling the #87777 hotline. You may also place your order via GrabFood or FoodPanda.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

Check out my previous posts about Red Ribbon:

Red Ribbon, Lucky Gold Plaza — Sweet snacktimes with Red Ribbon Bakeshop

Red Ribbon Coffee Caramel Crunch — SweetDelight: Red Ribbon’s Caramel Crunch Cake is back!

A taste of Scandinavia at IKEA’s Swedish Restaurant

Have you heard of the recent trending topic called #SwedenGate? It sprang from several anecdotes shared on Reddit which recall childhood experiences of house guests not being invited to dine while at a Swedish household.

While there are myriad cultural contexts behind this custom, and recent reports do share that this practice has been dying out, it does bring to the spotlight a cuisine heretofore unknown to most Filipinos: Scandinavian food.

Recently, this cuisine became a lot more accessible to us, thanks to IKEA’s Swedish Restaurant at IKEA Pasay. Given the time and energy that shoppers expend while browsing through its displays, it’s a good thing that IKEA opened a self-service cafeteria inside the store. It has proven to be quite popular: during my family’s recent visit, we had to wait in line for thirty minutes to an hour before we were able to enter.

Since it employs a cafeteria-style self-service type of operations, we had to line up at the food counters to choose and collect our food in trays and carry them towards the cashiers. This process is greatly helped by the trollies that IKEA provided, which proved to be a great convenience due to the sheer amount of food we ended up buying.

Once we‘re done getting our food, we settled down to eat at the well-appointed dining area which is furnished with Scandinavian-style tables and chairs. Depending on the number of people in your party, you may opt for the small tables for a party of two or a get the bigger tables that can seat up to eight people.

The menu and operations of IKEA’s Swedish Restaurant are guided by its seven food principles:

Lagom – Servings that are not too hearty nor lacking, with responsible portions just right to sate one’s hunger.
Sustainable – Food items should be good for both people and the planet by sourcing ingredients from farms and fisheries that strive to protect the environment, public health, people and communities.
Plant-based – Food items that celebrate seasonal and diverse ingredients as well as make healthier and sustainable living easy.
Animal welfare – Fewer animals are used in its menu and all are sourced sustainably from farms that practice humane treatment of livestock.
Natural – Simple and wholesome dishes that reduce the use of additives while still safeguarding food safety.
Food is precious – Food waste is a no-no from farm to consumption.
Food is pleasure – Food is meant to be enjoyed with others, celebrating different cultures that come together.

The fam did take our cue from the greeting “Smaklig maltid!” (“Enjoy your meal!”) as we shared and feasted on our Scandinavian food orders:

We also enjoyed free-flowing Nordic drinks (Php50/person) to go with our food. These are sparkling or still beverages sweetened only with half the usual amount of sugar featuring flavors such as elderberry, lemon, pear, raspberry, lingonberry, and cola distributed on tap at the drink stations.

When we finished our meal, we quickly cleared our table (to do our share in helping IKEA keep its food costs low) and left so that our table can be readily used by the next batch of diners.

I’m glad that my fam was able to experience this foray into Scandinavian cuisine. #SwedenGate may son be a thing of the past, but this family’s love affair with Swedish food is just beginning.

The Swedish Restaurant is located at the 4th Level of IKEA Pasay City and is open daily, from 9:30 am to 9 pm.

To stay updated on news and updates about IKEA PH, visit its website or follow it on Facebook or Instagram.

Japanese dining experience at Sandaime, Eastwood Mall

Being part of a family of Japanese food lovers, it is no wonder that we tend to seek it out every chance we could.

That’s what happened when Hubby and I started feeling hunger pangs while we were in the vicinity of Eastwood Mall, Libis. Knowing that one of our previously discovered Japanese food restaurants is in the area and has reopened for dine-in service after closing during the quarantine, we were looking forward to trying it out again.

That restaurant is Sandaime.

Sandaime is a casual dining restaurant which offers a wide selection of Japanese dishes that combine traditional Japanese sushi flavors. These include Edomae-style sushi, which are prepared using traditional sushi-making techniques and fish flown in directly from Japan. It is also known for its teishoku (Japanese meal sets).

It has re-opened with a streamlined menu from which Hubby and I ordered:

Spicy Salmon Salad (Php408). Cubes of salmon sashimi tossed in a spicy creamy sauce on a bed of lettuce and topped with crunchy tempura flakes.

Tuna Sashimi (Php388) and Salmon Sashimi (Php398). Fresh sashimi served with wasabi and Japanese soy sauce.

Ebi Tempura (Php468/5 pcs). Battered prawns deep-fried to a crunchy golden brown and served with special tempura sauce.

Tonkatsu Set (Php428). Deep-fried breaded pork cutlets accompanied by a tangy katsu sauce. This meal set includes rice and lettuce.

Looking back at our pre-pandemic visit, we were glad to see that most of what we liked then are still in the menu such as Edamame, Chicken Karaage and California Roll. Unfortunately, Oyster Overload is no longer in the menu.

Sandaime Japanese Restaurant is located at the Ground Floor, Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City, open for dine-in, pick-up and delivery. For reservations and orders, call +63 915 3373278 or +63 928 50 2487.