Eat – Page 90 – Jellybeans in the City

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

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.

Re-experiencing authentic Korean dining at Ye Dang, Ugong

Way back in the mid 2000s, before the Korean BBQ craze gained the prominence it enjoys today, there have already been several restaurants that offer authentic Korean dishes in the Ortigas area.

One of these restaurants is Ye Dang. Located along Meralco Avenue, it has been the destination of Korean food lovers as well as local Korean residents for the past fourteen years.

Recently, Ye Dang has come under new management which led to the restaurant’s revamped interiors and a revitalized menu.

In contrast to the the plethora of Korean eateries offering all-you-can-eat meats that patrons themselves cook on table-top grills, Ye Dang opted to offer premium meats that are ordered ala carte which the servers expertly grill for the diners.

Together with my fellow foodies, I visited this Korean resto to #ExperienceYeDang once again.

Appetizers.

No visit to a Korean eatery is complete without banchan, and Ye Dang has them a-plenty. Unlimited, in fact.

Yes, you can have your side dishes refilled as many times as you want. So if you have a predilection for kimchi, steamed, fried or stir-fried vegetables, or peanuts and marble potatoes flavored with soy sauce, go ahead and eat your fill.

Main Dishes.

Over the years, Ye Dang has perfected its dishes, serving up freshly cooked viands that have that authentic Korean flavor.

Soondubu Chigae (Php330). Spicy soft tofu-based soup served in a hotpot.

Dolsot Bibimbap (Php330). Freshly cooked rice topped with namul (various sauteed and seasoned vegetables), gochujang (chili pepper paste), deonjang (fermented soybean paste), sliced beef and egg and served in a hotpot. When all mixed together and allowed to form some toasted portions at the bottom of the pot, it goes so well with many Korean dishes.

Pajeon (Php380). This savory Korean-style pancake is made with a batter of eggs, wheat flour, rice flour, scallions. Ground beef or seafood is added for variety.

Jap Chae (Php380). Korean stir-fried noodle dish made with dangmyeon (glass noodles made from sweet potato starch), assorted sauteed vegetables, meat and mushroom and season with soy sauce and seseme oil.

Tteokbokki (Php380). A spicy dish made with small garae-tteok (cylindrical rice cakes), eomuk (fish cakes), boiled eggs and scallions and seasoned with spicy gochujang.

Godungeo (Php500). A new addition to the menu, this dish is made with a whole mackerel, sliced in half, salted and grilled for a smoky flavor.

Grilled Meats.

The stars of the show in Ye Dang are its premium meats which are served and grilled at your table by the staff.

Usamgyeopsal (Php430). 180g of thin-cut beef belly.

Donsamgyupsal (Php380). 180g of thin-cut pork belly.

Dak Galbi (Php330). 200g of chicken barbecue.

Going back to Ye Dang and re-experiencing these familiar flavors in a revamped setting sure is heartening for a Korean food lover like me.

I’m very glad to see one of my old favorite haunts revitalized and ready to serve the ever-growing number of Korean food fans.

Thanks to Dong Woo Shin and the staff of Ye Dang for the wonderful meal and the warm welcome!

Ye Dang is located in the Gold Park Complex, 88 Meralco Avenue, Barang Ugong, Pasig City, open daily from 11am to 2.15pm and 5.30pm to 10.15pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 86319086.

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

Jack Daniel’s lights Holiday Barrel Tree in the Philippines for the third time

Jack Daniel’s celebrates the Holidays by sharing the special Lynchburg tradition of putting JD Holiday Barrel Tree on key locations in cities and towns all over the globe.

The world’s number one whiskey brings Yuletide cheers in the Philippines with a tree lighting event happening on November 13, 2019 at C1 Park, 5th Avenue, High Street Central Square, Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

Sticking to the long-standing tradition of spreading festive warmth to family and friends across multiple generations, Jack Daniel’s has repurposed its own whiskey barrel to create a symbolic structure that champions the top whiskey brand’s sole message of “it’s not what’s under the tree that matters. It’s who’s around it.”

It’s the third time that the award-winning distillery is putting up the iconic Holiday Barrel Tree in the Philippines. The highly anticipated global tradition debuted in 2014 in two Metro Manila venues: Fuente Circle in Eastwood City and at The Fort Plaza in Bonifacio Global City. The tree lighting celebration found a new home in C1 Park in 2019, coinciding with the launch of its first ever pop-up bar in the Philippines, the Jack Daniel’s Bar No. 7.

This year, Jack Daniel’s is building a newly designed Holiday tree made from repurposed and deconstructed whiskey barrel. The distinctly classic design is tailored specifically for C1 Park, showcasing a formidable but effortlessly beautiful Christmas structure with detailed craftsmanship.

This special Holiday run also gives guests a festive experience via Jack Daniel’s Bar No. 7, the Jack Daniel’s pop-up bar, which features special JD Holiday cocktails including the JD Holiday Highball.

Jack Daniel’s is also set to give a taste of the Holiday spirit in the Northern region as it mounts another Holiday Barrel Tree at Mile Hi Center, Camp John Hay in Baguio City on November 29, Friday until January 5, 2020.

JD Holiday Promo

Swing by and experience a JD yakitori feast like no other starting November 16, 2019 and for the entire month of December at the Jack Daniel’s Bar No. 7 in Bonifacio Global City.

For a limited time, you can try Nanbantei of Tokyo’s yakitori sampler with the special JD sauce, paired perfectly with four (4) or two (2) Jack Daniel’s Holiday Highball drinks in an irresistible value deal for both solo and group orders.

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Brown Forman Corporation is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Gold No. 27, and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails.

For 18+ y.o. Gather merrily. Drink Responsibly.

Event information and images provided in a recent press release.

Japanese-influenced Latin flavors at Nanka Japanese Steakhouse, Paligsahan

Did you know that Japanese culture has a profound influence in South America? Currently, Brazil has the largest population of Japanese immigrants while Peru has the second largest. This mixing of people and backgrounds surely produce wondrous variety in culture and society, especially in the food.

That came into play when my foodie friends and I recently visited Nanka Japanese Steakhouse. Located at the nook of Mother Ignacia and Chino Roces Avenues in Quezon City, the place has an elegant yet homey vibe, a welcome respite from my workday’s stresses. It is a perfect place for intimate date nights, chill barkada get-togethers or quiet family dinners.

Nanka’s executive chef Michael Santos takes pride in the work his team (which includes executive sous chef Rogel Rogel Pagtalunan, executive pastry chef Joel Gonzales and chef de cuisine Kenneth Afable) does in accentuating the natural flavors of food, made with the finest locally and internationally sourced ingredients. These include Black Onyx Angus and WagyuX steaks and tuna flown in from GenSan twice a week.

“I like clean flavors,” shares Chef Mike. “I like to emphasize the protein. I was taught to give respect to the animal being served and I feel the best way to do that is to not lose its soul – its flavor.”

My foodie friends and I were able to sample an excellent selection of Chef Mike’s recommendations from Nanka’s recently re-launched menu, which included:

Oysters Hollandaise (Php365 for 6 pieces). Large oysters from Aklan covered in a rich sauce made with egg, butter and lemon, then broiled until the top is starting to brown.

Deep-fried Oysters (Php375 for 8 pieces). Oyster meat lightly dredged and battered, then deep-fried to a golden brown.

Grilled Ahi Tuna (Php355). Yellowfin tuna, also known by its Hawaiian moniker ahi, is well-suited for raw sashimi dishes and for grilling. In this dish, it is served seared rare to bring out its natural flavor while adding some smokiness from the grilling and further enhanced by a dash of togarashi powder.

Grilled Togarashi Shrimp (Php495 for 9 pieces). Fresh shrimp perfectly grilled and spiced with sichimi togarashi, a Japanese powder flavoring made with seven ingredients which include red chili pepper,
orange peel, sesame seeds, Japanese pepper, ginger and seaweed.

Garlic Crabs (market price). Two giant crabs cooked in butter and garlic. Digging into this was one of the highlights of the meal.

Prawn Garlic Noodles (Php375). Plump and fresh prawns sauteed in garlic and tossed together with al dente noodles.

Black Onyx T-bone (Php520 per 100grams) and Black Onyx Tomahawk (Php495 per 100grams). Black Onyx is a well-known Australian brand of Black Angus beef noted for its ruch flavor, juicy tenderness and fine marbling. True to his philosophy of letting the meat’s natural flavors shine through, Chef Mike and his team seared the steaks in a cast iton grill then finished cooking them to a medium doneness in the oven. These were served with togarashi salt, wasabi sea salt, housemade demiglasse, chipotle miso and chimichurri so that diners can season or add sauce to taste.

Japanese Green Tea Mousse (Php215). A delectable dessert made with layers of matcha sponge, matcha pudding and matcha whipped cream icing.

Chocolate Ganache Mountee (Php245). A play of different ways to enjoy chocolate and matcha; a matcha bowl on top of a chocolate bowl with ganache in between, all on a bed of red velvet crumbs.

With these dishes, it is plain to see the sheer mastery and craftsmanship of Chef Mike and his team. Each dish, made of the choicest ingredients, beautifully presented and carefully crafted to enhance its natural flavors, show that the fusion of flavors between Japanese and Latin cuisines are well worth exploring.

Many thanks to Chef Mike and the staff of Nanka for the warm welcome and the wonderful meal!

Nanka is located at 1810 Mother Ignacia corner Chino Roces Avenue, Paligsahan, Quezon City, open Mondays to Saturdays from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 11pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 85179677, +63 977 6218472, or +63 917 6734917.

Jim Beam Is Back On High Gear!

Jim Beam is set to conquer Eastwood City with new flavors for the ultimate highball on tap and its iconic Jim Beam Highball Pop-Up Bar!

The iconic Jim Beam Highball Pop-Up Bar will return on November 12-16 at Eastwood Central Plaza offering an even fresher experience served through the signature highball draft machines from Japan.

Building up from its first introduction earlier this year, the second iteration of the Jim Beam Highball Pop-Up Bar will feature all-new highballs that were inspired by local flavors and designed specifically for the Filipino palate:

Yuzu and Lemongrass Highball. Tangy yuzu paired with the complexity of shiso makes merry match perfect for all palates.

Calamansi and Pandan Highball. Calamansi and pandan leaves come together in a highball that’s extremely refreshing, delightfully tart, and very local.

Pineapple and Basil Highball. This sweet tropical tipple is the closest thing to laying on the beach under swaying palm trees.

Mango Spice Highball. A burst of bright tropical mango mixed with hints of spice, this highball’s mix of bitter and sweet will brighten up the night.

You’ll also see the return of familiar flavors that were available during last year’s pop-up bar in BGC like the Lychee and of course, the Signature Classic Highball.

JIM BEAM HIGHBALL ON HIGH GEAR

The Jim Beam Highball Pop-Up Bar at Eastwood City will also feature even more live musical performances by some of the country’s iconic OPM artists such as Ebe Dancel, The Juans, Clara Benin, Better Days and The Vowels they Orbit.

In between listening to these sweet tunes and drinking the freshest highballs, you can also enjoy new games with your friends like the Highball Pong or the Jim Beam Highball Claw Machine! The sought after Make Your Jim Beam Highball booth will be there to give you more reason to enjoy the signature highball. With each purchase of a Highball, you’ll be granted a free chip to play these games and a chance to win some awesome Jim Beam Highball merch and other prizes!

“We’re so excited to bring back the Jim Beam Highball Pop-Up bar to the lively city that is Manila! Our new flavors are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more,” said Rayern Goh, Senior Brand Manager at Jim Beam. “Jim Beam Highball is an excellent drink that’s perfectly well-balanced, refreshing, and pairs superbly with so many dishes. We can’t wait to share this with you!”

See you at the Jim Beam Highball Pop-Up Bar at Eastwood Central Plaza from Tuesday to Saturday, November 12-16! The bar will be open from 6pm to 12mn.

ABOUT JIM BEAM

Founded in 1795, Jim Beam is the world’s No. 1 bourbon and has been operated by one family for seven generations. 220 years of experience goes into every bottle, along with corn, rye, malted barley, water, time, pride, and of course, true passion! Jim Beam White is the cornerstone of the Jim Beam bourbon portfolio, and it derives its rich, satisfying flavour from a treasured family recipe where every drop is aged in charred oak barrels. It boasts an oaky vanilla aroma with a medium-bodied flavour with hints of vanilla and caramel.

Jim Beam is best served in a Jim Beam Highball, a tall cocktail of Jim Beam Bourbon over ice, topped with soda, and finished with a squeeze of citrus! This concoction is the ultimate drink for our tropical climate – it is without equal as a noon-time tipple, an after-work refresher or a weekend party-starter!

ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY INC.

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit http://www.beamsuntory.com and http://www.drinksmart.com.

Issued for and on behalf of Beam Suntory Asia Pte Ltd.

Check out Jim Beam Highball on Facebook and Instagram for updates!

Kids rule on SKYcable

Kids of all ages won’t run out of fun shows to catch with the vast variety of kids channels on SKYcable. From cartoons, to fun learning activities and top-notch animated series, kids will surely find something to love.

Catch Cartoon Network HD’s (CH 178, Metro Manila; CH 731, Cebu, Davao, Baguio, Iloilo, Bacolod, Dumaguete and GenSan) old and new cartoon series and movies from Ben10, Powerpuff Girls, and The Amazing World of Gumball to new shows like “Steven Universe,” the first animated series created by a woman, every Thursday.

Boomerang channel (CH 42, Metro Manila; CH 112, Cebu, Davao and Baguio), meanwhile, offers Tom and Jerry Show, Mr. Bean: The Animated Series and My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. It’s a safe entertainment space where parents and kids can watch shows together. Catch Be Cool Scooby Doo and the gang ‘s zany misadventures everyday.

On Nickelodeon (CH 45, Metro Manila; CH 105, Cebu, Davao, Baguio, Iloilo, Bacolod, Dumaguete and GenSan) catch the most-watched, top-rated shows, from the ever funny SpongeBob SquarePants to JoJo’s Follow Your D.R.E.A.M. and Henry Danger bring non-stop enjoyment the old and young. On weekdays, kids can follow Ryder, together with five other rescue dogs as they work as one to help their community, in Nickelodeon’s “Paw Patrol.”

The world’s top wildlife filmmakers and renowned early childhood experts come together to bring ZooMoo’s (CH 120, Metro Manila) shows designed for learning for young kids. Here, viewers have a choice between shows that anchored on the themes “explore time, create time, play time, puzzle time and quiet time.” Each Tuesday noon, viewers can join the Teddies, Dom, Meeks, Tizzy and Sparky in Teddyworld where they play games, solve puzzles, and sing songs.

Disney Channel (CH 47 SD | CH 250 HD, Metro Manila; CH 101 SD | CH 732 HD Cebu, Davao, Baguio, Iloilo, Bacolod, Dumaguete and GenSan) brings with it nothing less than Disney’s fun-filled line up of quality shows. This month, Disney Channel airs Frozen Specials bringing back the most loved “Frozen” characters in time before the Christmas season starts . These include “Frozen Fever” on Nov. 10, “Frozen” on Nov. 17, and The Story of Frozen on Nov. 24.

SKYcable subscribers may choose to add Baby TV, ZooMoo, Miao Mi, Da Vinci Kids, and Boomerang on their cable TV line-up for only P20/month and Cartoon Network HD, Nick Jr. and Nickelodeon for P50/month by signing up at mysky.com.ph/addchannels. Existing subscribers of selected SKYcable plans may already enjoy Disney Channel’s exciting programs as part of their channel lineup.

Not yet on SKYcable? Subscribe now for as low as P299/month! For more details, call your local SKY office or fill up this form.

Show details and video provided 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.

Affordable taste of Singapore at Hainanese Delights, Robinsons Galleria

A few years ago, back when I was at the early stage of my career, the company I worked for held offices at the basement of Robinsons Galleria Mall in Ortigas Center.

There are many advantages to having one’s office inside a mall, not the least of which is the sheer variety of dining options for me and my officemates come lunchtime; the only limit, apparently, is our budget.

Fortunately, the mall then has a lot to offer when it comes to pocket-friendly eats. One of them is Hainanese Delights.

Aside from its affordable offers, this resto is also memorable for introducing me to Hainanese Chicken Rice.

This dish, though rooted in China’s Wenchang Chicken, has been well and truly adopted by Singapore such that it is considered the country’s national dish. The dish is traditionally prepared by poaching a whole chicken at sub-boiling temperatures, with some of the resulting stock combined with ginger, garlic and other aromatics used to cook the accompanying rice, producing a yellowish, flavorful and oily rice. It is usually served with three dipping sauces: a spicy red chili sauce, a dark soy sauce, and freshly ground ginger.

At just a little over Php100 with unli rice, Hainanese Delights’ Hainanese Chicken Rice was a tasty, filling and affordable lunch treat for me and my officemates back then.

Fast-forward to today: Hainanese Delights’ Robinsons Galleria branch has moved from its previous spot to a more spacious location in the mall’s foodie mecca, Eat Street. Aside from more tables and chairs to cater to its still-growing clientele, the place has more stylish interiors and even a window to the kitchen where guests can take peek into how their favorite dishes are prepared.

Recently, my foodie friends from #WeLoveToEatPH and I visited this reataurant for a taste of old faves and new flavors, which included:

Rice Dishes

Hainanese Delights (Php169). The resto’s best-selling white chicken dish

Hainan Fried Chicken (Php169). Prepared similar to the white chicken but fried to have that flavorful and crispy skin.

Chicken Heaven (Php169). The resto’s version of Barbecue Chicken.

Hot Chick (Php169). Barbecue Chicken made spicy.

Pork Passionate (Php169). Breaded porkchop fried to a crispy golden brown.

Hainan Fish Fillet (Php169). Steamed fillets of cream dory topped with minced garlic.

All rice dishes come with unlimited Hainan rice.

Php99 Meals.

Fish and Eggplant. Rice meal that comes with free soup.

Char Beehoon. Served with Mantao bread.

Entrees.

Surf and Turf Bits (Php169). Steamed shrimp and pork dumplings.

Noodles.

Singapore Staple (Php169). Hearty noodle dish served with broth on the side and Hainanese White Chicken.

Drinks.

Coffee with Mantao Bread (Php45). Add Php20 for unli coffee refill.

Houseblend Drinks (Php65 each). Comes in Peach Tea and Ginger Lemon Tea flavors.

Milo Godzilla (Php90). A chocolatey dessert drink.

It was a fun and filling experience to rediscover one of old favorite haunts in Robinsons Galleria. I’m already looking forward to my next visit!

Thanks to the management and staff of Hainanese Delights for the feast and to Harvard of Always Hungry PH for extending the invitation.

This Hainanese Delights branch is located at Food Court, Level 1 Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Center, Quezon City, open from Sundays to Thursdays from 10am to 9pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 10am to 10pm.

Other branches are located at:

Ground Floor, Adriatico Wing, Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita, Manila
Ground Floor, Robinsons Otis, Mercedes Guazon Street, Paco, Manila
Lower Ground Floor, Main Building, SM City Fairview, Novaliches, Quezon City
Lower Ground Floor, Main Building, SM City Fairview, Buayang Bato, Mandaluyong City
Lower Ground Floor, Walter Mart North EDSA, Project 7, Quezon City

Check out my reviews of other restaurants offering Singaporean dishes: