A vegan-friendly resto along Katipunan: Pantry by Rub Rack

Being a foodie, a sweet tooth and a certified carnivore, I had little inclination to try vegan or vegetarian cuisine. From my past experiences in diet deliveries, grazing on salads with vinaigrette sauces, and other eat-healthy schemes, I worried that I would eventually get tired of eating healthy food in a few days and be back where I started.

Well, it looks like the offerings of Pantry by Rub Rack can change my mind.

Together with my fellow foodies, I attended a Bloggers’ Dinner at this restaurant where the food is good, not just to my tastebuds, but to my body as well.

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

The restaurant is an offshoot of Rub Rack, the online specialty store for spicy and flavored food items. Co-owners and friends Chef Lui Madela, who is vegetarian, and Des Agcaoili, who is not, envisioned a place where a barkada can eat without having to split up because of a member’s diet restrictions.

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Situated in a space converted from a photography studio with an industrial theme infused with bright spots of greenery and product displays, the resto has a relaxed and modern feel. I would imagine that groups of friends, or even families, will be quite comfortable having their meals here.

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Great care was taken in conceptualizing and executing Pantry’s menu, from sourcing ingredients from vegan-certified suppliers, preparing all dishes from scratch in the restaurant’s open kitchen, procuring vegan bread to go with its vegan dishes, to using separate utensils for vegan and non-vegan items.

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Aside from its non-vegan dishes such as the tuyo silog and tuyo pesto, Pantry’s imaginatively prepared vegan and vegetarian items are designed to also appeal to foodies, regardless of diet preferences.

Appetizers

VegetaBalls. If you’ve ever felt a hankering for  street food, well here’s a healthier alternative for you! Vegetables take the place of squid in these skewers dipped in a sweet brown sauce, just like the real thing!

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Vegan Nachos (Php190). Crisp corn nachos drizzled with dairy-free cheese and veggies. And, believe or not, those toppings are not meat!

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Pasta

Vegan Mac N’ Cheese (Php200). Your favorite microwave dish is now made healthier, thanks to the resto’s own blend of dairy-free vegan cheese sauce liberally mixed into the macaroni, served with vegan bread.

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Vegan Palabok.  Your classic merienda given a vegan twist, this new addition to Pantry’s menu features noodles drenched in shrimp-like gravy, seaweed, vegan chicharon and vegan eggs.  Vegan eggs?!? Yes, m’dears. Those are not real eggs, but they sure tasted like them!

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Main Course

Vegan Shawarma Wrap (Php205). Vegetarian shawarma meat, as savory and flavorful as the real thing, served with crisp vegetables and wrapped in warm pita bread.  Feeling a little adventurous? Sprinkle some of the resto’s own Latigo hot sauce on it and see how high your spice meter goes!

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Vechon Belly Rice Meal (Php250).  The Filipino guilty pleasure – the lechon – in this dish is not made of sinful roasted pork. Oh no! It’s made out of vegetables, painstakingly fashioned by Chef Lui to resemble slices of that decadent dish.

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Drinks

Lemongrass Ice Tea (Php80).  Brewed green tea infused with lemongrass, a light and not-so-sweet blend.

Calamansi Ice Tea.  The classic black tea infused with mint and fresh calamansi.

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Dessert

Coconut Ice Cream. We capped our meal with Pantry’s homemade, dairy-free and all-natural sorbetes, a sweet but healthy end to our vegan food adventure.

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Throughout the meal, I keep forgetting that meat is not part of the menu, especially with the Nachos and Shawarma, thanks to Chef Lui’s skill in approximating the look, taste and texture of meat. Quite a revelation for me and my fellow foodies!

Pantry by Rub Rack, Katipunan

Thanks to Alex of BoyEatWorldPH for extending the invite!

Want to eat healthy at home? Order ahead by calling +63 2 7292993 or +63 929 4886734 and your meal will be ready for pick-up in fifteen minutes. You can also order via Food Panda.

Pantry by Rub Rack is located at the 2nd Floor, 225 Katipunan Avenue, Barangay Milagrosa, Queson City.

Pantry by Rub Rack Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Disclosure: Together with other foodies, I was invited to join a Bloggers’ Dinner held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Bask in the country-style vibe of the Greenfield Weekend Market

Greenfield Development Corporation, one of the most experienced full-line real estate
developers in the country today, further ups the game for its popular Greenfield Weekend Market in Mandaluyong by recharging its country-style theme and enhancing its product offerings in anticipation of the summer season.

Greenfield Weekend Market

The Greenfield Weekend Market, with its home at the Central Park of Greenfield District, keeps a tradition of originality and variety when it comes to cheering habitues and newcomers every Saturday evening. For foodies, the dining adventure in the hangout goes beyond the conventional and traditional for a truly memorable gustatory experience.

Greenfield Weekend Market

The Market’s pioneer vendors like Emy and Ody Concepcion Fruits, Chicago Deep Dish Pizza, Raffy’s Belly Good Cebu Lechon Belly, Kfry and many others still prove to be a force to be reckoned with, capturing the hearts their wide and loyal fan base.

Greenfield Weekend Market

TC’s Food Stall offers Pinoy homestyle recipes that can only be indulged at the Greenfield Weekend Market. On the menu are homegrown favorites like bagnet, caldereta spareribs, lechon paksiw, pork sisig and more.

Greenfield Weekend Market has more eats to choose from to satisfy different preferences of foodies such as shawarma from Habib’s, smoked barbecue from Carnivore Cookery, Hungarian sausages from The Cut Premium Meat, chicken fingers from Fingers and Flavors, Mexican favorites from the Real Mexicanos and even Japanese favorites like takoyaki and ramen from Shumagorath Takoyaki.

A food stall serves fresh drinks such as buko juice, melon juice, cucumber, lemonade, dalandan and red iced tea. For native sweets and desserts, there are lechen flan, cheese cake, Taiwan milk tea, ice cream and even yoghurt. It’s a weekend market so there are fruits, culinary herbs, spices, organic vegetables, brown rice, and salted eggs, as well for urbanites’ kitchen.

Making Greenfield Weekend Market more interesting are the other stalls selling non-food items. For visitors looking for embroidered lockets, clay necklaces, key chains, vintage rings, necklaces, bracelets and artworks, the Market is your type of chill.

There are also bubble-blowing kits, colorful indoor and outdoor lanterns, hand-painted shirts, bags and dresses. Also, there are stalls selling books, vinyl records, shirts, artworks, toys, toiletry items, and many others.

The Weekend Market also promises a lot of fun activities for adults and children. There are live portrait artists willing to sketch you up, there’s a fortune-telling booth ready to give you advice, and even a photo print tent where you can take home photo souvenirs.

Enhancing the dining and leisure at the weekly affair are the jazz musicians. They start playing soft music at 6 p.m. until closing time.

Greenfield Weekend Market

The Greenfield Weekend Market is Greenfield Development Corporation’s innovative way of giving a unique urban living experience for professionals and urban dwellers. Of the few weekend markets in Metro Manila, only this one at Greenfield District promises to be a treasure trove for foodies, art enthusiasts, shopping addicts and country-style nature-lovers.

For those looking for a refreshing and wholesome bonding time with friends and loved ones, or wanting to enjoy the holiday vibe, the Greenfield Weekend Market is the best place to visit.

The Greenfield Weekend Market is located inside the Greenfield District, EDSA corner Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.  It is open Saturdays from 4pm to midnight.

Details provided by Greenfield Development Corporation in a recent press release.

 

How moms can nurture a love for reading among kids

With all content available in a myriad of forms and platforms, sometimes we parents wonder how we can instill a love of reading among our kids.

Wishing to do so is not being out of touch with the times. Studies have shown that avid readers have certain advantages over their peers. Since reading is a more complex activity than watching video content on television or other gadgets, it helps to exercise their brains, improving concentration and imagination, as well as their vocabulary and language skills. A well-read child may have a better and more expansive understanding of the world around him and may be able to develop empathy for others.

MomSchool 3.0, Mommy Mundo

In a recent Mommy Mundo #MomSchool learning session “Raising Readers and Writers in the Digital Age,” mom and Keys School literacy coordinator Monica Lopez Javier shared some insights and tips on how parents can help foster a love of reading among their kids.

MomSchool, Mommy Mundo

For Teacher Monica, talking to your kids starting from early childhood is very important.

“Talk is the foundation of learning,” she shares. “Through language, meaning is built.”

She encourages parents to develop oral language at home, to facilitate kids in communicating and interacting with them. Kids should learn how to tell stories to learn how to put the things and situations around them in perspective or context.

Some tips she shared include:

  • Respect their think time. Younger children take time respond to your conversation prompts. Allow them the time to process the conversation and respond to you.
  • Establish rituals of conversation. Make time when you’re available to converse with your kids. Set up long talks with the kids when you can communicate with them at length.
  • Talk about complex topics. As kids grow older, allow them to process more complex ideas as they communicate with you. When letting them talk about their day, ask them what they learned or what they plan to do.
  • Don’t shy away from trouble stories. Don’t raise your kids in a bubble. For example, tell them about the bad day you’re having and how you cope with it. They will be able to express to you their similar emotions as well as model their response to challenging situations after yours.
  • Teach them to listen. Kids should be encouraged to respond thoughtfully. Help them understand that when they listen, even to opposing views, their ideas can grow.
  • Support their language development through reading. Kids’ vocabularies are better developed by reading. It also through reading that they encounter fresh concepts and ideas. Parents are encouraged to read aloud to younger kids so that children will develop a love for words and imagination that reading affords. For older children, parents are urged to discuss the books that the kids read; this will help them process what they learn from books and develop critical thinking.

Parents may be worried that buying more and more books may be a strain on the budget. Teacher Monica advises looking for libraries in your area where you or your kids can borrow books.

Growing up as a child of a reader, and becoming an avid reader myself, I can attest to the hours of enjoyment and the fun of discovery that I experienced since childhood. Being a reader has also informed my writing and my current work in marketing and in blogging.

Novotel Manila Araneta Center

MomSchool 3.0, Mommy Mundo

I’m proud that I have helped to instill the same love for reading in my daughter.

MomSchool, Mommy Mundo

MomSchool, Mommy Mundo

This #MomSchool learning session held at the Ayala The 30th Activity Center was organized by Mommy Mundo, a community of moms dedicated to making motherhood easier, happier and more fulfilling for every mom through various avenues and activities.

Want to be on your way to developing future avid readers? Below is a list of the books that Teacher Monica recommends for reading aloud to kids.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

My World by Margaret Wise Brown

The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

The Art Lesson by Tomie dePaola

Tom by Tomie dePaola

Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola

The Cloud Book by Tomie dePaola

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

Bunny Cakes by Rosemary Wells

Freight Train by Donald Crews

Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish

Henry and Mudge by Cynthia Rylant

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Stuart Little by E.B. White

Matilda by Roald Dahl

This post contains affiliate links.

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Header photo by Kim Sergeev on Unsplash

A taste of adventure at Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

I’m not much of an outdoors girl… Who am I kidding? I’m not an outdoors girl. Period!

But sometimes, I do wonder about adventures that could be had if only I was willing to rough it. Say, camping for example. The fun of pitching tents, cooking food in an open fire and having fun in the great outdoors… all these were just daydreams.

Well, thanks to the newly opened branch of Camp Curry in Ayala Malls Feliz, I can have most of the fun of camping, especially the good food that can be enjoyed, and I don’t have to rough it!

Founded by Chef Takashi Sato in Yoyogi, Tokyo as a curry shop specializing in vegetables, Camp Curry soon grew to become a full-blown restaurant, even acquiring the honor of being dubbed “Tokyo’s best curry.”  With the opening of its second store in the Philippines, right here in my hometown of Pasig, it has further secured its foothold in the country.

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Camp Curry is notable for its camping theme, indicative of Chef Sato’s love for the outdoors.  The store’s interiors have a lively and colorful theme with various camping gear such as bags, lamps, Thermos tumblers and more, all artfully scattered across the restaurant.  Rows of little banners hang from the ceiling, adding to the place’s festive atmosphere. An open design lets the diners take a peek into the goings-on in the kitchen while wait staff, attired similar to camp counselors, are at the ready to take them on a spirited culinary adventure.

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

https://flic.kr/p/24sL5w6

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Japanese curry, Camp Curry’s raison d’etre, have grown in popularity in recent years.  Japanese curry is less spicy and a bit sweeter than Indian curry.  Normally served as a gravy on top of rice, it is considered one of Japan’s national dishes.

Together with my fellow foodies from #WeLoveToEatPH, I was able to sample some of Camp Curry’s specialty dishes.

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

A flamin’ hot start to the meal is the Spicy Nachos (Php250), crisp nacho chips slathered with melted cheddar cheese, lean ground meat and topped with cherry tomatoes, cilantro and a Cajun spice mix.

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Camp Curry serves combo rice plates with meat and veggies such as BBQ Pork Belly & Chunky Vegetables (Php330) and BBQ Prawns & Chunky Vegetables (Php420). The meat and prawns had the slight sweetness and yummy char from the grill, and quite tender to the bite! And note: those veggies really are chunky! Sauteed with a smattering of spices, they add to the variety in texture and taste of the dishes. Now is definitely a good time to start lovin’ some veggies!

https://flic.kr/p/SW5FzY

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

These were served with Camp Curry’s signature sauces on the side, such as Cheesy Curry (Japanese curry topped with mozzarella and parmesan) and Super Spicy (Japanese curry made extremely spicy – this one deserves a warning so beware!).

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

The BBQ Grills also feature some non-curry viands such as the BBQ Pork Belly & Mashed Potatoes (Php249) and BBQ Shrimp & Mashed Potatoes (Php330).

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Appetizing new additions to the menu that we tried include the Gyoza Cheese (Php199), Potato Croquette (Php130), Curry Ebi Fry (Php330), and Yakisoba (Php220). The Kani Salad (Php60) and Japanese Potato Salad (Php60) also gave us an occasional respite from the abundance of spice in the other dishes.

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

We sweet peeps also deserve something sweet so we capped our meal with CAMP’s S’mores Special (Php180), graham crackers topped with roasted marshmallows, drizzled with chocolate syrup and a dollop of matcha ice cream with a smattering of candy sprinkles, and CAMP’s French Toast (Php190), French bread infused with milk and egg, toasted on a hot iron skillet, sprinkled with cinnamon powder and served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Yum!

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Lastly, have you ever heard of lassi? It is a spiced yogurt drink that originated in India. Add mango puree into the mix and you have Mango Lassi (Php150), a refreshing drink to soothe the palate after such rich and spicy fare.

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

This foray into Camp Curry was a fun adventure for me and my fellow foodies!

Camp Curry, Ayala Malls Feliz

This Camp Curry branch is located at the Ground Floor, Ayala Malls Feliz, Dela Paz, Pasig City, open daily from 11am to 10pm.  Another branch is located at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Salcedo Village, Makati City, also open daily from 11am to 10pm.

Camp Curry Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Disclosure: Together with other foodies, I was invited to join a foodie meetup held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Four things I like about Captain Marvel

The first solo female-led film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (since Black Widow is part of an ensemble in Avengers and the Wasp co-headlined Ant-Man and the Wasp), Captain Marvel carries with it a lot of expectations.

The movie is centered on Carol Danvers (played by Oscar winner Brie Larson), a US Air Force pilot who was given superhuman powers when she absorbed the energy from an explosion.

Being an MCU geek, I couldn’t pass up the chance to see it on its first day of theatrical release. While I’ve been seeing mixed reactions about the movie on the web, let me share four reasons why I think it’s awesome.

I will try to minimize spoilers in this blog post but there will be some references to scenes in the movie or other MCU releases so be warned…

Here be spoilers.

One: It passes the Bechdel test.

Why would I start my review with the movie’s most academic aspect?

Well, much has been hyped about Captain Marvel being the first female-led MCU outing, and I’m glad to see, with its depiction of the abiding friendship between Carol Danvers and Maria Rambeau (played by Lashana Lynch), that it passes the one of the most basic of standards for female representation in fiction.

The Bechdel Test asks whether there are at least two women in the movie who talk to each other about anything other than a man.

Danvers’ reunion with Maria after a long separation empowers and reaffirms her without needing to include a male in their conversations.

Two: The absence of a love interest.

Nope, Captain Marvel doesn’t need a love interest to inspire her or stir her to action. Her notable interactions were with her Kree mentor Yon-Rogg (played by Jude Law), her friend Maria Rambeau, and a young, quippy Nick Fury (played by CGI-de-aged Samuel L. Jackson), not with a potential boyfriend.

Oh, and the fact that the movie didn’t have the need to explain why there’s no father-figure in the Rambeau household is remarkable.

Three: Younger and work-in-progress Fury.

Since Iron Man 2 to Avengers: Infinity War, Nick Fury has always shown up as nothing less than the BAMF director of SHIELD.

Here, he is still a desk jockey, starting to navigate his way through the realization that a bigger universe exists other than the one he’s known. His banters and quips with Carol Danvers are light and breezy, an indication of the friendship and respect between them that will carry over to when Captain Marvel makes her appearance in the upcoming Avengers: Endgame.

Oh, and we see a young Phil Coulson (played by a similarly CGI-de-aged Clark Gregg) in the movie as well, just when I was despairing of ever seeing him again in an MCU movie after his demise in Avengers (and subsequent resurrection in the TV series Agents of SHIELD).

Four: The nods to the 90s

Being a child of the 90s myself, I found myself excited to see the various references to the decade, from Captain Marvel’s crash landing into a Blockbuster Video store, the boxy computers with the slow loading icon and the on-point musical accompaniment to key scenes (No Doubt’s “Just A Girl” for instance).

For me, Captain Marvel does an admirable job in introducing a new addition to MCU’s superhero roster, and tying her story to the rest of the films (guess where Fury got the idea to name his brainchild project the Avengers Initiative).

To some, it may be another cog in the machine that is the MCU, but really, what do cogs do? They keep the machine going.

What do you think of the movie? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Have a Festive Pinoy Fiesta every Sunday at City Garden Grand’s Spice Cafe

Fiestas are so deeply ingrained in Filipino culture.  It is a time when family and friends can come together over good food to celebrate and spend time together.  It is also a time that we city slickers anticipate, as these occasions are usually the only times we get to taste the much-vaunted heirloom recipes of our lolas and titas.

This is what my friends from #WeLoveToEatPH were treated to when we attended the food tasting event for Spice Cafe’s All-Filipino Breakfast Buffet.

Spice Cafe is one of the restaurants in City Garden Grand Hotel located along the busy Makati Avenue. With its scenic view of the surrounding streets and buildings and its festive atmosphere, it provides a happy venue to enjoy one’s favorite Pinoy delicacies.

Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand
Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand
Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand
Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand
Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand

For instance, who could say no to starting your day with either a silog (sinangag and itlog – garlic fried rice and fried egg)? Digging into this winning combo with either a longganisa (sausages), tocino (cured pork) or bangus (fried smoked milkfish), or all three is sure to bring back memories of lazy Sunday mornings when our nanays or lolas would prepare for us a sumptuous breakfast.

Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand
Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand
Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand

For those who want to indulge their inner carnivore for their first meal of the day, check out its carving station! For one thing, who would say no to bacon, lots and lots of it? Also, the crispy pork belly is absolutely delish!

Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand
Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand
Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand

Some people like to start their mornings with something light instead. How about some cereals and breads? Personally, I love Spice Cafe’s cheesy ensaimada.  It had the light and fluffy texture, and the salty cheese had a nice contrast with the sweet bread.  I also had trouble choosing between guinataang mais and champorado and I figured, why not both?

Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand
Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand
Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand

Did you know that according to the American Dairy Association’s random sampling survey, pizza is America’s fourth most craved food behind cheese, chocolate and ice cream?  We Filipinos have grown to love it so much and made it our own.

Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand
Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand

Have a sweet tooth? Take your pick from so many dessert choices available: leche flan, biko, mango sago and turon.

Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand
Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand
Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand
Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand

My fellow foodies and I had our fill of these treats, and, of course, took full advantage of the resto’s posh interiors for our photo opps!

Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand
Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand
Spice, City Garden Grand
Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand
Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand
Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand

Good food in great surroundings plus great company equals a great time.  If our laughter and banters are any indication, you could say that we foodies truly had a very great time!

Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand
Spice Cafe, City Garden Grand

Fiestas embody the Pinoys’ love for family, friends and food, so treat your nears-and-dears to a festive fiesta with Spice Cafe’s All-Filipino Breakfast Buffet!  At only Php800, it’s available every Sunday from 6am to 11am.

Spice Cafe is located at 7th Floor, City Garden Grand Hotel, 8008 Makati corner Kalayaan Avenue, Makati.  For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 8888181.

Disclosure: Together with other foodies, I was invited to join a foodie meetup held at this restaurant. 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 write-up of City Garden Grand Hotel’s Firefly Roofdeck here.

Need some tips to maximize your eat-all-you-can experience?  Read my buffet survival guide.

Chill sounds and good eats at Pied Piper Gastrolounge, Ermita

Like the fabled children of Hamelin, the denizens and passersby of Ermita, Manila’s Arquiza Street as well as guests of the Red Planet Hotel Manila Bay, will find themselves drawn to the bright lights, good music and chill vibe of the Pied Piper… Well, the Pied Piper Gastrolounge, that is.

For people who love to enjoy their favorite brews along with their meals, gatrolounges (also known as gastropubs) are the place to be. In these places, they are assured of a steady supply high end beers to satisfy their discerning tastes while still indulging themselves in hot dishes know as “pub grub.”

In contrast to the usual pub grubs, however, Pied Piper Gastrolounge’s menu features a fusion of Japanese and other cuisines, thanks to the input of Chef Mikel Aguirre. It also has some classic Pinoy-style grilled items courtesy of managing partner Carlo Religioso, the man behind Daddings Kitchenette.

Together with my fellow foodies from #WeLoveToEatPH, I was able to sample some of its offerings during its pre-anniversary concert.

These include:

Bacon Sushi Roll (Php250). Smoked pork is wrapped in nori and sushi rice and topped with torched bacon. Dipped into soy sauce with wasabi, this is a sure winner!

Pied Piper Gastrolounge, Manila

Crispy Spareribs (Php320). Meaty pieces of pork ribs are braised for three hours, grilled for a smokey flavor and then deep fried to get a crispy exterior. Dipped into the house barbecue sauce, it’s a must for every carnevore.

Pied Piper Gastrolounge, Manila

Baked Tahong (Php280). A Japanese version of the bar staple, this baked mussels dish make use of a special Japanese cheese sauce.

Pied Piper Gastrolounge, Manila

To accompany our food, we had our fill of Rhum Cokes (Php150/glass) and Vodka Sprites (Php150/glass).

Pied Piper Gastrolounge, Manila

Pied Piper Gastrolounge, Manila

Pied Piper Gastrolounge, Manila

This shindig was also marked by musical performances by Viva Hotabes Maricar dela Fuente and EB Babe Molly Baylon.

Pied Piper Gastrolounge, Manila

Pied Piper Gastrolounge, Manila

With the resto’s chill surroundings, friendly staff, good eats and cool sounds, it was a spirited night for me and my friends at the Pied Piper Gastrolounge.

Pied Piper Gastrolounge, Manila

Pied Piper Gastrolounge, Manila

Pied Piper Gastrolounge, Ermita

Pied Piper Gastrolounge is located at Ground Floor, Red Planet Hotel Manila Bay, Arquiza Corner Alhambra Street, Ermita, Manila. (Note: Parking may be a problem). It is open everyday from 10am to 1am. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 927 2915211.

Pied Piper Gastrolounge Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Disclosure: Together with other foodies, I was invited to join a foodie meetup held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself

Gave my nails a treat at Nailaholics, SM Pasig

I seldom get manicures or pedicures: having been blessed with nails resistant to chipping or breaking while within a reasonable length, I just usually cut my nails myself every month or so. Also, I usually devote the time and money for this kind of self-care towards other pursuits (like foodie meetups, yeah!).

Surprisingly though, far from being a frivolous self-indulgence, getting nails done actually can be very beneficial to most women’s well-being.

How?

A mani-pedi session at a local nail spa or salon is a precious moment when a woman can unplug from the usual concerns of work and family life. The half-hour it takes for a nail specialist to clean, cut, shape and file a woman’s nails is time she can spend with her phone hidden away as she lounges on a comfy chair with her hands and feet up. Many girls take this as an opportunity to de-stress.

A treatment also oftentimes include a relaxing hand and foot massage that helps improve blood circulation and ease joint movement in these limbs.

Furthermore, regular nail treatments also reduces the chances of nails developing fungi and other infections, thanks to the intensive cleaning that they go through.

I recently got to treat myself to these health benefits when I got a free mani-pedi treatment at Nailaholics at SM Pasig (thanks to my good friend Jen of SandUnderMyFeet.com for the GC!).

Nailaholics, SM Pasig

Nailaholics is a chain of nail salons that seek to provide the metro’s denizens with a place to escape to and get pampered.

Inspired by the chic and luxurious beach life along the Hamptons coast, its premises are marked by seaside inspired colors and decor. Soft mood piped-in music also contributes to the relaxing atmosphere.

Nailaholics, SM Pasig

Nailaholics, SM Pasig

Nailaholics, SM Pasig

Nailaholics, SM Pasig

Nailaholics, SM Pasig

Nailaholics, SM Pasig

After ushering me to a lounge chair, my nail technicians (NTs) Issa and Dicel set about giving me and my nails a much-deserved treat which included:

Soaking my hands and feet in warm scented water for a few seconds. This helps to moisturize and soften my nails prior to the treatment.

Nailaholics, SM Pasig

Nailaholics, SM Pasig

Shaping my nails. My nails usually grow in a rounded shape so the NTs just clipped and filed my nails following this natural shape. This actually results to stronger nail growth.

Nailaholics, SM Pasig

Nailaholics, SM Pasig

Cleaning. A cuticle cream is applied to my nails and the cuticle is gently pushed down to create an appearance of longer nails.

Hand and Foot Massage. My hands and feet were applied with lotion and given a gentle reflexology massage. Ooh, this made me want to go back the very next day!

Nailaholics, SM Pasig

I opted not to have my nails colored because, being a no-frills girl at heart, I didn’t want the responsibility of maintaining colored nails.

My mani-pedi treatment at Nailaholics was a welcome respite from the daily grind. Knowing that it actually contributes to my overall health, and to my confidence in presenting myself to the world, are welcome bonuses.

Nailaholics, SM Pasig

Now I’m thinking of treating my best gals to a nail spa day at Nailaholics for my birthday.

This Nailaholics branch is located at Unit 148 SM Center Frontera Verde C5 Ugong, Pasig City. Other branches in metro are located in the following cities:

  • Makati: Cash and Carry, Glorietta 3, Ayala Malls Circuit
  • Quezon City: Eastwood Citywalk, Fishermall, Gateway Mall Cubao, Robinsons Galleria, SM Fairview, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf
  • Muntinlupa: Festival Mall Alabang, SM Muntinlupa
  • Manila: Lucky Chinatown Mall, SM Manila
  • Taguig: Uptown Mall BGC, Market! Market!
  • Pasig: Robinsons Metro East
  • Paranaque: SM Bicutan, SM Sucat, SM BF
  • Las Pinas: SM Las Pinas, SM Southmall
  • Pasay: SM Mall of Asia
  • Marikina: SM Marikina, Ayala Malls Feliz
  • Mandaluyong: SM Megamall
  • San Juan: Unimart Greenhills

For more details, visit the Nailaholics website.

Li’l Twinkies showcases fun parenting baby products at Momzilla Fair

New and expectant mommies were able to get sneak peeks into the latest and best of baby care products at the 12th Momzilla Fair held at the Fifth at Rockwell Event Center. Together with fellow mumshie Sherile of Shescapades, I scoured the event for some great finds.

Li’l Twinkies at Momzilla Bazaar

Li’l Twinkies, one of the participating brands, is a maker of high-grade and safe parenting tools that facilitates effective baby care and infant nursing. Believing that a fun parenting experience leads to stronger and happier bonds between parents and children, it advocates joyful and convenient parenting through safe and easy-to-use products for milk storage, feeding utensils, teethers and health accessories.

Li’l Twinkies at Momzilla Bazaar

Li’l Twinkies at Momzilla Bazaar

Li’l Twinkies at Momzilla Bazaar

For instance, many new moms may feel apprehensive at the prospect of breastfeeding. Working mommies, in particular, would need to find a way to conveniently store their nutritious breastmilk until they can bring it home from their workplace.

Fortunately, Li’l Twinkies Milk Storage Bags – made with safe and non-toxic materials – are freezer-safe self-standing bags that made extra durable with their dual layered seams and double zipper seal to lock in freshness. Each bag can hold up to 8oz/250ml of breastmilk for later consumption. Breastfeeding moms can rest easy, knowing that their precious milk expressed at work or elsewhere will reach their babies safely and with freshness intact.

Li’l Twinkies at Momzilla Bazaar

Breastfeeding moms are also sometimes faced with the hassle of leaking milk in between feedings. Recognizing that every drop of breastmilk counts, Li’l Twinkies Milk Collection Shells are designed to fit most maternity bras to effectively and hygienically catch these leaks, while protecting nipples made sensitive breastfeeding or milk pumping. Their pour spouts facilitates easy transfer of the collected breastmilk to a feeding bottle or milk storage bag.

Li’l Twinkies at Momzilla Bazaar

And speaking of feeding bottles, some moms would probably notice that their babies have some trouble adjusting from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding. With this in mind, Li’l Twinkies launched its NutriLatch Baby Feeding Bottle. Its super-wide teat approximates the texture and feeding motion learned from breast-feeding, facilitating hassle-free switching between the breast and bottle. It also features dual anti-colic air ventilating valves that reduces gas intake, thereby lessening babies’ burps and discomforts.

Li’l Twinkies at Momzilla Bazaar

Moms of babies four months and older are faced with quite a challenge: teething. At this point, babies’ first teeth begin to emerge, resulting in itchy and sore gums, as well as cranky babies. They would be happy to know that products are available to help them comfort their littles ones at this important – if uncomfortable – stage.

Li’l Twinkies at Momzilla Bazaar

Li’l Twinkies Sensory Teethers, for instance, are made for babies’ easy grip so they can bite into them for comfort while stimulating their senses and curiosity with the teethers’ attractive designs and multi-sensory features. Li’l Twinkies Teethers with Clip, on the other hand, have the added clip-on feature that facilitates babies’ easy access to their soothing teethers whenever they feel the need.

Li’l Twinkies at Momzilla Bazaar

Li’l Twinkies at Momzilla Bazaar

Li’l Twinkies at Momzilla Bazaar

Another options is to wrap babies’s hand with Wrap Li’l Twinkies Chewy Mittens. With these, babies can also entertain themselves – and learn to self-soothe – when they hear the cute rattling sound from the mittens whenever they move.

Li’l Twinkies at Momzilla Bazaar

Moms worried about keeping their babies’ items clean and hygienic have a new go-to device: Li’l Twinkies Magic UV Wand Sanitizer. Using this is a chemical-free way to sterilize babies’ bottles, toys, play pens and other items using UV germicidal technology. What’s more, it has an automatic temporary shut-off switch when face-up to safeguard the user’s eyes. Its portable size makes it a must-have for on-the-go moms.

Li’l Twinkies at Momzilla Bazaar

Li’l Twinkies has loads more of innovative items that make baby care easy and fun. (In fact, I’ll be writing more about its Silicone Baby Feeding Set in a later post). I’m absolutely thrilled that products like these are available to make parenting even more rewarding for new moms.

Check out its various products at the Booth C28 at the ongoing 12th Momzilla Fair at the Fifth at Rockwell, R5 Level, Power Plant Mall, Plaza Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati. During the fair, enjoy 20% discount on the featured products. The fair will run until March 3.

Catch the next legs of the Momzilla Fair on the following dates:

  • May 18-19
  • July 6-7
  • September 14-15
  • November 16-17

You can also shop for Li’l Twinkies products online at Shopee and Babymama.

Healthy Thai Milk Tea at Jelly G, UP Town Center

Milk tea has never been more prevalent lately, but did you know that Thai milk tea has been around much longer than the boba milk teas we’ve been craze-ing about?

In fact, Jelly G, a chain of stores specializing in Thai milk tea, has been operating since 2010.

Jelly G Thai Milk Tea, UP Town Center

Together with other food bloggers of #SaanSaPH, I was invited to a tea-tasting at the UP Town Center branch of Jelly G. This where owner Jolly dela Pena and her staff showed us all the wondrous variety of deliciously refreshing drinks Thai milk tea can be made into as well as its myriad of health benefits.

Jelly G Thai Milk Tea, UP Town Center

Thai milk tea is made from black tea – the tea variant with the boldest and most complex flavor – with added crushed anise seeds and tamarind seeds and sweetened by condensed milk, giving it that distinct and exotic flavor.

At Jelly G, the teas are prepared and steeped in small batches daily, ensuring freshness and full flavor. Grass jelly – a healthier option to the usual black pearls as it is an antioxidant and aids in digestion – are also added on to some of the drinks: hence the name Jelly G.

Thai milk tea is good for you as it helps in delaying aging, improving digestion and fighting infection. So you can bet that aside from treating your taste buds to some delish milky goodness from your Jelly G drinks, you’re also treating the rest of you to some much-needed nutrients.

Check them out:

King Thai Milk Tea (Php75 | Php95). Made with black tea, condensed, evaporated and powdered milk mixed with brown sugar with grass jelly, this is the classic taste of Thai Milk Tea.

Jelly G Thai Milk Tea, UP Town Center

Cheesy Thai (Php85 | Php115). Now take the deliciously exotic taste of Thai Milk Tea and add cheddar cheese and rock salt. Imagine milky sweetness and the slight saltiness from the cheese in one heavenly drink.

Jelly G Thai Milk Tea, UP Town Center

Pink Sala Fruit Tea (Php75 | Php95). Sala (also known as snake skin fruit) is a type of palm native to Indonesia and cultivated in other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand. The sweet pink-hued juice of the sala is then combined with black tea and brown sugar with a few spoonfuls of popping strawberry balls for added bursts of fruity sweetness.

Jelly G Thai Milk Tea, UP Town Center

Queen Green Milk Tea (Php75 | Php95). Jelly G uses jasmine green tea, a tea variant known to help in fighting cancer, heart diseases, diabetes and strokes as well as staving off dementia. In this drink, jasmine tea is combined with condensed, evaporated and powdered milk and brown sugar with chewy black tapioca pearls stirred in.

Jelly G Thai Milk Tea, UP Town Center

Oreo Coffee (Php95 | Php125). This time Thai coffee takes center stage. Made with ground arabica beans, Thai coffee is brewed then mixed with condensed milk and crushed Oreo cookies, making this a dessert and drink in one cup!

Jelly G Thai Milk Tea, UP Town Center

Choco Chocnut (Php120 | Php160). Chocolate is mixed into tea and that candy mainstay of Pinoy food pop culture Chocnut, made from coconut milk, crushed peanuts and cocoa powder. A sip of this yummy confection brings back so many fond childhood memories.

Jelly G Thai Milk Tea, UP Town Center

With this selection of drinks, Jelly G has proved to me and my fellow foodies that Thai milk tea deserves more time in the spotlight.

Jelly G Thai Milk Tea, UP Town Center

Jelly G Thai Milk Tea, UP Town Center

This Jelly G Thai Milk Tea stall is located at Ground Floor, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City (in front of National Bookstore).

Another stall can be found at Third Floor, Market! Market!, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

No time to visit Jelly G’s mall-based stalls? Why not have your Thai milk tea delivered via Grab delivery?

Jelly G Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers of #SaanSaPH, I was invited to attend a foodie meetup held here wherein in drink items were served to allow us to sample the fare. These were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Check out my reviews of other milk tea joints: