Whether you’re working from home with no energy to cook your meals or at the office with no time for lunch out, never fear. Your nanay is here to the rescue!
That would be Crazy Mama’s Kitchen, a new food-based enterprise born from the thousands of fiestas and celebrations, catering request, and paluto from friends and family. From the small kitchen of her home where she refined Filipino recipes into her Classics, to a soon-to-open physical store in Robinsons Bridgetowne in Quezon City, Crazy Mama has been gearing up to feed hungry customers who are searching for a break from the usual boring packed lunches, fastfood takeout and pwede-na-yan dinners.
The Kitchen recently opened its doors for soft launch, ready to serve employees nearby offices, as well as busy households of neighboring villages with extraordinary takes on what used to be lutong-bahay staples.
‘Di Basta Menudo (Php130). Small pork cubes sauteed with cut-up carrots and potatoes in a rich tomato sauce with a few surprises thrown in such as raisins and hotdog slices. Served with rice.
Killer Caldereta (Php170). Tender cubes of marinated beef slow-braised with rough-chopped vegetables, slices of chorizo and some peppers for a bit of a spicy kick! Served with rice.
Eh-Spaghetti (Php80). Pasta purists would argue whether spaghetti is a Filipino dish. Well this one sure is! All our favorite stuff from birthday-party spaghetti is here: the al-dente noodles, the sweet and savory meat sauce, and, of course, the hotdog slices and lots of grated cheese!
Planning a gathering that needs food? Crazy Mama can easily cater to various party sizes from small group lunches and family take-outs to large events like townhalls, meetings and private parties. Crazy Mama’s Kitchen offers party trays and bulk orders which are served in individual and reusable containers to ensure food hygiene and safety.
The best part is that party planners or even busy moms no longer need a three-day lead time to have their events or family gatherings catered. They can just throw fuss-free get-togethers and serve great food any time, any day.
To order your meals from Crazy Mama’s Kitchen, visit its website.
Its dishes will also soon be available in food delivery services like GrabFood and Food Panda.
You can also drop by its physical store and take advantage of its Buy 5+1 offers.
Want to showcase your Tiktok creativity and win cool prizes from nanay? From July 21st to August 21st, join the Tiktok ni Nanay Challenge where Filipino Moms can showcase their talent or sense of humor.
To get updated on Crazy Mama’s latest pakulo and offers, follow Crazy Mama’s Kitchen on Facebook and Instagram.
Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature article.
There is something magical that happens when family and friends sit down together over a home-cooked meal.
When people get together at the dinner table, an array of freshly cooked dishes spread before them, good conversation, good vibes and good times are not far behind.
However, with today’s hectic lifestyle and busy schedules, not everyone would have the time to constantly slave over the stove to come up with mouth-watering meals.
Enter The Happy Kitchen.
And by enter, I mean invite it to your home to bring you and your loved ones the flavors you love and grew up with.
The Happy Kitchen (or THK) is the brainchild of Risa Cirineo, a full-time food entrepreneur based in Cainta, Rizal.
She originally operated a canteen in her home to take advantage of a new business opportunity presented by a new school opening nearby, as well as an office canteen in a car dealership.
When she had to close down the office canteen, she jumped on a new and more practical business opportunity: selling party trays online.
In 2018, she started doing exactly that: selling party trays of comfort food such as Beef Caldereta, Kare-Kare and Sisig on Facebook to anywhere in Metro Manila.
Today, her product lines include include party trays, packed meals and “paluto” requests of comfort food and party favorites, some of which were sent over for me and my family to sample:
Beef Caldereta (Php650 good for 6 | Php1,100 good for 10). A mainstay in many family gatherings and fiestas, the caldereta is a showcase of Spanish influences on Filipino cuisine. Named after the caldera – the cauldron where the ingredients are stewed in – this dish combines simple ingredients such as marinated beef, rough-chopped vegetables and a bit of liver pate to bring about a comforting and hearty dish. In THK’s version, the meat was melt-in-your-mouth tender while the tomato sauce was rich in beefy flavor with a bit of cheese and just a hint of spice.
Special Pork Sisig (Php500 good for 6 | Php850 good for 10). This Kapampangan dish is actually one of my daughter’s favorite viands and would usually order it whenever we dine out. She took a liking to THK’s rendition of this classic dish as it was not overly oily and the crunch chicharon bits gave it added texture and flavor. This dish is great as an appetizer or as bar chow.
Chicken Cordon Bleu (Php600 good for 6 | Php980 good for 10). Another party classic, this dish is made of chicken breasts thinned and wrapped around pieces of ham and cheese, then breaded and pan-fried to a golden brown. It’s great as a viand accompanied by rice or by itself as a finger food during cocktails, and is usually a hit with the kids because – duh! – cheese and chicken. 🙂
Korean Chicken (Php520 good for 6 | Php880 good for 10). With all things Korean being a hit in the Philippines these days, it’s no wonder that THK began offering Korean-style braised chicken to its clientele. Risa built on her mom’s recipe – a family favorite for years – by adding gochujang to this dish made with tender chicken pieces in a flavorful sauce of aromatics and herbs. This fresh take on a chicken-based viand is a hit with my son.
These dishes from The Happy Kitchen showcase the care and pride that Risa puts into her cooking. They feature meats that are tender to the bite, veggies with some crisp freshness and flavors that appeal to everyone in my family.
Many thanks to Risa for sending over these THK best-sellers!
Here’s how you can get these delectable dishes for your family dinner or clan gathering:
Text the following details to +63 922 3057613 or +63 917 5493643 at least three days in advance: your name, contact number, your orders and your preferred delivery date, time and address or your preferred date and time of pickup
Pay via bank deposit or online fund transfer to BPI or BDO: 50% downpayment at least three days before pickup or delivery and the remaining 50% one day prior to pick up or delivery
Aside from party trays, THK’s dishes are also available as packed meals good for meetings or as crew meals, with sets priced at Php110 for 1 viand + 1 rice, Php135 for 1 viand + 1 vegetable side dish + 1 rice, Php165 for 2 viands + 1 rice and Php195 for 2 viands, 1 vegetable side dish and 1 rice.
Disclosure: Product samples were provided to enable an honest review.
Check out my blog posts on other small enterprises and startups in the food business:
Along Quezon City’s Scout Rallos Street, quite some distance from the busy hustle and bustle of Tomas Morato Avenue, is a hidden haven for food and drink lovers.
It’s quite appropriately named, too: HidN Lounge. From the outside, apart from its subtle signage, it looks like any normal house. Step inside, though, and you will find a well-appointed space suited for getting together with friends for dinner or after-work beers, or for enjoying your solitude along with your choice of bar chow and cocktails while being serenaded by the mellow tunes of an acoustic band.
With the help of her parents, owner Kat Kierulf transformed her grandmother’s house into a cozy and comfy watering hole where Quezon City’s denizens can lounge about to relax and have fun, two activities so highly prized given today’s hectic lifestyle. Dim lights, eclectic decor and comfortable furniture form areas where you can have some privacy and stay hidden.
Together with my foodie buddies from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH, I visited HidN Lounge (and passed it by as I was driving, because it is, you know, hidden) to see and taste what it had to offer.
These included:
Roti Canai with Curry Sauce (Php140). I’m not a fan of curry but I liked dipping the warm, chewy bread in the mildly sweet curry sauce.
Spicy Tofu (Php165). Tofu cubes stir-fried in a sweet and spicy sauce. Another dish that had me reaching for the bowl again and again.
HidN’s Caldereta (Php395). An old family recipe of Kat’s mom, Ina, this features tender beef pieces stewed in a rich tomato sauce with potatoes and bell peppers, topped with cheese.
Kare Kare Bagnet (Php395). Crispy slices of bagnet from Ilocos on a bed of rich and savory kare kare peanut sauce and accompanied by succulent lightly boiled greens.
Sinuglaw (Php395). The marriage of sinugbo and kinilaw led to this ceviche-type dish made with with grilled pork belly and fresh tuna made drenched in spiced vinegar and topped with salted egg. A great palate cleanser to nibble on in between richer dishes.
Gambas (Php425). Succulent whole shrimp in sauteed in garlic and olive oil. Great by itself as an appetizer or paired with rice. Personally, I was half-tempted to ask for more bread so I can scrape every bit of that flavorful garlicky olive oil from the cast-iron pan.
Lengua Salpicao (Php395). Ox tongue cooked to absolute tenderness and marinated in garlic served with olive oil. A definite winner for me.
Classic Pork Sisig (Php235). A staple among practically all Filipino restaurants, the pork sisig makes it appearance here accompanied by a sunny-side-up fried egg and some chopped liver.
Crispy Adobong Kambing (Php390). Goat meat tenderized, marinated adobo-style, deep-fried for crispiness and accompanied by garlic flakes. Not a bad intro to goat-based viands.
HidN Agenda (Php330). Ten different spirits combined together in a large goblet and set aflame right before your eyes. This is definitely not for lightweights: with just a little sip, you can feel the drink warm its way down your throat. I couldn’t finish my itty-bitty shot glass of this drink. If you’re a seasoned drinker and you’re feeling adventurous, give this drink a try.
21st State Cocktail (Php260). A dessert cocktail made with cognac and coffee liqueur and sprinkled with shaved chocolate on top, this drink is sweet and with a mild buzz. Definitely my kind of drink!
Having uncovered this hidden gem just a little distance from my workplace, I’m already thinking of after-work get-togethers and office celebrations that can be held here. It’s such nifty place to hide away in.
Many thanks to Kat and Ina Kierulf, as well as the wonderful staff of Hidn Lounge, for the great food and drinks, and the warm welcome!
HidN Lounge is located at 21 Scout Rallos Street, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City, open Mondays to Saturdays from 6pm to 2am. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 9824422, +63 917 8592355 or +63 917 8850718.
Did you know you can buy two drinks and get the same two drinks for free at HidN Lounge through Zomato Gold? Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 deals on food or 2+2 deals on drinks.
Disclosure: Together with my fellow 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.
So you’ve just clocked out but are not yet in the mood to face the long commute home. What can you do and where can you hang out to while away the rush hour?
If you’re near the foodie-friendly Tomas Morato area, you’re in luck. Tiyo Craft Kitchen & Bar located along Scout Rallos Street, as my fellow foodies from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH and I have recently discovered, may just be your next favorite hangout spot.
Here are the reasons why:
1) Luxurious ambiance with a vintage charm.
Stepping into Tiyo’s interiors is akin to entering a time portal to the era of Old Manila where elegance and comfort take center stage from the Escolta-themed mural, muted lighting to the white marble tabletops.
2) Pinoy artistry in food and drink preparation.
Tiyo serves a thoughtfully curated menu of local fare which takes the best representations of Philippine regional cuisine and painstakingly uses traditional ingredients and cooking methods, and yet has reinvented and served these dishes with a modern flair.
During our fun-filled foodie meetup, we were presented with viands that are familiar yet decidedly different from our usual fare, and definitely a lot more exciting to dig in to.
Manila Ensalada (Php180). Crispy and golden-brown okoy (deep-fried shrimp fritters popular in the Ilocos region) served with green mango, unripe papaya and assorted greens.
Lengua Kaldereta Nachos (Php380). The ubiquitous Mexican bar chow has been upgraded with the addition of tenderized and finely chopped ox tongue and generous dollops of kaldereta sauce and kesong puti sauce, flavored by salsa and malunggay chimichurri.
Inihaw na Liempo Sinigang (Php420). Take your inihaw na liempo (grilled pork belly) and sinigang na baboy (pork in sour tamarind broth), put them together and you have this delightfully deconstructed dish. Take the pork belly and tamarind gravy together with the sour broth or separately, it doesn’t matter. Both iterations are equally good.
Corned Beef Caldereta (Php460). Here’s a new and leveled-up spin to the breakfast classic, corned beef! Combine fork-tender house-made corned beef with tomato puree, liver and grilled veggies and you’ve got yourself a filling and flavorful dish!
Dagupan Bangus Bistek (Php290). Deboned milkfish in soy calamansi sauce and garnished with red onion, suitable for those who want to eat light.
Maranao Piyanggang Manok (Php390). Chicken pieces served with sakurab – a vegetable mainstay in Maranao cuisine – along with coconut cream, lemongrass, turmeric, garlic, onion and ginger. Each bite is an explosion of flavor.
Palitaw Mochi (Php185). Instead of the usual flat kakanin (glutinous rice delicacy), these are cute dessert balls served with latik and bits of cashew crumble and coconut. Each bite is a surprise as your palitaw could be filled with either Malagos chocolate, Dulce de Leche or Ube (purple yam).
Turron ala Mode (Php195). My dad’s home province of Bataan produces one of the most iconic sweets of the region: gabi (taro) ice cream. That regional delicacy tops the turron (banana fritters) and caramel drizzle of this dream dessert.
And the craftsmanship does not stop with the food. Tiyo’s bartenders also whip up exciting craft cocktails for the thirsty but exacting diner. These concoctions are designed around local spirits, highlighting their unique flavors while demonstrating their versatility.
Pedro’s Uprising (basi, lemongrass, brandy and mint). It is named after the leader of the 1807 Basi Revolt which came about when the Spanish colonial government banned the private manufacture of this fermented sugar cane beverage. This just goes to show that you can’t keep the Pinoy spirit down!
Jai Alai (basil, white rum, brandy-infused cinnamon, tea, calamansi and honey). Named after the pastime of my own tiyo when I was growing up, this drink is sweet and heady, just like nostalgia.
Blame It on the Barako (coffee liquer, cream, coconut rum, syrup and orange wedge). If you find yourself lying awake at night, dreaming of the next time you’ll get a sip of this cocktail, you can always #BlameItOnTheBarako.
With its nine-tap craft beer system and the biggest collection of craft beer in the city, there is something from the seasoned brew connoisseur to a newbie. Opt for a Sampler Flight (Php150) of three sample glasses of different craft beers and discover your new favorite brew.
Not into alcohol? Don’t sweat it because Tiyo’s Houce Iced Tea (Php85) is drink that quenches your thirst and soothes your soul. And that straw is actually edible! It’s made of rice and tapioca so after finishing your drink, take a bite out of the straw.
3) It’s exciting promos and events.
Knowing the Pinoy penchant for spotting and pursuing a good deal, Tiyo has promos that lets its guests enjoy more for less.
Until the end of July, enjoy Buy 1 Take 1 deals on all craft cocktails.
Get 3 Gin & Tonic drinks for only Php280.
Every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, get all the wine you can drink for only Php799.
During Ladies Night Wednesdays, all ladies get a free craft cocktail drink of their choice.
Every Tuesday and Saturday night, groove along with live musical entertainment.
With all these elements coming together, it’s easy to see how Tiyo Craft Kitchen and Bar is #TailoredToGoodTaste. So make a stopover at Tiyo tonight. You’ll be glad you did.
Many thanks to Michelle and Mik de Guzman and Ed Salvador of Tiyo Craft Kitchen and Bar for hosting this foodie meetup.
Tiyo Craft Kitchen & Bar is located at Second Floor, CKB Centre, Tomas Morato Avenue Corner Scout Rallos Street, Laging Handa, Quezon City, open Sundays to Mondays from 4pm to 1am, Tuesdays to Thursdays from 4pm to 2am and Fridays to Saturdays from 4pm to 3 am. For inquiries or reservations, call +63 932 8642593.
Did you know you can buy two drinks and get the same two drinks for free at Tiyo Craft Kitchen & Bar through Zomato Gold? Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 deals on food or 2+2 deals on drinks.
Disclosure: Together with my fellow 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.
Jellybeans in the City 