food delivery – Jellybeans in the City

3 ways Mommy Loida Foods makes preparing yummy lutong-bahay meals easier for busy moms

Let’s face it: we busy moms face quite a lot of challenges when it comes to preparing home-cooked meals.

With the demands of work, managing a household, and taking care of children, finding the time and energy to plan, shop for, and prepare healthy and delicious meals can be a daunting task. This can lead us to sometimes relying on fast food, takeout, or pre-packaged meals, which can be expensive and unhealthy in the long run.

Plus, we also sometimes struggle with finding inspiration and coming up with new meal ideas that our families will enjoy. The pressure of ensuring that meals are nutritious, well-balanced, and meet dietary restrictions or preferences can also add to the stress of meal preparation.

All of these challenges add to our burdens as busy moms, but this is where Mommy Loida Foods can help by providing convenient, high-quality, and nutritious meal solutions.

Mommy Loida Foods

Mommy Loida Foods offers a range of products that make cooking at home easier and more convenient, saving us valuable time time in the kitchen but also ensuring that we can provide our families with wholesome and nutritious meals that they will enjoy.

Here are three ways Mommy Loida Foods make lutong-bahay an easier and more delicious affair for us busy moms:

Frozen Packs. Mommy Loida Foods come in frozen packs wherein the ingredients are already pre-prepared; meats have been marinated, sauces have already been made and viands have been pre-seasoned. We can buy our favorite viands and store them in our freezer, ready to be brought out and cooked when we need them.
High-quality ingredients. All of Mommy Loida Foods’ products are made with high-quality, healthy ingredients that are free from preservatives and additives. Moms can feel good about what they’re feeding their families, knowing that they’re getting wholesome and nutritious meals.
Time-saving solutions. Since all the ingredients have already been pre-prepared, all we have to do is thaw out the frozen packs and follow the step-by-step instructions, then voila! We have a meal for the family to enjoy. Quite a big help to us busy moms who may not have the time or energy to do all the chopping, slicing and dicing, isn’t it?

Pinoy food faves

Mommy Loida Foods offers a range of Pinoy-favorite ulams that are sure to be big hits at the dinner table. These include:

Barbecue Liempo. A flavorful cut of pork belly that has been marinated in a savory blend of spices and herbs, perfect for grilling, roasting, or pan-frying.

Chicken Inasal. Traditional grilled chicken dish wherein chicken pieces are marinated in a tangy and flavorful mixture of vinegar, calamansi juice, garlic, and spices.

Pork Sisig. Classic Kapampangan dish made with chopped pork that has been sautéed with onions, garlic, and chili peppers then mixed with calamansi juice, soy sauce, and mayonnaise to create a tangy and savory flavor, making a great either as an appetizer or a main dish.

Quick and easy dimsum

If you want to treat the fam to a satisfying snack of dimsum, Mommy Loida’s got you covered there as well with its Tagumpay line.

Mini Pork Asado Siopao. Fluffy steamed buns made with first-class flour and filled with sweet and savory pork asado filling. It may also be air-fried.

Chicken Siomai. Tasty steamed dumpling made with lean ground chicken, minced vegetables and aromatics, best enjoyed with toyomansi. It may also be deep-fried.

Mommy Loida Foods’ range of convenient and high-quality frozen food products make home cooking easier and more enjoyable for busy moms as they allow us to save time and energy in the kitchen while providing delicious and nutritious meals for the family.

So moms, go ahead and enjoy the benefits of home-cooked meals without the stress and hassle of meal planning and preparation. Whether you’re looking to try new takes on classic Pinoy dishes or want to simplify your mealtime routine with quick and easy dimsum, Mommy Loida Foods has something to offer. So why not give them a try and discover how they can help make your life easier and your home-cooked meals more delicious!

Place your orders at Blk 2 Lot 5 Samadores Compound Area, 2 Luzon Ave, Quezon City (Tel. No.: +63 9176282298) or contact Mommy Loida Foods via its Facebook and Instagram pages.

Mommy Loida Frozen Foods are also available at Bamaka Meatshop Prime outlets located in:

Antipolo: 283 Sumulong Highway, Antipolo, Rizal (Tel: +63 919 0746044)
Cainta: 29 E Village East Avenue, Barangay Story. Domingo, Cainta, Rizal (Tel: +63 928 5512488)
Quezon City: 14 Freedom Lane, Quezon City (Tel: +63 998 5600522)

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

9 reasons why Hashi Donburi is a must-try restaurant for Japanese food lovers

If you’re a Japanese food lover and you’re looking for a new restaurant to try, you can hie yourself off to this hidden gem along Mother Ignacia Avenue in Quezon City.

Here are nine reasons why you should dine at Hashi Donburi:

1. Japanese flavors made accessible

Hashi Donburi offers an extensive menu of Japanese dishes including rice bowls, sushi, sashimi, tempura, ramen, and more, all of which are prepared using traditional techniques and ingredients that the owner – ex-OFW Aldy Mancio – learned from Japanese mentor during his overseas stint setting up one of the first Japanese restaurants in the Middle East back in the 80s.

He parlayed his kitchen prowess into a thriving business back home when he opened a ramen and donburi shop in Dapitan, Manila, catering to the students in the area.

The restaurant’s name is a combination of two Japanese words. “Hashi” means chopsticks, which are a common utensil for eating Japanese food, while “donburi” refers to a bowl of rice topped with various ingredients.

Soon, another branch opened along Mother Ignacia Avenue in Quezon City to cater to the professionals and families in the area. Despite going through a rough patch during the lockdowns brought about by the pandemic, Andy and his team kept Hashi Donburi open, ready to serve their loyal clientele and new foodie fans with the restaurant’s takes on Japanese food.

2. Cozy and inviting atmosphere

The restaurant has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with wooden furniture, Japanese-inspired decor, and warm lighting that exudes a minimalist-industrial ambiance but also creates a comfortable and relaxing dining experience. It’s the perfect spot for a casual lunch or dinner.

3. Friendly and attentive service

The staff at Hashi Donburi are friendly and attentive, making sure that every customer feels welcome and satisfied. They are always happy to answer any questions about the menu and offer recommendations based on your preferences. Plus, the restaurant recently migrated to a digital ordering system, allowing guests to scan a QR code browse through and order from an online menu and which also totals their bill.

4. Wide variety of rice bowls

Rice bowls, or donburi, are a staple in Japanese cuisine, and Hashi Donburi specializes in a wide variety of flavorful and satisfying rice bowls. Whether you prefer meat, seafood, or vegetables, there is a donburi for everyone on their menu.

5. Fresh handmade sushi

If you’re a fan of sushi you won’t be disappointed at Hashi Donburi. They use fresh and high-quality ingredients to create their beautifully plated handmade rolls.

Here are some tips for sushi lovers at Hashi Donburi: If you’re dining solo, treat yourself to an Onigiri, an Okinawan nori sandwich filled with katsu, Spam and tamago. On the other hand. if you’re dining with a group, go all-out on the sushi and order a Maki Boat which already features a delicious combo of mixed maki and sushi rolls great for sharing.

6. Comforting ramen bowls

Ramen is a popular Japanese dish that consists of noodles served in a savory broth with various toppings. At Hashi Donburi, the ramen bowls are made with care and attention to detail, resulting in a rich and flavorful bowl of comfort.

7. The classic faves

Pinoys have quite a special affinity for Tonkatsu and Ebi Tempura. After all, these are dishes that are easy to appreciate and enjoy, and they go so well with that Pinoy staple: steamed rice. Additionally, they are versatile dishes that can be served as a simple snack or as a more substantial meal, making them perfect for practically any occasion.

8. Refreshing drinks

Whether you’re up for something to help you cool down on a hot day, or want a drink to complement your meal, Hashi Donburi has the beverage you want, available by glass or by pitcher.

9. Your just desserts

For sweet-tooths, there’s no better way than to end a meal on a high note with something sweet. Hashi Donburi’s got them covered with its Tempura Ice Cream.

Japanese food lovers in the Quezon City area who are looking for a satisfying dining experience should definitely add Hashi Donburi to their list of must-visit restaurants. Its wide variety of Japanese dishes, fresh sushi, comforting ramen bowls, refreshing drinks and a cozy and inviting atmosphere as well as its friendly and attentive service make it a welcoming haven to any Japanese food aficionado.

Hashi Donburi is located 139 Mother Ignacia Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 11pm for dine-in, takeout and delivery. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 77206040.

Hashi Donburi also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Stay updated on its promos and offers by following Hashi Donburi on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous post about Hashi Donburi:

Sweet somethings from Big Al’s Cookie Jar

Every once in a while, I get that irresistible craving for something sweet.

I normally give in to this craving because:

Doing so brings me so much joy (and yes, a bit of sugar rush!)
It’s so easy to get something sweet and delish from Big Al’s Cookie Jar!

Since 2004, Big Al’s Cookie Jar has been whipping up delightful desserts from its home kitchen or from its four branches conveniently located in the metro.

It also conveniently delivers its confections via GrabFood, enabling sweet-tooths like me easy access to it sugary offerings such as:

Triple Decker Cookie Jar (Php459).

This prettily packaged jar of cookies contains sixteen cookies of all three of its chewy soft-batch cookie variants: Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Macadamia and Chocolate Oatmeal Walnut. Each cookie generously laden with chocolate chips and chunks.

Decadent Chocolate Cake (Php409/loaf | Php749/junior).

Big Al’s best-selling moist chocolate cake generously covered with rich and smooth chocolate icing.

Butter Caramel Cake (Php449/loaf).

Moist butter cake topped with Big Al’s signature caramel sauce.

With these delicious delights so easily accessible, there’s no reason not to give in to my cravings, is there?

So if you’ve got sweet cravings like I do, why deny yourself such decadent pleasures?

Order your decadent desserts from Big Al’s Cookie Jar today via GrabFood.

You can also pick up your Big Al’s Cookie Jar treats at its branches located at:

G/F MaxFill Gas Station, Marcos Highway, Mayamot, Antipolo City
G/F Regray Bldg., 30 Matino St. cor. Malumanay St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City
G/F CEO Flats Jupiter, 27 Canopus St. cor. Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati City
Blk 3 Lot 13 President’s Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City

To know more about Big Al’s Cookie Jar, visit its website or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Seafood and Oyster Bar sets up more outlets in the metro

If you’re heavily into your seafood diet (“when you see food, you eat it!”), then you definitely have to include oysters in your menu, especially during this month of hearts.

Oysters (“talaba” in Tagalog) have a strong association with Valentine’s Day, owing to being considered a natural aphrodisiac for centuries.

Well, their supposed contribution to an intensified sexual drive may be a subject for debate but there is no doubt that these fruits of the sea are quite delicious and are actually good for you.

Oysters bring you a sumptuous taste of the ocean: they have a briny and creamy flavor and silky texture that will leave you wanting more.

Oysters also bring with them a myriad of health benefits that include:

Brain health. As they are rich in Vitamin B12, they are said to be helpful in keeping the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s at bay.
Bone health. They also help to prevent the onset of osteoporosis, thanks to their vitamin D, copper, zinc and manganese content.
Heart health. With their selenium content, they also help prevent heart disease.

Are you sold on oysters yet?

The good news is that getting them is a breeze now that Seafood and Oyster Bar (SOB) is setting up more outlets in the metro!

Aside from its oyster cart at The Grid Food Market in Powerplant Mall, this new foodie venture from the Tasteless Food Group will also set up carts at Public Eatery in Robinsons Magnolia on February 17 and at Itadaki Food Court at Mitsukoshi Mall on February 24.

There, you can get freshly shucked oysters which can be eaten raw, topping shots of liquor or baked in a variety of flavors.

So this Valentine’s Day and all the special days beyond for you and your significant other, be sure to indulge yourself with these delicacies fresh from the seas at SOB!

To stay abreast on Seafood and Oyster Bar’s updates and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous post about Seafood and Oyster Bar:

New Rice Baked Oysters at Seafood and Oyster Bar, The Grid Food Market

Lots of love from Lots’A Pizza with its new Beefy Blanca!

Being the month of love, February is full of expressions of love.

That quintessential Filipino pizza – Lots’A Pizza – brings a fresh new expression of love with its latest offering: the Beefy Blanca!

This limited-edition heart-shaped pizza is the pizza chain’s first-ever cream-based pizza, a bit of a departure from Lots’A Pizza’s winning signature sauce.

But, oh, it does offer new dimensions of flavor for Lots’A Pizza fans to enjoy!

Generously topped with roast beef slices and drizzled with delicious cheese sauce on top of a crust that’s both chewy and crispy at the same time, this is an irresistible temptation to true-blue pizza lovers.

Treat yourself to this lovely pizza for just Php250! Or even better, share it with your loved ones!

This Beefy Blanca pizza is but the latest innovation from the company that established a winning formula in pizzas, namely:

a perfectly parbaked crust made from Lots’A Pizza’s proprietary dough blend
a signature pizza sauce made from the freshest tomatoes and spices
premium pizza toppings composed of the choicest meats and cheese

Order your Beefy Blanca as soon as possible as this will be available for a limited time only.

This Lots’A Pizza branch is located along Maysilo Circle, Barangay Plainview, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 10.30am to 10.30pm. For orders and inquiries, call +63 2 86350825.

You may also course your orders via FoodPanda, GrabFood, Booky and Pick-A-Roo.

Stay updated on Lots’A Pizza’s promos and offers by visiting its website and following it on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.

Celebrating different kinds of love with Red Ribbon’s limited-edition Valentine Black Forest Cake

Oh, yes, we’re right smack in the midst of the Month of Love. Can’t you just feel the all that love in the air?

The impending arrival of Valentine’s Day has got me in a more reflective mood. Lately, I’ve begun to realize that I have been blessed with different kinds of love that made my life all the richer.

And this year, I’m celebrating these varied expressions of the ultimate emotion with an exceptional confection from Red Ribbon Bakeshop: its limited-edition Valentine Black Forest Cake!

This lovely dessert creation makes a much-awaited comeback just in time for Valentine’s Day. And I must say: it surely is well-suited to the holiday!

It is made with moist liquor-moistened chocolate fudge cake layered with rich creamy icing in an occasion-appropriate heart-shaped design, topped with decadent chocolate shavings and cream cheese icing rosettes, then decorated with luscious Maraschino cherries.

I agree that it is truly a confection made with love in mind, and which calls to mind the different kinds of love that enhance and enrich my life.

Philia, the love of friends

Being an introvert, I acknowledge that my circle of friends is made up by a very few and select set of individuals. With all the intrigues and misunderstandings that I seem to attract in school and in my workplaces (I swear I’m not a drama queen), it’s a wonder that I’m able to make and keep close relationships with people who I consider my tribe. Needless to say, I’m always grateful for their gift of friendship.

Storge, the love of parents for children

Motherhood has been and continues to be one of the most defining roles that I play. I never would have thought that I would be able to love not just one, but two (!) individuals who I helped bring into the world. A poet once said that “Your children are not your children. They are sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself.” While I try to balance my role in their lives as both parent and co-traveler in their life’s journey, I’m grateful for the love and joy they bring to my existence.

Eros, the passionate love

No doubt Hubby will find this section of my post dedicated to him extremely cheesy but, to him I can say “tough luck!” After all, he did vow to accept me “for better or worse,” hehe! After more than twenty years together, our relationship continues to grow and evolve, and I’m thankful that we find things to discover about each other.

Agape, the love of mankind

This kind of love may be the most difficult of all. After all, it is kind of love that requires so much understanding and forgiveness that often goes unrequited. For me, it is the kind of love that allows me to go through life sans the bitterness from past hurts and offenses. It is also the kind of love that when given by others, allows me to redeem myself and learn from mistakes.

Who would have thought that Valentine’s Day celebrations would bring about such profound thoughts, eh?

Well, thanks to Red Ribbon’s Valentine Black Forest Cake, I have something sweet and delicious to commemorate this occasion in honor of all the loves in my life.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your loved ones, foodies! Be sure to spread the sweetness with this sweet confection from Red Ribbon Bakeshop!

It’s available only from February 13-15, so it’s best to order now via the Red Ribbon app, the Red Ribbon delivery website, Red Ribbon on Facebook Messenger, or by calling the #87777 hotline. You may also place your order via GrabFood or FoodPanda.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

Check out my previous posts about Red Ribbon Bakeshop:

Sweet Christmas celebrations with Red Ribbon’s Holiday Cakes

Red Ribbon cakes for your everyday cravings

Red Ribbon brings a taste of the divine with its new Chocolate Heaven Cake

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

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

Sweet snacktimes with Red Ribbon Bakeshop

S’more the merrier with Cinnabon’s S’mores MiniChocobon

The holidays may be well and truly over but that doesn’t mean we can’t re-experience some of the things that made the season all the merrier.

Take the S’mores MiniChocobon from Cinnabon, for example.

This limited edition variant is still – thankfully! – available at Cinnabon outlets.

This holiday treat is made up of Cinnabon’s very own MiniChocobon, which is now tucked and topped with gooey toasted marshmallows and drizzled with white chocolate truffle.

It brings to mind marshmallows roasting, hearth fire crackling and being surrounded by family and friends at Christmas time.

What’s not to love in this cheery and merry holiday treat?

Even if this lovely dessert leaves Cinnabon’s menu after the holidays, we can still enjoy our classic faves:

Cinnabon Classic Roll. The cinnamon roll that started it all, filled with Makara cinnamon and topped with decadent cream cheese frosting.
Chocobon. Classic cinnamon roll given that delicious chocolate filling and drizzle.
Caramel Pecanbon. Classic cinnamon roll topped with caramel frosting and chopped pecans.
Chocopecanbon. Classic cinnamon roll topped with chopped pecans and drizzled with chocolate sauce

Such sweet delights is best enjoyed with their perfect match – Cinnabon’s coffee creations:

Coffee beverages (available hot or cold): Brewed Coffee, Cafe Americano, Cafe Mocha, Cafe Latte, Cafe Latte, Cappuccino, Caramel Macchiatto, Cinnamon Roll Latte
Cold brew: Classic, Creamy, Vanilla & Cream, Cinnamon

Aren’t you craving for a Cinnabon treat right about now?

Well, the good news is that it’s quite easy to get yourself your Cinnabon indulgence.

Since the mid-80s, Seattle-based bakery Cinnabon has been serving up its most delectable cinnamon bun, a product of the collaboration between father-and-son duo Rich and Greg Komen, and master baker Jerilyn Brusseau.

In 1999, Cinnabon established its foothold in Asia when it opened its first Philippine bakery at Robinsons Place Manila.

Today, Cinnabon has twenty bakeries in the country, all committed to churning out its much celebrated Cinnamon buns and more, using the finest quality ingredients and serving them, hot, irresistibly fragrant and fresh from the oven.

So do’t miss your chance to experience #TheRecipeForWonderful at Cinnabon stores located at:

SM Aura Premiere, SM Baguio, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA and SM North EDSA North Towers, SM City Clark, SM Cagayan de Oro, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Fairview, SM Mindpro
Trinoma Mall
Festival Mall
Ayala Malls Manila Bay
Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Galleria
Alabang Town Center
SLEX Shell Travel Plaza – Main, SLEX Shell Travel Plaza – Deli2Go, SLEX Shell Mamplasan
Petron Travel Plaza
Caltex San Pedro Travel Plaza
NLEX Shell Travel Plaza – Deli2Go, NLEX Drive & Dine
NAIA Terminal 3, NAIA Terminal 4

Can’t go to a Cinnabon bakery? Order your Cinnabons for delivery right to your doorstep via GrabFood, FoodPanda and G-Life.

For the latest news on its products and offers, follow Cinnabon on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts on Cinnabon:

Cinnabon Cranberry Biscoff — Enjoy some #IndulgingComfort with Cinnabon’s Cranberry Biscoff Minibon

Cinnabon Toffee Minichocobon — A new way to get some #IndulgingComfort: Cinnabon’s Toffee Minichocobon!

Cinnabon Estancia — Quick and sweet escape at Cinnabon, Estancia Mall

Cinnabon Coffee — Enjoy perfect coffee breaks with this #PerfectMatch: Cinnabon rolls + Coffee

A taste of extravagance with Kenny Rogers Roasters’ Truffle Collection

It’s high time to enjoy a bit of luxury, isn’t it?

After the deprivations of the past few years, here is a moment indulge in a little extravagance.

Well, Kenny Rogers Roasters’ got a luxuriously delicious offering just for you: its Limited Edition Truffle Collection!

Imagine this: Kenny Rogers Roasters’ classic offerings now infused with the distinctive aroma and flavor of truffle.

Kenny Rogers Roasters Truffle Collection

Truffles are a type of fungi that grow under the ground’s surface, typically around tree roots in damp areas. Since they are quite hard to source and quickly lose their potency after being harvested, truffles are among the most expensive foodstuffs in the world.

Are they worth it? I’d say!

Truffles are characterized by their complex flavors: a heady combination of earthy muskiness that’s rich in umami with just a hint of floral notes.

Now, they add a level of sophistication to your classic faves, such as:

Truffle Roast. Kenny Rogers Roasters signature juicy roasted chicken marinated in truffle extract, drizzled with truffle oil and served with buttermilk sauce.

Enjoy this posh take on the roasted chicken ala carte (Php225/quarter | Php420/half | Php800/whole)…

…or as part of a filling solo meal complete with rice, sides and a corn muffin (Php300 Solo A | Php330 Solo B).

Truffle Steak Plate (Php650). Perfectly cooked truffle-infused striploin steak served with two sides and a rich and creamy truffle sauce.

Truffle Mac and Cheese (Php200 solo | Php590 platter). Al denta pasta shells tossed in creamy truffle sauce and sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley

Treat yourself and the fam to a lavish meal at your nearest Kenny Rogers Roasters branch.

You can also have your golden dining experience at home when you order your Kenny Rogers Roasters’ Truffle Collection for delivery right to your doorstep at kennyrogersdelivery.com.ph or through Kenny Rogers Roasters’ delivery hotline +63 2 85559000, as well as via GrabFood, FoodPanda and Pick*A*Roo.

For more details about its offers and promos, follow Kenny Rogers Roasters on Facebook, Tiktok, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter

Check out my previous posts about Kenny Rogers Roasters:

Eggs-perience eggs-tasy with Kenny Rogers Roasters’ new Salted Egg Chicken line

Chimichurri makes a comeback at Kenny Rogers Roasters!

Deliciously healthy meal at home with Kenny Rogers Roasters’ Roasted Chicken Group Meal

A festive feast of Kenny Rogers Roasters Smokehouse BBQ Roast & Ribs

Backyard roasts and great brews at Fire Pit x Calm Down Coffee Express

Who would have thought that pit roasts and coffee would go so well together? Well, if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Mandaluyong’s Maysilo Circle, you can find out for yourself!

In this busy meeting point in the city’s center, the first Metro Manila branch of a popular Cavite eatery is now serving up its signature dishes and drinks to cater to the metro’s foodies.

This exciting combination of grill and coffee shop was brought to Manila by entrepreneur Matt Matel who partnered with the owners of the original Cavite outlet. Together with his passionate crew of pit-masters and servers, he is serving up savory roasts with a delicious twist featuring distinctly Pinoy ingredients (some of the produce are also grown through hydroponics) as well as premium coffee blends, all available for dine-in or delivery.

From the fire pit

If you’re craving for meats that are tender and flavorful, Fire Pit x Calm Down Coffee has perfected its roasting methods: from infusing them with flavors through imaginatively concocted marinades, slow-braising them to produce meat that falls off the bone, to serving them with sauces and sides to add new dimensions of flavor.

A sampling of its best-selling dishes include:

Whole Rack Barako Ribs (Php1,050/platter). A slab of pork back ribs, roasted to tender perfections and slathered with the restaurant’s own barako marinade. It is served on a bed of Java rice and is accompanied by your choice of sides. This dish serves 4-6 persons.

Barako Ribs with Java Rice and Slaw (Php340/single serving). A single serving of ribs, rice and tangy coleslaw that’s more than filling for one person. (Note: Half-serving shown here).

Whole Honey Chicken BBQ (Php550). A perfect blend of barbecue sweetness and smokey-savory flavors, also served on a bed of Java rice and served with your choice of sides. This dishes serves 4-6 persons.

Honey BBQ Chicken with Java Rice and Slaw (Php260/single serving). Want your barbecued chicken as a solo meal? Check this out! (Note: Half-serving shown here).

Oziris Chicken Wings (Php215/platter). A delightful combo of patis (fish sauce) and honey makes this twist on the fried chicken a delectable appetizer or an entree in itself.

Mango Atchara. Our favorite pickled side dish that goes so well with grilled food gets an upgrade with the addition of slivers of sweet mango.

Cold brews just for you

Who says coffee can’t calm you down?

With these chill and tasty brews, with beans especially grown and roasted in South Cotabato, you can definitely get in the mood to relax and chill a bit.

Well, the good news is that we denizens of the metro don’t have to travel all the way to Cavite for a taste of Fire Pit x Calm Down Coffee’s celebrated offerings. We can simply drop by its Maysilo branch to dine-in or get our food to go, our course our orders for delivery via FoodPanda.

Don’t miss its Grand Opening promo, available on December 15, 2022: Buy one single order of Barako Ribs and get a single order of Oziris Chicken for free. Offer is valid for first 50 customers only!

Fire Pit x Calm Down Coffee Express is located at 93 Maysilo Circle, Barangay Plainview, Mandaluyong City. For reservations or orders, call +63 919 5167672.

For news about its promos and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Together with fellow bloggers, I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant. Food items served were not paid for by the attendees.

Revenge dining with friends at Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar, BGC

Ah yes!

The holiday season is finally here, and it comes in the wake of pandemic panics and crazy quarantines.

After feeling isolated and restricted for almost three years, the metro’s denizens are now beginning to feel some semblance of freedom, particularly when it comes to dining out.

It’s time for some “revenge dining,” wouldn’t you say?

As we step out of our homes and into the outside world, we are rediscovering our appetite for dining out: the hunt for an erstwhile undiscovered location, the thrill of tasting new dishes, and, of course, the sheer fun of sharing these experiences with our friends.

That’s what I did recently at Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar in Uptown Parade, BGC. Together with my friend, Tina, who’s home for the holidays from Singapore, I went on a revenge dining spree.

Thanks to Peri-Peri’s Holiday Epic Feast Chicken and Pasta Grupo, Tina and I indulged ourselves on a delicious selection of classic and fresh flavors from this restaurant.

At just Php1,399, this group meal is packed full of dishes that make for a filling meal for up to five persons. Super-sulit, right?

Want to know what you can enjoy with this meal package? Check these out:

One Whole Chicken.

Peri-Peri brings about this famous dish by marinating a whole chicken overnight in a special mixture of peri-peri (bird’s eye) chili, herbs and spices, then charcoal-grilling it to a gloriously golden hue.

This flavorful and juicy grilled chicken dish is best enjoyed with one or a combination of the restaurant’s eight signature sauces representing various gastronomic destinations, ranging from mildly sweet (Cajun Remoulade, Hoisin Sesame and Sweet Soy), medium spiciness (Garlic Brew, Spiced Vinegar and Mesquite BBQ) and hot (Chili Peppa and Harissa Exotica).

Four Side Dishes. The group meal also comes with your choice of four side dishes to accompany the Peri-Peri Chicken and add new flavor dimensions to the meal.

Four Java Rice. The package also comes with the preferred rice dish for grilled or barbecued dishes.

One Pasta to Share. As if the previous inclusions are not gut-bustingly filling enough, the meal also includes a platter of your choice between creamy Pasta Carbonara or savory Chorizo Bolognese.

One Liter Drink. A liter of house-made iced tea or lemonade completes the meal.

While exploring the wonders of Peri-Peri’s delightful dishes, Tina and I were able to catch up on each other’s news. There’s nothing like a good meal to spur good conversation, right?

You, too, can #LetYourFlavorBegin by taking your pals to Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar for some flavorful revenge dining.

Happy and delicious eating!

This Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar is located at Ground Floor Uptown Parade, Bonifacio Global, Taguig City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 10am to 10pm, Fridays from 10am to 1am and Saturdays from 10am to 11pm.

Other Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar outlets are located at:

Las Pinas: Evia Lifestyle Center
Makati: Ayala North Exchange, Greenbelt 3
Mandaluyong: SM Megamall
Manila: Robinsons Place Manila
Marikina: SM City Marikina, Gil Fernando Avenue
Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center
Paranaque: Ayala Malls Manila Bay
Pasay: Resorts World Manila
Pasig: SM City East Ortigas, Ayala Malls Feliz, Capitol Commons, Robinsons Galleria
Quezon City: Gateway Mall, Robinsons Magnolia, UP Town Center, Trinoma Mall, Banawe, Brittany Square, Eastwood Mall
San Juan: Promenade Greenhills
Taguig: Market! Market BGC, Venice Grand Mall

To enjoy this feast at home, order from Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken’s delivery website or call +63 2 73747374 for Metro Manila orders and +63 917 7747374 for provincial orders.

To know more about Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, browse through its website , or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts on Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken:

Peri Peri Chicken, SM East — Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, SM City East Ortigas

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Tomas Morato

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Capitol Commons

Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar, Gil Fernando Marikina

Delish family dine-in with Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken’s Hearty Flavor Feast

Holiday Epic Feast for the fam at Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar, Eastwood Mall

Fresh and healthy drinks at Jack’s Lemonade, Market! Market!

With the weather becoming more erratic lately, and a case of the sniffles (or something worse) is always around the corner, now is not the time to let up on your health.

As our work, family and community activities increase as everyone in the metro steps into the holiday season, you should make sure that you keep our body in prime condition.

And what better way to keep yourself in fine fighting form than to treat yourself to something fresh and healthy every day?

Well, with a Jack’s Lemonade stall nearby, you can easily grab a freshly made cup of citrusy drink that’s not just tasty, but is also quite good for you!

Each drink is made with juice from freshly squeezed lemon, giving you thirst-quenching refreshments packed with health benefits such as:

Vitamin C. This nutrient helps protect cells from free radicals, lower blood pressure and prevent colds.
Hydration. Its appealing flavor encourages us to top up on our liquid intake.
Antioxidants. These nutrients help our bodies battle illness, and even improves our skin!

The good news is that something so good for you need not be boring. With thirty flavors available at any Jack’s Lemonade outlet, you can go for a whole month without repeating a lemonade flavor. Thanks to its home-cooked sugar syrup, the use of plum salt (also known as kiamoy) and a host of add-ons and poppers, Jack’s Lemonade demonstrates the sheer versatility of this beverage.

Take its Lemon Cheesecake (Php105/Php130). With the addition of powdered milk, condensed milk and grated cheddar cheese, your Jack’s Lemonade is turned into a yummy dessert!

If you want something a bit more herby but still has that burst of fruity sweetness, you can go for a Cucumber Lemonade with Honey (Php75/Php105) topped with strawberry poppers.

You can also welcome the holiday season with the fresh and fruity flavors of a Peach Ginger Lemonade with Basil Seeds.

You can also take a liter of freshly made lemonade so you can craft your own lemonade variants at home. These are available in various flavors:

Classic (Php220 regular | Php270 sugar-free)
Cucumber (Php250 regular | Php300 sugar-free)
Ginger (Php250 regular | Php300 sugar-free)
Tamarind (Php250 regular | Php300 sugar-free)

So if you feel like treating yourself to a refreshing drink but don’t want to let up on your efforts to stay healthy, drop by the Jack’s Lemonade stall nearest you!

Plus, you and your pals can take advantage of Jack’s Party of 5 pack, which brings you five tasty lemonade drinks for just Php499:

Lemon Cheesecake with Coconut Jelly
Basil Rich Tamarind (Sugarfree)
Peach Ginger Lemonade with Basil Seeds
Cucumber Lemonade with Honey (Sugarfree)
Strawberry Lemonade with Poppers

This Jack’s Lemonade stall is located at the Fourth Floor, Market! Market!, 6th Street corner C5, Bonifacio Global City Taguig. Other branches are located at:

Activity Center, Glorietta 4
3rd level, Glorietta 1
Food Forum, Shangri-La Mall
Food Choices, Ayala Malls Feliz
Ground level, Phase 1, U.P. Town Center
Cloud Kitchen, Guadalupe, Makati

Call in your orders for delivery at +63 917 1587439 or +63 956 5184911. Jack’s Lemonade also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Follow Jack’s Lemonade on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on its products and offers.

Check out my previous posts on Jack’s Lemonade:

Refreshing lemon drinks at Jack’s Lemonade, UP Town Center

Summer all-year-round at Jack’s Lemonade, SM Megamall

Dessert drink at Jack’s Lemonade, Shangri-la Plaza

Jack’s Lemonade serves up fresh takes on a classic drink

Fresh Thai beverage possibilities at Jelly G, Market! Market!

Now that the strict quarantines and strictures on going out are behind us, it’s time to treat ourselves to a little bit of adventure, isn’t it?

While our budgets may prohibit us from traveling overseas to experience different cultures and taste exotic flavors, we can always go on an exciting flavor adventure that’s a little closer to home.

One such adventure is delving into the wondrous varieties to enjoy Thai beverages at the Jelly G store in BGC’s Market! Market!

For instance, while Thai milk tea is not as ubiquities as its Taiwanese counterpart, it’s been a favorite among foodies for quite some time. Normally, this exotic drink can only be enjoyed in Thai restaurants, but Jelly G has been serving it up in various flavorful guises, along with other Thai beverages, since 2010.

The store takes pains to make its Thai milk tea as authentic as possible while still appealing to the Pinoy taste buds. Made with assam black tea – the variant with the boldest and more complex flavor – and enhanced with crushed anise and tamarind seeds, then sweetened with condensed milk – all imported from Thailand – Jelly G’s Thai signature drink is a welcome break from our usual thirst quenchers.

Enjoying your Thai milk tea also has the added bonus of being good for you:

It helps to reduce cancer risk as it’s made from black tea leaves which are rich in anti-oxidants
It helps in your blood circulation as consuming it expands your arteries
It helps in weight loss through its stimulating caffeine content

Specials

Cheesy Thai Milk Tea (Php165/Php195). The classic Thai milk tea is given a deliciously cheesy twist with the addition of cream cheese plus generous toppings of grass jelly and grated cheese.

Pink Sala Milk (Php135/Php155). Here’s another reason to drink milk: how about flavoring it with sala syrup and topping it with luscious coconut jelly for a refreshing boost of energy?

Chocolate

Chunky Oreo (Php120/Php160). Want a sweet dessert in a drink? Check out this concoction of chocolate milk topped with cream cheese and chunks of chocolate cookies.

Fruit Tea

Lychee Fruit Tea (Php95/Php115). Enjoy a healthy lychee flavored fruit tea topped with yummy strawberry poppers.

Thai Coffee

Prince Coffee (Php115/Php135). Freshly brewed Thai coffee made from imported arabica beans is mixed with condensed milk makes for quite a pick-me-up experience. Plus, you can enjoy this hot or cold!

Milo Cream Christmas

Milo Thai Milk Tea (Php145). Welcome the holidays with a blend of the exotic Thai milk tea given fresh twists that takes you back to your childhood: toppings of decadent cream cheese and gooey Milo!

By the Bottle

Want to get more of your favorite Jelly G drinks to enjoy at home or share with family and friends? You can get them freshly steeped by the bottle for Php300, in flavors that include Thai Milk Tea, Tamarind, Sala Milk and Hazelnut Coffee, among others.

Try your hand at whipping up new ways to enjoy your Thai drinks at home using these bottled drinks and your favorite ingredients!

As you can see, with the myriad possibilities in Thai beverages available at Jelly G, you can go on an exciting adventure without leaving the metro!

Did you know you can party with friends on delicious drinks from Jelly G for just Php499? Take its Chakrii’s 5 offer and enjoy the following:

Cheesy Thai Milk Tea
Caramel Thai Coffee (Sugarfree)
Pink Sala Milk
Wintermelon Red Assam
Lychee Fruit Tea

This Jelly G branch is located at the Third Floor of Market! Market!, 26th Street corner C5, Bonifacio Global City Taguig. Other branches are located at:

Cinema Level, Fifth Floor, Ayala Malls Feliz, Dela Paz, Pasig City
Ground Floor, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City

Jelly G also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

To know more about Jelly G’s products and promos, follow it on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok.

Check out my other posts about Jelly G:

Healthy Thai Milk Tea at Jelly G, UP Town Center

Jelly G Thai Milk Tea, Ayala Malls Feliz

Enjoy Thai milk tea at home with Jelly G

Chinese American fast-food at Panda Express

Chinese food spans a gamut of cuisines, with various regional, religious and ethnic influences into this kind of cooking found within China and abroad.

The development of Chinese cuisine in the United States was driven by small-town restaurants that catered to Chinese immigrant miners and railroad workers as well as the local population which are largely unfamiliar with Chinese food. At the same time, these incorporated local ingredients and adapted the dishes to a more American taste, thereby giving rise to Chinese-American cuisine.

A famous example of eateries that serve Chinese-American cuisine is Panda Express. Founded in Glendale, California in the 1980s as the quick-serve, mall-based version of the sit-down restaurant Panda Inn, this line of business grew to 2000 locations as of December 2017.

Panda Express made its way to Philippine shores in December 2019 when, through a partnership with fast-food giant Jollibee Foods Corporation, it opened the first Panda Express branch in SM Megamall, generating long-lines of customers who want to be among the first in the country to sample the restaurant’s signature dishes.

Today, Panda Express has nine outlets, situated in both malls and free-standing locations.

Because of our busy lives, the long lines outside its branches, and then the lockdowns due to the pandemic, it took some time for my family to check out Panda Express’ branches in Metro Manila. (We did dine at Panda Express’ branches in Seattle, Washington during our US trip in early 2019).

After the loosening of lockdown restrictions (as well as the waning of the long lines of people waiting to dine in), we were finally able to treat ourselves to the filling and fulsome offerings of Panda Express.

Diners at Panda Express have several choices when it comes to serving size:

Bowl (starts at Php225) – consists of one entree and one side dish (with 394 to 1105 calories)
Plate (starts at Php310) – consists of two entrees and 1 side dish (with 544 to 1595 calories)
Bigger Plate (starts at Php395) – consists of 3 entrees and 1 side dish (with 694 to 2085 calories)
Kid’s Meal (starts at Php190) – consist of a junior-sized entree, a junior-sized side dish, a 12oz drink and dessert (with 330 to 1000 calories)
Family Feast (starts at Php1,290) – serves a group of four to five persons and consists of 3 large entrees and two large side dishes (with 590 to 2233 calories)

Given our appetites and our own strong preferences among Panda Express’ menu items, is there any wonder why the fam members opted to each get a Plate serving?

Our orders included:

Sides:

Fried Rice. Steamed white rice wok-fried with soy sauce, eggs, peas, carrots and green onions.
Chow Mein. Stir-fried wheat noodles with onions, celery and cabbage.

Entrees:

Orange Chicken. Panda Express’ signature dish inspired by General Tso’s Chicken made with crispy chicken pieces wok-tossed in a sweet and spicy orange sauce.
Kung Pao Chicken. A Szechwan-inspired dish with chicken, peanuts and vegetables, finished with chili peppers.
Shanghai Steak. Wok-seared steak with fresh string beans, onions and mushrooms in a savory sauce.
Savory Shrimp. Juicy shrimp, stir-fried with green onion and bell pepper in a savory sauce.
Honey Walnut Shrimp. (included in one of our delivery orders after our store visit) Large tempura-battered shrimp, wok-tossed in a honey sauce and topped with glazed walnuts.

We found these Plat servings very filling indeed, with the varying textures and flavors of the dishes complementing each other.

Given that all the dishes have been pre-cooked, serving the food was quick and efficient.

This Panda Express branch is located at Upper Ground Floor, SM Megamall Building A, Ortigas Center, Madaluyong City.

Other branches are located at:

Las Pinas: SM Southmall
Muntinlupa: Shell SLT Southbound SLEX, Mojito Lifestyle Center
Panaranaque: Soledad Place Betterliving
Pasay: DoubleDragon Center East
Quezon City: Holy Spirit Drive Don Antonio, Greenmeadows Bagumbayan, SM City North EDSA

Panda Express also delivers via its website, as well as through GrabFood and FoodPanda.

To stay updated about its menu and offers, follow Panda Express on Facebook and Instagram.

Yummy baked goodies from The French Baker

I can barely remember a time when The French Baker was not around.

Since the early 90’s, it has been making affordable, premium-quality and freshly baked European-style breads available to more Filipinos, thereby broadening our food horizons beyond the neighborhood panaderia.

The French Baker was born out of founder Johnlu Koa’s desire to bring his Paris experience back to the Philippines in the form of French breads and pastries. Since then, the bakery-slash-restaurant has been churning out baguettes, croissants, sourdoughs and tarts alongside local bakery treats such as pan de sal and ensaimada, and cafe fare like soups, salads, pizzas and pastas.

If it weren’t for The French Baker, I might not have developed such a deep appreciation for the art of bread and pastry-making, and my family also would not be enjoying our favorite baked goods so easily.

These include:

Apple Crumble Danish (Php105). Layered and glazed pastry topped with cinnamon-infused apple streusel. While I usually gravitate towards The French Baker’s Blueberry and Peach Danishes, this is a welcome addition to my faves.

Choco Walnut Danish (Php105). Another variation of the delightful Danish pastries, this time with a chocolate cream filling topped by crunchy chopped walnuts.

Blueberry Muffin (Php72). A buttery quick bread with sweet and tangy blueberries mixed in. This is great for a fuss-free dessert after a meal, or a sweet snack.

Butter Croissant (Php73). A crescent-shaped viennoiserie made by layering the dough with butter, rolling it out and folding it several times resulting in a flaky textured roll with the same airy texture as a puff pastry. This goes so well with butter and coffee as a breakfast treat, and is my daughter’s favorite pastry.

Almond Croissant (Php115). A tasty expansion to The French Baker’s croissant possibilities, thanks to the addition of toasted and sweetened almond slices.

Beef Turnover (Php118). The French version of the empanada, this consists of savory ground beef filling encased in the flaky pastry dough. This is my husband’s go-to quick eats, whether for his coffee break or midnight snack.

What I love most about these baked goodies from The French Baker is that my family and I can enjoy them at home!

Whether with our coffee or hot chocolate in the morning, a sweet way to cap our lunch or dinner or as a delicious snack in between meals, these yummy pastries are always within easy reach.

You too can stock up on your favorite European-style baked goods from The French Baker by dropping by the outlet nearest you and ordering them for takeout. With over 50 branches nationwide, this shouldn’t be too hard. 🙂

You can also order for delivery from its website or via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Delicious MEAT-up at Meat Depot, UP Town Center

Are you a certified carnivore like me?

Then, I’m sure you’re always on the lookout for juicy, flavorful and succulent morsels that you can sink your teeth into.

And where to find meats galore that you’re craving for?

Meat Depot, of course!

Meat Depot is both a butcher shop that carries a wide variety of meats, poultry and seafood, and a steakhouse. It is a place for meat enthusiasts to indulge their love for meat and meat products.

Whether locally raised or internationally sourced, its meat products are professionally handled from farm to plate as Meat Depot takes utmost care to comply with industry-certified procedures and employ industrial-grade facilities for meat handling, storage and cutting.

Socially conscious buyers can rest easy knowing that Meat Depot also champions conscientious butchery and helps to raise awareness for ethical slaughtering processes and food safety.

Over the years, the fam (and our extended family) have developed a liking for Meat Depot due to the quality of its meat products and the masterful grilling of its steaks.

After taking a break from dining in at our favorite steak place for over two years due to the pandemic, the fam was able to try out another one of Meat Depot’s branches, this time at UP Town Center in Quezon City.

Its chillers house various steak options to suit the tastes of all kinds of steak lovers, from the most basic to the most discerning:

Black Mountain: Ribeye, Striploin, Tenderloin, T-bone, Porterhouse, Tomahawk
Star: Ribeye
Clear River: Ribeye, Striploin
Lamb: Lamb Chop and Lamb Steak
Local: Ribeye, Striploin, Tenderloin, T-bone, Porterhouse

After selecting our steaks, the steakhouse’s expert griller set about grilling them to come out all juicy and flavorful and marked by those gorgeous grill marks, of course!

Newbie steak fans can take some pointers from Meat Depot’s cooking guide on various stages of doneness:

Blue: grilled for 30 seconds on each side.
Rare: grilled for 45 seconds to 1 minute on each side, resulting to a steak that’s seared on the outside while the inside is mostly red. This meat is soft and tender.
Medium Rare: grilled for 1 minute to 1 minute and 15 seconds on each side, resulting to a steak that’s seared on the outside while the inside is half-red. This is the recommended doneness of most chefs as it has the perfect texture.
Medium: grilled for 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes on each side, resulting to a steak with a rosy pink interior and slightly firmer texture. This is the preferred doneness of most steak lovers, my fam included.
Medium Well: grilled for 3 to 5 minutes on each side resulting to a steak with a mostly brown center and firm texture. This level of doneness is well-suited to people who may be squeamish and prefer not to see color in their meat.
Well Done: grilled for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, resulting to a steak a brown center with a very firm texture. Surprisingly, a lot of people prefer their steaks this way.

To make our steak meal complete, we opted to pair our steaks with mushroom sauce and side dishes that include steamed rice, mashed potatoes and marbled potatoes in balsamic dressing.