grabfood – Jellybeans in the City

Weekend lunch at Mexicali SM Megamall: Why this Mexican restaurant is a must-try

Mexican cuisine has gained immense popularity in the Philippines. This is hardly surprising, given the many cultural links between Mexico and the Philippines (both being end ports of the Spanish Galleon Trade) and the appeal of the bold and spicy flavors of Mexican food to Pinoy taste buds.

For the past thirty years, Mexicali has been the go-to Mexican food place for Filipinos. I used to enjoy Happy Lunches with my officemates at its SM Megamall branch back when our office was located in Tektite. Later on, during the quarantine lockdowns, Hubby would order his favorite burrito from the same branch for delivery.

Now that quarantine restrictions have considerably eased and the family can move around more freely, the fam can now have our family lunch here during weekends.

Let me give you five reasons why lunch at Mexicali in SM Megamall is a great choice for the fam.

Casual and Relaxed Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Mexicali is casual and relaxed, making it the perfect place to unwind during our family lunch hour. The colorful decor and lively music add to the festive vibe.

Wide Variety of Mexican Food Options

Mexicali offers a wide variety of menu options to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that suits your taste buds. They have burritos, tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, and more, all made with fresh and authentic ingredients and in portions great for sharing.

Carne Asada Burrito (₱369). A monster sized roll made with a large soft taco filled with grilled steak, beans, Mexican rice, fresh tomatoes, onions, cheese, sour cream and guacamole. Hubby’s favorite that my son #ExhibitB has been developing a liking for, too!

El Chupacabra Pollo Asado (₱173) and Carnitas (₱193) Street Tacos. Authentic Mexican street tacos filled with grilled chicken and roast pork popularized by the Poblacion establishment El Chupacabra.

Grilled Chicken (₱323) and Arroz Ala Cubana (₱293) Dinner Plates. Grilled chicken and salsa, and seasoned ground beef and grilled plantains, served with hefty servings of Mexican rice.

Chili con Carne (₱409). A tasty stew made with beef, beans, tomatoes and aromatics generously seasoned with chili. This goes so well as an appetizer with nacho chips or as a side dish to the dinner plate or burrito.

They also have vegetarian options, so diners can opt for healthier meal alternatives (but it just so happens that this family consists of omnivores!).

While fresh fruit shakes and beers were available, we instead opted for Sodas in Cans (₱105) for our drinks.

Generous Portions

Mexicali is known for its generous portions, so you can be sure the fam won’t leave feeling hungry. The burritos and dinner plates were particularly filling, while the tacos are perfect for a lighter lunch and the nacho chips and chili con carne are perfect for sharing.

Affordable Prices

Despite the generous portions and quality ingredients, Mexicali’s prices are affordable, making it a great option for our lunch on a budget. We were able to enjoy a delicious and filling meal without breaking the bank.

Convenient Location

Mexicali is conveniently located in SM Megamall, making it easily accessible for after Sunday Mass or during our weekend errands.

If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a leisurely weekend lunch for the fam, Mexicali is a great choice.

This Mexicali branch is located at Upper Ground Floor, SM Megamall Building A, 1550 Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Mandaluyong City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 10am to 9pm and Fridays to Sundays from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries, call +63 977 0313054 or +63 2 82566074.

Other branches are located at:

Glorietta 2, Ayala Center, Ayala Avenue, Makati City (Tel: +63 905 3652309 or +63 2 88945354)
Recess Food Alley, 19-B General Vicente Lim, San Juan City (Tel: +63 995 8237493)

Mexicali also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Stay updated on its promos and offers by following Mexicali Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

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.

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.

Delish Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken feast at home

So it’s the weekend but while I was in the mood for something different and tasty for our family lunch, I was not so keen on going through laborious prep and cooking time required to produce a great meal. I was also not in the mood to venture out with the fam in tow to look for great places to eat.

Fortunately, I was able to have a fantastic group meal from Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken delivered right to my doorstep.

Thanks to its Chicken Grupo (Php1,049), the whole family can go on an exciting flavor adventure without having to leave home!

Central to this group meal is, of course, the resto’s signature dish: the Peri-Peri Chicken. Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken 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, resulting in peri-flavorful and juicy chicken goodness with every bite.

Peri-peri Chicken 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).

Serving as great complements to the flavorful grilled chicken dish are four cups of java rice…

…as well as four side dishes (Hubby and I prefer the fresh and tangy coleslaw while the kiddos, as always, went for their favorite bacon mac ‘n cheese).

A liter of refreshing house-blend iced tea completes the meal.

Want to go on a similar flavor adventure at home? Order today from Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken’s delivery website or via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

You may also opt to dine-in at these Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken outlets:

Las Pinas: Evia Lifestyle Center
Makati: Ayala North Exchange, Greenbelt 3
Mandaluyong: SM Megamall
Manila: Robinsons Place Manila
Marikina: SM City Marikina
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: Eastwood Mall, Gateway Mall, Robinsons Magnolia, UP Town Center, Trinoma Mall, Banawe, Brittany Square
San Juan: Promenade Greenhills
Taguig: Uptown Parade BGC, Market! Market BGC, Venice Grand Mall

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

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

Belinda Carlisle once sang that “heaven is a place on earth.”

I can certainly believe it after getting a bite of Red Ribbon’s newest premium cake: Chocolate Heaven!

Dubbed as Red Ribbon’s best chocolate cake yet, Chocolate Heaven is a divine confection that can serve as the highlight of any celebration or as a sweet treat for yourself or your special someone.

Premium ingredients as well as Red Ribbon’s mastery of chocolate confectionery come together to produce this masterpiece:

a moist and densely fudgy chocolate cake layers that brings a decadent richness with every bite
creamy chocolate icing that separate the chocolate fudge cake layers, giving it an extra helping of indulgent sweetness
a shiny covering of rich and gooey chocolate ganache, making this cake a treat for the eyes as well
a generous topping of decadent chocolate drizzle, because who says you can’t have too much of a good thing?

Each mouthful is an explosion of rich, chocolatey bliss on your tastebuds, making you crave for yet another bite!

Now, imagine sharing such pleasures with your loved ones!

If love can be expressed through sweetness and indulgence, then this celestial chocolate creation is the best gift for the people you hold dear.

What better way to give love today than to treat your nears-and-dears than to give them a taste of Paradise in the form of Red Ribbon’s Chocolate Heaven?

Chocolate Heaven is available at selected Red Ribbon stores in Metro Manila and South Luzon at Php1,195 for regular size and Php895 for junior size.

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 sample was provided to facilitate this feature.

Check out my previous posts about Red Ribbon:

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

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

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

Chimichurri makes a comeback at Kenny Rogers Roasters!

Guess what’s making its way back to Kenny Rogers Roasters’ menu…

Chimichurri!

This flavorful condiment made from finely chopped parsley and cilantro, minced garlic and spices, kmixed together with a healthy dose of citrus for that blend of spicy and citrusy flavors that adds elevates many South American dishes.

Now, Kenny Rogers Roasters is bringing you seven delicious ways to savor this unique flavor with various proteins so you can choose how you want to enjoy your chimichurri, any day of the week.

Plus, to complete your chimichurri experience, Kenny Rogers Roasters is launching two new side dishes available for a limited time only: baconized corn and chips & salsa. These are perfect foils to the savory dishes enhanced with the spice and zest of chimichurri.

Day 1: Chimichurri Roast

Get the week off to a tasty start with Kenny Rogers Roasters signature juicy chicken infused with garlic and lime flavors and served with zesty chimichurri sauce.

Day 2: Chimichurri Half Slab Ribs

Sate your appetite with fall-off-the-bone tender ribs smothered with spicy and garlicky chimichurri sauce.

Day 3: Chimichurri Burger Bun

On this day, you can indulge yourself with a perfectly grilled 1/3-pound Angus beef patty, tomatoes, lettuce and mayonnaise sandwiched between two wheat buns.

Day 4: Chimichurri Fish

How about opting for something healthy today with this soft and flaky grilled white fish served a chimichurri sauce.

Day 5: Chimichurri Sausage

Treat yourself to a flavor bomb with this juicy and salty Schublig sausage topped with chimichurri sauce.

Day 6: Chimichurri Burger Steak

Savor this 1/3-pound Angus beef burger patty topped with zesty chimichurri sauce.

Day 7: Chimichurri Premium Steak

Cap the week with this special indulgence: a perfectly grilled striploin steak paired with spicy chimichurri sauce!

Excited for to bite into your chimichurri feast? Visit your nearest Kenny Rogers Roasters outlet to dine-in or have it for takeout.

It is also available for delivery at kennyrogersdelivery.com.ph and through Kenny Rogers Roasters delivery hotline +63 2 85559000, as well as in GrabFood, FoodPanda and Pick*A*Roo.

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

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

Paella Valencia from Mom & Tina’s

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

For me, it’s the paella.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other branches are found at:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

Check out my previous posts about Red Ribbon:

Pinoy comfort food at Goodah, Timog Avenue

Whenever I feel stressed or harassed, I always get a strong craving for comfort food. These are dishes that I usually associate with delicious home cooking, the kind that my mom would serve me whenever I was sick or sad.

For over thirty years, Goodah has been the has been the go-to place for people seeking fuss-free comfort food that appeals to down-home Pinoy palate. These include the traditional hot and quickly-served Filipino snacks like goto and lugaw, as well as the hugely popular silogs. Being so popular among all sorts of people, it soon adopted the monicker “ang pagkaing for every all!”

During the height of the lockdown due to the pandemic, I was able to enjoy Goodah’s comforting dishes with my fam while stuck at home through its Salo-Salo Set Meals (thanks to Rowena of TravelEatPinas for thoughtfully sending me this meal set!)

However, as the lockdowns gradually eased (but my work and life stresses did not) I wanted to experience Goodah’s down-home Pinoy dishes in a dine-in setting.

So off I went with my fellow unnies to the Goodah branch along Timog Avenue.

Here, we were able to sit down and take a break from our daily grind as we gossiped about our Hollywood idols and K-pop stans while we feast on Pinoy comfort food.

These include:

Batangas Lomi with Tokwa’t Baboy (Php134). A noodle dish made with thick yellow noodles in a thick and starchy soup topped with bits of pork meat, pork offal, pork rind and kikiam. It’s best enjoyed with a side dish made with tofu and pork bits in vinegar sauce.

Arroz Caldo Special (Php179). A porridge made with glutinous rice and accompanied by chicken pieces, hard-boiled egg and topped with crunchy fried garlic and chopped scallions.

Pork Bingoongan (Php319). A classic Pinoy dish wherein pork belly is stewed in shrimp paste (bagoong).

Kare Kare (Php345). A Filipino stew wherein ox and pork meat and offal are served in a thick and rich peanut sauce along with vegetables.

Supermeal A (Php150). A budget-friendly rice meal that includes tocino, lumpiang shanghai, pancit canton, kropek (prawn cracker) and leche flan.

Supermeal B (Php160). Another rice meal that’s light on the budget which includes tapa flakes, lumpiang shanghai, pancit canton, kropek (prawn cracker) and leche flan.

Ribsilog (Php195). Crispy fried pork ribs served with garlic fried rice, fried egg and atchara.

Leche Flan (Php39). The Pinoy version of creme caramel which is made of egg-and-milk custard with a soft caramel layer on top.

With such comforting dishes to be enjoyed, should there still be room in my psyche for stress and negativity? I guess not!

Dispel your own blues with Pinoy comfort food by dropping by a Goodah branch near you today!

This Goodah outlet is located at 57 Timog Avenue, Bgy. South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily for dine-in and takeout from 8am to 8pm, and for delivery from 7am to 9pm via Pick*A*Roo, and 25-hours via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Other Gooodah outlets are located in Alabang, Valenzuela, Pasig, Granada and Fairview in Quezon City, as well as in Sucat and Bicutan in Paranaque.

Know more about this much-loved Filipino food brand through its website. Stay updated on Goodah’s latest offers and promos by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

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

Guess what, foodies? Kenny Rogers Roasters has new menu items that will give a truly egg-ceptional eggs-perience: the Salted Egg Roast, the Unfried Fried Chicken and the Unfried Fried Chicken Bun.

Our all-time favorite Kenny Rogers Roasters dishes were given an egg-citing makeover, elevating them with salted egg flavors to bring about eggs-tasy with every bite!

Egg puns aside, this new line incorporates one of our well-loved ingredients: the salted egg!

From the time it was introduced into our shores when our ancient forebears traded with the Chinese, the salted egg has become a staple addition in many of our much-loved native dishes, adding a rich and exotic flavor to our cuisine.

Today, fast-food chain Kenny Rogers Roasters incorporates this ingredient into its healthy chicken variants, such as:

Salted Egg Roast.

Generous chicken pieces marinated in special herbs and spices, roasted to juicy and smokey perfection, then garnished with salted egg powder and salted egg sauce. It is best enjoyed with steamed rice, your favorite Kenny Rogers Roasters side dishes and corn muffin.

Salted Egg Unfried Fried Chicken.

A healthier and more exotic alternative to fried chicken, this consist of chicken pieces cooked through an oven with circulating hot air instead of being deep-fried, cooking the meat in its natural oil. The resulting juicy and crispy chicken pieces are then given an generous coating of salted egg powder and served with salted egg sauce. Partner this tasty viand with steamed rice, your favorite Kenny Rogers Roasters side dishes and corn muffin.

Salted Egg Unfried Fried Chicken Bun.

Perfect for a snack or a light lunch, this sandwich consists of an oven-cooked chicken fillet tossed with salted egg powder and salted egg sauce, then packed with tomato, lettuce and onion in between two wheat buns.

Isn’t it egg-cellent that we can readily enjoy our Kenny Rogers Roasters faves flavored with salted egg just by dropping by the nearest outlet or by calling +63 2 85559000?

It is also available for delivery at kennyrogersdelivery.com.ph, as well as in GrabFood and FoodPanda.

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

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

North Park delivers via GrabFood Signatures

With many of us still having qualms about dining outside, it’s no wonder that food delivery services have been our lifeline, not just to good food, but also towards supporting our favorite restaurants in this time of pandemic.

In its bid to bring good food to people staying at home, leading super app Grab launched its GrabFood Signatures Program, wherein it partnered with leading food brands. These popular establishments then deliver their famous dishes plus offer irresistible discounts and other promos via GrabFood.

Among GrabFood Signatures’ partner restaurants is North Park, a homegrown Chinese restaurant which brings old fashioned and well-loved Chinese food that have found a place in the hearts and palates of Pinoys.

Wanting to give my fam a break from out usual lutong-bahay fare, and to also give my yaya a break from the stress of cooking and preparing the family’s lunch, I decided to order in via my Grab app and I chanced upon a Grab Signatures promo granting Php150 off my order.

Well, I lost no time ordering my family’s faves from North Park:

Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php228). Delicious egg fried rice with shrimps, chopped BBQ pork, carrots, and green peas.

Pork Sionai (Php348/12pcs). Steamed dumplings made with ground pork, vegetables and aromatics.

Boneless Honey Lemon Chicken (Php263). Boneless chicken marinated in freshly squeezed lemon juice and seasonings, thickly coated with a sticky sauce made with honey and lemon.

Braised Noodles with Wanton (Php218). Wanton made with paper thin flour skin filled with diced pork and shrimp generously poured with premium oyster sauce over Hongkong Noodles.

The fam had wonderful meal with such a delicious and hearty fare from one of our favorite restaurants.

North Park branches in Metro Manila include:

Pasig: The Strip Commercial Complex Ortigas
Mandaluyong: Greenfield District
Quezon City: SM Hypermarket Cubao, Tomas Morato, G. Araneta Avenue, Trinoma Mall, Banawe, Tandang Sora, Ayala Fairview Terraces, Eton Centris
Taguig: Market! Market!, SM Hypermarket FTI
San Juan: P. Guevarra Street (opposite Petron)
Makati: Makati corner Kalayaan Avenue, Glorietta 3, Salcedo Village, Legaspi Village, SM Hypermarket Market
Paranaque: SM City Bicutan, ASEANA Square
Manila: Manila Ocean Park
Pasay: Mall of Asia Arena Parking Building
Valenzuela: South Supermarket
Alabang: Alabang Town Center, South Supermarket
Muntinlupa: SM Center Muntinlupa

Want to enjoy similar offers? Just check the Messages tab in your Grab App for promo notifications.

About Grab

Grab is the leading super app in Southeast Asia, providing everyday services that matter most to consumers. Today, the Grab app has been downloaded onto over 185 million mobile devices, giving users access to over 9 million drivers, merchants and agents. Grab offers the widest range of on-demand transport services in the region, in addition to food, package, grocery delivery services, mobile payments and financial services across 339 cities in eight countries.

About GrabFood

Operating under the Grab super app, GrabFood is an online food delivery service that connects local food businesses to people. GrabFood presents a variety of food based on what’s available around consumers: Filipino, Western, Asian, European, Fusion and so on. Today, GrabFood’s services are available in areas of Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, and Cebu, with plans to continue expanding to reach more areas in the country.

Download the Grab app here.

K-snack time with Nineteen Degrees

Those Youtube videos on Korean egg toasts are sure working on me!

These popular egg drop sandwiches have been making their presence felt in social media, thanks in large part to their highly Instagrammable presentation, and, of course, the buzz on how tasty they are!

My daughter (who’s so into K-culture) almost despaired of never getting to taste these bread snack creations, until we found out that they’re available at a shop in nearby Eastwood City in Libis called Nineteen Degrees.

Plus, there’s no need for us to leave the house and brave the outside world just to get a taste of egg drop sandwiches as Nineteen Degrees conveniently delivers via GrabFood!

So I immediately took out my phone and got to tapping on my Grab app, and soon, my daughter and I were enjoying our egg drop sandwiches and other snackables from Nineteen Degrees, which included:

K1 Egg and Cheese (Php120). Made with buttered and toasted brioche stuffed with fluffy scrambled egg, cheese, coleslaw and Signature Sauce.

K2 Ham and Cheese (Php120). Has the same ingredients as the K1 Egg and Cheese with the tasty addition of ham slices.

P3 Crabivating Corn (Php80). A handmade scallion pancake wrapped around crabmeat, corn kernels, caramelized onion and lettuce.

Drinks. We washed down our Korean-inspired snack with refreshing 700ml drinks from Nineteen Degrees.

We’re just so glad that we no longer have to stare enviously at the TV as Youtubers get to enjoy their Korean egg drop sandwiches!

You too can get to enjoy Nineteen Degrees’ snacks and drinks by dropping by its store at Eastwood Citywalk 2, Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City, open dine in, takeout or delivery from 10am to 9pm. It also has sells its signature food through the Cloud Kitchen in Binondo, open for takeout or delivery from 11am to 9pm.

You may also order from GrabFood and FoodPanda or send a message on Facebook Messenger.