italian food – Jellybeans in the City

Recipe: Tuscan Chicken Pasta

It’s around that time of the month when the stocked food in my fridge are beginning to run low and all I’ve got to work with for the fam’s lunch are a couple of frozen chicken breasts, some strips of bacon and pantry staples such as pasta and parmesan cheese.

Plus, I’m coming in from a late morning Zoom meeting (the bane of work-from-home moms, am I right?) and I’ve barely got enough time to prepare a meal, eat with the family and make it to my afternoon meetings.

Hmmm… what can I possibly whip up quickly and easily during my lunch hour?

Luckily, this recipe for Tuscan Chicken Pasta came to my rescue.

What I love about this is that it made use of the remaining frozen food as well as incorporated wholesome and fresh produce that made for a hearty and tasty meal for the family. Also, I didn’t have to use a lot of utensils to cook the dish; it’s basically a one-skillet recipe. (However, I made use of Hubby’s trusty wok as it gave me a sizable surface area to cook in and it distributed the heat quite well. I hope the wok purists won’t come after me!)

Check it out!

Ingredients:

1/2 kilo spaghetti noodles, cooked per package instructions (reserve 1 cup of the water these were boiled in)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, thawed and filleted into 4 flat pieces
salt to taste (I used Himalayan sea salt from Goodness MNL but you can use ordinary table salt)
freshly ground black pepper to taste
10 slices of bacon cut into short strips
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 to 6 fresh tomatoes, diced
1/4 kilo Baguio spinach
1/2 c heavy cream
1/4 c grated parmesan
6 basil leaves for garnish

Procedure:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. After seasoning the chicken breast fillets with salt and pepper, fry them for 7 to 8 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove them from heat and allow them to rest for 10 minutes before slicing them into thin strips.

Using the same skillet, fry the bacon pieces over medium heat for 8 minutes or until they reach your desired crispiness. (I prefer my bacon to be fried just enough to curl up but not be too crispy). Drop them on a plate lined with a paper towel to drain them of excess oil. Set aside.

Again, using the same skillet, pour out half the fat from cooking the chicken and the bacon before sautéing the garlic and tomatoes over medium heat.

Add the spinach and cook for two minutes until the leaves are slightly wilted.

Season with salt and pepper prior to adding the heavy cream, parmesan and half of the reserved pasta water. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes then remove from heat. (If the sauce becomes to thick, stir in some more of the pasta water).

Toss the cooked pasta in sauce until well coated, then toss the chicken and bacon strips until evenly distributed.

Garnish with freshly torn basil leaves before serving.

Try this recipe and let me know how it goes!

Looking for other easy-to-cook dishes to try out? Check out my other kitchen adventures:

EATS A CELEBRATION at Italianni’s with 50% off on all pizzas on February 23!

Buon giorno, Italian food lovers!

Your go-to Italian-American restaurant has cooked up something special for you to enjoy on its silver anniversary.

Italianni’s prides itself on giving you good food, conviviality and good service through the years from the opening of its first branch in Greenbelt 1 in 1996 to the present. Despite the restrictions brought about by the pandemic, it still strives to bring its signature blend of tasty Italian-American dishes in servings big enough for sharing, welcoming atmosphere that encourages conversation and bonding, as well as the cheery attention of its crew to its new and loyal clientele.

Even after twenty-five years, discriminating foodies still can’t get enough of its signature dishes such as Spaghetti and Meatballs, Spinach Artichoke Formaggio, Seafood Cioppino, Sicilian Salad, Quattro Staggioni Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Tartuffo Cake and NY Cheesecake.

Italianni’s lives by one of its credos: GRAND to imply “Guest Requests are Never Denied”. The staff go the extra mile to please guests with simple gestures such as providing an extra salad dressing or parmesan cheese, cooking items off the menu, to indulging kids to assemble their own pizza. It is a passion founded on Bistro’s genuine and authentic customer service.

This is why Italianni’s is giving back to everyone who has patronized it for the last quarter century. On February 23, 2021, all pizzas are available at 50% off for dine-in and take-out orders. That means, you can enjoy their Classico, Margherita, Quattro Carne, Truffle Mushroom, Quattro Staggioni, Pepperoni, Tropicale, Shrimp and Mushroom Anchovy, Garlic and Cheese, and Quattro Formaggi pizzas…all at half the price!

This is the restaurant’s way of saying “Grazie!” for sharing twenty five years of wonderful and fulfilling journey and Italianni’s expects many more years of bringing people together. The future is promising and Italianni’s is in this for the long haul.

So celebrate Italianni’s silver anniversary with your loved ones by dropping by one of its branches and sharing a pizza or two, along with your favorite Italian-American food!

Italianni’s branches are located at:

4th Floor, Trinoma Mall, Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City
Second Floor, Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City
Level 6, East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Third Floor, Uptown Place Mall, 36th Street Corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
B5, Bonifacio High Street, 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Ground Floor, Phase 2, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Ground Floor, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill, Taguig City
Second Floor, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Glorietta Complex, Makati City
Level 1, Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Greenbelt, Makati City
Ayala North Exchange, Ayala Avenue Corner Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City
Second Floor, Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila, Newport City, Pasay City
Ground Floor, Midtown Wing, Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita, Manila
Level 1, S Maison, Conrad Manila, Seaside Boulevard Corner Coral Way, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City
Corte de Las Palmas, Alabang Town Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Ground Floor, Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari Road, Almanza, Las Piñas City

Promo details provided in a recent press release.

An Italian cafe experience at Goppion Caffe

Italy is known for its rich coffee culture, with many exacting implements and coffee preparations that correspond to treasured rituals.

For example, did you know that Italians usually drink milky coffees such as cappuccinos and lattes in the morning along with a pastry for breakfast? At any other time of the day, going out for coffee means getting a shot of strong black coffee, the espresso, as an afternoon pick-me-up or as a post-meal drink.

Walk by the streets of Italy and you will find quaint coffee shops called caffeteria. Aside from serving coffee in its various forms, these stores also serve as meeting places, where people can come together to enjoy their favorite brew. Hence the phrase “Prendiamo un caffe!” (“Let’s get a coffee!”) has become synonymous to taking a break from work to fully savor a cup of coffee (no, they don’t believe in drinking their coffee while working!)

Goppion Caffe was started by Luigi Goppion in the main square of the small Italian town of Lughignano in 1859. Luigi’s passion for good coffee was carried on by his sons and grandsons who sought ways to roast and brew the perfect cup of coffee.

Its first branch in the Philippines opened its doors along Westdrive in Glorietta 2 in Makati last December.

Here, coffee lovers can indulge in their favorite brews and blends, all made with authentic pre-packed coffee shipped all the way from Italy, such as:

Espresso Dopio (Php140). A double shot of espresso.

Cappuccino (Php140/Php190). Equal parts of espresso, steamed milk and foamed milk.

Goppioncino (Php180/Php140). Goppion Caffe’s signature blend made with espresso, chocolate, milk and whipped cream.

Ginseng Macchiato (Php200/Php240). Steamed milk “marked” with a splash of espresso flavored with ginseng root extract.

Iced Caramel Macchiato (Php190/Php230). A shakerato (coffee drink made with espresso and ice cubes) combined with milk, vanilla-flavored syrup and caramel sauce.

Cold Brew (Php180/Php220). A strong cold coffee drink that resulted from ground coffee beans steeped in cold water overnight.

Goppion Caffe also offers non-coffee beverages, all crafted with the same care and artistry as its coffee drinks, such as:

Ciocolata (Php160). Thick and creamy hot chocolate, made with cocoa, milk and sugar though not too sweet!

Ciocolata ala Nocciola (Php240). Dark chocoate with hazelnut.

Friutti di Bosco (Php240). A frullato di frutta (smoothie) made with strawberries, raspberries and blueberries blended with milk.

Arancia (Php220). Freshly squeezed orange juice.

Want to nibble on something while sipping on your drink of choice? Goppion Caffe’s got you covered there as well with its selection of cafe food which includes:

Pita Rolls with Pizza Dip (Php275).

Four Cheese Panini (Php225) and Smoked Ham and Cheese Panini (Php235).

Beef Lasagna (Php240).

Chicken Alfredo (Php260).

Tuna in Pesto Sauce (Php240).

So if you’re craving for a good cup of coffee or meticulously handcrafted drinks, drop by Goppion Caffe.

Better yet, grab a couple of your friends to catch up over your favorite brews (while practicing physical distancing, of course!).

Goppion Caffe is located at Ground Floor, Westdrive (beside Jade Garden), Glorietta Complex, Makati City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 88431316, +63 2 79551728 and +63 2 79551808. Goppion Caffe also delivers via FoodPanda.

Disclosure: Together with fellow foodies, I attended a food and coffee tasting event at this restaurant. Food items were served to enable us to sample the fare and facilitate our honest reviews.

Check out my blog posts on breakfast/brunch joints around the metro:

#TheBistroGroup Trinoma Food Crawl: Italianni’s

Don’t you sometimes miss the experience of dining out with the fam or your pals? I know I do.

It seems that the pandemic has seriously affected many of the things we so enjoyed from our life before it.

Still, while dining out may now be different, given all the restrictions and regulations, it can still be very enjoyable.

Take dining at Italianni’s at Trinoma Mall, for example.

Italianni’s espouses amore di merrier, which denotes the Italian philosophy of having more food to be shared by more people, resulting to more merriment. This is why its signature dishes, all made with the finest ingredients, come to the table in servings large enough to share with family and friends, starting with its signature Tuscan and Focaccia bread served with olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar.

In the Philippines, Italianni’s is part of The Bistro Group, a collection of imported and homegrown hospitality brands.

In response to the need of the times, The Bistro Group has instituted safety protocols for safe dining-in at its restaurants. These include: regular health checks for all its personnel, compliance of all outdoor and indoor seating to physical distancing guidelines, hand sanitizers available at the entrance and on every table, as well as contactless menu ordering and payment.

These protocols require diners to submit to temperature checks, provide contact tracing details and using the hand sanitizers and sanitation mats prior to entering the restaurant premises, as well as wearing their personal protective equipment (PPEs) while inside. Would-be diners who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to people who do, have underlying health conditions or have concerns about contracting the disease when dining out are advised to stay home and avail of the restaurant’s contactless delivery options.

During an epic #TrinomaFoodCrawl with my foodie friends, I saw these protocols in action in Italianni’s, but still enjoyed our time as we feasted on a hearty spread of sumptuous Italian dishes:

Sicilian Salad (Php595/Php795). A fresh fusion of flavors and textures made with romaine lettuce, mangoes, red grapes, walnuts, creamy anchovy dressing.

Quattro Staggioni (Php795). Four-flavored pizza consisting of Pepperoni, Mushroom & Artichokes, Shrimp & Black Olives and All Cheese

Seafood Cioppino (Php595/Php795). Spaghetti pasta tossed with mussels, shrimps, clams and calamari in white wine, marinara sauce and chili flakes.

New York Cheesecake (Php485). New York-style cheesecake on a bed of strawberry amaretto sauce.

Fruity Drinks (Php175 each): Orange Lemonade, Four Seasons, Peach Mango

Mojitos (Php220 each): Apple and Classic

As I’ve said many times before, good food plus good company equals a great time for everyone!

You can savor more of the tastes of Italy together with your friends, thanks to these awesome deals from Italianni’s:

BFF Bundle (Php1,195): Pepperoni Pizza + Spaghetti Pomodoro + Chicken Italianni’s
BOGO Everyday: Truffle Chicken & Mushroom + Eggplant Parmigiana (Php950), Chicken Italianni’s + Spaghetti Bolognese (Php795), Porkchop Au Poivre + Margherita Pizza (Php895), Burrata + Spinach and Gorgonzola Pasta (Php795)

You can also get great savings with the BFF Card, The Bistro Group’s loyalty program that gives members exclusive perks across 15 restaurant brands such as:

30% off on Mondays
20% off on Tuesdays
Complimentary coffee or hot tea single-serve with entree purchase
Online seats reservation
Six Php250 e-vouchers with minimum purchase of Php1,000 per voucher

This Italianni’s branch is located at 4th Floor, Trinoma Mall, Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 8pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 79153582.

Other branches are located at:

Second Floor, Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City
Level 6, East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Third Floor, Uptown Place Mall, 36th Street Corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
B5, Bonifacio High Street, 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Ground Floor, Phase 2, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Ground Floor, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill, Taguig City
Second Floor, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Glorietta Complex, Makati City
Level 1, Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Greenbelt, Makati City
Ayala North Exchange, Ayala Avenue Corner Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City
Second Floor, Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila, Newport City, Pasay City
Ground Floor, Midtown Wing, Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita, Manila
Level 1, S Maison, Conrad Manila, Seaside Boulevard Corner Coral Way, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City
Corte de Las Palmas, Alabang Town Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Ground Floor, Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari Road, Almanza, Las Piñas City

Italianni’s delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Check out my posts about other restos of The Bistro Group:

TGI Friday’s, Trinoma

Fine Italian food at Amici

Who would have thought that an Italian missionary would establish a tasty culinary tradition in the Philippines?

Well that’s exactly what happened when Salesian Father Gianluigi Colombo decided to open a canteen (then called Amici di Don Bosco or “Friends of Don Bosco”) to cater to the workers of Don Bosco’s printing press.

Its initially simple menu of coffee and gelato which later expanded to include wood-fire oven baked pizzas and homemade pastas. Amici later became known for serving tasty and authentic Italian food prepared by priests grew and developed its own loyal following.

Today, Amici has 9 branches in Metro Manila, one of which is in SM City North EDSA where my fellow foodies and I headed for dinner after attending a few events.

There, we shared a meal which included:

Truffle Mushroom Dip (Php385). Truffle, porcini, shiitake and button mushrooms mixed together with caramelized onions in a rich creamy sauce. Dip the crisp pieces of pizza crust served with it and you’ll find yourself addicted to this.

Pesto Prosciutto (Php400). A hearty dish of penne pasta covered in creamy pesto sauce and topped with fried prosciutto.

Linguine al Prosciutto e Tartufo (Php380). Al dente linguine pasta tossed in a sauce of proscuitto, truffle oil, porcini and shiitake mushrooms.

Since Amici translates to “friends,” it looks like its yummy offerings are best shared among friends.

Hankering for a taste of good Italian food but can’t go out because of the enhanced community quarantine? Amici’s Tomas Morato and Don Bosco branches are now open for pick up or delivery. Just call in your orders through Amici’s hotline +63 2 85551000.

This Amici branch is located at Ground Floor, The Block, SM City North EDSA, Bago Bantay, Quezon City, with store hours from 10am to 10pm daily. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 85551000 or +63 2 87095545.

Other branches are located at:

Level 3, One Bonifacio High Street Mall, 28th Street corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig
Bellagio Square, Tomas Morato Avenue, Laging Handa, Quezon City
Ground Floor, UP Ayala Technohub, Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Ground Floor, 101 Missouri Square, Missouri corner Connecticut Street, Greenhills, San Juan City
Third Floor, Mega Atrium, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Ayala Triangle Gardens, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Don Bosco School, A. Arnaiz Avenue, San Lorenzo, Makati City
Second Floor, Alabang Town Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Check out my reviews of other restaurants offering Italian food:

Pizza delivery from Papa John’s, Riverside

It’s been three weeks since the enhanced community quarantine came down and I’ve just got to say: thank the powers-that-be for food delivery services!

My son #ExhibitB is an avid pizza lover and he’s been hankering for his favorite food for some time now.

Wanting to give him a treat for not driving me crazy while we’re all stuck at home, I scanned the FoodPanda app for some options, and lo, and behold! There’s a Papa John’s branch in the next subdivision that offers pizzas for delivery.

Gifted with a FoodPanda discount voucher which gave me Php100 off my order, I was able to get a 12-inch family-size Simply Cheese Pizza (Php519 + 10% delivery fee) for just Php470.90.

This went so well with our Pinoy Spaghetti lunch and made my little boy so happy.

Not yet on Food Panda? Use this link to download the FoodPanda app and get Php100 off your first order.

Did you know can practice contactless delivery with your FoodPanda order? Here’s how:

Make sure you’re using the latest version of the FoodPanda app.
Upon checkout, select “Contactless delivery” before placing your order.
Go to your order and tap “Contact your rider” and indicate where you want your order to be placed upon delivery.
If you’re paying via cash, the rider will step three meters back so you can get your order. Please place your payment outside when you claim your food.

This Papa John’s branch is located at Ortigas Avenue Extension Corner Riverside Street, Santa Lucia, Pasig City. To order, call +63 2 88877272.

Other branches in the metro are located at:

102 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati City
Blue Bay Walk, Macapagal Avenue Corner EDSA, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
87 Visayas Avenue, Vasra, Project 6, Quezon City
Ground Floor, A.M. Pacleb Building, Bayan-Bayanan Avenue, Concepcion Uno, Marikina City
N. S. Amoranto Corner Banawe Street, Santo Domingo, Banawe, Quezon City
Ground Floor, Eton Baypark, Kalaw Avenue, Ermita, Manila
Gotaco Building, MacArthur Highway, Marulas, Valenzuela
Ground Floor, Chill Hotel, McArthur Highway, South Caloocan, Caloocan City
The Rolex Place, Rolex Corner Dahlia Avenue, Fairview, Quezon City
Shell Station, C5 Corner Julia Vargas Avenue, Ugong, Pasig City
M.L. Quezon Corner MRT Avenue, Lower Bicutan, Greater Taguig, Taguig City
Lubiran Street, Bacood, Santa Mesa, Manila
VM Terminal Mall, Soldiers Hills, Putatan, Muntinlupa City
Aguinaldo Street, San Antonio, Parañaque City
Metro Gas Station, J.P Rizal Street, Nangka, Marikina City
Don Graciano Building, 1108 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, New Manila, Quezon City
Kamias Road, Diliman, Quezon City
Maysilo Circle Corner San Francisco Street, Plainview, Mandaluyong City
Petron Gas Station, Marcos Highway, Dela Paz, Pasig City

My classic faves at Pazzo Rollio, SM Hypermart Pasig

There are lots of Italian food joints all over the metro but every once in a while, there’s one that stands out because its concept stayed fresh despite having been around for years.

I first tasted Pazzo Rollio’s offerings almost four years ago and, to this day, they remain among my favorites because they retain the taste I love while still seeming new and unusual.

Wanna know what I mean? Read on.

Together with my friends from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH, I visited Pazzo Rollio’s branch in SM Pasig to reacquaint myself with its signature dishes, which include:

Spinach and Artichoke Dip (Php185). A wonderful start to the meal! A thick mixture of spinach and artichoke with a layer of mozarella on top, and served with bread and fried wonton chips.

Pasta Puttanesca (Php220 solo | Php360 family). Spaghetti noodles with a house/made sauce of anchovies, tomatoes, olives, capers and garlic.

Fellinis (Php195 solo | Php310 family). Angelhair pasta and shrimp in housemade pesto sauce.

Bleu Cheese (Php245 solo | Php385 family). Chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy and cheesy gorgonzola sauce.

Bistecca (Php320). Flavorful and tender beef tenderloin pieces top pasta with a pommery mustard sauce.

Buffalo Wings (Php119 for 6 pieces | Php219 for 12 pieces). Yummy chicken pieces in Original and Garlic Parmesan flavor.

The name “Pazzo Rollio” translates to “crazy rolls” in Italian. And Pazzo Rollio’s rolled pizzas are definitely crazy good. These are central to the resto’s concept: paper-thin pizza dough slathered with cheese sauce and toppings, it is baked in a hot oven and served with arugula and alfalfa sprouts, ready for rolling. While rolled pizzas are available elsewhere, Pazzo Rollio’s are among the less expensive and more varied in flavor that I know of.

Big Bang Supreme (Php250 solo | Php450 family). Topped with bacon, ham, pepperoni, caramelized onions and mushrooms.

Pazzo Special (Php280 solo | Php480 regular). Topped with bacon, ham, salami, crumbled meatballs, mushrooms and bell pepper.

House Blend Iced Tea (Php50 glass | Php150 pitcher). A refreshing beverage that goes well with Pazzo Rollio’s dishes.

All these just go to show that there’s definitely more to Italian food than meets the eye!

Many thanks to Miss Vinci, Ana and Jem of Pazzo Rollio for having us!

This Pazzo Rollio branch is located at SM Hypermart, Frontera Verde Drive, Ugong, Pasig City, open daily from 10am to 11am. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 5707801.

Other branches are located at:

Third Floor, Robinsons Magnolia, New Manila, QC
Fourth Floor, SM City Manila, Ermita, Manila

Treat the gang out for a tasty and filling meal of Fellinis and Bleu Cheese pastas with a Big Bang Supreme rolled pizza for Php1,099!

You can also Create Your Own Rolled Pizza (Php280 solo | Php480 family) by choosing your preferred toppings for your pizza which include bacon, ham, salami, prosciutto, chicken, shrimp, sausage, crumbled meatball, anchovies, olives, caramelized onions, red onions, garlic, jalapenos, mushrooms, bell pepper, fresh tomatoes, sundried tomatoes, pineapple, chili flakes, basil, parsley, gorgonzola, mozzarella, pesto sauce, barbecue sauce and truffle oil.

Check out my reviews of other restaurants offering Italian food:

Amici launches a Taste of Italy in its new resto at One Bonifacio High Street, BGC

Amici has long been the home of great-tasting Italian food, ever since the restaurant got its start as a canteen of Don Bosco’s printing press ran by Salesian Italian missionary Father Gianluigi Colombo.

Today, the chain of restaurants that carry its name is recognized as the premier foodie destinations for authentic Italian dining experiences.

It’s therefore hardly surprising that the opening of Amici’s latest branch at One Bonifacio High Street in Bonifacio Global City was met with much excitement. This new outlet boasts of a spacious seating area inside the mall, and soon, a veranda where diners can eat their meal with an awesome view of the buildings surrounding the mall.

Add the introduction of new menu items crafted by Amici’s very own Chef Paolo during the event and you can bet foodies all over the metro will be wanting a taste.

This delightful repast consisted of:

Truffle Mushroom Dip (Php385). A medley of four types of mushrooms (truffle, porcini, shiitake and button) mixed together with caramelized onions in a rich creamy sauce. Served together with crisp pieces of pizza crust, the dip had us reaching for it again and again.

Chef’s Chicken Ceasar Salad (Php295 regular | Php560 grande). Here, Chef Paolo does his own twist on the classic Ceasar Salad by adding parmesan cheese crisps to the chicken, mixed greens and croutons tossed in Amici’s own-recipe Ceasar Salad dressing.

Shrimp Pesto & Pomodoro (Php365). Plump shrimp sauteed in garlic and tomato sauce with linguine and Amici’s house-recipe pesto sauce tossed in.

Salmon & Zucchini Pizza (Php525). Zucchini, flakes of smoked salmon, bacon bits and mozarella top an Alfredo sauce base on this crunchy oven-baked pizza.

Striploin Steak Salpicao (Php625). Tender strips of striploin steak simmered with garlic and mushrooms in Amici’s house salpicao sauce and served with rice pilaf.

Mango Magnifico (Php120/slice). Light chiffon cake in between layers of whipped cream studded with mango bits and cashew brittles, this is one of Amici’s classic desserts which served as a fitting end to our delightful meal.

With this tantalizing taste of Italy, I will definitely come back for more!

Thanks to Jen of SandUnderMyFeet.com for extending the invitation and to the wonderful people of Amici for the warm welcome and the delicious meal!

This Amici branch is located at Level 3, One Bonifacio High Street Mall, 28th Street corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, open daily from 11am to 10pm.

Other branches are located at;

Ground Floor, The Block, SM North EDSA, Bago Bantay, Quezon City
Bellagio Square, Tomas Morato Avenue, Laging Handa, Quezon City
Ground Floor, UP Ayala Technohub, Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Ground Floor, 101 Missouri Square, Missouri corner Connecticut Street, Greenhills, San Juan City
Third Floor, Mega Atrium, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Ayala Triangle Gardens, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Don Bosco School, A. Arnaiz Avenue, San Lorenzo, Makati City
Second Floor, Alabang Town Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Disclosure: Together with other foodies, I attended a foodie meetup held here wherein food and drink items were served to allow us to sample the fare. These were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Check out my reviews of other restaurants offering Italian food:

European lunch at Vanderlust Bistro, Tomas Morato

Europe’s rich and diverse culture is made manifest in its cuisines. While I wouldn’t mind traveling across The Continent to sample its gustatory pleasures, the expedition would surely be costly. Luckily, with Vanderlust Bistro, I can get a taste of the cuisines of various European countries all in one place.

And that is exactly what I did for lunch together with my officemates one fine day. Armed with our Zomato Gold memberships, we set about discovering what Vanderlust Bistro has to offer.

The place is cozy with limited seating at the ground floor but more tables available upstairs. The interiors are sparsely decorated, other than the wallpaper with miniature Eiffel Towers, approximating the simplicity of European bistros.

Its food offerings are focused on German, Italian and Spanish cuisines, giving us varied flavors to explore and satisfy our cravings. These include:

Fish and Wedges (Php238). Beer-battered fish and potato wedges served with aoili.

Catalan Baked Fish with Potatoes and Asparagus (Php458). Baked white fish with herb crust served with olives, sauteed potatoes, asparagus and roasted tomatoes.

Mon Cheri Poulet (Php458). Honey and red wine-glazed chicken thigh placed on top of a spinach omelette and a strip of smoked bacon.

Cacio E Pepe Mushroom Truffle (Php398). A classic Italian pasta dish of cheese and pepper with mushroom and truffle sauce.

Espaguetis con Chorizo (Php278). Pasta noodles tossed in a sauce made from simmered tomatoes and Spanish sausages with a bit of paprika.

Tuscan Chicken Spinach Pasta (Php348). Herbed chicken tops a pasta dish with sauce made from spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.

Gianduiotto (Php195). A chocolate dessert originating from Piedmont, northern Italy, which got its name from gianduja, a chocolate spread containing hazelnut paste.

Spanish Churros (Php98). Six pieces of freshly fried churros which we requested to be served with a chocolate dip (Php50).

I used to find European restaurants intimidating; I thought that menu items would be staggeringly expensive. At Vanderlust Bistro, however, European food is packaged more affordably and made more accessible to the Filipino diner.

This Vanderlust Bistro branch is located at 100 Scout De Guia corner Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City, open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 11am to 11pm, Fridays from 11am to 2am, and Saturdays from 11am to 1am. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 9540401.

Another branch is located at Fifth Floor, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

Since Vanderlust Bistro is a Zomato Gold partner establishment, our group got some of our food orders for free!

Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 (Buy 1 Get 1) deals on food or 2+2 (Buy 2 Get 2) deals on drinks. All you have to do is sign up for a Zomato Gold membership here. Use my code JELLYB to get 20% off the membership fee.

You can also book your table at Vanderlust Bistro using Eatigo to get up to 50% off your food bill. Sign up using my referral link to get additional perks.

Good food and good vibes at Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen, Ayala Vertis North

For an oft-stressed-out office worker, lunchtime is a sacred hour: an opportunity to leave one’s desk and devote time to good food and good vibes. What will make it even more enjoyable? The company of good friends!

That’s what happened last Tuesday when, together with a group of officemates, I traipsed off to Ayala Vertis North to treat ourselves to yummy Italian food at Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen.

The resto got its start from a real kitchen in a family home in BF Homes Las Pinas. The couple Richard and Malou Tremblay decided to open their doors to guests in 2010. Though remaining family-run, the venture has since grown into Mama Lou’s Group which is comprised of two Italian concept restaurants: Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen and Nonna’s Pasta & Pizzeria. Both eateries continue the tradition of providing guests the feeling of comfort and happiness of coming home to good food.

This Mama Lou’s branch is occupies a sprawling space with seating good for small and large groups. Our group opted to sit outside as we found the air-conditioning inside to be a bit too cold (Side note: I just know I will miss the cold weather of late January when the summer months come in).

While waiting for our food, we were given bread that we dipped in olive oil, balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese.

For starters, we have Mozzarella Sticks (Php225), fat pieces of cheese breaded and fried to a crisp golden brown on the outside and a yummy gooey cheesy inside, well complemented by a side of rich tomatoey pomodoro sauce.

An Oriental Salad (Php325) gave us a taste of freshness with crisp greens topped with slivers of ripe mango, apple slices, crabstick meat and drizzled with Mama Lou’s special sesame dressing.

A new dish, Lucio’s Truffle Pasta (Php350) was a decadently creamy delight with a rich hint of truffle oil while Spaghetti Seafood Olio (Php350) and Vongole Olio (Php295) gave us a healthy taste of the sea.

A 14-inch combination of Frutti di Mare and Pizza Margherita (Php550) served with arugula and alfalfa made our meal even more filling.

The Pan Fried Beef Scaloppine (Php395) was late in reaching our table so we weren’t able to enjoy the dish as much as we would have liked.

That said, it was a great lunch experience with friends, one I wouldn’t mind repeating.

Plus, since three of us unlocked our Zomato Gold privilege at this resto, we got three of these dishes for free!

Want to score a similar discount? Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 deals on food or 2+2 deals on drinks. All you have to do is sign up for a Zomato Gold membership here. Use my code JELLYB to get 20% off the membership fee.

This Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen branch is located at Level 1, Ayala Malls Vertis North, Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 10am to 9pm and Fridays to Sundays from 10am to 10pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 4269196.

Other branches are located at:

Second Floor, Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari Road, Alabang, Muntinlupa City (open daily from 11am to 11pm; Tel No.: +63 2 8006315)
Block 1, Lot 36 Tropical Avenue corner Tropical Palace, BF International, Las Pinas City (open Sundays to Thursdays from 11am to 10pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 11am to 12 midnight; Tel No.: +63 2 5191977 or +63 917 5156262)
Second Floor, Ayala Malls the 30th, Meralco Avenue, Ugong, Pasig City (open daily from 11am to 9pm; Tel No.: 63 2 7208519)
Upper Ground Floor, Ayala Malls Feliz, Dela Paz, Pasig City (open Sundays to Thursdays from 10am to 9pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 10am to 10pm; +63 2 7442425)
Ground Floor, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City (open Mondays to Thursdays from 11am to 9pm and Fridays to Sundays from 10am to 10pm; Tel No.: +63 2 9585563)

Check out my reviews of other restaurants offering Italian food:

Hidden gem of Italian Cuisine: Cucina di Francesco, Libis

When you think about food places in the Libis area, chances are this Italian restaurant hidden away from the busier sections of the metro has escaped your notice.

Cucina di Francesco got its name from the name Francesco Forgione, the name that Saint Pio of Petrelcina, more affectionately known to devotees as Padre Pio, was born with.

Incidentally, the restaurant is located in the same compound as St. Pio Chapel, so I would imagine families fresh from Sunday mass coming in for lunch.

In this instance, however, I took my fam here on the way to our weekend staycation.

From outside, the restaurant presents a comfortable, homey and welcoming facade.

Inside, the place is bright and cheery, with large windows letting in lots of natural light and large hand-painted murals giving the premises an eclectic vibe. There are more seats to dine in on the second floor, while the third floor is mainly used for events.

I booked our table the night before via Zomato. We were a few minutes late but I called the resto to apprise them of our arrival time so our table was waiting for us when we arrived.

My daughter #ExhibitA, who’s trying to eat healthy, requested for a salad so we ordered a Ceasar Salad (Php180). The focaccia croutons, fresh microgreens and rough-chopped walnuts delectably add to the taste and texture of this classic dish.

Our little boy #ExhibitB, on the other hand, is a well-known pizza monster. We got him a Tre Formaggi (Php350) whose lethal combination of bleu cheese, emmenthal and mozzarella on top of creamy bechamel got my baby reaching for slice after slice.

Hubby got himself a Pasta Puttanesca (Php195). The sauce made from olives, anchovids and capers in fresh tomato sauce makes this a tasty pasta dish. (Hubby liked it well enough but insists that his mom’s version tastes better.)

We split orders of Lasagna al Forno (Php260), a meaty baked lasagna with bechamel cheese sauce (which I found a bit dry) and Italian Beef Stew (Php485), a dish made of beef chunks, Italian sausage and vegetables braised in tomato wine sauce and served with parsley rice.

All in all, I wouldn’t mind another visit to Cucina di Francisco and checking out more of its Italian viands. The place certainly is charming and even has free WiFi! Plus, the wait staff are also friendly and accommodating.

It’s quite near my home and is easily accessible. Since it is a free-standing resto that shares a sizeable multi-level parking lot with the church, I wouldn’t have to stress myself in looking for a parking space as opposed to the likely scenario if I were to visit a mall-based eatery during mealtimes.

It also employs persons with disability, such as those in the autism spectrum. This is an advocacy near and dear to my heart, being a parent to a child with special needs myself.

For those who are artistically inclined, Cucina di Francesco also serves as a venue for art and crafts workshops on weekends in partnership with Maartsy such as Plush Keychain Making and Acrylic Flower Jewelry Making in January 26 and Mandala Coffee Painting and Doodle Art with Lettering on January 27. For inquiries, call +63 2 9175861785.

Cucina di Francisco is located at RER Compound (St. Pio Chapel), 188 E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Bagumbayan, Libis, Quezon City, open daily Tuesdays to Thursdays from 8am to 8pm and Fridays to Sundays from 8am to 9pm. For reservations, call +63 2 5349935 or book your table via Zomato like I did. 🙂

Here’s some trivia for you: Did you know that puttanesca translates to “in the style of a whore” in Italian? While some food pundits would attribute the name to seedier origins, some food historians date the sauce back to the 1950s when Sandro Penti of Rancio Fellona were requested by hungry late-night patrons to “Facci una puttanata qualisiasi” or “Throw together whatever.” Which was what the good Penti did with what he had at the time: tomatoes, olives and capers. The rest is history. More on that here.

Check out my reviews of other Italian restaurants:

Haven for coffee and comfort food lovers: Little Owl Cafe, New Manila

Hidden away in New Manila is a haven for lovers of coffee and comfort food.

Renovated from one of the previously worn-down houses along Broadway Avenue, Little Owl Cafe is nestled among lush greenery. Started as a coffee shop but now a full service cafe, it serves food that features a fusion of Italian and Asian cuisines that professionals working in the area or families residing nearby can enjoy.

I was recently invited to a Blogger’s Dinner at this restaurant where I was able to sample some of its delectable offerings:

Omelette Chorizo Rice (Php270). Part of the resto’s All-Day Breakfast Menu, it consists of homemade longganisa rice, delicately wrapped in a thin omelette and topped with onion gravy and aioli.

Sisig Tacos (Php210). Three pieces of soft-shell tacos topped with crispy sisig and a savory liver aioli sauce. A great start to the meal!

Glazed Cauliflower (Php210). Cauliflower covered in a sweet and spicy soy glaze then deep-fried to crispiness. A great way to get the kids to eat their veggies!

Truffle Mushroom Pasta (Php350). Al dente noodles tossed in a rich homemade mushroom sauce made with three different kinds of mushrooms – shiitake, enoki and shimeji – topped with fried enoki and drizzled with truffle oil.

Shrimp & Aligue Pasta (Php330). Pasta noodles tossed in a creamy tomato sauce incorporating shrimp aligue and served with plump grilled shrimps.

Beef Tapa & Cheese Sandwich (Php295). A Pinoy take on the Philly Cheesesteak which showcases savory slivers of beef tapa, it is accompanied by a hefty serving of crisp shoestring fries.

Chicken & Waffle (Php270). Chicken thighs covered in batter then fried to a crisp then served with sriracha coleslaw over cheddar waffles.

Lechon Kawali Bibimbap (Php320). The classic sweet-spicy Korean fried rice served with sauteed mushrooms and spinach accompanied by deep fried pork belly and fried egg. A great combination of Pinoy and Korean flavors!

Chicken Satay (Php280). A bowl of Indonesian- inspired fried rice served with grilled chicken thigh and its trademark peanut sauce.

Beef Rendang (Php420). Tenderchuck slow-cooked in aromatic spices and coconut cream. A little too spicy for me but a sure winner for those who like their food with lots of kick!

Kimchi Salmon Sinigang (Php420). Salmon belly and loin seared then served in a spicy and sour soup.

Iced Mocha (Php170). A rich yet refreshing blend of chocolate and coffee flavors, it is among the Toby’s Estate beverages served in this restaurant.

https://flic.kr/p/QyJGPJ

Pink Owl (Php180). A fruity cocktail of vodka, lychee, watermelon and mint. A suitable drink to chase away the workday stress.

Little Owl Cafe’s food offerings provide its diners with an adventurous break from the everyday meals but with enough familiar flavors to make them appealing to those with more conservative tastebuds.

Its premises are well-appointed, tastefully furnished and prettily lit, great backgrounds for foodie shots and group photos.

Since this resto is conveniently located a short distance from my workplace, I definitely can drop by again for dinner with friends after office hours.

Little Owl Cafe is located at 65 Broadway Avenue, New Manila, Quezon City, open Mondays to Saturdays from 11am to 10pm and Sundays from 8am to 9pm. For inquiries, call + 63 917 8181468 or +63 2 5012036.

Little Owl also accepts bookings for special events such as weddings, birthdays, holiday parties, press conferences and more, with function rooms that can be reserved for a minimum consumable amount.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I was invited to attend a foodie meet-up held in this restaurant. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

#PampangaFoodCrawl: 7 Must-try Dishes

San Fernando, Pampanga is only about two hours ride from Manila. It is usually a place my family and I pass by on the way to our hometown of Bataan. While I may have visited the city once or twice over the past years (and usually on business), I have never thought of it as a foodie destination. (I admit now that this notion is a bit odd, considering that Kapampangans are known for their culinary skills.)

Fortunately, I recently took part in the Giant Lantern Festival Bloggers Tour organized by the city’s Tourism Promotion and Caravan Sub-Committee, YALLA Book of Coupons and the Giant Lantern Festival Foundation, Inc. Together with fellow bloggers, I toured San Fernando’s heritage sites and learned about the city’s thriving Christmas lantern industry and annual competition. Plus, our group was treated to an EPIC seven-stop food crawl of the city’s top restaurants.

I can hardly keep myself from talking about all the great foodie finds discovered during the tour, so I wrote a curated list of the “absolute must-trys” that represent the various cuisines available in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Check them out and try to include these restos in your itinerary on your next visit to the area.

Baked Goods: The Original Cheesebread at L.A. Bake Shop

L.A. Bakeshop prides itself on being the “Home of the Original Cheesebread.” And, oh, its artisan cheesebread is really worth boasting about! When served while still warm from the oven, it emits a sweet cheese-y smell that has you salivating. Bite into it and the soft fluffy sweet bread gives in to the explosion of cheese flavor in your mouth. Enjoy it for breakfast together with L.A. Bakeshop’s Spanish Bread and Tsokolateng Batirol for a truly indulgent start to your day.

Price:
Cheesebread: Php180 (box of 30 pcs)
Spanish Bread: Php210 (box of 30 pcs)
Mixed: Php195 (15 pcs cheesebread, 15 pcs Spanish bread)

L.A. Bakeshop is located along MacArthur Hi-way, Dolores, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, open daily from 7am to 9pm. For inquiries, call +63 045 4360153 or +63 916 2623098.

Italian: Shrimp Bisque Fusili at Parmisano’s

An exciting take on the Pancit Luglog, this dish features al dente fusilli pasta tossed in a creamy shrimp sauce, topped with onion leeks, plump shrimp, soft-boiled egg and bits of savory chicharon. What a fun way to enjoy a local classic!

Price: Php286

Parmisano’s is located at KM 78, San Agustin, City of San Fernando, Pampanga (across Vista Mall), open Tuesdays to Sundays from 12nn to 9pm. For inquiries, call +63 045 4027639.

American: Grilled Beef Steak at Meats and Match

For the true-blue carnevore like me, there is nothing like the taste of freshly grilled steak. Sourced from local farms, cooked to medium doneness and served on a sizzling plate together with mashed potatoes and buttered corn and carrots, the meat is tender, juicy and oozing with flavor. I love it when its accompanying gravy has caramelized a bit below the steak, adding a more intense flavor to every bite.

Price: Php194

Meats and Match is located along McArthur Highway, Dolores, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. For inquiries, call +63 998 9888917.

American: Double Smoky Mushroom & Cheese Burger at Roberto’s

Two juicy flame-grilled meat patties topped with a flavorful mushroom sauce and accompanied by crisp greens inside a warm burger bun. Crispy battered onion rings and tartar dip are served on the side.

Price: Php450

Roberto’s is located in Dolores (beside the Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital), City of San Fernando, Pampanga, open daily from 10am to 9pm. For inquiries, call +63 998 9888914.

Seafood: Bag of Fresh Catch at Orange Bucket

Steamed or boiled crabs, shrimps and mussels in a savory-spicy Cajun-style sauce. It’s best eaten by hand and you can expect to be messy so take advantage of the disposable gloves and bib provided by the resto (it’s a lot more fun that way anyway).

Price: minimum order of 300g
Crab: Php540
Shrimp: Php450
Mussel: Php270
Clam: Php60

The Orange Bucket is located at the Erazone Square, Kalahi Business Road, Bgy San Isidro, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, open daily from 11am to 11pm. For inquiries, call +63 045 4022611, +63 906 2468000 or +63 998 8597750.

Filipino: Sizzling Sisig at 4MD’s Manukan at Ihaw Ihaw

Since Pampanga is the birthplace of the sisig, a Pampanga food crawl would hardly be complete without it. This dish is made in the traditional way: boiled and chopped pig ears and cheeks, seasoned with vinegar, and served on a hot plate with roughly chopped onions. I found this version dryer than other sisig I’ve tasted (which usually incorporate mayonnaise), but it did not detract from the taste.

Price: Php175

4MD’s Manukan at Ihaw Ihaw is located along MacArthur Hi-way, Dolores, City of Pampanga, open daily from 11am to 11pm. For inquries, call +63 045 9633283.

Dessert: Chiffonelle at Cafe Noelle

Made from the recipe crafted by the chef’s family matriarch, this dessert treat is composed of classic chiffon cake with a decadent yema custard filling and butter icing. It’s simple and light on the tastebuds but absolutely wonderful.

Price: Php140/slice; Php 980/whole cake

Cafe Noelle is located at the Greenfields Square along MacArthur Hi-way, Sindalan, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, open daily from 10am to 10pm.

The #PampangaFoodCrawl helped to open my eyes to the many gustatory delights available in the city of San Fernando and I look forward to my future trips up north so I can explore more of the city’s dining possibilities.

Planning a trip up north? Check out these restos and be sure to head out and experience more of what makes the city of San Fernando, Pampanga unique. Check out my previous blog posts on the city:

Disclosure: Together with other bloggers, I participated in a tour and food crawl sponsored by the city government of San Fernando, Pampanga. The experiences provided and food served were not paid for by the attendees including myself.

City of Dreams Manila opens a VR Zone and Food Park

City of Dreams Manila is changing the landscape of entertainment and dining as it unveils The Garage.The new attraction is a VR Zone and food park that enables guests to delve into the immersive experience of virtual reality entertainment and delight in a wide range of casual dining choices from the carefully curated selection of food and beverage trucks and trailers set in a comfortable, air-conditioned space.

Bandai Namco Amusement from Japan, one of the world’s leading video digital entertainment development companies, provides the virtual reality experience at the VR Zone.

“The Garage is City of Dreams Manila’s latest attraction featuring unique entertainment activities in partnership with Bandai Namco Amusement. With their creativity and cutting-edge technology, we are honored and delighted to partner with them, and together blaze a trail in delivering extraordinary entertainment experiences that go beyond gaming and recreation in the Philippines,” Kevin Benning, City of Dreams Manila’s Chief Operating Officer said.

The virtual reality experience provided by a leader in video digital entertainment development is complemented by quality food and drink choices offered by 10 of the hippest and contemporary food and beverage partners including the resort’s own talented staff. This concept, curated all in one place, makes The Garage a first of its kind in the country — “setting us apart from the rest,” adds Benning.

“Bandai Namco Amusement is honored to partner with luxury integrated resort City of Dreams Manila and bring to this exciting destination our first VR Zone entertainment facility in Southeast Asia. We hope to bring outside of Japan an immersive, multi-sensory and fun activities to Filipinos and foreign guests with our unique VR activities at The Garage,” Kunihisa Yagisita, Bandai Namco’s General Manager stated.

Set in a 2,714-square meter cool and comfortable space located at the upper ground floor, The Garage stands out with its modern industrial interiors catering to a 563-seating capacity. Designed by award-winning Paris-based creative design agency, Malherbe Design in collaboration with Westar Architectural Interior Design, a group known for its strong sensitivity to contemporary design aesthetics, The Garage is further given life and vibrancy with graffiti works of two prominent names in the street art scene: Kookoo Ramos and DeeJae Paeste.

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#graffiti that graces one of the walls of the newly opened #VRZone and #FoodPark @thegarageatcod. It helps set the mood for enjoyment among gamers and foodies. Wanna chance to check out the VR games available for free! Like and tag a friend in the comments under the giveaway posts here and at @sandundermyfeet, @herlculis, @hungryherl and @foodventuresbyfrapao. Be sure to follow all our accounts to qualify! #TheGarageAtCOD #VRZoneCOD #GamesGastroGalore #cityofdreamsmanila #virtualreality #bandai #bandainamco #VRPark #virtualrealitypark #virtualrealitygames #gaming #gamers #mariokart #skirodeo #philippines #itsmorefuninthephilippines #wheninmanila #wimadventures #virtualrealityworld #virtualrealitygames #virtualrealityexperience #virtualrealitygaming #virtualrealityarcade

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Game of a lifetime

The Garage’s VR Zone features a new generation entertainment facility that offers an exhilarating and startling experience with top-of-class VR technology.

One of the exciting activities at the VR Zone is the famed Mario Kart Arcade GP VR, which was developed by Bandai Namco Amusement under license from Nintendo. The three-minute Mario Kart Arcade GP VR enables one to choose to play as one of the characters: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, or Yoshi; step right into the action-packed world of Mario Kart universe; and race until the finish line through a course filled with traps such as giant Piranha Plants and Thwomps or large stone creatures that attempt to crush the players. This highly sought-after game can be played by up to four persons and is open to enthusiasts 13 years old and above.

For those seeking a different kind of thrill, the Hospital Escape Terror, which can be played by up to four participants, is described as a ‘horrifying experience unlike ever before’. This immersive horror room game is open to thrill-seekers ages 13 years old and above. Hospital Escape Terror’s players have the goal to escape and survive altogether the dark, cursed, and abandoned hospital within nine minutes while being restrained on a wheel chair.

The two-minute Ski Rodeo on the other hand, is a steep downhill ski simulator that lets a player ski a vast snowy mountain course with sharp slopes and steep drops at an immense speed with the goal to finish at the fastest time possible or within the allotted time. This heart-dropping game, which can be played in pairs, is open to individuals with a height of 140 cm and up.

Tickets are available on site. Single player ticket price is available at P450 nett; while packages are available for those playing in groups or pairs: P800 nett for two persons playing Ski Rodeo; P1, 200 per person for three activities; and P1, 600 nett for a group of four persons playing Hospital Escape Terror or Mario Kart GP VR.

Gastronomic Galore

Going hand in hand with the one-of-a-kind entertainment experience, The Garage’s VR Zone is offering a selection of 10 food and beverage trucks and trailers: Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, Katsu Sora, Pink’s Hotdog, Little Flour, El Chupacabra, Pizza Grigliata, Farmacy, Chocol8, The Roaster and Juiced. The casual dining experience is also enhanced with the sustainability drive of City of Dreams Manila: only eco-friendly, biodegradable and compostable plates, utensils and take-out bags are used at The Garage.

Hailing from Japan, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka’s well-loved ramen is characterized by its mild, pearl-colored Tonkotsu soup which is carefully prepared by taking the time to simmer the pork bones before adding vegetables, dried fish, kelp and other special ingredients. This exceptional soup with thin-noodle ramen, and perfectly topped with mouthwatering slices of Char-siu pork and pickled plums is meant to be savored to the last spoonful.

Another food truck specializing in Japanese cuisine is Katsu Sora. A household name in the metro for good tonkatsu or Japanese deep-fried pork cutlet, Katsu Sora’s secret to their naturally tender, marbled, and flavorful tonkatsu is the use of only premium pork meat. The restaurant is known for serving dishes that use four kinds of world-class pork that are of the highest quality: Iberico, Kurobuta, Shimofuri, and Sakura. Their Iberico and Kurobuta Tonkatsu sets are served with their famed Juugokokumai rice, a premium rice blend that includes white rice, corn, barley, millet, sesame seeds, and black beans.

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This is the #MenchiKatsuBurger that defeated me. #PeroLabanPaRin #EatingContest #TheGarageAtCOD #VRZoneCOD #GamesGastroGalore . . . . . . #foodieph #foodph #pinoyfoodie #yummyph #foodiegram #foodgasm #zomatoph #spotph #looloo #bookymanila #delishph #happytummy #IGersManila #foodblogger

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Los Angeles’ most popular hot dog stand, Pink’s Hot Dogs has been hailed by multiple publications as the number one hot dog in America. A staple in Hollywood since 1939, their lip-smacking hot dogs especially the iconic “The Hollywood Legend,” which is a medley of Pink’s eponymous hotdogs with chili, cheddar cheese, mustard, and chopped onions, are sought after by everyone. This legend continues in Manila since opening their first store in 2016, and is offered together with other American favorites such as burgers, fries, nachos, and more.

Little Flour Café by the highly successful Wildflour Café + Bakery, is known for its well-loved and locally-inspired Filipino rice bowls, delicacies and grilled items.

El Chupacabra is a casual street taco bar serving a delectable array of Mexican-influenced dishes for lunch and dinner, as well as uniquely tweaked versions of popular local plates. Apart from Mexican-style street tacos, El Chupacabra is also known for burritos, enchiladas, and grilled chicken sticks.

Pizza Grigliata serves nothing but hot, freshly-made artisanal pizza to deliver a different kind of pizza experience that stands out from the rest. Uniquely prepared, Pizza Grigliata’s pizzas are handmade from scratch everyday using thin crust dough topped with the freshest ingredients which are torched and grilled.

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#QuattroFormaggi Pizza with #TruffleOil from @pizzagrigliata.manila. . . . . . . #foodieph #foodph #pinoyfoodie #yummyph #foodiegram #foodgasm #zomatoph #spotph #looloo #bookymanila #delishph #happytummy #IGersManila

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Farmacy takes us back to the time of classic turn-of-the-century ice cream parlors. Satisfying the sweet tooth of guests, Farmacy is known for serving fresh homemade ice cream “the right way,” and for serving an extensive array of comforting treats such as milkshakes, sodas, coffee, and pastries.

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Sweets to the sweet! #triplescoop #icecream #iscreamforicecream #TheGarageAtCOD #VRZoneCOD #GamesGastroGalore . . . . . . #sweetdreamsaremadeofthis #alwaysroomfordessert #sweetstothesweet #justdesserts #sweetsph #dessertph #dessertsofinstagram #sugarcoma #sugaraddict #sweetcraving #sugarrush #sweetfix

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Alongside the well-curated food and beverage outlets at The Garage are City of Dreams Manila’s own exceptional outlets: Chocol8, Juiced and The Roaster.

Chocol8 features handcrafted chocolates in a number of shapes and forms, and are enhanced with special ingredients such as fruits, nuts, and spices.

For those into healthy concoctions, Juiced offers a variety of freshly squeezed smoothies, slushies, and juices daily; while The Roaster is the go-to outlet for an array of gourmet coffee creations made from freshly roasted Philippine beans. In keeping with the resort’s sustainability campaign, the beans are sourced from coffee growers and farmers in various communities supported by the Philippine Coffee Board, Inc.

The bar at The Garage offers a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for guests to pair their choice of food from the trucks and trailers.

The Garage is open daily from 10 AM to 2 AM. For more information, call (+63 2) 800-8080 or email guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.

Details provided by The Garage in a recent press release.

A big Italian Family Lunch at New York Slice by Motorino, SM Pasig

Lately, I’ve had little time to spend with my extended family. My parents just moved in to their newly renovated house over the weekend and with all the general hustle and bustle, my mom was not up to cooking the usual Sunday lunch.

I ended up recommending New York Slice by Motorino in SM Hypermarket Pasig as it was very accessible to us and has a sweet Metrodeal offer (more on that later).

It is located along the row of restaurants near the SM Hypermarket’s main entrance facing Tiendesitas. The seating inside the store proper is quite limited but there are extra seats outside the store that can seat larger groups, particularly our party of seven.

I took advantage of a Metro deal offer that entitles me to Php500 worth of food orders at only Php299, with the option to buy and use more than one Metrodeal voucher. With this awesome deal, I admit we went a little crazy with the sheer volume of our orders, which included:

Pizzas

Motorino Special (Php135/slice). Pepperoni, Italian sausage, olives, bell pepper, onions and mushrooms. This was the preferred pizza of Hubby and my brother who wanted their pizzas to have meat and lots of toppings.

Honey & 3-Cheese (Php135/slice). Honey, cream cheese, mozzarella and parmesan. This pizza was for me and my little boy to satisfy our cravings for cheese and something sweet, all in one go.

Veggie Special (Php135/slice). Mushroom, onions, bell pepper, olives, oregano and olive oil. This was the preferred pizza for the older folks, a healthier option than the others.

Pasta

Spaghetti Bolognese (Php169). A classic choice for the party members who are not as adventurous, food-wise.

Alfredo with Bacon (Php169). A meatier take on carbonara but a little to sauce-y for me.

Alfredo with Shrimp (Php189). The preference of my dad who likes seafood.

Creamy Mushroom (Php159). A lighter and more vegetarian option than the other pastas we ordered.

Krunchy Krispy Wings

Garlic Parmesan (Php269/6pcs).

BBQ Glaze (Php439/10pcs).

Both wings are quite tasty and went well with our pizzas and pastas.

Thanks to the Metrodeal vouchers I availed of, I ended up paying only Php2,200+ for Php3,600+ worth of orders.

This New York Slice by Motorino branch is located inside SM Hypermarket, Frontera Verde Drive, Ugong, Pasig City, open daily from 10am to 9pm. Other branches are located at:

Ground Floor, South Parking Building, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City (open daily from 10am to 10pm)
Rockwell Business Center, Ground Floor, Sheridan Corner United, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City (open daily from 10am to 8pm)
Eton Towers Makati, 128 Dela Rosa Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City (open Mondays to Fridays 11am to 10pm and Saturdays to Sundays 11am to 9pm)
Ground Floor, Market! Market!, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City (open daily from 10am to 10pm)
2A-2 Ground Floor, ATC Corporate Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City (open daily from 11am to 10pm)