restaurant review – Page 17 – Jellybeans in the City

Kumbacheros, it’s time to celebrate as Ka Tunying’s turns 7!

Woohoo! Celebrations are definitely in order because #PanlasangMakabayanTurns7!

Ka Tunying’s, that casual tambayan and restoran in one, recently marked its seventh year of operations.

Named after its founder, veteran broadcaster, TV personality and radio commentator, Anthony Taberna, Ka Tunying’s has been through seven years’ worth of ups , downs and in-betweens of running a restaurant that caters to the #PanlasangMakabayan.

Before and during a global pandemic, Ka Tunying’s has rolled with the times and even introduced service and product innovations such as the launch of its website for online ordering, its frozen food packs and its retail stores in various cities nationwide.

With restaurants located in Quezon City and Tagaytay, Ka Tunying’s has been serving afforable, no-frills yet delicious Pinoy dishes such as Kaldereta, Arroz Caldo and Sisig to satisfy the Pinoy food cravings of urbanites, families, barkadas, travelers, balikbayans and more!

Over the years, its offerings have expanded to include the following:

Breads: Baguette (Php81), Banana Loaf (Php196), Cheesebread (Php161/8pcs | Php256/14pcs), Cheese Loaf (Php138), Regular Pan de Sal (Php81/10pcs), Cheese Pan de Sal (Php104/10pcs), Malunggay Pan de Sal (Php98/10pcs), Pesto Wheat Pan de Sal (Php98), Turmeric Pan de Sal (Php92/10pcs), Ube Cheese Pan de Sal (Php334/10pcs), Ensaymada (Php58/pc | Php345/6pcs), Cheesy Ube Ensaymada (Php173), Coffee Bun (Php144/6pcs | Php242/12pcs), Hopia (Php109), Mongo Loaf (Php104), Kamote Cheeseroll (Php58), Pan de Coco (Php108/8pcs), Raisin Bonnet (Php104/6pcs), Raisin Loaf (Php104), Tasty (Php81), Wheat Bread (Php69), Spanish Bread (Php104), Whole Wheat Cinnamon (Php173).

Pastas and Noodles: Tinapa Carbonara (Php295), Pancit ni Nanay Benny (Php320), Pancit Cantonio Taberna (Php295), Daing Pesto Pasta (Php325), Vegetable Lasagna (Php320)

Customizable Cakes: Simply choose your cake design, choose among various flavors (including carrot, ube macapuno, choco caramel and choco ganache) and sizes (6-, 8-, 10 and 12-inches), then indicate your dedication message.

So, kumbacheros, go ahead and celebrate with these tasty creations from Ka Tunying’s. Order online at KaTunyings.com, calling 09952376684 or 09171038673, or sending a message on Facebook, Instagram or Viber (Ka Tunying’s PH).

Ka Tunying’s outlets are located at:

88 Visayas Ave, Quezon City, 1128 Metro Manila
Unit D, Vista Point, Tagaytay, Cavite

Ka Tunying’s also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Check out my previous posts about Ka Tunying’s:

Ka Tunying's Brownie Pre-Mix — BakeItTilYouMakeIt: Our Baking Mama Gift Set from Ka Tunying’s

Exciting Thai Flavors at Flower Boy, The Grid Food Market

Craving for some excitement? A taste of adventure? A journey to the new and unfamiliar?

Why not try a cuisine that’s off your beaten path?

One of the eateries managed by Lowbrow Casual Restaurants, Flower Boy, operates a stall in The Grid Food Market and offers diners a peek into the bright and rich flavors of Thai cuisine.

Fried Squid Platter (Php440). Large rings of succulent squid, dipped in Sprite flavored batter then deep-fried to golden brown crispiness. Served with crunchy prawn crackers and Jaew sauce.

Bagoong Fried Rice (Php290). Steamed rice topped with scrambled egg and Flower Boy’s own recipe for bagoong made with shrimp paste, rendered pork fat, crispy ham, and tamarind.

Chicken Pad Thai (Php350). Flower Boy’s version of one of Thailand’s national dishes is made to appeal to the Pinoy palate but still keep to its Thai roots. This stir-fried noodle dish is savory, mildly sweet with lots of umami, thanks to its sauce which is cooked for three hours. It looks gorgeous and smells wonderful, too, wouldn’t you agree?

Mango Sticky Rice (Php250). A classic Thai dessert made with succulent mango slices served with sticky rice topped with toasted coconut flakes and coconut cream.

Thai Iced Tea (Php140). Thailand’s popular refreshment made with brewed black tea flavored with spices and sweetened with condensed milk..

Flower Boy is open for pickup and delivery at thegridfoodmarket.com. It is also available for dine-in at Stall 3 at The Grid Food Market, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati. It also delivers via GrabFood, FoodPanda and Pick-A-Roo.

For more details on its menu items and offers, follow Flower Boy on Facebook and Instagram.

The Grid Food Market is the resident food hall of Powerplant Mall which offers a wide range of flavors to cater to various cravings.

Check out my previous posts on other cuisines available at The Grid Food Market:

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

Oooh, my sweet-tooth senses are tingling!

It might have something to do with this mysterious box of goodies from Cinnabon!

Since 1985, Cinnabon has been making dreamy cinnamon buns: the soft and fluffy kind with sweetly spiced cinnamon tucked in between layers and topped creamy and gooey frosting.

From its hometown in Seattle, WA where father-and-son entrepreneurs Rich and Greg Komen partnered with expert baker Jerilyn Brusseau to craft the ultimate cinnamon bun, Cinnabon has been producing batch after delectable batch of this irresistible stuff.

Having made its way to the Philippines back in 1999, the brand has since established its presence in the country to include twenty Cinnabon bakeries which beckon shoppers and passersby with the irresistible fragrance of hot cinnamon buns, fresh from the oven.

Its global empire really began with the creation of the Classic Cinnabon Roll, which then made way for new and delicious variants such as the Caramel Pecanbon (the classic roll with the addition of caramel sauce and chopped pecans) and the Chocobon (the classic roll with lots of chocolatey goodness). This triumvirate of Cinnabon flavors, along with an occassional new flavor such as the recent Cranberry Biscoff Minibon, has been providing dessert lovers some #indulgingcomfort that only perfectly baked Cinnabon rolls can give.

Now, there’s something new and exciting baking at Cinnabon: the Toffee Minichocobon!

The all-time favorite chocolate-flavored cinnamon roll gets an infusion of toffee flavors, thanks to the toffee crunch bits tucked into it and sprinkled on top, plus the drizzle of yummy toffee sauce, truly a new #recipeforwonderful.

Enjoy a piece of this #indulgingcomfort for Php100 at your nearest Cinnabon outlet, or grab a box of four for Php300 or a box of nine for Php600 to enjoy with your fellow dessert lovers at home.

And don’t worry about finishing the entire box all at once. Store your buns at room temperature for up to two days and then re-heat in the microwave oven for 15-20 seconds (add 5 seconds per additional bun).

Cinnabon stores are located at:

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

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

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

Check out my other posts about Cinnabon:

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

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

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature story.

Top of the Morning weekend breakfast buffet at Timberland Highlands Resort’s Ridge Cafe

Weekends are for leisure and enjoyment, do you agree? That should certainly include your breakfast.

Weekend breakfasts provide you with the opportunity to take things slow – in contrast to the mad rush during workday mornings – and spend time with your loved ones.

At Ridge Cafe in Timberland Highlands Resort, you can do that and more!

Ridge Cafe is one of the resort’s dining venues which boasts of well-appointed interiors, definitely an elegant venue to enjoy a show-stopping meal.

It also has an al fresco dining area where diners can enjoy the crisp and clean mountain air as well as the magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and the Metro Manila cityscape.

Aside from its usual menu of Filipino and international dishes available ala carte, Ridge Cafe also serves a sumptuous buffet on Saturday and Sunday mornings, dubbed as the Top of the Morning buffet.

Curious as to what you can look forward to at this weekend buffet spread? Check these out:

Imagine waking up to your true-blue almusal faves: the silogs! Pair your choice from viands such as Corned Beef with Potatoes, Tocino, Longganisa and Tocino, with Garlic Fried Rice and your choice or fried eggs from the Egg Station.

Want to break your fast with something wholesome and healthy? You can opt for locally-grown fresh produce for salads or fruit desserts.

If you prefer baked goods for your first meal of the day, then you can have your fill from a woundrous variety of freshly baked breads and pastries. These include four types of pan de sal (regular, ube, cacao and malunggay), cinnamon and fruit Danish, as well as various jams, cheeses and butter to spread on them.

There’s something for the kiddos as well, thanks to continental breakfast choices such as cereals, chicken nuggets and breakfast sausages. You might as well let them indulge in sweet treats that include mini pancakes (with syrup!) and cookies.

Of course, the best part about having so many choices available in the buffet spreas is that you can pick and choose your favorites or explore a totally new cuisine for a weekend breakfast experience that you assembled for yourself.

Whether you’re on your first breakfast buffet at Ridge Cafe, or on your umpteenth visit, you can count on a delicious meal that you can savor with your nears-and-dears.

Top of the Morning breakfast spread is priced at Php650 per person, and is served at Ridge Cafe from 7am to 10am on weekends.

To reserve a table, email timberlandfbm@timberlandresort.com or message 0999-889-2659 | 0995-840-3206 | 8891-8288 local 1030 and 1032.

Ridge Cafe is located at Timberland Highlands Resort, inside Timberland Heights, Barangay Guitnang Bayan II, San Mateo, Rizal 1850 Philippines.

Book your room via Klook today to enjoy great savings!

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.

Fresh seafood and paluto at Dampa sa Libis

If you’ve got some serious craving for fresh seafood but the beach is quite some distance away, your best bet is to go to your nearby dampa.

Originally, the word “Dampa” is a Filipino term for “hut,” reminiscent of the small houses that line the seaside where fishermen live and make their living.

Today, it is associated with a wet market attached to a restaurant. In this kind of eatery, diners can select the fresh seafood they want to eat and then choose from a menu of ways on how they want these to be cooked for an additional charge, hence term paluto.

As a Pasiguena, landlocked and situated far away from the seaside, I’m lucky that there’s a Dampa sa Libis located nearby.

As is typical with other dampa-style eateries, this one is geared towards catering to large groups in a very informal setting.

The place is suitable for boisterous gatherings of people who love to dine together over their favorite seafood dishes, with little to no concern about the restaurant’s decor or aesthetic. (So if you’re feeling particularly tita-ish, this might not be the place for you.)

However, if you’re game for fresh seafood, cooked upon order and served fresh from the kitchen, this just might be your foodie haven.

During a recent get-together with my in-laws, the extended fam feasted on:

Sinigang na Salmon sa Miso.

Fresh salmon prepared in a variant of the famous dish sinigang which also includes miso (soybean paste) among its ingredients.

Prawn Tempura.

Large prawns battered and deep-fried until golden-brown and served with a sweet soy-based dipping sauce.

Inihaw na Pusit.

A beachside favorite, this dish is made from a large squid stuffed with tomatoes and onions, then grilled for that smokey taste.

Sweet and Spicy Crab.

Fresh crabs cooked in tomato sauce, chilis and other spices with a bit of brown sugar for that irresistible interplay of spice and sweetness with every bite of succulent crab meat.

BBQ Liempo.

For those who have a more carnivorous bent (or those with kids who have not yet discovered a love for seafood), barbecued pork belly is always a delicious possibility.

Leche Flan.

The best way to cap a great meal is to linger over dessert, right? This Pinoy take on the creme caramel will do quite nicely as a post-meal sweet.

When dining at a dampa, it’s best to let your adventurous side out and to savor the good food along with the good company you’re having.

Dampa sa Libis is located at 107 E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Bgy Libis, Quezon City, open for dine-in and takeout on weekdays from 11am to 9pm and on weekends from 10am to 9pm.

For more information, follow Dampa sa Libis on Facebook or call +63 2 86373303 or +63 917 7071553.

K-pop and K-Chicken at Kko Kko

Still on a high from your latest K-drama binge? Got an urge to get close to your K-pop idols?

Well, hie yourself over to the nearest Kko Kko branch then!

There you can take selfies with Hallyu and K-pop stars as you partake in the cherished Korean meal: the chimaek. It consists of crispy double-fried chicken and cold beer, best enjoyed with your buddies.

You can share a Chicken Fondue (Php598 half | Php998 whole) with the fam like the group I saw when I dropped by. You can dip boneless chicken pieces (your choice of flavor) and other finger food such as onion rings, fries and nachos in hot gooey cheese inside a bread bowl!

You can also get your favorite fried chicken variant for take out, just like I did!

Giving in to my daughter #ExhibitA’s request, I ordered 6 pieces Korean Fried Chicken (Php558) flavored with Yangnyum glaze. She loves this sweet and spicy duality of the sauce, while I love it when she’s happy. (#MotherOfTheYear!)

These crispy and flavorful chicken pieces can be enjoyed on their own (papak Pinoy-style), paired with beer if you’re with friends, or eaten with rice and kimchi, with some soda drinks as a family meal.

This Kko Kko branch is located at The Sapphire Bloc, 35 Garnet Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, open daily from 11am to 11pm.

Other branches are located at Trinoma Mall in Quezon City, Market Market in Taguig and Festival Mall in Alabang.

Kko Kko Chicken also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

To know more about its offers and promos, follow Kko Kko Chicken on Facebook and Instagram.

Chicken lovers unite for Chicken United

The Pinoy’s love for fried chicken is well-known.

This love has extended to fried chicken various forms as well. From the stripped down and unbreaded variety, to the more elaborate glazed and sauced up versions, we have embraced practically all of the taste and texture possibilities that fried chicken has to offer.

Well, chicken lovers have a new outlet for their obsession: Chicken United!

This online fried chicken shop unites both well-loved fried chicken varieties and exciting new flavors, plus sides, dips and appetizers.

Check them out:

Dynamite with Cheese (Php129). The well-loved pulutan made with cheese-stuffed peppers encased in lumpia wrapper.

Crispy Fried Chicken.

Chicken United’s signature fried chicken wings or fillets, served with the store’s specially curated sauces on the side.

Drunk BBQ (Php219/6pcs | Php419/12pcs). The store’s take on smoked BBQ with a splash of brandy.

Pineapple Spice (Php219/6pcs | Php419/12pcs). Pineapple on pizza may be debatable but you’ll love it on your fried chicken!

Korean Gochujang (Php239/6pcs | Php439/12pcs). Fried chicken the way your K-pop idols would have it!

Dinakdakan (Php229/6pcs | Php429/12pcs). The creamy and flavorful Pinoy dish dinakdakan is given a new form in this appetizing new variant.

Sauced Up Fried Chicken.

Chicken United’s signature fried chicken wings or fillets, coated with the store’s specially curated sauces.

Osaka Takoyaki (Php219/6pcs | Php419/12pcs). Inspired by Japan’s takoyaki capital, this fried chicken is flavored with Japanese mayo and bonito flakes.

So whether you and your pals go for this kind of fried chicken or that, you know that your preferences unite at Chicken United!

To order, visit burpcentral.com or message +63 919 0779670. Chicken United currently delivers within Metro Manila from its cloud kitchens in Mandaluyong and Quezon City but will soon establish its presence east of Manila to serve chicken lovers in Marikina, Cainta and selected areas in San Mateo, Taytay and Antipolo.

To stay updated on its products and offers, follow Chicken United on Facebook and Instagram.

Let’s #ChooseTheSarapEveryday with Chewsarap

Despite the pandemic that still rages on, life continues.

Amid the trials and challenges we face, and continue to encounter, there are moments that we choose to savor, and milestones that we celebrate. Those are the times when we choose the sarap out of life.

One such moment is the birthday of my eldest. My unica hija – whom I usually refer to in this blog as #ExhibitA – is now a young adult, and I wanted to mark the day with a special meal.

However, with my busy work day, I didn’t have time to shop for ingredients, let alone spend time in the kitchen putting together various dishes.

Fortunately, I won’t have to, thanks to Chewsarap!

Operating on the philosophy that good food need not be expensive, this cloud kitchen offers a well-curated menu consisting of Chinese, Korean and Filipino cuisines, affordably priced and available in portions ranging from solo to family and party trays.

#ExhibitA’s birthday feast consisted of:

Hot Prawn Salad (Php350 for 2-3 persons | Php600 for 4-5 persons | Php900 for 7-8 persons).

Succulent prawns tossed in mayonnaise and cream then topped with sweetened fruits.

Salted Egg Chicken Wings (Php240/3 pcs | Php900/12 pcs).

Juicy chicken wings covered in Chewsarap’s special salted egg sauce.

Roast Beef (Php450) half portion | Php850 full portion).

Beef belly cooked sous vide for forty-eight hours and served with gravy and barbecue sauce.

Hainan Chicken with Curry Rice (Php300 for 1-2 persons | Php500 for 3-4 persons | Php900 for 6-8 persons).

Chicken cooked sous-vide on top of curry rice and served with ginger and soy dipping sauces.

The fam loved the varied dishes I served for my baby girl’s birthday dinner. Our intimate feast included old favorites as well as new flavors that broadened our culinary horizons, all made fresh on the day of delivery.

Plus, ordering this feast was so easy. Here’s how:

Visit chewsarap.com.
Select your orders.
Upon checkout, fill up your delivery details and choose your shipping option (pickup or delivery).
After getting the total bill, make your payments (cards/e-wallets, bank deposit and GCash are accepted).
Send proof of payment via Viber or by messaging Chewsarap on Facebook or Instagram.

Want to cook show-stopping viands such as these without the work of food prep?

Order Chewsarap’s Ready-to-Cook Meals such as:

Chicken Tenders
Beef Tapa
Japche Noodles
Pork Sisig
Beef Stew

Why should we choose the hassle, when we can #ChooseTheSarap, everyday?

Disclosure: Product samples were provided.

Affordable Japanese Lunch at Happon, Maginhawa

Maginhawa Street in QC has made a name for itself as a foodie haven, particularly with the proliferation of small and artisanal eateries there.

One such restaurant is Happon Ramen House which my fam came upon – oddly enough – as we left another Japanese restaurant due to the unavailability of most of its menu items.

Fortunately, just across the street is this seemingly nondescript eatery, located in a narrow space in a commercial building.

Upon entering, we noted that the store’s interior decor and furnishings were sparse, with some anime-themed tchotchkes to add some color and points of interest to the space.

We gave our orders at the counter then found our seats upstairs at the loft.

There, we enjoyed our lunch which consisted of reasonably priced Japanese food:

Edamame (Php78). Soybeans boiled in saltwater while still in their pods which served as our appetizer.

Spicy Tantanmen (Php228). Chewy ramen noodles resting a creamy and nutty sesame-based broth topped with spicy minced pork.

Gyoza (Php138). Japanese potstickers made of minced pork and finely chopped vegetables mixed with aromatics steamed in a pan then allowed to crisp on one side then served with an tangy dipping sauce.

Chahan (Php78). Also known as yakimeshi, this is the flavorful Japanese version of fried rice.

Karaage (Php138). Marinated chicken pieces are lightly coated in starch then deep fried in oil until brown and crispy.

Tonkatsu (Php138). Breaded pork cutlet deep-fried in oil until golden brown and served with shredded cabbage and zesty tonkatsu sauce.

After our meal, we headed downstairs and settled our bill. Thankfully, the store accepts payments via GCash!

We’re glad that we chanced upon this low-key Japanese restaurant and enjoyed our affordable lunch.

I look forward to new discoveries that Maginhawa has in store for me and the fam!

Happon Ramen House is located at 143 Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village (near Bayantel Office), Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 9pm.

For inquiries and reservations, call + 63 922 2203911.

Other branches are located at:

Caltex Gas Station, F7 Bldg., Belfast Ave., Fairview, QC (back of SM Fairview)
Blk 21 Lot 1 Bristol St. cor. Flores de Mayo St. Greater Lagro, QC (near Lagro Subd. entrance)
70 Cepeda St. cor. Col. Divino St., Concepcion Uno, Marikina City (near Concepcion Highschool/ DEPED)
41 Lilac St. Hacienda Heights, Concepcion Dos, Marikina City (same building as Watsons)

To know more about its menu items and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.