Star Herks of Star-baks Sizzling & Frappe

It was a year ago when my friend Hercules mentioned that he is planning to resign to set up a restaurant of his own. He even asked me if I could blog about it and I agree but due to my hectic schedule as mom and a career woman; it didn’t push through.  Herks (that’s what they call him now) recently won in the Best Pinoy Street Food 2014 (North Edsa Branch) because of his own version of sisig named “COCO SISIG KINEME”.  I was so happy for my friend when he was featured by no less than When in Manila. I know Herks since our high school days; we are best buddies especially when it comes to setting up plays and other group project. Even when we were in high school, Herks is special; he is imaginative and inventive. He can think of ways as to how we could showcase our plays and projects so that it would not bore the audience.  Going back to his cooking, I know that the time has come for me to get a taste of his cooking. I together with other food blogger friends, visit him at Star-Baks.

It was nice to see him again but today, I more interested to his Coco Sisig Kineme and other foods that he offers.  It was actually past lunch time and my tummy is grumbling already and so here it goes.  The place was not that big but it’s not the place that were after, you can have your food take out if you want.  We order several dish and Coco Sisig Kineme was one of them. 

Coco Sisig Kineme is combination of sisig and Bicol express (because of the gata).  It got a hint of spiciness that is just right for everyone especially with warm rice. There’s also hotdog bit (the red ones) which make it more colorful. It only cost P75 pesos and good for 2-3 people if you ask me. You can also have it during after office with a cold beer.  I am not a fan of sisig and I'm not saying this because I’m vias but it it’s really good and I recommend that you try it yourself.

This Holiday Season, remember to stay healthy and energetic

During this this Holiday season, we are in our most stressful and tiring time. This holiday season is the time we are the busiest and had to really take good care of our body. Being at the peak or healthiest moment is an important thing. We need to sometimes rely on other thing to give us that boost of energy to cope up with the days ahead.

Get enough sleep. The holiday season is filled with parties and reunions but don't use this as an excuse to scrimp on sleep. Sleep is the secret to good health, there's no other way around it. If you wish to have energy to enjoy the season, sleep is essential. To be your best, make sure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night.

Honey's Kimchi: Kimchi and Everything You Want in a Korean Restaurant

It was my daughter Jem who introduced me to Korean cuisine when she brought home some kimchi. From that day, I was a certified Korean fan, from Chapchae to anything that has a Korean taste on it.  There are lots of Korean restaurant in the Metro but if you’re a mother of five kids, you think twice before indulging with their cuisine.

It was a big break for me when I finally found a place that has that Korean taste and yet didn’t have to give an arm and a leg just to dine. If you’re thinking that Korean cuisine can only be found in exclusive restaurant , better think again because you can get as many as you want.

Let me introduced to you Honey’s Kimchi, and if you are an avid mall goes, then you can find Honey’s Kimchi in SM food courts and other six food courts of different malls. You don’t need to feel intimidated, you don’t need to dress up, and you don’t need a large chunk of money just to get a taste of Korean.

I was with some friend and we ordered as many as we want and share everything along the way. Who could resist their meal that only cost as much as 140/meal, even students can afford this (don’t you think)

Honey’s Kimchi is not just kimchi, they are more than that. Honey’s Kimchi has a wide array of food that’s not only good on your pocket but on you tummy as well.

MEATY GRILLER: Get them at TACO BELL

I love Mexican food, with their burrito and nachos. And when it comes to Mexican food, there’s a place in Cubao that has it all and a whole lot more. Taco Bell has only 3 branches (2 in Gateway mall and 1 in Trinoma) and yet they are making waves when it comes to Taco. Well, have you taco, crispy or soft; Taco Bell has it.

And now they have a new member in their exciting list; the Meaty Grillers.

The Chili Cheese Potato Griller, don’t you love  cheese and potato, love the taste when you combine both of them and add  Chili Beef, Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Sauce, Potato Bites on soft  Tortilla. A little spicy but it would make you crave for more.

Here the next one, I so love the Mexican rice and   Pork Steak ‘N Onion got it. It has Fiesta Rice, Pork BBQ toppings, Pepper Jack Sauce, Diced Onions rolled in Tortilla in it.

Chef's Choice- Smokehouse Burger: Available in a Limited Time Only at CaliBurger

Besides Pasta, burger is my next grub. It’s the time of food that you can get anytime and can be eaten anywhere. But not all burgers are the same; there are certain boundaries as what a burger can offer. Yes, you could say that they have the same ingredients like the bun, the patties, cheese and lettuce; but when it come to the sauce and how they manage to get together all of this ingredients and make it into one that will truly give you the real experience of having that burger; that’s where the real thing will emerge

Now, CaliBurger is launching an extremely special burger called the Chef’s Choice – SMOKEHOUSE Burger crafted by one of the country’s most respected chefs, Chef Robert Pengson.

Chef Rob is father of two kids who owns or co own five restaurant in the Metro that’s why I knew that he is serious when it comes to creating a masterpiece. I got a chance to chat with Chef Rob and he further explains the entire thing that I wanted to know why he created the Smokehouse Burger

Zhu Kitchen: For Hand Pulled Noodles and a whole lot more

When it comes to noodles, nothing beats a hand pulled noodle. If you want an authentic hand pulled noodle made from scratch, then Zhu Kitchen is the place for you. Whether you like Chinese dishes or not; your opinion will be as good as mine. I love noodles, with soup or not and Zhu Kitchen offers a whole lot more. Zhu Kitchen has dim sums and you actually can order anything if they have the ingredients for it.  

Vittorio's Steak House: You're Steak House in Kamuning

Let’s just make this plain and simple. If you happen to be in the area of Kamuning/Kamias near EDSA and looking for a place to dine in; you don’t need to go all the way to Tomas Morato because there is a newly opened restaurant called Vittorio’s Steakhouse located along Kamuning Road that serves what I think you are looking for.  I worked in Kamias and every time the group craved for something to eat; Tomas Morato is what we’re thinking; luckily that we spotted this newly open steakhouse and save us the journey of finding delicious cuisine that is right for our pocket.

 P.S.
Chef  Daluz is a supporter of artist from Dolores. If you like the painting decorated in his restaurant , you can actually purchase it and the price is reasonable as well.

Chef Victor Daluz (owner), personally prepares the dishes for that night

 The night was warm and this House Blend Ice Tea is a sure winner. I manage to finish 5 serving of this.

House Blend Ice Tea

 Everything that was prepared that night was a sure winner. I actually was not hungry but the sight of the food that was served made my tummy turn upside  down and wanted to eat.

The crispiness of the lettuce and the dressing is a total match

Chop Noodles Salad - P 190.00

Lemon Buttered Fish Fillet - P385

Crab Shrimp Pizza 

 I didn't know that we could actually use lettuce as toppings for pizza. You will surely love this one

Thai Chix Pizza - P 275

Buttered Garlic Shrimp - P 270.00

Salpicao - P 325.00

Calamares - P 235.00

 The tenderness and the sauce of this Baby Back Ribs will keep you ordering for more rice

Baby back Ribs - P 380.00

Australian Ribeye P 499.00

Pan seared Hanging Tenders - P 445.00

Porterhouse - P 2285.00

Clam Pasta P 320.00

 Banana Split for dessert

Knowing where to eat is a must. We need not go to the usual place cause we will find them if we just look around.

Vittorio's Steakhouse

121 Forab Building, 

Kamuning Road,

Quezon City

Contact Number: 7386564

Celebrate National Pasta Month with Al Dente Fans and Mommies

October is National Pasta and I was lucky to be able to celebrate this event with mommies who love to cook and eat pasta.

The day was not all about eating and cooking but a series of information was share as well

The Italian term, “Al Dente”, means “to the tooth” in English. But what it actually refers to is how pasta is perfectly cooked… not too soft and soggy, not too hard. Just right. Al Dente!

Pasta is now commonly prepared using a “Teflon Die Cut”. Die cuts are devices used to shape and trim pasta noodles to the different variants we normally see in groceries and specialty food shops. Variants such as spaghetti, fusilli, fettuccine, and more.

The problem with pasta prepared using a Teflon Die Cut is that the surfaces of the noodles are smoother.  The traditional (and better) way of preparing pasta is through the use of a BRONZE Die Cut. What makes it oh so special? Well, pasta that has gone through the Bronze Die Cut process retains a coarser surface texture. It is this very texture that allows all kinds of sauces to stick to the noodles instead of sliding off. The result? A more flavorful and richer pasta dining experience.

Products of  Fly Ace

Brooklyn's Pizza: New Look, New Logo but Same Delicious Taste

I knew it, when I heard the name Brooklyn's Pizza; I know that I had seen it somewhere but the new logo confuse me.  I was able to visit the new Brooklyn's Pizza branch in N. Domingo; the place may have a new design (renovated to give it a new look), the name was changed (slightly) and the new look of the logo. I was really confused by the new logo because it bears a character that I later found out has a meaning to it.  The logo bears an elephant with wings; they explain that the elephant is a symbolic of strength. Legend has it that in an effort to quash the doubts over the Brooklyn Bridge’s stability, P.T. Barnum led a parade of 21 elephants across the bridge headed by a Jumbo the Elephant. The estimated weight of all 21 elephants at that time was 100 tons. Today, the Brooklyn Bridge is the second busiest bridge in New York City with an average 144,000 vehicles cross the bridge everyday which is the same weight as 42,000 elephants.

Rue Bourbon: Night Life in Makati

All work and no play make a person dull and lack of energy.  We all need to unwind, take a break from a stressful day at work and just have some time with friends without spending much and just have a good time.

Buffalo Wild Wings : Opens this December in the Philippines

Things are about to heat up for food lovers and local sports fans with the Philippine opening of Buffalo Wild Wings, known for its exciting sports viewing atmosphere. Its namesake being Buffalo, NY-style chicken wings served with one of 18 mouth-watering signature sauces and seasonings, spiced up with its wide selection of beers. The first Philippine branch of this international restaurant chain will be launched at Capitol Commons in Pasig City this December.

It was in 1982 when Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery founded Buffalo Wild Wings, shortly after the two friends moved to Ohio from Buffalo. Driven by their craving for New York’s popular bar food which was nowhere to be found in Ohio, Jim and Scott opened their own wing joint instead near The Ohio State University campus.