Rochkirstin | com

Author: Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco

  • 4-Course Dinner with Robert Mondavi Wine at The Fireplace (New World Manila Bay Hotel)

    4-Course Dinner with Robert Mondavi Wine at The Fireplace (New World Manila Bay Hotel)

    As was true for us, the first time you wind up at The Fireplace Steakhouse & Grill will likely be for a special event or some momentous occasion. Indeed, this fine-dining restaurant at the New World Manila Bay Hotel (formerly Hyatt Manila Hotel & Casino) is an amazing place to hold an event to remember. If we give it a grade for vibes alone, it would get an A! The Fireplace looks like an ideal date spot to get excellent food and wine. This is one of the better places to eat in Manila.

    New World Manila Bay’s Executive Chef James Williams partnered with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Manila to prepare and present an opulent four-course dinner paired with a fine selection of wines by Robert Mondavi from Napa Valley, California last Aug. 18. Dinner was awesome. People who share the love for wines gathered and the mood was quite contagious. James Du Vivier (CEO of FTI Wines), Eric Khan ( Marketing Director for FTI Wines), and Samantha Befus of Constellation Brands (distributors of Robert Mondavi) were also present to host and support the event.

    It was also a good chance to learn about the interesting life story of Robert Mondavi and how he came about developing a number of premium wines fifty years ago. His vision? To make wine a daily staple on the table like salt and pepper shakes. Grand! Mondavi’s tireless promotion of Napa and his wines is a big factor in transforming the way Americans buy and drink wine. It also helped turn the valley into a tourist mecca as it is today.

    4-Course Dinner with Robert Mondavi Wine at The Fireplace (New World Manila Bay Hotel)

    Ambiance:

    The design concept of Fireplace at New World Manila Bay looks pretty much exactly as how the name describes. A classy fireplace takes center stage, and with the beautiful backdrop highlighting this part of the dining room, it can’t go unnoticed. With floor-to-ceiling glass panels, impressive wall of wines, minimalist artworks, stone walls, brass accented decors and leather furniture, the ambiance is upscale. It’s a dream restaurant that should sit on top of your bucket list, especially if you’re into steak and wines. 😉

    Food:

    We started with a simple yet balanced salad composed of beetroot, chevre, asparagus, and broad beans. This elegant salad showcases earthy pink-toned beet and greens that tasted sharp and tangy with the vinaigrette.

    Paired with the salad was the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi (Sauvignon Blanc 2014). Lifted by hints of grass and green pepper, this white wine is a bouquet of citrus fruits and tropical fruits, especially merinda and ripe mango. The palate contains tropical fruits, grapefruit, lemon and pineapple.

    For the main course, we had the confit belly pork which was so tender and full of flavor. The confit was a little crispy on the outside, and I just loved how the pork fat held the concentration of rich flavors together. With white bean cassoulet and lentil vinaigrette in the mix, this dish turned out as a good alchemy of complex tastes that exploded with each bite.

    The dark-hued Pinot Noir 2012 from Robert Mondavi Private Selection was recommended to be paired with the confit pork belly. It’s a seductively smooth wine which features ripe black cherry and blueberry aromas on the nose, backed by notes of violets, spices, and plum. The palate is silky and smooth with gentle fruit and a hint of oak in the background.

    Fireplace’s slow-cooked USDA flat iron with potato fondant, spinach puree, confit onions was truly decadent. Steaks at Fireplace translates to a buttery tenderness on the plate, and I strongly suggest you head in that direction if you see one on the menu. It’s a solid star of the meal.

    As a complement, the Robert Mondavi Napa Range (Cabernet Sauvignon 2010) was served. It’s a Napa Valley Classic made with dense tannins that are soft and silky. It’s a rich setting for juicy fruit flavors of dark plum mingling with notes of dark chocolate and vanilla oak.

    Rounding up our meal perfectly was the vanilla bean panna-cotta with macerated fruits. Light, velvety and luscious, this creamier-than-cream and not-too-sweet dessert was impeccable and almost moan-worthy. It’s so pillowy soft and smooth that it melts in the mouth. Yummy! 🙂

    Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi (White Zinfandel) was my favorite among all. It’s a delicate, low alcohol, slightly sweet pink-colored wine with summer fruits and cranberries for the palate. The nose is filled with red apples, raspberries, and orange blossom, with hints of cashew.

    Looking for a can’t fail spot for a private party, date night or a business dinner with VIP guests? Get high hopes on Fireplace Steakhouse & Grill. Its tasty entrees will get your attention and there’s always a good bottle of wine to share. And if you’re in the mood, try one of Mondavi’s quality wine selections to keep you company.

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://manilabay.newworldhotels.com/en/dining/fireplace/” name=”The Fireplace at New World Manila Bay Hotel” description=”Level 5, New World Manila Bay Hotel, 1588 Pedro Gil Corner M.H. Del Pilar Street, Malate, Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries/reservations, call 02 2526888″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-08-20″ ]

  • What is your favorite restaurant? Vote Now for The Choice 2016!

    What is your favorite restaurant? Vote Now for The Choice 2016!

    What is your favorite hotel buffet? What is your favorite pizza joint? What is your favorite fine dining restaurant? Which offers the best ambiance? Best service? LET’S FACE IT: It’s getting harder and harder to answer these questions now that every month, every week, and almost every day it seems, there’s a new restaurant opening in Metro Manila. There are a lot of great new dining choices, side by side with the perennials, the classics that we grew up with.

    As food bloggers, writers, and members of the F&B industry, we’re always very curious about the crowd favorites. The popular vote, if you will. 

    So, Our Awesome Planet and the Blogger Collective known as the KTG (Kain Tulog Gang),and World Food Expo (WOFEX) have partnered to conduct the one and only People’s Choice Awards for their Favorite Food, Restaurants, Bars, and more~ or simply, “The Choice“.

    If you have the time and want to have a say in recognizing THE BEST restaurants in various categories, please answer the survey here –> The Choice 2016 Survey 

    About The Choice Awards

    We conducted an intense first round of voting among ourselves, and our resulting finalists have made us very pleased. We feel it’s a very diverse and fair representation of all our Metro Manila favorites. The categories are very broad, as they should be in a democratic vote. 

    However, we’d like to emphasize that this is NOT a “Best of…” list. Our good friends and respected colleagues from The MBKRS are doing an excellent job of recognizing the restaurants and restaurateurs in their prestigious bi-annual awards.

    The MBKRS are rightly regarded as the Oscars of our ever growing foodie community. So we’d like “The Choice” to be the Golden Globes ~ a bit more irreverent, surely less formal, and yes, it ought to be greatly biased. After all, YOU will be voting for your favorites, this is YOUR CHOICE!!!

    We had a total of 2,075 respondents during the inaugural The Choice 2015 survey. Click here for a look back at our inaugural awards held at the SMX Mall of Asia in August of 2015.

    Vote Now!

    You can vote your favorite restaurants here: The 2016 People’s Choice Restaurant Awards!

    The Choice 2016 Voting is open for 2 weeks starting from August 15 and ends on August 31, 2016 12 midnight. The Choice Restaurant Awarding will happen on September 17, Saturday during the Ultimate Taste Test 2016! Check this out for more details of the UTT 2016.

    The Survey Parameters

    1. For the Favorite New Restaurant category, our coverage period includes restaurants that opened between June 1, 2015 to July 31, 2016.

    2. There are 50 questions in this survey and answering this survey should take around 5-10 minutes. It is best to give a definitive answer on each question and feel free to skip if you can’t decide.

    3. All answers are treated confidential and final once you click on the submit button. One survey response for one person only.

    4. Please give us your name and email address for our random validation of the survey responses.

    5. For the Favorite Out-of-Town Destination category, we now changed it to have a more detailed Favorite Restaurant Category for each foodie destination. 

    The KTG

    The KTG is a group of friends who all just happen to be some of the top food and lifestyle bloggers in the Philippines; every one of their individual blogs ranks among the highest ranking and most influential online publications dedicated to food, entertainment, and travel.

    The KTG is composed of some of the more senior food bloggers in the country, including Richie Zamora of “The Pickiest Eater in the World’, Spanky Enriquez of “Manila Boy”, Jill Bantang of “The Food Scout”, and  representing the younger generation are “The Hungry Kat“, “Food in the Bag“, and “Nines vs. Food“. And from the world of showbiz, Mr. Chuckie Dreyfus, a dedicated foodie who’s also a respected tech blogger.

    The KTG’s objectives are not limited to discovering the best restaurants, however. While it’s affectionately called the “Kain Tulog Gang“, it’s officially participated in relief efforts in Tacloban and Iloilo after Yolanda; and in Metro Manila, this “Kapatiran sa Tulong at Ginhawa” is on a constant mission to contribute in providing joy and comfort to the less fortunate.

    The KTG Blogs

    http://www.thepickiesteater.net/
    http://www.rinasrainbow.net/
    http://www.frannywanny.com/
    http://www.thefoodalphabet.com/
    http://www.chuckiedreyfus.ph/
    http://www.thetummytraveler.ph/
    http://www.talesfromthetummy.com/
    http://ericjazfoodies.blogspot.com/
    http://www.themommist.com/
    http://dude4food.blogspot.com/
    http://www.janedchua.com/
    http://www.yedylicious.com/
    http://heftyfoodie.com/
    http://www.thefoodscout.net/
    http://www.thepurpledoll.net/
    http://www.lynne-enroute.com/
    http://www.foodreviewsmanila.com/
    http://bertoinbrogues.com/
    http://www.foodinthebag.com/
    http://thehungrykat.com/
    http://rochkirstin.com/
    http://www.ninesvsfood.com/
    http://www.pepesamson.com/
    http://babeforfood.blogspot.com/
    http://www.anotsopopularkid.com/
    http://www.coffeehan.com/
    http://www.onebigbite.com/
    http://www.pinasmuna.com/
    https://manilaeatup.com/
    http://spankyenriquez.blogspot.com/

    Our fantastic foodie friends from:
    http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/
    http://www.clickthecity.com/

    and
    Philippine Star’s “Let’s Eat” monthly magazine and television show.

    Special thanks to our partners from the World Food Expo:
    http://www.wofex.com/
    http://www.wofex.com/wofex-university/ 

  • Review of IHOP Restaurant (U.P. Town Center, Quezon City)

    Review of IHOP Restaurant (U.P. Town Center, Quezon City)

    There is a good chance you’ve eaten at IHOP Restaurant since it first opened in the Philippines in 2013. If you haven’t, well—it’s time you do! 😛 This global authority in making all-day breakfast now also caters more to those who want heavier meals for lunch and dinner. Their new menu was introduced last June 8, 2016 and it was designed with an added variety of options to the already familiar IHOP classic dishes. In this post, I’m sharing with you our recommended must-try entrees plus five of the latest line-up of IHOP’s specialty fruit drinks, shakes and smoothies.

    IHOP’s 2 for PhP 499 Promotion until August 31, 2016: For only PhP 499, you can choose one appetizer for sharing and two main dishes from their wonderful roster of Starter and Entree choices. For appetizers for sharing, choose among one of these popular IHOP staples: two-pc tacos, house salad, monster mozza, onion rings, or seasoned fries. For your entrees, choose two main dishes from: spaghetti bolognese, bacon mac and cheese pasta, one-pc chicken rice, longganisa scrambler rice, corned beef hash, and angus burger steak rice.

    Review of IHOP Restaurant (U.P. Town Center, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    International House of Pancakes IHOP Philippines at U.P. Town Center aims to please with its homey atmosphere and friendly service. It has all the details that makes it a highly enjoyable place to hang out in. Color splashes looked congenial and lively without being boisterous. Making for a relaxing setting, the ambiance here is simple but neat and pleasing with warm tones, classy and well put-together table arrangement for intimate conversations with friends and family over food.

    Food:

    If there’s one thing you should come for at IHOP, it must be the Waffle Burger. It’s a winner of the International dineChef Contest, whereby IHOP chefs throughout the world compete to create new and unique menu items worth of craving. The beef burger, topped with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and an egg sunny side up on a crisp Belgian waffle, was the creation of the Philippine IHOP team member, Kristine Nadine Lucas. This achievement is something that we can be proud of!

    The 100% premium beef patty itself was tasty, though a bit plain. It was quite edible on its own but more delicious when eaten together with the waffle bun and strips of bacon, which added just the right amount of weight and saltiness, in one big bite. Yum! 😛 The tomatoes, meanwhile, provided some tang of its own. The egg served as more of a textural element.

    IHOP’s Tuna Melt (PhP 325) featured savory tuna, mayonnaise, and diced onions topped with melted mozzarella cheese in toasted sourdough batard with fresh lettuce, tomato and cucumber. What I love most about it is that it had an appropriately crispy and soft parts. This impressive golden mass of sandwich was quite heavy on the mayonnaise and it was scrumptious.

    Chicken Cordon Bleu (PhP 265) tasted amazing as well. The breaded tender chicken was fried to a golden brown crisp and stuffed with ham and cheese. Each bite with the rich cream sauce and buttered corn presented a vehicle of aromatic flavors. It’s a nice dish to order for a sit-down dinner.

    The Cajun Tilapia (PhP 295) is something I thought I could happily reorder time and again. Served with diced tomatoes, parsley, steamed broccoli and rice, the Cajun spiced tilapia fillet was glorious, light and fresh. It did not have an atomic explosion of the real Cajun, but it did pack a good punch with a slightly sweet undertone. I mean Cajun with tilapia is an interesting combination.

    Another crowd-pleaser on the table was IHOP’s BBQ Liempo (PhP 245). This sweet bbq glazed pork liempo belly with papaya chutney and steamed rice is a nod to the authentic Filipino grilled pork belly. The meat came out smoky and moist and it pretty much stood up to the hearty barbecue taste.

    The picture of Bacon Topped Chicken Breast with Potato Hash (PhP 295) screamed “Order me!” on the menu. It’s bacon and cheese topped grilled chicken breast with Pepper jack over seasoned potatoes with grilled onions and green peppers in buttery and lemony hollandaise sauce. A play on textures, tastes, and colors, the entire dish seemed a lot more than the sum of its parts. Give it a try and you can’t go wrong. 😉

    For our drinks, we had Rise and Shine (PhP 165) – pineapple, ginger, and carrot; Everyday Green Juice (PhP 180) – spinach, malunggay, green apple, celery, ginger; Bright and Early (PhP 180) – apple, carrot, beets; Strawberry Basil Smoothie (PhP 145) – strawberry, banana, calamansi juice, basil leaves, ice cream,; and Strawberry Banana Smoothie (PhP 145) – strawberry, banana, yogurt, honey, cinnamon.

    Sipping on these wonderful concoctions of fruits, vegetables and herbs (no added sugar) is a great way to get your day started on a positive note. With these rich and pure beverages, allow IHOP to help you this time on your health and wellness journey as these are freshly prepared daily for optimal nutritional benefit.

    For desserts, we had the Funnel Cake (PhP 150) and shared Childhood Memories (PhP 195) (I love the creativity behind the name). An order of the Funnel Cake came with six pieces of mini fried and doughy funnel cakes topped with creamy vanilla ice cream, crowned with glazed strawberries and garnished with whipped cream and powdered sugar. It had the trappings of the perfect fairground food. The dizzying swirls turned out as a chewy confection that we really liked.

    Childhood Memories (PhP 195) had a taste of childhood in a cup filled with vanilla ice cream. It was layered with strawberry and blueberry syrup and topped with crispy golden hash brown and cheesecake bits. It’s definitely recommended for those who have a sweet tooth and those who have an affinity with cheesecake.

    Price for Value:

    Pancakes and breakfast items are probably what IHOP around the world does best, but now with more lunch and dinner items on lockdown, this restaurant does enough good things to keep people coming back. IHOP at U.P. Town Center is family-friendly and pocket-friendly as well. Food prices are okay and portions are big for sharing so you won’t leave hungry. Other new dishes to appreciate are: Pork Chop with Pineapple Salsa, Country Fried Chicken, Chicken Parmesan, and Mushroom Swiss Burger.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/IHOPPhilippines/” name=”IHOP Restaurant” description=”Ground Floor, UP Town Center, Katipunan Ave, Loyola Heights, Quezon City ” rev_name=”For inquiries/reservations, call (02) 288-7660″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-08-14″ ]

  • Review of Adraneda Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery (San Roque, Marikina City)

    Review of Adraneda Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery (San Roque, Marikina City)

    When in need of some serious pampering, it’s a must to press the pause button and unwind with a bit of “me” time. Visiting beauty salons and spas is a great way to treat yourself after a busy week. Across Metro Manila, cosmetic and skin treatment centers offer cut-price deals on everything from slimming, whitening and hair removal to facials. Each has its own specialization and the common objective is to help us achieve healthier, youthful, and more radiant skin.

    However, when it comes to dermatology and cosmetic surgery, choosing the right expert is important. You don’t want to be complacent with just the cheapest and most accessible skin care center, especially when you have sensitive skin.

    For services like skin whitening, acne treatments, IPL hair removal, anti-aging treatments, and dermal filler, skipping the clinical setting of a doctor’s office in favor of a pampering beauty center is tempting. Dr. Adraneda of Adraneda Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, one of the members of the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS), reminds us to watch out.

    Before booking skin-enhancing services in beauty centers and “medical” spas here and there, doing your homework will ultimately be worth the time and effort. 😉 Which ones are okay and which ones you should steer clear of? If you’re not comfortable with what you find out, move on to another establishment.

    I had the chance to visit Dr. Miriam Dumandan-Adraneda’s new clinic in Marikina with my mom last Saturday for consultation and learned more about their dermatology services. Dr. Adraneda took the time to explain what and why she was going to do. I highly recommend setting an appointment with her if you have skin problem or just want skin care and pampering. This post is a review of her services plus an online giveaway at the end. 🙂

    Review of Adraneda Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery (San Roque, Marikina City)

    Diamond Peel Facial

    The last time I experienced getting a diamond peel facial was perhaps more than 10 years ago—at the peak of puberty. Acne all over my forehead and clogged pores on my nose bothered me, caused a lot of stress, and lowered my self-image. For visible results, I religiously attended bi-monthly sessions of facial treatment by our family dermatologist.

    At Adraneda Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery’s clinic, the Diamond Peel Facial consists of a medical exfoliation and extraction that can clear pores of dirt and debris and remove dead surface cells. The facial procedure helped to soften, nourish and rejuvenate the outer layer of the skin as well as promote cellular turnover. Pain was minimal and tolerable as it’s a very non-invasive way of peeling the skin for a fairer complexion.

    Unlike other cosmetic procedures, the diamond peel facial does not require injections or surgeries. The diamond-tipped hand-piece literally felt like vacuum, as it was “vacuuming” away whiteheads, blackheads, dirt, and dead skin. Why is it called “diamond”? The instrument, apparently, is filled with real diamond dust which gives that sandpaper effect on the skin.

    Diamond peel facial, when done regularly (every two weeks), can really make significant changes in minimizing scars, removing blackheads, producing collagen, and improving overall skin condition. To ensure that the skin was soothed and to reduce irritation, the procedure ended with a peppermint mask which left a fresh, cool and awesome feeling. The peppermint mask is also good for those who have acne-prone, blemished, and oily skin. I like the feeling of having moist and supple skin. 🙂

    Warts Removal

    During the facial treatment, Dr. Adraneda spotted some warts on my face. I was not even aware I had warts! 😛 Size was small and hardly noticeable especially when I wear makeup. It was funny that all along, I had been thinking that they were just small moles.

    Moles are highly pigmented benign spots on the skin, whereas warts indicate a viral infection within the skin. Furthermore, Dr. Adraneda explained that the difference between a mole and a wart is that moles are not contagious but warts are. Warts can be passed to others by direct contact (e.g. beso-beso or cheek-kissing) and indirect contact (e.g. public showers or swimming pool areas). Upon learning this, I had zero hesitation to have them removed and thought it would be best to stay away from beso-beso-ing people and shake their hands instead. 🙂

    Warts removal was quickly done, surprisingly. A topical anesthetic was applied and it took about 30 minutes to numb the skin. When the doctor told me we were about to begin, I clenched my fists and closed my eyes, getting ready and bracing myself for the pain I was expecting. Dr. Adraneda burned the affected areas with a high frequency current which took no more than five minutes. Thanks to the anesthesia and the doctor’s expertise, I didn’t feel a thing. I could not believe that warts removal could actually be pain-free!

    RF Anti-aging Treatment

    For my mom who loves to look younger than she is, the radio-frequency anti-aging treatment was most recommended. Dr. Adraneda’s anti-aging/tightening treatment utilized RF energy, causing the dermal collagen to heat up and thus create renewed collagen leading to increase skin firmness. The RF anti-aging treatment is also known as the “non-surgical face-lift” or “non-surgical wrinkle treatment” as it tightens the skin and reduces sagging.

    The instrument provided massage-like stimulation to the surface of the skin that encourages blood flow, giving the skin that youthful glow. Though not too dramatic, the result is immediate after the first session; the effect can last up to two weeks. The same RF therapy is a viable solution for reducing stretch marks.

    Syringoma Removal

    My mom had her syringoma removed about a decade ago, but like weeds, it regrows back again of its own accord even if we don’t want it to. Syringoma are benign sweat gland growths. The bumps cause the undereye area to crinkle and create unsightly wrinkles.

    With the treatment, anesthetic was used for numbing the skin and the spots were covered with tape for increased absorption. To burn away the syringoma, a small probe with an electric current ran through the deep dermis. Results are said to be typically seen within one to two weeks.

    Wrap Up

    “Medical” spas that are not associated with certified dermatologists may suggest products to use and solutions to try, but consulting with a licensed doctor who has earned a solid reputation with complete qualification can always guarantee safety, ethics, and effectiveness. Board-certified dermatologists and members of PDS like Adraneda Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery spend years learning about the skin, hair, nails and related areas. They are the most trusted and experienced professionals that understand better about skin diseases, causes and treatments.

    Adraneda Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery offers a wide range of medical and cosmetic services consisting of dermatology procedures and treatments. In this clinic, patients are assured with the right cosmetic and medical practice as they deserve, regardless of the procedure. So whether you’re looking for fillers or facials, microdermabrasion or warts removal, Dr. Adraneda and her team are committed to safe and effective treatments with proven results.

    Online Giveaway

    To join the giveaway, all you have to do is enter the raffle below. This giveaway will run from August 11, 2016 to August 20, 2016. The five (5) winners will be announced on my blog and I will personally contact them via email. If they do not respond within 48 hours, another winner will be selected. Prize: The winners will receive one (1) gift certificate each for diamond peel treatment. Good luck! 🙂

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Google Map (How to Go to Adraneda Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Clinic in MEC Building)

    Operating Hours

    Adraneda Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Clinic in MEC Building: Mon/Wed/Sat 2-7pm, Tue/Thur/Fri 1-4pm
    The Medical City SM Masinag: Fri 5-7pm & Sat 10-12nn
    The Medical City SM Sta. Mesa: Tue & Thur 5-7pm

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/adraneda.derm/” name=”Adraneda Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Clinic” description=”2nd Floor MEC Building, 2 Pitpitan Street, Midtown Subdivision 2, Marikina City” rev_name=”For inquiries/appointments, call 0919-9130113 / 0928-7559133 / 899-3697″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-08-10″ ]

  • Healthy Options Shopping Haul (July 2016)

    Healthy Options Shopping Haul (July 2016)

    It was raining hard that night and traffic was at a standstill along EDSA. I was excited to go home and sleep through the weekend. Then again, my sister and I had planned to go to Healthy Options at Shangri-la Mall for our monthly shopping escapade…and have dinner at Planet Grapes afterwards. Sticking with the plan, I drove right to the store after work. At any Healthy Options store, seeing an extensive jam-packed range of organic and natural products is a source of happiness. The goodies we brought home, especially those from the grocery section, just made “getting caught in the traffic” all worth it. 😉

    Healthy Options Shopping Haul (July 2016)

    Grocery

    My sister had a sore throat and suffered through dry cough last week. The Ginger People Beverage (Ginger Soother) was a good natural remedy and it also helped to soothe stomach upsets. I had a sip to have an idea on how it tastes like. The ingredients are water, honey, ginger juice, and lemon juice, and each one tasted very true to the source: a mix of spicy, sweet, and ginger-honey flavor.

    We also picked up the Pacific Natural Foods Soy Blenders (Barista Series) from Healthy Options’ tall rack of soy milk beverages. I read somewhere that this drink is typically added to latte for a sweeter vanilla taste. Unlike standard soy milk, it steams and froths up wonderfully with no bitterness. Best of all, it’s dairy-free so vegans and those intolerant with milk can enjoy every sip without the negative side effects. I like drinking it on its own whenever I feel like being a coffee snob in the morning. 😛

    We got our first jar of Silly Cow Farms Hot Chocolate (Peppermint Twist) last May. Since we loved it so much, we thought that trying another flavor variant won’t leave us disappointed. Thankfully, the Chocolate-Moo-usse turned out satisfying. It can be too sweet though when drank alone, so I always mix in powdered milk or dissolve it with a half cup of coffee plus a dash of cinnamon to make my own version of mocha. Thumbs up!

    As an alternative to peanut butter, the Natural Nectar Dream Spread Speculoos Spread Crunchy Cookie Butter is a delicious way to enhance toast, bagels, waffles, crepes, and croissants. If you like speculoos or Biscoff cookies, this one is a must-try. This cookie butter spread does not contain hydrogenated oil. It’s not dry and not oily either. Texture is smooth and creamy with little bits of crunch.

    Cadia’s Organic Red Wine Pasta Sauce looked appealing and interesting because it has been quite a while since we last served “drunken pasta.” Slow-cooked in small batches in the Old World tradition, this pasta sauce was made with the highest quality organic tomatoes, red wine, parmesan cheese, garlic and a savory blend of Italian herbs. If you agree that making pasta sauce from scratch is out of the question and don’t like spending a significant amount of prep time in the kitchen, Cadia pasta sauces may be a good reason to visit Healthy Options soon.

    The gluten-free crunchy/spicy/salty/sweet PopCorners Sweet Chili is my favorite. Each bite never fails to leave a smile on my face. 🙂 Other flavors of PopCorners (Butter, White Cheddar, Kettle, Cheesy Jalapeno, Caramel and Sea Salt) are also yummy. These all-natural popped corn chips can be thought out as creative snacks for your picnic and they can jazz up food offerings on the table without any extra effort.

    Supplements

    From the Supplements section, we got Healthy Options B-Complex (for me), Prostate Support Soft Gels (for my grandfather) and Solgar Advanced Acidophilus Plus (for my mom) to restock our supply at home. We don’t want to run out of them because dietary supplements need to be taken consistently on a timely foundation to be effective and to avoid nutrient deficiencies.

    Personal Care

    My sister took the ombré hair plunge recently at D ‘Xpert Salon and Spa. Her hair was bleached and then dyed to her desired tone. To keep the hair healthy and strong and to retain the color longer, Nature’s Gate Conditioner with Chamomile + Mimosa Bark is most raved by online reviewers for color-treated hair for that “magical” bounce. It smells great, conditions well, detangles her long hair and leaves it soft and with body, not greasy or flat.

    Last but not least, Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner was recommended by my teammates and they said this product had really made a nice difference in minimizing their pores. I bought the travel-size bottle so I can bring it during travels and also try it first before getting the bigger one.

    I saturate a cotton ball with the toner and thoroughly go over my face after washing. After two weeks of regular use, I think this pore perfecting toner does its job well. It does not over-dry and it does not leave a residue the next morning. This is because witch hazel gets rid of excess oil, but it helps to eliminate water loss and improves hydration to the outer layer of skin. Moreover, this natural astringent helps reduce puffy eyes and refreshes the skin.

  • Review of Applebee’s Bar and Grill (Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City)

    Review of Applebee’s Bar and Grill (Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City)

    Applebee’s Bar & Grill is finally in Eastwood City! Applebee’s is a restaurant franchise from the U.S. that specializes in mainstream American dishes such as salads, shrimp, chicken, pasta, ribs, tasty premium cocktails, spirits, soothing libations, as  well  as  opulent  desserts  for  the  perfect  endings  to  your  meal. If a team lunch or dinner needs to happen, you know the drill. At Applebee’s, where there’s always a  reason  to  celebrate, throwing a fiesta and inviting your friends to enthusiastically attend won’t be a problem. The food is good and portions are great for sharing.

    Applebee’s Bar & Grill in Eastwood (second branch in the Philippines) opened last July 4, 2016, which incidentally happens to be U.S.’ Independence Day. This restaurant brings  together a lively bar and grill with bold flavors of food made with fresh ingredients. It’s best to come with at least three or four people so you can try lots of things…then decide which entrees are worthy of obsessing over. But remember also to pace yourself! 😛 I came in hungry and left super full.

    Review of Applebee’s Bar and Grill (Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Applebee’s does have a fun energy and the dining areas are spacious enough to get big groups of families and friends together and not be constantly elbowing people side by side. From the stairs facing Eastwood Citywalk’s main plaza, guests will be greeted by the bar area in al fresco setting. There are more tables in the air-conditioned area, and this means you’re more likely to get one without too long of a wait.

    The interior was decorated with exclusive taste of style. Refined brick walls and the illuminated atmosphere create an utterly urban and modern appearance which looked vibrant and dashingly cool. Modern artwork with catchy labels and inspiring reminders were adorable. This casual chain also has the open kitchen at the center where open fire cooking can double as entertainment.

    Service:

    The thing that would probably bring you back at Applebee’s is that it’s the kind of place that really feels like it’s run by the kitchen. With the aforementioned decor and kind service, this is certainly not the usual bar around the corner. Staff’s efficiency and warm welcome lend a certain cred that’s tough to fake.

    Food:

    Exploding with unique flavors, each dish was iconic. You may not like everything, but for sure you won’t be bored. 😉 We started dinner with the Appetizer Sampler 1 – Wonton Taco + Chili and Salsa + double Crunch Bone-in Wings (PhP 495). The spicy chicken-stuffed wonton shells was so good and the buffalo wings were appetizing indeed. This set was a fine example of three different things combined and elevated without sacrificing their individual character.

    The colorful Fiesta Chicken Chopped Salad (PhP 325) looked like the ultimate salad for summer. Rounding out the flavor profile were chopped lettuce tossed with black bean corn salsa, roasted red pepers and onions, tortilla strips, white cheddar, and spicy jalapeno dressing, mounded nicely with chimichurri glazed grilled chicken. It was hearty but I’m not mad about it.

    Quesadilla Burger (PhP 525) was presented with a juicy burger patty sandwiched between two tortillas, Applebee’s signature Mexi-rank sauce, pico de galo and shredded lettuce served in a unique Jack and cheddar quesadilla. I would have preferred it to have less sauce for a first-bite crunch of a more toasted tortilla. Anyway, Applebee’s sauce tasted bright and pleasant and the whole thing turned out to be an interesting option.

    If you love steak, the Bourbon Street Steak (PhP 995) served on a sizzling platter may be a must-order. Served with sauteed onions and mushrooms and crispy potatoes, the Cajun-seasoned 7 oz. steak is fit as the star of a celebratory meal at Applebee’s. The steak was richly marbled and immensely beefy. Ask for salt and pepper if you find seasoning is not enough.

    The glistening sheen of the Pork Ribs (PhP 650 Half, PHP 950 Full) alone can pull you in. Adding even more to the lure was the aromatic smell with a faint hint of caramelized sugar. Oh, ethereal! Marinated in Applebee’s special house blend, the pork ribs had the complex melange of sensations including a silky mouth feel, springy texture, and succulent juiciness kissed by seductive smoke. It was grilled to perfection and hugged by sauciness that was sweet, tart, and a little bit of spice. Corn on the cob, French fries and coleslaw were on the side.

    For desserts, the Churros S’Mores (PhP 245) churro twists, toasted marshmallow and chocolate dip was fun to eat. It wasn’t exactly a winning contender against La Lola’s churro but it was a nice treat, a little soft inside and not too doughy.

    As the sun comes down, Applebee’s Grill & Bar boasts of their Happy Hour menu with beer and specialty cocktails at only PhP 89. For sweet endings, swoon over their luscious selection of signature desserts: Butter Pecan Blondie, Triple Chocolate Meltdown, Black Forest, and Fluffer Nutter.

    Price for Value:

    In the mood for elaborate steak, ribs, and snazzy starters? Applebee’s Bar & Grill in Eastwood is the spot. It is a great venue where you can definitely be onboard with dropping some cash for your Western food fix. Prices are not so cheap but pretty decent given the artistic execution of dishes and drinks. Here you can expect explosions of tastes that will set your tongue aquiver. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/ApplebeesPH/” name=”Applebee’s Bar & Grill” description=”Unit 1 Eastwood City Walk 1, 188 E. Rodriguez Avenue Jr. Bagumbayan, Libis, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries/reservations, call (02) 8019662″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-08-03″ ]

    Operating hours:
    Sunday to Thursday: 11AM to 12MN
    Friday to Saturday: 11AM to 1AM

  • Review of The Subwich Factory at The Yard (Xavierville, Loyola Heights, Quezon City)

    Review of The Subwich Factory at The Yard (Xavierville, Loyola Heights, Quezon City)

    The Yard at Xavierville opened just last month—June 18, 2016, to be exact, and it’s already getting all the attention among students in Katipunan, residents nearby, and food enthusiasts. Food stalls from the first to the third floors offer something different, so dining here can literally be a culinary adventure for your taste buds. Unique-flavored milkshake, fries, sausage, waffles, pizza-roti, tempura, okonomiyaki, yakitori sticks…the list goes on. To me, The Yard seemed like a trendy and hip version of the Singaporean food hawker center. It is a nice change of pace from the individual restaurants around the area. My only gripe is that finding a car parking slot is a challenge. 🙁 Yup, the struggle is real.

    The Subwich Factory is one of the 30 food stalls in this extraordinary gastronomic destination. It specializes in varieties of subs, raviolis, salads, desserts, homemade potato chips and potato wedges. I was invited here to taste the most recommended item on their menu: the Roast Beef Sub. Thus, as any self-respecting foodie should know, if a restaurant or food stall, for this matter, claims to serve the best roast beef sub, you order the best roast beef sub. 😉

    Review of The Subwich Factory at The Yard (Xavierville, Loyola Heights, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Made out of three floors of shipping containers, The Yard is the newest place in Xavierville, QC where you can just chill with friends and hang out from 4PM until 12MN. The ambiance is cheery, chic, and bright, the type that many youngsters these days go crazy for. Each of the 30 food stalls has a space for communal dining. Diners can choose to be seated anywhere they want. DJ is playing non-stop eclectic and energetic songs on the background. Overall, this place is a solid addition to the neighborhood. With nice people, good food, drinks, and occasionally excellent desserts, it will be great to get this “multi-leveled food park” in your must-try portfolio.

    Service:

    There are staffs that officially work for the individual food stalls that prepare and serve food on the table, and there are also those that guide guests from The Yard entrance on where to sit and offer a few suggestions as well. In particular, the crew at The Subwich Factory was clad with a construction worker’s outfit, complete with a hard hat and orange fluorescent safety vest, to convey that they are constructing subs in the “subwich factory.” So cute and creative! Service was hospitable, kind, and helpful.

    Food:

    The Subwich Factory is one of the “babies” at The Yard since it started its operations only last Monday. It’s the first business venture of the owner of Route 55 (the best RIBS and WINGS in Baguio City) in Metro Manila. That said, there’s no question why food is as tasty and clean. Bread and veggies are delivered all the way from Baguio to maintain the quality and consistency of their ingredients.

    The Roast Beef Sub (PhP 300) was prepared upon order in their open kitchen. Flavor agents certainly worked in their favor. I thought it’s a cheffy iteration but one that adheres to the fundamental composition of the classic: roasted prime beef in a baguette topped with caramelized onions, wild mushroom gravy, and melting cheese. The tenderness of the beef delivered well. Taste was simple and delicious. The 6-inch sub is good for about three people to share, while the 12-inch sub can be enjoyed by up to eight. A bit salty, homemade potato chips served on the side were perfect to complement the beefy taste.

    The Subwich Factory meets the consumer’s need for “neat consumption” by providing utensils by request. It also does encourage the use of hands to eat to fully experience the enjoyment of devouring comfort food.

    Price for Value:

    On any given day, you can pick up a sandwich at any fastfood chain’s counter, but if you’re not too busy and by chance happened to be in the vicinity, know that The Yard’s The Subwich Factory is a pretty cool and relaxing spot to dig into a sit-down meal. Prices are friendly to the pocket and are reasonable for the value.

    Other more interesting options on the menu are as follows: Chicken Teriyaki Ravioli (PhP 210), Crabstick and Peach Sub (PhP 150, PhP 280), Cornflake Crusted Dory Sub (PhP 160, PhP 290), and Strawberries and Cream Tacos (PhP 100)-fresh Baguio strawberries and whipped cream stuffed in taquitos then drizzled with chocolate sauce.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/thesubwichfactoryattheyard/” name=”The Subwich Factory at The Yard” description=”83 Xavierville Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-07-24″ ]

  • Review of Katsu Cafe (Maginhawa Street, Quezon City)

    Review of Katsu Cafe (Maginhawa Street, Quezon City)

    Maginhawa Street in Quezon City is strikingly a foodie’s dream destination, a “food media frenzy location,” so to speak. There are restaurants on both sides of the street, and a number of them are crowded with people even at quiet times of the day. When I learned that my sister’s barkada was meeting up to hang out in Maginhawa on a weekend, I felt excited to go ahead and invited myself to join them. 🙂 I know I’d be welcome, especially since I mostly play the role of taking their pictures—aside from food. The plan was to stay at Snacks and Ladders, but because the board-game cafe opens a little later at 3:00PM, we had lunch at a Japanese restaurant just right across it: Katsu Cafe.

    Review of Katsu Cafe (Maginhawa Street, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Katsu Cafe in Maginhawa is casual and cozy, the kind of place you walk into and immediately think to yourself, “I can definitely spend hours here.” The problem? It doesn’t have free Wi-Fi connection, but that’s okay as long as you have mobile data or carry pocket Wi-Fi yourself. Filled with a hip but unpretentious crowd, this restaurant has simple but decent zen interior. The attention to detail is also quite good, from the wood wall panels to the subtle modern industrial design including the quirky light fixtures.

    Service:

    Menu was handed out as soon as we entered. We also got cold water upon seating. Service was fast and efficient with only a few staff running the buzzy place. Tables can be merged for larger groups of friends or family eating together. Orders arrived rather quick as well, so there’s nothing to complain about.

    Food:

    My sister and I shared an order of Beef Curry Rice (PhP 275) served with miso soup and a bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen (PhP 245). The Beef Curry lacked the little sweetness and assertiveness of spice I find in most Japanese curry rice. Texture of the sauce was thick and the taste of curry was fairly demonstrated. This rendition is perhaps for those who enjoy eating curry without it being lively, hot and spicy.

    Made with cloudy white pork bone broth, the Tonkotsu Ramen was not as rich and creamy as expected. Umami was present but the ramen still lacked a certain depth of flavor. In the broth are thin slices of tender pork and slightly jagged noodles that aren’t of stellar quality. The only thing I liked was  the soft egg that had almost runny yolk on the inside.

    Price for Value:

    Katsu Cafe may be great in serving katsu, but these two dishes we tried were nothing short of average. On the day we visited, pork katsu was not available since they ran out of pork in their inventory. Based on the food alone, I think the prices are higher than the perceived value. There are more impressive Japanese restaurants that serve similar items and deliver solid food tastes across the board. Welcoming ambiance and good service, on the other hand, are enough good reasons to dine in this cash-only joint.

    Other branches:

    329-I Katipunan Ave. Cor. B Gonzales, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
    Banawe 86-C Maria Clara, Bgy. Sto. Domingo, Quezon City
    Marcos Highway, Ciannat Complex, Antipolo City

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/KatsuCafe/” name=”Katsu Cafe” description=”189 Maginhawa Street, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, email katsucafe.ph@gmail.com” rev_body=”Operating Hours: Mon-Sun, 11AM-10PM” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-07-17″ ]