Takeout Picks: Black Scoop

Black Scoop is one of my go-to milk tea shops since 2018. With its delectable fruit teas and addictive milk teas, it's hard not to grab a few drinks whenever I pass by a branch. I know that they have savory meals too, but I only got to try some of its dishes during the community quarantine. And since I now know that they have good chicken poppers, I decided to grab some again after my OB appointment. 

Hello, Black Scoop.

For a milk tea shop, Black Scoop offers a good range of dishes to complement its sweet drinks. Its menu includes rice meals, sandwiches, pasta, and snacks. 

Staycation Chronicles: Bayleaf Cavite

I hardly consider Cavite as a location for a quick getaway. In fact, I couldn't think of a single thing to do in the area. But who would have thought that there's a gem waiting to be found along the long Governor's Drive? 

Hello, Bayleaf Cavite.

Bayleaf may not be exactly a new name in the hospitality industry as its Intramuros branch has been around for over five years. Built as an extension to Lyceum of the Philippines, Bayleaf served as the culinary arm of the university. And it was not long after the success of Bayleaf Intramuros when the Laurel family decided to open another one, this time in Cavite.

When in Boracay: Discovery Shores Boracay

I've been so excited to go back to Boracay after hearing that the island is back in shape. As a place I associate with relaxation and good food, R and I decided to celebrate our anniversary there. And to make things a bit more special, we stayed at Discovery Shores Boracay. 

Hello, Discovery Shores Boracay.

Hailed as one of the best luxury resorts in the island, Discovery Shores Boracay is usually fully booked with local and foreign tourists alike. I can't blame travelers though as this place offers top notch service and its pandan water is something else!

First Bite: Manna & Golde

The crazy influx of new restaurants could be overwhelming for most of us. We'd often find it difficult to decide on which restaurant to try. And with most establishments heavily focusing on online marketing, those with more humble budgets are left to be discovered offline. One restaurant/café I've recently found was Manna & Golde. 

Hello, Manna & Golde.

Located along Kamuning Road, this café is rather away from the bustling streets packed with restaurants. However, one thing I loved right away here is that it has parking for guests.

When in Negros Occidental: Punta Bulata

We've seen people crashing weddings and bachelor parties in movies but never in my wildest dreams would I consider doing it myself in real life. But I did. And before you start thinking of The Hangover or anything similar, it's far from that. After all, the dad of the bride was at the pre-wedding bash too. 

Hello, Punta Bulata White Beach & Spa.

Our very spontaneous trip to Punta Bulata all started when we were asked what our plans were the weekend we were in Bacolod. Since we had a loose schedule to follow during our first week in Visayas, we had time to relax and unwind in the City of Smiles. And when we were invited to hang out by some good friends in the city, we quickly said yes. But what was originally planned as a trip to Lakawon turned into us crashing a bachelor's and bachelorette's party at Punta Bulata. 

First Bite: Buca di Beppo

Manila food scene has been getting busier and busier each day. With more restaurants opening here and there, locals now have more options on where to dine. One of the cuisines that continues to remain strong is Italian. After all, who could resist a tempting slice of pizza or a fragrant plate of pasta? (I can't.) And last November, a new Italian restaurant found home in Manila. 

Hello, Buca di Beppo. 

This famous Italian restaurant chain is no stranger to well-travelled foodies. Starting out as a hole in the wall restaurant in Minneapolis, USA, it became a household name for those who love Italian cuisine. Known for its family-style feast, Buca di Beppo offers a dining experience that would make you feel right at home. 

First Bite: Flatterie by Todd English

With the success of Pound and Hook comes another mouthwatering concept that started at the foodie haven Todd English Food Hall--Flatterie. This newest addition to the growing brands under Foodee Global Concepts specializes on flatbreads while keeping the signature posh ambiance the Todd English Group. I was expecting for the usual flatbreads but... let's just say my taste buds had a grand time!

Hello, Flatterie. 

Located on the ground floor of SM Mall of Asia's South Arcade, it would be hard to miss Flatterie as it is situated by the mall's side entrance. 

First Bite: Mamma Mia

I hardly visit the mall these days but I think I just found a reason to go to Uptown Bonifacio on a weekly basis. No, it is not because of Christmas shopping or that I have to watch the latest movies. It's because of an Italian restaurant that wowed me with its heavenly pizzas. 

Hello, Mamma Mia. 

Welcomed by warm and inviting interiors, I felt at home as soon as I stepped in. I got charmed by beautiful combination of bricks, marbles and yellow accents. 

Love at First Bite: Nonna's

I've been hearing great things about this pizzeria in the South that I couldn't help myself from wanting to visit it ASAP. However, the place isn't exactly near. In fact, it isn't even in Metro Manila. But when I won some gift certificates from that restaurant, I finally have a good reason to drive all the way to Nuvali for lunch. And I finally did a few weeks ago.

Hello, Nonna's!

This restaurant, which is also a brainchild of the brilliant minds behind the successful Mama Lou's, was quite packed on a Sunday morning. Thankfully, we were early enough to secure a table for five.

First Bite: Main Street

I always see Main Street whenever I pass by Tuscany. I also noticed it while making my rounds in Kapitolyo when I hunt for new restaurants. But for some reason, I was never lured to pay this restaurant a visit. It may be because I was in the mood for something else whenever I see it or perhaps because of the several lukewarm reviews about its food I've read online. But food gods paved the way for me to find out myself if I'm missing out or not at all. 

Hello, Main Street! 

I was greeted by a well lit black and white signage and a dining area with warm yellow lights. The brown tables, lovely natural stone tiles and tan couches added warmth to the space making it quite homey and quite fitting in Kapitolyo. 

We were in for a treat as we were served a lot of dishes! 

Gino's Brick Oven Pizza

One thing I dislike with new work is that I have to prepare and accomplish all these pre-employment requirements. I had to have my photo taken, fill out several government and company forms and take a physical exam. The hassle of doing all those motivate me to stay in a company as long as I could (till I see a better opportunity or something like it). But thanks to the hassle of going to a mall to have my photo taken, I got to have dinner with my former officemates, A1 and A2. Since we were near Serendra, we opted to have dinner at Gino’s Brick Oven Pizza.

Hello, Gino’s Brick Oven Pizza! Long time no taste!

We easily got a table with couch seats as the place was just half full at 7:30 p.m..

We ordered Sausage Pizza (PHP330) and Carbonara (PHP220). We also ordered a pitcher of Iced Tea (PHP125).  

Service was quick. Our drinks were served in 5 minutes and our dishes came after 10-15 minutes. 

The serving size of both dishes are good for two to three and it was perfect for our group.

The pasta was al dente and the creamy sauce was not cloying. The serving of bacon bits was a bit stingy but each forkful was still packed with flavor. 

Restaurant Love: Gino’s Brick Oven Pizza

A few weeks back, my college friends and I pushed to meet for dinner on a week night since our schedules are all packed with meet ups and travels in the next weeks to come. And since most of them are working in Ortigas, L and I had to brave the traffic going north. And we survived to have dinner at…

Gino’s Brick Oven Pizza.

It has been quite a while since I last visited Gino’s Brick Oven Pizza. I think it was over 3 years and it was with my favorite Takaw Trio (T3) friends. Anyway, this time around, we tried Mushroom Pizza (PHP375), Prosciutto Pizza (PHP445), Carbonara (PHP220), Pesto Pasta (PHP225), Nutella Soup (PHP195) and Crack Pie (PHP55, slice). 

We also ordered a pitcher of Calamansi juice (PHP150) to help us digest the food we were about to consume. (And it was a bit too sweet.)

M was amused with how the Pesto Pasta was served as it was all bundled up. It reminded us of semi cooked instant noodles. The texture itself was also a bit hard and it had a slight sweet taste which could have been from the cream. 

The pesto itself wasn’t very oily which was great but I wish that it had a stronger pesto flavor over cream.

Restaurant Love: CO/OP Manila

Quaint coffee shops never fail to make me giddy. But quaint coffee shops that serve good food make me happier. Shops like Tweedle Book Café, Refinery, Yardstick and UCC are just a few that make me go gaga. Last week, I went to one of the cutest cafés I know… CO/OP Manila.

Hello again, CO/OP Manila!

It has been a while since my last visit. I recall that I only had dessert and coffee when I visited this cute place for the first time. This time around, I went for dinner and I realized that there are only a few savory options. Anyway, I decided to go for the Smoked Salmon (PHP370) while F got the Tartufo (PHP370) and R got the Beef Brisket Sandwich (PHP390). I also got the CO/OP Iced Tea (PHP80) while R got the Strawberry Lemonade (PHP150).

I noticed that the place is practically empty. It’s a perfect place to catch up with friends on a weeknight or the sanctuary of a person cramming.

First served were our drinks.

My iced tea was sweet yet refreshing. R also liked his strawberry lemonade. Though I couldn’t get much from him but a simple, “’k lang.”

Soon, our dishes were served.

Restaurant Discovery: Happy Cream Puff

My mom and sister were both raving about the food at Happy Cream Puff that we decided to have one of our lunch dates there.

Hello, Happy Cream Puff.

I never noticed that Happy Cream Puff serves savory food. Well, the name itself is pretty deceiving. I just buy cream puffs and I'm gone. But true enough, they do serve savory dishes and other drinks aside from brewed coffee.

After checking the menu, I went with the Beef Stew (PHP260) and Coffee Jelly (PHP120) while my sister went with Chicken Karaage (PHP180) and my mom ordered the Spaghetti a la Carbonara (PHP180). (Prices are very pocket friendly.)

First served was my coffee jelly drink and it was sweeter than expected. Definitely not something you would want to order to quench your thirst. 

Next served were our meals.

The beef stew was great! The meat was so tender and I actually ate the carrots! I normally hate carrots and I would only eat it if I like the sauce or dip that goes with it.

Love at First Bite: BBQ Chicken

(Continuation of the Hunger Games day) Archery sure is a tiring activity. Our arms were stretched out and we were hungry. We were planning to go to Brotzeit for some sausages but something else caught the eyes of T and K while we were at Pearl Drive... a small Chimek (Chicken and Mekju [beer]) place. We just had a Korean dinner a night ago but that didn't stop us to check the place out.

Hello, BBQ Chicken!

The place was empty when we arrived. T guessed that perhaps they do better with deliveries than dine-in as the delivery guy comes and goes the whole time we were there.

We were torn between Spicy Chicken and Rice Syrup Chicken (both PHP320) but the server told us that the Rice Syrup tastes better so we chose the latter. We also ordered Spicy Dduk-Bokki (PHP220) and Cream Chicken Pasta (PHP255). Then we all ordered a glass of beer for a chimek restaurant experience but I also ordered a can of cola (as I really am not fond of beer).

Service was pretty quick as our orders arrived in less than 15 minutes.

We were glad that we were given an option to have the chicken deboned so that eating it will be less messy as it was covered in sauce (think Bon Chon). 

Lunch Date at Figaro

You know that you’re a glutton if one of your greatest fears is to go hungry. How can you tell if you’re suffering from it? Check your bag and if you find something edible inside your bag or pocket every single day, then chances are, you are “hunger-no-likey” positive. But there’s one thing’s scarier, rather frustrating,  when the food you packed was not enough to tame the angry tummy and despite being so hungry you simply could not decide where to eat.

I accompanied my sister to the clinic last Sunday for her to accomplish her required annual check-up for school. We arrived past 11:30 a.m. but luckily, the clinic wasn’t so busy and so my sister was able to “almost finish” in less than 2 hours (almost because she had to go back for her dental check up at 4PM). With grumbling tummies and woozy mindset since we stepped out past lunch time, we even had a mini foodie argument on where to eat and when we got tired and really dizzy due to hunger, we finally agreed and decided to go to Figaro.

Figaro, good yet affordable dishes.

I settled for one of their newest dishes, Chicken Thyme (PHP215) which comes with a glass of iced tea while my sister ordered Carbonara (PHP180). My sister also ordered an order of Chocolate Éclair (PHP75) which interestingly never caught my eye before.

 

First served was the chocolate éclair and it was divine. It is your typical éclair but more chocolatey as the filling was chocolate unlike the usual cream. Lovely! There were also a bit of nuts sprinkled on top and hardened chocolate drips on the sides. Such sight made my tummy smile with joy! My only concern was that I had to keep on pressing the top (uhm) bun against the chocolate filling as when we cut a piece, the bun goes up. 

Pinoy Food Master: Pepita’s Kitchen

I’ve been saying this for quite a lot already but I want to say it again. I love my job! I get to try new food, meet interesting people, and try more new food because of my work. I love love love it! 

Last Thursday, some of my officemates and I went to the lovely home of Dedet de la Fuente and tried her Pepita’s Kitchen Lechon Degustation. We arrived at around 7PM hungry and desiring lechon like never before. 

I heard that they have really good lechon as these were stuffed (yes, stuffed!). I never thought of having stuffed lechon as it alone was enough to get me stuffed.

We waited for a few more people from press and we started off with Pinoy Patè and Pinoy Caviar. It looked pretty ordinary but the taste of these two were just so addicting!

The Pinoy Patè was made of bihon. Who knew that bihon can be transformed into pate, and a good one at that? It had this grainy texture that went well with the crackers. It was not salty at all and was quite light. Quite a delightful appetizer.

 The Pinoy Caviar on the other hand was made of balut. It seemed to be a bit oilier and it tricked some to think that it was fish or liver.