Chocolate chip cookies

I'm not a baker. If you follow my blog, I often write that Baking is not my forte but I try to bake once in awhile, especially those that I know I can manage.  I've always been confident in making chocolate chip cookies, they don't really look pretty but i can assure you that they really taste good.

So my cousin sent me this knock-off recipe from a very famous pastry chef in New York, and I immediately bought the ingredients and waited until everyone retreated to their respected rooms so that I can have the kitchen all to myself.

I already placed my mixer in its box so i was kinda lazy to just bring it out again.  Besides, I kinda needed the arm exercise.

It took me atleast 10 mins to incorporate the butter and the sugar.  It's called creaming by the way.  By this time, the over was already pre-heated.

I made small and big cookies from the batch.  I'm a fan of chunky big-size cookies but I felt that it's more practical to have regular size ones so that my senior parents can munch on them as well.

My friends are encouraging me to "sell" my products online (join in on the bandwagon) but I told them that I'm confident that my cookies are tasty-but I can't promise if I can be consistent.  I'm not saying that I can't be consistent, but my confidence level is not yet 100 percent.

I see alot of people selling their products online.  I'm sorry but some of these are not even enticing to the eyes.  And I'm no expert in cooking or baking, but I can almost always say that some dont even look edible.  Like why would you even sell that? 

Trust me, I am interested in selling my cookies and or even my buchi ( will do another post on this) but I need to be confident first that i can provide my consumers a consistent product.  It's not just food here, it's my reputation on the line.

But that's just my opinion... I still wish everyone success, and if I can help in any way in promoting your product, just give me a shout out and will gladly do so... I support local, especially start-up businesses with potential.

UBE-fever invades dream cake

It's been awhile since I created a post... been too busy with life and work, but I never really stop eating. 

In the coming days will be posting more...promise! 

Alot of my friends and family know that i'm very picky with my cakes; like i prefer certain brands not because of their name or price, but because it's the only cake that I like. When dream cakes started going viral, i automatically joined the bandwagon and tried almost all "branded" dreamcakes available in the market. 

I got too tired easily though coz of the "umay" factor in most of them, and yes, some of sponges they use are not that great either...they're either too moist or dense that after being in the fridge for awhile, it just tastes argh...

However, someone gifted my mom on her birthday an Ube dream cake-ish.  Hesitant to try it, coz I dont really like Ube being something else aside from Halaya and putting it as a topping on Halo-Halo... 

But my mom insisted that I should try it coz it came from the same dessert shop where we got one of the best carrot cakes in town.  

True enough, the Ube cake didn't disappoint.  It wasn't exactly a dream cake as they used regular icing.  It wasn't too sweet, neither the taste of the Ube was overpowering.

You can also taste the Ube in the cake, but not overbearing.  I love how it melts in your mouth, and you can eat a big chunk of it, because it's just your typical cake placed inside a tin can.

I'm beginning to think that this dessert shop has potential...hehehe... I already like 2 of its products, carrot cake ( which I'm not really a fan of) and this Ube in a tin can cake...

Honestly, I would like to promote this cafe since i'm all for supporting locals.  And who knows, when this pandemic is over, I could try their other products as well.

Cravings satisfied

I know... I owe you guys some good food and a little bit of story-telling.

I haven't been blogging because work has taken over my life... Like literally, I just go home to take a bath, sleep a little, and then off to work again.

Let me start with what we ate a couple of weeks ago.  Mom was craving pizza, but the one with vegetables in it and "you fold it".  In Pampanga, you have alot of choices, aside from your usual "Dear Darla" pizza.

So, since it was my anniversary, fifth year as managing editor (imagine that!) i told my mom and sister that it'll be my treat.

We went first to a bridal fair.  Coincidentally, my sister's suppliers kept on asking if i'm getting married next. Oh dear! I just came there to say hi and eat...

We're all not familiar with SM Clark, so when we saw New York Supreme, we decided, why not? I honestly just want one of their Zippolis (round doughnuts).

But we're so hungry so we ordered their pizza roll

Pizza Roll

This was really satisfying.  We usually order 2 of these when we're with our dad, but since it's just us girls, we managed to eat just one... Diet eh?!

If you're from Pampanga, don't compare this to 'C, because they're 2 different entities. I mean, 'C's panizza is really out of this world.  Just think of New York Supreme's pizza roll as the poor man's version of the real thing.

We love the freshness of the Alfalfa sprouts and the arugula.  I honestly wanted more, of the alfalfa sprouts but that would mean eating more than 3 slices of the pizza...haist! I don't like the concept of diet... :)

then we also had

Seafood Pasta

I think I was the only one who appreciated this dish, except for my mom who devoured the twisted garlic bread.

My sister chose to focus on the pizza and the chicken... she had 1/3 of the pasta, and i had the rest.  It was creamy, but not too overpowering.  The sauce was tangy, sweet, playful in the mouth. 

Buffalo wings

Buffalo Wings

Pardon my fingers, was just trying to be artsy.  These were not spicy at all.  I mean maybe my tolerance for spicy food is different, but haller!!!Buffalo wings... I just want something spicy...but again, they're not bad...not bad at all.

The fries were bland though.  I had to put salt and pepper several times.  I don't wanna dip them in the excess sauce coz eewww... I don't do stuff like that.

My Madrid Fusion Manila 2017 experience

To attend Madrid Fusion is a dream that I wasn't sure I could ever achieved... Honestly, I've always thought that it will just remain a dream...Coz, how am I gonna go to Spain? This isn't just an Asiancountry where I can get away without needing a visa... This is freakin' Spain... 

However, the Food Gods must be on my side because this month, Madrid Fusion Manila happened. Yes, it's not the same as the one being staged yearly in Spain, but "beggars can't be choosers", right...Besides, Spanish men peddling wine, Jamon, Cheese and Olive oil...what more can a girl ask for?

This year's theme is "Towards a sustainable gastronomic planet", and features the Philippines as a culinary destination.  And yes! If you have attended one of their regional lunches during the said summit you'll know that the Philippines is abundant with not just great food but talented chefs who can create and deconstruct Filipino cuisine while promoting what is indigenous to us.

Tasting the different food that each region can offer, I realized that the Philippines should be more than just Jollibee's and Adobo's.  The world needs to get to know us... Need to eat our food...and explore the dishes that our regions offer.

Aside from the many seminars and talks featured in the three-day event, I was more interested in exploring what the Philippines and Spain can offer.  I feasted not just on the yummy samples, but the Spanish-speaking men, promoting their products.  My Spanish is rusty, and my cousins always say that i butcher the said language, but still... They understood me and I kinda understood them too... Hey! Food, wine, cheese is universal! 

Aside from the food, I also got to meet well-renowned chefs...and ofcourse, felt proud with our own Filipino chefs who, not just proved that our food is world-class, but people all around the world recognize them as some of the best in their field.

Met up with Chef Gene Gonzales of Center for Asian Culinary Studies, Chef Claude Tayag of Bale Dutung, Chef Margarita Fores of Chibo, Chef Rob Pengson of Global Academy among others.  Trust me! I dont normally get star-struck, but with these chefs... I get tongue-tied all-together.

Also, had the chance to interview Michael Lopez, the first-ever Filipino maestro cortador of Jamon Iberico in Spain.  Cool, right?!

Madrid Fusion Manila 2017 is definitely one for the books... oh and before i forget, I was at the venue when the 5.6 magnitude quake hit Luzon on Saturday.  It was scary, but people were calmed as we made our way to the exits.

My Sweet Tokyo trip...coming soon

Shibuya crossing

I'll soon be blogging about my short but memorable trip to Tokyo, Japan in the coming days.  Please forgive me coz I haven't been updating my blog.  Work's taking my time too much and I feel like I owe it to you guys to atleast make mention of my food trips, while i remain pre-occupied with my day job...

678 Korean BBQ Restaurant

A few days before going to Japan, I met up with my friend, who's celebrating her birthday after Valentine's day, which incidentally, I still wont be home...

We ate at 678 Korean BBQ Restaurant, located at the SM By The Bay, around the vicinity of the Mall of Asia.  The restaurant is owned by well-loved South Korean tv personality Kang Ho Dong.  But, we didnt eat there, wishing for a celebrity-sighting, but honestly, we're just both craving for Korean food.

Nothing's special about the menu, I mean it's your typical Korean joint.  However, I love the fact this is being offered in the Philippines, I dont need to travel to Pampanga just to have a taste of authentic Korean food, or all, hello! South Korea.

The staff were nice and that the banchan is unlimited... definitely, two-thumbs up!

Baker & Cook

If you follow my blog, you'll know that i'm a "tambay" at S' Maison, at the Conrad Hotel.  I like it there coz, 1. It's not crowded, 2. There's so much restaurants to choose from.

Baker & Cook caters to all bread lovers out there. Certified "Napay" girl Tephie and Ian took awhile to choose from the array of bread and pastries in their selection.

It took me a good 10 minutes to actually decide if i want sweet or savory from their menu.

Spanglish, what?

Sorry not being able to update in awhile... I've been working non-stop...and yes, not to brag about it but, I was chosen as part of the media who will be covering the Miss Universe coronation night... If I would've known sooner, I wouldn't have dared touch that extra slice of chocolate cake in our fridge during the holidays...

But enough about that.  Let me tell you about my experience at this tex-mex restaurant in Clark, Pampanga.

Spanglish represents the food they offer, a combination of Mexican and American/Texan food... My sister loves it here, so I decided why not.  My only rule was, I dont wanna end up smelling like the food I ate when i leave the place...

The interior of Spanglish is unique.  There were colorful chairs and tables, but not too overpowering in the eyes... Just enough to liven up the mood.

I'm a sucker for cucumber drinks, and since I'm having mexican food, which i consider heavy, I need a light drink.  We ordered Cucumber and Pink lemonade. Dont worry, the mason jar's red, but the drink itself is a lighter shade of red.

The Buffalo wings were not swimming in sauce, which is how we all prefer it.  The sauce at the bottom was just enough to dip your chicken just in case you need that extra kick.  You can have it in mild, sweet, and spicy.  Ofcourse, we went for the mild.  Don't worry, the mild still has the hint of spice in it.

Quesadilla... This is a little bit disappointing coz I expect it to have more "laman."  I know we ordered cheese, but there was no oozing of the cheese when you bite into it.  It's taste reflected on the picture, bland.

Chimichanga plate.  This one I enoyed... Like seriously... It was so good.  The rice is a little bit on the dry side, but the meat wraps made up for it. I like that they were not stingy with the olives.  I love olives...

Come with an empty stomach if you plan on ordering the Beef, Beans and Cheese Burrito.  I'm telling you, when they served this, we were like "Ok, this one will do...for the three of us." That's how intimidating its size was.  The flavors inside though were another thing.  It's melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

There was no room for dessert, even though I would've loved to try their fried ice cream.  Maybe next time.  I'm sure, there will be a next time.

Tidbits of my current faves

So I haven't been posting lately... Work has totally taken over my life...My blogging had to take a back seat but it doesn't mean that I don't have anything to write... Trust me, "A girl's gotta eat", and I have a few food finds that I would like to share to all of you...

BLK 315

During my trips to S' Maison at the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City, I had to make a pit stop at BLK 315, since there's always a line at its branch in Megamall, I took this chance to get my fix of frozen yogurt...

I got the Dark Skim Cup with 2 fruits, 1 crunch and 1 sauce... Ofcourse, i picked oreo, mangoes and strawberries.  For an additional Php10, you get to choose from other premium sauces like nutella...

I liked the soury taste of the yogurt and its contrast with the sweetness of the sauce and the crunchiness of my oreos...

For the price of Php170, I'd say it's a meal in a cup...

Kettle Kitchen's Premium Salted Egg Potato Chips

Ok... joining the badnwagon of salted egg potato chips, I had to know why people are going gaga over this itlog na maalat thingy...

So far, this brand is my favorite... I haven't tasted the one from Singapore, since it's hard to find and a little bit expensive if my intention is to only try it... That's me, i'm still practical even though i seem to always splurge when it comes to food...I still know how to budget kaya... :)

glazed Banana thins

My sister loves this brand of banana chips.  I don't really like banana chips in general, but this one, they kinda are addicting.  It's like you can't stop once you start eating.  They're not too sweet, which is perfect for someone who is watching her sugar intake...(or would like to think that she is)

My disappointing experience with Kuya J's

photo credit: ebusinessfoodies.wordpress.com

It was our usual Sunday brunch.  We didn't wanna go anywhere far because of traffic and we're actually too lazy to even dress up, so decided to just pick a restaurant inside SM Pampanga, since we have plans of doing some shopping afterwards anyway.

I picked Kuya J's...I've heard some good reviews about this Filipino restaurant and since it was relatively empty when we got there; we thought, "ok, why not?"

Mom wanted Crispy Pata... Sister said she tried the dynamites here once and she liked them, and dad...well, dad will eat anything...

So, we ordered Crispy Pata, Kare-kareng Bagnet, Pinakbet and Relyenong Talong... The Dynamites I asked them to serve first. (sorry, i forgot to take pictures of them)

We all loved the Chorizo Dinamitas... They're sweet, not too spicy but definitely had some kick into them... The mayo dip wasn't too overpowering...but even without it, you can still enjoy the dinamitas.

Then came our entrees...

Pinakbet

Why would you waste such fresh vegetables?  Seriously, the sauce, which was supposed to be infused with bagoong was way too bland... (walang lasa)... the vegetables were well-cooked, with still a bite into them.  I just dont like how the calabasa (winter squash) were so thinly sliced... are you kidding me?

Relyenong Talong

We were wondering what's inside the talong aside from the meat? Definitely it's not cheese, but it's creamy and it was well-incorporated with the meat.  We suspected it was mayonnaise but we couldn't ask the waiters, coz by the time we started eating, the place is slowly getting full.

Kare-kareng Bagnet

Kare-kare is my all time favorite dish... I can eat it everyday; I like it with pork knuckles, I love it with ox tripes, with oxtail, with seafood, with pork belly, or even with just vegetables....That's how much i love Kare-kare...So when I saw that their Kare-kare has Bagnet, argh!!!order it!!!

Disappointed will be an understatement!First, the good part: The bagnet was well-cooked.  It was crispy, not too oily...But even that couldn't save this argghhh disappointing dish.  The peanut sauce, there's nothing peanut-ty about it.  The moment they served it at our table, when I saw the color of the sauce, I didn't say anything, but I knew then that I wouldn't enjoy it.

My mom didn't even touch it.  She settled in with the other food on the table...

Crispy Pata

This was the saving grace of our meal...aside from the Chorizo Dinamitas.... It was "sarap to the bones" (shoutout to Max's)... The balat was so crispy and yet the meat was tender.  Having two senior citizens, they didn't complain about eating the pata... Actually, they ate most of the Pata...It was well-seasoned.  You dont need the toyo-sibuyas-sili...it's like, "one more rice pa kuya!"

My sister before we ended our meal, ordered the baked scallops... I thought I took a picture of it but apparently, i was too disappointed with the Kare-kare that I just ate in silence...

But the scallops weren't bad.  They were delicious actually. the velvety texture of the melted cheese, hint of garlic and butter, oh cholesterol...

Would I want to eat again at Kuya J's?  I dont know... Maybe just an order of Crispy Pata for take-out.  But who knows, there are other dishes on their menu that I would still want to try.  Let's see...

Not the same Pablo in Osaka

Pablo Cheese tart

Me and my friend braved the lines at the first-ever Pablo cheese tart, to open in Manila at the Robinson's Place, Ermita a few weeks ago.

Ever since finding out that the Suyen Group is bringing in Pablo, we got so excited because we have been craving for it since our trip in Osaka, Japan last year.

Pablo caters to all cheese-lovers out there. Named after the famous painter, Pablo Picasso, Pablo's cheese tarts are always freshly baked and you can have them either rare or medium.  However, in the Philippines, only the medium cheese tarts are available.

Pablo offers the regular cheese tart, chocolate, and matcha green tea.  They also have the premium cheese tart wherein the topping has a sort of texture like creme brulee, with caramelized sugar on top.

Their prices almost match the ones from Japan, including how they look.  Even the smell is intoxicating.  We were like a few stalls away from the Pablo store itself and yet you can already smell the sugary-goodness and the smell of something good being baked inside the oven. I've always loved that kind of aroma.

Finally, after being in line for almost 40mins, we were whisked to the Pablo stall itself.  Part of the Pablo experience is watching the bakers prepare your cheese tarts. It was fun and I started salivating already.

I was in my own world here.  I honestly can stay here and just watch them do this forever.

Look Ma...My own kind of show...

When I brought home the tart, I had to put it in the fridge and chilled it for a few hours.  I like it firm and gooey in the middle.

However, I was disappointed.  It's not the same as the one we ate in Osaka.  There's something missing from it.  The cheese custard is not the same.  I know it's supposed to be airy and light, but the custard we have here is almost like foam... Seriously, even the tart shell was too soft.  I like it flaky and buttery at the same time.

I really wanted to try the Matcha flavor one, but maybe I'll have to wait for the lines to subside.  It's not the same as Osaka, but, I guess it'll do for now.

Weekend errands...Food Galore

La Lola Churreria 

I've stuffed my face again with enough food that can actually last me till the next weekend.

I had to be at the office last Saturday because I was skipping work Monday, so to reward myself for working over the weekend, me and Jill decided to brave the long lines of Pablo at Robinson's Place, Ermita.

It took us an hour to give our orders, which was actually one cheese tart per person, and another 45 minutes to actually get our orders.  We may be masters in long queues, but we found it too absurd to just stand there.

Pablo

Both of us were so hungry so Yabu's the perfect choice, with unlimited of everything...From rice to the cabbage to soup to its dessert.  

I ordered the Menchi Katsu Set...It's minced pork and cheese...what could go wrong with that?hehehe...

After filling our tummies with the goodness of Yabu, we went back to take our orders from Pablo.

Good thing i was full because it took me 3 hours to go home to Pampanga on a Saturday night.  Painful! Traffic really sucks the life out of me...

When I arrived home, mom prepared a mini-buffet for her "hard-working" daughter.  There's Kare-kare, Swam Mais (Corn soup), and Daing na Bangus.  Seriously, I'm not even sure how I was able to eat all of it.

Sunday, my sister had to fly to Ilocos in the afternoon so we had an early lunch.  Again, mom outdid herself.  However, it's all healthy food, like fried pork belly and ginisang labanos. (that's vegetables)

On Monday, the parentals decided to tag along to my whole day of running personal errands.  

So, i felt bad for dragging them everywhere, I decided we should have lunch at Ramen Nagi.  We ordered Black King, Butao and gyoza.  However, my uncle and his partner called and invited themselves for lunch.

Black King Ramen

I'm not sure how they seemed to still be hungry.  So we hopped in to the neighboring stall, which was J.Co Doughnuts...

Sorry I wasn't able to take a picture of the doughnuts and assorted coffee we ordered because honestly, I was really surprised how these senior citizens can eat more than I can...

I need some to start my cleansing diet after this weekend's stuffing!!!

Oh well, atleast I got to spend some quality time with my parentals...

Excited for Pablo's arrival

Pablo in Dotonbori (taken during my trip to Osaka)

On September 15, Pablo will open its first store in the Philippines, at Robinson's Place Ermita, Manila...

I am so looking forward to it... I've waited years for Pablo to finally make it to Manila...

I'm a sucker for cheesecake; but Pablo's cheesecake is worth every calorie it brings to the body...

It's soft, melt in your mouth gooey goodness can make you finish the whole thing in one go...

I was in Osaka, Japan when I had my first Pablo... I had to share it with my friends because, seriously, it's that good...

Pablo is named after the famous painter Pablo Picasso as its CEO Masamitsu Sakamoto would like to achieve a work of art when it comes to his cheesecakes...

There are two kinds of cheesecake at Pablo; rare and medium... Rare is when your cheesecake runs all over the place as soon as you slice into it; while the medium one is firmer... I seriously don't mind...I choose rare, I choose medium...

My friend Jill was teasing me that I'll probably line up as early as Thursday for its opening on Friday... I told her, I'm used to long queues...hehehe!!!

Pablo is being brought to us my the Sunyen Corporation... They plan to put up more Pablo branches in the coming months... Good thing they decided to open it first at Robinson's...it's near my work place... Trust me... Pablo is worth the long line and probably the added lbs...

When old friends meet...great food follows

photo credit: Chili's Facebook

The last time I met my college friends was like 2 years ago...One of them, Joan, was not even pregnant then with her first child, now she's pregnant with her second... When Candice said she wanted to meet us, we all agreed immediately... She's a very mobile girl, so when she says "Let's meet up", you grab that chance...

We all like to eat... So a much-anticipated meet up requires good food...we all decided Chili's is the choice... Greenbelt 5 was not exactly crowded on a Tuesday brunch, so it was easy finding a table...

Me and Candice were famished...so we immediately ordered Texas Cheese Fries and Calamari...

Calamari

Loved 'em Calamari... They're crisp, well-seasoned and that splash of lime, just brightened up its flavor...

Texas Cheese Fries

The cheese was kinda burnt on this one... but the fries were still good... It was definitely loaded with bacon...and yes, Bacon is always good...it's like one of the basic food groups...hehehe...yeah, next to nutella... I'm not sure what's so "texas" about it coz all I saw in our sizzling plate was burnt cheese and fries drowning in bacon...

Santa Fe Chicken Quesadilla

I'm not sure what's off with these quesadillas? I mean I ate at least two...that I'm sure of, but the taste was off... I couldn't figure out if the chicken was grilled coz the pita they used tasted like a thick version of a regular cracker... Like walang lasa...sorry...Im a fan of quesadillas, so this one was a total disappointment...

Cilantro Pesto Pasta-seared shrimp

Oh...this one...worth every calorie...good thing it's cilantro and pesto...hehehe!the cilantro and pesto side of it makes me forget the guilt that it's drowning it cream...but still, the seared shrimps were cooked to perfection...plump...and tasted fresh...not those that came from the freezer...well, I dont exactly expect that they came fresh off the market, but...yeah, you know that i'm trying to say...

Chicken and steak fajitas

Sorry...didn't really use the tortillas that came with it...Oh wait, I think Joan did...but she's pregnant so she had an excuse... We on the other hand, just paired it with whatever was on our plate... I ate mostly the caramelized onions...ssssooo good...and the green peppers, argh!!! just imagine, a piece of the well-cooked steak, with some caramelized onions and green bell peppers, one bite of perfection! oh...that hint of lemon, sealed the deal!

I wasn't able to take a picture of our dessert... Actually, it was Candice who wanted coffee, but Malou declined coz she said she already had a cup during breakfast...and me and Joan couldn't have one...so she decided to get skillet Chocolate cookie with vanilla ice cream... yep! with all that food, we still managed to squeeze in dessert...

That fresh from the over chocolate cookie was the perfect ending to our long-overdue meetup... So soft, moist...just the right amount of chocolate chips...

Eating at Chili's remind me of my time when I was with my extended family in New York... and now, it serves another purpose... Till our next food escapade... :)