Savory Chicken

Had dinner last night at their Festivall Mall branch. I was amazed at how they served heaping portions of pancit. I thought it was good for 2 persons at most but it's almost good enough for 3 persons. We also ordered Shanghai rolls and their Savory Chicken. What I noticed in most Chinese restaurants is that most of their food are dry, tasty, but a bit dry. The lumpia, pancit, and even the chicken tastes good but lacks the juiciness in them. But above everything else, we were stuffed. Might try other viands when we think of having chicken again.

The Banana Experience

This is one of the newest places I found in Festival Mall in Alabang. Its The Banana Experience (it's not what you're thinking about). It's a new healthy option for your afternoon merienda, well not so much. Well, it is a banana and its still loaded with a lot of vitamins but once you mix it with sugar, ice cream, sweet toppings and what nots, well let's just say you'll get a bit of a sugar rush.

The one I liked is the turon topped with a vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup. What got me is that the turon is still warm then they place the cold ice cream on top so you have to eat it quite fast. The sensation is enjoyable as the warm turon and cold ice cream mix in your mouth. Plus it's just P50.

As for my son, he ordered the banana on a stick. Its a fresh banana dipped in vanilla and sprinkled with rainbow sprinkles. You can eat it like a drumstick but since the banana is big. We had to slice it to smaller bits for my son.

Like I said, this is a good alternative for the afternoon merienda or just a quick snack in the mall. It's partly healthy and it's very inexpensive.

Brother's Burgers Specials

After watching too much true blood and seeing as the setting is mostly in the bar/resto. People in the background usually order fries, burgers, and beer. This got me to remember the sale the Brother's had a month ago. They shaved half the price of the 1/2 pound burger. After one burger and a couple orders of fries and a choice of soda. You'll be sure you just gained 1/2 a pound. I just wish they do another half price promo soon. I'm just soooo craving for their burgers again.

Tuding's

If you're from the south I bet you've either heard of or even tried one of the three branches they have (muntinlupa, pacita, binan). Last night was my return to Tuding's. I haven't eaten at this place for quite sometime since it became out of my way. Since we were in the area, might as well eat here. They have now occupied the adjacent lot (foremerly a family ktv bar/restaurant) and they now have a lot more space for tables and chairs. They also added Tapsi, Toci, and I think Bangsi to their menu (wasn't really paying attention since all I wanted was the Pork chop. haha!)

After ordering my usual Porck chop, fried egg with fried rice (extra rice and egg please) mixed crushed chili to catsup (for that added zing) and had my fill. Eventhough it's just a simple meal but it just has that extra something that makes you come back.

The Sizzling Pepper Steak

We recently tried out the new steak house that just opened at Festival Mall Alabang. It's called The Sizzling Pepper Steak (owned and operated by Teryaki Boy Group Inc.). It's a cross between japanese style cooking with western steak. The place has the same feel like Sango Master Burger. It has large LCD tv's showing how to properly cook the steak and maintain its taste. It's because they serve it almost instantly that you have a part in cooking your food. I also read in the menu (before saying to myself "oh sh*t! the menus' written in japanese!" - good thing it had translations at the bottom. hahaha!) that their hot plate plays a role in properly cooking the steak.

After taking a long hard look at the menu I decided to order Fresh Mango shake and Katsuni (breaded pepper steak with scrambled eggs cooked around it served with their special sauce topped with onion leeks) while my wife ordered Teryaki Hamburg and Iced Tea.

The food was very filling and I enjoyed it. I just wish that I didn't have a snack before we ate. I was stuffed after our meal.

McDonald's Twister Fries

Thanks to the showing of Ice Age 3, McDonald's has again added the twister fries to their menu. Now you could order the twister fries with their Icy Blue Sprite Float. And if you order a double cheeseburger, Big Mac, or a Quarter pounder I guarantee that you'll feel full (unless your more than six feet tall and around 200 pounds. hehehe).

As of now, i'm still fighting the urge to go back to a McDonald's near me because i've been eating this for almost everyday since it came back. hahaha!!

Jollibee Delivery

It's been quite sometime since I last ordered from Jollibee to be delivered to my house. It's because there are two joints near my house. Unfortunately, this afternoon we were had a call that the office will be up for inspection. I called Jollibee's delivery number for Cavite, got my details, ordered and asked if I was paying cash or by credit card. I said by credit card, then a follow-up question came up -- Visa or Mastercard. I answered Mastercard. After more or less 30 mins our orders arrived. I was waiting how I should pay (although I had an idea when I paid in True Value, they had the GPRS swiper). After putting our order on the nearest table he pulledout the -- wireless swiper. We had a bit of trouble because Globe's signal (the swiper is connected thru Globe) is a bit on the weak side these past few days and had to swipe the card a couple of times before it went thru. Overall I liked the payment options that Jollibee is now offering (I also heard pizza hut or was it shakey's (?) has this offer but Citibank cards only) since I rarely have cash. Sad thing is the fries were a bit soggy since it was packed in the box while still hot.

Mrs. Fields Chewy Fudge

Before, whenever I was craving for Mrs. Fields cookies I had to run to the nearest Price Smart Shop (now called S&R). Until my dad got tired of paying for the annual fees of the membership card I had no other way to buy the box of 10s of the oh so soft Milk Chocolate cookies. (well, i could also go to the Mrs. Fields stalls but it had a different feel to it). Recently though, the local groceries started selling the cookies in packs and in different flavors (oatmeal raisin, milk chocolate, chewy fudge, and the one with peanuts). What I liked about this is now i've got the option how many of which I would get plus I could store it at the house and eat it whenever I felt like it. Unlike if you bought in the Mrs. Fields stall it's not packed in foil and have to consume it almost immediately.

On the downside, i'm beginning to crave more and more for the chewy fudge. Which is sooooo sweet and the chocolate almost melts in my hand while eating eat. Plus its chewy which what I like with cookies and it doesn't have that dry taste to it. The question now is, will I have the will power to fight the urge?

Donut Pizza?!

A couple of Friday's ago. Me and a couple other friends had the case of the munchies. Since we got lazy to go to the nearest 7-11, McDo or what not. We decided to trot down Gonuts Donuts, which was just less than a block away from where we were hanging out. Off we go, and lo and behold the rumors are true. You can get pizza from a donut shop. Only problem is, it's the size of a donuut. No matter. Since it's there why not try it out, right? I ordered two for myself. Hanzel, also bought two plus a couple of cookies. Mark, bought juice. My son ordered donut (you gotta get at least one right? hehe).

Well, it did taste like pizza (just like those mini pizza - e.g. jimini) plus it covered the whole surface. Bad thing is if you ordered the Garlic and Cheese or BBQ flavor you'll get the whole in the middle just like a regular donut. If I remember it correctly the price vary to either P30 or P35. It did taste good, as long as you eat it while it's hot. Only thing is, bitin!

Sango! The Burger Master

A couple of days ago, I was at South Supermarket at Alabang and suddenly craved for a burger. Since I was too lazy to go anywhere, I opted to try out Sango! The Burger Master.

I tried out their flagship burger, the Master Burger (the name is kinda sounds like.... you get my drift. hehehe!) It's a burger patty with a thick slice of tomato and a lot of chili con carne sandwiched between soft burger buns. When you order this, be really careful or you'll just make a mess of yourself (I did!). Didn't bother ordering fries or any shake because I wasn't really hungry so I just ordered a soda.

The place is kind of cozy (the chair cushion was plastic or something like that, so I didn't really feel comfortable plus it was a bit short so I couldn't slouch).

One side of the wall has a large lcd screen (although it was turned off at the time) with japanese manga on the either side which you could read (if you could read japanese). On the other side was a glass wall where you could see how your burger was being made.

My experience with Sango! is quite so-so. I won't give it a thumbs up nor give it a thumbs down. The next time i'd have a burger craving I guess i'd walk a bit more to Brothers Burgers or Yab's.

Holy Kettle Korn now in different flavors

I didn't notice that Holy Kettle Korn now offers different flavors to their Popcorn. It now comes in Cheese, Barbeque, and Sweetcorn. When having a popcorn craving, I always buy from them. Not only that their corn kernels are puffed to an almost round ball but it has almost zero unpopped kernels in the bag. The small bag is also enough to fill 1-2 persons, granted that your both not hungry as heck.

Home Cooked Pork Sinigang

It really is home cooked. You know why? Because I was the one who cooked it! This is my first time to try and cook Pork Sinigang (Pork Sour Soup). I said to myself, what the heck. I love eating it, why not try to cook it? I bought ingredients at the local supermarket and hoped for the best (or worst).

Ingredients I used:
- 1/2 kilo Pork cubes
- Sitaw
- Aubergine (Talong)
- Gabi
- Tomato

- Radish
- 1 pack Knorr Sinigang sa Sampalok mix
- 1 pc pork bullion cube

I just basically cleaned and sliced the vegetables and set aside. In 1 liter of water I placed the Pork and 2 Tbsp Patis (Fish Sauce) and let it boil until the meat became tender. While the water boiled I put in the Sinigang Mix, pork bullion and Gabi. When I was able to stick a fork in the Gabi with little efffort I added the remaining ingredients and just let it simmer.

The way I did it was the easiest way I could think of to not screwing our dinner. That´s why I used the mix and the bullion to be sure. Sad thing is (that is for me) is that I forgot to add Okra which is one of the things I also like eating. There is always a next time.

Moo Ice Cream Sandwiches

Well, yet another post about ice creams. It's summer, I can't stop looking for something to cool me off. In the past few months, i've been looking for a tasty ice cream sandwich. I tried hagen danz, Blizzard, and one from Brother' Burgers. This one came from Selecta (but it says Wall's on the package). You get 10pcs per package and cost a little more than a hundred bucks. I don't know if it really does contain more than its fair share of milk. It says that it provides more calcium because of the milk content to help bones grow stronger and all that babble. I guess it helps if your kids are going to eat it. Not only does it taste yummy but it's healthy too.

It's individaully wrapped so it's easy if you just one to eat a piece. It doesn't stick to each other and make a gooey mess. The packaging is great but be carefull in opening it because it suddenly rips apart if you apply too much pressure. The cookie sandwich itself is small, bite size small. Two big bites, or if you have a big mouth one bite will be enough to make it disappear. So one piece couldn't really hit the spot. Maybe, two or three would do it. But for kids, I guess one should do fine.

Ben & Jerry's: Neapolitan Dynamite

Since my son doesn't want to share his ice cream, I bought another one for myself (ha!). This one's called Neapolitan Dynamite by Ben & Jerry's. I liked this one better. The chocolate chunks I found inside are the size of a small square piece of a Hershey's Bar. I also found big bits of cherry and that oh so delectable fudge brownies. Just like the last Ben & Jerry's that I bought, I couldn't eat this in one sitting 'coz its soooo sweet. Not that i'm complaining but it just doesn't compare to local ice cream's that i've tasted.

Magnolia Ice Cream: Cool Bubblegum

Magnolia Ice Cream recently released a Limited Edition Ice Cream Flavor. It's called Cool Bubblegum. It comes in 4 or 5 different colors for the container but I think the contents are basically the same. When I opened it, It does look like what is pictured on the cover. It pink and blue with bits of chocolate, mallows and a hint of bubblegum syrup. My son liked it a lot that he doesn't want to share!! Drawback of eating this ice cream is that it leaves a color stain on you lips, teeth, and toungue. Not that its a bad thing (just like the cry baby, grenade, and mouth wash candies) but it's awfully funny.

Big Apple Pizza

A few weeks back, my wife, son, and my wife's friend had a craving for pizza. Since none of us have tried Big Apple, we trotted to President's Ave at BF Parañaque where the nearest branch to us is located.

They have a big sign outside their shop that they serve 20" pizzas. So as soon as we got to there we obviously got a 20-incher. Half of it was all-meat and half of it, but of course my fave ny classic style. We oredered a couple of red iced teas' and went to seat ourselves.

The food arrived and it sure was a 20" pizza cos' it was huge! It was cut by eight. So the two flavors were divided by four.

I took the first slice and it was kind of hard to hold with one hand. One, because it was huge, and two because it had a really thin crust/base. The taste was quite good. Didin't quite like it because I think they rolled the base to be thin to get the 20" but I felt it fell short of what I expected. I sort of thought it would be like Yellow Cab or even Brooklyn Pizza.

Overall, I thought it was quite good. I'd go back if I was craving for a piece, but I won't order a whole pizza anymore. It'll be just a good snack.

Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream: Phish Food

Finally had the chance to taste one of the many flavors of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. I accidentally found one of these in the local Shopwise Supermart in our area. Had a really hard time choosing what flavor I wanted to get. Then I found a pint saying Phish food. I was thinking that it was kind of weird for an ice cram to have something like this. I read the label and it said chocolate shaped fish chunks, fudge, caramel swirls, milk chocolate. The fudge got me. hahaha!!

As soon as I got home placed it in the freezer to let it freeze because it became a bit gooey on the way home. After an hour or so I popped it out of the freezer and tried it. It was great. It's different from local ice creams in the sense that it has more flavor to it. The chunks were really there and I forgot to mention, it had gooey marshmallow bits that made it more uhmm... gooey? All in all I liked the flavor downside of this is if you eat this in one sitting you'll get fat really fast!!

2 days before 2008

Yesterday, my brother and I fetched my parents from the airport. Since it's almost lunch time we trotted to the nearest mall, SM Mall of Asia for that matter. I parked the car then went straight to the resto. Mann Hann, a chinese restaurant that has some cross with filipino dishes. Called a waiter, asked for the menu, and ordered in a flash (yes, we were hungry).

We ordered a lot. There were Fried Lumpia, Sweet and Sour Pork, Broccolli in oyster sauce, Oyster Cake (sounds weird but tastes ok), Lechon Kawali, Yang Chow Fried Rice, and it was all drowned by Honey Lemon Iced Tea.

After we had our very filling lunch we had a stroll inside the mall. But lo and behold, not far away was another disaster waiting to happen..... A Krispy Kreme outlet has opened!! Off I go to the counter to check out my just "desserts" (pun intended). The store was located under the stairs near the National Bookstore branch inside the center building.

Walking along we noticed the huge christams tree set-up inside the mall. My mom and brother found it as a photo op. Since most of the people were gathering near the mall Santa, we settled for the side of the christmas tree.


Finally getting tired of walking and couldn't really buy anything (heck, even cdr king was jam packed!). We eventually decided to head home. As I really wanted to chow down my KK take out. By the way, I couldn't go home without a souvenir.