Sweet Treats from Korea: Tous Les Jours

The Korean wave is definitely one to blame for a lot of things - my inclination to Korean music, TV shows and movies, fashion, even the once-thought very spicy kimchi is now well-loved aside from beef bibimbap. On a good note, that is. So one day after work in Eastwood, the thought of Paris came to mind and lured me and my friend Otep, aside from the need to bring home sweets, to our first stop: bienvenue sur "Tous Les Jours" :)

Rekindled My Love for Ice Candy, the Fruitas way

One day I went to SM North Edsa for business purposes. Sweaty and feeling warm because of the weather, taking the LRT-MRT plus walking (not that I'm complaining :P), I looked around to kill time and find something to eat without having to spoil dinner later on. I was undecided what to get, until I saw someone eating ice candy. Ice candy in a mall? I looked around and spotted the stall a few meters away..

So Fruitas is not just juices, shakes or even buko juice anymore - they have ice candy! I bought a Strawberry Mango-flavored ice candy (P15). It was sweet and flavorful, just like how it should taste if you buy a Fruitas shake of the same combination, made from fresh fruits.

Before I went my way back to MRT North Ave. to go to Cubao, I bought another one. They ran out of Strawberry-Mango so I chose Caffe Latte (P9). As expected it was flavorful too, without being overwhelming (strong coffee flavor).

Funny thing is, I usually go to the three nearest malls from our house, but I have never encountered this. I'll look around the other nearest SM to check. I was supposed to bring some home but the lady was kinda aloof and cuts the end of the ice candy after getting it from the fridge.

With more than 20 flavors to choose from and price ranging from P7 to P15, even kids can afford to buy it!

Fruitas Ice Candy - my kind of perfect affordable summer refresher for children of all ages ;)

Your Midnight Food Trip Tambayan at Eastwood: The Marketplace

If one tells you to eat at Il Mercanti, I bet your first thought is the one located at Metrowalk, right? I used to think the same, as I went there one time for Chef Hasset Go's bloggers event last May.

There's another midnight food trip tambayan in Quezon City that was introduced as Il Mercanti but also it goes by the name The Marketplace. Located at the Eastwood Open Parking area, it serves office workers (majority of which are call center agents), residents and foodies alike.

Together with my fellow female food bloggers, we explored the variety of food, beverages and desserts concessionaires in the area. I walked to look around and check out their offerings while waiting.

Enjoy sweet red wine on the rocks with Rossi Sweet Red by Carlo Rossi

First time I had a glass of wine, it was served on the rocks by my best friend's mom. I tried it out of curiosity and liked it. Though like most people, I always believed that wine is expensive and something only rich people would drink, so it's usually reserved for very special occasions.

Filipinos love sweets, which affect our wine choices. There are "sweet red wines" in the market, trying to satisfy our sweet tooth, but they are actually alcohol-laced grape juice packed in bottles pretending to be wines. Yes, not the real deal.

With the increasing demand for wine that fits the Pinoy taste, satisfying our sweet tooth while reaping the perceived health benefits - Emperador Distillers Inc. brings to us the Rossi Sweet Red, from Carlo Rossi.

Country's First and Original Baked Chicken by Stackers Burger Cafe

Ask people what they want to eat and no doubt that fried chicken will be included in their top choices. Adults and children alike can enjoy it any time of the day, with its easy recipe and quick preparation time. Usually paired with ketchup or gravy, some people prefer to eat chicken with their bare hands.

However it is delicious and filling, fried chicken can take a toll on our health. Chicken has its own fat. Frying it adds up and sooner or later, it can affect our heart and/or make us overweight.

No worries though, because I was introduced to the next best thing in chicken.

Ramen Fix on a Budget and more: Ramen X

A few Fridays ago, after checking out an invitation maker, me and my now-married girl friend decided (mostly on my part because she's preggy, has mood swings and had me decided on a lot of things that day :P) to go to Trinoma to look for a ready-to-wear gown in Landmark (because the wedding was in a week, if anyone's wondering).

Two in the afternoon, still haven't had lunch and wanted my friend to try gowns after she ate, I suggested we try Ramen X which I suddenly remembered reading from various sites. We don't usually go to Trinoma anymore (unlike when we were in college) and I was craving for Japanese food but didn't want to eat my usual fare.

[caption id="attachment_1313" align="aligncenter" width="954"] They were cleaning when we arrived. We thought they were close. We were the first set of customers after the lunch hour rush. :3[/caption]

Say 'Bagaaaa' to Tokyo Tokyo's Rising Sun Burger

It's been a while since I made a food-related post. Staying at home most of the time and no access to internet tends to do that to you :P

Moving on.. Way back, before we lost our connection at home, I emptied what's left of my Paypal account to buy vouchers for Tokyo Tokyo's Rising Sun Burger from Ensogo.

I was intrigued because I've never tried a Japanese fusion hamburger and admit it - majority of us eat in Tokyo Tokyo because of the rice-all-you-can, the Red Iced Tea and the California Maki.

I was required to purchase two pieces to complete the transaction, making it seem like I got a Buy One Take One deal at 51% off each voucher. So, One or two weeks ago, me and Ate Bernz redeemed the voucher.

[caption id="attachment_978" align="aligncenter" width="395"] Doesn't it look yummy? It smells nice too :)[/caption]

Like in the ads, the burger has (cheddar) cheese, (sunny-side up) egg and Japanese mayo which blends perfectly. The patty, which is said to be made of premium beef, is thick and juicy.

At first bite, we already agreed this Bagaaaaaaaa is delicious!

The burger comes with a serving of Nori Wasabi fries and a regular glass of Red Iced Tea.

[caption id="attachment_979" align="aligncenter" width="395"] Look! Nori Wasabi Fries!!![/caption]

It's my first time to eat Nori Wasabi fries. The fries were flavorful and okay to eat without any dip/sauce. It isn't salty for my taste. It's a bit unfortunate that our wasn't freshly made a.k.a. hot, I would have enjoyed it more.

Verdict: I'll definitely order this sometime in the future ;)

Next on my list from Tokyo Tokyo: Milk Tea

The Rising Sun Burger costs P105. Add P50 if you want fries and drinks. Thank you Ensogo for providing good deals like this ♥

Chef Hasset Go Bloggers Night: The Il Mercanti Experience Aftermath

Everyone knows I love food. Even though I do not know how to cook (well, I'm learning :P), I know how to appreciate a meal that's prepared with love. Raised by my grandmother and aunts who know their way around the kitchen, being their taste tester paid off.

My first bloggers night happened to revolve around food - tasty sweets in fact; and the person behind these interesting and mouth-watering goodies, Chef Hasset Go. Held at Il Mercanti Food Bazaar in Metrowalk, Pasig City last May 5, the erratic weather didn't stop eager bloggers, tri-media personalities, sponsors, friends and family of the Sweets Master to attend the said event.

[Review] Yabu, House of Katsu - My First Authentic Japanese Dining Experience

Okay, this is a honest long overdue review. I've already eaten in Yabu twice last month. This was recommended by my friend Daryll. The first time we went there was January 3 and the mall just opened so there wasn't people in the restaurant. It's my first time to eat Japanese food outside the fastfood ones like Tokyo Tokyo, Teriyaki Boy and Karate Kid.