Ilocandia Treats at Comida Ilocandia and Spaoay

After attending the Ultimate Taste Test event at Rockwell, I took a cab going to Timog to attend another blogger's event featuring Comida Ilocandia and Spaoay. By the time I got there, I was already soaking wet since the weather is so uncooperative.

When I got there, I was warmly welcomed by one of the organizers as they take me to my seat. As I'm setting-up my camera, Mr Danny Dela Cuesta, introduced himself and explained to us how Comida Ilocandia was conceptualized. He even let us try some of his secret concoction that reminded me of a condiment I am craving for.

Comida Ilocandia offers affordable meals. From rice meals to their bento meals to their refreshments, their slow-cooked specialty will never ever hurt your budget. Even a five-hundred peso budget would be good for 3-4 people who wants nothing but the best Ilocano cuisine. For me, I simply had Vigan longganisa paired with hot steaming rice. It was really a nice fulfilling meal for me as I tried to keep it light (I'm still full from the previous event I've attended.)

After dinner, we were treated to a soothing massage at Spaoay owned and operated by who else but Chef Danny Dela Cuesta. Honestly, I've never had a complete massage before and I'm pretty apprehensive as my right foot was pretty sore which prevents me from walking straight.

As the rooms were pretty much full as my fellow bloggers were already inside having their massage. Me and my fellow blogger had our foot spa/foot massage first but I specified to my attendant to be careful with my right foot. Well he tried to assure me that he'll take good care of my right foot.

My first apprehension on having massage is it tickles me whenever someone touches my skin. But I was completely wrong. My attendant was able to make me feel a bit better and lighter. As I lay my body down (on my stomach), I feel much vigorous as he was able to release all pain points and he almost put me to sleep as I've proven that massages are really effective in making one sleep better.

At the end of the massage session, It was off to another event as my body was completely rejuvenated with the wonders from the north. From my sense of taste to my sense of touch, I feel much better now.

I'm looking forward to comeback for another round of massage plus some gastronomically feast from the north. Thanks Comida Ilocandia and Spaoay for bringing them here to Manila. ^_^

Note: Pictures here are borrowed from Ms Yani with her permission. Once I get my laptop back from repairs, I'll post mine. ^_^

Dare to Compare: Baked Chicken at Stackers

Would you dare to compare?

I got an invite yesterday from Mr Richard Mamuyac of Astig Machismis about a food event held at Eastwood. Luckily I got in though my initial thoughts was its for pure food bloggers only. I do blog about food among other things so good thing I got in as well. And only for the second time this year I got invited to attend such event as well. 

My first visit but definitely not the last

The first shot I took. XD

With 80% less oil, this is a healthier option

When I arrived at Stackers at 2:00pm, I got to meet a few bloggers who do love good food and have a curiosity trying out a new dish. Well its not actually new but the way they prepared it, you would never want to have chicken at another restaurant again. XD

Doing some updates via facebook/twitter

 

I'll be back for their burgers soon XD

Some smiles seen from the bloggers. :D

What I like about Stackers is that its not your usual burger joint. They have a variety of dishes to choose from but their burgers are their bestseller and probably on my next visit, I'll give them a try. I ordered a chocolate malt milkshake while waiting for our food. The milkshake was so tasty I reminded myself that I need some room for food later XD.

Choco Malt Milkshake. Yummy!!! XD

Only one looked at the camera XD

While waiting for the star of the show (Baked Chicken), I tried their Fish and Chips. I ordered only half and I'm quite surprised that their serving was pretty much okay. A full order of their Fish and Chips yield four big pieces and its definitely good for two or more people. 

Fish and Chips (Half-Order)

Fish and Chips (Full-Order)

As what Ms Mary Michelle Lapuz (I-Food's Marketing Officer) described, their Baked Fried Chicken is not your usual fast food fried chicken. Here's why: 

I-Food's Marketing Officer Ms Lapuz

1. It uses 80% less oil (than the regular fried chicken) making it lighter and healthier than any other fried chicken here in the Metro.

2. They have a unique method of cooking that reduces oil absorption while preserving the juice and flavor of the chicken. This could be their trade secret =P. 

3. They have a special recipe that brings out the crispiness of the chicken skin and tenderness of the meat.

Taking a snap of the chicken. :D

Their new prized possession: The Baked Fried Chicken

A closer look on their Baked Fried Chicken

On a personal note, I like how the chicken was cooked. The skin was as crispy as "chicaron" yet the tenderness of the meat was still retained. The chicken was moist on the inside, crunchy on the outside, just how I like it but without those unwanted oil and fats as well. However, their gravy needs improvement as it tastes a bit bland to me. 

If I were you, I'd this out-of-the-ordinary chicken delight available in all Stackers Burger Café outlets located at Eastwood City, Resorts World and McKinley Hill Venice Piazza in Bonifacio Global City, Alabang Town Center and also at its newly opened branch at the Promenade Mall in Greenhills, San Juan City.

Lunch at Bertings

Last Sunday after my wife picked-up her dress for her friend's wedding last Monday, we head straight to Tomas Morato cor Sct Rallos to have lunch at Berting's Grill. For a change, we wanted to sample some unique Filipino food and at the same time, spend more time with my family. Though there is also another branch located in Ortigas, being closed on a Sunday, we made a good choice in going to their other branch. 

Bertings Grill

We got there at around 12:00pm or so though I noticed that the place wasn't jam-packed on a Sunday noon. That's a good thing for me because I prefer to have the place to ourselves and take good pictures without annoying anyone =P. After placing our order, we made ourselves comfortable and took out my camera to take pictures (again XD).

Food was served just in time and they served everything at once. Our empty table turned into a fiesta with the four dishes we ordered.  

A feast for two adults and a baby. XD

Our baby got busy XD

First off, we had Baked Tahong (240 pesos). First, I never knew they would serve as much tahong as they could as I only imagine we would get 10-12 pieces. But we had 500 grams or more than 20 shells of tahong that took us a while before we emptied our plate. For beer lovers and hard drinkers, this one is highly recommended. 

Baked Tahong

Crispy Dory (225 pesos) was served next to our table. I like the way it was cooked and its pretty crunchy on the outside. The extra sidings and the dip really helped in making this dish excel. For its price, it can feed two to three people but I don't think they are willing to share it with one another. XD

Crispy Dory

Then, the Crispy Kare-Kareng Pata (485 pesos for regular) was served next. This is my first time to have a kare kare which I had to assemble from the veggies to the meat down to their peanut sauce. It has the crunch of a crispy pata most would agree which was complemented with steamed vegetables.  If only their peanut sauce had more generous servings, this would have been my top dish hands down.  

Crispy Kare-Kareng Pata

Krispy Kare-Kareng Pata from another view

And lastly, the Hero of the day, our one-half Lechon Manok (180 pesos). I'm not sure if its just me but I didn't taste any special with the chicken. Yes it tastes good even without dipping it in liver sauce but that's the way I like to eat my lechon manok. My wife noticed it too as we didn't touch much of the portion. 

Lechon Manok

At the end of our meal, we got really full with the amount of food they served us and we had to take some out. Their food is really good and servings were pretty much okay though there is really nothing much about it to brag about (probably its what we had ordered). But still, we will visit Berting's anytime of the day for some chow and grub and to try their other dishes as well.

Late Lunch at World Topps

I just got here after my late lunch at World Topps in Valero and I must say its worth every cent that I spent. I got there at around 2:30pm as my voucher from Ensogo states I could only get the deal between 2:00pm to 6:00pm. I am the only customer inside as its a Saturday (most people are having their rest days).

While waiting for my order, I tried taking some snaps of the place (though it was dimly lit) to have my wife see it. One by one, my food came and I can't wait to chow them down but not after taking some decent photos of them.

First that came to my table was the World Topps Nachos (160 pesos). Probably you think that its just your usual nachos but its loaded with melted cheese and ground beef. It can be a meal itself. While taking my time on the nachos, they have already served me my Sisig Topps (150 pesos). Though it tastes good, I find it a bit ordinary for me. But it still tastes good XD.

For dessert, I had both The American Mango Crumble (95 pesos) and Turon ala mode 95 pesos). I liked them both as both of them have ice cream on it. The sweetness of turon was just right though the mango crumble was a little bit on the sourish side.

 

On a budget, I would recommend World Topps to anyone especially those working in Makati.

An Organic Breakfast at Sugar Leaf

Healthy is the new Cool! XD

Up to this point, I am still full even hours after I had late breakfast at Sugarleaf. I have been planning to start eating healthy even way back. However, I couldn't do it constantly as my impressions of having organic diet into my system were expensive and tastes bland. However, my perception on organic diet changed after trying some of their food on the menu using my voucher from Cashcash Pinoy. Located at the heart of Wilson Street, Sugarleaf offers healthy alternative to eating as they practice organic.

 Cozy interiors

It took me a while to locate this place as it was partially hidden. When I got in, I was invited to a surrounding that is not stressful and not tiring to the eyes. Instead, I was surrounded with greens. From their products, up to what was written on the board, The surroundings already nourished my eye. The question was will my mind and body be nourished as well?

See my bag? XD

My food took at least 10-12 minutes as the prepare it from scratch. I took out my camera and try to take some snapshots as quietly as I can. The first that came to my table was the free-range chicken wrap (free-range chicken with herbs and dijon mustard) paired with Goody Kefir dressing (composed of dressing, organic lettuce and cucumber). The wrap (150 pesos) was sliced into smaller portions for easier eating. Perhaps, this was one of the best wrap I've ever tasted and I'll tell you, I almost got full after only four small portions. It is a meal itself but much healthier.

Free-range Chicken Wrap

Next served was the Muesli (apple) with Acai (120 pesos) and organic soy milk. Again, its somewhat a cereal but again, much healthier. This small cup of cereal packs with lots of nutrients with acai (as an anti-oxidant) included in the cereal. I might go back there again to buy organic muesli.

Apple Muesli with Acai

Third served was the pumpkin soup (60 pesos). At 60 pesos, this soup was rich, thick, creamy and warm. Paired with their organic bread, it nourishes the body mind and soul. Not to mention its rich in Vitamin A and Lycopine which helps improve and maintain good eyesight XD.

One of the most affordable Pumpkin Soup

For dessert, Cashew San Rival (50 pesos) was served. This Sansrival used suchero (a natural sweetener extracted from organic coconut sap) as its sweetener. For me, it tasted just fine as its sweetness is good especially for diabetics.

Cashew Sans Rival

To quench my thirst and cleanse my palate, I had Piña Colada Smoothie (100 pesos). With Goody Kefir included, I know that I would be having a healthy, thirst-quenching drink as it has 40 different species of GOOD bacteria.

Piña Colada Smoothie

My total bill was only 480 as I used my 600 voucher for my breakfast (I got 4 energy bars @ 30 pesos each for me to take).

Their interior has an organic hint of green don't you think? XD

My morning was somewhat energized as my mind, body and soul was nourished organically. Defenitely, I'll be going back to buy some organic produce to improve my health.