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Friday, January 30, 2015
O'RICE - Not Your Ordinary Korean Fare.

RICE... with your meal. Nuff said.

O'RICE is a place that would make your Korean food fetish come true. The dishes are Korean in nature but are not your usual grilled or run off the mill Korean Restaurant in the neighborhood. It seems they focused more on the comfort food rather than the usual popular food..
The menu  offers viands that aren't what you see normally see in a Korean resto. Although it has a fast food feel, the place' service is impeccable and the staff would go all out to serve you.

With friends, we were able to try out all the goodies they have to offer. Starting off with something to warm up our tummies.

ARMY BASE STEW. Back in the war, Koreans were crafty and made do with whatever they had. In order to survive the cold, they made soup with everything and anything they had. They used what the US GI left and had. Hence, the name.
This is perfect for the cold weather. The heat coming from the kimchi mix is awesome. Noodles mixed in with sausage and veggies.

PAN BIBIMBAP (250Php). Korean version of a fried rice. They mixed everything and anything that you would love. From sauced pork, mushrooms, and different cooked veggies mixed all in. It isn't spicy so it is good for those not liking some heat.

SAUSAGE BACON FRIED RICE (220Php). This is every man's dream. The sausage works well with the bacon and the rice. You definitely need to get this.  I enjoyed slurping my head in it. That sounded wrong but tasted right.
Look at that long and juicy sausage.

DAK GANG JEONG (250Php) fried sweet and spicy chicken candy that is kinda like chicken popcorn.
Crispy and has a sweet and sour taste. I like this one. A perfect rice partner!!!

BEEF BULGOGI KIMBAP - another of my favorite that day. The fillings were all packed in and only a thin layer of rice is there. Incredible stuff. To think they added a bunch of veggies and it was oh so delicious.

 CHICKEN BOKUEMTANG - This is braised chicken on Korean chilli sauce with potato and veggies. The chicken was properly marinated and has a sweet background. It also has transparent noodles that complimented it well. 

TTukbokki & Fried Food (220Php) -  Korean spicy rice cake with crispy fried food. For the fire eater in all of us. Back when I was in Korea, I was able to try a few of their street food in Myeondong. One of those dishes is similar to this. A few deep fried items alongside with spicy broth that is kimchi base. Perfectly hot.

To end the meal, we were treated to anything and everything that we could eat up in their ice cream box. Multitudes of variety could be found in their ice cream box. Yummy stuff!

As for me, I had this Korean "cornetto". Chocolate and vanilla mixed up. Incredible stuff.

Food In The Bag is now in Facebook. Click Here to follow and like.
If you are into INSTAGRAM Follow me @mr_jeng.

To get a fuller experience of Korean food, I would suggest you visit O'RICE. They offer not your usual everyday Korean food variety. Budget around 400-500Php per person.


O'RICE
1-5 Forum, 7th Avenue corner 25th Street, 
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
@oricefriedrice



Disclaimer: Thank you very much Aencille for having us. Awesome work Chef Ryu Jang Ho! I wrote this based on my experience and opinions.
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Wednesday, January 28, 2015
KICHITORA of TOKYO: ONE of my Favorite Ramen Places in the Metro


Noodles and soup. What could possible go wrong?

I was really happy that I was going to have a go with KICHITORA OF TOKYO. They have been one of the early front runners of RAMEN in the metro. One of those that stands out and has been there from the get go. Definitely one of my favorites ever since the MANILA RAMEN CRAZE started.  

Fast forward a couple of years and here they are, growing and even getting better.
 Unlucky me, I was late for that opening lunch. YES !!! I was late! There was an accident along Commonwealth Avenue so hello traffic. I asked my driver to drive like crazy and when I arrived, I apologized profusely. ARGH! Anyway....

You see, KICHITORA of TOKYO has opened a new one in High Street Central Square. Same level as the Cinemas. Pretty modern and minimalist setup. I liked it.

After catching my breath, (yikes, last to arrive ...)

We were served with their salad dish. The BAN BAN JI (295Php).
The chicken was tender and soft. Alongside with the crispy wanton wrappers and sesame dressing, I enjoyed this. Yes it has veggies but still, I liked it.

GYOZA (150Php) was up next. The perfect combination for any ramen that you would order.
The skin was crunchy and the insides were flavorful. This is how gyozas must be. 

If only we had rice. That was what I was thinking when the CHICKEN KARAAGE (150/250Php) arrived.
Perfectly fried, this boneless appetizer is a great rice partner. Believe me! I wanted rice with this! DAMN!

and then the noodle dishes came. I went blank.

JAJAMEN (360Php) is cold noodles that is somewhat on the sweet side.
Different as it doesn't have any broth. Topped with minced pork it is given that KICHITORA touch.

For heat lovers, the TAN TAN MIEN might be for you (395Php).
You could even have the spicy level adjusted just for you. When I took a sip, the heat lined up my throat. Dang, just like drinking tequila! Whew! Flavorful and hot. Made with sesame broth and lined up with spicy oil and fried garlic oil.

The HOKKAIDO MISO RAMEN (395Php) is for those wanting a miso flavor. Alongside chicken or pork chashu, you get the bamboo shoots and fried garlic oil for flavor. 

Their epic ramen of all would be the PAITAN RAMEN ZENBU NO SE (420Php).
Just one sip, one slurp and you will know what makes it special. The chicken based broth is filling. The flavor is incredible and the ingredients works well with one another. Don't get me started on that almost perfect cooked egg. Sarap!

I for one, went for my personal favorite. A Tsukemen. I got the PAITAN TSUKEMEN (380Php). Just like my previous experience (click here) with TSUKEMEN, I was impressed. The noodles were a bit thicker compared to the normal ramen noodles but I liked having to dip it in a separate dish.
Call me weird but I like doing it.
The broth was thick but not too much so that you would get full right away.
The noodles were perfect for that slurping action you would definitely do with every bite.

Full as anyone could be, we were given dessert. 
The Almond Jelly (L 150Php) and the Coconut Pudding with Matcha and Azuki (R 150Php).

I liked the almond jelly better as it had the familiar taste. Maybe it was because of the azuki or beans that I preferred the former than the latter.

Food In The Bag is now in Facebook. Click Here to follow and like.
If you are into INSTAGRAM Follow me @mr_jeng.


KICHITORA of TOKYO is an amazing but underrated ramen place. Their broth is chicken based and perfect with every slurp. The noodles are cooked to perfection. You could definitely feel and taste the freshness of the noodles with every bite. Great to visit after that movie date to warm you up. 
Service was incredible and attentive. Budget around 600Php per person.

You are also in for a treat as GROUPON has partnered with KICHITORA. You could have a meal worth 2000Php for just 999Php... Here is a link for you (click here) to check it out. 50% off baby!!!!



KICHITORA OF TOKYO
Near the Cinemas in BGC.
High Street Central Square, BGC
Taguig City, Metro Manila
 http://kichitora.com/
Facebook

Disclaimer: was invited to this event. Thank you very much Kevin of Groupon and Larson Chan of Kichitora. I wrote this based on my opinion and experience.
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Monday, January 26, 2015
TWEEDLE BOOK CAFE: The Quiet Nook Everyone Looks For

A good cup of hot choco is a way to my tummy.

 Saturday lunch time, I met up with an IG friend. @jennifer_ngo. She has been a constant in the scene of IG with photos being published over at spot.ph and even having a lot of activity in looloo.  When I saw her list of restos she has visited, I was floored. A lot of places I dream of going to. Lucky her!
We figured that since we have been chatting away over at IG, we better have a sort of mini meet up to enjoy and have some more conversation about the food scene in the metro. 

Since she lives in Tondo while I somewhere in Commonwealth, we met in the middle. We found ourselves in TWEEDLE BOOK CAFE. 
 Located on Sct Gandia near Tomas Morato, you will be surprised with this house turned book cafe. 
Cozy and conducive to reading and hanging out.
Once you enter you are greeted by a book collection that you could borrow, a long table and this "wall".
A reference for Harry Potter's way into Hogwarts, they have this fake wall that could transport you to their basement. It is a secret place where you could have a sip of different wines and liquor that they offer. More than choco, tea, and coffee they have wine. Yes, perfect with that book.

Saturday lunch and two tables were occupied when I got there. Jenn arrived before I did so she was able to order ahead and I just added some.
She had a hot chocolate infused with Hibiscus (dark 185/infused 160Php). Interesting right? They serve hot TCC chocolate that are either plain dark or infused and mixed with different flavors like salted caramel, vanilla, orange, cherry and more. (my personal fave is the salted caramel).

On the other hand, I got a cup of MATCHA LATTE (100Php). Not the sweet kind you would expect from Starbucks. Rather, this one is a bit on the tea side. Roasted Rice is a main factor in the flavor. Definitely for the matcha lover.
It was lunch time so we ordered a few from their menu.
I got the ROAST BEEF (235Php). It was pretty decent. Huge and flavorful. Good enough for 2 people.
They didn't skimp on the beef and it was pretty tender. I was happy about it.
I would love this if it was made fresh though.

Jenn ordered ahead and got BACON MAC and SAY CHEESE (240Php). Made with Cheddar and Bleu Cheese.
She also had the PINOY BREAKFAST PASTA (180Php). It had Longganisa, Itlog na maalat, kamatis and olive oil. It was a bit on the dry side though.

Other than that, they serve MERRY MOO ICE CREAM for dessert and have some off menu items to try.

Food In The Bag is now in Facebook. Click Here to follow and like.
If you are into INSTAGRAM Follow me @mr_jeng. 

I was definitely impressed with the drinks. Although pricey, the quality is definitely a plus in my book.  The food has some more room for improvement though. I will definitely be back to have another go with my friends. Maybe this time, it would be to have a glass of wine or a shot of whiskey.
The place has a lot of potential. Not only is it a coffee/choco/tea place, they also serve liquor to go with that book you are reading.  TWEEDLE BOOK CAFE would give you that quiet nook you need to end a day or to mend that broken heart.

Thank you so much Jenn for spending some time with me and making small talk on the food scene. I hope you are now feeling well after your operation and you enjoy that rose wine.


TWEEDLE BOOK CAFE
Scout Gandia, Tomas Morato
Quezon City
Facebook


Disclaimer: We paid for our food. Wrote this based on my experience and opinions.
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Sunday, January 25, 2015
BUFFALO WILD WINGS : FREE WINGS FOR A YEAR!

Words all good men live by. 
WHEN IN DOUBT... JUST WING IT.


Other than that we only have wings, beer and sports to hold us sane during the work week... BUFFALO WILD WINGS .. heard our plea and is now coming to town to make us all full and happy!
One of the greatest sports bar ever. The first in Asia and with an awesome setup. BUFFALO WILD WINGS MANILA is sure stepping it up and bringing it. Think 44 flat screen tvs, a lot of wing flavors and a lot of beers to make your lousy day awesome!
They plan to serve a a lot of premium beers on tap. DAMN.

What separates this place from other wing places is that they offer a lot of variety too.
18 to be exact. 
They are famous for their:
and if you are one of those who doesn't like the bone, they even got:
 I hope they serve this right of the bat since I know some who are too lazy to scrap the meat off the bones.

Under the Bistro group, they saw it fit to make your day livelier and FUN!
 so they are giving away a year's supply of wings to a lucky 100!!! All this on January 29!!!!
 If you aren't excited for this one, I don't know what will make you happy.

Food In The Bag is now in Facebook. Click Here to follow and like.
If you are into INSTAGRAM Follow me @mr_jeng.

DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now, of course no pushing and shoving. If you are one of those lucky guys.. help a fellow out and give some loving to your friends too. See you on the 29th!


BUFFALO WILD WINGS
G/F Estancia, Capitol Commons, Pasig
Facebook
http://www.buffalowildwings.com/



Disclaimer: Sponsored post, wrote this based on my opinions,
Photos are courtesy of BUFFALO WILD WINGS' Facebook Page and buffalowildwings.com
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Wednesday, January 21, 2015
CRYSTAL JADE BGC: What the Chef Recommends

New Year, New Life and awesome new dishes in CRYSTAL JADE DINING IN.

When I am in BGC, I can't help but suggest CRYSTAL JADE as the place to go to for Chinese Food. The vibe is relaxing and this is where you could do those power lunches or hold some family dinners.

Since it was a new year, CRYSTAL JADE wanted to let us try their new offerings. I was definitely not going to miss this event as I was floored the last time I went and tried out their thanksgiving dishes (CLICK HERE) Just in time for the Chinese New Year!!!
For the first time, I was able to try  YU SHENG (LO HEI) or PROSPERITY TOSS.
Different ingredients that represent good luck and fortune. The thing to go about it was to use chopsticks and toss the ingredients high. 
and this is what you get.
Fresh ingredients all tossed up. The dressing was on the sweet side but it definitely tasted good.

Then they brought out the duck. ROASTED PEKING DUCK. Look at that beauty.
Look at that skin.
Yes that skin. Juicy and fat!
Then, they placed it in those pancake wrappers. The perfect way to eat it all. 

 Another way they served the duck was to make noodles with it. BRAISED NOODLES with SHREDDED DUCK MEAT and MUSHROOMS.
For soup, we had the DOUBLE-BOILED FISH with white fungus and papaya.
I am not really a fish soup eater but I will make an exception for this one. The papaya was soft and the fish meat felt as if it was beef. It was that freaking good. I would go back for this!

We were then served SESAME BALLS. Stuffed with fresh mushroom.
When these were brought to our table, I thought that they were BUCHI. In a way, they were. Instead of sweet gooey insides, bits of mushrooms were in it. Although I little oily, I wouldn't mind getting them again.
We were also able to try CRISPY PRAWN with sliced apples.
The sauce was sweet and sour and the meat was juicy and tender. Not overcooked.

Another fish dish was the STEAMED GAROUPA with OLIVE.
Although it looked pretty and the fish was definitely fresh, it lacked the olive flavor. It was there but a bit subtle. I would have wanted more of that flavor.

Needless to say, I didn't pay attention to much to the assorted veggies. These were sauteed and I just gave my part to others the group. Just because.

The Coffee Jelly bites were a perfect way to end the meal.
They were firm yet weren't dry. I liked the coffee flavor. YUMMY~!

Food In The Bag is now in Facebook. Click Here to follow and like.
If you are into INSTAGRAM Follow me @mr_jeng.

More than the place and the vibe, CRYSTAL JADE in BGC has been a go to resto for straight up Chinese food. Cooked and served right, you won't go wrong with them. Even if it is a little pricey dining here, you would definitely get your due with the quality and the service.



CRYSTAL JADE DINING-IN
30th St Cor 7th Avenue
BGC, TAGUIG CITY
METRO MANILA
(02) 808-5233

http://www.crystaljade.com/


Disclaimer: was invited to try out the new dishes. Thanks a lot Kenneth and Crystal Jade for having us.  Wrote this post based on my opinion and experience.
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