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Friday, October 30, 2015
MR. GRAHAM'S SANDWICH SHOP near Tomas Morato: November 3 is SANDWICH DAY

In search of a legit sandwich store, I found myself visiting MR. GRAHAM'S SANDWICH SHOP. Thankfully, it's quite near. Around 20 minutes ride with traffic and I'm there. Located somewhere in the TOMAS MORATO AREA. It has a front area, which it shares with MRS. GRAHAM,  that could accommodate around 3-4 cars parked diagonally. 
MR GRAHAM'S SANDWICH STORE has just been open for a few months. It has a simple menu that covers all your sandwich needs. It's pretty simple and straight to the point. As you enter you are greeted by a small kitchen. Seats are upstairs and the vibe is clean and simple.
To start off, they offer craft beers and homemade soda. Particularly, the APPLE PIE SODA (90Php). Pretty interesting as they make them in house. It's like apple juice with some cinnamon. The fact that it's carbonated make it similar to apple pie with a kick. Delicious. 
The one sandwich that lured me to MR. GRAHAM is the CEBUANO (290Php). Authentic Pan CUBANO made with LECHON. If you aren't familiar with LECHON, it's basically ROASTED PIG. They added ham, cheddar cheese and aioli to the mix too. The bread was perfectly toasted. Each bite gave me all the ingredients. The addition of pickled greens and yellow mangoes gave it more level and the flavor just sky rocketed.
If the 5-6 incher isn't enough for you, they have the MANWICH(490Php) version. Around 12-14 inches of CEBUANO goodness. 
Here it is shown beside my Iphone 4s. Yes that big. !!!!!
If that's not enough they have some lechon skin deep fried, chips, coleslaw, and some dips on the side that goes along with the sandwiches. Also, see that brown sauce? That's lechon jus to give you more flavor in case you want to level it up. 
Another crowd favorite is the FOUR CHEESE, BACON PLEASE (250Php). Mozzarella, Cream cheese, and Cheddar. Beer and onion and Bacon jam is added in the mix. Parmesan is placed outside of the bread on the grill to give it a different texture. 
The Tomato Soup is well made. It isn't over powering and just mild enough to go well with the cheese sandwich.  Look at that gooey cheese. I can eat this forever.
For someone that can't decide, THE CLUB (350Php) is the way to go. It has bacon, lettuce, tomato, grilled chicken and guacamole. The honey bread made it easier to eat. Giving it a nice sweet touch. 
If you are a meat person like me, the SLOPPY G (250Php) might be the one for you. Creamy and made of ground beef. It has cheddar cheese and mushrooms. Think hamburger steak with white sauce. Yummy.
For fish lovers, the SUBMARINER (280Php) can make your day. The Cream Dory is breaded and deep fried. Think Fish and Chips. Shredded apple slices are placed on top along with some coleslaw. The apple slices gave a zing to the sandwich. 
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The sandwiches MR GRAHAM offers deliver a filling meal any time of the day. I enjoyed the CEBUANO and the CHEESE sandwich. The meal includes the side dishes which I really like. The apple pie soda is a must order. Just be mindful that your orders might take awhile as the kitchen is pretty small and they make things fresh daily. Yet, service is friendly and would help you with your needs. Cheers.

Come NOVEMBER 3, MR GRAHAM would be celebrating #MrGrahamsSANDWICHDAY.
BE sure to be in MR GRAHAM'S SANDWICH SHOP on NOVEMBER 3, they would be offering the CEBUANO, SLOPPY G and the SUBMARINER as buy 1 take 1. Beers will be FREE FLOWING till supply last. They also plan to have some sandwich eating contest and  surprises. 



MR GRAHAM'S SANDWICH SHOP
51-D Sct Rallos St. Tomas Morato Area,
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Coming from the round about or Rotonda on Tomas Morato going towards E.Rodriguez. Turn Right at the first intersection. You are on Sct Rallos. The shop is on your right side. Parking maybe a hassle. You could go to the pay parking right beside it.
Facebook 0906 531 6406 


Disclaimer: Was invited to try them out. Wrote this based on my experience.
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Wednesday, October 28, 2015
BURGERS AND BREWSKIES at Estancia Capitol Commons

After dinner, my friends and I couldn't decide where to just hang and chill. Since we were in the Ortigas area, we found ourselves driving to CAPITOL COMMONS. Being HEAVY MEAT EATERS and just plain unhealthy, we figured to go on over to BURGERS AND BREWSKIES in CAPITOL COMMONS.

BURGER AND BREWSKIES has been making the news in terms of having creative burgers and amazing appetizers. Delicious yes but just plain deadly. Even if it has been around for more than a year, I haven't tried them out yet until a faithful Tuesday night.
As we entered, I couldn't help but look at the decors and the beer bottles on the ceiling. It seemed like a frat house. The place had only 2 tables occupied at around 9pm. After a few minutes, we saw droves of people coming in and the place was packed at 10:30pm. Incredible on a weekday night.
It has been a long time coming, we needed drinks to unwind and I liked that BURGERS AND BREWSKIES offer 65PHP cocktails for happy hour! Happy Hour is basically all day everyday from 11am till closing and for Fridays and Saturdays which only last till 8pm.  What a steal. Granted that you could only choose from a lychee martini, mojito, margarita, and a rhum coke. Sounds too good for me. If you aren't into them, you could go for their long list of imported and local beers. 

If you are a bacon lover, then BURGERS and BREWSKIES is the right place to be at. Case in point.. almost every single dish on the menu has bacon!!!!Since we were still full from dinner, we only had a few dishes coupled with some amazing appetizers.

We started out with KICK ASS SPUDS(85Php). Fried Marbled Potatoes, with BACON and a special mix of herbs and cream. Perfect to munch on while sipping that cold bottle of beer. 
A must order starter would be the CUBAN MISSLE (120Php). Grilled Sweet Corn slathered with Mayo and spiced shredded cheese. In this photo we had it removed from the cob. Easier to eat. 
The first time I encountered this dish was roughly a year ago at the BEST FOOD FORWARD 2014 (Click here fro my experience). It was one of those dish that you couldn't help yourself. It was pretty hard to stop munching on it. Even if it was messy, it was really delicious.


For all the bacon lovers out there, the BACON CHICHARON (250Php) is the BOMB!!!!! THANK YOU BURGER AND BREWSKIES. Freshly brined thin slices of pork belly, dusted with starch and deep fried. Served with sweet spicy vinegar dip. Each bite would result into a crackling sound. That is how crispy these babies are. You don't need the dip believe me, but it does add a different flavor profile in it. Damn it, I should have ordered rice with this.
We couldn't leave without have burgers. Even if the CALL THE NURSE was highly recommended by our friends, we went for something simple. The KANDI (265Php). Roasted Garlic Aioli, B&B Cheese sauce, onion confit, and SPICED CANDIED BACON.
As long as there is BACON, we would be a happy bunch. The meat patty is freshly made daily. No frozen stuff here. The cheese went well with the aioli. The buns are a perfect combination with the meat. Delicious burger this is. 
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BURGERS and BREWSKIES gives that hungout place vibe. Truthfully, the burgers are the main attraction but the appetizers and other dishes are also there to give you more variety. I love how the meals are quite affordable and that quality doesn't suffer. Yes having burgers everyday could be a bit unhealthy but I'm sure, BURGERS and BREWSKIES won't judge you and would even have open arms every time you visit. Deadly, delicious and playful. Remember to go for that BACON CHICHARON!!! No longer a B&B virgin, I am. Cheers. 



BURGERS and BREWSKIES
Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Pasig
Metro Manila
Facebook
02-5315632

The original branch is located in Burgos Circle, BGC.

Disclaimer: paid for our meals. wrote this based on my experience.
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Monday, October 26, 2015
TIM HO WAN in SM NORTH EDSA: Chef's Specials

It was traffic no doubt. It seems that there is no relief to it anytime soon. Good thing though that a quick,filling and delicious way to escape this madness is a meal like no other.  Hello TIM HO WAN. 
I need not give an extended background about this Michelin-Star awarded restaurant from HONGKONG where waiting time could stretch for hours. Over a year now in the Philippines, TIM HO WAN has continued to make its presence felt in the food industry by offering new dishes left and right. I have visited their restaurant a lot of times but this time around, I was able to try a couple of new dishes that they would serve in the weeks ahead.

Combined with their classics, these new dishes could help give the frequent visitors more reasons to come back and for food lovers to have more choices. 

Needless to say, my friends and I started with the oldies. The BAKED BUN with BBQ PORK (145Php/3pieces).
Soft and melts in your mouth buns. I can see myself eating this forever. Bite after bite and I was in heaven. A little on the sweet side though, this became a hit when it came out and even until now. Other restaurants followed suit and capitalized with the success and attention the buns were getting.
A few moments later, hoards of dishes came. Honestly though I think we over ordered. Once the plates rushed to our table, I can't stop feeling overwhelmed with the food. You see, one of the things that I enjoy and liked about TIM HO WAN is that their food is affordable. A meal would cost around 300Php per person or less depending on how much he eats. Talk about value for money. 
Another favorite of mine is the SPRING ROLL with EGG WHITE (120Php). The egg white gave these rolls a soft texture that you don't really get with spring rolls. It is pretty much easy to eat and quite clean.
Another go to dish is the WASABI SALAD PRAWN DUMPLING (140Php). Don't worry it's not as spicy as what you would think. The wasabi mayo on top is just there for flavor. It's actually pretty mild. Each bite is crunchy and is perfect to partner with rice.
After getting our fill, the new dishes were rolled out. The TRIO STEAMED DUMPLING (150Php). The classic dumplings had three different toppings. From mushrooms, shrimp and what I believed to be egg white, you get different flavor profiles with each one. I was only able to try out the mushroom topped one so I couldn't tell what the others were like but I did enjoy it. Mushrooms combined with anything is love.
The SIGNATURE FIVE TREASURE (160Php) is something savory and sweet and everything in between. It made use of different spices and vegetables to properly flavor the meat. Something different but it works.
The TOFU with PORK FLOSS (130Php) is a hit with the diners. The tofu was cooked perfectly. Smooth and silky and without the awkward feel in the mouth. The pork floss was there to give it a different texture. I liked this one.
Another dish that got me hooked was the DUMPLING with SPICY SAUCE (150Php). This one had a simple and hot flavor. It wasn't something that would make me cry but it definitely carried a little kick. The chilis in the sauce gave more flavor than heat. This one is the must get dish among them all. Winner.
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One more reason why I love going to TIM HO WAN, aside from being an affordable way to stay clear of traffic and spend free time, their dishes are quality over quantity. Ingredients are sourced abroad and their kitchen have Chinese chefs manning the ovens. You are hence assured of the excellence. Cheers TIM HO WAN. See you soon. 


TIM HO WAN
G/F
SM NORTH EDSA
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Facebook


Disclaimer: Was invited to try out these new dishes. I believe they would be rolled out in the coming weeks. Thanks a lot Erika for the invite. Cheers.
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Friday, October 23, 2015
LEONARDO'S LECHON at 49B Heirloom Kitchen: Getting a preview of The Pickiest Eater Webpisode.

Since I'm from Quezon City and traffic has been bad lately, I figured that I should try different restaurants within reach, rather than waste my time and effort to drive and get stuck on the road for an average of 1-2 hours and find myself complaining about it. One foodie neighborhood nearby that I have always had an eye on is the TOMAS MORATO AREA. Recently, a lot of restaurants are popping up in this district. One of them is 49 B HEIRLOOM KITCHEN. 

Nestled in a Quezon City residential area, 49 B HEIRLOOM KITCHEN, is not your ordinary hole in the wall restaurant. They offer affordable home cooked meals straight from the heart. Given that the parking space is limited, it is still worthy of a visit for a foodie craving for old school dishes. 
As you enter, they have a "garage" area where people could wait for tables or have a quick smoke.  
The ground floor could accommodate 18 diners while the top floor have room for 40. 
If you are with the elderly, I suggest that you reserve table downstairs. Some would say that the stairs are a bit steep but I believe the restaurant did their best in fixing this and is a none issue for the fit and hungry foodies. Washrooms are located both on the 2nd and ground floor so no need to go up and down.
IN all honesty, I have heard a lot about this restaurant. Aside from the different tv shows that featured it, some of my foodie buddies from the south have already gotten out of their way just to try the food here. I was pretty excited because of the dishes and also because of another thing.

Chef Erica and her Family runs the 49B Heirloom Kitchen. If you would remember, this straight to the point girl was one of my partners in one of the episodes of POPTALK (click here). In any case, let's see what she had in store for us. 

Right off the bat, she started to serve her awesome appetizer. This right here is the SQUASH FLOWER FRITTERS (210Php). Deep fried squash flowers stuffed with herb cheddar cheese and served with marinara sauce.
This was the BOMB! I mean, I don't really eat veggies and I guess flowers could be considered as such but I tell you this dish is awesome. Maybe because the cheese the chef used gave off that amazing flavor that brings you back to your childhood. Seriously though, I didn't bother with the marinara sauce as I enjoyed the flower fritter on its own. A must order at 49B Heirloom Kitchen. 
If you are an all day breakfast kind of guy, PAPA's TAPA FRIED RICE (210Php) is your top choice. Hands down. Beef Sirloin cured with secret rub and served with homemade pickled papaya or atchara. 
Unlike other places, here, they made sure that the TAPA MEAT is also mixed in the rice itself. Making it more flavorful. The meat is tender and it isn't too sweet so it is also a nice try. 

Another rice dish that they are known for are their PAELLAS. This time around, they had us try the PAELLA VALENCIA (355/580Php).
Rice cooked and served generously with pork, chicken and seafood. This one is like your epic fried rice that has everything but the kitchen sink. One favorite part though would have to be the "socarrat" or the burnt bits from the paella. Be sure to look for them.

Chicken lovers would have a field day with the TAMARIND ROAST CHICKEN (345PHP). Half chicken served with tamarind gravy and roasted vegetables.
Needless to say, I skipped the veggies and went straight for the chicken. Flavor coming from the tamarind was evident as the chicken meat absorbed it quite well. 

If I would be going back to 49 B HEIRLOOM, it would be because of the SINIGANG NA LECHON (420PHP). You read that right. Lechon skin, meat and bones were simmered to make that broth both delicious and excellent. Basically, it is a tamarind soup with string beans, gabi, radish, and eggplant.
The broth was thick and definitely has that perfect sour taste. Don't get me started with the meat. I was pretty lucky as I got a bunch of them and also the skin. With a spoonful of plain rice, I was sold. I believe that the lechon along with its bones made the soup taste as awesome as it was. Delicious.

I did mention that I had another reason to be excited about this visit and I didn't forget to tell you about it. I'm thrilled because this is where the second episode of The Pickiest Eater was shot. If you haven't watched the first one then you are missing on something huge. Check the first Webpisode here (Click here). UNFORTUNATELY, you might even get to see me or not. I don't know if I made the cut.
Richie with his amazing hand job on the SINIGANG na Lechon while sir Mark of Muvo Media does his magic.

Alongside Richie, is Chef Erica, the ever foodie loving person that she is treated us to a lot lot more. 
Before I forget, you should never leave without trying MARY ANN'S CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES (125+50Php). Chewy insides while it has a crunch on the other edges, this cookie is perfect to dip in milk or paired with ice cream.
I thought that the food was all served when all of a sudden, this beauty of a pig comes up and shows itself from no where.  No time for food coma. This is the CARNIVORE. 
From LEONARDO'S LECHON, this sexy thing is the perfect roasted pig. You see, LEONARDO'S LECHON is owned by the cousin of Chef Erica, Nards. Nards made sure that the afternoon was festive and light heavy with this big baby. Leonardo's Lechon has been serving the masses for almost 70 years so you can be sure of the taste, excellence and the experience they bring with these huge roasted pig.
From a far, you could already smell the meat. You could hear the crisp roast skin. Ohhhh I die.
When they chopped the pig in half, something magical came out. As I mentioned, this is the CARNIVORE LECHON. It is named such because it was stuffed with sausages and more sausages wrapped with bacon and herbed potatoes. This is plain deadly.
Don't get me started with the crazy lechon skin. It's like sausage heaven made crispier. 

Another thing that I liked about LEONARDO'S LECHON is that they make use of everything. The pig's blood that came from the roasted pig was made into DINUGUAN.
DINUGUAN or PORK BLOOD STEW is made from the different guts/intestine and other part of the pig. It is perfect with a cup of steamed rice. The original nose to tail. Nothing is left behind.
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That day shall always be remembered. It was something that I truly enjoyed. 49B HEIRLOOM offers comfort food while LEONARDO'S LECHON brings the big guns. 49B HEIRLOOM is a perfect place for a mini party as you could close down the 2nd floor and reserve the place all to yourself while enjoying the food and the clean ambiance. LEONARDO'S meanwhile offers a different take on the usual lechon with its stuffed CARNIVORE version. Perfect for the coming Christmas Season.

Now, I can't wait for Richie's New Webpisode. ARGHHH!!!!!!


49 B HEIRLOOM KITCHEN
49B Scout Tobias St cor
Scout Fuentebella. Near Tomas Morato and Timog Ave.
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Parking is available on the street. 
Opens at 11am Closed on Mondays.

LEONARDO'S LECHON
89 J. BASA St. San Juan
Metro Manila
(02) 724 3068 / (02) 725 8618 / (02) 725 6071
0917 8833391
Facebook
Lechon.ph



Disclaimer: was invited to try out these dishes. Wrote this based on my experience and biases.

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