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Monday, October 31, 2016
SIAM THAI: A Thai Hotpot Sports Bar in Kapitolyo


One wouldn't expect to find a hotpot place in the middle of Kapitolyo more so if it's Thai themed. SIAM THAI is the exception. It is a Sports Bar, Hot Pot, BBQ place rolled into one.
Located in the PIONEER CENTER SUPERMART, SIAM THAI has a couple of floors just for their patrons. Granted that the first floor can only accommodate a table or two, the second is where all the action happens. Once you get there, you are greeted by the friendly staff and is escorted to your table. You might want to be seated at the alfresco section since it will remind you of a garden setup. It is filled with HDTV playing different sports channels. Hence, it is perfectly fine to get an ice cold bucket of beer to go with your meal. The fact that they have an impressive line up of alcohol makes the distinction that it is indeed a sports bar. If one can't get over the humidity, they also have an air conditioned room to set you up into full foodie mode. 
The restaurant prides itself in offering THAI BBQ HOTPOT. A bronze shabu shabu pot with bbq space is brought to your table as you order a set or get an unlimited version. Priced at only 599Php, the "buffet" version is a wonderful way to get the most out of the meal as you can refill and ask for fresh ingredients to cook.
First timers need not worry as the staff will help you create wonderful dishes to the best of their ability.
A photo posted by @MR_JENG (@foodinthebag) on

Admittedly, you might wonder why the soup doesn't taste as much as you would like. Apparently, there is a trick to this. Since you will be bbqing the meat, all the juices and extra flavor would drip down to the soup. Wait a little and you will be able to taste different flavors based on what you cooked.
Aside from that, diners are given a choice of sauces to mix and match. They could go for the sweet, sweet and spicy, and the spiciest one. The staff would suggest you try the mild sauce first so that you get to appreciate the flavors and not burn your tongue.

Browsing through the menu, one would be able to see a lot of ala carte dishes that are perfect for beer matches and can even be a meal unto itself. Since this is a Thai restaurant, a couple of their best sellers would be the PAD THAI and the POMELO SALAD. The Pad Thai is a crowd favorite. The nuts add a different texture to the noodle. It has a sweet taste that they might want to tone down though. The POMELO SALAD hands down is amazing. The ripeness of the the fruit coupled with the coconut milk makes it a joy to eat. The play on the flavor and texture is perfect.
Another dish that came highly recommended was the PANDAN CHICKEN. The fillet was wrapped in pandan leaves. They are then deep fried to create a moist and tender dish.
Dining with a few friends could give you a bit of advantage in terms of being able to try a lot. You might want to get a platter for the hotpot and bbq. Then, partner it with a couple of ala carte dishes.
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SIAM THAI in KAPITOLYO is a perfect place to visit during sports event as you get to drink, eat and enjoy an amazing game.

 RELATED LINKS:
MAIN STREET in KAPITOLYO





SIAM THAI BBQ and SPORTS BAR
Pioneer Center Supermart,
Pioneer Street, Kapitolyo,
Pasig City, Metro Manila

Disclaimer: Wrote this based on my experience. I was invited here by friends. Dined and paid for my meal.
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Friday, October 28, 2016
SEAFOOD CITY: Isla Sugbu in Cebu City

A visit to CEBU CITY brought out a few revelations. One of them is that Cebuano seems to be big on buffets. Since CEBU has access to fresh seafood, they like theirs cooked on the spot.
At ISLA SUGBU SEAFOOD CITY, this is what they do. Located in The Grand Convention Center, ISLA SUGBU SEAFOOD CITY makes quite an impression. The place is perfect for a quick family get together and even bigger occasions like birthdays and parties. They have an awesome spread that houses different live seafood, fresh meat and vegetables ready to be cooked based on your preference.
At a long table, freshly cut tuna heads greet the guests.
Just caught a few hours ago, other fishes were placed on ice. On the other end of the table, live crabs can be seen moving around.
The highlight of any visit though would have to be the live fresh lobsters on display. These babies are huge and are perfect for that grill.
Of course, pork barbecue and other traditional Filipino favorites are also on display ready for you to order and devour.
To start off, one could go for something healthy. Fresh vegetables stir fried in soy sauce could be your bet. A bit on the sweet side but each bite is crunchy and could help your coping mechanism for failing your diet.
Surprisingly, there are other dishes available that aren't on the long fresh buffet table. One of them would be these succulent oysters. You could have them fresh, baked or whichever way you want to eat them.
The LIEMPO is coated with a sweet blend of soy, sugar, and other spices that is very Filipino. The flavor is traditional and is a definite hit among the kids.
A crowd favorite would be these deep fried fish. Savory yet sweet, one bite in and you understand why freshness is an important part of flavor. Having been alive a few minutes ago, the guests get to experience the best flavor one could get from the dish. The coating is crunchy and the sauce gives it a bit of sweet and sour touch.
The main event would have to be the SLIPPER LOBSTERS. People with allergies might feel a bit jealous but the lobsters were placed on the table, you would see the anticipation in the air. One bite and then another. A generous seasoning of pepper and salt brought out the natural flavors of the lobster. Delicious.

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SEAFOOD CITY: ISLA SUGBU
The Grand Convention Center
Archbishop Reyes Ave,
Cebu City, Cebu
Philippines



Disclaimer: Wrote this based on my experience. Was invited to try out this restaurant.
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Wednesday, October 26, 2016
CHOOBI CHOOBI: Cebu's Favorite Hangout

CHOOBI CHOOBI is a known seafood and Cebuano restaurant chain in CEBU. Having a lot of restaurants, CHOOBI CHOOBI offers delicious dishes and is worthy of a visit.
With its bright colors and red hues, CHOOBI CHOOBI has distinguished itself as a brand name in the VISAYAS REGION. Local sourcing of fresh ingredients and seafood makes this restaurant a force to be reckon with.
Starting off strong, The POMPANO was served. This huge fish could actually be cooked in a number of ways. It could be grilled, pinaksiw, or in this case, steamed in soy sauce. The freshness pops out with each bite.

Having a shrimp farm helps CHOOBI CHOOBI with its supply chain. AS such, different types of dishes were served using shrimps and other seafood delicacies. One of them would have to be the BLACK PEPPER SHRIMP. This deep fried crunchy shrimp dish has a bit of sweetness in the sauce that counter balances the peppery taste.

Aside from SHRIMPS, Choobi Choobi is pretty big with mussels and crabs. One particular way of cooking would be having them steamed in bags filled with flavor. Diners could pick between: butter and garlic, spicy gata, steamed or their signature "Choobang".
More than just seafood, CHOOBI CHOOBI also offers NATIVE CHICKEN. These are your farm raised traditional chicken. One could opt for the TINOLANG MANOK BISDAK. Something to warm up your stomachs. Lemongrass and malungay are used to flavor up the dish. Another delicious way that they serve the native chicken would have to be the LECHON MANOK BISAYA. This right here is something familiar but has a very distinct fresh flavor in it.
A crowd favorite would have to be the CHOOBI PATA. Choobi Choobi's version of CRISPY PATA. This huge crunchy knuckle has crispy skin and has tender meat inside. Definitely a dish perfect for a hot bowl of rice.
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RELATED LINK:

CHOOBI CHOOBI: Now in Metro Manila


CHOOBI CHOOBI
has multiple branches in Cebu and in the Visayas Region
It also has a couple in Metro Manila.
One along Panay Avenue, Quezon City
and another in Sm City Manila



Disclaimer: Wrote this based on my experience. Was invited to this restaurant.
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Tuesday, October 25, 2016
FOOD CREW PH GOES LOCAL: A CEBU FOODIE ADVENTURE

Just last week a group of food filled minds went on over to CEBU and visited iconic restaurants that are well known and loved in the city down south. This is FOOD CREW PH GOES LOCAL.
Flights were care of CEBU PACIFIC. Hesitation was in my mind as it was the first time I had tried CEBU PACIFIC in years. Surprisingly, the flight was smooth and left on time. The flights were delayed at most 10-15minutes. Not bad if you ask me.
Accommodations were handled by ALBA UNO HOTEL. This hotel is located in the Cebu IT PARK making it within walking distance of different restaurants and offices. Transportation around the city was taken cared of by UBER. Honestly, I didn't know that UBER was already present in CEBU. Here, they operated proficiently and courteously. If in case you're a first time user like me, INPUT the promo code FOODINTHEBAG . This will give you PHP 200 off on your first two rides. Sweet!
After settling down, the first stop was CHOOBI CHOOBI. This restaurant has made a name out of itself as it uses fresh seafood to entice its patrons. Aside from being a heavy hitter in CEBU, they also have MANILA BRANCHES.
For a sweet delight, we head on over to TABLEA CHOCOLATE CAFE. Different sweet endings were presented with TABLEA as the center of the show.
For DINNER, ISLA SUGBO SEAFOOD CITY was the main attraction. Here, it was unlimited paluto or freshly cooked dishes buffet style. Just beside it, our second dinner was presented by TSAY CHENG. A Chinese Fine Dining restaurant that specializes with dimsum, patrons would be able to sit back and relax and enjoy everything.
The following day, breakfast was held over at HARBOUR CITY DIMSUM. Known for their steamed fried rice, this is every CEBUANOS idea of quick and delicious Chinese Food.
Just to prepare our tummies, snacks and caffeine were provided by TOM N TOMS COFFEE. A South Korean Franchise, this is CEBU'S version of a quick coffee getaway.
Dinner for the second night was held at HOUSE OF LECHON. Delicious mind blowing roasted pig were served alongside different dishes.
On the last day, an amazing FILIPINO lunch was prepared at ABASERIA. The ambiance is just amazing as this Bed and Breakfast place delivers a simple Cebuano Twist to Filipino Food.
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As a treat, BOCAS had different pastries and sweet endings for everyone. Opened just a few months ago, it has created a following for incredible mouth watering desserts.

In the next few days, FOOD IN THE BAG would be featuring different restaurants that could make your next CEBU visit worth it.




Disclaimer: Wrote this based on my experience. Was invited to visit these restaurants and establishments.
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Monday, October 24, 2016
FAIRMONT MAKATI STAYCATION: A Wonderful Treat

Luxury might be a state of mind for some but at FAIRMONT MAKATI, it is their business. Strategically located in Makati's Central Business District, Fairmont is one of the best hotel brands in the Philippines.
Check in is fast and seamless. The person that greets you at the front desk assists you with everything and even gives you a little tour of the room you are assigned with.
State of the art entertainment system is present in your home away from home. A flat screen tv greets you with all the cable channels that you would want. Fast and secure wireless internet is also an amenity they offer.
The mini bar at FAIRMONT has one of the most complete set one could get in a hotel in MANILA. A number of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks accompany the different snacks that they offer.
The washroom has a separate shower and tub. Perfect for someone that wants to relax after a long and tiring day. The toilet has a bidet and for some that really matters.
The toiletries are branded and is of the highest quality. None of that generic hotel shampoo. At FAIRMONT, they use the LE LABO brand.
For foodies, an early lunch would be perfect at the in house buffet restaurant, SPECTRUM. Here, they bring out the best culinary experience one can get.
Special mention would have to go for their carving station. Aside from the steak, they also have a crunchy porchetta waiting for you to devour.
Furthermore SPECTRUM offers spicy Indian dishes. Freshest ingredients were used to create plates upon plates of awesomeness. Some are even simple and straightforward but delicious none the less.
After all the food, rest and relaxation is an important part of luxury. At FAIRMONT MAKATI, you can treat yourself to an amazing spa experience.
A pool is also there to let you enjoy a bit of fun under the sun. Happy hour is perfectly spent here while watching the sun go down.
In room dining service is available all throughout your stay.
 They provided a menu for you to pick dishes from. Something light and healthy to a devilish and mouth watery good dish. FAIRMONT MAKATI has it all for you.
To balance everything out, they have an outstanding gym. Located on the same floor as the spa and pool, it has the best equipment that could attend to the different needs of the guests.
A turn down service is provided to prepare the room and the bed for the night's sleep. Aside from the fluffy bed, the side table has a socket for charging and an electronic panel that takes care of all the lights and even alarms. For late night drinkers, one could enjoy the TAPAS and WINE at FAIRMONT'S Lobby Lounge.
BREAKFAST AT SPECTRUM is another treat.
Loads of breakfast goodies like bacon, cereals, eggs and pastries await the guests.
 Surprisingly, there was even taho and champorado with tuyo to give the patrons a taste of mornings in Manila.
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"Fairmont Makati offers 280 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites. You could check out their offerings on Fairmont's Website "

 RELATED LINKS:
TAPAS at FAIRMONT LOUNGE
Raffles: Afternoon Tea
Raffles and Fairmont: Happy Hour and Oysters
Spectrum Sunday Seafood Brunch
Spectrum Sunday Brunch at The Ranch

FAIRMONT HOTEL
Lobby Lounge
Makati Ave, Makati City,
Metro Manila

Disclaimer: wrote this based on my experience. was invited to take a wonderful staycation at Fairmont.
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