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Tuesday, February 28, 2017
ZOJIRUSHI: Time for Japanese Innovation

 One of the most respected brand in terms of kitchen lifestyle would be ZOJIRUSHI. A household name in JAPAN, this brand is known for its quality products and different creations that help make life a little bit easier.
 Relaunched in the PHILIPPINES, ZOJIRUSHI has been in the industry for almost 100 years. Since 1918, they have been creating technology that equates to products to make life more convenient and comfortable.
 Since food is an integral part of life, ZOJIRUSHI focused on this by creating items that everyone needs. Just a week ago, ZOJIRUSHI relaunched in Manila. This time around, they brought in different gadgets that would make life easier for the FILIPINO CONSUMER. From serving different delicious dishes, ZOJIRUSHI made it a point to showcase their products by having a couple of workshops. Sushi rolling and Bento Box designing were done so as to reveal the need for proper storage and excellent rice cooking.
Right off the bat, they featured their pride. The RICE COOKER. A cutting edge equipment that is essential for having an enjoyable meal. This one is micro-computerized that boast of top and bottom heating among other features. It also has different settings, as well, that could accommodate whatever rice you may want to cook.
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Furthermore, ZOJIRUSHI'S PRODUCTS are widely known for their airpots and handy pots. These are super reliable that they could preserve heat for up to 24 hours even without electricity. Aside from these, they also have durable and reliable lunch jars that goes perfectly well with their tumblers. The lunch jars could keep the food hot for up to 12 hours while the tumblers could retain either cold or hot temperature for up to 24 hours.

"ZOJIRUSHI PRODCUTS are available in most leading department stores nationwide. Currently, it has a showroom at the ground floor of Greenhills Promenade. "

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Monday, February 27, 2017
KING CHEF in LUCKY CHINATOWN: NEW DISHES TO TRY

Believe it or not, tt was my first time in LUCKY CHINATOWN MALL just a few weeks back. Even if I would pass by this establishment on my way to 168, I have never set foot inside of it. Little did I know that it was big and has a lot of Chinese Restaurants in it. One of them would be KING CHEF.
Located on the second floor, I was pleasantly surprised when I entered. From the outside, the place looked small. Once I got in, I realize the magnitude of the restaurant. Aside from catering to different groups of family and friends in the main dining hall, there are also several private function rooms that could be used for some events and a bit of privacy.
One thing I liked about KING CHEF is that it hones the skills of its chefs by creating contests for them to innovate new dishes. This cultivates their creativity and let's the staff's imagination go wild. This time around, new dishes were brought out for us to try. Starting off with some PRAWN FIRECRACKERS. One would assume that tofu would be the small cubes underneath the shrimps. Rather, they are radish cake. Interesting. Of course, one doesn't go to a Chinese restaurant without ordering dimsum. This is a must at KING CHEF.
Aside from the KING PRAWN SIOMAI and the steamed CRABSTICK BALLS, my personal favorite would be the CRISPY SHRIMP NOODLES. Each bite offers texture. Because of the fried noodles, it gives dimension to something pretty simple.
Another main dish to try would be the BRAISED SCALLOP with SEA CUCUMBER. Honestly, I wasn't expecting it to be good but it was. Although it was my first time to try out a sea cucumber, I realized that it's always better to give it a go. Thankfully, I enjoyed it. Each bite is somewhat soft and the flavor is somewhat neutral that it absorbs the seasoning from the dish.
If there was one dish to order, it would be the Asian Fried Chicken in a Basket. Presented beautifully in a deep fried bowl, the chicken are sweet in flavor and crunchy. It would go perfectly well with the next dish.
THE RICE. This is not your ordinary rice but the LAPU-LAPU rice is a crowd favorite. The taste of the fish is evident in each bite. The saltiness is just right that it makes you want to get another spoonful. This one is another must order.
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For dessert, the golden sesame pao was a little too ordinary. I assumed that there would be salted egg liquid that would gush out of the balls. Unfortunately, the breading absorbed too much of the filling. Maybe they could fix this one part as everything that I tried was pretty good. I would definitely come back for the Lapu-Lapu Rice and The Chicken. With affordable pricing and delicious dishes, KING CHEF really caters to everybody.

KING CHEF in LUCKY CHINATOWN MALL
2nd Floor, Lucky Chinatown Mall, 
Lachambre St, Binondo, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
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Wednesday, February 22, 2017
SHANGRI-LA BORACAY RESORT and SPA: Wishing it was Summer

It was not my first. It will definitely not be my last. The first time I've been on the island was decades ago. Pristine sand, quiet nights and a majestic sanctuary. That is what and forever will be my BORACAY.
There are a lot of blessings that I have received through the years and one of them is being able to travel. It has become a passion of mine lately and the experience is surreal. From having to try different exotic delicacies to being mistaken as one of the locals, and even going at it alone. It has its ups and downs. Thankfully, there are places in the Philippines that warrants a visit or two or maybe three. Having more than 7,100 islands makes it virtually impossible to visit each one in a lifespan. But it does makes sense to keep on coming back to places that you hold close to your heart. One of them is SHANGRI-LA'S BORACAY RESORT and SPA.
More than the accommodation and the infrastructure, SHANGRI-LA BORACAY prides itself as one luxurious and service oriented resort. Right off the plane, representatives greet you at the airport and transfer you to a welcome gazebo to wait for your ride. Unlike other resorts found on the island, SHANGRI-LA has its own lounge, boat and dock at the Caticlan Port. The usual fees and tickets that one must pay for are already dealt with by the resort's staff. You no longer need to line up and wait at the jetty port. Here, they take care of you and foresees everything that you may need. All you have to do is to sit back and relax.
After a leisure 20 minute ride, you get another side of BORACAY. Serene blue water greets you. Unlike the main beach, SHANGRI-LA has a couple that screams tranquility. One is shared with another resort while another is purely for the use of its guests. After getting off the private port, something that other resorts do not have, you are whisked away on a golf cart right to the open air lobby and check in area.
Main building that houses the lobby, a restaurant, game room, children's play center, and activity center.
Welcome drinks are provided and cold towels to give you a refreshing start. No lining up done here as check-ins are on nice comfy sofas or if you wish, they may be done in your own room or villa.
Arguable one of the most majestic buildings in the resort, you are greeted with different art creations, and a view to lust over with. The clear blue sea and everything else that comes with it. Quite a sight to have. It makes you wonder what have you done to deserve this.
Private port of the resort. Luxury.
Sea view rooms have all the hotel amenities one would need and more. From a spacious bathroom with a relaxing tub to a couch and study table perfect for business, you have everything that you might want. The flat screen tv is also filled with cable channels and the wifi is fast and free and available around the resort. A balcony opens up to the sea and is perfect for sun lovers. It has comfortable day beds where one could bathe to get a tan and let the day pass by.
The beach is well maintained and is watched over by lifeguards. Aqua activities are also available and differ from day to day.
Aside from having a luscious infinity pool and multiple pool jets to massage each guest, they also offer pool side snacks and entertainment. As nighttime approaches, there is a cultural and fire dance show just in front of the beach bar.
Other outdoor activities like para sailing, introduction to scuba diving and even underwater helmet diving are available through their in house dive shop.
If one want's to relax and stay away from all the open-air action, SHANGRI-LA has a well stocked in door play room. Aside from billiards, one could go for table tennis, different arcade games or have fun using their in house consoles.
Dining has never been a problem with the SHANGRI-LA brand. They offer multiple outlets to satisfy your cravings.
A favorite would be their all day buffet restaurant, VINTANA. Here, different cuisines are featured. This allows the guest to mix and match their favorites and have them enjoy whatever they may wish.
Since this is a vacation, room service is a must. Gourmet dishes are served right when you want it. Furthermore, you could also order from other in-house restaurants. As long as they're open, they can have the food brought to you.
One of the most amazing things happen during sunsets.  Going to SOLANA BAR would be one heck of an experience. Ideally be there at around 5pm as seats are limited. Here, you are able to reserve one of their outdoor booths to watch the sun fade away. Perfect.
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Can't wait to go back.

RELATED LINKS:
Shangri-La Boracay: Things to do
Shangri-La Boracay: Staying and Loving It
Shangri-La Boracay: To and From the Airport


 SHANGRI-LA BORACAY RESORT and SPA
Boracay Island, Aklan, Philippines
(036) 288 4988

(63 2) 841 9686 
www.shangri-la.com/boracay 

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Disclaimer:Wrote this based on my experience. Paid for my Stay.
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Tuesday, February 21, 2017
PARADISE DYNASTY in S MAISON: Returning for Other Dishes.

 For some, the main reason why PARADISE DYNASTY is so popular would be that they're the first and only place in Manila that offers 8 different flavor XIAO LONG BAO in one basket. Being able to try the restaurant in SINGAPORE (see here: Paradise Dynasty: Legend of Xiao Long Bao in Ion Orchard, SINGAPORE) , made me quite happy. As such, when they opened a branch here in Manila, I have been to the place multiple times.
 Located in S MAISON, PARADISE DYNASTY offers comfort, ambiance and straight to the point service. The food is simple and executed rather well. Popular items like the RADDISH PASTRY is a must order just like all the other items I've tried before. When I visited them for one of their press lunches, the best sellers were introduced. (see here: PARADISE DYNASTY NOW IN MANILA: Definitely Delicious)
This time around, other dishes that were not brought out back then were presented. You see, PARADISE DYNASTY has a lot in its menu. You won't go wrong with any that you pick.
For starters, one could try out the PAN-FRIED SHANGHAI PORK BUN. Reminisce of Fried Siopao, there is a crisp bottom layer while the insides were hot and delicious.
 To prepare our stomachs, appetizers like the Chilled Tofu with Century Egg and the Chilled Jellyfish and Seafood in Vinaigrette were served.
 The TOFU had a firm body but was almost pudding like. It wasn't complicated but was delicious. The jellyfish gave out a bit of bite. One would think that the texture would be a little slippery but it wasn't. There was consistency with each strand.
 Unknown to many, PARADISE DYNASTY has a number of noodle dishes. One of them would be the Stir-Fried LA MIAN with shredded pork and black fungus. Very distinct and umami filled, this noodle is a perfect substitute for rice. For me though, I can eat it with rice.
 Another no-frills dish would be the Stir-Fried Beef with Scallions. The meat is tender and rightfully so. To execute such a dish might be trivial to some but the technique and preparations used were evident with the product.
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To end the meal, try a Glutinous rice ball topped with grated peanuts. There's a little sesame surprise in the middle. Tasty.

RELATED LINKS:
BIJIN NABE BY TSUKADA NOJO: HEALTHY LIVING
CHINA BLUE: A Notch above the rest. Conrad Hotel Manila
PARADISE DYNASTY: S MAISON'S GO TO CHINESE RESTAURANT
PARADISE DYNASTY in SINGAPORE: The Legend of Xiao Long Bao



PARADISE DYNASTY
2nd level
S Maison Mall,
Pasay, Metro Manila

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Friday, February 17, 2017
LUNCH at HEY HANDSOME in BGC

Now it can be said. HEY HANDSOME has surprised and masterfully enticed guests from all over the metro to try out their dinner fare. Opening late last year, one could taste bold Southeast Asian characters. Finally, they now open their doors for lunch as well. Just a few weeks in and we now see a new menu for their patrons. Everything is completely different from their night time offerings.
CHEF NICCO SANTOS of Your Local fame has created heavy and appealing lunch choices mainly for the office crowd. Huge servings of "exotic" items with popped up flavors come straight from their kitchen. Having been able to try out the night time menu (see: HEY HANDSOME: MUST TRY FOR DINNER),  expectations were made.
To start, an off the menu SIGARILYAS or WINGED BEAN salad was served. The dressing was in the form of the SAMBAL ICE CREAM. It was light and it played well with the grilled vegetables.
A dish that looked familiar was the BUNNY CHOW. This one reminds me of soup within a bread bowl but with an Asian impression. A Squid ink baguette is used to house in a flurry of ingredients. The bread was unlike others that it seemed reheated. It was chewy and crunchy at the right places. Long beans, mushrooms and eggs with lots of coconut gravy. This one is best shared with other guests as it could be a bit too much on its own.
The LAAP NEUA is similar to a couple of courses from their dinner option. Here, minced beef is used with grilled corn and egg. It might be a bit spicy for some but having the peanut muffin gives your taste buds some relief.
Surprisingly, HEY HANDSOME has something "mild" in their menu. The CHICKEN RICE is cooked to perfection that it reminds me of my visits to Singapore. The chicken meat is soft and tender. Smooth as a baby's bottom, it also has grilled bok choy with some house soy and chili just to give it levels.
In contrast, the FRIED CHICKEN is a complete turn around. Having nasi ulam, house soy, sambal assam, this simple dish has striking seasoning. It seems casual and comparable to other Asian dishes but I can't seem to identify the distinct taste. Another must order dish would be the GRILLED PORK BELLY. Accompanied with nasi ulam, sambal matah, and grilled cabbage, the belly was cooked in a way to make it pop up. Even if it's under a mountain of garnishes, you'll get a tasty belly nonetheless.
If into seafood, HEY HANDSOME developed something effortless and appetizing. The FRIED CATFISH was turned into a delectable artwork. By adding nasi ulam, green papaya, tomatoes, sambal assam, a mixture of different components, gave it some spicy notes and crunchy texture.

Dessert was playful and delicious. Both doughnuts but with very different toppings. One has rose ice cream with meringue. The other has Sang Kaya with soy sauce ice cream. This is well partnered with Durian Matcha Cream filling. There was sense of contrasting flavors that complimented each one. Although the matcha might have been there just for a little bit of bitter taste, the durian worked well with the kaya.
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This time around, HEY HANDSOME offers lunch time specials that would definitely cater to the office crowd. The meals were huge and the flavors are straight forward. Hey Handsome for lunch allows no reservations though and it's quite important to come in early.



RELATED LINK:
HEY HANDSOME:The Must Go To Restaurant in 2016




HEY HANDSOME : LUNCH MENU



G/F NET PARK BUILDING
5th Avenue, BGC, Taguig City,
Metro Manila
Instagram: @HandsomeCome

Now open for Lunch at 11am to 2:30pm
Still closed for Sundays.
First come first serve. No reservations.
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