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Friday, March 31, 2017
TOAST ASIAN KITCHEN: A Mix of Everything Good

When one hears the word toast, one can't help but think about whether it's in a celebratory nature or the breakfast kind. At TOAST ASIAN KITCHEN, its the former. Here, they honor different Asian cuisines with the right pairing of drinks.
Located in Ayala Malls the 30th, TOAST ASIAN KITCHEN and TASTING ROOM could be the ideal place to hangout and enjoy. To start one might find the GYOZIG or their version of the sisig gyoza and the Slow Cooked Pork Buns as excellent choices.
Not just that but TOAST also offers yakitori. It's served with either a soy flavor or a lightly sweeter version in the form of teriyaki. Favorite choices would be the shrimps and the chicken wings. On the side, there's garlic and sweet and spicy dipping sauces.
The meal hasn't really begun. Let's just say that all those were just there to entice the palette. A Chicken and Pomelo Salad was thrown in the fray signaling that more things are to come. This is a mixture of grilled chicken and fresh pomelo tossed in salad greens drizzled with coconut vinaigrette dressing.
To warm the stomach, the BLAKSA or Toast's version on the classic Singaporean Laksa was placed on the table. There's a bit of twist here as squid ink was poured on top to enchance the coconut broth. End result would be something richer but not too spicy.
Something to indulge on still would be the TOM YUM MEATBALLS. Here, pork meatballs are flavored with tom yum spices and smothered with its sauce and melted cheddar cheese. It's a bit spicy but perfect to go with any cold drink.
Then they started to bring in all the big guns. A must get would be the WAGYU BEEF with CHINESE BROCCOLI. The stir fried wagyu cubes works extremely well with the teriyaki sauce. To no suprise, this would signal the start of a need of an extra cup of rice.
Speaking of carbs, the Longganisa Pasta might be a better way of spending those points. Instead having just plain rice, this pasta could add more flavor to your meal.
I don't usually do this but the next few dishes would be excellent mains to get. They are perfect to share (or not) to your friends and family. These are definitely crowd pleasers.
Although considered as a small plate dish, the THAI BASIL CHICKEN POPPERS are just delightful. Bite sized chicken pieces that were deep fried. Nuoc mam sauce is used and fresh basil was added to get a sweet and savory finish.
One might say that it would be an overboard to get the CRISPY PORK KNUCKLES and the TWICE COOKED PORK with SALTED EGG FRIED RICE together. On the contrary, they are perfect with one another. The Knuckles are sous vide and boneless. Making it very easy to eat. The Twice Cooked Pork was seriously good. The Pork belly was braised and seared with honey and garlic. Adding the salted egg fried rice just made it more deadly yet spot on.
A definite classic the HAINANESE CHICKEN is smooth and tender. The sous vide chicken is not bland nor is it lacking. There's a savory part that will never go wrong with the rice. Speaking of the rice, it must not be shared.
TOAST ASIAN KITCHEN and TASTING ROOM is a place to enjoy an afternoon or night away. Cocktails and drinks were tailored made to partner with the dishes. Aside from that, they have an excellent list of bottled beverages that would ensure a night of destressing and relaxation.


TOAST ASIAN KITCHEN AND TASTING ROOM
AYALA MALL THE 30TH
30 Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center,
Pasig City, Metro Manila
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Thursday, March 30, 2017
HAMARU in Visayas Ave: Complementing Japanese Flavors


People that live up north has always had problems looking for a delicious and affordable Japanese Restaurant in the area. At HAMARU, they make it their business to provide a bit of twist to your Japanese fare.Located in the FOOD HIVE  (you can check it out here), it's quite a mystery as to why a standalone restaurant is in a food park. Yet, it compliments all the stalls and establishments in the park. This makes it a place to visit for different dish hunters. No need to worry about what one wants as you get to pick from different stalls.

Going back, HAMARU prides itself as not only a restaurant but also one that serves unique cocktails. Perfect partners for the menu that they have, these drinks would make any night lively and fun.
From matcha flavored liquor to a whisky or sake flight, one could never go wrong with whatever choice they make.
As mentioned, HAMARU gives out Japanese flavors with a twist. It's a restaurant that mixes locally sourced ingredients with Japanese flare. As such, it results to dishes that attract the Filipino palette.
Hamaru is going for a neighborhood vibe. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the night away. One should start with the oysters. As appetizers, these babies aren't your traditional baked goodies. Here, these are mixed with squid ink and oyster cream. On another version, they're topped with chili-garlic mayo and tobiko. Still more room should be reserved for the KUSHIYAKI. These are skewered meat and vegetables that are tremendously good.
They might look the same but they are prepared differently and the flavors are different. One could go for a BUTABARA or grilled pork belly for some fatty goodness. US BEEF INTESTINES are the crowd favorite as akadashi miso and furikake with a bit of truffle oil are thrown in the mix.
Chicken lovers could go for the TSUKUNE SHISO or grilled chicken meatball. Fried chicken skin bits are placed on top of these balls. One should dip it in the egg yolk to hold everything together.
SUSHI ROLLS are prepared as they are ordered. Moving away from the usual go to flavors, HAMARU created a few interesting rolls. One has fried tiger prawn with salmon and tuna. Another would be soft shell crab with aligue. The combinations are endless.
Something interesting would be how they prepared this salmon sashimi. Named as SHAKE NEW STYLE SASHIMI, this salmon was dressed with ginger, scallions, jalapeno, and ponzu. It was lightly seared using hot sesame-olive oil. One bite and you realize how the sesame gave the dish depth.
No night out at HAMARU will be complete without SAKE BOMBS. Draft Sapporo with Nada Zikomi Karakuchi Sake. A fun way of ending the night.



RELATED LINKS:
The FOOD HIVE in VISAYAS AVENUE QUEZON CITY


Visayas Avenue, Quezon City.
Coming from Quezon City Memorial Circle, exit on Visayas Avenue.
After a 5-10 minute drive, you will see the food park on your right.
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Tuesday, March 28, 2017
AIR ASIA in CLARK: Flying to Kalibo and Back.

 The thrill of a hard earned vacation. Because, as we all know, WE DESERVE IT. Air Asia Philippines just came up with more reasons to fly. Building more connections and expanding in the country AIR ASIA is no longer just the other airline carrier but is now THE AIRLINE to be on.
Going back to its roots, AIR ASIA PHILIPPINES is now flying CLARK-KALIBO-CLARK. With 3x weekly flights, there's more fun and adventure that awaits everyone. Because of this, more passengers and guests are finding it easier to travel.
Philippine Air Asia CEO Captain Dexter Comendador was present in yesterday's Maiden flight in the Clark International Airport. He welcomed everyone and affirmed Air Asia's commitment to making travel more accessible and affordable.
 Guests were treated to refreshments and even a small program. Lucky patrons were given free round trip tickets and other goodies from Air Asia.
Along with Capt. Comendador, the event was graced with the presence of Mr. Alexander Cauguiran, President of Clark International Airport Corporation and Ronnie Tiotico, DOT (Central Luzon Regional Director).
A ceremonial water salute was prepared and given to the maiden flight of Air Asia Philippines Kalibo to Clark International Airport.
With a flight schedule that would entice guests to travel, it's no wonder why the AIR ASIA group has been awarded World's Best Low Cost Carrier for eight consecutive years running by Skytrax since 2009 to 2016. Flights would be on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Departure from Clark is at 13:35 while departure from Kalibo would be at 12:00.
Not just that, but AIR ASIA PHILIPPINES would restart the CLARK-DAVAO-CLARK connection at four times weekly starting April 22.
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Friday, March 24, 2017
TOURING TAIWAN: Ximending - Yehliu Geopark - Jiufen - Pingxi

There are a lot of reasons to visit TAIWAN. I've been there a couple of times already and I figured I still got a lot to cover. On my first visit, my family and friends didn't know where to go and what to do. Hopefully, I'm able to share the different places that might entice you to visit Taiwan.
As I mentioned before, XIMENDING is the perfect place as a base whenever visiting Taipei. It's walking distance to and from Taipei Main Station and there are a lot of things to do in the area.
Furthermore, you could stay at TAIPEI M HOTEL or DIARY if TAIPEI. Both are affordable and up to par with the traveler's hotel in the area. Just a few streets away from these hotels, hole in the wall restaurants would lure you to come in. Even if there are no english menus, you could always point to a picture and the staff would gladly take your order. Plus, the prices are extremely affordable comparing it to the quality and the flavors that you get.
Camera junkies would enjoy HANKOU STREET. This is where stores upon stores of photo equipment and gadgets are lined up. I'm not sure if they offer cheaper alternatives but I guess it's worth a look.
Just a throw away is XIMEN. This is the hip and trendy place that offers clothing and other items that might make you want to go shopping. Some would say that the place is comparable to Harajuku in Japan but for me, it's a place to visit and do a bit of people watching.
Since TAIWAN is known as a huge MILK TEA lover, you would get to find different stalls selling whatever you may fancy. If there was one constant that I urge you to try, it would be the MILK TEA found at the bottom picture. I'm not sure what the brand is but, it is definitely worth it. At less than 1 USD per bottle, I usually horde a dozen or so every time I go. They offer a lot of flavors as well so it's a mix and match depending on your liking.
For first timers, it's a plus to do a day trip to YEHLIU - JIUFEN - PINGXI. One could arrange this with your hotel's concierge. Although a bit pricier, it's almost the same. Usually, a day trip would consist of a driver and the taxi. He would drive you to the places that you indicated on your preferred tour set. The entrance tickets and other fees are usually not part of the tour unless specified. Since this one is a little out of town, it was the group's pick.
From the downtown Taipei, one would travel all the way to the Eastern part of the country. This is where most of these places are located.
Most would suggest to visit YEHLIU GEOPARK before lunch time. Don't let the huge crowd outside the entrance discourage you. Once inside, you'll understand that the place is huge.
This is a nice location to take your ootds and to check out the alluring rock formations that crawls towards the sea.
After staying for about an hour and a half, head on over to JIUFEN. This used to be an old gold mine that was transformed into a tourist destination. It was once said to be the place where the present milk tea was created from. From the array of food stalls to souvenir, one could do a little shopping here.
Also, this is where you could go for lunch. The Peanut ice cream wrap is what they're known for and is worth a try. BUT when it comes to flavor, you should always get sausages. From experience, the sausages in Taiwan are tremendously good. If in case you get to see one, go for it. It's also here where you can try the YU YUAN TARO BALLS and have a sip of tea.
A visit to Taiwan won't be complete without going for a sky lantern. At PINGXI, you are greeted by establishments lined up at the side of the tracks. Aside from snacks and other dishes, go for a sky lantern. Write down all your wishes, blessings and things to be thankful for. At the count of three, you get to release it into nature. Cheers!
Taiwan is more than just TAIPEI 101. Culture and history is present in every turn.

RELATED LINKS:
TAIPEI M HOTEL and DIARY OF TAIPEI HOTEL in XIMENDING
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