Open top menu
Showing posts with label ktg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ktg. Show all posts
Monday, February 11, 2019
SUMMER SPECIAL: DESPIDIDA KTG STYLE 2018

I think I didn't want to write this post ever. That's why it's almost been a year since this happened and I'm here talking about it. Yep, this happened early in 2018. It was the last time I saw my friends collectively known as the KTG. It was shall we say, a despidida.
In true KTG style, there were tons of food. Left and right, you can get whatever your heart and tummy desires. Each one of us would definitely bring something to the residence of one of the greatest food bloggers in the metro. It was sort of like a tradition. A summer outing, almost every year, we would have a small party and watch the sun sets over the metro. Plus, we also get to swim and play on the trampoline.
There were lasagna from bhest which were pretty good. Nona's and Greenwhich were kind enough to send pasta and pizza as well.
There were tons of Filipino Styled Spag right there ready for the taking.
Of course, other Filipino food were on the table as well.
LEONARDO'S LECHON is always present when it comes to our little get togethers.
It's more than just your normal lechon. It's stuffed with tons of flavors and delicious meat like sausages and more.
 The plaza, known for their delicious ham, also sent over some sweet stuff.
Waffles on a stick were there too. Waffable has been a brain child of the people behind some delicious restaurants around the metro.
Food In The Bag is now in Facebook. Click Here to follow and like.
If you are into INSTAGRAM Follow me @foodinthebag.
To be truthful, I really didn't want to write about that day. April 28, 2018. Saturday. Thinking about it and even writing about it makes me homesick even more. I miss all the laughter, the stories, and most of all, the people that I have come to know and treat as my family. The KTG is more than just bloggers, writers, photographers, and foodies. To me, they are family. It just makes me tear up and cry like a baby every time I think about them and the stuff we went through.

I know it's already 2019, but I think I still needed to write about it. Just so that I remember everything. From the start, they were there. I don't know were this goes but heck. It was one hell of a ride.


SOMEWHERE IN ANTIPOLO
April 28, 2018
Saturday.

Read more
Friday, July 27, 2018
THE CHOICE 2018: MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT!

 It's your time to shine. The power is in your hands. Well, technically that's true. You see, this year's THE CHOICE AWARDS is about to happen all over again. 
For the first time though, I won't be able to attend. But definitely, I'll be there in spirit. This coming August 4, 2018, awards would be given out to different restaurants, people in the food industry, and even personalities that have been able to make a mark. Of course, it's up to you who they will be. This is a for you, by you, from you vote. Hence, it's personal so make it all count.
Last year, everything was opened up by these fellas. You can see the SPANKY on the left,  RANDY in the middle, and ANTON on the right. They made it big in this little place of ourse when it comes to food. They've definitely touched our lives one way or another.
 Last year, we saw a lot of our favorite influencers, bloggers, and food industry personalities mingle. It was a festive event. Hopefully, this year would be the same as well.
Food In The Bag is now in Facebook. Click Here to follow and like.
I sure miss my KTG family. Hopefully, I get to see them soon.
Also, just in case, you have the time. Please check out and answer this brief survey. 
Remember how it's a popular vote award? Well it's your turn to shine.
SURVEY: https://awesm.pl/TheChoice2018







Disclaimer:
Read more
Sunday, December 13, 2015
F1 HOTEL in BGC: A little KTG dinner get together

There could be only one hotdog! Charred and grilled mind you! The perfect little KTG get together in F1 Hotel Manila in BGC.  
It was a Saturday... After escaping the traffic from the AIRPORT, my friends and I arrived safely. I was thankful that it only took an hour for us to get F1 HOTEL BGC. What usually would amount to a 15 minute commute, that day took Manila by storm and gave a lot of travelers a hellish experience.
That night, we were supposed to have a barbecue party outside. Unfortunately there was a drizzle, so the party got transferred to one of the function rooms.
The meal started with soup.  All right to prepare your tummy for the feast ahead.
Since I ate a lot from my trip to HONG KONG, I figured that I eat some salad. I had a couple of plates. Yes boys and girls, I do on occasion, eat greens. Just because.
I was pleasantly surprised that they served grilled hotdogs. These babies bring me back to my childhood. I know it is pretty normal but for a kid like me, I love these. The charred parts are just yummy!
Yes, they had cuts of liempo or pork, chicken, squid, salmon, and even some veggies. I enjoyed the liempo as it was tender and seasoned pretty well.
I was blown away with their dessert though. Usually when it comes to hotels, desserts aren't their sweet spot. That night though, I was surprised. The cakes they served were moist and also the leche flan or custard was pretty amazing. This got wiped out pretty fast.
Of course, a mandatory shot of my plate. Yes, they had lechon too!
That night was a special night as it was KAT's Birthday week. Someone, prepared something for her.
She was loving it.
and then the booze came and everyone was pretty much merry.. that is until they forced me to sing and I wasn't feeling well so I couldn't hit a note. (like ever since) ....
Food In The Bag is now in Facebook. Click Here to follow and like.
If you are into INSTAGRAM Follow me @mr_jeng.
Yes, the party went on and on till the wee hours of the night. F1 is the second home of KTG. Our little group. I am thankful for being part of them and also for being able to partake in the midst of awesome friends. Thank you very much F1 HOTEL MANILA for having us. The food was superb and the company was pretty good too! Cheers guys!

F1 HOTEL MANILA
BGC, TAGUIG CITY
Metro Manila
FACEBOOK


Disclaimer: Was invited. Wrote this based on my experience
Read more
Monday, August 31, 2015
CAFE YSABEL: Good Friends and Excellent Food

 Great friends and Better Food. That is what bounds us together. It's like a family of sorts. Yes, that is the KTG for me. Known as the KAIN TULOG GANG. A band of brothers and sisters enjoying each others company. More than the food, we strive to help one another and be one awesome family. That is how I see THE KTG. 

Recently, one of us, JUSTINNE of BABE FOR FOOD. Visited the Metro to take her license exam which she aced and passed might I add. She is based in CEBU and is an awesome foodie blogger and an authority when it comes to CEBU food finds. I remember the first time I met this gorgeous fun loving girl. We became friends ever since. On a Friday night, she invited everyone to go to CAFE YSABEL in SAN JUAN. 
There, CHEF GENE greeted us and dined with us. He showed us all the elements of a great dinner. From food, to drinks and of course excellent company. 

The food journey started with a piece of bread that was chewy inside yet crunchy outside. The patte like dip is actually "roast beef" like that one dab is truly not enough. I told myself that I need to stop myself because more good things are coming. 

GAMBAS (268Php) was served almost simultaneously. Plump pieces of shrimps cooked in amazing sauce. The fresh shrimps absorbed the flavor. 

 The PIZZA 4 CHEESE (468Php) or what's left of it. Excellent thin crusted pizza. I love the flavor and the mix up of the 4 cheeses that were used.

Another special pizza dish that was served to us was the BOBBY CHIN'S PIZZA (618Php). Originally this was all veggies. From goat and fresh cheese to smoked tomatoes, fresh arugula and red wine shallots. Prosciutto was added in for the general public. Wohoooo!!! Love the meat and the mix of the arugula and the shallots. 


Throughout the meal, different wines and liquor were served to partner with the dishes we had. One thing that was incredible was that most of the alcohol were made and bottled for CAFE YSABEL or if not were actually made in house. I'm not a wine connoisseur but I did enjoyed the pairings as they enhanced the flavor of the dishes. From Cafe Ysabel's Sparking Pinot Noir by Bird in Hand to Adolaide Hills 2011, to KyohoYamabe Winery 2013 Rose, to 2007 Petite Sirah By Corte Riva and Gran Monterfisoke Valley Bussaba 2013.

Since it was raining, we had soup to soothe our tummies. THE SOPA YSABEL (168Php). This has been in their menu ever since they started. Mixed seafood chowder with a dash of saffron made the soup taste like the sea.

For their 30th anniversary, they had made a PASTA TRETISSIMO ANNIVERSARIO (468Php). A white sauce pasta dish. Topped with mad bacon that you wish you had more. The pasta is made fresh daily and is sits somewhere between an udon and a normal spaghetti. The shell is actually made of parmesan cheese just because we love our cheese. 

When seafood comes to shove, CAFE YSABEL knows their stuff. SEABASS with SEAFOOD & VIETNAMESE BUTTER (1,248 Php).  Crustacean Sauce Hazelnut Butter and Wild Mushroom Ragout.
 An incredible dish. I don't usually love seafood but this dish is an exception. I can't explain the butter sauce but it was sublime. This is a playful work on a sea dish. The flavors were elevated to a different level. You can really taste the sea. 

Since we had been going on and on, we needed a time out. A SORBET. A way to cleanse our palette. 

FILLET ALA GINO is the perfect meat dish. Grilled fillet of smoked beef with bone marrow. Wild Mushrooms with truffles, foie gras in grappa sauce. This is a little rich for me but believe it or not, I still went for it just because. The foie gras just made everything better. It gave it a more buttery feel. It was a dilemma for me if I could just lick the sauce off the plate. That good.

After a heavy dish, we had our pre-dessert. A CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE (218Php). IT was soft and the chocolate didn't have an overwhelming flavor. I enjoyed the burnt part on the edges too as it gave it a little crunch. 

 Our real dessert came afterwards, MINI STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE with PETER PAN CARAMEL, CHOCOLATE & VANILLA CUSTARD SAUCES.
 The strawberry shortcake was mushy that it was so perfect with every bite. The accompanying "ice cream" dessert was sort of like a cold ice cream cake. Different levels of chocolate and vanilla. Delicious.

To end the meal, we had the homemade mead. Chef's very own making. Back when he still had a girlfriend and went into making alcohol, this was their baby. Excellent. Just the right sweetness and it did make everything go down better.  

Good Friends and Excellent Food. That is what one can only hope for. 
See the girl on the right with the white shirt. That's Justinne thinking about the abyss. 


CAFE YSABEL has been ahead of its time. More than 30 years in the business, CHEF GENE has mold the dining scene in the metro. CAFE YSABEL has been the go to place when it comes to intimate dinner and power meetings. I am glad to say that it is very much still the best place to eat and dine with friends and love ones.

All I can say is CHEERS and CONGRATULATIONS JUSTINNE. 
Epic dinner by Chef GENE GONZALES

CAFE YSABEL
455 P. Guevarra St., San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines
FACEBOOK
(632)726-9326 ; (632) 725-5089
CafeYsabel.com


Disclaimer: Was invited to this event. Wrote this based on my experience. Enjoyed truly. Prices might not be updated. Please call on ahead.
Read more
Friday, July 24, 2015
GIVEAWAY: THE CHOICE: Your Turn, Your Voice , Your Vote

 As a way of saying thank you and that we value you.... It's about time that your choice.. Your Voice be heard.


THE CHOICE 

Every month, every week, and almost every day it seems, there's a new restaurant opening in Metro Manila. There are a lot of great new dining choices, side by side with the perennials, the classics that we grew up with. As food bloggers, writers, and members of the F&B industry, we're always very curious about the crowd favorites.
The popular vote, if you will. So, Our Awesome Planet and the Blogger Collective known as the KTG (Kain Tulog Gang) have partnered to conduct the first ever People's Choice for their Favorite Food, Restaurants, Bars, and more~ or simply, "The Choice".
You can participate and answer the survey here -->

www.surveymonkey.com/r/TheChoice2015

About The  Awards
We conducted an intense first round of voting among ourselves, and our resulting Top Tens have made us very pleased:  we feel it's a very diverse and fair representation of all our Metro Manila favorites. The categories are very broad, as they should be in a democratic vote. 
However, we'd like to emphasize that this is NOT a "Best of..." list. Our good friends and respected colleagues from The MBKRS are doing an excellent job of recognizing the restaurants and restaurateurs in their prestigious bi-annual awards.
The MBKRS are rightly regarded as the Oscars of our ever growing foodie community. So we'd like "The Choice" to be the Golden Globes~ a bit more irreverent, surely less formal, and yes, it ought to be greatly biased. After all, YOU will be voting for your favorites, this is YOUR CHOICE!!!
The Survey Parameters
1. For the Favorite New Restaurant category, our coverage period includes restaurants that opened between May 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015.

2. For the Favorite Out-of-Town Destination, the restaurants must be reached by land in 5 hours; thanks to the TPLex, that includes Baguio!
3. There are 45 questions in this survey and answering this survey should take around 5-10 minutes. It is best to give a definitive answer on each question and feel free to skip if you can't decide.
4. All answers are treated confidential and final once you click on the submit button. One survey response for one person only.
5. Please give us your name and email address for our random validation of the survey responses.



The KTG:
"The KTG is a group of friends who all just happen to be some of the top food bloggers in the Philippines; every one of their individual blogs ranks among the highest ranking and most influential online publications dedicated to food, entertainment, and travel.
The KTG is composed of some of the more senior food bloggers in the country, including Richie Zamora of "The Pickiest Eater in the World', and Richard Co of 'Tales from the Tummy'. Representing the younger generation are "The Hefty Foodie", "The Food Scout", and "Nines vs. Food". And from the world of showbiz, Mr. Chuckie Dreyfus, a foodie who's also a respected tech blogger.
The KTG's objectives are not limited to discovering the best restaurants, however. While it's affectionately called the "Kain Tulog Gang", it's officially participated in relief efforts in Tacloban and Iloilo after Yolanda; and in Metro Manila, this "Kapatiran sa Tulong at Ginhawa" is on a constant mission to contribute in providing joy and comfort to the less fortunate."


BLOSOMEX

Our Awesome Planet, the Philippines #1 Food and Travel Blog and
Kain Tulog Gang (KTG), a collective of the top food and lifestyle bloggers in Manila,
in partnership with World Food Expo (WOFEX), the Ultimate Food Show Experience

in cooperation with Vikings, NIU, and Four Seasons restaurants
present the first
 BLOSOMEX 
(Blogging and Social Media Expo) 
on August 8, 2015 Saturday at the SMX Mall of Asia.

Blogging and Social Media Expo (BLOSOMEX), co-located event of the country's biggest and most effective food show, WORLD FOOD EXPO (WOFEX), focuses on exploding the commercial activity in the blogging and social media scene in the Philippines in 2015 and beyond. Blosomex aims to be the catalyst in preparing both the businesses and the bloggers/ social media practitioners to take commercial advantage of the digital opportunities.

Early Bird Registration - P1,497
Regular Walk-In Price - P2,000
To register and purchase tickets for the BLOSOMEX Summit, 
please email Blosomex@gmail.com.


PROGRAMME:
8:00am - 9:30am: Registration
9:45am - 10:00am: Introduction

10:00am - 10:30am:
 ANTON DIAZ, Founder, OurAwesomePlanet.com

Keynote: "State of Food and Travel Blogging in the Philippines"


10:30am - 11:15am: 
 VIP Guest Speaker : Mark Wiens, Founder, Migrationology.com

Keynote: "Food is the Reason YOU Should Travel : 

Viral Video Blogging in the YOUTUBE Era"


11:15am - 12:00nn
 Panel Discussion with Department of Tourism Secretary Mon Jimenez
The Global Filipino Fiesta: 
"The Value of Social Media and Blogging in Promoting
 Philippine Tourism Worldwide"

*** LUNCHBREAK : 12nn to 1:00pm ***

1:00pm to 2:00pm:
 VIBER and INSTAGRAM Presentations:

"The Future is on The Move; Social Media's Dominant New Directions 

are on Instant Mobile Apps"


2:00pm to 2:30pm: 
Spanky Enriquez, Marketing and Social Media Consultant

"Restaurant Industry Engagement in the age of Digital Influencers"


2:30pm to 3:00pm
 Richie Zamora, Founder, www.thepickiesteater.net

"Romancing Generation NeXt : Reaching out to the Millennials"


3:00pm to 4:30pm:

THE CHOICE:
THE OAP/KTG RESTAURANT FAVORITES AWARDS


4:30PM to 5:00pm: Closing Program

5:00PM to 8:00pm

AFTERPARTY COCKTAILS:

 Sponsored by Zomato





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


Since I love you guys, I am giving some GC's away amounting to 1, 500 Php. 
Here's the catch.. Please answer the survey . Survey is until August 3, 2015
www.surveymonkey.com/r/TheChoice2015

and follow the rafflecopter below... Do more.. = More chances of getting the gcs.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



GC: 1000Php worth from Goods.ph and also 500Php Gyukaku Gcs. They will be sent via courier to the winner's address. Just be sure that you reside in Metro Manila and also will be able to use these. Winners would be announced in the week of Aug 5,2015

Disclaimer: Wrote this as a press release. GC's to be given away are good up until next year. Reserve the right to change/ alter the rules of the said giveaway without informing or announcing such. BY joining such, you agree to the rules and will follow all decisions made on the matter.

Remember: Please do the survey and don't forget to comment your details because I won't be able to inform you if indeed you win... Cheers
Read more
Monday, January 5, 2015
Awesome Get Together at SARSA and HATTENDO Sneak Peak!

Good food and great friends. That Is what I believe KTG stands for.

We come from different backgrounds but when it comes to awesome food, I believe we have a passion towards it.
 To enjoy and to share.

Last month, our dear friends Fran and Paul of Frannywanny.com obliged us with a mini get together. It was the Christmas Rush, traffic was awful and they were just here for a couple of weeks and yet, we were lucky enough to get them for a day! Lucky!

We made up our minds and went to SARSA.
 I guess I have been here quite a number of times. Click here and here. 
So, most of the ordering was left up to me. LOL!

Aside from the usual, special batchoy, sizzling kansi, and veggie dishes, I saw fit to order these:

ISAW or chicken intestines grilled to perfection. Crispy burnt parts were a joy to eat.
You won't get the freaky aftertaste as these were properly cleaned.

Of course, when you go here, please don't order the plain rice. Rather go for the GINAMOS rice.
Sort of their "bagoong" or fermented fish paste placed on top. You will definitely ask for seconds.

Something new that I had to try was the SINIGANG FRIED CHICKEN!
Incredible. You could taste the sinigang yet it was fried. Definitely a great reinvention.

The lechon kawali was as simple as it could be. Crunchy skin and tender meat.
Yet, it wasn't that simple. The sauce made it incredibly good. The chocolate dip had a hot chili flavor. Sort of like, Spicy and sweet all at the same time. Yummy!

For something to end the meal, we had a taste of Piyaya Ice Cream Sandwich.
Piyaya is kinda like flatbread that has a sweet filling. In this case, it was salted caramel with a choice of ice cream. 
Now wouldn't you know, Richie of The Pickiest Eater
Had a little surprise for us. Along with our friends from HATTENDO Manila, we were all given a small treat.
We were able to try out HATTENDO CREAM BUNS. The first in the country to do so. LUCKY US!
They come in 5 different flavors. From custard, whipped cream, chocolate, azuki sweet bean and my personal favorite the MATCHA!

Fresh and soft bread has the filling enclosed. Don't worry it actually won't melt because the inside is cream. Believe me! I tried to melt it but it won't ooze out! LOL! It kinda felt like dirty ice cream sandwich but we just don't have it in MATCHA! In a month or two, they will open up in SM MOA and they said that they will add a few more products! YAHOO!

Of course after all the eating, we are just like anyone. We love taking photos for memories!
Almost all the girls. LOL! Ray, Ethan and Lynne of En Route , Mama Bear of SugarGoSpice, Joan the better half of The Food Alphabet.  and of course, Rina and Rain of Rina's Rainbow.
Ray, Ethan and Lynne of En Route, and the Fran and Paul of Frannywanny.com


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

SARSA is one of those amazing resto to bring your balikbayan relatives to. The food is straight on and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Reservations are a must when dining during peak hours. 

HATTENDO is a welcome dessert treat for us. Being in a hot country, who wouldn't want a cold ice cream like bun to munch on. Can't wait for their store to open in the Mall of Asia.



Now, I know it may be a little too early, but I just got to say this. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICHIE!!!
I will never forget your birthday sir!

Cheers!!! I am so lucky to have met a handsome  funny family man such as you! LOL!

After all is said and done, it was an amazing night... Too bad I wasn't able to go to the after dinner party. LOL!


SARSA
Facebook
BGC, Taguig City
Metro Manila

HATTENDO MANILA
Facebook
Mall of Asia
Soon to Open
Disclaimer: Paid for the food in SARSA. Hattendo Cream Buns were courtesy of our good friends for us to try out. Wrote this based on my opinions and experience.

Read more
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)