Inasal, Atbp.

Food binge, that was what our party did while in Bacolod. We were there for an event, but of course, other than what was official, we were all excited to explore what the province had to offer. I in particular, was genuinely curious. I haven't been in the place for years and yet, Bacolod continues to be included in my list of foodie's paradise. Here's why:

Hotel Food
Our first meal there was at the Planta Hotel restaurant where we met their young gracious chef who offered some of his creations such as Bangus Sisig and Pakbet.

Pakbet - Planta Hotel


Bangus Sisig - Planta Hotel


Dinner at Manokan Country, Atbp.
In Manokan Country, their Chicken Inasal has been enough to make me come back. I particularly like the pa-a, which is the leg part. Nothing beats perfectly grilled chicken legs dipped in sinamak vinegar. We all went kamayan style (which I personally haven't done for some time) and truly enjoyed it.

Glaring Manokan Country


Coffeeshop Madness
That night, other the getting our hands dirty in Manokan Country for our Inasal fix, we decided to cap our meal with coffee and desserts at Kuppa. We noticed a lot of coffeeshops in Bacolod. Franchised or not, the locals seem to gravitate toward these types of establishments and mind you, it has become a family destination (even while late at night, we saw school age children with their parents?!)




Coffee, gelato and desserts - these were Kuppa's offerings which we've tried, but they do serve savory items as well. The chocolate lava cake was perfectly done, slice and expect the oozing chocolate ganache right there - yum, yum.

Choco Lava Cake


Here Comes the Sun
Sansrival chips were also quite famous in Bacolod - it is basically deconstructed Sansrival, with the meringue done ala fingers or wafers style, and the buttercream icing served as a dip. "Rival of the sun" - that was how they would call it - we got confused really, but, after figuring out why it's called such, we all laughed. (Hope you got it too!)

Sansrival ala Kuppa


Another must-have is the choco-peanut butter bombe. A mini dome of goodness, this one's not only pretty but also gives you a sweet-salty-chewy mouthful of heaven. It actually reminds of choco-mallows enhanced with peanut butter and chocolate mousse combined.

Choco Peanut Butter Bombe


Last Meal
We decided to have a "progressive lunch" during our last day. Because the molo soup in El fisher comes highly recommended, we decided to have this and was very happy with our decision. The broth was cooked beautifully, seasoned just right and with the molo balls floating like crazy - a bite of both soft and chewy, leaving you asking for more.

Pancit Molo - El Fisher


They serve the molo soup with these pretty little soft and freshly baked buns which may be dipped in the broth and eaten with butter.



Dessert Haven
We decided to skip the main dish because we were stuffed from all the Pancit Molo goodness that we devoured. There is always room for dessert though. Just a stone's throw away from El Fisher is Calea Bakeshop. I call this, their local Red Ribbon, with a variety of cakes and pastries they offer. Practically 3 full length chillers are filled up with cakes!

Calea's Cakes


When in Bacolod, don't forget to get yourself with a variety of food pasalubongs - from piayas to tarts, lumpia to Lechon. Make sure your bags have that extra space, just in case.

Buns and Burgers

Sandwiches have never been this popular! Everywhere you go, you will find a new deli sandwich bar, chargrilled burger joints and cheesesteak factories. It's nice really, for a meat eater like me - I have no complaints at all, but the challenge really is where to get your money's worth.

Here are my recent sandwich finds;

CHARLIE'S
Located in Kapitolyo, Pasig, Charlie's serve various sandwiches - from cheesesteaks to burgers. We found the burger patties to be thick and meaty and is served on a soft bun and with a generous amount of real fries on the side.

Grilled Burger at Charlie's


The cheesesteak sandwich is oozing with cheese sauce and the sauteed beef is combined with a lot of bell peppers and onions (almost 50/50 meat to veggies ratio).

Cheesesteak Sandwich at Charlie's



EARLE'S
Serving a variety of sausages, hams and cold cuts, this deli sandwich bar allows you to take your pick from warm to cold sandwiches, salads and even party packs.

Hungarian Sausage at Earle's



KENNY'S GRILL
Imagine a loaded burger sandwich with a smoked flavor profile and with its patty flavor quite on the bland side - you'll find it at Kenny's grill located at the Rockwell Mall.

Grilled Burger at Kenny's


DELIFRANCE
We had a nice surprise during one morning of searching for the perfect breakfast place. The Delifrance outlet along C5 road in Libis has been recently renovated and with their breakfast menu recently improved, we tried a few of their offerings such as their new sandwiches that proved filling and truly worthy of praise.

Spicy Sardine Omelet in Croissant at DeliFrance


Premier Club at DeliFrance


BUFFALO'S WINGS 'N THINGS
Other than chicken wings to die for, this place serves mini burgers that are both soft and peppery hot. Perfect with a glass of SMB! Find them at the Home Depot along JVargas Avenue, Pasig.

Mini Burgers at Buffalo's Wings 'N Things


However way you want it, there's always something new you'd find around the corner, especially with sandwiches. Anything to grab and go is still a bestseller as far as I'm concerned. Grab a bite too.

Greet Mom Today

I got a wonderful surprise last night - after coming home from church, I was greeted by 2 lovely handmade greeting cards made by my 2 boys in their signature crayola-bond paper style.



Not only that - these were coupled by a pretty mock flower arrangement using plastic straws and colored cellophane.



The two with twinkle in their eyes greeted me a Happy Mother's Day and were obviously excited to see my reaction to their creations.



What can I say, I love being a mom.
Happy Mothers's Day to all my co-mommies.
It's your day - shine!

Heavenly Small Plates

I have so much respect for chefs and culinarians in the industry who selflessly share their talent to train the newcomers in the field. I believe that it is not enough to just learn and master the craft - with excellence comes great responsibility, and mentoring is one way of sharing what you have gained over time.

Such is the case of Chef Ariel Manuel of the Lolo Dad's Cafe and Restaurant. His restaurant does not only provide patrons and guests exquisite food, it is also a venue for budding chefs to have an opportunity to work with him and receive on the job culinary training.

Currently, Team Philippines led by Chef Ariel Manuel is competing in Hongkong for the 2009 International Culinary Festival. In 2007, Team Philippines won several gold medals while in 2008, various awards were also received. This year, our hope is for our country to again bring home the gold.

Recently, our group was fortunate enough to have a special cooking session with Chef Ariel. With his genuine talent and creative expertise, here's sharing with you some of his delightful and absolutely superb preparations;


Chef Ariel busy preparing his heavenly small plates


Sous Vide Scallops with Keta Caviar Tempura



Trio of spreads - Sobresada, Spinach and Smoked Fish




Seared Beef with Cheese Pudding





Prawns in Jar


Cotton Candy Foie Gras