Happy Foodies

Showing posts with label Pastas. Show all posts

<div class="alignwide"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmaejDq0itAia5ltjrDqHIrGW0iSYx2t5fLkk-DeNGIQSqc8r8JIHCNI5d5UIIefixYYCXVm8teGOz0rP-FLZ0lrnVIEDuD9NrPRuy7KIi4bK-qsD4mlN4KaduYUu-NuUEXaAfsxdfupaLIUKN78wWrY0eUiwcBr_Uc9Yl_6yo7sxRkea4n1gTN_tWCs/s1280/craft-1945.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmaejDq0itAia5ltjrDqHIrGW0iSYx2t5fLkk-DeNGIQSqc8r8JIHCNI5d5UIIefixYYCXVm8teGOz0rP-FLZ0lrnVIEDuD9NrPRuy7KIi4bK-qsD4mlN4KaduYUu-NuUEXaAfsxdfupaLIUKN78wWrY0eUiwcBr_Uc9Yl_6yo7sxRkea4n1gTN_tWCs/s16000/craft-1945.jpg"></a></div></div></div> Braving the holiday traffic in Baguio, foodie friends, Kara, Tin and I were bent to try Craft 1945 in Baguio. A merry collaboration of Spanish food from Casa Marcos and craft beer from Baguio Craft Brewery. Set in the quiet and old town of Baguio at Outlook drive, it’s a dining experience that promises to bring the Baguio ambiance to dining like a good pair of beer and tapas.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtLoQvaesExg3g1XSBGIJg-sxGN5WvCCsleWmdk0-rss1Om8WS92i0b0rGofJqtknIxpmcAH5uVIsYAY7FJL_jDLECurhKrMSGIqPzBH28ADzRjnhE9YnhbhsTBzsgjWHkZdb4p3ACSWUIxrc9dS2S2ml1ENEeo8Vzp4UGoosnf1O5S5SOahKmkXekG0/s1024/kape-agape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtLoQvaesExg3g1XSBGIJg-sxGN5WvCCsleWmdk0-rss1Om8WS92i0b0rGofJqtknIxpmcAH5uVIsYAY7FJL_jDLECurhKrMSGIqPzBH28ADzRjnhE9YnhbhsTBzsgjWHkZdb4p3ACSWUIxrc9dS2S2ml1ENEeo8Vzp4UGoosnf1O5S5SOahKmkXekG0/s16000/kape-agape.jpg"></a></div> Amidst the small town of Anao, Tarlac, is Kape Agape, a small community cafe inspired by the highest form of love “agape” - the love of God for man and of man for God. Located at the heart of town abundant with ylang-ylang trees, the cafe not only serves nourishing food for the tummy but also for the soul.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUgm8K6Vy9HpBR4ttKbdVBzpnnLOtN02gy0dxECInvWCPge0S4MC_xn0EhBayoRVI-whKL41hCuEPxTePoRDwAZj7qTCyokYO1BEQC43s6zgCTc7C0ChYBgqcK7uEWdTDsGoYM3AoZQ6ITl9YGMY1yyI2wCjnr5DJ5zG253Vvmjj-PC4oZTEiELifpZQ/s1023/the-coffee-library-baguio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1023" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUgm8K6Vy9HpBR4ttKbdVBzpnnLOtN02gy0dxECInvWCPge0S4MC_xn0EhBayoRVI-whKL41hCuEPxTePoRDwAZj7qTCyokYO1BEQC43s6zgCTc7C0ChYBgqcK7uEWdTDsGoYM3AoZQ6ITl9YGMY1yyI2wCjnr5DJ5zG253Vvmjj-PC4oZTEiELifpZQ/s16000/the-coffee-library-baguio.jpg"></a></div> Your Happyfoodies trudged to the northern highlands for the days leading up to the new year with an overnight stop in Baguio. By chance, we got billeted in a hotel on a quieter street parallel to the always-busy (read: noisy) Session Road and chanced upon the barely month-old The Coffee Library on the ground floor of the Rex Hall Student Residences along General Luna Street. Needless to say, it was a serendipitous find. Yes, it is eye-catching, with tasteful touches of ethnic crafts, a mix of red brick and warm wood, and even vintage "padyak" (foot pedal-powered) sewing machines converted into tables, but how was the food, you may ask.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiP-qbgTmxpTnkCb1uK4nXnHGL-zQngj2Js7l9QSCxVs_k5nePPbHvbw46Smr23dy3N8FBPvvMX6J_GP29Brpq1NQHyDxFw-5C6EuVe3flwBjyQrNPV-XV4qxto53zY7bJN1IigyxYhhl0DTHcfRv-hBrhGVqu00OFsHgyRm9LQ_q9BiAuTdMvvPSb2k/s1024/goldfish-cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiP-qbgTmxpTnkCb1uK4nXnHGL-zQngj2Js7l9QSCxVs_k5nePPbHvbw46Smr23dy3N8FBPvvMX6J_GP29Brpq1NQHyDxFw-5C6EuVe3flwBjyQrNPV-XV4qxto53zY7bJN1IigyxYhhl0DTHcfRv-hBrhGVqu00OFsHgyRm9LQ_q9BiAuTdMvvPSb2k/s16000/goldfish-cafe.jpg"></a></div> It became my temporary office in Bontoc. The cozy sofa and chairs, the tasteful interiors heavy on the travel theme coupled with beautiful photos of the rice terraces and people of the Cordilleras is truly inviting. My almost weeklong stay in Bontoc finds me at Goldfish Cafe catching up on work and the online world. For Bontoc standards, Goldfish Cafe is the fanciest cafe in town. For a town whose local coffee culture is quite predominant already how does Goldfish Cafe's specialty coffee offerings fare?

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/6689113857/"><img alt="Lia's famous Avocado Cake" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6689113857_6a5d5bb540_z.jpg"></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lia's famous Avocado Cake (P670 - whole/ P85 - slice)</figcaption></figure> Avocado is one of my favourite fruits and being a sucker for desserts, the combination of the fruit with a cake can be lethal. Strolling along with a fellow foodie friend in the streets of Kapitolyo, Pasig, which is fast becoming a food hub with a lot of new dining options popping up, we discovered Lia’s Cakes in Season. Lia’s is one of the old dining establishments in the area (it's been there since 2004) known for its signature Avocado Cakes.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/5543648346/in/set-72157626183294517/ "><img alt="Oh My Gulay House Salad" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5136/5543648346_0ce3ed66fe_b.jpg"></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Oh My Gulay House Salad (P100)</figcaption></figure> Go up five flights of stairs, past the sporting goods store on the ground floor, the drinking joint with the blaring karaoke on the second, a gym on the third, more offices on the fourth, and enter the world of artist, Kidlat Tahimik. There are artistic curiosities on this high-ceilinged, top-most floor -- large installations here, framed paintings over there. The plants spread all over the place are real, lending it a lush, texture-filled vibe. Up on the second level, the dining area offers a panoramic view of the city center. Welcome to Oh My Gulay along Session Road in Baguio.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/5389593401/in/set-72157625909902752/"><img alt="Hot Choco at Soul Cafe" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5132/5389593401_1e94bac272_b.jpg"></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hot Choco at Soul Cafe</figcaption></figure> Food discoveries during travel have always been the heart of Happyfoodies. And during this Lakbay Norte 2, a familiarization tour of select places in Northern Luzon, we get to try out some interesting food stops on the way to Baguio from Manila on our first day. We had breakfast at SOUL Cafe in La Union, snacks at Cafe Isabelle and dinner at Hotel Elizabeth's Flora Cafe.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Pepperoncino (Php 175)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3301/3438382666_f1fac15352_o.jpg"></figure> It’s been quite a while since we last stepped into Amici in Don Bosco in Makati City. Oh, we’ve always considered this restaurant that boasts of affordable, home-cooked Italian-style cuisine as a comforting constant in a constantly changing foodscape. But ever since its takeover by a new management team two years ago, we had our apprehensions. And there’s also the expansion to include a branch in SM Megamall. Did the move to professionalize the operations alter the relaxed eating experience? Or worse, change the great-tasting food we’ve always come to love? To find out, we dropped by on a Sunday afternoon for a late lunch – something that was not possible when Amici was still run by the Salesians of Don Bosco. Obviously, this is one of the benefits of the new management as Sunday is a very nice time to avoid the big weekday office crowds and take your sweet time to savor each and every bite. The verdict: still as lip-smacking good as ever.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Yoghurt House House Specialty" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3042/2936817283_8b5b3bfd86_o.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yoghurt House Specialty (Php 85)</figcaption></figure> Much has been written about Sagada and its natural wonders that attract trekkers, spelunkers and other adventurous spirits. But to the foodie, Sagada is more than that. there's another side to this so-called Shangri-la of the north, a more flavorful one that will appeal to the adventurous foodie. We traveled over 400 kilometers to food trip there and there's something about the highlands – its nippy, crisp clean air, peace and quiet, and of course, the awesome scenery – that makes eating so much more enjoyable. It could also be the elevation that takes eating to a new high. Here, we give a sampler of the many food offerings out there. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Yoghurt House Roasted Egpplant with Basil" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3270/2862003420_4cb81fc68c_b.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yoghurt House Roasted Egpplant with Basil (PHP 140)</figcaption></figure> YOGHURT HOUSE Lagal[og] said: I never miss dropping by this place everytime I'm in Sagada. And I always eat the house specialty – the Homemade Yoghurt, everyday that I'm there. The texture of the yoghurt is extra thick and creamy. Mixed with hefty banana slices, and topped with strawberries and granola, it is very yummy and oh-so-healthy. Their veggie rice dishes and pastas are also very delicious and filling. Excellent way to carb up for those long walks and tiring treks. Speaking of veggie rice meals, theirs are brimming with fresh vegetables, it seems there are more veggies than rice. I think Yoghurt House pioneered the idea of building a restaurant around its yoghurt, something that's really amazing if you ask me. The prices are very reasonable, too. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Yoghurt House Interiors" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/2868339246_0397bfc64b.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yoghurt House Interiors</figcaption></figure> Ironwulf said: This place has somewhat been an institution. I remember Yoghurt House being there as long as Sagada has first been cited as a tourist destination more than 10 years ago. Foreigners and locals alike attest to the taste of this highland yoghurt which is a blend of local and foreign flavors. With the increasing popularity of yoghurt in the country, I think this is still one of the best. The place also serves pasta and crepes. One must-try is their Eggplant Pasta which I really enjoyed. I never thought that the sliced bits of roasted eggplant mixed with Basil would be so good. The place nay not be that big but the large collection of old photographs, hanging ceiling curtains and lamps, as well as collection of books create a distinct, homey and warm ambience. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="St Jos Pancakes" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/2936811329_d4eece7419_o.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">St. Jo's Pancakes</figcaption></figure> ST. JO Lagal[og] said: St. Jo is one of my all-time favorites, especially at breakfast time. Their pancakes are very fluffy and deliciously smeared with butter and local blackberry jam. And talk about the coffee serving to wash the pancakes with – it's the highland barako coffee variety served in individual kettle pots. It certainly incentivizes one to mull over breakfast and linger on. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="St Jos Famous Omelettes" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/2861421097_8e58ca05f8_b.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">St. Jo's Famous Omelettes</figcaption></figure> Ironwulf said: I haven't tried much of the meals in St. Jo's to attest to their goodness. The breakfast pancakes seem ordinary for me, taste-wise. Just well-made - thicker and fluffier. The blackberry jam is worth mentioning though. Their hot choco is only Milo. I was hoping for cocoa. However, their big omelettes laden with hotdog and tocino bits are something to rave about. Another best thing about this place is where you eat. St. Jo's has great views of Sagada and it adds drama to your breakfast. I heard their famous French chef serves amazing dinner buffets. I'll try that next time. Lagal[og] said: Hmmm, must be the view that makes up for those shortcomings. Incidentally, they share the same chef with another tourist-favorite, The Log Cabin. I've always wanted to sample the buffet but heavens, I always find my budget a bit short whenever I'm in Sagada as the buffet costs upwards of Php400. But the breakfast which includes two sets of pancake, an order of the omelette, a coffee and serving of Milo costs only Php350. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Chicharon with Onions and Tomatoes" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3228/2937661566_423843b915_o.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chicharon with Onions and Tomatoes</figcaption></figure> MASFERRE RESTAURANT Lagal[og] said: Another favorite place that I think is underrated. Last time we were there, we had this marvelous side dish of Chicharon with onions and tomatoes. I found it so good, I nearly forgot all about my main course order. Hurrying on our way home to Manila, the Masferre hamburgers we took with us on the bus were really juicy and chockful of vegetables – certainly light years away from the fast food variety. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Masferes Hamburger" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/2861169215_30d6dab92b_b.jpg"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Masferre's Hamburger (Php 80)</figcaption></figure> Ironwulf said: I've eaten at Masferre's several times before and always enjoyed their meals. I agree that the Chicharon with onions was so good. Their burgers, both the Ham and Egg and the Hamburger with Cheese, the ones we brought as our lunch on the road were surprisingly good despite being wrapped in an ordinary burger wrap.