Happy Foodies

Showing posts with label chicken. 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/AVvXsEi7f8bGMvomxmH40HA6aMByqJEzGP0fhLY_lYq1gPD2MRurWofTJ0_11Z15iDQuBcrD2o20nbRCWwoE5uCxGww6E5fjM6G5vypnwZqp2D5MSb3U4AieAt8MBF6vF3u3ZX8yWFQF2diYi5Ekwzz1qT67uCuB70xeRe5XWT7tRBxN_7inOYhYnExTg8s9__4/s1024/onn-kee.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7f8bGMvomxmH40HA6aMByqJEzGP0fhLY_lYq1gPD2MRurWofTJ0_11Z15iDQuBcrD2o20nbRCWwoE5uCxGww6E5fjM6G5vypnwZqp2D5MSb3U4AieAt8MBF6vF3u3ZX8yWFQF2diYi5Ekwzz1qT67uCuB70xeRe5XWT7tRBxN_7inOYhYnExTg8s9__4/s16000/onn-kee.jpg"></a></div></div></div> Ipoh is a popular day trip destination from Kuala Lumpur. This Old Town that flourished through mining is a two to three-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. <a href="http://www.happyfoodies.com/kafe-panglima-dua-lima-old-town-ipoh-coffee/">Ipoh White Coffee</a> may be commercially known and widely available but it is only in the old town of Ipoh where one can take sample a favorite delicacy the local hor fun (kuey teow), taugeh (beansprouts) and Hainanese-style steamed chicken. There are a couple of restaurants to go to but a lot of locals pointed us to Onn Kee Restaurant.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMv-7dHW1wRpdABWXvFYVsSYxnT_nHLOWSxjaXAIun9q8NZ_FpYLLYDgtBoRW4AMhHxbi4q7EvcA2KfjG4n_Hr4PyfqjFxTsmb6-D4YSG8_5_TWmO0bsXJFIcFYtfLp-pjliy9_48Zn-6nslIgOU1nVN1QNwiiIgvhr78pmmMf9AqiW0xnPgHzi0yirI/s1024/chew-love-tacloban.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMv-7dHW1wRpdABWXvFYVsSYxnT_nHLOWSxjaXAIun9q8NZ_FpYLLYDgtBoRW4AMhHxbi4q7EvcA2KfjG4n_Hr4PyfqjFxTsmb6-D4YSG8_5_TWmO0bsXJFIcFYtfLp-pjliy9_48Zn-6nslIgOU1nVN1QNwiiIgvhr78pmmMf9AqiW0xnPgHzi0yirI/s16000/chew-love-tacloban.jpg"></a></div> Adding a dash of lively colors to the once Typhoon Yolanda-stricken city of Tacloban is Chew Love. I chuck a soft laugh when I hear my tricycle driver say “Ang cute pala dito ah! (This place looks cute ah!)” when he finally found the place. Borne out from the ashes of the devastation of Tacloban, entrepreneur, Coke Young-Go, found opportunity from the rubble. Chew love is a product of pouring in her creative interest in fashion, food, and photography. It’s hard not to miss this restaurant with its lovely European/Country-inspired theme that’s a sure head-turner.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-l6lSMNgenGZTvOLZjlxtr2exbG2xM8SEtxWkAM57eLnA0EQR4OdXJyiEMM6kO17kFlVs2dyrJfvNaXTnZ1pwFO8cHVXDAJawRadADJas9dDMl8an_RrcrMIvGPZC_SlJG5I_w0kAFJumBAYCiE14XcloQ2QmByysIl2HAzSfJwkOc-Wj-HaqpAXa1a4/s1280/sagada-brew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-l6lSMNgenGZTvOLZjlxtr2exbG2xM8SEtxWkAM57eLnA0EQR4OdXJyiEMM6kO17kFlVs2dyrJfvNaXTnZ1pwFO8cHVXDAJawRadADJas9dDMl8an_RrcrMIvGPZC_SlJG5I_w0kAFJumBAYCiE14XcloQ2QmByysIl2HAzSfJwkOc-Wj-HaqpAXa1a4/s16000/sagada-brew.jpg"></a></div> As repeat visitors to Sagada, we at Happyfoodies were both overjoyed and saddened during our recent visit. Saddened because a) <a href="http://www.happyfoodies.com/sagadas-misty-lodge-and-cafe-food-worth-walking-kilometers-for/" title="Sagada’s Misty Lodge and Cafe: Food worth walking kilometers for">Misty Lodge's restaurant</a> is closed as Chef Bogan is attending to her mommy duties in Manila, b) <a href="http://www.happyfoodies.com/masferre-country-inn-and-restaurant/" title="Chicharon with Kamatis & Bagoong and other much-missed eats at Masferre">Masferre Restaurant</a> has taken off our favorite Kamatis Bagoong at Lechon Kawali in favor of a menu more oriented towards foreign guests. But on a bright note, we chanced upon a new, welcome addition to the eateries lining the town's main street: Sagada Brew. It was actually the recommendation of Wanda, our kind hostess at Rock Inn Farm, to try out the new place (talk about very friendly competition). It was also a blessing to come on an off-peak season when a lot of eating places are closed for repairs, which helped directed our feet to this shop.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEB10u1Oq6Gwhbyrw5h17inZv1_4hA6OTWSGfHpCyDIA-9sJam1KM-jbbmtotViUKT_ZxHSyEUmDcZSDeKj_RD45NVtPfsXU6WyeNZ_BUbk47O4p5GGplPrYzfn64jQaAfqL1PxFXqCKvqCAGYQjm76y0ohE3Rtxy-xcK5okvCOah0HhIHegIlaecg6as/s1280/buffalo-swing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEB10u1Oq6Gwhbyrw5h17inZv1_4hA6OTWSGfHpCyDIA-9sJam1KM-jbbmtotViUKT_ZxHSyEUmDcZSDeKj_RD45NVtPfsXU6WyeNZ_BUbk47O4p5GGplPrYzfn64jQaAfqL1PxFXqCKvqCAGYQjm76y0ohE3Rtxy-xcK5okvCOah0HhIHegIlaecg6as/s16000/buffalo-swing.jpg"></a></div> It's always nice to discover non-commercial establishments run by young entrepreneurs hoping to make it big in the food business. One such establishment in the heart of Pasig is Buffalo Swing. This family-ran hole-in-the-wall resto has been serving excellent buffalo wings and more for more than two years already. Enjoyed mostly by nearby residences like the Riverfront and offices in Ortigas, people who knew about Buffalo Swing may have kept the existence of this wonderful little resto to enjoy it for themselves. But something this good would likely be known in the foodie world eventually. Join happyfoodies with guest foodie Jen as we sample their house specialties.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AolDTn0RODqkMNvdIoa7YeugqB5NGsiBeuBLfNJPbq1nKvVM83v_Ohe6UKdfSEfolhQnjJaVw64j1X_DmkN4V6083mZMZqQyZUhVgNzpTvF3ZwOnKa4W7UDw8eLmFLUnPtDPL1oHMT8Ei4Aq6eJ24Mjm69ZCNUViXQrDRhNYMvgQCvwIWIvkm0sDi4E/s1280/mrs-bakers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AolDTn0RODqkMNvdIoa7YeugqB5NGsiBeuBLfNJPbq1nKvVM83v_Ohe6UKdfSEfolhQnjJaVw64j1X_DmkN4V6083mZMZqQyZUhVgNzpTvF3ZwOnKa4W7UDw8eLmFLUnPtDPL1oHMT8Ei4Aq6eJ24Mjm69ZCNUViXQrDRhNYMvgQCvwIWIvkm0sDi4E/s16000/mrs-bakers.jpg"></a></div> It's always a delight to find good restaurants outside of the metro. Mrs Baker's in Nueva Vizcaya is worth a stop when traversing the roads to Tuguegarao or Banaue. This two-story establishment with warm and homey interiors is owned by Chef Jehan Damasco who has competed on international pastry competitions. Established in 2010, Chef Jehan had cooked up a sumptuous menu of local favorites and international flavors that not only Nuvo Vizcayanos rave about but those fortunate visitors enough to have stumbled upon this gem of a resto. We went here twice when we were in Nueva Vizcaya and here's to share some of our favorite dishes.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_k3V7RhuajN2PizGwEJrX6H_e-Yc0KKNLzskQiB0d_gBYeRfVqv1UvRlngkp4N1G-YqaA7xOubWH_rdC82Zyk1_JBo_UDh_d4axBRfBtxm8_JBO6ew29sHxLjipDK5bZ7qOQ6zmwr120mKupxNVWXfM3rmz-3LfYtXJDVQ4jfq7wBZJD7xpB30nnykk/s667/miisty-lodge-cafe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_k3V7RhuajN2PizGwEJrX6H_e-Yc0KKNLzskQiB0d_gBYeRfVqv1UvRlngkp4N1G-YqaA7xOubWH_rdC82Zyk1_JBo_UDh_d4axBRfBtxm8_JBO6ew29sHxLjipDK5bZ7qOQ6zmwr120mKupxNVWXfM3rmz-3LfYtXJDVQ4jfq7wBZJD7xpB30nnykk/s16000/miisty-lodge-cafe.jpg"></a></div> The perpetual nip in the air is simply made for good eating. One of the finer pleasures of Sagada is gustatory in nature. Everything -- the weather, the elevation, the views -- seem to inspire indulgence. Dunno but there's something about hieing off to the boondocks that make even the mundane special, like ordinary coffee or instant noodles become a treat especially after a hike. Perhaps, by stroke of serendipity, Happyfoodies found accommodation in the town outskirts some 1.5 kilometers from the sentro. Meaning yes, we're away from where most of the eating places are but by luck, very, very close to Misty Lodge and Cafe. Our host, Derick, of Yabami Lodge recommended it as we were looking for somewhere closer to eat apart from Rock Inn's Bodega Cafe some 350 meters away. Smoked out from the Panag-apoy rites, we decided to drop by at dinner time as the cafe was on our way home anyway. So, did we like the food? Well, we came back a second and third time during our three days in Sagada. It was that good.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Bonchon Spicy Glaze Chicken" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/8014/7676206078_88e90581b6_o.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bonchon Spicy Glaze Chicken</figcaption></figure> I always pass by Bonchon at SM Megamall but never had the chance to try it before. One reason why? It's always full and I somehow lack the patience to wait especially when I'm really hungry. Good thing your Happyfoodies were invited for a taste test at one of their newer branches at Bonifacio High Street. This time I got the chance to get to know what makes people go crazy about this Korean Chicken. As it turned out, Happyfoodies will discover there's more to Bonchon than its popular crunchy chicken.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/6208/6068633168_ac9d664ee6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" height="667" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/6208/6068633168_ac9d664ee6_o.jpg" width="500"></a></div> <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"> <figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fried Chicken with Hash Browns and Vegetables at Rock Inn</figcaption></figure> We came to Sagada on a weekday to explore the foodscape as much as the landscape. The weather, as always, was conducive not only for hiking but also for good eating. In the limited time we stayed, we found either newer places or newer offerings from the old reliables. Here we share some of our favorites.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/4814874291/?reuploaded=1"><img alt="Macanese Seafood Rice" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4814874291_7ca51d310d_b.jpg"></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Macanese Seafood Rice</figcaption></figure> "This is where we take our special guests" Joao tells us. Of course we felt honored hearing that statement. If one wants to treat guests to try great-tasting Macanese food, Ristorante Litoral would be the best place to go. Chinese influences may have a big part in Macau cuisine being close to the country, but being under Portuguese rule for years, it's inevitable not to fuse the better of two influences into one distinct cuisine – Macanese. It's Portuguese Cuisine using the best of the local ingredients found in Macau.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/4781693430/"><img alt="Lagariero-Style Bacalhau" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4781693430_0123110c01_o.jpg"></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lagariero-Style Bacalhau</figcaption></figure> Pirates used to roam around Coloane, the Southern Region of Macau. But for the evening of our visit at Miramar Restaurant, there were no more pirates, only us hungry visitors ready to devour any Portuguese food that would land on our table. A restaurant that started way back 1990's but closed at the turn of the decade, the establishment re-opened two years ago to again serve authentic Portuguese dishes on the quiet hillside of Coloane fronting Hac Sa Bay.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/4315556320/"><img alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4315556320_ecaf60c228_b.jpg"></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bale Dutung Brulee</figcaption></figure> When traveling to the north, making a stopover in Pampanga is always a sensible decision. And why not? Kapampangans are really known for their rich food tradition. But eating takes on a deeper, and should I say cultural, meaning when you make a stop at Bale Dutung. Tucked in a residential village, the place looks more like a house than a restaurant which it actually is, being the abode of chef/cook/artist Claude Tayag and his wife, Maryanne. That said, the treatment we got was more akin to dining in a friend’s house.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Nam Heongs Chicken Rice" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/3915390983_f21df70ac0_o.jpg"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nam Heong's Chicken Rice</figcaption></figure> When in Malaysia, mention Chicken Rice and locals would definitely say Nam Heong as its equivalent. It's an institution known for cooking Chicken Rice using an age-old recipe which dates back to more than 70 years when the establishment started. Now, it has a number of franchises in Kuala Lumpur. But is the quality still the same? We trooped to one of their branches in Sungai Wang Mall to try out its famous Chicken Rice as well as some of its other offerings.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Thai Sticks n Steaks Chicken Pandan (Php 45 /pc)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/3051828667_46c3297a8d_o.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Thai Sticks 'n Steaks Chicken Pandan (Php 45 /pc)</figcaption></figure> I've always had a penchant for Thai food ever since I've encountered it a long time ago way back when Flavors and Spices, one of the pioneers of Thai cuisine in the country, was around. Then, there was also the more mainstream but nonetheless delicious offerings of Sukhothai. I had this notion that it's pretty hard not to like Thai food because for all the differences it had with local fare, there are some striking similarities – the use of a shrimp paste, nam pla, for example bears strong resemblance to our bagoong and patis. Some of the flavors are also familiar – the liberal use of lemongrass or tanglad, lime juice, chilis and coconut milk. It's not everyday that I hanker for Thai food but I somehow lament the fact that it's not as commonly available as before. Until I found out that there's a Thai restaurant along Pasong Tamo that serves great Thai food – Thai Sticks 'n Steaks. The blurb outside says its cuisine is inspired by Sukhothai. Don't let the funky name fool you, the food is really very good. So come inside and let's taste what it has to offer. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Thai Sticks m steaks Sukhothai Tom Yum Soup (Php 120)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/3051828201_ebaf198e13_o.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sukhothai Tom Yum Soup (Php 120)</figcaption></figure> The place Lagal[og] said: It's pretty strange to find this restaurant in a pretty nondescript location along Pasong Tamo, away from the commercial center. But I like the strategic location, just steps away from Little Tokyo. There's ample parking during the weekends but I imagine this not being the case during weekday lunches. The interior lighting is warm and inviting. The furnishings are simple but the air conditioning is spot on, not warm or too cold. Ironwulf said: I haven't tried Sukothai before so I really have no expectations about the place and its food only. The interiors are pretty basic but with touches of Thai sculptures and paintings in its furnishings to accentuate its Thai feel. The warm light goes well with the combination of green, orange and pinkish hues. Air conditioning is just right. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Thai Sticks n Steaks Chicken Wings (Ph 85 /2pcs)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/3051828491_b45db0e529_o.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chicken Wings (Ph 85 /2pcs)</figcaption></figure> <h2 style="text-align: left;">The staples</h2> Lagal[og] said: Chicken pandan is of course, a must-order. It's hard to make a mistake with this dish anyway. It's not everyday that you have a viand cooked in pandan (screw pine) leaves which gives the chicken an added aroma that's hard to resist. The Stir-fried Kangkong goes well with the bagoong rice. One of my constant side order favorites is the Eggplant with Minced Pork and Shrimp – very tasty and filling. The Chicken Wings are a real treat, definitely miles away from the fast food varieties. Not to forget the Tom Yum Goong (flavorful hot and sour soup with shrimp and seafood), spicy enough to wet one's taste buds for the treats ahead. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Mussels in Chili (Php 90)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/3015890088_0e228fe66d.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mussels in Chili (Php 90)</figcaption></figure> Ironwulf Said: I hve tried other Chicken Pandan's like Shangri-La's Circles but it didn't compare with this one. The meat is really tender and it was cooked so that the pandan leaves added a hint of its flavor to the chicken as well. The Chicken Wings is one of the house specialty that I say is also a must try here. An order will give you two wings showered in crispy garlic with chicken covered in really tasty thin layer of crispy breading. Really good. Being a chicken lover I am, I really enjoyed both dishes. I really like spicy soups that I enjoyed the sour and spicy taste of the Tom Yum. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Curried Beef Stew (Pho 160)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/3015894504_84ea6d9a40_b.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Curried Beef Stew (Pho 160)</figcaption></figure> <h2 style="text-align: left;">Chili Mussels and Curried Beef Stew</h2> Lagal[og] said: I found the Curried Beef Stew appetizing to the last morsel. The curry used is very, very flavorful and just spicy enough to lend a hot twist without overpowering the taste of the very tenderbeef. The Chili Mussels are very tasty without being overly spicy. Really goes well with the Thai bagoong rice. Yum! Ironwulf said: The chili is the key to this mussel dish. Tastes well even when topped on plain rice. Worth a try. The Curried Beef Stew also has a very rich sauce that adds strong flavor on the tender blocks of beef. I kinda liked the beef more than the mussels. They both taste good though it's just a matter of preference. <figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><img alt="Thai Halo Halo (Php 80)" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/3015053663_60c435a4f1.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Thai Halo Halo (Php 80)</figcaption></figure> <h2 style="text-align: left;">Thai Sticks 'n Steaks Halo-Halo</h2> Lagal[og] said: This is a wonderful way to cap one's dinner, especially to cool the palate heated by the chili-laden fare. The liberal use of coconut milk adds a nice touch to the dessert which resembles a cool version of our guinataan replete with sago and flavorful chunks. Not too sweet, too. Ironwulf said: Seems funny at first taste. Like you mentioned, it tasted more like our guinataan but on the icy side. The difference also has got to do with the ingredients. There's a curious red fruit there that I thought were strawberries and turns out to be some water chestnuts. It's a nice dessert to wash off the strong flavors that Thai dishes have. Thai Sticks n' Steaks Marvin Plaza Bldg, Grd Flr 2153 Don Chino Ave corner V.A. Rufino St., Makati City • Tel. 815-13-29 • Monday to Saturday 11:00am to 9:00pm