Family dinner @ Grace Park

     We were thrilled to know Margarita Fores has another establishment since we're Cibo lovers (Like them on Facebook). Since Cibo began which was late 90's, Margarita's food has been consistent, never disappointing. After reading several write ups and Mom's positive feedback from her lunch here, we decided to check it out for dinner.

Baked Chicharon in 2 ways: Salmon roe and Prosciutto

Cioppino (Italian seafood and tomato soup)

Baked Scallops Capiz Bihod

Pappardelle with Duck Ragu

Pappardelle with salted eggs, asparagus & truffle oil

-Truffle based pastas are awesome!

Grilled rib eye

Home fried potatoes

Strawberry gelato

Mascarpone gelato

-Love the milky taste of this one!

Pastillas Chocolate Lava

-Combining pastillas and chocolate was such a brilliant idea!

     We wiped out everything you see here. It's such a treat to have fresh pasta! The juices here are refreshing and yummy too (sorry didn't get to take a picture). Staff are friendly and accommodating. Like I said... it's consistent, never disappointing. I'm sure this won't be our last time here and I look forward to trying other items. Congrats Margarita!

Grace Park

One Rockwell

Rockwell Drive

Rockwell Center, Makati City

0917-5138945/843-7275

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Dessert time @ Wildflour

     After a full dinner, Mom, my sister Nicole and I started brainstorming where to have dessert and we chose Wildflour. So far this is my third time here and it's always full (see my previous post). Since we were only 3, we were able to get a table. Another brainstorming came about when choosing what to order. Mom didn't like anything with banana, so we got these...

Tiramisu Creme Brulee

The coffee here is strong... which is good. 

Valrhona Pot Au Creme

Hazelnut Hot Chocolate

     Love the  rich and creamy chocolate blend of the Valrhona Pot Au Creme and Hazelnut Hot Chocolate... perfect for chocoholics! It looks like there will be a next time here, hopefully for lunch or dinner and dessert. ^_^

Wildflour Cafe + Bakery

Net Lima Building

4th Street corner 26th Street

Bonifacio Global City

Taguig

(Across Chinabank and Metrobank)

856-7600

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Terry's again

     Terry's has been a family favorite for some time (see my previous post). This is one of those places with great food and music, plus it's near the house too. Besides our usual, we discovered new favorites.

Paisana 

Tawilis Adobados

     This is Dad's new favorite. He was raving about this earlier and now I understand why. Don't worry about the fish bones (aka tinik) because it's soft.*

Jamon Serrano & Chicken Croquettes

Coq Au Vin

     I was pleasantly surprised this was really tender and tasty. 

Mess

One of my favorite sandwiches here. 

     To show you a sample of their repertoire, here's a video of piano master Mr. Dexter Espina (click on this link to watch the video). Still the same verdict... food is always good, never disappointing, never an umay moment.* Staff are always polite, accommodating and cheerful. 

Terry's
Unit 2 Karrivin Plaza Building B
2316 Pasong Tamo Ext.
Makati City
844-1816
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umay -Filipino term for feeling nauseous because of eating something too rich or too oily.

Food from home: Korean festival 2

     Yup the Korean craze is still ongoing in our household. I'm happy there are several guinea pigs at home... Hehehe! :P Kidding aside, cooking all these is great and also a learning process.

Kimchi

     Since there was only little Kimchi left, I thought it was perfect to try out the Kimchi pancake, which is similar to Pajeon (green onion pancake).

Kimchi pancake

     Kimchi lovers will like this one... crispy outside, soft inside with that intense flavor. Just like the Pajeon, still have to work on the presentation. 

Mandu

     These are meat dumplings, similar to Japanese Gyoza. Good thing I was able to find Mandu wrappers (you may check my previous write up Food from home: Korean festival for a list of the Korean stores in the Makati and Fort area) or you could make your own. It was cooked in 2 ways...

Fried

Steamed

     Both were yummy but I prefer it steamed. My sister Nicole prefers fried. They say Mandu is good luck.  ^_^

Guilty pleasures

     I'm sure we all have at least one guilty pleasure. I have many. :D At some point, we just can't say no, like it's a now or never moment. I eat these occasionally, but I definitely don't feel guilty. As they say... live a little. ;)

McDonalds McSpicy

     McDonalds (or McDo as we Pinoys call it) has been an all time favorite! Since the buzz about the McSpicy has been ongoing, I decided to check it out. I bought the McSpicy meal because I love their fries! :D You can feel the slight kick. It reminds me of the KFC Zinger, but enjoyed it just the same. 

Now, the food from home...

Hot chocolate

     Chocolate is a constant craving. Since I don't take coffee that much now, I often look for chocolate for breakfast. Having a nice cup of hot chocolate first thing in the morning is heaven, especially with mini marshmallows on top. I love the American and Spanish (the thick one) type. To lessen the guilt, I use coconut sugar.

Pasta Carbonara

     Carbonara is one of my favorite pastas! Based on research, it was originally made with eggs, cheese and bacon. I tried making the original recipe, where I cooked the bacon and onions in olive oil. After, pasta and Parmesan cheese are added and mixed. I cooked the egg separately until I got the soft boiled consistency and mixed everything. I was pleasantly surprised... still creamy but not too rich.

Espresso Brownies

     The first time I encountered Espresso Brownies was in Sugarhouse and loved it! Since it's no longer available, it's a good thing I came across a recipe online and did it. The only difference is I used my old reliable brownie recipe and did the coffee glaze. Results were positive. #grateful ^_^

Food from home: Korean festival

     I have always loved Korean food! It's been a favorite since my teens. Korean food has intense flavors... mostly sweet and spicy. Yes, this is one of the few times I like to go spicy. :D Out of curiosity and my craving (what else is new?) for Korean food, I made this week a Korean festival. 

Kimchi

     This is a Korean staple made of chinese cabbage, chili powder, onions, garlic, raddish and ginger. I thought all along the ingredients are simply mixed but there's more to that. Our version of the chinese cabbage is baguio pechay.* This is soaked in salt water for fermentation for several minutes before mixing it with the rest of the ingredients. When my niece Sofia and my helpers tried this, they all said their cold came out. :))

Pajeon (green onion pancake)

     This is one of the family's favorite dishes. I got the flavor but still have to work on the consistency which is supposed to be crispy.

Left: Seasoned green onion, Middle: Ssamjang (spicy paste), Right: Pajeon sauce

Grilled beef (Korean style)

This is eaten with the beef, green onion and Ssamjang wrapped in lettuce, taken in one bite. 

Bibimbap (mixed rice)

     This contains ground beef, vegetables and egg. Vegetables used were zucchini, carrots, spinach and bean sprouts. Ideally, this is placed in a stone pot bowl and egg is served raw. This is mixed with hot pepper paste (amount may vary depending on how spicy you wish).

Hot pepper paste

  

     This is my first attempt for Korean food. The preparation itself takes some time but enjoyed every moment. If some ingredients aren't available in local groceries, they should be available in Korean stores. Here are some in the Fort and Makati area...


Han Yang Mart
Unit 1-G Kensington Place Condo
29th street Corner 1st Avenue
*Near Burgos Circle
856-9430 / 557-5824

Wang Mart
37 Polaris Street
*Across Alba Restaurant
Bel-Air
Makati

Teppen Japanese-Korean grocery
Marvin Plaza Building
2153 Don Chino Roces Avenue corner VA Rufino Street
Makati City
*Near Little Tokyo

     The Korean festival doesn't end here. Watch out for part 2! ;)

baguio pechay -Chinese cabbage, also known as Bokchoy