Third Time's a Charm at Bairaktiros, Athens

Mexican + Margaritas at Chihuahua

Burrito brats and Margarita moxies: there's a new Mexican joint in the Metro that has both spice and spunk.

For late night, or midday, snacks, hangover Sunday hangouts and chill out sounds with a splash of spiced up Mexican grub, Chihuahua Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar packs it all into a neat and peppery package.

That combination wouldn't be possible without the dynamic duo of Ines Cabarrus & Elian Habayeb, Metro Manila's own PR machine for the best restaurants, sounds and lounges. 

Danish Smorrebrod at Aamann's Deli

After Copenhagenization, another Copenhagen claim to fame is the impeccably fresh and thoughtful Nordic cuisine. The focus of its dishes is an emphasis of the best local produce, detailed preparation, and a generous use of herbs. 

For those who want a little taste-test of Nordic food, it is imperative to have a Smorrebrod lunch.

 

Aamanns

My friend Macy recommended I try Aamann's for their delicious food, but since the Establishment was closed (we were very late for lunch), we ended up at the Take Away location right beside the restaurant. When I told my Danish friend Thomas about it, he said : GOOD CHOICE. So I must have the right set of friends.

Pizzeria Mozza by Mario Batali

These are, by far, the best chicken wings I have EVER tasted. Of course they should be damn good, the wings came from Mario Batali's kitchen.

I've had my eye on Osteria Mozza ever since arriving Singapore and learning that Mario Batali has a branch of his establishment at Marina Bay Sands. Sadly, since the Osteria is only open for dinner, we decided for the next best thing for our last lunch in Singapore...

Pizzeria Mozza by Mario Batali

Surprise Singapore: db Bistro Moderne by Daniel Boulud

After all the Hawker food finds and the humid trekking on the streets of Singapore, we wanted to dress up and try some of the fine-dining options offered by international celebrity chefs. Since I'm a continent away from New York, I was happy I could find a slew of options at Marina Bay Sands Mall.

I wanted to try Osteria Mozza because of Mario Battali's eggyolk, ricotta & sweet potato ravioli as seen on the presidential Iron-Cheff competition he had with The Whitehouse's Executive Chef (who happens to be Filipina). But could not get a reservation in time. Right beside it, though, is another attractive bistro that goes neck and neck with Mozza.

db Bistro Moderne by Daniel Boulud

Hawker Haven at Maxwell Food Centre + BEST Hainanese Ever

That's it. I'm in love with Hawker Food

It was really providence that our hotel is located right across Maxwell Food Centre, one of the most popular hawker hotspots in the whole of Singapore. So famous, in fact that one notable celebrity foodie has deemed some of the dishes from the stalls at Maxwell "the Best of the best".

Anthony Bourdain, are you talking about Hainanese Chicken Rice?!?

Battle of the Breakfasts: Huckleberry in Santa Monica

Hello Green Eggs...

In Manila, I could care less about breakfast. But whenever I'm back in LA, or Santa Monica, I look forward to breakfast dates and brunch plates.

 One such breakfast nook I thoroughly enjoy is Huckleberry Cafe, located on Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica. Roomie recommended this place so I knew I would immediately like it.

Huckleberry is quintessential Santa Monica: easy-going, California casual, and local market fare fresh. The interiors are clean and the diners friendly. The order counter is flanked by flowers and other goodies to heighten your sense of sight and smell.

Battle of the Breakfasts: Blu Jam Cafe on Melrose

Since Roomie is in town for the weekend, I'd like to reminisce on one of our favorite past-times: Eating! We are both very similar ladies who definitely like to lunch.

 But not before I tell you the story of how she bullied me to go hiking. Sure, I hike now.

Super Salads at Cafe Georg

I'm a big salad fan, if you know where to get the good stuff. Now I've found a great place to get hearty salads whenever I'm in Cebu, and it's not a secret to the Cebuanos.

Cafe Georg

Located in Banilad in Cebu City, Cafe Georg is a cutesy coffee shop-cum-meeting place for a lot of the locals. Many tourists would have a hard time locating the restaurant, but any well-fed Cebuano will lead you to Cafe Georg if your looking for easy eats and hearty meals.

Bliss'd Out in Baguio

This is the Bliss Buddha Belly

Since I am in Baguio right now, and getting very motivated to get back to blogging, let me re-introduce you to the wonderful world of guilt-free vegetarian eating. Yes, the above dish is meatless.

The World of Bliss (menu)

Welcome to the wonderful world of Bliss Cafe, at the Hotel Elizabeth in Baguio.

Spend your Valentine's ala ToT-style

V-Day at Hotel Elizabeth Baguio

Since the V-day is coming up around the corner, and I have been reviewing quite a lot of restaurants in the metro, there are several establishments that come to mind when I think of a romantic, intimate setting for dining during the day of lovers. Here are my picks from my personal experience, and throughout the coming days I'll be injecting other places onto ToT which I think are definitely date-worthy too.

MEN: Read up, Take down the contact numbers, Buy flowers, Take all the credit. Love ToT

Aubergine, Bonifacio Global City 

From the decor and the mood lighting, to the lamb and the dessert menu, plus the Patisserie section, Aubergine will score big points for those googly-eyed ladies who want to be wowed and impressed with your culinary prowess. Their 7-course Degustation menu is worth the $$$, complete with liquid nitrogen for smoky effect. Order a vintage bottle from their impressive wine list to get giddy a uninhibited.

Cebu Spanish Seconds at Ipar's

Ipar's Restaurante Y Bar De Tapas

Before the main Sinulog Festival, I promised Mr. S that I'd take them around my favorite Cebu restaurants, and at the top of his list was a revisit to Ipar's for some tapas and some Paella. 

The last time I took him with Sea Princess Tessa, they absolutely loved Ipar and his Spanish fare.So I made arrangements with Ipar himself to make us a special menu so Cay & Mr. S could sample his specialties during their visit.

Running In the Rain for Casa Verde's Ribs

 

This is how far I'll go to feed the food frenzy.

 I promised Mr. S & Cay that if we toured Cebu City, I would take them to Casa Verde for some of their famous Brian's Ribs, and I was craving for their delicious Bliss & Mushrooms... so we walked from Hotel Elizabeth Cebu to the Ayala Terraces branch of  Casa Verde. Good thing the hotel was only 5 minutes away by foot form the ball. BAD Thing: The Ayala branch did NOT have Bliss & Mushrooms on the menu, + they ran out of Brian's Ribs. NO!