the Perfect Breakfast

warm, comforting and yummy. that's what i want for a good breakfast. sometimes complimented by either coffee or hot chocolate, it's best to wake up with a healthy and heavy breakfast to start the day. for today, i had this on my plate:

fried rice, smoked fish and salted egg with tomato

rich in carbohydrates, proteins, vit E for better skin and energy for the day. what's on your plate?

Chefography: Claude Tayag of Bale Dutung

within the large fields of Central Luzon, there are great finds of culture, heritage and most especially food. following a great morning of Christmas spirit of Keso de Gallo, we headed to Angeles, Pampanga for another batch of great breakfast at Bale Dutung.

the place is owned by Chef Claude Tayag. other than being a great cook, he is also an artist and an architect. he designed Bale Dutung himself together with his loving wife, Mary Ann. the place is really welcoming and despite it is inside a subdivision, you might assume that you are in the middle of green fields because air flows nicely throughout the place. adding to the nice atmosphere are the wooden furnitures made by Claude Tayag himself.

when we arrived at the place, we are welcomed with a cool drink to revive our senses and appreciate the whole thing that Bale Dutung has to offer. later on, a warm sip of Tsokolate Batirol matched with San Nicolas cookie started an even better breakfast.

then, we feasted warm and heavy but delicious dishes of Bale Dutung. their Dinuguan, tamales and suman really almost completed my whole stay at Pampanga. i have never tasted Dinuguan like how Chef Claude has prepared it. he added kamias on the dish making it a little sour but it's still yummy.

we also had a little tour around Bale Dutung to explore the artistry of Chef Claude. unusual artworks but portraying the rich culture of Pampanga is shown in his paintings.

Bale Dutung is located at:
Paul St. corner Francis St., Villa Gloria Subdivision, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines

not everyone might be able to get to Bale Dutung for it has strict policies on reservations. you may opt to have your reservation by emailing claudetayag@yahoo.com.ph and enjoy the warm hospitality of Chef Claude and his wife.

Kraft Eden's Keso de Gallo warms Bacolor, Pampanga

in the Philippines, we celebrate the longest Christmas period in the whole world. as September steps in, Christmas cheers greets everyone and big time preparations happen in every household up to the streets. Christmas is even more felt when the 9 days of novena starts at December 16. coming from the church early in the morning is best with a warm breakfast like the bibingka and puto bumbong. a hot sip of chocolate drink compliments the rice dishes.

and during noche buena at Christmas Eve, the table serves quezo de bola and ham as additions to the festive meal. and speaking of cheese, Kraft Eden cheese brings to everyone a special feast featuring their product in line with the record-breaking 5840 dishes. this time, they bring the Keso de Gallo to nine provinces to give Christmas cheers.

after hearing the 9th misa de gallo in San Ildefonso Church in Bacolor, Pampanga, a warm breakfast of the humble puto (a rice muffin) with a twist. adding to the recipe of puto is squash making it healthier and can be appreciated even by kids without knowing it. this is an ingenious addition to the table not only for Christmas but in the whole year round. i would like to congratulate Kraft Eden who has not just brought this event to Bacolor but also as to extend cheers to the less fortunate and those who have experienced the tragic effects brought by the lava flow happened more than 20 years ago.

kids and adults enjoyed the meal with a hot cocoa and the Christmas spirit is greatly felt as the kids choir sang in the background. i have seen the smiles as i walk over the big ruins caused by the lava. you can really feel how much these people are so happy when these kind of events come to the area. on the other hand, though it was great depression that came upon them years ago, im really thankful that the kids are so lucky that they didn't experience it and the adults are still with them. they really deserve something to receive and Kraft Eden has made it possible and made their Christmas meaningful.

CENTO: party place at the center of the Metro

within the party environment of Quezon City is a new place that lures in more people that will extend the night with matching great music and great people.

aside from the party ambiance with smoky interiors, the food is also great for a little munch while you mingle with your friends. top of the line shooters as they call it, lighten the mood of those who drink it. concocted from a special mix, everybody will surely have fun

CENTO BAR address: 41 El Jardin del Presidente Condo, Sgt. Esguerra St. corner Sct Bayoran St., South triangle, Quezon City near ABS-CBN and GMA broadcast network studios.

Japanese Lunch at Omakase

this is my first to get lunch out with my new officemates. at first i was hesitant to go because i may not bring good relationships with them. good thing my longtime friend, joy, was there and we are reunited as workmates. my new officemates are nice too and they have been accommodating and helpful with the tasks that i've been given. the road isn't that rough for me with them. *naks libre nyo ako!*

we headed to Omakase at Il Terrazzo in Tomas Morato in Quezon City. it serves Japanese dishes with a cool ambiance in the middle of busy, urban life. freshly cooked and prepared Japanese dishes will satisfy hungry and craving stomachs with mouth watering sushi and other yummy dishes.

we ordered a variant and we definitely are stuffed with the following dishes: soft shell crab, guyu chizu maki, uni tempura and 2 plates of deluxe party platters.


uni tempura and deluxe party platter
what's the rate? i rate this place good and the food is also good. the crew members are also nice and they are very accommodating. you are able to get your request right away. and with a relative time of preparation for the food, you are guaranteed with a nice serving.

Ice Cream House's Tiramisu Magic

my mom taught me how to make a peach tiramisu. though it doesn't have a five-star rating unlike those you order in restaurants, you can have a nice piece of tiramisu by just layering these ingredients:

Graham crackers
mixture of cream and condensed milk (1:2)
peaches

but just tonight, me and my friends went out for a long walk. and at the end we tripped over the Ice Cream House located in Riverbanks Mall in Marikina City. i didn't know what to order first until i saw their Tiramisu Magic.

2 broas pieces on top of 3 scoops of chocolate, mocha and vanilla icecreams and drizzled with chocolate syrup and decorated with a sweet cherry on top. with a very interesting presentation -- closest to the ones they serve at restaurants -- the price is very cheap! for only Php 60, you can indulge at a very satisfying and yummy dessert whenever you feel like it.

Red Ribbon's 5-star Christmas

Red Ribbon has been known for the premier cakes -- Chocolate Marjolaine, Smores, Cookies and Cream and the latest White Forest cakes. and in the tradition of giving the best cakes in any occasion, Red Ribbon Bakeshoppe has successfully launched 2 new cakes for this season. two cakes that will give cheer and delight the sweet tooth to both young and adults:

first is Santa's Wish Cake. inspired by a famous Christmas icon, Santa Claus, it consists of soft and moist rhumbutter cake covered with smooth and creamy icing. Santa's face appears on top and red and green Christmas tree candies are placed around the cake.


and before the party ended, we will also indulge in a yummy and mouth-watering cake concept with new Chocolate Walnut Fudge Cake filled with Hershey's Dark Chocolate. it is made of a layer of creamy chocolate mousse on a bed of moist fudgy brownie, both loaded with chopped walnuts and finished with dark chocolate ganache, sprinkles and long chocolate curls all made with Hershey’s Dark Chocolate to make it even more irresistible.

and with Red Ribbon's special treat to bloggers, a mini-Christmas party was held at their bakery at Libis branch, Quezon City. we had a taste of the new cakes and additions to their menu. it was a good nomnom night with fun games. i did won at the Pinoy Henyo game and received a GC for that Santa's Wish Christmas cake!

photos from azrael

I won P 1000 GC from Outback Steakhouse!

yipee! i just received an email that i won a gift certificate of Php 1000 from Outback Steakhouse courtesy of HitaBargain.com! now i wonder when will i claim this gift and enjoy the meal. hehe

i also wonder which will i order worth Php 1000. can you suggest what is the best food available there?

Krispy Kreme's holiday treats!

Krispy Kreme is surprising us annually not only with their Christmas treats but new branches within the metro and up north to Pampanga!

the new Krispy Kreme branches are located the Eastwood Mall in Libis, Quezon City and the Marquee Mall in Angeles, Pampanga. so the folks upnorth can now enjoy the sweet goodness of Krispy Kreme and also get the chance to have the Christmas dozen like us here in Manila.

watch Pacquiao vs Cotto LIVE at Italianni's

the much-awaited boxing event is nearing. 6-division world champion, Manny Pacquaio and Cotto will stop the world for a new boxing record happening on November 15! and Italianni's restaurants are bringing you the event LIVE!

entrance will be at Php750 consumable of food and drinks.

better get to the venue early or you can reserve your slots at these following branches:

Greenbelt: 728-0291 or 728-0283
Bonifacio High Street: 856-4094
Trinoma: 915-3589
Gateway: 912-3738 or 913-1563
Midtown Robinsons Place Malate: 567-1913

Century Corned Tuna's Bloggers Cook-off

this is what i've really missed: cooking with a bunch of friends. and this has taken to a higher level as we have been invited by Century Corned Tuna to a bloggers cook-off challenge. we were divided into two groups and i joined jane, arpee, ajay, aj, and erlyn.

our task is to make courses as many as we want provided with the following ingredients:

the task should be done under a limited time and will be judged thru the following criteria: Plating (20%), Originality (20%), Taste (25%) and the Innovative Use of Century Corned Tuna (35%). we made a couple of recipes which captured the tastebuds of the judges and other guests. we made quesadillas and a pasta dish.

i would like to share to you our pasta dish recipe as told by aj named Century Corned Tuna Pasta with Asparagus, Spinach and Miso topped with Almonds:

Ingredients:

• Olive Oil
• Soy Sauce
• Onions
• Garlic
• Paprika
• Onion stalks
• Almonds
• Century Corned Tuna (Chili Flavor)
• Miso
• White wine
• Spinach
• Asparagus
• Pasta (Fettucine)
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Cook pasta until al dente. Set aside.
2. Toast almonds then slice into slivers. Set aside.
3. In a pan with olive oil, sauté garlic, onions, onion stalks and asparagus.
4. Add in Century Corned Tuna Chili.
5. Add a pinch of Paprika.
6. Add in soy sauce, white wine and miso.
7. Add in spinach.
8. Continue sauteing for about 3 to 5 minutes.
9. Add in the pasta to the pan and toss until all the ingredients are mixed well.
10. Put the pasta on a plate and top with almonds.

fortunately, we won the said cok-off. but the food they prepared are equally as healthy and yummy because of Century Corned Tuna.

photo credits: Ryan Resurreccion

I already got my Starbucks Planner 2010!

many people have been fascinated by the Starbucks Planner since it arrived here in the Philippines. i have not been a fan of it but thankful if someone would give it to me. and then i realize its worth as i have been glancing on my every day activities.

the planner will help me organize myself in a series of activities everyday. and what pride it is to have the newest Starbucks Planner every year! the new planner is hardbound -- and featuring the history of Starbucks Coffee industry in the Philippines.

it also comes in 3 designs. Roast, Espresso and Beans -- i have the Roast design which i got from the launch party at the first Starbucks Philippines branch at 6750 Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

the party was great starting the Starbucks Christmas season and serving sumptuous pastries, special treats for everyone who attended.

to have one, as all of you know, you have to collect stickers from ordering beverages from Starbucks. this year, you have to collect 9 stickers by ordering Christmas beverages: Dark Cherry Mocha, Peppermint Mocha and Toffee Nut. the other 9 stickers can be redeemed by ordering 9 beverages of your choice except juices and water.

the craze has already started! get to the nearest Starbucks branch and collect those stickers!