Thursday, May 31, 2012

Masatami Shave Ice: Refreshing Hawaiian Icy Treats

Thursday, May 31, 2012 Sumi Go 33 comments

Summer's out and the dreaded rains are already in town. But before I packed up my shorts and colorful tanks, I got to try a Hawaiian icy treat which cooled me off from the unbearable scorching heat. If you frequent SM Mall of Asia, Glorietta 4 or Robinsons Galleria, then you've probably seen Masatami Shave Ice, a new yummy cooler to hit the Metro.

Rainbow Shave Ice with Snow Cap and Vanilla Ice Cream

Earlier this week, the date and I braved the non-air-conditioned south arcade of SM Mall of Asia for a leisurely stroll cum restaurant sightseeing. It was already past sunset, but it was still very humid. Fortunately, we chanced upon Masatami Shave Ice -- a refreshing green kiosk with a tropical Hawaiian theme boasting of icy desserts to give tired mall-goers their needed lift.

Yurakuen: Teppanyaki Eat-All-You-Can at Diamond Hotel

Wednesday, May 30, 2012 Sumi Go 40 comments

After enjoying a Kapampangan food fest at Diamond Hotel's Corniche earlier this month, I got the chance to revisit the hotel once again. This time, I'm in for a Japanese treat at one of the hotel's most notable dining spots -- Yurakuen Japanese Restaurant which has been included in Asian Tatler Dining's Philippine's Best Restaurants for 2011.

Conveniently located at Diamond Hotel's ground floor, this posh culinary destination boasts of providing an authentic Japanese dining experience the moment you step foot in its simple yet luxuriously-decorated restaurant space. Upon entering Yurakuen, kimono-clad attendants have led us to a marble-floored corridor which extends to a small bridge going to the main dining area famous for its beautiful glass cherry blossom tree.

Peanut Butter Company: For the Love of Peanut Butter

Monday, May 28, 2012 Sumi Go 23 comments

Do you have a favorite food item you wish was in every dish you could eat? Well, I do. Being a kid who grew up on peanut butter, I can eat this nutty and creamy treat with bread, biscuits, pancakes, bananas or even just a plain spoonful of itself. Fortunately though, there's a food establishment witty and courageous enough to offer more exciting food combos for peanut butter lovers like myself -- Peanut Butter Company (PB Co.).

Honestly, I'm not sure if PB Co. is a local food venture inspired by the New York-hailing Peanut Butter & Co. Sandwich Shop. What I'm sure of though is that this single-concept establishment has already made a great buzz in the realm of local foodies. With branches in Paseo Center, Katipunan and Mall of Asia, PB Co. has surely been satisfying the peanut butter cravings of PB lovers in the Metro.

The Chicken Rice Shop: Malaysian Chicken, Rice and More

Saturday, May 26, 2012 Sumi Go 40 comments

Even as a wandering foodie, I still haven't eaten in a lot of Malaysian food joints in the country. Although I've got a taste of Malaysian cuisine when I went to Singapore two years ago, I know I still haven't had enough. Luckily, the beau and I got to try The Chicken Rice Shop, a humble-looking quick service restaurant that turned out to have come from Malaysia.

Earlier last week while we were in Harbour Square, I convinced the beau that we dine at the first restaurant that piques my interest. And within the area, The Chicken Rice Shop came off to me as the perfect place to have dinner without splurging too much. I have to admit though, I didn't have any idea that we're already up for a Malaysian evening meal until I saw the menu. But being adventurous when it comes to food, we decided to give it a shot.

Mochi Creme: Cute and Yummy Japanese Ice Cream

Thursday, May 24, 2012 Sumi Go 54 comments

Being a desserts person, I always make sure to try new places offering sweet treats once in a while. And although I know sugar-loading is quite bad for both my health and my figure, I can't fight off the temptation when I saw a new desserts kiosk in SM Megamall -- Mochi Creme.

If you're a sweets-loving person, you've probably heard of Dezâto and Mochiko, both of which are fast-growing brands in the Metro selling mochi ice cream like what Mochi Creme generously offers. However if you haven't yet, mochi ice cream is a Japanese confectionery made from glutinous rice pounded into paste, molded into circular shapes and filled with ice cream. And since I like almost anything Japanese (as you can infer from my nickname), it was just expected that Mochi Creme grabbed my attention.

Li Li Chinese Restaurant: Dimsum Fest at Hyatt Hotel

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 Sumi Go 62 comments

After a feast at Market Café two months ago, I found myself at the luxurious hall of Hyatt Hotel yet again. This time though, I'm in for a Chinese dimsum fest at one of the hotel's pride, the award-winning Li Li Chinese Restaurant which didn't only receive recognition from Philippine Tatler and Dineasia but was also part of Miele Guide's top 20 best restaurants in Asia.

Located at Hyatt Hotel's 5th floor, this lavishly-decorated restaurant takes after a very prominent socialite in Hong Kong by the name of Lili Ho. Influenced by her high life, travels and love for tasteful art, the restaurant reflects Lili's elegant and charming home in Hong Kong not only through its authentic Cantonese cuisine, luxurious oriental interiors, sophisticated conversation pieces and ambient lighting, but also with its dining areas and function rooms.

Sweet Bella Café: Cakes, Pastries and More

Saturday, May 19, 2012 Sumi Go 42 comments

Everyone knows my love for both good food and great deals. Since I eat out almost every other day, it's just necessary that I attempt to get a dining experience for a discounted price. So when Sweet Bella Café volunteered itself as my next discount dining destination through a 50% off deal at Ensogo, I just know I shouldn't pass up the chance.

Located in the restaurant-filled Burgos Circle, The Fort, Sweet Bella Café is a French-style patisserie boasting of the saccharine creations of Chef Cristina Santiago Rivera. Although cakes, macarons, pralines and specialty breads are aplenty, Sweet Bella Café also offers a generous selection of salads, sandwiches, pasta, pizza and more. Thus, it's a perfect place for a nice afternoon date over food and desserts.

413th Foundation Day & Malabon Kulinarya Festival 2012

Thursday, May 17, 2012 Sumi Go 45 comments

Malabon has acquired a reputation of being a sunken town in the Metro. But for someone who has lived in this humble city for 18 years, I grew to love my hometown and call it our local Venice. This May, Malabon City celebrates its 413th Foundation Day. And in line with this important occasion, the city government launched its first Kulinarya Festival to showcase our city's culinary tradition and distinct food heritage.

Held at the Dampa sa Paseo in Catmon, Malabon City, bloggers and members of the press got to witness the opening ceremony of Malabon Kulinarya Festival 2012 this Tuesday (May 15). The media launch kicked off with a cooking demo from Center for Culinary Arts (CCA) founder Ms. Annie Pascual-Guerrero, assisted by Chef Mira Cruz who both hail from the city.

Phat Wong Asian Cafe: Modern Oriental Sharing Menu

Monday, May 14, 2012 Sumi Go 34 comments

Whether it be Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai or any other oriental cuisine, I seem to share an instant connection with the sweet, savory, spicy and distinct flavors of Asian dishes. I guess as much as we try to veer away from stereotypes, being an Asian, it's just normal to love the gustatory delights that are truly ours. And I'm sure, the Lolo Dad's Group also shares the same as they bring us Phat Wong Asian Cafe.

Located in Nicanor Garcia (formerly Reposo), Phat Wong Asian Cafe is a fairly new restaurant offering both a feast for the palate and for the eyes. Although it took the spot of the old Ricco Renzo gallery cum café, Phat Wong retained the art as its quaint dining space doesn't only house long and round tables, but also marvelous pieces of visual masterpieces.

Corniche: Culinaria Capampangan at Diamond Hotel

Saturday, May 12, 2012 Sumi Go 41 comments

Food has always been my passion. But although I always try to keep an open mind and palate for different cuisines, I have a hard time appreciating our own Filipino food fare due to taste fatigue. Fortunately, a delightful gustatory wonder by the name of Corniche, one which I've already visited a few months ago, takes Kapampangan cuisine into the limelight and gives it an added flair. With renowned Chef Sau Del Rosario heading the kitchen, Diamond Hotel brings us Culinaria Capampangan Food Festival from May 10 to 19.

Boasting a wide array of food selection, Corniche still carries its spread of international favorites -- salads, appetizers, fresh seafood, Asian cuisine and desserts. However, Diamond Hotel amps up the whole dining experience with Chef Sau Del Rosario's decadent masterpieces featuring genuine flavors from the culinary capital of the Philippines, Pampanga.

And to make dining at Corniche exciting, this luxurious hotel has partnered with Philippine Airlines to give diners a chance to win two round trip airline tickets to Bohol with complimentary accommodation for two nights. Now, that's one tasty cherry on top of an already great deal!

Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino: Healthy and Delicious

Friday, May 11, 2012 Sumi Go 43 comments

If you haven't noticed yet, my friends and I have already jumped onto the healthy eating bandwagon. And after trying out a few healthy food destinations, we decided to amp it up and finally get a taste of real vegetarian dishes at Pipino, Vegetarian Food by Pino.

Located at Malingap Street in the restaurant-filled Teachers Village, Quezon City, Pipino is actually a vegan restaurant taking pride of bridging healthy and delicious to both vegetarians and curious foodies like ourselves. Co-owned by Ms. Alessandra Lanot and the Pino group, this dainty and refreshing dining spot conveniently sits on the 2nd floor of Pino Resto Bar.

Circles Event Café: Persian Delights at Makati Shangri-la

Thursday, May 10, 2012 Sumi Go 39 comments

Hotel restaurant hopping has been one of my hobbies these past few months. But although I've already been to quite a number of luxurious dining spots, I still haven't tried the wonderful gustatory treats at Circles Event Café in Makati Shangri-la Hotel. Luckily, I got invited earlier last week to sample Circles' offering for their Monday Persian Delights.

Located in the heart of the financial and commercial district, Circles Event Café is Makati Shangri-la Hotel's casual dining restaurant serving a plethora of Asian and Western dishes on its glorious buffet spread. However, for our recent trip, we didn't get to pig out on the buffet offerings as we had something more special -- a taste of Persia personally prepared by Executive Sous Chef Hamed Ghayedi.

Quantum Cafe: Healthy Eating with SPIT Manila

Tuesday, May 08, 2012 Sumi Go 43 comments

Although Pinoys generally love eating sugar-packed and cholesterol-loaded dishes, the Metro has surprisingly catch on the bandwagon with the advent of healthy eating. With more and more Filipinos gearing towards a healthier lifestyle, it's no wonder that food establishments offering healthy meals start to grow in number. And after getting a taste of what healthy eating is all about, my friends and I decided to try Quantum Cafe in Makati next.

Located in Kamagong corner Bagtikan Street, Quantum Cafe is the Feraren's extended home, a space offering a mix of long and small tables, and a stage for entertainment. And with a simple and casual ambiance coupled with a slightly dim lighting, this healthy food destination proves that you need not show off and be fancy to give guests a cozy hangout spot.

Roboto San: Japanese Grill Buffet in Bonifacio Global City

Monday, May 07, 2012 Sumi Go 36 comments

After SumoSam, John and Yoko, Marciano, and Mr. Kurosawa, a new icon in the name of Roboto San, comes to town. Set in the year 2089, Tokyo is under attack by alien robots and only the ultimate robot -- Roboto San, can rescue the world from destruction.

In the war against alien invasion, Roboto San doesn't only fight for the world and the humanity. Aside from being the ultimate robot of the future, he also puts up a great buffet spread for everyone to feast upon. Strategically located in Crossroads, Bonifacio Global City, Roboto San will generously offer anyone a feel of the future with its sleek and sharp interiors, purple walls, white interlacing panels and servers in white and silver uniforms.

FrosTea: Katipunan's Newest Milk Tea Hub

Saturday, May 05, 2012 Sumi Go 55 comments

Milk tea shops which were once only found in Taiwan, have been a common sight in various malls and even on the streets of the Metro. With a continuously growing market, it's just expected that more and more milk tea stores will sprout like mushrooms. However, even with multitudes of milk tea cafés, kiosks and stalls taking the Philippines by storm, only a few managed to captivate my taste buds. One of which is FrosTea in the Katipunan area.

FrosTea is fairly new in the milk tea scene. Having only opened its doors last January, it's still a budding lounge for milk tea enthusiasts like myself. However, FrosTea has already been growing a decent following mostly made up of students in the area. With an extensive line of beverages, a cozy contemporary café atmosphere, and a strong Wi-Fi to boot, it's not surprising that FrosTea is already becoming one of Katipunan's must-try milk tea shops.

Daily Quickie: Frank&Carol's Milk and Dark Chocolate Cake

Friday, May 04, 2012 Sumi Go 47 comments

Daily Quickie is a short tag on the title which I use for blog entries about food I'm snacking at home, work or anywhere.

Earlier this year, I started my 2012 right with a trip to a one-stop desserts shop that is Parvati, the place where I first got to try Frank&Carol's chocolate cake. Just to try my luck, I joined Frank&Carol's giveaway and surprisingly, I won myself a one-year supply of their delectable chocolate cakes. (Something new for someone as unusually unlucky as me.)

Frank&Carols 6-inch Milk Chocolate Cake P550

If you remember my first encounter with Frank&Carol's Milk Chocolate Cake, I've described it as a lovely treat so moist, so rich and so smooth on the palate. And with the 6-inch Milk Chocolate Cake (P550) counterpart that I got as a prize, the same description still holds true.

Cafe Publico: Gelato, Snacks and People

Wednesday, May 02, 2012 Sumi Go 40 comments

Summer this year has been unforgiving. With the scorching heat of the sun majestically shining upon the Metro, I often find myself dehydrated and craving for cold and refreshing icy snacks. Good thing there are a number of gelaterias around to give us our needed cooling session, one of which is Cafe Publico in Greenhills.

Located at the 2nd level of Greenhills Promenade, this quaint snack bar and gelato destination is perfect not only for hungry foodies, but also for the barkada and even for the whole family. Cafe Publico may not be a full service restaurant, but they carry a good selection of chips, sandwiches, pasta dishes and refreshments, along with their extensive line of home-made creamy summer coolers -- gelatos.