How To Cook Pinakbet With Bacon

Pinakbet Is A Popular Filipino Vegetables That is A Staple for people residing in the northern part of the country.  I have made it more appetizing by adding bacon.   Because everything tastes better with it!

Ingredients:

250 Grams Bacon

1 Medium Sized Onion

4 Cloves of Garlic

2 Medium Sized Tomatoes

2 Table Spoon of Shrimp Paste

1 Cup of Squash Cut Into Cubes

2 Eggplant Cut Into 2 Inch Strips

1 Bitter Gourd Slice Thinly

1 Cup Of Water

1 Beef Broth Cube

1 Cup of String Beans  Cut Into 2 Inch Lengths

1 Cup of Okra Cut Into 2 In Lengths

Salt and Pepper To Taste

Procedure:

1. Fry Bacon until golden crispy brown and reserve the rendered oil
2. On the same pan, saute onions and galic and crush the tomatoes with a spoon.
3. Add shrimp paste and saute for 2 minutes
4. Stir in Squash, Eggplant and Bitter Gourd.  
5. Add the water and beef cubes.
6. When the squash is slightly cooked, add string beans and okra and simmer until tender.
7. Add pepper and adjust with salt when necessary.  
8. Transfer to a serving dish and top with bacon slices
9. Enjoy!

Make sure to try this at home and comment below how it goes!

Best Foodie Spots In Mandaluyong During Quarantine

The quarantine should not stop us in experiencing places. One way to get to know your city is through its food. Now that most food establishments are open, join us on a food tour of Mandaluyong City in the Philippines to get to know our culture through our food!

My Top 5 Foodie Finds in Pampanga

Having been assigned in Pampanga for work for more than a month, I was able to try out dishes and restaurants that made the province known for its culinary creations.  Here are my top 5 picks.

1. Aling Lucing Sisig

Located at the heart of Angeles City, finding the place can be a challenge. Click on the photo for the location details.

A visit to Pampanga would not be complete without trying the authentic and original Sisig.  They also have a wide selection of grilled items to choose from.  Remember to dress comfortably because the restaurant in non air conditioned and the best time to visit is late afternoon.

2. Mila's Tokwat Baboy

I find it easier to navigate to Milas Tokwat Baboy.  It's just parallel to Macarthur Highway close the welcome arc to Angeles City from San Fernando.

They take pride in their Tokwat Baboy, but their crispy version of Sisig is also popular.  It best paired with their Fern Salad and plenty of rice.

3. 1956 Downtown Cafe

Have you ever tried a Halo Halo sweetened by a Pastillas Cream made from Carabao's milk.  That's just one of the many must try offering s of the restaurant.  On a seperate visit, I was able to sample their Adobo Confit and the Kare Kare.
Downtown cafe is located at the Nepo Quad Center in Angeles City.

Read more of my Downtown cafe experience by clicking on the photo!

4. Apu

I discovered this award winning restaurant by accident.  I was on my way to find an ATM when I chanced upon their modern exterior with a half chopped Lechon displayed on their window.  There's nothing much to see on the first level, but the 2nd floor dining area is sight to behold.  The neutral colors are balanced with the intricately tufted leather seats and wood accents.

They take pride in their Kare-kare, but with a serving portion good for 3 persons, I settled on trying their Lechon.

Apu is located along Sto. Rosario street in Angeles City right before the Holy Rosary Cathedral coming from San Fernando.

5. The Souq

Another beautifull decorated restaurant in Pampanga is Souq, located along Lazatin Blvd. in San Fernando City.

I was a fan of their furniture collection and their venture into the restaurant business is brilliant move.  They offer fuzion food with a capampangan twist, like the Tinapa Pesto Pasta I had.

Make sure you have a big appetite the next time you visit the province.http://moleinthefoot.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-vios-venture-aling-lucings-sisig.html

What's New in Foodie Kapitolyo

They're not really new establishments, but more of recently explored.

Most would probably frequent the restaurants and establishments along the major street of East and West Capitol, but the side street offers more interesting options.

Click on the link for more of restaurants in Kapitolyo:
Kapitolyo Restaurants

Breakfast at Juanita's

Start your day at Breakfast at Juanita's just beside the famous Cafe Juanita.  They're open as early as 6 AM, serving Filipino Breakfast Meals elevated to new heights.  Try their Chicken Arroz Caldo and Embotido.  The quirky, colourful, eclectic interiors refreshes you to start the day.

Breakfast at Juanita's Signature Embotido

Chicken Arroz Caldo with its array of condiments

Lunch at Pomodoro Pizza

Pomodoro Pizza is located at the corner of San Rafael St. and Sta. Rosa St.  From Shaw Blvd., turn left immediately after passing the gate.

As what the name suggests, they serve Pizza and Pasta, with selections of Italian- Filipino fusion.  On my visit, I tried their Filipino Puttanesca.

Pomodoro Pizza at Night (Photo grabbed from Pomodora Pizza FB Page)

Pomodoros Pinoy Puttanesca

Snack at Kapitolyo Gastro Park

The Park offers countless options, from Mexican-Filipino to Thai - Mexican Fusion, enough to satisfy every craving.

The Filipino Sandwich Bar, serves snack sandwiches filled with filipino favourites like Lechon and Adobo among many others.

The Park is located along 1st Street.  Coming from Shaw Blvd, enter the Gate to Kapitolyo, and turn right at United St.  Immediately after, turn right again to 1st St., where theres a Chinabank at the corner.  Gastro Park is located on the right.

The Filipino Sanwich Bar Food Truck

Ever tried a Mexican Bulalo?

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Mexican Bulalo

Dinner at Ser Chef's Lechon

Right across Kapitolyo Gastro Park is Ser Chef's Lechon, known for their Lechon Macau, which is what we had for Dinner.

Lechaon Macau Rice at 145 Pesos

With this much food option, make sure your hungry the next time you drive by Kapitolyo.

Downtown 1956 Cafe, A Taste of Nostalgia in Pampanga

Pampanga is known as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines.  Among the significant people that made it popular if Chef Claude Tayag. The person behind Bale Dutung, a by appointment only restaurant in his home where one can sample and experience the best of Capampangan Cuisine.

I have always wanted to visit the place, but the price is just too much for my budget.  That was until I chanced upon a show that features Downtown Cafe from the Asian Food Channel.

Downtown Cafe operated by the same family and is located at The Quad at Nepo Mart in Angeles City.

Here you can sample traditional Filipino dishes with the signature Claude Tayag twist.  The  restaurant is inspired by the late 50's with its leather upholstered chairs, and vintage decors.  It reminded me of the old Diners in Avenida, Sta. Cruz.

I'm currently trying to loose wight, preparing myself for Summer, but I give in to their Lechon Belly Adobo Confit with Mango and Eggplant Salsa.

You can nibble on their Camote Chips while waiting for your meal.  I would have wanted to sample more of their menu, but I have nobody to share it with.

A few minutes later, the food arrived and it tasted just as good as it looks.  This is probably the best Adobo, I've ever tasted.  Even better than my Moms. Sorry Nanay!

Since, my cheat day arrived early, I decided to end my meal with their Halo-Halo, made special by Pastillas and Creamy Carabao's Milk.

I will continue coming back until I have sampled all the food they offer.

Vest Ramen In Town, A Must Visit In Malate

Being notorious for traffic, Manila is now becoming just a stopover for most tourist to the island destinations of the country.

But for those who want to get immersed in the history of our capital city, a tour of Intramuros is a must, and synonymous to that is sampling the food and night life in Malate.

Get the Island feel in the City!

There are a few establishments in this part of Manila worth trying. As I recently discovered, Vest Ramen along Adriatico St. gives you a glimpse of how diverse our culture is.  The place reminds me of an Island Shack somewhere in Boracay where you can just hangout over a few bottles of beer paired with our local favourite beer-match the sisig, while watching people pass by.  Except of course, the place is located on a busy street, and surprisingly among the items that made them popular is their Ramen.

Don't be discouraged by its appearance.  The Ramen they serve here is among the best in the city. and the most expensive variant they offer is only 90 pesos (2USD).  Its no surprise that the place is always full, and you would probably wait a bit longer to get seated and served.

My 90 Peso Tantanmen

It's also the cheap and safe place to try other Filipino street food.  Take a chance on the unfamiliar offerings from their menu.

If ever you find yourself in Malate, don't forget to check this place out!  It's located close to Remedios Circle beside Malate Pensionne.

Its this good!

Ramen Cool Lunch Set, When a Bento Box Is Not Enough

Why would you want to be limited to a bento box, when you can have a lunch set like this!

Ramen Cool Pasig has daily lunch offering for as low as 199 pesos. All meal comes with an Iced Coffee, Kani Salad and Egg Roll. The Ramen Set, is a combination of Chashu Ramen, with Fried Rice and Gyosa!  This had been my favorite Friday Meal. 

Date Night at Barbara's Heritage Restaurant

It's been more than 2 months since my partner moved to Cebu for work, and we have been coping with the long distance set-up.  We have been trying to visit each other as often as we can and fortunately for him, his works requires him to be in Manila every so often.  We originally planned for the 3rd weekend, but his work demanded he comes over last October 9 for his Monday meeting.

Photo credit to Barbara's Heritage Restaurant Facebook Page

This is his first weekend back in Manila and we want to make it special.  It was a friend's Facebook post that convinced us to try Barbara's in Intramuros.  I have heard about their dinner buffet that comes with cultural show, but its only this Saturday that we found time to actually visit.

I called the number posted on the web (+632 527 3893) to make reservation and found out that dinner service starts at 6:00PM and show starts at 7:15PM.

In spite of the traffic in Manila, we were able to arrive at Plaza San Luis Complex just before 7:00PM.  The buffet selection was a mix of Filipino and International dishes.  Don't expect a spread as huge as Vikings.  This is not the place to get get stuffed.  They offer 2 meat dishes, a fish option, vegetable, pasta, rice and soup, plus a separate station for dessert.  I think its a good deal for 699 pesos and lunch buffet is even cheaper at 549 pesos.  The crowd was a mix of locals, Balik-bayans, and tourists.

The buffet, offering a mix of International and Filipino food!

The Dessert Station

The Cultural show started as scheduled with the 3-man Rondalla, followed by a series of dances.  First, they highlighted the Spanish inspired dances, followed by the Muslim and was capped by the Fiesta theme.

The beautiful Curtural Dancers of Barbara's!

Audience we're given the opportunity to try out "Tinikling".  The dance that would challenge your coordination as you hop to the beat trying to avoid getting your feet trapped between the bamboo.

My attempt at Tinikling!

I really enjoyed the evening.  I like the Nostalgic Charm of the restaurant, the food, and Cultural show makes it worth the visit.  Plus, its a real value for money.

Singapore in 48 Hours

4:00 PM Arrived at Woodland Station

After unloading, you need to walk to the main Station and purchase train shuttle tickets to Woodlands Station in Singapore.  Passport exit control is done just before you board the train.  Take note of the departure time schedule.  From JB Station in Malaysia, it will only take 5 minutes to reach Singapore.

The 5 Minute train ride from Malaysia to Singapore

 4:32 PM Woodlands Station

As first time visitors of Singapore with a Philippine Passport, and having Malaysia as an entry point,  they took time in documenting our arrival.  We were taken to the office for fingerprints and a few questions.  They were polite the entire time though.

With the growing numbers of Filipinos working there, It's understandable.

We stopped by Macdonalds for a quick snack.  All we had to eat the entire train ride was hotdog sandwiches and chips.

7:00 PM Took the MRT to Bugis Station to meet friends who will host us for the 2 Nights.

7:45 PM Took the MRT to Raffles

8:00 PM Dinner at Makansutra Gluttons Bay

Makansutra Gluttons Bay

8:30 PM Explored the Esplanade, Watch the Light Show of Marina Bay Sands, The Merlion

Admiring the Cityscape

Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion, Iconic Landmarks of Singapore

The Original Merlion

10:00 PM Took a Taxi to Tantric Bar for a Tower of Beer

12:00 AM Took a Taxi to Chai Chee Road, our home for 2 Nights.

11:00 AM Walked to Bedok Station and took the MRT to Raffles.

11:20 AM Transfer fro Raffles to Vivo City

12:00 PM Lunch at Vivo City Food Court

1:00 PM Universal Studios Singapore

Catch the 4PM Waterworld Show

8:00 PM Explored Bugis Street Market

8:30 PM Dinner at Chong Qing Steamboat

10:30 PM MRT to Bedok

11:00 PM Home at Chai Chee

11:00 AM Gardens By The Bay

12:00 PM Dining at Skytree

The Platter at Indochine Restaurant at Skytree

View from the Top of the Skytree

Refined version of the popular Mango Sticky Rice

4:00 PM Singapore Changi Airport