Trinoma Food Crawl: 5 Stops and 2 Dishes Each with Yummy Magazine Team around Trinoma Mall

             A few weeks ago, I was invited by Yummy Team (Yummy Magazine and Yummy.ph) for the Trinoma Food Crawl.  We were to sample 2 dishes from 5 restaurants located at each floor of Trinoma Mall.

First Stop: Ginza Bairin (Facebook Fan Page)

         Our first stop started at the ground level for Trinoma Garden with Ginza Bairin.  Before we sample at every restaurant, we were given a short introduction.  I got to learn that they don't do the sesame crushing in Japan where Ginza Bairin originated.

Special Katsudon Set (395 php)

          We were served two sets.  The first one is the classic Special Katsudon Set which I've tried during my visit at Ginza Bairin at UP Town Center.

Rosu Katsu Curry Set (375 php)

         I've tried and liked the Menchi Katsu with Curry Cheese Set before.  But, this simple and traditional Rosu Katsu Curry Set is better if you want to appreciate katsu for what it is...

       

       from the perfect crunchy breading to the lean Rosu meat with mallow softness.  You can choose your curry sauce to be mild or spicy.  If you want to play it safe, choose the spicy because they have chili powder on the table anyway.

Black Sesame Ice Cream and Green Tea Ice Cream

         For dessert, we had their Black Sesame Ice Cream and Green Tea Ice Cream.  I really can't choose between the two as both are very delicious!

Second Stop: Hanamaruken Ramen (Facebook Fan Page)

Our Host DJ Suzy of 89.9

      Hanamaruken Ramen is a franchise from Osaka Japan.  This can only be found at the second floor of Trinoma Gardens.

 

         I've been wanting to revisit Hanamuraken Ramen to try more of their offerings so I'm so glad that my wish was granted.  (Read about my first visit to Hanamaruken Ramen here)

Signature Happiness Ramen (480 php)

        Of course, the Signature Happiness Ramen is a must-order in every visit!

Drunk Man Rice Bowl (240 php)

         It's my first time to try the Drunk Man Rice Bowl.  It's a rice bowl topped with kakuni or fatty pork cubes, double fried eggs, red chili and green onions.  It was a glorious bowlful of flavorful fats that is mashed well with the fieriness of the red chillis.
 

Iced Green Tea (80 php)

        The Iced Green Tea is a refreshing, light and fragrant (not flowery) drink which excellently resets the palette.  I'll definitely order this on every visit from now on.

Third Stop: Mango Tree Bistro  (Facebook Fan Page)

      Mango Tree Bistro is more casual and affordable than the Mango Tree I've tried at BHS Central but their Thai dishes are also as authentic.  It is conveniently found on the third floor of Trinoma Mall.

Gai Tha Krai Yang (330 php)

Grapow Moo (380 php)

          The serving is great and the food is affordable.

Fourth Stop: Wee Nam Kee (Facebook Fan Page)

       I actually just found out  that there's a Wee Nam Kee on the fourth floor of Trinoma Mall. 

Hainanese Chicken Curry Sharing (368 php)

        I've loved the Hainanese Chicken Curry the first time.  It's so good that I don't think that my sentiments for it will ever waver.

Salted Egg Chinese Style Fried Chicken (295 php)

         The Salted Egg Chinese Style Fried Chicken is another dish I'd want to have as much as I can.  it so comforting and satisfying to munch on.

 Check out my more extensive food review on Wee Nam Kee Here

Final Stop: Pearl River Cafe (Facebook Fan Page)

           Located on the outdoor area of the fifth floor of Trinoma Mall is Pearl River Cafe.  It's my first time to try it so I'm quite estatic.  It serves authentic Chinese cuisine.

Steamed Crab Roe and Shrimp Shaomai (99 php)

       We tried a couple of their specially made dimsum.

Steamed Bun with Custard Paste and Salted Egg (65 php)

           I'm quite impress with the quality and even more thrilled that they are offered at an affordable pricing.

        So that concludes our Trinoma Food Crawl.  But, believe me there are so many more I have yet to try there like Katsu Sora for one.

Philippine National Latte Art Championship 2014: First Step Towards 2015 World Latte Art Championship in Sweden

      With more and more coffee shops even more specialized ones like third wave coffee shops, it's about time that the Philippines should emphasize on barista skills.  In partnership with the Association of Filipino Baristas Inc. (AFBI), World Coffee Events and Goldbell Philippines Corporation (Dalla Corte Philippines) officially organizes the inaugural Philippine National Latte Art Championship 2014.

Judges and Organizers of Philippine National Latte Art Championship 2014

     The Preliminary Rounds will take place on November 27 to 28 at Aloha Hotel in Roxas Boulevard while the Championship Round will be held on November 29 in SM City BF-Paranaque. 

   During my conversation with the judges, I learned that the success of a barista is based more on passion, skill and experience rather than trainings attended and certifications.  They are no schools or formal trainings required to be one especially in crafting latte art which requires a lot of creativity. 

     For the Preliminary Rounds, competitors will perform at the Bar and Stage Areas of the competition one at a time.  They have to produce a single creative latte pattern at the Bar Area and the move to the Stage Area to create two identical free-pour lattes and two identical designer lattes.  The top six highest scorers from the Preliminary Rounds will advance to the Championship Round.  They will then have to make two identical free pour espresso macchiato, two free pour identical latte and two identical designer lattes.  Overall performance will be judged.  The grand winner will represent the Philippines to the 2015 World Latte Art Championship in Sweden on June 15 to June 18, 2015.  He will also get to train in Milan in an event organized by Dalla Corte. 

     The event could not be made possible without the following sponsors: Kefseft Inc (Milk Sponsor), Citicup Corporation (Silver Sponsor), Equilibrium Intertrade Corp. (Bronze Sponsor), Dalla Corte (Espresso Machine and Grinder Sponsor), Caffe Benne (Official Espresso Sponsor) and Pulycaff (Cleaning Product Sponsor).

    Check out www.philippinenationallatteartchampionship.com for more informoation.

Bonifacio High Street Food Crawl: 6 Stops of a #BHSfoodie

Bonifacio High Street is one of our favorite places to dine.  We've got a whole loads of food adventures at Bonifacio Global City including paying to join food tours like the BGC Eats Food Tour 2013 and twice for the BGC Food Tour 2014.  But, believe me there are still so many food establishments there that we have yet to try.  So, when  we were invited to the a food bloggers event called "Bonifacio High Street Food Crawl" organized by Bonifacio High Street and the Mercato Centrale team of RJ Ledesma and Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet, we knew we couldn't miss such an amazing invite. 

First Stop: The Wholesome Table

Starting things right with something healthy, our first stop is at The Wholesome Table.  It is a concept by health advocate Bianca Elizalde.

 

According to their statement at a board plastered on its wall, they are committed to serving fresh, natural and real so all their produce comes from organic sources except fo their cheese, meats used are grass-fed, poultry and eggs are free-range, products are sourced locally whenever possible and seafood are wild-caught.  I especially like the part that states that they don't use high-fructose corn syrup or any artificial stuff and try to avoid using shortening and partially hydrogenated fats (these are converted into trans-fats when heated!).

Small Plates

Organic Mushroom Fritters (320 php)

The Organic Mushroom Fritters are tasty button mushrooms and melted mozzarella wrapped in their special Italian sausage that are breaded and deep-fried.  It is served with the tangy fresh cherry tomato sauce.

Powerbowls

Enlightenment Bowl (320 php)

The Enlightenment Bowl is a hefty bowlful of nori, carrots, edamame, shitake mushrooms, lettuce, picked onion, avocado, pea sprouts, fried tofu in ginger dressing laid on atop the brown rice.

Wood-Fired Pizzas

The Barcelona (690 php)

As the name implies, The Barcelona delivers Spanish flavors with toppings of turkey chorizo,
shitake mushrooms, roasted garlic, mozarella, grana panado and tomato sauce.

If you like alcohol, the Wholesome Mojito is a must try!  It's the best green drink ever!

2nd Stop:Village Tavern

After our wholesome first stop, we skipped to its next door neighbor Village Tavern which we're visiting for the nth time.

Roasted Bone Marrow (350 php) (see post about our 2nd Village Tavern Visit Here)

Black Pizza (475 php) (see post about our 1st Village Tavern Visit Here)

Spiced Rubbed US Prime Flank Steak (595 php)

The cool thing about Village Tavern is that they always have new specials to try for returning diners like us.  The Spiced Rubbed US Prime Flank Steak is so good!!!

3rd Stop:'Cue Modern Barbecue

Another familiar place is 'Cue Modern Barbecue.   See how much I've raved about 'Cue here.

Oink! Oink!

Campfire-Style Skillet of Queso Fundido (190 php)

The Campfire-Style Skillet of Queso Fundido is a simple but irresistible skillet filled with melted white cheddar, chopped chorizo and red tomatoes topped with cilantro and served with flour tortillas.

Hot Pork Belly Tips (245 php)

You'll forget about the guilt as you fall into bliss with the Hot Pork Belly Tips.

Bonifacio Sour (225 php) and Sweet Soul Picnic (225 php)

Fourth Stop:Tampopo

Tampopo offers the two most crazed Japanese dishes: Tonkatsu and Ramen.

It has modern Japanese booths for a unique dining experience.

Kyushu Ramen

Deluxe Tampopo Black Pig Shabu Ramen (460 php)

Don

Pork Loin Yanagawa (570 php)

Everything is so good so I'll definitely be back to try more of their dishes!

Fifth Stop: Kimukatsu

Kimukastu Assorted Set

7 Flavor Kimukatsu Set (2400 php)

Check out our previous review of Kimukatsu here.

7 flavors of juicy and 25-layered katsu!

Plus, their special sauce...

and addictive and fragrant Kohikiri Rice.

Final Stop: Wolf & Fox Gastropub

Named after the fictional characters: Mr. Wolf (sophisticated and traditional) and Mr. Fox (quirky and creative) is Wolf & Fox Gastropub, the latest addition to the Sumo Sam group of restaurants.

With a stylish bar...

and sophisticated dining area.

Climax

Bangers & Mash (348 php) *sample size

The Bangers & Mash is their home made (made from scratch) cumberland sausage served with mashed potatoes.
 

Fish and Chips (358 php) *sample size

Their take on the classic Fish and Chips using sole fish.
 

Tequila Sunrise

So here ends our Bonifacio High Street Food Crawl.   But, watch out for more as there are many more to try and discover at Bonifacio High Street!