Table for Three, Please.

In our home, my Ibanag mom calls cow udders as “Pukal” but in Tagalog it’s called “Sinuso”. I thought of writing about this because it’s been years since my family encountered this dish again and I learned that’s this is not quite a common part to eat today. I’ve done a bit of reading online …read »

I found myself at the airport parking lot one evening, looking for something to chew on. Food choices at the airport are pretty slim, so I took a peek at the coffee shop. I found something that I hadn’t eaten in ages: egg pie. I wasn’t sure if the slice of egg pie was so …read »

Hi, my name is Sanju and I am a Twinkie virgin.   Well, no longer as I was finally able to try this iconic confection recently.  I actually had two chances within the past few months.  Initially, I was gifted one by Richard of talesfromthetummy.com.  However, my kids ate the aforementioned Twinkie before I had …read »

I know that this is a food blog, however, I will divert from regular programming to talk about the recent win of our Gilas National Basketball Team against Korea. I normally leave the sportswriting to my friend Rick Olivares.  Check out his excellent blog Bleachers Brew for more in depth analysis when you have the …read »

There’s a big chance that you’ve all seen jars of speculoos spread, both smooth and crunchy, in all forms of social media. I am guilty of posting a couple of photos myself. I was lucky enough to have discovered this a year before it became extremely popular through some friends who brought me a jar …read »

The past two years have been great. I traveled quite a bit, ate in a few Michelin starred restaurants and many holes in the wall as well. I also collaborated on a book and met many new friends along the way. Unfortunately, enjoying life too much has consequences. I gained 20 lbs. Despite exercising 6 …read »

Did you ever drink Yakult as a child? I still remember the TV ads talking about Lactobacilli Shirota strain and a flash of the digestive tract on the screen with the matching Yakult tune. It seemed to me that every home had a pack of Yakult in the fridge since I had so much of …read »

Oxfam is an international organization that aims to educate people about the related issues of climate change, food security, agriculture and social disparities. GROW is Oxfam’s new campaign for better ways to grow, share and live together. A campaign for the billions of us who eat food and over a billion of men and women …read »

Tip your waiter, please The restaurant scene in Manila tends to shadow (not always in a positive way) the American experience – specifically, our growing obsession with the idea of  the ‘Celebrity Chef’.  This is not necessarily a bad thing. Any marketing expert will tell you, it is important to put a face on your …read »

Roasted Scallops and Shrimp with Spiced Pumpkin Puree The response to Dinner for Dessert was overwhelming. So overwhelming in fact, we have decided to open a second seating. These are the  details to keep in mind: When: Wednesday, October 24, 2012. Where: The Goose Station, W Tower, 1117 39th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro …read »

Freshly baked bread. I try to avoid bringing my professional life into my on-line existence. But in this case, I had to make an exception.  I could not help but share the visual experience of these warm,  artisanal works of baking art. The pictures were just too deliciously beautiful not to share. Chef  Tonyboy Escalante …read »

Banh Mi : Pork Pate, Pickled Vegetables, Nam Pla, Country Ham   a.k.a. The Calm Before the Pork Storm. Chef Him and Chef Sharwin have been busy tweaking the final dishes for our Beyond the Porkchop: A Nose to Tail Epicurean Adventure this coming Monday. And we have to say it’s been a very tasty …read »

My maternal grandfather was my first foodie partner-in-crime.  Although I lived in Manila, I used to spend my summers in Cebu, where my mother’s family is based.  One afternoon–I must have been 6 years old–it was only my grandfather and myself left at home.  Everyone else, including my grandmother, was busy working in the family …read »

It’s the final stretch as voting period ends this May 25 for the 2012/2013 Miele Guide. And as we’re hoping for, say, Antonio’s or The Goose Station to make it on the list; it’d be great to get Philippine representation in general in the Top 10 for this upcoming edition. Just to show that eating can …read »

I chuckled while browsing through the Team Manila shop in Rockwell yesterday. And though upon research this limited edition t-shirt line was launched late last year, the concept incorporating an unusual and unexpected Pinoy brand remains pretty fresh. Too cool to be left unnoticed; at least to those in the know of Mang Tomas‘ goodness. …read »