The Foodinista: August 2017

5-Course Degustation w/ Chef You

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Our dear friend Jose A.k.a. Chef You took our sense of taste to a little adventure when he indulged us with a Personalized 5-Course Meal before he went back to the U.S. for work. I really enjoy moments like this cause we get to learn a lot of new cooking skills and tips from his knowledge & experiences.

Time is flying so fast that all of us are becoming too busy from work, adulting, doing our own thing, trying to fight our everyday struggles and forgetting how important it is to make time for special people in our lives. We usually go out on weekends when we were still in college and after graduating all of us went separate ways already so I treasure moments like this because making time for the people I love is very important to me. So near yet so far, I wish one day when we all have kids and get rich we could spend more time together.

Chef You

MUSHROOM BROTH WITH LEMON OIL

When I think of Mushroom Soup first thing that comes in mind would be traditional Creamy Mushroom Soups. I love how Chef You created a little twist on this soup dish. He used Enoki and button mushrooms for this, I love how light the soup is, I could even exchange it for Sopas which is my go to sick meal.<3

Mushroom Broth w/ Lemon Oil

KOREAN BEEF TARTARE WITH CRISPY EGG

My most favorite dish that was served during the night!
Hands-down to the Crispy Poached Egg, a crowning glory placed on top of the raw beef. The crispiness of the crumbs contrasted the softness and rawness of the beef.
The chopped pear added a hint of sweetness which made it delectable. This is so gooood!

Korean Beef tartare w/ Crispy Egg

WARM CAMAMBERT SALAD
I love salads! What made this unique would be the strawberry vinaigrette and the warm melted cheese. Sweet x Salty Combination! Lovely!

Warm Camembert Salad w/ Strawberry Vinaigrette

PORK RAGOUT LINGUINE

Pulled Pork Pasta for short!

Pork Ragout Linguine

Our friend Lance made us Blueberry Cheescake for Dessert. He didn't scrimpt on the Blueberry Sauce and Cream Cheese which made us feel like we are heaven!

Blueberry Cheescake

Good food & good company - the best time of my life!

Family

THANK YOU, CHEF YOU!

We'll miss you, See you next year! <3

Cali Kani Pizza

Shakey's Newest: Cali Kani Pizza!

Friday, August 04, 2017

Styling by: Ej Bunag | #ilovetoeathph

Lo and behold, Shakey's newest CALI KANI PIZZA!

I was invited by #TeamKaladkarin to attend Shakey's Launch of their newest creation - The Kali Cani Pizza. I saw familiar faces during the event and we were all warmly welcomed by the Shakey's family. I appreciate that they served us Pizza Fresh from the oven and insisted for us to taste it first before the photo op to fully enjoy and appreciate their masterpiece.

The Experience

East meets West in Shakey's newest masterpiece loaded with Kani, Peaches, Cucumber and Fish Roe with Japanese Sesame Dressing. The full and bold taste of Kani blends well with the light sweetness of sliced peaches with just the right amount of salty kick from the Japanese Sesame Dressing.

When I was invited I was afraid I wouldn't like the Pizza cause it might be to sweet for my liking. If you read my reviews you'd know I hate sweet viands lol. Even my boyfriend told me he's 100% sure I won't like it. Daming kontra bida

BUT!!! I LIKED IT.

🔸I was surprised that the Kani had a little Sweet x Salty taste compared to tasteless frozen Kani that can be bought in Groceries

🔸The Sesame Dressing and Fish Roe did all the magic!

🔸I wish there were more NORI sprinkled on top to add more savouriness to the overall taste of the Pizza.

🔸The peaches looked like mangoes and didn't taste like real peaches. There were only few bits per slice so the taste wasn't so prominent.

🔸BEST EATEN WHEN HOT!!! I LOVE THE CONTRAST OF THE CRISPINESS OF THE CRUST VS. THE SOFTNESS OF THE KANI.

🔸They didn't scrimp on the Kani so the distinct Kani taste is really noticeable. Hindi nagtipid. Love it!

Milk Shakes

Price: P485

*Available for a Limited Time Only

The event is SPONSORED BY SHAKEY'S

Aside from the Pizza, we were also served mojos, fried chicken, spaghetti, carbonara, milkshakes and iced tea buffet which are all awesome and classic favorites!

Thank you for inviting me Shakey's Team!

LET'S SHAKEY'S! #KANIFTW

Grilled Ensaymada

The Minokaua, Malate, Manila

Friday, August 04, 2017

The Minokaua is a newly opened bar & restaurant located along Malate along Adriatico St.

They just opened last May 2017 and have been getting known for their band menu so most of their customers come in late for the band sessions.

The restaurant is 3 story building, the third floor is a mini loft which can be reserved for intimate gatherings. It is very spacious and a perfect chill place. The vibe is so relaxing and ideal for friendly reunions while jamming to the music.

From 10am to 5pm, The Minokaua is a co-working space then from 9pm onwards it become a music bar.

The Minokaua

The music genre usually being played here are usually blues, jazz, rock and indie rock. They wanted to gear away from the mainstream pop as much as possible to create their own identity as a bar and resto. However, they don't totally closed their gates for mainstream artists to perform here.

They heavily curate the bands here and most artist that performs here are well known in their craft and in the industry.

Check out their Facebook Page for the schedule of their weekly band sesh.

2nd Floor

The usual set up of a music bar is music first, food second but the main goal of The Minokaua is to create a balance between food and music. They are giving their focus on the food as well to encourage customers to come earlier because the food is something to look forward to as well.

If you're wondering why the name Minokaua, it is derived from the Bagobo Lore, Minokawa is a gigantic bird the lives beyond the skies. It devours the moon with its strong beak and claws made of steel - explaining the lunar eclipse. To frighten the bird away, the Bagobos make a lot of noise. Amazing right?

The food is inspired by a mix of Filipino and International Cuisine. Serving is usually good for 2 to 3 people already.
The kitchen is supervised by the head chef, Chef Douglas who also became a part of Italianis and Draft so you know the food won't disappoint.

According to Chef, their Best Seller would be their Chicken Skin which we weren't able to try cause it wasn't available at that moment :( I can imagine how sinful it could be!

We have been served the following:

Wilted Taiwan Pechay Salad

Wilted Taiwan Pechay + Garlic, Grilled Tomatoes and Fried Egg

I love salads and this exceeded my expectations. I don't usually eat Pechay and I can't believe it could be a Salad but this is just so flavorful. The crunchiness of the salad added a great texture making it more delicious! Pechay for the win!

Pork Riblets

PORK RIBLETS
Bite sized pork ribs served with vinegar sauce. I prefer mine not dipped in the vinegar sauce so I can savour the saltiness of the dish.

The Minokaua Rice - Eclipse

The Minokaua Rice
They have 2 special rice dish and this one is called ECLIPSE which consists of squid, fish and squid ink. The serving is pretty big and can already be good for 4 pax.
I remember going back for this 4 times. I had 4 plates of this = CARBS!!! This is like Paella Negra or Paella infused with squid ink. The squid ink's taste is was very distinct and savory, definitely a MUST TRY!

SOLAR ECLIPSE / ANGHANG RICE

Eng Anghang naman! Paella pinalevel up maybe?

I can't say I completely hated this dish for being EXTREMELY SPICY cause it is tasty at the same time. It was bearable on my few bites pero di kinaya ng powers ko. The other foodies love it though.

Plus points for the creativity on the name of the dish!

Solar Eclipse

LAKSA STYLE MUSSEL POT

The mussels were gigantic. They didn't scrimpt on the mussels!

I find it expensive priced at P850 but It's also worth it cause the mussels were actually imported. I was surprised how it went well with the laksa. One of my favorites which was served during the night. The garlic bread as a side was perfect, dip all you want!

Laksa Style Mussel Pot

CHICKEN LOLLIPOPS

The chicken lollipops weren't extraordinary but it is a pretty good pulutan and pica pica food. It has an extra spicy sauce so I didn't enjoy it that much though the crispy chicken skin made it enjoyable for me to munch on so I just ate 1 piece haha! This is a perfect pair with a glass of beer!

Chicken Lollipops

For dessert we were served this HUGE Ensaymada. They call it GRILLED ENSAYMADA ICE CREAM MELT. This is seriously the best Ensaymada I have ever tried in my life. We were served cheese flavoured ice cream but they also serve this in Ube and Vanilla. These are home-made ice cream by the way and I was surprised that the taste is high quality! The toast effect on the bread and burnt taste from the cheese gave the whole dessert that extra Uhmpffff I was looking for! SO GOOD!

Grilled Ensaymada

We were also served cocktails and drinks during the night which accompanied us with our chismisan. I am happy to have spent time with my foodie friends. Thanks Minokaua for spoiling us!