Silantro Fil - Mex Cantina, Kapitolyo

I almost forgot that I got a blog haha! Been busy with work and my food buddies are nowhere to be found. Thank God, He gave me a new gang of foodies so we are back to business. Yehey!!

A friend recommended Silantro, a Fil Mex food joint located in East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo Pasig. 

As soon as we got there, we saw a queue of people outside waiting. A good sign that we're up to good food. 

The place was quite small but you can still manage to eat even your with a large group.

The staff told us that the servings are good for 2-3pax so we decided to order 5 different dishes from their menu. 

First up: Beef Nachos 180php

the mozzarella!!! 

The Nachos were something to crave for! 

I didn't really understand what the waiter explained to me when we were ordering (he told me what's included in the nachos -- well everything that was on the menu haha) but who cares! it was sooo yummy

Silantro's Quesadillas and Beef Quesadillas 160php/each

Both quesadillas were packed with goodness. The difference between the two, the former was more on the veggie side and the latter was packed with good tasting beef.

We also grab their famous paella and taco Completo

Silantro's Paella Fajita Mix 250php

Soft Taco Completo 110php

We were super full after eating all of those goodies. Everything was awesome and delicious. No wonder people were lining up. 

After making our tummies happy, we went to St. Patrick's for some booze. Thanks to Jassy for the pictures and Panic for the invitation. Got myself new food buddies :D

Here's the picture of the gang :D 

If you want more of Silantro, check their FB account here 

He's not worth it -- Carmen's Best Ice cream

That moment when you feel so alone...
You feel so sad...
You think that he is not really worth it...
You wanna cry...
or better, EAT ICE CREAM!

Before it was featured in KrisTv, I've been craving for Carmen's Best Ice cream since last year. Too bad it was not available in groceries and you need to contact first distributors to buy this tub of heaven. - which I'm soo lazy to do.

However, my sister went to Puregold and called me up from my office to inform me that she found my craving. I asked her to buy it for me and after she browsed all of the flavors, one stood out among the rest -- "HE'S NOT WORTH IT!" Yes, this name is an ice cream flavor.

"He's not worth is it" is their version of chocolate mudpie. I loved chocolate so much that it made me excited to go home straight. On my way home, I came up an idea that aside from eating from the tub, I can buy some fruits that may go along with it. So got some ways how I enjoyed my ice cream...

with kiwi ala mode

or choco cookie on top

well the ideas are endless. Even their ice cream is already full of flavor, you can still tweak it a little depending on your hearts desire.

I can say that Carmen's best is truly the best. The chocolate flavor was intense - and I love it. the brownie pieces (if im right ) were soft and even it is pricey, you still get what you paid for. 

Two thumbs up for me and hoping to grab other flavors in the future.

Hello Summer -- Cara Mia Geleteria

My favorite gelato shop just welcomed summer with a Buy One Take One promo. Cara Mia Gelateria just released 4 new flavors to choose from: Turtle Pie, Chunky Monkey, Mango Cream Pie and Apple Pie.

The promo is good only from April 11-12 (Sat -Sun) and for single scoop purchases only. You just need to buy one new flavor and the classic flavor is for free.

photo courtesy of caramia.ph

I can't decide which flavor to choose. The 4 new flavors are so tempting but I went out alone so I got no one to share with. 

I just ordered Turtle Pie -- Chocolate, Caramel and roasted pecans and Strawberry Supreme 

Other choices were Apple pie -- Granny Smith Apple Gelato, cinnamon and graham pie crust

Chunky Monkey -- Banana Gelato, chocolate and nuts and 

Mango Cream Pie -- Mango Gelato with fresh mango chunks and shortbread pie crust

Got curious with the Chunky Monkey when I first saw it a day before the promo. It has the same name with my favorite Ben and Jerry's flavor so I decided to buy it last Friday. It was more on the banana taste and I enjoyed the crunchiness of the nuts. However, I still prefer the latter -- I can't compare the two cause Cara Mia offers gelato and Ben and Jerry's is great with ice cream. 

Got my cups and I felt a little sad that thinking I'm alone yesterday and don't have someone to share with the other scoop. I thought they will all place it on the same cup but I was wrong...

I should have called Mr. Cheezecke (my best food buddy) to join me but we both got busy schedules. Anyhow, the gelato removed my sorrow cause it tasted awesome! the chocolate flavor is so deep that chocoholics will get addicted to this. The strawberry has a yogurty flavor and I loved it cause it mellows down the strong chocolate taste from the turtle pie.

It was not a bad afternoon at all. At least I was able to beat the summer heat before going home from work. So better go to one of their branches since the promo is only for 2 days.

Visit their website for other gelato choices: Caramia.ph 

Happy Macaron day!

I baked cakes and some pastries but one thing I don't create are macarons.

I prefer buying them cause I can get assorted flavors and I know one place where you can get the best macarons :D 

Bizu Patisserie is well known for their delectable cakes and pastries. When it comes to macarons, they got a vast of flavors to choose from. 

Yesterday it was macarons day. To celebrate it, I bought some for me and my sister to indulge with. And because of the occasion, Bizu also gave out a free macaron to their guests. 

got a free Caramel Fleur de Sel macaron :D 

Clockwise: Italian Pistacio (55php) Tanariva (65php) Dulce de Leche (55php) Blueberry (55php) Alpaco (65php) Coffee Espresso (55php) and Tainori (65php) 

if you want to know more about their other macaron flavors, you can check this link 
http://www.bizupatisserie.com/our_patisseries/products/44/45

I miss the rose flavor that they offer. Its not on the list anymore but they changed it to Lychee Rose.

The premium chocolate macarons are sooo yummy I want more. its kinda pricey though but I love to indulge with food once in a while. Why cmon it was macarons day so better to celebrate! 

You can visit Bizu 2nd Floor The Podium for some sweet treats. 

A taste of Sicily - Cantina Sicilianita

Suddenly its magic! 

I thought I'll spend another Valentine's day inside the house - well I treat Vday as a normal day cause I don't have someone special to spend it with. But yesterday was different. Went out with my food buddy for some Italian experience. 

We both craved for cannoli and one of the spots that has it is at Cantina Sicilianita. Its a small resto located at Facilities Centre Building, 548 Shaw Boulevard, Highway hills, Mandaluyong. 

The ambiance was nice so was the food. I made reservations as suggested by Zomato since its the weekend and cmon it was Valentine's yesterday. Good thing we arrived at 3pm - siesta time so we are the only customers that time.

We ordered Arancini (Italian Rice with Meat Sauce) -- 180php 

Crunchy, flavorful risotto balls with pancetta ragu. We shared this antipasti and I can say its the best! its really yummy that we ate it slowly just to enjoy the taste. 

He ordered: Gambaretti Fra Diavolo (Spicy Shrimp Linguine) -- 210php

He said that it was really delicious. I tasted it and yes, it has that kick of chili. Love the taste of fresh tomatoes and shrimps.  

For my dish, Vongole con Pomodorini (Clams with Cherry Tomatoes) -- 170php

For me it was a humble dish. Good thing they used short neck clams which made it yummy. It was light and creamy and what made me satisfied was the pasta. It was cooked perfectly.

We won't end our early dinner (well I dunno what you call it if its 3pm lol) without the dessert. Of course we ordered their famous Cannoli Siciliani -- 170php for 2pcs 

This is the first time we ate cannoli. It was creamy and the shells are tasty and still crunchy. It was good to end up the meal. 

We also ordered Chardonnay -- 150php / glass to complement our pasta dishes. 

So it was my first Valentine's day to have someone to dine with (aside from my sister) I'm so grateful to my food buddy that he keep me company on heart's day. I'm also thankful that he manage to take pictures for my blog. 

If you want to taste a part of Sicily, make your reservations to Cantina Sicilianita they are open from Monday - Saturday from 10am - 9 pm

For reservations you can call them at 02 5702905 or 0999 490072

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CantinaSicilianita

Bunnyfied --- The Bunny Baker

Valentine's day is just few days to go and if you don't have a place in mind yet where to set your date, this cafe can be added to your sweet list. 

If your gf is "kikay" (if you are a guy) or you are someone who loves pink, you will definitely love The Bunny Baker. Ultimate cuteness -- that is what I can say for this cafe. Everything is so cute and adorable that it will remove all your stress away. 

Thanks to my friend Jane who posted a lot of things about The Bunny Baker thru Facebook. I got curious and surprised that its just near my place. So me and my sister went there for a Sunday coffee. 

The interiors are so girly and I loved the pink and bunny concept. The chairs were like bunny ears and the lights were like origami. 

I don't know if men will love this place cause its so girly but cmon! real men love pink :D and they will love their menu offerings.

The Bunny Baker is not only for people who has sweet tooth. They got a selection of pastas, all - day breakfast, soups, salads and a lot more.

Check their menu in Zomato by clicking here 

My sister ordered Bunny Cristo 220php -- TBB's version of Monte Cristo; mozzarella, ham and raspberry preserve. That marriage of savory and sweet got me (yep my sister ordered it but I can't resist having a bite cause its so yummy)

Next, I ordered something listed for the kids and that was the Corndog duo 195php 

It may look simple outside but the corndog was outstanding! I hated corndog cause I bought one before from a different store and it was bland and too moist (this time, the smiley made me order it and I'm happy that I made a good decision)  It was crunchy and flavorful. Yes, the smiley made my day haha.

Then there was coffee. I ordered coffee mocha 140php and for my sister, matcha latte 175php. We were so lucky that the latte artist was there to put some art on our drinks. 

There was a lot of effort making my latte. Requested for Hello Kitty Bastardino but because of the foam, it got a little bit disfigured but cmon! its still there and I soo love it! but for the sake of those who can't figure out the image, here is the copy :D 

They will create whatever you ask. My bad I chose a complicated picture -- yah there's alot of spikes yikes! haha

Now for the desserts. We got full after eating so we didn't order for any dessert -- Just joking! 

We had TBB's cute Bunny Macarons 75php/each - Chocolate and Vanilla. 

and thank you for the Facebook Offer, aside from the macarons we got a scoop of FREE gelato. The promo is only up to Feb 21. and my choice of gelato?

Irish cream 110php/scoop

I love any food that has booze. Even my doctor advised me to refrain from coffee, chocolates and alcohol, this needs to be on my list (well one day won't hurt right? -- darn this heartburn lol)

Overall, the experience was great and the food was good. I will definitely go back (hopefully my acid reflux will go away ASAP) The staff were awesome! I couldn't ask for more. 

Sorry I forgot to ask the name but Jane called them Bunny Boss so I'll just post here my gratitude to Bunny Bosses Aila and Zach. Kudos to the cafe and keep on spreading happiness! 

By the way, TBB is also a cake studio. You can check the links below.

The Bunny Baker 

3/F Unit 301 Hemady Square, Doña Hemady cor E.Rodriguez Sr. (in front of Gold's Gym New Manila and beside Christ the King Chapel) 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thebunnybaker

Instagram:  http://instagram.com/thebunnybaker

Tumblr:       thebunnybaker.tumblr.com  

Twitter:       https://twitter.com/thebunnybaker

Year - End Buffet at Vikings SM Jazz, Makati

What's the best way to end the year? For me, it's going to a buffet!

Vikings opened their 6th branch in SM Jazz, Makati. Together with its opening, they had a promotion of 60% off to the first 100 diners. Best of that was the promo ran for 6 consecutive days starting December 19.

At first I'm quite hesitant since I'm not good in waiting on line. I get easily bored and I don't want that thought of not making it to the first 100 people to dine. But because my sister insisted so much and she really wanted to take advantage of the promotion, I gave in to her request.

We waited for almost 3 hours for dinner service. Thank God we were part of the 100 people. For those who didn't make it but still waited in the line, they were given 20% off. Still a good deal. 

Vikings Jazz got a different feel compared to other Vikings branch. I was deeply awed by the beautiful chandelier that we saw as soon as we enter.

All stations are in the middle so its not hard to go from one point to another to get your food. The choices are not as vast unlike MOA and Megamall. 

The food was great! (well just imagine yourself waiting in line for more than 3 hours lol -- but seriously, the food was awesome. Got salad and tuna ceviche as my appetizer. Just forgot what those salads were but as you can see, I topped it off with ALOT of bacon hahaha! 

I wasnt able to ask how many stations they got but on my observation, They got Japanese, Asian (Korean and Filipino dishes), Carving Station, Pasta and Pizza, Seafood and of course DESSERTS!

While I was busy taking photos of every station, my sister showed me a cute kiddie cup. 
They also got a yakitori area where you can enjoy grilled skewered food. Wasn't able to get some cause every time I pass by the station, its already gone lol - they replenish it ASAP but I hate waiting so I preferred getting some carved meat and char siu  

One of the things missing in this branch was the Truffle sauce. I'm a great fan of their truffle sauce to add to my lamb however, its not available on our visit. I'm not sure if they will still add it next time - but hopefully they will.

If you are a health buff and kinda hate the greasy stuff, you can go for a shabu shabu. This is one of the options I never picked in Vikings cause shabu shabu for me is so filling that I cannot go for another plate of food. -- let's set aside diet for now lol

Love the sushi boat. I'm not a diehard fan of sushi but the presentation was nice. I prefer eating sashimi - I see less calories in there. 

The usual beverages are there too. Coffee, juices and tea are included. Oh they are service beer!!! 

And the star of the buffet, desserts! Like what they say, "save the best for last" the desserts here were awesome! I was happy to see Pavlova on the dessert station - never saw that item when I visited MOA and Megamall. That marshmallowy meringue topped with kiwi and strawberries -- Yum! 

I even made my own twist - which I always do. Pavlova in chocolate sauce -- soo love it!

They got Filipino desserts such as halo halo, kakanin (rice cakes) and even the seasonal puto bumbong and bibingka. 

Other desserts like coffee jelly, strawberry shorcake and leche flan are also included. Though the choices are also limited, I was still happy cause all of them are delicious. I went back to the dessert station for 4 times just because the desserts are so delectable.

Before we left, we decided to take some photos of the place. I'm not from Makati so it may be hard for me to dine here again.

For those who are fortunate enough to be near in the area, include Vikings Jazz on your foodie adventure before 2014 ends.

Remember: a VIKINGS a day keeps the doctor away... hahaha! Nice one.