Emotional and Esurient at Ebisubashi-suji

I woke up with a feeling of excitement and tugging at me like an inevitable flu is the feeling of melancholy. It was our third day in Japan, the last full day Borgy and I will have before we depart back to Manila. We had no plans for the day. Actually, we never really had a proper itinerary for our Japan trip. All we've decided while we were still in Manila was that we had to go to USJ for my birthday and to eat Kobe beef at Steakland Kobe (that's for my next post). Probably the reason why we've enjoyed the trip so much--we weren't stressed out from following schedules to the dot; we just decided to wing it and went wherever our feet (and our tummies) would take us.  

On our third day, after preparing, Borgy and I went directly to the Daimaru department store to have our currencies exchanged to yen. Tip: on weekdays, you can get your dollars exchanged at their post offices. Days prior, we had our dollars exchanged for yen at the Osaka Minami Post Office, since it was just a few blocks from our AirBnb apartment. It was the same post office that directed us to Daimaru when we were looking for a currency exchange on a Sunday when the post office wasn't open.

At Ebisubashi-suji Shopping Street

Dotonbori: An Overture to Osaka

"It's not as crowded as I originally thought it would be," I thought to myself as I stepped through the famous "Doutonbori Street" sign, and unto the cobbled dimly lit street one cold Thursday evening in April. It was half past ten. Some shops were already closed. Their roller shutters lowered down, but their dazzling neon lights shone persistently, inviting late night tourists like us to draw close and admire their impressive signs. A bicycle is casually parked in the middle of the street, leaning on a street light post. No evidence of its owner around, and yet no one is giving it a second look. A few steps within the district, a few more unattended bikes lined a railing. Borgy and I went further down the street, intent on  taking in as much of the place as we can.

Dotonbori Street

Wildflour Cafe + Bakery: Honest Good Food

The food scene in Makati is all things including both diverse and lavish. Of course, there still exists the crowd favorites when it comes to cheap grubs, but anyone who has been to this particular restaurant can honestly say that this restaurant appeals to a more...laid-back, but upscale crowd. I admit, visiting Wildflour was very intimidating. (For me, that feeling never wanes even after a second visit.) The facade gives you this relaxed vibe designed to make you stay longer than you usually do at restaurants and just enjoy a good chat with your friends. Due to Wildflour's popularity and distinctly authentic menu, it also attracts an affluent crowd--people in suits and black ties; foreigners with bulging bellies and genuine smiles; families with uniformed yayas and gadget-savvy kids; Makati girls with their corporate outfit and high heels and; the usual celebrities and well-established bloggers. Never mind the fine-dining scenes, apparently, well-heeled people still prefer a more mellow environment.

Wildflour Cafe + Bakery

On my first visit to Wildflour, I made the unfortunate mistake of dragging Borgy there during peak hours without a reservation. So we had to settle for a table outside the walls of the cafe. Even there, all tables are close to being booked. Nevertheless, the place's lighting and exposed milieu gave an edgier vibe to our otherwise fancy dinner.

Cookie-Craving Cuckoo at CookieBar Manila

My last post talked about RUB Kapitolyo and very fleetingly, a mention of a specific bakery. Now, allow me to finally rave about CookieBar, a home-based bakery by Ms. Ivorie Acosta! :) During my endless online scavenging for delicious food, I came across this Instagram account that has been attracting followers like bees drawn to flowers. The first thing that delighted my interest was this creative item from their menu: a cookie shot glass. Yes, you read that right. It's a cookie, but it's also a shot-glass. Naturally, I wanted to try it--to gauge the taste of something so ingeniously thought out.

CookieBar Manila

Ribs at RUB's

For the past year, Kapitolyo has built a prominent name for itself when it comes to food business. Along its quiet streets are modest diners, cafes, and restaurants all with one goal: to delight and indulge your inner foodie. My first sight and taste of Kapitolyo was last year when Borgy and I decided to try out one of the area's most popular (and cheap) restaurant, Three Sisters--famous for its barbecue and Inihaw na Liempo. This year, we've set foot in this food strip again to try a similar craving: barbecue ribs.

RUB Ribs and BBQ is located just at the end of a steep road along East Capitol Drive. Identified with a simple signage, the building stands unobtrusive and can easily be missed by passers-by. (I do realize that RUB has other branches outside Pasig that are probably more accessible to us, but because I was going to pick up an order at CookieBar that day, we've decided to try RUB's branch in the area.)

East Capitol Drive, Pasig

An Untamed Chupacabra

One of the best things I love about working at Makati is that you don't have to go far and wide within the city to satisfy whatever crazy craving you're currently having. The city is bustling with life and color every night. You just have to look at the proper nooks and crannies. :)

One of those "crazy cravings" struck me last Tuesday: I wanted Mexican food. And not just any fast-food type-super-commercialized Mexican food. I want something closely authentic. Of course, I couldn't tell "authentic" from the other because I haven't been to Mexico to actually set a standard for an authentic Mex food. But as I usually assume in this kind of situation is: if I'm looking for authenticity, look behind the front line. Authenticity often hides behind tacky curtains. For example, if you're looking for an authentic Filipino food, you wouldn't go for the ever-famous favorite Filipino fast food chain like Jollibee, right? (Hey, I'm not hating on Jollibee. I love it as much as the next kid, but they don't really serve any of our traditional authentic Pinoy food) Or you wouldn't go looking for longganisa at a 7-eleven store in the Philippines, right? (Unlike a certain "I-would-rather-go-hungry-Polish-blogger" we've all learned to scoff at.)

Being so unbelievably tech-savvy, I googled a few keywords. :P I came across the growing increasingly popular "El Chupacabra." The name itself sounded daunting, doesn't it? It translates to "goat-sucker" in Spanish and is a legendary creature whose first sightings and killings made it to TV, books, and now, to restaurants. :)

El Chupacabra
(conceptualized and founded by
Mexicali Food Corp.'s Dixie Mabanta)

Hashtag Sugar (#sugar)

Fact: I only started using Instagram a year ago after buying my Samsung S3. It was because I refuse to acknowledge the mainstream social media--stupidly declaring myself a tech rebel and a social recluse--especially if I have no actual use for it. Actually, that happened with my Facebook, too. During the era of Farmville, I refused to sign up for an account even though my friends kept pressuring me. I only did sign up the day my college professor told us that we are required to upload our works on Facebook for her checking. Man, that made me so helplessly frustrated. Anyway, I'm sharing this delightfully interesting (*sarcasm*) story because I finally found my use of Instagram: online shopping. I have been seriously obsessed with scouting for sellers to follow on it, especially those who sell food and novelty products. Online shopping is perfect for someone unbelievably lazy like me.

In today's busy lifestyle, many have cooking and baking both their hobbies and their livelihood. Gone are the days when you have to go at high-end pâtisseries to buy unique and customized sweets. This may have also driven stay-at-home bakers (both hobbyists and professionals) into a more creative and unique approach at selling their products--to stay ahead with the competition; to thrive in the market--through technology.

During those times I burned through IG tags looking for yummy food-finds (#lookingforph #cupcakesph #cookiesph #galaxyflutesph #fandomapparelph), I came across a few that stood out.

(Disclaimer 1: I am in no way related to or have been previously close friends with these sellers. :) I just stalked their online bakery accounts until my resistance crumbled and I had to grab my phone and order.

Disclaimer 2: I am not trying to pit these sellers against each other. I love them all equally and that was why I featured them here. I used the term "showdown" for my own personal amusement.)

The Sugar Showdown

Click on the pictures! :)

The Brownie Boutique	Signature Sweets by Mon and Pao
Eat  Dessert First PH	Kooky Pam

I am very sure there are many more outrageously delicious online bakery out there that I have yet to try. These are just a few that I was so lucky to have found and tried.

I'm not urging you, my dear readers, to blaze through every online bakery you come across. Unfortunately, technology also made way for scammers. Not all IG shops you may come across will be legit and may probably just rip you off. There's also a concern with safety. We're talking about food here. Food that is prepared in an environment you cannot easily see, access, and assess. Delivery mode of the items can also be a factor that may affect the taste and overall cleanliness and security of the food. Food safety should always, ALWAYS be a priority. A little research will go a long way to cover this. Be finicky, if you must. ;)

To the four online shops I've featured above and to all other undiscovered baking talents out there with their beloved online bona fide bakery/pattiseries and who wants nothing but to serve their customers the best way they can, I applaud you for your hard work, talent, and unmitigated creativity!

On a side but equally important note, I've already started/launched my blog's social pages! You can see their links at the top-right side of this page. So please click on them and follow me! ;) I've also updated my "About" page to reflect my Content Usage Policy. Should you want to use/quote my content and/or pictures, please read my policies. :)

Cheers,

Bobbie :)

Crazy for a Cookie: A Kooky Pam Story

(Instagram account: @kookypam)

How do I even begin to describe Kooky Pam's Pastries? Biting into that soft and chewy cookie was...surreal.

Before I go on a steamy description of how in love I fell with Kooky Pam's, as with all love stories, I have to start first with how our paths crossed. I was browsing the IG page of one of my favorite food blogs, Pepper.ph, and my eyes fell unto this picture of several huge cookies with an interesting name. I checked the account and I got even more interested. At first glance, the cookies looked nothing remarkable--absolutely plain-looking on the outside. The only thing I found remotely different is that the cookies looked huge. But I was still interested. I had to pursue it.

Kooky Pam

Creativity Dipped in Chocolate: Eat Dessert First PH

(Instagram account: @eatdessertfirstph)

One of the best ways to get around the hashtags is through the shout-out for shout-outs (SFS). This is how I discovered the wonderful Eat Desserts First (by Ms. Michiko). The shop's Instagram account is pretty straightforward and so lusciously enticing--from pictures of her Yema cupcakes to pictures of her well-loved Smores cookies. It took a lot of self-control to stop myself from buying everything on the menu. So, I decided to try out the Smores Cookies, which was her bestseller, and the Cinnamon Cupcakes--just because I love cinnamon.

Eat Dessert First

Fresh Flavors: Signature Sweets by Mon and Pao

(Instagram account: @signaturesweetsbymonandpao)

I came across this particular online sweets shop, Signature Sweets by Mon and Pao (by Ms. Paola and Monica), when I was browsing through the #cupcakesph tag. The account caught my attention not only because they have one hell of an IG account name but also, because their posts on Instagram look terrifyingly enticing. They don't have a lot of followers for now but, I didn't care! (Usually, I do care since I use that as basis for IG shopping. The more followers an IG seller has, the less chance she's going to be a 'bogus' seller).

Signature Sweets by Mon and Pao

Blame it on the Brownie: The Brownie Boutique

(Instagram account: @thebrownieboutique)

It seems appropriate that I should start with The Brownie Boutique (by Ms. Andrea). This is the shop that started it all. And by "all," I meant the sugar rampage I have been on for the past few months, a few weeks after my TBB order.

The Brownie Boutique

Food Ingenuity - SARSÁ Kitchen+Bar

Post-diet craziness brought me to a lot of questionable food choices. From gobbling down one pack of Choco Mallows the day after my Biggest Loser final weigh-in; to going on a sisig pursuit in Pampanga (soon on my blog ;)). Wasn't my proudest of moments but in my defense, I deserved it! Going on a diet (and successfully sticking to it for two months) is no picnic! During the diet, I was already contemplating this particular restaurant. Finally, after being freed from the shackles of winning-the-Biggest-Loser pressure, I finally get to re-visit SARSÁ Kitchen+Bar.

SARSÁ Kitchen+Bar

Hungry and Hooked -- A La Preciosa Story

My mind was reeling from exhaustion. Behind my eyelids I can still see the bright and white sky background of the Paoay Church. It was mid-afternoon and the brunch I had at the Hidden Garden seemed oh, so distant; I can no longer remember the supernal taste of okoy in my mouth.

And then the van stopped; it parked and we went out. This graceful vintage diner-like restaurant stood out in the center of Laoag City. An unlit neon-sign at the front of the edifice says "La Preciosa." Inside were fancy wrought-iron chairs, simple and clean linens, and vintage furniture and frames of Ilocos tourist spots. The room was devoid of other patrons. It looked intimiditangly expensive. After all, the website says "La Preciosa: Fine Dining and Catering Services."

La Preciosa, Laoag City

A Nibble of Ilocos: Hidden Garden of Vigan

True to its name, the Hidden Garden is located deep within the heart of Brgy. Bulala of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. From Baluarte, it took a while before we got to the restaurant. They weren't kidding when they said it was 'hidden.' :P

Hidden Garden

Learning and loving Japanese (Part 1)

 I'm not a big fan of anime. I have very little patience for learning a new language, much less a language as complicated as Nihonggo. Due to my odd hand structure and slack grip, I don't know how to use chopsticks for eating (believe me, it's messy. And I apologize to whomever got the unfortunate chance of seeing me do so). I have never been to Japan therefore, I haven't seen any cherry blossoms. But over the past year, I have been developing a certain fondness for Japanese cuisine. And so, even though I'm not very well educated on Japanese culture and tradition, this post shall serve as a 'sort-of'' Japanese restaurant appreciation post (Part 1! To give more room and flexibility to the awesome Jap food hubs I might try in the future).

Current Coffee Shop Craze in Town: Caffé Bene!

It was a long while since I last posted on my blog. I blame this on diet. For the past few weeks, my office mates and I started our own version of "The Biggest Loser". Since I've realized that Borgy and I have fleshed out a few pounds for the past few months, we decided that it's a good idea to try be in shape for a while before getting back to food-tripping. :p Even through diets and exercise, we still managed to sample one of the growing increasingly popular coffee shop in town: Caffé Bene!

Caffé Bene

Located behind the corporate facade of skyscrapers and office buildings of Makati Central Business District is the unruffled presence of Caffé Bene. Caffé Bene is a Seoul-based coffee house chain which is distinguished for its pastries and waffles, gelato, coffee and tea brews, and its Misugaru--consists of black sesame seeds, black bean, black and brown rice and barley. Unfortunately, Caffé Bene Philippines only serves the Misugaru latte.

Favorite Date Spot: Elar's Lechon!

It is no surprise that my boyfriend and I love to eat and discover food--as evident by the exhaustive list of the restaurants, bistros, and cafe's we've eaten at (will post about that some other time). Although, quite a few restaurants on our list are special enough for us to frequent on. One of those few restaurants is my favorite lechon place in Manila: Elar's Lechon.

Elar's Lechon

 

The 34th Manila International Book Fair

At the 34th International Book Fair

Yesterday, Borgy and I went to the 34th Manila International Book Fair held in SMX Convention Center. This was my first time attending such a huge book fair and I knew there are going to be more people than expected; thus, more people than I can mentally and emotionally handle being in the same room with. As you've probably guessed, I am not comfortable around a huge crowd. For me, being around so many people requires mental preparation and an immense amount of focus.

Baguio, An Artist's Haven

Baguio is known as one of the best-loved home of the country's free-thinking artists. Ben Cabrera, Butch Perez, Kidlat Tahimik, Narda Kapuyan and Kigao, to name a few. Maybe it's the climate or maybe it's the amazing mountain setting which gives you an astonishing vantage point of nature every day. Probably it's because of the Baguio Arts Festival held annually. Whatever the reason, the city has been an artful delight for travelers and art enthusiasts.

Among the various places where Baguio's artists have established their outlets of creativity, Borgy and I have visited the most popular and frequently featured Tam-awan Village and BenCab Museum. 

Café Sabel, An Artwork Cafe

Café Sabel

In my humble view, one of the best and hardest expression of art is through food. Presentation and plating is just the cherry at the top but, the taste, history, and the perfect amount of creativity poured into every dish gives it more flavor and interest. That was why I've eagerly included dining at BenCab Museum's Café Sabel to our Baguio itinerary.

Café Sabel is an in-house café of BenCab Museum located at its ground floor. You won't be able to enter the café without having to enter the museum first.