New Dining Destination: My Country House Tagaytay

Tagaytay has always been a good weekend destination for those looking for adventure, the cold weather, and good food. The touristy spots are a given, I don't go there much because of the sheer amount of people. I'm part of the statistic who basically mind crowds and prefer a more quiet, less stressful location. There's still plenty of that in Tagaytay, and it's so awesome that travel there only takes an hour and a half (depending on where you are in Manila). 

On Sundays or special occasions, I often go to Our Lady of Lourdes Paris Church in Silang Cavite or Pink Sisters Convent and Chapel. Then after a holy hour, we often have lunch in nearby restaurants because yes, Tagaytay is a food destination. There's a new restaurant off the beaten path and it's called "My Country House". This is around 10 minutes away from the highway (if you're coming from Lourdes Church) and can be searched on Google maps here.  

Much of the furniture here include heirloom pieces from the previous owner. This is a country home, one that you can visit every now and then since it's only a few hours away from Metro Manila. 

 

 

 

 

 

The interiors felt like your Tita's house (na nakaka angat angat sa buhay lol) that you would actually go to and enjoy time with family and friends. It's a mix of wood, comfy chairs with green, white and yellow accents. It's also well lit, perfect for brunch/lunch, even dinner.

This is the view from the restaurant. It's clear green grass on some parts, filled with tropical plants and the actual forest around the perimeter. They hold events here like weddings and parties, prolly could hold 300-350 pax. Those intimate weddings you're dreaming of might just fit. What I also like about this place is their Silkie Chickens that roam around the property, they're very friendly and would make a nice activity for kids to interact with.

Got to talk to Chef Arnold Gozon who politely asked about the dishes served, staying on top of the game and very open to suggestions.

My Kale Drink, freshly baked bread with flavored butter, plus table side Kale and Romaine Caesar Salad to start off the meal

We started with the Cheese Gougeres, Seared Foie Gras Canapes and the Miso Bagna Cauda. If you had to choose, get the Foie Gras of course! The Burrata is comforting too. Everything else is fair game.

My friends had the Saffron Seafood Paella while I got the Steak Rice (because my allergies wasn't having it!) It was comforting to have that together with the mains. Yes, get the Steak Rice!

The Chef personally prepared a 21 Day US Dry Aged Rib Eye Steak for us that afternoon, and yes, it was so worth every slice I had. It was even better with the roasted garlic on the side and the optional mushroom or spinach sauce. This is meant to be shared, but who's stopping us from having this all to ourselves right? 

One of My Country Home's specials, this is Country Chicken Relleno. This was something that Chef Arnold Gozon prepares on Holidays/Christmas, but thought why not serve this labor of love in the restaurant. Make sure you have this with the sauce on the plate and roasted garlic, you need to arrange a perfect bite.

This is Chef Arnold Gozon's personal favorite, the Melting Salmon. It's soft, melts in your mouth salmon that's been cooked in oil like a confit, then lathered with miso sauce, and an Asian herb relish. Even those who didn't eat salmon actually enjoyed this, so try this out yourself!

If there's something I'd recommend, it will be this Lengua Estofado. Although usual Lengua dishes fall into rancid/organ like flavors, this one doesn't do that. It's very soft, you would mistake it for rump chunks that's been cooked for hours. It's also ultra creamy which makes it a whole lot different than your usual lengua. Best on for me.

So if you're thinking of spending the weekend at Tagaytay and feel the need for something special for your friends, family or better half, go check out My Country House at 115 Pulong Sagingan Street, Maitim 2nd West in Tagaytay. I would strongly suggest you go and reserve first before going there to make sure they've got ample seats and be ready for you. Just call or text 09178751154. They accommodate walk-ins.

Ciao! I'll be back there very soon!

The BIGGEST Collaboration Happened: Shakey's and Potato Corner

What's your favorite potato? Well, that's going to be a huge debate, but instead of competing with each other, a collaboration between Shakey's and Potato Corner just happened this Labor day. We know Shakey's just got the iconic mojos back in circulation after a long hiatus because of world potato supply issues. Aside from that good news, they're now partnering with an equally iconic brand Potato Corner to put FLAVOR with your favorite Mojos.

Today marks it's first day and you will be able to enjoy it in Barbecue, Sour Cream and Cheese flavors. Thing is, this is going to be only available for a limited time so what's there to do but order now. You can get the SOLO size Php 209, the Basket of Flavored Mojos for Php 429 and the Flavored Mojos Supreme for Php 579.

Pro Mojo Monster tip: If you want to experience 2 flavors, ask them to do half and half so you can try two flavors in one bucket or supreme. For more information about this, go to your nearby Shakey's store for dine in, take out or delivery. Please don't disturb me for a couple of days, because this will be my lunch and dinner LOL.

Come Get "The Best Stuff now with Extra Stuff" at Pizza Hut!

My fondness of Stuffed Crust Pizza has always been a given. Having that gooey cheesy stuff at the end of crust is just the perfect explosion of cheese satisfaction I need when I'm about to finish a slice of Pizza Hut's best pizza. It was in 1995 when they started this and today, they've innovative it into other forms like Cheesy Bites, the Cheesy Volcano, the Cheesy Pops, Double Stuffed Crust (my favorite), Sausage Stuffed Crust, Fried Chicken Stuffed Crust and Cream Cheese Stuffed Crust (if you want something extra!)

Speaking of extra, Pizza Hut is raising the ante with their new "The Best Stuff now with Extra Stuff Promo". What that means is that any Regular or Large Cheese Stuffed Crust Pizza that you order, you can add on a lot of things and do it in three ways. 

 

You can order a Stuffed Crust Pizza and get a 1.5L Pepsi for FREE (which saves you Php 129). You can add on a side of Family Spaghetti Bolognese or Carbonara by adding Php 100 (that can get you up to Php 239 in savings!). If you're more of a protein guy, get the #gofortheWINg option for 5pcs of WingsStreet Asian Sesame or the Maple Honey Sriracha flavor for just Php 150 (that'll get you up to Php 149 savings which you can use to get more pizza!). Now I don't want to stop you because you have absolutely no idea how this post is making me hungry. They still have dine in, take out, delivery options. So call 0289111111, visit pizzahut.com.ph or download the Pizza Hut mobile app available on Google Play or the App Store.

Leave me a slice please?

Alert: Pizza Hut Does HOT DEALS 1+1

I call it my best friend, I call it my comfort food and yes, I can see why countless others would love something like this. Well, the secret is out and the staple snack, dinner or lunch treat from the folks at Pizza Hut is making their Large Pan Pizzas more affordable this season.

Start living hassle free by ordering now so you don't have to chop, sweat and cook your next meal as your family enjoys a treat for only Php 529. That price would get you not just one, but two large pizzas and a choice of flavors of Hawaiian, Pepperoni and Mushroom, Cheesy Garlic and BBQ Ham. You can also opt for an upgrade to other flavors like Veggie Lovers, Cheese Lovers and Pepperoni Lovers for 75 bucks/pizza. Get the other ones for Php 100 if you prefer to have Supreme, Hawaiian Supreme, Bacon Cheeseburger, Bacon Margherita, Bacon Supreme and Cheese Supreme. If you want the Super Supreme, Chicken Supreme and Meat Lovers, you would need to shell out a little more like Php 150 so you can get lots more protein on your dough. You can also have it upgraded to stuffed crust, add sides, drinks, pasta, soup, as you will be informed of prices by the friendly people at 8911-1111. You can also order at pizzahut.com.ph.

There's more offers you can get information about on their official Fb, Twitter and IG channels so make sure you're also following their verified pages.

Hearty Filipino Comfort Food for Everyone: GoodAh!!!

I am so hungry I could eat a bear (quoting from Goku of Dagonball Z) and I know what would satisfy my craving. I've always had my Mom cook me a bowl or two of Arroz Caldo but these days, Mom spends so much time working at home that she needs hours of sleep everyday to recoup. I can cook but it's a chore to do that every day. I eat lugaw/goto/arroz caldo quite regularly and we have that for lunch or dinner because I request for it. Yes, you can say I'm a monster for that because it's very comforting. When it's raining, or just a little nippy because of the cold front, I would rather have it than eat things with rice. It hits the spot.

 I write and work in the wee hours of the morning, I am what you can say a nocturnal. If I don't have the strength to go down and work in the kitchen, I order through Grab Food. I'd say the convenience kinda outweighs the cost and really, I don't want to wake up people just for that. If it was a bit early I could order and have it picked up in the GoodAh! Timog Branch, but since GoodAh! is open 25 hours, you can order via Grab Food or Food Panda instead. What's good is that almost all the items on their menu is cheap and the variety of things you can order are plenty so you don't grow tired of what you eat which is a plus in my books.

 So I did the next best thing... I ordered (almost) everything!

Beef Nilaga, this was quite tasty. I love the broth, like they spent hours making this in the kitchen.

Sizzling Sisig, now all I want is a cold bottle or two no?

Fried Bangus, now where did I put that spicy vinegar... it's here somewhere.

Crispy Tokwa... I thought this was Tokwa't Baboy, but I guess my sister ate it all LOL

Lumpiang Shanghai, crunchy, needs ketchup so I'll have to open the cupboard

Now for a healthier alternative, get the Lumpiang Gulay, the perfect pair for my Goto.

Crispy Pata, for the whole family.

My personal favorite in the menu is this, they call this the GOTO SPECIAL. It's got beef tripe, crunchy pork bits, crunchy garlic, hard boiled egg, very hearty serving.

Arroz Caldo, wherein their version is very gingery. A few chicken bits, fried garlic, how can you not love something like this?

 So for those who are looking for a hearty and comforting bowl of Filipino GOTO, it's easy to get one from an institution. Since I've been working in Eastwood, or just lounging around in my home in Quezon City, GoodAh! has saved me from hungry nights all the time. You don't even have to spend too much for a meal that could satisfy even your classy office-mates or family members, because they serve things that are closer to home. That I think is the value of this place, it doesn't have to be too fancy shmancy, just real food that's good, affordable, which can be appreciated by everyone.

 If you would want to have it delivered, call their branches at Sucat 88299009/7357844, Bicutan 779431210/88243166, Metrowalk 82345870/84707070, Market!Market! 85192472, Eastwood City 86617558/83533888, Timog Avenue 83729002 or Granada QC via 88758124/82473188. Check out their menu also on their website coz it's all there!

 

The Executive Lounge Restaurant at The Malayan Plaza

Luxury Private Dining is much of an experience that everyone should get. I’ve been in quite a few but this one which happened a few nights ago was pretty special. It was amongst food blogging industry friends set at the Malayan Plaza Hotel’s 33rd Floor. The setting reminded me of an upscale atelier but without a designer this time. It was us, the Executives of the hotel, the Chef who was cooking a storm in the kitchen and a couple of servers who made sure we were comfortable while we dined.

The place is apt for private dining. The table was set for a little over 10 people, daisy art on the napkins, table runner ran from end to end with gold accents and trims, plus faux candle light here and there. It was pretty stiff and quiet on my side whilst it was a little crazy on the other, but we didn’t mind.

We all knew this 10 course dinner was going to be epic. 

The canapes arrived while we were stationed in the holding area, one had chopped eggs and mayo dressing, the other was more on the savory side with mushrooms. It was nice.

The appetizers comprised of the Quesillo Con Tomate, Chorizo Pamplona and Manchego, Adobar con Carne and Tuna Tartare - all served in one plate. Saying it’s a mouthful is an understatement. The Quesong Puti was the perfect pair for the fresh tomatoes, herbs and garlic. The chorizo felt quite good with the salty manchego and the ligjt drizzle of white truffle oil, it is so addicting to tell you honestly because me and truffle are like brothers, we are very good together LOL. The Adobar con Carne though wasn’t as soft as I wanted it to be, perhaps a little over done or might not have rested, but the flavor profile is there, it was a bit heavy that I’d consider it part of the main course. The Tuna Tartare was good though, very light and you could really feel a little kick (tad smoky) prolly because of the paprika, chili and wasabi they put on it.

This is the Almejas Mejillones con Escabeche. It's clams and mussels with croutons and a broth made of stock and wine, plus a few herbs. It is very light, but a perfect way to start the meal.

The Basil and Honey Mule was not too strong, just right to accompany the slew of strong flavors they introduced us with. They pair drinks with your dinner components so expect to be a little fun that usual if you get hit.

Some good things off the menu include this Talakitok con Misono which is Jackfish and Tuna sashimi with misono jus, their own fresh salsa and beet paste. I adore white fish with wine, this is more on the savory side. 

Their version of Callos was topped with mashed potatoes, my blogger friends and I was trying to find bits or maybe slices of chorizo but the chef did a spin on it and only included the flavor. It had tripe but almost none of the stench, so this is okay.

Love on a plate, this is their best dish that evening called Shitake Wagyu Bar. It's Wagyu beef grilled to medium doneness, infused with Shitake mushroom flavors, herbs and more. It was earthy and savory, felt deep because of the flavor profile they wanted to achieve means watching the cooking process like a hawk, the right temperature and all that drama. It was well worth the wait.

This is the Chef's Bourbon Plate. It's main ingredient was Dragon Fruit, chopped up with orange fruit, like, pear and bourbon cream. I guess they didn't flambe it anymore because the flavor profile they needed was already in the cream, it's a light dessert, not too sweet just as I like it.

For the sweet tooth, the Chef made this Arte De Remo. It's like an oaty revel bar made with cream cheese, oats and dessicated coconut. It was nutty and special which I guess came from crushed pistachios??? So if you love sugar, this would be the better choice. 

The Malayan Plaza has 4 function rooms available on the 32nd and 33rd floor of the building. It's a nice place to hold your banquets, cocktails, events and intimate dinners. If you would like to experience the same thing we had, go call +63 2 7060055 and ask for available slots on schedules. Things fill up immediately so if you're planning for that next birthday dinner, proposal, or just small family gatherings, give them a call okay?

Thank you Chef Aldrin, the GM Ernie Baclayon and thank you to everyone at the Malayan Plaza for re-introducing to us The Executive Lounge. I will be back for more to look for that Wagyu steak and the light desserts. 

Au revoir!

KUMAGCOW

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Karylle holds DATE NIGHT Concert at Manila House

Karylle holds Date Night at Manila House

Had the chance to interview the gorgoeus Karylle Tatlonghari-Yuzon earlier at a restaurant earlier in Quezon City. She was blooming, you can see it in her eyes and she was so excited about what’s about to happen in Manila House, the exclusive members only club in BGC. They’re allowing people in for this valentine’s day concert that they’ve entitled DATE NIGHT and this very intimate place would be a nice place to start your evening.

Karylle says “Everyone has a perfect date and this is mine, the most beautiful place in Manila, lots of art, and every corner is instagrammable. For those finding something the perfect place to hang out and chill, this is it. I invited my band the Passport Holders, gifted singer Charles Kevin Tan, my good friend Kris Lawrence, and special cocktails overlooking BGC. It’s in front of the old fort, at the Net Park building. It’s a secret place with exclusive membership but they’re opening it for the public on Valentines day. It’s a very light gig, like a cafe. I would like to also invite you to the Ishin-Denshin International Music Festival concert for Marawi, I’ll be with international artists, local stars to help rebuild the city. We always do concerts during these months but it’s going to be more intimate. I like to setup little parties, this will be new for them and I want to leave a lasting impression to everyone who’s gonna watch and I’d like to do that.”

She adds “I would like to do a song from the musical Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko so expect me to actually have something from that show. I cannot say no to musicals so if someone wants to produce it just please let me know. There are years that I do big shows but I’d like to sing for couples, I find when I sing close to someone very nice, I’m super old school. Ed Sheeran is my romantic muse when we got married, Yael always watches shows and live music gets me into the mood. It feels good to be alive if you’re in that groove. We did a concert in Shangri-la last Christmas, we are recording right now and sometimes I let Yael listen to it before I do it, even my Mom. Date Night for me is a Sunday, like a lazy afternoon, I look at my Booky App and we go to more than one restaurant and a lot of walking outdoors. Some of my favorite spots are Poblacion, the Fort, in art installations, it would be nice to take strolls.”

She was also asked about the status of Vice Ganda’s health and she mentions “Vice reminds me to always think about my health seriously, he works hard and I always have a good idea of her schedule and I hope she gets to also rest.”

About the concert, Karylle adds “You’ll hear standards, romantic songs, and I hope they like it. Froilan is such an amazing singer, one that you should listen much too. I’ll be also working with other international artists, ones that I have already worked with before and you’ll see that soon.”

Although they won’t be celebrating Valentines day together as both Karylle and Yael will be at work on these dates, she shares “Yael is super romantic, he sings for me to entertain me. He inspires me to write, and that is a good thing.Yael and I will probably spend holy week somewhere in the US or Korea, we’ll flip a coin. That’s where we usually do big vacations to meet friends and family.”

DATE NIGHT again will happen at Manila House, at the Net Park Building in BGC. The entrance is right in front of KPUB Barbecue and beside Green Pastures. You’ll see the park benches in front of it at 4th Avenue. This is produced by ALV Events International in cooperation with Manila House. For tickets, you may call ALV at 6377016 or Manila House via 09178163685. It’s inclusive of dinner and cocktails, so enjoy the night if you’re there!

I might see you.

KUMAGCOW

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