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.

Check Out Buffalo Wild Wings' Prime Lunch Sets and Delivery Bundles

I've had several birthday celebrations in Buffalo Wild Wings in Glorietta. It's just cozy, easy in the eyes, and got lots of sports shows in different sides of the restaurant. I'm glad they've got dine in, take out or delivery options so if you're suddenly craving for their best sellers, they're pretty easy to get.

Now I've been to a situation that when my friends take a seat and start ordering, they wouldn't be the sharpest tool in the shed. It either ends up us pointing fingers, or just decide for them if they're a bit lazy. Well Buffalo Wild Wings want to things to be easy, they now have PRIME LUNCH SETS available for dine in customers for only Php 495. All you need to do is pick from the Wings, Mac N Cheese, Side Salad, Ultimate Nachos, Chicken tenders, Onion Rings, Crispy Chicken, Chipotle Salmom, Fried Rice, Ribs, Chipotle Salmon, Garlic Rice. You can get it all day weekdays, which is a good deal especially if you're out for lunch on a work week.

There's also Buffalo Wild Wings Delivery Bundles if you choose to have it for take out or delivery. You may choose in bundles with either a 5 pc chicken wing or 5 pc chicken tenders. They also have the All for One combo that's got 15 wings, chicken tenders, onion rings or nachos with 3 dips. If you prefer the For The Win package, it's got 2 pcs of Fried Chicken, Grilled Pork Belly, Wing Meal and Boneless Meal. Surprisingly, they've priced this quite nicely and have it all available via the Bistro Delivers app, GrabFood, Food Panda and the Pickaroo app.

Top left has Ribs, Chipotle Salmon, Garlic Rice, Side Salad, while on the right they have Wings, Mac & Cheese, Side Salad, Ultimate Nachos and 2 pcs Crispy Chicken, Chipotle Salmon, Fried Rice (on the blue plate).

If you want to see more, simply follow their social channels at @bwingsph and see why a lot of people love their pizza and wings!

Authentic Japanese Sandwiches at 7-Eleven

I thought I've seen it all, but no. See, looks like 7-Eleven stores are now offering Japanese Sandwiches with their 7-Fresh Fuwa Fuwa line and I'm excited to visit the store near my place. They say it's authentic.

This is now available in Luzon branches (understandable because they wanna serve it fresh). Take for starters the Tamago Sando that costs Php 65, it's very popular in Japan conbini stores (convenience stores) and I've seen people get obsessed about it. This in the shelf? I'm pretty sure it'll be out of stock soon. This one in the country use Fuwa Fuwa brand of Japanese milk-egg bread slices that makes sure every piece is fresh, high in protein and selenium, with 0% trans fat so you won't be getting fat with that.

 

They also have the Chicken Katsu Sando (Japanese style Chicken Cutlet sandwich) which can be good for snack or lunch, then paired with 7-Eleven's City Cafe Coffee. It's only Php 75. These authentic Japanese Sandwiches are made by 7-Eleven and partner Nippon Premium Bakery Inc. (makers of Fuwa Fuwa) and it'll be available in select 7-Eleven stores today! If you want to know more, go to 7-eleven.com.ph/whats-new today! 

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!

 

Quick and Easy Chicken Dinner Inspirations

It's raining outside and I'm in the mood to cook. I think I want something hot, something cozy, so I could just curl up at the corner of my room and read a book while consuming a heaping bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup. I'm not a fan of the usual packaged ones and I do the legwork if I can. But to tell you honestly I am kinda scared to buy things in the local wet market because of the ambiance. Good thing we have options like Magnolia Chicken that's got the packaging right.

It looks clean, fresh even to the naked eye. I don't even see those ugly bruises in dressed chicken we usually see in the market. It's cleaned and gutted already so you don't have complicated knife skills to do that yourself. They've got choice cuts too which takes away your not so favorite parts. This solved a lot of fights in the dinner table at home because my Dad and I always wanted the Drumstick and Thigh parts, no kids were hurt during the show LOL.

I saw a documentary in the UK about Free Range Chickens and it did stick with me. I'm glad that Magnolia is actually offering them now in the market. Although they do the dressed chicken well, it's nice to have options. I guess it all boils down to preference, but I do see and taste the difference between the regular and the free range ones. I am also happy that it's actually a big one, so quality wise it's not compromised. In some way, it's more humane, they're not humans but the process they do from raising them til it arrives to the kitchen is admirable.

I also am itching to actually make my own Eggs Benedict. For me, it's something that would spell a perfect breakfast. Mmm... I can almost feel it.

So for different occasions, different lunch and dinners we had chicken at home. This one is a little curry based. Using the usual boiled chicken, with a little turmeric, soy and some chili, this is a spicy smoky invention at home. I always do that.

Saute Chicken in Canola oil, chilis, basil, tomatoes, onions and a little sesame seed, stir fry, it's a lovely dinner.

Coat chicken in the usual breading, put in a tea spoon of tabasco, a little sugar, honey, you can have your own hot wings at home.

Roasted chicken with lemon grass inside, prepare rue, butter and water, salt and pepper for gravy. Put it on a hot plate, a little brandy and put on a show. 

For the perfect breakfast, toast bread, put egg in a skillet and poach it for a few seconds. Prepare Behcamel sauce, Bacon, lightly blanch and sautee in butter the tomatoes and asparagus, my perfect Eggs Benedict!

You can also prepare the fluffy scrambled egg, sausages, toasted wheat bread, just make sure you put a little milk on the eggs. It's a lovely day!

If its raining outside, you can prepare a good heaping bowl of Arroz Caldo by using Magnolia Free Range Chicken, put some on top of porridge, with fried tofu, garlic, strips of more chicken, and slices of Magnolia Cage Free Brown Eggs. Curl up on the window and watch the day go by. That's going to put everyone in a good mood!

There's a lot of things you can do with Chicken these days, you don't even have to have a recipe actually. Just try to do it like I do, you check your refrigerator, see what ingredients you can use, check your pantry for some unused spices, put it all together and experiment. Life is good, make sure you enjoy it with good food. Magnolia Chicken is available in my local supermarket, I've seen it in the wet market too. It's a good day to cook, so don't even think about it. Go whip up something for your family, your friends, or even just for yourself. 

Believe me, it'll be good.