Endless Rice + Fire Grilled Chicken Goodness at El Pollo Loco!

When they say Fire Grilled, they're not LOCO huh? This is El Pollo Loco!

See, I've always been thinking of this whole Fire Grilled Chicken since I last visited El Pollo Loco. For those who don't know, El Pollo Loco all started from a Mexican family recipe that was handed down to generations. Founder Pancho Ochoa sold it on the streets initially, and found himself catering to a line in no time. Then he opened his first shop in Southern California which bared the name El Pollo Loco.

In the Philippines, they are under the good people of The Bistro Group. If there's something good in El Pollo Loco like what I've tried in their Megamall branch for years now, it's the Fire Grilled Chicken. There's something about it that's quite mysterious, because it doesn't taste like the usual roasted chicken we have in the PH. It's got that little flair, something that has deep spice, something fruity, citrusy and a little savory. Plus it's expertly Fire Grilled, leaving a really soft, juicy, smoky chicken that you'll surely appreciate once you get a taste of it. Together with it is a side of salsa, freshly chopped and prepared every day, it was amazing!

It's pretty hard to explain in words, so here's a video of my food adventures that afternoon at their Venice Grand Canal Mall branch in Taguig:

 

"Endless Spanish Rice"

For Rice lovers, I bare good news about their current offer called "Endless Spanish Rice" which you can avail of when you order 2 piece chicken with salsa meal. That means, you can have as much Spanish Rice as you want when you dine in the restaurant. I had a few cups myself and I bet, you'll love how it would taste like since it's probably got a smoky paprika and annatto seed base, it's hearty and filling. Who knows, you could battle it out with office mates if you get to have meals at El Pollo Loco.

If you prefer other things on the menu, they've got a wide spread of Loco Sets, Sides, Tortilla, Tacos and those custom made for the Filipino palate. Here's a preview!

Barbecued Ribs, I don't have to convince you do I? It's quite tender, just dip it in the barbecue sauce that comes on the side.

If you've got room for dessert, there's this tortilla bread that they toast up with hazelnut spread inside plus honey and walnuts.

I didn't get to have this because I was already full, but friend says it's good! They had a variety, just ask!

To go with the Fire Grilled Chicken, you might want to have Salad first! They do it fresh!

And because the Venice Grand Canal had water, we might as well take photos under the sun! It was sun bathing! LOL!

There's just so many food items to discover with the El Pollo Loco menu. There are also other side dishes available, so I advise you to just go ahead and ask what's available when you get there. Aside form the Megamall and Venice Grand Canal branch of El Pollo Loco, I heard they're about to open new ones in Robinsons Magnolia, Eastwood City and Trinoma Mall in Quezon City. If you're all been asking yourselves where to eat, you might want to give El Pollo Loco a try this week. I like what I saw, I didn't have take out because I finished my plate, plus it's not that expensive. Meals could probably run around 3-500 pesos a head, depending on what you prefer to order. Go get acquainted with it before the new branches open, it's super good especially the Fire Grilled Chicken. I wouldn't recommend take out because you need to eat it while it's hot, fresh off the grill. Then again if you prefer that, I wouldn't stop you!

As they say, it ain't the same without the flame! Go follow their social channels via @ElPolloPH for more information about it!

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!

 

Jollibee Burger Steak Stays at P50

Hungry today so after having a cup of coffee at my favorite joint in Tomas Morato, I headed on to Jollibee in the same area. This place is 24 hours, pretty busy all day and I remember lots of my few moments with Dad happened here. He used to only give me 100 bucks per day when I was in college and I had to struggle making lunch or breaks with it because even then everything was expensive.

I miss my Dad... every... single... day.

Today, I have real appreciation with the Jollibee Burger Steak that still held its price of 50 pesos while keeping that beefy, saucy goodness you crave for when you're hungry as a bear. I am on a no rice diet but this just gave me that comforting feeling I need to get away from the stresses of life. If you've been rice deprived as I am you'll learn to appreciate what a cup of rice means when it's gone, you cry a little when it touches your mouth hahaha!

Jollibee's Marketing Director for Core Products Ms. Mari Aldecoa says "When you’re on a tight budget and the craving for something delicious kicks in, there’s no better way to do it than with the affordable and filling Jollibee Burger Steak.”  

So head on to your neighborhood Jollibee store and get that same thing Anne Curtis loves to sing and dance about, the Jollibee Burger Steak stays at P50, P59 if you want a drink with it. Darn cheap if you ask me!

And yes, (mabuti pa yung price nito nag STAY, eh yung ex mo hindi!). Gibberish.

The 70 Peso UNLI YANG CHOW at Super Bowl of China

Yes you read that right. It’s the 7th time they’re doing this and it’s all because of your patronage and unending support. If you haven’t eaten at a Super Bowl of China branch yet, then you better now (OMG DROP EVERYTHING) because the UNLI YANG CHOW promo is only until the 30th of this month and yes we are not joking.

Imagine eating bowls and bowls and bowls of YANG CHOW Fried Rice but only pay Php 70 for it. Yes ladies and gentlemen, believers of the legion of RICE IS LIFE, there exists UNLI YANG CHOW and I tried it on myself last week. But before that, I’d like to show you the other things you can enjoy while you’re in the same restaurant. Mom approves of everything, she loved the minute I chose these things on the menu. I couldn’t see why LOL!

House Kropek, dimsum hits Hakaw and Pork Siumai for starters. I love them all!

I got the Hot and Sour Soup, Mom had the Chicken and Corn I think. It was just something to prepare us with before the big feast!

Oh don’t mind this, it’s just the LECHON MACAU that is dipped in hoisin sauce. Did I forget to mention that it was crispy? Oh no.

Two things, the first one above is the Schezuan Fried Fish(crispy outside but soft and flaky inside), then the other one is Steamed Fish (lovely and not too fishy, a healthy alternative). Order both for family lunch or dinner!

Crispy Noodle, as the name says, so crunchy, and the veggies are all good to the bite. Mom loved it!

Braised Beef with Kailan (Kailan Mo Ba Mapapansin Ang Aking Joke!) which was so good and so tender. Even Mom on dentures had an easy time chewing it!

The star of the show, the UNLI YANG CHOW Fried Rice. Their version is a lot on the eggy side so you get that depth of flavor and real shrimp bits, chorizo and all the things good in life. Remember, RICE IS LIFE!

Here’s how I ate everything with my Mom that morning. Remember you can eat from 11AM to 2PM and 6PM to 8PM to get it at that price. Take advantage of it because as I mentioned, it will only be until March 30!

Now go gather your friends, your officemates and family. Pay for only 70 pesos for legitimate good YANG CHOW only from the best people who can do it. That’s SUPER BOWL OF CHINA!

Don’t take my word for it, go try it out yourselves like we did in the SM Megamall Atrium Branch.

*burp* excuse me!

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

Aiai Endorses Grainsmart

We met with gorgeous Ms. Aiai Delas Alas again as she endorses new rice retailer brand GRAINSMART who is a distributor and wholesaler of rice grains in the country. Ms. Eloisa Luistro says "It was actually easy for us to choose who our endorser would be, among the people that were presented to us, we trust Ms. Aiai. First and foremost, she's a mother, very caring and with the things people associate with, we knew she was a good match. We are rushing to actually now have her in collaterals like brochures, posters and perhaps some of our packaging because it's Christmas. She was just an easy and obvious choice because indeed, Moms trust her."

When we asked about their franchising business, she adds "The requirements are easy. You need to be 100 percent commited. We tell the truth, you will only succeed if you have time to manage the business and a good capital. You also need a buffer stock, a good location, even if it's not in the market. We have product training and lessons for marketing and management. At least 3-5 meters of space is needed too so you may need to shell out around 700k all in all for that which is a safe price."

You'll see them in your neighborhood very soon. The goal is to grow the current standing 200 stores to around 500 by next year. The thing is that they are not a middleman, from their sources in Isabela, Nueva Ecija and Bicol, they go straight to their warehouses and be distributed here in Banawe Quezon City. It's like a hub where all their deliveries come from in the metro. So this is the reason they keep their prices low.

Grain Smart will also be supplying grains for all of Ms Aiai's restaurants and they also have success stories of getting ROI's within 3-6 months, longer if you are not that enthusiastic to sell even if this is a normal commodity. Supplies must be also ordered 3 days in advanced, not when you are out of it.

For those who want to franchise, you may contact them via their social media accounts Facebook.com/grainsmart.ph or their website www.grainsmart.ph. You may also call them via 5137387 or 5122533. You may look for Eloisa Luistro for franchise inquiries 09330439942, 09157311168, 09202587608. Or email them at info@grainsmart.co. I'm thinking of investing too, you should try this if you are thinking of a good business.

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

The Affordable, The Good and Handy 555 Tuna Rice

Whoever did this is a genius!

I don't know if this is a first, but it's actually the first time that I tried something out of a doy pack of this nature. The affordable sardine and tuna brand suddenly came out with this 555 Tuna Rice just weeks ago and we're one of the few who got the chance to try it. Now I'm not really expecting this to be good because I've tried the other brand that's canned and didn't really like it. This one however tasted the same, like the 555 Tuna that I always had at home but with the exception that it's got rice. The selling point of this is that it's packed right. Now there's no more excuse to not have something to eat while you're out in the mountains, or just plain out of town.

I tasted the three flavors and find the Tuna Rice Afritada the best among the three. But the other two are not that bad and if you've loved the regular canned affordable tuna from 555, then this isn't far from that. You're basically buying this for convenience so you don't have to cook rice anymore and bring tons of cooking equipment while enjoying the sights and scenes out there.

Cooking tip: Take out the contents into a bowl and heat it up for 3 minutes in your microwave oven. It's better when it's hot. If you're out in the mountains, just boil water and turn off the heat. Put the doy pack into the water and wait for a few minutes. Cut it open and put it on your plate or just eat it straight out of the container. It's as good as you'll do it at home. Oh and please watch Bogart the Explorer in their Facebook page and see for yourself what adventures you can take this to. It's fun! It's also from the same makers of Century Tuna so you'll never feel shortchanged.

For more information about their tuna:

Official GMA Artist Center

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://twitter.com/555sardinesph

An Oriental Journey with Kikkoman Soy Sauce

I was invited to a cooking class a few weeks ago by the good people of Kikkoman Soy Sauce. I'm sure just like me, you've got your fair share of Kikkoman Soy Sauce stories you're raring to talk about. It's my family's go to brand if we're eating something Japanese but that afternoon during the cooking demo, I learned there's a lot of things you can do with it. 

I'm a purist kind of guy when it comes to Kikkoman Soy Sauce so when it's Sushi, Maki or Sashimi, I only use it plainly or put in a bit of wasabi to give it a little kick. The Chef's however at 25 Mushroom Kitchen showed us how we can use the lovely premium brew for different dishes without losing it's flavor. I can cook, but I don't delve that much into Japanese cooking because it tends to have a lot of preparation involved in it. Good thing they prepared most of the mise en place before we even got there as they knew that would actually take some time to chop, julienne and peel things for this short course.

The task was a bit difficult because it entails us to make California Roll from scratch, of which I know I've actually done so miserably in the past. I just did what I had to do and since most of the guys and gals there were also doing it for the first time, I think I did quite good for what it's worth and yes, I even ate my California Roll, it was edible haha!

California Roll can be actually modified by putting in different fruits or vegetable in the center. We were advised to wet our hands as putting in the rice will be a very sticky situation. Of course after everything's done, we NEED to use Kikkoman Soy Sauce as it's dip. I feel the most difficult part of this is the cutting wherein you need a very sharp knife to do it. Make sure you only put a thin layer of rice as it is going to be heavy on the belly. They also have Teriyaki Sauce now which we'll use later on in the class.

I like a LOT of Japanese mayonnaise on my California Roll so I didn't hold back in that department. My version was absolutely good! If you say otherwise, friendship over!

They also taught us a new skill, this is how to debone a whole chicken leg!

We used grated ginger, sweet sake, a little sugar and the all important Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce as marinade!

We dredged it in flour, fried it until golden brown. We set it aside then we made the sauce.

We didn't have to thicken it anymore because the chicken already contained flour. So more Kikkoman Soy Sauce and Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce, sugar and spices was all we need to finish the dish.

Can you see how yummy this looks like? Because it is. I loved this so much I didn't have to take it home anymore because I finished it all during the class haha!

This is the lovely Japanese Fried Rice. Amped up by Kikkoman Soy Sauce too of course!

I made a mistake (okay I admit haha) of putting a whole egg on this Beef dish. I should have only put in the egg yolk instead of the whole egg LOL but what's important is that I had fun and I learned a lot of things that we could do with Kikkoman Soy Sauce. Now if you want to experience what we did in 25 Mushrooms Kitchen, all you have to do is tell us why in an Instagram post with a photo of your favorite Kikkoman dish (just tag me). Or you can just comment on the Instagram post I'll be doing in just a bit. Convince me why you think Kikkoman Soy Sauce is the best and if you win you'll get Php 1,500 worth of Kitchen pass for a class in 25 Mushrooms Kitchen.

If you want to know more about what happened in the class we had, here's some videos to get you going!

I'll wait for your comments here and on my Instagram posts and I'll announce the winner next weekend (March 12, 2016). Who knows, it might be you!

For more information about their products:

Kikkoman Philippines

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.kikkoman.com.sg/