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!

Delectable Spanish Cuisine from Ponce

Need a quick Spanish food fix from Ponce Tapas x Wines

Everyone has been cooking a storm at home for family and yes, we're not any different. It's a little tiring though because someone has to prepare the ingredients, cook it and wash the dishes thrice a day. So this afternoon, I thought Mom oughta have a break from regular programming and got some good Spanish cuisine. I frequent tapas bars and wine depots when things were still normal, so I was craving for Callos. Good thing Ponce had that on their menu. Ponce is just a few minutes away from my home but you can opt to have it for delivery. They also have digital payment channels so social distancing still applies. It's very near Tomas Morato and Timog Avenue, right in 124 Scout Lozano which is easily walkable.

Delivery from Ponce arrived promptly, packaged in easy reheatable containers, very clean!

It arrived still hot, I just had it transferred to plates and bowls but I was raring to have my Callos fix since that was the first thing that catched my attention.

Pork skin, tripe, pork meat and belly, simmered in possible annatto seeds based broth with chili peppers and garbanzos, it was just the perfect match to my butter and garlic bread which I dip this into. Honestly, they make a mean version of Callos and it has been one of their best sellers. I wasn't surprised though because, that silky oil that envelopes your tongue was just made of dreams. One serving of it wouldn't be for sharing usually but folks at home wanted to have it too, I was really saving some of it for "re-heating" as it tastes better, the longer it stays, so I'm saving the left over for tomorrow LOL!

Men need beef in their lives and yes, you can get two in one with this Salpicao Pasta. Bits of garlic, olives, soy and mixed with fettuccine pasta, like a mix of Asia and Italia... I would love to have this sitting down by the window sill while it's raining outside. It's just darn comforting. Flavor profile was in the sweet-savory side so it would appeal to everyone. If you would like to get it a tad salty, go sprinkle the parmesan cheese which they also include with it.

This is their Paella Montana. My personal paella version is very close to this one because I love the crunchy bits that stick to the bottom of the pan. They're very generous with the ingredients like clam and shrimp plus the lovely meatballs which makes this a good surf and turf dish. I would advise you tell them ahead if you prefer a less crunchy version if you want otherwise. Don't take too many photos while you are having this for lunch because it'll be different when it's cold. As soon as you take it out of the packaging, eat it right away! 

Spanish food need not to be difficult or expensive. Theirs in fact are very reasonable, good thing they cater to deliveries these days so I didn't have to go far for my Callos fix. Now if you're up to it, take a breather from cooking at home or the usual fast food joints you often think about these days and get some good ol hearty food from Ponce Tapas and Wine if you live in QC. 

You've got to try it! Call them today at 09176332784. They're the same people behind famous Stoned Steaks, I'd suggest you take a shot of that too.

Salut!

The 'NAKAW' World Premiere - Pelicula/Pelikula, Manila - Spanish Film Festival

This is the first time that BUZZ Productions and Cut!Print is venturing into the independent film business and they've done it in a very opportune time as part of the entries in Pelikula/Pelicula, The Manila-Spanish Film Festival. It has been going on for several years now and for those who adore Spanish, Latin American and Filipino films, this should ALWAYS be in your calendar because this is part of the activities hosted by the Spanish Embassy, Instituto Cervantes and now the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

NAKAW is a short film that tells a story of a boy that triggered a series of life changing events when he stole a woman's purse. It also tells a very realistic situation in the slums of Manila. If you frequent places like it, you'll get to connect real fast. I was a little hesitant to ask about how close this is to extra judicial killings and what we sometimes call "cardboard justice", but it wasn't actually just what they wanted to portray, like a mirror to situations happening now but not entirely. I like the fact that they have also done in in one take, continuously shot as you see one particular scene connect to the other. You'll eventually feel bad about the guy Kristoffer King, but somehow feel sorry because in some way, they are human too and they could have had the chance to defend themselves in real courts rather than just the streets.

The film is written and directed by Noel Escondo and Arvin Kadiboy Belarmino (who's not a stranger to indie films). This is also Produced by Patsy Ferrer. The short film actually only takes 6 minutes and 45 seconds so it's a real challenge to tell a story in that time span. It makes me want to do a short film too LOL.

I really think this film could do well in various film festivals outside the country. It's a complex plot, but told in a manner that could be also easily understood by the normal joe. It's not intended for kids though because there is a little part where some adult scenes were done to tell the story of one of the characters. This film stars Kristoffer King, Frank Ferguson, Angelo Gammad, Duke San Juan and Sheika Aljunaibi. It was also an awesome chance to get to know the plight of films like these through the Film Development of the Philippines chair, Liza Dino - Seguerra. She quips we have a lot of challenges but know how talented Filipinos are in the industry, and she hopes to get the world to see what we do here. NAKAW is just one of them, go check out their pages and see screenings locally. 

Thank you BUZZ Productions for having me!

For more information about their artists:

BUZZ Productions

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Santa Rita Wines Hold "Of Tapas, Tannins and Tarots" 120 Event

We had a moment of pleasure a few days ago when we went to BGC for the Sta. Rita Tapas Night. Rich tasting food, Spanish tapas, a real deal Spanish guy was there to show us the ropes about what it should feel like if we were to have Castillian flare in our food and wine. 

Sta. Rita, a brand of wine from Chile hosted "Of Tannins, Tapas and Tarots" to further intensify their call for making moments "enjoyable". It's when they also dished out 120, a wine combination so they could concoct the best Sauvignon Blanc, Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon to ever land Manila. The number is related to the 120 patriots which legend says fought for Chile's independence in 1814. Men who fought that long and hard battle took refuge in today's estate cellars which houses the wines in it. That's real deal history in every bottle.

Thank you so much for Tapeo, a place where they held the event for getting those scrumptious tapas and bottles of Sta. Rita wines. I'd like to go back there with friends and family. We also saw flamenco dancers, a fortuneteller (which I was almost certain she was talking about love life!) and the lovely Santa Rita wines and tapas served that evening. The brand is now available in major wine stores, liquor stalls in big groceries nationwide! I love that it's going to be a great everyday wine for Filipinos, it's legit and I love the White wine the best. You should get a bottle for that special dinner you're having next time!

For more information about their wines:

Santa Rita Wines

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http://www.santaritawine.com/

Rustic and Neo Spanish Feasts at ALQUERIA Tapas, Paellas y Bistecas

I had lunch with a few friends from the blogging industry a week ago. This place is called "ALQUERIA Tapas, Paellas y Bistecas". It's a mouthful for a restaurant's name but what ALQUERIA means is a small rural community. People from the city find refuge in places like these places to unwind, have tapas (appetizers or snacks in Spain), paellas (a popular rice dish), and bistekas (salted or peppered sirloin). No wonder they named it like that! Anyway, I so love Spanish cuisine because of my lineage, and this was all but a welcome sight!

The Interiors

The placed is tiled from the ground up. The patterns would make you think you're in a pub in Madrid or places for tapas in the city. They've also got an open kitchen with several chorizos hanging to dry, plus bread, blocks of chocolate, cases upon cases of produce much like an open pantry. The shelving also contains cutlery, wine glasses, beer and wine. They cook when you order so don't hesitate to watch them prepare your meal while you walk around. I highly suggest you do that, else, just sit and watch.

It also reminds me of a Spanish Chalet, well no, like a room in one of those chalets. The place can sit around 50-60 people, good sized with available seating outside (mall lobby area). The food is simple, rustic, non complicated. You'll see this next!

The Food

Let's start from my favorite on their menu, this is their Chorizo Frito with Manchego Cheese on top. The paprika filled meat was fried crisp on the outside then topped with real good Manchego cheese, then served with the side of Garlic Aioli (I think) and a few crusty toasted baguette on the side. I like the intense smoky and peppery flavor that permeates all throughout the meat and the slightly melted cheese on top. Did I say I loved this?

This is their Champignon al Ajillo, as with the terms used, these are champignon mushrooms with garlic, paprika in olive oil, then finished with white wine. It was good and light as an appetizer but I was really hungry for the next one.

This is called Coca, a Spanish pizza. It's got caramelized onions, green and black olives, tomato confit and slivers of salty anchovies. It's not overpoweringly salty, so it was something I could take. You must however, eat this while it gets served on the table. You can't wait for the crust to get soft, it must be crispy otherwise, it won't be as good. The slight hint of saltiness is good because of the anchovies, it's a good addition to just the usual pizza you get in other places.

This is their Huevos en Marinera. It's like salsa with runny egg and a side serving of spiced paprika chips that tastes like fried filo dough. It's good and perfect for those who love something egg based.

I've always loved Paella, this is their version of the Paella Negra a la Alqueria. There's no other way to showcase hearty fresh seafood but in a platter like this. Squeeze a bit of lemon on top and you'll enjoy the sea, the rice (which I recommend you overcook a bit so you can get stuff stick on the bottom) and everything else on it. It's going to be your Mom's favorite so make sure you order one for her when she's around. If you're on a date, you should get this other one.

For those who love something fresh and hearty, this is their Fisherman's Paella. Aside from the gorgeous seafood on top, the rice has been infused with saffron so you get that earthy, fragrant flavor in the whole pan. My favorite part is the rice that sticks to the bottom so I let everybody dig on the plate then scrape it off, this one is my favorite among the paellas served that afternoon.

For meat lovers like me, this is like a breath of fresh air. This is their Rib Eye, a 300 gram Black Angus Prime USDA Grade Steak. They have it portioned like this just like in Spain, though I do really prefer it not sliced, it's convenient. You may ask them if you prefer, and yes, it was good. If you're here to order one, make sure you eat it while it's hot, no time for Instagram posts as you can't really re-heat meat.

I love the actual Cochinillo served in Spanish dinners but this ones like a twist to the ordinary Crispy Pata that we're used to. This is the Pata Cochinillo. You get a piece of heavenly, crunchy pork leg, with the right amount of fat and meat inside. They serve this with a side of mashed potatoes and a spiced vinegar sauce. It was lovely, we could live here.

Last but not the least, it's desserts! The first one on top is called Canonigo. It's like a hybrid Brazo de Mercedes without the lemon curd filling. It's put on top of caramelized bananas and more caramel syrup plus cherry on top. It's light and airy but is pretty good to share. The other one is called Pudin. It's like brownie ala mode but the chocolate is more intense and probably dark. The consistency is also a bit on the soft side and the vanilla ice cream presents a contrast between hot and cold. It's good and a little fluffy, so if you're on a date, this would be perfect for your chocolate lovin lady!

If you plan to order this, make sure it's hot. This is their legendary Classic Churros. The good part of this is of course, the Chocolate syrup. Alqueria also packaged this very well so you can go out and carry it around conveniently, quite ingenious. The churros are also dusted with granulated sugar, and cinnamon, all available in 3, 5 or 10 pieces. If you're just up for a snack, stop by the 3rd floor of SM Megamall's Fashion Hall and get it. You'll get addicted in no time!

ALQUERIA Tapas, Paellas y Bistecas presents a very good choice for diners in the SM Megamall, Ortigas and Shaw area. If you're up for some good Spanish food, please don't hesitate to visit them at the SM Mega Fashion Hall and try these dishes I recommended. Remember to order the Chorizo for starters, the Fisherman's Paella and Cochinillo Pata for main course, then have the Pudin and tons of Churros for dessert. Remember to make room for that!

For more information about their restaurant:

ALQUERIA Tapas, Paellas y Bistecas

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Visit their official website

https://instagram.com/alqueriaph/