I've heard of Eton International School.  I only know it because it offers Chinese so it's a typical choice for Chinese in the area.  But, I was surprised to find out that they established Eton Global Institute Center for Culinary & Hospitality Management.


Eton Global Institute is a provider of international trainings and life-skills programs for Culinary and Hospital Management in Manila. 

1. Junior Culinary Club - designed for kids with a schedule of every Saturday morning.
2. Lifestyle Course - designed for adults with a different theme each week and an average of 5 recipes per week.  
3. Diploma Course - a 3-6 month professional programs in Culinary and Pastry Food & Beverage Operations, Bar Management and Hospitality Services.  
4. Special Requests - They can also offer Beginner Class (1 day session), Master Class (2-3 Days Session) and Special Occasions (Individual Classes, Private Parties, Family Celebrations, Professional Parties and Events Catering)
   

Life Style Course: Breads and Spreads
One Saturday, me and my friends joined in on the Breads and Spreads Lifestyle Course and we had so much fun!

The texture test

First there was a demonstration and then there was a hands-on experience where we had to do everything ourselves.  Each table or team had a chef on standby to assist and inspect.

The team practiced good teamwork.  We took turns in doing different tasks.

What I liked about the class is it thought us the basic foundation (from ground up).

Prior to this, I tried baking using pre-mixes bought from grocery stores.  But, it felt purely mechanical.  I did not understand how breads work.

Here's we understood the science and art of bread-making so we  knew how to measure, tweak and substitute ingredients. 

The schedule is also very systematic.  There wasn't any idle time at all.  While some breads were being baked, we did something else.

Our Italian Foccacia

And, the lessons were wholesome.  We were even thought on how to slice our Italian Foccacia.

Caramel Cinnamon Roll



It was very well-prepared.  It lists down ingredients alphabetically with quantity and unit. 


It also lists down the procedure step by step. 


Aside from the learning part, we all discovered also how fun and therapeutic doing labor and seeing the fruit of our labor is.
It made us appreciate breads more.

In fact, my team (we named ourselves the "baguettes") are very proud of our masterpiece.


Although we know we have much to learn by practice and experience.

Overall, we loved the experience!  I'd happily come back to Eton Global Institute for more classes!

Eton Global Institute 
R.V. Marzan Building
1633 Makiling St. Cor.
Dimasalang Sampaloc,
Manila, Philippines

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Lately, I've been experimenting with my time schedule.  So after work, I tried squeezing in attending a yoga class.  One day I was feeling extra energetic so I did two classes back to back: Vinayasa 1 and Rocket Yoga.  And... then I ended up in the mood to try H.I.D Burgers.


If you frequently gas up at the Caltex Station along Buendia, then you've probably noticed H.I.D Burger's Makati branch.  But, I don't so I recently just discovered this place. 


To my surprise, H.I.D Burgers Makati branch is packed during meal hours.


The crowd is a mix bunch from couples to group of friends. 



I was hungry so as soon I was able to raid a seat, I began lining up to order.


They had a tempting challenge but someone tipped me about their sort of secret menu.  You can choose any burger and upgrade it to "Go Raclette" for an addition of 40 php.


And, you could also add on some Twister Fries which is also not on the menu for an addition of 45 php.

Food

Burgers
If you want the attention of the crowd, order any burger just like my H.I.D BLT Combo (155 php) and then "Go Raclette" (add 40 php).  Of course, everyone was looking at it while the server poured the hot raclette on top of my burger. 

H.I.D BLT Combo (155 php) ♥ Go Raclette (add 40 php)

For the price I didn't think that my burger would be this big and this cheesy!!!

H.I.D BLT Combo (155 php) ♥ Go Raclette (add 40 php) ♥ Twister Fries (45 php)

Had I known, I would have brought some company to share with.  I look around and although in groups, everyone had their own burger.  I guess it's because H.I.D's burgers is very reasonable so even if you don't finish it, it's still wise to just take home the rest.

H.I.D BLT Combo (155 php) Go Raclette (add 40 php)

You can use their plastic gloves or like me just use knife and fork.  Because just look at the size of their beef patty plus sausage plus bacon.  And, they only have 1 size!  This is the standard size.


And, their bacon is not the fatty small cut.  It is a big, long and lean strip.  There are several pieces of it too.

Hot Wings

♥ Honey Sriracha Mild (180 php/6 pcs.)

This is first time I've encountered honey and srircha wings.  Although I prefer an intense spiciness, sometimes mild to appreciate the flavor is good too.  The honey was evident but I didn't feel any spiciness at all from the sriracha.  It also didn't feel like chili but more of pepper.  It was surprisingly good.  The size was the biggest I've encountered.  And, the outer coating is perfectly crunchy while the meat was juicy!  I think I enjoyed this more than the burger.

♥ Cheesy Bacon Wedge Fries (160 php)

Another must try is the Cheesy Bacon Wedge Fries.  How can we resist a cheese and bacon combination right?  Order this for sharing because again they offer generous serving!

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
While I'm not sure if H.I.D Burgers really stands for its transliteration of "Healthy"... but it is "Irresistibly Delicious" for a shockingly affordable price.  If you want a really heavy meal without breaking the bank, you can go here.  And, be sure to bring some company too because the serving size is generous!

The family rarely goes to the South so our wish list is barely accomplished.  Butamaru has long been on our list so imagine my excitement when I heard it has opened at Ortigas Home Depot.


I truly admire Butamaru for making its way from the South to North.  It gives us the chance to try their 16-hour tonkotsu broth and their special noodles.  I heard they learned the art of making noodles from Master Artisan Sugimura-san of Menko Noodle Company in Oita, Japan who had 40 years of experience as a noodle supplier for ramen shops.

Since I haven't been to their Alabang branch, I wouldn't dare to compare.  All I know is they have spacious dining area especially on the second floor.  And, they have bar on both floors as they wish to implement an izakaya concept to cater to Ortigas' night life loving people.  They are open until 1 am!

Food

♥ Curry Gyoza (150 php)

The Curry Gyoza is a must as a starter!  With or without dip, this is good!

 
I think what makes their gyoza really good is that they make them fresh upon order.  I got to try making some but my work isn't as masterful as their staffs.  I have to admit that the experience made me appreciate a gyoza more.

Katsu Gyozayaki (160 php)

This is my first time to try something like a Katsu Gyozayaki.  It's a hybrid between a gyoza and a katsu.  I still prefer the gyoza but I could have this instead of a katsu.

Kushiyaki

♥ Buta Bara (120 php/2 sticks)

The Buta Bara which is pork belly skewers is another well-executed dish.  You can tell by the looks that it is succulent and soft right?

Curry Tantanmen (370 php)

You can choose mild or spicy for the Curry Tantanmen.  I chose mild because I wanted to taste the flavor of their curry.  I wasn't impressed with it.  I kind of regret not having tried their 16-hour tonkotsu broth because I chose this.  But, it is true that their noodles are indeed good!

♥ Kaisen (380 php)

On the other hand, the Kaisen or seafood which rich taste of bonito and other ingredients mixed in.  I find this reasonable because of the huge tiger prawn served on top.  It tastes sweet and fresh.

Extra

♥ Ajitsuke Tamago (50 php)

If possible I always order the Ajitsuke Tamago to test the cooking skills of the chefs.  I would have to say that Butamaru's chef passed with flying colors!  This is the best Ajitsuke Tamago I've tried yet.  Ah the gelatinuous egg white and the wet, slightly grainy and mushy yellow egg yolk is to die for.

♥ Chashu (150 php)

And since my order didn't have any Chashu or roast pork, I ordered one as an extra.  You can tell just by the nice greasy look at it has the nice amount of fats that melts as soon as you put it on your mouth.  And, the char and sesame brings a soothing fragrant flavor that complements the rich pork and fat goodness.

I can't have a verdict for this yet until I try their Tonkotsu based broths.