A few days ago, I was invited by the UP Economics Society to be one of the Food Blogger Judges at the Foodgasm 4 which will be held on March 8, 2014 (Saturday) from 6pm-11pm at Mercato Centrale in The Fort, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Although on its fourth round, it is the first time for me so I can't wait to check it out!  I'm hoping that it's even bigger and better than the three previous ones. I'm not new to food tasting events though.  But, this is undeniably the most affordable one.

Tickets at:
Pre-Selling Price: 200 php
Door Price: 220 php

Major Sponsor: San Miguel Brewery
Minor Sponsors: Cocolife | GSMI
Donor: Greenpak Enterprises | Cha Dao Milk Tea
Media Sponsors: Play FM | When In Manila | Click the City | Female Network | Spot.ph | Choose Philippines
Organization Partners: UP ACME | UP EURO | UP Le Club Francois | UP Music Circle

Food Bloggers

1. Chef Fatsy 
2. Bear Grubs
3. Foodamn PH 
4. Geoffreview
5. Gastronomy by Joy 
6. The Ultimate Food Addict 
7. Joei and Me 
8. Hana - Food, Beauty and Lifestyle Blog 
9. Top Brass
10. Comfort Food and Warm Fuzzies 
11. Tara, Let's Eat!
12. Trip Ko Lang
13. The Kitchen Goddess
14. Wazzup Philippines? 
15. Be Carol 
16. Lifestyle Manila
17. Lazy Black Cat
18. Food in the Bag
19. Tsinoy Foodies 
20. Work @ Home Pinas

It's also a good chance to meet the other 20 food bloggers like me as I have not met most of them. 

Food Participants

1. Cuptain Cakes 
2. The Happy Monster
3. Ruby Red Kitchen
4. Babci Kuchnia
5. Chorizo De Cebu Philippines
6. Niku Niku 
7. Mau's Cupcake Cafe
8. Dolcelli Food Specialties
9. Country Fries
10. TeamJohnny
11. Cooking Ina's Kitchen
12. Chef Francesca's Cupcakes Couture
13. Modern Desserts
14. Buenavi Food & Beverage 
15. Enjoy Comfort Concoction
16. Hunger Buster
17. Chili Chili Bang Bang
18. Baking Bad

I'm also intrigued by the 18 food participants.  Although I've visited food markets and tried food tasting before, I haven't tried or encountered any of them.   So join me in this gastronomic adventure.  See you all there!  Don't be shy to greet me if you see me.  I'd love to meet some of my readers. =)

For more info check out: https://www.facebook.com/events/602345566514517

For ticket reservations, kindly email us at upecosoc.finance@gmail.com or contact Brian at 0927 525 3427 or order your tickets outside Rm. 127 at the UP School of Economics starting this Wednesday (March 5).


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Ever since I glanced upon Writers Bar when we dined at Spectrum, I have long been wishing to come back for it.  There's just something about its grandeur, solemnity and coziness that calls upon the bookish and geek side of me. 

My wish was granted when my friend Sumi invited for an afternoon tea.

Writers Bar at the Raffles Hotel Manila is a modern interpretation of the original Writers Bar in Singapore.  It is styled as a library with real books from various writers who frequented Writers Bar like Ernest Hemingway.

Afternoon Tea
This is actually only my second time to enjoy an afternoon tea. After trying it once, I'm still in the process of getting acquainted with it.  According to the Writers Bar menu, the idea of an Afternoon Tea originated from Anna Maria, the 7th Duchess of Bedford who invited friends over for tea after having a sinking feeling one afternoon.  Another interesting fact I learned from the menu is that prior to the Afternoon Tea, the English only had two main meals: breakfast (consisting of ale, bread and beef) and dinner.

Glam Hatters Afternoon Tea
As our visit was on a Monday afternoon, we availed of the Glam Hatters Afternoon Tea which is available every Mondays from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for only 1,150++ php.  It's actually the same as the Raffles Classic but with the perks of wearing a stylish hat and you also get a take home treat.   
 
Raffles Classic
The Raffles Classic is good for two so everything is served in pairs!  It's one fulfilling endeavor I promise you!  We took hours of chatting, drinking and munching to finish the whole course.

A Selection of Finger Sandwiches

We began with a A Selection of Finger Sandwiches.  We were served the Beef Tenderloin and Dijoinaise Dressing, Smoked Salmon, Smoked Ham, Gherkins and Onions, Classic Cucumber with Basil Pesto and Egg Salad on Sundried Tomato Roll.

My top three favorites in the following order were...

♥ Beef Tenderloin and Dijoinaise Dressing

♥ Smoked Salmon

♥ Egg Salad on Sundried Tomato Roll

Duo of Scones

Duo of Scones with Clotted Cream and Locally Made Preserves

As I'm not a fan of crunchy type of cookies (I like them chewy and moist), I'm also not fond of scones.  But, to my surprise, I loved these scones: Classic Plain and Dried Currant!  They were served warm, had a crunchy thin outer layer but moist and soft on the inside. 

♥ Dried Currants

While I loved the Classic Plain, I enjoyed the Dried Currants more.  Look at the size of their scones!  It's huge and filling but they were so good I just had to finish them both.
 

A Selection of French Pastries

By the time this three-tier tray arrived, we were also full.  But, who could resist these right?  So, we took our time to indulge in every one of them.

♥ Seasonal Tartlets

The Seasonal Tartlets had Lemon Meringe, Blueberries and Black Currant Tart and Raspberries and Berries Tart.  I really can't choose among them because all of them were delightful.

Pâte à Choux

Cakes and Signature Tea Macarons

Last but definitely not the least are the Cakes and Signature Tea Macarons.  The ♥ Flourless Milk Chocolate Guanaja Cake with gold toppings is a chocolate lovers dream!  To simply reminisce about it makes my mouth water.  But, the ♥ Pistacho Orange Cake is also as indulgent.  We also had the Peppermint and Ube (instead of Earl Grey) macarons. 

♥ Choice of Harney & Sons Tea

For beverage, you can have unlimited brewed coffee or your choice of tea.  Since the tea at Writers Bar are specially blended by Harney & Sons, we opted to try as much of it as we can.   There have a variety of Black Teas, White Teas, Green Teas, Oolong-Blue Teas and Herbal Teas.  Our favorites are the Genmaicha, Roiboos Chai and White Vanilla Grapefruit.


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Writers Bar offers a one of a kind experience especially in terms of Afternoon Tea. Avail of the Glam Hatter Afternoon Tea for a truly wonderful time.  I've seen girl friends as well as daters avail of it. Its even great as a family activity.  In fact, during our visit I saw a family having fun with their cute little daughter in a beautiful dress that matched her hat. 

One our favorite sisterly bonding is watching movies.  So one time, me and little sis reserved our tickets at Glorietta 4.  Due to our tight schedule, we opted for a quick dinner at the Glorietta 4 Food Choices.  That is actually our usual practice when confronted with a similar circumstance because the food options there are by far better than the usual mall food courts. 

Having dined at Go Greek! before, I suggested that we eat there.  It's a sister company of Cyma.  But, the price here is cheaper although the choices are limited. 

Being the elder sister, its customary that I'm the one to treat her so yes price was a consideration in the selection. =p  But, I also assured that it would pass her high standards or she'll make endless parinig (remarks) until we reach home for sure.

So I let her choose what she wants.

So the dishes are mostly displayed and preheated or re-roasted prior to serving.  We waited 10 minutes for our orders to be grilled. They adopt a self service style which is typical with food courts.

Food

Gyros

♥ Chicken Gyros (115 php)

My sister chose the Chicken Gyros.  She was quite pleased with the tenderness and tastiness of the slow-roasted chicken bits (said to be fillet).  The pita bread is warm and soft too.  But, we both agreed that the yogurt sauce is a little watery.

Greek Kebab

♥ Seafood Kebab (135 php)

I, on the other hand, chose the Seafood Kebab.  It was fish kebab with salates (salad), pita, hot sauce and yogurt sauce.  I thought this is a more fulfilling and balanced meal than the gyros.  The fish kebab was not dry too which I liked.


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Go Greek! is the most affordable Greek option you can find in the Metro.  The quality is what you pay for though.  Can't say that the ingredients are fresh but, at least the food is served hot.

If you think that Kimukatsu is just another Katsu chain, I'm telling you straight out it isn't!  Kimukatsu offers 25 Layers of Mille-Feuille Katsu goodness that comes in 7 different flavors.


Compared to its neighboring restaurants, Kimukatsu's facade may not seem as noticeable with only the hint of its small "Kimukatsu" lighted sign against the blackness.


But once you step in, you'd be awed with the beauty of the place.  It has glowing lanterns and a cherry blossom wall.  The plastic chairs are not only stylish but are very sturdy too.


They also have private rooms available.  It can also be merged into one for big groups.

Find this through the pebbled track on the side.

Complimentary Hot or Cold Brown Rice Tea

Upon being seated, we were served our choice of Complimentary Hot or Cold Brown Rice Tea.

Food

Side Menu

♥ Kimutaku (110 php)

The Kimutaku is a hybrid between kimchi and picked raddished topped with sesame seeds.
 

♥ Ebi Mayo (210 php)

The Ebi Mayo is soft shrimp battered and topped with Japanese mayo.

♥ Agedashi Tofu (180 php)

The Agedashi Tofu is delicious!  This is one of the best I've tried.  


Kimukatsu Assorted Set

♥ 7 flavor KIMUKATSU SET (2,400 php)

The 7 flavor KIMUKATSU SET includes 7 flavors of kimukatsu: Plain, Garlic, Ume Shiso, Yuzu Pepper, Negi Shio,  Cheese and Black Pepper and 6 rice set with unlimited Cabbage and Miso Soup: White and Red.

Plain

Look at that layers of pork meat with the right amount of fats so each bite has the right amount of crispy, tender and juiciness.  With the Plain one, you can also appreciate the natural tastiness of the pork meat or pair it with their dips and salt.

Garlic

The Garlic comes with crushed garlic bits which garlic lovers like me adore.  

Ume Shiso

The Ume Shiso is filled with sour plum and shiso leaf.  This has an interesting twist that will surely enlighten your taste buds.
 

Yuzu Pepper

The Yuzu Pepper gives off an initial citrus flavor from the yuzu fruit and ends with a spicy kick from the chili pepper.  Spicy lovers will surely enjoy the tickling spice to their taste buds.
 

Negi Shio

The juiciest among all the flavors is the Negi Shio. This actually reminded me of pork gyoza stuffings upon first bite.

Cheese

The Cheese is of course a sure hit to everyone.  The oozing cheese is simply irresistible.
 

Black Pepper

The Black Pepper has layers of pepper before the coating.  It was a bit dry but nevertheless simple but nice.


The staffs demonstrated how the dipping tradition is done.  First, you grind the sesame seeds.  Then, pour some tonkatsu sauce on the first partition and some ponzu sauce on the next.  Lastly, add some Himalayan salt on the third partition.

Unlimited Cabbage with roasted sesame dressing and ponzu based dressing

Kohikiri Rice

The Kohikiri Rice is so fragrant and delicious! I couldn't resist loading on some carbs.
 

Miso Soup: White and Red

It's actually my first time to encounter a  White Miso Soup.  It was sweeter and smoother than the Red which is more commonly served by Japanese restaurants here in the Philippines.

Pickled Vegetable Side Dish

They also serve a Pickled Vegetable Side Dish.




Kimukatsu Sandwich

Kimukatsu Sandwich Plain (210 php)

Kimukatsu Sandwich Plain (210 php)

If you want to share the experience with others, I highly recommend that you take out the Kimukatsu Sandwich Plain.  

Kimukatsu Sandwich Plain (210 php)

I brought some of this home and my family is quite thrilled with it.  I'm sure even kids will enjoy this.

Kimukatsu Sandwich Plain (210 php)

This lasts up to one day.  The soft buns, tender and crunchy katsu and savory sauce makes this a delectable snack.

Dessert

♥ Macha Parfait (250 php)

Their Macha Parfait is a nice meal ender.  The macha ice cream is top quality and the mochi, red bean paste as well as chest nut are excellent complements too.

Soy Cotta (160 php)

The Soy Cotta is a soya gelatin with sweet syrup.  My friends seemed to like it but it didn't appeal much to me.

♥ Japanese Panna Cotta (110 php)

The Japanese Panna Cotta is the best Japanese dessert I've ever tried.  I'll order this on every visit!

Other Katsu Reviews
Ginza Bairin
Katsu Cafe

Maisen 
Saboten
Tampopo たんぽぽ 
Tonkatsu by Terazawa
Yabu 1 | Yabu 2

Other Reviews on Shangri-La East Wing
Green Pastures
Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen
Zao Vietnamese Bistro

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Kimukatsu is a must try for katsu.  It's a whole new and upgraded katsu experience!  After our first visit, my little sister went back immediately with her better half.  That's how good it is.  I'd like to try their Kurobuta on my next visit and their Kurogama Pudding which was unavailable during our visit.