As we, Millenials, are moving towards healthy living, there's one kitchen equipment that rose to fame for its health benefits and ease of usage.  Yes, you've guess it right - it's an Air Fryer!  It's the perfect solution for those who love frying their food but craving to find a way to make them healthier.

Breville, international premium kitchen label, has perfected the art of producing home partners that makes food preparation easy and healthy.   The brand has continuously stepped up its game over the years to help consumers be masters of their kitchens. So as it concluded its 10th anniversary in the Philippines last 2020, one of its agenda is to present a lot of surprises for the forward-thinking homemakers. One of which is its latest product - the Breville's Smart Oven® Air Fryer.  This product was launched in recognition of the new kind of demand when it comes to home partners as the majority of homemakers started looking into kitchen aids that can match their lifestyle expectations.  This innovation takes utmost consideration of its consumer's home lifestyle and general health as it offers a fun, new, easy and healthy way of cooking their meals.

The Breville's Smart Oven® Air Fryer that it recently launched is already a third generation.  Hence, you could say that this kitchen aid has just #GotSmarter. Among its features it versatility with its oven and air frying function built-in and combined into one smart product.  This smart kitchen aid ensures that the process of frying is healthy as it introduces a new way of making food minus the guilt.

With ten (10) cooking functions and a dual-speed convection feature that reduces cooking time by up to 30 percent (30%) , this convenient and time-saving home partner is really a kitchen must-have.  The Breville's Smart Oven® Air Fryer is even equipped with a smart algorithm that creates an ideal cooking environment that makes food prepration friendly and easy for cooks of all levels - even for young and beginner cooks.

With its “Hey, Home Fryer!” online launch event which will put the spotlight on the brand’s newest kitchen items, it will take on all health-conscious and enthusiastic cooks on a new air frying culinary tour as they explore on the many ways to cook fried food using its air fryer.

The event is open for all.  To join, simply watch its online launch through the Breville’s Facebook Page on April 24, 2021, 3:00 PM.  The event will not only show case the brand's latest kitchen equipments, it will also be participated by Chef Waya Araos-Wijanco (Executive Chef and Owner, Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe, Mental Health Advocate, co-founder of Open Hand School for Applied Arts), Chef Gem Tee (owner, Salta Ristorante), and other passionate home cooks who will share their heritage and modern recipes using the Breville's Smart Oven® Air Fryer.

Follow Breville’s official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/brevillephilippines) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/breville_phils/) for more details about the event. Want to know more about Breville’s products? Head to their website (https://w    ww.breville.com.ph/) to learn more about them.

Complimentary Roll

♥ Starter Kit (1995 php)

We got the Starter Kit with calamari, buffalo chicken wings, BBQ meats, nachos, cheese nuggets, honey glazed chicken pops and daily quesadilla.

Seafood Madness (1995 php)

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Smoque Bistro + Cafe & Bar serves at a reasonable price point despite the intimidating ambiance.  A must visit whe in Bohol!

Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating		Smoque Bistro + Cafe & Bar Menu
Ambiance	★★★★★	Menu 1 | Menu 2 | Beverages
Taste	★★★
Service	★★★
Price	★★★★
♥=Favorites or Recommended

Smoque Bistro + Cafe & Bar
Business Address	Cpg East Avenue, Bool District along Ace Medical Bldg . Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines
Business Hours	Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Payment Options	Cash
Service Charge	10%
Budget/Person	300-1,000
Free WiFi	No
Contact	(0918) 300-8180
Other

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During the COVID pandemic, the family has been practicing caution in choosing where and when to dine out.  Having our first dine out at Yamazato山里 at Hotel Okura Manila was a wise choice and as you read along our experience, we're sure you'll agree as to why.

According to the official Michelin Guide website, "In 2002, Yamazato became the first traditional Kaiseki restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star outside of Japan, thanks to Chef Masanori Tomikawa’s subtle cuisine that is full of velvet-smooth flavours."

When we dined there, the above-mentioned was the only information that lured us into trying out Yamazato.  But a few days after we posted about it on instagram, its management commented some interesting details therein: (1)  This branch in the Philippines is the 10th location to open worldwide and (2) Yamazato in Bangkok, Macau, and Taipei also have Michelin distinction.   What an amazing track record right?

Brief Info on Kaiseki

It has dawned on us that we've never tried Kaiseki before.  Kaiseki, kanji are written as 会席 or formally as 懐石 literally mean "breast-pocket stone" which Zen monks, who do not have budget for food, give to guests to ward off hunger as a sign of hospitality. These kanji are thought to have been incorporated to indicate the frugal meal served in the austere style of chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony).  Both sets of kanji remain in use today to write the word.  

Kaiseki now represents a set course meal as a counterpart to the Japanese haute cuisine.  

After such an introduction, you'd think we'd go for the Yamazato Mini Kaiseki Set which was available from 6 pm to 9 pm right? Wrong.

Since the family really missed dining out and having special dishes for sharing, we decided to go ala carte style.   

COVID Protocols

As responsible citizens, we're really advocating cautious practice against COVID.  And, we feel that restaurants such as Yamazato with excellent COVID protocols should be commended too.

 

Service

While deciding on what to order from their menu which we viewed through our phones, our personal server wearing her face mask and face shield cautiously served us complimentary hot tea and oshibori or hot towel.

 

Food

Simmered Dishes  (煮物)

♥ Buta Kakuni 豚角煮 (894 php)

 

 

Yasai Takiawase  野菜炊き合わせ (280 php)

 

 Grilled Dishes 焼物

♥ Gindara Saikyo Yaki 銀鱈西京焼き  (880 php)

The Gindara Saikyo Yaki in white miso sauce was so good.  We ordered three of this dish!    

Fried Dishes 揚げ物

Tempura Moriawase  天麩羅盛り合わせ (800 php)

Of course, the Tempura Moriawase is another must order.  Each one has to have their own Prawn Tempura.  With this dish, you can already judge it by the color and texture of the tempura batter. 

 

Chicken Teriyaki  鶏照り焼き (620 php)

 

Noodles

♥ Tempura Soba (Hot) 天麩羅そば(温) (880 php)

The Tempura Soba is another comforting dish for the soul to enjoy.  The buckwheat noodles was smooth and bouncy.  It didn't have the usual rough and brittleness that you'd usually expect for a soba.  The soba and the rest of the toppings meshed well together.  Even the mild natural earthy flavor of the shiitake mushroom brought out by the broth.

 

Sushi / Sushi Roll 寿司 / 巻物

♥ Futo Maki 太巻寿司 (780 php)

The Futo Maki may look just like any other maki you've encountered but take a bite and the play of textures and the fresh flavors of the ingredients in your mouth will leave you a distinguishing satisfaction.

 

Secret Menu

♥ Chahan

We're so glad that our server hinted us to order Yamazato's Chahan.  She even checked with the kitchen as to the availability of this dish since it is not in the menu.  We felt like a winner when she announce that it was available.  But, we felt even luckier upon trying this.  This is hands down one of the best, if not the best Chahan we've had.

 

We know that we sound like a broken record as we repeat in our Japanese blog post that we've always believed that ordering the Chahan is one of our measuring gauge of the quality of a Japanese restaurant.  And, thus, our standing ovation of compliments for Yamazato's Chahan says a lot!

 

Complimentary Tea

Unfortunately, we were able to inquire as to what type of Japanese green tea this was.  But, it was the most refreshingly clean-tasting tea we've ever tried.  It made us wonder if it was the quality of the tea itself or the precision in steeping that made the difference.  

 

Complimentary Birthday Surprise

 

Complimentary Dark Chocolate Cake

 

Upon informing them during our reservation that we're celebrating a birthday there, Yamazato prepared this surprise.  We really appreciate this! 

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict

We totally agree with Michelin guide in recognizing the Yamazato山里.  Although we have yet to the Yamazato in other countries, with the quality of the dining experience we experience here in Manila, we believe that its execution in multiple branches is no doubt at par with each other.  If you're looking for a really quality Japanese fine dining experience here in Manila, Yamazato should belong in your top list. 

Tsinoy Foodies Review Rating		Yamazato山里 Menu
Ambiance	★★★★★	Menu
Taste	★★★★★
Service	★★★★★
Price	★★★
♥=Favorites or Recommended

Yamazato 山里 Okura Hotel Manila
Business Address	Resorts World Manila, 2 Portwood Street (formerly Palm Drive, Newport Blvd, Pasay, 1309 Metro Manila
Business Hours	Lunch: 11:30am-2pm Dinner: 6pm-10:00pm
Payment Options	Cash
Service Charge	10%
Budget/Person	1,000-2,000
Free WiFi	No
Contact	(02) 5318-2888
Other	Website

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This Christmas is unique because it is a Christmas amidst a health crisis.  Yet, the Philippine food industry is quite fortunate as there are a lot of establishment that can thrive like the international brand Subway that are still well-loved and well-supported by the community. 

Subway One Archers Place

During our visit for take-away at Subway One Archers Place's we can't help but notice that there are a lot of delivery men who come in and out to pick up orders.

12 Subs of Christmas Discount Deal

To show its gratefulness, Subway is offering its 12 Subs of Christmas Deal that aims to lift up the Christmas spirit through a 12-day promo discount deal.

Subway One Archers Place COVID Protocol

40% On Second Sub

GENERAL MECHANIC

1. Buy (1) 6-inch of Christmas + 16-oz drink and get the 2nd 6-inch of Christmas at 40% Off.

The 12 6-inch sub of Christmas are: 

• Ham
• Sliced Chicken
• Roasted Chicken
• Sliced Chicken & Ham
• Smoked Chicken
• Spicy Italian
• Pulled Pork
• Italian B.M.T
• Steak & Cheese
• Meatball Marinara
• Subway Melt
• Subway Club

2. The 2nd sub at 40% off should either be of the same or lower value.

3. Available for TAKE-OUT and DINE-IN only.

4. Promo is available for 12 days starting December 16, 2020, until December 31, 2020.

So here's our orders... It's worthy to mention that despite the pandemic, four (4) breads options are available: Wheat,  Honey Oat, Italian Parmesan and Oregano.

Food

♥ 6-inch Italian B.M.T (126 php)

The Italian B.M.T is a world favorite with sliced Genoa salami, pepperoni and ham and your choice of vegetables.  We like all vegetables including onions please!

♥ Steak & Cheese (160 php)

Our personal favorite is the Steak & Cheese. You can't go wrong with lean and tender steak slices with creamy melted cheese on a sub.

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The COVID pandemic has taught us to spend more time in the kitchen than going out of our homes.    These holiday season instead of buying gifts for relatives, we sent out cooked dishes to them instead.  One of the most popular dish we've conjured that gained a lot of praise is our Creamy Truffle Mushroom Vegetable Penne Recipe.

Creamy Truffle Mushroom Vegetable Penne

So we're sharing our tweaked Tsinoy Foodies Creamy Truffle Mushroom Vegetable Penne Recipe for you and your loved ones to enjoy too.

Ingredients
3 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup butter
1 chopped medium onion
6 cloves chopped garlic
2 cups fresh shiitake mushroom
1 can NESTLÉ Cream 300g
2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground pepper
2 tbsp Umbria Terra Di Tartufi White Truffle Oil (from goodwill.market)
2 tbsp Umbria Terra Di Tartufi Black Truffle Sauce (from goodwill.market)
500g Vegetable Penne (cooked al dente)

About Umbria Terra Di Tartufi

Umbria Terra Di Tartufi is an Italian artisan brand distributed by Dygen Food Ventures, Inc.  Its artisan products including truffle oils and sauces are made with pure ingredients fromt he luxuriant area of Valnerina Italy.  It does not contain any artificial colors, additives or preservatives and is produced from years of research to retain the unique and authentic flavor of the truffle. 

Umbria Terra Di Tartufi White Truffle Oil

Umbria Terra Di Tartufi White Truffle Oil is a condiment based on olive oil, dehydrated Bianchetto truffle and white truffle aroma.  It is your choice for ready to serve snacks and meals.

 

Umbria Terra Di Tartufi Black Truffle Sauce

Procedure

• Step 1: In a heated pan, add 3 tbsp olive oil and ¼ cup butter.
• Step 2: Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant (but don't let them caramelize).
• Step 3: Add 2 cups fresh shiitake mushroom and let it sit for 3 minutes.
• Step 4: Pour in NESTLÉ Cream and let it sit for 2 minutes in low heat.
  
• Step 5:Season with salt and black pepper.
• Step 6: Toss in Vegetable Penne and mix.
• Step 7: Add 2 tbsp Umbria Terra Di Tartufi Black Truffle Sauce then mix.
• Step 8: Turn off heat then add 2 tbsp Umbria Terra Di Tartufi White Truffle Oil then mix.
• Step 9: Serve immediately.