You've probably noticed that my family and I are huge Korean fans.  When I was invited to the grand launch of Mr. Pizza last month,  just had to go!  


Upon arrival at Greenbelt 3, I could already hear the crowd's cheer echoing all over the place.  I was surrounded by crackles of laughter, faint gasps and thunders of applause as I got nearer to see the Korean Dream Team whirling and tossing pizza dough in the air. 

I guess all those heart-pounding stunts got me hungry as I was more eager to check out Mr. Pizza's selections.
 
The interior has a special vibe that distinguishes it from other pizza parlors.  For one, it has a big screen where you can watch Korean shows.


The tables are set up to cater to small groups.  And, there's a second floor to cater to bigger groups. 


While waiting for your orders, you can watch your pizza being made.  And, if you're wondering if they do those pizza dough tosses all-day, the answer is YES! 

The "On Air" lights doesn't indicate an on-going recording but it ignifies pizza doughs being tossed "On Air".

This is their specialty gold crust being made. 
  
This is the fresh ingredients they use.  You can easily see this portion from the second floor.

Food

Premium

♥ Eggta Regular Egg Tart (900 php)

When the Eggta was served, I already had a hunch that this will be one of the best pizza adventures of my life.  Just look at that!  It has camambert cheese, cranberries, beef steak, cherry tomatoes, onions and an egg tart for crust.  I'm telling you.  You have not lived your life if you haven't tried this!  Must try!!!

 

♥ Seafood Island 2 Regular Gold (900 php)

I don't know what happened to Seafood Island 1, but this is Seafood Island 2.  When they say premium, they really mean it.  See!  It has so many ingredients.  What's special about this is that we had it with Gold crust.  Gold crust mean crust filled with sweet potato paste.  It's really as precious as it sounds.

Classic

Bulgogi Pizza Regular (380 php)

I don't know where else you can find a Bulgogi Pizza so better try it here.  It's sweet and savory that I bet even kids will like it.

Sweety Pizza Regular (380 php)

 They don't have dessert options, but they have this Sweety Pizza.  Its rich and creamy sweet potato texture and sweet and fruity flavor is one of a kind.


Premium Pasta

♥ Crab Carbonara (330 php)

 The Crab Carbonara is one of their best-selling items.  I have to agree with the majority on this.


Classic Spaghetti

♥ Oven Baked Meat Spaghetti (280 php)

 The Oven Baked Meat Spaghetti is on the tangy side - my kind of taste.

Risotto

♥ Bbq Galbi Risotto (330 php)

 If you intend to have rice, I highly recommend the Bbq Galbi Risotto.  Everyone loved this!

Side & Salad

Mozzarella Sticks (230 php)

The Mozzarella Sticks are a classic favorite. 

♥ Ms. Chicken (230 php)

Ms. Chicken is their version of the Korean fried chicken.  I don't know why but they made Ms. Chicken fiercer with a spicy kick than the sweet Mr. Chicken.  I mean shouldn't it be the other way around? =p  Haha!  But, kidding aside, this is so good that you wouldn't mind getting saucy fingers.


Salad

♥ Cajun Salad (230 php)

Of course, my favorite part of the meal is my greens.  The Cajun Salad is so good that even my veggie-averse friends enjoyed it.

Drinks

Citron Ade (80 php), Hallabong Ade (80 php) and ♥ Aloe Ade (80 php)

They also have the Citron Ade, Hallabong Ade and Aloe Ade which is a flavored soda for refreshments.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I can see why Mr. Pizza is the number one pizza chain in Korea.  It's definitely a game changer.  I have never been as impressed with pizza as with Mr. Pizza.  The extravagance of ingredients, the harmonious blend of combinations and the uniqueness of each variation is impressive. 

While I was waiting for my family at Katipunan I noticed  a familiar looking restaurant with a different name. It has this Banapple restaurant vibe but it screams the name Sandwicheese!
Since my family is still at my little sister’s graduation at Ateneo Medical School, I decided to take a quick snack at Sandwicheese!

Grandma's Corn Chowder (80 php)

While I was there, I tried their Banapple Potato Salad, Grandma's Corn Chowder,  Seasoned Fries, and Pretty Green Slime.  All were good.  But, it was the Seasoned Fries that got me hooked that I wanted to have as much of it as I can.

Seasoned Fries (60 php)

Everyone in the family loves fries.  Unfortunately, for them, there were only a few pieces were left of the Seasoned Fries when they arrived.  I just couldn't help but pick one piece after another.  

If you prefer it a little less extravagant, the Classic Skin-On Fries would be a great choice too.  I overheard the mother beside me who ordered the Classic Skin-On Fries saying that she loves eating fries at Sandwicheese! because the potatoes they use are non-GMO.

Seasoned Fries (60 php)

The mother's comment piqued my curiosity as to what kind of fries and seasoning is using so I asked their friendly staff.  I was advised that for most of their potato dishes in their menu, like the Seasoned Fries that I had, what they use are USPB frozen potatoes.

During my grocery time at the SM Manila's Supermarket.

I looked around to find out where I can buy the products. Apparently, you can buy US frozen potatoes in bulk, packaged retail, or takal – takal (loose servins).

 To be safe, I decided to go for the packed ones for easy storage and hygiene.

I got a bit carried away. (The free green peas worked ;p) But, it's healthy anyway.  Did you know that US Potatoes are recommended by the leading nutrition experts like Harvard Medical School's Dr. George L. Blackburn and Registered Dietritian Ann M. Coulston, past president of the American Dietetic Association, to be part of a healthy balanced diet?  One whole russet potato has only 110 calories, no fat, excellent source of potassium, high in fiber and rich in vitamin C. 

Just to be sure, I bought a brand that has the United States Potato Board (USPB) Logo on the package.

About USPB
The United States Potato Board (USPB) is the promotion and marketing organization for the US potato industry.  The USPB is supported and directed solely by the 4,000 commercial potato growers operating in the United States.  They are currently in active partnership with the Philippine food industry.  And, are now making it an awareness that Filipino consumers can easily purchase US frozen potatoes in leading supermarkets.

USPB Potatoes Available in the Market


Where Can You Buy USPB Potatoes


Seasoned Fries Recipe
The family has been enjoying my home-made seasoned fries.  I'll share my recipe so you (and even your kids) can easily make one too.

Ingredients
300 g USPB Frozen French Fries
1 Tbsp of Parley Flakes
1 Tbsp of Barbecue Powder
1 Cup of Canola Oil (any oil will do)

Kitchen Equipement and Tools
1 Deep Frying Pan
1 Frying Basket
1 Bowl (for straining and pouring the seasoning)

Since I couldn't find Parsley Flakes in the supermarket, I decided to make my own. 

Step 1:  Heat the Canola Oil in the deep frying pan with medium-heat.  The amount should be enough for you to dip the frying basket.

Step 2:  Bring oil temperature up to 375 degrees F.  You can see the oil bubble up as an indication if you don't have any way to measure the temperature.

Step 3: While waiting for the oil to be ready, detach the ice pieces from the frozen fries and place them into the frying basket.  Note that being hard frozen is essential for the perfect crisp.

Step 4: When the oil is ready, submerge the frying basket along with the Frozen French Fries for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 5: Gently strain it so hot oil won't drip off the frying basket.

Step 6: Season the golden brown french fries with the barbecue powder and parsley flakes.


Here it is the Seasoned Fries.  You can now have them as often as you want.  I made this within minutes just in time for our family movie night.  This is tasty enough for me.  But, if you want to have it with the Garlic Cream Cheese, just puree 1 clove of garlic and blend with the Cream Cheese and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Tsinoy Foodies Recipe Rating
Recipe Difficulty Level	★
Estimated Preparation Time	3 minutes
Estimated Cooking Time	8 minutes per batch

A few months ago, I stumbled upon The Ostrich Farm's Facebook Fan Page.  The name and concept is quite interesting being a farm-to-table burger joint so I couldn't resist digging more information about it by checking their website. 

I then saw that they had a birthday promo but no details so I decided to pm them on Facebook to inquire.  

 This is the reply I got in verbatim. 
"It will start on Feb 16 here's the mechanics:
ACTUAL BIRTHDAY:
1. Anyone who has a valid I.D. or any document that indicates his/her birthdate can avail the promo.
2. Present his/her I.D. or any document to the manager or cashier before ordering to get a FREE burger of his/her choice. No need for a purchase but only one (1) free burger will be given to the celebrant on the day of his/her birthday.
3. Non-transferable and Non-convertible to cash.
4. Promo not valid with any other promo or in conjuction to other promos.BIRTHDAY MONTH:1. Anyone who has a valid I.D. or any document that indicates his/her birthdate can avail the promo.
2. The celebrant is to present his/her I.D. or any document to the manager or cashier before ordering to avail the promo.
3. A Birthday Bundle (1 Big Bird Burger (beef), french fries and Cheesy Pops) will be given to celebrant for every Php800 purchase.
4. Celebrant may avail the promo more than once during his/her birthday month.
5. Celebrant may avail the promo more than once per day.
6. Non-transferable and Non-convertible to cash.7. Promo not valid with any other promo or in conjuction to other promos."

I'm a believer in the saying that "If it's too good to be true, it probably is."  So out of curiosity, not really expecting anything, I decided to drop by and test it out on my birthday. 
 
The Ostrich Farm is located at Blue Bay Walk in the same side as our favorite curry place, Curry Bee.  I didn't notice it before probably because it was overcasted by Red Kimono's spacious facade and area size.  It was late afternoon, it was empty.  I walked straight to the counter and asked if I could claim their birthday promo.  To my surprise, indeed it was true.  I was asked for my government issued id, my age and my signature.  I was then asked to choose any burger I wanted. 

While waiting for my free meal, I took my time admiring their decor.  

These ornaments are made from real ostrich eggs which is so cool!





They also sell ostrich meat.  There's also a self-service area for condiments.



There's fun facts to entice you even more!

While waiting, these lovely ladies came in and orders the February Couple meal special.  I thought it was only my imagination but then I heard then speaking "Oh my, what's that delicious smell".  The whole place was swarming with inviting smokey grilled ostrich meat scent.

Food
Since I was bored and alone, I chatted with the lovely ladies on the table beside me.  Learning that I blog, they even let me take a photo of their cute order.  (Haha! Thick-faced I know... But it's my birthday so I had a great positive vibe lol).   I think a lot of couples would enjoy this and they should may this available regularly right?
 
The two ladies shared that they work nearby and just finished a seminar.  They are so happy with their meal that they already planned on bringing their friends.  I then returned to my seat so they can enjoy their meal.  As soon as they were finished, their Lebanese boss (who they said owns a Lebanese restaurant in Malate - I'm guessing it is Shawarmama) came in and said, "Oh I've tried it here.  The food is really good!".

♥ TOF Macho Ostrich Burger (338 php)

The friendly staff shared that The Ostrich Farm is actually a sister company of Garage88 Bar and Diner.  The burger pattie are the same its just the topping and sauces that vary. 

♥ TOF Macho Ostrich Burger (338 php)

I chose their best-selling TOF Macho Ostrich Burger.  Just by it's looks and fragrance, I already knew it was of premium quality.  It is far up exceeding my recollection of Garage88's burger.

♥ TOF Macho Ostrich Burger (338 php)

Since its my first time to try an ostrich burger, I just had to peep and check what it looks like.  Quite frankly, I couldn't tell the difference and the smell was really good!

I swear this is one of the best burgers I've had!  I rarely get impressed by burger buns but really buns palang winner na.  When you grab the burger, you can feel the your fingers sink down into it like a pillow.  Biting through it, you'll feel that it is so moist and soft.  Yet, it doesn't crumble down or become soggy.  And, then the burger pattie itself... It was explosive in terms of smoky savory flavors.  In addition, it was tender and juicy too.
 
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I highly recommend The Ostrich Farm.  I'm very proud of this discovery and I really wish that more people would try it out because it's awesome! Did I mention that they offer FREE WiFi too? =)