Pipino: Indulging in a guilt-free (and a major withdrawal) green lunch

Go green. go organic. go vegan.

Okay so maybe I was too engrossed with the go green campaign I've been working on for 2 weeks now and it's been haunting me everywhere!

And the culmination of those 2 weeks was... Pipino! (it couldn't get any greener than this)

Last Saturday we found ourselves in a cozy vegetarian restaurant in Malinap Street, Teachers Village. It housed 2 restaurants where Pino served "normal food" and Pipino, well for the health enthusiasts. A few minutes after I took this photo, people piled in and minutes after Pipino was packed!

With the place filled up, I was excited to see if Pipino was really as promising as it looked. I wondered how they would create their dishes and if it could measure up to Greens which was the first vegan restaurant I've tried.

[caption id="attachment_685" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino"][/caption]

Good thing we just ordered one Pipino special iced tea. At only Php35, their serving was huge and their blend was refreshing too. Its mix reminded me of carrots.

[caption id="attachment_686" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Pipino Iced Tea (Php35)"][/caption]

Then we had the Fresh Vegetable Lumpia which tasted normal too. I've had better though but by far this was the best part of my Pipino dining experience next to their iced tea.

[caption id="attachment_689" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Fresh Vegetable Lumpia (Php120)"][/caption]

They used an egg-less crepe which had quite an interesting texture to it and it was a bit chewy too. Topped with peanut sauce, toasted seaweed and fresh garlic. It was also served with crispy rice noodles that I enjoyed nibbling on. (There was not a pinch of saltiness in it, mind you)

My choice of greens was Pipino's Garden Burger. The "pattie" was Carrot Bacon in Chili-Garlic Sauce on Whole Wheat Bun, served with Kamote (Sweet Potato) Fries.

[caption id="attachment_691" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Garden Burger (Php155)"][/caption]

Did I enjoy it? I wanted to run to the nearest Mcdonalds. I hate to admit it but I'm a fastfood / junkfood junkie. The moment I had a bite of the pattie, I wanted to run into the arms (if it had any) of a quarter pounder or a double cheeseburger.

[caption id="attachment_692" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="The carrot-bacon pattie"][/caption]

Don't get me wrong, it might have worked for those on a Vegan diet. It was guilt-free alright but I was suffering from major withdrawal after.

Jason's choice was Squash Risotto. It had Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Vegan Sausage, Cashew Cheese Nugget and it was peppered with Fresh Ginger.

[caption id="attachment_693" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Squash Risotto (Php220)"][/caption]

It looked pretty appetizing. But as Jason had a spoonful of it, I couldn't paint the expression on his face. When I had a bite of it, well... it wasn't so cruel. You really have to get used to the taste. At first it was a bit difficult to swallow. The rice was sticky and soggy, (thanks to the ginger, I could imagine myself having Hainanese Chicken with it) and it was really hard to appreciate. The Vegan Sausage was  okay though and the Cashew Cheese Nugget. But if you eat them together with the rice, the latter's taste would overwhelm the former.

It also had an aftertaste of garlic sauce so I pretty much imagined myself chowing down on shawarma / kebab.

At that point I was thinking of children being forced to eat their greens where mom would say "Mmmmmm...." to stimulate the poor kid's appetite after feeding the kid a spoonful of ampalaya.

I'm not cut out for this diet really. I could only fool myself into a green and healthy lifestyle for an hour or two. But on the other hand, I lasted a week living only on broccoli and cauliflower.

I hope though their quite normal counterpart (Pino) is a lot better than this. After that guilt-free lunch, I'm sorry but I had to rush to the nearest Dairy Queen (in Katipunan) to reward my major craving. I had their Oreo Cheesecake, as Oreo is their featured flavor of the month and dare I say, it was the highlight of my green day. :)

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Pipino Vegetarian Food by Pino

 2F 39 Malinap Street, Teachers Village

Quezon City, Philippines

Dairy Queen

Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City

Philippines

The Real Thing Diner: Opening up Happiness in every bite!

Your well-loved Coca Cola is now morphed into one of the coolest diner there is!

The Real Thing Diner houses everything Coca-Cola. From the red and white signage and the Coke can on the outside, and countless memorabilia displayed on the inside, to place mats, vending machines, decors, and everything. It was every Coca Cola lover's dream! Their specialty of course was that every dish had a Coke product in it.

Opening the menu was such a delight! We couldn't decide on what to try. Everything on the list seemed so promising.

But eventually we had to decide. Their Coke Float made me all giggly! It was like drinking up your best memory.

[caption id="attachment_281" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Coke Float (P69)"][/caption]

To kick off our Happy Experience, Sarsi Wings seemed to be a popular choice so we went ahead and got ourselves one of those.

[caption id="attachment_282" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Sarsi Wings (P199)"][/caption]

Buffalo wings glazed with no less than Sarsi. It was a bit too sweet for me. I know I've got a sweet tooth but it was kind of unusually interesting - that mix of chicken and sugar in my mouth. I can't remember how Sarsi tasted like but those wings were a pretty good reminder. Jason loved it by the way.

Then came Jason's Eight O'Clock chicken priced at P279 (Unfortunately wasn't able to take a pic along with our other main course). It was very juicy with just a hint of sweetness. Served with mixed veggies and his choice side dish: wedges. It's definitely worth a try and without the guilt feeling too since it's just chicken and your favorite (healthy) fruit flavored juice.

My main course was Coca-Cola Baby Back Ribs (P399).  It was baby back ribs glazed in Coca-Cola BBQ sauce with my choice sider, side salad. Its glazing tasted a bit like Sarsi wings, but less sweet. It could improve though on its supposedly tender and moistness.

*Two things you should observe is that after these coke-filled meals, there's this feeling of minty-ness at the back of your throat like you've had coke forever. Plus you'd feel full after a couple of bites since these are carbonated products that would expand in your tummy.

Our dessert was a great way to end this Happy Experience. Happily Appley was just too perfect for me!

[caption id="attachment_287" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Happily Appley (P99)"][/caption]

The Swedish Apple Pie was freshly baked I still got to see the steam slowly evaporating. Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was just the right hot 'n cold combination that would make me leave this happy dining place with a new well-loved memory.

For that happy happy Coke experience, give this diner a try for more joyful times to remember by... :)

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The Real Thing Diner

2nd Flr. Il Terrazzo Mall, 305 Tomas Morato cor. Sct Madrinan, Quezon City

Tel No. 352-4320

Big Better Burgers: Grilled Burgers have never been BETTER!

One Saturday lunchnoon after cruising along Katipunan Avenue, Esteban Abada etcetera within the area to find a place to eat, Alvin and I decided to try Big Better Burgers in Katipunan Avenue. The deciding factor: PARKING SPACE! Though he wasn't really up for burgers since he just had one the other day, well parking space does a lot of talking to two growling tummies.

It was both our first time and we didn't want to go wrong with our orders so both of us had their signature burger.

And what better order than their Big Better Burger?

With Wedge Fries (P55) of course.

(Wasn't able to take a pic 'coz I just couldn't wait to get my grubby hands on it xp)

The service was pretty quick or maybe we were just too busy talking about a who seemed to be a love interest. AHEM. haha :P

Then it arrived... A 1/3 pound  grilled burger, with lettuce, tomatoes, and dill onion mayo.

(Oh it wasn't as BIG as I expected.)

Before I sank my fangs into it, I just had to eat it this way...

Forgive me for being such a condiment-pig and torturing the poor burger.

As the bun was soon put into place, I immediately sank my teeth into one of the juiciest and delicious burger in my life! Some grilled burgers I've tried were really really dry but this was different! It was way way BETTER!

The bun was soft with a crispiness to it and the beef was seasoned and grilled perfectly. Its sauce complemented the burger and my condiments well I wish I hadn't put so much (Note to self for my next VISITS). I am coming back for this burger again and again. I could never have so much of them.

And you know what the best part was? It was all Alvin's treat! Thanks Alvin! :D

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Big Better Burgers

Katipunan Avenue, Prince David condominium building

 

Chef's Bistro + Cobo Bubble Tea and Snow Ice : Dinner and Tea anyone?

Just beside our all-time hang out place, Cobo Bubble Tea & Snow Ice is a quite interesting restaurant we decided to try one time - Chef's Bistro.

Since we didn't want to park all over again for dinner and then tea/coffee somewhere else then this place was quite ideal. Dare I say the cliche? It's like hitting two birds in one stone. Ok there I said it.

On the downside though, both share a limited parking space only good for 2 cars at a time or else if you insist, you might also be up for taking a stroll to and from the establishments. (Healthy Bonus: Good for the heart <3)

Chef's Bistro seem to have recently expanded since the extension wasn't in the same feel yet with the rest of the dining area. The new wing was a bit isolated and had a rawness to it far from the first impression of  it being somewhat refined. We opted to stay in the new wing by the way since it was more spacious for a guest of 3.

First we were served complimentary bread which looked filling all right, but I decided to skip it and save my appetite.

[caption id="attachment_133" align="aligncenter" width="322" caption="Complimentary Bread from the Chef :)"][/caption]

I didn't know if we enjoyed conversation so much that we didn't notice the time because my order of Fish Fritters (Php295) seem to be served just when I heard my tummy give a little yelp.

I do have a thing for fried foods especially what they served - Deep fried cream dori fish fillet with rich aioli dip.

As soon as the plate was laid on the table, I didn't hesitate to grab my first piece of fry then chomped my way to oil heaven.

[caption id="attachment_134" align="aligncenter" width="322" caption="Fish Fritters (P295) - Good for 2-3 persons"][/caption]

This dish is best enjoyed shared. Why? If I had this all to myself then my excitement for fried stuff would have immediately gone dry. I'd have to abstain from oil and all from a couple of months or so.

For our main, we had one of their bestsellers, Rib Eye  Steak (Php595). Served with herb mixed vegetables and mashed potato. The beef was really juicy and the glazing was flavorful I could still taste it in my mouth. And the crispy leeks couldn't be more perfect in adding texture to the dish.

[caption id="attachment_136" align="aligncenter" width="363" caption="Rib Eye Steak (P595)"][/caption]

Overall our main was no doubt appetizing! If you're in for a heavy also value for your money meal, give this specialty a try if you do get the chance to drop by :)

 Then for dessert, stop at Cobo Bubble Tea & Snow Ice after for sips of the sweets. Enjoy their often ordered drinks like Taro, Coffee Jelly, and Cobo Milk Tea for only Php90. Or try their Honeydew Snow Ice for only Php85 + add P10 for toppings like popping yogurt balls.

[caption id="attachment_147" align="aligncenter" width="403" caption="Honeydew Snow Ice with Popping Yogurt Balls (P85)"][/caption]

 What better way to end your meal than either sipping your choice milk tea, or nibbling on tapioca pearls and sweet coffee jellies :)

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Chef's Bistro

94 Scout Gandia near corner T. Morato Quezon City, Philippines

Telephone No.: 359-9975

Mobile No.: 0906-4124338 0922-8189811

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Cobo Bubble Tea & Snow Ice

#96 Scout Gandia Street, Tomas Morato, Quezon City, Philippines

Telephone No.: 736-5621

Angel's Kitchen: Chocolate Bagoong and Other Things

Wednesday nights are usually treat-our-tummies nights and bible study sessions.

Normally Tomas Morato and Timog would do just fine. But this night particularly we wanted to scout for a new place to eat - far away from the Scouts in Timog and Mr. Tomas.

So here I was searching online for restaurants that qualify to our needs namely:

1: A place we haven't tried

2. A place just near the office

3. With food not too heavy (I just had a super packed snack at the office consisting of barbecued chicken and PAELLA that was indulgent!)

4. Looking promising  would be nice. :)

Then I chanced upon Angel's Kitchen in one website. Near my office and our regular hang out place, it was just right.

It was a place you could not miss - the sign was huge and it was well-lit. Parking space was aplenty so even if hunger did strike, I would be able to squeeze in the car just in time.

Though cars lined up outside, inside was a different story. The atmosphere was very warm and intimate. It's like when you've cozied up at home and you find no food in the fridge, heck let's go over to Angel's Kitchen and have ourselves some laid-back dinner over day-to-day type of conversations.

[caption id="attachment_118" align="aligncenter" width="448" caption="Inside Angel's Kitchen. just lovely."][/caption]

While waiting for our order, we were served complimentary Crostini with Chicken Pate. The pate was realllly deeeeelish!! Just thinking about it now, I think I'd want to go back to have another go at it.

[caption id="attachment_119" align="aligncenter" width="448" caption="Toasted Bread with Chicken Pate -ADDICTING to the last crumb (GUESS WHAT IT'S FREE)"][/caption]

I probably looked like a rabbit in front of my date as I continuously munched on and nibbled on the bread with pate. I almost emptied the plate... I left a few toasted bread though mind you.. 'coz the pate was already done with.

Now for our main course.... the famous Original Pinakbet Rice with Lechon Kawali and Chocolate Bagoong.

[caption id="attachment_121" align="aligncenter" width="448" caption="Original Pinakbet Rice with Lechon Kawali and Chocolate Bagoong (P388)"][/caption]

It was JUST SUPER!

SUPER FILLING (Actually good for 2, I already have a big appetite FYI and the serving was still beyond me)

SUPER APPETIZING

it was just SUPER AMAZING.

The Pinakbet rice had the right savory taste topped with Lechon Kawali that was cooked perfectly - it was soft and crispy in the right parts. And the chocolate bagoong, well it was your usual bagoong with a little sweetness to it. All in all, it was TERRIFIC.

And who would attest to it?

[caption id="attachment_122" align="aligncenter" width="448" caption="A Happy Customer :)"][/caption]

The other half of a satisfied customer who loved every BIT!

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Angel's Kitchen

(Beside Konbini Japanese Store)

57 Connecticut St., North East Greenhills, San Juan, MM

Telephone No: +632 721-8822

Sonya's Garden: A Romantic Dinner by the Dazzling Lights

Many times had I been to Tagaytay but never had I visited this secret garden until recently.

While most were enjoying their holidays at home or out of the country, here Jason and I were having a quiet dinner in the heart of a city quite close to home. A lot suggested that daytime was ideal to visit Sonya's Garden and they could be right, but dinner couldn't be more romantic than going here at this time.

From the elliptical road in Tagaytay, it took us around 40 minutes to get to Sonya's Garden. It was a bit difficult to find and despite many directions given to us we can't help but feel lost at one point or another and mutter under our breaths if we were there yet. And there the windmill appeared out of nowhere signaling our turn. A few minutes after, a sign greeted us... we were FINALLY there.

Bright Christmas lights strewn all over the arc blinked before our eyes giving us a glimpse of a promising night.

[caption id="attachment_99" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="Sonya's Garden"][/caption]

As we entered the restaurant, we were delighted to see that we almost had it all to ourselves. Though there were guests, a solemn and homey atmosphere was kept.

[caption id="attachment_100" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="Inside Sonya's Garden"][/caption]

We need not pick our choice eat for dinner since they provided an Eat-All-You-Can set meal for only Php610.

To start off, we created our own salad, organically grown and freshly picked from their own garden. It was harvested lettuce and arugula topped with mango, broad beans, eggs, cucumber, pineapple and corn drizzled in either Sonya's Secret Salad Dressing or Balsamic vinegar.

We also had bread with various homemade dips and toppings such as basil pesto, white cheese, anchovies, bruschetta tomato toppings, mushroom pate etc. My personal favorite was a mix of bruschetta toppings and mushroom pate. *smacks lips*

[caption id="attachment_102" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="Garden Salad Greens"][/caption]

Complete with a bottomless freshly squeezed dalandan juice that complemented our oh so fresh salad and might I add was also refreshing to our parched throats.

Before we attacked our salad, we just wanted to show off who was the better salad designer and the MASTER SALAD STYLIST... dun den dun..

Here was his..

[caption id="attachment_110" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="Salad from a Fine Arts graduate known to master design and style.. Did it measure up? =p"][/caption]

And here was mine...

[caption id="attachment_111" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="My Salad design... Maybe I have a future in food styling.. Ok.. maybe NOT."][/caption]

Ok so maybe I was a bit RESERVED with my style.

For our main course it was my all time love - pasta. We got to create our own pasta as we were provided with 2 kinds of sauces - sun dried tomato and chicken cream with mango. Our toppings were ratatouille, salmon belly, shitake mushrooms, black olives and grated parmesan cheese. It was a pasta feast to remember since it was again eat-all-you-can! :)

[caption id="attachment_104" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="Eat All You Can Pasta"][/caption]

 After we took our fill of pasta, (we didn't have another bowl by the way. We were already full then from our 2 rounds of salad =p) the meal wouldn't be complete without the sweets.

It was glazed sweet potato, banana and jackfruit rolls with sesame seeds and a sinful homemade chocolate cake from Panaderia. We also had tarragon tea to sip and warm our satisfied tummies.

[caption id="attachment_105" align="aligncenter" width="512" caption="Banana & Jackfruit rolls with sesame seeds, Sweet Potato and Homemade Chocolate Cake"][/caption]

Sweets are my weakness so though I was already full by then, I made it a point to fork every bit of potato and banana rolls down to the last.

It might be quite a while before we visit Sonya's Garden again so better not leave any bit I might regret that I didn't eat :)

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Sonya's Garden

Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite, Philippines
(near the vicinity of Tagaytay City, Philippines)

Mobile No.: +63-9175329097 / +63-9175335140 / +63-9175231080

Email: info@sonyasgarden.com

Craving of the day: Cafe du Monde's Beignet in New Orleans

Anything sweet I saw today, I took bites of it. Rieze's mochi balls and egg-like chocolates all from Taiwan. There are just those days you'd really want to stuff yourself with sugar and cream and everything in between.

As I browsed my old website, I remember having New Orleans' famous beignet (bĕn-yā') some years back at around 4AM, after an insanely long yet FUN road trip from Florida to Texas! Beignets are fried and raised yeast dough commonly called "fritters".

This treat is like the Philippines' local doughnut you would normally see in any bakery except that it's coated and sprinkled with my favorite - powdered sugar! The thick sugar coating fell off every time I took a bite, but no worries! I just rolled the rich dough back into the plate to sugar coat it back again. Pair this with freshly brewed coffee and voila!! - the perfect cure to lull moments, sour days and sweet cravings. I'm definitely coming back when I visit the US again :)

Back with a vengeance! ü

Last September 2009 was the first time I ever wrote on multiply about my food trips with Jason. (See Gia's yummy adventures )

We just love eating! It's actually one thing we enjoy doing aside from debating about movies and threshing out its "deeper meaning", or just simply hanging out and talking about little nothings.

Other than that, I just like to say, I'm back! With fresher experiences and hopefully more insights on food, love, faith and life. Expect daily musings, cravings, and BS updates. I'm so excited!

It's going to be a wonderful journey! Life's definitely a feast! And here's to living it fully! :)