Food Archives ⋆ Page 3 of 9 ⋆ Leia Khu

Dining Al Fresco at Ultrawinds Mountain Resort

Posted on March 2, 2016January 21, 2019 by xerox

Ultrawinds Mountain Resort served a special Valentine’s Day menu for only 449 PHP per person.

Their rustic tablescape looked like it was taken right out from a Pinterest board.

The open air venue featured an exceptional view of the city lights.

But we chose to eat indoors, away from the blasting live entertainment. The buffet dinner started at 6:30 PM.

While the variety of food was not that extensive, the well-curated menu was impressive! The menu included Bagnet Salad, Seafood Herbed Pasta, Caramelized Pork Belly with Spicy Apple Slaw, Buttered Roast Beef with Rosemary, Grilled Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce and Dark Chocolate Frozen Cake.

Wine pairings were also available for an additional charge. We enjoyed the food so much we kept refilling our plates. Hehe! 🙂

The following day, we went back to the restaurant to check out the panoramic view of Cagayan de Oro during the day. But first, burgers. We sampled their BBQ and Cuban mini burgers.

I prefer the latter over the former.

Compared to our awesome dinner, they were alright.

The overlooking view of the verdant landscape during the day is nothing short of breathtaking.

Indeed, it makes an enchanting backdrop for events.

With soothing ambient music playing in the background, I can’t help but feel relaxed as the gentle wind caressed my face.

If you want to see the city of Cagayan de Oro in a different perspective with a relaxing atmosphere, visit Ultrawinds Mountain Resort now.

Know more about Ultrawinds Mountain Resort Menu here

Read about our glamping experience at Ultrawinds Mountain Resort
Click here for more deets about Ultrawinds Mountain Resort

For insider tips about glamping go here

Tedts has moved!

Posted on February 22, 2016October 7, 2018 by xerox

After more than a decade of opening its doors to the public, Tedts has finally bid adieu to their Roxas branch in favor of a bigger and better location.

Taking pride in sharing their family recipes since 2005, this homegrown cafe and bakery has now officially become a household name here in Iligan. I’ve been a Tedts loyalista for many, many years and to see them grow this big makes my heart swell with pride and joy.

Today, they have launched the soft opening of their Quezon branch which is located right across Rosalinda store.

They gave free cupcakes to their first 150 customers and featured independent music artists to play live in the background.

Tedts is known for their delicious artisan cupcakes which have become a popular pasalubong for both locals and transient tourists. Each cupcake is handcrafted with love and baked fresh from scratch everyday.

Don’t miss out on Iligan’s finest delicious treats and head on over to Tedts! In case you’re wondering, their second location at Zamora-Lluch Streets is still operating.

Where to Eat in Bohol – Guiseppe Pizzeria and Sicilian Roast Gastronomia and Wines

Posted on January 21, 2016January 21, 2019 by xerox

If you’re going to have a food tour in Panglao make sure to stop by at Giuseppe Pizzeria and Sicilian Roast Gastronomia and Wines. This restaurant is one of the popular culinary destinations in the island and is on every itinerant epicurean’s radar. Despite being away from the buzzing beach scene, people still flock here for a taste of authentic Italian food.

Run and owned by a chef from Sicily named Giuseppe Sgroi, this restaurant prides on serving gourmet dishes made with the finest produce that is locally sourced or freshly imported from Italy.

During the day, Giuseppe has a casual and inviting atmosphere. They feature an open kitchen allowing diners to see the chefs at work.

Their specials menu is something that should not be overlooked.

We went for Pizza Gregorio. It’s a chewy, handmade brick oven pizza with thin blistered crusts topped with tomato, mozzarella, sausages, salami, smoked ham, and parma ham.

I would have preferred it to have some greens and a tad more cheese but it’s already good as it is. I love it!

TIP:
Their pizza servings are HUGE. But I’ll let you in on a secret… You can actually order half the original size of their pizza.

It’s not written on the menu so just ask their wait staff about it.

At night, the restaurant transforms into a intimate, romantic setting perfect for spending amorous moments with a significant other.

They have a wine cellar filled with an excellent selection of wines, liqueurs and spirits that you can enjoy.

Another thing we tried is their Antipasti. It’s a decadent artisanal cheese platter which I imagine would pair well with wine (it was only later on when we found out that it’s actually possible to order wine by glass and not just by the bottle).

From left-right, top-bottom: smoked salmon, parma ham, salami, blue cheese, pepperoni on top of a salad, smoked ham, Parmesan cheese, pizza bread, formaggio al forno (baked carabao cheese), mozzarella cheese with tomato slices, grilled seafood and rotoli de malenzane (eggplant filled with tomato and cheese).

This literally got me weak! Every single bite exploded with flavor. The different textures and flavor profiles of the cheeses went well with the accompaniments.

It was a very well-balanced platter. By far, the most memorable dish I had to date! The cheese platter was so huge that it was all we had for dinner.

Giuseppe Pizzeria and Sicilian Roast Gastronomia and Wines is not to be missed when in Bohol. Keep in mind they are on the pricey side though. Plus, they charge 10% of the bill for the service fee. But considering their generous portions, impeccable service and excellent food, you’re bound to get your money’s worth.

Some photos belong to Yobz Tolentino

Read about my Bohol Travel Guide here

Where to Eat in Bohol: Payag Restaurant

Posted on January 7, 2016January 21, 2019 by xerox

Payag Restaurant is one of the busiest restaurants in Tagbilaran City and is popularly known for their delicious grilled chicken.

The Cebuano word payag, meaning small house, is a fitting description of the restaurant.

Reminiscent of a small ancestral house, the architectural design of Payag Restaurant is a blend of Spanish and Filipino aesthetics. The alfresco dining

area, called Plaza Juanita, resembles an old town square with its ornate lamp posts and cobble floor tiles leading to the in door dining area.

The tongue-in-cheek nostalgic interior design of Payag Restaurant gives an idyllic setting that makes you feel right at home.

Every square inch of this restaurant is completely decked out with probably the largest collection of unique chicken decors in the Philippines. Lemme tell ya… I’ve never seen so many cocks in my life! :))

Frequented by both local patrons and tourists, it’s always a full house here! So expect a long wait especially at peak hours.

Their house specialty, called Jo’s Inato, is their take on Bacolod’s famous Chicken Inasal. For only 95 pesos, you get to enjoy a massive slab of marinated chicken served with atchara and unlimited rice.

I’ve had a lot of grilled chicken from different places… I’d have to say this is definitely one of my personal favorites! Simple yet delicious.

Some photos belong to Yobz Tolentino

Read about my Bohol Travel Guide here

Where to Eat in Bohol – Gerarda’s

Posted on January 2, 2016January 21, 2019 by xerox

Tucked in the quieter streets of Tagbilaran City, Gerarda’s was once a quaint house before it became into a buzzing restaurant that it is today.

This family-run restaurant is adorned with old photographs and house decors giving it that warm atmosphere like you never left home.

As soon as we entered Gerarda’s, we were greeted with a warm welcome from their courteous staff and immediately we were escorted to a table fit for two.

While waiting to get accommodated, we were given a complimentary bowl of nuts to munch on. Why this simple yet brilliant idea never caught on is still one of life’s biggest mysteries to date.

Gerarda’s has great service! The wait staff was attentive and accommodating while patiently walking us through the menu.

We ordered chicharon bulaklak and dinakdakan to go with our platter of rice. Our food came out from the kitchen sooner than we thought.

Chicharon bulaklak, literally flower crackings in English, is deep-fried pork mesentery and is a popular pulutan in the Philippines.

Dinakdakan is an Ilocano dish that I’ve never heard of before. Traditionally, it is said to be made with grilled pig parts such as ears, face, liver, and offals which are tossed in a tangy dressing with mashed pig brain and minced spices. Think of it as an offspring of two Filipino classic recipes: sisig and kinilaw.

But Gerarda’s did their own spin on it by using bagnet in place of the bizarre pig parts for a crunchier texture. And for that thick creamy finish, they swapped mashed pig brain for coconut milk. It is the bomb! If there’s something you shouldn’t pass in Gerarda’s, it’s their dinakdakan with a twist.

Gerarda’s is the place in Bohol where families gather to bond, reconnect, celebrate a milestone or just simply have a great meal. Their food is suitable to the average Pinoy palate and surely will not disappoint.

TIP:
Get a reservation since Gerarda’s is always full.

Read about my Bohol Travel Guide here

Where to Eat in Bohol – The Buzzz Cafe by Bohol Bee Farm

Posted on January 1, 2016January 21, 2019 by xerox

The Buzzz Cafe is a local organic cafe and restaurant chain in Bohol that promotes an alternative lifestyle through clean eating.

Using only the freshest ingredients from Bohol Bee Farm, The Buzzz Cafe offers a farm-to-table dining experience to meet the demands for healthy, sustainable cuisine in Bohol.

They also carry an array of locally produced delicacies and personal care products made from selected quality natural ingredients.

Here’s a not so aesthetically pleasing view of our haphazard table.

For starters, we were given an amuse-bouche platter of their homemade squash bread,

cab-cab with green tomatoes, and their best-selling spreads (honey and pesto – which by the way I cannot get enough of).

We ordered their signature organic garden salad – a bowl of mixed greens bathed in honey mustard dressing and garnished with handpicked edible flowers. It was quite enjoyable to eat. Obviously, I ordered this for the novelty of eating flowers like a hippie. That’s one less item off my food bucket list. 😉

Their humble fresh herb pasta is simple and light-tasting.

I love the kamote fries! They’re already great on their own. The dip is optional!

Make sure to give their unconventional homemade ice cream selection a go. They’re exceptionally good!

Treat yourself good food without the guilt at The Buzzz Cafe by Bohol Bee Farm. It is perfect for diners who are making conscious efforts to eat local, sustainable, organic food that satisfies the palate. They have branches located in Island City Mall, Alona Beach, and Galleria Luisa.

TIP:
If you want to get more out of your money, eat in the Island City Mall branch. The serving portions there are more generous.

Read about my Bohol Travel Guide here

Eat Sea Urchins at Alona Beach

Posted on December 31, 2015January 21, 2019 by xerox

There are a number of fun things you can do when at Alona Beach such as island hopping, diving, and snorkeling. But if you’re feeling a little adventurous and want to do something new and different from the rest of the crowd, I recommend eating fresh, raw sea urchins. Maybe that doesn’t sound fun and appealing to most of you. But if it’s something you haven’t done before… Never say never.

You can get them from an itinerant seafood vendor who usually goes around the beachfront late in the afternoons. If he’s nowhere in sight, you can ask other vendors where to locate him.

Sea urchins are round and spiny ocean creatures that feast on seaweed and other marine plants.

To eat them, they must be carefully cracked open, have the insides cleaned and its roe scooped out.

The sea urchin roe, also known as “uni”, is edible gold from the ocean. It has a rich, creamy, buttery texture with a unique sweet and briny flavor. Packed with protein, omega 3 fatty acids, unsaturated fats, and zinc, it’s a very healthy treat to have. The best way to eat them is to eat them raw. However, if you’re a little squeamish when it comes to raw food, just have them grilled. There are seafood vendors at night who can grill sea urchins for you at a minimal cost.

EXPENSES
Sea urchins – 20 PHP for 1 piece*
Grill – 100 PHP for 1 pail of sea urchins

*The vendor gave an irresistible deal after sunset. He offered the whole bucket of sea urchins for only 200 PHP.

Read about my solo trip to Alona Beach here
Budget hostel of choice in Panglao here
Bohol Travel Guide here

Sulen

Posted on July 20, 2015January 22, 2019 by xerox

Remember a few months back when I posted about a cafe that was going to open beside the lobby of Elena Tower Inn? Well, they’re finally open!

It was rather unfortunate that I missed their opening day since I was travelling to Kalibo at that time. I’m sure it would have been a lot of fun getting first dibs on everything. But anyway…

Welcome to Sulen, an art cafe aimed to lure the creative and brilliant minds of Iligan.

This cafe is a perfect haven for artists, students and yuppies to huddle together for a coffee date. The chill vibe makes it an ideal spot to study or to catch up on some work.

On one of their walls is a beautiful hand-painted mural that pays homage to Vincent van Gogh’s painting, The Starry Night.

I feel blessed and honored to have worked closely with Sulen as they release 5 new beverages and 3 new dishes on their menu.

Creamy Nut Frappe
Made with a shot of espresso and a hint of hazelnut flavor, topped with whipped cream and crushed nuts.

Rocky Road Frappe
A dessert smoothie made with chocolate and Irish cream syrup, finished off with some whipped cream and marshmallows on top.

Scarlet Iced Tea
Refreshingly cool tea made with strawberry syrup and agave nectar served over ice. This is a personal favorite.

Bailey’s Frappe
Blended with chocolate sauce and a splash of Bailey’s, hand-topped with whipped cream and an Oreo biscuit for good measure.

Jack Frost Frappe
A coffee-free frappe made with white chocolate and topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. This is also another favorite of mine.

Tuna Casserole
Classic tuna pasta recipe baked with a blanket of cheese on top.

French Toast
Pan-grilled eggy bread topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of maple syrup.

This is something I’d like to have for breakfast everyday.

Just look at that sexy trail of melted ice cream dripping at the edge of the toast. Make sure to ask for some cinnamon to sprinkle on top for that extra kick of flavor.

Baked Macaroni
Creamy baked macaroni just like how your genius aunt would make it. I’d definitely come back for more of this.

Their new menu additions are to be launched on July 27. Sulen is open daily from 8 AM to 11 PM.

Sponsored Post

Boy Zugba

Posted on April 1, 2015January 22, 2019 by Leia Bartolome

Time to throw your diet on the back burner because Boy Zugba is finally here!

Zugba, from the Cebuano word “sugba”, literally means grill and that’s what Boy Zugba is all about. They are the newest grill and BBQ restaurant in Cagayan de Oro City and they serve classic Filipino food that we have all grown to love but just leveled up.

Upon entering, you will be greeted by this sign which roughly translates to: “Friends, welcome! Please come on in to our Visayan Kitchen.”

It’s always a full house here at Boy Zugba. A clear sign that we’ve come to the right place.

Their bright, colorful caricature walls create a fun, energetic atmosphere where family and friends can gather together for some grub and beer.

You gotta love Boy Zugba’s sense of humor.

Whether you want to have another serving of rice or something else, no need to shoot your hands up in the air. Just press this button and immediately one of their wait staff will approach you.

Lovin’ their condiment tray. Not only do they have the basics covered (soy sauce, vinegar, chili), they also threw in some more spices and a garlic press.

Tsuper Sisig
If lechon and sisig were to have a love child, this would be it. I’m not a fan of lechon… But if you are, I think this would be something worth trying out.

Sinuglaw de Cagayan
Sinuglaw, short for sinugba (grilled) and kinilaw (raw), is a mixture of grilled pork and fish ceviche. These two very different dishes combined create an interesting contrast both in flavor and in texture. Not the best sinuglaw I’ve tried, but still good.

Bandihadong Karne
Literally a platter of meat, you get pork BBQ, liempo and cheezy chorizo with a side of atsara.

Living up to their name, Boy Zugba does have great BBQ and liempo. But to me, the star of this dish is their cheezy chorizo (sorry no photo to show). It was the best thing that happened to me. I don’t think I can settle for just any chorizo from now on. I’m ruined forever. Please get your hands on it when you can! It’s life changing. Haha!

And yes, carbo loaders, they serve unlimited rice. I suggest you come here famished. 😀

Overall, we had a wonderful experience at Boy Zugba and we’d love to come here again.

Boy Zugba is located at Corrales Avenue and Ramon Chavez Streets, Cagayan de Oro City. Open from 10 AM to 11 PM. Price range is 200~400 PHP.

Tedts’ Diner 2.0

Posted on February 16, 2015January 22, 2019 by xerox

Two months ago, Tedts’ Diner opened their second branch at PYB Residences, corner of Zamora and Lluch Streets…

…and we were one of the first ones to try everything! Just kidding. Not everything.

We had the place all to ourselves for a few minutes…

till all these little sugar monsters quickly filled up the space. Everybody wants a piece of their goodies. Or a box.

We had Lemon Raspberry and Rainbow Cake. Hello diebeetus.

Here’s a piece of Rainbow Cake looking all pretty…

only to be totally annihilated a few seconds later. I actually took friends with me to try some of Tedts’ desserts.

Needless to say, they love it! 🙂

Every day is cheat day at Tedts’ Diner. So don’t be shy to indulge your sweet cravings here every once in awhile. Sugar ecstasy starts at 25 PHP only.

Some photos grabbed from Tedts’ Diner.