food Archives ⋆ Page 2 of 6 ⋆ Leia Khu

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

Circa 1850 Eatery

Posted on January 10, 2015January 22, 2019 by Leia Bartolome

Those who know me well enough know that it has been quite awhile since I’ve been consciously trying to eat healthier. But to be honest, wholesome eating is very hard to commit to especially from where I’m at. Not only are there very limited whole food choices here, there isn’t really any awareness of the environmental, economic and public health issues of today’s industrial food system.

When I heard about Circa 1850 Eatery, a restaurant that promotes sustainable local produce and fair trade lifestyle, my heart fluttered and I knew I had to give them a go.

Only a few blocks away from Ayala Centrio Mall, they are located at the ground floor of Tune Hotel, CM Recto, Cagayan de Oro City.

While I could go on about how lovely the interiors are (I have a soft spot for rustic industrial designs), Circa 1850 Eatery is more than just another picturesque restaurant.

They serve only the freshest, organic farm-to-table ingredients that are mainly sourced from local farmers.

I love how they chose to have an open-kitchen so curious diners, like myself, can have a look at how their dishes are put together.

Uni and Shrimp Pasta

This is one of their best sellers. If you’re a seafood pasta lover like I am, you’re going to like this one! For those who don’t know what “uni” is, it’s just Japanese for “sea urchin”.

Medium-rare Sirloin Steak Frites

Served in a cast iron skillet, the steak came with an assortment of veggies, a cup of rice and probably the best gravy ever.

Please take a moment to appreciate the beauty that is the steak. It was juicy and satisfying. I have to admit though, it was a little bit tough. But to be fair, sirloin is less tender in general compared to other cuts.

Roasted Bone Marrow

This is another one of their best sellers and I totally understand why. It was so incredibly rich and delicious my eyes nearly popped out. This sinful strip of fat should come with a warning label.

Here at Circa 1850 Eatery, you definitely get what you pay for: Quality food, great service. Can’t wait to go back there and try more of their food!

I call on each and every one of you to patronize them because when you dine there, you are supporting local farmers, reducing environmental impact, strengthening the economic base of the community and, most importantly, spreading awareness of wholesome eating and slow food movement. I guarantee you’ll walk out of their restaurant with a full stomach and a happy heart.

Open hours: 7:00am – 2:00pm, 5:30pm – 10:30pm
Price Range: 300~500 PHP

Wild Chili

Posted on December 10, 2014January 22, 2019 by Leia Bartolome

Wild Chili is a newly-opened Tex-Mex restaurant at The Strip and is one of the latest gastronomic destinations in town.

Enriched with Mexican influences, the interior is bathed in warm, vibrant colors reminiscent of the tropical climate in Mehiko.

More than just a restaurant, they also have a full bar where you can enjoy a few drinks.

It’s nom time. But first, lemme take an usie.

Arriba! Arriba!

Mexican Buffalo Wings with Jalapeno-Cilantro Dip

In Iligan, you can’t get Buffalo wings this good anywhere. The chicken was tender, juicy, had just the right amount of heat to it and, of course, delicious. The dip was wonderful and went perfectly with the chicken.

This goes well with beer… and rice too! 😀

Jalapeno Quesadillas

For the vegetarians who love to have a bit of kick, this is perfect. Not saying that carnivores won’t like this too. Every bite was a burst of creamy, cheesy goodness.

Carne Burrito

Filled with Mexican rice, refried beans, beef tenderloin strips, salsa and cheese, this tasty burrito is a whole meal in itself. Certainly bound to please.

If you’re feeling for some Mexican fusion cuisine in Iligan, Wild Chili is the only place to go. Good service, great food at affordable prices (100~200 PHP).

Cuteness Overload with Happy Pao

Posted on October 9, 2014October 7, 2018 by xerox

Cute, lovable animal-shaped steamed buns isn’t something new. Yet, I’m surprised how it didn’t really catch on any sooner here in the Philippines as it is very popular in other Asian countries such as Hong Kong, Japan and Thailand.

But thankfully, Chowking has finally jumped on the bandwagon!

As soon as Happy Pao was launched, Instagram was on fire! These selfie-worthy treats were very hard to get a hold of considering they sell out faster than One Direction concert tickets. Haha!

When we finally got our hands on the elusive Happy Pao, it seemed like the heavens opened up and all the angels sang a beautiful song just for us.

However, I am grossly disappointed that Chowking Iligan branches do not serve Piggy Happy Pao.

Yes, I understand that they are doing this because of “religious and cultural sensitivity”. But what’s puzzling is that they serve meals that contain pork anyway. So, I don’t get it.

Disclaimer: This cute steamed bun does not contain any real pandas.

Panda Happy Pao is a sweet steamed bun bursting with velvety, smooth chocolaty goodness. Although it is served hot, I prefer to take it home with me and chill it in the fridge for a few minutes before eating it.

Happy Pao isn’t only yummy, it’s very affordable too! Get these adorable buns for only 39 PHP ala carte, 49 PHP with a drink and 117 PHP for a box of three. Happiness guaranteed! 😉

Beer-battered Pizza at Good Fellas

Posted on September 14, 2014January 22, 2019 by Leia Bartolome

Good Fellas is a new pizzeria in CDO that serves freshly baked artisan beer-battered pizza.

My boyfriend and I never had beer-battered pizza before so I knew we had to try it. A two-hour bus ride later…

Stepping in, I immediately noticed the clean, simple interior with a warm pop of color.

From the exposed brick wall down to the furnishing, it just screams contemporary industrial chic with a touch of rustic charm – much to the delight of my inner hipster.

Everything here is just Instagram-worthy so there’s absolutely no shame if you want to whip out your camera phones and snap photos away.

When we were there, the place looked a little vacant. It was a rainy afternoon after all. Who wants to brave the rain for just pizza right?

But a few minutes later, I was instantly proven wrong. At that moment, I knew we went to the right place and something good was already waiting for us.

Oh, hi! Just a little sneaky OOTD right here. Couldn’t resist posting this photo. Hehe 🙂

Pizza time!

We got the Big Joe, also known as the Godfather of all Pizzas. Beer-battered dough topped with cheese and a variety of meat – pepperoni, bacon, sausage, ham and beef.

Fresh, crispy and bursting with flavor. It was love at first bite. It is a little bit greasy though. But if you’re like me who doesn’t give a damn about that, you’ll definitely love this one! I can’t help but feel sorry for myself that I’m not having it right now. Can’t wait to go back and try more of their pizzas!

Good Fellas is located at Pabayo and Chavez Streets just right above Sweet Leaf Bubble Tea Cafe.

My Rainbow Unicorn Sugar Fantasy Party at Cozy Cup

Posted on June 15, 2014January 22, 2019 by xerox

Guess who just had a birthday?

Yes. That’s right, I did! 🙂

And I am now officially a quarter-of-a-century old! Can you believe it?

It’s funny how I’ve managed to keep my birthday a secret for so many years now that even my closest friends don’t know when it is anymore. Haha! But as much as I wanted it to remain that way, I reckoned that not a lot of people are promised to reach this far in life and so it must be celebrated!

For months, I’ve been secretly planning my birthday on Pinterest… And in the process of doing so, I found myself pinning everything rainbows, unicorns and sugary stuff.

The only place that came to mind where I wanted to spend my birthday was at Cozy Cup.

Because:
1. I love milk tea. And I know most of my friends do.
2. The size of their shop is perfect for an intimate birthday party.
3. The place is perfect for photo ops!

I wanna thank Anjo for bringing my birthday vision to life. She definitely went above and beyond of what was expected.

Aside from decors, she provided mason jars in place of plastic cups for our milk tea. Not only did it look cute for photos, it was eco-friendly too!

She also provided jelly beans for giveaways…

And a birthday cake sparkler! It’s like she read my mind! The photo above is grabbed from Instagram.

This gorgeous kek is the best birthday cake I’ve had so far! I’m still very much obsessed with it! You can order this from Tedts’ Diner.

My cute unicorn cupcakes are also from Tedts’ Diner. Thank you Ate Tetet for throwing them in pro bono! You always make the cutest pastries! #proudambassador

I also ordered a bunch of colorful marshmallow pops from Miwoos because I know my boyfran luffs dem marshies. Thanks Milou for going out of your way to personally deliver them to me at Cozy Cup!

And last but definitely not the least, I got about three dozens of adorable rainbow sugar cookies from Choux. Nica did an incredible job with the sugar cookies and packaging. So impressed!

Yes, it was a sugar-laden birthday party and guests had to be immune to diebeetus to enjoy all the delicious cavity-inducing, Instagram-worthy goodies.

I’m elated to share this milestone with people who I’ve literally known for ages (some of them I’m friends with for about two decades now) and I feel so blessed to still have these people in my life. Glad they showed up. My birthday wouldn’t have been fun without them.

And as much as I also wanted to share this momentous event with all my “bestest” friends (Gikgik, Ellen, Epi, Denny, Rosa, Dee, Nicholle, Ritz, Jade, Kara and Beajai–I miss you all so bad it hurts), they no longer reside in Iligan.

I must thank my boyfran for helping me make this dream rainbow birthday bash possible. He is so awesome in many, many ways.

And of course, I thank God for adding another year to my life. This is the best birthday I’ve ever had! Laus Deo!

I’m wrapping up this post with a montage made by the best boyfriend in the weeerlddd.

Do you want to have a rainbow unicorn party too?
Contact the following people for price quotations:

Anjo of Cozy Cup for Venue and Event Styling: +63 917 331 3626
Tetet of Tedts’ Diner for Cakes and Cupcakes: (063) 223 8336
Milou of Miwoos for Marshmallow Pops: +63 915 520 5836
Nica of Choux for Sugar Cookies: +63 927 216 4481

Dining Alfresco at Radisson Blu Cebu

Posted on March 15, 2014January 22, 2019 by Leia Bartolome

If you want to book an upscale hotel stay in Cebu City, Radisson Blu is the place to be.

Ranked 13th in the Top 25 Hotels in the Philippines in the 2014 Travellers’ Choice Awards by Trip Advisor, this exceptional 5-star hotel exudes an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere that is perfect for a pleasure or business trip.

Welcoming every hotel guest is a vast contemporary atrium lobby which serves as the focal point of the hotel.

As someone who has never been in a ritzy hotel before (promdi represent!), I was in sheer awe as my eyes scanned the glamorous expansive space. The lobby is so spacious you can drive a car inside (but obviously this is not permissible).

Outside the hotel is a terrace which offers a view of the city attractions and leads out to the Pool Bar.

The Pool Bar is an ideal venue for alfresco dining. They offer a fantastic selection of cocktails, beverages and mouth-watering dishes.

My boyfriend and I were lucky enough to get an invitation to indulge in a lavish feast of local and international dishes.

I didn’t know where to start digging in… Everything was utterly divine!

Salads

Fresh Seafood

Desserts

Japanese

Chinese

Look at those siopaos! Too cute to eat!

Local

International

As we dined, we listened to a live band, watched a pyro show and soaked with the city’s atmosphere. It was an experience like no other.

I can’t wait for us to go back to Radisson Blu… But next time, we better stay for a night or two.

Radisson Blu Cebu is located at Serging Osmena Boulevard, Corner Juan Luna Avenue, Cebu City. You may call them at +63 32 402 9900.

Davao-Gensan Trip Part 15: Bon Appetit La Boutique

Posted on November 10, 2013January 22, 2019 by Leia Bartolome

It’s Day Five and we’re back in Davao once again.

In my quest to explore new gustatory territories, I already had my radar on Bon Appetit La Boutique weeks before our trip. They serve authentic French cuisine in a public square located at Plaza del Carmen, Loyola Street.

I never had a legit French meal in my life so I figured it would be a good place to start.

Sophisticated, elegant and charming, the interior of Bon Appetit La Boutique is a beautiful reflection of France. It is a perfect setting for romantic dinner dates, anniversaries and other special occasions.

Displayed on their walls are artworks and some French products for sale.

Sketches

Foie Gras
Fat Duck Liver

Canned French Delicacies

Fragrance Pillows

Fragrant soaps in Pomme (apple), Lavande (lavender) and Cannelle Orange (cinnamon orange) scents.

You know they’re the real deal because the menu is written in French. It’s okay, I can’t read French too. Hehe 🙂

Okay, nuff jabbering. Food. Now.

Baguette et Tapenade
Homemade French Baguette with Tapenade

Made with ingredients imported from France, this baguette can’t get anymore authentic in taste.

I’m very picky and hard to please when it comes to bread. You can ask my boyfriend. So when I say that I actually enjoyed eating this means a whole lot.

The baguette didn’t have that awful starchy aftertaste that breads made in local bakeries here in the Philippines tend to have.

Upon closer inspection, you can tell that the baguette has a light and airy texture with a thin, crispy golden crust.

Tapenade was something I never heard of before. It is a gourmet condiment usually used as spread for bread and is made out of black olives blended with herbs and olive oil until it forms into a thick paste. Its robust and distinct taste adds a unique flavor to the baguette.

The baguette and tapenade were actually on the house. Yey for free bread basket!

Crêpe Sarrasin, Oeuf, Jambon et Gruyère
Buckwheat Crepe with Fried Egg, Ham & Gruyère Cheese

While normal people would have this for breakfast or brunch, we had it as an appetizer simply because we can (fit lotsa food in our bellies). 🙂

Folded inside the crepe is a sunny-side up egg with slices of ham and melted Gruyère cheese.

Gruyère cheese has a rich, creamy texture and tastes sweet and salty at the same time. There is really nothing like it.

This is something I can have everyday! Light, savory and decadent. That’s what it is. It’s one of those things you have to try!

And yes, the salad did go very well with it too.

More free hot bread. They won’t stop serving free bread until you get to the main course or until you say so.

Penne Sauce Roquefort et Noix
Penne Pasta with Roquefort Cheese & Walnut Sauce

Roquefort is a type of blue cheese characterized by its blue veins of (edible) mold. It has a strong characteristic odor and taste that may put a lot of people off. But if you happen to like blue cheese, you will surely enjoy this dish like we did!

Served al dente, the penne was pasta perfection.

Steak de Gindara Grillé Sauce Beurre Blanc
Grilled Butterfish with White Butter Sauce and Potato Gratin

Tender and moist, the grilled butterfish was a delight to eat. The beurre blanc sauce was rich and buttery and it helped elevate this seemingly simple dish.

And the potato gratin was AHMEYZING. I could eat a casserole of that all by myself. It’s rich, creamy and tender. It’s so good that I’d rather have it over pizza any day! And yes, I still can’t believe I actually said that.

Bon Appetit La Boutique is a restaurant one should not pass up. I will not hesitate to recommend this place. Warm service, outstanding meals and fantastic dining experience.

Open Mondays thru Saturdays, 11AM to 11PM. Prices usually range between 300 and 500 pesos.

Davao-Gensan Trip Part 14: Little Kitchen Restaurant

Posted on November 8, 2013October 7, 2018 by xerox

Still unbelievably full from lunch, we opted for a light supper…

Little Kitchen Restaurant is a popular snack house in Gensan which is owned and managed by a doctor.

Originally built to cater the doctor’s patients and other people within the vicinity, Little Kitchen Restaurant unexpectedly turned out into a flourishing food business.

With the cozy atmosphere, it’s too easy to feel at home here. The wait staff are accommodating and the service is prompt.

For appetizers, we got complimentary garlic butter toasts. Loves it! Who doesn’t love free food? Hehe 🙂

For our supper, we had Shrimp Scampi Pizza. It had a crispy crust topped with olives, mushrooms, shrimp and cheese. This is one of their best sellers.

I know the pizza sounds really good on paper but it was a little too bland for my taste. It was a huge letdown for me because I really wanted to like it. Just everyone else does.

But despite being disappointed, I’d still like to go back there and sample other of their food items. I’m sure I’ll find something I’d love.

Little Kitchen Restaurant is located at Quirino Avenue, next to Calderon Clinic.