HODAI DECEMBER TREATS

Its Christmas season and along with it is bonding time with your loved ones and what better way to spend it with them is at Hodai Restaurant!

I have done a video about them when they first opened last March and I am so pleased to share to you guys that they have new offerings for all of us that absolutely loves Japanese food and also fusion dishes.

First one in the line up is their version of the burger steak. I do apologize since I actually forgot the name but I think it is available on their menu if you visit Hodai. It has a meaty gravy glaze of sorts that complements the juicy meat that has mushrooms and some vegetables added while it was in the oven. I do love the corn as the side dish since it also adds additional texture and flavor to the meat. I would suggest eating this as soon as it arrives at your table because it really differs if you let the meat rest for a little longer. 

For the ramen lovers out there I am very pleased to share that Hodai now offers Ramen! This is actually one of my favorites because the flavors of the soup base and the toppings do complement each other and also the meat, although quite thick in slice still has added sweetness to the whole dish.

The last thing I will share about Hodai is they do offer A la Carte dishes now and has added additional side dishes if you prefer to eat the unlimited Japanese food. To be quite honest, I do like that they also offer A la Carte in their food since we do have foodies that have certain preferences but every thing is all good when it comes to food.

Overall I would say that Hodai is definitely the best when it comes to serving Japanese fusion based dishes that is also affordable to every foodie out there.

Check them out on their social media pages for more updates and promos!

Much love!
xx Alice

Kawit Celebrates the Christmas Season with a Historical Touch

Filipinos looovvveeee Christmas! Don't deny it because I am probably guessing you are also part of the population that really looks forward to this season and despite the hustle and bustle of the city along with the traffic and constant sales, you would really feel that Christmas is around the corner because this season brings families together more than ever.

Christmas has always been an integral part of our tradition as Filipinos to celebrate this season together and one cool way to celebrate it now is visiting some of the most historic sites like the ones in Kawit, Cavite!

Being home to some of the most historic sites in the Philippines, Kawit, Cavite holds a strong bond with our Independence such as the Aguinaldo Shrine which the Philippine flag was first waved publicly and our freedom was also announced by Emilio Aguinaldo. But beyond the shrine, other sights are definite must to see like the Museo ni Baldomero Aguinalo which is about Emilio Aguinaldo's cousin and the grandfather of Cesar Virata who was a prime minister in the 1980s which is not something that has been discussed in schools.

Besides from the sites to see, Kawit also boasts rich heritage from craftsmanship like the local black smithing shop or the Pandayan. Being an endangered craft, blacksmith is a dying craft in Kawit but still they protect, promote and preserve this for future generations to come. The local Pandayan is still active and you can still buy handcrafted knives and bolos that were made the same way during the revolutionary era.

And of course a trip to Kawit is not complete without having the Christmas specialty - Puto Bumbong or rice cake with shaved coconut and muscovado sugar! My brother absolutely loves Puto Bumbong from Kawit, Cavite and won't miss the opportunity to get some to much on.

So if you are planning to bring your family on a road trip bring them to Kawit, Cavite this Yuletide season and see a spectacular display of lights at the Aguinaldo Shrine and Freedom Park.

Experience Christmas at the Historic Kawit, Cavite with your friends and family!

Check them out on social media using these hashtags!

#TaraSaKawit
#PaskongKawiteño
Much Love!
xx Alice

Yakikai Brings a Whole New Fusion Cuisine Experience in Tomas Morato

Hey guys! Its been a while but we are back with a new foodie spot to hang out with our friends and

family! 

I am a big fan of Korean and Japanese food and this place that just opened last week is definitely

my new favorite spot because it is a fusion of my favorite cuisine - Yaki Kai Buffet Restaurant.

As more and more Filipinos enjoy different cuisines in the metro, a new kind of fusion cuisine has just

opened up in Tomas Morato, Quezon City - Yakikai Buffet Restaurant. 

From the Japanese words Yaki that means to grill and Kai which means together, This Japanese fusion

restaurant has got you covered with your cravings all year around with your friends and family. 

This Japanese concept along with a Korean flair with its variety of flavors that will satisfy your hunger

just like kings and queens at court. 

 

One of the things I do keep in mind when dining out is if my mother will love it because as complex my

taste in food is would be the total opposite from my mom and I keep in mind if the restaurant will also

suit her taste so if I bring her to the restaurant she would also love it - This restaurant actually made that

possible because it offers a variety of food fitted for everyone! 

They have three sets available for your cravings: Master Set (399php) Premium Set (499php) and

the Emperor set (599php) but since they are on their soft opening, you can enjoy these sets for only

299php, 399php and 499php. This soft opening is available till January 30 2020 so make sure to drop by

soon.

Here are the sets 

The Master Set (Soft Opening Promo 299PHP)

The Master Set is composed of six variety of pork and poultry along with the buffet of Japanese and

Korean dishes you can pick from. The six flavors are: Chicken Teriyaki, Spicy Chicken Teriyaki,

Samgyupsal, Spicy Samgyupsal, Galbi Sauce Pork, and the Peppered Shoulder Pork. 

The Premium Set (Soft Opening Promo 399PHP)

The Premium set is an upgraded version since there is an additional meat selection from beef and

shrimp along with a cheese dip. The additional varieties are: Sliced Beef, Beef Tare Yakiniku, Spicy Beef

and Fresh Shrimp. 

Emperor Set (Soft Opening Promo 499PHP)

Dine like an Emperor with this set with your friends and family as this set not just contains poultry, beef,

pork, shrimp but also fish in its dish lineup that will surely fill your stomachs like a true king and queen. 

Along with the meat selection provided above here are the added meat and dishes for the Emperor set: 

• Beef Steak 
• Jjampong Nabe
• Salmon Sashimi 
• Ebi Tempura 

We were served the Emperor set which definitely fits the name because it has EVERYTHING! The meat

selection are just amazing and also they taste great. I would highly suggest that the moment they serve

this is you cook the meat especially the poultry because the taste differs if you let the meat sit in the open

than cook it immediately. 

Out of everything we had I would say that the salmon sashimi is the real hook because you get fresh

sashimi served to you which is a bit on the pricey side and if you are a lover of fresh sashimi they do

serve it fresh and did I say its unlimited? YEP! 

I do have friends that love sashimi and this would bring them here soon to try it out. 

For the carnivore friends I have out there don't worry I got you covered because the meat selections they

have are top grade and definitely worth every peso. I would suggest getting the beef steak and cook it in

the grill because GHORL ITS SUPER GOOD! Its juicy, flavorful with the herds added to it that enhances

the sweetness fresh meat has when you cook it. 

For Korean food lovers, The Jjampong would definitely be your best bet because the soup is full on flavor

not just because of the spiciness but also the seafood that is added to it. 

The Buffet is included on all sets so if you have a craving for some California Maki or would like to have

your favorite Korean side dishes they are readily available and also at your control to get how many you

would like. 

Yakikai is currently open from 4PM to 2AM and they are located at 122 Sct. Dr. Lazcano St. Sacred Heart,

Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City. 

Hope you check out this restaurant soon with your friends and family! 

Much love! 

xx ALice 

Yuletide Season Treats from Nitro 7 Coffee and Tea!

One of the things I do like about the Christmas season is seeing different cafe launching their seasonal drinks and Nitro 7 Coffee and Tea has recently launched theirs! 

If you guys don't know, Nitro 7 Coffee and Tea is the first that came with the nitrogen-infused coffee and tea drinks here in the Philippines, and as the Christmas season comes in, they have also readied up amazing drinks for everyone this Yuletide season. 

First in the line up is their Chocolate Berry Snow (P175), a non-coffee based beverage with a chocolate and milky flavor that is great for the kiddos without the caffeine overload. 

Next is the Magical Cherry Mocha (P155) This is my personal favorite because its a coffee-based drink with hints of cherry that actually brings a different twist to the drink and gives it a twist to the traditional taste from the mocha. If you want a pick me up from working - THIS IS IT. 

The third is the Orange Joy Milk Tea (P120) To be honest, this drink has an acquired taste to it. You might not like it at first like me but weird enough I actually drank this more. The orange taste combined with the milk tea gives it a refreshing citrus taste from the regular creamy milk tea taste. 

Visit any Nitro 7 branch near you, and grab a cup of their Christmas drinks. Be the first one to know their latest promos and updates. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram NOW!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nitro7.coffee/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nitro7.coffee

Much Love! 

xx Alice 

Smile To Go Now Open in Mendiola Manila!

Okay I know I need to apologize since I am using pictured from my phone again since my memory card decided to get corrupted for some weird reason but just hold on to it I promise it won't happen again!

So since we are done with the apologies, I am just too tired this past few days that I have been craving milk tea. Luckily I was invited to see the opening of the latest branch of Smile To Go in Mendiola.

Although it looks small on the outside, its actually quite spacious inside and it can fit large groups of student who are studying or if you just want a place if you didn't want to go to class (don't me kids, I've been there too)

During their opening, they had a promo which is buy one take one on some of their drinks, and the whole place was packed! There were already students flowing in to go to the internet cafe that is located above Smile To Go to study and also the groups of student on the area.

One of the perks of this place is that they are open for 24 hours so its really amazing if you are in the area and you need a quiet place to study at night because that was one of my struggles when I was in college. Another thing is their prices are just fit for the budget of students since it ranges from 100 pesos to 125 pesos. Their beverage selection is also amazing since it ranges not just with the usual milk teas but also fruit teas, slush, and also Yakult based drinks.

Here are my top picks for you guys

2 Ladies Milk Tea 

This is the 2 Ladies Milk Tea which consists of milk tea with two toppings which can range from nata crystals with pearls or pudding. I was able to try the one with pudding and I would highly suggest the pudding if you want your milk tea to be a little more creamy and sweet which getting this with a different kind of pearl to give it more texture. 

Super Fresh Fruit Tea 

 If you need a refreshing pick me up The Super Fresh Fruit Tea is what I can recommend for you. It is an acquired taste but honestly the fruits like mango, calamansi, lemon, and also watermelon is quite unique that its definitely a great mood booster as well since citrus fruits can energize our body and mind. 

Oreo Cream Cheesecake Milk Tea 

 Lastly, I would be recommending the Oreo Cream Cheesecake Milk Tea if you are someone that is looking for a creamy sweet flavor that is great when you are hanging out with your friends. I have always put this kind of drink as the perfect drink to have with friends because you don't really feel that you are drinking too much and also it doesn't get watered down that much since it has been blended together.

I do hope Smile To go will open a brand near me so I can go back and try more of their drinks because three is definitely not enough haha!

For more Smile To Go check out their social media pages.

Much Love!
xx ALice

Juana's Budbod Now Available in Espana Manila

Hailing from Rizal, Budbod refers to a dish of either fried or seasoned riced sprinkled with toppings that ranges from meat and vegetables or other viand you can think of.  I have tried this before when I visited some friends in Rizal but I was surprised that Budbod is not really known in Metro Manila and luckily Juana's Budbod is bringing this amazing feast in Manila and has opened a new branch along Espana! 

Their interior is very homey and simple - just like being in the country side. There are pictures that adorn the establishment of food that they offer and they all look so delicious. 

So there is actually a way to enjoy budbod which is shown on the picture above. The coolest thing about this is you have the options to enjoy budbod with your hands! I actually love this idea because it brings us back to simple times when people won't judge you by using your hands in eating - because that is how our ancestors did it. Don't worry if you are not comfortable using your bare hands since Juana's Budbod will actually provide you with disposable plastic gloves. 

You can choose from a variety of sets they offer but personally I would say go for the Kombi-Budbod which is a mix of 2 budbod with a side of salted egg, banana and a drink. 

I picked shawarma and adobo flakes and it was awesome! And to be honest their serving was enough for me to be full which I am surprised because I love rice meals and I was amazed how big their rice portions are. So definitely go with this if you are a big eater. 

But if that is not your thing, Try out their Adobo melt but which is adobo flakes with cheese. This is actually quite big and affordable for 60 php you will get filled up with this. 

This is definitely one of my favorites - Lumpiang shanghai! They have bite sized lumpiang shanghai that tastes so good I was actually deciding to buy one of their Shanghai bucket for only 100 php to take home but I don't think it will make it home. 

One of the highlights for me was their dessert which is their Leche-ube Llanera! This is typically served frozen so better order this by the time you finish your meal because it taste so delicious. Its like an ice cream flan with ube that for sure everybody will absolutely love. 

And last but not the least I would like you to try their Iced Barako coffee which is made by order so be patient when you order this because they really take their time in perfecting this drink. 

Sa totoo lang mas matapang pa tong kape na to kesa sa ex mong di ka pinaglaban.

And yes I said it. napapahugot ako sa kape nila so dapat subukan nyo sila. 

Overall Juana's is definitely something you guys try and enjoy one of the best food experience Rizal that fortunately is in Metro Manila!

Check out Juana's Budbod on their social media pages too!

Much Love!
xx Alice 

Wings and Ribs for days at MWilliams Diner

I would admit that I didn't grow up eating ribs because my parents didn't really introduced this to me but when I first tried it from a quite known restaurant when I was 18 I was hooked. I love the tenderness of the meat and also how any kind of flavor is perfect with it! I was actually hoping there was a restaurant that offers unlimited ribs and I was in for a treat when I was invited to tag along with my HB Fam to try MWilliams Diner. 

Located in Pembo, Makati in front of OsMak (Ospital ng Makati) This small diner can seat about 20pax but its not a cramped space so if you want to have a meal with your family or friends this is actually the place to go to. 

They actually offer unlimited Ribs and Wings and also they also offer it with rice and free iced tea. A Total Package! 

Besides from the unlimited wings and ribs they also offer rice meals so if you would like to enjoy rice without overwhelming yourself get yourself a rice meal! I would definitely recommend trying the sisig and tapa because they are legit the best that I have tried so far! 

  

And you guys know me I love me some pasta and my eyes just glimmered with joy because I love pasta! I would definitely recommend all of it because they are amazing. My utmost favorite is actually the carbonara and aglio olio. I don't have to explain why because I want you to try them out too!

Their wings have 8 flavors for the unlimited and two other for only ala carte. 

Here are the flavors: 

Classic

Teriyaki

Hickory BBQ

Salted Egg

Sweet and Spicy 

Garlic Parmesan 

Soy Honey 

Classic Buffalo 

Ala Carte Only

Cheesy Garlic 

Cheesy Bacon 

For the Ribs there are currently 4 flavors available: 

BBQ

Teriyaki 

Soy Honey 

Sweet and Spicy 

And for your sweet tooth they also offer Silvanas from Dumaguete and this is actually amazing because its just the perfect way to end your unli experience with the wings and ribs by MWilliams. 

I would definitely get these next time I go here. I do hope that they would have a branch in Quezon City because Pembo is quite far from me. But I am willing to travel far for good food. 

For more information, check out MWilliams Diner on Facebook and other social media pages for more information. 

Much Love! 

xx Alice