Say Hello Again to the Chef Next Door!

I am a big fan of food related shows, I can spend a whole day just watching them because I learn a lot from the hosts and also their adventures and I am so glad to see a one of a kind television show on its 2nd season!

The Group Entertainment together with Lifestyle Network channel welcomes another feisty, hot character on the block this July with Chef Next Door and its host Chef Jonas Ng. 

Being the head chef and owner of Huat Pot Hotpot restaurant in Greenhills and Le Jardin in Bonifacio Global City, Chef Jonas will take us on a whole new culinary journey to the intricate food industry not just by the food but also showing us the faces, places and stories behind the food we love and enjoy.

Just like any other culinary shows, Chef Jonas shares his tips on how to prepare food the easiest and most practical ways. There are also some chef hacks that he has learned over ten years of working inside the kitchen.

The whole media launch was held in Le Jardin in BGC last week. We were served a lot of delicious food from different establishments that Chef Jonas also loves that honestly if you ask me to prepare them, I might just say please help me chef! 

If you are like me - which has a bit knowledge but still does not know if I have the skills to be like the experts watching Chef Next door is possibly the best show I can recommend since each episode teaches us how to come up with restaurant quality output from modern urban limitation because lets face it - with the limitation of space, budget and materials some of us would break down in tears in recreating that restaurant favorites in the comfort of our home...or maybe that is just me.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Chef Jonas along with some bloggers during the press launch and I asked him what can he suggest for that ultimate comfort food for the brokenhearted ones - yes humuhugot ako guys pagbigyan nyo na! 

And it might be something you guys have to check out on the next episodes of Chef Next Door. 

Something that I can also say you need to check out is Chef Jonas' #ChefNinjaMoves as he is also known as the "MacGyver" (PS Google what that word means to the younger millenials *wink*) for his ways to come up with creative and informative solutions in every kitchen crisis that is thrown to him that we can also use when the time come. 

As I have seen the first and second episode I can describe the show in 3 words: Comical, Adventurous and Passionate. 

So make sure to check out Chef Next Door and be prepared to fall in love (sige na nga pa-friendzoned nalang ) with Chef Jonas' adventures! 

Chef Next Door Season 2 will air regularly on Lifestyle every Wednesdays at 9:30pm, Thursdays at 1:00AM, Saturdays 6:00PM, Sundays 10:00AM, Mondays at 3:30PM, Tuesdays at 12:00MN. The show is a joint production venture by the Group Entertainment and iSnap Creatives. 

So make sure to check out Chef Next Door on Lifestyle! 

Much Love! 

xx Alice

The Felicidad Mansion Celebrates Their First Anniversary

I don't normally post these kinds of things on this side of my blog but I guess this is where I can place them since its definitely something you really have to check out. 

The Felicidad Mansion is a one of its kind events venue in QC.

It is originally a mansion built in the 1970's that was converted into a spacious events place and had just celebrated their anniversary!

This was named after Dona Felicidad Tayag-Martin, the Matriarch of the Martin clan. In which after years of being a residential place, the family turned it to an events place but still preserving its beautiful wood ceilings, one of a kind chandeliers and the vintage doors.

Quite honestly this is my first time going in this venue and I am amazed by the exterior and also interior of this events place because it has that very vintage feel that is not forced. You would really love this place.

The cool thing about this venue is that they have their own catering partners and also they can help out in setting up what you want your event to look like. Its a one stop shop for the party of your dreams.

And quite honestly, I might just pick this venue if ever I get married.

Ayan na guys nagsabi na ko! #AlamNaThis

How to get to Felicidad Mansion: 

Located at Baler Street Corner Roosevelt Avenue in Quezon City, You can get to the venue via car, taxi or Public Utility Vehicle either from Quezon Avenue or from Munoz. The nearest landmark is you'll see is McDonald's. 

Okay now lets move on to the function rooms that they offer to your needs. Currently they offer 5 function rooms that varies with how many people that will be attending to your event. 

 

Here are the names and pax. 

Venice - 130 pax

Paris - 150 pax

Venice and Paris - 250 pax

Roma - 30 pax

Madrid - 50 pax

They also have a bridal suite so if you are having a wedding and you need a place to touch up on your make up or have a costume change (aminin may brides na ganun!) you can also add it in the package. 

And did you notice something about the name of the rooms? It is inspired by European cities that really highlight the aesthetic feel of the room. 

And as I've mentioned, Felicidad Mansion is a one stop shop since they are tied up with catering companies that suit your taste buds like Hizon's, Rich Gold, and also Taverna Catering just to name a few that also sponsored amazing food for the festivities. 

To add to the festivities, Richard Poon entertained the guests with a couple of songs. 

PS. Dun po sa magiging asawa ko pag ipunan mo na i-book si Richard Poon sa wedding naten. Gusto ko sya kumanta for our first dance and when I walk down the aisle. I love you na agad future hubby pag ginawa mo to! LOL

And also to my friends that will be getting married soon. You might want to check out this place first because it is absolutely amazing. Its like you had a destination wedding but without the expensive plane ticket. 

And yes I am making this statement on my blog that I will book this elegant venue when I get married. 

For more information about Felicidad Mansion they are located at # 2 Baler Street cor. Roosevelt Avenue, San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City. You may contact them at 964 5403, 372 5741, 0917 5152135 and 0917 5245308. 

or visit their website www.felicidadmansion.com

Much Love! 

xx Alice

The Perfect Omiyage: Hattendo Japanese Chilled Cream Bun

Growing up knowing the Japanese culture, I know how small family businesses tend to stick to the traditional way of preparing their items in which it also instills to the consumer that there is definitely a personal touch to the items they bought. 

That is what Hattendo is known for. Although they are new to the Asian market they are backed up with around 80 years of experience in bringing high quality chilled cream buns to the consumer. 

Hattendo is named after a small shrine in Hiroshima, Japan. And the English translation of their name is unlimited prosperity.  

Hattendo is mainly known as the perfect "omiyage" or gifts according to my relatives in Japan because its perfect for your loved ones to enjoy on any season. 

And I am so happy that Hattendo is now in the Philippines! 

Hattendo Philippines currently has two main stores: one on the 2nd Floor of Mega mall's Fashion hall and the next at the South entrance of Mall of Asia. They also have a pop up store every Friday to Sunday at Rockwell Power plant mall. 

Instilling tradition, great taste and safe food for their customers, all chilled cream buns are done by hand inside the Hattendo factory in Hiroshima, Japan. They are sent here  exclusively to C3 Premium Partnerships, Inc. which me and some selected bloggers were honored to meet and ask some questions to them. 

They mainly talked about how the buns are made in Japan and also shared their experience in seeing first hand how its made and how meticulous each bun is made. We were also very lucky to try these chilled cream buns for ourselves and bring some home for our families. 

I'll be doing a second part about each flavor of the Hattendo Chilled Cream Buns on this blog and which ones are my top favorites.

Have you tried Hattendo? Let me know which is your favorite flavor on the comments section! 

Much Love! 

xx Alice 

Fly to Paris with French Baker!

French Baker is one of those bakery-cafe in the Philippines that I love. I love their pastries that I actually come back for more and I am really thankful to be part of their 25th year anniversary!



Draped with all things French, I felt like I was in Paris for a couple of hours from all the displays and also the food that was served. There were different sections from Fashion, Pastries, Wine and even sweets! As far as I remember French people adore sweets!



What would it feel like to travel to France right? I wonder...

But if you want to travel in style like the Parisians do French Baker has a surprise for all its patrons!



Here is the PR for more details!

The French Baker, the original French bakery-cafe that first opened in SM City North Edsa 25 years ago; together with Insight Vacations, Rajah Travel Corporation and Etihad Airways, today launched “Visit Paris in Summer 2015”, a raffle promo where one lucky winner will get the chance to visit and experience Paris, France next year.

This much-anticipated promo marks French Baker’s 25 years of bringing European-style breads in the mass market, and the company’s way of saying ‘thank you’ to the customers who have embraced and supported the patisserie over the years.

“It was in 1985 when I travelled to Europe for the first time that I fell in love with PARIS and her baked goodies. Since then I’ve dreamt of doing the same so that I can impart a similar experience to our kababayans in the Philippines,” shared Johnlu G. Koa, professor turned entrepreneur, and now Founder and CEO of The French Baker.

“It is for this same reason that we wanted to give back to our loyal customers the same French experience not just through our products, but by giving one lucky winner a chance to see and feel for themselves the beauty and charm of Paris.”

Experience France

“Visit Paris in Summer 2015” gives one lucky winner and three of his companions an all-expense paid 10-day trip to Paris through luxury escorted tours provider Insight Vacations, together with Rajah Travel Corporation, and Etihad Airways as the official airline.

Every P500 worth of dine-in and take-out single receipt from any The French Baker branch entitles the customer one raffle coupon.  The promo will run from November 5, 2014 until March 15, 2015. Grand Draw will be on March 20, 2015.

25 The French Baker gift certificates worth P5,000 each are also up for grabs.

The grand prize winner will get to spend at least three days in each of France’ key cities, including Paris, the old Roman City of Nimes; and finally in Monte Carlo.

 “People may ask why four tickets for one winner, and not four winners with one ticket each?” Koa furthers. “The reason is that we wanted the winner to see the charms of France and experience that magical feeling together with family and friends, and not just by themselves.”

“We are very excited for this promo,” said Sheryl Lim, Regional Director for Insight Vacations. “We see it as a perfect way for The French Baker to celebrate 25 years in the country, and for showing their gratitude to their loyal customers.”

Insight Vacations also launched its 2015 itinerary and magazine, which is available through Rajah Travel Corporation.

Bernie Arnaiz, Assistant Managing Director for Rajah Travel Corporation, together with Lim, shared with the night’s audience the kind of luxury the winner can expect with the launch of their Signature Events.

This marks signature experiences from handpicked Signature Hotels; specially-arranged Signature Evenings of Entertainment; and booked Signature Dining in authentic and local restaurants.

Meanwhile, Etihad Airways will fly the winner in utmost class. “Our winner will experience luxury on air, with the first-class amenities and features of our planes,” said Jackie Lim-Gonzaga of Etihad Airways.

The event was hosted by the ever so gorgeous Issa Litton wearing a very Parisian-chic outfit. The SM Mega mall Fashion hall was filled with all things Paris from the food, drinks, fashion and even pastries that everyone felt like they went to the city of Romance - Paris!

The event was so much fun. And to top off the festivities Gary V, a good friend of JohnLu C. Koa was there to serenade the audience! So cool right?

Over all I would just like to say that its been a great honor to be part of French Baker's 25 years in the business and I hope that French Baker will be bigger and better for more years to come!

on se parle plus tard et beaucoup d'amour!

(Talk to you later and much love!)

xx Alice

Experience 3rd Wave Coffee with Coffee Empire

Coffee. I love coffee. There is just something about coffee that most people love. Most people depend on it to stay awake all night to finish a project or to wake them up in the morning. Some people like to enjoy a cup of coffee just for the relaxation it gives. 

But its most coffee shops are just the same don't you think? I was thankful to experience a new kind of coffee experience with the Coffee Empire a couple of weeks back. 

Their first branch along the stretch of West Avenue in Quezon City is from the brainchild Chef Ernest Joggler Martin and entrepreneur Anthony Lim. 

Their winning ticket for a new kind of coffee experience? The third wave coffee concept. This concept aspires the highest form of appreciation to coffee. 

The preparation of coffee has actually become an art in which each step is specifically calculated from the sourcing, roasting, all the way to its final brew. With this kind of experience, We will be able to experience the finest coffee of the world also with what our coffee can offer. 

The Coffee Empire offers a wide selection of high-grade, hand-picked coffee beans roasted to perfection and served at its peak where the balance of its tastes, texture and aroma is achieved. 

I was really amazed on their coffee bean selections from here to abroad. I was able to sample an espresso made from the best coffee beans from Baguio. 

The opening was really a great experience because they also held a competition for latte art which features some of the best in the metro. Of course the contest will not be one if there is no prize right? The prize for the best latte art is an iPhone 5! 

How envious I am for the winner but quite honestly I have never seen a pack of men oggle during a cafe latte art competition like this. It was something to be seen really. 

Please do visit Coffee Empire soon! They are located at 74 West Avenue, West Triangle, Quezon City (Besides Hap Chan)

Make sure to visit as well their Facebook page for more updates. 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coffee-Empire/232090526957737

Much Love!

xoxo Alice 

Yoshinoya Brings Japan's Famous Beef Bowl to Ayala Fairview Terraces!

Last Friday I attended an event for the opening of Yoshinoya in Ayala Fairview Terraces. If you guys would like to know more about Ayala Fairview Terraces you can check my other blog for that since today I will share to you the awesome food from Yoshinoya.

I remember when I was younger (ouch!) My cousin likes to eat at Yoshinoya and would always bring home one for me as well since I am her look out when she sneaks out just for fun.

We were young and sheltered kids so little adventures like going to Robinson's Galleria is like Dora on an adventure. Okay that sounds lame..but I really like eating Japanese food since I grew up learning a whole lot of the Japanese culture.

Okay time for history class! 

Yoshinoya's Famous beef bowl was actually invented way back in the 1800's by Eikichi Matsuda. The name of their store is Yoshinoya which means - 

Yoshino - A district in Osaka, Japan; Eikichi Matsuda's hometown

Ya - Japanese for 'house'

It has garnered a lot of attention to the Japanese people because it was their version of 'fastfood' back then within the busy fishermen and also travelers during the Edo Period.  

It went on a full expansion when Mizuho Matsuda converted their restaurant into a 24-hour restaurant which boosted its image not just in Japan but also for the rest of the world. Having about 1,200 outlets around the world namely in Japan, USA, Hongkong, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. 

And now one of its newest branch is in Ayala Fairview Terraces~!

Last Friday, We were offered to see their newest branch and also some of Yoshinoya's famous and newest treats. The program was started by the store blessing by Rev. Fr. Regalia which was actually not the typical store blessing if you asked me.

It was followed by the ribbon cutting and throwing of coins as a sign of good luck and bountiful blessings for the newest branch.

were also speeches by Managing Director Mr. Leo Co and Mr. Timothy Yang, the President of Yoshinoya Century Pacific Inc.

Afterwards we were served a full course Yoshinoya meal which consists of their famous Gyudon, Kani Salad, Hani Shu mai and green iced tea.

Beef Bowl or Gyudon in Japanese. It consists of thin beef strips, slices of onion, Chewy rice and a broth. The taste is quite good although I wish they would have a version with more veggies than onions only. You can try this for only 119PHP per bowl.

Kani Salad. This consists of thin strips of carrots and cucumber with romaine lettuce topped with strips of Kani or seaweeds, caviar and Kani salad dressing. I like this salad since it doesn't have that much pizzazz but still have that great taste into it. Try this out for about 69PHP per serving.

Kani Shu Mai - This is bascially its a special kind since it has pork meat and at the center is a crab meat. It is not the typical shu mai if you ask me because it is packed with flavor with the unexpected taste of the crab meat in the middle. You can try this out for 59PHP for three pieces.

Yoshinoya is definitely home to delicious modern Japanese comfort food. Since 2001, The company is the most preferred Japanese restaurant in the country that has offered high quality food at affordable prizes.

I felt really stuffed after eating this feast. I really love the Gyudon at Yoshinoya. The taste of the Gyudon is just superb and the serving is just right!

Make sure to join as well their Gyudon famous bowl eating contest for a chance to win 100K! Check it out from their branches or on their Facebook page.

Yoshinoya's latest branch in Ayala Fairview Terraces is located at the 3rd Floor.

Much Love!

Alice

King Bee Chinese Food Opens at Fisher Mall

 

 King Bee Chinese Food Restaurant marks another momentous event as they open their newest branch at Fisher Mall in Quezon Ave corner Roosevelt Avenue last Sunday, February 16, 2014.

The event was opened by the ribbon cutting that was graced by Mr. Bobby Del Rosario, Owner of Fisher Mall together with King Bee owners, its staff, visitors, friends and guests alike.

 The opening ceremony was followed by a King's Feast. In this part, the guests are given authentic Chinese cuisine that is fit for a king. I was quite stuffed actually with the food that was given to me.

King Bee Chinese Food Restaurant in Fisher Mall is teh newest branch to open. It is located at the Upper Ground Floor. As part of the addition to the growing number of King Bee Chinese Food restaurant that serve authentic Chinese cuisine to both patrons and also the adventurous foodies out there.

King Bee Chinese Food Restaurant serves not just Chinese food but flavorful and authentic Chinese cuisine that most of us are used to. From their appetizing dimsums to their main entrees, each cuisine is mouthwatering and good to eat with your friends and family.

If you crave for Chinese food check out King Bee Chinese food restaurant at Fisher Mall. And to check out their other delicious cuisine make sure to Like their Facebook page as well.

Much Love!
xx Alice