Torres Family X National Bookstore Foundation Annual Outreach

Every year my maternal family's side holds an annual outreach activity for less fortunate. There was a time when we held a Christmas party in an elderly home (where I just kept on crying because I missed my grandparents), and another Christmas party for orphaned children, when we gathered, packed and gave away clothes and school materials for children of a municipality in a far away province, another year in a small school.

Christmas 2012's project is my favorite thus far. We teamed up with National Bookstore Foundation to help paint the library of the school across my grandparents' house. Education is a very important advocacy for our  family because my grandparents were provincial public school teachers who rose up the ranks and raised their children by teaching children.

This post is about food for the soul. Eating healthy food keeps our body physically able, but engaging in healthy activities keep our spirits alive.

Aside from our family, we had volunteers from the National Bookstore Foundation Philippines help us out. Nobody in our family is patient enough to draw this kind of art I think.

The past 6 months in snaps

The hibernation required by the cruel Beijing winter kept me at home or indoors in a nearby place most times, without much foodventures to speak of. The Great Firewall of China also discouraged me from accessing my blog (required a VPN), thus I easily fell into the comfort of becoming a creature of habit. 

Still, these past 6 months, life happened. I realized the value of building face-to-face relationships with people I met in the places I frequented, and sharing my many favorite foods with a carefully chosen set of friends. I live in a city where it is easy to find friends but difficult to keep them, because people come and go all the time. Going to the same places with the same persons helps us easily draw into memories in the future. 

A sneak-peak into my life in the context of food:

 Peanut butter toast from Bridge Cafe, my favorite in all of Beijing. One of the cafe's other frequent guest said I was here too often I was already part of the cafe furniture. The chef drew the translation of my name (Faith: 信) on the toast, upon hearing that this was the only item on the menu that I haven't had yet.

Cooking class @ The Hutong - Water Spinach

I celebrated my first weekend of my genuine summer by attending the cooking class held by the expat club The Hutong. I've been eyeing their Pakistani and Carribean cooking classes since February, but it was only now that I had ample time and energy to get up for their morning class. It's summer: no work, no school, no excuses. 

It was the first time I dealt with water spinach. There were around 11 of us attending class.

Capital M

One evening my friend and I did one of my favourite activities - restaurant hopping. We ended our trip in Capital M, a 5-star restaurant over-looking the Tiananmen Square. We arrived late into the evening when the soft lights and sophisticated decor blended perfectly with the rich cultural splendor of the view outside.

Photo of the terrace filched from the Capital M website

Sumilao Corn Coffee arrives in Beijing!

No, Beijing is not a new distribution outlet for Philippines' almost famous Sumilao Corn Coffee, but I did pack some of it in my bag so I can enjoy it during the cold winter evenings here in China's political capital. I love the smell of it wafting while I read my books. It reminds me of the equally yummy chocnut coffee that I had, only this one I can brew right on my kitchen top.

The coffee is great as it is (no sugar!) but sometimes I add variations like sprinkles of chocnut powder or a dallop of condensed milk to recreate Hanoi coffee)

Eva's home made orange cheesecake

Props to my very good friend Eva for a gastronomic innovation worthy of a spot on the Ritz Coffee Bar - cotton soft sweet tangerine goodness perfectly paired with a cup of black coffee. She shared that its perfection is attributed to the sour cream added along with cream cheese, and the zest of orange juiced into it. A few minutes after it came out of the oven, we all had ourselves a slice. Try it at home!



My lactose intolerant stomach taught me a lesson by late afternoon.

Cafe Romulo in Tomas Morato

By this time I've figured out that my favourite food is Filipino food, and the top of head response will be kare kare please, if I weren't given a menu to help me chart through my decision properly.

I traveled with my best friends in Tomas Morato, on a busy Friday evening, to get a taste of this new Filipino restaurant that a lot of foodies are raving about.

We called earlier at 6 for a reservation, and they said that they couldn't let us in because the house is full for the evening. Anyway, we took our chances and arrived at around 9:20, but they let us in and had us dine one of their function rooms. The place was PACKED when we arrived, a lot more were starting to stream in.

Romulo Cafe was actually founded by the granddaughter of Carlos P. Romulo. Mr Romulo was the founder of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, and served as President of the UNGA, as well as the chairman of the UNSC. His most significant contribution (in my life, at least) is his riveting piece entitled I am a Filipino. It gave me so much goosebumps as a child that I delivered it for my 6th grade declamation contest - in my white shirt, red bandana, folded jeans, no less. For added heart strings, the speech is posted on the main wall of Romulo Cafe (and I still memorize the first and last parts!)

Cool as Cucumber - fresh lime, fresh cucumber, mint leaves for Php 95

Sunshine Lemonade - fresh lemonade, strawberry syrup for Php 85

Chick Flick - strawberry syrup, white cream de cacao, fresh milk for Php 75

Baked Lemon grass chicken - Chicken marinated with fresh lemon grass stalks for Php 225

Tito Greg's Kare-kare for Php 350

The make or break aspect of kare-kare is the sauce. The most efficient way to get myself to eat veggies is if they are drowned in kare-kare sauce. I tasted the paste of the crushed peanuts on this one. I loved this! It had around 3-4 pieces of beef, the rest was tripe. I lump tripe with fat so I didn't get to eat much. But I was extremely satisfied with the sauce.

Bagoong rice for Php 120

Sisig rice for Php 120

Romulo Cafe

32 Scout Tuason corner Dr. Lazcano
Tomas Morato, Quezon City

Philippines
Tel: 632 332 7275

Van Marley's Dutchkins! in Xavierville Avenue

Van Marley's is a hole in the wall along Xavierville Avenue, a very small place that satiates very big cravings. Thanks to my friend Bianca who randomly invited me for after dinner dessert and drinks. I also had the opportunity to meet one of the owners, Nachi, who patiently explained to me how they conceptualised the business and lifted it off the ground.

Nachi visited Amsterdam in 2008 and discovered poffertjes, a popular Dutch treat that resembled mini pancakes. They thought about importing this idea to the Philippines, so when he went back to Amsterdam in 2009 and 2010, he devoted the trips to taking notes on the creation of poffertjes and the finalization of their menu and concepts. Upon coming back here, they devoted around 5 months doing taste tests for their product line, with the help of Chef Laudico's consultancy staff. That, and more time to register the business (where in the Philippines, it takes quite some time and energy).

They name Van Marley's is sort of on Dutch origin. The Dutch love the Jamaican culture, and Marley is in reference to Bob Marley. Van Marley's translation is "Of Marley's."

Some items in the menu are not inherent in Dutch culture (like the Drunk Dori and their chicken selections), and that is because Nachi and his business partner Michael knew that they had to offer dishes that were familiar to the Filipino palate but still had a touch of Dutch cuisine.

Flying Dutch Wings for Php 155. I love this! One of my must-haves when I visit Vamas (short for Van Marley's - for the friends in the know). As mentioned above, chicken wings aren't really served in Dutch restaurants, but is well-loved by Filipinos. Instead, to stay consistent with the theme, they incorporated European spices and ingredients on the chicken mix.

Nutella and Praline Sauce Dutchkins for Php 142. Because my point and shoot will never do justice to Dutchkins, thanks to Carlos for lending the photo! But seriously, you have to have this yourself for you to experience the pleasure of having the mini pancake settle on your buds.

On very late evenings, Vamas turns into a a small watering hole where the owners' friends gather. They also sell a bunch of European beers for around Php 120-150 each bottle

Van Marley's

10-A Xavierville Avenue

Loyola Heights, Quezon City

Sonya's garden in Tagaytay

We were lucky enough to be treated to lunch at Sonya's Garden. The restaurant is fashioned a lot like a greenhouse (but no, we were not baking inside) with pots of plans lined on the rear area. I have gone there a couple of times back and it is always a feast for the senses. My eyes were soothed by the naturally green interiors, the plants maintained a cool breeze in the closed space, the staff played soft music, food smells and tastes great.

I got wind of news that the restaurant is quite strict about its dietary image, such that one is not allowed to drink Coke along with the meal, and the staff will most likely take it away if you brought one out. On the other hand, if you hold a wedding reception and request to serve lechon, they may allow it.

I am reminded again of my affair with chandeliers

For a description of Sonya's menu, you may view it here. Below are the photos of what we had for lunch.

Breakfast at Antonio's in Tagaytay

I was lucky enough to join a trip to Tagaytay of Marion, Archie and select School of Management faculty. It was a day full of a laughter and a lot of revelations, but the biggest one is that teachers are fun! Except when they release grades...

Our first foodie stop was Breakfast at Antonio's. I have been subtly telling Sir Mike about this and I am so glad he took up the challenge as I have been craving for superb waffles for a while now. Antonio's (the dinner) is frequently cited as the best in the Philippines in prestigious food publications all over the world, while Breakfast has garnered high praises as well.

The last two times I went to Breakfast at Antonio's (in the old location) was at night time, so I very much loved this morning visit because I was able to see its manicured and romantically designed garden in its full glory. They had a great ambiance, the mountain air breezed through the lanai softly, the way the light filtered through the windows was just perfect. The grand staircase was awesome. The wooden tables and the random wooden decor stayed consistent with its earthly theme.

Stolen shot of one of my most treasured mentors and my beautiful friend

They foresaw the need. Thanks for placing the entire pot by my side!

House Special Beef Tapa for Php 365

Super Omellettes - 3 eggs omelette in ham and cheese flavour with house potato and panini for Php 340

French Toast - dipped in Vanilla Creme and cinnamon egg butter served with hot apple compote and whipped cream for Php 275. I felt this was our best pick. It looked gorgeous, and tasted as great as it looked.

One of the house specials: Chorizo with Eggs for Php 480

Chocolate Chip Waffle with rasberry whipped butter for Php 235. I was a bit disappointed with this because I expected something larger and fairer. This seems like something I can take from Pancake House. But seeing how everyone else's food looks like wiped the negative vibes away.

I'm still on a high from dining here, and I always look back to my photos of the place. I'm still keeping (the world famous!) dinner at Antonio's in mind, perhaps when I go back in a few months.

Breakfast at Antonio’s

Bgy. Neogan

Tagaytay City, Cavite

Tel: 63 918 899 2866

Fat Michael's in Bangkal, Makati

The most interesting aspect about Fat Michael's (aside from its home made creatively concocted YUMMY food), is its interior design that evolves all the time. The articles of design are sold individually, which allows the owner to replace the items with one of his unique finds in the streets of Bangkal. Paintings, books, almost dilapidated lamps - it's probably there. Bangkal is a haven for thrift shops, especially for those who need to refurbish their homes. Read more about Bangkal's thrift shops here.

The last time I dined in Fat Michael's was the day I turned 17. I remember entering the establishment and feeling like it's a wonderful start to the grown up years. 7 years later, it incites the same feeling - partially because I am still a lot like a child, largely because Fat Michael's interior design has that kind of effect. Everywhere you turn, there is something engaging to look at.

Bookshelf

Christmas lights all year long!

Notice the dividers, wooden cup boards at the back ground, the old school pitcher on the foreground.

And now for Fat Michael's homey food selection:

Fruit and walnut salad for Php 150

Kesong puti rolls for Php 120

Beef salpicao for Php 295

Rosemary herbed chicken for Php 145

Tomato and Cheese Pizza for Php 250

Short ribs with mixed pasta for Php 420

Fat Michael's

115-A Rodriguez Ave. cor. Gen. Lacuña Street

Bangkal, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel: 632 843 1953

Binondo Church and Cafe Mezzanine, Binondo, Manila

The main Binondo Church is only 32 years old (note the clean marble pillars and white cement ceilings in photo below) but the land mark is 400 years old. The bell tower (photo below) is the only structure that stood amid the bombings and natural disasters slapped by time. The reconstruction of the present church was funded by the Catholic Chinese community, many of whom reside or operate businesses in the area. *

The church is now a national shrine and a basilica minore for San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint who was born in Binondo.*

The new and the old

Gatekeeper

Marble pillars and white ceilings (painted ceilings, actually, ala Michelangelo)

Our first stop was Cafe Mezzanine, the only themed cafe in the area. It was designed with the volunteer firemen in mind. After the war, Chinatown was victim to devastating fires. The government was slow to respond to these fires forcing the Chinese Filipinos to form groups of volunteer fire brigades. Today, these brigades are not only located in Chinatown but also in other parts of Metro Manila. Patronizing Mezzanine Cafe means donating to these volunteer fire brigades.*

Notice the hats on the right hand side. I love how they renovated the place.

Special Kikiam for Php 65

Special kiampong for Php 48 - I loved this!! Not too salty but uber sticky.

Spicy pork in Ube Pao for Php 45 - I loved this! The pao was warm and soft, the spicy pork was spicy at the right ante! I brought extra ones for home

Café Mezzanine

650 Ongpin cor. Yuchengco Street,

Binondo, Manila

Philippines

*Source