My First Tokyo Tonteki Bite

It was October of 2013 when this  Japanese restaurant first opened its doors to its Filipino customers. Originally from Shibuya, Japan, Tokyo Tonteki was brought to us by its brainchild Shusasu Namikawa, a Japanese native whose love for tender pork loin steak (tonteki in Japanese) has grown so big that it is set to conquer Asia and the world.

Here in the Philippines, Tokyo Tonteki opened its second store at Greenbelt 5 last October. With the same aim of satisfying its customer through its world-class Japanese dishes, led by its famous Tonteki sets, Tokyo Tonteki is ready to fill one's craving and hunger for Japanese dishes at a very reasonable price.

And without further much ado, let the sharing begin as I take you all to the wonderful but simple and pleasant world of Tokyo Tonteki.

It's More Fun to Drink at Chili's!

Adding more fun and excitement to our busy schedules on weekdays, Chili's recently launched their latest treats that will be a sure-fire-hit to those who are looking forward to a relaxing night-out with work mates or friends. And no, it doesn't come alone but rather in trio, and they come in this patriotic colors that every Pinoy will surely love! Guys and gals, meet Rita Trio.

Five exciting and refreshing flavors to choose from to form the trio, Rita Trio is Chili's latest concoction of their world-renowned Margarita drinks that are served in rock-glass size. There's the Pomegranate Margarita, which is a mix of 1800 Tequila, Absolut Citron with pomegranate syrup; the Blue Pacific Margarita, which is combination of 1800 Tequila, Cointreau and Blue Curacao; the Tropical Sunrise, which is made with 1800 Tequila, Melon Liqueur, pineapple juice, sweet and sour and a splash of grenadine;  the Chambord 1800 Margarita, which is a mix of 1800 Tequila, Cointreau Orange Liqueur and Chambord;  and finally, the El Nino Margarita, which is 1800 Tequila, Cointreau Orange Liqueur and fresh orange juice.

Just like how the old saying goes "Looks good, but taste even better," as I indulge on to these wonderful concoctions that spell nothing but fun, I must say that I fell in love to the taste of the Blue Pacific  Margarita. Though, of course, all of them are great, I just find this one complementing to the dishes that we ordered that night.

All-time Favorite from Pinkberry - Strawberry!

I guess Pinkberry wouldn't as pink as it should be without one of the world's all-time favorite flavors in their stores, right? And so, as this unique flavor finally hits their Philippine stores, I'm sure that more and more yogurt lovers will fall deeply in love with Pinkberry, most specially now that they finally have Strawberry Pinkberry! 

Strawberry, being on one-of-a-kind flavor that tastes just like the fruit itself is what Pinkberry sharing to us in this cold rainy season. Perfect to pair with their distinct and delicious toppings, I was able to enjoy that and a whole lot more last time as I was invited to food taste every cool combination they have prepared for their guests: Strawberry Classic (fresh strawberries and balsamic glaze), Strawberry Truffle (fresh strawberries, milk chocolate crunch and a waffle cookie), Strawberry Squeeze (fresh strawberries, fresh watermelon and watermelon puree), Strawberry Crunch (fresh strawberries, low fat oats honey granola, toasted almonds), and finally, the Strawberry Duet (fresh strawberries, raspberry, coconut).

Everything made the strawberry flavor really exciting, but for me, the one that really gave me this sweet and relaxing flavor fit for this kind of weather that we are having is the Strawberry Truffles.

My First Bite on Chops Chicago Steakhouse

I've been working in Makati City for many years now and I've been hearing a lot of good things about this steak place here in Greenbelt 5 for more than a year already, and finally - FINALLY! - I had the chance to sunk my fangs on their delicious offerings! And guess what, if you think this place is quite expensive, wait till you hear about their Matinee Lunch offering!

Last week, before I satisfy my cravings to the sumptuous and lip-smacking lechons of Cebu, I had a great chance to enjoy the cozy place of Chops Chicago Steakhouse, which is located at the 4th Level of Greenbelt 5 in Ayala Center, Makati City. I was able to indulge on their juicy and chewy and good-tasting steaks that are uninmagineable pocket-friendly price!

Chops Chicago Steakhouse made it to the mouth of every carnivore in town almost a year ago when it started offering their delectable and truly heavenly steaks. Though their area is kinda posh, I can assure you that since I got a chance to try their offerings last week, the price of their Matinee offering is really affordable and worthy of every hard-earned money.

Beat the Summer Heat with Pinkberry!

As the striking and skin-burning heat of summer hits the country, what better way to enjoy this season of fun and adventure than to have it the cool way. And this season, Pinkberry is delighted to share to everyone their newest flavor that is sure to add flavor to our exciting summer!

A few days back, I was invited to take part of the Pinkberry Bloggers' Froyo Tasting event in their branch at Greenbelt 5. And together with a number of froyo-loving bloggers, we were treated to a unique and really memorable evening with Salted Caramel Pinkberry!

As its name implies, Salted Caramel Pinkberry is a one-of-a-kind taste experience that is the perfect blend of sweet and salty. And that night, we had a wonderful time testing our palette with the different combination with the chocolate froyo as our base flavor.

French Flair Made More Enticing at Sweet Bella Cafe

After is undeniable success and recognition, finally, one of the country's most love dessert place is at last venturing in to a fine dining spot happily sharing not only the best, but the best of best of their kinds. Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to be enticed at the world-renowned French flair through Sweet Bella Cafe.

Owned and manged by accomplished pastry chef and loving mother, Mrs. Cristina Santiago-Rivera or Tintin, Sweet Bella in the Ground Floor of Greenbelt 5 started the big dream for the Sweet Bella franchise. From its warm and cozy atmosphere with French flair setup in Burgos Circle, BGC, which opened January of 2011, Sweet Bella Cafe opened its second store in the classy and sophisticated Greenbelt 5 just a few months ago offering not just their sumptuous and award-winning decadents but also their family's respected dishes.

For those who don't know yet, Sweet Bella came from the name of Miss Tintin's one and only daughter Isabella. While Miss Tintin's father is the man who pioneered the use of Angus and Wagyu steaks in the Philippines, the man behind Melo's Steakhouse, Mr. Carmelo Santiago.

Tapaella by Gaudi - Greenbelt 5

I recently visited the newly opened Spanish-cuisine based restaurant in Makati City, exactly at the ground floor of Greenbelt 5, where paella and tapas were crowned as specials - Tapella.

Taaella is the newest restaurant by Gaudi that will surely make a mark to food lovers mainly because of its mouthwatering paella that even kids will enjoy and their juicy tapas that will make you crave for more.

CDO Holiday Ham with Chef Rob Pengson

This holiday season, one dish will surely never miss, the Holiday Ham.

So come and join Chef Rob Pengson as he shared to us one simple way on how to prepare this delightful Yuletide dish!

Garliciously Krazy Garlik

If you love garlic – fresh, whole, crushed, sautéed, fried or even sweetened, this is the best place for you. I am honestly not a big fan of garlic, one reason why sometimes I don’t like Marinara Pasta, but with Krazy Garlik, I think something is about to change.

With Krazy Garlik, I’d be lying if I say I didn’t fell in love all over again. It was a rekindled love for garlic when I got to experience this new foodie joint at the second level of Greenbelt 5 in Ayala Center, Makati City.

With its outstanding theme just like its sister foodie joints, T.G.I.Friday’s, Italiannis, Fish & Co., Flapjacks, Billy Rock and Pig Out, Krazy Garlik has this Alice in Garlicland that will surely be a hit to all foodies.

As for their menu, it was like being one of the judges of Iron Chef where the main ingredient of the day is “garlic.” Their dishes come from the different parts of the world, but with a garlic twist on it and I’m sure that will surely challenge our palettes by this simple ingredient.

Open Your Mouth Wide with Chili’s New Big Mouth Burgers

You’ll surely have more than enough with these newest burger offerings of Chili’s. And when I say more than enough, I’m talking about the Chili’s pride – their mouthwatering, over satisfactory Deluxe Big Mouth Burgers!

Forget about those fancy restaurants, forget about those diets and forget about those fine dining, dig in, use your hands and open that big mouth of yours for you’re surely burp with these delectable burgers!

Chef Mc Koy Gabriel