Monday, April 4, 2011

TSS meets a new BFF: The Strolling Spoon at The Best Food Forward Event


A great weekend can be defined by people's varying perspectives and activities. Why do I say so? Let's say, for someone who works at night, it's obvious that it is the best time for me to catch up and sleep for outrageously longer hours. Even the social butterfly in me loves the weekend, for it is when the best parties are usually held. But what is it in a weekend that really excites me the most? Deep slumber or an all-night party with friends? Could be. But there's actually something more that I am very passionate about; something that really tickles my senses just by the mere thought of it. *giggles* If you've been reading my previous blogs, I bet you already know the answer - dear friends who eat good food together, not on a typical Sunday, but on a date when me and my friends attended The Best Food Forward Event.

I was very lucky that for this event, my friends namely, Yedy, of the Yedylicious Food Blog, Bob, Cj and Trisha were able to join me. It was a strikingly hot morning but that didn't hinder us from enjoying this one of a kind foodie affair with a cause - proceeds from this event will go to the Bayan-anihan and the Unang Hakbang Foundation - such a great way to enjoy lots of good food and at the same time help others in need. On the way to the venue (the NBC Tent at The Fort) we did a bunch of chit chats and catching ups, for some of us haven't seen each other for quite a while. I am happy that also through this event, we're not only going to have one great deal of a food trip but also enjoy our foodie friends' company.

Upon arriving at the event, we bought our tickets, grabbed the new issue of the Yummy magazine (my fave foodie mag) and headed straight to the booths. A lot of bakers and merchants, both known and new to the food industry, have participated in this affair to showcase their goods and products to the people. Let me show you how TSS and his friends visited every kiosk and enjoyed the treats they offer to our hearts content.

Risa Chocolates
For orders and inquiries:
Mobile Number: +63918-9424573
Look for Risa
Email: risachocolates@yahoo.com


Decadently delicious chocolate truffles made fresh from the finest ingredients. Try this melt-in your mouth heavenly treat in different variants such as the Dark Rum, Cerveza Negra, Orange, White, White and Dark and Macha Milk. These bite-size treats will make you crave and fall in love with chocolates over and over again.

Cuadro Chocolate Bars; comes in different variants: Lets Rocky Road (it's like having an ice cream in a chocolate bar; the combination of peanuts, marshmallows and chocolate swirls are truly satisfying); TiraMissYou (Risa's version of the classic and all-time favorite Tiramisu; light and creamy chocolate dusted with cocoa powder); White Chocolate Almondation (white chocolate laced with the refreshing and nutty almond taste. topped with real whole roated almonds) and the Bittersweet.

Simply Pie
For orders and Inquiries:
Look For: Gail Genevieve Ang
Tel. Number: (02) 3412238, 4123677
Mobile number; +639228822194
Email: gailgenevieve@yahoo.com

Mini Mushroom and Sour Cream Quiche

Spinach, Feta and Sun Dried Tomato Mini Quiche

Simply Pie offers Baby Pies, Puff Pies, Muffins and Healthy Cakes that you will truly crave for more with just a single bite. What I love more about these cute and tasty pies aside from its cheesy and meaty taste, is that they are made from organic and fresh ingredients making it a healthy alternative to the usual savory pies that we know.

Sugar Pie
Desserts by Tinapay
For orders and inquiries:
Mobile Number: +639178338862
Email: sugarpiedesserts@gmail.com


Sugar Pie's specialty is its Signature Valrhona Fudge Bars. Each nibble oozes with rich and fudgy Valrhona chocolate streaming through walnut-laden oatmeal bars. A perfect chocolate fix for all chocoholics out there.

Dragonfly Desserts
For orders and inquiries:
Look For: Cheryl Ann Lim
Tel. Number: (02) 5069922, 4158003
Mobile Number: +639178780001 / +639098888802
Email: cherylannlim@yahoo.com


Wicked Bites

The Dragonfly Desserts does not only offer these unique chili-chocolaty delights but also other pastries such as Chewy Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Tarts and Cakes that will surely tickle your taste buds. All of their pastries and desserts are prepared and baked fresh upon order and has no preservatives in it. They also use the freshest ingredients available to ensure the goodness of the products they offer.

The LowCal Cafe
For orders and inquiries:
Look for: Lindy Santiago
Tel. Number: (02) 8716508
Mobile Number: +639173205463
Email: lowcalcafe@yahoo.com


Fudgilicious Chocolate Cake & Healthy Carrot Cake

Yummy desserts without the guilt! - this is what LowCal Cafe is known for. Their desserts are sweetened with Isomalt, an all-natural sugar substitute extracted from sugar beets. Now, everyone can stay fit without sacrificing the goodness of cakes and pastries, all thanks to LowCal Cafe!

Supreme Brazo Bars by Ces Lopez
For orders and inquiries:
Tel. Number: (02) 7225638
Mobile Number; +639178271518
Email: supremebrazobars@yahoo.com


Classic
Creamy, golden custard of the finest homebaked quality,
sandwiched in two layers of light and chewy meringue


Tropical Cashew Crunch
Amazing combination of flavors, the nutty taste of the cashew

highlights the creaminess of the custard.


Strawberry Sunrise
A fruity twist out of the classic brazo
- sweet strawberries and cream combined with the rich golden custard -
never tasted such great tasting fruity brazo before. yummy!

For an avid brazo de mercedes fan like me, it was such a delight to see them not just in one but in several variants that equally tastes good. Fantastic flavor innovations! I actually had a hard time choosing what variant to buy but whatever I may have picked, it was still a sure hit! I am now in love Supreme Brazo Bars!

Jimenez Bakery
For orders and inquiries:
Mobile Number: +639166064815 / +639195747784
Email: jimenez.bakery@yahoo.com


Chocolate Crinkles
- chewy and rich; a quick chocolate fix the way I want it

Christa
For orders and inquiries:
Tel. Number: (02) 2179874
Mobile Number: +639178905747
Email: christaskitchen@yahoo.com

Christa's French Macarons
a meringue-based confectionery commonly filled with jam or buttercream,
reminds me a lot of Blair Waldorf's comfort food.

Klar Joseph
For orders and inquiries:
Tel. Number: (02) 6339954
Mobile Number: +639175335527
Email: klarjo@gmail.com

Chocolate, Red Velvet, Brownie and Caramel

One of my favorites! I immediately became a big fan of their cupcakes upon tasting it. Try their The Diplomat, Bailey's and Red Velvet Cake (check my separate review of these stellar cupcakes) and I'm sure you'll have the same fondness as mine. All three are so great it made my heart jump out of pure pleasure and happiness! Owners, Klarrise and Joseph are also commendable not just in making these heavenly desserts but for being really nice and friendly to their customers. Great desserts with excellent customer service - perfect!

MedChef by Chef Hasset Go
Tel. Number: (02) 5856052
Mobile Number: +639154871332
Email: hassetgo@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/medchef
Visit them at 139 Mo. Ignacia Ave., Diliman, QC

I've known MedChef through a friend and got so hooked to their Pastry Tower. Since then, I have planned on visiting their store at Diliman for the Dessert To Go Friday. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do so since my place is quite distant from their store location. Finally, thanks to BFF, I was able to buy Chef Hasset Go's Signature Dessert, the Bread Pudding Creme Brulee and also meet the talented pastry chef personally. It was a quick yet a very interesting talk, mainly about their products and how they started their business of homemade cakes, pastries and desserts.

Bread Pudding Creme Brulee

I gave the Bread Pudding Creme Brulee to my little sister as an advance birthday gift and she liked it a lot. She said that she had never tasted a cake this good, simple yet very creamy and rich. I saw the same smile and happiness from my dad after eating that creamy and caramel tasting cake. He even asked me to bring him some of it again. haha!

Melange Fattisserie
For orders and inquiries:
Mobile Number: +639266200572 / +639063583943
Email: melangefattisserie@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MelangeFattisserie
Website: http://www.footstepsandsweets.blogspot.com/

Brownie Pops, Melange Fattisserie's cute and fudgy bestseller

Liqueur BonBons
For orders and inquiries:
Look for: Joana Lim
Tel. Number: (02) 5027941
Mobile Number: +639175783339
Email: liqueurbonbons@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/liqueurbonbons

Absolut Chocnut Bons

Absolut Black Forest

Bacardi Rum & Raisin

Recently won the Authenti-City Award by ClickTheCity at the Best Food Forward Event for having the most original Click-worthy food offering. Who wouldn't love the great combination of liqueur and chocolates made into truffles; 3 bite-size truffles is said to be equivalent to 1 shot of the liqueur. All thanks to Liqueur BonBons, we can now enjoy our favorite drinks with a chocolaty twist. Congratulations!

Mochiko
Mobile Number: +639178310624 / +639228118771
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mochikomochi
Visit their stores at:
Unit 3 The Cliffhouse, Maharlika East, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City
FIC Summer Cafe, Alabang Town Center
Boracay
BF Paranaque
Marquee Mall Angeles City
Subic


Mochiko offers ice cream filled mochi which is a Japanese confection made of glutinous rice flour or "mochiko". Mochi are usually filled with a sweet center such as "anko"or red bean paste and eaten as a snack. Through Mochiko's innovation, we can now enjoy the delicious mochi filled with our favorite ice cream flavors such as mango, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and even caramel. Add to that their new flavors namely black sasame, azuki (red bean) and green tea. A perfect summer treat to everyone who loves to eat their ice cream with a bite and an added twist.

Nuiu Life Cuisine
Tel. Number: (02) 55318888
Mobile Number: +639175283283
Website: www.nuiu.ph

Managed by Marjorie Magtoto, a registered nutritionist and dietician who can create satifying meals based on your dietary needs, this cuisine caters to those who want to still eat gourmet food without the guilt of taking in too much calories. They have created balanced and calorie-controlled gourmet meals that will keep your body fueled throughout the day. Eating healthy can never be this good, and it's delivered right to your door.


After indulging in all of those sweet treats, it's already lunchtime and we're all craving for something heavy and savory. We decided to occupy one of the picnic tables provided at the Outdoor Grilling Area of the event and order scrumptious meals from different kiosks of our choice. We got some Lechon Cebu, Food Guru's Chicken and Angus Beef Kebab with Biryani Rice and Peanut Butter and Company's Fish Diablo Pasta.

Lechon Cebu
- juicy and tasty pork that goes very well the vinegar and steaming hot white rice -

Food Guru's Angus Beef & Chicken Kebab
- mouthwatering beef and chicken meat grilled to perfection,
infusing the flavors of bell peppers, onions and carrots to the meat -

Peanut Butter & Company's Fish Diablo Pasta
- creamy, nutty and deliciously spicy peanut butter sauce
tossed into al dente pasta and fresh fish cutlets -



Tired but very happy, The Best Food Forward Event was indeed a success. It was such a great gathering of food entrepreneurs and food lovers who have made an impact on how we can help others in need and still enjoy good food at reasonable prices. This kind of events reminds us that even though we are going through tough times nowadays, there are still aspects in our lives that we have to enjoy and celebrate - being alive, being able to eat delectable meals and having good old friends to share our meals with everytime. Events like this should be done more often, for it gives people an avenue not just to showcase what they can make but also to help people find great stuffs at affordable prices. With that, TSS is looking forward for more fantastic weekends and more BFF's in the future... cant wait! ^__^




The Best Food Forward


Website: www.bestfoodforward.com.ph
Facebook: Best Food Foward

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Bizu's Babylon: One of the Wonders of the Pastry World


After being enlightened by the Nirvana Cake, I cannot help myself not to drop by Bizu again and check out their amazing selection of beautiful cakes and pastries. So, one sunny weekend afternoon, before going home, I decided to give them a quick visit (Bizu Greenhills is the nearest branch from my place) and buy something that would really make my day extra special. Glancing at their display of fancy cakes gave me such hard time choosing which lavish treat should I take home with me. All are intricately decorated and delicious, you can immediately tell that it's good just by the mere sight of it. I was really frayed by the chocolate and coffee flavored ones, but I can only get one that time so I kept on looking and reading the descriptions of each cake, until I encountered a name that greatly reminded me of my favorite structure in the Seven Wonders of the World way back my high school History class. Finally, I arrived to a great decision and bought the Babylon French Cake.

Babylon, a remarkable name for a pretty cake, indeed. Its name is actually derived from the Ancient City of Babylon and its Hanging Gardens which were created by the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II around 600 BC. He is said to have constructed the gardens to please his homesick wife, Amytis, of Media who longed for trees and fragrant plants of her homeland. Equally whimsical and beautiful as that of the Babylonian wonder is this cake, a reason that I think what made Bizu call it as it is.

Babylon

What set the Babylon apart from its chocolate counterparts is its light and fruity raspberry mousse over layers of infused almond sponge with creme brulee surprise. I love the smooth and creamy texture of the sweet mousse that blends really well with the acidity of the bright red raspberry glaze, giving every bite an interestingly sweet and desirable citrusy taste. What adds more into its goodness is the mild flavors of the almond sponge, chocolate decors, pistachios and cherry on top. This cake doesn't just look dreamy but also tastes luscious and refreshing, perfect with a smoothie on a fine, sunlit day. Its so good that I was able to finish it in no time! (I hurriedly opened the box upon getting home, took quick pictures of it for my food blog then ate all of it without asking my peers if they want some... haha!)

Without a doubt, it is a splendid experience to have such great tasting cake and at the same time learn something more about our rich and historical civilization, all because of it's appealing name. This cake is truly a must try! Love this cake a lot! Thanks Bizu! ^_^























Bizu Patisserie

Email: bizusales@gmail.com
Phone: 8126451/8126027
Website: http://www.bizupatisserie.com/

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Happiness at Bahay Ligaya Filipino Restaurant


Ever wondered of a place where good and old antique pieces eventuate with the traditional and delicious Filipino dishes? Well, I got all of your queries (and cravings) covered! This time, The Strolling Spoon sets foot on a restaurant that houses amazing mementos and at the same time palatable meals that will surely tickle your taste buds. All these and more, only at Bahay Ligaya Restaurant.

I was extremely euphoric and thankful the moment my dear friend, Yedy, of the Yedylicious Food Blog, asked me to join her in visiting Bahay Ligaya. Just by it's name makes me think of how they can make me and my tummy, not just contented but also in full high spirits. We were also joined by our fellow foodie friends, Donver and Cj in this great event, as well as the restaurant's owners, Mr. Ray and Joy Bueno who were very kind and accommodating.

It all started with a small capital and Mr. Bueno's idea of putting up an antique shop which he called Luma't Bago. From that insight gave birth to the Bahay Ligaya Restaurant, which was named after his wife, Joy. And since the cuisine that they're concentrating on is Filipino-Regional gastronomy, they have translated the restaurant's English name, "House of Joy", to our own lingua franca; making it "Bahay Ligaya", a catchy and beguiling name indeed. Their stories of hard work and success truly encouraged and inspired us to be young entrepreneurs. Add to that the food that they have generously shared and feasted on with us, which is the highlight that I will be imparting in this one of a kind experience.

A good meal starts with a delish appetizer. For us, their Sizzling Pork Sisig is a perfect way to initiate a hearty feast! Tender pork minced to perfection along with some chopped onions, red and green chilis to give the dish a delicious spicy kick.

Sizzling Pork Sisig

What I love more about their sisig, aside from its mild to medium hint of spiciness, is the crunchy bits of toasted pork that gives the whole dish some sort of bite and texture. It also has a tasty and delicious meaty flavor that blends really well with its distinct smoky taste. Its also good with or without any seasonings like soy sauce or calamansi. No one could ever resist this classic ulam/pulutan that originated from Pampanga, one of my personal favorites and probably one of the best sisig that I have ever tasted.

Another much loved dish of ours is the Grilled Liempo. The pork was remarkably awesome - it is tender, juicy and well-marinated. One serving is not enough for this great deal of a grilled pork 'cause aside from it being carefully cooked and grilled (love that smoky, smoky taste), you will be amazed of how the herbs and spices from the marinade highlight the yummy and flavorful taste of the meat. I love how its flavors linger in my mouth at every bite.

Grilled Liempo

One of the dishes that also made into my list of personal favorites is their Manok Pandan. It is actually the first time that I have tried this dish but it easily made its way not just to my tummy but also to my heart. It is tender chicken meat wrapped in pandan leaves and then deep fried to perfection - simple but very flavorful. Also, though it is fried, it is not greasy and the chicken remained succulent and juicy. Its already amazing as it is but you can also dip it in star anise sauce to experience another depth of flavor that blends really well with the chicken. Without a doubt, a healthier and better alternative to the usual breaded fried chicken.


Manok Pandan

It was also the first time that I have tried this dish called Sizzling Bulalo and I must say that I was really impressed! The beef went into a slow fire cooking process making the meat really soft that it noticeably falls off the bone. Also the juices from the beef combined with the sauce brings out the delicious and flavorful meaty taste of the dish - a sure hit for a beef lover like me!

Sizzling Bulalo

Another beefy dish and in fact one of the house specialties is the Bulalo Pochero. They have used the same carefully cooked, soft and tender beef and then submerged it in a rich and tasty tomato sauce. The already delectable beef has also absorbed the sauce making it extra flavorful and juicy. Add to its goodness the fresh and perfectly cooked vegetables that makes the whole dish complete. As what Mr. Rey have mentioned, this dish basically contains everything - from a rich sauce to its delicious meat, fresh vegetables and even bananas - a hearty meal that each member of the family will surely love.

Bulalo Pochero

Diningdeng is one of the dishes that I actually grew up eating. It makes me think of my mom's inviting Ilocano home cooked meals. So the moment they mentioned that they will be serving this dish, my tummy suddenly growled because of great excitement. I love the aroma coming from the bagoong (fermented fish which has more intense flavor than the usual "patis" or fish sauce that we know) as well as the combined flavors of the green and leafy veggies, eggplants and bitter gourd. The juices and flavors from the vegetables blended really well with the bagoong and a bit of water, making this dish a really refreshing choice and is undoubtedly an ideal partner to those equally delicious and meaty dishes. They have also topped it with crispy pork for added crunch and meaty flavor.

Diningdeng

Crispy Hito with Burong Bulig and Fresh Mustasa Leaves is another great course that you shouldn't miss in visiting Bahay Ligaya. I am not actually a big fan of the "hito" or catfish and of the "burong bulig" or fermented mudfish which has a pungent aroma, but this dish proved me wrong. Tearing the fish meat into pieces, drizzling a bit of the buro and then wrapping it into a roll with the mustard leaves is the preferred way of eating it. Doing so, it gives out a certain piquant and interesting taste at every bite. The crispiness of the fish is such a feat in this fare and the strong flavors of the buro as well as its squishy texture is balanced by the fresh taste and crunchiness of the mustard leaves. After one try, you'll certainly ask for more - such fascinating and a signature dish to be discovered only at Bahay Ligaya.

Crispy Hito with Burong Bulig and Fresh Mustasa Leaves

All of their entrées are generously served and can actually feed 3 to 4 persons. Also the plating is simple yet very appealing. The use of green peanut parsley and orange plump tomatoes added colors to some of the dishes and made it even more appetizing. I also find their food very affordable, ranging from 100php to about 600php and can already feed a family of 3 ot 4. Imagine having all these great tasting and reasonably priced food in a very intimate and classic venue. Intimidating? I guess not. As for me, its more of having good eats and at the same time appreciating the fantastic artifacts that reminds us of our historical past.

I always make sure to leave some room in my tummy for heavenly desserts - Filipino-style this time! Being a sweet tooth, I believe that its always good to give such a hefty and hearty meal a saccharine ending. So, enough with me talking and lets now move on to my favorite part of every dining expereince - the desserts.

Who wouldn't be familiar with this classic Filipino dessert/afternoon merienda? Bahay Ligaya's Ginataang Bilo Bilo has loads of surprises to offer - chewy bilo bilo (glutinous rice balls made from powdered glutinous rice and water), sweet saging na saba (bananas), kamote (sweet potatoes), gabi (purple taro), sago (tapioca pearls) and of course, sweetened creamy coconut milk. This dessert actually reminds me of my fondness for sweets for when I was a kid, I always make sure to help my mom in the kitchen in preparing it.

Ginataang Bilo Bilo

Another delectable dessert and a classic Filipino sweet treat is the Buco Pandan. Bahay Ligaya's version is made with shredded fresh buco and pandan flavored gulaman over milk and cream - so fresh that you can still taste the certain sweetness that comes from the buco strips. Add to this goodness the mild flavors of the pandan that gives this dessert its signature Filipino taste.


Buco Pandan

One creamy dessert after another, this time with the sweetness of ripe mangoes and red sugar palm or "kaong". You can never go wrong with this delight; it doesn't just look good but also tastes wonderful. The ripe mangoes and sago blends well with the milk and cream - a fruity and refreshing end to every meal.

Mango Pandango

Tapioca pudding with coconut milk topped with pinipig for added crunch - a simple yet a delicious treat. I love the mildness of the coconut milk that blends just right with the rice-like flavors of the pinipig. Also, being not to sweet and straightforward, this dessert is perfect for those who wants to enjoy their dessert with less sugar.


Tapioca


Another simple yet magnificent treat is their Turon with Langka Jam. Imagine dipping the crunchy banana lumpia into a sweet, fruity jam made out of sweetened jackfruit and sugar. I was amazed by how the bananas and langka compliment each other making the dessert a perfect treat. And for those who's not that fond of the langka, you can try their mango dip for a different but equally tasty ensemble. Along with the ginataan, this is also a classic Filipino snack that truly reflects our love for sweets and desserts.


Turon with Langka Jam

For our drinks, we had the Fresh Green and Ripe Mango Shake and the all-time Filipino favorite drink, Sago't Gulaman. All were refreshing and a sure thirst quencher and goes well with all the dishes we have eaten.

Fresh Green and Ripe Mango Shake

Sago't Gulaman

Bahay Ligaya offers a wide range of Filipino cuisine that every foodie will surely be excited about. Its like travelling all over the country and tasting every province's specialties in just one stop. Also, it feels proud to dine in a Filipino restaurant that not only serves great tasting food but also houses artifacts and artworks that have stood the test of time. With your visit, you cannot help not to be amazed of the pieces that tells a story of its own - it is not just barely good food but also great appreciation for our culture and for the arts. The restaurant also has a spacious dining hall that is perfect for family gatherings and reunion with friends and colleagues. Aside from that, you can also enjoy the drinks from their liquor bar (they are also known to be a resto-bar) in a separate smoking area or lounge in their comfortable and roomy nipa huts outside the main dining hall. Parking space is adequately provided since most of their customers are in groups or families. Security is also not a problem so as to the internet connection for they also offer free WiFi to their customers. Check out some pieces that I really wanted to share with you guys!


amazing wooden cabinets and decors that makes the restaurant's ambiance classy and timeless! also, you can dine in any of their beautiful wooden tables and chairs to have that extra feel of an exquisite Old Manila lifestyle.


this chandelier which adorns the main dining hall is made up of crystals and is my favorite piece inside the resto. i find it alluring, splendid and radiant. with its beautiful and enchanting yellow light, the restaurant's ambiance becomes more classic and elegant, perfect for romantic dates or even just a simple dinner with the family.



I have a great fascination with lamps; can't help not to love these amazing lamp pieces.

impressive wooden furniture at the al fresco part of the restaurant.

Truly, Bahay Ligaya is not just your ordinary Filipino restaurant. Picture a fusion of good food, affordable prices, great rustic ambiance, and excellent customer service all in one domicile. Most importantly, it is a place that gives significance to authentic dishes that serves as our trademarks as Filipinos. At the same time, it values our rich culture, our love for the arts, having tight family bond through good food and the lesson that we should never take the past for granted for our lives will never be the same if we do not know how to look back and learn from the things and experiences that molded who we are.




Bahay Ligaya Filipino RestaurantLuma't Bago Antique Shop

#176 Katipunan Rd., Blue Ridge A
Quezon City, Philippines
(corner of Katipunan and Bonnie Serrano going to Blue Ridge)
Business Hours: Open everyday from 11am to midnight
Contact Numbers: 4397198 / 6473834
Look for Mr. Ray Bueno





My hearfelt thanks to my dear friend, Yedy Calaguas of the Yedylicious Food Blog for the antique pieces and furniture shots; as well as for the pictures taken for the Sago't Gulaman and Sizzling Pork Sisig. Also for Donver and Cj for making us laugh the whole night. ^__^

Special thanks to Mr. Rey and Joy Bueno for the warm and kind accommodation that they have given us during our stay at the restaurant.