Weekend Food Trip at: Yanzi, the Pot Rice Hub

I was ecstatic to be invited at a restaurant near my "hood".  Not really my hood but close to where we usually "food trip".  Yanzi Pot Rice opened its' doors to the public and my family and I were invited for a gastronomic experience.

I haven't written about my "weekend food trip" in such a LONG time - no thanks to COVID Pandemic, but thankfully, it was after weeks that we dined here and our family is safe and sound.

Now back to the restaurant.  YANZI, the Pot Rice Hub, is a Chinese restaurant founded by the same team of Lido Cocina Tsina.  Their signature dishes includes (their restaurant name) YanZi Pot Rice, a variety of Baked Rice and Oat Congee to name a few.  And guess what?  I was able to taste them all!

Miced Beef Oat Congee

For someone who felt weird eating congee not in breakfast time, this is definitely a nice twist to the usual congee!  It really has the texture of oatmeal with the legit taste of real beef congee.  I honestly love this so much even after reheating (yes we have extra servings to go), it tastes even better even after a day or 2!!!

HK Wanton Noodle Soup

This is a regular HK Wantong Noodle soup you can order in various Chinese restaurants but the Hakaw made this soup top notch!  You get a big serving of shrimps inside each Hakaw.  

Yanzi Rice

For someone who loves the combination of creamy dishes and something with tomato base (I could be wrong but I do taste a bit of that flavor), this is the best rice meal to go for!  The strips of minced pork with a sweet and tangy taste complimented the creamy seafood dish on the other side.  I just can't help but mix them both together and get a nice dynamite of unique flavors. 

 In Tagalog: "Hindi nakakaumay both dishes when you eat them together!"

Sizzling Mongolian Beef

One thing you have to know about this dish is the spiciness.  I used to be a top tier spicy dish "mukbanger" LOL but gone were those days when I had stomach ulcer.  It was a surprise for me that this dish is "Ma-la" spicy.  Mala is a type of spicy dish known in Szechuan restaurants that is why this came in as a surprise. 

Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of this dish because it was really tender and delicious but I wish they have a non-spicy option?  I could ask when I head back.

Chicken and Chorizo Pot Rice

Now here we are, the real reason why this restaurant is unique as compared to others.  The presence of Pot Rice!  Imagine a mini pressure cooker?  Yup, that's the one!  

 
Each pot was made fresh, you can even take a peak by the clear glass window on how they prepare this dish!  The sauce and other condiments are added right at your table.

For some reason, I am not really a fan of Chorizo BUT, the rice, the chicken and sauce just go so well.  The flavors were packed right in every single rice grain, you can taste the fragrance of chicken, chorizo but not separately.  Basta ang bango bango niya but NOT overwhelming.  None of the ingredient overpower each other.

Sweet and Sour Pork

MY FAVORITE SWEET AND SOUR DISH OF THE YEAR!

I am serious!  I have tried so many sweet and sour dishes in all the Chinese restaurants I've been to and this is by far the best!  The breading is not too think and the sauce is not too sour or sweet.  It was just perfect and mind you, the meat is extremely tender I almost thought it was fish!

Macau Baked Rice

Though I love YANZI Fried Rice, my personal choice is this Macau Baked Rice coming from someone who isn't a fan of cheese ON rice!  

What cheese did they use?   It wasn't too salty, it doesn't overpower the rice even though I've got cheese all over my mouth!  ANG SARAP NIYA I was gushing over about this rice to my friends and they ended up ordering this too!

OMG Right?

Heaven!  My experience was so good I am ready to head back taking my parents with me!

A quick video on how I felt while eating each dishes.

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Yanzi, the Pot Rice Hub is open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM located at 87 Banawe St. corner Samat St., Q.C

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

 

Yayoi Philippines Online Food Delivery Review

 

Since COVID-19 broke, I have been cooking nonstop.  For both my family and my in-laws who live close by.  Cooking for 2 families is stressful - no matter how much you love to cook.  There are days you call the “Cookerist’ BLOCK”  - I invented that…but I am sure anyone in charge of the kitchen can relate.  Especially if you have picky eaters in the house.

Every weekend, we try to do online restaurant delivery for me to “refresh” my state of mind LOL.  Thankfully, there are more options to choose from and I am so happy to include this restaurant on rotation!  YAYOI Philippines - hailed as the no. 1 teishoku restaurant worldwide!  The restaurant is located in Megamall, Mall of Asia, BGC, Salcedo Makati, North EDSA QC, Eastwood QC and UP Town Center QC.  

No wonder the restaurant is still thriving amidst pandemic because they really serve good quality dishes.

I have to add that I love how they pack and have everything labeled clearly!  Even instructions!

Lido Cocina Tsina Rebiew

 

Dear AMW Friends!  

I haven’t shared much about my dad’s work.  He has been working in a Chinese restaurant for his whole work life!  He started as a part-timer at 16 or 17 and he retired before he turned 60.  Yes, in that same restaurant with dishes so close to my heart.

We have memories of picking my dad up around 11pm-11:30pm whenever he closes the restaurant and while waiting, the 4 of us siblings were singing Chinese songs in the car and just stare at nearby places, to be exact, I was looking through LIDO restaurant which was just right across the restaurant were my dad works!   Those were the fun days there’s no gadget and we have only each other to “pass time”.

Anyways, that short story seems unrelated to my post but Lido Cocino Tsina (could be the same owner or maybe there are huge changes on their business side) still gave me that loving memory I had when were still young!  I mean, there were only a few good Chinese restaurants back then including LIDO.

So it is obvious when I am craving for childhood dishes, it is also normal to look back and order food from restaurants I was accustomed to!

And because of COVID-19, the restaurant explored online ordering and delivery!  What a relief since I buy everything online nowadays!

Shrimp Balls

My favorite from the restaurant.  A MUST order!

Lumpiang Shanghai

I know most Chinese restaurants do not take Lumpiang Shanghai seriously, they are just rolls of meat that can be made at home but Lido Cocino made theirs differently.  It has a distinct taste that hits home.  Something I cannot replicate in my own kitchen!.  

Salo Lechon Belly Kitchen Review

Salo Lechon Belly Kitchen has been making a noise (good noise) at the cyberspace when people are posting videos and photos of their super sexy Lechon Belly!  Sexy because of the smooth shiny skin, the extra crunch whenever you cut, slice or pounce it.  Ahhhh who would’ve though these words will come from someone  NOT craving for Lechon Belly in the first place?

And with the pandemic, moms like me have been working extra hard in the kitchen to keep the family going.  I have been experimenting a lot in the kitchen so my boys won’t feel like they’re missing a lot in terms of restaurant food.

As much as I am proud of my cooking, I am very honest in saying I haven’t mastered the art of cooking Filipino dishes so I won’t fight for it.  I’ll just leave it to the experts and call it a SALObration!  

 

Thankfully, SALO Lechon Belly Kitchen delivers and they deliver with topnotch service!  Everything were packed really well and presented so nicely I honestly felt anyone receiving such delivery would feel the love and care immediately. 

A MUST order of course is their bestselling Lechon Belly!  Eventhough it was there for hours, the skin remains crunchy and meat is super tasty and tender!  The skin is not too thin or thick and the crunch was perfect!  I can honestly eat this even without sauce!

We even had some leftovers and just by reheating them at an oven, it tastes fresh as newly delivered!

Paskong Pinoy celebrations with Max's Corner Bakery and Max's Restaurant

 

There are days I am so tired to cook, but those were also the days that I want to eat homecooked meals.  A dish that warms my tummy and heart.

Thankfully, one of my favorite restaurant Max's Restaurant came up with their Paskong Pinoy dishes!  Together with Max's Corner Bakery, they created new dishes with a special twist to uplift our holiday spirit making intimate family meals more precious than ever!

Savor the saucy goodness of Max’s Calderetang Bulalo – a lavish fusion of two of your favorite Filipino dishes in one, made with a rich tomato-based beef shank stew with boiled vegetables and topped with melted cheese and sautéed peppers. Looking for something with a little more sizzle? Then try the irresistible Sizzling Bulalo from Max’s with its tender beef shank lathered in rich and savory gravy, and sprinkled with crispy fried garlic. Starting at Php549.00, these new dishes are available for dine-in, take-out, and delivery. 

House of Lasagna Review

You know how Quarantine makes EVERYONE hungry?  And when you scroll through social media, you see a lot of people posting about food - whether they cooked it, baked it or bought it.

I remembered craving LASAGNA so badly I wanted to make one but I was out of ingredients --- literally no cheese inside the fridge and it was one of the most frustrating feelings ever!

Thankfully, with restaurants finally jumping back to the routine and opening up deliveries for people like ME who haven't gone out to see the sunlight since March 14, I knew that is one way for me to satisfy my cravings --- and support businesses at the same time!  I mean all sorts of businesses were hit so hard due to COVID-19!  

One Lasagna that I seriously craved for is the one from House of Lasagna - just typing the restaurant name brought me back to so much memories!  They have been around for so long and you know if you take a bite on their lasagna, it is WORTH EVERY SINGLE CALORIE!

As much as I love to order online, I find it a bit tedious for me to purchase and book a delivery service on my own - don't get me wrong, it isn't a hard task but for someone who's always on-the-go (yes, even at home), I find it super hard to book delivery services in my area!  So this excites me to share that House of Lasagna delivers with NO minimum purchase, FREE delivery just because they use in-house delivery service!  They cover areas from Quezon City (select areas), San Juan, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, Manila, Marikina.  If your location is not included, they will certainly accept courier pick ups and they are open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Today was a great day, I usually spend my time in the kitchen chopping ingredients as early as 5:00pm and prepare to cook around 6:00pm.  Because I got my House of Lasagna Beef Lasagna and Salted Egg Chicken Wings at tow, I was able to sit back and relax and finish Season 5 of She-Ra on Netflix with Kyle!  It was such a chill evening!

Beef Lasagna

Php1,650 for Whole Tray

One of the most delicious beef lasagna I had as of date.  It comes with a perfect amount of beef, Bechamel Sauce, Cheese and a whole lot of greatness!  Here's a serious reason why this is not any regular Lasagna - my mom-in-law who dislikes Lasagna, baked mac or anything that has heavy cheese feel on it actually called me to say --- she loves this!  She even asks for a second serving which is super unusual (I would call it a miracle!)  

Worth the calories, worth the price - hindi siya nakakaumay promise!

The NEW Gloria Maris Greenhills

I could never count the number of times I dined at Gloria Maris Seafood Restaurant, it is the "it" place for wedding reception, Birthday parties, random reunion of friends and family and most especially - my dad's association annual get-together.

I love the food, the ambiance, everything felt so familiar!  The 8-10 dishes that arrive, bite after bite, the food seems to be endless.  Then my favorite memory will always be: "I am stuffed!  I don't want to eat anymore!"  Then the almond lychee dessert or Mango Sago would suddenly arrive and I would stuff my face once again.

But after several years, we stopped dining there when more and more restaurants are popping around the Metro.  I would look for newer dishes and newer flavors, Gloria Maris Seafood Restaurant was set aside for quite some time.

Then, I got an invite to visit THE NEW Gloria Maris Restaurant as it is now managed by Choi Garden, I knew I had to be there, I had to reunite with the well-loved restaurant of our household.

Keep in mind that the lunch was a 15-course meal but I was able to eat only less than 10 as I need to pick up my son in school, nevertheless I was stuffed and happy!

Shall we begin

Two Tone Almond Seafood Soup

As for most Chinese restaurant, you'll see either Spinach soup or Sharksfin Soup served as starter.  The starting point of The New Gloria Maris already gave me a lasting impression.  This soup was unique in so many ways!

Firstly, I AM IN LOVE with Pumpkin Soup!  For a Chinese restaurant to serve Pumpkin soup seems a bit out of the ordinary --- what made this dish oriental is the part Almond soup that comes with this.  The waiter showcased his serving talent by serving each bowl with 2 sides of the soup!  Yes, he managed to do it effortlessly which leaves the whole table in awe.  

I love mixing both soup together and you get bits and pieces of seafood.  I love how both flavors blended well without overpowering each other.  It was a combination I never thought would be possible but it worked!

Midweek Food Trip at: La Vita

I love a good pasta and a good pizza. 

And when I travel 2 hours one way to a restaurant, I pray to the food Gods it must be worth it!

Thankfully, La Vita restaurant located at Podium Mall did not fail!  

I was lucky enough to be invited for a small gathering with fellow Blogging friends.  Our schedules were all different but I am glad we made it to this gathering and we are even more fortunate enough to meet Chef Maurizio Gibillini - Chef of La Vita Restaurant.  This man is a character, full of stories to tell and ingredients to share!  I love how he was able to establish authentic and modern Italian cuisine on every single plate that was served that night.

We were told by Chef Bibillini that all the main ingredients such as tomatoes, mushrooms, mozzarella cheese and pasta are imported from Italy while other food components such as vegetables, fish and clams are sourced locally to guarantee freshness.

Weekend Food Trip at: Black Scoop Cafe

The first time I tried Black Scoop Cafe was a Latte drink that Mr. AMW bought me after a late dinner at U.N. Avenue.  I was so into the drink I took note on the brand and thought of going back to that same branch.

Fast forward to a few weeks after, I had my usual facial at The Facial Care Centre Morato Branch, as I was leaving the building, I saw a Black Scoop Cafe branch and decided to have my usual cup of coffee!  But I was greeted with a long list of drinks instead and I ended up buying 6 Brown Sugar Lattes and made everyone at home happy!

Then when Mr. AMW and I went out on a date, I've decided to bring him back at the same Black Scoop branch and try out their food because my good friend Marj has been raving about them!

Aside from Milk Tea and Snacks, they also serve soft-served ice cream, breakfast meals, fruit tea and even hot chocolate!

So this is our order and I had to share my milk tea with Mr. AMW as I just ordered and drank 1 a day before!  This time we tried Cream Cheese Milk Tea and it tastes sinfully good!

Weekend Food Trip at: 26th St. Bistro

It was last year we enjoyed a sumptuous meal at 26th St. Bistro after attending an event nearby.
After a year, I've decided, why not go back and enjoy yet another wonderful meal with the family?  Yes, I've dined there a couple of times alone so going out of the way on a Saturday night is something I'm looking forward to!  Because our family is simple --- we just love to spend time with each other, share stories, have fun and eat good food!

It is all possible at the 26th St. Bistro! 




If the look of coffee and plating looks familiar, well, it should be!  26th St. Bistro is not just a CBTL branch, it is a concept store that serves good food, drinks, desserts and a very spacious and comfortable place to sit back and relax.



Whenever I visit the 26th St. Bistro (mostly alone for meetings), I have this default order ---

Parmesan Truffle Fries

Php255.00

The parmesan cheese gave a unique kick to the usual Truffle Fries, it has a nice "rock-salt" like texture that melts on every single bite!  And of course, it has the right hint of Truffle taste that smells and tastes oh-so-divine.

Mom & Tina's Timog Review

I have been to Mom & Tina's on several occasions. 

First time was for work - a shoot, so I really didn't eat that much.

The next few times, I visited the Timog branch with me and my family!  Brought my dad there so many times too because he liked the food and ambiance.  

After almost a year, I finally returned, this time with my good friends Jals and Andrea because Jals came back from the US and it's a perfect "tita-bonding" place because they open up early, they have parking spaces, they serve good breakfast and lunch...and most of all, they have yummy desserts!

It was the longest time for me to stay in a restaurant, Kyle's class was suspended so I brought him with me and stayed there for good 4 hours .

Mango Kani Salad

Php335.00

Crispy lettuce with a good serving of kani sticks and ripe mangoes.  Really delicious.  If like me you're not a fan of mayonnaise, maybe ask them to serve the dressing on the side.

Beef Stroganoff 

Php270.00

Okay, I asked for this, I wanted a cream based pasta and the server recommended me this, I'm not a fan of beef strips on pasta (bacon girl here!)  but yeah, my yaya loved this so it is just a matter of taste!

Weekend Food Trip at: Dimsum Place, Fishermall

Whenever I visit my parents in Sta. Mesa, we always find ourselves either in SM Sta. Mesa or Fishermall.  There are only a few choices of restaurants on both malls but we have our favorites.

Fishermall housed a lot of fast food chains but there are a few restaurants I would call "Comfortable" enough for the whole family!  One restaurant we visited twice in a month is called Dimsum Place, I would call this restaurant very similar to Tim Ho Wan (due to the availability of Pork Buns) but has wider range of menu!

Trust me when I say WIDER because they have almost everything you are looking for in a CHINESE restaurant - well, except a Chinese Manager who would get your orders in Chinese *lol*

Baked Barbecue Pork Bun

(Php120.00)

This earns thumbs up from me!  The bread is quite close to the ones we love at Tim Ho Wan but sweeter. 

The pork is very saucy and I like how everything was crumby and soft and melts in your mouth!

For the price, it was worth getting 2 orders or 3!

Favorite Family Restaurant at Shangri-La Mall

One of our favorite "Family mall" is Shangri-La Plaza mall for SO MANY REASONS!

Convenient parking space, nice array of restaurants and shops, clean washrooms and just nice ambiance!

For some reason, when we are famished and tired, we always ended up at CPK restaurant (California Pizza Kitchen).  I have to commend the staffs for always giving us GREAT Service (one of the best if I may say!)  and I love the huge serving of food we order every single time!

These are just some of our favorite orders!  We were just too hungry I didn't get to take down notes on price and food names but hey, can we just chill this Sunday and just enjoy food photos?

Salad

Pork Chop

Weekend Food Trip at: Mesa

Every weekend, we go out to have fun as a family whether it is as simple as going to a mall or go to a park to play bubbles.

Recently, I've found myself craving for Filipino food!  It must be the dish that made me want to visit ANY Filipino restaurants in the Metro as long as may "GISING-GISING". 

This came out as a surprise as I am not a fan of coconut milk dish.  But to answer what's on your mind - no I'm not pregnant.  #lol

But the Gising-Gising dish from Mesa earns thumbs up from me, the one I ate at San Lazaro branch is a bit spicier than other branches but overall, it was perfect!

Then of course, in every Filipino restaurant we have to include buttered scallops na din!  It's one of Mr. AMW's favorite dish too.

Caerus Specialty Coffee + Bistro Review + Kyle's 6th

Kyle turned 6 this week!  It was a last minute decision to book a table at Caerus Specialty Coffee + Bistro  located at Tomas Morato. 

It was a very simple yet successful and happy dinner with both AMW families!

We dined at Caerus Coffee once and was impressed by the various food offerings.  Coming from someone who has been to a LOT of coffee shops in the Metro, Caerus Coffee is one of the few who offers more than pastas and sandwiches.  Because our first dining experience was great, we've decided to book in this restaurant!

Note: They have a function room available for you to book with a minimum of consumable fee.  Call them to check out the said rate!

Potato Chips

Php125.00

Fresh thin cut chips served with tartar sauce

Weekend Food Trip at: Maki Place

Before I talk about Maki Place, I want to thank The SAEM Philippines for sending me a lovely Chinese New Year gift!  They never fail to give LOVE, Wealth and Happiness to the TIU household!  Than you!

Now back to food, the past few weeks was crazy!  Kyle visited his Pedia twice before Chinese New Years!  I am so happy I've found a doctor that Kyle is very comfortable with, most of all, she can make Toy Balloon animals that's why Kyle calls her the Balloon Doctor!

Best of all, she opens even at night so Keith can accompany us!  Twice that we've seen the doctor, we also had our dinner outside and it was "pampalubag look" to eat yummy food after a stressful day!  One restaurant that we enjoyed going to is Maki Place.

Located at Benavides Street Binondo, it is located at a crowded street so it is advisable to eat during off-peak hours!  They close around 9:00pm by the way!  

Though the dishes didn't come off exactly the same as last time, I wish they could be more consistent, here are some of our favorite orders - of course you have to order MAKI but I didn't get to take a photo of it as Mr. AMW already ate it :P

Pork Spareribs, Goyong, Fried Rice and any Noodle dish!  They are yummy!

Honestbee Chinese New Year for AMW Family!

In a super traditional Chinese household like ours, we celebrate Chinese New Year seriously.  We take "food abundance" seriously.

Every year, I slave the kitchen by cooking various dishes - Noodles of course must be included for Long Life, sticky Tikoy is also a must or in our case, we prefer Oyster Cake which is sticky as well!  Various forms of meat from Fish, Beef, Pork and Chicken must also be on the table to represent a fruitful and healthy year for the family!

As years go by and I'm obviously not getting younger but gets busier, Mr. AMW advised me to go for take away!  We would usually be stuck in traffic or have a hard time looking for parking space especially since most of our favorite Chinese restaurants are located in crowded places! 

Can you just imagine how crowded it is in Chinese restaurants and Chinese supplies stores on CNY eve?

Thankfully, this momma has a solution!  As I was browsing through my favorite online shopping app called HONESTBEE, I recently saw a category I really like --- "We Will We Will WOK YOU!"

Click on it and you'll find list of Chinese restaurants you may order from (location close to the address you input for delivery).  I was so excited I gave it a test run!  

TIP:  Best of all, you can advance order by choosing "Order for Later" option!  

Weekend Food Trip at: Flatterie and Rita's

Our weekends are pretty simple.  I spend it mostly with the family - Husband's family, My Family and Our Family.

So every minute of the day counts --- we try to make sure Kyle gets to enjoy childhood as much as he can because he's been studying 5 days of the week --- school Mondays to Fridays so we make it a point for him to enjoy over the weekend.

Kyle, just like the parents, live simply...a simple bonding time with Mom and Dad with good food and ice cream (of course!) is his idea of "Best day of my life!" 

Awww look at that excited face! Matitiis ba namin?

We love Pound and right beside Pound is a newly opened restaurant (well for us!) named Flatterie located at SM Mall of Asia.  You can order from both menus no matter where you sit.

One of the Best Family Restaurant - Relish

If there's one restaurant that's always full but I still don't mind going to, there is one and it's RELISH, HELLO HAPPINESS!

Seldom can you find me in crowded restaurants because I dislike noise and I dislike waiting in line to the core (hahaha).  

But this restaurant, Relish, located to Tomas Morato, for some reason, gives me a sense of comfort and happiness!  True to what they say, it is Hello Happiness when you get into the restaurants.

There are some probably reasons why ---

• The place is always packed with groups of friends and family (mostly family which I love!)
• People aren't as noisy and rowdy, so the buzz is just right!
• FOOD!  Food is great and that's all that matters.
• Ambiance deserves thumbs up!   Though crowded, tables are well distributed so you don't get bumped into other people when you go to the washroom.

I celebrated my birthday with my highschool friends here last year and I've been back so many times I lost count!  But they never fail!  If you haven't dined in this restaurant, what are you waiting for?

My Top 3 favorites, well I missed Beef Salpicao here so instead, I changed it to Grilled Pork Belly.

The Best Chinese Restaurant For Me (To Date)

Will be Century Seafood located at Century Hotel.
I used to eat there at least once or twice a month with my father's association group.  There's always Birthdays,  Wedding or even Anniversary Celebration and this is actually one of the most booked Chinese Restaurant for events during my time (naks my time talaga).  

Now that I'm older and wedding celebrations are lesser (hello, most of my friends are married na and have teenagers)  so I'm probably waiting for their kids to get married and dine here again?  #JustJoking

My sister-in-law, before leaving for Europe for the Holidays decided to host a simple family dinner to celebrate Christmas and New Years in advance!  She picked the best restaurant to pig out --- Century Seafood!

After all the years of dining in different Chinese restaurants, this hits the heart - well tummy first!  It brings so much good old memories with authentic Chinese dish using fresh and high quality ingredients!  

Cold Cuts Platter