Pass the Plate Indeed

        Yummy Magazine's first visit to Cebu was definitely a success! It was an inspiring and educational afternoon at the Ayala Activity Center where guest chefs Katherine Jao (food stylist and contributor, Yummy) and Dianne dela Cruz (Knorr resident chef) demonstrated five easy and delicious recipes. 

       Registration was free for all and the event was packed as soon as it started. Phoebe Kay Fernandez was the host and engaged the audience in an entertaining fashion as she gave out the trivia for the raffle prizes from Knorr and Unilever.  

host: Phoebe Kay Fernandez

       Chef Dianne dela Cruz came out first and did three recipes -- Moringga-Squash Cream Soup, Binalot na Tilapia sa Pechay (Sinanglay) and, Cream Dory Fillets with Sofrito. I love that she gave food safety tips along with technique tips. And of course, all the dishes were delish! :D 

Moringga-Squash Cream Soup

Binalot na Tilapia sa Pechay (Sinanglay)

Cream Dory Fillets with Sofrito

        Chef Katherine Jao was next and she made Mexican dishes -- Mexican Tortilla Soup and Barbeque Chicken and Veggie Quesadilla. Both were awesome, too! The flavors exploded in the mouth. Loved it! 

 

Mexican Tortilla Soup

Barbeque Chicken and Veggie Quesadilla

      I certainly enjoyed that afternoon as I was refreshed of cooking basics and learned new recipes. The best part was getting to taste almost all (because we weren't given a sample of one dish) the dishes. I guess that's why the event was called "Pass the Plate". I'm sure everyone learned a thing or two from the adorable chefs as well.

        This was my first time to actually attend a cooking demo at Ayala and I made it memorable by having a photo with the pretty chefs, Chef Katherine Jao and Chef Dianne dela Cruz. I also met one of the cool Manila-based bloggers I know (online) -- Frances Ang of frannywanny.com!

This is the only photo I have of frannywanny (second from right) :(

Chef Katherine Jao, Babe for Food and, Chef Dianne dela Cruz

           I've read Yummy since I was in high school (which isn't so long ago, mind you) and I think you should too! It's a great way to learn new and easy recipes and know what's hot in the culinary world of the Philippines. It's how I got acquainted with most of the amazing local chefs and find inspiration. 

     Congratulations on your first visit, Yummy! Hope to see you again soon! :D

         Yummy Magazine is a publication of Summit Media and is available in newsstands, bookstores and supermarkets nationwide. 

        Visit their website at www.YUMMY.ph, like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for updates. 

Cebu Blog Camp 3!

Hey, bloggers!

      This one's for you, er, us! I know it's short notice but there's this cool blog camp this Friday at CICC called Cebu Blog Camp! This is actually on its third year already and distraught as I am, I have always regretted not attending this annual event. I first heard about this from my good friend and first blogger I ever knew, Issa Perez of littleblacksheepfashion.com (but she's currently inactive now because she's busy with her career). She attended the event last year and won so much freebies and told me about the great speakers she met. She even made a vlog about it! That was enough to keep me wondering and looking forward to the next culmination of this event. And now, it's back! 

       I expect it to be bigger and better, meaning, more great personalities as speakers who could guide us in this seemingly oblivious blogosphere and an opportunity to meet other bloggers.  

       Cebu Blog Camp is happening on November 30 (Friday) at the CICC (Cebu International Convention Center) from 9 am - 5 pm. It's a whole day event and guess what, it's FREE! It includes FREE lunch too! ;)

            Only limited to 200 slots though so hurry and register NOW! You DON'T wanna miss this. See you there! :D

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Yummy in Cebu: Pass the Plate

         Yummy magazine, the top food magazine in the Philippines, comes to Cebu with Knorr for a cooking demo this Saturday! Guest chefs are Chef Katherine Jao, contributor of Yummy, and Knorr chefs!

      I'm excited for this because I want to watch Chef Katherine Jao working it. I only know about her because she is part of the team of the kick ass food blog, pepper.ph, as a food stylist and recipe developer.  

       There will also be a special raffle to win over P2,500 worth of prizes from Knorr and Yummy! To join, just bring a copy of the latest issue of Yummy and at least P50 of Knorr products. 

      Come check out the action on Nov. 24, Saturday at the Ayala Activity Center, 3-5 p.m. See you there! :D

To know more about it, like them on Facebook: 

facebook.com/KnorrPhilippines
facebook.com/yummymagazine

Cebu Secret Chows: Macaron Tango

         French macarons was my first official food post for Babe for Food's debut in the blogosphere. If you don't remember or are clueless, just click here. I love these luxe cookies for their texture (light crisp shell and melt-in-your-mouth chewy interior) and the endless variety of flavors and colors they could come in. 

           Before this blog was born, Macaron Tango was already around, so it's been more than a year in existence. It only caught on a bit of popularity just lately this year. And it was not only til recently that I took my chance to visit them for none other than their much renowned glorious macarons.

(Sorry for the dim photos)

The macarons in all their flavored glory!

       I noticed they had miniature macarons on top of the regular-sized ones which I found out were free samples! How adorable! 

Luis with his macaron lips. Perfect fit! :))

           Macaron Tango is owned by a French family so you're guaranteed to find authentic French dishes here. This little, cozy French patisserie and cafe offers honestly good pastries and entrees such as quiche lorraine, cheesecakes, fresh salads and more that will keep you coming back.  

      As much as I wanted to try one of their entrees during this visit, my wallet was malnourished. So I had to settle for just the macarons. I had the pistachio, strawberry and vanilla. These are P40 a pop and P255 for a box of 6. 

strawberry, vanilla and pistachio for P40 each!

       ...Love at first bite. I will forever lust for these! 

        Not only can you eat their macarons, you can WEAR them too! Well, not for the guys, of course. I noticed an accessory collection of macaron necklaces and earrings hung on their wall by the counter. Quite pricey though! Necklaces for P300 and earrings for P400 (I don't know why the earrings are more expensive. O.O). But if you're that obsessed with these aristocrat cookies, why not? 

macaron necklaces P300

macaron earrings P400

        Just this month, Macaron Tango has opened a new branch at BTC. They don't serve meals there but they do have lasagna and quiche if you want a heavy snack. Finally, one for the northern folks like me! :)

*This is a Cebu Secret Chows segment. Check out the page on my homepage's menu bar for the complete list and more posts like this. :D



Macaron Tango 
Boulevard (under Jo's Inato), Osmena Blvd.
Capitol, Cebu City 6000

Banilad Town Center (BTC),
Gov. M. Cuenco St., Cebu City 6000

Contact:  (032) 236 3488

Operating Hours:   Mon - Sat  8:30 AM - 10 PM 



"To know Cebu, eat Cebu! :D"

oink oink,

Babe for Food

- your BFF in Cebu dining! :)

Max's: When Beef and Chicken are Friends

        Max's Restaurant is most popularly known as "the house that chicken built". It's been around since 1945. Having said that, their specialty is their whole fried chicken. This signature dish has a thin, crisp skin and juicy, tender meat. But that's not exactly what this post is about.

Max's famed whole fried chicken with thick BAKED SWEET POTATO FRIES! Healthy side dish!

         Max's has grown to be one of the popular fried chicken houses all over the country, favorited by families, whose menu has evolved from chicken to other popular local home-cooked dishes and even baked treats at their Corner Bakery. 

          Recently, Max's launched a new group meal bundle, dubbed as "Max's 4Sharing", that seeks to address the need of customers who are dining in small groups. Along with this, two new beef dishes -- Adobong Baka sa Gata and Beef Caldereta -- are introduced to complement their signature fried chicken. 

Beef Caldereta
(sorry it's blurry) :(

Adobong Baka sa Gata

        The Adobong Baka in Gata was interesting because it was like a beef version of Bicol Express. It was mildly spiced and had a creamy coconut sauce. I'd prefer this over the original vegetable dish. :D 

      Max's 4Sharing Meals come with (4) glasses of iced tea, (4) servings of rice and a serving of either of the beef dishes mentioned, all for P899, available for dine-in, take out and delivery. This one's for the carnivores.  

          Max's Corner Bakery, the sweet fix extension of the resto, offers a wide variety of Filipino desserts which come in convenient packaging suitable for giving away as gifts or pasalubong. The Caramel Bar is the most popular. It's not too sweet, and that attribute makes it addictive. 

worcestershire sauce, banana ketchup, hot sauce -- staple condiments for Filipino fried chicken!

       Max's also has their own line of condiments which you can purchase from any of their branches. 

      To learn more about Max's 4Sharing Meals, log on to www.maxschicken.com. You can even ORDER ONLINE! :D

Max's Restaurant

Level 1, The Terraces

Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Business Park

Cebu City 6000

3rd Level, SM City Cebu

North Reclamation, Cebu City 6000

Twitter: @maxsrestaurant

Facebook: facebook.com/maxsrestaurant

oink oink,

Babe for Food

- your BFF in Cebu dining! :)

Cebu Secret Chows: Kameyaki Okonomiyaki

           Asian street food is the best street food in the world. Who could refute? Japan's takoyaki balls are gaining popularity in Cebu as you find them even on the streets now. Takoyaki is Japan's version of squid balls -- "tako" meaning squid and "yaki" meaning grill. These are typically filled with squid and vegetables, grilled on a takoyaki pan. These are one of my favorite thrift snacks since I first found them in Metro Ayala food court at P20 for 3 pcs but these didn't contain any squid in them. 

         There's one particular food stall I've spotted at Piazza Elesia in Talamban called Kameyaki Okonomiyaki  which is snugly situated under a staircase. It has an authentic Japanese street food impression with those matching welcoming bright lamps hanging from its corners. Its delicate glow seemed to beckon me as I was watching it from a distance (actually, I was at Buddies then).

see the staircase? ;)

        Kameyaki actually specializes in noodle pancakes which are considered as Japan's popular fry or grilled delicacy. They serve a variety of this such as squid, pork and their own special mix. The takoyaki was a new addition to their menu the last time I was there (a few months back; check their fb page for updates). :D

        Everything at Kameyaki is cooked fresh to order. I also fancy watching takoyaki in the making. :)

         Their takoyaki was served in 6 pcs for only P90. I noticed that theirs was bigger than the cheap ones at mall foodcourts. This was the real thing. It's got all the works -- nori (seaweed) sprinkles, mayo, a special sauce AND squid bits inside. I ate all of it alone!

        Another thing I noticed here was the great service. The staff are cheerful in greeting you and are friendly enough to give you recommendations. This is one place to get your unique Japanese quick fix.  

        Kameyaki can also be found in BTC on Sundays. I'll be writing about this food market soon! :D

*This is a Cebu Secret Chows segment. Check out the page on my homepage's menu bar for the complete list and more posts like this. :D


Kameyaki Okonomiyaki
Piazza Elesia, Talamban
Cebu City 6000

Contact:    (032) 360 6877
                 +63 926 690 1503

Price range:   P90-170

Operating Hours:   Mon - Sun   2-10 PM

Facebook:   facebook.com/kameyakifoods

"To know Cebu, eat Cebu! :D"

oink oink,

Babe for Food

- your BFF in Cebu dining! :)

Home Dining at Merilla's

          I always get excited when I get invites to new restaurants because 1) that’s the pig I am -- I love to eat! and 2) eating is learning (it develops the palate especially when tasting unfamiliar flavors and meeting new dishes).

          A new restaurant, Merilla’s Resto, just opened at the Avon Bldg. in Capitol, where Pan de Manila used to be. It is quite a classy setting for the menu that it serves. The menu consists mostly of common Filipino dishes and a dash of American and Mediterranean. The catch is, it's extra light on the pocket!

  

      Merilla's is named after the mother of the owner, where the recipes originated from. With that, you can expect motherly home cooking.

      It has a cozy and non pretentious ambience with warm lighting, a spacious dining area and simple, modern furnishing. The paintings are works of the owner's sister.

          The specialties here are Lamb in Honey Sauce, Rellenong Bangus and Merilla's Ribs.

Lamb in Honey Sauce - P275

         This is probably the most unique dish you'd be surprised to find here. It was my first time to try a lamb steak in a sweet glaze with a medley of vegetables topped on it. I'd say it's definitely a Pinoy version. I still prefer roasted lamb with mint jelly or baked leg of lamb in a red wine gravy. I'm not the type who likes sweet hints on savory items. If you're feeling adventurous, you could pick this dish for your meal. 

Rellenong Bangus - P180

       If I hear the name Rellenong Bangus, I would imagine a whole bangus (that bony milk fish) deboned and stuffed with a farce of vegetables and meat. Merilla's version looks like an embutido. The texture was smooth and consistent and there was only a pleasantly mild fishy taste to it. I usually avoid bangus but this was well prepared.  

Merilla's Ribs - P150

         Ribs has come to be one of the most common staple in resto's now and they all try to serve their own special versions. At Merilla's, they steer away from the usual barbecue sauce. They have a thin, sweet tomato based sauce and comes with a variety of vegetables that are significant of home cooking. 

         These specialties are meant to be shared but if you're one hungry fellow, feel free to gorge alone. The Capitol area is known to be a busy strip lined with offices and commercial establishments so if you happen to be around the area and are looking for a decent place to dine with a low budget, Merilla's can offer you the comforts of home cooking in a classy casual setting. 

      
Merilla's Resto
Ground floor, Avon Plaza Bldg
Osmena Blvd, Cebu City 6000

Operating Hours:    Mon - Sat    8 am - 9pm

Price range:  P80 - P300

Contact: (032) 514 5377

Facebook: facebook.com/MerillasResto



"To know Cebu, eat Cebu! :D"

oink oink,

Babe for Food

- your BFF in Cebu dining! :)