Saturday, June 29, 2013

Hoho ChICKENchOP: Flavor your Own Chicken Snack

There is this quote from Ernest Hemingway that have etched in my mind, which says, "All my life I've looked at words as though I were seeing them for the first time."
My principle about food and writing about it, is somewhat akin to Sir Ernest Hemingway's word.   Everyday is a culinary adventure for me, as you may have noticed.  I can try to search  for restaurants in the unbeaten paths or take pleasure in a serving of takoyaki just along the corner.
I have to admit, there is that sheer pleasure in trying out something new, either hearing about it, experiencing it or simply amusing your palate.
So if someone comes to me and asks me whether I would want to try a new food product or new additions to a restaurant's menu, I dare say no, specially if that would be something that's new to my ear and haven't been raved for yet.
I'm talking about this chicken craze famous down Masangkay St, in Tondo, Manila.  The name of the joint may sound a bit goofy but they are serious in keeping the quality of their product at par with the same concept from restaurant in the malls.  The name of the joint literally means "good", btw.

Hoho ChICKENchOP is a one-year old take-out stand which have moved to a new place sharing with Zen Tea.  It used to be just a take-stand with benches at the front of the stall.  But this time, with the new place just in front of St. Stephen School, there are now seating and eating spaces inside.

What is Hoho all about?  Obviously, it's about chopped chicken meat, fried, bagged and sold to customers just like how it was at its country of origin, Taiwan or Hongkong.

Unlike our typical Western-styled fried chicken, Taiwan's version has more crunch to the bite.  As if you were like eating chicharon.  Inside, the meat are moist and flavorful as well.  For they are infused with a marinade that is original from the same stores in Taiwan.
Apart from this, take note that they don't use the typical dredge as well.  Deboned chicken breasts are  dipped in beaten egg and then dredged in a special flour mix or sweet potato starch.

But what makes this one worth going to an unknown street in Manila (to me it is)?

It's like having your usual breaded chicken but always having it as if you're trying it for the best time.  Simply put it this way.  Here is your chicken chop, always deep-fried upon order, and 9 different powdered flavorings to choose from or inter-play with different mixes of chosen flavors.
You can either have the original flavor (means no dash of flavors), have the plum flavor (or other flavors) or a combination of Barbecue or Lemon Pepper.
 The serving for the Chicken chops are whole (Chicken chop) for P 90 or half (Chick Chop) for P 50.
You can do the same with  the other products like the Fried Squid which I practically got addicted to.  Make it Hot and Spicy or Nori-like flavor of Seaweed.  The squid really amazed me as it was cooked just right, wrapped with the typical Taiwan chicken dredge.  
 Something my kids would really love to have is this cute Crispy Corndog.  Cocktail hotdogs are fried the way chicken chops are.
 My favorite is Hoho Special.  Your chicken chop is topped with slightly fried fresh basil leaves.  The essential oils from the herb comes out so strongly when fried at a high temperature, giving the chicken snack more aromatic and flavorful, not to mention adding some health benefits from basils.
 Here inside Hoho's place, my friends and I sampled some of their products and paired it with red iced tea.
You either eat it whole, uncut on its paper  bag or have it chopped up and eat it with clean bamboo sticks.















Address:  1208 Masangkay St.  Tondo, Manila
Contact Numbers:  4256716
FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/HohoChickenChop

Korean Barbecue Night at Bulgogi Brothers, MOA

 
   This is way too exciting for me for I used to be a Bulgogi Brothers virgin.  Sure the buzz over the famous Korean international brand of restaurant franchised by The Bistro Group had hovered around, even in the food blogger's community.  But there I was still reluctant.  One reason maybe because I am not so familiar with Korean cuisines.  Majority of us in the country have had a grasp on it when the Korean Tele-novela Jewel in the Palace became famous.   The show featured the culture of Korea, as well as their style in cooking and preparing food and medicine.
   I remembered how I would imagine, sensing the food she is oh-so daintily preparing to please the king and the queen.   Quite sure that most of the viewers were with eyes and mouth widely-opened and probably slobbering as they kept all attentive to the show.
   Still, all it was for me was just a spectator game.  It did however crept into my foodie thought, somehow kept adept with usual hearsay from friends about how Korean foods are.   I knew it, somehow I will have that urging in me to try it.
   Since then, I have only tried two different Korean restaurants.  Now, that I was able to visit Bulgogi Brothers in their Mall of Asia branch, I've added a new one on my list.  So, anyhoo, I just want to share how it was and what to recommend you if in any case you would want to buckle under your craving for Korean dishes.
   Bulgogi Brothers is a go to place for Korean BBQs.  But this is not like your mom and pop Korean restos which have been around for centuries-and where only Koreans go to.


   It is a hip place with modish and unique interiors.   Appealing not only to new brood foodies but to professionals as well.  At MOA, you can either have your meal al fresco facing the Manila Bay or inside dining.  Divided in two with a long leathered seating.   A large company of friends may gather on one side or be seated in a booth-type area for a more intimate dining.  Service is top-notch!  They have evened out even the minor needs of every customers.  From free Banchans to table bag hangers down to the specifics of having your food cooked on your table, by a staff.  Speaking of which, notice that every table has an induction cooker installed, and even though this is a barbecue place you don't have to worry about smelling like a grilled meat or fish for they have a good ventilation system.





   Let us now focus on  the most essential thing-their offerings.
   For its namesake, Bulgogi (pronuounced as [pulɡoɡi]) is a Korean barbecue, where prior to grilling the beef or any meat are marinated and flavoured.  The Korean word when translated to English is "fire meat."         So expect a  list of barbecue options.
   Under their Barbecue Specials menu they have five options, which are all good for sharing.



   Every order comes with Banchan, namely sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, quail eggs, spicy dilis, kimchi and Korean Salad, rice and hot tea for the day.
This salad alone wins me over, with the right spiciness and freshness.
Rice is served on a traditional metal bowl, careful when handling it, it's really hot.
   For chicken meat lickers like me, I recommend Spicy Boneless Chicken.  I extremely loved this because not only is it  served without the fuss of eating bones with it, the meat was tender to the inside and smothered with the sauce I like, which is honey-sweet with that kick of spice making it succulent.
   Who would say no to this beauty?  This platter is the Boneless Beef Ribs.  Thoroughly marinated  beef meat from the ribs with the original Bulgogi Brothers sauce.
   If you can only smell the aroma that comes out while the meat is being cooked alongside some slices of onions and sweet potatoes.  Don't worry about making a mess out of it, it will be served raw (thus making sure you are getting good quality meats) but it will be cooked right in front of you by their very accommodating staff, making sure you eat it at it's finest.  I didn't mind eating a chunkful of those tender, I almost forgot we were served with rice.
   L. A. Style Short Ribs is the same with the beef ribs served about but the bone still intact.  We couldn't argue about the fact that there are people who enjoy eating ribs with the bone, I couldn't agree more.   It may not be just the fun of it, but science can back me up on this, where in the flavor are more enhanced when the meat is cooked with it's bone.  What do you think?
   No matter what, with or without the bones, they all are still terrific.
   Do you love bacon?  Silly me!  Who doesn't love bacon?  I guess I've yet to see one.
So if you do, you will surely love the Korean Pork Belly as well.  Pork belly are cut Korean Style and have been marinated with the same special sauce used in the other meat.
   Battling with your health conscious alter-ego?  Then have some Seafood Special.  Either you have for yourself some Norwegian Salmon or Apahap fillets, both will give you the exact savory  taste you would want from the other bulgogi.  Except, a handful of  health benefits that are far too many to ignore.  Do you know that salmon is power packed with disease fighting acids, minerals and vitamins.
   Look at the color of these salmon fillets.  Beyond doubt these are served from its freshness.  Of all the things I hate concerning eating with fish is the nasty odor it will give you when you cook a stale or old fish.  But be assured that you won't experience it here, except the lasting, drooling moments of savoring the aroma of a cooking fish with Bulgogi's special marinate sauce.
   So either you love Bulgogi with beef, pork, chicken or fish, hard as it may seem to choose, the pick is yours.  
   To amp your meal here, have some Korean ice cream selection and Sochu while you're at it.


Visit any branch and sink your teeth into some delicious Korean barbecue goodness.
Bulgogi Brothers Barbecue Special is now available at their outlets in Alabang Town Center, Greenbelt 5, SM Mall of Asia, Harbor Point Mall, Subic and SM Lanang Premier.

For more information, visit Bulgogi Brothers’ Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Bulgogi.Brothers.Philippines


####FOOD TRIP FRIDAY#####Recommendation#####


Friday, June 28, 2013

How Acne Forms and How Proactiv Stops It From It's Roots

What can be worst than having acne on your special day?
Being a wedding planner, I could never accept seeing a zit on the faces of my brides and  grooms.  So, I always advise them to make sure they take care of their facial skin even more when the wedding day comes a close.    But with stress due to handling wedding preparations, occurrence of break-outs and skin problems are inevitable. 
Stress can cause a chemical response in our body that makes skin more sensitive and reactive. Worse, healing process of skin problems can also be harder.  Why?  Because stress causes your body to produce cortisol and other hormones, your sebaceous glands tend to produce more oil. Oily skin is more prone to acne and other skin problems.   Let us zero in first with acne problems.
Although it's impossible to avoid stress completely, specially in events as such, I advise them to use daily skin regimen to avoid acne and of course assuring them that everything about their event will be well taken care of.  
However, in cases, that a client comes to me with acne problems on the onset of the wedding preparation, or existing blemishes are prevalent, again the more they will be stressed out.  Thoughts like, unconcealed facial skin blemishes on pre-nup shoots, or on bridal showers and so forth, randomly make way into their already wary minds.
I make sure that I give them straight-forward solutions and making sure they do not fall into the wrong myths of treating the said problem.
Let me share this to you as well.   Aside from undergoing facials, I advise them to use Proactiv Solution’s Combination Therapy.   But before I explain how this helped my clients out, why don't I share some fact to help you understand acne formation better thus understanding how we can deal with it better.

How acne forms
The acne cycle
An acne blemish begins approximately 2-3 weeks before it appears on your skin's surface. So while it may seem like you get a pimple overnight, what you're actually seeing is the final stage of a much longer process. It starts in your sebaceous hair follicles – the tiny holes you know as pores. Deep within each follicle, your sebaceous glands are working to produce sebum, the oil that keeps your skin moist and pliable. As your skin renews itself, the old cells die, mix with your skin's natural oils, and are sloughed off. Under normal circumstances, these cells are shed gradually, making room for fresh new skin.
Dead skin cells may block the pores, resulting to over-accumulation of oil underneath. Bacteria that live on the skin naturally begin to grow and multiply in this site, triggering an inflammatory response causing a red, angry pore that we see as pimple already at the tail-end of the acne formation process.

On that note, see how cleaning your skin may actually help and lessen some causes that may lead to acne formation.  But it's more than just cleaning.
So you ask, how does Proactiv Solution’s Combination Therapy works.

Proactiv 3-step system

Proactive Solution prevents acne at the root cause and destroys the acne cycle:

1. The Proactiv Renewing Cleanser (Step 1) and the Proactiv Revitalizing Toner (Step 2) works by removing dead skin cells, ensuring that the pores don’t get clogged.
2. The Proactiv Revitalizing Toner (Step 2) removes excess oils too, eliminating food for bacteria.
3. The Proactiv Renewing Cleanser (Step 1) and the Proactiv Repairing Treatment (Step 3) kills the bacteria and prevent proliferation
4. The Free Refining Mask (not in the photo) helps reduce the inflammation and swelling.




Let us compare Proactiv to Other Treatment Methods and why it is way better then the others

Other treatments are reactive, spot-treating pimples when these are visible and inflamed – already at the tail end of the acne formation process. These treatments often leave scars or dark marks, and do nothing to prevent future breakouts.

1. Proactiv Solution Vs. Overnight Spot Treatments
One client that I had used a cream which he thought would have treat the blemish overnight. These products mostly contain high concentration benzoyl peroxide at 5% or 10% which kill the acne bacteria, but results to redness or irritation. These products may also cause hyper pigmentation (dark acne marks).  Like other people this kind of treatment may come in handy S because they are cheap, easy to apply, and more often than not promising miracle cure overnight.

Proactiv Solution contains only 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, a safe and effective concentration which makes it OK for daily use and may be applied to the whole face. With Proactiv’s Advanced Microcrystal technology, eradicating bacteria is faster and gentler than common spot treatments.

2. Proactiv Solution Vs. Topical Antibiotics
Doctors need to supervise people using antibiotics because the long term use of antibiotics in general may cause bacterial resistance – making the person “immune” to the benefits of the active ingredient.
Proactiv Solution will never have bacterial resistance because it does not contain an antibiotic, but rather an anti-microbial agent. It is safe for long term use for the treatment and prevention of acne.

3.  Proactiv Solution vs. Oral Drugs
When acne is severe, dermatologists sometimes prescribe oral drugs like isotretinoin or hormonal pills.  Let me give you my own testament to this.  For years I've been into oral contraceptive.  I sue the high end products in the market.  As what my gynecologist promised, these actually made my skin more resilient to break outs.  However, there would be times that I would skip taking them for some reasons.  This then made my skin looking stressed out, with occasional pimples appearing on some areas.

Speaking of side-effects, studies support that these methods are extremely effective for severe cases, but because of the nature of these drugs there are side effects that make it questionable if the benefits truly outweigh the cost.  But I never knew that there would be more serious implications.  For example, there were reports in 2010 linking suicidal tendencies and psychotic behaviors among acne patients on isotretinoin. Hormonal pills, which are mainly indicated as a contraceptive sometimes causes water retention, weight gain, mood swings, and in the long run, even breast cancer.

Proactiv Solution does not have these side effects!

4.  Proactiv Solution Vs. Derm Clinic Injections
The Philippine Dermatological Society is campaigning for awareness among Filipinos to patronize only the services of highly qualified doctors, and not to be too trusting of attendants who may not have the proper training and experience to do this. This type of procedure is extremely painful, and when done by inexperienced hands, may cause scars for life. And because acne is a cyclical condition, recurring acne imposes recurring painful injections.
Proactiv Solution is gentle on you. With advanced micronized benzoyl peroxide and ingredients designed by Doctors Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields, your journey to clear skin is one that does not incite pain.

5.  Proactiv Solution Vs. Custom Derm Packs
The promise of acne’s miracle cure comes in different shapes, sizes, and prices. But do not always think that designer packs that costs Php 10,000 in expensive clinics are great! Expensive acne systems often do not have the backing of massive consumer trial from all over the world, and you end up being a guinea pig.

Proactiv Solution is the world’s number 1 anti-acne. Millions of customers worldwide can testify on how effective Proactiv is, including Hollywood superstars. Proactiv even dares you to try it risk free – you get your money back if you’re not happy

With all these in consideration, you pick your choice- use a safe, effective pro-active solution or deal with harmful products and its consequences, side-effects while spending tons of money.

For more information about Proactiv and it's products, visit their website at http://my.proactiv.com.ph/index.htm  or at their Facebook page HERE.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

EAT AND CHEAT + Whipped Cupcakes and more in Battling the Harsh Realities of Life

   You may have known a little something about my family's background, like me being a mom of a juvenile diabetic.  You may find it strange for a food info hoarder to be sharing something that is melodramatic.  Well everyone of us have something latent which we often share only to closest friends or to relatives, not that we are ashamed of it, but mostly to try not to be disheartened by it.

   Here is to share that there was one time in my life that I almost lost a daughter, only by the thread of faith did she survive.

   This is also for those who have lost a son, a daughter, a brother or a sister, or a parent, some relatives perhaps, or even a good friend.  I'm talking about those people who in a given time have seen their loved one suffer from the dreaded disease, known as CANCER.

   Well, my daughter does not have cancer, but she was in a near-death situation and we didn't know about her worsened health condition until her whole body gave up on her.   Four years ago she got diagnosed by a pediatrician with Diabetic Keto-acidosis (DKA) and her DNA collapsed, that everything in her system needed to be regained of its normal function, except her pancreas.   I know at that time, we were never prepared to lose anyone in the family, and I'm sure that no one in the world would be ever prepared for it.

   But thank God she survived it, though she still have to have her usual dosage of insulin through injection.

   So to wrap up that uncool story, our family made sure to give back to others as our way of thanking God for her second life.  In that tune, as a mom, I make sure also that all the members of the family is aligned to the eating lifestyle we have implemented, which is more into health-giving, Superfood, less sugar and no carcinogenic stuff.

   As part of how I thank the Lord and serve with a purpose, I have joined a lot of causes which support and minister to the less fortunate.  One of which was EAT AND CHEAT book project.

   Eat and Cheat is composed of a group of professionals in varying fields like medical, culinary, marketing, social media, farming, business, publishing, etc. The group's advocacy is to give help in monetary means to children with cancer at East Avenue Medical Center, at the same time giving awareness that fighting the BIG C is possible.   The main goal of the group is to come up with a recipe book and categorizing its purpose.  First, the profit from selling the books will all be given to the sponsored patients through a partnership with Carewell Foundation.  Next, the group's medical team and culinary team had worked so hard to study and test each recipe that would be included in the recipe book.   This book will be packed-full of information about eating healthier and preparing them, with or without cancer.

   How can one be part of the advocacy?

   Sure we can give our extra sums of money to anyone who needs them, but what if we don't?  There are many sick people waiting to the sustained, and have mostly died while waiting.  Would that mean we just sulk and wait for others to help them?  Maybe in our own little way there can be something that is even more worthy than money (or not, hehehe).  Have you thought of using your passion, your skills and maybe your business to provide at least something to these ailing brothers and sisters of ours?

   Let me give you one example, and one that is truly uplifting.

 
 Whipped Cupcakes!  The poster says it all.  At an early stage of joining the said group, the couple behind Whipped Cupcakes have sweetened the pot, pun intended.  I'm sure they can just easily give any amount, but in this way, they have given more meaning to the word "donate."  They have indeed poured out their heart into this project by allotting 20% of whatever they make from selling their sweet creations.  They have not only donated some amount, but their time, effort and culinary savvy.
I've yet to try their cupcakes though, but I'm sure it's going to be included in the list of top cakes that I have had.


" Whipped makes the most amazing homemade and customized cakes and cupcakes in the south.  We passionately create each batch of cupcakes by hand every day, using only the finest ingredients sourced from local producers. Because we continue to bake throughout the day, we are proud to offer cupcakes that are freshly baked for you to enjoy," according to Chef Brooke, one of the couple behind Whipped! They also make wedding cakes, birthday cakes, sculpted cakes, 3D cakes, customized cupcakes.

   Prize ranges from P 50 to P 75 /pc (depends on the flavors and frosting), P 70 to 95/pc. for customized cupcakes.  For the EACC cupcakes, it's P 1000/dozen and P1150/dozen if you want it sugar-free.

   Here is my itsy-bitsy contribution to have more people recognize Eat and Cheat's plea,  Gastronomy by Joy will be giving out packs of prizes to 2 partner advocates.  

   We will give one winner each with an apron with the Eat and Cheat logo, some kitchen utensils, and a box of six pieces cupcakes from Whipped Cupcakes!



   To win and have all this loot and participate in the advocacy in your own little way, kindly follow the instructions below.

1.  Like Eat and Cheat Facebook page.
2.  Post this on your FB wall/timeline: 
      Join Eat and Cheat in their battle for cancer and grab home prizes! @Gastronomy-all about food @Friend1 @Friend2 @Friend3 @Friend4
(You may copy paste this)
3. Don't forget to tag your friends and Gastronomy-all about food.
4.  Ask your friends to like your post, but they need to like Eat and Cheat's FB page first.
5.  The most liked posts will be rewarded with the said prizes.

   Easy as a pie!  Hope you could could be one with us on this battle.
Remember, one way to fight this monster called the Big C, is being educated about it and thus knowing life-changing facts in how to prevent it.

   What other steps do you think we should take to increase Cancer awareness through online presence, and what we can do more?

   If you want to support EAT AND CHEAT in any ways, you may visit the Facebook page, comment or PM our admin.  See you there!

   Before I really end this post let me share another inspiring word from a cancer-survivor.
Cancer patients need encouragement, HOPE and more often than not, a BIG dose of "You CAN do this!" They do not need endless sympathy or to be coddled. My husband and my doc were the "coaches" in my life and they ACTED like coaches. I think through my 8-months toward healing I was allowed an actual pity party only two times. They supported me and encouraged me BUT they did not ALLOW me to change my program or take days off or do anything that would jeopardize the effectiveness of the program. I needed that accountability and I believe that most cancer patients need someone who will be honest and truthful even if it means seeming like you are ragging on them. This is not meanness or discouragement, it is called LOVE.We are all creatures of habit and change is one of the most difficult things in life to implement, especially if you feel like you are the only one that must change. There were times when I felt like crying when everyone els was having an iced-cold Dr. Pepper and I was having a glass of distilled water with organic apple cider vinegar. But as I begin to get well, it got to where it didn't bother me any more. As my habits changed so did my attitude, my emotions and my sense of well-being. We are fooling ourselves if we don't take the time needed to heal. I don't mean sitting on the couch all day and crying---although I had a couple of those days. I mean changing a lifestyle that brought your body into dis-ease into a lifestyle that brings health and healing. I believe that it is Dr. Lorraine Day that says it is necessary to take a year off to just focus on health-----not cancer----but health. It's all in how you look at things-----being positive or being negative and continually thinking about all the things that you "can't" do. By the way, it will do everyone well to remove the words "can't" and "but" from their vocabulary. These are negative words and are cop-out words.Loretta Lanphier, MD, who healed herself of
 (Lifted from http://www.healingcancernaturally.com)

To order from Whipped Cupcakes.
Check their Facebook page HERE.  Please like them!
You may also give them a call at this number: 0917-8524777
Also, you can buy the EAT AND CHEAT APRON and other merchandises  from us or at
Carewell Foundation for P500.


Carewell Foundation
Address:  6/F, S&L Building, Dela Rosa cor Esteban Sts., Legaspi Village, Makati
Contact Numbers: 632  8151294 or  632 7510242


Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Pugon Roasters and A Foodie's Musing on Being Frugal

   One thing had been “distracting” me, this past few days is frugal, nourishing living. As many of you may know sending kids to private school gives out depressing values in the budgeting scale.  In our case we have four, yes, two kids in grade school, one in high-school and a second year college.   This means that I have to make sure I stay within our dining out budget.

   I find that some people into being frugal are very focused on themselves in a sort of “self-preserving” sort of way. I see that it could also be tempting for me to fall into that tendency because Bhogs  and I really need to have more money to even “make it” through four years of college of our son.  So while we are trying to figure out how to make this financially work, it is going to be tempting at times to pour all of our resources into them. That means less of eating out or expensive coffee breaks.  And what about savings, a retirement fund, or college fund for the three other younger kids? Good grief, we won’t even have any savings for renovating our house now!

   There are so many needs, and I have such limited resources. But yet I know that my responsibility is to just do the best I can with the resources I have.
   Meanwhile, I have been largely successful in staying within my budget this month despite having to fit in several school needs of every four kids.  I am happy with the progress that I am making in being wise with my resources, and am eager to be even wiser, so that I can in turn  give more to others.

   Speaking of being frugal, how about letting you in on a secret.  I was able to give this place out a try.  I'm sure you know how pricey it may be to eat in the business district of Makati.  I'm talking about Ayala Triangle.  My last visit at the area was when we had a business proposal from Ayala about introducing a job fair to the public.

   Early June, before we went to Dumaguete, I got to meet a friend who just came from Cambodia and was truly excited to try out Chef Laudico's Pugon Roasters.  It was the same area where the defunct BFAST was.

   It can also be safe to say that some of the menu from the previous resto, which was also owned by Chef Laudico, were reinvented to suit the better needs of the greater working class of Makati.
   As I was waiting for a friend for a meeting, I ordered Pancit Lukban for a shocking fee of P 69.00.  I mean where can you find an unbeatable price with a serving like this (would actually be fit for two already for a snack) in Makati? Except of course if you are settling for standing while eating at Jollyjeeps along the streets of Ayala.  Pancit Lukban is a version of the hab hab noodles like in Buddy's.  I like it for it's not so salty, yet being saucy isn't at all that bad.  Also, the veggies are still crispy.  Making sure they are cooked fresh and without scrimping on ingredients.
   Then came the lunch fare, and my business meeting with a friend and on our table was laid Pugon Roast Chicken.  Their signature roasted 1/4 chicken for only P 99.00.  This, together with Angus Roast Beef, Pork Liempo Roast and Baked Bangus Belly are roasted in charcoal, fire-brick oven served with rice.   Look at how  it majestically stood above a steamy rice.  Their chicken were marinated in their original recipe so it's not like any grilled or inasal commercial chicken.  Anato oil is very distinct, giving it the difference.  The chicken was quite big for me, so I had it cut to be shared.  I noticed that unlike other grilled chicken, its inside was cooked thoroughly. I also need to mention that it was moist and tender.  I'ts already served with atchara.
   Yes, those are caramelized onions and tomatoes, right there on top of the bangus belly.  Imagine how a simple bangus can be presented in that manner, a notch away from being gourmet.  That is, by the way,  their Baked Bangus Belly ( P 129.00).  The boneless bangus was made special with suateed onions and tomatoes.
   I have been missing BFast's Tapangus, so when I saw that there is roast beef on the menu, I got star-strucked.    According to the chef, their angus beef is the same that they use in Guevarra's, so that is why you can be assured of its quality.   The Angus Roast Beef was  slow-roasted  Angus beef belly served with a separate gravy and atchara or pickled papaya. For P 169.00, that is really a steal.
We also got to try the newest addition to their menu, The Crispy Bangus.  I love boneless bangus specially when fried in this way, crispy on the outside yet soft and tender on the inside.   
    You may care to try the stir-fried vegetables while you are at it here.  Their super sides, are only P 19 for a half order (above is just half order which is actually good as ulam already) and a full order is P 29.
    Please make way for this, my favorite, a spin off of Baked Mac and classic Filipino beef dish, Kaldereta. The sound of Kaldereta Mac calling me when I saw it on the poster was not amiss.  Even though we are all full in our tummy, we still had to try it, else I won't be able to sleep on that night.  The Kaldereta meat were shredded to bits, and everything in it was used as sauce for the Macaroni, topped with lots of cheddar cheese then baked.  I love it to bits.  I like cheese on my Kaldereta, and having it with pasta may seem odd, but heck it worked pretty perfect.  Thank God for this, and for a price of P 89, what else could you ask for a meryenda.
    Please, have desserts there. The choices are few but well chosen by the owners, they themselves have one or two of these when chanced to visit Pugon.   So we had, first, Turon Ice cream, Carabao's milk Ice cream topped with sweetened saba bananas and laced with caramel syrup.
    Next, the soft-textured carabao ice cream with ube macapuno is a stunning Filipino favorite.   Who never liked ube ice cream back then during children's party, when chocolate ice cream is not yet the staple flavor. Magnolia used to have this Macapuno flavored ice cream back in those years, so if you seem to be craving or looking for that, why not have this instead.  You either eat them all together or eat them one by one, ube first, then the macapuno and the ice cream.
   Another winner element in the menu is Halo- Halo Sundae for only P79.  It's literally everything sweet on the menu including their ice cream mixed together in a tall glass.

   If that does not impress you yet, how about a glass of Macapuno Pandan (P 79).  Their milky shaved ice topped with Sweetened Macapuno Pandan Jelly and Carabao's milk ice cream.   The best way to beat the heat when in Ayala's business hub. 
   Don't forget to check out the glass display case showcasing Chef Jackie Laudico's patisserie.  This is what my friend had for dessert, sort of a Banoffie pie, sorry just wasn't able to get the name of this.

   So, you see, we can still be frugal while giving to others, meeting the needs of the family and yet we can also enjoy eating out without hitting the family's budget.



Chef Lau's Pugon Roasters
Address:  Ayala Triangle Walkways, Makati
Contact Numbers: +639178923278 or 6216100
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chef-Laus-Pugon-Roasters/108332152696705