Saturday, August 31, 2013

What is Sto. Tomas, Batangas Famous For?


Yesterday was my sister-in-law's last day at work with Aboitiz Power.  She works with them as an  Artist Consultant in developing a museum.   Since my girls were still on their long vacation from school, we decided to heed her request of visiting the power plant with her as she fix her clearance.
The place dubbed as Aboitiz Power Cleanergy Center was launched just a few days ago.  So my two girls, their cousin, Bhogs, and me were so privileged to have been the first guests of the museum.  Will make a different blog about that next but for now I would like to share our cheapo but fully satisfying food escapade after the eye-opening experience at the energy museum.


The plant is located at Bay, Laguna, but we accessed it from Sto. Tomas, Batangas route.


Ate Len, as we aptly call her, have been wanting to try some Lomi house along the highway, something that she been desiring since she got hired by Aboitiz but since she only goes there riding a bus, she was not able to do so.  So this was the fine moment for that.

Going home, we went out looking for eateries which we think would pass for a good if not the best Lomi.  According to her co-employees who are natives of Sto. Tomas and the town of Bay, Lomi is the most revered dish (along with Bulalo) in the locality.

After driving for about 20 minutes looking on the sides of the road going to Manila, we finally spotted Kamay Kainan, a local food joint or widely known as "carinderia" or "Lomi haus."  Of course the ambiance is terrible but I heard from someone that authentic Batangas Lomi is best in diners as such.  Compared to restaurant which are priced higher but fails to give the distinct Lomi that is truly Batangas-style.

At first  the kids were quite hesitant, the place has no air-conditioning, open yet has poor lighting.  Good that they've at least an old, but sound TV to keep the girls attention from the kind of place we were in.  The order will take 20 minutes or more before it reaches the table, for they cook it individually upon order.  Which is good, you are sure that the food is fresh from scratch and still hot.
It is served with condiments where you can mix and match- a small bowl with sliced calamansi, chpped shallots, a chilli and soy sauce.


A bowl of Lomi priced at P 45 only can serve two persons for snack, but a hungry guy would definitely have an order.  It partners pretty well with Siopao.

Batangas Lomi is a steamy noodle soup with thick and slimy sauce.  The noodle is wider and thicker compared to regular Chinese noodles.  The dish is flavored with chicken and pork stock seasoned with patis or fish sauce added to sauteed garlic, onions and the meat.  The soup is thickened with cornstarch slurry and dropped eggs and topped with grilled pork liver, chicharon and green onions.

Honestly, it was the best lomi I had in years.  My kids would second my motion with a raised licked spoon.

My sister who have been craving for Lomi all this time ordered Chami.  If you are familiar with Malaysian noodle dish, Mee Goreng or Char Kway Teow.  It's a spicy and sweet stir-fried noodles with meat and similar ingredients with Lomi, topped with sunny side egg and a chili.  A serving of P50 is enough for two to three person.

Warning make sure you are ready with liters of beverages on the side to wash down the spiciness.   Be ready to be soaked in sweat after a plate of this.



Girl Power at Sonja's Cupcakes


Sorry about this...I found this my blogspot list of drafts, which has been there for almost a decade, ahaha.   Bhogs was asking when I  actually started blogging and it has only been about a year.   As I was checking the date when I had posted my first  blog for a restaurant we both love and the date that was, October 29, 2010, I saw this and wondered why I haven't finished writing about our candid experience. 
 This post should have been our first one for theme cup cakes.   We never knew a shop would cater to cupcake and pastry  lovers.
My girls sooo love Sonja's Cupcake Store, and I sooo love this picture.   From it's white and pink striped walls to a country kitchen inspired theme, to it's homey and welcoming ambiance, people clamor over this dainty shop, even  men didn't mind the floral table runners and the laced plate in which a cupcake was sat.   The kitchen con  baking space is separated but is just covered by a glass window..   So if they are baking, people can actually see how each cake is carefully prepared and beautifully sculptured for someone's indulgence.
Oh, since Gelatissimo is just right after Sonja's we also got each flavor for ourselves.  what could be more lovelier time with kids than that?

Thursday, August 29, 2013

LifeProof Frē Case is now in the Philippines


Today marks the launching of LifeProof, the award-winning maker of all-protective, everyday cases for smartphones and tablets.  I was one of the few bloggers who attended their event where they announced the availability of the LifeProof frē Case.

So what's the fuss about this new product?

It's actually a protective encasement for your favorite expensive gadgets, such as iPhone, iPad and Samsung S3 smartphones.  It boasts of beneficial factors listed below:

a.  LifeProof frē Case offers full access to all key functions,
b. It ha a sleek, lightweight design that you can carry everywhere,
c.  It gives ultimate protection from water, dirt, snow and shock.




It is actually perfect for mentioned gadget owners with active, on-the-go lifestyle, making it possible for users to swim laps in the pool, bike through rugged terrain and use fitness apps on the run.  On one hand , for workers like architects, engineers, etc who needs to stay connected at a construction site, a hospital or in school, where dust, shock, weather and sticky fingers are factors  to contend with, while having full access to all device functions will greatly profit from this new product.

“Our customers love the freedom that LifeProof frē Case gives them to take their device anywhere without concern. We’re pleased to introduce the slimmest fully protective LifeProof frē Case here in the Philippines,” says Evelyn Medina, Sales Manager of JCordon, the exclusive distributor of LifeProof in the Philippines. “As with all of our products, we carefully design, build and test the case to our company’s standards for high quality and exceptional reliability.”

LifeProof frē Case will also be showcasing the latest colors and accessories for iPhone 5 case, including a new LifeProof Car Mount for hands free driving; The LifeProof Lifejacket that keeps your iPhone buoyant and afloat; the popular Bike & Bar Mount; The Belt Clip and the Armband/Swimband. 
LifeProof frē for iPhone 5 is available at an SRP of P3,950.

Wherever you go, whatever you do, LifeProof gives you the confidence and freedom to make your mobile device your constant companion.


LifeProof cases and accessories are available for sale at all ICON, PowerMac, Digital Hub, Beyond the Box, Digital Walker, Switch, iStudio, AShop, Astroplus and Technoholics outlets.

About LifeProof
LifeProof is a vibrant company based in San Diego that designs, manufactures and markets cases for smartphones and tablets that deliver protection, style and functionality. LifeProof is built on the idea of giving everyone the complete freedom and confidence to use their mobile devices in any environment. Designed to defend against water, dirt, snow, shock and the hazards of daily life, LifeProof lets consumers use their mobile device everyday, everywhere, for everything - without worry. For more information, visit www.lifeproof.com.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Milky and Sunny on a Rainy Day


My All-day-breakfast series will kick-start with this charming restaurant at Kapitolyo, Pasig.  Self-renowned as the sunniest resto, Milky and Sunny proved to bring shiny kisses from the sun with an all-day breakfast menu.  The place is rather small and sandwiched between two other establishment in a building.  So parking can ba a bit challenging.

When you enter, you will instantly notice their welcoming spirit.  Even kids are very much welcome here.  I could easily identify it with baby thingies.  Children's books are displayed on the table upon entry and weekend can be hard to get a slot.

The blue wall on the right imbibes a homey feel with a play of vintage and modern wall decor.  While on the other side are photos of their menu offering, which kind gives you a hint of what to expect and probably to order.

The menu is downright simple but the list is teeming with our favorite wake-up food, power-brekkie and all-time favorite snacks.  Even the pasta dishes have been given the breakfast tweak.  But to really get great value and try different dishes in one plate, opt to have their Breakfast platter.  For P270 you get to choose not one, nor two but three entree; your carb in the forms of toast, bagel, pancake or waffle; your kind of egg and hash brown.
 Here is what I got on my first visit.

 Their pancake is also notable.  I always look on how fluffy and soft a pan cake is without having a lot of air pockets in it.  Don't be fooled  with my photo, these pancakes are huge and dense, which means they don't skimp on valuable pancake ingredients.  If you love pancakes you can also have some at 14 Four Cafe where I had my favorite which is Cinnamon Bun Pancake.
I would also recommend their waffles, if you want a hotcake that is a bit crunchy and hard on the outside but soft on the inside.

My blogger seatmate had this Choco-hazelnut French toast.  Judging by the plating, the appetizing factor really is high, but when I had a taste, it's not the hazelnut spread I have been accustomed to, it still is chocolatey though but not the one I was expecting.
If you are looking for a fancier meal, why not have a breakfast burrito, which has rice inside and the usual burrito ingredients.  Their pasta selections are also interesting.

This is the first part actually of our Kapitolyo, Pasig food trip.  Next stop is Poco Deli for lunch and Charlie's for Meryenda.  Thanks again Avida Land for hosting this event for us!

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Century Park Hotel Marks its 37th Anniversary


   I can almost feel it in the air, the  cool, crisp air by the cold “Ber” months.  I could almost taste it, too.

   Now with just a few days of counting endless parties and celebrations are now on their way.  Let Century Park Hotel kick start it for you. As they celebrate their  37th anniversary with a host of special treats in its restaurants, beverage outlets and room accommodation.

   As they say age doesn't matter, however at Century Park Hotel, it is something to be celebrated  about!

   As early as September, they are already heating up the season as Century Park Hotel rejoices in its 37th anniversary.

   Get 37% off on lunch and dinner buffet with regular price of P 1,215 net per adult at the Café in the Park.

   Perk up the celebration with “Very Happy Hours” promo everyday of September. With an offer of 37% off on standard drinks and Asahi beer at Café in the Park, Century Tsukiji, Palm Grove, and Atrium Lounge from 11am to 8pm and at the Top of the Century from 10pm to 12am.

   The multi-awarded Century Tsukiji is taking its anniversary celebration to a new horizon. Enjoy the “All-You-Can-Eat-Sushi” promo for only P 3, 700 net for 3 persons inclusive of one drink.

   Experience the best way to relax this September with the whole family. Stay in our Classic Superior room at a fabulous anniversary room rate of P 3,700 net, inclusive of breakfast for two persons.

   The celebration would not be complete without an anniversary cake! Bring home one for only P 370. If you are a September birthday celebrator, with a minimum one-time purchase of P 3,700 net at the Deli-Snack of your favourite delicatessen, cakes, breads or pastry items, you will get one Century Park Hotel anniversary cake for free! Just show proof of your birthday. Advanced order recommended.

   So you see 37 is indeed quite a number, don't you think so too?


For your inquiries and reservation, please call us at (63) (2) 528-8888 or
e-mail us at information@centurypark.com.ph.


*The Century Park Hotel is owned and operated by Maranaw Hotels and Resort Corporation.












Century Park Hotel
Address:  599 P. Ocampo St., Manila
Contact numbers:  (02) 528 8888
Facebook Page:   Century Park Hotel - Manila 

Monday, August 26, 2013

Sunday Wandering at 14 Four Cafe


It was a quiet Sunday morning, gloomy and the bed was still inviting, when I rose from the bed yesterday. Still felt the disappointment of my Cagayan De Oro trip that was cancelled.  Frustrated that we didn't plan out something for the loooong weekend, and planning in a jiff is without a doubt more stressful, with it facing tons of work Bhogs and I needed to finish.

But then again this thought came, Sunday is the day we get to focus on what's important. It's a reminder to us parents that the most important thing we can do is teach our children about Jesus Christ and enjoy every minute of our lives spent together.

Yes, my back was against the wall, but you see it is not the end,  it's God letting me know He's about to give me a new beginning, another set of good tidings.  So this is just my simple reminder that God will supply us with the opportunity, but it's up to us to do something with it.

So gone with the empty feeling, we had our kids dress up for church and had them excited for a long drive somewhere- off to a place of inspiration, of the beauty in arts and of  simple anti-depressing food.


The rain showers almost dampened my spirit, plus the factor that we will be traversing along heavily- trafficked areas.  But the kids and Bhogs were so game for it, they didn't actually know what to expect, since I was the only one who knew where we are going and how it might be.

The place is not hard to find actually, thanks to the trusty GPS on my smart phone.  When we got to the place, we were greeted by a gentleman who was ready to assist us with a large umbrella.  He however asked if we had a reservation, but we didn't.  Though he didn't also mind.

We entered a red painted eclectic-looking metal gate, and were led to the wide garden.  I instantly spied with my eyes patches of peaceful pleasures, pocket gardens with comfortable lounge chairs under huge, old trees.

Then, the gentleman led us to the first floor of the house with winged glass doors.   Upon entering, we all said Wow!  My kids immediately went to the end of the room and got themselves comfy with the lovely seats that were all over. The arrangement was random, no colors matching, no chairs are identical, but you will definitely enjoy the play of colors and design.




We got our orders and waited, good thing they have Wi-Fi, but Nica and I were just itching to round the place up.  I got a bit sad though, that I didn't have my SLR with me, because it's still at the repair center, nonetheless, my smartphone was able to capture some of the cafe's details.




Inside the house was a bit cramped, but if it wasn't raining you can opt to have your meal outside, I just forgot to ask whether they allow social gatherings and events at the garden, it would have been a very lovely birthday or intimate wedding venue.

But the judging does not end on how the place have invited you, it still would be up to how the food is served.

Let's see...

Notice that their water is served with old wine bottles.  This gave me an idea of using the olive oil bottles I have stacked under the sink.  We ordered Sage Carbonara, of course, as long as my kids are with me, it has to be on the menu.  Need to note that they were not disappointed, they loved every sip of the subtly cheesy and creamy sauce, and the bite of the spaghetti noodles.  Though, they could have at least put more bacon to it since the price is steep at P 230.
 Bhogs ordered Cinnamon Bun Pancakes.  Three thick yet soft cinnamon swirled pancakes served with a cream cheese icing on the side for P 170.  This is said to to be the cafe's bestseller.

Mine is Brunch Wrap.  Slices of !4 Four tapa, scrambled eggs, fried chunky potatoes, cheddar cheese are all wrapped in tortilla, flavored more with garlic aioli.  On the plate are nachos with salsa fresca. 


Of course my kids would have pancakes, so had another plate of it but theirs are the Old Fashioned Pancakes with  maple syrup.   I guess we drove all the way here just to have our fill of pancakes.


14 Four Cafe

Address:  144  Magnolia Lane, Barangay San Isidro,Gregoria Heights Subdivision,
               Taytay Rizal, Philippines 1920
Contact number:  0999.888.0144

Friday, August 23, 2013

Pay Using Your Credit Card and Get a Free 4oz Deep Cleansing Wash

Do you happen to know someone suffering from "bacne?"  It's another term for back acne, and it's a skin and body issue we should be very serious about.  We don't want to end up wearing T-shirts on the beach, on summer, do we?  Or how about not being able to wear the expensive LBD you have been saving for on the special occasion.   No matter what the case maybe, we should consider caring for the whole skin, not only in our face.

Proactiv knows that acne doesn’t only show on the face. Our backs and shoulders are also susceptible to bacteria causing pimples.

Determining the best way to treat it is now at reach, in fact it's only a matter of clicking on a website.  But what if I tell you that one product that can help ease out your trouble with the issue we are dealt with, is being given away for FREE?

Exciting?  Let me introduce the product first.  It's the Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash

Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash is a medicated body wash that fights acne on your back, chest, shoulders and everywhere! This all-purpose wash is specially formulated for face and body whenever pimples occur. It helps unclog and reduces oiliness while preventing future breakouts.
Proactiv offers a ways to manage and prevent body acne. For an all over skin clearing body treatment, the Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash helps in exfoliating dead skin cells and pore-clogging oil and impurities while it cleans and refreshes your skin.

Ingredients:
Salicylic Acid – 2%, concentration that is excellent in healing and helping prevent acne break outs
Camelia Oleifera Seed Extract and Aloe Barbadensis Gel – these gentle botanicals soothe and heal skin




To learn more about the product here is a video:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mBhLZJe-7U&feature=related

Indeed, a  total acne-free body! This is what Proactiv wants for each and everyone, that’s why Proactiv is giving away FREE Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash when customers purchase a Proactiv 30 Day Kit or Proactiv 60 Day Kit using their Credit Card at http://my.proactiv.com.ph during the promo period.

To get the Freebie, just follow the simple instructions below:

1. Go to http://my.proactiv.com.ph (tip: do not add www at the beginning of the URL)
2. Log in or create an account (for new users)
3. Order a Proactiv kit 30-day or 60-day kit.
4. Settle the payment online with your credit card.
5. IMPORTANT: No special instructions or additional steps necessary as the system automatically detects your purchase and payment method, and the freebie is shipped together with your Proactiv Kit.

Terms and Conditions:
1. The Free Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash 4oz with market value of Php 650 is not convertible to cash, discounts and to other Proactiv products.
2. The “Pay Using Your Credit Card and Get a Free 4oz Deep Cleansing Wash” promo is not valid in conjunction with other ongoing promotions of Proactiv Philippines Online Shopping Cart my.proactiv.com.ph. Customers who will avail of other ongoing promotions like the “Upgrade Your Kit and Get your Add-on at 50% or 60% Discount” is not eligible anymore for the free Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash under this promotion.

“Pay Using Your Credit Card and Get a Free 4oz Deep Cleansing Wash,”per FDA Promo Permit Number 0621 series of 2013

DEPED's Message to Answer Issues Regarding Class Suspensions

photo from iamjammed.com
   I'm sure, you are all concerned of your kids school status.  With the continuing number of days of class suspensions brought about by the typhoon Maring and this year's "habagat," parents like me have been clamoring for information on how the incoming school schedules will be.   Unaware of such situations from our kid's schools, we can not be sure of how our kids will be able to cope up with what they have left from school works.
   So, while we are enjoying bonding moments (and me savoring every bit of it, with my two older kids helping out with the chores) let us hear from the Department of Education.

PRESS RELEASE from Office of the Secretary, DepEd:

PASIG CITY – Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC has called on school officials to plan make up classes for the days when classes were suspended as a result of massive flooding spawned by the “habagat” and typhoon Maring. 
Based on the school calendar issued by the Department of Education (DepEd), elementary and high schools have to fulfill a minimum of 180 days contact time with students for each school year or 45 contact days per quarter.
The education chief said public school superintendents are mandated to consult with their school principals to decide on how best to conduct make up classes.
“If there are class disruptions, these can be made up through additional take-home modules or actual make up classes either on Saturdays or by extending class hours on weekdays,” Luistro explained.
According to Luistro private schools are given the authority to come up with their own measures to meet the required contact time with students. “For private schools, we trust the decision of the school management,” he said.
The DepED annual calendar of some 200 school days already includes 20 days buffer for class disruptions.
Many public school buildings were either damaged or used as evacuation centers as a result of massive flooding   made even worse by tropical depression Maring. Classes and office work were suspended for most of the third week of August as a result of the weather disturbance.   
   /So, it all depends on the school now.  Let us make the most of what the school will be planning out.

Hola Tapas en Tapeo!

   Mid-afternoon food and wine sampling  is not typically on my everyday list.  But I decided to finally have  a crack at this fairly new Tapas bar at The Fort.  Having found out last March from a social media site that Chef Day Salonga, a fellow Kulinaryan, have opened a tapas bar with the MonDay Chefs, I told myself that I have to feature it here.  Tapeo (Tapas, Wine and Deli) is now becoming a hip place for night outs.  Since its opening, droves of urban professionals have come and go, delighting on a smorgasbord of  tapas and wine.

   I was able to have a nice conversation with some of the chef owners of Tapeo, namely, Chef Joy, Chef Mon and Chef Day.  However, one question remained untackled, what Tapeo means.  Thanks to the good ol' trusty web dictionary, I found out that tapeo actually refers to the act of going to tapas bars.  As in, "Tara na, Tapeo na!" (Let's go, go to the tapas bars!)

   That afternoon proved to be one of the best snack I had in years.  Not only did I drag some friends on this out-take, I learned  few about wines and pairings as well.  Do read on to know more why.

   Warning, this might see the end of the siesta!

   Tapas, much like siestas and flamenco-dancing is an archetypal Spanish tradition.  As an added info, know that tapas  is not a type of food, you know, the ones we would have with fried rice and topped with egg, as in Tap-Si-Log (TAPa, SInangag or fried rice, itLOG).  It's more of the Spaniards eating habit.  Tapas are snacks served in bite-sized portions like canapés or finger food that originated in Spain.  It can come in cold samplings like open-sandwiches or in hot meat or seafood in mini clay dish.

   In Tapeo, apart from the ala-carte menu with Raciones- their plated meals from a budget of P175 to P380, you can opt to have the Platos Combinados, which are a platter of sorts.  What even great deal is that they offer an open tapas bar, where in you can have different types of Tapas to your heart's content for a reasonable price tag of P400 for Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and P450 on Wednesday,Friday and Saturdays.

   Before I go expose my not so big appetite for that wonderful afternoon, let me give a few notes about how the place had taken a shine on me.  Though the place was not that big, it exudes a cozy ambiance and encourages one to go around, mingle and go back and forth to the kitchen counter and plan out your next plate.

   The rustic, laid-back feel of the place gives out a hint that indeed the concept is innately Basque, yet with modern touch.  I'm not so familiar with Spanish architecture or style, but judging by the Monday chef's taste and immersion to the culture, I say they did a great job, renovating what used to be a commercial bank.            They didn't really put much work on furnishings like comfy chairs, but I guess that is the whole idea.  You are supposed to be there to enjoy a well-spent time gorging with tapas and Spanish dishes while drowning your thirst with one of the town's best Sangria with your friends.

  Surprisingly, I just found out that the father of my niece and nephew's artworks are showcased here.   The paintings does not actually blend in with the theme of the bar, but his metal works however adorned the walls majestically.

These are for sale, btw.



    The venue actually is like an alley, two doors to each end so you can either access through the street fronting The Fort Tent or through the Fort Strip.   It can only accommodate up to 50 guests at a time, unless if you are willing to stay at the wine cellar.  Imagine, a small-scaled place has a cellar indoor...How cool is that?  The cellar used to be a vault.  The owners were at a situation of not being able to tear it down due to the cost it will amount them to do so.  What was a big and costly problem was a sweet solution after all.  It then became a storage for all their wine collection.  I wouldn't mind at all being cramped up here, who knows, there still might be some leftover cash stashed somewhere.

 
   Together with my couple friends, Merna and Chef Didier (the Exec. Pastry Chef of Raffles and Fairmonts Makati), we just had to take our photos at this partly intriguing corner of the bar.



   Speaking of wines, Tapeo carries quite an amazing collection of Old World wines, including the one we got, the Emina Passion 2009 which is from Spain.  Wines being categorized under old world or new world basically infers to the origin of the wine, the "terroir" or the type of soil used to plant the fruits pressed for the selected wine.     According to wine connoisseurs or "someliers," there is a difference in the aroma and taste of the old world and the new world wines.  Chef Day reiterated that wines coming from France, Italy and Spain are Old World wines.

   Honestly, wine sampling had never been this serious, well I'm only used to drinking Sparkling white wines only and cheapo red wines from Italy so I still could not appreciate the art of wine-drinking.  That is also one reason why I had to bring my French friend and his wife here so I can get a few points from them.  So this is the bottle they chose for us to partake.




   Another point was also given to how remarkable the wine menu was thought of.  Chef Didier even commended them for how it was arrayed.  The wines are classified according to their taste genre, sweetness, boldness, white," "red," or "rosé" and lightness.  In this way, the diners are oriented right away what every wines are, so they have a simple knowledge of which wine would tickle their fancy.   Customary to Spain, Tapas are eaten with wine which are usually had in between lunch and dinner, and late at night.

   Now. let me go to the deets of my business - food and glorious      
  Tapas on the rise...

   The whole idea the Tapeo people want to bring across the foodie scene is that the Filipino's inkling for "turo-turo" (point-point) is embraced here.  The different tapas are all laid out on the counter, you can either go there and choose your plates among the Pinchos, Montados, Croquetas and Empanadas or just order from the menu.


   Pinchos are open-faced sandwiches on sliced baguettes, topped with hams, vegetables, etc, all screwed with  toothpicks.  In a typical Tapas bar in Spain, the number of accumulated toothpicks on ones plate denotes the amount that's to be billed to the customers.

Also another type of an open-faced sandwich is the Montados.




So here are what I had for the mid-afternoon snack at Tapeo.
My pinchos and montados plate.  Nothing too frilly though, except they used Jamon Serrano in one of the pinchos.   A platter, if ordered ala carte is P 120 for 3 pieces and P 235 for six.

   Didn't I tell you yet that Paella is included in the Tapas all you can.   This saffron-infused rice is beaming with a mish-mash of seafood and chorizo.  I should have not eaten too much of the Paella so I could have taken second rounds to the tapas bar, a serving is actually heavy on the belly, but you will find it hard to resist.  Just by looking at the prawn, you know that the ingredients are cooked freshly.  Another thing that I like about their Paella is that the rice is cooked rightly, and not soggy or over cooked.
   On the photo is the Paella ala Tapeo in it's paellera and a serving is P 275.  Compared to Galli Village Cafe, Tapeo's is a bit steep on its price.  At  Galli's you can order a paellera that serves two to three people for P 255 or a bigger one serving  four to five pax for P 495.  Per contra, one notable aspect of this dish though is that it claims to be authentic traditional Paella.  Like what Chef Day always says, their recipes are their pride and joy, since these recipes have come from their ancestors, handed over from one generation to the other.  And having immersed and brought up with Spanish cooking, they can pat themselves on the back on that.
   I was so busy chit-chatting, so I forgot to choose my Tapas, but the staff of Tapeo have just been so obliging for choosing for me and bringing it to our table.  Also, I need to remind myself to take note of the name of our wait-staff,  but I think all their staff are courteous and very efficient, they are always on a look out if we still have enough water on our glasses and that the wines are ever present on our glasses.  On my plate were Tortilla de Patatas - Spanish Potato Omelet, croquettas topped with aioli, and crave-worthy empanadas.  Let me stress out that the empanada I had has very light and thin crust, but it doesn't break apart.  Also, it was not oily since it is baked and the filling was very savory and not watery, unlike other empanadas.  So I guess, I found my perfect empanada here!  However, when I re-read the menu from an online menu source, it said that it's supposed to be served with romesco sauce, but I can't seem to recall if I had the chance dipping it to something.  Still, I like it!

   With all the plates I got, I wasn't able to check out my Chef Didier's order, Gambas Al Pil Pil or the Sizzling Prawns.  The piping hot clay bowl is filled with prawns sauteed in olive oil, garlic, wine and spices and served with crusty bread.
   See them enjoying what is supposed to be a snack only.  They've actually been telling me that they had a heavy lunch a Dillingers on that day but hey, they to wasn't able to resist the tempting dishes bared to them.

   Merna with her sweet-tooth had her eyes on these churros.  The Spain's doughnut, so they say, is top-notched with a mere price of P145, served with Spanish Chocolate.  A trip to the Fort for this is so worth-it, no Spanish-claiming restaurant should not miss this on their menu.  Tapeo's version is slightly different from the ones I've tried.  For one their's is shaped like a log.  I like their version in the manner that though it's chunkier, it was still managed to be cooked with a distinct crunchiness at every bite and at the same time a light  interior with slight softness at the center. 

   And lastly, the owners didn't allow us to leave the comforts of their Tapas zone without trying their much-raved about sangria.  Many would attest that their Sangria's, in red and white, are one of the best.  But for the novice me, it's more of a thirst-quencher.  A summer and spring in one sip, with of course the fruity, herby and spicy kick all in one and the yeah, the alcohol that makes you skip a heartbeat and fixed for the party.
   One last recommendation though is that you call them if you are coming and reserve your seats, especially when visiting after working hours.

   My interview with Chef Day, didn't end with notes about Tapas and wine pairings.  It was also one of those rare moments when you see true passion in one's capabilities and even disabilities, while realizing that ones drive and positive mind-set can  lift anyone above the narrow, cramping circumstances of life.  Amongst his accomplishments are the books that he was able to write with Chef Mon, The Malungay Book which has two volumes already and some others.  The books are also being sold at Tapeo.  Also, with another restaurant on their helm at Sta. Cruz, Laguna, which I am so aching to visit (thanks to Chef Day's unwavering posting of food photos from Ted's restaurant, btw).

Read my blog about their Malunggay book HERE.

While you are at it, care to also read my 7-day Malunggay challenge which was inspired by the Malunggay book HERE.




Tapeo
The Fort Strip

Address:  G/F The Fort Strip, 7th Ave cor 28th St
              Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
Contact numbers: (02) 556-2668