Eat and Cheat's RnD Team Cooks at Moca Farm

"Life is too short to eat bad food." It's a simple quote, don't you agree?  But doesn't it make sense?  We are well educated that processed food such as cakes, biscuits, pastries,canned and preserved  and fried foods are packed full of bad fat, preservatives, additives and artificial garbage, which have been scientifically proven as cancer-inducing food. Once in a while is okay, but eating crap every day for no other reason than you can't be bothered to eat better-quality food is a poor excuse. Look after your body and in turn it will work and look better every day.

We at Eat and Cheat Cancer is driven to explore possibilities of  suggesting sustainable lifestyle changes which evidently can lower the risk of getting sick, worst with cancer.   Did you know that up to 40% of cancers can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle changes and following prevention and screening guidelines?  Home cooking with fresh, natural ingredients and with carcinogen free diet is definitely the way to go and is still on the top of the list.

The main thrust of our group is to conceive a cookbook which consists of gleaned recipes which have been tried and have followed a guideline which have been predetermined by top oncologists in the Philippines.

The actuality of the book is still undetermined, but volunteers such as the Research and Development team composed by both celebrated and promising chefs have been working together for a common goal- create a recipe that is both cancer-patient friendly,that is ultimately yummy and hearty for the whole family.

Headed by Chef Chel Tria Galang, and in partnership with Moca Farm, the chefs, Alvin and Brooke; Moca Farm owner, Gigi Morris; Gel Ayoie of Razor Chefs assembled at Moca Farm's test kitchen to try out forty or so recipes to be evaluated according to the guidelines set by our doctors.

Chef Chel Galang is the Culinary Director of the Research and Devt. of Eat and Cheat Cancer book Project. She is a renowned Food Historian, Hotel and Restaurant Consultant (Une Enterprise de Conseil), Educator at SSC Manila, Culinary Consultant and Demo Chef of GMA Network, Inc.   A regular of  IJuander, Pinoy MD, Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho, Brigada Siete, Best Men, The Good News, Unang Hirit, Mars, and The Smiths she know how to handle the kitchen heat pretty well.  As their Food Editor, I was fascinated by the range of  her knowledge on which plants can be eaten and how it could complement any other ingredients.

I took some photos of the products used to test and cook the recipes, the 

team chose for documentation purpose only.   

Chef Chel measuring out Jordan Farms Black Rice.

Special thanks to our product partner Jordan Farms for providing us with packs of black rice and red rice.

Black rice, one superfood, is considered the healthiest of all the grains.  To know why, kindly click on this link:  http://www.gastronomybyjoy.com/2013/10/the-good-food-project-and-brown-rice.html.

As much as I would want to share what will be in the cookbook, I can't yet.  But be assured that every turn of the pages will get you motivated to eat right and kick cancer out, in your own kitchen.

Let me also thank Gigi Morris of Moca Farms and The Robby Rabbitry for accommodating us for three days and providing us with their farm's fresh produce.

With me is Gigi Morris, owner of Moca Farms and a fellow contributor to EACC.

 I voluntarily helped myself in picking these blue/violet edible flowers -Clitoria Ternatea, also referred to as the Butterfly Pea, which  is a cognitive enhancer used in Ayurveda that is also known as Shanka Pushi

Exotic fruits and vegetables are grown here as well, like the Roselle.  Roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) is actually a part of a flower, from the family of Hibiscus, commonly turned into teas and juice drinks.  Let me reiterate that Roselle, isn't a fruit, and neither is it a flower, it's a calyx.   It flourishes here at Moca Farms and now the farmers make jams, jellies and pickles out of them.  Check back for more of my accounts on their products soon.

More on Roselle at this link:
http://www.gastronomybyjoy.com/2012/10/a-blooming-foodie-find-at-27th-negros.html

Seeing Life in a Bright Light with CinemaJam

Crizal Transitions, the world’s leading Photochromic lens capable of adjusting to any lighting condition, shines a bright light on the metropolitan cultural scene, as it hosts Crizal Transitions Cinemajam, the first ever outdoor movie marathon and  music festival in the Philippines, on November 30, 2013 at Event Circuit Makati.

Crizal Transitions Cinemajam brings together some of the country’s top bands, two special movies, and a host of exciting activities. Crizal Transitions Cinemajam sees the arts and celebration in a different and changing light, as it ushers guests through the unique experience of shifting perspectives—a fun afternoon fair  segueing into a sunset music festival, capped with an evening movie marathon and after-party concert.

Two movies, “Love, Actually,” and “Limitless,” highlight Crizal Transitions’ message of “Seeing life in a bright light,” offering viewers different, enlightening takes on loving and living. The romantic comedy “Love, Actually,” is a feel-good movie on the delirious joys and bittersweet sorrows of love. “Limitless,” meanwhile, is an action thriller on the extremes a man will push himself in pursuit of perfection. Bradley Cooper plays a writer who takes an experimental drug that allows him to fully use his intellectual faculties.

Bamboo, Itchyworms, Callalily, Moonstar 88 and GraceNote, create a sunset symphony of sound and sensibility as they render their special brand of rock and indie pop.

A windfall of exciting activities gratifies the senses. A free vision screening in the Optical Village section will check guests’ eyesight. Thrill-seekers can choose among karting, bungee jumping, skating and kite-flying for their kicks. Games and raffle prizes await lucky guests.

Become part of this one-of-a -kind experience by availing tickets at Ticketworld for only  Php 1,350. 

Proceeds of the event will benefit the children of the World Vision Foundation. 

Here's a treat from Crizal Transitions. get two (2) free tickets with every pair of Crizal Transitions.

Crizal Transitions lenses are available in all optical centers in the country. 

The Mercato Centrale Food Experience is Coming Back to the South!

Ever since Mercato Centrale opened in BGC, Taguig, weekend binge eating have become an occasional habit.   Weekend night markets are foodie havens and are premier venues to find unusual, regional and to raved for food.   Foodies all over the metro made it a point to visit it, even those from the farthest north and south.

Now,  the people behind it have put extreme efforts in setting up one in different points in Manila and soon in Visayas and Mindanao.

With the success of opening branches comes another one.  What used to be the Mercato in the South -Soderno Molito, had shut down for some reasons, they are now bringing back the weekend market in a new spot.  

EL SUR – the NEWEST Mercato Centrale market will be open in Alabang Town Center (beside Fully Booked) every Friday (4pm – 3am) & Saturday (12nn - 12mn) starting November 23 (Saturday)!

“After a short break from the South, we are excited to be back in the area!“ enthused Anton Diaz, co-founder of the Mercato Centrale group and the blogger behind the popular food and travel blog in the Philippines www.OurAwesomePlanet.com.  “Thanks to all the support from our Southern-based foodie fans who have been clamoring for our return.”

“We look forward to bringing the Mercato Centrale foodie experience to Alabang Town Center, which includes a variety of great-tasting and innovative food choices straight from the homes of the South-based chefs and homemakers, acoustic entertainment and a lively atmosphere“ said RJ Ledesma, co-founder of the Mercato Centrale group. “We will also have the best-selling vendors from our various Mercato markets sharing their famous dishes in EL SUR!”

“We also want to find the next big food entrepreneur from the South!” added Anton.  “The Mercato markets have been the birthplace of many expanding Manila food businesses like Manang’s Chicken, Merry Moo Premium Ice Cream, Spring by Ha-Yuan, Kristina’s Inutak, Chuck’s Grubberie Fish and Chips and many more. We are happy to note that one of our pioneer Mercato vendors, Mochiko Ice Cream, already has a branch here in Alabang Town Center!”

For interested food vendors who want to join EL SUR, please contact (+63 917) 840-1152or (+632) 812-0102, email admin@mercatocentrale.ph or visit www.facebook.com/elsur. Limited slots available.

Mercato Centrale group is the organizer of Midnight Mercato in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Cucina Andare (the first food truck market in the country) in Glorietta Park, Makati, Mezza Norte in Ayala’s Trinoma Mall, Quezon City, Cocina Centrale in Ayala’s MarQuee Mall, Pampanga and Porto Cena in Ayala’s Harbor Point Mall, Subic.

Yabang Pinoy’s Global Pinoy Bazaar 2013

The least we could forego when Christmas comes is shopping!  In time for the season of giving, Pinoy pride can still work up a plight for people looking for quality, affordable yet unique and world-class products.  I do accept the fact that we are in trying times and its better to be frugal, but I could not also put a price to the gifts I'm to give my loved ones.  It's been years that I have relied buying gifts to friends and my kids here and I'm looking forward to new products that I could spend my money with, to be held on November 23-24 at the Rockwell Tent, which I;m sure would be all worth every penny.

Why do I go to to Global Pinoy Bazaar all these years?

In Global Pinoy Bazaar 2013, Yabang Pinoy showcases up-and-coming Filipino brands that represent the best of the best.

As the pioneering Filipino pride movement, Yabang Pinoy is passionate in promoting Filipino talent, people, and society. Since 2006, it has organized the Global Pinoy Bazaar to bring Filipino brands, both big and small, to Filipinos around the Philippines and contribute to a proud, positive, and progressive Philippines.

Global Pinoy Bazaar has been proof that the Filipino entrepreneur can produce business concepts, products, and services that can compete with global brands. It has also effectively connected proudly Filipino brands with Filipino consumers, who are now more conscious of where they spend their peso. They choose Filipino from a line up that ranges from apparel, accessories, travel essentials, to home décor, home and wellness products, and Filipino art and design creations.

Ultimately, what has made the Global Pinoy Bazaar successful is the open community of entrepreneurs and consumers it has attracted. It has been the venue where conscious choices and creative minds discover each other and spring collaborations and partnerships. In nurturing and empowering the local entrepreneurs, this community develops globally competitive Filipino brands.

This year is no different. Global Pinoy Bazaar 2013 will demonstrate that Filipino brands, unique and of quality, deserve all the patronage from the local consumer. By showcasing globally competitive Filipino brands, Yabang Pinoy strives to change the Filipino’s mindset that only foreign brands have global standards. The Filipino brand is globally competitive, and should be supported by the local and global community.

This year, Yabang Pinoy will once again prove why the Global Pinoy Bazaar has become the go-to bazaar for unique quality products made with 100% Filipino love and pride.

Please visit www.yabangpinoy.com for more information. For inquiries, please call 0917-611-5624 or email bazaar.globalpinoy@gmail.com.

Here is the link to last years Global Pinoy Bazaar which was also held at Rockwell Tent: 

https://www.facebook.com/majoyc/media_set?set=a.4448450742218.171243.1617947473&type=3

Now here is a treat for all you my dear readers and followers.  Yabang Pinoy have been so kind to us that we were given 20 FREE passes.  I'm giving everyone until Saturday Nov. 16 for this.

Just comment below why you want to get in the Global Pinoy Bazaar.  Include your full name, e-mail address, FB account and cell phone number.

Also, kindly post this to your Facebook timeline: 

"Let us join @Gastronomy-all about food and @YabangPinoy at the Global Pinoy Bazaar 2013 at Rockwell Tent @Friend1 @Friend2 @Friend3."

DepEd Task Force Yolanda Updates as of 12 November 2013 and a Message from Sec. Luistro, FSC

Yesterday news from DepEd came in, upon seeing the harrowing aftermath of Yolanda to Region 8 and other towns, I wonder where DepEd will begin again.   I wonder how painful this would be once again for the education workers, stake-holders and of course to the one who leads DepEd, who have coursed an up hill battle to build schools and made sure that our students are given enough materials as K to 12 was established this year.   News about building being devastated, schools for sure would not be excused from this, more so our teachers, and the students, who right now, might be grieving, hungry, or worst, sick and unsheltered.

DepEd Press Release:

PASIG CITY – 24 hours after the establishment of Task Force Yolanda the Department of Education (DepEd) has announced the status of the division offices affected by the typhoon. All divisions in regions 4A (Calabarzon), 4B (Mimaropa), 5 (Bicol), 6 (Western Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas), 10 (Northern Mindanao), 13 (Caraga), and the National Capital Region are considered operational and are now tasked with contacting the various districts and schools under their supervision to determine their status.

Region 8 (Eastern Visayas), which bore the brunt of Yolanda, remains the most severely affected, with only four (4) out of 13 divisions operational. Ormoc City and Western Samar divisions remain closed, while no reliable communication lines have been established with the divisions of Baybay City, Biliran, Borongan City, Eastern Samar, Catbalogan City, Leyte Province, and Tacloban City.

Eastern Visayas has a total of 4,132 public schools manned by 58,179 teachers and a student population of 1,107,367. Resumption of classes is determined by the division superintendent in coordination with local government officials. School heads have also been given authority to suspend classes in damaged schools until the structures have been properly assessed and cleared by DepEd or LGU engineers.

With this to note, let us here from the DepEd secretary himself, Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC.

Look for the lost sheep

Statement of Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC to Visayas regional directors, superintendents, school heads and other DepEd personnel in Yolanda-affected areas.Delivered during a crisis command meeting at the DepEdEcotech Center in Lahug, Cebu.

* * * * *

This is a crucial time for us. It is during times like this when you are most needed. It is important that you recognize your leadership role. The leader has to stand strong. Without a leader, chaos just spontaneously erupts. These are trying times, but you don’t have to rely on yourself alone. A good leader always creates the team, strengthens the teams. In times like this, you need leaders who are not just designated, but who are actual leaders on the ground. For good decisions, good judgment and a big heart are a must; because when all else fails—no more records, no communication—you have to rely on your judgment, on the bigness of your heart.

Before anything else, let’s look for our people. Let’s list all affected regions, contact one person so we could get a description of what is going on. Regions contact divisions. Divisions contact schools. Schools establish contact with teachers and staff. Let’s look for people first. Don’t worry about damages to property—we will deal with that later. The worst thing is to count buildings and fallen trees and not account for our people.

Second, let’s bring our children back to school. The best way for kids to recover is to bring them back to their routine as soon as possible—and that is to bring them to school. There is no need to conduct classes right away. Let them play. Do activities.

The Department of Education must be the spokesperson for children. Bring them back to school; then we will start accounting for them. Let’s see who are not present and who cannot be contacted: sick, missing. In times of crisis, we account for the lost sheep. This is what the leader should do: to leave the 99 and look for the lost sheep.

Indeed, these are anxious times—people are really left to fend for themselves—but we are good at this. We filter this anxiety and bring science to it. Two anchors of DepEd: we see things in the point of view of children and we bring light into the darkness.

As educators we are the sobering element. We are the calming effect in any crisis. When everything falls, and we have nothing to rely on, we stand tall—not for ourselves, but for others.

Paref Woodrose' Pre-Christmas Bodega Sale

   Those who complete their Christmas shopping early gain a great deal of benefits. First of all they do not have to deal with crowded shopping areas as hordes of other shoppers are also trying to complete their last minute Christmas shopping. Shoppers who complete their Christmas shopping early also have more time to relax and focus on other activities such as decorating, wrapping presents, baking cookies or just spending some quite time with family. Finally, those who complete their Christmas shopping early also gain financial benefits. They can take advantage of sales which occur year round if they spread out their shopping plus they do not have to worry about paying for all of their purchases at one time. 

  But in all honesty, I don't really practice it year after year, and I just always blame myself for not being disciplined about shopping in a less stressful manner.

  Here is an opportunity for all us now sensing the busy days of the Christmas season.  There are a lot of bazaars looming with great deals and have been organized as early as November to answer that good change.   Let us start with Paref Woodrose' Pre Christmas Bodega Sale.

  Following the success of last year’s ‘Pre-Christmas Bodega Sale,’ Paref Woodrose is opening it’s doors once again and inviting everyone to do their early Christmas shopping here.

  This year’s Pre-Christmas Bodega Sale promises to be more exciting with new additions on the list of product line ups available on sale. Aside from the usual apparels, accessories,  and linens, shoppers can also score great deals on kitchenwares, glasswares, hotel-restaurant equipments and many more. Paticipating merchants include the popular brands 101 New York, XOXO, Toy Kingdom, Imarflex, Claire’s, Popstar, and Krispy Kreme, among others.

  The Pre-Christmas Bodega Sale will be from November 13 to 16 2014 (Wednesday to Saturday) at the Woodrose Promenade.  This is a fundraising project for the benefit of the Friends ofWoodrose Scholarship Program.

Fleur de Lys: Something Old, Something New...

For those who dedicate an extra-large portion of their blog to the insatiable appetite for discovering newly opened restaurants and cafe, it's proverbial that we still have an all-consuming penchant for dessert-lovers' all-time favorites from Fleur De Lys Patisserie.  This pastry shop have been there since 2006 (referenced from Lori's DCF blog).  And I'm thinking why haven't I read or heard about it long before.

After attending a restaurant review with fellow bloggers at Timog Ave., I made it a point to make a short walk to Tomas Morato, to stop by and comb my fork over the known cafe to sample some of their pastry offerings.

What actually made me hover over the internet to search for Fleur De Lys is their Florentines, which was given to us during the WOFEX 2013 media dinner at Azuthai.

Florentines are thin, crisp yet chewy biscuits laced with Belgian chocolates. The base for Florentine biscuits is essentially a roux, an oh-so-French cooking technique, which signal the origins of this delicate tea-time cookie.

The streets of Tomas Morato was still busy at almost 10 pm when I decided to pay it a visit.  Seats outside are taken already, seeing that there is only one table inside with just two seating, I got this daunting feeling to just buy some cake slices and bring at home, and some of those Florentines as well.  I never really expected to get a good cup of coffee here but I tempted my fate seeing that there is a stairway leading to the second floor area and as what the lady staff said about the the floor being empty.

On one corner where the stairs are located is a meager table with their to go products were showed off.
Eureka!  The packaged Florentines were there.  I also got a box of assorted oval-shaped bars.
At the second floor, as I waited for my coffee and choice pastry, I get to snap some shots from it.
It was simple, no fuss and taitless - a tad boring for me though.

There is one framed painting of a lily seated a top a block of chocolate, however.
Most of the time my curiosity for certain dining establishments goes beyond it's menu.  I love reading or listening to stories of how it was built up, why the choice of name or how the owner's character was depicted in their craft.
The Fleur de Lis mimeos a lily or lotus flower. It is often used to represent French Royalty, and is believe to symbolize life, light, and perfection.  However, I find it hard to get connections from the name to the whole theme of the pastry shop.

Anyways, let see about the food.

Since I opted for a light slice of cake, I  got another sweety treat for my cup of coffee.  Macadamia nut latte. I love how this coffee rendered a nutty aroma and flavor with a hint of mocha  and a gourmet coffee can not be exciting enough without the milky froth, and it actually came in layers of two kinds, milk and chocolate.  I was kinda expecting a coffee art with the Fleur de Lys symbol on top.  Sorry, it's me being finicky on my food.

Now, for my sweet night cap - Fleur De Lys' Best Kept C-cret.

Nothing is so secret about this cake though.  I chose between another best-seller, The Next Best Thing and this.  I have my top choices for chocolate cakes and the latter seemed like what we had at Dillinger's, a molten (also known as lava cake) chocolate cake served with vanilla ice cream.

Here are my blogs for the chocolate cakes that have captured my heart:

Nono's Chocolate Oblivion at Classic Confessions

Chocolate Celebration  by  Park Avenue Desserts

My Pink Wasabi's Sugar-free Flourless Chocolate Cake and Truffle cups

Casa San Luis Le Grand Chocolat

What makes this worth-trying is having a layer of beautifully stacked up cakes and creams in one fork-bite.  Let me deconstruct the layers for you.  From top to bottom:  vanilla chiffon cake, chocolate mousse, vanilla chiffon cake, yema cream, chiffon cake and custard.

For the non-chocolate-lovers, if there is one, this can probably caught their attention and might gain their liking.  I found this to be particularly best partnered with green tea or black tea.  I'm not the cream-lover either, so I can't count myself to rave about this.

If you ask if I will still come back to try their other pastry, I say yes!  I want to try their Picasso Pavlova and Pocket Garden (or simply carrot cake).

Address:  305 Tomas Morato Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City

  Contact Numbers:  02 3720631

Crooners for a Cause - A Benefit Show for our Filipino Brothers in Bohol

Photo credit from rappler.com

This shocking news woke us up one morning and left others from around the world without sleep as they stay glued to the update on the worst calamity which shook Bohol and Cebu.  The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded the October 15 earthquake as the strongest in the Visayas in over 20 years. As of October 19, 2013, 6 a.m., PHIVOLCS has recorded 1,846 aftershocks, only 32 of which were felt.

This was such heart-rending to many, specially for our family.  My love for Bohol is inexhaustible, for one, my father's family was from Antequera, Bohol and the beauty that is Bohol is incomparable.

Loving memories of our Lolo and Lola were stitched there.  Precious family reunions on my father's side was perfectly back-grounded  and ahh, the best rest and recreation with my cousins were all accounted, till now. Though its grandeur may have been scaled down, literally to bits, with buildings, centuries-old churches, roads and homes destroyed.

As of the latest NDRRMC report last October 24, 2013, a total of 631,605 families or 3,158,009 persons are affected in 1,494 barangays in 59 municipalities and 6 cities in 6 provinces of Regions VI and VII.  Out of this, about 11 percent (66,041 families or 336,934 persons) were displaced and now located both outside and inside 99 evacuation centers. 198 individuals have been reported dead, 668 injured and 11 missing, most of whom are residents of Bohol.

The house from the photo above is my aunt's who lives in Antequera, Bohol.  With their house smashed down to pieces, her family and most of the families in Bohol still have not yet the strength to re-build their own houses, they might have not even had a decent meal.

With this, every effort have been considerably made by the government and many private organizations, but improvement may still be a far cry.  Help is still  needed.

To answer this, Strumm's Makati, the most established music resto-bar in the country, in partnership with The New Musicians Guild, a 60-plus member group of Filipino session musicians and musical field suppliers, and MTP Visual and Audio Productions come together to hold a special fund raising benefit show whose proceeds will be donated to the Bohol chapter of the Philippine Red Cross.

Expect a two-hour lively show starting at 8:00 pm, featuring three singing professionals, namely:

John Fernandez - Strumm's' resident host-singer for their weekly Happy Singing Club

Leo Lesaca - Nat King Cole, Mr. Bossa Nova and Kenny Rankin all rolled into one!

Michael Puyat - vocalist-host of the group Anything Goes which performs in different bars and private affairs

Plus a few surprise guests! A half-hour guest-jamming portion will immediately follow the main show, to be followed by Strumm’s’ number one performing band, Highway 54.

An early bird raffle courtesy of our sponsors and donors will be held at 7:30pm to encourage guests to start off early during the happy hour (5pm-8pm).

Tickets are at P500 each and may be bought in advance or during the event.

A representative from the Philippine Red Cross will set up a table at the venue to receive additional cash donations and receipts will be issued.

Sponsorship packages are also available for those who would like to help in a bigger way.

For ticket inquiries / bookings and sponsorship details, please contact any of the following -

Amar Puyat (ticket sales and sponsorships)
821 6060 / 0932 884 6166 / amarpuyat@yahoo.com

Pia Lesaca (ticket sales and sponsorships)
216 3094 / 0917 545 2025 / lesaca.maripi@gmail.com

Merna Brazil (ticket sales)
0921 572 8408

YOUR ONE-TICKET PURCHASE WILL GO A LONG WAY! 
Do you have P500 to spare? 
Thanks in advance!

For those located abroad and outside of Metro Manila or for those cannot attend the show, but would still like to help, they have an escrow bank account under MTP Visual and Audio Productions which has been zeroed out to accept advanced donations and payments for tickets.  Please, let us know about your pledge here or, if you'd like to protect your privacy, kindly contact the person mentioned above, so they can document your pledge, give you the account details and track your deposit.

See you there!

Bar-B-Skew, Southeast Asian Inspired Street Food

 At some time back in 2012, mullet haircuts have started getting some raves in men.  Now, Rihanna is seen sporting an edgy mullet hairstyle, a hairstyle that is short at the front and sides, and long in the back.  The zenith of this fashion era was actually during the 80's.  A definite blast from the past.  I admit that I have seen my teenage cousins trying to preserve their hair for that look, and yes, I'm an 80's child.

Circa 1980, those were the years that my palate had been rather exposed to street foods, dirty ice creams, taho, cheese curls bartered with empty bottles,to say the least.  Those were the times when you warily run after the honking horns while the vendor would yell whatever they are selling and you run to the gate or doorstep with old (sometimes new) newspapers or bottles of ketchup and other condiments.

Then at dusk, the alley near us would be seen as eaten by smoke as barbecue stands would line up in array, each serving up their specialty.  With words such as Betamax, helmet, adidas, is often heard on the streets being talked about.  If you are an 80's dude or gal, you might be familiar with them, but I'm not talking of things, these actually are what's on the menu of these stands and more.

Back to the future, (hehe, getting way to much with pun on the 80's) not only was I exposed to gourmet, fusion, seasonal, farm to fork foodie madness, I somehow lost my fondness to some of the food I have grown to like, probably due to safety and nutritional matters, especially about barbecue stuff.

So when I heard of a restaurant serving typical Pinoy street food skewered and ready fro the grill, I braced myself and expected something out of the ordinary.

At Bar-B-Skew, you know you are not only getting your fix for your regular barbecued meat or offal, when you enter the premise.   The restaurant is elegantly designed.  No fussy, heavy aromatic smoke around that would probably drown you when you  open the door.  Thanks to the built-in pipes mangled atop every table.

The restaurant is also air-conditioned, and as much as the restaurant owner wants the place to be a cool hang-out, of course no barbecue is ever tasty without the heat from the charcoals, so surmise a rally hot table.  Sitting may be comfortable in one side but not on the other areas with stools to rely on.   Again, the set up is casual so don't be asking a new set of plates or paraphernalia and the table can only accommodate one plate and a glass for each person.  The idea is for you to cook your skewer and eat it right away.

Speaking of the table, every one has a rotating charcoal skewers which were pre-designed with the owners preference and fabricated at China.  You come at the restaurant with stainless tables clean,and grill covered. The staff will immediately assist you as they begin defining their dining packages.   Once everything were laid out, they come from the kitchen with a bucket full of chunky cinders ready to cook your skewers.

At the time I was there, this was what they were offering.  The dining idea is an eat-all-you can buffet in three main categories, namely, Lunch Buffet (served at 11 am to 5 pm) for P299; Dinner Buffet (5 pm to 12 am) with a cost of P349; and Midnight Buffet (12 am onwards) for P299.

The EAYC buffet comes with two rice variants, a pasta, a veggie dish and two entree, in this case a fried chicken and something else... Sorry had my eyes on those skewer all you can.

You begin by picking your set of skewers, help yourselves with these subtly seasoned chicken, pork, cream dory, hotdogs, innards, vegetables and saba banana and pineapple combo and large marshmallows for dessert.

My first batch to hit the grill.  A bit shy at first.  On my plate:  chicken liver, isaw (chicken intestines), saba banana and pineapple combi, cheapo hotdog, one chicken wing, pork barbecue.

Next is, you choose a sauce for basting your barbecues, and don't ever make the mistake of basting your fruits with these.  The diners pick had always been, garlic butter but I would also recommend ginger sesame.

You may also choose from different types of  dipping agents (sawsawan).  I miss that, but thinking otherwise.

Here is the simple menu.

However, if the EAYC skewers is not fro you, you may also try these affordable meal packages.

In retrospect, I enjoyed the dinner as much as I enjoyed reminiscing over the 80's yester-years.  Love having the pineapples roasted and specially the saba bananas.  I almost had my marshmallows though on the coals, so make sure to have a watchful eye on that one.  I like the idea of the rotating skewers so you don't have to flip them anymore, and it would only take less than 10 minutes to wait.   The idea of chatting with friends, talking cynical things while you are waiting and basting your skewers is in fact an awesome idea to date.










Address:  UG03 CTTM Square
               68 Timog Ave Cor. Tomas Morato
               Quezon City
Phone: (02) 412 8661
Website: http://www.bar-b-skew.ph/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/BBSkew