Ana Olson for AFC

It was quite a pleasant surprise that though schedules were moved around yesterday (even if one of my pet peeves is a messy schedule), it turned out quite well. Chef Bruce Lim and his wonderful wife, Michelle, invited me to join them as they graced the Ana Olson culinary demonstration (c/o Asian Food Channel) at Greenbelt 5.

I've always been a sucker to (at least) seeing and meeting celebrity chefs because I do love watching cooking shows! But when I saw that the event had THIS, I knew Dodong would have a blast if he was with me. Guess what THIS was…

Pot Roast!

Of course, FREE FOOD! Hehehe! It was like watching Ana Olson's cooking show with the food just magically jumping off the screen.

Ana Olson prepared a Christmas feast for the afternoon: Pot Roast with a Mustard Glaze, Roasted Root Vegetables (Squash, Carrots and Potatoes), Butter Tart and Homemade Ice Cream. Yummmeeeeehhh…

Yum...Buttery tart crusts...

Wee Canadian Flags for Canadian Chef Ana Olson!

The Pot Roast really made me wish that Dodong was here. He lovesssss PORK! I guess since pork is a bit of a luxury in the Muslim country of UAE. Hehehe.

A culinary demonstration date would be a great way to meet chefs, learn new recipes & cooking techniques, plus score FREE food! Isn't it such a cheap and cool date?

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

Show me some love at Caffe Ti Amo

My boss is one of the brilliant minds working behind the scenes of the new coffee-gelato shop in Greenbelt 5, Caffe Ti Amo. So yesterday, amidst the flurry of presentations and meetings, we decided to have our meeting at Caffe Ti Amo as the team has not had the chance to drop by…

I came in early (as usual) and I was starving (as usual). And so I decided to order one of the dishes that my boss kept raving about because her praises of the dish really kept me wondering…

Caffe Ti Amo's Honey Bread (Php 120)

Obviously, I am still very much in love with my new phone, the Galaxy S, as I keep on using the Vignette app for my photos. Cool ba? I digress…so now onto the Honey Bread.

Honey Bread is a thick slice of Japanese style white bread (Does anybody know the difference of Japanese bread? Aside from the thickness of the slice and the airiness of the dough…), dipped in butter and cinnamon batter and freshly baked / toasted in an oven (versus being panfried like French Toast). The bread slice is topped with 2 scoops of your choice of gelato flavor and blueberry preserves. I chose the bestselling dark chocolate mint and pistachio gelato to pair with my Honeybread.

Because I also wanted our teammates from the agency to try Caffe Ti Amo's treats, I ordered two savory waffles to go: Four Cheese and Italian Herb.

Savory Waffle Duet - Four Cheese Flavor (Php 130)

The savory waffle has two sizes: solo and duet. The duet, though made for two, can actually feed four people! The bread is quite heavy like you ate a rock but only with the savory cheese and herby aftertaste. I only wished that you can pair the savory waffle with gelato, so that it could be a interplay between salty and then sweet. Unfortunately, you'd have to order gelato separately, which I obviously did not do. Buti na lang because we had to change venues for our meeting.

I'd really love for Dodong to check out Caffe Ti Amo with me when he gets back…SOON. (Btw, he's not coming home this Christmas.) It actually is a nice place to chit chat and hang out. A mix between a coffee shop and a chic boutique hotel. I think I would order an Italian Herb waffle to share with him…perhaps with an order of dark chocolate gelato on the side.

Have you tried to Caffe Ti Amo in Greenbelt5 as well?

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

P.S. Caffe Ti Amo is located at the ground floor of Greenbelt 5, right across Mango and behind Tickles in Greenbelt 1. They also have branches in SM Manila and SM City. But the Greenbelt branches are more accessible to Makati rats like me. Hihi.

P.P.S. Just to disclose, I paid for my Honeybread and waffle ok? Hehe.

It's all about the chicken...

I was lucky enough to be at the right time on Facebook when Anton Diaz posted a First Taste event for Wee Nam Kee, Manila. Wee Nam Kee is one of the most popular Hainanese Chicken Rice places in Singapore. I've never been to Singapore, but I know that Wee Nam Kee is worth a try.

So earlier this afternoon, me and my girls traveled to Ayala Triangle Park to taste some wunnerful Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice…

The Wee Nam Kee First Taste Menu cost us Php 350 / person. Not bad as we got to enjoy a glass of Barley juice (no lemon slice and barley grains – boo.), heaping cup of Hainanese Chicken Rice (plate was a tad bit small though)

Missing the lemon and barley grains here...

Steamed Chicken and Roasted Chicken

Juicy steamed and roasted Hainanese chicken

Hainanese Chicken Sauce: Sweet Dark Soy Sauce, Grated Ginger and Fermented Chili

Steamed kailan

Veggies for Good Health! Looks oily but really is not...

Kangkong sambal

The kangkong looks sad, right?

Cereal prawns

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS!!!!

I could eat this every morning! I finished the whole mountain of cereals!

I’ve always wanted to go to Singapore and just eat, eat, eat! Dodong and I were supposed to swing to Singapore last year, but I had to cancel the trip due to budget constraints My fault! So I guess Wee Nam Kee, Manila would be enough to get a taste of Singapore the next time Dodong comes home…SOON!

Check out what Wee Nam Kee, Manila has to offer by clicking on the images below:

Wee Nam Kee is now officially OPEN! Visit it at its 1st branch located at the Ayala Triangle Park, Makati CBD, Philippines

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

A late yet messy and fun birthday celebration!

I wasn't able to celebrate celebrate my birthday on the exact day. It was a Monday and I just so busy that I had to schedule my mini-celebration with my equally food loving officemates (and now good friends) at the much raved about Isabelo Garden Restaurant in Marikina.

They actually surprised me 1st with a yummy (but messed up) caramel birthday cake from Estrel's, a topsy turvy start (because desserts do come last right?) to the great meal ahead of us (WARNING: Food porn ahead).

The sad thing was I was not able to take pictures of the ambiance of Isabelo (which was sooooo cozy and romantic) because we were just sooooooo hungry. Hehehe! But *sigh* the dimmed lights and the garden just made me miss Dodong on my birthday celebration. So what did we eat?

We started out with the Spinach Artichoke dip, which was warm and comforting after a tiring day at work. It looked sinfully rich and creamy but surprisingly it was light, a bit tangy. I think this was the bestseller of the night because we just literally licked the bowl clean!

Spinach Artichoke Dip with toast rounds

Then we tried a bowl of Minestrone soup. It was served very hot, I think a must for any hot soup. Good but not spectacular.

Minestrone Soup

Of course, there must be a salad in between. So I pre-ordered the Pinoy Tuscan salad, fresh tomatoes with a honey-balsamic vinegar dressing, sprinkled with basil strips plus toast rounds on the side. This was also a bestseller! We almost licked the dressing off the plate, but unfortunately Isabelo's server plucked the off our table

Pinoy Tuscan Salad

And then we had a feast with the main courses:

Lemon Shrimp Linguine

Roasted Orange Chicken

Roasted Pork Crackling with 4 Sauces: Vinegar (apple cider?), Mango Chutney, Apple Sauce and a chunky Tomato Sauce

Lemon Parslied Garlic Rice paired with the Chicken and Roast Pork Crackling

The verdict: YUM! The lemon shrimp linguine looked deceivingly creamy but it was so light to the taste and on the tummy. We especially loved Isabelo's roast chicken (which we 6 hungry girls finished!) with the squash, carrots and potatoes absorbing all the citrusy juices from the chicken. While the roast pork crackling was also yummy (best paired with the mango chutney…we thought this was the best sauce!), the skin was just too tough. We were also grateful to have listened to Isabelo's chef extraordinaire's recommendation to pair the chicken and pork with the lemon parslied garlic rice, instead of the Italian paella.

We were so full and groggy from all the food that we forgot to take pictures of dessert! The second one for the night after slices of Estrel's caramel cake It's best to cap off the Isabelo Garden Restaurant meal with their refreshing sorbets. We ordered the Watermelon sorbet, which needed a squeeze of lemon juice to totally elevate the flavors.

With our palettes cleansed and tummies overflowing with Isabelo love, BURP! Hehehe! I was just overflowing with love that night…BUT of course, it would have overflowed some more if Dodong was there. Hay.

In the next homecoming, I'd definitely bring Dodong and perhaps my family to Isabelo's Garden Restaurant. I am already planning my menu for that day. Hehehe!

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

P.S. I took all pictures by myself with the help of my unnamed Lumix LX3 I love taking food shots! So happy!

See you soon!

I've been keeping mum about it by request of Dodong. But I just can't help it as the date comes closer…Dodong's coming home! Weeeeee! We've actually planned out one of the long August weekends in Baguio and I'm just so excited! There is a whole lot to eat in Baguio. Cafe by the Ruins is definitely our first stop.

The beautiful photos are care of AllanKo.netThe last visit I've had to Cafe by the Ruins was when I was in 2004ish. So obviously, that was eons ago. But what I remember about it is the yummy freshly baked bread, which is just perfect for a hearty breakfast for two…

Kamote Bread

Chocolate Croissant for Dodong!

Fried White Cheese is Love.

Oh my. The photos alone are just making me sooooo freakin' excited for a Cafe by the Ruins date. If Dodong won't be able to wake up for an bright and early breakfast, I still wish I would be able to taste a classic Cafe by the Ruins dish: The Hubad na Longganisa.

Crunchy porky goodness with mountain red rice...drool!

Here's another Cafe by the Ruins dish that keeps me super excited:

Bacoooooooonnnnnn!

Bacon is just love…best shared with someone special? NOT! Hahaha! I think I'd be a bit selfish with my bacon. Hihihi!

Two weeks to go and Dodong will be here na! Yahoooo! Cafe by the Ruins here we come!

What other Cafe by the Ruins goodies could we order?

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

P.S. Thanks again to Allanko.net for the lovely yummy photos.

I was as happy and fat as this kitty cat.

The other weekend, brother had his university graduation and a celebration isn't complete without eating out! So the whole family trooped to one of the most talked about hidden restaurants in the Rockwell area of Makati.Dodong adores chinese food a whole lot, and, of course, I was thinking of him as we were crossing the Osmena Highway (we came from PICC) into the Makati CBD.

What dishes he would have enjoyed? Would he kaya?

The Steamed Pork Belly

Steamed Pork Belly

Dodong and I do LOVE pork. Of course, this is a sure win. Though I was really expecting a more adobo-ey taste, it was not as salty, tangy nor sweet as the homemade favorite. BUT I would have loved it more if were adobo-ey.

Hot Pot Duck (?)

Hot Pot Duck

Not quite sure if Dodong would like this dish. I'm not a fan of boney food like chicken and fish (I know he doesn't like bones as much too), but this is worth trying. It has that malinamnam taste with a kick. Obvious ba ang daming sili eh! Perhaps a cold bottle of Tsing Tao beer would help cool down his palette.

Gongbao Chicken

Gongbao Chicken

My personal favorite! Super yummy especially when topped on a cup of hot steamed white rice! The peanuts add a nice contrast of crunch with the tender chicken cubes plus the oily, tomatoey, spicy (just right) sauce. I hope Dodong would like this too. It's not so spicy naman eh.

Hay. Missing Dodong more when I think about the food I ate there. What else is good to eat at 6404 Camia Street's Chinese Restaurant? Anything not too spicy for Dodong?

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

An empty chair waiting for him at Cafe 1771

Dining at Cafe 1771 in Ortigas Center is actually not new to me. I've been there several times since my good friend's fiance is the marketing manager of the Chateau 1771 Group of restaurants. Soooo we've had a few get togethers and a sprinkle of business meetings in Cafe 1771.

Last Monday, I've had the privilege of dining there again for a piece I am working on for them. And this question bugged my mind: would Dodong actually enjoy eating at Cafe 1771?

In all honesty, maybe not. He'd come with me, but this isn't his cup of tea. Really. But I still think Cafe 1771 is one of my future date choices, whether he likes it or not. Hehehe! Why so?

Good Food!

My personal favorite which I've constantly been craving for is their Pasta Chorizo. But since I've eaten that gazillion of times, I tried to be more adventurous to check out they "new" offerings (versus the Pasta Chorizo which is a Chateau classic dish):

Fried Squash Flowers filled with Cheese and Anchovies topped with Arugula on a Napolitaine Sauce

Mushroom and Smoked Salmon Pizza

Okay, I'm guilty of still ordering the Pasta Chorizo but I did not take a picture of it. Hehehe!

Lovely (with British accent please) Decor

I love, love, love, love what Ivy Almario did to the place! Superly duperly! I am all for a splash of bright color to really uplift your spirits after a tiring day. Ahlavet! I so wish my house was like this…well in th future perhaps

A Warm Welcome to Cafe 1771!

Ohhhh mosaic details on the floor!

I so love this spot and the chair!

Abubuts to Go!

This is actually fairly new. The last time I visited, wala pang mga abubuts and useful useless cute stuff on the counter like leather bound journals, yummy smelling hand sanitizers, notepads, calendars, pencil cases, pouches and more…

Shopping inside a resto? Pwede!

I was super tempted to get myself a pouch and a notepad or calendar but tipid mode. So next time na lang Hehehe!

Ganda da va? Would you visit Cafe 1771 too?

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

P.S. Sorry pa din sa photos. Pls continue to pray for the Lumix LX3 for me

P.P.S. If Dodong would enjoy something in Cafe 1771, it would be this:

Chocolate something something dessert

Pairing beer with food? YES!

Last Wednesday, I had the pleasure of joining the launch of the San Miguel Lifestyle Brews Degustation dinner at Chateau 1771, Greenbelt 5 as part of my work with Anton Diaz. Okay, I wasn't supposed to be there since I gave up my slot to somebody else, but fortunately another person forgot about the dinner and gave me a chance to sit in and enjoy great beer together with equally great food Yey!

But despite of being so happy I got to join the gang for dinner, I was also sad because this degustation dinner is something that Dodong would also enjoy. We both love food and eating out is not the same without him.

So what would Dodong enjoy on our future San Miguel Lifestyle Brews Degustation dinner date?

Okay before we go to that, what is the supposed guidelines for beer pairing? According to the brew masters at San Miguel Lifestyle Brews, the basic principles are (of course, these are pairings with their beer brands na):

• San Miguel Premium All-Malt goes best with poultry and seafood
• San Miguel Super Dry goes best with pork and beef
• Cerveza Negra goes best with anything sweet (i.e. dessert)

So now, what are the dishes that Dodong would enjoy on our San Miguel Lifestyle Brews dinner date? Hehehe!

DISH #1: GRATINATED SCALLOPS WITH SAN MIGUEL PREMIUM ALL-MALT

San Miguel Premium All-Malt with Gratinated Scallops

San Miguel Premium All-Malt beer is actually my personal favorite! I'm super kuripot but I'm willing to pay for this beer baby! And I think that this was the best dish of the night.

Scallops were the best I've ever tasted to far. It was fresh and light, contrasted by the rich, creamy sauce topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. Super YUM! And super bagay with San Miguel Premium All-Malt Kung pwede lang humingi ng second serving, I would have asked for another dish for myself. Hehehe!

DISH #2: BONELESS CRISPY PORKHOCK WITH RED ONIONS AND CABBAGE

Anything is good with pork and its crispy skin...drool...drool...

I would call this pinasosyal na boneless crispy pata I love, love, love pork so I do appreciate this dish all the more. Lalo na with the crispy skin! Cholesterol Haven! The bitterness of the San Miguel Super Dry actually complimented the slight tang from the cabbage, which was cooked sauerkraut style.

I just couldn't guess what the sauce was made of. Anybody care to enlighten me? Hershey? Spanx? Dedet? Meg? Hehehe!

DISH #3: DOUBLE GANACHE TART WITH CERVEZA NEGRA

A meal is never complete without dessert (and a Cerveza Negra!)

This was the perfect match! You'd actually hesitate (like I did) because you would never in your life imagine beer to be paired with dessert. But one bite of the double ganache tart and a sip of that Cerveza Negra…ay grabe! The flavors all just blended together.

And the double ganache tart is something Dodong would love since he is the chocolate addict. Yes, you read it right. He loves chocolate and I don't. It's so not girl-like right?

I preferred the Filo Mille Feuille than the double ganache tart. Hehehe. But for a perfect beer match, the double ganache tart still reigns supreme with the Cerveza Negra.

I was so busog that night and so happy to have experienced a gourmand meal Hehehe! But still wish Dodong was there too Howell…

Kudos to the Chateau 1771 culinary team led by Chef Vicky Pacheco for coming up with the great food and to the San Miguel Lifestyle Brews team for introducing this wonderful concept with their world class beers Cheers!

I heard that they will be offering this beer pairing menu in Chateau 1771 for this month, so better get your asses there to check it out. Let me know how you find the pairings

PLUS they will be having another dinner with a new culinary team as well. Hmmm…what restaurant would be the next San Miguel Lifestyle Brews degustation dinner venue? Can you guess? I wish Dodong were home when the next degustation dinner happens. Sigh.

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

P.S. I know sorry for the pictures. Pls do continue praying that I get to buy my camera by next month

P.P.S. Pls do answer a quick survey to get to know you better here

Wish you and I were here...

Dodong and I super love food. It's one of those passions we share. And last Friday at Our Awesome Planet's (OAP) Ultimate Taste Test (UTT) 4.0 at the NBC Tent, I was just so sad that he couldn't be with me. All those new food finds to taste and no one to share it with Well, there were friends and family, but it would be different with Dodong…

I actually was quite busy overseeing some details of the UTT 4.0 as I closely worked with Mr. and Mrs. OAP and Creative Juice to make this event possible. Rushing around to make sure that we fulfill our client's requirements. Meeting, greeting and GRO-ing the clients. Checking up on Rache and the rest of the Creative Juice team if they needed help as well. So I really wasn't able to take pictures (no food porn) and all…FAIL!

But if Dodong were here, these are the food stalls we would definitely enjoy together…

Pepita's Kitchen Lechon

Ohhh lala. Of course, this is a Pinoy Feast staple. But Pepita's gives you lechon with a twist: 1) it's boneless! 2) it comes in five international flavors: Filipino (of course!), French, Hawaiian, Chinese and Spanish. I was so sad that I was not able to taste at least one bite. Dedet sample naman? Hehehe!

Email pepitaskitchen@gmail.com and add them on Facebook for more info and your special orders

Jam Food's Angus Beef Tapa

Oh my, this I was able to try! Thank God! REALLY Good melt in your mouth flavorful tapa. They even have a special vinegar to go with it. I forgot the variants though. Another fail! Anybody who remembers their vinegar sauces?

I would love to cook a batch of angus tapa for Dodong's brunch (He's not a breakfast person) or maybe pang midnight snack. With matching sinangag (garlic fried rice) and scrambled eggs. Grumble. Just imagining is making me a-hungry.

Oh anybody got some info on their contact details? I do want to order beef angus tapa too.

Muscovy Duck Ham

And this too, I fortunately got to try. Dodong also enjoys eating duck so this will truly be a treat when he comes home. It's sweet and salty and fatty all at the same time. Soooo yummy! I think it would be perfect with a slice of Queso de Bola and perhaps a slice of toasted pandesal. Nomnomnom!

Care to share where we can order? Perfect for Christmas right?

Dulcelin Gourmet

GRABE ANG SHORTRIBS! I super loved it! I was lucky enough to get to taste 2 slices of the oh-so-tender and flavorful short ribs because I was able to line up towards the end of the event. Food-gasm galore! I didn't like the pulled pork mac and cheese though. I found the pasta overcooked. And their mango torte is just a classic dessert. I remember eating a whole lot even if I had a terrible toothache.

Check out their website here

if you notice, these are all meat purveyors. Dodong is really a meat lover, that's why. So I am looking forward and crossing my fingers that Dodong would come home during the future UTT events this August and October. Hope to see you guys there too!

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

P.S. Again, apologies for the crappy photos. I had to make do with my camera phone. I hope you pray with me that I get my new camera soon

P.P.S. Don't forget to answer the Loving the Distance readers' survey here. I'd really want to know what other stories to share

Time to reflect on the past, present and future...

It's Holy Week already and the Philippines is on a stand still with the very much awaited long break. For us folks who'd rather stay in the city versus braving the highways and byways to the provinces and vacation spots, pride ourselves in alternative activities to keep us busy during the deadness of the city for Holy Week reflection. One of these activities is the traditional Holy Thursday Pilgrimage up the Antipolo Church, where the Our Lady of Good Voyage resides.

Before Dodong and I were Dodong and I AND when we were already Dodong and I (digs?), Holy Thursday Pilgrimage is a must. It's a chance for us to join the crowds by the millions (Yes, they said that crowds reach 2.5Million people!) in prayer and penitence. And ever since he left for greener pastures in the desert (Oh the irony), we have not done the pilgrimage together. So my wish for a future date is to be able to walk the crowded streets of Ortigas Avenue extension with Dodong.

I know it is not at all romantic but it brings us back to the days when we were still not Dodong and I. Cheese! And don't you think it would be nice to pray together at the foot of Our Lady of Good Voyage for our next journey TOGETHER?

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay