food – Page 23 – Author Carlo Carrasco

My Observations: Lunch at Toucan Brazilian BBQ Buffet Restaurant

April 18, 2019April 18, 2019carlocarrasco

Here in the Philippines, finding a place that serves Brazilian food is quite challenging. For those who live in South Metro Manila, the good news is that there is a new restaurant at the expanded area of Festival Mall, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa, and it’s called Toucan Brazilian BBQ Buffet Restaurant.

As of this writing, the restaurant charges P430 per customer for lunch (I forgot their rate for children, sorry) and P730 for dinner. Out of curiosity, as well as my previous high interest on visiting Brazil for the Rio Carnival and discovering their culture and norms, I tried out their lunch buffet.

As soon as I entered, I saw the buffet table and I took a seat by the wall. The interiors were nice and very notable is the use of the colors yellow and green (plus blue) which easily reminds me of Brazil.

The restaurant really made a lot of efforts emphasizing Brazil to the customers. For decorations, they posted several framed pictures on their walls.

IMG_20190417_130807~2.jpg — *You like Samba and art?*

IMG_20190417_130958~2.jpg — *At the other wall.*

THE FOOD

How about food? On my trip to the buffet selection, there was a mix of meat, vegetables, rice, salad and free flowing drinking (by the wall). What surprised me was the presence of Chinese-style noodles (are those really part of Brazilian cuisine?). For my plate, I decided to have more vegetables than meat. Picture below.

IMG_20190417_123357~2.jpg — *Pork with caramelized onions plus cabbage and potatoes.*

As I started enjoying my drink and meal, the restaurant had personnel walking around carrying metallic sticks (from the grill) with meat attached to them. Because there was this wooden object with its green end on top (red end below), one of the carriers approached me and asked if I were interested to try a slice of beef cattle tongue which I accepted since I wanted to try it.

I had not touched the slice as I was focused on my vegetables and pork. Some minutes later, another guy carrying meat approached me and asked if I were interested in chicken. I asked him to give me some and just add it on the small plate carrying the still untouched slice (beef cattle tongue). Then I took a picture.

IMG_20190417_123956~2.jpg — *Two different servings of chicken with the slice of beef in the middle.*

I finally decided to try out the slice of beef. It was pretty tasty and there was no need for condiments to add flavor. I slowly ate it and then I tried the gold-like colored chicken which, in my view, seemed fried. It turned out, it was very well cooked and was even more flavorful than I expected.

Eventually I got satisfied and decided to flip the wooden object’s red end to the top to signify to the restaurant personnel I don’t want anymore servings. I took my last drink. It was time to cool down, rest and then prepare to pay the fee. When I saw the bill, there was a service charge of P38.36 on top of the buffet fee which I paid.

While waiting for my change to come, I took another picture of the wall decorations nearby.

IMG_20190417_130937~2.jpg — *More than a dance and a showcase of skin, Samba is a Brazilian musical genre and its most notable music feature is the use of drums done the African way.*

Overall, I enjoyed my lunch at Toucan Brazilian BBQ Buffet Restaurant and it was good taste and good value in return for my money. Definitely it is the place to go if you are looking for Brazilian cuisine or if you are looking for a different kind of buffet experience in Alabang. If there is anything lacking, I forgot to ask for their menu for other selections (I always wanted to try Brazilian coffee). Also there were lots of other grilled meats that I have yet to try. Eventually I’ll get them next time.

Toucan Brazilian BBQ Buffet Restaurant is recommended.

Thank you for reading. If you find this news article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

My Observations: Sigekiya Ramen’s Yokohama Tantanmen

April 11, 2019April 11, 2019carlocarrasco

Recently I visited Sigekiya Ramen at Commercenter, Filinvest City, Muntinlupa City and there I tried out their latest ramen called the Tantanmen (full name: Yokohama Tantanmen).

According to the good people of the business, Tantanmen is the newest ramen variant created by their master Mamoru Sugizaki. It comes with a thinner version of Sigekiya’s made-in-store ramen noodles combined with a soup that rich, flavorful and spicy. Also present are some ground meat and a few green vegetables.

IMG_20190408_123248_HDR~2.jpg — *A close look at Sigekiya’s Yokohama Tantanmen.*

From my first experience tasting of the soup, I felt this delicious flavor in my mouth. To my surprise, there was spice that was more tolerable than I expected. Normally I go only for Level 1 spice at Sigekiya Ramen and their Tantanmen’s default spice was at around Level 5. As the spice was tolerable, I kept consuming more of the dish and the thinner noodles was nice change. By the time I finished it, I was really satisfied and I truly enjoyed it.

So would I recommend this new dish of Sigekiya to you? Yes! In fact, I highly recommend it! If you love your ramen to be spicy (note: at Sigekiya, you get to customize the spice level), filling and tasty while at the same time you crave for ground meat, then the Yokohama Tantanmen is for you!

IMG_20190408_123237_HDR~2.jpg — *The Tantanmen from above!*

Sigekiya’s 3rd anniversary

This month of April, Sigekiya Ramen celebrated its 3rd anniversary and I am happy for them that they made it this far attracting loyal customers as Commercenter keeps on establishing itself as a good venue for shopping, dining and movies in the highly competitive commercial zone of Alabang.

I remember Sigekiya Ramen opened on April 6, 2016. Back in those days, I was already tired of eating ramen served by many other Japanese restaurants which bought their noodles wholesale and just cooked and served those. With Sigekiya, I was already interested to find out how good, how tasty and how unique their ramen would be. A day or two after their opening in 2016, I went inside, sat down and ordered their default ramen. Right from the first serving, I enjoyed their soup and made-in-store noodles (which have a rich texture, is thicker and more ideal to chew than other ramen noodles).

Since then I return to them whenever I can afford their meals (which by the way are made with imported ingredients which explain the high prices). I also enjoy ramen again only this time it’s Sigekiya that is my first choice.

I also wrote about their Tsukemen (my favorite!) and the Gojira Ramen.

If you are interested to try Sigekiya Ramen’s offerings, visit them at the ground floor of Commercenter. Inquiries are accepted by phone at 805-0400.

Kudos to Sigekiya Ramen!

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

Get To Know the Club Sandwich

March 17, 2019March 23, 2019carlocarrasco

When reading the menu of a nice restaurant, have you wondered what the club sandwich listed is like? Does its name spark your curiosity? If you are planning to try that as your next meal, here’s something to read about.

IMG_20190302_123628~2.jpg — *Special thanks to Union Jack Tavern for their Chicken Club Sandwich which is composed of a large sandwich (divided into quarters) with some chips accompanying it.*

To put things into perspective, the Club Sandwich (AKA Clubhouse Sandwich) is a uniquely presented type of sandwich with its bread being traditionally toasted and it carries slices of cooked poultry, tomatoes, lettuce, mayonnaise and bacon. It can be served sliced into quarters or half portions. The club sandwich is notable for having the “double decker” structure.

Depending on the restaurant, it can be served with chips (AKA French Fries) or with a serving of coleslaw (or salad). As a meal, club sandwich can be quite filling on its own as the mix of toasted bread and its ingredients makes for a hefty content. In my experience with Union Jack Tavern‘s Chicken Club Sandwich, their meal accompanied with chips is indeed sufficient and stomach-filling.

What I like about the club sandwich apart from its hefty content is that it tastes delicious even without the use of condiments. The taste of cooked poultry and bacon combined with the fresh vegetables make a nice experience on my taste buds.

IMG_20190302_123607~2.jpg — *Look at that!*

So how did the club sandwich begin? A lot of experts disagree until now. It has been speculated that the club sandwich creation and its double decker design was inspired by the Pennsylvania Railroad. Also speculated was it starting as the Union Club Sandwich which was first referred to in print media form in 1889. As for who could have invented club sandwich, nobody could verify.

While its definitive origin remains undetermined, the club sandwich remains available in some restaurants in your local area and the good news is that a single order ensures satisfaction for your stomach and a good taste for your taste buds.

Speaking of food, let me end this with a verse from the Holy Bible.

Go, eat your bread with joy, And drink your wine with a merry heart; For God has already accepted your works.

Ecclesiastes 9: 7 (New King James Version)

Thank you for reading. If you find this article to be engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco.

My Observations: Have You Tried Okonomiyaki Lately?

March 10, 2019carlocarrasco

Have you been passing by Japanese restaurants lately? In my experience, I often see people eating noodles or sushi or maki or tempura or a Japanese rice meal whenever I pass by a Japanese restaurant in the Alabang area or in BF Homes’ food strip.

The one particular food that is not too commonly spotted being served is the Okonomiyaki.

IMG_20190223_115758~2.jpg — *This is the Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki as served by Fukuya Japanese Restaurant in Alabang. Below that fancy looking top are the other ingredients.*

In case you are wondering, Okonomiyaki is a pan fried food that is made with batter and a variety of ingredients depending on what its type is. The cabbage is often the main ingredient. Its name is roughly translated as “to one’s liking” or “how you like”. With regards to variety or types of Okonomiyaki, the meal is most popular in the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Osaka. The Okonomiyaki’s taste varies depending as to what its type is but for the most part it does not carry the sweetness of pancakes. In fact, the Okonomiyaki has more in common with pizza.

At Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City is Fukuya Japanese Restaurant which serves not one but two types of Okonomiyaki. For this article, I tried their Hiroshima variant of the meal which is pretty flavorful and in their restaurant customers can watch the chef cook it.

IMG_20190223_120327~2-1.jpg — *The other ingredients of Fukuya’s Hiroshima Okonomiyaki are noodles and vegetables and some pieces of meat in between.*

Fukuya’s Okonomiyaki has a nicely decorated top which is edible and below it are the other ingredients mainly cabbage, noodles and some meat pieces in between.

I noticed that it takes some unique skills to cook Okonomiyaki which can be fun to watch at times. While there are some Japanese restaurants that cook the meal in the kitchen for the customers waiting, there are other restaurants that allow customers cook it themselves.

So, have you eaten Okonomiyaki at a Japanese restaurant lately?

My Observations: Lunch At Little Caesars Pizza (Philippines)

March 6, 2019carlocarrasco

This past January, there was lots of buzz on Facebook when a new branch of pizza maker Little Caesars Pizza opened in the Ermita area of the City of Manila here in the Philippines. There were pictures and videos showing some entertainment just outside the restaurant and customers who looked like they enjoyed the place.

Because I live and work in Alabang, the Little Caesars Pizza Philippines was far away. Very recently I got the golden opportunity to visit the pizza joint and try out the food for the first time ever.

To put things in perspective, Little Caesars started with a blind date between Mike Ilitch and Marian Bayoff that was arranged by Mike’s father in the year 1954. Some months later they got married and they invested their life savings to establish their first pizza store in Garden City, Michigan. In 1962, the first franchise opened in Warren, Michigan. The move with franchising helped Little Caesars to expand rapidly in the United States and eventually as an international pizza maker.

I myself had visited the United States many times in my life and the funny thing was that I NEVER got to visit a branch of Little Caesars nor had I ever ate any of their food. There were times when me and my relatives traveled by car passing a few Little Caesars branches but never stopped to dine in.

This brings me to my first-time ever to visit and dine at Little Caesars right here in the Philippines. The Little Caesars Pizza Philippines branch is located along United Nations Avenue corner Alhambra street in Ermita Manila. Parking there was tricky and I was lucky that the parking slot right in front was vacant.

IMG_20190306_123829~2.jpg — *Little Caesars Pizza Philippines in Ermita, Manila.*

So there I was at the counter carefully looking at the menu and saw selections like 12-inch pizzas with flavors of Pepperoni, Cheese, Ultimate Supreme, 3-Meat Treat, Hula Hawaiian and Veggie Veggie. Since I love eating vegetable pizza, I ordered a Veggie Veggie and a drink.

IMG_20190306_122301~2.jpg — *The 12-inch Veggie Veggie pizza served freshly hot. Tasty too!*

Within minutes the pizza was served to me with a box which is ideal for taking out whatever is left. Right from the start there was that fragrance that was delightful to smell. The pizza was freshly cooked and had nice heat (not too hot) and I noticed the ingredients looked really nice.

How was my first bite with the first slice? It was really tasty. The cheese, the sauce, the dough and the ingredients all combined for a nice flavor. It was so tasty, I did not to add any condiments. The dough was also somewhat soft which was good because I managed to eat the crust with no problem. Also I noticed that there was minimal grease on the pizza.

Once I was satisfied, I took home the remaining pizza slices with the box and I left pretty satisfied and delighted. Perhaps next time I visit, I’ll try those another flavor.

Was my visit at Little Caesars Pizza Philippines worth it? YES! In fact, I encourage you readers to visit it if you are looking for nice pizza in the City of Manila.

What can I say about their Veggie Veggie pizza? I highly recommend it!

IMG_20190306_122306~2.jpg — *A closer look at the Veggie Veggie pizza.*

Visit Little Caesars Philippines FB page now.

My Observations: Sigekiya’s Gojira Ramen Is A Monster Meal For Your Belly!

March 2, 2019carlocarrasco

Looks can be deceiving. Recently I visited Sigekiya Ramen at Commercenter in Alabang for lunch initially wanting the Tsukemen which I enjoy. As I looked on their menu, I noticed one particular ramen I have not tried before – the Gojira Ramen. It was listed on the menu that it was available on small size but the waiter assured me that it comes with a lot of content.

So I ordered it and after about ten minutes waiting, it was served to me at my table. To my surprise, Gojira Ramen was plentiful and all the space of its small-sized bowl was really full!

IMG_20190128_122032~2.jpg — *A closer look at Gojira Ramen.*

I took a closer look before consuming it. It had two nice servings of meat, lots of fresh vegetables, the soup and the noodles (located underneath). It took me a while to get through it at first alternating between eating the meat, then the noodles, then the vegetables and the soup. As I went on, I enjoyed it more.

More importantly, it filled my stomach. The small-sized bowl was deceiving to the eye but rest assured, the Gojira Ramen is rich with content and flavor. Do I recommend it? Absolutely!

In case you are wondering what Gojira means, read this – Gojira is actually the Japanese name of Godzilla (the cinematic icon from Japanese cinema). The very first Godzilla movie released in Japan in 1954 was titled Gojira.

If you are looking for a monster meal at Sigekiya Ramen, go for their Gojira Ramen. Meat, vegetables and noodles nicely fixed together to satisfy you.

My Observations: Union Jack Tavern’s Apple Crumble

February 22, 2019carlocarrasco

Previously I discussed the Sticky Toffee Pudding dessert of Union Jack Tavern on a visit. I had that dessert because they ran out of Apple Crumble. During my last visit, Apple Crumble was finally available for me to enjoy.

IMG_20190217_160719~2.jpg — *Apple Crumble with vanilla ice cream on top!*

To put things in perspective, I availed of UJT’s Sunday lunch buffet many times over the past five years and often Apple Crumble is served as the dessert. Ordering it from the menu results a large serving with a choice of one large scoop of vanilla ice cream on top or custard. Apple Crumble ala cart costs over P200.

How was it? With vanilla ice cream served with it, Apple Crumble really tastes very, very delicious! For me vanilla ice cream combined with the apple portions and other sweet ingredients result something very delightful to my taste bud. Also there is that nice feeling in my mouth in which the ice cream mixed with the somewhat warm apple crumble created together.

Of course, there were a few times I tried Apple Crumble with custard (somewhat warm) and it is also delightful. Slightly different but still very yummy.

IMG_20190217_160843~2.jpg — *With the ice cream reduced as well as the apple crumble, you can see what’s inside. Really yummy goodness!*

What can I say? Apple Crumble of Union Jack Tavern, whether served with ice cream or custard, is a winner for me and I highly recommend you try it! The serving is large by the way and you will get your money’s worth!

If you are visiting Alabang in Muntinlupa City, I highly recommend you visit Union Jack Tavern which is located at the lower ground floor of the Expanded Area of Festival Mall. Physically their place is located by the “river” (across Landmark Alabang) and near them is Mesa restaurant.

My Observations: Food for a Cause

February 13, 2019February 16, 2019carlocarrasco

There is nothing like enjoying a meal in support of a good cause.

IMG_20190213_113846~2.jpg — *Really delicious pasta I bought to help a friend.*

Today I bought from my friend Chicken Parmesan Pasta for lunch and enjoyed it not only because it was delicious but also because I helped her on her effort for a good cause.

So there I was at home about to watch local and foreign news on cable TV with a bowl containing portions of the Chicken Parmesan Pasta I brought home. As I watched the news unfold, I took bites and each bite was a delightful experience. The pasta was nicely cooked, it had a smooth and creamy texture and was flavorful enough I did not need any condiments for it. Oh yes, the chicken was something nice to chew with.

If you have a friend who is selling something good or useful to raise money for a good cause and you have money to spare, help your friend.

As I enjoyed my friend’s pasta again today, I am thankful to her (she’s a talented cook as well as a very talented singer) and of course to the Lord for the blessing.

Here’s a scripture of thanksgiving from the Holy Bible.

For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 4: 15 (NKJV)

Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this article, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well.

My Observations: Union Jack Tavern’s Sticky Toffee Pudding

February 11, 2019March 6, 2019carlocarrasco

During my recent afternoon visit at Union Jack Tavern at Festival Mall in Alabang, I ordered an Apple Crumble of theirs which is a favorite dessert of mine. However they could not serve it because they ran out of Apple Crumble that day (Sunday) which was served during their Sunday lunch buffet as the dessert.

Then I glanced over their menu to check what other desserts were listed. Out of curiosity, I decided to order their Sticky Toffee Pudding. Around fifteen minutes later, it was served to me by their waitress. I took time out to take a close look at it before consuming it.

Sticky Toffee Pudding is composed of a moist sponge cake, vanilla ice cream and chopped dates which were covered with toffee sauce.

After taking a few pics of it, I decided to take my first scoop of the dessert with the spoon carefully getting a portion of both the cake and ice cream together. The result – a great taste with a satisfying feeling in my mouth! It was really tasty and in terms of sweetness, it felt rich yet not excessive to my taste buds. Anyone who loves toffee or chocolate-like food should try this!

IMG_20190210_162539~2.jpg — *Union Jack Tavern’s Sticky Toffee Pudding. This one cost me P233.50 which includes the 10% service charge. Truly it was worth the price!*

Having enjoyed the first bite, I gradually consumed it as I want to enjoy it to the best I could. In between bites, I drank water.

Ultimately, UJT’s Sticky Toffee Pudding is a GREAT dessert to have and it truly is worth its high price (listed at P215 on the menu as of this writing). I felt that the unavailability of Apple Crumble was a blessing in disguise. Had that other dessert been available, I may not have tried Sticky Toffee Pudding.

IMG_20190209_185931~2.jpg — *This is the exterior of Union Jack Tavern at Festival Mall in Alabang. A great place to visit for drinks, meals and fun!*

Origin of Sticky Toffee Pudding

While the origin of Sticky Toffee Pudding remains debated, it is likely that the delicacy was created by Francis Coulson at the Sharrow Bay Hotel in Cumbria sometime during the 1970s. Although the exact date of creation is unknown, Coulson reportedly admitted that the recipe might not have been purely his own and that he was inspired by a “sweet woman in Lancashire”. Believe it or not, each member of the staff at Sharrow Bay Hotel signed a secrecy agreement not to reveal the recipe that is kept in the vaults of the place. To this day people are arguing that the the pudding originated in the Lake District or in Aberdeenshire or Scotland (because the Scots love sugar).

My Observations: Las Piñas Cafe

February 8, 2019carlocarrasco

Today I managed to visit a particular new place in the City of Las Piñas which has been getting some attention lately. It is called Las Piñas Cafe and it is located just steps outside of the main building of City Hall.

IMG_20190208_110735~2.jpg — *Las Piñas Cafe from the outside. It was recently inaugurated by the City Government of Las Piñas led by incumbent Mayor Imelda Aguilar.*

Currently operating on one floor, Las Piñas Cafe is a canteen which has a large floor space with many tables and chairs (estimated sitting capacity of at least 80 people) kept cool with air-condition units.

Upon entering the front doors, you will find to the left is selection of meals and drinks where customers can line-up and pay for. There is also another spot of snacks (note: junk food) to choose from.

IMG_20190208_110220~2.jpg — *The self-service counter for meals and drinks.*

IMG_20190208_110214~2.jpg — *A selection of snacks on display.*

Out of curiosity I bought a drink and sat at one of the many chairs across the room to drink and watch. In my observation, the place is pretty comfortable. I would not be surprised that very soon, the place will be occupied by more people (notably City Government employees and visitors) seeking comfort and refreshment.

With the summer season approaching, I can easily imagine a lot of people spending time inside the cafeteria to escape the scorching heat.

According to the City Government of Las Piñas, the Las Piñas Cafe actually had its soft opening last year. The formal and full opening happened very recently which was done by Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar together with her daughter (and running-mate for this May’s election) April, Vice Mayor Louie Bustamante, members of the City Council and heads of varied City Government departments.

The construction of Las Piñas Cafe was described to be part of the mayor’s infrastructure development program.

IMG_20190208_110309~2.jpg — *A view from the far end of the cafeteria.*

If you have time to visit City Hall, I suggest visiting their comfortable and cool cafeteria.

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