Tim Hortons

    

           

I was totally clueless what Tim Hortons is upon seeing this huge tarp covering their space in Uptown Mall. I thought it was a restaurant or like M&S. After googling, I found out that this is a cafe, kinda like Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts. Tim Hortons multinational fast food and cafe based in Canada famous for their coffee, doughnuts and "Timbits" which is equivalent to DD's munchkins. 

Opened last February 28, the lines were crazy long. Well I kinda expected it since anything franchised and opened in Manila will surely be a blockbuster on its first few days. So I braved the lines 3 weeks after it opened.

Other than doughnuts, they offer sandwiches, bagels and wraps on top of their coffee. What I like about this cafe is that they have combo which is a combination of coffee and doughnuts or sandwich, coffee and potato wedges.

For 100 pesos, I can enjoy a medium coffee and a classic doughnut. If you like to have sandwiches and wedges and coffee, you can get it for 230-270 pesos.

 Menu grabbed from zomato.

The place is spacious enough to accommodate people inside and a couple of tables outside for those who wants al fresco. I love how the lights are yellow and dim just enough to make you feel relaxed while sipping your coffee or just catching up with your friends or working remotely.The staff is very friendly and they are very patient if you are unsure on what to get.

                              

Now let's move on to the taste. I am a coffee lover and you may ask if  it is anything like Starbucks Coffee? I'd say no. It is not as strong as the beans being used in Starbucks. But for the price, it sure is a decent coffee. When I say decent, the flavor is mild and smooth because of the cream and sweet but not overly sweet. I will definitely choose this over Mc Donald's Vanilla Iced Coffee which is around 50 pesos. But of course DD's coffee is  a different story which in my preference is better for those coffee 50 pesos below.  In summary I would say that of a Brewed Double Double (double cream and double sugar) versus other overpriced coffee shops, it's not bad at all.

My go to order is their Iced Coffee and the Vanilla Dip doughnut. Though the candied part is such a pain to bite and the color just bleeds in your mouth, their doughnuts are sweet (shouldn't it be in the first place?) which is perfect for brewed coffee with a shot of expresso. It is heavy and not airy and I like how "full" the doughnut is. So if you are going to ask this time if it is anything like Krispy Kreme , JCO, Dunkin Donuts, Mister Donut, and Donut House, Go Nuts Donut and Starbucks Original or Chocolate Dip Donuts? I'd say in between but some are sweeter than KK and in between KK and JCO. But we all have our own preference. So I really can't say much because doughnuts are doughnuts and I like munchkins and choco butternut is the bomb.

Vanilla Dip

So overall, I think Tim Hortons is a great choice if you want reasonable and decent coffee and if you are in Uptown Mall and you don't want to spend too much on coffee. I also swung by Eastwood and I saw that they are opening their space beside Ippudo.

Don't forget to try their wraps, bagel and other sandwiches :)

Happy Eating!

xx

Flash back and Backyard Kitchen + Brew

When I mentioned on my last post that I made a big jump, it was actually adding another 20 minutes of my travel time from home to work. I ended my year with a new work place after being with Eastwood for exactly 8 years (Pardon my blogging skills since it's been a while).

Now, if you drop by here from time to time, you know that I love Eastwood because of the feels. Everything is just around the corner. For example, I missed out a couple of things or need to pick up a list of items from the grocery. I can just dash to Robinson's Supermarket which is just at the back of Eastwood Mall. Need medicines or makeup? Watsons is just right beside my ex-building. If pantry food sucks (in most cases, yes) there are a lot of restaurants/fast food to choose from. Spending close to a decade in Eastwood made me real good in identifying the  "cursed" spaces where establishments will just last for about 2 years or so.

Though time has come that I had to ready with the thought of myself moving to another company, I will deal with a) crazy traffic b) the accessibility/convenience of what is around the area. But I didn't settle with "come what may". I had a mental note of  conditions that if ever I am getting a new job, I was wish that the set up will still be the same. There must be a dozen of restaurants, Watsons, coffee place and a grocery. To sum it all up I wanted the same thing I have plus a higher pay (who doesn't right?).God does make wonderful things. He gave me the best thing! When I thought that the "best" thing was right in front of me, it was taken away all because there is something better and greater. An answered prayer it is!

Now moving forward, I am enjoying the amenities in the vicinity of the new workplace here in BGC. This means I get to try and dine in new places even though I have to admit it's a bit pricey. One of the first places that I checked out is Backyard Kitchen + Brew.

Backyard Kitchen + Brew is located on the 4th floor of Uptown Mall.  It has a laid back feel where I can imagine having my friends over for some chill time (happy hour yes!). The lights and the accents give you that weekend night chill night backyard feel with wooden chairs and tables and that upbeat music.

Being the frugal person that I am, I flipped the menu looking for anything that can fill my tummy within budget. I have always been told that if you are spending for food, do not regret spending. After all it is food. As I can be practical most of the time, I was skeptical with the 250 (plus tax) for a Big Lunch they are offering. I mean 250 for adobo/pulled pork with some fancy salad? Isn't that too much? Okay, I'll give it a shot.

*Bleep* I was wrong! It was one of the most delicious meal I ever had! On my first visit, I ordered the Balsamic Salad + Solo Mozzarella and Cheddar Flat Bread  + Pulled Pork Belly Rice.

  

A generous amount of rice and pulled pork topped with egg and jalapeno is served in wooden bowls . I am still trying to figure out what kind of spice they used but I am thinking it is cumin with sour cream and bbq sauce. Everything is superb. I guess 250 is not bad at all!

Just look at this evil thing.

 

 

The next visit I had,  I tried another set of the lunch meal. This time the Baked Potato Soup + Balsamic Salad + Pulled Pork (I did taste the Adobo Duck it is delish!)

 

The baked potato soup was bland but cheese it was perfect! I just had to season it with some salt and pepper to suit your taste. Maybe that's why they serve it a bit bland. The greens are a mix of lettuce, alfalfa and some cherry tomatoes drizzled with honey and balsamic vinegar.

 

 

 

I have been always curious with this Salted Egg Chicken Skin. You know the craze of salted egg potato chips? Just replace it with chicken skin. I think the salted egg used on this one wasn't that strong because I can only taste a hint of it. But chicken skin is chicken skin.

 

Overall, the Big Lunch menu is worth every buck and will definitely make me come back.

 

Want to check out their menu?

https://www.zomato.com/manila/backyard-kitchen-brew-bonifacio-global-city-taguig-city/menu#tabtop

 

Go grab your friends and check out this chill place!

 

xx

Back

Hey you! I'm surprised that life  got me real bad and I have lost track of the things that I have been doing and love doing. It's been more than a year since I last updated this blog and it has always been a crazy year after year. I have been taking snaps of all the milestones,cooking and the travel I had but never had the chance to share it.

 But I am proud (a little bit) of myself for making it all these times with all the drama, the ups and downs, the whirl wind of emotions and life in general. It's the start of a new year and what a great time to start new things. I just made the biggest jump in my life and I'm still trying to keep up with what I have left behind.

 Expect new entries soon!

 Life is beautiful! :)

 P.S. I'm still blogging from work.  

I Cook: That Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Just last weekend was the laziest that I can be for this month. Too lazy to actually do anything plus I had a massive head ache. It is one of those days that you are too tired to move or do chores. But it is only during weekends that we do our grocery. Luckily there was an on going promotion  which is buy one get one. Without thinking twice, it ended in our cart.

Cheddar is one of my favorite type of cheese. I usually stack it with Mozzarella and our local cheese on toast. Then while it is still warm, the Mozerella will all be gooey and yummy and the sharpness of cheddar and local cheese is the bomb diggity!

Try it out :)

What you need

Cheddar cheese
Mozzerella
Local Cheese (Eden)
Butter
Salt
Pepper
Bread

I used a square flat griddle pan. Melt butter on pan and place the bread. Place the cheese on top and this should melt the cheese while you have another grilled with butter.  Place the bread on top of the bread with cheese and season with a little salt and pepper. Then flip it to season the other side as well. Once your bread is toasted on both sides its time to take a bite and enjoy! Melted cheese... I just cant say anything but yummy!

That quick and easy!

Happy eating! xx

Thoughts: Something to remember

Let us not waste our emotions by despising.  There is much more that we can feel and do.

We can use these emotions to spread love if you feel hate. Motivate than Frustrate. Be humble than arrogant. Be simple than extravagant.

Remember that each person has their own battle to fight. May it be how to survive another day until the darkness ends and there is light.

If you think that you are above anyone else, remember that we are all stepping on the same ground.

Do not belittle, disrespect , judge, shame or ridicule. Remember that there is the One above who can see what you are as a whole.

So start your day and be awesome and great .For today you'll be the youngest than you can be and it's not too late. 

Weekend Baking : Apple Turnovers

I just can't believe it! It's June and I have not posted anything for 10 months now. Been really busy with work and life. Life is pretty interesting and everything seems to be a roller coaster ride. You just need to hold on honey. Make the most out of it. Okay, enough of the little drama. I will try my best to upload/post some of my randomness once in a while.

I've been browsing through my tablet's gallery and noticed that I have been doing a lot of cooking and baking in the past few months. I saw my Apple Turnovers and I was like "Why did I not post this?".Which reminds me that it was that time when the news broke regarding the Granny Smith and Gala apples recall. So I was a little hesitant since I bought 1 Granny Smith and 1 Fiji during that period. But it was still on display and they never pulled it out in the grocery so I am assuming it is safe for consumption.

This easy and delicious turnover is just divine! I start off by preheating my oven around  200 degrees C. for 15 minutes and prepare the following. By the way, since  I only made 3 turnovers the recipe is good for about 4-5 depending on the cuts you make with the apple. I chopped them really bite size because I don't want huge chunks in my pie.

2 apples peeled, cored and chopped
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Puff Pastry ( I used Kawan Block Puff Pastry)
1 egg (for  brushing on top of the pastry before baking)

In a pan on medium heat, melt the butter and place the apples and brown sugar and cinnamon and mix until the apples turn soft.

Mix in 1 tbsp of flour to thicken the consistency and set aside the mixture to cool.

Meanwhile dust a little flour and place the puff pastry. Get your rolling pin and thin the pastry to a few centimeters. Place in the apple mixture and fold it forming a triangle.

Using a fork, seal the edges by pressing the dough. Don't forget to poke it in the middle so steam can be released. Brush with egg wash and pop it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes.

 And here is my first attempt.

It's easy and delicious! You can top it off with vanilla ice cream and drizzle some caramel sauce. My mouth is just watering right now.

Happy Eating!

Binondo: Food strollin'

MAY.

SUMMER.

OFFICE.

Temperature rising and wishing that summer is over and that the rainy season should come earlier as expected. Due to the hot humid weather, I happen to dodge all ideas about GA's, Team Building or Strategic Planning that is located anywhere else outside Eastwood during out of business hours and would require traveling, swim suits and booze.

Philippine Holidays are now time offs (Usually that is, but still insists to go to work for holiday pay) and our team needs to push through with the assembly. As I tried to avoid all ideas, a light bulb appeared. "Why don't we just eat? I mean not once but around Chinatown?" 

I was pushing to go with the "Binondo food walk". I heard so much how great Binondo is for delicious yet affordable Chinese food. Good thing everyone bought the idea and we settled with the time and place.

Friday came and I took the train (LRT) from Roosevelt to Doroteo Jose  Station where we will all meet. I suffered for 15-20 minutes inside with no aircon and  breathing other's air. But thankfully I was able to get a seat.

I was already late with our 12 noon meet up. Upon reaching D.Jose Station, I was beyond excited to step out the coach where it almost felt like an oven and just kneel and catch my breath. I met up with my colleagues and got ready for the walk.

FIRST STOP: WAI YING

Famished, we ordered Beef noodle soup which by the way comes in a huge bowl. For 100 php you can enjoy warm soup with chewy noodles with beef shanks and veggies. Warming the tummy is a good way to start the meal if you haven't eaten on time to avoid tummy aches.

Honey baked rib rice. Generous chunks of beef that is easy to chew in honey sauce.

Hakaw 70 php. I love how the  wrapper turned out to be soft, smooth and not dry. You can really taste the shrimp which looks like a fairly medium size shrimp inside that is moist and flavorful.

Roasted duck with fried rice 160php. Roasted duck as it is with like asado sauce again paired with fried rice.

Radish Cake 60 php for 3 fat pieces. To be honest this is what I enjoyed most, aside from the Hakaw.

I skipped on eating rice because I knew I'd get full fast and we are only in our first stop.

I can't believe that Wai Ying is just in Manila. I hope they get to open around QC.

SECOND STOP:  La Resureccion 

"That Tablea Shop" as I call it but we really didn't notice it while we were walking in Ongpin St. What made us stop is the aroma of sweet smell of chocolate and followed our nose where it led us to this small shop. 

More walks around Chinatown.

THIRD STOP: SINCERITY

Sincerity fried chicken which costs 300 php for a whole plate of deep fried crispy chicken is really really delicious! It's so tasty that I had to order a cup of rice. The chicken is well seasoned and tender. It's close enough to be called chinese style but in the boarder line of it.

Last food stop was at New Po Heng in Quentin Paredes St. We stopped by Eng Bee Tin first to buy some hopia and other sweets to take home. Good thing just across it is the Lumpia House.

For 50php,  you get a big fat vegetable roll with all the good things inside.  I was already full and we all shared 2 pcs of this awesome goodness.

Our last stop was at a huge grocery just outside the "Welcome to Chinatown" sign before the bridge. I bought my mum some dried plums and got myself some flavored strips of codfish like the ones being sold at Aji Ichiban.

I hate walking under the sun, but this one was worth the sweat and heat. :) Affordable delicious food around the town makes me crave at this hour specially the radish cake.