Eats @ Cafe Balooga

It is a joy to find local hidden treasures each time. The "unique" characteristic is subjective to who is speaking. What a city girl may find "rare" can just be "ordinary" for a town girl. So when I go out of town, my best bet is always to try the "local" and "hidden" small restaurants before opting for the usual fast food restaurants.

For this Sundate, we marched to Subic, Olongapo City once again. Thanks to SCTX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) for making it a convenient travel to and from. I've heard about this restaurant 5 years ago and we always miss to visit since it's first branch was located outside the Subic area so it's out of our usual route. So when a friend from there told me that there is a second branch in Harbor Point Mall, we planned the date for it at once.

Cafe Balooga is categorized as a coffee-bake shop in some yellow pages, but they also serve main meals for lunch and dinner. It has been around since year 2001. "Balooga" is a term related to the Filipino word, "Baluga" which is a colloquial word that means, of black descent or an adjective to describe someone who has dark-skin. It is not used to please or flatter someone you want to describe as "tan," if you know what I mean. 

 As you enter the restaurant, it gives you an old-familiar feel with dark wood all over and dim-lights. It is somewhat in between "boho and shabby-chic." But I like it. They even have vintage memorabilia from their homes and childhood perhaps. It's basically a diplay of sorts. For our food, we ordered three viands since we were just three; actually, two and a half, since our other friend is on a diet. The menu has a lovely lay-out. The server suggested pasta and meat dishes as their specialty. So we opted for the meat with rice and sides and skipped the pasta.

We ordered the Baby-back Ribs, served with mixed vegetables. I must say that the baby back was a winner. It is tender, juicy and well-grilled outside. The b-b-q sauce was tasty but we also asked for steak sauces as we're accustomed to. One miss though, they could have done better with the side dish. It didn't looked equally appetizing visually.

This one's Salpicao. It looked different from the other verisons but it came as a surprise. The beef dish looked simple and uninviting. But the infused flavor is "umami-balanced." It is tasty but not too salty nor sweet. A comforting dish with rice.  

Third is the Grilled Stuffed Squid. We understood that it's past dinner time when we came in so we assumed, the early diners got the best of our supposed squid. It was too small to share for three persons actually. The stuffing has bell pepper, cheese, and ground pork. It blended well with the sauce and the squid. Just that, the squid itself was a tad overcooked. So the texture is more gooey than tender. Once you mess up with the texture, all its goodness is lost. (Sayang!)

We just came from Starbucks so we opted not to order any desserts, or what's left of it. Overall, the price is affordable, the servers are friendly and accommodating and the totality of the ordered food tasted better than otherwise. We'll  surely come back here, only earlier than 9pm. Maybe then, we'll get a better-sized squid. lol

Financial Damage: P300+ per person.

Address: 1/F Harbor Point, Rizal Highway, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo, Zambales

For inquiries, call them 

at: +6326252000 

Store hours: 10:00am to 9:00pm daily 

*But we left at 10:00pm and they did not kick us out.

Note: I apologize for the poorly-lighted pictures since it was dim inside the premise and I only took these using my iPhone.

Let me know your experience too. :)

Cheers!

M.

Eats @ Coldstone Ice Creamery

I've always wondered how stand-alone dessert stores/ restaurants in Hong Kong, Japan and China surpassed the test of time in spite of the expensive rental, the food trend and the differentiating global economic status. They offer a variety of snacks and after meal happiness. The dessert trend in the Philippines started with the ever-famous halo-halo (Anthony Bourdain even liked it when he tried it), sorbetes (ice cream), leche flan, mais con yelo, buko pandan, yogurt, pudding and of course, ice cream. Gelato, sorbet or ice cream, they all trap one's sweet tooth everytime.

While the general public shares the likeness for SORBETES, artisan and gourmet ice creams have also captured the hearts of many ice cream lovers within the metro. One international brand IN FOCUS has hit the Philippines recently. This is COLDSTONE CREAMERY Co..  This one's a teppanyaki-style ice cream.

I first tasted it in Shanghai, China during one of our trips back in 2010, and I tell you, it was love at first sight.

This is their

"When we serve up ice cream, we’re not just scooping it out of some frozen vat and handing it to you - we’re crafting personalized works of art!

First, we make your ice cream fresh inside the store every day. Then we take your favorite ice cream flavor, add your choice of mix-ins, and finally we chop and fold it all together using two spades on a frozen granite stone. These freshly-prepared masterpieces are called Creations — the most famous of which are called Signature Creations™."

dig in


This is the common ice cream served in a cup here in the Philippines.

Apart from its overt sugar rushing and fat-creating benefits, did you know that ice cream can also be good for maintaining bone density and improving immunity from influenza? Surprised?  This is because ice cream is basically made from milk, cream and sugar. And milk is a great source of protein, lactoferrin and cytokines. That is why, when we had colds before, we were ASKED (with gleeful acceptance of course) to eat ice cream. One practical use of eating ice cream is to lessen oral pain right after a tooth extraction. That surely helps ease the pain and diverts the need to feel the pain.

Cooks @ Sweet Chocolate Rice Porridge or Champurado

Whenever it's raining hard, my cravings turn to my childhood favorite comfort food for snacks. Rainy season here in the Philippines usually start in June and ends in August or September. It's when the monsoon rains come by the most causing heavy rains and even thunderstorms. During this challenging ti, it is comforting to snack on something familiar, sweet and simple. My rainy season snacks include creamy macaroni soup (sopas) and sweet chocolate rice porridge (champorado).

There are different versions of this. Known to me are Spanish, Filipino and Chinese versions. I've grown to modify my own version so as to suit my taste and my changing food choices.

So for today, I'll be sharing with you my version's recipe that is so easy to do and so yummy tasting.

ingredients:

5- pcs tablea chocolate rounds

1- cup of sticky rice ( I use japanese rice)

3-pcs kisses chocolate

4-tablespoon sugar (adjustable to taste)

1/2-cup oats (I use quaker oats quick cook)

7-cups of water

1-cup of evaporated milk

Procedure:

1. In 1 pot, boil 5 cups of water.

2. Throw in the tablea chocolates. 

3. Stir & dissolve.

4. In a 2nd pot, bring to boil the washed rice with 2 cups of water. Set the heat to medium.

5. When you see it boiling, transfer the rice to the tablea compound.

6. Constantly stirring to

avoid burning the mixture for 15 minutes.

7. Add the oats, sugar and the chocolate kisses and let it simmer for 5 more minutes. Set the heat to low.

8. Transfer to individual bowls and add evaporated milk on top.

9. Serve & share.

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6 cups

I added oats for fiber and lessened sugar level. You can add more if you prefer it sweeter.

*Now all you have to do is check your pantry and cook.:-)

Cheers.

M

Eats @ Abe's Farm

On SundateSs like this day, we usually prefer to stray away from malls and restaurants within the mall just so we could get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. We just needed some peace and quiet so we drove away without a plan in mind..

As we reached the highway, we have decided to eat Filipino food. But where....? Spontaneously, we exited Angeles City via NLEX (North Luzon Expressway). Thanks to the 3g data service for we were able to check out nearby restaurants and the directions. Without much thinking, we decided to turn this way...

If you're wondering, this is the road opposite MArquee mall turning from the Rotunda [ a standard portuguese word in origin which means, [a roundabout route or a road junction at which traffic streams circularly around a central island]. It may seem too narrow but this road led us to a nearby relaxing getaway.

Alas, there's a restaurant within the vicinity. Researching and thinking..

When I think of Filipino dishes, I have a lengthy list in mind with which I cannot condense. On top of my list is the comforting and flavorful Kapampangan Cuisine-- dishes from Pampanga, cooked by a Kapampangan or inspired by Kapampangan recipes. 

One of the best "version" restuarants which serves Kapampangan dishes for me is thsi restaurant--"Abe's Farm." We've come to the right place. True to its slogan,"where good friend dine," it is indeed a place for comfort food where friends can dine and mingle.

So upon entering the main gate, the spacious parking greets you along with the lush greens. 

Abe [ah-be] is a "kapampangan (dialect in Pampanga) word for "companion" or "friend." It was also derived from the owner's father's nickname or otherwise known as [palayaw in Filipino] by his peers. 

This is the welcoming sight towards the semi-enclosed restaurant.

The owner created this sight and restaurant in honor of his late father (as shown in the picture on the left).

I love the fusion of old and modern furnitures and displays inside. As you can see, the sidelines are semi-opened for natural light and  air to circulate. Plus, the view cannot be ignored so why cover? 

The antique pieces spread all over stand out the most.  I also like the fact that they did not compromise comfort with style because allt eh chairs are comfy to sit on. 

There's even a daybed on the mezzanine for guests who needed a quick siesta.

Look at how intricate those wood-carvings on the bed are. It's dreamy and inviting. So before I end up sleeping, let's just order. 

The menu in mynopinion, is straightforward and honest. It showcases only what it can deliver. We'll talk about the taste later. 

For two persons, we ordered 3 dishes, 1 rice and drinks.

My plate is ready to be filled and messed up with good food.

Bamboo rice - mountain rice cooked with wood ear mushrooms, shrimps and bamboo shoots steamed into a bamboo shell to seal the flavors altogether. Thus, the name. It is somewhat like "kiam peng" or chinese salty soy rice (yao mei fan in Mandarin). There's a distinct flavor to both which can be addicting as you eat more.

First: Fried lumpia [spring roll] with vinegar - We've had a lot of spring roll versions, this one's not exceptional but is still pleasing to the taste buds. Not overpowering nor lacking in taste.

Second: Binagoongang baboy - This one is surprisingly not oily. Considering the fats from the pork which tenderized the lean meat perfectly, the oil level is manageable. It is also seasoned well. But you have an option to add seasoning if you prefer it more salty.

Third: Sauteed Squid in Olive oil. - I believe that "save the best for last" applies here. It is indeed the star of the meal for me. The aglio e olio is well-balanced, the squid is cooked to perfection without the gummy texture. Tasty enough for the first and last bite. My taste buds was happy to finish 3/4 of the serving which is by the way, good for 2-3 persons. Sensory satiety is out of the question. It's that yummy. And I'd like to think that it's also healthy since they claimed to use "olive oil."

While we slowly enjoy our meal, this was our view. I was told that this pool is open to public. For day swim, it's 450php per person. But if you check-into their hotel and villa facility, it's free of charge to use. It's relatively small but well-maintained. No area of moss or grit.

This is one of their traditional huts - which looks like a tiki house only with airconditioning. 2500-4500php a night is not a bad price to pAy after all.

Behind our table is a divided room with a table for 8. This is their VIP room for guests in group wanting to be secluded fromt he crowd.

Need to pee? Here's the washroom area in wood and capiz. It is also semi-enclosed so expect a view fromt he inside while you do your thing. Don't worry, it's high enough for your own privacy.

The yard with cobble stones surrounding the restaurant is a simple charmer. 

Overall, the food was great but it was more like the experience of being there which I liked the most. It attracts your senses but not too much that it's overly stimulating. The staff were great too. They make sure to attend to your needs even before you ask them to. At the same time, they let you enjoy the peace and quiet at your own pace. No pressure or no asking of too many questions. 

Also, to complete the peaceful experience, try their spa services at the other side of the entrance. That's what I'm gonna try next time. Until my next visit!

Abe's Farm

98 Livestock Village, Barangay Ayala

Magalang, Pampanga

Philippines

Open dAily, 10:00am - 8:00pm

Phone: +63917-808-5187

Email: info@abesfarm.com.ph

Succesful SundateSs again.

Cheers.

M.

Promos @Starbucks

In my travels to other asian countries, I became familiar with different Starbucks promotions and customer freebies. And I always thought, that ain't fair. Yea, Starbucks drinks cost a bit less here in the Philippines but the only persisting promos are the Christmas journals which we have to earn through sbux coffee consumption and the 2-5pm occasional buy 1 take 1 on drinks promo. And they have a lot...

But now, I'm glad that they have added the "starbucks rewards card" to please the paying customers of the Philippines. It's finally here!:)

The card is the same size and thickness as your regular credit card in durable plastic. So it can be carried around in handy. There are two designs but are both in green. This is my personal preference.

This works like a debit card and a reward points earning card exclusively for Starbucks only. You can reload or cash in through any Starbucks outlet and consume the amount with a swipe; while you can also earn points for every beverage you purchase.

1 beverage/ drink = 1 point

The back part of the card provides your personalized card number, card security code and the scope & limitation for usage of the said card. I like the transparent design on the side. A little detail goes a long way. Now the question is, how to avail?

Avail this by: (1) paying 300php for having the Starbucks rewards card which also includes a consumable amount of 300php load; (2) Purchase a minimum amount of 300php and request for a card. It's actually the same, just that for #1, you have an option to get the card and consume the coffee on another day. 

I did # 2 and immediately gained 2 points for the 2 drinks I ordered.

Also, don't forget to register your card at www.starbucks.ph/card to avail 2 freebies:

1. Get a grande drink for free on your next visit.

2. Get a birthday treat on your birthday.

Not bad especially for frequent customers.

Www.starbucks.ph

Cheers.

M.

Eats @ Sorbetes Ice Cream

When it comes to my LONG LIST of comfort food, nothing beats The simple yet savory ICE CREAM. It is an ULTIMATE upper on a bad day. Being in a tropical country meant having only two seasons-- DRY or RAINY. As they say, this is somewhere the sun shines the brightest most of the time. Being near the equator supplements this fact too. And so, ice cream or SORBETES in our local Filipino lingo is a mass favorite.

The traditional means of transport in selling ice cream Filipino style is by foot. The ice cream cart is carried all around a premise by the seller, who is usually a man, called as SORBETERO. These days, for less walking and more sales, ice cream is served by peddling a bicycle-hawker style.

These carts are operated by different owners. Thus, different ice cream recipes, flavors and of course, TASTE. They can be found in busy or populated areas like schools, markets, parks, churches, etc. The prices range from 5.00Php to 25.00Php. 

The one above costs 15.00Php - not bad for three flavors and sugar cone.

Flavors vary, the common ones are ube (purple yam), cheese, chocolate, mango or vanilla (milk). Special flavors include: avocado, strawberry, cookies and cream, etc. While in-season fruits also dictate the available fruit flavors, cheese and ube on the other hand are readily available most times.

The picture above showcase the flavors: cheese, cookies and cream and avocado (L-R). My most favorite flavor is avocado. Yum!

I had one in cone and another one in an all-avocado cup. Remember I mentioned that since these sorbetes are owned and operated by different companies, they may differ from one another. This one by Bayan - Homemade Ice Cream is one of the best I've tried. The texture is really smooth, the flavor is more natural-tasting than artificial, the milk is balanced and the "Sorbetero" is more generous. We really enjoyed the ice cream. Talk about simple joys!

Some days when I am really craving for natural ice cream and has the time and energy to whip up something, I make my own ice cream. Will share the recipe next time.

Bayan Homemade Ice Cream

Duty Free Shopping Center Parking area

Subic Freeport Exchange

Sampson Road, 

Subic, Olongapo City.

(Usually in front of Meat Plus Cafe)

Cheers.

M.