Food Porn: Instagram Round Up

Middle part of this year was the time I signed up for Instagram. Since then, I unconsciously treated it as a tradition, sort of a prayer- something I do before (and sometimes after) eating.

To treat your eyes, I have rounded up my top 50 shots of food from my Instagram account which I call "Instagram Round Up".

Merry Christmas Everyone!

At the moment, my right hand is probably raising a bottle of wine and my left, an empty goblet- preparing for a toast to a joyous Christmas day.

I just want to send a down to heart greeting in this Yuletide Season. Merry Christmas readers! May all of you find happiness in the things I make you read and may all of your wishes come true!

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu's Festive Buffet

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu invites you to Festive Season 2012. Apart from first-rate room packages and marked events, the hotel highlights its title as home of Cebu's best buffet.

Feast at your venue of choice: Cafe Marco, Lobby Lounge or El Viento Restaurant Pool and Bar with Festive Season items such as Chinese Ham, Prime Beef, Chicken Relleno, and more on top of the regular international buffet spread with free-flowing wines, local beer, chilled juices, and soft drinks.

Best Cebu Food Blog of 2012

"Stand up!". Those were the two words I heard somewhere beside me after a couple of seconds the host of the recently concluded Best Cebu Blog Awards (BCBA) 2012 called my name as the Best Cebu Food Blogger of 2012.

I stood up, walked on stage and accepted the trophy and tokens. It was like floating on air- the result of the combination of unexpectedness and unpreparedness.

Perfect Christmas Gift

In less than a week, Christmas Day will finally arrive. With that in mind, have you already prepared the presents you will be handing over to your loved ones?

One of the questions frequently asked during this jolly season is "What could be the perfect Christmas gift I can give?". If you find this as a yearly dilemma, we're on the same boat. Don't worry though because I'm going to share to you what think is the perfect Christmas gift.

World Won't End on December 21, 2012

I don't think the world will end on December 21, 2012 because my cookies in the fridge will expire on 2013.

In case the packaging or the printing of expiration date is wrong, I will probably stay anywhere as long as there is good food and of course, eat. If you ask me for suggestions, I'd recommend you to do the same thing.

Starbucks Philippines Christmas Food Items

We've all been waiting for a year and finally, our favorite Starbucks Philippines Christmas food items are back! 

Let these food items remind you of the wonderful memories that happened this year.

Starbucks 2013 Planner

Christmas 2012 is here! And for avid coffee shop visitors, it's that time again to collect stickers each time they order seasonal sips in their favorite coffee houses, to redeem that much desired planner.
 

Monday of this week was the start of the sticker collection of all Starbucks branches in the country. Two days after, I got hold of my very own Starbucks 2013 Planner as a gift from Starbucks Philippines.

Merilla's Restaurant

Food cooked at home is always different from any type of dish. Talk about sentimal values,  shared secrets & skills, and the joy of preparing dishes for somebody who matters to you.

With all the commercial cafes, eateries, restaurants and the like, in the metro today, haven't you got into the point of asking yourself "Is there a place where I can find food that is as simple and good as my mother's cooking at home?". I bet you have and there's a place I want to introduce to you that answers that question.

Chatime

Another milktea shop opened in Cebu a month ago and it's pretty much different from the rest.

Chatime is one of the biggest international milktea brands today. It has over 700 branches worldwide. With that in mind, is there anything else you can think about the taste of their milktea less than the word good? What makes it a big hit?

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu Celebrates Oktoberfest 2012

World's largest beer festival held annually in Germany, Oktoberfest is celebrated at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu's Cafe Marco as part of their Culinary Journeys.

Spoil your troupe with authentic German dishes created by Marco Polo Plaza Cebu’s world-class Culinary Team headed by Executive Chef Karl Beter. Plus, drink all you can with their free overflowing ice-cold San Miguel Beer!

Classic Cuisine Gives Unlimited Food

We are living in a world with so many pleasures to indulge in. These pleasures come in limited amount. Talking about the pleasure of dining, it has always been a wish by if not all, many to have unlimmited servings of their favorite treats. This wish is granted by Classic Cuisine Cebu.

Classic Cuisine is a casual- sit-down dining venue that celebrates Filipino favorites with twists. It is an ideal family dining place for Filipinos and for foreigners who want true taste of our culture.

Jollibee Crispy Wings

Jollibee, the country's leading fast-food chain has something new for you and your snack time!

Every Friday, from 3-4pm, Jollibee is giving away free samples of its newest snack, the Jollibee Crispy Wings. This is coined as the Crispy Wings Hour and it'll run this whole month of October.

Siam Thai Cuisine

Thai Cuisine is one of the most interesting style of cooking in the world- one reason why I didn't decline to have a lunch meeting at Siam Thai Cuisine weeks ago.

There are two reasons as to why I personally love Thai Cuisine (these reasons also explain why it's interesting to the world).

 

Ayer Lechon Website Launch

Ayer Lechon is one of Cebu's emerging suppliers of crispy lechon. It is rapidly becoming known in delivering tender juicy roasted pig.

With the growing number of people online, Ayer Lechon doesn't want their presence to be missed by you and so they launched their official website, www.ayerlechon.com.

All You Can Eat Tuna Dishes at SumoSam

This September, SumoSam highlights the tuna, the most popular fish used in Japanese food today for its versatility, subtle flavor, tender texture and health benefits, attributes of which are also characteristics of the cuisine.

Whether as an introduction into Japanese dining or a celebration of classic favorites, indulge in SumoSam’s all you can eat set meal of tuna sashimi, nigiri sushi and tartare salad available daily for lunch and dinner for P399 only. Purists can avail of the eat all you can tuna sashimi for P699. This is what sushi dreams and sashimi cravings are made of with an added twist of western fusion to delight the palate.

Chicken BonChon

Korean fast food fans are in for a treat as BonChon, world-famous home of Korean fried chicken opens its 30th branch here in Cebu today.

If you love Korean dishes, you'll easily fall for BonChon. All their foods are the staples and sides of the foreign country, you'll feel you're in it when dining in.

Greenwhich Ultimate Green Card

Did you know that there's a new citizenship? I personally call it Greenwich. Why so? Read on!

I recently, had dinner with my friends from Greenwich. I didn't know that it's possible but when I got out of the store, I had a new identity. I became a Greenwich citizen.

Tea Religion's Papaya and Wintermelon Milk Tea

Part of the lengthening list of milk tea shops in Metro Cebu is Tea Religion.

Tea Religion is like your ordinary milk tea shop only with so many twists. Some of the reasons why I say so are as follows:

Milk Tea Basics

It's noticeable that many milk tea shops are opening in the city. Some of you may have heard about these shops but never tried to visit one and some of you probably have tasted out their beverages.

I have come across quite a number of people who requested me to do a milk tea review. The requests taught me that not everyone like the drink. Do you?

I'm On Instagram!

I am part of so many social media platforms. Mention it, I'll give you my link. And so, it's frustrating for me to hear that there's a new account to be made in a new site so as for me not to get outdated.

When Instagram came into the scene, so many changes were brought about. Photo enthusiasts became great caretakers of phone cameras. They would stop in whatever they do, once in a while just to take a photo of something. The rest was crazy.

Captain A's Seafood Grill's Crab Temptation

Those who fancy crabs for a meal have now a perfect place to visit. Just recently, our friends from Captain A's Seafood Grill introduced the newest member of their boodle fight menu, Crab Temptation.

As the name suggests, a huge platter under a banana leaf presents a sumptuous array of steamed crabs that are deliciously irresistible. Not only that, the meal also includes Bagoong Rice, Plain Rice, Pakbet and Nilarang Soup. One order can cater up to five hungry stomachs!

Julie's Bakeshop

A bakeshop brand familiar to almost everyone in the household is Julie's Bakeshop. It is the country's largest and most successful bakery chain.

It is not surprising how Julie's Bakeshop never ceases to satisfy us. They simply have the quality and quantity of breads and pastries we crave for once in a while.

Anytime, anywhere, one can have such timeless favorites like the Pan de Coco with its fine coconut sweetness; the Cheesy Cheese Bread sworn by many to have the biggest chunk of cheese; or the Creamy Ensaymada said to be the mother of all ensaymadas around.

Eat Healthy with SumoSam’s Avocado Dishes

In line with National Nutrition Month, SumoSam introduces its wide array of delectable and nutritious avocado dishes prepared in various ways for the whole family to enjoy. Avocado is known to have many benefits, providing nearly 20 essential nutrients including fiber, potassium, B-Vitamins and folic acid and acting as a nutrient booster. It is the best fruit source for Vitamin E, protects against many diseases and helps maintain overall health.

There is no better day than today to begin eating healthy with a balanced variety of food and flavors. For starters, try SumoSam’s California Maki with Avocado Salad. California Maki is a popular dish that embodies Japanese- Western fusion and the salad interpretation features the same medley of cucumber, crab and avocado but tossed on a bed of fresh greens and topped with nori, the edible seaweed used to wrap sushi and tobiko or fish roe.

Swiss Alpine Festival by Cafe Marco

Swiss cuisine stars at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu this season- another reason for you to visit Cafe Marco with your friends and family.

Enjoy an extensive list of chocolates, cheese and cold cuts in Cafe Marco's Culinary Journeys: Swiss Alpine Festival 2012. This is the restaurant's 6th year celebration of the taste of Switzerland.

Captain A’s Seafood Grill's Boodle Fight

Captain A’s Seafood Grill is a Filipino-inspired grill house restaurant that is the first in Cebu to bring in the concept of the Philippine military boodle fight tradition to casual dining.

The boodle fight is a Philippine military eating tradition, originally practiced by the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadets, wherein members of the military— regardless of rank, no pretentions whatsoever—gather around a long table where a jumble of food is spread over banana leaves or old newspapers, and eaten with bare hands, as a symbol of fraternity and equality.

Sabores De España by Cafe Marco

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu's much-loved Culinary Journeys- Sabores de España is back. The food festival that showcases the best that Spain has to offer.

Cebu’s foremost authority on Spanish culinary tradition Ms. Gema Luisa Pido, together with Marco Polo Plaza Cebu’s chefs, is cooking up a delicious selection of authentic Spanish cuisine

Buddies' Nachos, Chili Cheese Fries, Steak Taco, Buddy Burger, Sizzling Burger Steak, Steak Burrito and Philly Cheese Steak

Be it for snack or meal, the burger is answering the call of hungry stomachs in Cebu. It's the food of the season.

The city sprawls with burger houses left and right and so I visited the newest one, Buddies.

Sooo Pinoy: Flora Cafe

Elizabeth Hotel invites you to experience dessert and grilling the Flora Café way.

Regular service "Grill All You Can" and this season's promo "Heap All You Can Halo-Halo" is what's in for the rest of the month.

Travel the World with Seattle's Best Coffee (SBC)

For many of us, traveling is the perfect reward for fulfilling the demands of full time jobs, school responsibilities and family obligations.

We don't travel as often as we desire because we always equate it to something that always comes with a price. But now just by taking your favorite SBC cup or mug with you when you travel here or abroad, you can get a chance to travel again for free!

SumoSam's Last Samurai & Milk Teas

Devotees of Japanese cuisine have more reason to keep coming back to SumoSam.  Two new items on the menu, the Last Samurai Chicken and SumoSam Milk Teas, have proven to be a hit with diners.

 

The Last Samurai Chicken – with its tender meat layered with crisp, well-seasoned skin and crowned in thick luscious sauce and seasonings – will definitely delight even the most discriminating foodie. An order comes with six pieces of scrumptious chicken cuts that is double fried to perfection, with coleslaw, fries and a spicy sweet ebiko mayo dip on the side.

Sooo Pinoy: Kan-anan Restaurant

Parklane International Hotel's Kan-anan restaurant is primarily dedicated to showcasing the best Cebuano cuisine. It highlights the well known dishes from North to South of the whole island stretch.

A perfect stomach exploration of Cebu awaits you at Kan-anan restaurant. Only authentic Cebuano dishes are served in the place.

Sooo Pinoy: H Cafe

Harolds Hotel's H-Cafe serves international cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is the main restaurant for hotel guests and  passers-by.

Breakfast is open everyday from 6 - 10am for only Php300.00 per head. Lunch opens at 11am to 2pm while dinner opens at 6 - 10pm. Lunch & Dinner buffet opens only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for only Php450 per head.

Sooo Pinoy: CnT Lechon

You've never been to Cebu if you haven't tried CnT Lechon. It is the most authentic Cebuano Lechon in the province.

Aside from its famous signature dish, the Lechon, several foods are also served in the restaurant that when coupled with their roasted pig, makes the whole experience worth to redo.

Treasured Recipes by Cafe Marco

Food masters say that if you do not know your history, you must know the culture of your local food to preserve your identity. 

People want local cuisine. They want the taste of the Philippines- this is what drives Marco Polo Plaza Cebu as a hotel to continuously protect the international part of their restaurants at the same time keep a deep knowledge and affinity for the local cuisine. 

Sprockets Cafe's Macho Nachos, Philly Cheese Steak, Chili Con Carne Pizza, Fettupasta in Pesto Cream and Quesadilla

People from all walks of life who come to Cebu have now a new and exciting place to visit, Sprockets Cafe.

It's the perfect place for photography enthusiasts; especially to those who are lomo-users, to huddle and celebrate the art of capturing moments.

District 50's Smoked Beef Paprika, Tangy Chicken, Ronster's Beef Massaman, Spicy Belly, Tuna Pasta, Cream Dory with Pesto and Peas, Barbaric Ribs and Chicken Parmasean

Have you ever wondered why the songs of the 50s never lose its taste by many people? Why the trends of fashion in those years never lose style, even for teens these days?

Retro keeps on living even in this modern time because its term has left an impression to the world which is what we continue to search for: fun or joie de vivre as some may call it.

SumoSam Introduces Bento Lunch Boxes

Our friends from SumoSam introduces a sumptuous selection of Bento Lunch Boxes available for dine in from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.  

There are five bento box choices to choose; two of which feature their delectable Katsu or pork dishes.

Sooo Pinoy: Zubuchon

Cebu Province is the place you ought to be, if you're searching for the best pig in the world.

Pigs are grown, sold, and cooked in almost all of its cities. Many types of cooking are done for specific dishes; all good-tasting, probably the same with the common ones but nothing outwins Lechon.

Sooo Pinoy: Cafe Amiga

Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa grants Cebu locals and foreigners alike to a whole new world of water adventure and fun. They also offer their guests fascinating food finds with their own line of international and local cuisine restaurants.

Cafe Amiga is an all-day, casual dining a la carte restaurant specializing in classical and contemporary Filipino cuisine. Its menu is balanced with services offering regional & local cuisine which is light and easy, using the freshest of local & imported produce along with many varieties of local specialties from the country and the region.

Sooo Pinoy: Cafe Marco

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu's much-laureled Cafe Marco continues to attract first-time diners and regulars on stretches of all-time Filipino and Continental favorites.

The only five-star hotel in Cebu City boasts 4 bar and restaurant options to choose and offers 6 dining promotions and events which are absolutely great deals.

Sooo Pinoy: The Original AA BBQ

Filipinos have great love for grilled food. In usual informal gatherings such as family reunions by the beach or graduation celebration at home, there will always be grilled dishes on the table.

Among the many factors that contribute to our love for grilled food is that you can grill almost any sort of food, anywhere. All you need are some skewers or bbq sticks to hold your food, rocks for side supporters and coal. Also, the entire activity doesn't cost much.

El Viento's Sizzling Nights

Make your weekend evenings extra-special with El Viento Restaurant and Pool Bar's Sizzling Nights.

Sizzling Nights is a special weekend dinner at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu's El Viento Restaurant & Pool Bar. All the dishes served are straight from the grill. Side dishes are also available to couple main entrees.

Pizza Hut Super Panalo: All Pay 99

Skipping a meal or two just because you're on a diet or probably too stingy for food won't do you any good. If you have a tight budget or just playing thrift, like I do sometimes, There is one place in the mall you can count on.

My friend brought me to Pizza Hut not too long ago and introduced to me one of the Value Meals the restaurant offers: Super Panalo All You Pay Php99.00.

Krispy Kreme Kicks Off 75th Birthday with SM City Cebu Opening

World's most-loved doughnut chain, Krispy Kreme will be celebrating its 75th year of confectionery goodness this coming July 2012.

In line with the celebration, Krispy Kreme will open new branches, share giveaways and introduce new creations even before July arrives.

Sooo Pinoy: The Port Seafood Restaurant

Port Seafood Restaurant is just the right setting to be when you're searching for a place that is inspired by the sea.

Owners of this place got the inspiration from the pampering feeling of cruising in the sea, to open the restaurant. From the interior design, uniforms of the staff and of course, the food; everything is inspired by the sea.

Tablea Chocolate Cafe's Mexican Meat Pie and Choco Frio

Simple moments are made special with great food. This is exactly the reason why sometimes I choose Tablea Chocolate Cafe as a venue for my meetings and a lounge when I have spare time.

Locals of Cebu find this place as a comfort zone because of its specialty. The place serves tablea-based food and drinks. For the unfamiliar, Tablea or Tabliya are pure cacao tablets made from cacao bean grown in the Philippines. Know more about it by clicking here.

Sooo Pinoy: Prince Fusion Gourmet

Golden Prince Hotel and Suites pamper their guests at day-breaks by serving them pleasant meals from Prince Fusion Gourmet. This is the hotel's  restaurant which serves the dishes of the east and west.

Sooo Pinoy Food Tour Cebu group stayed at the hotel and so we were able to try out the special dishes of its restaurant.

Sooo Pinoy: Mooon Cafe

Mooon Cafe is one of the most-loved restaurants in Cebu. It is a restaurant having typical international cuisine but focuses more of Mexican fare.

For the unfamiliar, this place is known for its canvas ceiling fans and homey interior. Coteries in the city who are looking for comfort food or who are in for a simple drinking session would opt for this place.

SumoSam at Your Doorstep

SumoSam has always been the winner to many Japanese cuisine-lovers since it came out of the market. It has converted many  naysayers into bona fide Japanese dish fans because of its way of preparing and serving food.

If you're one of these people, there is something you should know that I guess would make you pick up your phone in a while. Here it goes! SumoSam now delivers food!