Bacolod Food Trip 2nd Time Around

By Ysabel Villafor

I always welcome any opportunity to go back to a place with good food with good friends AND football. 

On my second time there, there were repeats to Calea, Manukan Country, Pendy's and Pala-pala... Just so we can reminisce the taste it left us last time we were there. (click HERE for 1st Bacolod FoodTrip)

It's not hard to love Bacolod... and to discover more places to eat is always a good thing.  Here are a couple of places I tried for the first time on the 2nd time around with my friends. :)

1. Felicia's Steak

As soon as I landed, my friends Che, XP and Ida asked what I would like to eat.. There's no better way than to erase the horrible experience of waiting for the longest time at the airport, hungry and annoyed than with good food.  I met them at the Felicia's that was situated in Ayala.  I got in so late that  my friends already had dinner and I didn't expect that the restaurant would still cater to me but fortunately, I got in just in time before last orders were sent to the kitchen.

I ordered the Filet Mignon (Medium Rare) with grilled Zucchini and a very tall glass of Coke while my friends entertained me with their stories that day over their dessert and coffee.

The verdict? I forgot about the 8 hour flight delay.  I was happy with the way the steak turned up. I was at first skeptical on the doneness but as soon as I cut into the meat, they got it just right. Not too crazy with the gravy though, I left it untouched as I finished my meal. I felt that a good steak doesn't need much going on to make it good. And Filet Mignon had bacon, so...it had two good things going on.

2. Bob's

We had decided to eat at Bob's the very next morning of my arrival. However, the first Bob's we went to didn't serve breakfast so we moved to the other Bob's which was near Colegio de San Agustin.. and we hit the jackpot.

I ordered the Blueberry Waffles. It was pretty uncommon in those areas..so I went for it. My friends ordered waffles too with the exception of XP who ordered Spanish omelette.  I was asked if I wanted the blueberries in my waffle or on the side.  Some people say that it isn't really a blueberry waffle if the blueberries weren't in the waffle so I kindly told the waiter to have it in the batter.

The verdict? I'm having that Blueberry Waffle next time I'm back.  It was golden, sweet, and crunchy. I loved it! At first, I had an issue with how runny the syrup was since I was more used to the thick kind, but the syrup worked well with the waffle and it didn't overwhelm the taste of things like thick syrups do.  It was the perfect place for breakfast.

Che, finally! 

My Blueberry Waffles. Ain't it pretty? Tastes awesome too. 

How was the Spanish Omelette, XP?

As you can see, my friend Ida has her hungry face on.

3. Fresh Start Organics

That night, we didn't want to go far and we wanted something light and different. One of our friends Jaron, suggested we try out this organic restaurant just near our hotel. 

We found the restaurant in a remote part of Robinsons, near the fountain and the parking lot. The ambiance was casual, and welcoming.  There was a wall full of products locally made and sourced in the Philippines. The prices too weren't as expensive as we thought (taking into consideration the comparison with some organic shops in Manila)

So while we enjoyed looking at the products, we ended up ordering a bottle of organic Bignay Island Wine and Nachos while waiting for our friend Ida. It wasn't the kind of Nachos you'd expect: it was goat cheese, vinegar and milled taro chips.  Nonetheless, the Nachos were interesting.  I got myself a Pumpkin Soup with Malunggay leaves (Moringa) because I still felt full from lunch. 

If want something different, light and healthy, then this is a nice option.

The Menu

The Nachos

My Pumpkin and Malunggay Soup. A little on the bland side but nothing a little salt and pepper could fix.

XP's Quesadilla.

Che's Adobo rice! 

Ida's Chicken Sandwich was yum!

The wall of products ranging from massage oils, balms, scents, organic rice, tea, honey, Sagada salt etc..

Veggies fresh from Bacolod farms.  On the upper rack you can see Bogsbrew - a locally brewed beer from Bacolod.

4. MOOON Cafe
This Cafe is all around Cebu but I never got the chance to try it.  So when we didn't know where to eat that particular day, Mooon Cafe presented itself to us as we were walking around. Why not?  It served Mexican food... and my friends and I love Mexican food!

The ambiance was casual and warm.  I got the Tostadas, XP got the Chicken with Cheese while Ida and Jaron got the ribs.  I don't mind trying the other things from the menu though.

My Tostadas were awesome, but it was difficult to eat without destroying the vessel (the taco shell) or that some parts of it ended up on my nose. But, I'd still give this place a go next time I'm around.

My Tostadas! My dilemma. 

XP's Chicken with cheese. 

Ribs were good according to my two friends

5.  Cafe 21

Last time we were in Bacolod, Ida, Che and I were able to try out 21 on Lacson. It was an awesome experience. When I found out that 21 had a cafe in our hotel (we stayed at Go Hotels-- more on that in my next article), we just had to try it out. (And we didn't have a choice, it was the only thing open at 6am)

Ida and I had a quiet breakfast of toast, bacon and eggs. Not exactly mind-blowing but was good enough for a round two if I had a next day in the hotel.

6. Calea

You haven't been to Bacolod if you haven't tried Calea. And on my 6th (7th? or 8th?) I have yet to fall out of love with this place.  There was always something new to try with your favorites (Mud Pie is my favorite). This time around, I tried the following -- and none disappoint!

They call this "Island Float" but this is really Canonigo - Meringue with Custard and Caramelized Sugar on top. My favorite for that trip.

My friend tried out the Mango Torte and it was good too!

A friend of mine, Ceres, told me to try the Key Lime Pie but unfortunately, they didn't haven't it. The closest one was this Lemon Pie with Custard and Marshmallow top. I love it!

7. Green Tree Gelato

It was one heck of a hot night when we decided to try out this gelato shop. It seemed like the right decision at that time.  And couldn't go wrong with the free wifi too. :) 

Espresso Gelato with chocolate bits

END NOTE:

I can't wait for my next trip to Bacolod! 

So many yet to try.

Definitely in 2014!

Thank you to:

Che Billones

Christian "XP" Cruz

Ida Torres

Jaron Genota

Cedelf Tupas

Ceres Lina

SHOPPING HOTSPOT:

ESLITE BOOKSTORE

More Than Just a BookStore

By Ysabel Villaflor

As part of my research before going to Taipei, I posted a question in Twitter, asking about places to see.  One of my thesis-mates and fellow Chief, Philip Bacani, told me to visit Eslite Bookstore. I immediately took note and placed it in the " Alternative " Column.  I was travelling with family and with kids and I am not sure whether they were up for going to a bookstore.

On our 3rd day in Taipei, we were thinking about where we could all meet up after our own little excursions.  Eslite Dun Nan Branch sounds like the perfect place for a meeting place.

We never really envisioned staying no longer than 10 minutes in the place, until we saw that there was more to Eslite than just your typical bookstore.  It had it's own department store, cafe, winery and food court.  My family and I ended up shopping and eating lunch at Eslite. 

We were enthralled with the idea.  I don't think there's one quite like it in the Philippines.Although the prices in Eslite are on the expensive side, it is really worth the visit even just to see the concept of this store.  It has a very quirky, modern and no frills look to it that can just charm any one to stay longer than 10 minutes.

Oh, and didn't I tell you, the bookstore is open 24/7. (Booklovers rejoice)

Special Thanks to my friend: Philip :) 

The Main Bookstore: NO CAMERAS ALLOWED :(

The Eslite Food Court. Nice Gourmet selection ranging from Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, Italian, French

Still part of the Foodcourt. Eslite mesh retail and food.

The Eslite Bakery

Make your own salad

 The food we ordered from the Eslite Food Court:

 The Eslite Store near Taipei 101.

 

My Haul: 

TAIPEI (STREET) FOODTRIP 2013
By Ysabel Villaflor

When I told my friend I was going to Taipei with family, there were two things she told me that stuck in my mind: street food and night markets.  Only two people in my family have been to Taipei and majority of us have no idea what we were in for when we booked that flight. (i.e. we listed places we haven't been to and  the winner turned out to be: as you guessed it: TAIPEI!) but we were glad that we went!

From leisurely walking around the night markets til our feet hurt, from taking in the smells of the food wafting through the air and just being adventurous with trying out the food that looked "good": my family had one of the best gastronomical trips ever.  Here are just some of the places and food we loved in the city they call "TAIPEI".

Thank you to: Timothy De Belen for taking us around, Jong and Kreme Seen and WG Christine Santos for the tips :) Much Love!

1. Raohe Night Market

Solidified milk cubes will be deep-fried into oh so yummy goodness!

My niece loves the Deep Fried Milk. It tastes like our local Pastillas in melted form.

The Taiwanese love their mushrooms! Grilled Mushrooms with Chili Powder. My brother's favorite!

The infamous Stinky Tofu. Not for me, SORRY!

Green Mango and Sugar Plum Powder. It's so good, we brought home 3 bottles of Sugar Plum.

Deep Fried Garlic Crabs

Steamed Snails in Ginger and Chilis

Typical spread for street food: Chicken Feet, Solidified Pig's Blood, Fish Balls, Squid Balls etc.

All sorts of Mushrooms - Deep Fried with 5 Spice Powder and Chilies

The Deep Fried Assorted Mushrooms with 5 Spice Powder is soooo GOOOOD!!!

Gelatinous tapioca with mung beans :)

Taiwanese Breakfast Pancakes are sold everyday, all the time.

Baked Taiwanese Goodies.

You HAVE to try this Pineapple Bun hot off the oven. It's sweet, it's buttery.. it's so worth the walk!

Everyone has happy tummies!

Waffles in your favorite cartoon characters.

Sugar-glazed strawberries. Oh so succulent and juicy!

2.  Ximending Night Market

Another version of the Taiwanese Pancakes with liver spread.

Corn Dogs with Hot Sauce.

Pancake Sandwich with Mung Bean Jam

Fresh fruit slices like Macopa (look at how HUGE those are), Guava, and sweet tomatoes.

Tall high Chocolate, Vanilla, Melon, Strawberry, Jackfruit, Green Tea, Taro Ice Cream!

3. Shilin Night Market

While in Taiwan, drink what the Taiwanese drink. Trivia: Milk Tea originated from Taiwan!

Fresh Cranberry and Lemon Juice

Their version of Halo-halo - Shaved Ice with candied fruits, sweet beans and tapioca balls in sweet syrup.

This little obscure hole-in-the-wall has been one of the highlights of this trip.

SO. FREAKIN' GOOD. Beef Slices in super hot Beef Broth with baby corn, Pig's blood, veggies, miso, cabbage, tofu and noodles.

Seafood Soup with Cabbage, Onions:)

The soup comes with this packet of noodles.

For dessert after that soup-er yummy beef soup, fried naan with condensed milk and chocolate syrup.

This lady makes the best dessert in Taiwan!

Rice Paper with your choice of Ice Cream with shaved peanut brittle. (DROOOOOOOOL)

They love their sugar-glazed strawberries and tomatoes.

4. Taipei 101

Roasted Chicken and White Chicken with Ginger Sauce.

Bok Choy with Soy Sauce and Brown Sugar.

Beef Noodle Soup with Bean Sprouts, Egg, Sesame Seeds, Onion leaves

ChatTime Milk Tea!

Mos Burger - their local fastfood burger

Wedges were thumbs-up!

Not bad! Chicken Burger :) With Mayo and Lettuce

Most probably the fanciest food court I've eaten in.

5. Eslite Bookstore

-- Not just a bookstore.

Sweet and Sour Chicken with Bell Peppers and Chilies and Peanuts

Saladay's Make your own salad. Mom got the Japanese Style Orange Sauce with Lettuce, Tofu, Tomatoes and Croutons

Beef in Tao Si Sauce

Beef Noodle Soup with Sweet Basil, Tofu, Capers, Bok Choy, Bean Sprouts

Drink of Choice

 6. Random Restaurant from our hotel street

Beef Dumplings :)

My first Beef Noodle in Taiwan.

Convenient Milk Tea

7. Prestigious Beef Noodle House.

--apparently, famous with the Taiwanese stars as evidenced by their numerous autographs on the wall. 

When in Taipei, eat Beef Noodles

Dumpling Noodle Soup.

Beef with Dry Noodle

Appetizers - Tofu in Black Vinegar with Mushrooms and scallions

Chicken Noodle Soup with Chili

Drink of Choice: Taiwan Beer

 8. Din Tai Fung

What better way to experience Taiwan than to taste the best Xiao Long Bao - EVER?

9. Airport Food