PERI PERI GRILLHOUSE

There are times, well many actually, that even if I have already eaten somewhere else I would still grab a bite just because I SHOULD, I WOULD, and I COULD.  Not minding the increasing waistline or size of my ahem, biceps, I would still eat with my husband for many ridiculous reasons:

A.  It is dinner time and we should ALWAYS eat during dinner.

B. Most of the time my husband has not eaten yet when he fetches me from work so as a dutiful wife, I am bound, no required really (dramatic whimper), to share a meal with him.

C. Sometimes when I have a spare hour or two, I would spend it by chomping on something. Seriously.


So on one particular Friday night even if I have already eaten from our production meeting, my husband asked what I would like for dinner. (Yes because that's just the kind of guy he is... Considerate and... HANDSOME. So there. Ha ha ha ha!)

I was not really fancying anything from the restaurants in Promenade (because I was still full and all) but I eeny meeny miny moed and got to Ping! Ping! Ping! PERI PERI GRILLHOUSE!!

PERI PERI GRILLHOUSE!

Home of the legendary Portuguese-style Grilled Chicken! I guess this would be the first time to eat Portuguese food! 

I apologize though that since I have eaten already we only ordered grub fit for one person. 

Another excuse to go back then?

Place was empty but we were not discouraged because we liked the well lit interiors of PERI PERI GRILLHOUSE...

Don't worry PERI PERI GRILLHOUSE, you now have MARK ANTHONY FERNANDEZ IN THE HOUSE!

Also, you have ANNETTE BENNING as well....

Ha ha ha! Sorry PERI PERI GRILLHOUSE, I hope my "honesty" won't make you lose customers!

The meynuh!

If you want to see bigger text of the meynuh, simply press your face into the monitor.

:P

Yub and I ordered PERI PERI GRILLHOUSE's 1/2 chicken combo (P330.00) which comes with our choice of 2 side dishes!

We got PERI PERI GRILLHOUSE'S coleslaw...

and PERI PERI GRILL HOUSE's Garlic Fried Rice!

Yes because EVERYTHING is better with garlic rice!

LET'S EAT!

Hmmm... notice how everything is on MY side of the table? Most peculiar....

Anyway my husband commandeered the PERI PERI GRILLHOUSE white meat section of the chicken. He also tried to do a Greek god pose...

I did write there "TRIED" right? Har de har har!

When you eat at PERI PERI GRILLHOUSE, you have 3 special sauces to choose from that sits conveniently at your table.

There's the HOT and MILD peri peri sauce. In between there is this oil with extra spice!

I loved mixing the PERI PERI GRILLHOUSE sauces in mild and hot!

Oh yeah.... come to mama...

(Honestly, I am drooling right now while I'm typing...)

ANNETTE BENNING is ready to eat!

Ha!

Check out the necklace I'm wearing... That's the necklace Yub's family gave me when they formally asked my family for my hand in marriage.

That's what we Filipinos call "PAMAMANHIKAN".

It's what I also call "HA! I SNAGGED YOU NOW!"

Kidding!

My PERI PERI GRILLHOUSE plate!

I loved it! The chicken was juicy and well seasoned! The meat was perfectly spiced and was best eaten with the tangy sauces!!

I especially loved pairing it with the creamy coleslaw for the yin and yang sorta thing. The best way to combat something sweet and salty is something creamy....

PLUS with GARLIC RICE! OOH RAH!

Here's a closer look of my PERI PERI GRILLHOUSE chicken!

When no one is looking, I'm going to lick this.

... and in no time... just bones. Nothing left for Fido!

Burp! I know I said that I have already eaten... but WOAH... that chicken paired with coleslaw and garlic rice was worth getting extra fat for.

... and since I'm in a diet, THIS is my dessert!

The ICED TEA okay? 

Ha ha ha!

LET'S EAT!

Peri-Peri Grill House

Greenhills

G/F GH Promenade

Greenhills, San Juan

(02) 725-5270

EL POLLO LOCO

I have said it once and I'll say it again...

Considering the Filipino taste/palate, I never THOUGHT that Pollo Loco would be popular with my countrymen.

Well for one, there's no gravy. What you get is just a chicken "inasal" which you will dip not in toyo but in a tomato salsa that could be spicy or regular (your choice). If you're going for the usual, you might opt for catsup. Another issue I have is their carb selection... They don't have garlic rice? What gives? What they give me is this yellowish lackluster-paella that does not even taste like java rice. If I am a diet and lazy at the same time, I could just wrap everything in a tortilla. B-but... that's Mexican and it could get a bit complicated. 

I have all these complaints and questions but still I am faced with this reality.

El Pollo Loco captured the taste of hungry Filipinos and I am one of them. 

I remember that in the mid-90's they opened their main branch in SM Megamall and my family got smitten with it. My Dad even declared that Wednesday was pollo loco day. Such wonderful memories of having a simple feast with my family and fighting over who gets the last tortilla! 

And I'm getting sentimental that I get to pass it on to my own boys! But the best thing here is, NOBODY likes tortillas and spicy salsa. So all for me! :)

When I say EL POLLO LOCO I do it in my best mexican accent reminiscient of... Speedy Gonzales... tee hee!

The great thing about Pollo Loco is they have several options for a variety of appetites. For tonight, we were not THAT hungry so we just opted for the 4-piece chicken combo (P350) which came with  2 Large Sides, 4 pcs. Tortillas, and 2 Salsas. I just ordered an extra serving of their rice for my baby Andrei. 

If you don't really feel like having add-ons, then just have their chicken. A 4-piece order would only get you for P275.

But add ons or not, your mouth will surely water upon smelling the wonderful aroma of freshly grilled chicken! And just by the looks of it, everything already seems crispy and juicy where it should be. 

Like I said this was their pale "paella" like Spanish rice. But the mild flavors compliment the chicken believe me. And if you feel like adding an extra layer of enjoyment in your carbs, spoon over some chili salsa on it. It  will certainly give that extra zing!

My baby Andrei was behaved all through out our SM Mega hunting spree for Mati's assignment of a musical toot for his class. So my Andrei also got a flute! I'm sure we will have a musical night later on if he does not break it first.

My husband was in the mood to munch on something crunchy that night and ordered a plate of their nachos (P40). It's not really the authentic nachos that we are used to in other Mexican restaurants but this will do. It's simply their leftover tortillas (me guessin') chopped into triangles and fried to a crisp. This is just so addicting especially with their watery cheesy sauce!

If my hub got some nachos, I got some potato salad! It may sound weird but since my Dad always put this in his chicken tortilla before at pollo loco, I would too! You have got to try it before judging me! he he he

My boys were now ready to attack!

I loved their salsa because it adds that little sour bite to the tortilla or to the rice. I always request extra orders of it also with chili!

Want to know how I make my Pollo Loco tortilla? Here's my TORTILLA 101!

First get a tortilla and spoon over your choice of carbs... Mine would be their rice.

Then, add strips of your Pollo Loco chicken! Usually I would get the white meat for this task since it is my most hated part of the chicken. But you wouldn't notice whatever chicken part you get because it will be drowned out by the goodness of your whole tortilla!

I then add my salsa... Chili of course!

A few drops of hot sauce would give your tortilla a mean but yummy punch!

Ain't that just pretty? I would also add teaspoonfuls of potato salad and corn for a more heaping tortilla!

You roll it up and eat it like a boss!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm glad my son enjoyed his meal even if his plate is not as colorful as the adults would normally have. He was already happy with just plain chicken and rice... No salsa... no catsup... nada.

Andrei preferred having some nachos on his plate pa.

... and they're proud of it!

Midway through the meal, he lost interest in eating then started playing with his hands. Hopefully he will be able to finish next year. 

Yup... this is mah plate!

As usual, my husband eats everything in sight at warp speed!

While Andrei is still chewing the spoonful he put in his mouth an hour ago. Ha ha ha ha!

... and what's chicken without corn?

I asked myself the same question then threw that mean cob on my plate.

My Andrei insisted that he was full already and started showing his ultra flat belly. ha ha ha ha!

But that means I would have to eat his leftovers. As if my plate is not heaping enough already.

Oh well... We just ordered some dessert to sweeten the load in our tummies. Yub got a fruit cocktail salad. This was just your usual fruits with cream. Nothing really spectacular but very edible.

Same goes for their leche flan. It seemed like airline food to me. 

Good thing their chicken is very good so this (waving hands at the dessert) is forgivable. :)

At first I thought the reason why El Pollo Loco clicked with Filipinos is because it was a home grown attempt at something different. When I went to the US, early 2000, it was the only time that I discovered that the restaurant was a franchise.  

Up to now I may still be surprised with the popularity of this restaurant in the country. But I have stopped my questioning because the answer is just plain and simple. Food was very good and still very pocket worthy. It's a perfect combination to have a fun night out with the family... every Wednesdays maybe or even "Everydays" :)

LET'S EAT!

El Pollo Loco

SM Megamall

G/F SM Megamall-Bldg A, Dona Julia Vargas Ave

Wack Wack, Mandaluyong

(02) 633-4977

ROCKWELL'S 2ND ULTIMATE TASTE TEST

I would like to confess something.... 

It has long been bugging my insides that if I do not blurt it out, I'm going to internally combust....

It has been going on for FAR too long and I cannot help myself any longer...

I just have to bite my lip and just say it loud and proud...

(dramatic pause) I ... am... such... a... FOODIE.

You : "Let me just get my old boot to bonk you with...."

Kidding aside yes, even though my taste may not be as extensive or expensive as the other foodies out there, I just think about food and I live for food. 

I think I am the only wife in the world whom the husband could woo after an LQ (lover's quarrel) with the line "Where do you want to eat...?"

I think I am the few people who would already think about what my husband and I will have for dinner while we were still gobbling up our lunch!

Anyway, though I may be obsessed with FOOD, I am also a bit of a kill joy when it comes to crowded areas. I JUST HATE IT. I don't like bumping into other beings and, god forbid, smelling that paralyzing human body odor. 

Which is why as much as I WANT to go to FOODIE events such as Mercato Centrale, Cucina Andare, and the ULTIMATE TASTE TEST, little snooty me would make reasons not to.

Until my little new FOODIE came along.

Yes while reading another ad for yet again an ULTIMATE TASTE TEST EVENT in Rockwell that I plan to make a pathetic excuse for not going to (and be scandalously sorry later), my little lord/son Mati saw what I was mulling over and demanded that we should go there.

"We could go there BEFORE our movie night! We could rate and eat stuffs!!!" He strongly claimed.

I was then regretting watching the numerous TOP CHEF DVD's with him.

So to the ROCKWELL'S 2nd ULTIMATE TASTE TEST we went and I was not really expecting anything but the hustle and bustle of people while I was pathetically munching on plates of my food.

But such a FUN night it was because EVERYTHING that I was ridiculously concerned about in the beginning, was just that --- plain ridiculous.

Instead what me, my husband, and little lord/foodie Mati had was a night of not just great food and sweets, but we were also able to make it a family bonding night as well. 

We had a ridiculously delicious GRAND FAMILY TIME!

Thank you Padma Lakshmi! Well you DID get us hooked in the show in the first place. Tee hee!

photo grabbed from the net

ROCKWELL'S 2nd ULTIMATE TASTE TEST!!!

The ULTIMATE TASTE TEST was held in the Rockwell Tent on September 15, 2013 and it started at 11:00am to 9:00pm!

Fee for the day was P585.00 for adults and children above 7 years old!

Mati was so excited to be like a grown up and be able to rate something. It gave him an extra thrill that he would be eating a lot while doing so!

Inside the Rockwell Tent, it was very cool and not crowded at all. The servers were very quick in cleaning up after a foodie and everyone just seemed like having a good time!

Mati was very excited to start eatin' and ratin'!

We were all given a map so we could better navigate our way throughout the tent. My husband and I planned our attack on the food kiosks which we wanted to try first....

I reminded my dear old husband that he should take his ratings card and give a score to the supplier whose food he will munch on. We could rate from 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest and add some comments to support our score. 

We situated ourselves at this table near the first concessionaires which we were rarin' to try!

What my husband and I did with the ULTIMATE TASTE TEST was to get 3 to 5 samples then go back to our table to eat and do the rating. 

We encouraged Mati to go around and get the food which he wished to sample and rate. We just reminded him to take note of what score he would like to put in the card. 

Though we don't have any chairs, we were still comfortable with the strong air conditioning and the desire to get up and running to try out what we can.

Mati was excited as we are and loaded on his plate!

If you think that P585 is a bit too steep from just mere food samples, imagine that you will be trying out grub from about 40+ food vendors!!! Now that is A lot! You could say that it is more than what other buffet restaurant offers. PLUS, you could boast that  you were able to sample and rate these grubs BEFORE they were famous. Believe me, they will go that route because one taste and you'll know what you have is a winner!!!

There were many food suppliers in THE ULTIMATE TASTE TEST but let me just share with you the ones which gave us great impact!

CHOW FUN!

I loved their flavorful chunks of juicy chicken!

Up next was my favorite... The Roast Beef from HILLSIDE RANCH!!!

Oh this was just SO good and juicy!!!

Check out my DEEELICIOUS encounter with HILLSIDE RANCH later on by clicking HERE!!!!

As the ULTIMATE TASTE TEST was also sponsored by San Miguel Beer we were given a bottle to enjoy with the food. They even made suggestions on what bottle we should get to pair off with a particular grub!

We LOVED the Crunchy belly as well!!!!

This was so good I was chomping on it the whole night in the ULTIMATE TASTE TEST!!! I imagine having this with garlic rice again... ha ha ha ha!!!

Mati loved this Taho food kiosk!

His utmost favorite from THE ULTIMATE TASTE TEST was the PANZAROTTI!

He ate with mucho gusto their pizza empanada and even requested for seconds and thirds!

The servers at the ULTIMATE TASTE TEST were all very generous and even offered to give you a second and third helping if you wanted to. 

We certainly did!!!

Raspberry Smoothie with Chocolate chips from SAINT ALPS!!!

SUGARHOUSE gave us some sweet creamy kiwi butter cakes!

Like I said, we encouraged Mati to go around and decide which food he wanted to try out. He got curious with how an ilocos empanada tasted like....

While he was doing THAT, I was enjoying my second helping of Turkey Sandwich from THE PLAZA!

My messy tray!

Oh we were SO full beyond this point!!!

But that did not stop me from getting a second helping of the delicious sandwich from THE CHEESESTEAK SHOP!!!

Check out my crunchy encounter with THE CHEESESTEAK SHOP a year after by clicking HERE!!!

Mati was able to try some Mochi for the first time!!!

I was now thinking of surrendering since stomach groaned and requested me to give up already. But before I do, I just HAVE to try out a cupful of Masatami Shaved ice!!!

My score card! Este... Mati's... yes... that's his handwriting! he he he he!

It was also such a thrill to finally meet the first food blogger that I ever stalked!

I really came up to Mr. Anton Diaz and introduced myself. I told him that little Mati was a foodie as well. Mr. Diaz was so nice and accommodating that it made me want to stalk him some more. 

OH I'm kidding!

But you could check the FOODIES I STALK by clicking at HERE!!!!

Mati enjoyed the night so much that he insisted on having a picture on stage by the ULTIMATE TASTE TEST backdrop!!!

This was such an unforgettable night for the Foodie Family in us! If you think that this is just your ordinary food kiosk sampling, you think wrong. It is like a party complete with programs, prizes, and with food that will surely satisfy any craving that you have. 

I could imagine going here on a date night for a different kind of food tripping with my husband but I would definitely go to another one with my son because it was a new and tasty experience for him. And like my Mati predicted, he DID enjoy an event promising new discoveries in food and gave you the power to give scores and make suggestions. 

I'm sure that based on the picture above, we had such an AWESOME and ULTIMATE night!!!!

Can't wait to go to another one again...

LET'S EAT!!!

------ 

And here's an AWESOME news once more...

Our AWESOME PLANET and SAN MIGUEL BEER is bringing back once again the...

Drumroll with cute TING at the end...

ROCKWELL'S 3RD ULTIMATE TASTE TEST!!!

This ULTIMATE EVENT will be on September 14, 2013, Saturday, from 11:00am to 9:00pm!!!

Now is your chance to be like PADMA LAKSHMI and be an AWESOME FOOD CRITIC FOR A DAY!!!

For just P585.00 you would experience and get the following:

(info from OUR AWESOME PLANET)

Food Taste Portions from a minimum of 40+ Home-Based Food Vendors & Power Plant Mall Restaurants for the entire Saturday

A bottle of San Miguel Super Dry, Premium All-Malt or Cerveza Negra

(For foodies 18 years old and above only)

Food Critic Ballot for voting your favorite food discoveries.

Donation to designated beneficiary.

Now as Rachel from Friends might say " Isn't that just kick you in the crotch, spit on your neck fantastic???"

Believe me, coming from somebody who hates crowds but would love to do something new with the hub and the kids, THE ULTIMATE TASTE TEST is a perfect bonding time for you and your loved ones!!!

Try it out!!!

For more info on how to purchase tickets and ULTIMATE TASTE TEST regulations, click on this link from 

OUR AWESOME PLANET

Hope to see you guys there!!!!