AN AWESOME SECRET FOODIES TOUR

We, of ERICJAZ FOODIES, are very happy to notice that Filipinos right now will not just go for the "usuals" when it comes to having a good time or going for a great grub. Even with the emergence of carnival-like malls in every corner of the Metro, we would look for an experience that is out of the ordinary and go for something bordering on exceptional!

The same goes for food! Now I know that I am STUCK (tee hee) with somebody who would rip apart his burger demoting it to a naked patty and bread but even HE is interested to try something new to shock his palate.

With all these in mind, we, of ERICJAZ FOODIES, are so excited to invite you all to experience food tripping  brought to a whole new level...

AN AWESOME SECRET FOODIES TOUR!

photo from OUR AWESOME PLANET

1 ticket to 8 gastronomical stops for only P1,000.00!

Read on to find out what awaits you and how to join this awesome food tour!

We, ERICJAZ FOODIES, thank you.

Or should it be the other way around? Ha ha ha! You'll see what we mean.

BURGER COMPANY

I wonder if I was the only being who enjoyed the movie PULP FICTION not just because of the momentous dance of Uma Thurman and John Travolta, or the numerous profanities shouted by THE Samuel Jackson (yes that's how terrified I still am of him... teee hee). But because of that scene... that ONE tasty part where Uma ordered this Cheeseburger and she was savoring its beefy gloriousness while talking to John Travolta. I really can't forget that. And if memory serves me right, she would even wash it down with dainty sips of strawberry milk shake. 

photo grabbed from the net

Ooooh yeah Uma.... do that milkshake proud!

Of course, let us not forget that whole Le Big Mac exchange between the 2 main killers of the movie! Come to think of it, you would be crazy not to crave a big juicy pound of burger after watching PULP FICTION!

For one Saturday, that scene from the iconic movie of Mr. Tarantino was grazing in my mind which was fine because I know I will be chomping on some fat greasy burgers ahead. But the great thing was, I need not to get me a bodyguard slash killer to take me to this "on the rise" burger joint. Instead, we were going to meet our favorite KAIN TULOG GANG  for some delicious grilled beef patties and much, much more it will make you jump up and do the dance!

Certainly not the DANCE OF JOY but you know what I mean  when you watch the movie. He he he!

And if you were not paying attention and suddenly say it's "The Hunger Games : Catching Fire", I will eat you alive hook, line, and sinker I swear.

Oh I'm kidding! 

Or am I? Tee hee!

BURGER COMPANY!!!

TURKEY TO GO AT MARRIOT'S THANKSGIVING

If there was one event which we do not celebrate in the Philippines that we are bummed about, it's THANKSGIVING. I mean sure, blah blah blah we could be thankful everyday but still, it wouldn't hurt having that special "give thanks" holiday meal where you slice into a juicy, plump, roasted turkey, stuffed with all the sinful trimmings, and pile your plate with all the buttery side dishes imaginable.

It's the only Thursday of the year wherein I fret the whole day of what we coulda, woulda, shoulda, EATEN!

I think it's also the only Thursday of the year where my husband is thankful that he has to go to work. Ha ha ha ha!

Anyway, once again the foodie gods heard the prayer of hungry people like me and present to us MARRIOT HOTEL MANILA's special THANKSGIVING SPREAD this November 28, 2013!

No need to fly out to the US or Canada to enjoy and authentic Thanksgiving Meal!

BALDUCCI RISTORANTE

I don't know about you but if I am going to eat with somebody, that person has to be a friend, a family member, or a HUSBAND... teeeheee. I could never imagine sitting down to a meal that may run for 3 hours, depending on the food and the topic of the day of course, with somebody I detested, loathed, or even just slightly irritated with.

Call me old fashioned or boringly sentimental but if there was anything that my family instilled in me was that we should'nt just eat to live. Instead, we should LIVE TO EAT. And I don't mean just wolfing down food and bordering near gluttony but more on making every meal an experience or an unforgettable adventure. Trivial matters such as work or facebook could wait. This IS far more worthy and important. And surely that trip down the table lane would prove to be much more enjoyable if you have a loved one or two laughing crazy during the meal while you outwit each other on who will get the last brownie.

And that was how our BALDUCCI RESTAURANT dinner was for me and my husband last Friday. The dinner was an experience beyond words. Because not only were we feasting on an exceptional meal created deliciously by the genius behind L'Opera, but we were also sharing laughs with our new food blogging family. Never mind that traffic was horrendous or that one of us (who???) was trying to diet. We were with great food and wonderful people. All bets were off for that night in BALDUCCI RISTORANTE and our tummies and selves couldnt be more happier.

BALDUCCI RISTORANTE

MALAYSIA EATS (WHAT YUB GRUBBED)

by Eric John Yap

I flew to Malaysia sometime July last year for a bit of work training. It was such a great experience to finally set afoot in my company's Malaysian office and seeing again my batch mates from other countries who also joined the seminar. The days definitely flew by because not only did we learn a lot for my job and enjoyed the views, but I also savored what the country "served" and ate more than what was good for me.

Now for somebody who is such a finicky eater, this was TRULY a feat for Malaysia! Ha ha ha! Everything was just delicious, simple, and highlighting the cuisine of our continent. I loved the food! Wow!

Yes, MALAYSIA is TRULY Asia! Looking forward to bringing the missus here soon with our little boys.

So on to my food experience... 

 My first Malaysian meal at Village Park Restaurant!

HOTEL KIMBERLY (TAGAYTAY TRIP DAY 2)

It was TEAM YAP's second day at HOTEL KIMBERLY in Tagaytay along with the Campos, the Quitorianos, and the Virreys (see our first day HERE) and even if we turned in late last night from our "midnight chat", our family woke up extra early for breakfast so we could have a part 2 of the vacation that is worthy for the books!

HOTEL KIMBERLY Tagaytay!

The Campos, the Quitorianos, and TEAM YAP had an early breakfast at HOTEL KIMBERLY's cafe (blog post soon to follow!). I love that they made a special set up for our big group so we could all be in one table chatting and eating to our heart's content.

Yup! One family is missing! LATE!

TABLEA CHEESECAKE (INDULGENCE BY IRENE)

Christmas came early for ERICJAZ FOODIES because HALLELUJAH we received a surprise gift that made our night more special and delectable! So for our meanies out there (and when I say OUR it really means, MY), HA! That just means Santa thought I have been very, VERY good this year. And it is now time to show my REAL colors! Tee hee!

Oh I am just kidding!

Anyway, after experiencing the heaven that is of QUEZO DE BOLA CHEESECAKE by Indulgence By Irene (see HERE) the foodie gods thought that I needed extra cellulite on my right hip and sent my way ANOTHER dessert that would surely be a favorite for the chocoholics out there. (You know that's you).

TABLE CHEESECAKE by INDULGENCE by IRENE!

HOTEL KIMBERLY (TAGAYTAY DAY 1)

My husband and I are now very addicted in taking our little boys out for weekend getaways since we feel that we only got a few years left before they turn into GUYS and would be embarrassed to be seen with their Mommy and Daddy. So now we are relishing every moment with them and, like how my parents did, we would make it a point to take them somewhere special for a Yap bonding experience rather than the usual "mall tours". But of course, being the practical parents that we are, we were still very careful not to break bank.  So every chance we see a special deal online, we check it out and see if it is ERICJAZ FOODIES worthy!

My friends share the same sentiment as TEAM YAP that for one weekend, we planned another getaway for all 4 families. We agreed to make our venue for the mini-vacation to be HOTEL KIMBERLY since there was a deal online that got the approval from all the "practical" (read: sorta stingy) mommies. At first we were a bit hesitant that we may be holed up somewhere that would prove to be a burden to our enjoyment. But after our 2 day bonding trip, we were all declaring that HOTEL KIMBERLY may be the best hotel for your family. Once you're there, you wouldn't want to go anywhere!

Except to see the volcano of course! Ha ha ha!

It was a rainy weekend last October 12, 2013 and it was such a wet travel going up to Tagaytay. We thought that we were not going to make it but fortunately the storm scare made everybody stay at home so it was a fuss free drive for us.

And since it was very cold and we were hungry, we decided to warm ourselves up in the rainy weather with a big piping hot of bulalo!!!

Could you guess from what restaurant this delicious bubbling soup is from? 

Yup! It's from LESLIE's! Blog post soon to follow!

On our way to our destination, we thought that probably one drawback to HOTEL KIMBERLY was that it was not in the "central tourist district" in Tagaytay and you have to do a 20 minute drive down from the city. 

It was very foggy that morning and visibility was almost zero. We just took extra care in driving and turned on our head lights. 

And finally we're here!!!! HOTEL KIMBERLY!