FIKA

After our gastronomic fiesta in DENCIO'S (see that HERE), you would think that the "Kain Tulog Gang" would all go home and hibernate our full tummies away. 

Well... you thought wrong..... (dan dan daaaan).

Even if we were already having meat sweats from all the food at DENCIO'S and that we already ate our way thru dessert, the invite to have some MORE sweets with cups of java (other than that coffee with the mermaid or with the tea leaf) still seemed mouth watering.

Oh yes... Gluttony. That's another hobby for us in the slumbooks and it will be written beside reading cheesy novels such as "Twilight".

(But I guess that only applies to me... he he he!)

So we all trooped down to FIKA by the First Gourmet Academy to get more of that grub that may take a second on our lips but forever on our hips. I did not mind it too much though because everything was all so good that those pounds will now be our friends.

Besides, the 3 flights of stairs going down already served as our exercise for the day. So I guess I could compensate all that suffering with some sweets!

And FIKA is the perfect place to get them. 

FIKA (pronounced as feeka! Rhymes with Peeta (from Hunger Games... teehee!) is a project by culinary school First Gourmet Academy and served food whipped up by the students. 

DENCIO'S (CAPITOL GREENSTREET)

When you grow up, there would just be times when you  want to get away from it all.  

Some may reason out "harassment" from work... or a breather from school. 

I'm sure my husband would give a shout out that he wants a day-off from his very loud (oops), hyper (huh), over emotional (now wait a minute) wife. 

(Jaz - Why don't the words "hot", "beautiful", "sexy" work???)

As for me, I just want a place to relax. Though the city could be very exciting, there are times where I just want to stare and breathe in utmost relaxation (if possible) in Metro Manila.

And if great food is within an arm's reach, then that probably means you're in heaven.

With DENCIO's Capitol Greenstreet Mall branch, you could get all of the above. What you have is a restaurant situated in a quiet location in Quezon City and a breath-taking scenery to further complement the delicious food that DENCIO's is famous for.

And like I said, having the country's best sisig within arm's reach and a matching view to enjoy, it might just feel like I am in heaven.

(Eric -- "Maybe that is the only kind of heaven you'll EVER enjoy")

Why you! >:(

DENCIO'S CAPITOL GREENSTREET!!!

IHOP (International House of Pancakes - Part Trois) NEW GRUBS

If we were to ask you if you were going to improve anything in your life, what would it be?

Don't worry, I won't go smart alecky ala Jesse Eisenberg on you. We are just being little old cats who will never learn new tricks and just continue on being curious.

If you were to ask my husband Eric, being the typical guy that he is (yum), he wants to be taller (even if he is already 5'11) and have a body similar to THOR (Y.U.M. with matching faint).

If you were to ask me, my wish is simple. I just want to have a smaller forehead. Yes, this part of my head is so big and wide, it is a wonder I don't attract airplanes to land on this biographic runway that I have. Once, I dreamt of doing a Calvin and just draw lines using a permanent marker. I remember in College I would always avoid electric fans because I don't want my pre-arranged bangs to blow it's "cover".

Egad. Now I bet you'll stare and try to measure how big a galaxy my forehead is.

Anyway, my silly point here is that, even if I think my husband is already built to my liking or that my forehead was not really noticeable until I blurted out loud that it could sink the titanic, we will always find things/ways to improve something that was already coined as acceptable or even perfect by other people (though I doubt if that could be applied to my big head). 

Most of the time, we are already happy with what our favorite restaurant has to offer then lo and behold, they would introduce new items in the menu that will temp you from crossing over your usual favorites.

With that, I find it hard to believe how IHOP (International House of Pancakes) still managed to introduce new items in their menu when we, their regular customers, were already happy with our "usuals". 

(Check out our meal there by clicking IHOP PART ONE and IHOP PART DEUX).

I guess, like my husbands physical built and my "airport", IHOP would never settle and continuously dream or whip up their magic to satisfy the conscious and subconscious cravings of their diners.

Oh well at least anything is possible for IHOP and my husband.

If I were to consider having implants on the front side of my head, then the same goes for me.

Tee hee!

IHOP!!!

ERICJAZ FOODIES was invited to try out the new specials from IHOP!

Like I said, we were regular customers of this American franchise  and we were excited to gobble up the nouveau selection in their menu.

I'm sure you don't need pictures to know how crazy the lines could get in this restaurant!

Full night! Good thing we already got seats at IHOP!!!

Well we are some of those "crazies" who would line and just suck it out being the 34th in the list. 

And this cockle doodle dee is just rarin to try this:

IHOP's new Hand Crafted GRIDDLE MELTS!

Nothing instant about these new bites on the IHOP block -- everything you see here are hand crafted and made to order sandwiches!!!

The great thing about these "fully equipped" IHOP sandwiches is that they are also very practical on your pocket -- a full sandwich with all the trimmings (your choice of hash browns or seasoned fries) is available for P385.00  while a half order is P325.00!

Yub already set his eyes on IHOP's Ham and Egg Melt which had gooey swiss cheese and omelette!!! He took a long whiff on the bread and was delighted that they used a special artisan sourdough bread!!!

(I held up this IHOP sandwich to own it. He he he! I touched it, it's mine! 

Unless, you want to get some Jazzie Cooties! Tee hee!)

As for me, I got curious with IHOP's Spinach, Roasted Pepper, and Cheese Melt!

This IHOP hearty sandwich was packed with sauteed fresh spinach on egg with roasted peppers and onions. In it, you could find not just one but three different cheeses (provolone, parmesan, and pepper jack)!!!

Imagine taking a big bite of that.... YUMMMM... I know!

YUP! I touched it again! So it is MINE.

The last IHOP Griddle Melt which drew raves from the other bloggers was the Western Melt!

This robust griddle melt has smoked ham, sauteed onions, with ham, and american cheese!!!

If that won't get you Yiiihaaawing, I don't know what then.

My forehead maybe?

Kidding!

IHOP now offers us lovely diners this new dining option which will definitely perk and chirp up anyone who could chew and swallow. 

IHOP's Super Rooty Tooty Fresh and Tooty!!!

And just in case you need a more detailed description of this new AHA moment in IHOP's menu...

Imagine...

IHOP cinnamon apple compote pancakes....

OR...

IHOP cool strawberry pancakes....

OR

IHOP warm blueberry pancakes....

matched with....

IHOP Breakfast combinations:

Super Rooty Tooty -  2 Eggs, 2 strips of bacon, 2 sausage links, and Hash Browns (P395.00)

Regular Rooty Tooty - 2 Eggs, 2 strips of bacon, 2 sausage links (P345.00)

Warm Rooty Tooty Pancakes - Your choice of 2 Rooty Tooty Fresh and Fruity Pancakes (P245.00)

Yes! THIS goes together!!!

Dear Spanky : "HALLELUJAH!!!!"

And now we start eatin' at IHOP!!!

Oh please don't look at my forehead!

My plate! My wonderful IHOP plate!

My drink for the night! IHOP's hot chocolate (P145.00)! So creamy and hearty in every sip!!!

As for Yub, he got himself IHOP's bottomless Splashberry (P175.00)! He downed about 5 glasses of these!!!

I also had IHOP coffee along with my hot chocolate because I am just greedy that way.

Happy eater!

  

Digging in!!!

Open wideeee!!!

Oh it was as good as IHOPd it would be...

Ha ha ha! Sorry I can't help it!!!

Our full IHOP table!

Almost done with my IHOP cinnamon apple compote pancakes!!!

Sat beside one of the most nicest and smartest blogger I know! Mr. Eugene Constantino the THE HEFTIE FOODIE!!! He looks a lot like my older brother don't you think?  Maybe that is why I felt at ease with him in a snap! Like my bro, he's just a gentle giant!

As for my hub, he was getting a tutorial once more from THE guy himself, Mr. Gerry San Miguel or THE DUDE FOR FOOD!!! Ha ha ha! Don't ask me what about!

Photo grabbed from Mr. Spanky Enriquez

Such a great night once more with my favorite bloggers in the Metro and the kindly people from IHOP!

(l-r... my apologies if our positioning may confuse you) Ms. Kate Javier (IHOP Asst.Chef), MEH and MEH HUBBEH, Eugene Constantino, Jane Chua (BETWEEN BITES), Kathi Raneses and Jericho San Miguel (MUCKING AROUND MANILA), Gerry San Miguel, Ms. Patricia Malong (Global Restaurant Concepts Marketing Comm. Officer), Dear Spanky Enriquez, Nikko Ponti (WHEN IN MANILA), Richard Co (TALES FROM THE TUMMY),  Annalyn Jusay Zoglmann (AJAY'S WRITINGS ON THE WALL), my favorite Richie Zamora (THE PICKIEST EATER), Rina Zamora (RINA'S RAINBOW), Mr. Paolo Guitterez (IHOP - Head Chef), and Mr. Jhay Torres (IHOP Restaurant Manager)

 

Thank you so much to the very nice people of IHOP for organizing this great griddlin' event!!! All of us wanted to MELT from all that food! He he he he!

And of course, super kaduper thanks to THE guy himself Mr. Spanky Enriquez (JUICE.PH) for inviting ERICJAZ FOODIES!!!! 

Me : Dear sir, I HOP you forgive me for snatching all the GRIDDLE MELTS on the table.

Sir Spankalot : I HOP you choke when you eat MY Griddle Melt.

Kidding!!!

:P

Oh and by the way, here's proof  from my College pic as to how I ALWAYS arrange my bangs... tee hee....

Aquanet was my friend....

He he he he!

Hellooooo baby fat!!!

LET'S EAT!!!

IHOP Restaurant

The Fort

W Global Center, 30th St cor 9th Ave

Fort Bonifacio, Taguig

(02) 687-5611

AND BY THE WAY.............

For those who love sharing their love for food, IHOP just has the contest for you to join!

To support the coming of the GRIDDLE MELTS, IHOP will be having stuffs for you to join in Instagram and Twitter!

For Instagram, there will be a photo contest with weekly themes! Take your picture and add hash tag #GetYourGriddleOn to join!

For Twitter, there will be questions and the most wittiest of answers will be chosen. Just add the hash tag #GetGriddled! 

Winners will win cool IHOP gift certificates!!!

Always check the IHOP FACEBOOK PAGE for updates!!!

Wohoo!!!!

ALL AMERICAN FEAST - CORNICHE, DIAMOND HOTEL

By Eric John Yap
With add ons and comments by Jazmin Gatdula Yap



Just in case it is not really clear, I, Eric John Yap, the husband of the most beautiful and hot woman in the world, is the other half of this silly little foodie blog. My very sexy wife may do most of the writing and typing (sorry somebody is watching he he he) but I am more on the technical side as she does not know how to transfer her numerous pictures and load them into the computer. I also do the dirty job of getting shots which she is embarrassed to do herself when she suddenly (yes once in a blue moon) get pangs of shyness. I think she also mentioned before that I finance our pig out sessions and is the lone "model" of our blog (You can't imagine how many times I have to hold my pose of having my mouth open with a spoonful of food in front of me). 

Many times she refers to me as her chinese stalker and yes, I do admit that many times I would insist on fetching her and join her night out with friends. But MANY TIMES also when I say "Yub, have fun!", she would give this smile similar to what we call "ngising aso" (crazy dog smile) and say "FINE." With that one word, I know that I might get "accidentally" locked out the room that night. He he he!

("Jaz -- I only did that once by the way...")

Anyway, last week we received an invite to try out the ALL AMERICAN FEAST (US Food and Wine Festival) at the Corniche in the Diamond Hotel, and we were so beyond excited. But then my wife realized it was on a Friday and she normally gets out very late on the last day of the work week. She then heaved a long sigh, rolled her eyes, and almost mumbled that I SHOULD go ahead at the event and added that she will just try to follow from Quezon City.

So without thinking of whatever repercussions that might happen afterwards, I strongly agreed and prepared everything that is needed to be prepared (charge the cameras, something she does not know either). She might suddenly change her mind and ask that I pick her up or wait for her before I start eating.

You may all judge me for being too mean.... but my wife, though very sexy and kind and beautiful (yup still watching) would always drag me to indian restaurants, korean restaurants (kimchi ugh), and japanese restaurants (sushi yuck) -- foods that I never touch nor dare eat.

So with the premise of having plates and plates of steaks, burgers, pizzas, and what have yous, yes, I will be sad that she won't be with me for this wonderful night. But then, she did always refer to me as the Chinese stalker and I want to break out that stereotype for just this time....

.... with something American. He he he!

Anyway, she did forget about me when she went to URBN (see HERE)... So this time, revenge is not just sweet... It is MEATY!

He he he everything was just so good I'm not even sorry for not waiting for her. Ha ha ha ha!

(Jaz - By the way, the "accidental" room lock out I referred to above? It was THAT night).

ALL AMERICAN FEAST at the CORNICHE!

Going inside the restaurant there was a mini display of famous American stuffs like the HARLEY DAVIDSON motorcycles.

These motorcycles use Michelin by the way (the tire company I work for) because it is the BEST. He he he.

I was just on time! While Yub is not. He he he he!

International Chef Christopher Gallaga welcomed us to the American adventure that is to come.

ALL AMERICAN FEAST Appetizers for the hungry husband. 

ALL AMERICAN FEAST Shrimp and Grits were a good starter. I had 2 of these!

ALL AMERICAN FEAST Maryland Crab Cakes with shrimp topping.

ALL AMERICAN FEAST Russet Skins with bacon on top was really tasty! I had 3 pieces.

Southen Fried Chicken!

Yes this is an appetizer by their book!

Delicious Chipotle Smoked Wings!

Salads. The ladies in the table seem to have a good time eating their greens. But since I never touch vegetables, I would have to pass on this one.

A lot of bread...

... and sticks of Butter!

Some more carbs.

Plus these too!

Now the seafood display is not really included in the ALL AMERICAN FEAST but it is still part of the buffet and worthy of a place in my tummy.

ALL AMERICAN FEAST'S Oysters! This will be good should I decide to go surf and turf!

But of course, you should drop whatever you are holding in place of 

THIS

THE ALL AMERICAN FEAST Roast Beef!

I was almost hypnotized while watching the lovely attendant slice me a thick cut of this juicy meat!

You could ask them to plate you up this meat and make it look like you're one of the judges in Top Chef!

I also checked out ALL AMERICAN FEAST's Lamb and Ribs!

In THE ALL AMERICAN FEAST you could have your meats extra grilled to your liking!

I remember my Lovely wife (yes I was requested to refer to her like this from now on) would always like her steaks medium rare so she may want to steer away from this section. 

For me though you could get full just by taking in all the mouth watering aroma of the steaks grilling. It was a good thing nobody was looking because my mouth was open for a few minutes here.

(Jaz - I'm sure you were drooling as usual!)

You could request the waiters to whip up a special plate for you with all the trimmings and art!

One of the specialties for the ALL AMERICAN FEAST was the Turducken Turkey!

Chef Gallaga personally carved the ALL AMERICAN FEAST turkey at the station and served us. This was very different from the usual turkey we would eat during New Years because this big bird was stuffed with chicken and duck meat! 

This just made the ALL AMERICAN FEAST more special!

ALL AMERICAN FEAST's Country Cured Ham in biscuit!

Bite sized!

For the ALL AMERICAN FEAST, they highlighted the usual favorite sidings in US meals... the Cheesy Potato Au Gratin.... 

... and the clear winner on my plate the MACARONI AND CHEESE!

Both were supremely delicious!!! I could just imagine my wife fuming with envy because she loved everything cheesy!

(Jaz - It is a wonder why I fell for you Mr. Flowers-Are-Corny-During-Valentines)

Again, you could request the waiters to plate up these pasta dishes for you in a more special way. 

The ALL AMERICAN FEAST is very reasonably priced at P1,780 net per person considering all the gastronomic treats specially cooked up by international Chef Christopher Gallaga!

For an extra P495 net, you could also drink up to your happy place their special Beringer Wines!

This is just perfect with all the meats that I just ate up!

Other notable extras in the ALL AMERICAN FEAST.... 

Fajitas.... 

PIZZAS!!

My favorite too!

ALL AMERICAN FEAST's burgers!

My first plate...

My second plate...

My wife asked why I only had a few items of food on my plate. I told her that I would usually eat off from the buffet spread. He he he he!!!

Third plate... 

I would not show my other plates because it would then be obvious how I starved myself the whole day so that I would be able to eat everything on the spread. He he he he!

Dessert time!

Fudgy Fondue!

The ALL AMERICAN FEAST's Strawberry Cheese cake. Everybody was going crazy for this simple dessert. I'm taking a pic for my wife who is just in love with this creamy and fruity dinner ender!

(Jaz - And you did not even bother to hide me a piece inside your bag!!!)

Delicious ALL AMERICAN FEAST Smores! I think you could have this heated up to get everything all gooey but I just put this all into my mouth! It was so rich and chocolatey!! Now I know why I usually see these sweeties in US films when they have camping scenes.

I almost screamed for their ice cream!

And got for myself a bowl of the ALL AMERICAN FEAST's sun kissed sherbet! Very tart and sour! Delicious!

I also enjoyed their chocolate, vanilla, ube!

The ALL AMERICAN FEAST was an ultimate dream come true because if I get stuck on an island with Hit Girl Chloe Moretz, we could have these food everyday and I would not get tired of her, este, this grub.

(Jaz - I don't know which is more weird, your crush on Hit Girl or the hots you have for Game of Thrones Sansa! Tsk tsk! :) )

THE ALL AMERICAN FEAST was an unforgettable spread for me, the Chinese stalker (he he), because everything was just so hearty and rich and worth all the tummy space I saved for. I am now dreaming of all the food I just stuffed myself with that night. 

Anyway, even if the ALL AMERICAN FEAST is already THE grub you should go to at the Corniche, the restaurant still offers the usual buffet favorites! 

But trust me, the ALL AMERICAN FEAST is more than enough to make y'all happy and howdy!

By the way, what's an American experience without the colorful flags and costumes.

Yes... I only saw the flags and costumes..... 

Because I only had one thing on my mind and that is how much I missed my wife for the night. 

See? She was still with me and became the invisible stalker.

(Jaz - Watch your hands mister!)

In place of my Lovely Wife I was granted the great wisdom of Mr. Dude for Food (blog), Gerry San Miguel!

Great bloggers for the night along with Chef Christopher Gallaga and hosts (center ladies both in black) Ms. Melanie Samonte-Palloria (PR Manager) and Ms. Twinkle Lacsamana of The Diamond Hotel Philippines.

Thank you for having us! 

Special thanks also to Mr. Spanky Enriquez (JUICE.PH) for inviting ERICJAZ FOODIES!!! 

(Jaz - Are you enjoying some American Apple Pie dear Spanky? He he he he!)

The ALL AMERICAN FEAST at the Corniche in the Diamond Hotel will only run from August 22 to SEPTEMBER 1, 2013!

I don't write often but believe me when I say the food is so worth to go American for! 

Make your reservations now! Perfect for your family events!

Reservations (632) 528-3000 ext 1121.

In the meantime, I have to think of a way to appease my Lovely Wife whose temper is flaring for not being able to partake in the ALL AMERICAN FEAST. She is not really getting all riled up that I did not pick her up or wait for her. She is just throwing a fit that she was not able to eat this at all.

Yes. She was so sulky and jealous of my whole American experience that she ACCIDENTALLY locked me out of the room. 

(Jaz - You don't have proof that it was not an accident!)

It's okay because at least I STILL got to eat the ALL AMERICAN FEAST and she didn't! 

Just kidding. I might bring her there just to quiet her up!

Hope to see you there as well.

LET'S EAT.

DIAMOND HOTEL PHILIPPINES

Roxas Boulevard cor. Dr. J. Quintos St., Manila

632-526-3000 / 632-305-3000