KTG FOR 2020!

ERICJAZ FOODIES started the year with a getogether with our favorite foodies...

Photo from Timothy Cheung

THE KTG!!!!

MANAM GREENHILLS

As much as I love my ugly friends (who obviously don't read my blog), there is a different kind of fun hanging out with the foodies from The Kain Tulog Gang. Besides being gorgeous (like me... bwa ha ha ha ha....), they know the great places to eat in, have a full appetite (bawal diet), plus it is already understood how we'll take pictures of our grub before eating (even if it's not a sponsored meal).

These days I don't get to see them as much as I want to because I always get out of work late and I usually have plans with my family on weekends. Good thing that one time our schedules aligned and I was able to join some of the lovely ladies of THE KTG for an early lunch. The venue for that Saturdate was in MANAM -- a popular Filipino restaurant which I haven't tried yet, that's why I'm extra excited.

We obviously had a great time that Saturday. Well that's bound to happen because you could never go wrong with gorgeous people who love good food. He he he!

For those who don't agree, there's a special place in hell for you.

:P

We're in MANAM!!!!!!

Even if we frequent Greenhills shopping mall, it's our first time to go to MANAM since it was fairly new in the area. 

And since we were really unfamiliar with the new establishment, we even went to the wrong parking area. TOINK!

WANG JIA TEA HOUSE

ERICJAZ FOODIES went out Saturday morning for an early getogether with THE KAIN TULOG GANG in Ortigas Center. We already went home about 1:00AM from a gimik that Friday but when our KTG beckons, we follow.

It's very likely anyway that delicious and hot food is waiting for us at the end of the "rainbow." He he he he he he he!

The venue for that morning was in WANG JIA TEA HOUSE, a simple and unpretentious restaurant located inside CW Home Depot Compound. When we got to the venue, the Yub and I knew that this would already be our kind of place especially when we're craving for affordable comfort food.

And knowing that they serve Yub's usual favorite (e.g. dimsum, noodles, rice toppings, kikiam, etc) just made him feel like he hit the jackpot.

WOHOOO!!!!!!!!!!

WANG JIA TEA HOUSE!!!!!

MIREIO'S LUXE SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET

THE YAPPY BUNCH was in for something super special one weekend, and I'm not just talking about the usual buffet or breakfast. We're doing it the French way, and I cannot be more excited because well, we all know how they are and their cuisine -- extraordinary!

And after trying out the MIREIO LUXE SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET, I will forever add a word that would be synonymous to that experience -- unforgettable!!!

Well either that or sacre bleu, but I'm going for "les dikomalilimutan" for now. He he he he he! 

MIREIO LUXE SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET!!!!

#JTAKESJ - A KTG WEDDING

Happy memories could be experienced even at the most unlikely places. And that is exactly what we discovered when we attended the wedding of our dear KTG friends Joko and Jeeves sometime last year. 

It was a rainy and traffic Saturday when set out for Tagaytay.

Good thing that amidst the weather and traffic situation, we were all dry and pretty (hi hi hi) inside our helicopter. 

IT'S ANOTHER GREAT YEAR WITH F1 HOTEL MANILA

THE YAPPY BUNCH were so excited that for the first weekend of 2018, we were invited to have a staycation with our favorite foodie family, the KTG. This was just so perfect because I was thinking of how to celebrate Mati's birthday weekend and a staycation at his favorite F1 HOTEL in BGC will just make him oh so happy.

Wow! See how 2018 is already working out well for us? I'm so sure that 2018 will be an awesome year. I claim it!

And I'm sure that with THE YAPPY BUNCH, the KAIN TULOG GANG in F1 HOTEL MANILA, our home in BGC, is an awesome way to celebrate this exciting year!

YIHIII! ERICJAZ FOODIES with the little lords are in F1 HOTEL MANILA for our first weekend in 2018!

It was a sunny morning that Saturday and we were early in F1 HOTEL!

NEW EXCITING DISHES AT APPLEBEE'S!

APPLEBEE'S, an American favorite that has also called the Philippines their home, recently introduced new menu items to give more mouth-watering choices to any Filipino foodie.

One weekend, ERICJAZ FOODIES got deliciously acquainted with APPLEBEE'S new dishes on the block and we were surprised at the long list of grub we're going to try.

Just to clarify, we were "surprised" but we were definitely not complaining. Ha ha ha ha! Everything just looked so awesome that we were so excited to introduce them all to our tummies.

And that we did! Check out our happy (and shameless) gluttony of a Saturday with APPLEBEE'S!!! 

APPLEBEE'S!!!!

The Chinese Dragon and Mother of Dragons!!!

#imissGameofThrones #Boatscenebitin

We invited the little lords to go with us but they said they would rather stay with their Lola. Okay fine.

Instant date night for us!

#BoatScenePart2

THE KTG CHRISTMAS PARTY 2016

THE KAIN TULOG GANG recently celebrated their Christmas Party and we held it in our "second home" -- F1 HOTEL MANILA!

THE KAIN TULOG GANG, aka THE KTG!

HEY HANDSOME

Restaurants are popping up here and there that it's so easy to get lost in the "What's what" and the "Who's who". But if you've been going online these days searching for the "next big thing" in the Metro, one name always sprouts up:

HEY HANDSOME!

Noooo, I was not calling the Chinese Dimpol over. Eeewwness. But I am just stating the restaurant that you should be trying out.

Like RIGHT NOW.

HEY HANDSOME only opened last August 2016 and the reviews are just scandalous, but in a good way! There just seems to be a lot of noise about this new hub in the Fort that serves a mix of Malaysian, Indonesian, and Chinese dishes. It is always packed and almost all of the foodies I know are just delirious with the food served.

So with that, it is just high time for me to try it out.

And yes, with a handsome Chinese guy in tow!

HEY HANDSOME!!!!

If you think the restaurant owners are just too full of themselves, overly confident, OR thinking about the Chinese Dimpol when they conceptualized this, you are soooo wrong.

This is actually a play on how hawker style restaurants would call potential customers -- sorta like "Hey Joe!" or "Hey Mister!!!". But of course, the way they do it, they put something to make the customers feel good about themselves or "kilig". He he he he he! Hence, the handsome!

If you still don't get it, the concept is like "Teh, teh bili na kayoooo" in markets or the familiar "Dibidi dibidi" if somebody is offering you, pirated movies. He he he he he he he he!

THE ULTIMATE TASTE TEST 2016

For the past 4 years, ERICJAZ FOODIES has been going to the ULTIMATE TASTE TEST and there is NO stopping us. EVER.

We feel that it's already an annual tradition for the foodie in us that's why we'll forever attend the ULTIMATE TASTE TEST as long as they hold it!

MAMA LOU'S (UP TOWN CENTER)

It doesn't take SO MUCH to make me happy....

The arrival of my monthly YUMMY MAGAZINE makes me happy.

Receiving a nice comment on the blog makes me happy.

Being able to download a movie with the correct subtitles makes me happy.

Syesta time makes me happy.

Successfully inserting my USB at the first try makes me happy.

Watching Dr. Sandra Lee videos makes me happy (tee hee).

And I haven't included my family there. Otherwise this list won't EVER stop. He he he he he he!

So if simple trivial things already make me happy, imagine the joy and excitement we felt upon discovering that there is already a MAMA LOU'S branch in UP TOWN CENTER???

OH.... MY.... GAWD with matching hyperventilating!

Puhleez don't make a face right now and scoff at my excitement, you judgmental little person you. He he he he he!

If you have already tried the delicious food at MAMA LOU'S from their faraway branches of Laguna or Las Pinas, you would understand why were doing the cartwheels and the dance of joy right now. FINALLY. They opened a branch on the other side of the Metro and we are now closer to where we had our taste of uber delicious pasta, pizza, and much, much more.

Now if that isn't great news to simpleton foodies like us, I don't know what is.

Maybe a confirmation that you'll be treating us to MAMA LOUS for a month? He he he he he he! Well you can't really blame a hungry girl for trying!

:P

MAMA LOU'S UP TOWN CENTER!!!

MAMA LOU'S recently opened it's doors at this 3rd branch in UP TOWN CENTER. Although it is still far from where I live, it is so near my office. So yey! The Chinese Dimpol and I could have dinner here when he fetches me on a Friday.

MAX'S RESTAURANT (QUEZON CITY)

THE YAPPY BUNCH were having a staycation in MERANTI HOTEL and when it was time for lunch, we were excited to learn that it was going to be in MAX'S RESTAURANT.

Sure there are other more hip places in the area that would be a more "fashionable" choice for us to feature in our silly foodie blog. But awcmown man, MAX'S is already a Filipino institution of our country's cuisine, that when it is part of the decision to be made, YOU GO FOR IT.

Yep. ALL caps are in order.

At least with MAX'S RESTAURANT, you are assured that you are going to have a helluva delicious meal. It hasn't been around for 71 years for nothing. When I was a kid, I remember that when my Dad would bring home boxes of MAX'S fried chicken, it was a happy day for us. Because not only would my Daddy bring home MAX's when he received a bonus at the office (he used to work in a multinational company) but he would also do so when he wins in the casino! Ha ha ha ha ha! Don't worry, he only played sporadically that we would even tell him "Please Daddy play more in the casino so you could bring home MAX'S Fried Chicken!"

Tee Hee! Happy memories. Nothing spells FOODIES more in the family when you encourage gambling just to get fried chicken. Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

The great thing about MAX'S RESTAURANT is that even if they are so famous for their fried chicken, they would always cook up more dishes that soon became our new favorites!

So read up and drool boys. Be jealous of our ultradelicious MAX'S RESTAURANT lunch. Maybe it's high time for you to head on to MAX'S and go back to its delicious home cooked meals that it has been serving for 71 years.

ENJOY!!!!

MAX'S RESTAURANT!

MAX's RESTAURANT is brought to us by MAX's GROUP which also owned MERANTI HOTEL, the place where we're staying in for the weekend.

After settling in, we were going to walk towards MAX'S restaurant which was just next to the hotel.

And we're here!

Do you know that this is the first MAX'S branch in the Philippines?

Yup! And now it's gone a long way from its humble home in Quezon City with about 127 branches in the Philippines! Not to mention serving its famous fried chicken in the US and Canada!!!

NEW ENTREES FROM IHOP!!!!

ERICJAZ FOODIES was recently invited to try out the new meals from the INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES (IHOP) and we were beyond excited!

I remember that when IHOP first opened in BGC the lines were just unimaginable. The people who endured the long wait (ourselves included) were combinations of those who had tried their food from the US and those who just wanted to taste what the fuss was about. Too bad that those who really set up such over-the-top expectations on IHOP was disappointed. As for ERICJAZ FOODIES,  honestly, we still enjoyed it!

Sure, it tasted different from what we are used to here in Manila (because of the different ingredients)...

Sure, the servings may be smaller compared to the US (for pricing purposes)...

Sure, some of the dishes of the dishes from the US may not be available (either they prioritized more on the Filipino favorites OR, ingredients that were ordered from the US haven't arrived yet. They don't use substitutes!!!!)...

YUP! BUT WE STILL ENJOYED IT!

Because really, you shouldn't hype yourselves up just for the heck of it. IHOP has been serving hot platters of breakfast and main entrees for over 57 years so I'm sure they know what they are doing. And if you just set aside comparisons and expectations, you will also find something to enjoy in IHOP.

YEAH! Like what we always do! That's why we have fun in everything!

And in IHOP, they have new dishes in the menu to give you more reasons to come back for a visit. That's why with their ever growing list of foods to try out, I'm sure you'll find again something to enjoy too!

HAPPY IHOP EATING!!!!

And we're back in IHOP! But this time, we're in Araneta Center!

IHOP Araneta Center is the second brand of the franchise to open in the Philippines. Soon there will be a total of 8 branches in Manila of this American favorite!!!!

THE CHOICE IS YOURS AGAIN!!!!!!

THE TIME HAS COME FOR YOU TO MAKE A CHOICE....

Will you go for the popular restaurant, or your type of restaurant?

The expensive restaurant that draws celebrities, or the one that you'd rather go to with your family?

The restaurant that's the much awaited franchise to raid the Philippines, or the one that's been serving home-cooked meals for so long???

Yup. YOU will be the one to tell us which restaurant deserves...

THE CHOICE!!!!

DAN! DAN! DAN!!!!!!!!!!!

MERANTI HOTEL STAYCATION

If you are working, going to school, or just being harassed by the white walkers throughout the week, Saturdays are something that you would always look forward to with a matching hallelujah. Like me, I'm sure you wouldn't want to do anything else but just to relax, eat, sleep, and have fun with your family.

That is why I have come to appreciate the beauty and essence of staycations. Of course, getaway trips are still something else. And nothing beats just staying in your room all day, watching dibidis, and just being a hungry sloth (sorry I'm not a good example). But there is something exciting about having a change of scenery, getting pampered like you were Prince William, and just relaxing without having to think of your usual cares in the world (like household chores, and uh, dieting... he he he he).

Just like what happened to us during our recent staycation in MERANTI HOTEL. At first you would doubt how a boutique hotel that's so nearby in Quezon City could provide happiness in a unruly family of 4. But to debunk the naysayers, just right after checking out little Andrei was already wishing that we go back there! Yes, and as from our group would agree, it was one of our most enjoyable staycations this year to date!

Find out why and how MERANTI HOTEL is the little staycation destination that could! And like us, you'll surely check-out refreshed, de-stressed, and so ready to face another crummy week ahead!

ENJOY!

MERANTI HOTEL!

MERANTI HOTEL is located in the streets of Quezon City in Scout Lozano. 

At one side it is in a residential area while the other one faces the main street. 

MERANTI is the first hotel by the Max's Group, the company that brought us restaurants such as Max’s (obviously... he he he he), Pancake House, Yellow Cab, Dencio’s, and international brands Krispy Kreme and Jamba Juice to name a few. They've produced many restaurants that have almost become "icons" in the Philippine cuisine so it's really no wonder that they'll venture into accommodations BECAUSE food and lodging just goes oh so well together!

See the sense in my argument? He he he he he he!

WOLFGANG'S STEAKHOUSE

It may be a busy Wednesday where there might be traffic jams all around (hopefully not in the Pasay area), but dangnabbit, WE WILL HAVE STEAK TONIGHT.

ERICJAZ FOODIES will be having dinner with our foodie friends, the KTG, in WOLFGANG'S STEAKHOUSE and even if I'm coming from Quezon City AFTER  a meeting, I'll be rushing like Daniel Day Lewis from The Last of the Mohicans.

Oh yes WOLFGANG "I will find YOU." 

But really, as WOLFGANG'S STEAKHOUSE was hailed to be one of the best in New York, sprouting numerous branches in the USA plus in Japan and Seoul, it is not really hard to find in its new home in Newport Mall at Resort's World Manila.

This restaurant, owned by the famed Chef Wolfgang Zwiener, stands a commanding presence in the area that the other establishments beside it seem to be "bowing" under it's rule.

He he he he he!

Or maybe I'm just THAT hungry?

YAKITORI GALORE FROM NANBANTEI OF TOKYO

ERICJAZ FOODIES suddenly forgot the weekday diet and trooped on over to NANBANTEI OF TOKYO to savor once more our favorite Japanese Yakitori.

NANBANTEI OF TOKYO!!!!

This popular restaurant from Tokyo, Japan has been serving it's mouth-watering Yakitori's for over 40 years with branches in Hong Kong, Singapore, and China.  In the Philippines, NANBANTEI OF TOKYO already had branch in Makati and the Fort. Now it just opened its doors in Alabang!!!

SEAFOOD SUNDAY BRUNCH AT SPECTRUM, FAIRMONT HOTEL

THE YAPPY BUNCH was invited to try out the SEAFOOD SUNDAY BRUNCH AT SPECTRUM in FAIRMONT HOTEL. And was I excited!!!!!

Sure I'm supposed to be on a diet...
Sure I should be resting because we went home late the previous night....
Sure we were supposed to have lunch with my family on Sundays...

But the promise of EAT-ALL-YOU-CAN oysters, crabs, lobsters, salmons, shrimps, etc. etc etc is enough to make you do a Sandor Clegane aka The Hound in GAME OF THRONES:

F@#$ the diet!
F*@% the rest!
F@#^ the...... ahem... ahem.... Wait, I think I should stop myself there unless I want to be put on the guillotine.

So really, there was nothing to contest. The fresh seafood from SPECTRUM will DEFINITELY win in this round again and again.

And you've got every Sundays until August, 2016 to do that!

For only P2,777.00 nett for adults (50% off for children 6 to 12 years old) indulge in a looooooong spread of the fresh catch of the sea that would get you instantly drooling and craving for more.

Stop your suffering and contact SPECTRUM ASAP!!!!

But for now, check out THE YAPPY BUNCH and the Kain Tulog Gang's glorious Seafood Sunday! And believe me, everything's so good, you'll forget that you'll have to wait for 7 months before Game Of Thrones returns.

Tee Heee! 

We are all ready for A LOT of SEAFOOD this brunch time at SPECTRUM!!!!

It was a gloomy Sunday when we made a trip to FAIRMONT MAKATI HOTEL. But we did not let the dark weather dampen our spirits because we were going to have some seafood!

KTG SUMMER FUN IN ANTIPOLO (2016)

ERICJAZ FOODIES are going to Antipolo for swimming, eatin', and MORE with my foodie friends, THE KAIN TULOG GANG (KTG)! And we're so excited!!!!!

Even if it was set up a month away, THE YAPPY BUNCH are surely going. Because what I love about KTG is that not only do we have a lot of love for eating and sleeping (tee hee) but we also focus on family togetherness as well!

Food, friends, fun, and family --- that already spells a PERFECT Saturday for us!

And it definitely was!!!!

Tara na sa Antipolo!!!!

When we arrived, the pool and the trampoline were waiting in THE PICKIEST EATER'S home!

SALVATORE CUOMO AND BAR

Sometime last week, ERICJAZ FOODIES was invited to try out the newest "it" restaurant in the Fort area....

Pic by dear Spanky! Wait... Where was I???

SALVATORE CUOMO AND BAR!!!

It was a rainy Wednesday but everyone still braved the harsh weather to get a taste of the delicious food that diners were raving about!

Well I know I did! Dangnabbit come rain or come shine, I will be having a big bite of their pizzas... AND MORE!