DEGUSTATION DINNER AT THE CHAMPAGNE ROOM (THE MANILA HOTEL)

Hello everyone! Remember me??? He he he he he!

Yeah... yeah... before you remember me as the person you blocked before (he he he he he he), this is Jaz of ERICJAZ FOODIES who still believes in her online diary. I know I am not writing here as much as before, but work got hectic, annnnnd there are some things happening in my private life (PRIVATE LIFE DAW O) that warranted the delay of my posting. 

ANYWHO...

To say that our year was uneventful is an understatement.... BUT would just like to focus on what gave us smiles and happy tummies. Sooo no chismis for you... Ha ha ha ha ha! Maybe soon!

So last 2024, we were planning how to celebrate Mommy's 80th. There were a lot of options but I came upon THE CHAMPAGNE ROOM at the MANILA HOTEL when I was checking for some promos and what have you. 

At first my bossy kapatids didn't want to go that far as they're allergic to traffic, but later on they changed their minds so as to try out something new, AND because we luuuuuuuuuv our Mummy.

So to THE MANILA HOTEL we went, and we're all sooo glad that we did because it was the start of a beautiful friendship with THE MANILA HOTEL! :) 

We're in THE CHAMPAGNE ROOM!!!!

ARISTOCRAT WITH THE FAMILY (2019)

My Lolo recently received an award for his efforts in pioneering/promoting our religion in the Cavite area and it's a good thing that my titas, Daddy's sisters, were here from the US to attend the event. They were actually in the Philippines to visit my Dad for all Soul's day so it was a delightful surprise that our Lolo, their Dad, will be given such recognition by our church the same time they're here.

Of course, my family will be more than happy to receive the award but knowing how proud my titas are of their tatay, I know that they wouldn't want to miss it for the world!

I wonder if my Dad had a "hand" in arranging this so that they could be here? He he he he he!

So for that night, my titas wished to eat/celebrate in their favorite ARISTOCRAT after the event. The ceremony will take place in one of the theatres in CCP and would probably finish by about 8pm. It was a by-invitation only (if we wanted to watch, we have to pay P1,000.00... ay!) that my Mom said they'll just be the ones to attend and we could just meet them at ARISTOCRAT for dinner.

Syempre, masunurin kaming mga bata. Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!

Of course, we're more than happy to wait in ARISTOCRAT because we loved the food there.

I'm sure my Mom wouldn't mind if we start eating already though.

Tee to the Hee! 

ARISTOCRAT!!!!!

ARISTOCRAT AGAIN (2018)

We were having Andrei's 2018 birthday celebrations and one of his wishes was to go to Star City with his best guy pal, Paolo. We invited my BGP Mariane to join us and as expected, she agreed to come because she loved us (he he he he he).

As much as we loved the indoor setting of Star City, we wanted to be there super early because the crowds come in as the hours go by. So since the opening that day was at 2:00pm, we wanted to be right there as soon as they start letting ticket-holders in. With that, we decided that it's best to meet somewhere earlier and have lunch at the same time.

Now where to go???

There were A LOT of restaurants near Star City around the CCP Complex or along Roxas Boulevard that would be perfect for a birthday getogether. In fact, if we were feeling adventurous and extra celebratory, we would go somewhere that we haven't eaten before.

BUT, we were with our best friends. And I know that with them, we don't need to go anywhere flashy, expensive, or earth-shattering to have a great time. Truth be told, we could all just stay at home, order chicken, then chat away (with all our feet up) and still have an awesome day.

I guess, they were feeling the same because when I asked where we should go, BGP Mariane and Manong Fred suggested to have lunch in the restaurant that felt like home for them -- ARISTOCRAT. Don't get me wrong, these two could eat ANYWHERE that they wanted to, BUT like the people who could go everywhere, they chose their real favorites for special occasions.

And I super agree with them.

So ARISTOCRAT it is. And as expected, we had a super fun and delicious lunch to celebrate my bunsoys birthday.

Just the way we wanted.

:P 

ARISTOCRAT!!!!

ARISTOCRAT had the usual large crowd that day so it's a good thing that our group was able to get a table agad.

JAZZ UP IN THE SKY (HEROES HOTEL)

THE YAPPY BUNCH were having a family staycation with some of the Kain Tulog Gang at HEROES HOTEL. Come noontime, we were not really looking forward to lunch since we all just had coffee and we were relaxing in our rooms. Alas, food awaits and as much as we wanted to just be lazy our day, getting us fat is still the priority (tee hee).

Check out our unexpectedly enjoyable lunch where our not-so hungry bellies still managed to finish platters of delicious food. Yup. It's that good!

Ayayay!!  

We're in JAZZ UP IN THE SKY STEAKS AND GRILLS!!!!!!

A MEXICAN FOOD FESTIVAL IN DIAMOND HOTEL!

ERICJAZ FOODIES were invited for dinner one stormy weekend in DIAMOND HOTEL to try out their MEXICAN FOOD FESTIVAL at their CORNICHE RESTAURANT and we were excited.

Yep! Like Speedy-Gonzales-on-steroids-partying-like-there's-tomorrow-on-an-endless-Cinco-de-Mayo, excited! He he he he!

I don't normally accept invites these days but the thought of having Mexican food and my other favorites from CORNICHE, plus seeing the Kain Tulog Gang is enough to make me get braver in tackling a possible "carmageddon" ahead. Hopefully though, we won't get stuck at anything that would force us to cancel.

And by some sort of miracle, everything did work out! I was able to get out of work early and it was a smooth, traffic-free ride from Quezon City to Roxas Boulevard. Would you believe it only took us an hour? Yep! As waze predicted!

As expected, it was a festive and fun night! It was great seeing our foodie family and our tummies were thankful for all the colorful and tasty Mexican dishes served in the buffet of CORNICHE RESTAURANT. We were glad to join this fiesta.

Viva La Mexico!!! AY!

We're at the CORNICHE RESTAURANT!

I really thought that we'll be the only diners that night because of the typhoon but CORNICHE RESTAURANT had a fare share of guests that Friday.

TASTY DUMPLINGS AGAIN

Ever since we went to TASTY DUMPLINGS in our last Binondo Food Tour, I cannot stop thinking about it. Seriously! That ginormous breaded and fried pork chop with the juicy innards just gets me drooling every time. That's why I swore that when we're near the area, we'll DEFINITELY go to TASTY DUMPLINGS again.

And so we did!

This time, it's more fun because we're with the boys!

Wohoo!

We're going to TASTY DUMPLINGS!!!!

TASTY DUMPLINGS (BINONDO FOOD TRIP)

Every time the Chinese Dimpol and I go to Binondo for CHINESE NEW YEAR, we always get a lot of recommendations to try out TASTY DUMPLINGS. As much as we wanted to though, we cannot have our meal there because not only is it not in our Ongpin route during CHINESE NEW YEAR, but it also gets SUPER CROWDED on the special day.

When THE FOOD ALPHABET scheduled a BINONDO FOOD TRIP, I'm thankful that he included TASTY DUMPLINGS in our itinerary. This was a meal we have long been waiting for and we're glad to discover that it deserves all of the hype.

So YAY! We finally got to try TASTY DUMPLINGS! Check out how it made us fall in love with it and got us craving for more!!! 

We're going to TASTY DUMPLINGS!!!

HOOORAY!

TASTY DUMPLINGS is located at the other side of the famous Binondo Church.

LING NAM WANTON PARLOR (ONGPIN)

THE YAPPY BUNCH went to Chinatown Binondo to celebrate the Chinese New year. And of course, what we are always looking ward to at the end of our trip is what we're going to have for lunch!!!!

And for the The Year of the Rooster, we're going for LING NAM!!!!

LING NAM was suggested by our kumpareng THE FOOD ALPHABET when we asked where we should go for lunch.

CAFE ADRIATICO

I remember when I was still single (with no one to mingle) my family would have occasional lunches at CAFE ADRIATICO in its Greenhills branch. I always have fond memories of our meals there because the place had that classical old Manila ambience while the food was indeed something to go back to for.

Fast forward to decades later (ugh it's true) when I'm already married, with two kids, and having birthday staycations to appease the fact that I'm getting older. During our birthday weekend in DIAMOND HOTEL, the Chinese Dimpol and I were deciding where to have our Saturday dinner that we could dress up for. Of course, we're still on a budget so SPIRAL is out of the question, and we want someplace more special than our usual LAU CHAN when we're in the Manila area.

It was then that I suggested to go to CAFE ADRIATICO since I remembered my family's wonderful meals there. The Chinese Dimpol strongly agreed and stuck to my recommendation even if we saw other possible restaurants for us to try. Naks! I guess he trusted my family's good times!

And what a great dinner we had! We may have had other options to eat in Manila but we were all so happy for a chance to go down memory lane with the delicious food at CAFE ADRIATICO. I'm glad that my Yap guys were able to get a taste of why this cafe is so memorable to me. What makes it more special is that we were all treated to the Filipino/Spansh goodness that CAFE ADRIATICO is famous for during our birthday celebrations!

So Yipeeekeeyey! There is really nothing like food because not only does it make you reminisce about GOOD times, but it also taste so damn GOOD as well!

CAFE ADRIATICO in Malate Manila!

When I called to make reservations, the lady said I didn't really need to since they don't usually have a lot of diners.

When we got there, the place was packed that even their second floor area was full. See? Like I always say, better be safe than sorry!

MITSUYADO SEI-MEN BLUEBAY WALK

It's been a while since we ate in MITSUYADO SEI MEN, considering that it was one of the restaurants that fattened me up via their carb seduction. Even before RAMEN NAGI or IPPUDO, MITSUYADO tempted me endlessly with their fatty broth and slippery "slurpable" Ramen. I'm not sure why but we took a hiatus from this early favorite. Probably because we ate so much there in the past years that we needed to get a MITSUYADO detox? He he he he he!

I never knew how much we missed my old noodle haven until I saw its familiar sign when we had lunch before our ASIAPOP COMICON DAY. For some reason I thought that MITSUYADO SEI MEN only set base in Jupiter Street. Sorta like how there is only Hall of Justice in the DC World (tee hee). Imagine my surprise that when we parked in Blue Bay Walk, my old favorite greeted us. Wohoo!

Such a wonderful surprise to start our family Sundate! We are sure to fill up our hungry tummies with MITSUYADO goodies today!

MITSUYADO SEI-MEN in BLUE BAY WALK!

It was about 11:00am and we thought of having an early lunch at MITSUYADO SEI-MEN to catch one of the talents that Mati wanted to see in the ASIAPOP COMICON panel.

A MEXICAN FEAST - CORNICHE, DIAMOND HOTEL!

THE CORNICHE in DIAMOND HOTEL has raised a new foodie flag once again to highlight a popular cuisine that is craved by many! From September 16 to 20, 2015 feast on the colorful and festive spread that would give your appetite a mouth-watering fiesta.....

LA COMIDA MEXICANA at CORNICHE IN DIAMOND HOTEL!!!!!

When the Chinese Adonis arrived, a Mariachi band was playing in full blast!

See? Even their devoted chefs are watching! He he he he he!

The DIAMOND HOTEL Mariachi band certainly gave this Wednesday night an instant party!

OUTBACK BLUE BAY WALK

When I had my week long birthday celebration earlier this year, OUTBACK PHILIPPINES was so kind to invite THE YAPPY BUNCH to treat us out for dinner. The timing was so perfect too because we were having a wonderful staycation at HYATT, CITY OF DREAMS  and the OUTBACK branch we were planning to go to was so near to us!

Talk about food fate! We were so meant to have tender and juicy steaks that weekend.

And we all have OUTBACK BLUE BAY WALK to thank for!

Plus my Mom and Dad since there wouldn't be a birthday treat if they didn't "create" me. Tee hee!

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE!

We went to OUTBACK'S newest branch in the Philippines located in Blue Bay Walk!

YING YING TEA HOUSE

When we were planning our trip to Binondo Manila for the Chinese New Year 2015, I was talking on and on about going here and going there, while the Chinese Adonis was already quietly looking up restaurants for lunch. I know right? Usually it's me who's dreaming up the restaurants to eat and rest in after a long day (as the Chinese Adonis is always active) but this time, he was secretly looking up places to eat at what he feels is his own "Disneyland".

So when I asked where we'll be eating at Binondo, Manila, he instantly answered that we will be going to YING YING TEAHOUSE. Why? Because he said so. Usually I'm such a lovable wife (aka nagger) who would ask many questions on what, where, when, and why. But this time I was quiet. We WILL be in Binondo Manila, his favorite place besides Lucena, after all. 

Yes. The Chinese Adonis loves his authentic Chinese food. I would NEVER dream of meddling in his own "turf".

ERICJAZ FOODIES and the little lords are in Chinatown for the Chinese New Year!

And there is only one restaurant for lunch time for us. And it is...

YING YING TEA HOUSE!

Like in LUCKY RAINBOW SEAFOOD RESTAURANT in Binondo, Manila, there was also a long line during the Chinese New Year!

WELCOMING THE YEAR OF THE SHEEP (CHINESE NEW YEAR 2015)

For four years now, we have been going to Binondo Manila to celebrate the CHINESE NEW YEAR and this time, we will be welcoming the year of the SHEEP. It really started off as something we just wanted the kids to experience that one time last 2011 but then we had so much fun (the little lords excluded) that we thought of doing it a yearly tradition.

Our agenda for our YAPPY BUNCH CHINESE NEW YEAR is pretty simple: get a noble steed to take us to Chinatown, walk around and marvel at the sights, eat at a dingy but authentic Chinese restaurant, then troop on home again. Of course, I might have omitted the part wherein we will be squeezing in through sweaty crowds and the little lords whining to go home, but I don't want to risk the boys reading this and making up an excuse not to go next year. Ha ha ha ha ha!

Sorry! I know that the boys would rather stay home and just play video games or watch TV. But what will they really get from that? Good thing that the Chinese Adonis and I share the same sentiment that family bonding and memories are MADE and not PLAYED (with gadgets).

When they complain that they're tired or that their other classmates don't go to Binondo during the holidays, we would always quote the wise words of Calvin's Dad (y'know from CALVIN AND HOBBES?) that "these things build CHARACTER." So with that, the Chinese Adonis and I fully intend to bestow this very "challenging" and "strenuous" family activity upon them always.

Of course, with a side of dimsum. He he he he!

Kung Hei Fat Choi everyone!

I'm a Chinese Dragon with silver teeth fillings!

It's CHINESE NEW YEAR and we're going to welcome THE YEAR OF THE SHEEP!

Going to Manila that day was easy peasy and no traffic. I guess it has something to do with Ped Xing also celebrating something that day? I don't know who he is but most of the streets are named after him!!!!!!!!!!

Tee hee!

SPIRAL BUFFET (SOFITEL PHILIPPINE PLAZA MANILA)

FINALLY.

That's the ONE word I thought of to sum up our night. 

Actually, that's the word I had been thinking of once I received news that we will be going there and it was the same idea that lingered on even after a week!

For those who know me, you could tell that I'm not joking. Oh yes. I'm super kaduper serious.

Because FINALLY. After years and years of always wondering, wishing, and joking around, I have finally "climbed" MY "Mount Everest".

Yep! We have FINALLY eaten at SPIRAL!!!!

Never mind getting bigger boobs or having hair implants on my big forehead, one of my biggest (silly) dreams is to eat at SPIRAL. Judge me all you want but it's something that has always become a point of reference for me. I could never stop yapping about it:

a) "You want my friendship? Treat me at SPIRAL."
b) "You want to ask a favor from me? Treat me at SPIRAL."
c) "You want to make me happy for my birthday? SPIRAL."
d) "You want to be happy on YOUR birthday? Take me to SPIRAL."

Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Seriously though, I'm just all jokes. But when somebody DOES offer to treat me at SPIRAL I will turn it town because I really find it so expensive. Would you believe that the Chinese Adonis has already offered before (to shut me up) but I would always feel that it's something impractical no matter what the event or reason (aka LQ)? Sorry but about P6,500.00 for the two of us, could already be a fun weekend staycation for THE YAPPY BUNCH!

So yes! That's the perfect word for the FINALLY.

FINALLY, I will stop wondering and blabbering about it because the fat lady has already sung for my SPIRAL curiosity.

Of course, following a very gastronomic and enjoyable night at SPIRAL, something will haunt my little foodie self from days on.

WHAT NOW?

SOFITEL on a Sunday night!

And yes. The roads going to my dream restaurant is congested!

YOHOOO!

We finally saw it. SPIRAL!

LUCKY RAINBOW SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

When we had our CHINESE NEW YEAR celebration in Binondo (see HERE) we were not only excited to experience the the fun hustle and bustle in Chinatown, but we were also looking forward to having an authentic meal that Binondo is famous for.  So upon the suggestion of our KTG friend Stonibert (aka THE FOOD ALPHABET) we went to LUCKY RAINBOW SEAFOOD RESTAURANT and hoped that we would eat the greasy and delicious Chinese food that we were dreaming about! 

LUCKY RAINBOW SEAFOOD RESTAURANT!

My what long lines you have!

MAK CHANG

When we celebrated Andrei's birthday weekend at Sofitel and thinking of where to eat, I suggested MAK CHANG and hoped that my little family would agree to their "matriarch's" suggestion. Well actually they don't really have a choice but who wants to hear complaining and wailing while having dinner right?

And I was just referring to my husband there...

Ha ha ha ha ha!

Anyway, since I am so obsessed with blogger Jin Loves To Eat and religiously read her posts, I have been raring to try one of her favorite Korean restaurants namely MAK CHANG. So it's good that we were in Manila during Andrei's birthday weekend and better that they shared my enthusiasm in trying this restaurant.

Of course it's also "the best" because my husband paid for everything and did not make me shell out a cent which is the usual practice when I drag him along at my chosen restaurant.

See hubbies? It's all about COOPERATION. You guys should all COOPERATE with what the wife wants!

Har de har har!

MAK CHANG!!!

BARBARA'S

When my Dad's sisters from Las Vegas visited us, my sister thought of treating them to somewhere for an experience that is different from what they are used to in Sin City. Uh... no... I'm not referring to the whole nine yards when it comes to "stripping" but more on a night they will appreciate that will not involve slot machines or anything with a pole.

So my sister thought of bringing them to BARBARA's in Intramuros because from what she heard, it was dinner with a Filipiniana kind of show. At first we were like, jeez, don't conclude that Seniors (oops sorry tee hee) would automatically love this thing. But in the end, we were all enjoying and savoring the wonderful night that the beauty of our old world served us.

If we stayed a second more we would have broken out into song ("Aaaawitan kitaaaaaa"). But that's another story. He he he he!

BARBARAS!

LAU CHAN SHABU SHABU

These days, I'm getting so lazy at everything that it is so pathetic. Blame it on me and my husband's new found addiction (pun sort of intended) to BREAKING BAD.

Yo! That's a television series, B@#*H!!! 

grabbed from the net YO!

Ha ha ha ha! I don't know if it's age or what but now, a perfect night for me is going home early for a night of BREAKING BAD.  Of course this is one activity we will NEVER involve the kids in that as a result Mati and Andrei were wondering why sleeping time became so early. TEE HEE! Little do they know that Mommy and Daddy are already curled up on the sofa and watching Jesse do something stupid while Mr. White comes to the rescue. Oh yes. No chores for us. WE ARE SOOO BAD.

Oh I'm kidding!

Or am I?

So you could just imagine how DEEELICIOUS LAU CHAN is. 

Now, you may say that the sentence above may be the most epic (OR pathetic) of segues but do understand that LAU CHAN is still in the galaxy far far away of Malate, Manila while we are sitting lazily in our comfort zone of Mandaluyong. And did I not make myself clear how it is next to impossible to tear ourselves away from the sofa once BREAKING BAD is on?

And believe me, my convincing words to my husband so he could treat us there was "Yub! LAU CHAN is SOOOO sarap that I'll forego BREAKING BAD on a Saturday just to go there!"

Yup. That's ERICJAZ FOODIES. Only food so good will get our lazy selves out and about. Ha ha ha ha!

LAU CHAN!!! 

ARISTOCRAT

I don't really know if you could call it epic parenting or passing on sappy but one thing is for sure, when there is a special occasion, we celebrate it the TEAM YAP way!

So for last June 12, 2013, wherein the country rejoiced for the Philippine's Indepence Day, EricJaz Foodies with the kids decided to have a Manila Day by touring some of our historic hot spots.

And yes, we added an extra notch in the fun level by wearing matching Philippines Shirts! HA!

Here's Team Yap doing our usual L-O-V-E stand by Philippine hero Lapu Lapu... He he he he!

Yes we always do that pose where ever we go.

Anyway, I might do a blog post on our Manila day soon but for now, let me tell you about our delicious Filipino meal at one of our all time favorites...

ARISTOCRAT!

And yes, ARISTOCRAT has been with us since 1936!