OOMA ROCKWELL

In the months after my Father passed, we realized that THE YAPPY BUNCH cannot just go out as one group like we always did before. Since we don't want my Mom to be left alone, my little lords made it a point to have one stay with her to keep her company. Don't get me wrong. It's not like we don't invite her to go with us or my Mom demands us to stay with her. In fact, we've had many weekend gimiks with her where she gamely joins my silly fam. But there are many times when she just feels to stay at home because she's busy with the business, she just wants to watch her koreanovelas, or she just doesn't feel like going out. Sometimes when she knows that we're supposed to go but would cancel plans for her, she would actually force us to continue with our plans. But still, a promise is a promise made to my Daddy -- we will NEVER leave Mommy all alone.

For that upcoming Saturday night, it was going to be a complicated one. The Yubhub was going to Quezon province to attend something, my older brother had a raket, and I was going to meet with Team Campo at OOMA because they wanted to cheer me up. I invited my Mom to go with us but she said she'll stay at home na lang.  Master Mati was supposed to be my date because I wanted him to try OOMA. But when my brother said that he had raket, he realized that nobody will stay with his Lola. So he just volunteered to do so. He just recommended Andrei to be my date especially if Team Campo would bring their little girls.

Awwwww... My thoughtful Handsome Teenager!

With that I realized, oh my poor Mati. He was supposed to be the one who'll join me at OOMA because I know he'll love the food. But when he studied the situation, he volunteered to forego his craving and just stay at home. Excited pa naman siya.

THAT'S when the Yub and I thought to have an insta-Fridate in OOMA just so my little foodie could have a taste of the food. Uy! What a great idea!

So yay!!! Everything worked out and everyone will be happy!

Yun lang, I'll be eating in OOMA for 2 days in a row.

Naahhh! I don't mind! Like I said, EVERYONE IS HAPPY! :)

(Haba my intro no? He he he he he he!)

OOMA! Here we come!

OOMA!!!!!

We parked in Powerplant Mall and walked our way to the restaurant. It was a cool night so this was actually fun.

10 RONIN AGAIN

It's been a while since our last Japanese fiesta that when our out-of-town-trip was cancelled, I was happy to join the KTG who was going to have Saturday lunch at 10 RONIN.

The Yub and I have already tried 10 RONIN before and we loved the dishes A LOT that we wanted to return FAST. Good thing that the food gods were in the mood to get us fat that weekend that they made this craving possible for us.

And the great thing was, we were going to enjoy our favorites plus new dishes at 10 RONIN!!!!

OMIGERRD....... 

10 RONIN!

10 RONIN JAPANESE RESTAURANT

It's summer and since the little lords don't have school, the Chinese Dimpol and I have date nights EVERY DAY!

Yayyy!

Of course, when the Chinese Dimpol picks me up from work, we would normally look for a place to have dinner. But as much as we wanted to pig-out on our favorite foods, we don't want to break bank. E kami pa, King and Queen of Kuripots kami!!! Ha ha ha!!! So it's really a life-saver when we discover food joints that are so affordable.

Imagine our excitement when we found out about the newly opened 10 RONIN in Makati City. Besides serving a fusion of our favorite cuisines, their dishes are all affordable that you would find it hard to believe they serve legit Japanese and Filipino food!

And guess what, it's not just legit, the food was oh-so-delicious!!! You should really try it out for yourselves!

Yup! 10 RONIN will now certainly be in my to be BACK-EAT list! 

10 RONIN!!!

10 RONIN is hidden in the quiet alleys in Makati City near the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

When you go there, don't fret, they have parking spaces. And, they have attendants who are quick to assist you with your AHEM, porsche!

NAKS!

LE CHING WITH MY FAVORITE COUSINS!

My favorite cousins from Las Vegas are here for a vacation. And besides sight seeing, church-going, and shopping, they are also SO raring to do some serious.... FOOD TRIPPING!

Yup! And that's why we get along soooo well! He he he he he he he!

When I say FOOD-TRIPPING, I don't mean going to some posh and swanky restaurant having expensive foie gras or caviar. They have a LOT of that already in Las Vegas!

What my cousins are looking for is the comfort food from hole in the wall restaurants that they cannot find in the US. Places where they went to while they were still in Manila. Eateries which would get them strolling down memory lane with their unforgettable dishes.

And with that, I thought of treating them everyone's favorite -- LE CHING!!!!!!

LE CHING has been in Greenhills Shopping Center for many, many years now!

The set up is like what you find in old Chinese eateries in Binondo!

Yup! Just our type of restaurant!!!!!

RECOVERY FOOD

Most recently, BGP Marian and I discovered this wonderful hub called BGC STOPOVER which had some of our new favorite restaurants like GENKI SUSHI and SHAWARMA BROTHERS. When we were there last time, we discovered that it had one of the restaurants that was so famous for those who came from a wild party.....

RECOVERY FOOD!

RECOVERY FOOD is open 24/7 that is why it's a strong favorite for night owls or for people who jammed from dusk till dawn. 

However, my friends and I are not party peeps nor are we in need for a hangover cure (the most that you could say about us is that we are WEIRD). We just heard that RECOVERY FOOD have delicious rice toppings that we wanted to try it!

MATSUYA DAIKOKUCHO restaurant (JAPAN TRIP 2015)

When THE YAPPY BUNCH has an out of the country trip coming up, I would usually go online and plot out the places we're going to eat in based on internet reviews. Now even if I have already listed all informations vital in getting us to the restaurant, most of the time we are not able to accomplish the food itinerary. Why? We would often be walking around the whole day that we already get so tired to look for that particular restaurant. As a result, we would always just eat at whatever nook we drop into --- no reservations and no idea what to expect.

We are always so thankful though that we have loved all the places that we ate in during our international getaways. That just goes to show that part of the fun in going to foreign places is making these delicious discoveries that have not been influenced by any particular review. Our judgement is based on our own and taste and experience alone.

For our JAPAN TRIP last April we all planned to eat at many restaurants. But on the day of our arrival, we were just so hungry to function our brains and legs that we just went to the first restaurant we saw that was still open at such late hour.

And with that we got to MATSUYA DAIKOKUCHO.

Now at first, we were a bit hesitant because the name was very unfamiliar to us. Also, we didn't want our first meal in JAPAN to leave a bad taste in our mouths (pun sort of intended). But fatigue and hunger won over us that we went inside and just got ready to face whatever will come our way with an open mind (or tummy).

And, we're so happy to say, that our happy tummies got a delicious welcome in our first day in JAPAN via MATSUYA DAIKOKUCHO!

MATSUYA DAIKOKUCHO is part of the Matsuya Foods, Co., that has about 1,036 outlets all over Japan!

  

When we came upon MATSUYA, there is no english translation of ANYTHING. I don't even now the name of it!!! To get just the name of the restaurant, I had to look in the Daikokucho map and match the images I found online with what I have in my camera. 

FLYING CEBU PACIFIC (JAPAN 2015)

THE YAPPY BUNCH invaded Japan last April and to fly us towards our destination, we chose to go for the practical packages of CEBU PACIFIC! Of course, there may be many airlines available who would do the same job (with much more comfort if I may add) but we were saving our bucks in order to indulge more in Japan so it was the obvious choice for us.

To be honest, we're not really snooty in the choice of airline that would take us to our country of choice as long as:

-- the air-conditioning is good.
-- the flight attendants are hot.
-- the food is edible.
-- the flight attendants are hot.
-- they get our luggage in time.
-- the flight attendants are hot.
-- they fly us to our destination safely.
-- the flight attendants are hot.

TEE HEE!

Truth be told since THE YAPPY BUNCH are always trained to see the positive side of things, we are always quite happy with the airline's service even if there are a lot of negative reviews on CEBU PACIFIC.

Of course, we always thank God and our guardian angels for all of our safe flights when we have an out of the country trip. We're just also thankful that with CEBU PACIFIC, we are able to take flights in comfort and at a very family-friendly price!!

OH. And their flight attendants are hot too! BWA HA HA HA HA!

ERICJAZ FOODIES flies with CEBU PACIFIC!!!

HANAMARUKEN RAMEN

This early on let me apologize that this blog post is waaaaaay overdue. Really! I'm scanning my photo albums deleting some of my scandalous pictures with Thor, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Robert Pattinson (????) when I encountered my date with the Chinese Adonis in HANAMARUKEN RAMEN last year!

I know! Why just now right????

I remembered that this was a superkalifragalistic delicious meal but sad to say, it was never repeated. Probably due to the opening of RAMEN NAGI, IPPUDO, TAMPOPO, or IKKORYU FUKUOKA that we never got around making a return to this Ramen house that made us ultra happy.

Well maybe it was a sign that led me to deleting those steamy pictures with Thor, Benedict, and Robert (?????!) because these pictures serve as a reminder for us to go back to HANAMARUKEN RAMEN and pig out on its awesome goodness!

Maybe it is also a sign that I shouldn't erase those pictures!! Well because if I didn't have a heart to ignore an old dinner date album with my Yubhub, surely I could still alot some space for my hot memories with my former loves.....

Tee to the Hee! Thou shall NOT always believe in what I say.

:P

HANAMARUKEN RAMEN!

It was a packed house that night in HANAMARUKEN in Trinoma but we were still so willing to wait for our turn!

EDUVIGIS COFFEE, BAR, AND RESTAURANT (LUCENA CITY)

Every time we go to my husband's home town in Lucena, I shudder at the thought of how many pounds OF FAT I'll be gaining there.  It never fails: I diet for about a month with no rice from Mondays to Thursdays and control my soda intake, I lose a few pounds (YAHOO) but then VOILA! My waistline doubles up even after just a day in Lucena! A DAY!

Honestly, I'm getting tired of it. Imagine, I have already been HOT and SEXY for like 29 years of my life (yep include that when I was born in my birthday suit) so I guess, it IS high time for me to give other people a chance! 

Like what my favorite philosopher Derek Zoolander said "There is more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good-looking!" So with that, yes. The heck with my diet! I will now further indulge in the delicious food that Lucena has to offer.

And the reason for this morbid justification? EDUVIGIS. Yup! Another discovery for me to pig out in Lucena. Woe is me.

Oh and don't mind my horrendous hair. This was after my beauty sleep (which obviously did not help).

:P

Photo grabbed from EDUVIGIS LUCENA Facebook Page

EDUVIGIS!

EDUVIGIS is a popular restaurant located in their town proper.

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!!!

THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP

Since the days of yore (oh yes I'm THAT old), I have been such a carb addict. I cannot NOT have rice with anything and everything. If there's "pansit" or noodles - "Give me rice...". If there's kani salad with lots of japanese mayonnaise - "Give me rice...". Heck even if there's paella that is too intense for me, I'll ask for "extra rice".

When my husband and I go out on date nights then he suggests "Oliver's Sandwich" or "Subway" for dinner, I would laugh hysterically which would later on turn into a tantrum starting with the line "We've been married for 10 years! 10 years and you still don't know me!!" It is just that having sandwich alone is not considered a full meal for me. I think sandwiches would not even "touch" my stomach let alone fill me up.

So when we got an invite to try out the new dishes offered by THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP, I was already planning to order some fast food chicken (with rice!!!) because I was so sure that a mere sandwich would not satisfy the Jazzle Dazzle...

But (DRAMATIC PAUSE) I was wrong...

(Ala Phoebe in FRIENDS) DAN DAN DAN.....

THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP! An original Philadelphia style sandwich!

THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP is located right in the heart of the Philippines' central business district of Makati in Amorsolo street. According to Mr. Gerald Francis P. Ong (PR) most of their hungry diners were working lads and ladies from offices who would also load orders via delivery. 

THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP meynuh....

THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP's meynuh promo...

The CHEESE STEAK SHOP's happy servers!

According to owner Ms. Mai Uy, THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP hires indiscriminately and has in their staff some individuals with disabilities. I think it is very noble of them to believe in the talents of these people and encourage their capabilities with a job in their restaurant.

Which one from this group you ask? You'll find out later you impatient person you.

Oh yeah? THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP thinks they could be habit forming?

HA! We'll see about that. (Crunches knuckles with a long stretch). 

I never thought that I would see 2 Michael Jackson's and an Elvis share the stage!

Games to play while waiting for your orders in THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP?

I love spicy food and seeing that THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP has a "get all you can" promise with their jalapeno peppers suddenly gave me a bit of excitement!

And if you think jalapeno peppers are not enough to flavor your sandwiches then THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP has the usual condiments like heinz mustard and ketchup to squirt on as needed.

... and if those condiments are STILL not enough, then little ol' Heart E might fill in that void that inappropriately needs filling! Tee hee!!!

The CHEESE STEAK SHOP also has some free cable tv for you to literally feast your eyes on while waiting for your order.

THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP does not just get all of their ingredients from the US, but they also offer international drinks which you would not normally get in stores around the metro!

Cherry coke anyone?

I'd get me a rootbeer float but..

STOP THE PRESS because 

IT IS TIME TO EAT!

The CHEESE STEAK SHOP servers started frying the thinly sliced beef and the fatty, meaty aroma was just heavenly!

While Yub was engrossed with his view of the CHEESE STEAK SHOP sandwiches being fried up, I was enjoying MY view from my seat...

"I love nice butts and I cannot lie... Nobody could every deny... Teee hee"

It was my cheat day and I eagerly chose the A and W rootbeer float for my drink to match THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP sandwiches. Pretty good combo don't you think?

First on the table in THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP is their new dish the Deep Fried Cheese Steak sandwich with marinara dipping sauce....

If you think this seems ordinary, I beg to hysterically disagree! The CHEESE STEAK SHOP servers fried this perfectly to a T that nothing is oily nor greasy.... It just appears to be this light bread but inside everything is piping hot, compact, cheesy, and beefy!!!

Oh like so!

Yub can't wait to take a first bite!

Unlike me, he was excited the WHOLE morning because sandwiches are his favorite!!!

Say aaaaah....

I loved the hearty crunch when you bite into the CHEESE STEAK SHOP deep fried sandwich as it sounds similar to what you hear in tv commercials for potato chips!

And WOW it was SOOOO good!!! When I bit into my sandwich, the meat was still smoking and the cheese was oozing out of the bread!!! I would like to bury my face in this if I was not a bit shy with the other peeps in the table. Tee hee!

My husband is used to it though. Ha ha ha ha!

For an extra layer of hearty flavor, add a dollop of marinara sauce and, if you like everything spicy, a piece or two of the jalapeno!! 

If you do these simple suggestions, get ready for a delicious blast of  cheese steak awesomeness in  your mouth!!!

The great food was deliciously matched by extraordinary company!!!

Next on the table was THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP's Cheesy Chicken Steak sandwich!!!

Isn't this site just beautiful? To THINK that this is a healthy alternative.... 

Check out the cheesy chicken!!!

My husband eagerly dug into this plate and helped himself to a hot piece of CHICKEN CHEESE STEAK sandwich!!!

My husband opened wide while I documented his every move...

Close....

Closer...

VERY close...

Check out how the cheese just dripped from his lips! That needed some extra lickin'! Tee hee!!!

Done!

While my husband was already licking on his lips and fingers, I was only half way with the CHEESE STEAK SHOP's Cheesy Chicken Sandwich. Dear Gerry San Miguel beside me commented it doesn't taste like chicken and I strongly agree.

The chewy bread straight from Philadelphia and  the creamy cheese sauce matched the flavorful meat that it would hypnotize you into thinking that you are eating something delicious and sinful!! But it is chicken! And chicken is always good!!!

I mean, you haven't seen a chicken antagonist in movies right?

Tee hee!!!

Up next is the CHEESE STEAK SHOP's cheese steak rice!

Now, I know that I professed my utmost love to rice up above there but after enjoying platefuls of THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP's Deep Fried Cheese steak and Cheesy Chicken Steak, I suddenly lost all my devotion to this grainy carb temporarily because of my full tummy. (However, I was still craving for more of the Deep Fried Sandwich)

But then we were presented we were presented with RICE!!! And I know that I just have to HAVE it full or not because a cup of rice and I have gone through many, many things already!

But unlike with what I am so used to before, this garlic rice has melted cheese on it!

Hmmm... now I was skeptical!

The CHEESE STEAK SHOP now offers their perfectly fried cheesy beef with rice for the people who can't go on without this carb!

That would be me but I am not really sure if I want a side of cheese with that. And for the first time, I see before me a rice dish which I was sort of nervous to try....

At first forkful of the new rice dish from THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP, the beef meshed with cheese and garlic rice, and you'd know this is not your usual Filipino rice meal. Imagine having a very rich chicken ala king but with beef in it. Everything about it just screams MORE special!

I imagine my Andrei, a real cheese follower, would be in love with this dish. Definitely this is a perfect meal for those who want that extra "zing" in their rice!

Out of the two, I loved the CHEESE STEAK SHOP's steak rice with American cheese more. I personally found the melted American cheese to better complement the grainy flavors of the garlic rice. 

If I were to order this next, I would request for some Knorr seasoning and eat it like a gooey salpicao! He he he!

But in the meantime, I would have it with some marinara sauce and jalapeno peppers... 

Mmmm-mmm... GOOD!

By the way, on Thursday, August 15, 2013, the CHEESE STEAK SHOP offers a huge 50% off on their selected sandwiches from 10:00am to 10:00pm! I suggest you troop over to Amorsolo in Makati to try all that you can! I promise, you won't regret it!

I might be asking my hub to pass by there and do the usual script of 

"Please... I'm having a bad day and this (enter food of choice) will just cheer me up..."

Oh yes. I'm evil. Pure evil. But a foodie evil at that! Tee hee!

Oh by the way, this is pretty Jorel and she's the special employee of THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP I was talking about earlier. Isn't she just pretty with a smile that would brighten up the whole room? Kudos to THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP for believing in her!

Such a wonderful and cheesy meal with some of the Metro's great bloggers!!! My husband and I were not worthy to be at their presence! 

(l-r ME, Mr. Gerry San Miguel - DUDE FOR FOOD, Mr. Richie Zamora - THE PICKIEST EATER, Mr. Spanky Enriquez - JUICE.PH, Mr. Eugene Constantino - HEFTY FOODIE, "MARK ANTHONY FERNANDEZ grooowlllll", and Kathi Raneses - MUCKING AROUND MANILA)

Thank you so much dear Spanky for organizing this unforgettable cheesy experience in THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP and inviting ERICJAZ FOODIES!!! 

Dear Spanky, you ROCK-y!

He he he!

A special salute and thanks to Ms. Mai Uy owner and Mr. James Villapanda operations head of THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP! Thank you so much for having us and introducing us to the wonderful alternative to burgers and other boring sandwiches... 

Your CHEESE STEAK sandwiches and grub definitely rules!!! Life wouldn't be complete without a bite of these babies!

And yes, coming from a rice fanatic like me (see I'm not just a stalker), CHEESE STEAK SHOP's sandwiches and other grubs does not just satisfy...

...they ARE habit forming!!! 

Will definitely visit here again with a vengeance!!!

LET'S EAT!

PS! Do check out THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP's food trucks in Cucina Andare and Mercato!

It may be the sandwiches you are looking for.... Tee hee!

THE CHEESE STEAK SHOP

140 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village Makati City

 555-0235 / 555-1818