THE GRILL BOY SPARK PLACE IS OFFICIALLY OPEN!!!!

We recently celebrated the blessing of THE GRILL BOY in Spark Place and it also marked the official opening of this new ERICJAZ FOODIES favorite!

You might doubt our love for THE GRILL BOY since we always profess our fanaticism over a new restaurant.  But if I tell you that the Chinese Adonis left his line for the confession booth that morning just so that he'd be on time for THE GRILL BOY favorites, then would you believe me?

As much as I want to say that I am exaggerating, unfortunately, I'm not. You cannot really make up these types of things.

Oh and just in case you're shocked at how much we'll go far for food, don't worry, the Chinese Adonis promised to go to confession next day at church. Ha ha ha ha ha!

But still, that impulse move gives you a very clear picture of how much we love the delicious food of THE GRILL BOY that we don't care if we commit a sin.... a dietary sin that is. Because whenever we're at THE GRILL BOY, we are indulging and pigging out more than we should. And the great thing is, we're not sorry at all! It is just THAT awesome for us!

Congratulations to Richie of THE PICKIEST EATER and Rina of RINA'S RAINBOW!!! You have OFFICIALLY hooked us again to THE GRILL BOY! 

THE GRILL BOY!!!!!!

NEIL'S KITCHEN

In the recent 3-day weekend celebrating the holiday of Eid'l Fitr, I was particularly excited because ERICJAZ FOODIES had a lot of activities planned with family and friends. One schedule in our busy agenda (tee hee) is to taste the new dishes of the much raved about NEIL'S KITCHEN in Westgate, Alabang. I was really psyched to go here because not only have I been hearing about all the delicious and creative food from that unique structure in Westgate, but I'll be seeing again my blogger friends, aka, The Kain Tulog Gang.

However, fate was planning something else for me as my boss called and asked me to report for work at Quezon City that very same day.  As much as I wanted to catch up after the task was done, it was impossible because JAZ and NEIL's KITCHEN will be geographically at polar opposites. So I guess it was not meant to be. Good thing that I loved my job so much that I didn't really mind and just let my pogi half enjoy the hot off the menu goodness that NEIL'S KITCHEN has to offer.

At least, now we will have a reason to come back. ASAP. 

NEIL'S KITCHEN!!!

NEIL'S KITCHEN is that commanding structure that greets you upon entrance in Westgate. It's so hard not to be tempted by its awesomeness.

Entering NEIL'S KITCHEN is just like getting free admission at your hip local art museum. There are just too many sights to ogle at and take pictures with!

A CHILI'S BABY SHOWER

CHILI'S would always have a special place in my puny little heart because it is the venue where I first laid eyes on the Chinese Adonis via a blind date. 16 grueling years later, we are married with 2 smart and handsome boys and we still go to CHILI'S to reminisce or just celebrate something special.

It is very timely and appropriate though that when we gave  a surprise baby shower to Joan, the wife of THE FOOD ALPHABET, the venue was in CHILI'S Greenhills. Once more, something added up to the specialness of the "place where it all started". And this time, it is to celebrate friendship, food, and THE KTG!

CHILI'S, serving delicious heaping platters of food and the culprit to ERICJAZ FOODIES most unforgettable moments. This time, I'm sure it would be for KTG too!!!

From chili's website

CHILI'S PHILIPPINES!!!! 

  

The KTG were there up and early to surprise Joan with our simple, but glutton-worthy, baby shower.

 

We were lucky because we will get to taste the  SWEET, SMOKY, and HOT menu which was available for a limited time only in CHILI'S PHILIPPINES!!! Rush over to your nearest CHILI'S branch now because these gems will be available up to June 28, 2015 ONLY!!!!!!!!!!!!

BARBECUE NIGHTS AT F1 HOTEL MANILA

For our F1 HOTEL MANILA staycation this summer (blog post coming soon) we had an awesome dinner under the stars at the CANARY LOUNGE!

Photo from F1 HOTEL MANILA

Normally the CANARY LOUNGE is a pool-side cocktail area to have drinks and hang out. But that night, we were lucky to be spoiled by our favorite F1 HOTEL MANILA with a barbecue all to ourselves!

Our barbecue night at F1 HOTEL MANILA!!!

Barbecue nights are not really regularly offered in F1 HOTEL MANILA but you could set it up with their food and beverage department. It's a great alternative if you feel like having a romantic and gastronomical dinner under the stars.

That night though we had this big glowering moon over us. May not be camera friendly but I felt this gave us perfect lighting and ambience! 

KTG CHRISTMAS PARTY (2014)

This holiday season, ERICJAZ FOODIES have been so blessed to be invited at what we feel is THE foodie Christmas event of the year.

The KTG Christmas party 2014!!!

Now this calls for one big "Ala Homer" WOHOO!!!!

You may remember our first KTG Christmas party where we were only about 20 gluttons and we pigged out on truffle lechon, wagyu burgers, etcetera etcetera.  For this year, everything (pwede ding everyone... tee hee) just got BIGGER... CRAZIER....

AND hungrier! Ha ha ha ha ha!

You could just imagine how wild it could get when you pack about 50 food fanatics with overflowing grub and drinks to stay in one big ballroom.

Insanity I'm sure.

But let me assure you, that our Christmas party that night was also about "food insanity" with a purpose.

Yup! And that is the beauty that is KTG!

Happy Holidays!

Homer burp! He he he he he he!

KTG logo by THE PICKIEST EATER

KTG CHRISTMAS PARTY 2014.

For those still wondering what KTG means, behold!

Venue for the night was the Titanium Ballroom in F1 Hotel Manila!

Wow! Not too shabby!

We were supposed to stay in the Canary Lounge at the poolside but because of the unpredictable weather, the party was moved indoors.

DEAR SPANKY'S BIRTHDAY ( A KTG SURPRISE!)

One of the highlights in the "life" of ERICJAZ FOODIES is being part of the KTG (Kain Tulog Gang) because finally, we met people who love food as much as we do and would also document it any way they can.

"Before somebody reacts, of course, my family and friends still top my list but I cannot tell you how many times I got the "Enough already!" when I take pictures of them! Pero naman when they see themselves in the blog, kilig na kilig! Che! Ha ha ha ha!"

Anyway, the person responsible for forming this "Foodie Family" is Mr. Spanky Enriquez... The Chairman... Our Pitboss...  THE Bossman!

So pogi!

Now many times I'm sure you saw me refer to him as "Dear Spanky". Hold on to your knickers, I'm not about to replace the Chinese Adonis.... yet (Bwa ha ha ah ah!). But at the start (and he doesn't know this), I did so to show respect to a person I regarded so high in social media (I was scared of him honestly at first!!!) that instead of referring to him as SIR Spanky (which he detested, violently!), I tweaked it up a bit and regularly called him DEAR (it's pretty close actually, especially if you have a hard tongue... he he he he he!). So from them on it was Dear Spanky this... Dear Spanky that. If you see my thought bubble, you would THINK I was also doing the "We're not worthy"action. NAKS! But of course, as time went on, I mentally dropped the DEAR as a stand-in for SIR and it really became what it stood for... calling somebody who is very DEAR to us.

I discovered that dear Spanky is REALLY a very cool guy and nothing to be scared about! He is actually the only person who believed in my blog (yes, the Chinese Adonis is NOT included) and would make me feel good about it at times when I doubted its silliness.

And believe me, with the way he is taking care of us in KTG, he deserves all the love that he is getting right now. I'm sure the others will agree that we owe him a lot. With that, it's no wonder why his group of hungry and lazy bloggers came together to surprise him on his special day. It was really the least that we could do to honor our King of the "Rawr" and our GODFATHER.

Dear Sir SPANKY! We love you to the farthest of Milky Way and back. Maybe that's why you'll always be somebody from another galaxy in our eyes!

:)

THE ULTIMATE TASTE TEST (2014)

Every year, there is that on event which the Chinese Adonis and I are very excited about that we prepare for it as early as the start of the year: The ULTIMATE TASTE TEST!

I'm sorry.... were you thinking about our Wedding Annivesary? I know I should be too if I could only remember when it is. Tee Hee!

Seriously though, the ULTIMATE TASTE TEST in ROCKWELL TENT has become a tradition for us every year even before I started this silly little foodie blog.  Like it says so in their "battle cry", this is the ULTIMATE event where you become a food critic for a day and try out over 50+ home based food vendors plus participating restaurants from Powerplant Mall all day from 11:00am to 9:00pm!

All this for only P600.00??? You bet!

And THAT is why I would choose this AWESOME foodie celebration over our wedding anniversary anytime!

Oh. I'm. Kidding!

Or am I? Ha ha ha ha!

THE ULTIMATE TASTE TEST!!! 

CRISP ON 28TH

It may not look like it (since I could come off as a gremlin) but I love helping out in anyway that I can. And at the risk of sounding like a boisterous cutie pie (there you go), I make sure that when I "be of assistance", I would do more than what is expected of me and say a lot of "If you wants". If it sounds like I'm tooting my own horn, I apologize. But I'm really going for asking other people to do the same with their neighbors... He he he he! Wouldn't that be a lovely world to live in if we just do what we can for each other and not ask for anything in return?

Unless of course, the person asking a favor is Benedict Cumberbatch, with that all bets are off because I may be asking for a kiss or two in return! Har de har har!

Oooh... Yeah... the game is ON....

Anywho, I really had our Saturday planned out for quite some time as we have the ULTIMATE TASTE TEST (blog coming soon) in the morning and a night out with the Chinese Adonis' friends later on. But then, Kathi of Mucking Around Manila wanted to invite mareng Gail and her husband for brunch at CRISP that I got so hyper! I was so happy that my good friend was invited to her first official blog event and that she'll get to experience the fun I've always had with my KTG blogger friends! With that, the Chinese Adonis and I fixed our itinerary for the day (aka "not having siesta anymore") in support of Team Campo.

And wow! Once we saw all that CRISP ON 28TH food, I have forgotten why we were really there. I know we were supposed to support and help out Mareng Gail with her new blog called GLOG but one bite out of that fresh salad made me forget all about our friendship!

I think I was so tempted to get it all for myself even before she could take a picture of it! Ha ha ha ha! Kidding!

Seriously though, the Chinese Adonis and I were so happy that our intention to be supportive led to a very enjoyable gastronomic lunch! We now have a new venue to recommend to our friends and family!  So I guess, no good deed goes unrewarded! 

And what a delicious prize that was!

CRISP ON 28TH!

YANAGI (MIDAS HOTEL)

We knew it was going to be another great weekend when we received an invite to be with our favorite foodie family, the KTG. The venue was going to be YANAGI restaurant in Midas Hotel (which was formerly Hyatt Regency Manila) and I felt it was a perfect jump start to my Saturday because I L-O-V-E Japanese cuisine!

KTG and a Japanese buffet.... now what could be more glorious than that?

Having it with Benedict Cumberbatch? Kidding! THAT is another story. Tee hee! 

MIDAS HOTEL

YANAGI is at the second floor of Midas Hotel and we were welcomed by cheerful smiles of their maitre d'!

RASTRO

In life, there would be days wherein you should just sit back, relax and sip on a hot mug of coffee. Sometimes though you would encounter some glitches either at work or with your personal life that it requires a long chug of beer. Then, there would be nights where in everything was so awesome that a beer won't just cut it and you yearn for something else.

And in comes RASTRO with their new specialty Cocktails and delicious food to go along with it.

Believe me, after one sip and maybe two bites, you would know that the night is just beginning.  And most definitely because of that distinct taste of RASTRO's latest cocktails and delicious food, you would know and feel that it is going to be an amazing one.

Presenting, your ultimate date for the night...

RASTRO! 

New logo by PATHRA CADNESS!

RASTRO!

This is THE tapas and restaurant bar to go to in Fort Bonifacio!

OLIVE TREE KITCHEN AND BAR (OTKB)

It's the LOVE month once again and while ladies are fluttering in excitement at what February 14 may bring, their significant others are worried (to the DEATH I tells ya) as to how they will show their love in the most romantic and "facebook-worthy" way. He he he he! Well I should know. I have already reached the maximum of my sane level and I have given my husband a silent verdict that he should do something that would tickle me a bit or else he will be kicked out of the room.

I'm being mean again you say? Well he once gave me plastic flowers. Then on another year it was a P500 load for my prepaid phone. So I guess 10 years of that (not counting anniversaries) certainly warrant a not so subtle demand for romance don't you think?

Of course there ARE many choices to celebrate the special day of hearts from the practical (dinner at home), original (a hugfest at the Scream Park), naughty (cough motel cough), or even patriotic (a walk at Fort Santiago). But once in a while, the traditional "wining and dining" would be the safe choice to give you a winning score for the night.

With that, do check out OLIVE TREE KITCHEN AND BAR (OTKB). We recently had dinner at the new restaurant by Chef Rob Pengson (of The Goose Station) and the food was so good that I may want to drag my husband there even if it was not Valentines.

Come to think of it, he HAS 10 years to make up though... And I may have to count in Anniversaries!!! Tee hee!!!!

OLIVE TREE KITCHEN AND BAR!!!

OTKB stands where The Stock Market used to be in Bonifacio Hi Street. It has dimmed it lights and constructed interiors reminiscent of romantic Italian restaurants which gave that fine dining feel.

EL CANGREJO

Last Thursday, we were invited to try out the surf and turf restaurant in South Triangle Quezon City which opened it's doors October 13, 2013.  

EL CANGREJO!!!!

Oh crab in logo.Why are you so happy when we will be eating you later?

HUAT POT

I don't know if there is a weird weather phenomenon or everybody's wishes came true for Christmas but the Philippines has been extra nippy chilly these days. It became so cold that I HAD to wear a jacket almost everyday and there was even a morning where I turned off all the electric fans because I was already shivering up to my little wee toes!

Now when it is cold, what is the best thing to do besides, ahem, cuddling cuddling up with your equally cold significant other?

Well you could slurp some hot soup of course!

And there is a new SHABU SHABU restaurant to give you just THAT (plus a lot more) at the San Juan side of the metro.

HUAT POT restaurant!   

It gets even better -- HUAT POT restaurant is ALL you can eat!!

And for P688.00++ per person, believe me. IT'S WORTH IT.

Read on to find out why!

HUAT POT is all about space and passionate colors!

NOLITA

One fine Saturday, ERICJAZ FOODIES with our little lord Andrei in tow, met up with Kathi and Jericho of MUCKING AROUND MANILA because we've always wanted to try NOLITA in BGC Central. I for one have read about countless raves, and no rants, about the restaurant with that New York feel that I was excited for the lunch ahead. Besides the food, I was also looking forward for little Andrei to meet Kathi and Jericho's cutie pie doggies since he was such an animal lover.

Maybe that's why he is so close to his Daddy... Because he is THE BEAST...

While I am BEAUTY.

TEE to the HEE!

NOLITA!

BRGR: THE BURGER PROJECT

I read somewhere before that "A burger by any other name would taste as sweet.  But I guess the case is not the same if you drop by in Jupiter street, Makati City and head to the doors of BRGR : THE BURGER PROJECT.

(Just to be clear though, WHATEVER I'm reading turns into food especially when I'm hungry.So you could just imagine how hard it was for me to cope when I was leafing through "HUNGER GAMES" with an empty stomach.  As a result, Peeta became more of an actual bread than a victor. 

So don't shoot or write off Shakespeare on my referral above {HA! Like you would and could!}. Besides, I'm sure if there WERE burgers during his time, he would write the same thing!).

Anyway, a burger may always be JUST a burger. But in BRGR: THE BURGER PROJECT, the boundaries of deliciousness of YOUR burger is limited to your imagination. It is up to you to make all the life altering decisions (well possibly... he he he) on what type of bread or toppings that goes into your sandwich. Then when all has been said and done, you seal the deal by naming your BRGR creation.  

So you see, for you dear hungry eater, there may be other names or there may be other ways for your burger. But however you look at it, what you have before you is your little meaty handiwork. And with the help of the BRGR : THE BURGER PROJECT, no matter how you name your little beef sucker, the taste will not be JUST AS.  But something more of the extraordinary and incomparable to what the other layman has come up with.

Oh I bet that dear old Shakespeare was not thwarted with THAT kind of "power". Tee hee!

Kidding! 

BRGR : THE BURGER PROJECT!

CHIHUAHUA

Call me Ms. Stereotype but why is it that when I hear "Mexican Restaurant", I always picture a place partying like it's cinco de mayo, mariachis all around in their sombreros while tickling their vihuelas, and everyone just toasting up margaritas and munching on nachos? Why?? Well probably because the Mexican's really know how to throw a good party that when a new joint shows up, diners are always assured of a great time with booze a-flowing and food deliciosa!

This was what my husband and I happily discovered and confirmed at CHIHUAHUA when we dropped by to try out their newest Mexican grubs. Just when I stepped inside, our group was already donning colorful ponchos and crazy sombreros -- and that's just the guys. Ha ha ha ha ha!

You would wish that I was kidding but hey, I'M NOT. Ha ha ha!

Seriously, everyone may be acting all loud, rowdy, or just plain mucho loco, but we certainly noticed that it was a party we want to get into. Because not only will the atmosphere in CHIHUAHUA promise you and your companions a festive time, but you will also get to taste hot platters and bowls of their delicious Mexican food!

I'm sure you would agree with me that if you can, you should go to CHIHUAHUA!

Andale! Andale!!! 

CHIHUAHUA!

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!!!

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

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!