KFC’s Colonel Sanders: The Secrets...

For me, that made all the difference because this man has been quite the inspiration to me and to other people in the world. For many years I always wanted to be an entrepreneur and to this day, I have never stopped trying.  When I found out that Colonel Sanders began his chicken empire when he was 65 then that really made me dream big. It only took Colonel Sanders his retirement cheque  to start what has become one of the world’s biggest and most well-loved food brands spanning several generations, including mine and perhaps the rest of the 21st century. Before it...

Sambokojin Yakiniku Smokeless Grill: A G...

Named after the Japanese god of the kitchen, Sambokojin Yakiniku Smokeless Grill is a place where Japanese and Korean food come together. Sambokojin Restaurant is an example of the Yakiniku style of dining, where raw meats are provided and diners cook these over a grill and dip the meats in whatever sauce they like. That’s the Japanese part of the buffet. The Korean part comprise the cooked dishes served as part of the buffet: Chapchae, Korean beef stew (loved this one), tofu steak and six or seven selections of Korean appetizers including a variety of kimchis in...

Mushroomburger: Tasty but Healthy

This is Mushroomburger along Katipunan Ave, right across Ateneo University. I think this is the cheapest place to eat and hang-out in the Katipunan area. They’ve got Wi-fi, and even special desks that are designed for diners who bring their laptops. The operative word here is C-H-E-A-P. Yes, the burgers and the rice meals are cheaper than your average fastfood joint, but they do not hold back on the taste. The cheapest burger is P67 pesos and that comes with a glass of soda and fries. P100 pesos gets you spaghetti, a burger and a glass of soda. On top of that, you...

Aida’s Chicken: Bacolod’s Aw...

I love authenticity in my food and I am willing to go as far as it takes to get a taste of the real thing. I’d go to Malabon for Pansit Malabon or Iloilo for Lapaz Batchoy. However, there are times when I get lucky that I manage to find restaurant gems in the middle of the Makati jungle where I can have the real thing without having to travel so far. Ladies and gentlemen,welcome to Aida’s Chicken, Bacolod Manokan Country. Aida’s Chicken is a gem of a restaurant found inside the Makati Cinema Square right beside Emer’s, which is my favorite place...

Vin 55: An Oasis of Good Food in Manila

Vin 55 is a gem of a restaurant tucked away near Roxas boulevard, along TM Kalaw. Coming from Roxas boulevard if you’re facing Manila Hotel, make a left at the TM Kalaw intersection after the US Embassy and you’ll see the Little Lamb restaurant. Vin 55 is on your right. Vin55 offers the best of continental cuisine, along with some local favorites like the Crispy Adobo, which happens to be my favorite. That one melts in your mouth indeed. I learned from chef that real Carbonara is not made with cream. It’s just eggs and cheese. The chef was nice enough to tell...

Makansutra: Manila’s Passport to t...

Die! Die! Must try! Don’t apologize for being fat. It only means you have lived a full life. So says Mr. Makansutra himself, Chef KF Seetoh. This Singaporean food guide to Asian cuisine is both a humorist and a food historian. Prior to setting up Makansutra, the restaurant, he has gone to several food places in the Philippines, including the Jolly Jeeps, as part of his search for the best Filipino dishes. I had the privilege of talking with him while stuffing myself with delicious Singapore Chicken Rice in Makansutra at the Manila Ocean Park. Chef KF...