Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is Metro Manila’s foodie haven

The next premier district of Metro Manila, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) continues to grow and expand as new sectors are built and with it, the number of restaurants which offer a wide variety of choices for foodies like you and me.

The thing I like about BGC is the wide variety of choices located in different sectors such as Serendra, Bonifacio High Street, The Fort Strip, Burgos Circle and Market Market, among other areas. While many restaurants are on the high end, I consider Market Market one of our best hawker centers in the country where you can get local Philippine street food, dishes, and other local delicacies everyday at their food court. And then there is Mercato Centrale during the weekends.

Another thing I like about BGC is that it’s easily accessible from both EDSA and C5. Plus you don’t have to deal with traffic jams when you’re there, so it’s very easy to move around. I really like scheduling my appointments in BGC since aside from the food there being good, the area is conducive to meetings.

I find myself in BGC quite often for gatherings with friends and colleagues. Here are some of the restaurants I’ve visited:

Mamou
Dinner at Mamou was simply sumptuous. The thing I like about Mamou is that it’s a family run restaurant and the service is very personal.


For starters, we had the Healdsburg’s Salad (Php325) which is greens with sweet tomatoes, topped with glazed pecans, dried cranberries, and cranberry stilton cheese, served with berry vinaigrette.


We also had Lorenzo’s Truffle Cream Pasta (Php385) which is spaghettini served al dente with truffle flavored cream, topped with Grana Padano cheese.


But the piece de resistance for the night was a 28-ounce slice of Dry Aged USDA Prime Grade Bone-in Rib Eye Steak (Php3500). They served it in warm plate swimming in its own fat. Sinful and deadly, but super tender and very flavorful, it was definitely a winner! I’m sure everyone who’s been to Mamou can attest to the fact that they serve some of the best steaks in town.


Steaks also come with two side dishes such as red or white rice in various flavors, creamed spinach, and corn pudding which was my favorite.



To end the night, we had a slice each of Key Lime Pie with “Schlagsahne” (Php180) and Dark Chocolate Sans Rival (Php145).

Note that Mamou is usually fully-booked, so it’s best to reserve. They are very strict with times and have two dinner sittings. The first sitting is from 6 to 8:20 p.m. and the second from 8:30 p.m. onwards. So if you arrive late for the first sitting, don’t expect to stay beyond 8:20 p.m. It’s a testament to how sought after this restaurant is. Mamou is located in Serendra.

Cuillere
Probably one of the best French restaurants in the metro, Cuillere was another dinner to remember. For starters, they serve their really soft mini baguettes with herbed butter which is among their specialties.


Of course, their French Onion Soup (Php225) is to die for. This beef broth with slow-cooked caramelized onions and croutons, topped with Guyere cheese gratin is another bestseller.



For our main courses, we had Seabass on Black Ink Risotto (Php795) and Lamb Riblets (Php495). The seabass is pan-seared and served on risotto with Grana Padano slivers. While the lamb riblets are braised then grilled, and served with ratatouille mint rice.


Dessert wasn’t on the menu. But we were in heaven as we savored their Flourless Chocolate Cake. Culliere is also located in Serendra.

The Stock Market
Bonifacio High Street also has some interesting food finds. I didn’t realize that the Bistro Group, which includes Friday’s and Italianni’s (both have branches in Bonifacio High Street), has a new restaurant. The Stock Market is now part of the group which is great since I have a Bistro Frequent Foodie card.


I was hungry when I had lunch there so I ordered quite a lot. For starters, I had the New England Clam Chowder (Php130) which was served really warm and was very rich and creamy. I noticed they also had Kamias Shake (Php140). I usually don’t order drinks but since I wanted to try something different, I ordered a glass.



For the main course, they suggested I have the Baby Back Ribs (Php495) served with The Stock Market’s special barbecue sauce. I noticed that another dish had a ‘must try’ note beside it. So I also ordered the Pork Tournedos Espagnole (P425) which was grilled pork tenderloin served really moist and tender together with potato wedges.


For dessert, I had a serving of really firm Panna Cotta (P225) served on honey with chopped walnuts. It was a perfect way to end my lunch.

Where to eat in BGC
From street food, hawker stalls, local delicacies and Filipino favorites in Market! Market! to fine dining options all over, no doubt that BGC is Metro Manila’s foodie haven. And it continues to grow as more areas are developed.

Bonifacio High Street offers popular choices such as Friday’s, Italianni's, Brothers Burger. All the known coffee shops are there too such as Starbucks, Seattle’s Best, Coffee Bean and Figaro. And Krispy Kreme has become my favorite hang-out, not just because of the donuts, but because of the free WiFi. So I can easily work there or spend the afternoon just passing time.

There are more restaurants in BGC. So to help you out, here is a directory of restaurants in Serendra, Bonifacio High Street, Fort Strip, and the rest of BGC:

Bonifacio Stopover
7 Eleven
Chicken Bacolod
Chowking
Country Style
Dayrits Burger and Roast Beef House - (02) 8180168
Gloria Jeans
Pancake House
PastaRoni - (02) 7035520 / 8289670
Pho Bac - (02) 8156529
Pizza Hut
Red Ribbon
Reyes Barbeque
Shiok - (02) 4666291
Starbucks
WingKings - (02) 7758229

Bonifacio High Street
2nd's (B3) - (02) 8465293
Agave Mexican Cantina (B3) - (02) 4036003 / 4035865
Bo's Coffee (B1)
Brothers Burger (B5) - (02) 8562405 to 06
CAV Wine Shop & Cafe (B8) - (02) 8561798
Claw Daddy (B6) - (02) 8564785
Club 7th High (B4) - (02) 8561785 / (0917) 2597452
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (B8)
Figaro (B5)
Italianni's (B5) - (02) 8564094 / 8563890
Kabisera ng Dencio's (B4) - (02) 8565543
Kirin Chinese Dining (B7) - (02) 7999338
Krispy Kreme (B2)
Mini Shabu-Shabu (B6) - (02) 8563005
New Orleans (B6) - (02) 8564326
Oliver's Super Sandwiches (B6) - (02) 8566457
Pancake House (B4)
Seattle’s Best (B3)
Starbucks (B3)
Texas Roadhouse Grill (B1) - (02) 8561547
T.G.I. Friday's (B3) - (02) 8562996
The Stock Market (B3) - (02) 8566301

Fort Pointe
Kaiseki - (02) 8891005
Pasto - (02) 8841592
Toyz Cafe - (02) 8877934
Zong - (02) 8890472 / 8890479

Serendra
Abe Restaurant - (02) 8560526
ArAma - (02) 9013836
Balducci Ristorante - (02) 8560676
Brazil Brazil - (02) 8560671
Café Mary Grace - (02) 8560858
Cafe Via Mare - (02) 8565944
Chelsea Market & Café - (02) 9097011
Chucks Deli - (02) 5764210
Conti's Pastry Shop - (02) 8562352 to 53 / (0922) 8473005 / (0917) 3226684
Cuillere - (02) 8563325
Cupcakes by Sonja - (02) 8560308
DUO Steakhouse & Wine Bar - (02) 8561200
Fez - (02) 9011840
Gaudi - (02) 8560473
Gelatissimo - (02) 5763088
Hossein's Persian Kebab - (02) 8560632
Kape Isla - (02) 9013485
Larry's Café & Bar - (02) 8560527
Le Petit Artisan - (0929) 8429824
Lulubelle - (02) 5668542
Mamou - (02) 8563569 / (0917) 8162668
Marta's Cakes - (02) 9153802 / (0917) 5009984
Miss Desserts - (02) 8561429
Mogu - (02) 8560718
Murray and D'Vine - (02) 8563723
Polu Kai Grill - (02) 9011841
Sentro 1771 - (02) 8560581
Starbucks
Tatami Japanese Restaurant - (02) 9011870
Thai at Silk - (02) 8560386 to 87
Zao Vietnamese Bistro - (02) 8562819

The Fort
Amber UltraLounge - (02) 8876838
Encore Super Club - (02) 8195481 to 85
Gourdo’s Cafe - (02) 8451700 / (02) 8875007
L’Opera Ristorante Italiano - (02) 8893963
Pier One Bar & Grill - (02) 8870115 / (02) 8870112
The Establishment - (02) 8446364 / (0916) 4946390

The Fort Strip
Burger Avenue - (02) 9708277
Café Puccini - (02) 8163055
California Berry
Fuel Bar and Resto - (02) 8560320
Jill’s - (02) 8184557
Mint Bar Bistro - (02) 8186297 / (02) 8186418
Red Kimono - (02) 8166642
Status Lounge - (02) 8466255
Umma Korean Cuisine - (02) 4738461

Powerade for my Taal Volcano trek

Last December, I made a trek up Taal Volcano. I usually take a horse up the crater lake viewpoint. But this time around, I decided to walk for some exercise.


Like in most of my hikes, I was expecting to consume a large amount of water since I get dehydrated really quick. This time around, aside from the water, I decided to bring with me some 500ml bottles of Powerade. I drank my first bottle midway through the trek. And I was pleasantly surprised that I did not need much liquids until I reached the top. I only opened my bottles of water when we got back to the shore.



It seems that Powerade is a really viable hydration solution. It's important during strenuous activities like these that you get the proper hydration. I checked out the label and discovered that Powerade has the right amount of electrolytes and carbohydrates which explains why it provides effective hydration and energy.


I found it funny that the horse owners followed us up hoping that we would tire out and finally say yes to riding a horse up. But I guess, I wanted to challenge myself to walk all the way. And thanks to proper hydration, I was able to do it.

I got the blue-colored Mountain Blast flavor. Powerade also comes in Berry Blast and Orange Burst. And good thing, it's conveniently available in supermarkets & convenience stores. So when going on your own mountain trek, make sure to Power up! Drink up!

Meralco lights up Christmas with Toy Town in the Meralco Compound

Meralco turned on its Christmas lights last December 2, 2010 at the Meralco Compound in Ortigas. More than the usual Christmas lights and belen, Meralco created a candy-colored Toy Town complete with a life-sized electric toy train, opened its gates to the public and invited orphans and less-privileged children to be their special guests.


I was present at the lighting ceremony which was attended by Meralco's top brass led by Manny Pangilinan himself, members of the Meralco Bolts PBA team and TV5 celebrities, government officials and guests, including those from their partner charitable institutions this year, namely Caritas Manila, Laura Vicuna Foundation and Childhope Asia.


After enjoying a very Filipino cocktail spread served in the main lobby of the Meralco Building, we were ushered to a stage built right in front of the building for the brief program which culminated in the ceremonial lighting of the Meralco compound.


The program ended with a grand fireworks display. And guests were invited to visit Toy Town as well as Meralco's Paskuhan Village which includes its traditional nativity scene or belen. The village and the belen were fashioned-out of recycled copper wire.



For Meralco, lighting up the Meralco Compound symbolizes the light of Jesus Christ whose coming to the world brings joy and hope to Filipinos, young and old. Getting inspiration in the symbolism of the Christmas lantern or parol, Meralco brings light and warmth to its customers through its different Christmas initiatives, which includes Maliwanag ang Pasko, an annual campaign which recognizes nine of the brightest and best-decorated homes in the Meralco franchise.

So if you happen to pass by the area, note that Meralco opens its head office compound to children and the child-at-heart with its Christmas village! See the Christmas tree and belen made up of copper wires and powered by electricity of course! And ride the train around Toy Town.

Nestlé Fruit Selection yogurt with Jelly, a new twist to my favorite yogurt snack

The other night, my mom was talking about this new yogurt product which my niece really liked. She's quite hard to please and has only a few snacks in her list of things to eat. So I checked the fridge to try out some. It turns out, it's the Nestlé Fruit Selection yogurt with jelly added!

I've always been a fan of yogurt because it's both good and healthy (with live microorganisms). And it was good Nestlé introduced a new twist to snacking by adding jelly to its already yummy yogurt. We always have Nestlé Fruit Selection yogurt stocked in the fridge. So this will be a new addition to our snacks at home.


It's actually jelly on top and Nestlé Fruit Selection yogurt at the bottom. Right now, it's available in Strawberry and Buco Pandan flavors. I personally liked the Buco Pandan flavor since it reminded me of one of my favorite desserts which has buko, pandan jelly and cream.


But I hope they add more flavors and include my favorite Berry Mix Medley in their Nestlé Fruit Selection yogurt with Jelly line-up. I saw my niece liked the strawberry flavor a lot and she always asks for some every afternoon.

Looks like I'll stock up on Nestlé Fruit Selection yogurt with Jelly, perfect for a snack when I get really hungry! And it will be a very important ally as I try to move towards more healthy eating.

JellyGurt Bounce Game
Now here's something I also found out. There's this amusing game called the JellyGurt Bounce Game which went live yesterday, September 6, 2010. I actually got to try it and it's a good distraction in moments of stress. It's integrated with the NFSY Facebook fan page.

For the next 8 weeks, five weekly winners will get prizes like two movie passes per winner, Sodexho and Adidas P500 gift certificates. So click that like button on the NFSY FB fan page since this is where you can play the game and join the contest. Good luck!

Have you tried KFC BBQ Rods?

KFC fried chicken has always been on my list of favorites. The good thing about KFC is that they continue to innovate and add more selections to the chicken offerings. There were the KFC Pasta Bowls (chicken with noodles such as Kung Pao Chicken and Chicken Alfredo), KFC Supreme Bowls (chicken and rice such as Italian Roma and Chinese Imperial) and KFC Twister Toasted (pizza in a wrap).

When I visited KFC last night, I asked for something new on their menu. Aside from the new wraps, they mentioned the KFC BBQ Rods which I didn’t notice on their overhead menu. So I tried out their new KFC BBQ Rods and was very satisfied.


Inspired by the success of KFC Chicken Barbecue, KFC launched the new KFC BBQ Rods which are KFC’s crispy chicken bites with a really yummy barbecue sauce, served with java rice. I got the three-stick KFC BBQ Rods meal which includes java rice and a drink for Php95.

This new and innovative lunch offering from KFC is the same finger lickin’ chicken they are known for, only in a stick. And the price is quite affordable for a rice meal. They also have the two-stick meal if you don’t have too much of an appetite.

If you do visit KFC, I suggest you try out the KFC BBQ Rods.