FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

I passed by Deco's Pasalubong Shop to buy some piaya (I was craving for days) but I got more than what I came for. I got the chance to (finally) taste McNester Mango-Calamansi juice.I was intrigued by it when my guest from Manila were raving about this bottled juice. Though I've seen it many time at Deco's, I never had the urge to satisfy my curiosity. So I got one, no two, bottles today. More than to satisfy my curiousity, if it is good then I have another bottle, if not then I might share it - lol just kidding. It was a refreshing drink indeed! The sweetness of the mango juice was toned down by the tangy (not to mention sour) flavour of the calamansi - or vice versa, I cannot say. First you'll taste the sweet mango flavour then it becomes slightly sour as the calamansi flavour "seeps" in. It's well blended (of course you have to shake the bottle first before drinking) that neither overpowers the other. Kudos to McNester Foods for coming up with t

Give in to temptation. Satisfy your chocolate cravings. Indulge in a chocolate journey as The Promenade at Days Hotel Iloilo bring you TEMPTATIONS: A Chocolate Adventure.   Happening this November every Friday and Saturday DINNER and Sunday LUNCH buffets, experience chocolate bliss in every bite, scoop, forkful, cup, plate, slice and a lot more. Do it your own chocolatey way!    (PhP 200++ for dessert only or PhP420-595++ with Sunday lunch or Friday/Saturday Dinner Buffet).  For more info contact Days Hotel Iloilo at 033-337-3297

For those having a big appetite, there's a burger joint that invites you to Eat Like a King . Jones Cafe at Casa Plaza is now enticing passers-by with their appetizing menu that includes the World's Gigantic rectangular burger! It was a few months ago when their first branch opened along Solis Street, sharing space with Griller's Oyster House. Had so many plans to visit the place then but it took this second branch, which is 5 days old and an impromptu decision, for me to finally meet and greet Jones Burger! The on-the-spot "Lamon-Wednesday" session a few hours ago had us enjoying their royal-size Jones Burger with Bacon, a serving of Special Carbonara, a plate of Potato Coins and Peach Soda. This order which the four of us finished with no morsels left totaled a little more than PhP500. As we were all new to the joint, it took us longer to choose from the menu. But the staff proved very helpful by suggesting what could be shared and their best sellers. Eve

The magic of the sweetest festival comes to its final week, but as what the old adage says, last is not the least. And indeed Tinapayan paved way to the sweetest collection anyone, who come and taste, will never forget. Yes! Tinapayan will definitely lead your appetite into the new essence of satisfaction. Indulge and treat yourselves in Tinapayan Chocolate Festival’s final week offerings: Mango Chocolate Gateaux Dulce de leche Chocolate Bar Chocolate Zebra Bar Flourless Chocolate Cake Wow! Chocolate has been truly defined after five weeks of great chocolate goodness at Tinapayan’s annual chocolate festival. An extraordinary chocolate loaf that will entice your enthusiasm as it comes with the great blend of chocolate flavour. What are you waiting for? Indulge in Tinapayan’s chocolate creations and fulfill your sinful desires. 'Til the next Chocolate Festival ..... Tinapayan Bakeshop is located alongside Iloilo Supermart at The Atrium, Marymart Mall,

There’s no way Tinapayan‘s sweetest collections would bring you down, as it comes with another choco blissful week. Indeed! Tinapayan’s Sinful Desires concoctions on this Chocolate Festival month would bring our taste buds into an intense mouth watering chocolate seduction. And on its fourth week (Oct. 14-20), another chocolatey collection would definitely delight our appetite with the premium taste of chocolate twisted with different flavours! Here's what in store for all of us ... Chocolate Turtle Bar Chocolate French bread White chocolate brownie bar Coffee Latte Cake   So strip off all your inhibitions and spoil yourself in this first class treat from Tinapayan. Enjoy the lavish goodness of chocolate cakes and pastries. Excite your senses to a new indulgence… Sinfully Delicious, Irresistibly Desirable. Visit Tinapayan at The Atrium, Delgado, Jaro, Molo, Villa and Mandurriao.

Over this mouth-watering and hot, hot, hot sizzling Bicol Express, I had my taste buds experienced what Streetside Bar and Grill has to offer. Located in a prime location in Smallville, the newly opened alfresco restaurant offers a wide variety of Filipino comfort food. A blessing ceremony last Wednesday gave us a taste of what's to come as we didn't only have Pinoy dishes but also those that feature the fusion of many kinds, so to speak. Like this appetizing sisig pasta, with its linguine-white sauce base topped with a crunchy sisig mix. Good thing I was one of the first to line up so I got a big portion of the sisig toppings.  Streetside also features an open barbecue grill (good thing, its al fresco) that created a delicious chicken barbecue that tickled our hungry stomachs with its appetizing aroma while on-the-grill.  We had also beef curry "stew", crispy noodles, and a host of other specialties during the blessing night. One cannot also m

 I recently got this pack of beef flakes and was surprised to know it's made here in Iloilo. With the brand Carmel by the Sea which is based in Tabucan, Mandurriao, these beef flakes remind of the one I crave and raved before - squid flakes . And it's good to know that a papered beef also exist and just within reach.  Just like its squid counterpart, these beef flakes require fast frying - just fry them within seconds in hot oil for you to enjoy it hot, crisp and truly delectable. But it took me longer since I used the microwave oven - maybe around a minute of carefully timing it. It turned out crips too but not as crisp as when you fry it but still it was so delicious, so full of flavour. Extra rice please! Carmel by the Sea Tabucan, Mandurriao, Iloilo City Tel No. 033 321-1255 or 321-0920