Happy memories are made at Happy Kitchen

Happy food memories... that's more like it. By the looks of this French Toast Pudding with Blueberries, you would certainly be leaving Happy Kitchen with a big smile on your face. This delectable dessert was just among the few we tried when we dropped by the stylish cafe located at Amigo Plaza Mall a few months ago.

A jolly Ms Jet Yap Jiz, chef and owner of Happy Kitchen greeted us with a smile that made us feel at home the moment we entered her reigns, I met Ms. Jet around three years ago during the opening of the same restaurant in the same mall but in a different location. When the mall decided to have yet another renovation, Happy Kitchen transferred to the 3rd level of the Amigo Plaza Hotel offering an alfresco setting for its patrons.

After the renovation (I hope this will be the last), a new and "swanky" mall opened and Happy Kitchen is right in the middle of it all. A culinary boutique is what HK is all about where one can eat, shop and even cook. And EAT is what we did ...

It started off with this Cheesy Grilled Pizza sandwich which we devoured and finished off in no time. And we could have ordered another one...

But we we're intrigued by why this Happy Melt sandwich was their specialty and best-seller so it was an automatic order. It turned out to be a bacon and cheese sandwich with soft boiled egg and special "dressing". Now I know why its a best seller!

I wondered why they only had one rice dish - Bacon Slabs; then I remembered that their main restaurant on the third floor. Ms Jet mentioned that an Ilonggo inspired menu is in the works. So this bacon slab is actually a thin pork belly marinated in yogurt and other spices. And even without the sauce its already sumptuous on its own but the sauce/dip was perfect with it. Hmmm both the bacon and the sauce can stand on their own - I can make the sauce into a "sabaw". But its double the goodness with that combo.

Now how about some Mango Banana Chocolate shake? I just slurped and slurped until it was all gone...

But this Wheatgrass Cooler - a concoction of wheatgrass, orange and cucumber plus other I can't remember was really cool! I've been intrigued by wheatgrass before but never had the chance so the convenience of having one at Happy Kitchen was among the highlights of that gastronomic visit.

And here's another look at the delectable french toast pudding with blueberries which I practically finished alone. To start and end my blog post with the same food item means only thing - I really loved it! Need I say more?

Before I forget, Happy Kitchen has a also a supplies shop called Friends of Chefs. Baking and cooking supplies as well as ingredients and literature on gastronomy can be found. And as a culinary studio, it can be rented for parties and other activities, that includes the kitchen itself which one can peek in anytime plus the services of the staff. You can even "open" you own restaurant - your own concept, your own menu and even temporary rename the place on your own, for a minimal fee. Its a perfect venue esp. those in the hospitality industry and academe to have their culminating activities.

Happy Kitchen is where happy people meet and eat!

Happy Kitchen Cafe is located at the Amigo Plaza Mall and is open daily during mall hours 9am to 8pm. Check it out on Facebook at Happy Kitchen Culinary Studio.

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FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

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