FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

As the chocolate invasion continues, for sure everyone wants more chocolate creations. Tinapayan opens its doors for another week “Sinful Desires” for the Ilonggos to indulge in. Yes! It's another 7-days of chocolate creations twisted with different flavours, also made us go loco over choco!   And on its second week (Sept. 28-Oct.4, 2015), Tinapayan will make you ask for more! Enjoy this yummy collection of chocolate creations. CHOCO REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER OVERLOAD CAKE CHOCO PISTACHIO BARS CHOCO CARAMELITAS DOUBLE CHOCOLATE BUNS Dream no more! Wake up and fill up your satisfaction with these scrumptious innovations of chocolate taste! All these are available at Tinapayan Bakeshop alongside Iloilo Supermart at The Atrium, Marymart Mall, Jaro, Mandurriao and Villa.  What are you waiting for? Drive your senses and indulge yourselves to the real choco seduction sinfully! COMING SOON: Tinapayan Bakeshop at Iloilo Supermart - CityMall Tagbak in Jaro ...

With dessert as my contribution to an impromptu luncheon get together, I only had one in mind - Crema de Fruta from Tinapayan Bakeshop . And it was well received and raved even as we were all just looking at it then. But when the eating part came, silence followed as we all savoured the creamy goodness of this famed Crema de Fruta. It had two layers of orange chiffon and we all agreed plus the crema is so rich yet has a tamed sweetness. With simple grapes and peaches as topping (and also adding color and texture) then covered in clear gelatine, it's "indulgence defined" in every forkful and one can't get enough of it! I remember my first blogpost about this delectable crema de fruta and it was way back 2008. Noche Buena 2007 was on me that time and I had all sorts of Tinapayan products on the Christmas midnight dinner - dinner rolls pizza and of course, crema de fruta. As you can see, almost nothing has changed and that was almost 4 years ago. And if I re...

It was past the lunch hour and we needed a quick fix. Good thing there was this newly opened stall at the Atrium Foodcourt with an inviting name - Sizzlin Hot . And yes, everything they had to offer sizzles! From this mouth-watering Australian Rib-eye Steak (PhP190) which almost occupies the whole sizzling plate to the delicious melts-in-the-mouth Backribs (PhP89?) in savoury sauce.  And of course, it aint a complete sizzling experience with the Pinoy favorite Sisig (PhP89). They have have Chicken, Porkchop, Liempo, Boneless Bangus, Shrimp Noodles and more. Indeed a quick, fast and delicious offering - sizzling their way to satisfy your hunger, at Sizzling Hot at The Atrium.

It was more than curiosity satisfied when I had my first bite of The Promenade's baked sio pao . Part of Days Hotel Iloilo's  Dimsum Tea Afternoon , it was only a few days ago when I actually found out about this on the menu. I already love the regular mini sio pao served during their buffets so I didn't bother having siopao during this dim sum time.  But it was a gastronomic regret that I found out about it later when it should have been months ago. I could have enjoyed it much earlier and eaten more. So what's the difference between this baked sio pao from their regular sio pao? While the filling remains the same (pork asado), the "bun" is actually made with soft and fluffy bread with a hint of mild sweetness. A serving with 2 pieces costs PhP75 and I think I can finish three servings or even more! And I'll find out very soon as I troop back again to The Promenade and make up for the "lost" gastronomic time for their baked siopao. PS I ...

Cupped in banana leaves that gives not only a distinct flavour but also an identity, Puto Manapla is common here in Iloilo as to the place where it originated, Manapla town in Negros Occidental. While there's the original and ube variants, this is actually the first time I tried the cheese version. With yellow food coloring but real grated cheese toppings, the "Manapla" essence is still there made even better by the cheese. And I want some more!

How about serving crabs in one different yet still delicious way - crab relleno! It's a simple recipe compared with making bangus relyeno  as you avoid the task of being meticulous in handling the skin that will serve as wrap. Here's a simple recipe in making this appetizing Relyeno nga Kasag Ingredients Crab shells   3/4 kilo crabmeat  Assorted vegetables likes cubed carrots, corn kernels, green peas, etc  1/2 cup breadcrumbs 3 whole eggs, beaten 5 cloves Garlic, minced  1 medium onion, chopped Salt, pepper or seasoning mixes Oil Water How to make Crab Relyeno In making crab relyeno, just make sure the shell is still whole and cleaned thoroughly after taking out the meat and other parts.  In a pan, saute garlic and onion in oil then add crabmeat.  If you could get hold of crabmeat being sold in the groceries, much better since you can make it meatier and make it more generous.  Add-in carrots, corn and peas plus anythin...

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo opened a few days ago and like a magnet it pulled Ilonggos towards it to experience the luxury it has to offer. From its gleaming facade to modestly lavish interiors, it has become "the place to see and be seen". And among the simplest way to enjoy the luxury it has to offer is to indulge in the gastronomic pleasures at The Granary . Located at the hotel's lobby, the all-day outlet entices with its simple yet elegant interiors. Despite its business-like ambiance, sophistication is in the air - literally. Who wouldn't notice and appreciate the simple elegance these lighting fixtures the moment they step in!  Under these bright lights, the duo-toned furniture also speaks of mild sophistication. But if you prefer much brighter, then you can seat yourself in the area fronting the glass wall for maximum exposure. There, the walls are lined with native decors and another set of lighting fixtures might give you another visual fixation. Bu...