A Taste of Ilocos in Empanada Nation

Bayanihan Republic:

Empanada.  Bagnet.  Longanisa.  Bibingka.  I fell in love with Vigan or Ilocos cuisine more than 10 years ago.  But Ilocos is about 8 to 10 hours away from Manila, so when I miss the taste, I only wish that there's a nearby place where I could buy and eat those treats from our Ilocano friends.  Well, I've tried a food stall at a mall in Makati and another one in Pasay, but sadly, it didn't match the empanada and other dishes I tasted in Vigan.  I thought then, could it be the ingredients, or the oil used?  Well anyway, the long search is over as I finally found the dining place where I could experience Ilocos cuisine anytime I want, here in Manila.  And that's the Empanada Nation restaurant!

And the answer to the Buon Giorno Readers Trivia Quiz is... Monica Bellucci

Web Announcement:

A few weeks back, Tatak Digitista featured the recently launched Buon Giorno Caffe & Bistro in Rockwell Business Center Ortigas.  And in that story, a simple readers trivia quiz took place which asked this question: "Who is the famous actress who was born and raised in Italy and started her career as a lawyer but modeled to pay her tuition fees in law school?", the same tie breaker question used during the mini trivia contest during the event.

And the answer is: MONICA BELLUCI!

Among those who joined and got the right answer, their names were raffled off, and one name was picked up to win the PhP 500 Gift Certificate from Buon Giorno Caffe & Bistro.  And the lucky winner is... NHERZ ALMO!

Buon Giorno is more than Good Day, it's Good Food!

Taste Bud:

I love Italian food.  But I must admit, I carefully choose which restos to go to as real or hardcore Italian dishes are always in friction with my taste buds, because they sometimes can go too sour or spicy for me.  Well, I can try it once or twice but for me to come back and crave for it is another story.  I usually like those with American or Filipino touch but if ever I'm really up for original Italian, I make sure it won't be too alien for me.   Forgive me but I can't let go the "Juan" in me =).

The Invasion of Mushroom Chicharon!

Bayanihan Republic:

In today's fast-paced urban lifestyle, we tend to grab food that's readily available but not necessarily nutritious and healthy.  And many experts have pointed out the danger of the unhealthy food that we eat.  With that, many of us have tried many things that will let us take in the "healthy" stuff but as much as possible, not forego the food we fell in love with.  

Ensaymadang Malolos, inipit, pastillas face new competition

Scene Stealers:

When you talk about food, Malolos has been known for inipit, ensaymadang Malolos, pastillas and other kakanin (delicacies made out of sticky, gelatinous rice).  Now, they are facing tough competition as the historical city is now flooded with popular and modern fast food chains and restaurants.

It only used to have Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Max's and Fortune but now, just right in front of Bulacan State University, a complex houses Kentucky Fried Chicken, Mang Inasal, Figaro and Gerry's Grill.  To be honest, I welcome this development as I don't have to bring my family and relatives all  the way to Metro Manila just to bring them to these establishments.  And, late night movie watching with folks would be much more fun as there will be more choices available for food delivery.