Category: Lifestyle

Is it Hot in here or Is it Me Book Launch

Is it hot in here or is it me by RJ Ledesma

I was a bit hesitant when I got an invite to attend RJ Ledesma’s book launch.  Why?  Because RJ’s newest book is entitled ‘Is it hot in here or is it me? RJ Ledesma’s Imaginary Guide to Flirting, Body Language & Pick-up Artists‘.  I thought that the book was meant for guys.  I’m obviously a girl.  It doesn’t make sense for me to read such a book.

But I was curious!  I know of RJ Ledesma as a Filipino child star (remember Tru-Orange commercial?).  I also know RJ as part of the team behind Mercato Centrale & UNO magazine.  It was only when I got invited to the book launch that I discovered that he’s also a writer, and a witty & funny one too!

I wanted to get hold of this book and read RJ Ledesma’s works.  I’m glad I went to the well-attended and successful book launch.  RJ Ledesma’s family, friends and fans were in full support.  VIP guests including RJ’s wife was there to perform ribbon cutting at Powerbooks, Greenbelt 4.

ribbon cutting rj ledesma book

I just finished reading the book and gee, RJ Ledesma is definitely a man with many talents.  I never knew that he was such a funny, funny man!  The book gives hope for single men and no girlfriends since birth.  hahaha!  Now, I know that not only girls do read a lot of self-help books, RJ does it too!  He refers to a lot of relationship books while inserting a lot of jokes which we can relate to, makes it really so fun to read (not to mention, educational too!).

He shares what kind body language that women send out to men.  He clearly mentioned that it’s actually the girls who make the 1st move.  It’s just hard for men to pick up the signals thus letting the opportunity go.  As a girl, it’s enlightening to read that we do actually perform such actions.  Unconsciously so, sometimes 😉

RJ also shares and elaborates the 5 Stages of Flirting:

  1. Attention Getting Stage a.k.a. ‘Kulang sa Pansin’ Stage
  2. Recognition Stage a.k.a. ‘Closer You and I’ Stage
  3. Talk Stage a.k.a. ‘Words get in the way’ Stage
  4. Touch Stage a.k.a. ‘You’ve got the Touch!’ Stage
  5. Total Body Synchrony a.k.a. ‘Your Body is a Wonderland’ Stage

At the last part, he talks about professional pickup.  The book is definitely a good, fun read.  Actually, a lot of guests were already laughing so hard just listening to RJ explain what the book is about.  Some had read a chapter while waiting for the event to start and I saw how successful RJ was able to make people laugh by reading his works.  I myself find it informational and a lot of people can truly relate.

RJ ledesma book launching

RJ Ledesma was very nice in person.  We patiently queued to get his autograph with the book.  He asked each guest some questions so he can address us better with his autograph.  He graciously accepted our request for photo op too!

If you notice in the picture below, he was wearing the same clothes as the cover of the book.  Hilarious! LOLz!

Rj and Roch at Book Launch

By the way, here’s an excerpt.  Just to give you an idea what you can expect in the book.  I swear, you’ll laugh your heart out while reading!  I did!

After years of countless knife injuries, researchers from the Social Issues Research Center have actually computed the appropriate distance you can maintain with a woman whom you flirt with for the first time.  When you are four feet from her (about 2 small steps away), you are on the borderline between what is known as the “Social zone or the Willie Revillame zone” (within 4-12 feet) and the “Personal zone or the Jojo Alejar zone” (between 18 inches to 4 feet).  This is the average distance that you maintain where she can still reject you without having to resort to bodily harm.  If you are more or less certain that she is not concealing any bladed weapons, you can move into the “Arm’s length zone or the Vic Sotto zone” (about 2 feet 6 inches.  I’m not kidding.  About Vic Sotto).  Do not attempt to cross the Sotto zone and move within 18 inches of her unless you are her gynecologist.  The “intimate zone” (a level that few mortals have achieved, so I have labeled this as the legendary “Dolphy zone”) is reserved only for lovers, family members, close friends and domestic animals.

You can buy your own copy of Is it hot in here or is it me book by RJ Ledesma at your favorite book stores for Php220.

Make Miracles Happen with Miracle Machine

Companies usually invite media people for product launches but Kraft has done something different this time around.  When I made it to Cantinetta last wednesday, I was pleasantly surprised that the event was for a cause!  There’s something about helping people that really make us feel so fulfilled.

Since Christmas is fast coming, it would be so nice that we can be part of something that would help our less fortunate countrymen be happy in this holiday season.  Kraft has come up with something inspired by their product, Miracle Whip.  It’s called Miracle Machine.

the miracle machine

If you didn’t know, Miracle Whip is made from eggs, oil & sugar but it was a bit tricky to blend the emulsion to the desired consistency.  Thus, a Kraft engineer developed a machine that could blend the ingredients properly and thus it was called Miracle Whip.

kraft miracle whip

Miracle Whip is taking the miracles outside the kitchen too with its Miracle Machine.  As I listened to the speakers explain the cause and what Miracle Machine is, I was thinking that I would check out the application as soon as I got home.  To experience it myself.  It really sounded so promising and I wanted to really be a part of it.  Considering my mom and I have so many things like clothes and books to give away, I felt we’ve finally found the means to do it.

kraft speakers

Miracle Machine is a Facebook application where the goal is to get all of us and our friends, as well as all of their friends to work together to help the less fortunate.  Let’s face it,  most of us are internet addicts and Facebook is the most successful social networking site.  Why not spare a few minutes and resources to help out via Miracle Machine then we can continue on with playing Farmville or checking out our friends’ status updates.

As Kraft launches Miracle Machine, they wish to whip up 12 miracles in 12 days through Facebook in time for the Christmas Season.  Each miracle hopes to help 1 group.  For the 12th miracle though on the 12th day of December, a fully functional miracle conduit will be made available to organizations who need it and people with something to give.

beneficiaries

  1. Kythe Foundation hopes to help Angelalyn Magalano, a 13-year-old angel who suffers from Nephoric Syndrome & psoriasis by making her wish come true of meeting a pilot and talk about flying.
  2. Jamboree Mountaineers hope to make the indigenous tribes’ Christmass in Wawa, Montalban merrier by trekking there and delivering food for Noche Buena.
  3. Childhope Asia hopes to keep street children warm this Yuletide Season by providing them with new underwear & clothes.
  4. Kaeskwela hopes to fill the empty libraries of public schools in far-flung areas in the country with educational books.
  5. The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) hopes to find abandoned dogs & cats new families to take them in by making them adoption-ready through grooming.
  6. Sagip Buhay & Philippine General Hospital hopes to provide medical assistance for those who don’t have the means & access to proper healthcare with new blood pressure devices & Thermoscan thermometers.
  7. Firefly Brigade & Tiklop Society hopes to collect 10 bikes and bike safety gear for people in urban communities to help them get from one place to another faster and safer so they can be more productive in their work.
  8. Tahanang Walang Hagdan hopes to give back to the 326 volunteers who have selflessly devoted their time to the organization by giving them gifts this Christmas.
  9. Resources for the Blind hopes to record an audio storybook for blind children to bring them to the world of wonder & imagination.
  10. Museo Pambata hopes to make 2,000 children happy this Season of Giving by gifting them with pre-loved storybooks and toys.
  11. St. Martin de Porres Charity Home hopes to spread the holiday cheer with a potluck party for the underprivileged kids under its care.

So how does this work?  How do we help through this Facebook application?  To start, go to the Miracle Machine Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/WhippingUpMiracles and click on the Miracle Machine Tab OR you can go directly to the Facebook application at http://apps.facebook.com/miraclemachine.

You’ll see the Miracle Machine in action as illustrated below.  You can click “Pitch In” on your chosen miracle and you’ll be given options on how to help.

miracle machine preview

Like for me, I was interested in helping out PAWS.  I was then brought to this part of the machine where they explained what the organization is and what help they need from us.  There are choices and we can act on the one that we can make happen.  In this case, the choices were:

  • volunteer to groom pets
  • donate grooming tools
  • refer a friend
  • share this miracle
  • pledge money

paws

I chose ‘share this miracle’ as I know a lot of my friends would love to help PAWS.  As I clicked on it, I immediately saw a new status update on my Facebook profile.  After a short while, I saw some friends comment and said they wanted to help and are interested.  It’s that easy.

share the love

In this world we really do leave only a few things that last.  It’s how we give back to the next generation, how we treat the least fortunate amongst us, and how we are able to give of ourselves and our time, that will ultimately determine if we lived a life of great fulfillment and difference.  I’d like to think that great initiatives such as the Miracle Machine is one of those things that can really provide a difference in the lives of so many people.

I’m checking out the other organizations and options as I write this, I’m thinking of providing books to Kaeskwela, toys and dolls to Museo Pambata & clothes to Child Hope.  How about you?

Gotti’s Ristorante

Gotti's

It was another lunch together with Christina and Wendy and I just love it!   It’s always nice dining with close friends, bonding and sharing stories together.   Last week, we decided to try out Gotti’s Ristorante located at the Atrium of SM Megamall.  Gotti’s is an Italian restaurant and I’m not usually a fan of pizza and pasta but what the heck, anything new, I’ll try it at least once.

Gotti’s Restaurant definitely didn’t disappoint.  Their food were good, prices were definitely affordable & cheap and ambiance was just perfect.  You will definitely enjoy the dining experience especially when coupled with the restaurant’s great service.

ambiance gottis

There’s real stiff competition out there though when it comes to the restaurants at the atrium.  The whole atrium is basically surrounded by restaurants.  When you walk around the area, you have representatives from different establishments trying to convince you to dine at their place.  The owners don’t have to worry about this though, first time visitors is one thing but returning visitors is definitely another thing, a more important one IMHO.  Does Gotti’s restaurant have what it takes for customers to go back?  Yes, definitely!  Well, especially if you are an Italian food fan.

Here are our orders:

  • Cream of Pumpkin Soup (Php 90)

pumpkin soup gottis

It’s November!  So why not order pumpkin soup?  We did!  So funny that we actually shared this soup among the 3 of us.  We didn’t wanna order too many as we had pizza, pasta & rice coming for the rest of our orders.  It just wasn’t complete without soup though.  I’m honestly really glad that we decided to try out this soup.  Indeed, it’s one of those seasonal soups, but the nuttiness, the sweetness, and the creaminess and the perfect seasoning really made this soup stand out.

  • Mediteranean Fish Fillet (Php 255)

fish gottis

The one covered in red sauce was the fish.  The sauce that covered the fish was puttanesca sauce which turned out to really have strong flavors.  Puttanesca sauce is actually something that you put on pasta, not fish.  I guess sticking to their Italian theme, they experimented a lil and put it on the fish.  It worked though, I loved it!  Spicy and a bit salty, full of flavors though.  This dish made me so full that I wasn’t able eat a lot of our other orders.

  • Garlic Shrimp Pasta (Php 290)

pasta gottis

My 2 friends shared this pasta as I’m not really a fan and I have my own order of fish fillet with rice.  This particular pasta is cooked with shrimp, white wine, garlic, black olives &  mushroom.  They told me it was good plus the bread they put was focaccia bread.  Very nice.  The one that we ordered is ‘to share’ which is a bit bigger than their regular size (Php 198).

  • Triple Sausage Pizza (Php 320)

pizza gottis

We got this dish at 50% off as we ordered ‘to-share’ size of pasta.  It’s their current promo and we just had to grab it.  Php 160 for a 12-inch pizza!  Where else can you find that?  This pizza that we ordered was stuffed with 3 kinds of sausages namely: schublig, hungarian and italian sausage.  It was a bit salty though, I guess that’s the effect of having too many sausages in 1 thin dough.

  • Fresh Dalandan

dalandan gottis

My cousin doesn’t drink iced tea but would usually get dalandan juice.  It’s not on the menu but the restaurant was able to make it for her.  Hot and fresh as requested.  Wow!  That’s what you call service!  Rarely do you find that kind of service in a public establishment in the Philippines.

  • Gotti’s Frozen Iced Tea (Php 75)

iced tea gottis

Gotti’s best seller drinks!  They have 2 flavors for their iced teas, either dalandan or strawberry.  I ordered the dalandan one while Christina ordered the strawberry flavored.  We both loved our orders!  The dalandan tasted just right, not too sweet like the strawberry one.  It really depends on your preference.  Both are good, take your pick.

Too many good restaurants to try out these days which is why I always make it a point to at least try out new restaurants every so often.  Honestly, you can really find some nice and wonderful gems out there in the big sea of restaurants.  Gotti’s is definitely one of them.  Glad we tried it.  So, if you haven’t tried it out yet, maybe you should try it out today.

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Gotti’s Ristorante
The Atrium, SM Megamall, EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines
(02) 634-0348

Parvati Dessert Shop

Parvati Dessert Shop

Do you love desserts?  Do you have favorites in each of your favorite food place?  Have you ever wished to have those best-selling desserts from different stores in just one place?

Don’t fret because I just found out recently that there is indeed a place!  And it’s called ‘Parvati‘.  Yes, Parvati Home-Made Dessert Shop is a one-stop shop for the best-selling products of home bakers!  It’s truly a wish come true for dessert-lovers like us!!

I’m just so lucky enough that one of the owners of this awesome shop is my colleague!  He invited me to sample the different desserts being offered in Parvati together with other bloggers.  It was probably the first time in my life that I almost just had to say n0 to dessert.  It just continued to keep coming over at our table, I think almost each and every dessert that they had, they were able to let us taste.  Good thing, I brought my mom with me or else I would not have been able to sample everything.  We shared each piece of desserts served to us.

mom and roch at parvati

Let me share with you some of the desserts that we tried out that day.  Take note that I didn’t put everything here, or this post would turn into a book!!  However, I’m sure some of your favorite desserts are here.

  • Monster Cookies by Monster Cookies PinoyCravings

monster cookies parvati

“These cookies are made from the finest ingredients!  If you want a semi soft and chewy cookie, then these cookies are for you!”

If you love those homemade, fresh out the oven, type of cookies, I really suggest these cookies.  You can really feel and taste the difference that these premium chocolate chip cookies have over the ordinary cookies.  I definitely think this must be one of their best sellers since it’s really just a classic.

Tub of 6 – Php 138, Box of 8 – Php 215

  • Custaroon Poppers by Gigi’s Custaroons

custaroon poppers parvati

“Bite-sized custaroon balls coated with a premium chocolate powder concoction”

Actually, from their description you would think that they only do chocolate powder, but they actually do different times of concoctions.  I bet the coffee lovers out there would love to try their coffee powder one.  This dessert is definitely one of those sinful, can’t stop, type of desserts.  It’s convenient, and I really believe a perfect alternative to the coffee and donuts!

Tub of 22 original – Php 200, Tub of Green Tea – Php 330, Tub of Coffee – Php 330

  • Original & Cheese Custaroons by Gigi’s Custaroons

custaroons parvati

“Smooth, creamy, melt-in-your mouth custard topped with a chewy buttery crust”

I couldn’t believe just how delicious these custaroons were.  It’s rich and sweet, yet just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth.  I can’t stress enough just how perfectly baked these little custaroons were.  It was so very moist, soft, and indeed buttery!  This is yet another one of those desserts where a few just won’t cut it.. you may have to grab a whole handful! hahaha :p

Regular Box of 4 – Php 170, Regular Box of 12 – Php 350
Bite size box of 15 – Php 200, Bite size box of 30 – 300

  • Russian Cookie House Classic by The Russian Cookie House

russian cookies parvati

“Russian, Black Russian, Pistachio, Black & white almond, Jan Hagel.  Also available.. Sugar-free.”

Their description just doesn’t do this medley of wonderful confections any justice.  Oh my was I amazed at how you can get this all boxed up.  This is most certainly a holiday gift, or for any occasion, especially for those who just love mixed chocolates of any kind.  The pistacchio variety is also tasty!

Window Boxes regular – Php 280, half-size – Php 180, Trial-size – Php 90
Window boxes sugar free regular – Php 380, half-size – Php 240, Trial size – Php 120
Minis in Canister big – Php 280, small – Php 180
Sugar free Minis in Canister big – Php 380, small – Php 240

  • Pistachio Sans Rival by Tajabel

Pistachio Sansrival Parvati

“Three layered Meringue with Pistachio Cream Filling, top with roasted Pistachio”

This has got to be one of the most delicious variations of San Rival there is out there.  If you are  not familiar, sans rival actually means “without rival”.  layers of sweet crust/pastry upon layer of creamy meringue.  The added pistachios really do make this such a wonderful treat.  For those who love anything pistachio flavored, you will not want to miss these most delicious dessert!  The toasted pistachio really give this dessert that subtle and added dimension when it comes to flavor.  What a great recipe whoever thought of this specific dessert!!

Whole cake – Php 900, Slice – Php 115

  • Triple Decker Chocolate Cheesecake by Kusina Torre Desserts & Pastries

triple decker chocolate cheesecake parvati

“Cheesecake between two layers of chocolate cake”

This has got to be one of the most sinfully created dessert that has been made.  It’s like having a cheesecake sandwich!!  For those who truly love both chocolate cake and cheesecake, now you can have both!  And it’s not just any ordinary chocolate cake, or any ordinary cheesecake.  It’s really a premium slice of both cakes in each bar.  From the picture itself, you can already tell just how dense and rich it is.  And yet, each cut into it with a fork is almost like slicing butter, it still is very creamy and soft.

Per square – Php 130, 5 inches – Php 600, 7 inches – Php 1,100, 9 inches – Php 2,000, 9×13 inches – Php 2,500

  • Gourmet Polvoron by Postres del Cielo

postres del cielo parvati

“Kiwi, Cranberry, Lavander, Rose, Cafe, Pineapple, and Classic”

When I first saw this, I was at first hesitant if this even belonged with the rest of the wonderful desserts, but tasting it, realizing just how above standard these certain variety of polvoron were, it made sense all of a sudden.  I’ve eaten polvoron before, many times, as I assume many of us have.  But this polvoron, I kid you not, is just so much more buttery, more dense, and packed with so much more goodness than the normal kind of polvoron.

And to think that they didn’t stop at their wonderful original flavor, but they added other interesting flavors, it just makes this certain dessert really stand out.  Rose flavored!  I mean, honestly, WOW!!  It’s almost like comparing a Honda to a Ferrari, it’s just way above the normal standard.  Great concept and delivery on this specific dessert item!

Box of 4s – Php 90, Box of 12s – Php 250.00

  • Coffee Indulgence by M Cheesecakes & Pastries

coffee indulgence parvati

“Cappuccino Cheesecake”

I think you must be noticing a trend here when it comes to the desserts at Parvati.  It truly is a place where only the best of the best can be found.  They really did a great job with which desserts are popular, just by the taste and the varieties of their desserts.

This specific cheesecake truly belongs here.  The great flavors of cappuccino, the rich and bold flavors of roasted coffee beans infused into this cheesecake is almost something I cannot describe.  Wow!! soo soo yummy especially for those who love cheesecake.  Each slice into each cheesecake is such a great harmony of flavors.  Smooth and silky cheesecake, the sweetness of the filling, and the contrast of the bitter and bold flavor of cappuccino.  This is a must try for coffee lovers too!

Slice – Php 120, Whole – Php 600

  • Frozen Brazo de Mercedes by Desserts by Fiona

frozen brazo de mercedes parvati

No need to go in depth about this, most Filipinos have tasted Brazo de Mercedes before, but this is where the comparison ends.  Again, as with the other desserts at Parvati, their Brazo de Mercedes seems to just blow the rest of the normal ones out of the water!   Wonderfully fluffed up egg whites with browned outer or top layer.  The delicious cream filling and the rich bottom cake layer really is such a treat.  One good thing that I like about this dessert is that it really is not that too rich, and is definitely one of the lighter desserts that is being offered at Parvatti.  I would recommend this for a light snack any day.

Mini – Php 180, Half size – Php 330, 8×8 – Php 600

  • Cream Caramel Bread Pudding & Panna Cottas from Christine’s Kitchen

panna cotta parvati

Here’s a great trio of desserts coming from Christine’s Kitchen.  The first one is their “Leche Flan”, which is much more balanced in flavor, not too sweet, yet very very tasty still.  Here’s Parvati’s description of their Leche Flan: “From an old family recipe, “leche flan” goodness in every bite, and yes, there is bread in it!” I think it was very wise of them to emphasize that there is real bread in their flan, because if you are into baking, and you’ve made leche flan before, then you know that it usually does not contain any bread in it, and is mostly egg and cream.  Which is why I think their leche flan has such a nice balanced sweetness to it.

Now both the Mango Panna Cotta and the Blueberry Panna Cotta really turned out to also be a nice treat for many of us.  What separates these panna cottas from the rest is just how rich the flavors in each one was.  The panna cottas were perfectly cooked, firm and not soggy, and the flavors came through.  Sometimes, panna cottas can become watery, and the sweetness and flavors seem to be watered down.  This is definitely not the case with these panna cottas!!

Cream Caramel Bread Pudding, Regular – Php 140, Mini – Php 75
Blueberry Panna Cotta, 1’s – Php 80, 4’s – Php 320
Mango Panna Cotta,, 1’s – Php 70, 4’s – Php 240

  • Brownie Cashew Bars & Oatmeal Chocolate Cookies by Vine’s Bakeshop

brownies parvati

The oatmeal bars you see above (the ones with the chocolate center), really were moist.  But this specific dessert is definitely for those who love oatmeal cookies but need it to be rich as well.

The brownie cashew bars are a great balance of both texture, tastes, and sweetness.  Don’t get me wrong, this bar is definitely sweet, but I like the combination of flavors in this bar the most.  Cashews is a great choice of nuts for this bar.

Oatmeal Chocolate Cookies (box of 22) – Php 125
Brownie Cashew Bars (box of 5) – Php 120

  • Mochi Ice Cream by Dezato

mochi ice cream parvati

“Mochi ice cream is creamy ice cream wrapped in a fluffy sticky rice doug and are best eaten with your fingers.  There is an explosion of textures and flavors in each bite of these unique treats.  It comes in six mouthwatering varieties: chocolate, strawberry, green tea, mango, vanilla, and coffee.  These fun treats are a sure fire hit anytime and anywhere.”

Box of 6 – Php 275

I just love a lot of things at Parvati.  Even the way they store the desserts was very impressive!  Here is the frozen desserts put in a freezer and as you can see, it was neatly labeled by product (with pictures & price details).  When you open the freezer, the desserts are actually in the shelves where they were labeled in.

frozen parvati

These are desserts to be stored in normal room temperature.  When I first saw these, I thought they were only pictures.  But actually, they were drawers!!!  I was in total awe when it was opened.  I felt like a child for a short while there as I kept opening some drawers and peeking at all the delicious dessert inside.

normal parvati display

Too many good things that I have to say about Parvati and this is not because 1 of the owners is my friend.  I love how warm and friendly the staff are.  We can easily call on them for our orders, they were eager to answer any questions we asked of them about Parvati and they kept checking up on us too if we wanted more water, etc.  They also wore cute uniforms too, totally matched their cute personalities.

The owners weren’t just entertaining us bloggers.  Whenever there were customers looking around, they would readily approach the customer and start explaining the concept of the store and the products they’re selling.  No wonder why in such a small amount of time (they opened last May 2010), they are successful.  I’m sure we’ll see more branches in the future.

parvati people

Good news!  Parvati can sell desserts in bulk, perfect for Christmas time right?  You just need to inform them 3-5 days in advance and you’ll be able to get your orders fresh and right in time!  I believe this is the best time to share such a treasure find!  Now, you can cross off one research item in your list because there’s Parvati.  Best-selling desserts from different home makers in just one place.  No need to run around different places or call different numbers for separate deliveries!  Isn’t it uber cool?

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Parvati Home-Made Dessert Shop
Mindanao Lobby, Trinoma Mall, EDSA cor. North Ave., Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
(02) 901-1428

Tao Yuan Restaurant

I always hear about Tao Yuan Restaurant from my mom’s friends.  They highly recommend the restaurant and keep on raving about it.  I do appreciate feedback but I make sure that I try it out myself before I judge.

Finally, we were able to try it last week.  I admit I had high expectations of the place.  When I entered the restaurant, it was pretty obvious that it was a Chinese restaurant and gosh, too many people.  Almost all tables were filled up!  It was almost evidence enough that they serve good food.

I love that they designed the place well.  It’s rare that I see restaurants in Manila that has a great awesome interior design.  The gold and red combination truly works for Tao Yuan Restaurant.  Even the carpets are colored as such.

tao yuan theme

Tao Yuan is a Singapore-inspired restaurant.  They serve mostly Singaporean dishes.  I wanted to try out cereal prawns (which is the most popular Singaporean dish for Filipinos) but my cousin doesn’t like cereals so we ended up ordering their salted egg prawns.  Worth a try, read my comment on the dish later on.

While waiting, we were served free nuts.  Their nuts were unique, I must say.  It was definitely not fried, if I may guess, I think it was boiled.  It tasted so good but I just cannot figure out how they prepared it.  I heard my mom raving about it too.  My first taste of a Tao Yuan’s dish was very pleasant, so  I had a good feeling  that I would enjoy the rest of my dining experience.

tao yuan nuts

Here is a list of our orders:

  • Sze Chuan Hot & Sour Soup (Php 388)

tao yuan hot and sour soup

Tao Yuan’s Hot & Sour soup is just okay for me.  Nothing really special that would make me want to go back for more.  As I’ve said in a previous article, I really do have high standards when it comes to hot and sour soup.  In almost all Chinese and Asian restaurants that I have gone to, I almost always end up getting the hot and sour soup, so I definitely know how it’s supposed to taste like.  With Tao Yuan, their Hot and Sour soup wasn’t bad, but again I have to emphasize that it really wasn’t something to rave about.

  • Special Prawns with Egg Yolk (Php 488)

tao yuan prawns

I was hoping that we would get to order cereal prawns but my cousin who ordered the dishes for us isn’t really fond of cereals.  So we ended up with Tao Yuan’s prawns with egg yolk.  I’ve tried a similar dish in another restaurant and thinking that Tao Yuan is a bit popular these days, I was expecting it to be better.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t something to rave about either.

  • Hainanese Chicken (Php 880)

tao yuan chicken

The Hainanese Chicken is really to die for!  You haven’t dined and ate chicken until you have tried Tao Yuan Restaurant’s specialty.  And when I say specialty, I mean it!  It’s the BEST I’ve ever tried.  If ever I do get a chance to go back to the restaurant, it will solely be because of their famous Hainanese Chicken!

The chicken was tender and tasty!  A simple presentation also made the dish stand out, including those flowers too.  I believe the secret was the flavors of the broth plus how the chicken was cooked.  The flavors of the broth really penetrated the chicken, and you could just tell that the chicken was definitely slowly cooked because of just how tender and almost falling off the bone it was.

tao yuan chicken sauce

It’s best to eat the Hainanese chicken with the sauces served which was soy sauce, chili sauce & garlic sauce.  Really try to enjoy each chicken piece with these sauces and don’t be shy in really adding a little extra for the flavor that it imparts to the chicken 🙂

  • Hainanese Rice (Php 50)

tao yuan chicken rice

Everyone ordered plain rice but I really wanted to try out their Hainanese rice.  I know we ordered Hainanese chicken but I wanted to have the “complete” experience.  I was really glad I stuck with my order.  Just imagine incorporating all the wonderful flavors of that chicken broth that comes form the Hainanese chicken and then cooking your rice with it!  It truly was a wonderful dining experience enjoying both the dish and the rice itself.  The simplicity of Hainanese chicken, the subtle flavors, a little sweetness, deep chicken flavor, and yet light enough that you just wanted more each time.  I could have kept eating more of this combination, and I honestly forgot about my diet at this point in the meal hahaha :p

  • Steamed Angel Shells w/ Garlic – 400g (Php 360)

tao yuan clams

This reminds me of the elephant shell we had eaten at Dampa a few weeks back.  I somehow think that they are similar just cooked differently.  I thought it tasted good, it was a bit messy though in terms of presentation, the flavors were good, but again it wasn’t balanced because of the presentation and plating of the dish.

  • Singapore Mango Lapu Lapu – 500g (Php 850)

tao yuan fish

Another dish that I loved in Tao Yuan.  A very unique way to cook fish.  Definitely a wonderful twist to the sweet and sour, or even the escabeche type of way we cook our own fish.  Mango, is a hard ingredient to incorporate into any dish, but when done right, it really gives many dishes that extra dimension of flavor.  This is exactly what you get with this dish.

And do you see how good the presentation was?  The taste is really good too.  Again, it’s basically fried fish on a bed of chili sauce, with mangoes & peppers on top.  Fish meat was kinda crumpled together though, very easy to get.  No need for some grueling effort to get fish meat.

  • Hongkong Choi Vegetable with Garlic (Php 620)

tao yuan vegetable

I wasn’t able to get the name of this dish right but this is just normal polunchay cooked with garlic.  A very good balance to our yummy Hainanese chicken & mango lapu lapu.

Glad that Tao Yuan Restaurant is actually giving out free dessert!  We finished our meal with their almond lychee dessert and we loved it!

tao yuan dessert

One more thing, do not forget to ask for a 10% discount when getting your bill.  Because in our case, it was given to us 🙂  I feel the prices are a bit steep but their Hainanese chicken is definitely unforgettable.  It’s the best in the market right now.  I shall always tag Tao Yuan Restaurant with Hainanese Chicken and their rice if you had to ask me at this moment.

If you haven’t tried Tao Yuan, I highly suggest you go visit and order their famous Hainanese Chicken.  Couple it with their Hainanese Rice, and I promise that you will get your money’s worth and so much more 😉

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Tao Yuan Restaurant
508-512 General Malvar St. cor. A Mabini St., Malate, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
(02) 522-7009

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