A BonChon Chicken Lover

It was a rainy long weekend for us. With the heavy rains accompanied by strong winds, instead of going out of town, we decided to stay in the city. For a person (like me) who hasn't been out for months, it's a bit disappointing, especially  when I had everything all planned and set to go somewhere with my family. But safety first, as much as I wanted to be out, security is #1 priority. So, what was the highlight of our long weekend? Since we stayed in the city, my husband took me to my favorite places and restaurants. One of them is BonChon Chicken. Since I haven't shared any restaurant thoughts for the past months, let me entice you with the list of my favorites from BonChon Chicken .

If you're a Korean Fried Chicken lover, BonChon is the restaurant you may have been looking for. BonChon Chicken is originally a South Korean-based fried chicken franchise restaurant. 

Bulgogi Wrap (₱125 Ala Carte), (₱145 Value Meal)
I sure would like my Bulgogi wrap served with a bottle of Stella Artois. 

Garlic Soy Chops RiceBox (₱145)
Pickled Radish (₱45)

• Which is best eaten when paired with their pickled radish and house blend iced tea.
• If you like it hot, Spicy Glazed Chops are also available.

After our sumptuous meal, I went home with more Chicken from BonChon to match my movie date night with my husband. 

 Even with the bad weather nothing beats a day and night spent in a place where good food is served, having my ever loyal buddies around to share the moment with me---my family.

A Satisfied BonChon Lover
My Location of BonChon Restaurant: Acropolis (Libis)
(10am-10pm) daily

Shabu- Shabu In The House

Shabu-shabu is also known as Japanese hot pot inspired by the original Chinese hot pot. The dish is made of stock, thinly sliced beef, green leafy vegetables. Nowadays, mixed seafood, mushrooms, seaweeds and noodles are also added.

When it comes to beef, most of the time a more expensive meat, such as Wagyū, is used because it's easy to cook and it has more flavor. Here in the Philippines, Shabu- shabu has become a regular participant for occasions. Having Shabu-shabu at home is one of the best options for a get together. It's cheaper and time is not really of a big deal. Portions? you can have all you want!  It's fun preparing a bowl while having a good conversation with guests and loved ones.

During my dad's birthday celebration, we decided to prepare something different. It was great, because everything was on the table already. Nobody stood up (which is pretty distracting) to get something somewhere else. Our night continued, we were able to relax, shared long stories and laughed.

Since Shabu- shabu is now a common dish and a $aving grace too. We can always enjoy it at home instead of dining in a restaurant. And in almost every supermarket, a stand is now open that carries various ingredients for Shabu- shabu.

 Our Shabu- shabu had 2 important ingredients. 1. Broth was chicken stock boiled to perfection. No additives.  2. The corn cobs which gave a distinct flavor. And later on, my dad brought out some crabs too. It was the best Shabu- shabu for me!!!

My Choice For Breakfast--- Corned Beef with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

This is My Choice For Breakfast this week. 

One of the viands I grew up eating every morning is corned beef. It's easy to cook and it's perfect with rice.

1. I like my corned beef with lots of onions

2. I want  something cheesy in the morning sometimes.

It's easy!

Simply saute corned beef in oil with lots of onions. In a separate sauce pan boil potatoes until soft, drain then mash them with butter. Top it with your choice of melted cheese. Toasts? optional.

The cheesy mashed potatoes is composed of buttered mashed potatoes with the combination of melted cheese, and my favorite cheese dip.

His Angry Cupcake Surprise

So my husband sent me a message that he has a surprise for me. He knows how I love playing Angry Birds. He knows that I've passed on several opportunities to taste an "angry cupcake". Last night, he took home a piece for me. It was actually from his office, but he remembered me when he saw the cupcakes. 

It was very sweet of him... I really love it every time he surprises me. It doesn't matter what the surprise is, it's the thought that in the middle of his busy day at work, even with the simplest and smallest thing, I know I am a precious thought to the only person I consider as my love, my best friend and my partner in life...

My Choice For Breakfast---Breakfast Steak

Hey guys, here's another meal I usually prepare for breakfast. Not only that it's heavy enough to give you energy for a productive day, this Breakfast Steak is also my son's favorite.  The breakfast steak is actually similar to the burger steak we know. Only, it is served or topped with egg.

This morning, I paired my breakfast steak with some banana fritters and boy, they really match. Perfect for the kids. It's a whole complete meal and it can be prepared for school lunch too.

I really enjoy sharing my favorites for breakfast. It is something new. I mean, I would often share dishes which are served for lunch or dinner, but not a single entry with the food I enjoy early in the morning. Now, there's something to look forward to. Though it will pull more effort with the presentation, it pays off once I see my boys enjoy their breakfast served restaurant style. 

The lazy mornings are now gone. 

And just a short story, before touching his food, my husband would even ask me first if I'm done with the food photo, because if not, he will give me more time and that is because he loves munching on the dish I used for the presentation. But of course, so that we can also eat together.

My Choice For Breakfast--- Chocolate Oatmeal and Oranges

I just thought of sharing a piece of my favorite grub every morning. Well, it's just one from the long list of my favorite breakfast dishes. Aside from eating plain oatmeal and fruits, I also like adding some unsweetened cocoa. It's like Champorado (sweet chocolate rice porridge), but I used oatmeal instead of sticky rice.

Here's a glimpse of my favorite breakfast.

Best eaten with fresh oranges. We all know know that chocolates and oranges blend well.
I also prefer fresh banana and strawberries.

FTF--- Friday Lunch Beef Mechado

Sharing this Beefy goodness with my husband on a lovely, sunny and windy Friday afternoon.

Have a Great Weekend Everyone!

Food Trip Friday

Tomato and Basil Pasta

It's been a long time since I've prepared a home- based pasta dish. I really wanted something new, but at the same time still easy to prepare. So I gathered ingredients available in my pantry and freezer. Just as I was about to begin, I found out that I was missing an ingredient that's suppose to be used as base for my pasta sauce. Instead of making a quick stop at the grocery store, I just figured to make my own sauce with fresh ingredients like red tomatoes and fresh basil.

HIGHLIGHT:  I made my own Tomato and Basil Puree!

It's like Pesto. Just replace the pine nuts with fresh red tomatoes.

This pasta recipe is basically a "mix everything together dish". 

Once you're all set with your ingredients:

• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil for sauteing
• 1 tsp butter
• 1-2 tbsp Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Sauce of your choice
• Pre-cooked pasta of your choice
• Shrimps (peeled and deveined)
• Salt and pepper 

How To:

• In a pan, saute garlic in olive oil until light brown.
• Add butter and shrimps, saute until shrimps are cooked.
• Add pre-cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese then "mix everything together".
• Add sauce and stir until sauce and shrimps are evenly mixed with the pasta.
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Love it, Enjoy it!

The Original Buko Pie

When it comes to our country's finest Buko Pie, it has got to be Orient The Original brand from Los Baños Laguna. This Buko Pie is selling like hot cakes. Make sure to be in line early in the afternoon. Based on our experience, every time we make a visit around 4pm it's always sold out. And I'm talking about freshly baked Buko Pie straight out of the oven. Who wouldn't want that, who wouldn't buy in bulk, who wouldn't wait in line for minutes or maybe hours just to take home a box of orient's The Original Buko Pie.

Packed with lots and lots of young coconut meat, baked fresh everyday. 

Orient The Original Bakeshop is always full with travelers, tourists and even citizens from the wonderful province of Laguna. Aside from visiting their famous hot springs, a quick stop at The Original Bakeshop will officially make your travel in Laguna complete.

Also check this out: The Original--- Cassava Cake