Affordable Liempo Plus Combo Meals at Goodah's Liempo Festival

Admit it, I think everybody loves barbecue. That smoky hickory charred flavor can sometimes drive one crazy even with simply just the aroma of it. And sometimes, you can’t just decide which food you like to eat what with the numerous food choices there is. But why settle for just one when you can actually have both? Goodah!!! The most iconic brand of food understands this foodie predicament. Thus, they’ve introduced their your favorite BBQ liempo is present along with other Goodah’s well-loved viand choices such as 2 pcs. Pork barbecue [Php130], 3 pcs. Lumpiang Shanghai [Php120] or a half order of Sisig [Php125] to go along with the slab of BBQ liempo and unlimited rice with one round of red iced tea. They are not only complete meals but each meal will surely fill your tummy and satiate your barbecue cravings. 

Rockin’ Ribs Food Review: Truly a party inside your mouth

Owners of Rockin' Ribs Party  Ms. Miki Garcia-Ayalin who made the secret ribs recipe.

Imagine this scenario: Tender and juicy, fall-off-the-bones Rockin’ Ribs half-slab smothered with special secret sauce, a cup of rice and homemade mashed potatoes on your plate. Didn’t I just made you salivate while trying to imagine those yummy goodness? I know it had taken quite sometime before I was able to finally publish my food review for them. I guess I’ve been really busy lately but at least, I wasn’t able to forget how good Rockin’ Ribs tasted like. 

Juan Stop Inasal: Authentic Ilonggo Foods within your Budget

It was truly surprising to have stumbled upon a food establishment on that part of Balete Drive and P. Tuazon on N. Domingo, San Juan. An al fresco dining that features authentic Ilonggo fare, Juan Stop Inasal will surely make a great pit-stop for commuters and those who live in nearby areas. What used to be a family garage now sports a dining area with a festive ambiance. "We started out as a takeout counter and eventually opened a dining area in September 2013," says Stephen Christian Po, proprietor of Juan Stop Inasal. "This food business started because my wife and I couldn't find any restaurant in the Metro that serves authentic chicken inasal. So we've thought of my grandma's recipe of the chicken inasal and from there, we were able to develop our recipe according to our own taste," added Po.  

Juan Stop Inasal had that inviting ambiance from its wooden tables and benches, to the colorful wall signage, free wifi connection, a reading area (where one could take some magazine and read as you wait for your order) to the fast service--it is the kind of food establishment that you'd want to linger on and chat with family and friends alike. Oh, and Juan Stop Inasal has an enclosed glass grilling area where one can see how your orders are cooked but sans the smoke coming from the grill. 

Chicken Inasal seems like a very simple recipe-chicken marinated in a mix of ginger. Garlic, brown sugar, calamansi and vinegar, grilled to perfection until the skin is tinted with an appetizing orange or yellowish color and the meat is amazingly tender and juicy. But the real inasal stems from the incredible combination of both savoury and smoky tastes that's actually hard to recreate or even describe. When doused with one's own formula for dipping sauce (it could be soy sauce with chili, calamansi, sinamak vinegar or even sugar)--it is the most flavorful and fulfilling meal one will definitely ask for more. 

There are several chicken inasal chains in Manila but only a few truly knows how to make an authentic chicken inasal. I have always been in search of finding 'the real thing' so each time I try on an 'inasal', I would mark it if it has passed my standards or failed. I'm such a huge fan of Ilonggo food that's why I got so excited upon learning that Juan Stop Inasal offers not just chicken inasal but other Visayan favorites like Batchoy, Ilonggo's finest longganisa, Negros style spicy bangus sardines, and Ilonggos in Manila will be happy to note that even the rare KBL (Kadios, Baboy, Langka) which I seldom find on Ilonggo restaurants is available here. They also have grilled liempo in two variants: hickory barbecue and salt and pepper, pork barbecue, dinuguan, pancit and sisig. 

Here's my verdict: I commend Juan Stop Inasal for their jumbo inasal meal with unlimited garlic rice and unlimited iced tea because it is truly a good value for money at Php105, all-in! Imagine getting mounds of unlimited garlic rice and unlimited drinks--you're tummy will certainly be happy after consuming every rice-you-can-eat and drink-all-you-can-iced-tea. I also loved its authentic Ilonggo taste--it isn't sweet unlike other chicken inasal I have tried from other restaurants that 'claim' to be 'authentic'. What I've had at Juan Stop Inasal tastes just the way chicken inasal should be--it's probably done the way they do it in Bacolod or Iloilo. I should know as I've been to Iloilo before and tasted the 'real thing'. For me, Juan Stop Inasal's version of chicken inasal passed my standards. 

Hefty chicken portion size, delightfully crispy skin, soft and succulent meat, Juan Stop Chicken Inasal tasted pretty heavenly. It definitely held its own, despite other sumptuous dishes (which were all wiped out). While you're at it, do not forget to ask for the chicken oil mixed with the dipping sauce basics when you eat their inasal. There was nothing that my group and I didn't finished off, so you can imagine how stuffed we were after our meal! 

Do try to order their sizzling pork sisig, it's one of the BEST I've ever had! And I am totally raving about it even days after I've had that meal. For Php130 per order, it's good enough for two to three persons. You can even pair it with a bottle of beer for that perfect meal. I can assure you, it's definitely worth the trip! 

Juan Stop Inasal's hickory grilled liempo was also outstanding. Its got that sweet and spicy taste of charred pork. Although it had bits of bones on it, but pairing it with their garlic rice brings satisfaction. As for the KBL, I really think kadios is basically an acquired taste. I love it although I'm not really a fan of pork. For those not familiar with kadios, it looks like a small black bean (similar with tausi but not salty), the soup had that tangy unique taste on its own. If you're craving for Visayan food and you're on a budget, Juan Stop Inasal is the go-to place. 

You can even purchase your favorite Ilonggo delicacies as pasalubong or as desserts to cap off your lovely meal. 

I only have two words for Juan Stop Inasal, "Namit Gid!". 

Juan Stop Inasal delivers on limited area nearby. Call 570-5653 for delivery and advance orders. 

Juan Stop Inasal is located at N. Domingo Street between P. Tuazon and Balete Drive (near Religious of the Virgin Mary Convent). Special thanks to Mr. Stephen Christian Po and his lovely wife and to Mr. Ian Atienza.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are my own. 

Make Cooking Easy with Clara Ole Products

I know most Moms would be able to relate with me if I'd say that everyday is some kind of a challenge for us especially in the kitchen. We'd plan our family's daily meals, shop for goods at groceries and we've also got to create appetizing baon for the kids and whip up whatever snack we can for their merienda. It's becoming stressful indeed, that's why being a Mom isn't an easy one. There's always so much to do with so little time. That's why I like using "kitchen wonders" from Clara Ole. These are awesome products that makes every Mom's life easier. Each product from Clara Ole is like Mommy's little kitchen helpers. The ready-to-use products aids homemakers to create that perfectly delectable dish in less time. Allow me to share with you some of my favorites from the Clara Ole products:

Let me start with the Clara Ole Barbecue Marinade. It comes in different flavors from Honey Mustard, Hickory, Korean and Spicy. But I love the original flavor the most. It goes well with chicken, beef or pork. What I like most about the Clara Ole Original Barbecue Marinade, it plays well with your senses as it hits your palate. The strong aroma of fresh hot off the grill meat, charred flavor and the marinade's sweet, tangy and peppered flavor sinks into each meat making it flavorful. My family likes using Clara Ole Original Barbecue marinade with chicken. We marinade overnight for locked-in flavors. Then the next day, we're off for a family backyard barbecue party! Woot! 

I'm sure you've all heard of Clara Ole's extensive array of pasta sauces: Italian style, Sweet style, Three-Cheese, Filipino Style, Chunky Tomato with Three-Cheese, Chunky Tomato with Basil, Cheesy Pesto, Kung Pao and Mushroom. Whew! Clara Ole's pasta sauces livens up ordinary pasta dish as it creates more sophisticated flavors into the dish. No need for Ketchups as each Clara Ole pasta sauce is packed with zestful spices and oozing with chunky tomatoes to boot. 

Hmm...Clara Ole also had their Clara Ole Dips 'n Dressings line. Super yummy dips and sauces, you're sure to find one you'll definitely like. From the typical Thousand Island, Caesar, Honey Mustard, Ranch and Asian to something as edgy as vinaigrettes such as Orange, Sesame Mucho, Pesto, Parmesan and Mango. Throw in some greens along with other colorful veggies and voila! The salad's ready to be served in minutes! 

Breakfast is also such a joy with Clara Ole's Pancake Syrup. An honest-to-goodness maple syrup that brings smile to everyone who sees them on the table, it makes simple hotcakes look and tastes delicious. It comes in maple, original, cinnamon and truly fruity. It will tickle your tastebuds and will satiate your sweet tooth. Diabetic? No worries, Clara Ole has a sugar-free version of Clara Ole Maple Syrup too. For chocolate aficionados, there's Clara Ole Choco and Choco-Nut Syrup for you to enjoy. 

Last but definitely not the least, my family and I love the Clara Ole Ora Mix Mo Specialty Fried Rice Mix. True to its name, it is a "minute-saver". Perfect for those always pressed for time, it is a simple yet delightful dish on its own. Mix it with plain rice, toss some greens and meat or cold cuts and you'll have one easy peasy meal in no time! It comes in Paella, Japanese Style and Adobo flavors. We love the Paella flavor. It is a great "short-cut" to the old fave Paella dish. I'd just have mussels, shrimp, eggs and green peas thrown in and I'd be able to whip a Spanish Paella dish of my own sans the hassle. 

I've always been an avid Clara Ole fan. In fact, I was a member of Kitchen Adventures Club some years back. I don't know if they still had it to this day. But it was really with Clara Ole that I had my first adventure in the kitchen. And their products are like little helpers for me as they assist me in the challenges that I need to face in my kitchen. With the Clara Ole products around, I'd say, "Bring it on!" So if you want to make cooking as easy as 1,2,3--go ahead and grab a Clara Ole product now to begin your kitchen adventure. 

For more information on Clara Ole, log on to www.claraole.com Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/myclaraole follow them on Instagram at @claraoleph

Get more cooking insights and tips from the Clara Ole webisodes called "Pot Sessions: A Cook Without ABook" adventure series via their Facebook app: http://www.facebook.com/myclaraole/app_5666916003403

Rub Ribs and BBQ: One Secret Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurant Worth Sharing For

 I don’t know if I’ve been living in the boondocks or perhaps I had not been quite an observant. I’ve been to that area in Tomas Morato a couple of times, I even had my facial treatment done at a clinic just across Rub. But if it had not been for the generosity of a new friend (you know who you are, dear), I wouldn’t have discovered Rub in the first place. “You’ve got to try it, it’s really good,” says Ems. And I’m glad we had taken her word for it. Located at the bustling Tomas Morato area, Rub is a great place to just kick back and hang out with friends.

 With its dark wood interior and comfy atmosphere, Rub seems tailor-made for the younger generations—judging from the throngs of students and office goers from nearby offices and universities.  Rub had a casual, homey feeling but with a younger vibe. The restaurant succeeds in keeping the warm, amicable environment that makes it a favorite for lunches, after-school/work dinners. Plus it offers a great selection of all-time favorite BBQ Grill family plates and appetizers.

 The minute the waiter plunked down the plate of ribs on our table, it looked pretty enticing. Hefty portions of Rub’s ribs platter good for a family of four, it definitely held its own despite the other sumptuous dishes we’ve had such as Fish and Chips, Chicken Fingers, and Australian Baked Mussels. We all wiped them out, there was nothing that we didn’t want to finish off, so you can imagine how stuffed we were after our meal! Soft and tender fork fall-off-the-bones ribs were seasoned with herbs, giving one exciting flavors and satisfaction. Indeed, the combination of savory and smoky blend. Delightful ribs served with a side of mashed potatoes and buttered corn kernels. Although the ribs looked a bit charred and tasted a little dry, it was lip-smacking good than what I had expected it to be.

Rub’s definitely the best place to go when you want to enjoy good food + the company of good friends. Piece of advice though: come early or be willing to wait for a seat as the place gets packed especially at nighttime.

Rub is open from 11AM-12MN. Rub is located at Scout Rallos near Tomas Morato (just before the Morato Boy Scout’s Circle, across Papa Johns’ Pizza).

Special thanks to Emily Go for such delicious meal.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100 % my own.

CUISINIERS BY RAPHEY CO: Fantastic Chicken Barbecue and Mouthwatering Slow Cooked Roast Beef

For a fun, casual night out with family and friends, check out Cuisiniers by Rapheray Co at Cucina Andare. It is a pig out style family grill kiosk at Cucina Andare; just writing about them now makes me salivate. Calling all carnivores out there: Cuisiniers by Rapheray Co serves grilled meat recipes that are cooked to perfection using only the freshest ingredients. Cuisiniers also satisfies our inexplicable love for inihaw recipes grilled dishes like Grilled Liempo, Pork Barbecue, Slow Cooked Roast Beef and my ultimate favorite Chicken Barbecue!
 

Cuisiniers Pork Barbecue

Cuisiniers Liempo

Cuisiniers to-die-for Chicken BBQ

Cuisiniers owner Ms. Andrea Dela Cruz

Owner Ms. Andrea Dela Cruz says that it takes three days for their meat to prepare and eight hours of marination. Honestly, this kiosk serves up one of the best tasting chicken barbecue I’ve ever tasted, even better from the more popular ones like Mang Inasal or the old-time favorite Aristocrat. And their mouth-watering chicken barbecue tastes good even without the sauce. Fork tender and melt-in-your-mouth, their chicken barbecue is sticky-lick-your-fingers-good.

 Pork Barbecue is just as good. The slow roasted beef are so soft and tender too, another melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The chicken barbecue is priced at P80 per stick. For the slow cooked roast beef, an order costs P130. For ultimate pig-out session, dare to pair any grilled dish with a sisig on the side. Prices are affordable in both “Just for You” and “To Share” portions.

With its tempting combination of tender meat, tasty sauces and hint of spice, it’s no wonder Cuisiniers is always packed with satisfied guests each night.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.