Product Review: Mrs. Lam Premium Sinandomeng Rice + KIMCHI FRIED RICE, KIMCHI BOKKEUMBAP Recipe

Rice is a Filipino staple food. Most of us cannot live without eating rice. In fact, when I went abroad for the first time, I felt that my meals weren’t complete because there was no rice available. There are lots of rice variations: brown rice, red rice, black rice, yellow rice and of course, white rice. I recently received 2 kilograms pack of rice brand called Mrs. Lam Premium Sinandomeng Special rice for a product review from Ad Garlic. 

Mrs. Lam’s Rice is guaranteed 100 % locally harvested and carefully selected over-milled crop from the best regions in the country. What makes Mrs. Lam’s rice different from other rice is its naturally fragrant aroma, white, long grain, smooth shiny and silky in appearance. When cooked, Mrs. Lam’s produces a white soft long grain with a slightly chewy texture.

Produced utilizing the state-of-the-art innovative technology of rice-polishing along with its advanced laser sorting machines, Mrs. Lam’s Rice ensures the best quality rice. Guaranteed to deliver the best rice but sold at a very reasonable price, it ensures every customer’s satisfaction and continues patronage.

Mrs. Lam's Premium Sinandomeng Special Rice after it's cooked

 Aside from its longer, slimmer grains, what distinguishes Mrs. Lam’s long-grain white rice from medium or short grained white rice (the kind used in risotto or sushi respectively) is that after cooking it remains fluffy and separate. Long grain rice such as Mrs. Lam’s contains less of starch called amylopectin, which is what makes rice stick together.

Celebrity mom Danica Sotto Pingris endorses Mrs. Lam's Rice

Mrs. Lam's Sinandomeng Premium Rice is neutral in flavor, perfect for providing backdrop in other foods. Nonetheless, high quality white rice such as Mrs. Lam's rice--like good white pasta, or a real French baguette--offers pleasingly chewy "al dente" texture and a slightly fragrant aroma on its own. On my last trip to the International Rice Institute, I was able to learn that processing per se affects the rice flavor. All rice starts out brown' to become white, it is milled. It goes a process that removes the husk, bran, and germ, which contains flavor compounds as well as nutrients. The longer the rice is milled, the whiter the rice becomes--and the more flavor is removed. Most brands of rice are then enriched to replace the lost nutrients. Overall, I loved Mrs. Lam's Premium Sinandomeng Soecial Rice. It had subtle notes which reminds me of "nuts" or "barley." Even with added flavors in rice pilaf or Korean bokkeumbap, I prefer Mrs. Lam's rice for its winning brand quality in both taste and texture. 

Sambokojin Opens its 6th and largest branch at SM Fairview Annex

Food is synonymous to happiness. Whenever I feel the blues, all I need to do is find a good place to eat and everything will be alright again. And what better way to get such but from a buffet restaurant? One of the known buffet restaurants now in the metro is Sambo Kojin which had recently opened its biggest branch at the SM City Fairview Annex. Sambo Kojin, for those who aren't familiar with it yet offers a wide variety of the best and most popular Japanese (sushi, takoyaki, ramen, kamameshi rice, sukiyaki, tempura and katsu) and Korean dishes (Beef Bulgogi, samgyeupsal, kimchi rice, korean sushi among many others.) cooked in authentic Yakiniku (smokeless grill) style that give guests an ultimate dining experience. 

Sambo Kojin is named after the six-armed deity from the Japanese mythology who bestowed fire to mankind to drive away impurity and evil. It is also the guardian of the stove who was believed to ensure blessings of a good meal. 

One thing I had noticed at Sambo Kojin's largest branch in SM Fairview was the open kitchen and the spic and span set up. Compared to the other Sambo Kojin branches I've been to, the tables here are a bit smaller so it can accommodate more guests. Function rooms are also available for private parties. The chefs could see the people coming as they prepare the dishes. It also features the restaurant's flavorful feasts of US marbled top grade tender beef along with the freshest seafood dishes served, spiced and cooked according to the guest's preference. 

Sambo Kojin SM Megamall where authentic and delicious Japanese Yakiniku meets Korean Barbecue favourites

Borne from the desire to provide Filipino families with a more engaging dining experience, Sambo Kojin continues to develop and find ways to keep improving to offer only the best. It had recently opened its latest branch at the third level of Atrium of SM Megamall. Sambo Kojin fires up anew with even more mouthwatering treats for everyone as it takes foodies and their families to unforgettable journeys in Korea and Japan with its premium and featured items. 

Goyangjhip Korean Restaurant Food Review in Angeles, Pampanga

What started out as a joyride turned out to be another food trip. That's exactly what happened to us when I've been invited to join my good friend and boss Aileen Nevynny as she tried traversing and exploring the northern part of the country while practicing her driving skills on unfamiliar roads and intersections. We ended up having lunch at Goyangjhip Korean Restaurant in Angeles, Pampanga initially to try on their samgyupsal. 

I was surprised to learn that there's a long stretch of restaurants in that area, particularly those that catered Korean cuisine. The whole stretch would remind one of the bustling Tomas Morato in Quezon City where restaurants abound. Going back to our lunch that day, we were welcomed by the Korean owner of Goyangjhip Restaurant. Of course, I don't understand Korean except for the basic "Annyeoung Haseo!" Although I am a huge fan of their healthy and spicy cuisine. We were served with banchan. These are sets of appetizers/starters which include kimchi, beans sprouts, leeks and other veggies, zucchini etc. 

We had ordered a soup base called Sundubu (Php200) which was made from soy. It actually looked more like grounded tofu. The soup itself was bland if you wouldn't put the special kind of sauce that's served along with it. Goyhangjhip staff patiently explained to us that you need to incorporate the special sauce into the tofu-like mixture to create the Sundubu soup. Along with the special sauce, sundubu tastes good although with hints of chili. 

Next, we've had Jeyukbokgum, another spicy dish made of pork (Php400). This is what I like best with Goyhangjhip, when you order this dish as well as their japchae, you can ask for another serving for FREE. Yes, that's how generous the Korean owners were at Goyhangjhip. In fact, the waitstaff even said proudly, "Ma'am, where else can you find a resto that gives a second serving for free? Only here at Goyhangjhip!" Finding out about that promo, we grabbed the opportunity and ordered their japchae as well. 

Since Aileen wasn't that familiar with Korean foods (she's more into French and Italian as well as other European dishes), she has allowed me to order for this particular lunch. I figured the best way for her to enjoy dining at Korean restaurant was for her to experience samgyupsal. So I had ordered Samgyupsal (Php200). If you're a Korean fandom, you'd know what Samgyupsal is. It's actually a D-I-Y grilling of pork along with other veggies such as onions, garlic, some chili etc. where you put the thin slices of pork into a lettuce and put some gochujang paste and salted sesame oil into it before wrapping it up and taking it into your mouth. Their samgyupsal's also good. The Korean owner instructed the waitstaff to turn the grill off when the meat was at its medium rare. But like most Filipinos who prefer having their meat well-done and hated seeing "pink" on their meat, we said we wanted it a bit overcooked; so the Korean allowed us to cook our meat a little bit more. 

I'm glad Aileen and Kuya Rani (her family friend and driving coach) enjoyed our Koreal lunch at Goyhangjhip. We went back into the road satiated and ready for another joyride. My verdict? The meals at Goyhangjhip was truly affordable and nutritious. Our lunch would be sum it all up into three words--   너무 맛있어요 : neo-mu ma-si-sseo-yo "It's very delicious". So the next time you find yourself in Angeles, Pampanga, you might want to check out Goyhangjhip restaurant. 

For more information about Goyhangjhip Restaurant, you may reach them at 0916-3338608 or call 070-8869-8241.

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

Win Unilever Food Solutions Limited Edition Cookbook and Leann's TeaHouse Korean Casual Dining Restaurant Gift Certificate

        The Limited Edition Sooo Pinoy Cookbook by Unilever Food Solutions

I have long wanted to hold a giveaway for my food blog. The last time I did was ages ago when I gave away Nestle's 100 Years Limited edition cookbook. Now, since there have been an abundance and so much blessings has kept coming our way, I'd like to share with you a simple giveaway for Security Blanket. 

For my loyal readers and hopefully, new blog followers, let me share with you a chance to win another limited edition Sooo Pinoy Cookbook  published by F and B World for Unilever Food Solutions. One lucky winner will have this cookbook. And I assure you, you'll love to have this book. It teaches al ot of cookng tricks and techniques in the kitchen. 

I'm also giving away Php400 worth of Gift Certificates from Leann's Tea House. It's a Korean Casual Dining restaurant located in Mother Ignacia Street, Quezon City. Even if you haven't tried Korean cuisine, I can assure you that there's definitely something you'll fancy at Leann's. Try their best selling Tonkatsu Kimbap---breaded pork roll with rice, seaweed wrap, crab stick, cucumber and spices. Plus they'vvgot unlimited samgyupsal--grilled thinly sliced pork belly. They have the all-time favorite Bibimbap (vegetables, beef strips, egg and kimchi on top of steaming rice). For more information, please Check out my blog on Leann's Tea House.

Joining is so easy. Just make sure to follow the instructions below and you'll be fine. Contest ends on October 9, 2014 at 12pm. 

Contest Mechanics:

Note: Those with an asterisk (*) are Mandatory: 

1. Follow Security Blanket via Google Friend Connect.*

2. Follow Security Blanket via Google Plus (found of the right side of the blog)*

3. Like https://facebook.com/dolcecerise on Facebook*

4. Follow @yapashing on Instagram

5. Follow @purpleplumfairy on Twitter

6. Comment below with your name, location, email,  Google Friend Connect name, Twitter handle, FB name and IG account name*

Winners will be receiving an email from me an please acknowledge within 48 hours. Failure to do so will forfeit their prizes. Winners must be willing to claim the prizes personally. Thank you. 

Good luck!

Special thanks to Leann's Tea House for the sponsored gift certificates for our readers. 

Leann's Tea House: Delicious Korean Fare at Mother Ignacia Street Quezon City

Stepping into Leann's Tea House may not easily give you an idea that you're set to enjoy healthy Korean cuisine simply because it's owned by a Chinese family and because most tea houses that we have here really do feature Chinese foods and not Korean. "My sister married a Korean. They had their first born named Leann whose name we had chosen for this business," explains Jiselle Chua, Leann's Tea House manager. "One thing about Leann's Tea House is that we serve healthy foods so we also promise that we do not use MSG," she adds. 

Leann's Tea House serves Korean cuisine in a more comfortable and casual dining. Of course, just as it is in any Korean restaurant, they have four or five appetizers to start off your meal. But what probably makes your experience different from Leann's Tea House are the brewed teas that makes your meal a bit more interesting. Before we started eating, we were served with Barley tea (one can choose if you want it hot or cold). I'm no fan of Barley but I am fully aware of its nutritional benefits plus when your skin is perpetually moist from the unbearable heat with sweat rolling down your forehead, a small cup of cold Barley would be something to keep you cool. It's also interesting to mention that they also serve awesome smoothies, shakes and a wide range of soju mixes to quench your thirsts. 

Korean fare with all its spices and gochujang sauces can be a bit heavy for this intense heat, but Leann's Tea House has shown ways to incorporate well-loved traditional Korean flavors into their menu that are indeed interesting lineup of dishes.   We've had Korea's much-loved Japchae (Korean glass noodles mixed with beef slices and vegetables in somewhat sweet sauce) at Php210 and Hameul Jeon (Seafood pancakes) at Php250. Each order can be shared by two or three more persons because of the huge serving. My group and I instantly devoured the Seafood Pancakes in just a few minutes--it perfectly goes well with my Soju Kamikazee (Citrusy-based specialty cocktail drink with Korean Soju). Then they've brought out Spicy Dak Gui (Spicy Chicken Barbecue). I loved both and happily chowed down on its meat in their entirety. Although the chicken looked like they are 'swimming' in that spicy red sauce, I was surprised that the inside had that fluffy white meat and not a single chicken was left with some 'raw flesh'. I often do not like eating chicken with any sauce apart from gravy simply because some sauces can be too overpowering. But Leann's Tea House's Spicy Dak Gui was tart and a little savory, offsetting the richness of its spice.

But if there's one dish that's definitely worth your trip to Leann's Tea House, it's gotta be their Tonkatsu Kimbap (rice roll wrapped in breaded pork). At Php250, it has a huge serving so it's good for sharing. Each crisp roll of deep fried tonkatsu stuffed with rice are like bite-sized morsels coated in tangy sauce. Perfect for those looking for a little signature richness, the full flavors of breaded pork with rice but not wanting that heavy feeling. It's a new way to serve tonkatsu (breaded pork) and certainly, everyone gives a nod that this is an interesting dish on Leann's Tea House menu. 

If you're not into pork, you could try Seafood Doenjang Jjigae (mixed seafood in soybean soup). For Php300, again since it comes in a huge serving, so you could share this with family or friends. It comes in a rich, creamy soup that definitely tastes umami. It's briny and sweet with a hint of soybean. 

Bibimbap is a staple Korean favorite. Rice topped with fresh eggs, veggies, kimchi, meat, strips of nori and gochujang paste. I am huge fan of bibimbap and this one is really good. A word of advice though, once served mixed it right away with gochujang paste so as not to create 'overcooked rice' underneath or what we Filipinos love to call "tutong". 

Leann's Tea House also offers Shabu-shabu at Php420. The best part? You can have an option to try both the spicy based soup and the non-spicy at the same time. Both soup broths are different. I've tried both soups and I'd have to say that the spicy one had hints of tamarind and some tangy sweetness on its spicy broth. The non-spicy one had a rich and somewhat creamy broth reminiscent of Filipino soup dish "Nilaga", but with some distinct flavors of course. 

While at Leann's Tea House, do not miss to order their Galbi (barbecued beef short ribs). You can either cook them yourself or ask a staff to help cook them for you. It's a bit pricey at Php420 but it's worth it considering you get really high quality tender and juicy beef which you could eat it as it is or you could order for a Samgyeopsal (thinly sliced pork rolled on lettuce with some sambal sauce). 

Don't forget to leave room for some more teas at Leann's Tea House. After eating, we were given this signature specialty called Lemon Citron--and I am telling you, it's a great way to cleanse your palate after exercising them too much from all the spices that you've had eating Korean fare. As if that's not enough, we've also had Honey Jujube Tea--a refreshing tea from sweet plums meant to end such a satisfying Korean meal. What more can this foodie ask for? Leann's Tea House will surely make your taste buds sparkle with sheer delight. 

Leann's Tea House is located at 105-R New World Town Homes, Mother Ignacia Street, Quezon City (a few blocks away from The Crossings and National Book Store Quezon Avenue)

Call +632-411-8902

0916-604-5326

Special thanks to Ms. Jiselle Chua of Leann's Tea House, Ms. Lanie Lyutz and members of the Mommy Bloggers Philippines. 

Clucky's Korean Fried Chicken: Authentic, Fresh and Affordable

Joining the roster of restaurants in SM City North Edsa-Annex is Clucky's, a casual dining place that serves comforting flavors of Asian fusion (mostly Korean food). A family-run restaurant, Clucky's is bright, fun and comfy resto, the kind of place that everyone enjoys, be they having lunch with friends or colleagues, a family enjoying a weekend out or a couple on a casual date. 

Clucky's is a partner of Mad for Chicken--one of the most famous Korean fried chicken brands in the US. Clucky's proudly serves their dishes flavored with Mad for Chicken sauce--an authentic secret sauce recipe made only from the finest ingredients found only in Korea.

Clucky's burst into the local restaurant scene like a breath of fresh air, giving diners especially the Korean foodie enthusiasts something to be happy about. Expect to spend a few minutes trying to figure out exactly what you want from their menu, as the choices are many, and each one is equally enticing. 

You know that your dining experience is off to a wonderful start when you're personally welcomed into the restaurant and attended by its own owners. After a brief chat, we've discovered that Clucky's is owned by MJ and K which meant Multiple J's (the three owners' initials starts with letter J) and their cousin Kirby which obviously stands for the letter K. And just when you thought the conversation couldn't get any better, then came the food.

Must try dishes include the Clucky's signature dish: the juicy yet flavorful and perfectly seasoned Korean-style fried chicken in either soy or spicy (a choice of wings, drums or tenders). After my first few bites, I stared tenderly into my plate all cleaned up. I didn't know what happened but it felt like I'm some machine gun and Clucky's chicken is my ammo. 

If you aren't a fan of strong sweet and tangy flavors on your protein, you can skip Clucky's chicken and go for healthier choices like the vegetarian fare of Clucky's House Salad (fruits in season on a bed of greens and sesame vinaigrette) instead. 

For those who's on-the-go and would just simply grab a bite, go for Clucky's yummy chicken or fish burger. A choice of chicken or fish patty marinated on the same Mad for Chicken secret sauce (available in soy or spicy) sandwiched between immaculate fluffy buns, greens with all the trimmings--it is best paired with a side of Clucky's fat and addicting New York style Parmesan fries served with spicy mayo dip. Or you can choose to pair it up with aioli or honey mustard dip instead. Oh, all these foods will lull you right into the zone after such a comforting meal! 

For something more protein-packed, there's Clucky's special signature omelette. Omelettes are especially pleasing to the eye, their spicy mayo were drizzled on top of scrambled eggs and the fillings were carefully placed inside but you can see them oozing out because Clucky's do not scrimp on ingredients. It is another outstanding dish with a choice of Corn and Mushroom omelette, Tomato and Onion omelette,  and Kimchi omelette. Yes, you read that right! There really is a kimchi omelette.

The Kimchi Omelette was a revelation--even those who had never even had kimchi in their lifetime might like kimchi omelette. A fellow food blogger who hasn't truly appreciated kimchi before instantly loved it! He became a convert all because of this awesome omelette I've been raving about. Even if you aren't a fan of spicy food, (it's not too spicy anyway) you'll definitely enjoy it.  Clucky's Kimchi Omelette is extremely satisfying. With kimchi and the creamy texture of the egg and cheese mixed together to form a rich combination, the whole thing on a blanket of egg--it's a pretty intense dish, one guaranteed to start your day on a good note. It'll even perk you up what with a mild spicy kick. OMG! I just got hungry writing all that down. Speaking of kimchi, you can also find a rare Kimchi Fried Rice at Clucky's, as well as sumptuous Bulgogi Rice topping (at P139 each). 

We ended our meal with a chorus of a hearty burp! As we polish off the last morsel of food on our plates, we tried Clucky's premium homemade gelato. It comes in different flavors such as Dark Chocolate, Oreo Cheesecake, Banoffee, Coffee Choco Crunch and Salted Caramel. At P69 per small cup, it's a bit expensive. But then with texture so rich--bursting with flavors that melts in your mouth upon spoonful, you're bound to get some more. Its creamy rich texture made such an indulgent treat. And I like the subtle sweetness of milk and cream, Clucky's gelato stole my heart. I've always said I'm not fond of sweets, but it's such a perfect way to cap off a great meal at Clucky's indeed. 

Come and visit Clucky's at the Upper Ground Floor of The Annex--SM City North Edsa, Quezon City. You could also visit their first branch in Rockwell Business Center, Ortigas (near Meralco). 

By the way, Clucky's has an ongoing promo where they'll be giving away gift certificates once they reach their first 1,000 likes on their Facebook Fan Page. So if you'd like to win some freebies, go ahead and click that Like button for Clucky's. 

For more info, please call 351-3368/0905-2842479

Like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ilovecluckys

Follow them on Twitter: @cluckys

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