CHEF’S NOODLE: KOREA’S BEST TASTING NOODLES IS NOW IN THE PHILIPPINES

Chef's Noodle at Universty Mall in Taft Avenue, Manila.

Fresh and healthy are bywords you often hear as trends in the culinary world. The newly opened Chef’s Noodle at the second floor of the University Mall in Taft Avenue, Malate Manila aims to provide their customers and guests with a wide selection of fresh, healthy but very affordable Korean cuisines. I know it seems like I’m always badgering my readers to eat this, cook this, or go to this restaurant. Not that this post is any different, but call it a luxury for your taste buds, if you will. At Chef’s Noodle, your taste buds will have one roller coaster of flavors: pungency, sourness, spicy, saltiness and sweetness—all these will definitely please even the most distinctive palate.

Starking Fire Sushi torched right before your eyes.

Made from the freshest ingredients.

 The first time I heard about Chef’s Noodle, I thought all they served was noodle-based dishes. But upon seeing the menu myself, I found out they had a lot of interesting dishes to try. The store does not disappoint with its menu. They had Korean sushi such as Kimbap (Seaweed Nori-wrapped rice rolls with Korean ham, radish, cucumber and egg), Kimchi Kimbap (Seaweed Nori-wrapped rice rolls with Kimchi, Korean ham, radish and egg), Bulgogi kimbap (Nori-wrapped rice rolls with beef and leeks) and Chef’s Noodle specialty sushi called Starking Fire Sushi (Sushi rice topped with thinly sliced Australian beef torched and served with a special sushi sauce made specifically for Chef’s Noodle).  We were able to try the Kimbap, Kimchi Kimbap and the Starking Fire Sushi. And I must say that they were really good. Surprisingly, even if the Starking Fire Sushi was still raw when it was brought to our table (it was only torched right in front of us)—and cooked right before our very eyes—the thinly sliced Australian beef was tender and juicy enough (mild rare). It perfectly complements the sweet vinegared Korean rice.

Chef's Noodle staff torches the Starking Fire Sushi right before the customer's eyes.

Chef's Noodle--the resto's specialty.

Beverages: Chef's Noodle signature Iced Lemon tea or Strawberry Tea.

Starking Fire Sushi with Australian Beef strips.

Seafood Pajun (pancakes)

Kimbap Sushi

Chef’s Noodle also had Bulgogi Leek Jun (Korean Bulgogi Pancakes), Seafood Pajun (Korean Seafood Pancake), Leek Shrimp Twigim (Deep fried leeks and shrimp in a special tempura batter), Kalbichim (Korean Beef Stew) and Wanja Steak Jun (Fried Beef pancake topped with cheese and egg). These pancakes may be eaten with rice or ala carte.

Of course, they were named as such because of their delicious Korean noodle recipes such as Jjampong (in mild spicy or Korean spicy fresh seafood ramen), Bibim Noodle (Korean cold noodle in sweet, spicy and sour sauce topped with egg roll, bean sprouts and bulgogi), Japchae (traditional Korean glass noodle dish with beef and vegetables) and of course, the restaurant’s specialty Chef’s Noodle (Korean Fresh Noodles with beef broth topped with vegetables. Bulgogi and tamago). 

Korean Japchae Glass Noodles.

A word of caution though, if you’re not into spicy things, I suggest you to skip the Bibim Noodle. But if you love spicy stuff, by all means go ahead—it will surely bring you to spicy heaven. Make sure you have a glass filled with iced tea or perhaps a pitcher of water beside you when you order Bibim Noodle. It tastes really good except that it may not be for everyone, especially if you have kids with you. Others may not appreciate its spicy and tangy taste. But it sure is Korean’s own version of Italian spaghetti. But knowing fully well how Filipinos love anything sweet in their pasta or spaghetti dish, they may not like this dish.

Spicy heaven Bibim Noodle

I would highly recommend Chef’s Noodle to anyone. It had a huge serving that you could share for up to three persons. And it’s really affordable at Php150 per order; I mean that’s true value for your money! Plus the soup broth is refillable (at no extra charge), so you can make sure everyone gets his share of its tasty hot broth.

Beef broth that's refillable. 

If there’s one thing I’d like to highlight about Chef’s Noodle, it is the shift towards fresh cooking. It guarantees freshness of the dishes because the food will only be cooked upon your order. And the Chef’s Noodle soup broth was made for more than ten hours to guarantee its excellent umami taste.  Imagine more than ten hours in the making? And it’s all just for the broth, guys! No wonder that Chef’s Noodle soup broth has that rich flavorful beefy goodness in every slurp.

According to Ms. Ana Lampa, Chef’s Noodle marketing executive, “Chef’s Noodle works with local ingredients like we sourced our bean sprouts from Baguio City.  However, we do not compromise the quality of the authenticity of our Korean dishes. But more importantly, we are very particular with the freshness. You can bring out the best flavors of the ingredients if you know how to cook them right. At Chef’s Noodle, we ensure that we have authentic Korean meals; especially since popular Korean chef Choi In Sun (who created the entire Chef’s Noodle menu dishes in Korea) had trained our Filipino staff and chefs.”

They are collaborating on additional menu, so expect more changes as the Chef’s Noodle menu continues to evolve. “We’ll always maintain the signature dishes as well as keep developing new ones. But we’ll guarantee to always make our selections as delectable, innovative and exciting as possible,” says Lampa. Although fairly new, they’ve been getting very good feedback from their clients and customers daily.

Most Korean restaurants say they have very good authentic food, but Chef’s Noodle not only have excellent and authentic Korean food at prices that are very reasonable, not to mention fast and efficient service. Here, you don’t just get what you pay for because the food and services are worth so much more. And since they are located within the vicinity of the De La Salle University-Manila and College of Saint Benilde, they also offer combo meals at student-friendly prices.

The friendly counter at Chef's Noodle ready to take your order.

I am making it a goal to try each of their dishes. Hopefully, I could get to try their spicy Ddukbokki (spicy and sweet rice cake seasoned with various fruit and vegetables) soon. Chef’s Noodle is sooo worth the trip if you’re not from the Manila area. But having tasted their array of dishes, I’m sure there’ll be a branch near you in the near future. 

Chef’s Noodle is located at the 2^nd floor of University Mall, Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila. It is open daily from 10AM to 9PM.

Chef’s Noodle also has delivery express and pickup branch at the Atlanta Center, 31 Annapolis Street, Greenhills, San Juan.

For Delivery, please call 708-9520/405-0129 Mobile: 09328715560

Like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/chefsnoodlephils and follow them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/chefsnoodlephil

For further information, please log on to their website, www.chefsnoodlephils.com

Security Blanket thanks Ms. Anna Lampa and Ms. Nancy Go of Chef’s Noodle Philippines, Ms. Ana Liza Bautista and Ms. Michelle Acantillado of Penser Q, and Ms. Darryl Dial-Villena.

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

GOYA CHOCOLATES: MADE BY DELFI, LOVED AND TRUSTED BY FILIPINOS

Yummy Goya chocolates in different shapes sizes and flavors.

We all love chocolates, that's a given fact. But contrary to previous reports, did you guys know why chocolates are good? Because chocolates are processed with perfection in mind and thus, there is no room for error. Everyone wants to eat chocolate so it has to be of excellent quality to be truly outstanding.

This is what Delfi, a top chocolate confectionery brand, always bears in mind in the manufacture of their world class-quality chocolates. Through meticulous research, including time-perfected recipes plus safe handling and processing of top-quality raw materials, Delfi is now able to make chocolates as perfect as possible to meet consumers’ discriminating demands.

To make everything perfect, Delfi, brought here in the Philippines by Delfi Foods, Inc., makes sure that the quality of each product that comes out of their factory is really top of the line. All necessary ingredients are infused on its products, like Goya and Knick Knacks, for example, and carefully handled to make them perfect in taste. “Aside from being an art, chocolate making is also a science. Precise timing and temperature of the cocoa is always carefully observed to make that signature Delfi taste in every Goya chocolate,” explains Nilo Chincuanco, General Manager of Delfi Foods, Inc.

The scientific side in making Goya involves putting up a dedicated team of product experts to oversee all chocolate-making activities and at the same time, rigorous safety and quality standards are met or even surpassed to make the perfect chocolate.

With the Delfi Quality Management System in place, plus globally recognized manufacturing standards like ISO 22000, HALAL certification, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) as set by the Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS), all products that roll out of its factory are of more-than-adequate quality and free from other food safety hazards in order to protect the consumer.

“The credibility of the brand is at stake here so we cannot let our guards down. We continually find ways, through painstaking research and development efforts, on how to make our chocolates perfectly delicious and yet absolutely safe,” says Chincuanco.

Surely, with the breadth of food quality certification standards they put in place, Delfi is still able to make their Goya products affordable for every Pinoy. “Though affordable, it is no excuse to sacrifice quality and food safety. These two are always on top of our minds and are always in place in the entire manufacturing process,” Chincuanco adds further.

There is no denying that the perfect chocolate is made out of thorough and careful research, the best ingredients available, and proper food manufacturing processes—and Delfi makes sure that their Goya and Knick Knacks products has them all to make perfectly delectable chocolates.

I grew up with Goya chocolates. I even had this dream of one day visiting their factory just like what they had in their popular commercial in the 80's--the Goya Fun Factory. It seemed to be a scene straight out of Willy Wonka's, but this is a brand that Filipinos had grown to love and trusted all throughout the years.  

Wanting for that ideal and faultless chocolate? The next time you crave for superb-tasting and extraordinary chocolates, try Goya Chocolates that come in bars, bite sizes, panned, wafers and other products that are a perfect fit to the Filipino chocolate palate and of course, Knick Knacks. These premium-quality and affordable brands are what every chocolate-loving Filipino rightfully deserves—and should not miss.

So head off to the nearest major supermarkets, leading groceries and convenience stores nationwide—and even pharmacies, too, and heartily share those delightfully-tasting Goya and Knick Knacks chocolates with your family and friends. It’s the best way to spend any chocolate day.

Or be a Goyaholic. Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GoyaChocoholics.

MAX'S MERIENDA MIXES: BUDGET-FRIENDLY FILLING AFTERNOON SNACK

Let’s admit it, we all love to eat. We usually find time and manage to squeeze in (between our work) a bite or two, especially during the afternoon snack. And since times are hard, it felt good that there are restaurants that actually understand our need to snack without putting a hassle on out budget. Max’s Restaurant is one of them. 

Host Wilma Doesnt with Mr. Bobby Simborio of Max's. 

The Max’s Corner bakery partners up with its sister, Max’s Restaurant as they launch Max’s Merienda Mixes—an array of afternoon filling snacks at a very affordable price of Php95. “Merienda is an integral part of every Filipino’s gustatory routine (I strongly agree!), with this new campaign it seeks to create an experience that is light, fun and heartwarming for every Filipino, says Monette Aldos, Sales Operations and Marketing manager for Max’s Corner Bakery.  “Max’s home-baked goodies are 100% filled with love,” she adds. 

Wilma Doesnt with Monette Aldos and Max's Corner Bakery executives. 

A cute and colorful cootie catcher adorns Max's tables.

Imagine eating an afternoon snack in a fine dining setting with the comfort and quality service, exceptional food, not to mention of Max’s Restaurant’s free unlimited wi-fi service + value-for-money snack? I can’t see anything better than that! Merienda enthusiasts can head off to their favorite Max’s Restaurant from 2:00PM to 6:00PM and they can choose from Max’s classic merienda dishes such as Pancit Luglog, Pancit Canton or a petite bowl of triple-chocolate hot champorado with milk. Then, they can pair that up with a choice of any of the following: ¼ rolls of choco, ube, jelly, mango, mocha, or cheese rolls—how about ensaimada—they’re all freshly-baked. To complete the merienda feast, down them with a choice of brewed coffee, a glass of Pepsi or a cool glass of sago’t gulaman. 

Perfect for rainy days Champorado.

Blogger Jenny Roxas and son Cocoy enjoy a spoonful of  Max's champorado

Soft and cheesy Cheese Rolls

Chocolatey goodness of Choco Rolls

Sinful yet delish Ensaimada

Delightful Ube Roll and Jelly Roll for that sweet tooth!

Start the food journey by choosing your sweets.

Choices of Pancit Canton, Pancit Luglog or Champorado.

Down it with a glass of Pepsi, brewed coffee or Sago't Gulaman

Max’s Merienda Mixes is also available for take-out and delivery. Customers may conveniently dial max’s hotline 7-9000 for quick delivery service within Metro Manila.  You could also place your orders at www.maxschicken.com.ph

For hot weather: cool glass of Sago't Gulaman will cool you down. 

Pancit Luglog and Pancit Canton.

Plus there’s an ongoing raffle contest for those customers availing the Max’s Merienda Mixes. Just keep your receipts and log on to their website to key in the code in the electronic raffle for a chance to win one of the 10 lucky customers who will stand a chance to visit the newest Max’s Restaurant branch in the US, pocket money + exciting activities + surprise visits! So hurry, buy Max’s Merienda Mixes now!

My blogger friend Alwin Aguirre won an MP3 during a raffle.

Mr. Bobby Simborio of Max's explains the contest mechanics for the electronic raffle.

Like Max’s Restaurant on Facebook at www.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant and www.facebook.com/maxscornerbakery.

Security Blanket thanks Ness Mercader, Alwin Aguirre , Bright Idea Events Management’s Ms. Portia, Ms. Maui Terrado and Max’s Restaurant.

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

FLAVORS OF ASIA AT MARRIOTT HOTEL MANILA: ONE TRULY AMAZING ASIAN FOOD TRIP

The lobby of the Marriott Cafe

 They say that the best ways to experience Asia is through food—notable, mind-blowing, and immeasurable. Especially for the Southeast Asian region that boasts a multi-cultural and hard-hitting influence with the way we enjoy cooking and eating, it’s no wonder why dishes that hail from these regions are considered a feast for the senses.

Marriott Manila pays tribute to the most revered cuisines of the world as it brings home four of the Asia’s finest chefs and most famous cuisines. From Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam—Marriott Café entices everyone with a masterpiece through a month-long celebration of Oriental flavors that’s uniquely Marriott.

Chef introduces his dish.

What else could be more exciting that flying four of the finest chefs in Asia with Renaissance Kuala Lumpur’s Ruhizad Muri, Renaissance Riverside Saigon Phan Tien Hoa, Indonesian chef Dadang Wahyudi, and JW Marriott Bangkok Thantorn Krobsuay? Boasting with culinary career track that is dynamically diverse, expect only authentic and a palate tickling adventure anyone could get.

Chef enjoys the media.

 Back by popular demand, Thai food deserves all the hype for its fundamental tastes: sweet, sour, salty and bitter. Chef Thantorn Krobsuay, who led the first two consecutive most-talked about Thai Food Fest at Marriott Café, will still dish out appetizing Thai specialties foodies regularly crave for. Discover his new line up of mouthwatering dishes such as deep fried sea bass with chili sauce, sautéed squid with pineapple and cucumber, beef balls cooked with Malaysian sauce, braised beef spiced with turmeric and coconut.

Chef tells the crowd what his dish was all about. 

 For only P2, 300 net from Sunday to Thursday and P2, 500 net for Friday and Saturday, enjoy a charming Asian dinner that assures an enjoyable age-old tradition of bonding through delicious mix of aromatics, spices, rich, sweet and hot Flavors of Asia.

Beef Rendang melts in your mouth.

More than its legendary nasi lemak, chef Ruhizad gives foodies a taste of Malaysia’s noteworthy nyonya cuisine. A signature Penang-type of cooking that uses roots (blends and spices of galangal, turmeric, and ginger), leaves (pandan, lime and laksa), fruit (lemon, tamarind and green mangoes) along with other ingredients like shrimp paste and chilis.

Yummy Vietnamese Spring Rolls.

Chef Ruhizad also puts an interesting twist to time-honored dishes in Malaysia. This buffet section invites diners to get creative with blue crab, tiger prawn shrimps, steamed fish, beef tenderloin, chicken, fresh clams, barbecue chicken, and assorted veggies peppered and spiced the Malaysian way 

Fresh catch: Curacha crabs galore!

 For the more adventurous, Indonesian cuisine are also made available. Carnivores will surely enjoy chef Dadang Wahyudi’s take on grilled meats in skewers—with a wide selection of beef, lamb chops, chicken, shrimps, calamari, pork and fish! Another must-try is the bebek betutu klung klung—an all-spiced up Balinese dish enhanced by a host of pungent ingredients. Locals and visitors will also love the heavenly roasted duck recipe that’s considered a dish specialty for big banquets and special ceremonies.

Chef's specialty with galangal, lime and ginger.

Chinese station with dimsums and dumplings.

Sweet Asian delicacies

Seafood and meat skewers with sauce.

Fruits abound.

The giant chocolate fountain for the sweet tooth.

The Japanese Station boasts of sushi and sashimi.

Tiger Prawns

 For Vietnamese cuisine lovers like me, chef Phan Thien Hoa presents a variety of specialty and oh-so-delectable Vietnamese specialties that’s known for being one of the healthiest foods. Try the heavenly steaming bowl of Pho (chicken or beef). It bursts of flavors, herbs and spices. I instantly fell in love with it the very first time I had a spoonful of it. This one’s a whole lot better than Pho Hoa. Topped with lemon citrus, this pho soup is probably the best I have ever tasted. It’s very refreshing! Made from the finest broth, rice noodles, meat, herbs such as fresh basil leaves (unlike others that uses mint leaves). It promises to leave you wanting for more.

The Vietnamese Noodle Station..

The perfect rainy day companion--Vietnamese Pho.

 A Vietnamese food trip will never be complete without Vietnamese spring rolls—soft rice wrappers filled with meats like shrimps, chicken, beef and veggies with tofu, served on a sweet peanut buttery sauce. It feels like transporting you to the streets of Saigon. For seafood fans, there are curacha crabs, (big crabs) tiger prawns, and lobsters.

Chef with Vietnamese spring rolls.

Those with sweet-tooth need not frown, a wide range of choices are in store for you all. Glutinous rice or fruits, pandan crepes rolled in caramelized coconut, stewed green bean with palm sugar, banana in sweet coconut, pandan jelly plus other Asian sweet delicacies.

As if these yummy treats aren’t enough, Marriott has partnered with other Marriott Asian properties in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia and they’re giving away three days and two nights gift certificates to four lucky diners of Flavors of Asia! That’s all you need to fully experience Asia!

The author with the International Chefs

Experience this once-in-a-lifetime amazing culinary treat as Marriott also brings in four distinguished chef guests to conduct special cooking classes for only P1, 500 net inclusive of a hearty lunch.

The schedules are as follows:

Thai—July 9 and 16

Malaysian and Vietnamese—July 23

Indonesian—July 30

For inquiries or reservations, please call Marriott café at 988-9999.

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