ATELIER 317: VISUAL AND GASTRONOMICAL FEAST

The cute little cafe that says you're on the right place.

We did not expect to find Atelier 317 in the middle of a residential area of Palm Street in Makati--and so smartly decorated to boot. The brainchild of lovely columnist/chef/entrepreneur Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi, Atelier 317 (Atelier means workplace), has become an instant success since it first opened its doors in November of last year (2012). And why not? Its interiors feature a dainty yet cozy ambiance with an option for an al fresco dining.

It's cuteness all-over starting off with the Perrier bottle infront.

Smoking area and al fresco dining.

Its wait staff is cordial, friendly and prompt. Although it seems like its the first of its kind to serve no particular cuisine--hailed as "borderless cuisine" by many--it has set for itself a high standard when it comes to comfort food. The menu of Atelier 317 is basically diverse. From salads to usual soups to rice plates and pasta and even coffee or tea, all the way to desserts. Their menu repertoire are really good. The molo soup for instance, it had the fresh and even texture of the shitake mushroom that goes well with the foie gras and other flavors. It's comfort food in a bowl.

Just as it is in Europe where menus are written on blackboard.

Lovely interiors will make you feel at home right away.

A bar for wine and spirits.

Best seller Vietnamese Cha Ca Lavong

Start off with some Mezza platter, roasted bell pepper and feta dip, green pea hummus, and charred spicy eggplant along with pita breads and crudites (P400). Although its got a spicy bite for some added kick, you can't help but grab one bread after another. It's really that good! They're a perfect appetizer to start off your meal. Their lamb gyoza is made from deep fried Moroccan spiced lamb with a harissa yogurt dipping sauce (P280).

Kesong Puti Capresse Salad

Their Balsamic Beef Adobo is made from US Black Angus Short Rib and slow cooked to perfection. So soft, topped with tarragon leaves for that French touch and flavor. The adobo is served with Portobello Mushroom Red Rice, P3,500 (good for six people) and P650 for individual serving.

Balsamic Adobo

Bicol Express

Mezza Platter

Kesong Puti Capresse Salad

For a refreshing meal, try the Flamed Kesong Puti Capresse Salad. Salad tomatoes torched on an open flame for a smoky flavor, served with olive oil, balsamic reduction. It tastes a bit sweet but had a subtle flavor, very light.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rosemary Mustard Roast Pork Tenderloin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spicy Corn and Crab Pasta

As for their Rosemary Mustard Roast Pork Tenderloin, it's rubbed with dijon and white wine served on a bed of apples and potatoes at P850 (good for two).  Curry lovers will rejoice over Sri Lankan Black Curry Chicken--crisp chicken thigh fillet doused in special roasted curry sauce served with cardamon scented basmati rice and fried eggplant raita priced at P550. This one has more attitude with slight kick you'll get from the curry and fragrant rice. It has a richer flavor that will make you crave for more.

Best-sellers and my favorite remains to be the Vietnamese Cha Ca Lavong--creamy dory fillet sauteed in turmeric and lemongrass, topped with a mountain of fresh herbs and crispy shallots, vermicelli noodles and Vietnamese dressing. I also enjoyed Lamb Bolognese--Mediterranean take on Italian favorite. A dry lamb ragu, veggies and spices with homemade pasta.  But to really get a taste of Atelier 317, get yourself a Molo (with Foie Gras) Soup, Gambas Y Chorizo, Chicken Bicol Express, Moroccan Lamb Chops with Caldereta Vegetable Stew--you certainly wouldn't want to leave anytime soon.

 

 

 

One of the desserts

If you still have room for desserts, order the simple yet filling banana with rum, or choose from any Casa San Luis cakes and pastries. The Apple Pie's really good and so does the Pumpkin Pie. What makes dining at Atelier 317 even more special is the fact that you'll be feasting with an ambiance of an old world feel complete with heavy hardwood furnishings typically seen from an English Tea Party as well as vintage paraphernalia, cute and dainty items which definitely adds to the charm of the place as well as each meal.

Atelier 317 bursts of passion, art, love and life--serving nothing but yummy goodies--always yearning to create and inspire. Special thanks to Ms. Nana Nadal for the invite.

Come and visit Atelier 317 located at 6060 Palma Street, Makati. From Rockwell Drive, turn right after Ateneo and BDO.  When you visit Atelier 317, make sure to try something new. Either way, you won't go wrong with the quality of food preparation and fresh ingredients!

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

The author with Ms. Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi

Molo with foie gras soup

KEBABERS: FIRST KEBAB FASTFOOD IN THE PHILIPPINES

Great things starts from small beginnings. Kebabers started out as a small kiosk in St. Luke's Medical Center in E. Rodriguez, Quezon City back in 2009. Its owners, engaged couples Ms. Mika Baron and Mr. Ron Ong only decided to further expand in 2012 when they've opened up a dine-in store in front of the Ateneo De Manila University (Gate2) in Katipunan. Since then, aside from offering a wide variety of Middle Eastern fare on their menu, Kebabers branches continues to expand as well. 

With Kapitolyo, Pasig branch opening on April 15, 2013--there are actually more branches to pen within the next couple of months,  Kebabers' loyal patrons will also be happy to note that the Kapitolyo branch has 48 sitting capacity in a tatami style seater amidst an AC dining area. 

Security Blanket through the kind invitation of a fellow blogger friend, was able to try Kebaber's unique beef, chicken and fish kebab! Yes, for health-conscious folks, fish kebab tops your must-try list for a truly guiltless dining experience. 

Here's my verdict: 

The place is very accessible, it had nice and well-lighted interiors plus cute comic strip frames that adds a spice of fun at the dining area. The cue dial that lights up once your order is ready also adds appeal and attracts more yuppies and youngsters alike. The staff were friendly, courteous and eager to assist anytime. 

The grub: Kebabers actually had a lot to offer. They have Shawarma, Keema, Beef Pichos (Persian Nachos), Chili fingers or Dynamite, Twister fries and of course, the house specialty--Kebabs in fish, chicken and beef. So what makes Kebabers apart from other Middle East fare resto? Kebabers' kebab had their own kebabs with cheese. Imagine digging on kebabs with honest-to-goodness oozing cheese upon each bite? Sounds heavenly right? It tastes all that and more. I couldn't express it into words but having such would truly be a heavenly experience for anyone. 

The light-up cue dial is so cute!

 The Beef Pichos on the other hand had the crunchiest and biggest nachos I've ever tasted. I'd like to think that it's made that way to be able to scoop and support the loads of toppings such as the generous cheese, minced tomatoes, cucumber and onions as well as the ground beef. An order of Beef Pichos is only P95, but it's good enough for 4 persons or a barkada. A word of caution though, your jaw might hurt from too much munching. But it's really good and a great value for money. 

Kebabs on a roll: fish, chicken and beef on a bed of rice. 

Cute wall designs like this adds character.

Mr. Nino Cardenas welcomes bloggers.

Oh, while you're at Kebabers, don't miss out on their heavenly Belgian Chocolate Cake--you won't regret it! So moist and fluffy, it's the best way to cap off every meal. 

Kebabers will soon find its way to SM Manila, SM City North Edsa, and The Fort Taguig. So Shawarma and Kebab fans, do watch out for that! 

Security Blanket thanks Myrna Roman, Kebabers, Mr. Julius and Mr. Nino Cardenas. 

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

KUSE TRADITIONAL FILIPINO CUISINE: LIP SMACKIN' MODERN PINOY FARE WITH A TWIST

I've discovered Kuse Traditional Filipino Cuisine Restaurant through the invitation of a good friend. Kuse for non-Filipino speakers refer to the local chef. Kuse's menu showcases traditional Filipino cuisine but with some distinct twists that's sure to delight their guests' palate. Kuse has a homier and casual dining place to begin with. It's a perfect palce for people to come not only for special occasions but also each time they crave for complex Filipino food. It's like coming home to your old grandma's house in the province where comfort foods are served.

Kuse takes its dining delights to greater heights by giving diners an even more satisfying meal. Presenting an exciting mix of innovative dishes, classic cuisine, comfort foods with a twist. Kuse brings delectable gustatory possibilities to anticipate the craving of any foodie. Still evoking the Chefs Quarter signature style of degustation-like choices and some servings that seek to entice and gratify.

Adding more pleasure to an even satisfying meal are the interiors. The subdued earthen toned walls and warm terracotta with bamboo brown and greens evokes artistic decor. With comfy wooden chairs to match the native setting, the pleasure does not end there.

I like Kuse's take on new Filipino cuisine featuring such local ingredients such as Visayan Vinegar, banana blossoms, fern leaves, among others. Kuse's chefs worked intimately and expertly with local ingredients and it was evident, serving only fresh ingredients in a way both clever and surprising: their creme brulee on top of mashed sweet potato and purple yam was such a hit! Their fern salad with buffalo white cheese and salted eggs as well as Adobong Kuhol sa Gata (Stewed Golden Apple Snail or escargot in Coconut Cream). 

Yes, the local version of the French escargot may not exactly enjoy the elite status of its counterpart, being more of a food for the masses. Adobong Kuhol at Kuse is a very delicious and appetizing meal with the snail itself having a very tender and almost creamy taste.

Adobong Kuhol sa Gata

 Our first bite into what I now declare as culinary heaven came in the form of Adobong Kuhol sa Gata. I did not feel bad at all for having eaten so much.

Their selction of salads will make you want to turn vegan, but only for about a second because a serving of Crispy Pata will reunite you with your meat-loving carnevorous self.  Don't forget the Kare-kare with Bagoong (fish paste)! Melt in your mouth ox tail, peanut-buttery taste and crunchy half cooked veggies!

Dulong Rice



Creamy peanut buttery Kare-kare.




The star of the table: Crispy Pata!


 A hearty serving of  warm, moist Crispy Pata. special dark sauce to drizzle it with and a bed of healthy tomato and chili finger slices salsa to go with it--it's a simple comfort food that never fails to hit the spot. Fill up your belly and instantly fall in love with the unexpected fusion of flavors. This best selling dish is definitely worth lining up for (if you have to wait for your seats).

Mini Ukoy with Visayan Sauce

Inihaw na Bangus (Grilled Milkfish)

Finally, the sweetest of endings, Kuse, for all its entree's worth need only bait me with its impossibly sinful desserts to get me coming back for more. Banana Langka Filo with Caramel Sauce will render you speechless the entire time you're eating. if only to savor every single bite. Disguised as Lumpiang Shanghai, these "turon" or filo rolls is the perfect way to cap off your meal.

Banana Langka Filo Rolls

The Creme Brulee Sapin-Sapin is pure indulgence. There are simply no words.

A new way to eat Sapin-sapin: Creme Brulee with sweet potato and purple yam

Indeed, Kuse has all the key ingredients needed in that much sought-after recipe for success: excellent service at its finest, invogorating dining experiences for all senses giving diners a sudden boost of inspiration, as we catch a glimpse of what it feels like, to find one's bliss even through a hearty meal.

KUSE are located in three different branches:

KUSE at Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill (836-49-69)
Operating Hours: 10am-11pm, Monday to Sunday
Seating capacity: 50 persons

KUSE at Lucky Chinatown Mall, Binondo, Manila (708-9576)
Operating Hours: 10am-10pm, Monday to Sunday
Seating capacity: 70 persons

KUSE at Eton Centris Walk, Quezon City (709-9817)
Operating Hours: 11am-11pm, Monday to Sunday
Seating capacity: 90 persons


Security Blanket thanks Ms. Nana Nadal and Ms. Michelle.

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

BAKED: SWEET GOODIES MADE WITH SISTERLY LOVE



Delectable cupcakes from Baked.


BAKED, an up-and-coming online store that sells a selection of delectable treats was born out of necessity and hobby; to become a family bonding activity among sisters and most importantly become an outlet where their passion to eat something healthy, with occasional sweet indulgences of course.

Using natural and fresh ingredients, Baked's culinary team composed of three sisters together with their Mom started the business whipping up mouthwatering baked goodies from their very own kitchen. From cakes, pies, muffins, breads to their best selling cupcakes--everything that they offer are a must-try, with varieties such as Red Velvet, Blackout Chocolate, Coconut Snowball, Dirty Harry, Cookies and Cream--are among the list of many others.

Aside from being pretty to look at, these delicious desserts and pastries make for a sweet way to cap off every meal or a family feast. Chocolate is probably the ultimate dessert, and there's no better place to get your cocoa fix than Baked's.



Sisters behind Baked: Ericka, Richelle and Maricor.


Inspired by the siblings passion in the kitchen, Baked opened last year as a cupcake supplier to a coffee and tea shop. Thanks to their clients' positive feedback, they now sell their heavenly baked goodies online where clients have an option for either pickup or delivery.

Desserts are made using only the finest ingredients and are  guaranteed to be preservative-free, to boot. Security Blanket gets a good case of sugar rush in trying out Baked famous cupcakes. Here's my verdict:
Dirty Harry--Filled with dessicated coconut, Dirty Harry may deceive your eyes for it looks so plain and simple but you'll be in for a surprise upon first bite. It had a perfect balance of choco cream frosting with the natural sweetness of coconut bits--all these exploding textures and flavors in its every bite.

Want to try something new? If your usual chocolate, vanilla and mocha cupcakes doesn't tickle your fancy, Baked's Citrus Burst offers the perfect balance of sweet fresh oranges and butterless fresh cream frosting that's rich and smooth--giving you something new to enjoy. It had that fresh citrusy and tangy zest that'll excite and clean your palate.

Blackout Chocolate in Purple Frosting--The color itself is enough to make me salivate. I love purple. What with rainbow bits sprinkled on top, I know this cupcake looks so enticing. And you can never go wrong because it's filled with buttercream frosting and moisted chocolates on the inside. Finally an indulgent dessert for most chocolate fans. Bringing home a little piece of confectionary heaven with its soft creme ganache type of texture plus it tastes so heavenly. La Dolce Vita in a cupcake! Give in to this sweet temptation. Just thanks God for this gift from heaven.

Baked's cupcakes are flavorful but light. It will make ordinary cupcakes fold in shame. Enjoy the comfort that  Baked cupcakes can bring. Bite into delectable chunks and delight in its creamy goodness with layers of frosting on a soft and moist chiffon cupcake. It's guaranteed to make your day, no matter what! Their rich cupcakes are extremely addictive and impossible to resist, especially for chocolate fans.

You can't help but adore this gooey-lip smacking peanut butter brittle treat that leaves traces of chocolatey mess on your fingers. Coarsely crushed brittles make every chocolate and peanut butter lover smile with this yummy cupcake. No child can resist the crunchyness of its topping and the vibrant colors of the classic candy toppings. The sprinkling of brittle nuts provides an interesting  touch and flavor. You'll love the contrast between sweet and salty.

Baked has been an online buzz for both teens and adults alike. Baked is managed by three sisters namely Richelle, Maricor and Ericka with some help from their Mom. The youngest, Ericka is the brain behind the dainty online business. "It was really her idea. It was her brainchild, even the names of each products," says Maricor, the equally bright middle sister.  Ericka is  actually the one manning behind the kitchen and budding marketer for developing relevant marketing strategies while Maricor have contributed to the progress of Baked in relation to selling and deliveries.

In a span of twelve months, they were able to generate thousands of likes on their Facebook fan page, with consistently growing interaction with their customers. "We're very happy and grateful that people find time to actually post in our Facebook wall," says Maricor of the warm reception from their growing community of food lovers.

With cupcvake stores sprouting like mushrooms, it must be difficult to swim with the current but Baked considers it a challenge. "We're not just cupcakes. We're a bakery and confectionary.We have cupcakes, breads, pies, cookies, pastries and made-to-order cakes as well," claims Maricor.

The three sisters did not study culinary though, but sharing a passion for cooking and baking led them to this business. "Baked was able to make our mark online and the products are based on the ones that we like and the ones we actually bake and eat at home," reveals Maricor.

Baked's business is indeed a reflection of their lifestyle because it's almost an extension of their home. Quality, passion + sisterly love can easily synonimize the tasting as one takes a bite of their classic cupcakes.

For more information and orders, visit http://www.bakedphilippines.wix.com/baked
or LIKE them on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BakedPhilippines.

Special thanks to Baked sisters Ericka and Maricor.

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