Taste The Real Thing

I’m not really a fan of soft drinks in general because I’ve always thought of it as unhealthy, and I always seem to feel like drinking in between bites would just ruin my meal because it usually overpowers the flavor of my food.

So I was never really prone to ordering soft drinks, unless I’m in a fast food restaurant because it’s always part of the meal. I only drink it when there’s no other beverage nearby, and this is just how my relationship with carbonated drinks is.

But as I have discovered with relationships in general, the only stable thing is change and we’ve got to accept that. And boy was I able to accept this recent change in my relationship with soft drinks with open arms!

Yes, I hugged and kissed this wonderful change right after browsing through The Real Thing Diner’s menu. I’ve heard many things about this place, but all I really had to know was that the whole place is Coke-inspired –from the interiors to the jolly background music to the very dishes they’ve got printed on their menu. Nevertheless, of course I had to come over there and try the dishes that caught my attention at first glance to really know if it is the real thing.

Together with my food criminal of a brother, we drove to Il Terrazo in Tomas Morato with curious minds and empty stomachs. Looking through the menu I instantly knew what I wanted to order as my main dish: The Coca-Cola Baby Back Ribs and Spinach Walnut Pasta to share. As for my brother, he ordered the Spicy Sarsi Wings and the Coca-Cola BBQ Burger. For dessert, we both agreed on sharing a bowl of some really good-looking apple pie they call “Happily Appley”.

When we got our orders, that’s when I began to rediscover the great possibilities of change in my relationship with soft drinks. The Coca-Cola Baby Back Ribs was tender, and the sauce it has been marinated in has just the right kind of smoky-sweet combo I always look for in my ribs. The mashed potato it was paired up with was a good addition to the meal too.

I had a bite out of my brother’s Coca-Cola BBQ Burger and I inevitably had to take a big mouthful because the beef patty was quite big. That burger was the kind of burger I like because it had some crunchy veggies in it, and some gooey cheese. However, I couldn’t really find the taste of Coca-cola in any part of the burger patty. But hey, I wouldn’t say I didn’t like it though. It is still a good burger and I’ve got no qualms about that.

For the Spicy Sarsi Wings –now there’s no doubt that that’s what its name is supposed to be. The wings taste like they’ve been swimming in Sarsi for so long, it just tastes so sweet and tangy and oh-so-good. I could’ve just ordered this with plain white rice and I’m good to go. I think I’ll try that next time.

To end, that bowl of Happily Appley was a good call. Even if it was very savory and filling after eating full meal of sorts, I’d still eat that pie and wouldn’t have it any other way. Great thing I had my brother to share it with though, of course.

The verdict? My visit to The Real Thing Diner has been a gastronomic experience I’d like to repeat (One order or Spicy Sarsi Wings with rice, please). I may not be a fan of soft drinks, but I am a fan of diners. And this Coke-inspired diner is true to what it claims to be and more. 

http://www2.manilastandardtoday.com/insideLifestyle.htm?f=2011/may/18/lifestyle1.isx&d=2011/may/18

Everyday solutions behind inspiring creations

In spite of the fact that I’ve always had this unique admiration and respect for them, I can’t deny the fact that I feel envious towards people who are gifted with cooking skills –enough to make them think up of entirely new dishes from scratch.

Because when it comes to cooking or running a business that requires you to indulge in a creative endeavor, it’s really tough to find the right tools to inspire you to create something new, innovative and downright tasteful.

According to Pinky Laurena, Unilever Food Solutions’ Managing Director, they found out in a two-year study conducted around the world that every chef and foodservice operator looks for a regular dose of inspiration to stay on top of their game.

“They need inspiration to develop new dishes and to continuously improve their business,” she adds. And with this, I just can’t help but wonder –where do these people get their inspiration from?

I had my share of feeling this way when Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) held a media cook-off event. The guests were divided into three groups, and we all had to come up with our own dishes, inspired by the cuisines we were assigned with. My group, the “Media Master Chefs”, ideally had to cook healthy dishes for young, Western kids which they can eat as an alternative dish in school.

With the help of UFS’ Senior Sous Chef Ryan Rey Lastra and all their various food products, my group was able to come up with a really healthy meal: Grilled Chicken marinated in Pesto served with Ribbon Pasta Carbonara with Mixed Vegetables and fresh side salad. What a treat it was!

Another treat too is the fact that Unilever Food Solutions is giving out more opportunities to help more people with their cooking and business dilemmas with all the variety of products and programs which they are now offering to chefs and foodservice business operators.

Other than providing professional packages of well-known food brands such as Knorr, Best Foods, Lady’s Choice and Carte D’Or that deliver kitchen efficiency for business operators, UFS also has The Culinary Academy which helps their various food business partners with inspiration and support when it comes to helping them with their menu planning and preparation –from the restaurant operations down to the marketing.

The Unilever Food Solutions also release The World Menu Report bi-annually, to serve as a credible source of information on global research findings that affect the foodservice industry, giving food business operators a snapshot of the fast-changing tastes and behavior of foodies worldwide.

“We are dedicated in helping their business (food business partners) thrive in meaningful ways so we could help them develop a menu that is relevant, exciting, healthy and profitable,” shares Laurena.

“We want to inspire food operators with commitment, excellence and passion. Our goal is to work together with our partners to achieve overall success and improvement for the local food industry.”

With Unilever’s Food Solution programs and products, no doubt they are.

 http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideLifestyle.htm?f=2011/may/11/lifestyle4.isx&d=2011/may/11

Live better, healthier and be an achiever with Alveo Land & the Azkals

It’s so hard to maintain an active lifestyle when you’re living in a compact city where parks that are supposed to be filled with luscious green trees, wonderful bike trails and breathtaking views are simply turned into multi-level car parks.

James Younghusband showing some of his football moves.

Azkals right winger James Younghusband shares his thoughts about this.

“In the city, it’s hard to find places where you can play football. I think that’s why football is also more popular in the provinces than in the cities here in the Philippines. But I do think it’s important for kids to have a place where they can play sports and maintain an active lifestyle.”

True enough, it really is a rare opportunity to be able to live in a community that encourages its residents, both children and adults, to live out an active lifestyle. And during the ‘Kick Off: The Azkals Invasion’, this was greatly emphasized. The event mounted by Venare, Alveo Land’s newest multi-active lifestyle community in NUVALI South, showcased the importance of living a full and highly-driven life, together with the superstars from the Azkals.

Being an active achiever

The Azkals’ striker Phil Younghusband, together with his elder brother James, both started young when it came to their involvement in sports.

The Azkals for Alveo Land

“We started kicking when I was three years old,” Phil shares.

Their teammates, Azkal striker Ian Araneta and forward Yanti Barsales, also experienced the same good fate. Both hailing from Iloilo, the football capital of the Philippines, both players started playing at a young age because of how their families have exposed them to sports and an active lifestyle during their growing up years.

The practice of living an active lifestyle stayed with the Azkals that it’s no wonder they have become the spirited, energetic, and highly-driven team that they are today. The success they gain from scoring on the field and their passion to bring forth the Philippines in the international football spotlight is really all because of their active lifestyles.

Making room

Unlike any other urban residential community, Venare in NUVALI South provides an environment that is conducive for young achievers to live a sustainable active lifestyle that’s enough for anyone to be the next Phil or James Younghusband in their own right.

Against a picturesque view of Mt. Makiling, Laguna de Bay and Tagaytay Ridges, Venare will be approximately 75 hectares of gently rolling terrain with five multi-active thematic zones that will address every facet of an active lifestyle.

For the ultimate sports enthusiasts, the Go Zone will offer an outdoor soccer field, covered basketball court, an indoor badminton and table tennis area, as well as jogging and fitness trails, providing a wide range of high-octane athletic and recreational pursuits for its residents.

The 3-hectare Central Park will feature the Aqua Zone, with free-form pools for residents to enjoy swimming in on any hot day. It will also house the E-Zone which will house a variety of multimedia entertainment such as game rooms, a library lounge, and an outdoor theater.

The Green Zone will be all about nature-inspired outdoor activities -1.5 hectares of tree-filled landscapes featuring lush forest parts, mountain bike trails and camping and picnic grounds for the whole family. There will also be a Me Zone where residents can have a serene venue for energetic workouts or tranquil exercises while enjoying magnificent views of nature.

Choose to live an active and exciting lifestyle in a neighborhood where modern families can be as fun and spirited as those of the Azkals.

Phil and James Younghusband for Alveo Land

As Phil said, “An active lifestyle is the answer to everything –life expectancy, health issues, even social issues.” So choose to be active and pro-active and live a healthier life at Venare by Alveo Land.

For more information, visit www.alveoland.com.ph, email info@alveosales.com.ph or call (632) 848-5100 (Metro Manila) and 1-800-10-8485100 (Outside Metro Manila).

Better options served fresh at Café Verde

“We are what we eat.”

I’ve heard this saying several times before but I never thought I could ever really relate to it until now.

Just recently, I had to start going on a diet again. I’ve been having some health problems and shedding a few pounds and getting my diet back on track should really be helpful in my quest to becoming healthier.

After a week or so of eating less red meat, sweets and stuffing myself more with fruits and vegetables, I have come to truly realize the true meaning of that quote. What we eat is defined by our lifestyle, and our own personal choices. But in the cities where we live in right now it’s just so difficult to make the best food choices with all the famous fast food chains conveniently hovering us with the usual food options that are bad for us if we have too much of it.

Thankfully, there’s a new addition to the growing number of restaurants offering better food options –the newly opened Café Verde. The first vegan cafeteria offering fresh alternatives to those who want to make healthier choices. Located at the 3^rd floor in the Sports Loop of Robinsons Galleria, Café Verde is Manila’s first vegan quick-service restaurant serving appetizers, rice meals, sandwiches, pizza, pasta and more.

Zucchini Sticks

They’ve got a lot of new and exciting dishes to you can try such as the Bean and Cheese Taquitos served with homemade salsa and sour cream which is surprisingly very light despite it being a deep-fried dish. Same with the herb crusted Zucchini Sticks served with rich tomato sauce –I liked this appetizer because even if it’s also deep-fried (they deep-fry everything in vegetable oil), there is still some crunch in the zucchinis, ensuring freshness in every bite.

Café Verde’s main dishes are also winners in their own right for their unique flavors. I really enjoyed their Caramelized Onions and Cheese Panini which was slow cooked onions and cream cheese in a pan de sal panini. Their Veggie Burgers are an interesting find too. These are mini burgers made of mushroom and tofu patties that were light in the tummy but heavyweight on taste.

Caramelized Onions and Cream Cheese Panini

Veggie Burger Sliders

The Layered Beancurd with Rice meal is also a delight for those who just can’t do away with eating rice and who still want to eat something meaty. And of course, Café Verde’s also got something familiar to the palette such as their Tomato Garlic Spaghetti which was as tasty as ever.

So the next time you’re hungry, think first before ordering and choose the better options served fresh –just like the dishes served at Café Verde. Always choose what’s best for your health, eat with an open mind and an empty stomach!


http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideLifestyle.htm?f=2011/may/11/lifestyle1.isx&d=2011/may/11

Filling the gap with ZestAir

For a novice Filipino traveler, going to Baguio and La Union is a must.

I think that it should be considered a requirement before someone adds “traveling” to his or her list of interests or hobbies. These places are one of the first on the “must-go-to” list of experienced travelers because of Baguio’s cold climate and fun family activities and La Union’s beaches and surfing hotspots.

ZestAir Airbus

That’s why it was such good news to find out that Zest Air has paved the way to fill the gap faster and much easier for people in the Metro to travel to Baguio and La Union without the hassles of driving 5-7 hours via car or bus. Because ZestAir is now flying to 20 destinations including La Union, and soon enough it will be flying to more places here and abroad.

Goodbye, road trips

Say goodbye to long hours on the road and say hello to traveling for an hour or less to the famous vacation spots in the north!

If you value your time and your money, and you’re still up for a quick getaway to cool down in Baguio or relish the summer heat in La Union, what better way to fill the gap from point A to point B but by flying to your destination –which Zest Air can do just for you.

Thunderbird Resort, La Union

Zest Air flies regularly to San Fernando, La Union which will take you less than 30 minutes to get there, and has available land transfers waiting for you if you’re planning to go to Baguio which will then take you there in only an hour or so. With Zest Air helping you fill that gap, you have more time to spend on the things you want to do during your vacation, and less time on actually getting there.

The Manor Hotel, Camp John Hay in Baguio

Maybe you can stay at Baguio’s The Manor Hotel and have a fun and relaxing time with your family while enjoying all the other amenities inside Camp John Hay. Or have a few days off and spend a night or two with your special someone at La Union’s exclusive Thunderbird Resort and enjoy the great views and the ultimate peace and privacy that the resort boasts off.

Better late than never

It’s not too late to book your flight and experience summer 2011 to the limit because

no matter what you’re up for –whether it’s golfing, playing at the casino, partying or relaxing at the beach or in your hotel, make it happen for yourself with the help of Zest Air.

Zest Air flies to 20 Philippine destinations. It flies five times daily to Cebu and twice daily to popular stops such as Bacolod, Davao, Iloilo, Tacloban, Tagbiliran and Puerto Princesa. Zest Air also has regular flights from Manila to Boracay, La Union, Legazpi, Busuanga, Calbayog, Catarman, Kalibo, Masbate, Marinduque, and Mindoro. Passengers can also avail of their international flights to Incheon and Pusan in Korea, and to Shanghai China.

Soon there will also be local flights to Zamboanga and Cagayan. Zest Air will also be acquiring two more Airbuses and 2 B-777s for their long haul flights to the Middle East later this year.

For more information, visit the Zest Air website at www.zestair.com.ph or call Zest Air’s customer reservation hotline at (632) 855-3333.