As a food blogger who is in constant search for restaurants in Manila to try, discover, and re-discover, I would have to say that I am a sucker for restaurant guides. It's just too bad that such guides are rather limited here in our country. While food blogs, websites, and social networking sites plays a big role in dishing out recommendations on where and what to eat, it is comforting to know that we still have books to turn to when technology fails.
That is why when friends at Hinge Inquirer informed me late last year that famous blogger Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet will be having book launching I couldn't help but to get excited about it. Knowing the man behind series of foodie fairs called The Ultimate Taste Test and food markets such as Mercato Centrale, Soderno Molito, Manda Centrale, and Cucina Andare, I know the book is going to be a restaurant guide. I was right. The bonus is, it's not just one book, but two.
Presented by Northern Living and Southern Living, and co-presented by Avida, Mr. Our Awesome Planet Anton Diaz dished out his restaurant recommendations in a form of books published by Hinge Inquirer. Aptly titled Northern Eats and Southern Eats. These two books boasts of 50 restaurants to discover in the north and 50 restaurants to discover in the south recommended by Anton.
Northern Living and Southern Living are two magazines which have been in circulation since 2007. These magazines tackles personalities living in the north and south, places to visit in the area, hot and trendy happenings, and restaurants to try. Inspired by the food section of these two magazines, Northern Eats and Southern Eats aims to feature restaurants in the north and south worth visiting.
According to Anton, there are three criteria that was taken into consideration while he was collating the list of restaurants to be included in the book;
1. It is not commercialized
2. It has a unique concept
3. It has an inspiring story
Aside from short reviews, the books carries restaurant information such as location, contact numbers, website, operating schedules, and the likes. And while certain dishes were mentioned, Anton clearly states in the book that he encourage foodies to try other items on the menu as well. Restaurants are listed alphabetically and organized by city.
Northern Eats showcase restaurants located at the northern part of the metro such as Quezon City, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Marikina, and Antipolo.
Southern Eats on the other hand showcases restaurants to discover at the southern part of the metro such as Pasay, Makati, Bonifacio Global City, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Laguna, and Cavite.
Just like in his blog, Anton followed his usual standard of not receiving any payment or reciprocal favor from the restaurants he featured. The lists are 100% free of advertisement, hence we can only expect truthful and unbiased reviews.
Aside from the impressive lists of restaurants, what I like about Northern and Southern Eats is its affordability. Priced at Php150 each, not all restaurant guides available in the market are as affordable as these books.
Personally, since I am one of those who have been reading Our Awesome Planet for years now, I know for a fact that Northern and Southern Eats are not just restaurant guides. Rather, both are invitation to discover, re-discover, and savor the different flavors that different cities here in the metro has to offer.
For those who are itching to go on food trips all over Metro Manila, I suggest that you grab your copy of these two books and use it not just as a guide but inspiration as well to live an awesome life.
Northern Eats and Southern Eats are available in all leading bookstores and news stand.
