Creamy Macaroni Soup

Of all the childhood memories I have, rainy days would always be the one I hold dear to my heart. In Antipolo where I spent most of my childhood days, rain never fails to intensify the aesthetic aura of the paradise-like sceneries of the place. Every time it rains, it’s like all the problems, and the heartaches of every weary soul are being wash away, thus, a fresh beginning full of hope.

Also, rain would always mean staying in our house with my sisters while waiting for our mother to serve us our family’s comfort food, Creamy Macaroni Soup. With a bowl full of this savory dish, we no longer yearn for the warm sunshine because we know for a fact that under our humble roof, we are being taken care of with so much love, we are always safe.

Now that we are grown ups and away from our home town, Creamy Macaroni Soup remains to be the comfort food that our family shared with each other especially during rainy season. And the recipe that my mother use has been passed on to us, her daughters.

CREAMY MACARONI SOUP

2 tbsp. butter
250 grams ground pork
250 grams uncooked elbow macaroni
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup whole kernel corn
1 cup chopped cabbage
8 cups chicken broth
1 ½ cup of evaporated milk
1 cup all purpose cream
salt and pepper to taste

In a large saucepan, melt butter. Sauté garlic and onion. Add ground pork until meat starts to brown. Add chicken broth, then bring to full boil. Add elbow macaroni. Cook covered until macaroni is al dente, about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently. Add carrots, corn, and cabbage. Season with salt and pepper according to taste. Pour in the milk and all purpose cream. Then, serve while hot.

Tagaytay foodies getaway at Bag Of Beans

It was one of those Saturday mornings when all I wanted to do was to escape from the stressful week that was. While pondering things over a cup of coffee with my fellow foodie Glenn of The Strolling Spoon foodblog, we decided that we really should be anywhere else but where we were at that time. We knew we deserved to treat ourselves to a delicious meal away from the maddening crowd and the suffocating ambiance of the metro. So, armed with only the few things that we were carrying with us and the conviction that we needed a breather, we headed to the City of Tagaytay.

Bag of Beans is an English café in Tagaytay City that has always been a topic in every foodie conversation I had. I have always wanted to visit this place but it was only last Saturday that I had the chance to do so. As expected, it was one of the best places where you can enjoy good food and relax.

Although they are famous for their Coffee Alamid, I had to pass up trying it out since my system was already laden with caffeine prior to getting there. Instead, I opted for their Frozen Chocolate. It resembles the usual Frappuccino without the over powering taste of sweetness.


I have always been a Lasagna lover. And while 'The House of Lasagna' has been at the top of my list, when it comes to the best tasting Lasagna, Bag of Beans has all the right to be a top-lister too. Packed with the goodness of savory ground meat and their special sauce, plus herbs and spices, It was so far the meatiest Lasagna I have ever tasted.



Their Chicken Breast Fillet and Pasta was also good. The Chicken breast was grilled to perfection, and when combined with the creamy pasta in white sauce, it was truly exquisite. Just like their Lasagna, it was served with an equally delicious buttered garlic bread on the side.



I originally wanted to order for their Shepherd's Pie but decided to opt for their Steak and Mushroom Pie instead and didn't regret it. The pie was oozing with savory filling of steak and mushroom, with a crust that was equally to die for. I will surely try their Shepherd's Pie on my next visit.


Strategically situated along Aguinaldo Highway crossing Mendez West, The very accessible Bag of Beans is surely one foodie heaven in Tagaytay City. Being close to nature in cold weather, the ambiance was downright relaxing. The food servers were all cheerful and friendly, especially their Manager Mr. Mel Cabriga who took his time to visit our table to present us with our meal and to check if we’re enjoying ourselves.



Although they started out as a cafe promoting English Pies, their menu is continuously evolving to suit the palates of Filipino foodies. Be it a Pasta dish or Coffee, or Rice meals, Bag Of Beans Menu will surely give its customers the variations of good food.



If you are just like me, who wants an hour and a half of drive to escape from the big metro, Bag Of Beans in Tagaytay is surely one of the best spots wherein you can enjoy good food that this good life has to offer.



Bag of Beans is located at 115 Aguinaldo Highway Mendez Crossing West, Tagaytay City. Contact numbers are (46) 413 2724 or (916) 525 2382. You can check out their website at bagofbeanstagaytay.com


*credits to Ern Raymundo

Italian Festival at The White Hat Italian Frozen Yogurt

A taste of Dolce Italia!

Every foodies are invited to join the feast as White Hat Italian Frozen Yogurt celebrates Italian Festival together with the Italian Emabassy this month of October.

Get a taste of The Italian hat, a blend of Fresh Kiwi, Strawberries in Syrup, White Chocolate Chips and Biscotti. This divine dessert is priced at P125.00 for a Regular Cup and P155.00 for a Large Cup.

A limited offer this October in all The White Hat stores nationwide!


Metro Manila Outlets:
• Alabang Town Center
• Fully Booked, Bonifacio High Street
• Gateway Mall
• Glorietta 3
• Greenbelt 5
• Greenhills Wilson Street
• Landmark TriNoma
• Robinson’s Place Ermita
• Robinson’s Galleria
• Rustan’s Makati
• Shangri-La Mall
• SM Fairview – Annex 2
• SM Mall of Asia
• SM Marikina
• SM North Edsa – Annex Bldg.
• Tomas Morato
• TriNoma

Provincial Outlets:
• Gaisano Mall, Davao City
• Marquee Mall
• SM Baguio
• SM Cebu
• SM Sta. Rosa



Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheWhiteHat
Twitter: www.twitter.com/TWHYogurt

Yuujin Japanese Cuisine

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--> One thing that I have always been thankful for is that I live in a city wherein every place I consider foodies heaven is just a stone's throw away. For years of living here in San Juan, I always passed by this rather intimate and exclusive looking restaurant along Wilson street. Intimate and exclusive in a sense that it is obviously a residential house turned restaurant.

Just like Everything At Stake also located in the area, upon setting foot at Yuujin Japanese Cuisine, I knew I found a place I would always go back to whenever I am not in the mood for home-cooked meals.

Before our orders were served, we were given cubes of deep-fry fish fillet soaked in sweet chili sauce as a complimentary starter. It is similar to fried pork rinds, only, the distinct flavor of fish is present but not over powering. It goes well with the sweet chili sauce.

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Their Beef Teriyaki-Jyu is moist beef with Yuu Jin’s Teriyaki Sauce on a bed of steamed rice. The beef is so tender and tasty and is further enhanced with its complimentary sauce. An order comes with an equally satisfying Miso Shiru soup.

Beef Teriyaki-Jyu 260

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Miso Shiro Soup

Katsu Don has always been one of my favorite Japanese Dish, and Yuu Jin’s version of it is delectably satisfying. The pork cutlet is big enough for another order of extra rice. Every bite is so juicy because of Yuu Jin’s special sauce they used for it, topped with an egg that adds dimensions to its taste.

Katsu Don 210php

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-->We also tried their Uni Sushi. Its creamy and buttery texture is so good, one serving is enough to satisfy your palate. It is not slimy compared to the other Uni Sushis I have tasted.

Uni Sushi 120php

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We also ordered their Yaki Soba, although the serving size is smaller than that of Sachi’s, theirs is more flavorful and has a lot more vegetables and pork in it.

Yaki Soba 180php

Aside from the feel of exclusivity, the ambiance is so cozy and very comfortable. The staffs are all friendly and accommodating. The thing that diners should be aware of is that the restaurant has store hours slightly different from the usual. They are open from Monday to Thursday, from 11am to 3pm, then, 5:30pm to 10pm. Friday, Saturday, & Sunday from 11am to 3pm then 5:30pm to 11pm.

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If you want an authentic Japanese cuisine, this Restaurant is truly worth a try.

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Yuujin Japanese Cuisine Restaurant is located at 221 Wilson Street, Greenhills in San Juan City. Call them at 727-5291