After 66 years of serving the Filipinos with their famous Sarap to the Bones Fried Chicken, Max’s Restaurant launched their first coffee table book, aptly titled “The House That Fried Chicken Built” last April 12, 2011 in their first restaurant branch at Scout Tuason, Quezon City.
The 196-page narrative was written by celebrated writers Robert JA Basilio and Sonia Pinto Ner, niece of Max Founder Maximo Gimenez. It recounts the humble beginning of Max’s Restaurant and its transition into being part of Filipino Tradition, as it passed on from generation to generation.
In the book, passionate individuals behind the brand such as the family that started the tradition, employees, stakeholders, and even their patrons shared compelling stories about the restaurant which we Filipinos grew up with. Vibrantly memorable photos from Max’s Restaurant in Scout Tuason Quezon City circa 1945 and sumptuous snapshots of Max’s traditionally home-cooked dishes adds charm to the pages of the book.
'The House That Fried Chicken Built' Coffee Table Book
Book Authors Sonia Ner and Robert Basilio
Co-Author Sonia Ner Signs Books During the Launch
Max’s core value such as hard-work, hospitality, and love for family were also discussed in the book as one of the writer, Ner recounts how the first-generation family member, and restaurant’s first cook, Ruby Trota intricately prepared meals with such love and passion.
Max's Classic Favorites
“Max’s coffee table book is a celebration of the Filipino’s love not only for fried chicken, but for family, celebration and tradition. Max’s enduring legacy is encapsulated in the book as the ‘House That Fried Chicken Built’ continues to capture the hearts of Filipinos worldwide, generation after generation,” said Jim Fuentebella, Max’s Vice President for Corporate Marketing.
Max's Marketing Team with Max's Jim Fuentebella
Max’s coffee table book will be initially sold at Max’s Restaurant Scout Tuason Branch at PhP2,500. Part of the proceeds will be utilized for Max’s corporate social responsibility programs.
Max's Restaurant
21 Scout Tuazon,
Brgy.Laging Handa,
Quezon City
www.maxschicken.com
http://twitter.com/maxsrestaurant
http://www.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant
*photos without the author's mark credits to Bright Idea Events Management
Weeks ago, when I received an invite from Robinsons Galleria and Mr. Ivan Henares for a food tour in Robinsons The Veranda, I was so excited I almost forgot that I have prior commitment to attend to. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, much to my dismay, I wasn’t able to attend the event. What a bummer. Good thing that the favorable proximity of Robinson’s Galleria to my place allows me to drop by to try new restaurants at The Veranda. First stop, Hyphy’s.
My friend Glenn and I were again, on our way to a food event when we decided to drop by at Hyphy’s first instead of just grabbing our usual coffees before heading to the event. Yes, an afternoon snack at Hyphy’s before attending a food event, we are hardcore that way. I guess you cannot blame us because just the sight of this gorgeously decorated restaurant by well-known Chef Bruce Lim is enough for one to just grab a sit and bury oneself on its menu and feast on the food.
Raised in San Francisco but rooted in the Philippines, Chef Bruce Lim is kind enough to share his San Francisco culinary knowledge and incorporate it to the usual Filipino comfort food to give it a delectable kick which we can all enjoy. I appreciate that he took time to visit us at our table to introduce himself and welcome us.
Hyphy’s exudes sophisticated aura so, imagine how surprised I was when I saw that the prices on their menu was very affordable. Although they could have added more choices of food, the line up in the menu were enough to pique one’s searching palate. We decided to stay away from heavy meal because of the dinner we have to attend to but little did we know that the food we ordered for snack comes in huge servings. Huge servings, affordable price, lovely isn’t it?
Baked Macaroni (150php)
Baked Macaroni has always been one of ultimate comfort food. I love how Hyphy’s serve it in such a way that it pleases Filipino palate with its slightly sweet and savory taste. The pasta was cooked perfectly while the generous amount of melted cheese on top was both pleasing to the eye and to the palate. For the price of 150php, a serving is enough for sharing.
Malunggay Pesto (150php)
This dish really impressed me. Malunggay and basil leaves tossed in pasta and topped with perfectly grilled chicken sprinkled with parmesan cheese. The generous serving of grilled chicken on top really makes it more enticing and appetite busting. This is a kind of dish that will definitely satiate ones hunger for a good meal. Just like Baked Macaroni, a serving is good for sharing.
Garlic Fries (120php)
Thick cut fries tossed in garlic and parsley. I am not a french fries person but when I tried Hyphy’s version of it, I am instantly a convert.
Hyphy’s House Iced Tea and Dayap Iced Tea (80php each)
One of those kick-ass drinks that wouldn’t taste bland even if the ice on it already melts. Both drinks were very refreshing but their Dayap Iced Tea was the one that impressed me most. The taste of dayap is very prominent but not overwhelming, perfect drink this hot summer days in replacement to the usual soda.
With all the familiar restaurants in Robinsons Galleria, Hyphy’s is definitely a welcome change. An addition to every good restaurant in that place, Hyphy’s instantly becomes one of my favorite. During our visit, the staff was very friendly and accommodating. They visit us on our table and introduce themselves just to check if we need something or if we are enjoying our meal. Little kind gestures like that are too hard not to notice. I always believe that nice ambiance and good food just make up 70% of a good dining experience and the rest relies on how the food attendants treat you. Hyphy’s just scored a hundred percent in my book.
This is one of the restaurants I would definitely go back to and recommend to anyone I know who loves good food, nice ambiance, and superb service.
Hyphy's by Chef Bruce Lim
The Veranda, Robinsons Galleria, Quezon City, Philippines
Telephone: +632 477-7611
Facebook: Hyphy's
Nothing is sweeter than to end a tiresome week with good friends who shares the same love and passion for food and good conversation. Last week was quite a challenge for me as I run against time just so I can finish all tasks at hand. Good thing that after the crazy week that was, my friends and I were able to attend the last day of Best Food Forward held at NBC Tent, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Proceeds from the event will go to Bayan-anihan and the Unang Hakbang Foundation, so it’s like helping others while enjoying good food. Indeed it was one delicious summer weekend.
A lot of merchants from the food industry joined the fair to showcase their products. Some are already well known while the others are just on the onset of introducing their business to the market, nevertheless, most of them are worthy of your money and time. Every stall there put so much effort in order for the public to enjoy what they can offer.
I couldn’t count how many food I have tried and enjoyed, so these are just some of them who really captures not just my attention but my palate as well.
Spinach, Feta, Sundried Tomatoes Mini Quiche and Mushroom & Sour cream Mini Quiche by SIMPLY PIE
Simply Pie
Baby Pies, Puff Pies, Muffins, Healthy Cakes
For Orders or Inquiries:
Contact Person: Gail Genevieve Ang
Tel. No.: 341-2238
Mobile No.: 0922-8822194
Email: gailgenevieve@yahoo.com
Website: www.simplypie.multiply.com
Facebook: www.facebbok.com/simplypie
Insanely Delicious Cupcakes by KLAR JOSEPH
Try their Red Velvet, Bailey’s, S’mores, and The Diplomat. They are all to die for! Gorgeous couple Klarisse and Joseph who owns this business are so nice and very accommodating to their customers. Very promising cupcakes!
Klar Joseph
Tel. No.: 633-9954
Mobile No.: 0917-5335527
Email: klarjo@gmail.com
Website: thespoonisflat.com
Wicked Bites by DRAGONFLY DESSERTS
Their wicket bites is extremely moist and chocolatey with a kick of chili spice. A more solid version of Gelatissimo’s Chocolate Chili Gelato, in my opinion.
Dragonfly Desserts
Tel. No.: 506-9922 / 415-8008
Mobile No.: 0917-8780001 / 09098888802
Email: cherylannlim@yahoo.com
Website: dragonflydesserts.multiply.com
Brazo Bars of SUPREME BRAZO BARS
Supreme Brazo Bars by Ces Lopez
Tel. No.: 722-5638
Mobile No.: 0917-8271518
Email: supremebrazobars@yahoo.com
Website: www.supremebrazobars.com
Moist Chocolate Cake with Caramel and Bread Pudding Crème Brule by MED CHEF
Their Moist Chocolate Cake with Caramel still haunts me in my sleep up to this day and Chef Hasset’s signature dessert Crème Brule is equally worth raving about.
Med Chef by Chef Hasset Go
139 Mo. Ignacia Ave. Diliman Quezon City
Tel. No.: 585-6052 / 732-3355
Mobile No.: 0917-8338628 / 0915-4871332
Facebook: www.facebook.com/medchef
Caramel and Ginger Lime French Macarons from CHRISTA
Christa
Tel. No.: 2119874
Mobile No.: 0917-8905747
Email: chrsitaskitchen@yahoo.com
Website: christaskitchen.multiply.com
Facebook: Christa’s Kitchen
Twitter: MacaronsbyXTA
Blackforrest Bons from LIQUEUER BONBONS
Liqueur Bon Bons by Joana
Tel. No.: 502-7941
Mobile No.: 0917-5783339
Email: liqueurbonbons@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/liqueurbonbons
Chocolate Crinkles from JIMENEZ BAKERY
Jimenez Bakery
Mobile No.: 0916-6064815 / 0919-5747784
Email: jimenez.bakery@yahoo.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jimenezbakery
Cookies, Chocolates, Brownies and other sweets by MELANGE FATTISSERIE
Melange Fattisserie
Mobile No.: 0926-6200572 / 0906-3583943
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MelangeFattisserie
Healthy Carrot Cake by THE LOW CAL CAFÉ
The Low Cal Café
Tel. No.: 871-6508
Mobile No.: 0917-3205463
Email: lowcalcafe@yahoo.com
Website: www.lowcalcafe.multiply.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lowcalcafe
In between feasting on sweets and savory treats, we also had some Lechon Cebu and Food Guru's Beef/Chicken Kebab at the Outdoor Grilling Area of the event.
Again, these are just some of the food I have enjoyed immensely during the food fair but there are still others that are good as well. I’ll probably make an individual post in the future for these good food finds and to others which are not on this list.
Best Food Forward was indeed a success. Affordable good food in one place are very rare to find these days, good thing that food fairs like this are held. My family enjoyed all of the food I have brought them from the fair and they were even planning on joining me for the next food fair I am going to attend with my friends. Such a lovely way to bring people together.
I hope there will be more Best Food Forward Food Fairs to come in the future.
Best Food Forward
Website: http://www.bestfoodforward.com.ph/
Facebook: Best Food Forward
While I was browsing some invites I got recently I noticed that the phrase “come in your best summer attire” is always present. Indeed it is already summer. What could be a better way to start summer than to savor a very refreshingly delicious treat which will not sabotage your diet? Thanks to Californiaberry for bringing us foodies their 100% non-fat frozen yogurt which everyone can enjoy without the guilt.
Aside from their froyo, they introduced some affordably healthy and delicious food in addition to their menu at the first Californiaberry Bloggers event. New menu includes Ice Ice Baby, Fresh Fruit Blends, Pasta Dishes, and Organic Coffee.
Ice Ice Baby
The unique texture of ice shavings and fro-yo plus the flavorful toppings makes this cool treat a very promising way to combat summer’s heat in a very delicious way.
Fresh Fruit Blends
Not your usual fruit shake because it is a combination of fresh whole fruits and tasty yogurt. Available flavors are BananaRama (Fresh Mango, Kiwi and Bananas shake), Double Berry (Strawberry and Blueberry), FluShot (Strawberry, Kiwi and Orange), Mango Tango (Mango, Banana and Peach), and you can also personalized your own Fresh Fruit Blends by whipping up your own choice of 3 fruit variants from Mango, Banana, Kiwi,Orange, Blueberry, Peach and Strawberry.
Pasta Dishes
The best-loved pasta dishes in the menu include Lasagna, Bolognese, Carbonara, and Seafood Alfredo. Since Californiaberry promised servings of healthy offerings, these pasta dishes are enhanced by natural flavors and fresh ingredients without MSG.
Organic Coffee
Coffee lovers like me are not left out because Californiaberry now serves bold and full-bodied roast of 100% organically grown coffee, spicing up their menu with another dash of healthy beverage.
Californiaberry is now serving nationwide with over 23 stores, including the newly-opened branches at Mezza Residences in Sta. Mesa, SM Fairview and SM Novaliches. Also located in Banawe (Quezon City), Greenhills (Ortigas), Tomas Morato, SM North Edsa (The Block), SM Southmall (Las Pinas), SM Manila, SM Megamall, SM Novaliches, Robinson’s Galleria, The Fort (Global City) SM Iloilo, Gaisano Mall (Davao City), DLSU (Manila), Sta. Lucia Mall (Cainta), Ateneo (Katipunan), UST (Manila), and Walter Mart (Makati), Festival Mall (Filinvest, Alabang) and BF Homes Paranaque.
For more information, check out www.californiaberry.net and for the latest updates on freebies and promotions, follow Californiaberry on Facebook fan page.
For inquiries about franchising, call (632) 470-1835 or email franchise@californiaberry.net
Thanks to Californiaberry and Mr. Alex Dizon for the invite.
I promised to post an entry about Pages Deli earlier than today but I found myself lost for words. Not because there is nothing to say about this Deli, but because there is too much. I was worried that words I could throw with reckless abandon in an instant while I was still in awe of the experience that was, might fail me.
Food and Literature. What else could be more beautiful than that?
My love for literature started at an early age. Growing up, while my two sisters were channel surfing to catch their favorite TV shows, I was busy flipping book pages. I was too caught up in the world of Alice In Wonderland, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Peter Pan to be bothered by constant dilemma of winning over a battle of whose in-charge of the TV remote control. I am a middle child, so there really was no chance for me on that league. So, from there I embrace the world of literature. I resolved to marry Holden Caulfield if I didn’t get to meet Mr. Darcy, flirted with the idea of living the life on the road ala Jack Kerouac, and have asked the question “Who is John Galt?”. I let myself be swayed by the currents of wonderful adventures that is literature.
My love for food, well, it’ll be pointless to discuss since this is a food blog, so, you know the score.
Food and Literature. These two things pretty much sums up the world I am living in right now. That is why it didn’t surprise me that upon discovering Pages Deli at Shangri-La Mall one afternoon, I fell in love with it at first sight.
My friend Glenn and I were scheduled to attend a dinner but when we passed by Shangri-La Mall, we just couldn’t resist the urge to take a look at the Deli because of its inviting ambiance. We decided to have some coffee and cakes just so we can check it out but lo and behold, when we read what’s on the menu, their sandwiches were named after American Classic Novels, and that does it. We ended up ordering sandwiches, cakes, and coffee, gorged on it while anticipating the big dinner that was still about to come that night on another restaurant. It was worth it.
I was torn between Gulliver’s Travel (Shrimp Sandwich) and The Little Mermaid (Salmon Sandwich), but since I’ve always been a bacon person, I ordered for their Animal Farm instead. It is a Turkey and Bacon Sandwich made to perfection.
Generous slices of tasty turkey and crispy bacon strips with onion, lettuce, tomatoes, smothered with mayonnaise sandwich in warm and soft white bread. I love how generous they are with their servings of turkey, not all delis and sandwich bars are like that. I am a little apprehensive ordering turkey sandwich because most of the time, I always ended up disappointed with the bland taste of micro piece of turkey. But with Pages Deli, it’s different because one bite and you would know that yes, it is indeed a turkey sandwich, plus the bacon gives it further kick of flavor.
At first Glenn wanted to try their New York Times Bestseller which is Pages Deli’s Signature Triple Decker, but since it is too big and we still have dinner to attend to, he settled for The Journey to the Center of the Earth which is their Hungarian Sausage Sandwich.
When I was handed half of it and was able to taste the sausage I was in awe. It’s like tasting sausage for the first time, I feel like a child again. Hungarian Sausage is known to be spicy but this sausage has just the right amount of spiciness that goes well with the bread, lettuce, and mustard. Personally I would love to have it with soup, because French bread is really not the type of bread you could chew easily and it is always best paired with thick variety of soup.
Pages Deli's Chocolate Cake I have to say, is one of the best moist chocolate cakes I have ever tasted. It’s one of those I cannot get out of my mind weeks after having it. It was really that good, had it not been for the dinner that we still need to attend to, I would probably order for another slice.
Their Brun Butter Cake was the first one to grace our table with its simple appearance. It looks like just another sponge cake that you can buy on some local pastry shop. Not the one I expected since I am not a fan of sponge cakes. Glenn even told me that it was a challenge whether I would give it thumbs up or not. I was ready to order for another slice of whatever cake is available aside from what we have ordered but one bite and I was sent to fantasy land. A mixture of butter, milk, and honey, it was so creamy and not spongy at all, to my surprise. I ended up consuming it in no time.
The Brun Butter Cake comes with coffee of your choice so I ordered for their Macchiato, while Glenn tried their Cupid and Psyche, a Strawberry Milkshake with a slice of fresh strawberry and cream.
Pages Deli is a great place if you’re on a romantic date or you’re just hanging out with your friends. If you’re literary buff you would instantly notice that the quotes printed everywhere was taken from famous novels and literary authors. Another commendable thing is their very warm and accommodating staff. From time to time the waiters would visit us on our table to check if we need anything, and there was never a time that our glass of water weren’t full.
All in all, our experience with Pages Deli was superb. Good Food, reasonable price, fantastic ambiance, and warm staff would make me go back to this deli for another wonderful experience.
Pages Deli
Streetscape
EDSA Shangri-La Plaza Mall
Mandaluyong, Philippines
Book Authors Sonia Ner and Robert Basilio
Co-Author Sonia Ner Signs Books During the Launch
Max's Classic Favorites
Max's Marketing Team with Max's Jim Fuentebella
