What's in the Fridge...Suman

As the holiday season approaches, traditional treats start appearing everywhere, including the fridge. Suman, a sweet, sticky roll made from glutinous rice and wrapped in banana leaves  is one such treat. Prepared and cooked with coconut milk and sugar, the rolls are then wrapped and steamed. 

What's in the Fridge...Arugula and more Crab Sticks

As the holiday season approaches, I will make a conscious effort to eat a more balanced diet, or at least try, to compensate for the anticipated eatfest in the coming weeks. After the first "What's in the Fridge" post last 17 November (see post here http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2011/11/whats-in-fridge.html ), I decided to have another go at a fridge salad. Here's more "What's in the Fridge..."

Today, the fridge yielded some arugula and mixed greens, tomatoes, white onions, a salted red egg, and more of those crab sticks...

The Ultimate Taste Test 7.0 at BGC

I've never attended the previous Ultimate Taste Tests, so I was really looking forward to this year's event at the Bonifacio Global City. It's great to see food entrepreneurs with their products all in one place, and sampling each of them in one night. You'll never know, but you could meet a potential food business success story right here. So what's cookin' at the Ultimate Taste Test 7.0 edition? Here's a quick tour on some of the Dude's  favorites...

Mio Gelati and the Ferrero Gelato. If you love the candy, you'll definitely love this. And the Snickers Gelato ain't bad too...

Lord Stow's Egg Tarts

Light, flaky, sweet and soft custard. Rich and creamy, the kind that makes you close your eyes. Lord Stow's famous egg tarts is an indulgence I reward myself, for any and whatever reason.

Opening its first outlet in 1989 in Macau, the Lord Stow's Bakery story is an amazing one, with much of its success attributed to this egg tart. The original bakery has  become an iconic tourist attraction in Macau and its egg tarts continue to be popular.

What's in the Fridge...

Checked the fridge, found some half opened bag of spinach. Hmm...maybe a salad. One tomato...well, that would do. And, hey...crab sticks! Or what's left of it...

For the dressing, I found some near empty bottles of  olive oil and balsalmic vinegar, add salt and pepper to taste...

Back for More at Urameshi-Ya

Back at Little Tokyo. Back at Urameshi-Ya. Back for more Kobe beef and other grilled meats...great to be back.

Your table top grill is all set and ready to go...

Rediscovering Taho at Gloria Maris

Taho, a local snack made of silky tofu or bean curd with sago (mini tapioca pearls) and sweet caramelized sugar syrup, is an iconic and ubiquitous street hawker food that remains popular to this day. This popular comfort food traces its origins in Chinese influences, and has since become a mainstream favorite for generations. But catching a taho vendor on the road is a hit or miss thing, so its really comforting to know you can have this treat at Gloria Maris anytime you want it.

The bean curd is smooth and served hot. Very comforting and familiar, the Taho or Tau Hue served at Gloria Maris is a delicious treat that brings back so many memories.

Gone to Market, the Salcedo Weekend Market

Every weekend, the Salcedo Parking Lot transforms into a foodie's haven with an amazing selection of fresh produce and delicious dishes. Located right in the middle of the Makati CBD, local traders and the expat community living and working in the area make this weekend market quite an interesting experience. With so much local and international specialties available, it's a real challenge deciding which to try first. So, what's cookin' at the Salcedo Weekend Market? Here's a quick tour...

Side Entrance to the Salcedo Parking Area

Stopping Time at Alfredo's Steak House

Long before the days of Wagyu and Kobe steaks, there was Alfredo's Steak House. This establishment has been around for more than forty years, and has maintained only one branch. Though there are now many more choices for quality steaks, going to Alfredo's Steak House is like going back in time. It seems like time pretty much  stopped at Alfredo's. Everything, including the tablecloth, still looks the same. And the steaks still taste pretty much the same as it did so many years ago. A steak dinner includes soup and salad, and tonight, the Dude goes for the large Ribeye...

Cream of Mushroom Soup, the Soup of the Day. Tasty, but the mushroom bits were a bit too tiny to be appreciated.

The Banh Mi at Pho Hoa

World history has always been a study of conflicts and violent cultural clashes. And some of these have resulted in some interesting blends, particularly in a nation's cuisine. Take Banh Mi, an iconic Vietnamese meat sandwich with strong French colonial influences. The version in Pho Hoa is quite good for the price, and is available in grilled pork, chicken and  vegetarian. 

As expected, the Dude goes for the grilled pork, and it's pretty good, tender and juicy. The grilled pork is nicely complemented by veggies, including sweet pickled carrots and cucumbers. That, with the crusty baguette, mayo and mustard, equals a seriously good meat sandwich.