Pink's Hotdogs:Now In Manila

Since I arrived in the Philippines, I’ve been trying out a lot of new restaurants (and a few old ones) to satisfy my food cravings. When a friend of mine told me that his brother is opening a new restaurant in BGC I immediately asked when?

[caption id="attachment_4153" align="alignnone" width="800"] Pink's Manila[/caption]

A Hollywood legend, Pink’s Hot Dogs is known as the most popular hotdog stand in Los Angeles (and maybe even in the whole USA). It is also tagged as Brad Pitt’s favorite hotdogs. Now we Filipinos will finally know what the buzz is all about as it will open its doors to the public this coming Friday (10^th of June 2016). Note: this is the first Pink’s franchise outside the US. Naks! Lakas ng Pilipinas.

After some google magic, I got a little scoop why Pink's became famous and now a must try 'tourist attraction' in the US. Apparently, while in line to get some hotdogs (of course at Pink's) Brad Pitt got kidnapped (which eventually revealed as part of the prank show, Jackass). Also, this is where Bruce Willis proposed to Demi Moore (maybe we’ll see another celebrity proposal soon in Manila?)

[caption id="attachment_4152" align="alignnone" width="800"] Street Style Interior[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4150" align="alignnone" width="800"] Farmacy's Kombi[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4151" align="alignnone" width="800"] All Kombi should have a hula girl![/caption]

I love the interiors. It gives an outdoor feel where you can simply grab a hotdog and a soda. I remember a similar hotdog stand when I was in Iceland (oooh Iceland I miss you). Anyway, the look was tied up with a hotdog shack complete with a string of lights above the ‘streets’ and a Kombi (which is actually an ice cream truck serving Farmacy’s signature flavors. If you love Farmacy raise your hands!!). I showed it to a friend of mine from LA and she said that it is definitely the fanciest Pink’s in history ( does it prove the slogan #ItIsMoreFunInThePhilippines? ^^)

[caption id="attachment_4154" align="alignnone" width="800"] Original Chili Cheese Dog[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4155" align="alignnone" width="800"] Oh yeah![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4157" align="alignnone" width="800"] Care for a drink? Anyone?[/caption]

During the whole night they served around 500 of their signature Chili Cheese Dogs along with overflowing sodas, beers and cocktails. Yheap, a perfect night cap! It was indeed comfort food at its best.

If you think because it is an international franchise that all the ingredients were brought frozen from the US, you got fooled (in a good way). Everything is locally produced but carefully made to have the distinct taste of its US counterpart. Plus, you’ll guarantee that what you’re getting are fresh and didn’t travel for almost 24 hrs and kept in a freezer. It is also important to mention that their fluffy and tasty buns come from a famous local bakeshop called Wildflour (also in BGC).

[caption id="attachment_4156" align="alignnone" width="800"] A little chat with the owner of Pink's. Richard and Gloria Pink[/caption]

I can’t wait to visit them again once they are fully open and try their other hotdog variants. If you are in BGC or just craving for a tasty treat, head down to Shangri La and grab a hotdog at Pink's.

[caption id="attachment_4149" align="alignnone" width="800"] Start planning your Friday ^^[/caption]

Pink’s Hotdogs. Shangri-la at The Fort, 30th Street, corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. 

Superhero Brunch at Mazina (The Address Dubai Marina)

Most of you who are following my blog, already know that I have been traveling since the beginning of the year, but don't fret, I still got Dubai (and events around the city) covered. My friend Kay (who is a legit writer) is making the rounds for me and will share with us her experiences on some of the latest food offerings in Dubai. Her first review is the new Superhero Brunch at Mazina in The Address Dubai Marina. She told me that they had fun (I am so jealous --- I miss having super brunches back home. All I am eating now are my supermarket loot in the hostel's kitchen).

Check out Kay's first food review below:

In the hallway leading up to the restaurant, we had our first glimpse of a superhero - Spider-Man - and you gotta admit, it’s hard not to get caught up in his web. Then we entered and it was Iron Man greeting us. My seven-year-old niece was so stoked that she ran ahead of us, excited to see who else might be there.

First impressions make all the difference, particularly with themed brunches like this. After all, you have to, well… establish the theme. On that front, I must say Mazina did not disappoint.

Before being seated, we were kindly given a quick tour and briefing of the stations. I’ve been to a few other brunches so I was delightedly surprised to see that the Superhero brunch had an extensive spread. And I don’t mean that they offered a lot of different cuisines, although they did – Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Thai, Spanish, Indonesian and Continental – but that they had something for every taste and palate, with different types of meat and a variety of salads available. I mean, they had a pork corner and a healthy corner. Just from that, you can pretty much tell they’ve got everything covered.

[caption id="attachment_4079" align="alignnone" width="800"] Healthy Station![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4078" align="alignnone" width="800"] This looks like part of the healthy section but do't be deceived, that's the chocolate fondue right behind it[/caption]

 And talk about seafood madness! The steamed version looked fresh and mouthwatering presented in a giant wok. If I had no self-control, they would have been gone in a Poof! Then I need only to point at Batman as the culprit. Who’s to say that he’s not hiding them all under his cape?

Speaking of whom, kudos to this band of caped crusaders, err, staff, for the incredible service. They were friendly and attentive but not in the in-your-face bordering on stalker kind – checking in on us, clearing our tables promptly and asking about or refilling our drinks every now and then.

[caption id="attachment_4067" align="alignnone" width="800"] Got a plate full of these![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4072" align="alignnone" width="800"] Guilty as charged[/caption]

The food in general was superb although there were a few misses for me. I enjoyed the salmon and tuna sashimi so much I went for seconds, I mean thirds. The miso soup, on the other hand, was bland. It was a sad moment, I’ve been craving for it for days. Maybe I should have had it before any raw fish. My bad. The flavors of the roast beef and grilled pork leg were right on point that just thinking about them has me salivating and believe me, I will be salivating for days. I’ve got to admit I was slightly disappointed with the seafood paella. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it because the flavor was there but it just didn’t come together as a whole. I think this is what generally happens when the rice and seafood aren’t cooked together, which I can only assume is the case here. To be fair, I just had paella at a Spanish restaurant a couple of days ago so you have to understand that I’m coming from a different standard. The cheese and pork ham were so, sooo, sooooo good together. They need to replace the nuts though, stat.

[caption id="attachment_4071" align="alignnone" width="800"] Roast Beef - I saw it and fell in love[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4070" align="alignnone" width="800"] I love how wide the food selections are ---- of course I am enjoying this station![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4076" align="alignnone" width="800"] Dumpling for breakfast! Yes please![/caption]

They had a massive dessert station. It was easy to get lost in that wonderland which was complete with white and milk chocolate fondue. I zeroed in on the apple crumble, which I loved and, if I could, I would’ve not stopped eating.

My sister and I loved the Peking duck, which was cooked perfectly and served in generous portions. She said the Indonesian grilled skewers were really good, too. And she’s not useless in the kitchen so you can count on her words. My niece loved the winter garden salad and ate every morsel of her roast turkey.

[caption id="attachment_4077" align="alignnone" width="800"] A sneak peek of sugar land, where we all secretly wish we could live and never get fat[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4068" align="alignnone" width="800"] Peking duck wrapped in pancakes made just for me. Something I don't my sister and niece understood[/caption]

Of course, these are all a matter of preference. We ate the ones we liked most and can only give feedback based on these. I couldn’t try everything if I wanted to. I did want to, just to be clear. But between the stuff I generally do not eat (I’m a picky eater but slowly trying to be more adventurous) and the need to limit my calorie consumption (I try although I tend to abuse the hashtag #dietstartstomorrowagain), my hands were tied. And, alas, none of the superheroes could help me with this dilemma.

I think the concept is perfect for families. I can see the pull, particularly for parents. The kids have a play area where they can bounce in an inflated castle until they’re tired enough to fall sleep, or so the adults can hope. Spouses can catch up with each other and their friends while the children have their face painted and devote their full attention to the most captivating superhero of them all – the magician.

Altogether, it was a truly enjoyable experience. You can expect great food in a relaxing ambience where everybody. young and not-so-young, wins. I would Zap! my way back there in a minute. But I’ll have to wait until next Saturday.

The Superhero brunch happens every Saturday from 12h30-15h30 and starts at AED315 per person including soft beverages.

Know more about The Address Dubai Marina:

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Foodie Vlog: Margherita Pizzeria Dubai Launching

Last Monday (5th October 2015) I was invited to the grand launching of the new franchise of Margherita Pizzeria here in Dubai.

Their first restaurant in Dubai is located in JBR while this one is along Sheikh Zayed (near the DIFC Metro Station --yey).

[blockquote source="Margherita Pizzeria"]Margherita offers traditional Neopolitan cuisine amidst a cozy neighborhood pizzeria setting. Its pioneering branch was established in 2008 at the heart of Beirut, Lebanon. Since opening its doors the restaurant has carved a distinctive reputation for its quality taste and top-notch service, rapidly expanding as a popular Italian franchise across the region. It currently holds several branches throughout Lebanon in Gemmayzeh, Sin El Fil, Jounieh, Achrafieh, and Saifi. Margherita has also crossed borders to bring its classic menu to the people of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Nigeria, and the UAE. Committed to maintaining superior culinary standards and impeccable service, Margherita remains steadfast in its mission to provide food aficionados across the world with authentic Italian fare.[/blockquote]

The event started with a ribbon cutting led by His Excellency Mr. Giovanni Favilli – Italian Consul General in Dubai. Once the ribbon was cut, I got very excited because it means we can start eating (hahaha).

[caption id="attachment_3481" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A full table full of FOOOOOOOOOOOOD[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3462" align="aligncenter" width="800"] I can see some burrata![/caption]

There was a big long table full of tasty and simple (very true Italian) food.To be honest, I am not familiar of the names of most of the food. Thank God that we were doing a Vlog to know more about the name of the food we had. (Hit play on the youtube video below).

My favorite was the burrata. Since I arrived, my eyes were just fixed on that.  Their signature pizza (of course one of it is a Margherita  transported me back in Italy. All their pizzas are brick-baked and they are claiming that all ingredients are imported from Italy which is why they tasted very authentic.

[caption id="attachment_3472" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Luvin this (yheap I dont know what it is called).[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3470" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Parmigiana ( Didnt taste it cause I dont eat eggplant, but one guest told me it was amazing!)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3474" align="aligncenter" width="800"] PIZZAAAh![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3464" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The work station. Getting those pizzas out![/caption]

It was a great night full of exquisite Italian cuisine. I was so happy seeing my favorite comfort food ---Burrata!--and it didn't dissapoint!

The restaurant has an outdoor seating, and with the weather getting cooler and cooler now, it can be a good place for a weekend lunch out or dinner with family and friends.

If you are following me in Facebook or Instagram you might already know that I started a youtube channel and been planning to start vlogging. So when I received the invitation for this event, me and my friend Charles (the man behind the video cam) thought that we could use this opportunity to test out our vlogging skills.

[caption id="attachment_3476" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Charles busy shooting my awkward face![/caption]

Check out our full vlog on this event below.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FENmL4Rx8ok[/embed]

Of course we still have a lot to improve, and I feel really awkward in front of the camera (which made me question if this is a good idea haha).

We are excited with this project and we have a lot of plans for future video series which we can't wait to share with you.

Any vlogging tips and suggestions? Send me a message in the comments box below!

 Check out Margharita Pizzeria, Sheikh Zayed, Dubai

Location: Building, Block D, Near Axiom Care, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Area, Dubai

Phone: 04 3517173

Email: info@pizzeriamargherita.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MargheritaUAE/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/margheritadubai

Food Blog: Buffalo Wild Wings Dubai

If you are a sucker for Buffalo wings, this blog is for you. I love Buffalo wings. The bite-sized-tangy-flavored chicken wings are always on the table whenever I visit any sports bar (legit or not). There is something about Buffalo wings that make them a go-to comfort food on a lazy day (please excuse me those readers who are trying to lose some weight--I hear you loud and clear).

Recently there was a surge of restaurants specializing in serving Buffalo wings here in Dubai and the most recent addition was the newly opened Buffalo Wild Wings along Jumeirah Road.

[caption id="attachment_3382" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Buffalo Wild Wings Dubai Jumeirah[/caption]

I was so happy when I first passed by Jumeirah Road and saw a sign that Buffalo Wild Wings will soon to open in Dubai. I had first tried Buffalo Wild Wings when I was traveling in Dallas, Texas when the motel receptionist suggested if I wanted to taste some great wings and also watch a college football match (collegiate football matches are big in Dallas) I should visit the nearby Buffalo Wild Wings. After one bite, I had fallen in love with them and been craving for them for months now. This explains how excited I was seeing the OPENING SOON sign.

At last, last week, it finally opened. Although still on its soft opening, Buffalo Wild Wings are ready to serve the chicken-hungry Dubai residents!

[caption id="attachment_3372" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Happy staff!!!![/caption]

As expected whenever an American franchise of a restaurant opens in Dubai (examples are: Shake Shack, I-Hop and Five Guys), it will instantly be flocked with patrons who have already tried it during their trips in the US, by American Expats and also by those who are curious to try the new craze in town. Buffalo Wild Wings was no exemption. It was completely packed (even on a work-day). Glad we arrived a little bit early for dinner and we got seated easily.

There were a lot of staff who looked like they are having fun going around table after table. Although there were a lot of them, they told us that at some points it seems they don't have enough personnel on the floor.

The interior of the place is identical to the same restaurants in the US, complete with the bricked walls, color schemes and the hoardes of flat screen TVs showing every sports channel known to humankind.

[caption id="attachment_3373" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Luvin the interiors[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3371" align="aligncenter" width="800"] ....and this funky wall[/caption]

Once seated, we were handed a  menu. Although we knew already what we would be ordering (WINGS!!!), we thought that it would be nice to try some of their other offers as well.

[caption id="attachment_3369" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Feelin all authentic ---looks very promising[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3370" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The sauce scream level!!! Tempting tempting tempting[/caption]

Here's what we ordered:

Traditional Wings (Large- 20pcs) = AED 85

Classic New York- style wings (with a choice of 4 types of sauces)

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Flatbread = AED 35

Crispy, oven baked flatbread pizza crust smothered with rich, creamy spinach artichoke dip, chicken and mozzarella cheese

The Sampler = AED 55

Nachos, onion rings, mozzarella sticks and boneless Buffalo wings

[caption id="attachment_3379" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The Sampler[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3380" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Spinach Artichoke Chicken Flatbread[/caption]

Both the flatbread and the sampler are good for sharing and are very filling. If you visit Buffalo Wild Wings, you may have this idea that it is not really a place to get some dinner just a place to hang out and grab a snack---but even their appetizers are enough to keep you going throughout the night (perfect for lunch as well). However, you don't want to get too full on appetizers if you have also ordered the star of the night, so make sure to leave some room for ------- WINGS!!!!

[caption id="attachment_3375" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Large portion of very saucy wings[/caption]

I love my wings spicy but some of my friends are more into the milder flavor. Good thing there are several sauces to choose from. Because we ordered the large portion, we were given the task of choosing 4 sauces to smother on it. We decided to mix and match some on the spicy side with others of a milder flavor. Upon the recommendations of the staff, we took: Sweet BBQ, Thai Curry, Honey BBQ and Medium sauces.

[caption id="attachment_3374" align="aligncenter" width="800"] This will surely be messy[/caption]

My favorite was the Honey BBQ. Although I like how spicy the Thai Curry sauce was, I thought that the distinct taste of Thai spices doesn't really work with the idea of Buffalo wings. Aside from that, it was messy and fantastic.

The only thing missing now was a pint of beer, which you would normally expect in a sports bar. But Dubai is a special case, unfortunately, as alcoholic beverages are not allowed in establishments without liquor license (and apparently Buffalo Wild Wings have not been granted one). As an alternative, there are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks available including flavored malt drinks which are a good option for those who want an authentic wing-feast experience. During our visit though, malt drinks were not available and I ended up ordering (a complete opposite option) a cold chocolate drink which I don't recommend (it tasted blah).

[caption id="attachment_3378" align="aligncenter" width="800"] yum yum yum[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3381" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Cold chocolate drink[/caption]

All in all my first experience in the Dubai branch of Buffalo Wild Wings was fantastic. Of course, enjoying it along with good friends really helped. I can't wait for football season to finally kick in, for sure watching it in Buffalo Wild Wings will be on the top of my list.

Noodle Specials at Benjarong, Dusit Thani Dubai

We have a saying in the Philippines that if you eat noodles every day you will have a long life. The longer the noodles, the longer the life (hahaha). That is why whenever we have parties you bet there is always a noodle dish. I love noodles whether stir-fried, with soup or even the Italian versions. This is the reason why, fresh from my summer trip, (almost the moment I landed back in Dubai), I said yes to the invitation from Benjarong in Dusit Thani Dubai to try their Noodle Specials for the month of August.

The moment I received the invitation, I started thinking of Pad Thai but on second thoughts realized that we are talking about Benjarong here, so I should expect something new and exciting!

[caption id="attachment_3260" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Benjarong Dusit Thani Dubai[/caption]

As a welcome drink I was given a fresh coconut juice. It was sweet and refreshing. I always wonder how they know whether the juice will be sweet or not. The one I always buy along the Dubai Creek Side is not that sweet, and I love mine SWEEEEEET! It was perfect, especially since the sun was working overtime here in Dubai.

[caption id="attachment_3258" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Benjarong Dusit Thani Dubai[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3257" align="aligncenter" width="800"] @GeloTheBear dining along with us[/caption]

As we proceeded with our dinner, I was given a traditional one-bite starter called Mieng Kam. Tasty and tangy! I had been apprehensive the very first time I tried it, but now I always look forward eating this whenever it is available.

Aside from the Mieng Kam, we were given a plate full of traditional Thai starters: fried dim-sum, rice puffs, spring rolls and grilled chicken in banana leaves.

[caption id="attachment_3261" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Mieng Kam[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3262" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Thai Starter Plate[/caption]

Another starter called Mee Grob (crispy vermicelli with bean curd) was also served. This was our the first dish that I tried that was part of Benjarong's Noodle Specials. It is sweet and chewy. I think it can pass as a dessert as well. While I think people's opinion will be split on this dish, I actually like it.

[caption id="attachment_3263" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Mee Grob[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3259" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A usual musical scene in Benjarong[/caption]

While waiting for the main course dishes, we were entertained by a traditional Thai music performance. This is a very usual scene in Benjarong (and around Dusit Thani Dubai). We listened to a delicate version of Adele's Rolling in the Deep played on hammered dulcimer with a touch of Thai flare.

[caption id="attachment_3269" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The arrival of our awesome meal[/caption]

Tada! Finally our the main dishes arrived! We were served:

Guey Jub Nam Khon - AED 45

Thai rice sheet soup with fried bean curd, boiled egg and chicken

Yen Ta Fo - AED 45

Ribbon Noodle Soup with morning glory (I actually don't know what is this), prawns, fish balls, crispy chicken wonton, calamari, fried bean curd and white fungus

Goey Cee Mee - AED 45

Crispy egg noodles topped with fried chicken, tiger prawns, bamboo shoot, baby corn, shitake mushrooms, carrots and broccoli

Guey Tiew Ped Toon - AED 65

Rice noodles with braised duck

[caption id="attachment_3264" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Guey Tiew Ped Tood and Duck in Red Curry Sauce[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3267" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Guey Jub Nam Khon[/caption]

My favorites among the dishes were the Guey Tiew Ped Toon and the Guey Jub Nam Khon. I loved how I could taste the lemon grass in these soup dishes. They were both exploding with Thai flavors which helped them make my top list.

[caption id="attachment_3268" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Goey Cee Mee[/caption]

The Goey Cee Mee has a similar taste to a Filipino dish called Chopsuey, a stir-fried vegetable dish. The only difference is that this one had noodles in it. One of the bloggers I was dining with had this as her top dish.

Aside from all the noodle dishes, we ordered two additional dishes, the Chicken in Green Curry Sauce and Duck in Red Curry Sauce. Along with Pad Thai, these are my absolute favorite Thai food.

[caption id="attachment_3266" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Benjarong Dusit Thani Dubai[/caption]

For dessert, we were served with Thai coconut ice cream, water chestnut in coconut milk and rice cakes. Among the three, I like the coconut ice cream the most.

[caption id="attachment_3270" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Thai Coconut Ice Cream[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3271" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Water chestnut in coconut milk and Thai Rice Cakes[/caption]

Benjarong is my favorite go-to Thai Restaurant whenever I crave anything Asian. Although there was no Pad Thai on the Noodle Specials menu (you can still order this from their regular menu), I was not disappointed with all the noodle dishes that they offered. Beautiful interiors and good food with fun friends always equates to a great night (even with jetlag!).

Benjarong's Noodle Specials are available throughout the month of August.

To know more about Benjarong Royal Thai Cuisine check out the information below:

Location: Benjarong Royal Thai Cuisine, 24th floor, Dusit Thani Dubai , 133, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE

Available from: Sat-Thu noon-3pm, 7pm-11pm

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