Food – jessejake.com

Casa Buenas

jessejakedaan — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 11:01:19 +0000

Every once in a while, a restaurant surprises me. May it be a particular dish, their interior, quality service, or by sheer ingenuity. This time, for the first time for so long, I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by my all around experience at Casa Buenas. Yes! It is a dining experience one should try.

As you enter Casa Buenas, you are greeted with stunning ‘Bahay na Bato’ inspired interior design. Stunning, even, is an understatement. In my opinion, it was breathtaking. Having studied Architecture and not being able to research about the restaurant before we dined, I was literally in awe!

The really nailed the subtle modern take of their inspiration. It was a feast for the eyes with minute details worthy of praise and conversation. There are somewhat different themes in every corner. However, they were still able to make every part of the restaurant coherent to the nostalgia that is classic Filipino ancestral home. Of course, taken to a whole other level.

Iberico Pork Jowl

It’s virtually impossible for you to order the wrong dish, soup, dessert, and what not. Everything on the menu is an explosion of flavor each with its own gastronomic identity. This is where ingenuity comes in. They perfectly put in their own twist, just enough, to create a fresh take on Spanish influenced Filipino cuisine. After which, you are immediately drawn back to a familiar taste that we all love to savor.

Gambas

Paella Negra

Shrimp Isaw

I must say, they serve food that has been crafted close to perfection. I took one single bite of the ‘Shrimp Isaw’ and I knew that these dishes weren’t offered on the menu without thorough research and development. I’m quite sure that even the most discerning palate will enjoy the flavors of Casa Buenas.

Tablea Chocolate Fondant

As of writing, they only offer three desserts. Being one of the biggest sweet tooth around, I had to try all three! So you can trust me when I say, “They only need three desserts to leave you craving for at least one of these.”

Ube and Cheese Souffle

I am not the biggest fan of cheese on desserts but Casa Buenas’ Ube and Cheese Souffle is an absolute exemption! They harmoniously married the two flavors together. A heavenly soft souffle which melts in your mouth and turns into this creamy ube and cheese goodness!

Emperador Strudel

The Emperador Strudel is, no question, my favorite! I could eat five of these. It’s a combination of creamy, a little crisp, and a refreshing flavor all throughout. Amidst all that, it manages to give you a little kick with that brandy infused cream.

From left to right: Mae Bernardo, Jesse Jake Daan, Chef Godfrey Laforteza, Dr. Xavier Solis, Apollo Santos.

“The reason why our menu is small is so everybody can concentrate on the standard of the food,” Laforteza said.

I am all praises and compliments to Chef Godfrey Laforteza! He created a new standard for Filipino food. It maybe a small menu but it is big on flavor. Casa Buenas, like a said, is an experience. A feast for the eyes, the ears, the nose, and the mouth!

Casa Buenas is open daily from 11AM to 1AM. They are located at the Ground Floor of Newport Grandwing, Portwood St., Newport City. You can contact them through +63 (2) 7908-8988, +63 917 878 8312, or Email them at casa.buenas@rwmanila.com

Dunkin’ Donuts: Half Half Hoooray!

jessejakedaan — Fri, 06 Sep 2019 10:14:03 +0000

I know how it feels when you just need a cup of coffee to give you that boost to endure a long day. We gotta hustle and we have to start our day right! Right?

Well, for some ladies, they got more than just a boost. They were in for a treat just like in the movies! Except this one is for real. Some very lucky people during the annual Dunkin’ Coffee Day got to have Piolo Pascual give them a cup of free coffee! Now ain’t that going to send you all kinds of good vibes? haha

Making this year’s Dunkin’ Coffee Day extra special was a visit from Piolo Pascual in three Dunkin’ Donuts stores. The Philippines’ Ultimate Heartthrob gave out free cups of coffee in Dunkin’ Donuts Strata, Fisher Mall Quezon Ave. and BGC 25/7 branches!

Meanwhile, the rest of the nation celebrated Dunkin’ Coffee Day by proclaiming “Half Half Hoooray!” That’s because for a medium hot or iced Dunkin’ Coffee, they only had to pay Php 25 ot 50% off the original price of Php 50.

If you missed this year’s Dunkin’ Coffee Day, don’t fret becuase this event will come back even bigger and better next year! In the meantime, yo can still get your daily dose of good vibes from a cup of high quality Dunkin’ Coffe in all Dunkin’ Donuts outlets nationwide.

Shabu Shabu Ichiban

jessejakedaan — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 14:16:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of being one of the people invited for Shabu Shabu Ichiban’s food tasting. To be honest, I was really hesitant in attending since I am not fond of Japanese or any oriental cuisine. So, I was sort of terrified. Haha I decided to go because why not? Okay, I did give out a reason why not. Hey! I really need to give this place a chance with my taste buds. I have to try out new things and that is why I decided to go. Guess what? It was one of the best decisions I made! Shabu Shabu Ichiban really caught me by surprise. Not did I only like what I ate, I could not stop eating there. I have been craving for Shabu Shabu Ichiban since then and my girlfriend finds it weird because I never crave oriental asian food. It is that good!

When I got there, first thing I noticed is the interior design of the restaurant. Well, of course, the food was still being prepared. I really liked how the designer was able to balance out the classic traditional Japanese style and combined it with modern industrial look. It was really well thought and with clean lines. Well done!

Now, the food! I cannot lie. My face was metaphorically written with question marks when the food arrived and I was in awe by the sheer volume of food at the time. My heart was panicking just a bit. Haha I boiled the meat and all in the soup which was in a hot pot. Sorry if my terminologies aren’t on point but I guess you get what I mean. After a few minutes, the meat was ready to eat. I was a little scared to try it out but I knew that I had to.

It was really good! No lies here. I would post this if I did not like it. The process really was part of the experience. The cooking and how the taste of the soup changes when you put in more of the stuff from the table. It was literally gastronomic for me! I enjoy cooking at home but this was fun. I also do not like my food touching but mixing the different kinds of meat to my base soup was fine. In fact, it made everything taste better. By the way, they have 24 soup bases for you to choose from! Yes! You heard that right! 24 soup bases! =)

Ofourse, I dug in to their tempura which actually complements well with the soup. That’s one thing I like from them. I always hate it when I eat at other Japanese restaurants and they serve us with tempura where it is like 50% breading. You get excited then you take a bite just to know that you have just bitten on the breading part because the prawn is in there somewhere. Haha Well, this on is different because the prawn is actually the same size as what you see in front of you. You get to bite off both the prawn and the breading at the same time! Now that is a bang for your buck!

The Skewered Bean-Paste Flavored Cutlet was also pretty good. It was fried just right and the sauce had that strong savory flavor which gives that cutlet that additional oomph! =)

Now the best has come! Their Alaskan King Crab was refreshingly full of flavor! These crabs were imported from Alaska to Cebu and I was surprised by how fresh it tasted. It was odd because I know it was imported but they managed to keep it really fresh while maintaining its flavor as well. It was one hell of a taste bud joyride! I really enjoyed it that I could not stop talking about it to Sophia. We will definitely be back there soon. I really want her to try the crabs! It’s really worth it! Shabu Shabu Ichiban Sets starts at Php 488 on weekdays and Php 688 on weekends. That is fairly affordable for the quality of shabu shabu you will get. Check them out right now at the Skypark in SM Seaside City Cebu.

Vanille Salée

jessejakedaan — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 12:10:00 +0000

I have always been a fan of anything vanilla. Yes, I’m probably one of the few guys who would trade chocolates over vanilla ice cream but I’d prefer to have both! Haha It turns out, vanilla also goes very well with food. I was surprised and left wanting for more. Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu’s “Vanille Salée” will definitely ignite your taste buds to delicious vanilla creations by the talented Director of Food & Beverage Europe, Thomas Hollenstein.

The photo above is the “Veal Tenderloin Jardiniére” which was instantly my favorite! =)

‘Vanille Salée’ is comprised of six six one of a kind vanilla enhanced dishes which is now available at Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu. Vanilla’s mild flavour harmonises to surprising perfection with white meats and fish. Subtly reinforcing roasting aromas and herbal scents, vanilla also transforms tomatoes, beetroot and even onions with an unexpected touch of the exotic.

This exceptional taste experience has been encapsulated in six savoury vanilla creations, championing the queen of spices at Mövenpick hotels worldwide. The tempting entrées include “White onion velouté” (soup), “Sashimi of tuna and salmon” and “Goat cheese and figs salad”, while the main course menu features “Pike fish fillet”, “Veal tenderloin and Garden Vegetables” and “Guinea Fowl Breast Melba”.

These six vanilla infused creations are easily on top of my list on food that would never get tired of. Sadly, these will only be offered until the 21st of March 2017. No worries, you can definitely indulge on these delectable dishes before then! =)

Magnum Cebu

jessejakedaan — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 18:06:00 +0000

I still remember way back in college when I would crave for chocolates, I would definitely buy a Magnum. If I crave for ice cream, I would also buy a Magnum! Guess what? I have a sweet tooth and I always crave for both! Haha Magnum ice cream was always the best choice in satisfying the best of both worlds. Years have passed and the brand synonymous to Belgian chocolate indulgence have grown with a variety of decadent flavors such a the Magnum Infinity. This time Magnum ice cream takes their signature ice cream bars to the next level… and they are bringing it to Cebu!

Magnum Cebu opens at SM Seaside City! It will be one of the brand’s global concept which is The Magnum Pleasure Store. There’s currently one in SM Mall of Asia. Starting November 17, 2016, Magnum Cebu will open its doors to pleasure seekers with Belgian chocolate, ice cream, and exciting premium toppings to create truly unique Magnum bars. You get to create your own Magnum bar just the way you like it!

This is one of the two that I made! It’s rich chocolate ice cream coated with white chocolate; topped with sun dried rose petals (Yes! Rose petals!), crushed pistachios, and milk chocolate crunch balls; then drizzled with Belgian milk chocolate!

You can also make your own Magnum ice cream bar come November 17! At the counter, Pleasure Seekers select a “naked” Magnum bar of silky Vanilla or rich Chocolate ice cream, as well as a Belgian chocolate coat amongst white, milk or dark chocolate. Next, the now-coated Magnum bar is sprinkled with toppings that range from the classics like marshmallows or crunch balls; special, luxurious toppings like freeze-dried raspberries or pistachios; or adventurous toppings like chili or sea salt flakes. Finally, the creation is drizzled with a choice of white, milk or dark chocolate, and the store’s Pleasure Maker will top it off with an M coin. The finished product, a customized Belgian chocolate masterpiece of your own dreaming, is yours to enjoy for only 120 pesos!

I can’t thank Magnum Cebu enough for having me at their exclusive preview of the store. It literally is the ultimate haven of chocolate and ice cream indulgence! This made my day immensely happy. My craving was more than satisfied that I still want more. I can’t wait for everyone to try making their very own Magnum ice cream bars!

Also, Pleasure seekers have exciting events and activities to look forward to. From November 17 to November 27, 2016, the first 50 customers to show up daily with a Magnum Cebu photo will have the chance to indulge in a free Make Your Own Magnum bar. All they need to do is visit Magnum Cebu and share the promo photo found on Magnum PH’s Facebook page to claim their prize. Pleasure Seekers can also look forward to catching a glimpse of their favorite Magnum Cebu ambassadors during the store opening. On top of all these, Magnum Cebu is set to launch new limited edition toppings consumers can add to their favorite Make Your Own Magnum bar.

Magnum Cebu is located at the upper ground floor of the Mountain Wing of SM Seaside City Cebu, right across Starbucks. Keeping true to the pop-up concept of every store, Magnum Cebu will be open for a limited time only, so hurry and treat yourself to a blissfully delicious signature Magnum bar.

Bibimbap at KPub

jessejakedaan — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 13:29:00 +0000

I just recently discovered an awesome promotion from KPub BBQ in Ayala Center Cebu! The Bibimbap Lunch Set! All along, I thought KPub BBQ is all about their meat-all-you-can packages but they also offer other promotions such as this lunch set. If the meat-all-you-can is too much for you then this lunch set is definitely a must try!

The KPub Bibimbap Lunch Set on costs Php 299 and it comes with appetizers already. We had kimchi, sweet potato, leafy vegetables, and miso soup.

The lunch set actually comes with a free Bibimbap with every single order of your favorite Korean dish. You can choose between Dak Bulgogi, So Bulgogi, Jeyouk Bokkum, Sundubu Jjigae, Doen Jang Jjigae, or Godunghu Gui! That’s a lot of choice for you to try out!

My girlfriend loves Asian food so much and by ‘Asian’ I mean ‘Korean’ food. This is saves me from all the hassles of choosing where to eat specially when she gets a little too indecisive. She gets to eat Korean food and I get to eat a lot! Haha That’s a win-win for everyone. The Bibimbap Lunch Set is available from Monday to Friday. Ofcourse, it’s during lunch time only. So go out an try it for yourselves! =)

Thai Lands in Cebu

jessejakedaan — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 16:05:00 +0000

Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu treats you to another gastronomic adventure as it presents “Thai Fun Food Festival” at The Sails restaurant. Best identified for its varied dinner buffet themes, The Sails caters to discerning palates with its wide range of dinner buffet serving delicious dishes from different origins, available on weekdays and weekends.

To add zest to its nightly culinary showcase, the hotel invited three chefs from its sister hotel, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket, to take the lead in their kitchen.

For the entire duration of the food festival, from 10-18 September 2016, the guest chefs will be seen in action around The Sails, cooking and serving authentic yet diverse specialties that reflect the Thai culture, ingenuity and tradition.

Chef Bouby is proud to put the spotlight on the three guest chefs from Phuket, Thailand, namely Wiwat Yong-en, Sutee Yamkratho and Teenasit Nakrua.

Not only can guests taste the flavors of Thailand, but also find their way to the beautiful country of Thailand. All guests who dine during the Thai Fun Food Festival get a chance to win a round-trip Cebu-Manila-Phuket ticket courtesy of Cebu Pacific, and a gift certificate for a two-night stay in Mövenpick Resort and Spa Karon Beach Phuket.

Dinner buffet is at PHP1,600 nett per person. Book your table now to get more chances of winning. For reservations and inquiries, please call +63 32 492 7777 or email hotel.cebu@movenpick.com.