Razon's Halo-Halo with Love

Hello there foodaholics!

It's been a long time since my last post. I've been so busy with other stuffs lately and I must admit, I missed posting here. 

Well, enough of the explanation. Let's start now. It's officially summer here in the Philippines and when you say summer, it means that Mr. Sun is shinning so bright up in the sky. Aside from plunging into cool waters, this is the best time to indulge ourselves with cold foods like ice cream, banana ice, ice candies, popsicles, and of course the famous HALO-HALO. 

Recently, Razon's opened their branch here at SM Lipa. My dearest papa asked mama and I to try their famous Halo-halo and pancit luglug. So after work, I went to the mall to meet them at Razon's.

This is not the usual kind of halo-halo. It has few ingredients but what surprising about it is that they used fine crushed ice. It's like I am eating ice cream. I can easily mixed them all together. They provide the best tasting, most authentic Kampampangan food. I also like their pancit luglog. 

I had a great time with my parents. The simple joy of dining among family and friends is what defines the Filipino culture. I think we should do this more often. :)

San Miguel Oktoberfest Beer Festival 2012

Hey party people! It's Oktoberfest once again. Time for cheers and overflowing beers. The kick-off party will happen on September 28, 2012 at Asean City in  Macapagal Boulevard, Paranaque City. Experience the grandest and biggest party of the year.  Witness world-class entertainment by Apl. de Ap of Black Eyed Peas together with popular SMB endorsers.

Everybody can enjoy beer for as low as 12.00php. No other place in the country offers the lowest priced San Miguel Beers except in all San Miguel Oktoberfest grand celebration. If you can't make it on the 28th, here are the other party schedules:

Sept. 29- Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Oct. 5 at MEPZ 1- Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu

Oct. 19- Limeketkai in Cagayan de Oro

Oct. 20- Robinsons Starmills, San Fernando, Pampanga

According to SMB President, Roberto N. Huang, this year's "Beer Festival" focuses on relevant elements that are sure to delight every San Miguel customer who anticipates the annual San Miguel Oktoberfest. For sure they prepared something big to make this party extra special. 

For ticket reservation, you may log on to their website for more details. Don't miss out this year's San Miguel Oktoberfest "Beer Festival" 2012 dahil eto ang saya na walang katulad! 

But remember Foodaholics! Drink Responsibly! :)

It's FaMEALY Day 2012!

They say that, "Family is the basic unit of the society." We first learn essential things in life at home. Our values, characters, attitude and beliefs can be determined by our upbringing. How our parents and guardians raised us has a huge factor on our personality.

For so many years, i have lived my life with my family. We've had  breakfast morning after morning, shared countless delicious dinners at the same table. We've grown up together side by side keeping each other's company through thick and thin. Every meals we've shared, we've experienced bottomless happiness my mama and papa helped us realize and nurture our dreams.

This year, Filipinos will be celebrating FAMEALY DAY on September 24, 2012, as it is proclaimed that every 4th Monday of September there is a nationwide call to celebrate family dining.

Through the efforts of one of the leading brand of noodles (Lucky Me) in the Philippines, families are encouraged to eat dinner together. They also promotes the importance of having a conversation during meal time to teach good values to their children. This is a perfect way to bring families closer together.

In my twenty six years here on earth, day after day passes, I wonder what I should be thankful about, Upon looking back, the answer comes simply and clearly. I realized the most important discovery about myself that is, God loves me and he gave me the greatest gift, "my life." There is a purpose why He created me. I am so blessed by God, I have my family who's always there to guide and support me. They light up my way and lead me to the right path. They inspire me in everything I do in every step of the way. They are my real treasure. 

It made me realized that "Kainang Pangpamilya ay mahalaga" (Eating with your family is really important). So make sure that you'll come home early on September 24!

Enjoy this year's FaMEALY Day Foodaholics! :)

Lamb Navarin

The dish that I am going to share today is a succulent French version of lamb stew, with tender spring vegetables thrown in. I just saw this recipe on Hello! magazine shared by Marguerite Patten and I think this is a great dish to prepare for your family during special occasions because best moments are always filled with bloated stomach and satisfied mouths.

-photo from Google-

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lb. Lamb, cut from the leg or shoulder and neatly diced

salt & freshly ground black pepper

2 tsp. sugar

50 g / 2 oz. butter

25 g / 1 oz. plain flour

600 ml / 1 pt. water

1 bouquet garni

1 clove garlic, crushed

3 tomatoes, skinned and dropped

1 1/2 lb. young vegetables such as baby carrots, broad beans, diced young turnips, fresh peas and baby new potatoes

Procedure:

1. Season the diced lamb with salt and freshly ground black pepper and sprinkle with sugar- this will give the meat a delicious caramel taste.

2. Heat the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the lamb pieces and cook gently, stirring once or twice, until they are lightly browned.

3. Blend the flour with the meat in the pan, the add the water and stir as the liquid comes to boil and thickens very slightly.

4. Add the bouquet garni, garlic, tomatoes and adjust seasoning to taste.

5. Simmer gently for about 45 minutes, then add the selection of young vegetables, making sure there is enough liquid to cook them in.

6. Lower the pan and cook until the meat and vegetables are tender.

Then, that's it! You can serve the stew spooned into warm bowls with a hunk of crusty bread or hot rice if you want. I'm looking forward to try this Lamb Navarin recipe one of this days.

Source: Hello! Magazine- No.1067

Dated: 14 April 2009

Choco Loco

Craving for something sweet? Why not dip into dark chocolate? Indulge yourself in the deep richness of Chocolate. It seems like a diet no-no's because of its calorie load, but dark chocolate have longevity and weight-loss benefits. 

The latest evidence in a study suggest that cocoa, which is more predominant in dark chocolate than milky versions may lower inflammation, keep blood pressure in check, prevent platelets from clotting (which could, in turn, prevent strokes and heart attacks) and boost brain power. 

No doubt, why chocolate is considered one of the best comfort food for the girls. 

Our heart must have taste buds too. You and your heart will surely love eating yummy dark chocolates. But of course we still have to enjoy it in moderation.

*photos from yahoo images