Pinoy Tsibog: Food Trippin'

Showing posts with label Food Trippin'. Show all posts

Singapore Food Adventure

Singapore is definitely a food paradise for food lovers, like me. A wide variety of food is available everywhere to satisfy the appetites of people from different cultures and races. Food are freshly cooked and the aroma will persistently linger in your mind until you try the mouthwatering dish. Singaporean food are mainly influenced by Chinese, Indian and Malay cuisines.

Being in Singapore for few days was such a relief from my daily work stress. My husband and I chose Singapore to visit because of Universal Studios and the food experience. Well, indeed, our food adventure was the best part of our trip :)

We stayed in Marrison Hotel in Bugis Street. We chose Bugis as suggested by my cousin since it is very accessible to MRT connections. Bugis was definitely a good choice since it is a food heaven! You may read my Singapore planning and our Singapore Adventure in my personal blog www.kikayinside.com

It's been a long time since I last visited Kenny Rogers Roasters and had a taste of their famous roasted chicken. Around 10 years now I guess. Since I was based here in UAE, I never had a chance to dine again in Kenny Rogers because it was not available here. And although I've had several vacations in the Philippines, my family and I usually preferred home-cooked meals. Well, anyway, I still remember how good their roasted chicken and side dishes back then, so when my friends suggested to visit Kenny Rogers' branch in Dubai last weekend it was a sure go!

Kenny Rogers Roasters opened last December 2015 in Al Karama Dubai and it was a huge success. The restaurants offer a casual dining environment with rotisserie roasted chicken as the main core item, while complemented by a variety of hot and cold side dishes.

I must say that the mouth-watering aroma and the taste indeed matched my expectations. It sure reminds me of my college days back home in the Philippines. Well, aside from the good food, their homey ambiance and the crews' superb customer service is definitely worth our 2-hour drive from Abu Dhabi just to try Kenny Rogers Roaster.

Yum!!! Tender, juicy and perfectly spiced roasted chicken.

I'm not a mac and cheese fan but this one makes me change my mind :)

Yep, my very advance birthday celebration ;)

Location: Al Karama Dubai

Facebook: Kenny Rogers Roaster Dubai

Food:★★★★☆

Price:★★★★☆

Service:★★★★☆

This review was long overdue. Well, we only had a chance to visit Jollibee in Dubai mall recently, although they've been open there for almost a year in couple of months now. We were lucky to be in queue for just 15 minutes since we arrived there a little early for lunch time. But after my turn to order, people started coming and the crew patiently assisted customers to be properly in line so other people in the food court will not be disturbed.

My husband and I were so excited that we wanted to try everything in the menu. I just told my husband that our priority was to taste the chicken, spaghetti, hotdog sandwich and the burger. So, I guess we've ordered almost everything. Here are our orders!

The aroma was quite 'The Pinas Jollibee'. Hmmmm, I'm already mouth watering while doing this post. Ok, I started with the spaghetti, it was 95% similar to the original. Then I took a bite of the chicken, I would say it was 90% similar to the original. The rice and burger steak was my husband's but I had a taste of it, I guess it's 98% similar as the original. I ate the jolly hotdog later in the afternoon of the same day and I would say it was 80% similar to the original. Overall, the taste was definitely satisfying. There were slight differences in the taste but I'm sure all our kababayans here in UAE were satisfied and happy.

The success of Jollibee here was really obvious that in less than a year they will be opening more branches in Dubai. Hopefully soon in Abu Dhabi also.

Location: Dubai Mall Food Court

Food:★★★★☆

Price:★★★★☆

Service:★★★★☆

Love Food Festival in Abu Dhabi was held last February 18-21 in Mushrif Central Park. My husband and I visited it on the first day. Since we were there early, the park was not crowded and the aroma while on our way to the caravans was so tempting!

There were many food caravans from London and some caravans were from here in UAE. I would like to try it all but since I'm on a budget and slightly sick, I couldn't indulge so much to everything.

Here are some photos from my visit.

It was a pity I couldn't have churros :( I have a cough so I avoided eating sweets.

Very unique!

I ordered chicken pad thai from Bangwok and it was yum! The serving was good for two :)

Grilled cheese from The Cheese Truck was one of my favorites. The taste? Heaven! ;)

This is Braco (British Tacos) from The Roadery is definitely delicious! One of my favorites since their last year's visit here in Abu Dhabi.

We enjoyed watching baking demo by French pâtissier and celebrity chef the "Cake Boy" Eric Landlard.

The night was young but we left early because it was very cold. Although, I didn't had much food to try, I really enjoyed the night. Indeed, food festivals are my favorite. Good food, vibrant music, happy people.

Reserveout - Simplifying Restaurant Reservations

What is Reserveout?

Know how Reserveout simplifies reservations for users and restaurants

In the fast paced lifestyle we live in nowadays, people are leaning towards things that make their live easier, things that will take no time and can be done on the go, this explains inflation of mobile usage, shopping, selling, work, and almost every other thing can now be done online. All you need is internet and a device to connect you to it.

Because of that a lot of new businesses took advantage of the convenience of the internet, hence, we now can see online shopping, reservations, services, and MANY other things. However, we will be discussing the online restaurant reservation platform “Reserveout” that allows users to book at their favorite restaurants in Dubai, Amman, Beirut, and many other countries in the Middle East.

Working as a platform that bridges the gap between hospitality, entertainment and dining service providers and their patrons, Reserveout uses their rich and sophisticated online experience through their web and mobile applications to enable online and mobile users to easily search and immediately reserve with venues part of the Reserveout network.

Reserveout offers their clients (venue owners such as restaurants, spas, etc.) an electronic portal with which to efficiently manage, track, and sell resources and services available within their businesses in order to provide the best possible experience to their clientele. This software is a powerful and constantly emergent database that will serve as an electronic reservation book and a robust table management system.

Reservations as easy as 1, 2, 3

The website and application are easy to use, instantly confirmed, and user friendly. Users can use Reserveout to find their favorite restaurant and reserve at, allowing them to instantly book a table at any restaurant in their extensive listing, and with speedy search features built right in; you can easily discover a new spot across the street or around the city. Additionally, Reserveout will provide users with updates about the latest and hottest promotions and newsletters, and will furthermore inspire you if you still don’t know where to spend your next weekend.

Keep track and manage your business more efficiently

Reserveout is allowing restaurants to gain comprehensive understanding of each individual diner, and help increase revenue through clear data about customer segments, restaurants can make sure their revenues are maximized on peak nights and extend peak hours. Additionally, Reserveout is working when the restaurants are not, reservation platforms are linked to each restaurant's reservation system around the clock, and so customers can reserve tables through their app and website at any point during the day.

This is only the tip of the iceberg, few of many features. Reserveout surely offers more tools for both users and restaurants. Its platform and services are currently available in Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Doha, Jeddah, Manama and Dubai; however expansion into the rest of the Middle East and Turkey is planned in the very near future.

*****

For more details, you may visit their website : www.reserveout.com

or download their App to your mobile and tablets :)

Easy to Cook Gourmet Food from DinnerTime.me

Have you ever been in a dilemma whether to cook or just to dine out? After a quick chat with your husband you decided to cook. OK, next is to think what to prepare for today’s dinner even after a long day at work. Then you reach the grocery store – what ingredients do I need??? OK, let’s just dine out!

Yep, this is my everyday struggle. I love cooking and I still prefer home-cooked meals, but at times when I feel exhausted from work, dining out is our best option.

I’ve been very busy with my work this past weeks and I feel guilty for not cooking dinner for my husband. It was very timely when I learned about Dinnertime UAE. It is a Dubai based company offers four easy and healthy recipes per week. They deliver fresh ingredients at your door step with easy to follow recipe that only need less than an hour to prepare.

I received my complimentary standard bag for two from Dinnertime last Sunday and I felt so excited – like opening an early Christmas gift. I read the recipe booklet and I was a little anxious because I was not familiar with some of the ingredients and recipes. I am not really good in following detailed instructions, but what the heck! This is just another foodie adventure in my kitchen and I am sure that my husband will love something new on our table.

Each week’s supply contains ingredients for one fish dish, one meat dish, one chicken dish and one vegetarian dish or soup. The week I received my complimentary bag, I got Chicken Noodle Soup with Ginger, Warm Salmon Salad with Watercress, Fettuccine with Spicy Meat Sauce, and Aromatic Vegetable Pilaf.

I personally love DinnerTime’s concept because they promote home cooking, well-balanced meal, quick, and easy to understand recipes which I believe is essential especially with our hectic schedule nowadays. Yes, no need to think what’s for dinner or to hustle my time looking for ingredients in the grocery store. Also, the portion of the recipes that is good for two people was well measured so we don’t have any much left-over.

Here are the four dishes I’ve cooked this week. With Dinnertime's permission, I've included the recipes below.

Warm Salmon Salad with Watercress

Ingredients:

350 g. Baby Potatoes, scrubbed
Sea Salt
Black pepper
350 g. Salmon Fillet, cut in 2 pieces
1/2 Lemon, juiced and zested
1/2 bunch fresh Dill, fronds picked and chopped
Extra Virgin Olive oil
1 clove Garlic, crushed
40 g. Parmesan Cheese, grated
1 bunch Watercress/Kulfa, snipped
1/2-1 fresh red Chili Pepper, deseeded and sliced
1/2 pot Yogurt
1/2 tsp. Dijon Mustard
1 handful fresh Mint, leaves picked and torn

Procedure:

Scrub the potatoes and place in a saucepan, cover with cold, salted water and bring to boil. Simmer for around 15 minutes until just cooked. Drain and place to one side.
Cut the salmon into 2 portion sized pieces.
Fill a saucepan, big enough to hold all the salmon fillet in one layer, with water and season with a little sea salt. Place the pan on the heat and when the water boils, gently lower the fillets in, making sure they're under the surface. Top up with a little extra boiling water if necessary.
Poach the salmon very gently for 10 minutes. Remove carefully and leave to cool.
Meanwhile, zest and juice the lemon and chop the dill.
Slice the cooked potatoes in half lengthwise and toss with half the lemon juice, a generous splash of olive oil, the chopped dill and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Arrange on a serving dish and flake the cooked salmon over the top.
Crush the garlic, grate the Parmesan, snip the watercress and finely chop the chili.
Season the yogurt with salt and pepper, then mix in the mustard, crushed garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice and Parmesan.
Spoon the yogurt over the salmon and serve with a sprinkling torn mint leaves, watercress and chopped chili.

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Fettuccine with Spicy Meat Sauce

Ingredients:

200 g. Fettuccine Pasta
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp. Olive oil
300 g. Ground beef
Sea Salt and Black Pepper
1 Clove Garlic, chopped
1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin
1/2 tsp. Chili powder
1 pinch Ground Cinnamon
200 g. Crushed Boxed Tomatoes
1 1/2 tbsp. Raisins
2 tbsps. Feta Cheese, crumbled
A handful fresh Mint Leaves, chopped

For the green salad:

1 bunch Rocket Salad, shredded
1 1/2 tbsps. Olive Oil
1/2 Lemon, juiced
1 tsp. Honey
Freshly ground Salt and pepper

Procedure:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
Meanwhile, prepare the sauce; Chop the onion.
In a skillet on medium-high, heat oil.
Add onion and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft.
Add beef, 1 pinch salt and pepper and cook for about 4 minutes more, breaking up with a spoon, until no longer pink.
Chop or crush the garlic.
Add garlic, cumin, chili powder and cinnamon and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Add tomatoes and bring to a simmer; reduce heat to medium-low and stir in raisins.
Cook until sauce is slightly thickened and raisins are plump, 2-4 minutes.
Season with additional salt and pepper.
Prepare the green salad; Shred the rocket.
Mix the dressing ingredients (olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper) together and pour over the salad greens. Mix well.
Divide the pasta among serving bowls and top evenly with sauce, crumbled feta and mint.
Serve with green crunchy salad.

*****************************************

Chicken Noodle Soup with Ginger

Ingredients:

1 Vegetable Stock Cube
900 ml. water
4 Chicken Drumsticks
1 tsp. Fresh Ginger, grated or finely chopped
1-2 cloves Garlic, grated or finely chopped
1/2 box Mushrooms, thinly sliced
1/2 - 1 Red Chili Pepper (optional), finely chopped
50 g. Rice Noodles
1/2 can Sweetcorn
2 tsps. Soy Sauce, plus extra for serving
Mint Leaves, to serve

Procedure:

Pour the stock (cube + water) into a pan and add the chicken.
Peel and grate or chop the ginger and garlic and add to the pot.
Bring to boil, then reduce the heat, partly cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until the chicken is tender.
Meanwhile, slice the mushrooms, spring onions and red chili pepper (if using).
Remove the chicken to a board and pick the meat off the bones. Discard the bones.
Return the chicken to the stock along with the noodles, corn, mushrooms, half the spring onions and the soy sauce.
Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the noodles are tender.
Ladle into two bowls and scatter over the remaining spring onions, herbs and chili shreds, if using.
Serve with extra soy sauce for drizzling.

*****************************************

Aromatic Vegetable Pilaf

Ingredients:

200 g. Basmati Rice
1 Onion, peeled and finely sliced
1/2 box Mushrooms, cleaned and roughly chopped
150 g. Green Beans, trimmed and sliced
1 Carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1/2-1 tbsp. Cooking oil
1/2-1 tbsp. Ghee/butter, optional
1/2 Cinnamon stick or 1 tsp. Cinnamon
3 Cloves
1-2 Cardamom Pods, lightly crushed
1 Bay leaf
1/2 tsp. Ground Turmeric
1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin
1/2 tsp. Ground Coriander
1/2 tsp. Chili Powder
Sea Salt
350 ml. Water
2 tbsps. Raisins
2 tbsps. Pistachio Nuts, toasted

Procedure:

Wash the rice in several changes of cold water, then leave to soak in fresh cold water for 10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
Finely slice the onion and mushrooms. Trim and slice the green beans. Peel and chop the carrots.
Heat 1/2 tbsp. of oil and 1/2 tbsp of ghee or butter (if using, or extra oil instead) in a wide, heavy-based pan and add the cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and bay leaves. Fry for a minute until they begin to crackle and smell fragrant.
Add the sliced onion and fry for another 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently until soft and golden brown.
Stir in the turmeric, cumin, coriander and chili powder and fry the ground spices for another minute.
Add another half tbsp. of ghee, butter or cooking oil to the pan, a good pinch of salt and all the vegetables. Saute for 3-4 minutes then tip in the drained rice and stir well.
Toast the rice over a high heat for a minute then pour in the water and add the raisins. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for about 10 minutes until the rice looks dry and the water has been absorbed.
Turn off the heat and without removing the lid, leave to steam for another 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, toast the pistachios in a dry pan.
Uncover and fork through the rice and vegetables.
Sprinkle with the toasted pistachios and serve.
You can serve it with plain yogurt as well (optional).

*****************************************

For more information about Dinnertime:

You may visit the Website http://www.dinnertime.me

Or:

DINNERTIME UAE LLC,

THE BRIDGE BUILDING

OFFICE 503

DUBAI SPORTS CITY,

P.O. BOX 5002309,

DUBAI - UAE

+971 55 790 87 33

Restaurant Review : Rosewater Restaurant in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

My husband and I together with our friends had a chance to dine in for breakfast in Rosewater Restaurant in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. This is one of luxury hotels here in Abu Dhabi and the dining experience was exceptional.

Our friends bought discounted vouchers online and we got almost half the price per person for a buffet breakfast. Half-price with full dining experience!

There were wide range of buffet cuisine options and live cooking station. They had a good selection of fresh fruits and desserts. Food were definitely extraordinaire, the staff were friendly and accommodating, and the architectural ambiance sets an exquisite taste of elegance.