Dining in Hanoi for first-timers

People young old seated on low stools outside eateries and cafes along the sides of the streets are a common sight when you roam around Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Despite the sweltering heat, locals and tourists enjoy a warm cup of coffee, a bowl of pho and Vietnamese cuisine in a non-airconditioned setting. There’s something attractive …

Binondo feels in Bacolod at Binondo888

A new eatery has opened in Bacolod City that can put smiles to the faces of those who are craving for Binondo street food. Binondo 888 is located at Unit 105, Del Rio 2, San Agustin Drive, right beside Riverside Hospital. It opened its doors on December’s new moon for a soft launch. [UPDATE 2023: …

Merzci! A sweet gift from Bacolod for all occasions

When you hear or read the word “Merzci” you will unmistakeably connect it to Bacolod City, the capital of the province of Negros Occidental, which is the Sugarbowl of the Philippines. Although it is based on the French word “Merci” for “thank you”, Merzci is synonymous to sweet treats produced in this province. Every time …

A global vibe weekend in Metro Manila

After living in Metro Manila for two decades, I have never spent more than 72 hours straight in the capital. My succeeding trips to Manila after moving back to the province were usually to catch an international flight. This time, I had to process some documents and had the rest of the days to meet …

The World in Noodles

A food tour is always interesting. Even in my travels, trying the local cuisine and delicacies, particularly the street food, is something I always look forward in every place. The flavor, texture and preparation of the food vary from one place to another. But what I always find interesting are the noodle dishes that differ …

The Boxes

The Boxes: A Restaurant Strip in Bacolod

The number one question I always get from friends visiting Bacolod City is what else are the good places to eat in the Philippine City of Smiles. There are the usual suspects and if you have been following my blog, you will find my posts about restaurants to try in my city, such as Eat …

El's Coffee

El’s Coffee and the Art of Brewing Coffee

The moment we entered the doors of El’s Coffee House in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia, the whiff of the coffee’s aroma filled my senses, evoking a juxtaposed feeling of calmness and excitement. Jars of coffee beans that are stacked three layers on one side of the wall immediately caught my eye. A map of Indonesia hangs …

Cikwo Coffee and Resto

Cikwo Coffee and Resto: Of Seruwit, Robusta and Siger

Seruwit. It was something new to my ears and to my taste. It was the first time I have tasted of this food when it was served to us at Cikwo Coffee and Resto in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia (READ: First-time in Lampung). It’s a mixture of many things and Tempoyak. Okay, another new Indonesian word. …

Bon Appetit buffet

Bon Appétit: A European Culinary Journey

My dream of going around Europe is still a dream, which I hope to achieve soon. But for now, I sated myself with the gustatory delights from five European countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. L’Fisher Hotel Bacolod, which is celebrating its 27th Anniversary this September, started the month with a bang through the …

Kerala Cuisine

Feasting on Kerala Cuisine

One part of traveling that I always look forward to is trying the local food. In my Kerala Blog Express Season 4 trip, I was able to enjoy the cuisine of Kerala, India.  A blend of spice and sauces filled my palate for the 15 days that we traversed this southwestern Indian state. The one …

Fogo Grill

Fogo Grill in Bacolod

Fogo is a Portuguese word that means “fire”. And there’s a restaurant that’s been setting fire in Bacolod’s food scene. Not only because it bears the name Fogo but also because it has Latin American cuisine on its menu. And with Bacolod City being known as one of the places where you can enjoy an …

Cabalen Restaurant Bacolod

A Cabalen in Bacolod

“Cabalen!” is how people from the province of Pampanga in the Philippines call each other. Filipinos would generally refer to each other as “kababayan”, while Hiligaynons, from the western part of Visayas in the Philippines, would call their fellow Ilonggos or Negrenses as “kasimanwa”. Now, Cabalen is also referred to as the “eat-all-you-can” Filipino restaurant …

Bones & Belly Restaurant

Bones and Belly: Breakfast till Dinner in Bacolod

You’re a traveler and you are arriving in Bacolod during the morning on an early day, or you are a local who needs to have a breakfast meeting, or you are simply looking for a great place to have a morning meal in the city. Despite the many restaurants in Bacolod, finding a decent place …

Chef Carmine Restaurant

A Taste of Italy at Chef Carmine Restaurant

The province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines is a food lover’s haven. And tucked in the City of Talisay is a restaurant that serves authentic Italian cuisine. In this area, it’s the closest one can get to the true taste of Italy because Chef Carmine Restaurant is owned and operated by Chef Carmine Pece, …

Izumi Authentic Ramen

Ramen-joying Izumi Authentic Ramen

I left Manila almost three years back with ramen houses emerging left and right within and around the metropolis. Not the same can be said of my hometown, Bacolod City. There are only a few ramen houses around the city. Thus, having Izumi Authentic Ramen within our midst is a welcome thing as there is …