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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

Food Trip in Brunei

When traveling, especially to a foreign country, local food is one of the things I always try. Eating in restaurants and eateries of different types and economic levels is one way of blending with the locals and observing their day-to-day life. Flavors and how food are prepared and presented often reflect the culture and tradition …

Chino's Deli in Bacolod

Chino’s Deli at MassKara Festival

Since this is the longest celebration of MassKara Festival, the Bacolod City Public Plaza is now teeming with food stalls since it started in October 1 and they are there to stay until October 23. It remind me of years past, during my student days when I had experienced the night revelry at the plaza. …

Retro KTV

It’s a Sing Night at Retro KTV Bacolod

A burst of color painted on container vans fill the backdrop of Retro KTV. Would you believe that these giant containers have videoke rooms in them. This is a new hangout place in Marketplace East, near the Bacolod City Government Center. The commercial compound is a booming location composed of restaurants that offer some of …

Byron's Back Ribs

Byron’s Back Ribs Grille in Homesite

Whenever I mention Homesite to my friends, they often attach Byron’s Back Ribs to it. My sister told me a number of times that a cousin once treated her there. What’s special about the place is that it is just a small rounded corner tucked inside a residential area. Plus, many of my friends, both …

Ripples Restaurant

Buffet Feast at Ripples Restaurant of L’Fisher Hotel

L’Fisher Hotel lies in the heart of Bacolod City and it is no doubt that most travelers who come to my city pick this as their home away from home. Others hold their special event here especially that their La Proa Ballroom can accommodate gatherings to as much as 1,500 people and can be converted …

Tent Five

New Dining Place in Bacolod: Tent Five

If Bacolod City is known for something, apart from Masskara Festival and the smiling people, it is its good food that can be enjoyed in many great dining places that dot the metropolis. [UPDATE 2023: The restaurant has closed and is no longer in operation in this location.] A new foodie attraction is the Marketplace, …

A Ribshack Delight in Bacolod

Seldom does a food court stall captures my fancy. I’d often resort to eating in food courts when I am pressed for time, low on budget, or spending meal time with a big number of group. Unless there is a particular stall that serves food with superb taste then I’d probably frequent the food court …

Queen's birthday

Queen’s Day at Quay St, Wynyard Quarter and Queen St.

How fortunate are we to witness the Queen’s birthday celebration in Auckland, New Zealand while we were still there. In fact, it was the day we were to fly out, but we still enjoyed the holiday as the rest of the Kiwis. The night before, my other co-winner Camille and I were watching the ceremonies …

Palawud

First-time in Palawud Resto Grill and Bar

I have heard of the word “lawud” when I was still a child when fishermen manning my auntie’s boats would leave at sundown to the deep sea. Yes, “lawud” is the Hiligaynon word for the deeper part of the sea. The name Palawud for this restaurant located in Brgy. Banago in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, …