The story of Mr. Cochinillo begins with a guy named Tinee, who he, himself, finds it funny given his how he says his build is quite deceptive of his nickname. Tinee’s passion started with lifestyle’s more exciting ventures such as photography and even as a DJ. He used to have a studio for these. One time, a friend wanted to rent out the studio and asked him to cook as…

Things really are picking up for the craft beer industry after that big Drink Up! Philippines event. People have a greater appreciation now of the bubbly brew and are now willing to explore the various crafts made by small breweries. Perfect Pint in Fort Bonifacio Global City is one of them, but this one focuses more on the local craft beer scene in the Philippines. Yep. Craft beer makers are…

Look at what came from the mail, courtesy of the great people from KTG! (For those curious about who KTG is, they are the group of some of the most prominent food and travel Philippine journalists and bloggers, and what’s good about this group is that they support various social and charity institutions of society! We are talking of visiting Yolanda victims, to charity dinners to get wheelchairs, to ice…

Did you know: Aside from Singapore, the only other country that has a Wee Nam Kee is the Philippines? Yep. Due to passionate Filipino foodies, Wee Nam Kee of Singapore has determined that this is the best place to test their franchise system before expanding to other places around Asia. With several branches under the Philippine arm, it’s pretty much safe to say that the brand has been received with…

Whether you’re after the food or some rare boutique wines from France, Le Jardin in Fort Bonifacio will allow you to enjoy either while looking out over the city from their penthouse location.

There really is so much more to learn about French cuisine. Normally, people associate French cuisine with elaborate techniques and sticking to the classics passed on by world famous chefs, more haute cuisine (L’ Astrance, anyone?). Some people adore it, while some feel intimidated with the idea. Then that Paris trip showed how the Parisian bistro and cafes bring the charm of the city. Food is simpler, yet still breathtaking. And…

Very few can say they walked into a 3-star Michelin Restaurant in Paris and one of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Well, we can. Here’s our experience at L’Astrance, the best dinner we’ve ever had.

Yes. There are times when you just have to have that serene, me-time lunch. Just in the company of yourself and… a whole bottle of wine from Motorino? Basically what happened was that one type of wine was ordered, and the waitress pleasantly asked if it was for a bottle. Never knew my reputation precedes me, or she probably thought a guy eating a whole order of pizza alone would want…

In the beginning, there was Jack Daniels Baby Back Ribs And then the Tipsy Cook, while having a swig of beer said: “that Jack Daniels sauce was good” And in the abyss of drunken stupor, he said “That sauce can be good for any pork marinade” So, over the weekend, a marinade was made to grill… Bourbon Liempo: – 1 kilogram of liempo cut (thicker the cut, the better) –…

There’s a new Hungry Hound in town. Well, to be specific, it is still the same Hungry Hound that is located at the Globe Tower in Fort Bonifacio. It has been open for nearly a year now. First time to try it was at a chance lunch sometime in December. Back then, well…. the kitchen seemed to have some issues. It is a bit different now, and with greater confidence…

Drink Up Philippines is happening this May 24, 2014. The biggest collection of artisanal beers, cocktails, fine food, fine music. Love alcohol and good food? This is  the celebration to go to. I mean, look at this!   Want to come in for free? Giving away to four winners two tickets each! Just follow the Rafflecopter mechanics below: a Rafflecopter giveaway   Terms and Conditions: Vouchers are valid for use only…

Yes. Sariwon, a Korean restaurant chain that has existed even before Korea was split into two, marinades their meat (particularly their bulgogi) mainly with fruits. It started long ago with a wife who loved his diabetic husband so much that she figured that the best way to create that same sweetness without getting the complication for Korean grilled beef would be to use fruits as the sweetening portion for the…

Lynne has come up with a good term for all the alcohol laden food prepared in the blog (from Jack Daniels baby back ribs to Mac n’ Cheese with Beer Sauce). And so with this, a new splinter segment debuts in En Route: The Tipsy Cook. First dish: Brandy Chorizo Stuffed Chicken This was actually a recipe from a cook book of Gordon Ramsay, where it called for cannellini beans…

After that indulgence overload from Magnum Cafe, it was time for some meaty grub. It is quite acceptable to have desserts first before the meaty goodness after. Done that lots of times, and would like to think we turned out well. So one of the more distinguished food critics who joined us mentioned there is this little unknown shack inside SM Aura that is rarely visited due to its location,…

Your normal get-together with friends usually consist of either a night out with fine food and drinks, or at home, also with fine food and drinks. How about a gig where you get to cook some fine food? Yes, you can still have drinks while doing so. And it is quite fun and relatively easy as well, as Marmalade Kitchen shall demonstrate. Marmalade Kitchen is located at that the relatively…

Look what came out of the occasional visit to the Rustan’s Supermarket’s liquor area: Casa Noble Tequila Tequila, personally, has always been a tricky liquor to deal with, as most of the exposure to this has been in the glorious youthful days where shots after shots are downed with reckless abandon. But something about this Casa Noble Tequila seemed way more different. Might have been the packaging. Now having better knowledge…

Some people have this question: How can one go to Baguio and stay hidden amid the quiet trees while not spending a fortune into country clubs and high star hotels? Well, there is this hidden gem near Mine’s View Park: C Boutique Hotel. It’s very specialized (or personalized if that is the more appropriate word), that it only has about 17 rooms. It’s quaint, and feels almost like visiting someone’s…

Before everything else, credit where credit is due: This is an idea brought about by our good friends at The Pickiest Eater. Dear McDonald’s Philippines: We have discussed with our friends that the most logical product enhancement would be to add BACON to your breakfast muffins. I mean, if you did it to your burgers, surely it makes sense that it should be placed in your McMuffins. You started before…

This has got to be one of the more pleasant finds form the past few weeks. Seeing Earth Kitchen in the White Plains area of Katipunan, you will think that it is a haven for the green loving, meat-repulsive friends of the community that normally go by the name of vegans. I mean, lookat it from outside: Fresh, lush greenery, rustic interiors, not even a slight indication or scent of…

When Magnum ice cream bar came to Manila, it came with one hell of a bang. Controversy followed suit about how can an ice cream bar elicit so much pleasurable raves and unforgettable indulgences. And they kept on coming with new flavors. Now, as if like to make the statement, The Magnum Manila Pleasure Store will open soon in SM Aura, The Magnum Manila Pleasure Store is a global concept…

If it is starting to sound like a hard sell (this is, after all, the second set of raves about Gino’s Pizza. First was for their very first store back in 2012), then we seek forgiveness. But feel sorry for yourselves also if you have not tasted their pizza yet. This is practically as close as it can get to the old style recipes. One bite, and it’s like returning…

AS OF JANUARY 3, 2015, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THIS PLACE HAS CLOSED. Looks like the Mesclun brand is gaining legs and growing. The very first Mesclun branch was actually inside the Linden Suites, established some time late of 2012. Relatively hidden, those who took the effort to get to it though are rewarded with possibly the best sisig-cream pasta in the metro, partnered with comforting flatbreads and a deliciously…