AMANO : Creations by the Hand

Passion. This is one thing that I believe that will keep you going no matter what.

Take blogging for instance. I've been a blogger for almost eight years now. The first 6 years of my blogging life was centered on a personal site where I poured my heart and mind out into every single word that I wrote. It served as a documentary of my life as a college student and further on as I began to enter the corporate world. Eventually, I became less dramatic and realized that I want to talk about something that I'm totally passionate about -- Food and Travel.

Thus, Frannywanny was born.

As a blogger, I seek excitement in being able to share my day-to-day adventures with everyone. My heart skips a beat every single time I receive a new message from you, my dear readers. At times, someone would come up to me and ask where do I get the determination to blog regularly and I would simply say that blogging is my form of stress release. This is my way of unwinding after a busy day at work.

What's in a Name?

Last Sunday, Paul and I were invited to a food tasting session at Amano, a new Filipino bistro bar located along Tomas Morato. We entered the stylish looking restaurant and I immediately liked the minimalist feel of the place. Clean white walls with teal green accents, it speaks about being hip, modern and totally different from a traditional Filipino restaurant.

While waiting for the actual tasting to start, we had the privilege to chat with Amano's General Manager, Kelzo del Rosario, who eagerly shared with us the story behind the name Amano. As they where brainstorming on what to call their new restaurant, the owners all agreed that they want something distinctively Filipino but with an little touch of creativity. Finally, digging deeper into the Filipino culture, they chose the word Mano, which is an act of giving respect to elders and is actually a very typical local characteristic. Kelzo then thought of adding an A before the word Mano and with that, Amano was born. Wanting to make sure that they stay true to their first objective, a little research showed them that the word Amano actually meant by the hand in Spanish. Which matches the hand-crafted creations of the restaurant.

Let the tasting begin!

Amano focuses on dishes from the Southern Luzon region. Expect to delight your taste buds with specialties from Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Bicol and even from Palawan. It's just like going on a food trip without leaving your seat.

Our first dish was a Pandesal Trio Spread that consists of homemade Peanut Butter, Spicy Sardines and Coco Jam. This is perfect for breakfast together with a steaming mug of Batangas coffee. There's really nothing new about the three spreads but I guess it is just unusual to find this being served in a restaurant as an appetizer.

The second dish was my personal favorite. I love Monggo and I love Amano's version of the Cavite Monggo Soup that was cooked with vinegar and olive oil. It was served with chicharon, dried shrimp and fried bihon which gives the soup a crunchy texture. This is a perfect dish to enjoy on a rainy evening.

Another favorite was the Calamansi Sorbet with Fruit Caviars. One thing that you'll notice with Amano is the creativity present in all dishes be it from the name or on how the food is being presented. Served as an Intermezzo, this is a smooth cleansing break of Calamansi (local lime) sorbet and two shot glasses of mango and melon caviars. It's a very unique creation and a very colorful one too!

After the intermezzo, came the fiery Bicol Express served with Pineapple chutney and rice. I am not a fan of anything spicy but I couldn't help but take a couple of bite as I was Paul enjoy his own plate of Bicol Express. True enough, I felt the hot spicy sensation as it slowly crept down my throat but I'm glad to have the Pineapple chutney which helped neutralized the chili. Believe it or not, I will definitely be back for this dish.

During our short chat, Chef Kenzo told me to save some space for dessert because the Amano Halo Halo is something he's truly proud of. I kept my promise and I was delighted to see a beautiful colorful creation served in front of me. Unlike the typical Halo Halo which is served in a tall glass, Amano have theirs enclosed in a frozen buko juice shell. I enjoyed digging into the milky leche flan, the sweet and chewy nata de coco and smooth ube halaya. They also served syrup at the side which I forgot to add because the halo halo was perfect as it was.

As dinner came to an end, the lights began to dim and the restaurant was transformed into a chic bar where one can unwind and enjoy the rest of the evening with friends.

While they are still experiencing a few pre-opening pains, Amano is a place that has a lot of potential given the passion that each one in the team has for it. In time, Amano will definitely be in full swing and be sure to drop by to experience it all for yourself.

Amano Bistro Bar is located along Tomas Morato front Mang Inasal and beside 7-11. Contact them at 232-7784.

Thursday Club series: Ice Age 3 (Dawn of the Dinosaurs)

Our favorite Ice Age friends are back in the wide screen and this time, they're in 3D!

Unfortunately, Didi and Chris couldn't make it this week but this didn't stop me, Paul and Jane from meeting up in Trinoma as they launch the newest Digital 3D Cinema.

As we entered the cinema, we were given a pair of plastic glasses which we all have to wear to see the special effects on screen. At first, I found wearing the glasses a bit uncomfortable because of my bad eyesight and the fact that the glasses was too big for my face that it kept on sliding down every so often.

Trinoma's Digital 3D Cinema technology aims to create a whole new experience of movie viewing by providing bright, vivid visuals combined with crisp, clear surround sound that brings your senses to a different level whether you're seated upfront or at the very back of the theater.

And they're back!!

The movie was short but it was a good one. Watch as Manny and Ellie await the birth of their cute baby mammoth, laugh as Sid creates his own "family" by nabbing three huge dinosaur eggs which was later discovered by the real Dino mom, and join Diego as he tried to leave the group to search for his own pack -- will this be goodbye for Diego? Hold on, then who's Buck? A new friend, who's a one-eyed weasel who fears no one...

I won't divulge any more details about this light, animated film to give you more reasons to head over to Trinoma with your family and enjoy ICE AGE 3 in 3D!

Afternoon Bite

My friend Miren is truly talented. I met her a couple years back when we were both selling in this certain female forum. I was selling cheesecakes while she was the reigning brownie queen. From time to time, we would buy from each other, talk about modern-day barter. Since then, our friendship grew and though we rarely get to see each other, she'll always be one of those sweet friends I'm so glad to have.

One Friday morning, a dainty-looking red box greeted me as I was about to leave for work. On top of the box is a short note from my friend Miren. What a sweet surprise! I grab a couple for work to share with my colleagues. This generated a lot of raves and inquiries to which I happily supplied them with more info about Miren's Dessert Express.

Back home, we continued to enjoy the Gooey Revel Bar (Php. 180/box of 8) which is definitely a lip-smacking concoction of an oatmeal cookie base with lots of melted chocolate which is so good, my sister would end up licking her fork clean.

For my mom, who prefers a more creamy, sophisticated bite, she enjoyed the Chocolate Creamcheese Squares (Php. 195/box of 8) which has a mixture of cream cheese with Miren's famous chocolate brownie.

Aside from these two treats, do try her Coffee Frosted Brownie which is a yummy combination of chocolate-y brownie topped with sweet coffee frosting. This is my numero uno choice as I love anything with coffee. Miren's fans also rave about her cupcakes which is hit in birthday parties and weddings.

Check out her online store at: Dessert Express by Miren. You may also call her at 524-0778 / 0922-8000974 / 0926-6215226.

Thank You

Guess what surprised me early this evening that simply completed my day...

a special gift from one of my favorite bloggers
Thank you so much, Franco. It was an honor to be able to write for Table for Three Please and I'd love to do it again..and again...and again :)

Coffee in my Jelly, Jelly in my Coffee!

I'll let you in on a secret...Something exciting is happening in TWO DAYS!

Here's a clue: it's silky smooth and sweet and you'll surely get addicted to it.

Beginning July 2, Starbucks Coffee will be launching a line of cold drinks highlighting the new and velvety smooth Dark Roast Coffee Jelly.

Take a sip and you'll feel as if you're in coffee heaven as you enjoy the rich, creamy coffee blend together with the soft and velvety jelly gently gliding down your throat.

This new line-up includes the Dark Roast Coffee Jelly Frappuccino, the Iced Vanilla Dark Roast Coffee Jelly Caffe Latte and my personal favorite, the Caramel Dark Roast Coffee Jelly Frappuccino.

Coffee Pairings

Of course, your coffee experience would not be complete without enjoying any of these delectable sweet and savory treats! Everything was so good that I actually forgot to take some photos. Thanks to the Starbucks Coffee team for supplying us with beautiful shots of their new items.

Have a sweet tooth? Indulge to your heart's content in the Very Berry Cheesecake. It's home-baked style cheesecake topped with cranberries, blueberries and raspberries. It's a feel good dessert which is perfect while camping away from the rain.

Meanwhile, my dear fiance who's an ultimate chocoholic, loved the Chocolate Marshmallow Cake which have layers of melt-in-your-mouth devil's chocolate cake and chocolate chip fudge filling covered in caramelized marshmallow icing. The icing is so light that it takes away the guilt after eating an entire slice.

For savory goodness, I personally liked the Farmhouse Cheese Quiche, which my former colleague Celine claims to be semi-Vegetarian. Every bite is truly delightful as I enjoyed the smooth, velvety texture of the egg mixed with fresh vegetables and lots of cheese.

Another favorite was the Spanish Sausage and Egg Wrap. Craving for something spicy and meaty? You'll definitely enjoy this one as it consists of tender pork sausage, onions, tomatoes and seasoned with Spanish spices. I'm looking forward to having this for one of my lunch at the office.

Other upcoming food items are the Chicken Parmesan on Turkish Pide Bread and the Zucchini Carrot and Honey Raisin Loaf.

Truly, the Green Siren continues to amaze us with its delicious and mouthwatering selections. Two more days to go!!!

This promotion will run from July 2 - September 14, 2009.


Starbucks Coffee has a total of 156 branches nationwide.

The Country's Bestselling Home Magazine turns SIX!!!

Don't your just loveeeee our beautiful cover?
Beginning this July, Real Living has added more pages to give you additional home tips, more real home features and loads of tidbits for the kitchen too!

Check it out as yours truly joined the editorial team during the birthday shoot! (hahaha!)

Grab a copy now! :)

Xie Xie....Salamat.... Danke.... THANK YOU

Just the best way to end a great week! :)

After a year and 9 months of existence, Frannywanny.com has finally reached its 60k mark! wahoooo!!

click to enlarge

Thank you readers :) *hugs*

Lechon Lunch

I got a treat for lunch today :)

Normally, lunch at work would consist of a sandwich and a piece of banana. This is part of my ongoing campaign to eat healthy. Well, I took a break today.

Joining a couple of colleagues as we made a trip to Quezon City to try a certain restaurant, a big brown signage caught my eye the moment we arrived at the venue, Sabroso: Incredibly flavourful lechon , it read. In an instant, I recognized the restaurant as as this has been mentioned a couple of times by my good friend Jane.

Who can ever say no to lechon..most especially one so crispy and mouthwatering?

Standing outside the restaurant, we unanimously decided to give it a try and to have lechon as an appetizer. Since we didn't want to fill our stomachs up right away, we ordered a one-fourth kilo (Php. 140) of crispy lechon to share.

Service was quick, it took them less then five minutes to bring the platter of lechon to our table. We surveyed the crispy, shiny lechon skin that covered up the rest of the tender-looking pork meat platter.

It was the first time that I actually had lechon as an appetizer and without an occasion. Since lechon, a local roasted suckling pig dish, is a main staple in celebrations such as birthdays, family reunions even Christmas parties, I'm glad that Sabroso offers smaller servings for those who just wants to satisfy their sudden lechon cravings.

I can't wait to go back soon and hopefully be able to try their Lechonero Meal which is a great deal at Php 120. This meal includes a good serving of lechon, fragrant rice, soup and lemongrass iced tea.

I'll definitely be back, Sabroso!

Sabroso is located along E.Rodriguez ave. corner Tomas Morato. They deliver for free within San Juan, QC and New Manila. Call them at 515-8259 or 515-8253.