Frannywanny

There's a new kid in town and we were all so excited to give it a try. Meet Alta by Relik . It's located in Santolan Town Plaza -- a new retail development by the Rockwell Group. While the mall itself is still slowly being filled, Alta by Relik  is located at the outer portion fronting the main road and is right across Starbucks Coffee. I can imagine this place being the newest hangout destination of people in the neighborhood.  During the recent holiday, Paul and I met up with our friends Abet, Joan , Jaz and Eric as well as our kids for lunch to catch-up with one another as it has been a while since we last saw each other. It's so sweet that they all agreed to come to our side of town to check out this new restaurant. Luckily, we got there when the restaurant wasn't that filled allowing the kids to have a lot of space to play around. I honestly never considered this aspect before. However, motherhood has made me more careful in choosing where I take my twins...

I'll never forget having one of the best meals in Manila right before relocating to Singapore some four years ago. It was at Mesclun Cafe at Linden Suites where I fell deeply in love with Chef Katrina Kuhn-Alcantara's Ulang Thermidor and Sisig Spaghetti . In fact, I've been a fan of Chef Katrina's cooking from her Cuillere days followed by her amazing sandwiches at Chuck's Deli . Everything that comes out from her kitchen never fails to leave me in such a dreamy, happy state. So, when I got an invite to visit Aruga Cafe by Mesclun at the Rockwell Center, I made sure not to miss it! This time, Chef Katrina and her team leads the full operation of the hotel's in-house F&B establishment and she has prepared a varied menu for breakfast and for lunch and dinner too. Dining here should definitely be part of the to-do list of all hotel guests. It would definitely be a waste to not dine here and enjoy Chef Katrina's mouthwatering dishes. Our lunch be...

For the past 4 years, I’ve kept this growing list of restaurants that I’d love to try whenever I get to fly home to Manila. Of course, given that I am only home for a very short period of time and our schedules are normally filled to the brim with errands, family meals and reunions, more often than not, I only get to cross out an average of 5 restaurants during every visit and this is definitely not enough to keep up with the never-ending growth of new restaurants opening in the metro alone. CDP Global Table at the Powerplant Mall has been part of my list since my first year here in the Lion City. Thankfully, I finally got to cross it out from my list last December when I met up with my best friends T and E for our annual Christmas gathering. With everyone’s tight schedules, we agreed to meet up exactly a day before Christmas Eve. Talk about cutting it real close! T was able to make reservations, which I think was a good move given how packed the restaurant was that night. This ...

Happy Easter, my dear readers!!! Today, we will be heading to church to attend the Easter Sunday Mass and later on will also be having lunch with the entire family. Next to Christmas, this is probably the next big religious holiday where families get together and spend time with each other. For those with kids, they're most likely headed to any of the major hotels and shopping malls to take part of the fun Easter activities lined up. I know for a fact that my niece Julia will surely enjoy this day as she just loves joining Easter Egg Hunts! She's barely 5 years old and yet she has become an expert in searching for those eggs and always ends up with lots of yummy candies which were inserted inside.  Speaking of candies, let me share with you one ambition that I have. A few years ago, I really wanted to be a lolliologist . Not that I wanted for it to be my main profession, but I'm really interested to learn how to mold and create rock candies. Well, it's not too l...

Just about the same time two years ago, Paul and I went to the US for a quick R&R. During the said trip to   California, we were able to try a restaurant called Umami Burger and believe me, they just got to have the best burgers in town (or at least from those that we were able to taste) . The flavor was just so intensely good that it left me in such a happy state days and months after. Just like the word umami  which is Japanese for  perfectly flavorful , Umami's burger was exactly that. It had all the right flavors that would make you want to close your eyes and savor one bite after the other. Here in Manila, there's a new restaurant at The Grove by Rockwell Land that shares a similar name -- Umami Hambaagu House is what it's called. The Grove is the up and coming premier property located right across Tiendesitas. At present, Starbucks Coffee has opened a branch there as well as Sunrise Buckets too. Expect more restaurants to follow suit in the coming mon...

On my last day at work, I decided that I will do away with the tearful goodbyes and heartbreaking hugs by leaving...as subtly as possible. Don't get me wrong, I love Summit Media and most especially the talented people that's part of it but I really do not want and can't stand sad goodbyes. Thus, after a two-hour morning meeting with the bosses, I excitedly invited my team for what could possibly be our last lunch out together...at the moment. We initially couldn't decide where to go so I took matters into my own hands (literally!) and drove the team to Rockwell Center . Once there, we played a little eenie-mini-miney-moe and chose the restaurant that could offer us a good parking space (hehe!) . Finally, we went for Apartment 1B ! Hooray! I've dined at the Salcedo Village branch before and loved it! It has been years since and I thought it would be nice to go back and to visit their One Rockwell branch this time. We got there during lunch time and were prett...

There are just some things that I don't think I'll ever get tired of eating... ever -- nachos, cheese, pasta, sushi and buffalo wings. These are my comfort food of choice that I just love to indulge on after a crazy day at work. While there are a lot of restaurants that specializes in buffalo wings, only a few has really made the cut and in my book, this includes Sunrise Buckets . I've previously mentioned how I first learned about and was able to try Sunrise Buckets up until the time wherein they finally opened their first store in Madison Square which prompted Paul and I to pay them a visit a few months after. Fast forward to 2012, we were invited to their second branch at Rockwell's newest development in Pasig called The Grove . It's located right across Tiendesitas and is along C5. hmm.. a bucket for my sister? Together with friends Richard and Irene , we got to The Grove ready to chow down buckets after buckets of Buffalo Wings! Since there were four ...

...and the fun never stops!! After celebrating my birthday with The Club, my high school best friend and my family, I went back to work the day after my birthday leave and scheduled to have lunch with my closest colleagues. They let me decide where lunch will be held and after finally choosing between 2 to 3 restaurants, I finally went for Cantinetta which was located outside the Powerplant Mall. The reason for choosing this restaurant? 1) I am craving for pasta and truffles 2) I love Italian food 3) I haven't had a full meal at Cantinetta ever (the last time was when I just had a bowl of Gelato). Thus, Cantinetta was our lunch destination that day. My colleague I was the first to arrived and she was given a basket of warm bread and two types of spreads. At the same time, she went ahead and got a plate of Spinaci e Funghi (Php. 300) for us to share. I love the bread and the delicious Chicken Liver Pate . I enjoy having this topped with some sweet salsa on top. D...

I've been a blogger for almost ten years already. While this blog was just created four years ago, I have been busy documenting my everyday college life in my first ever personal blog which unfortunately has been kept hidden to the public eye since Frannywanny.com was born. For ten years now, blogging has been my best stress reliever. I enjoy jotting down my thoughts and sharing my experiences to the world. Aside from writing and maintaining my blog, I also enjoy visiting sites of fellow bloggers most especially that of food bloggers . The links you see in my sidebar are some of my favorite blogs which I frequent on a daily basis. Yes, like you I get excited whenever I learn about a new restaurant discovery or a new grocery item that I would also like to try. I'm thankful that majority of the owners of these blogs that I follow have eventually became really good friends of mine. I always look forward to dining out with them as we get to experience a new restaurant together...

My family has been a long time loyal patron of Buon Giorno Tagaytay . Every trip to Tagaytay would not be complete without two things: a meal at Josephine's and lunch at Buon Giorno . Yes, that's how loyal my family can get. For as long as we love the food and we find the price reasonable, expect us to be back regularly. After lunch at Buon Giorno my parents love to spend more time around the area as we enjoy the cool breeze and the beautiful sight of the Taal Volcano. Once in a while, my mom would crave for something Italian and to her dismay not a single Italian restaurant here in Manila could satisfy her craving as much as Buon Giorno could. Her request is simple: fresh ingredients, balanced flavor, top quality meat. Our favorite is the Smoked Salmon with Mango Dill Sauce and their Risotto. We were so happy when Buon Giorno opened their first branch in Metro Manila along Shaw Boulevard. Sadly though, the ambiance there just doesn't match with that of their Tagaytay br...

Lu has this certain comfort feel that each diner gets in every visit. My friend T even considers Lu to be her second home. Aside from the fact that she's friends with the owners of Lu, the servers themselves already know her favorite dishes and would immediately know what to serve for dessert. My first visit was during the WaterPlus launch where we were treated to a healthy four-course dinner that has kept me gushing how delicious everything was even days after. Dinner began with Courgette Flower Crisp with Roasted Bacon and Basil Birch . While the name may sound a bit intimidating and confusing, simply put, it is deep fried Zucchini Blossoms placed on top of crispy bacon and served with a shot glass of miso soup-like sauce. It gives a very Japanese feel to the meal which Paul and I love. Up next was some Caramelized Grilled Pork and Rice Noodle Salad . From the Japanese-inspired starter, we had a Vietnamese feel with the refreshing cold noodles topped with sweet gri...

After years of indulging in the best tasting dishes and enjoying dinner outs , 2010 is the year to be healthy and to take on a more active lifestyle. This is the main reason why I immediately said yes to an invite to try the latest exercise workout called Barre3 . This was brought in by its Managing Director Tanya Tan after spending 5 years in the USA and loving the combination of yoga, ballet and pilates. So, I went straight to The Spa at the Bonifacio Highstreet after work yesterday. Entering the building, I was greeted with the soothing sound of water that immediately made me feel relax and a bit sleepy. The strong minty scent makes me want to go up to the second floor to avail of a massage treatment. Then, I had to stop myself as my main goal was to try Barre3 and to torment my body who hasn't worked out for quite a while. Entering the Barre3 studio, I was greeted by Tanya Tan herself who happens to be my sister's batch mate in high school. After exchanging his, hellos...

Let me share with you my latest discovery! While shopping at the Rockwell Moonlit Bazaar last month, I chanced upon a booth selling packs of grains and dried herbs. Looking at it closely, the package says Mushroom Risotto . Hmm.. interesting. I turned the package and read the step-by-step procedure, looks pretty easy to do. I couldn't resist and bought myself a pack to try. Finally, a couple of weeks after Christmas, I decided to try this interesting instant Mushroom Risotto and see if it can definitely satisfy one's sudden gourmet Italian craving. Cooking this is simple -- I simply just boiled 5 cups of water and added everything into the pot. After the liquid has been reduced to half, I turned down the heat a bit and continued stirring until I got the right consistency. Within minutes, I can smell the mushroom and herbs! Mmmm To make it extra yummy, I sprinkled some Parmesan cheese before serving. The verdict: It surely was a hit with my family particularly with my sister! ...

After a hearty lunch yesterday, my friends and I decided to get something sweet as a perfect way to end a wonderful meal. While not forgetting to take the healthier alternative, we made a unanimous decision to head to Lulu belle for some yogurt treat. I had a hard time deciding whether I should go for the same cup of strawberry yogurt that I had before or perhaps try the green tea which they're quickly gaining popularity for. Then my eyes shifted further down in their menu and finally, I know what I'm getting. A tall cup of Strawberry Smoothie (Php. 120) that consists of a natural yogurt base mixed with a scoop of FIC Strawberry Ice Cream. It's healthy and yummy at the same time. It somehow reminds of the mouthwatering milkshake that I've tasted last year with a hint of sourness from the yogurt. I think I found my Lulu Belle favorite! I'll definitely be back for more s moooo thie! Lulu Belle is located at the 3rd floor of the Power Plant Mall (Playground Section...

While I love trying out new restaurants on a regular basis, I also seek comfort in places where I know I can always get good food and wonderful service. Such is the case for Pepper Lunch . It can be seen how much I love the place from the numerous times that I've blogged about it here , here and here . It's funny because no matter how often I visit, it always takes a while for me to decide on my order simply because everything looks so good. I always have a hard time deciding whether I should order something new or get any one of those that I love. Over lunch today, I tried a combination of something that I have already tried before and something new. No, I didn't order a feast for myself but instead got the Unagi & Salmon Set (Php. 538). I'm not really sure if this is available for a limited time only, nonetheless I'm glad I was finally able to try it. Served on the same sizzling plate, I was also given a saucer filled with sweet Unagi sauce which I generousl...

Back in 1990, I had my first trip to Singapore. I guess you can call it love at first step when I immediately fell truly madly in-love with this fellow ASEAN country near the equator. It could probably be because of its clean and green-friendly environment (no trash, no vendors!) , the honesty of the people (this was back in 1990s..have to update this info soon) and the food. It was the best 2 week vacation then as we went around the different tourist sites, shopped till we dropped (the exchange rate was still low back then) , met up with old family friends and lastly tried out the different possible combinations among the following: roast chicken/duck/pork + rice/hofan/noodles. Every meal is truly exciting as we happily mixed and matched our meat with its perfect carbo pair. Since then, I knew that Singapore is the place I want to be in forever . It has been a while since I've been to Singapore. Times have changed and there were quite a number of new attractions available like th...