Frannywanny

We all have our own cravings. From that decadent, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cake, to that rich, creamy milkshake or a bag of potato chips. Whatever it is, I believe that we crave for the things we love. In my case it's normally a favorite dish from a restaurant that I wasn't able to visit for some time. The funny thing here is that my cravings change every month. Thus, if Magnolia used to have their Flavors of the Month, I would simply call these my Cravings of the Month . From the start of July, my mind and stomach have been daydreaming of this huge platter of fresh spinach and lettuce salad, topped with caramelized nuts, a lone soft boiled egg sitting happily on top and is lightly drizzled with vinaigette dressing. Being reminded of Popeye, this dish is called Eat your Spinach and is only found at a restaurant called Kitchen . It's hard not to get addicted to this salad as it's simple yet is full of character. I love biting into the crunchy greens mixed with the s...

Happy Fourth of July!!! Excited for an All-American celebration, my colleagues and I took up the courage and trooped all the way to Makati's red-light district for this one-of-a-kind dining experience at Filling Station . Although the dining area begins at the second floor, the All-American feel starts right at the moment you step inside. Walls lined with movie memorabilias, old Coke collectibles (to the great delight of my Coke-loving friend Z) and a vintage phone that actually works! Going up, we're greeted by a life-size statue of no less than the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. As we were led to our table, I simply had to resist the urge to go trigger-happy with the number of cool displays and more life-size statues of Superman, Flash and even Wonderwoman! Just like an American diner, booths lined the sides of the restaurants instead of having tables and chairs scattered all over the place. Two billiard tables were placed at the center and more at an enclosed area fo...

A night involving a huge pizza + three different kinds of pastas complimented with the company of really good friends... these are the things that make life really sweet! Of course, a night out with fellow foodies / bloggers would mean exploring a new restaurant that hopefully would make it to our list of favorites. Tonight, our choice was Abbondanza Pizzeria Ristorante . A casual Italian restaurant located very near my alma mater in Pearl Drive, Pasig. Upon entering the restaurant, I immediately likened it with Amici at Don Bosco with its fuss-free interiors, simple-yet-durable metal chairs and long family-style tables. What made Abbondanza different though was the personalized service of Mrs. Ginn Lee , the jolly petite owner who frequently visited our table initially to suggest their house specialties and later to ask how we find their dishes. We had fun chatting with Mrs. Ginn who told us that the head chef actually came from Amici thus the close similarity between the two restau...

Being a 90s/early 2000 kid, I have been a witness to a dozen food fads that have came and went just as fast as a speeding race car. There's the mini donuts that even if it's swimming in oil, it tastes so good and so addicting that we can hardly resist buying a bag whenever we're out shopping in Glorietta. There's also Ice Monster that was the cause of my tonsilitis after I've had a month-long craving of Strawberry Ice alternating with Corn Ice. Lastly, who can ever forget Zagu that offered Fruity flavored shakes with that sweet, yummy black sago that at some point were said to be hazardous to our health? Snacking has always been a fun activity with these choices around. Thanks to the growing consciousness of healthy eating, restaurants and food companies have began to take notice in making sure that they offer dishes and drinks that are not only delicioso but are also, in fact, good for you. My sister and I grew up in a family who appreciates tea as much as the wo...

Barely two weeks ago, I, together with a handful of bloggers were invited to Italianni's to learn about their newest campaign called Extra Surprises. I was so excited and impressed by it that I immediately wrote about to it spread the good news to everyone . Today, I went out with my grandparents and have decided to treat them to dinner using the gift certificates that I have received from the event. My grandpa loves Italianni's and I figured out that it would be a perfect post-birthday treat for him. We ordered the Seafood Risotto , Chicken Marsala and the Pork Chop Au Poivre . I was so excited to see the look on their faces when our extra dish would be served. Knowing that we ordered three main course dishes, I was kinda hoping that we'd either be treated to an extra appetizer or perhaps a cold salad or probably a sweet dessert to end our meal. I have also tipped our friendly server that it's my Grandpa's birthday knowing that they normally prepare something spec...

Dear readers and friends, Forgive me for not immediately posting my follow up entry that I've promised two days ago. This is because, I was busy enjoying my Pops Cup that Nestle Ice Cream has surprised us with after the launch last Thursday that I totally lost track that it has been days since my last update. I can't believe how good this new innovative ice cream snack is. It's really fun to just pop this tiny chocolate-y wonder into my mouth without worrying about making a HUGE mess which I always end up having after enjoying my ice cream. No sticky drippings, no trails left for those pesky ants and best of all, it's so small it's almost guilt-free! Yahoooo! The taste is very similar to that of a Pinipig crunch minus the pinipig coating of couse. Indeed, I had a short Ratatouille moment when I had my first bite. My sister adores the cute little red container that is really handy and perfect to be brought anywhere. I wonder if I can bring this to work as my litt...

Tonight was a COOL (or rather...a deliciously freezing) night! Together with my always-game mom, sister and boyfriend, we went to the Nestle Creamery to attend the first ever blogger's event sponsored by Nestle Ice Cream ! There was just so much excitement going on beginning from the friendly Nestle team, the servers and of course my fellow bloggers who were just as excited as I am as we were guessing what will happen in the next few hours. Luckily, we didn't have to wait and wonder too long as Gel, the jolly representative from Nestle, began the program by welcoming us and immediately announcing that dinner is finally ready. Yipee! I was starting to hear my stomach growl :P As we were lining up, I surveyed the buffet table and allowed my eyes to feast on the huge platters of cheezy lasagna, asian salad, grilled japanese beef, chicken lollies, and a lot more! It was a very colorful spread which is actually perfect for a fun kiddie party! Half way through dinner though, Gel rem...