On our recent trip to the Philippines we stayed in the Makati area of Manila for a few days. Our first hotel pick was the Sofitel. This gorgeous hotel had a few minuses: no wifi in the rooms and a … Continue reading →

In 2009 you got a sneak peek at the goodies one can get at the Galeria Alameda in Cali Colombia. Now it is time for you to get a more detailed idea of the amazing things that are available at … Continue reading →

We stumbled upon Dos Mestizos while looking for an ATM. The two we had tried before were not working, one almost stole our ATM card. It was hot and sweaty and Dos Mestizos acted as a beacon of light. A … Continue reading →

The food in Boracay did not treat me so well the first few days. Had a lot of overly greasy, fried food and even ended up sick. It was a relief and delight to stumble onto great food at the … Continue reading →

I had spent three days with food poisoning in Boracay in the Philippines. On my first day of feeling slightly better we decided to head to Epic where we had had drinks a few days before. Epic Restaurant located in … Continue reading →

One of the most interesting things I tried during my trip to the Philippines was the red salted duck egg. You can get these almost anywhere; from street vendors to high end restaurants. Upon first glance these colorful eggs brought … Continue reading →

If you are thinking that you have spent an awful lot for that dinner date with your girlfriend. Sorry to say, but it is likely that you only spent a fraction of what a truly expensive meal is. There are … Continue reading →

As a result of the deadly earthquake and tsunami that has caused a severe radiation leak from the Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, the Food and Drug Administration has pledged to halt imports of dairy products and produce from the … Continue reading →

According to a report in China’s state news agency, Xinhua, three senior officials in central China have been suspended, and 22 have been arrested in the Henan province on charges of adding the drugs clenbuterol and ractopamine to pig feed … Continue reading →

Perhaps the biggest news that can cause us some level of worry would be the explosion at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant. Despite what officials are saying, that the level of radiation released is at the minimum, there’s still the … Continue reading →

Japan may be an advanced country, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need help. This tragic earthquake and tsunami damaged many parts of their country, and we all should help. After all, this is what makes us human beings. And … Continue reading →

With much of Japan still suffering from the damage caused by an 8.9 magnitude earthquake last week, the situation there has become even more drastic. Food, clothing and medicine are just some of the things that the Japanese need. These … Continue reading →

We’ve seen the news, watching in horrified silence as one of the world’s most advanced countries was rocked by a massive earthquake. What was even worse was the sweeping tsunami that washed away huge parts of a city. It certainly … Continue reading →

SXSW is an event that is sure to open your appetite. I’ve been hungry all day, everyday from the walking, talking and even the listening. Piranha Killer Sushi is in a perfect location, only a block away from the convention … Continue reading →

If anything, coffee is a drink worth your time. Hot or cold, coffee and its various forms bring a certain level of satisfaction to anyone that drinks it. Personally, it’s one of the most delicious beverages known to man, and … Continue reading →

Women are second class citizens around the globe, even in industrialized counties like Japan, where the country ranks near the bottom in the gender equality index. “Japan ranked 91st out of 128 countries in the World Economic Forum’s annuals ranking … Continue reading →

Nice and crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. They come in all flavors, either sprinkled on top or filled inside. That’s how I think of doughnuts, to me, they are the best snack in the world. … Continue reading →

Sun, sand and beaches. Those are the first things that would normally come to mind when we talk about Cuba. But really, have we ever thought of Cuba in terms of cooking. This country is rich in culture, and its … Continue reading →

Monique Goyens, the director general for the European consumer group, BEUC, has warned UK consumers that milk and meat from cloned animals’ offspring could soon be on sale in Britain without any warning labels. Mail Online reports the European Commission … Continue reading →

The prestige of French wine is such that many of its variations have claimed exclusivity when it comes to certain bottles.  For instance; a Champagne must be made in the province of Champagne whereas as a Bordeaux should be made … Continue reading →

McDonald’s is a fast-food chain with a long history of influence. Really, who would have thought that an American company can change the way we look at our fries and burgers these days. And that’s not all, there are plenty … Continue reading →

The Cognac region in France is a map of different grape varieties that will be turned into this pretty elusive brandy.  Similar to champagne, cognac is not a cognac unless the grapes and the process come from this specific portion … Continue reading →

Situated on the island of Hispanola in the clear blue waters of the Caribbean, Haiti’s cuisine is immersed in different cultural influences that are unique to the region.  With its rich history that includes French, Spanish, African and American elements, … Continue reading →

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a consumer advocacy organization that represents citizen’s interests in food, alcohol, health, and the environment, has filed a regulatory petition claiming that the “caramel coloring” used in Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and other … Continue reading →

As far back as I can remember, there are only two dishes that would be perfect for a cold, rainy night: it’s either baked macaroni or chicken sotanghon soup. Chicken sotanghon soup is a surprisingly delicious Filipino dish. It’s also … Continue reading →

Manga is the Japanese version of the American comic books. While the American comics cater to the demands of its younger market, the Japanese manga deals with wider issues. It can be drama, comedy, action, even a simple slice-of-life portrayal … Continue reading →

Whether you call it French or Dutch, it is more of a pot than an oven.  Dutch ovens, as many people prefer to call it, have been among the most important tools in any kitchen.  The flexibility of the Dutch … Continue reading →

For many Filipinos, eating bibingka is part of culture as well as self-indulgence. Whether it’s for breakfast or snack, eating bibingka is sure to be a filling treat. Have a bite of this delicious golden pastry, take a sip of … Continue reading →

Chinese cuisine is widely diverse and spans beyond the normal take-out favorites.  As China’s geographic coverage  span from temperate coastal towns to cold mountainous provinces, there is so much to expect when going on an  adventure in exploring local dishes. … Continue reading →

Egyptian cuisine can be a fascinating adventure. It’s a mix and match of flavors and colors that gives it its unique character. It’s amazing to know just how amazing Egyptian cooking is. Despite what people say, this kind of cuisine … Continue reading →

For those who are not familiar, ukoy is a native Filipino shrimp dish that is known for its flavor, ease of preparation, and adaptability. Personally, it’s a dish that pretty much brings back old childhood memories of lazy afternoons or … Continue reading →

We all know that caviar is the ultimate in luxury food. Some people would say that being able to eat caviar is a sign of being one of the society’s elite, and that you are a person of good taste. … Continue reading →

Ali Darabi, the deputy head of Iran’s state-run television, has banned cooking programs from being aired on state TV that feature recipes for foreign cuisine. “From now on teaching how to cook non-Iranian dishes is banned,” Darabi was quoted as … Continue reading →

Hold off the potato chips and the peanuts — there is a whole world of beer snacks that does not normally make it to the bar chow list. Although beers are famously paired with salty food, the global approaches to … Continue reading →

Okay, we all know how important hot sauces are to enhance the flavor of our cooking. Who could forget that sizzling heat coming out of that grilled piece of steak, or how about that nice, smoking plate of Buffalo wings? … Continue reading →

I don’t know if I’m going to laugh at this or not, but it seems like life can get pretty preposterous. Whether it’s the desire to upstage the other, moment of genius, or plain boredom, I just can’t figure out … Continue reading →

The concept of afternoon tea is not very common in the United States, but different parts of the world have always practiced the significance of having tea in the afternoon or in different times of the day.  Of course, it … Continue reading →

Salt might be the most common ingredient in any kitchen, but do not take this pinch of flavor for granted.  You’ll be surprised that what seems like a lowly lump of flavoring actually comes in different kinds with different effects.  … Continue reading →

Fusion cuisine seems to be all the rage these days, and while we’re at it, let’s take a look at one of the most celebrated chefs that specialize on this – Matsuhisa Nobu. He’s one of the few chefs in … Continue reading →

Iloilo City, a bustling coastal metropolis about an hour away from Manila by plane, has an amazing talent for transformation. It looks just like any city during regular days, but watch it change right before your eyes. The streets take … Continue reading →