Authors
Cafe Andessa
by Trix Deseo
posted on Thursday November 5, 2009 in Food, Travel
"Kuripot kasi mga taga-Davao," Sue Ann Orig-Samson remarked, laughing, after seeing the surprise in my face while reviewing Cafe Andessa's menu. Only two items exceeded 200 Pesos -- one of them is Crispy Buntot ng Tuna (Davao's specialty), inexpensively priced at P250, flat.
Corner Tree Cafe
by Trix Deseo
posted on Thursday October 22, 2009 in Food
In my line of work ('paid hobby,' my friends correct me), days come when I get to eat an entire ecosystem. No kidding. As a matter of fact, just last week, I recall eating: two types of beef, chicken cooked in three ways (grilled, roasted, and baked), pork hamonado, pork dinuguan, chicharon, burger, pizza, shrimps, crabs, tuna, dory, salmon, leche flan, black forest cake, and salad - all in one day!
Kanin Club In Quezon City
by Trix Deseo
posted on Thursday October 15, 2009 in Food
I have finally eaten Crispy Dinuguan!
Ninyo Fusion Cuisine
by Trix Deseo
posted on Tuesday September 22, 2009 in Food
A fragile-looking dish was brought out of the kitchen. The waiter, who must've went through the task of carrying the platter countless times already, still was heedful of his every step towards our table. How could one go hurriedly while carrying a plate of four golf ball sized croquettes with wafer-like swirls sticking out on top? The croquettes lying variably on what looked like a brittle grass of green shoestring potatoes sure made it even harder.
Gigi's Custaroons
by Trix Deseo
posted on Monday September 14, 2009 in Food
It's probably not the first time that you've heard of a kitchen-accident-turned-pretty-good kind of story. But it's probably the first time you'll be reading about Gigi Gaerlan and her kitchen mishap. Trust me, hers is more than "pretty good."
Agave Mexican Cantina
by Trix Deseo
posted on Wednesday September 2, 2009 in Food
I'll admit. If not for my knowledge of Agave Mexican Cantina's promo for Bottomless Margarita (ooh la la!) for only P295, I wouldn't have thought of dragging my friends along to its newest branch at SM North Edsa's Sky Garden.
Caprichosa Sparty
by Trix Deseo
posted on Thursday August 13, 2009 in Services, Activities
Almost everybody loves to party. But to throw one? Now, that's a different story. Unless you've done it countless of times that you don't mind any more or you just were born to thrive in the events management industry, throwing a party can be quite tedious for most people. No, make that real tedious-- no wonder we've seen the familiar pre-party brouhaha in movies countless of times. You know, brides fighting over venues, bad food spoiling the evening, missing emcees, music gone wrong, strangers crashing the place, and all sorts of things that make the party organizer dead tired after the hysterical day.
Machiavelli Chocolatier
by Trix Deseo
posted on Thursday August 6, 2009 in Food
When you're already on top of your game in the corporate world, already living in where most people reckon as the greener pasture, and already earning more than what's needed to make ends meet, would you come home to the Philippines?
Zenses Neo-Shanghai Cuisine
by Trix Deseo
posted on Thursday July 23, 2009 in Food
Our mothers told us when we were little not to play with our food. It's either he wasn't told that or he just didn't listen, for Chef Johann Santos made a profession by toying with food. His playground? Zenses Neo-Shanghai Cuisine found in A. Venue Mall along Makati Avenue.
Stackers Burger Cafe
by Trix Deseo
posted on Thursday July 16, 2009 in Food
Burgers and coffee are as compatible as Batman and er, Stevie Wonder. No offense to the great singing legend (and you, too Mr. Wayne), but I just couldn't think of some pair else as awkward that tandem. So when I learned of Stackers Burger Cafe recently put up in Eastwood, I immediately tagged along a friend to find out what exactly a "burger cafe" is and how well (or unwell) burgers and coffee mingle under one roof.
Sutukil: Mactan's Pride
by Trix Deseo
posted on Wednesday July 8, 2009 in Food, Travel
On April 27, some 488 years ago, Mactan may have looked like what would make a foreigner's legs turn into jell-o. That is, if Antonio Pigafetta's account of the Battle of Mactan holds accurate. As one of those who remained in the boat and survived the struggle, he related how more than a thousand natives (the number is historically doubted) gamely and savagely welcomed forty-nine of Magellan's men who were in the shores of Mactan to kill their resentful datu Lapu-Lapu. The end of this tale, as we all Filipinos have learned in our elementary Kasaysayan class, is Magellan's fatal defeat and Lapu-Lapu's acquiring of the title "First Filipino Hero."
Where Teas Are High and Wines Take Flight
by Trix Deseo
posted on Friday July 3, 2009 in Food
Where can your 300 Pesos take you? A lot of places, actually. But I'm betting InterContinental Manila isn't included in your list.
Pino Restobar
by Trix Deseo
posted on Friday June 26, 2009 in Food
"I haven't met someone who didn't like that. Did you like it?" Chef Ed Bugia asked. My mouth, which is full, fascinated, and clearly busy at that moment, jabbered something that sounded like 'YEERRSH! Sschupeer! Mmm!' out of sheer excitement. I hope he excused my forgetting of manners.
Cebu Tips and Tricks
by Trix Deseo
posted on Friday June 26, 2009 in Shopping, Food, Travel, Activities
With airfares plummeting to an all time low, getting around the Philippines has never been easier. With a little patience (and luck, perhaps) in promo scouring, a long weekend, extra moolah to spare, and Dora the Explorer's sense of adventure, you're ready to jet set and travel within the country.
More Eats and Treats at Mrs. Fields Cookie Cafe
by Trix Deseo
posted on Friday June 19, 2009 in Food
Mother's Day and Valentine's Day easily rank as two of the busiest days of the year for those concerned in the food business. That may be true for most restaurants but it could not be any truer than how it is in the well-loved mommy place, Mrs. Fields.
CnT Lechon: The Taste of Cebuano
by Trix Deseo
posted on Friday June 12, 2009 in Food, Travel
It's June 12 kababayan! Save yourself one good day ahead and for once, steer your head clear of the ruddy bickering and chaos of Philippine politics. Now that there's a reason to be extra nationalistic, why not think of all the good things you absolutely adore about the Philippines? I, for one, can tell you loads on why I am proud to be a Pinoy and topping my long why-I-love-being-a-Filipino list is one sentiment I'm sure a lot of fellow Pinoys share with me: I love how Filipino food is arguably the best in the world.
Wicked Kitchen
by Trix Deseo
posted on Friday June 5, 2009 in Food
It only took a picture of this to set me off from Makati to the faraway land of Mother Ignacia, Quezon City.
Illusion Lens
by Trix Deseo
posted on Monday May 18, 2009 in Shopping
You'd never find me running around with a gargantuan camera dangling from my neck. Heck, I don't even own a professional DSLR. And yep, none of those jazzy lenses, either.
Bucharest
by Trix Deseo
posted on Wednesday May 13, 2009 in Food
Quick question: Where on Earth is Bucharest? One big hooray for those who know where it is; triple hooray if you didn't use Google! But for those who haven't got the slightest clue, Bucharest is the capital city of Romania. I know, I had to Google it, too before figuring it out. Hey, I'm way over high school Geography, so I'm excused, right?
Bistro Mateo
by Trix Deseo
posted on Friday May 8, 2009 in Food
Yesterday's weather report told me that summer is officially over. The all-day ashen Thursday sky, my once again broken umbrella, and the flooded streets of the metro, rubbed in that bad news to my unwilling summer-loving self further. Bitterly, I bid summer goodbye.
Aquaknox Restaurant
by Trix Deseo
posted on Friday May 1, 2009 in Food
A couple of weeks ago, a dear friend informed me of this new restaurant along Arnaiz Ave. (a.k.a. Pasay Road). “Aquaknox. It's Vietnamese,” she eagerly said. “Oh... really?” I responded passively- not even bothering to lift my gaze from the magazine I was reading. If she mentioned Italian, Med or Filipino restau (my favorites), I knew I would note it in an instant, then later on click my way to its profile. But it's.... well, Vietnamese. Hence, dedma. Obviously, I'm not really a fan.
Camp Out At EDSA Shang!
by Trix Deseo
posted on Friday April 17, 2009 in Events, Places, Promos, Activities
I fondly remember the first camp I attended as a kid. It wasn't in a jungle as I visualized and hoped it to be. Clad in our green and yellow uniform, my co-scouts and I stayed inside the school grounds for two days. During that camp, we bonded, played, and basically did all the things we could only dream about during a regular school day. Though the camp wasn't held in the mountains, or at least somewhere outdoors, the thought that for a day I'd stay in school, tend for myself, and roast marshmallows in an actual bonfire was already good enough for me.
Latitude
by Trix Deseo
posted on Wednesday April 15, 2009 in Food
I found myself one afternoon trying out Latitude's buffet. It may not be grandest nor the cheapest, but as they say, good things can come even from small packages.
Isabelo Garden Restaurant
by Trix Deseo
posted on Monday April 13, 2009 in Food
“Are you sure this is it?” I asked Bea then I scratched my head. We were still inside the car and in front of us was an unadorned silver gate. A plain old silver gate. No sign. No picture. No arrows. No nothing. Half of me felt lost. The other half was pretty sure that we were in the exact spot the star in the map locates. That half was hopeful. After all, Marikina is a long way from our office and retreating is not an option.
Hossein's Persian Kebab
by Trix Deseo
posted on Wednesday March 18, 2009 in Food
“How come it's only now that you're featuring me?” That question came from Hossein Sohrabi, the verbose and moustached owner of the Serendra restaurant we were in at that moment. Together with that sentence was an honest but nevertheless happy surprise expressed by his pleasant face.
The Old Spaghetti House
by Trix Deseo
posted on Monday February 16, 2009 in Food
With 22 branches metro-wide, chances are you have already bumped into one. And with prices fitting perfectly in the affordable bracket (read:P100-P250), it is also likely that you have tried a dish or two.
Murray and D'vine
by Trix Deseo
posted on Wednesday February 11, 2009 in Food
While strolling along Serendra, a resto tarpaulin caught my attention. When you're constantly in search for new and unique establishments to feature, you are likely to develop more stringent qualifications over time. Also, it usually takes more than marketing paraphernalia to make you stop at that new place you've seen and consider it feature worthy. That particular tarp however, was difficult to snob. Written boldly all over it are the following: ostrich burgers, tuna burgers, sea bass burgers, wagyu burgers, and a couple more of unlikely meat burgers. Their tagline "Burgers, sliders, and damn good wine!" convinced me even more to check out the place. Ostrich burger is odd enough, but to pair it up with wine? That's even weirder!
Eat Well!
by Trix Deseo
posted on Wednesday January 21, 2009 in Food
You come home and you find your house furniture out of their usual places. You tune in to the daily news and find some geomancer announcing his predictions. You open the refrigerator and find a stack of tikoy boxes piling up. Then, you realize that your mom somehow weirdly and suddenly became addicted to green colored apparel. You've guessed it right. It's again the time of the year to blurt out 'Kung Hei Fat Choi!' and don your lucky color. A few days from now, Chinese and non-Chinese alike will welcome the Year of the Ox.
Heavenly Chocolates
by Trix Deseo
posted on Wednesday December 31, 2008 in Food
"Welcome to heaven!" was what chocolatier Benjamin Pedro greeted me with during a visit to the unassuming (and kind of obscure) Heavenly Chocolates chocolate bar on Roces Street perpendicular to Tomas Morato, Quezon City.
Beehive Cookie Factory
by Trix Deseo
posted on Tuesday December 16, 2008 in Food, Shops
What would you do if a family friend gives you a boxful of peaches which by some miracle seems to never get empty even after consuming it religiously for breakfast, lunch and dinner for days? Give them away? Likely. But Abbey Weston did otherwise, thus, the birth of the Beehive Cookie Factory.
Budget Friendly Gifts For Christmas
by Trix Deseo
posted on Wednesday December 10, 2008 in Shopping, Shops
It is Kris Kringle time this week and the next, and it is likely that a whole lot of you still are in limbo in search of those perfect presents for your kabarkadas, monitos, and monitas. Sure there are a lot of choices nowadays but don't you think everyone's had enough of the yearly staple 'calendar-candle-towel' giveaways? Here then is a list we've compiled on cute and budget-friendly finds which your recipient and wallet would thank you for.
Christmas Gifts For Kids
by Trix Deseo
posted on Friday December 5, 2008 in Shopping, Shops
It's again the season for gift giving and of course, the gifts for our little kids whom we adore most top our shopping lists. For those who still have no idea what to give to their children, little siblings, inaanaks and pamangkins this hoilday season, here are a few toys that caught my eye while doing my Christmas shopping at Toy Kingdom.
Tita Lynn's Flavored Suman
by Trix Deseo
posted on Friday November 28, 2008 in Food
Since Christmas is fast approaching, we here in ClickTheCity are working on good-for-holiday features in time for the upcoming festive season. And as we speak of the holidays, it is impossible to miss out on the food that we plan, prepare, and (of course!) devour as we celebrate this time of the year.
Focaccia
by Trix Deseo
posted on Tuesday November 18, 2008 in Food
If you're like me who simply loves Italian cuisine (and loves it even more if priced inexpensively!), I don't see any reason why you would not fancy Focaccia in A.Venue Mall.
Simple Shoes
by Trix Deseo
posted on Monday November 3, 2008 in Style, Wearables, Shops
What will you get when you combine used rubber tires, used plastic bottles, hemp, bamboo linings, inner tubings, and crepe?
The G Spa
by Trix Deseo
posted on Tuesday October 28, 2008 in Health & Beauty
Since the influx of spas in every available corner of the metro, each with their own variations of names, sizes, packages, and gimmicks it is relatively easy to find them nowadays. But finding a spa which aside from relieving you of the physical hassles of the city, provides you with mind and soul relaxation? Now that's a challenge!
Angelati Italia
by Trix Deseo
posted on Tuesday October 21, 2008 in Food
A little over a year ago, ClickTheCity featured the tandem of the Dee sisters and their business venture Angelati Italia. back then, one could 'have a taste of heaven in every scoop' of their uniquely concocted gelati either by dialing up for a delivery, or by dining in selected restos where they are made available. And now, finally, the heavenly goodness of Angelati Italia gelatos have found its new home in a little kiosk in SM Megamall.
Peri Peri Grill House
by Trix Deseo
posted on Friday October 3, 2008 in Food
Two weeks ago, I was invited to the launch of the overhauled Portuguese-style chicken house “Peri Peri” in Promenade, Greenhills. Now known as Peri Peri Grill House, the renovated resto presently sports a 'polished-casual' look but still is as comfy as the Peri Peri we've come to love over the years.
Yaku Japanese Grill
by Trix Deseo
posted on Thursday September 25, 2008 in Food
Consider yourself lucky if you can afford to indulge on quality lunches and dinners everyday. In my case, splurging can be done once in a while, but shelling out at least 500 pesos for a good meal every single day is highly impossible. Still, there are two things I simply couldn't forgo even during the strictest of my budget-scrimping days: quality food and good ambiance.
The White Hat
by Trix Deseo
posted on Thursday September 18, 2008 in Food
We Filipinos have an unquestionably strong appetite for sweet food. Our inclination to favoring everything and anything saccharine is made evident by our love of the home-style sweet pinoy-style spaghetti and our all-time favorite sugar-based desserts like halo- halo and leche flan. As someone who has an irrefutable liking in eating sweet dishes and desserts, there is no question that if I were to choose between yogurt and ice cream, I would pick the latter. But after tasting The White Hat yogurt, I may now have to think a little harder as to what to prefer.
Wanna Know A Secret?
by Trix Deseo
posted on Monday September 8, 2008 in Food
The past year has been a witness to the almost simultaneous opening of three Secret Recipe branches in The Fort, Shangri-la and Robinson's Manila. Even after only a year of operation, the said franchise has been able to gain patronage and make its way to the top of the most recommended restaurants in the metro. After a friend mentioned to me that I've got to taste their cheesecakes as she is convinced that they are the best in town, she needed no further explaining. If they have the supposedly best cheesecakes in town, I knew Secret Recipe is one resto I shouldn't and wouldn't wanna miss. I got in touch with Secret Recipe owner Jennifer Tan and she was more that grateful to welcome me and my friends and explain to us what really is the Secret Recipe.
Seven Corners
by Trix Deseo
posted on Monday September 1, 2008 in Food
That sinful saccharine smell sure won't be missed as one takes the first step into this resto found at the second floor of Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila. A few steps further would reveal a display counter showcasing an array of desserts: chocolate praline, crème brûlée, cheesecake slices, tiramisu, blueberry muffins, and a whole lot more of those sort, neatly arranged row by row, exhibiting the perfect picture of a sweet tooth's dream come true.
Roti Mum
by Trix Deseo
posted on Thursday August 28, 2008 in Food
While idly walking during your lazy-stroll-in-the-mall-days, you suddenly get a whiff of something which smells insanely mouthwatering. You immediately stop and search for the culprit. The nearby stalls don't pass as suspects, so you go on tracing the smell. After passing a couple of stores, you finally track it down. Past the glass windows, a tray with what looks like dozens of huge light brown buns, is being removed from the oven by a food attendant. He then places the tray-load of buns on top of a steel table and cools them off by fanning, diffusing further the enchanting aroma. Seeing the steam emanate from the pores and cracks of the bun and smelling that buttery mocha scent causes a sensory overload. In no time, you find your teeth breaking past that crispy coffee cream layer and finally sinking into that cottony-soft bread. Congratulations. You just had your first bite of Roti Mum coffee bun.
Meat-All-You-Can
by Trix Deseo
posted on Friday August 22, 2008 in Food
I cannot any more recount how many from my friends and family have persuaded me to try the vegetarian lifestyle. Some of them persuade me to do it for the animals, the others say it's for my health and the scales. Having several pro-greens close to me is not anymore a wonder as more and more people are now taking time to be conscious of their health especially with the occurrence of numerous health-threats; to this cause, I do not disagree. But for two reasons, I cannot give up meat. One: I love it. Two: I really love it.
The Ice Cream Bar
by Trix Deseo
posted on Friday July 25, 2008 in Food
A place where you can have all the flavors and colors of ice cream imaginable...
Uno Pizzeria
by Trix Deseo
posted on Thursday July 17, 2008 in Food
It's a bar. It's a resto. It's for dates. It's for parties. It's American. It's Italian. It's Pinoy. It's Oriental.
100: Dying Is A Busy Time
by Trix Deseo
posted on Tuesday July 15, 2008 in Festivals, Indie Films
100 follows a woman with a terminal illness in the last three months of her life as she fulfills one hundred tasks in order for her to live life to the fullest. The tasks mostly are practical and closures but expands to spiritual after informing the ones dearest to her. Her life then becomes fuller even if it's bound to be short lived.
Namets!
by Trix Deseo
posted on Friday July 11, 2008 in Festivals, Indie Films
A cockfighting bet causes Jacko to lose his Italian restaurant 'Puccini' to the moneylender Boss Dolpo, who then hires the free spirited and stubborn Cassie as the food consultant to give the restaurant a makeover. Romance buds between Jacko and Cassie, who despite the differences are bonded by their common love for food.
'Fake It So You Make It'
by Trix Deseo
posted on Wednesday July 9, 2008 in Festivals, Indie Films
"Booming" is an understatement when used to describe the industry. In the past years, we all have witnessed how from an underground business, call centers rose up the ranks as today's top employers. Occupying more than a half of the job postings in local newspapers and promising very competitive salaries, call centers have definitely reshaped the employment sphere in the Philippines.
Artina Gallery Cafe
by Trix Deseo
posted on Friday July 4, 2008 in Food
As the old adage goes, “Art is the food for the soul.” If this is the case, then dining in this newly established resto cum gallery in Makati, wouldn't gratify only its customers' stomachs, but their souls as well.
Joel Ruiz On A Roll
by Trix Deseo
posted on Thursday July 3, 2008 in Festivals, Indie Films
Story inspirations could practically come from anywhere. In direk Joel Ruiz's case, it came from an elevator.
Panggaris?
by Trix Deseo
posted on Tuesday July 1, 2008 in Festivals, Indie Films
This isn't the first time filmmaker Dexter Cayanes was asked that question.
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'Life is Taft!'
by Trix Deseo
posted on Friday June 27, 2008 in Food
It has been a month or two since I left school. Hailing from La Salle, Taft Avenue has been and will always be home for me. The daily dose of pollution from this busy street I had to endure for more than three years is nothing compared to the fond memories and friendships that have been formed there.
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Jugo Juice
by Trix Deseo
posted on Friday June 20, 2008 in Food
In this fast paced world, 24 hours is barely enough to squeeze everything in. Since I live far from my office, I should already be leaving for work by 6:30 unless I want to be trapped in congested streets once rush hour strikes. And for me to be out on the road that early, I do sometimes skip breakfast at home and just promise my hungry tummy that I would spare a few minutes to grab some fast food on the way to work. Lunch times aren't any different. With an hour break, there's just no time at all to get a home-cooked meal. Waiting for my turn to get served in the comfort food resto nearby is a waste of my precious minutes. So most of the time, I am left with no other option but fast food: calories, cholesterol, sugar, flavorings, and everything else unhealthy, neatly packed in a handy dandy bag.
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Tokyo Café
by Trix Deseo
posted on Wednesday June 11, 2008 in Food
Strolling around SM Mall of Asia for hours is bound to make one hungry... with that size of a mall, who wouldn't be? A good thing about hanging out in a commercial area as huge as MOA is that there's a myriad of choices where you can whet your appetite. In one of those mall-strolling days, if you happen to pass by the Main Mall, you will be greeted by a very colorful and mouth-watering food display against white modern-looking interiors. And if you were as hungry as I was during one of those trips to the mall, the warmly-lit restaurant is something my stomach would willingly try out.
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