Aci Girl goes Food Hopping at SMDC Properties featuring #SMDCEats

Aci Girl x SMDC Eats

SMDC Properties invited me for a trip that I can't  refuse. No, this post is not about THAT, although it was pretty given that this company plays a big part in the lives of most Filipinos. Raise your hand if you are a frequent mall-goer, a traveler who's up for the bestest staycation, a thrill seeker, an adventurer, or someone who likes to save or better yet invest. Insert this... "We've Got it all for you!" For SMDC really do!

The trip I was talking about is a trip that I bet you food lovers wouldn't like to miss as well... FOOD TRIP!!!

Food Hopping at SMDC Properties 

for the SMDC Eats feature.

First Stop: HongKong Roasting located at MPlace 

Panay Avenue South Triangle Quezon City

Hong Kong Roasting at MPlace 

Peking Duck Php1500.00

Lechon Macau, Anyone?

Will you just look at that?! Trying my best not to drool :P We were greeted by these bunch on display and of course, the Hong Kong Roasting staff, being so polite yet a bit shy served us the best Cucumber Lemonade. I think I had this cucumber drink for more than 10 times already in different restaurants and I am proud to say that their Cucumber Lemonade is the best. It is more like a slushie; it is refreshing and not too sweet, plus the cucumber juice is really there. Delish!

New Product and A Must Try!!! 
Cucumber Lemonade

Lechon Macau, Peking Duck, and  Special Fried Rice

 Peking Duck Whole Php1500.00

Half Php800.00 | 1/4 Php430.00

Lechon Macau Php210.00

Other products also available

The AfterMath, where everyone is busog much! (^.^,)

I really like this restaurant. I thought it'll be a so-so Chinese cuisine but it is not. Actually, I don't like ducks, for most of the time, the meat is malansa. What made me decide to give this a try? The aroma :) It was so inviting and I could not resist. It did not disappoint me, it was delicious and no lansa after taste. The fried rice is super packed with meat and vegetable pa.

Next Stop: Teresita's of San Fernando at Mezza II

located near SM Sta Mesa at Guirayan, Quezon City

Teresita's of San Fernando at Mezza II

This, I am really proud to share here on my blog. Teresita's of  San Fernando. As mentioned a couple of times in my previous posts. My Lolo and Mudra are from Pampanga, from San Fernando to be exact. And we all know the Capampangan Cuisine is world class. Ehem!!! 

It wasn't my first time dining at Teresitas, a few weeks before it opened a branch in Manila (SM Manila) I already given it a try. Ordered the Kare-Kare, Beef Caldereta, and the Best Ever Halo-Halo. And consistent with what the best sellers are, it is still manyaman! | masarap!

Pancit Luglug | Palabok Php90.00

Kare-Kare Php140.00

My Ever Teresita's Fave!!! and The Beef Calereta too!!!

Best Ever Halo-Halo Php90.00 Special Php105

Halo-Halo Php90.00 

Special Halo-Halo with Langka Php105

Other products also available

Last Stop: Manila's Best Coffee at Mezza II 

located near SM Sta Mesa at Guirayan, Quezon City

Manila's Best Coffee at Mezza II

An interesting coffee shop. I honestly thought is like the usual coffee shops I've been. People are coming in and out which gave me an impression that there must be something good in this place. The ambiance is pretty neat and nice, the crowd were mostly students, and a few foreigners and some were working professionals. I actually the thought that the wifi connectivity must be good for the customers to be in that number. But to my surprise, the cafe has no WIFI pa!!! I call that a partida :P If people were going not for wifi it must have been the great coffee, and the amazing food.As a matter of fact, the food really tastes good especially the kakanin.

Cheesecakes

Blueberry Cheesecakes

Assorted Cheesecakes

And yes you've read it right, 

Manila's Best Coffee is serving Kakanin!

Kakanin kayo d'yan!

Karaleto - Karabao Milk in Gelato

Other items for sale

Stay tuned for I'll be featuring SMDC Eats in my Food and Travel Blog www.adventuresofacigirl.com

Aci Girl x SMDC Eats

Thanks so much SMDC for having me.

Till next SMDC Eats Food Trip!

You too can share your SMDC Eats Escapade online, use the official hashtag #SMDCEats

SMDC

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HongKong Roasting | Teresita's of San Fernando  

Manila's Best Coffee

U.S. Pulses Cooking Class in Bangkok, Thailand

Growing up with a Kapampangan Lolo is such a great treat. Kapampangan's in the Philippines are known for their excellent cuisine. Having a father who cooks well too is a super bonus. Every meal at home is special and great tasting. Too bad I was only good at eating. I didn't inherit their cooking skills nor even kept a single recipe. So if I can only attend every cooking class there is, I definitely would so I can cook something nice or at least edible :P

Cooking Class featuring recipes using U.S. Pulses

Thankfully, a cooking class was lined up for us. Actually, I'm very excited about learning more about pulses and incorporating it into every recipe. My husband and I decided to cut down on pork, carbonated drinks, sugars and white rice. We noticed that my eldest son is gaining weight, I myself was not as productive as I was before (I guess it's a sign of aging too :P)Also, having a heart condition, and diabetes runs in our family, I better be safe, ready, and must be super healthy. With this, we were more serious to clean and healthy eating. And getting to knowing Pulses is truly a good start to a healthier 2018.

The Basic Preparations for U.S. Pulses

Cold Soaking | Hot Soaking | Soaking under Pressure

Cold Soaking or commonly known the Traditional Soak

Soaking Ratio 3:1 | 3 part water 1 part U.S. pulses at room temperature. Room temp. is a must because Hot water may cause the beans to taste sour, and cold water slows rehydration taking more time for the beans to cook. *Discard the original soak water.

Hot Soak | Quick Soak

This technique is quicker than traditional soaking. It is for those who are always in a hurry but still liking the classic prep, like most chef's and like my grandma's and grandpaps. Wanting the fastest way possible yet not compromising the quality and taste. For this method, simply cover the bean with water and boil for 2 minutes, cover pot and soak for 1 to 2 hours. *Discard original soak water and wash the U.S. pulses and replace with fresh water before cooking.

Pressure Soaking

The Express Way - This I say is the way I most like and most probably do. This method is so perfect for people like me, who keeps forgetting to prepare something in advance. Just kidding:P But seriously, this process is meant for working professionals who're always on the go and for people without patience. hahaha! again oh so me! So as this method is quickest, here's how: Cover the beans with 7cm of water bring up the pressure and cook for 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let the pressure drop naturally. *Discard the water and wash the U.S. Pulses then voila, you're good to go and proceed with your recipe :)

Watch Chef Norbert here: 
https://youtu.be/aLCB1d9q74o?list=PLUrI9xBBG7OGumjfgapON_LCvHjUQuUJO
https://youtu.be/1DyqAutOtp0

Pulse Cooking Class

with Chef Norbert Ehrbar featuring dishes with U.S. Pulses

at UFM Baking and Cooking School Phrom Phong

Chef Norbert Ehrbar prepared 5 recipes featuring U.S. Pulses.

  

Asian Rice Noodle Bowl

Durian Lentil Meat Balls

Durian Lentil Meat Balls

Mussels and ChickPea Asian Soup

Mussels and ChickPea Asian Soup

U.S. Bean Stew Korean Style

U.S. Bean Smoothie Cooler

U.S. Bean Smoothie Cooler

For the recipes: stay tuned for I'll be updating this post soon.

Lunch Time

After the cooking demonstration is the hands-on cooking workshop. I felt nervous actually :P I don't like cooking much :) But I want to learn. So after a hearty-filling-and U.S. pulses incorporated meal, we're up for the cooking challenge.

Now it's our time to shine in the kitchen :)

Snaps for the Cooking Class

The challenge was we have to create our own recipe with a twist. There is a list of ingredients to use, also a dish name but with no procedure at all. Yikes!!! 

Luckily, our team was assigned with an Asian bean salad dish to prepare. We decided to just recreate what Chef Norbert demonstrated earlier :P 

It was a great experience to be part of the Pulses Cooking Class held in Bangkok 

for The U.S. Pulses Trail in Bangkok.

I learned so much about Pulses and convinced to include it in my family's diet.

You should too!

U.S. Pulses Related Post:
Aci Girl goest to Bangkok for the U.S Pulses Trail
What you need to know about the U.S. Pulses