Drink of the Week: Pomelo-Mansi Mojito

Pomelo is one of the most popular local fruits. Most people enjoy it by simply eating the fresh fruit, but this new cocktail offers a new way of enjoying the fruit with alcohol. To create this refreshing drink, simply grab a cocktail shaker and muddle 6 mint leaves, two sections of fresh pomelo, and two tablespoons of calamansi concentrate until the pomelo has released its juices. Add an ounce of rum and shake well.Then, pour the mixture into a highball glass filled halfway with ice and top it with some club soda.

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Partyphile Celebrates: Araw ng Davao

This week we are celebrating Davao's Charter Day! Happy Araw ng Davao fellow Davaoenos!!!

Davao Food Guide

Araw ng Davao is one of the best times to visit Davao City. With all the activities lined up by the local government as well as the private sector; the city’s Charter Day is bound to fill a tourist’s itinerary. When one wants to recharge or simply experience the best of Davao cuisine, it is easy to get lost in the flurry of Davao food stops. For that purpose we have come up with a food guide for the visiting foodie.

1.) Paella: This traditional Spanish rice dish is given Davaoeno flair at Tiny Kitchen with their Paella Negra. Served in a traditional paellera (the pan used to make paella which allows even cooking for the rice and other ingredients), this heaping helping of perfectly-cooked rice blackened with Squid Ink topped with Spanish Sausages, Vegetables, Fish, Squid, Shrimp, and Shells fresh from Davao seas makes for a complete meal that excites the palate and leaves you craving for more. Tiny Kitchen is located at F. Torres St corner Mabini St.

2.) Siopao:  Davao serves some of the best Siopao in the country. As an on-the-go snack or as pasalubong, these meat-filled buns give comfort to a hungry tummy. Kuilans and Tevanj offer some of the best Siopao in Davao that is small in size, big in flavour, and oh-so-addictive. For a baked (instead of steamed) take on Siopao, try Bontee Toasted Siopao. Kuilans is located at #36 Lacson St Barrio Obrero Davao City, #55 r. Castillo St Agdao Davao City, #24 Acacia St Juna Subdivision Matina Davao City, and KM 18 48-A Barangay Tibungco Davao City. You may also call them at (082) 2214105. Tevanj is located at Door #3 Tan Building R. Castillo St Agdao Davao City. There are several branches of Bontee, some of the most accessible ones may be found along Legaspi St and along SIR.

3.) Pizza: When craving for a slice of this savoury pie, the must-go pizzeria for the local pizza lover is (and will probably always be) Picobbello Ristorante Italiano. Located at the topmost floor of Gaisano South Citimall along Illustre St, this warm resto provides great ambience. The wafting smell of freshly-baked pizzas draws any passerby in. Picobello serves the classic Pepperoni Pizza, Marinara, Quattro Formaggio, Quattro Stagioni, and the folded pizzas—Calzone. Make sure to drop by Picobello between 2 to 5 in the afternoon where they offer a free pizza for every purchased pie.

4.) Dimsum Diner: If you are craving for fast and fresh Chinese food, you might want to check out the Davaoeno take on delicious dim sum. This local fastfood chain is open 24 hours and serves filling Chinese-inspired dishes with Filipino flair. With an expansive menu of Rice Toppings, Breakfast Sets, Congee Creations, Noodle Offerings, other Chinese-style meat dishes and Dim Sum, and their addictive Bulad (Salted Fish) Fried Rice; this chain is a definite must-try. Dimsum Diner is located at Bajada, Market Basket Damosa, 3^rd Floor Gaisano Mall, Shoppesville  Arcade Guerrero St, Quirino St, Fairlanes Bowling Center F.Torres St, and along McArthur Hi-way.

5.) Aling Foping’s Halo-halo: When craving for a cool treat to beat the heat, Filipinos instinctively think of the Halo-halo. This mixture of crushed ice, milk, preserved fruits and beans, leche flan (custard), ube (purple yam) jam, tapioca balls, gelatine, and a scoop, or two, of ice cream is served best at Aling Foping’s inside Matina Town Square (MTS) along MacArthur Hi-way in Matina. What makes their Halo-halo so special? They use purified water for the ice and shave it twice to create superfine ice shavings. When mixed with milk and other ingredients, it congeals to a consistency not unlike ice cream.

6.) Dinakdakan: If you are looking for some exotic fare, Goat’s Eye (located at Matina Town Square along MacArthur Hiway in Matina) must be your destination. They serve the popular Dinakdakan—an Ilocano dish of pig ears and cheeks, onions, pig’s brain, and some citrus—with a Davaoeno twist. This dish goes well with some beer or as a main dish with rice. Its citrusy kick offset by the creaminess of the sauce and crunch of the pork makes this dish explode in the palate.

7.) Osvaldo’s Cakes: This quaint shop is located inside the Legaspi Suites Compound along Pelayo (formerly Legaspi) St in downtown Davao. Osvaldo’s offers many different cakes, pies, and pastries but their Lemon Pomelo Pie truly stands out. Although Davao City is popular for growing the best Pomelos in the country, the fruit is rarely seen in pastries such as this. With a smooth consistency and a tangy kick, this is definitely the most exciting way to enjoy the Pomelo in Davao.

8.) Maja Blanca: Alright. So Maja Blanca isn’t exactly the most exciting dessert (or snack?) in the Philippines. But Cellar de Oboza, a Neo-Filipino resto at Rizal St corner Ponciano St has made it one of their bestsellers by fusing it with a popular Western dessert: the cheesecake. Their Maja Blanca Cheesecake provides a sensory overload as the creamy smoothness of the cheesecake is contrasted by the grainy texture of the corn. The sweet and salty taste of the whole dessert melds in your mouth. This makes for unforgettable treat that is truly worth the trip. As a bonus, you could also try many of Cellar’s different Neo-Filipino food offerings.

9.) Burgers: It may seem odd for tourists, but Davao City is slowly becoming a hub for local burger brands that are big in size and bigger in flavour. One of the favorites is Al’s & Robz Diner located along Ponciano St near the City Hall that serves American-style burgers that come in huge servings. They also serve really good strawberry milkshakes and a burger that ca feed twelve. For a more European take on the classic burger, De Boerderij may be your best bet. Located along MacArthur Hi-way in Matina, De Boerderij serves up unique burger creations and ups the fun ante with quirky dishes, hilarious menu humour, and a kitschy barnyard interior. Outkaz is the best choice for affordable burgers that come in huge servings. Located along Uyanguren St, this simple canteen is starting to make a name for itself as the new player in the local burger scene. Gino’s Burger is the latest toast-of-the-burger-town in Davao City. They offer crazy variations to the traditional burger which include Taco Burgers, Giant Burgers, Baconmush Burgers, Inferno Burgers, and Stuffed Burgers, all char-broiled to get juicy patties that are perfectly-seasoned. Visit Gno’s Burger at Sobrecarey St Barrio Obrero.

10.) E.Y.’s Tuna Davao: Located at #49 Lacson St Barrio Obrero, this simple joint boasts of the freshest and most budget-friendly seafood fare in Davao City. Only two years old, E.Y.’s has already made a name for one of the best seafood restos in the city. Try their Deep-Fried Crablets, Bihod (Tuna Roe), Sizzling Bagaybay (Tuna Testicles), or grilled Panga (Tuna Jowls). You could also buy Tuna Belly by the gram and have it cooked two ways: grilled, and as a soup.

Six Summer Soiree Suggestions

Six Summer Soiree Suggestions

To celebrate the season of sun, a true partyphile must throw a summer party. There is something about summer parties that inspire the party-lover in everyone. Perhaps, the casual and carefree vibe of the season works well with the idea of partying and enjoying the company of family, friends, and food.

To give you more summer inspiration, here are five summer party tips that are easy to pull off, affordable, and add a festive flair to your summer soiree.

1.)    Pop and Stir. Sparkling water is the perfect base for any summer drink. The fizz of sparkling water refreshes the palette, while the absence of sugar that is common in carbonated drinks keeps thirst away. To create the perfect summer refresher, simply squeeze some fresh citrus juice (Lemon/Lime/Calamansi) into a glass with ice then top it with some sparkling water. Add powdered sugar for some sweetness. Here’s the cute summer suggestion: instead of sticking a stirrer inside the glass, pop a citrus-flavored lollipop instead. This adds color, some sweetness, and novelty to your drink.

2.)    Sand in Hand: Desserts make your summer spread even more special, especially if your dessert-of-choice is kitschy and cute. To create cupcakes that are attention-grabbing and oh-so-summery, all you need are some unfrosted, store-bought cupcakes, store bought icing (or you can make some from scratch), crushed grahams, and some cocktail umbrellas. Add some summer flair to these dollops of cake by frosting them evenly with your frosting. Then, completely cover the frosting with crushed grahams to resemble sand. Finally, top the “sanded” cupcake with the cocktail umbrella, and your dessert is ready to be served.

3.)    Covered Cup: Outdoor parties are perfect for summer. Unfortunately, celebrating in the open also means that you have to come up with creative solutions to keep dirt, bugs, and dust away from your spread. One simple way to add beauty to your table while keeping your drinks bug-free is by using decorative muffin liners. Simply fold your cupcake liners crosswise and cut a slit in the middle of the liner. Then, run this through your straw with the bottom-side up. This could fit most slim highball glasses. Also remember to choose cupcake liners that come in colors to match the theme of your summer party.

4.)    Bandana Bonanza: Most people have a stock of safe and neutral table cloths that work well as a blank canvas for any party theme. One way of adding a quirky pop of color and instant attitude to your table during a summer party is by using several bandanas in lieu of table runners or place mats. All you have to do is arrange your bandanas over the neutral table cloth ad voila! Instant kitsch for your party. You may also use your bandanas to hold some party favors like pieces of candy or nuts by wrapping them up in a bun and securing it with a ribbon. This unexpected touch definitely adds some zing to your summer soiree.

5.)    Summer Spring: One of the easiest ways to add some summer appeal to your table is by creating flowers from cupcake liners and straws. All you have to do is choose two shades/colors of cupcake liners and run them (right side up) through a bendy straw by cutting a slit on the bottom. When done right, this will give the effect of bloomed flowers.

6.)    Gummy Dummy: Summer is all about fun and festive flair. It is also about a carefree attitude that brings us back to our childhood days when we were afforded the luxury of not going to school and enjoying all the sweet treats we want. One way of bringing back those times (while still staying interesting for your current age group) is by adding some alcohol to your favorite childhood snack: gummy bears! All you have to do is simply purchase a pack of gummy bears and pour some vodka over it. Let it rest for at least twenty-four hours and serve them chilled during your next summer party. What you get is pieces of reconstituted gummy bears that have grown in size while acting like a sponge and sucking up all the alcoholic goodness of vodka. This unique dessert/snack/cocktail is the perfect treat for a hot summer day.

Catch Confessions of a Partyphile (the radio show) on 105.9 Mix FM every Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9. For comments, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile, log on to http://party.i.ph or follow the columnist on twitter.com/zhaun

margarita mania

There are a lot of reasons to throw house parties these days. First, since there is an increase in crimes within the city, it is probably a lot safer to throw parties at your home and have your friends sleepover as well. Second, the weather is very unpredictable, so staying indoors is a huge advantage. Third, we just celebrated Margarita Day last week (February 22) which should make for the perfect excuse to throw a margarita party in your home. How do you do that? Simply prepare some of your favorite finger food, turn up the music, and serve that gorgeously citrusy cocktail for all your friends to enjoy. Here are some of the best margarita recipes:

 

1.)    The Classic Margarita: The Classic Margarita is unlike the Margaritas we commonly enjoy in this country. Instead of resembling a slush, this one is served in a Margarita glass, in a slush. It is a simply combination of Tequila and some citrus flavours and is quite refreshing; perfect for the approach of the Season of Sun. Here is how you make the classic Margarita:

a.       In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice cubes, combine 1.5 ounces of good quality Tequila, .5 ounces of Triple Sec (a triple-distilled Orange spirit), and 4 ounces of fresh lime juice or limeade. Shake the ingredients until cooled and combined and serve in a Margarita glass lined on the rim with salt.

2.)    The Frozen Blue Margarita: This cocktail is probably the most commonly served type of Margarita in this country. With the basic ingredients of a regular Margarita and some Blue Curacao, this cocktail has tickled many palettes throughout the years making it even more popular than the original Margarita. Here is how you make this show-stopping cocktail:

a.       In a blender combine 3 ounces of good quality Tequila, 2 ounces of Lime Juice, and 1 ounce of Blue Curacao Syrup. Also add ½ cup crushed ice or more, depending on how strong you want the drink to be. Blend the cocktail in the highest setting of the blender, and pour it over margarita glasses with sugar on the rim

3.)    The Chocolate Margarita is a curious drink. It has some Tequila, a lot of chocolate, but also a kick of citrus to break the monotony. If you want to serve this unique cocktail during your next house party, here is how you make it:

a.       In a shaker combine 1.5 ounces of Tequila, 1 ounce of Godiva Chocolate Liquor or any other Chocolate Liquor brand, 1 ounce milk, 1 teaspoon chocolate syrup, 2 ounces orange juice and some ice cubes. Strain over a Margarita glass with one ice cubes. You may also line the rim of the Margarita glass with some cocoa powder.

For comments, suggestions, and more confessions from his partyphile log on to http://party.i.phor follow the columnist on twitter.com/zhaun. You may also listen to Confessions of a Partyphile n the radio every Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 PM.

Drink of the Week: The Classic Margarita

The classic margarita is one of the most refreshing drinks in the bar list. Here is how you can make your own Margarita at home:


In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice combine:


1.5 ounces of Tequila
.5 ounces of Triple Sec
4 ounces of Lime Juice


shake the cocktail shaker until all the ingredients are cooled and combined. Serve in a Margarita glass with sugar or salt in the rim.