Bread Talk and Toast Box Opens At SM Aura Premier!

It's been a while since I've been able to go to SM Aura Premiere. The last time was when I had to cover Sarah Jessica Parker who opened the mall. Since then, there have been more stores and restaurants giving what consumers want from this establishment. Then now comes something even better. I've been to several branches of Bread Talk and Toast Box, I always get my favorites and concentrate on Hot Chix, Floss, French or Kaya Toast if the occasion needs it. But there's definitely more things in these stores that I haven't even tried yet, and as they say in my town... it's time!

It was a momentous occasion and this store definitely had something special. First of all, it's the only one that I've seen that has got 2 brands in one location. There were Executives, VIP guests and celebrities that evening. They have also unveiled the BIGGEST FLOSS I've ever seen! This one had 4ft of awesome goodness which is found in all Pork Floss breads from Bread Talk. 

Then we witnessed the store's blessing. Taguig's very own Mayor Lani Cayetano was there too. I met the Managers and this was one thing I found out about them, they were really eager to ask about how their products fare. I looked around the store to check out what they had to offer, plus we had a glimpse of the new things that were still not released to the public. But before that, here's some of the nicest things I've found in the store. I'll let you see the interiors too!

Buddha Bar Means Business: Lunch That Is!

I've been to Buddha Bar in Makati a couple of times now and it's nothing but absolute poshness in one place and I can't believe there's such a thing in the Philippines. From it's impeccable interiors and grandioso bar, couches, private rooms and dining tables.. it's something that I always want to be in every time I'm within the district. Nothing can match this place when it comes to food too and I've had a glimpse of that during business lunch a couple of days ago. I had to have my favorites too because this is heaven... just take a look at this!

I had the signature Buddha Bar Iced Tea first because they know this is my favorite... did you know this one is served around the world? Buddha Bar has restaurants in Paris, Dubai, Monte Carlo, Keiv and this one in Manila... everything in it is pre approved by management in Paris so you are sure you're only getting the best if you are in Buddha Bar.

I was here specifically for this, to try out the BUSINESS LUNCH which they are offering now. Judging from the menu, it was all special and I couldn't wait to see the soups and main course which kinda tickled my fancy.

Executive Chef Soc Santos even appeared to take care of logistics and explained the menu. She took time telling us how this is the perfect marriage of Asian flavors and French flare. It triggers emotions, it can make you fall in love. This is a business lunch but it definitely brought more than just that.

Case in point:

This is Mushroom Cappuccino. It was a warm afternoon but it was cold inside Buddha Bar, it was just the right amount of warmth I was expecting to have for lunch. The foam made the soup quite light. The soup itself had bits of mushroom and because of it, it had a very earthy flavor all throughout. Dark, thick, but must be taken hot so you can appreciate how it is just as Chef Soc wants you to experience it. 

This one is the Salad Mesclun with Tropical Fruits. Fresh, a combination of crunchy veggies, leafy greens and sweet fruits and drizzled with light oil based dressing and balsamic vinegar. I wanted this whole bowl on my own but you can definitely have this shared. Pretty basic looking but this is a hit with me.

Take a look at this.... the Butterflied Salmon Fillet. It's slowly caramelized the Salmon meat while on the grill then served with a side of Teppanyaki Sauce placed on a bed of Asian Cream Pasta and a few pieces o snow peas. This is so comforting. Do I really need to convince you to order this one? LOL

This is my favorite among those that were served that afternoon. This is the Chinese Style Chicken. This is also said to be the owner's favorite. I couldn't blame him why. It's juicy, crunchy and had good flavor. The noodles that came with it, was superb! I don't eat noodles on regular occasions but this one was AWESOME I even had to have more!

There's no iconic snack than old Fish and Chips in the UK and what better way to present something western but putting in your own Asian touch with the fish in the center and a serving of spuds on the side cut up au naturelle. I love the combination and it was served so piping hot I felt like I was in the British district. A splash of lemon on the crunchy batter oh don't get me started. Loved it!

Tempura Wok Fried Vegetables had all the crunch and all the nutritious treats you want in one plate. Healthy, not that oily and very filling without the guilt. It's something I'd like my lady to have if on a date. I guess if she's not a steak person this is definitely worth it!

The Erik Santos Collection

I've seen Erik Santos twice. I was't able to talk to him that much as the press was there. An intimate one a few days ago transpired so I really jumped the chance to actually get to know him. He's one of the greatest singers in the country and I've sung one or more of his songs in the shower which I'm sure is the same for almost every guy who loves ballads. Women get swept off their feet at the mere first line when he sings, and he's done so many theme songs that really set the mood for some of the most successful telenovelas and seryes in primetime. He got the best of these songs and had it remastered then put into one album. He then released it into the market as "The Erik Santos Collection" and it boasts the best of the best songs you've ever heard from him. It's got 30 tracks but only costs Php 250.00 on your favorite record bars. They made an extra effort making this affordable because as Erik laments, it's intended as a payback to his fans who has been with him all these years. 

His smile lights up the room. Even when he's a little under the weather he still made it a point to talk with us because he knows how important it is to connect with people. I find him very nice, funny and very genuine. He was pretty happy that the mood was relaxed so even if we were asking personal questions, he didn't mind answering it. He was like talking amongst friends.

It's his 10th year in the business but he says he wanted to still achieve so many things. But he remains very humble. Asking why, he said it was because of his family and his fans. Without them taking their time watching his concerts, and buying his albums he wouldn't be motivated to sing. 

He remembers the time that when he was loveless and it was Valentines day, he woke up with lots of petals and flowers on his sheets.. and all over his room. When he came downstairs he saw his fans surprising him that day, and he finds value in this. He says, they don't even know some of them but they did that out of love. That's the same reason why he did this album, he sees the need to pay back to them. They are so nice to him that's why he's treating them the same way. It's a very good gesture. 

Did you know that his guilty pleasure is watches and shoes? He's got tons of them and he appreciates that over going out and having sleepless nights. He doesn't go out that much because he needs to take care of his voice. He also wants to spend time with family than doing vices like drinking or smoking. He's been brought up pretty good and he owes that from his parents. When asked what he wants because it seems that he's already got it all... he answered one thing... LOVE LIFE. And he feels he's in the right age to marry, he is dating and all but he wants to find the ONE. He's not getting any younger he adds.

 

His album already released in music stores nationwide. Grab a copy and see the best songs he's sung in the 10 years that he's been in the business. Watch out also for the concert that will culminate his decade happening later this year. Thank you so much to Star Records for letting us talk to Erik Santos, we've seen him in a different light. Make sure you support him all the way and watch out for a new album soon. For the mean time, please get the "The Erik Santos Collection". You'll surely be mesmerized once again and remember how we laughed, cried and seen these shows all over again! Congratulations Erik! You truly deserve your success!

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Filipino Food, This Good : Zarzuela

I've been in this place and it does deserve a second visit. The food is excellent, classy and most of all... very Filipino. There might be some who serve these dishes in their restaurant but really, I find the ones they make almost very artisanal. They play the best regional dishes in the Philippines and later on, you'll find out that you're in a gustatory adventure of your own. Case in point:

 

Cowboy Sisig - chopped crunchy bits of pork skin settled in a bed of onions, garlic, chili and spices. Mix it up and just provide a cup or two of hot rice then it's perfect. Take it home, bring it up with your friends to supply with beer and it's a nice day!

Lychee and Calamansi Shake - Perhaps our colorful culture just weeded out some of the best drinks in town. This sweet Lychee shake can really get you in the mood for a cold break on a hot day. My favorite Calamansi Shake might be simple but its tangy flavor would really cut through oil on food. It's so refreshing, I wanted seconds.

Fountain of Youth - Something so sinful yet totally worth it. In all angles, these strips of pork belly dredged in flour and fried perfectly to a crisp is just lovely. You definitely MUST order this.

Adobo - Hearty, feels home cooked meal should always come with favorites like these. It's not too salty, it's not too shabby. Simple yet very good.

Caldereta - Who in the right mind wouldn't love soft beef chunks smothered in tomato based sauce, liver base, chili, olives and more spices. I love this with rice but I should suggest this to be a little more spicy. I love it hot.

Sa Pula Sa Puti - You can choose with these two colors and see either white or crispy golden brown adobo done both ways. This is my Dad's favorite and I'm sure to bring this home the next time I dine.

Smoked Sardine Efuven - A staple in my home province of Negros and Iloilo this egg noodle based dish is plated spectacularly to the enjoyment of new diners who would like a different take on their pansit. It's smoky, and the combination is quite good. Mom usually cooks this for me for breakfast but it's something that you can have all day. Thanks to Zarzuela my province is represented well.

Pinangat - One of the most acclaimed dishes in Bicol where one needs not to travel for 4 hours just to get a taste of it. Everyone would have a field day as this dish represents the region quite well with its soft gabi leaves, and coconut milk. It's Bicol in a plate.

Crab and Shrimp Relleno - You see a tiny piece of your future here. When you get to bite the soft patty it just breaks down and releases the flavorful meat coming from the sea. Choose to dip it into the dab of hollandaise sauce and it's a complete umami experience waiting to happen. I highly recommend this!

Chorizo Rice - Seal it all off with a pairing with this bowl of rice that's even good on it's own. If you don't like boring white rice, go ahead and get this to the delight of your friends and family. Whatever it takes, whenever, it's but right to treat yourself to good comfort food and it starts with this!

Don't just stand there, go ahead and give them a visit. They are located at the new East Wing of the Shangrila Mall in Mandaluyong City. Bring your folks, bring your friends... make it into something bigger because you deserve Filipino Food This Good! That's Zarzuela!