Anthony Burdain declared it as the best lechon (roasted pig) in the world and thus started my quest for letting my out of town guests try it.
When Anthony tried Zubuchon's lechon, it was actually in their commissary (where you can order to go for events). The Zubuchon restaurants later popped up all around the Cebu Metro after Anthony's show was aired worldwide. So don't expect the lechon in the restaurant, which is already chopped up (half kilo had no ribs in it) to be as good as what Burdain ate. Anyhow, my guests loved the Zubuchon lechon at the One Mange branch, while I feasted on their bangus.
One thing that perplexed me though was that they ran out of a lot of things from calamansi for my juice to even bottled water even though the grocery was close by. Geez, they need to hire another purchaser and take a closer look at their inventory.
When Anthony tried Zubuchon's lechon, it was actually in their commissary (where you can order to go for events). The Zubuchon restaurants later popped up all around the Cebu Metro after Anthony's show was aired worldwide. So don't expect the lechon in the restaurant, which is already chopped up (half kilo had no ribs in it) to be as good as what Burdain ate. Anyhow, my guests loved the Zubuchon lechon at the One Mange branch, while I feasted on their bangus.
One thing that perplexed me though was that they ran out of a lot of things from calamansi for my juice to even bottled water even though the grocery was close by. Geez, they need to hire another purchaser and take a closer look at their inventory.
salted egg, lapulapu and tomatoes appetizer |
Took my outa town guest to Chestnut St thinking We could easily get in at Tacolicious at 3pm. But alas I was wrong o we ended up next door at Pacific Catch. I was also sad to know that there 50% off deal on Scoutmob ended the day before so we had to pay full price. The menu is typical to Cal fusion with hints of Asian style dishes (Japanese to be specific). Not a bad late afternoon meal.
Fish and chips |
ahi tuna in brown rice bowl |
The infamous kido, Gabe, you see running around DeLise just turned 2 years old! Pardon him if he is a little bit too loud at times breaking the soothing atmosphere of the cafe. Terrible 2, indeed.
Gabe offered his guests macaroni salad, gluten/butter/dairy-free pumpkin soup, pizza from next door neighbor Ayadi, chips, crackers and of course vanilla birthday cake made by his pastry chef parents.
Gabe offered his guests macaroni salad, gluten/butter/dairy-free pumpkin soup, pizza from next door neighbor Ayadi, chips, crackers and of course vanilla birthday cake made by his pastry chef parents.
I have plenty of leftover garlic bulbs which will be hanging out for a few weeks in my kitchen while I'm away so I decided to make something out of it- roasted garlic! woohoo. Pungent, anti-oxidant and good for the cold weather to fight away the flu (I didn't get my flu shot this year). You can simply eat it as is, make it into soup, roasted garlic sauce or really whatever you fancy. This bulb ended up into roasted garlic soup.
It is the weekend thus time to drink and be merry. Two weekends before my favorite holiday of the year!!
If Peru has the Pisco Sour (and of course the addictive coca tea), Brazil has the Caipirinha, the national cocktail, made up mostly of cachaca (or you can also choose to use vodka). Reminds me of a very strong mojito.
The best lime Caipirinha I had was actually in one of the kilo restaurants/buffet in the quiet town of Iguassu- goes to show that living in the slower-paced province has its perks. Meticulously squeezed and grounded fresh lime is the trick of the trade.
To get educated on the different types of Cachaca, head over to Rio's Academia da Cachaca (pronounced as ka-sha-sa), which also lands on one of the Top 10 places to drink in Rio. Warning: don't be fooled by the small shot glass - it is deadly!
If Peru has the Pisco Sour (and of course the addictive coca tea), Brazil has the Caipirinha, the national cocktail, made up mostly of cachaca (or you can also choose to use vodka). Reminds me of a very strong mojito.
Pisco Sour of Peru |
The best lime Caipirinha I had was actually in one of the kilo restaurants/buffet in the quiet town of Iguassu- goes to show that living in the slower-paced province has its perks. Meticulously squeezed and grounded fresh lime is the trick of the trade.
Caipirinha |
To get educated on the different types of Cachaca, head over to Rio's Academia da Cachaca (pronounced as ka-sha-sa), which also lands on one of the Top 10 places to drink in Rio. Warning: don't be fooled by the small shot glass - it is deadly!
Getting educated on Cachaca |
I took the shortcut to North Beach up and down the hill of the
Coit Tower and found myself hungry and sweaty by the end of my hike. It
dawned upon me that Nico's Tacos was having a 50% deal on scoutmob so
off I go. After a few extra blocks, I finally got my hands on a baja
fish brown rice bowl with a side of chips and salsa. Total damage
=$5.87. Thanks scoutmob for the awesome deal!
Another Leblon spot spotted by yours truly after a few clicks on the net. Of course, there are many juice bars- Bibi I heard is one of the best and most popular but we didn't get to go. First on my recommendation as best lunch spot in Rio is Juice Co. Yes, they specialize in different juices and also offer delightful lunch meals. For me, I ordered a delicious tuna burger with foie gras and cassava chips. One can't go wrong with foie gras! Good thing seafood is abundant in Rio.
my tuna burger |
nice kettle pot for olive oil/aciete |
my friend's fish and risotto |
We finally got lucky with our impromptu restaurants picks and ended up
walking in to dine in the top 1 restaurant of Rio de Janeiro. Zuka
actually reminds me of the numerous Californian fusion restos in San Francisco from its high ceiling, dark wood ambiance to its seafood selections.
Good thing the owner/manager was there that night to translate for us,
especially since ordering the infamous agua quente (hot water in Portugese) was a major major challenge.
Dessert comes first.
Entrada: squid with risotto for my friend |
fish with mushroom rice for my other friend |
Seared tuna for me |
I didn't realized that the hostel we booked was actually on the same street, Rua dias Ferreira, of many popular restaurants and bars so we had no problems trying to hunt down for food. Thus watch out for Best of Rio series for bars, lunch spots and juice bars.