McDonald’s Ray Croc’s Birthday

It’s the birthday of the man who built the McDonald’s empire.

Ray Kroc was born on this day in Oak Park, Illinois (1902). He dropped out of high school, lied about his age, and signed up to be an ambulance driver during World War I. But the war ended before he was finished with training. He worked a few odd jobs and eventually became the sales executive for a mixing machine that could mix several milkshakes at a time. He spent 17 years traveling around and marketing the machine, and then he heard about a hamburger joint in San Bernardino, California, that was using eight of his mixers, and he went to check it out. The restaurant owners were Dick and Mac McDonald, and they sold a few items at a low price. Ray Kroc went in with them and expanded their business model, encouraged them to open up franchises, and in 1961, he bought them out. By the time Ray Kroc died in 1984, less than 25 years later, the company was worth $500 million, and there were McDonald’s restaurants in more than 100 countries.

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Delifrance Delivers!

If you’re craving for pasta, pastries, salads, sandwiches and drinks that only Delifrance can satisfy, then you’re in for a big treat.

Delifrance now delivers!

Jollibee Opens at Alphaland Southgate Mall

Last April, I wrote about Southgate Tower rising soon on EDSA corner Pasong Tamo Extension. Well, four months later, the Southgate Tower Mall opens.

I caught the opening last week  (or was a couple of weeks ago), but I was on my way to work, and had no time to stop by for some photos. I’ve been meaning to. Perhaps, one of these days.

In any case, last Saturday, I passed by the Alphaland Southgate Mall again, and luckily was able to snap a shot. On the ground level of the mall are Jollibee, Chowking, Le Couer de France, Terriyaki Boy, The Sizzlin’ Peppper Steak, and BDO.

This place is gonna be another destination for Metro Manila commuters. For one, the mall is connected to the Magallanes MRT station.

Help DJ Mo Give Away 15,000 Delifrance French Dip Roast Beef Sandwiches!

You may also call DJ Mo at 6310899, email me at goodtimeswithmo@yahoo.com, or text Magic<space>899<space><Your Message> to 2968.

Jollibee in Saigon!

On the streets of Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, Wizheart found Jollibee! Who would have thought that our happy, bubbly bee has invaded the city.

What a long distance to fly!

At Italianni’s Kids Eat Free on Weekends!

Ciao! Kids get to choose one item from our Kid’s menu. Ages 10 and below. Maximum of 3 kids per table. Not to be combined with other discounts and promos. Valid on ALL Italianni’s Branches. Just email: ciao.italiannis@gmail.com.ph so we could save you a seat.

Tapella Opens in Greenbelt 5

In a land where Spanish influence is seen in manners, in clothing, and in cuisine, it’s still good to discover a place where you can have that innovative Spanish flavor in every bite.

You will experience this at the newly opened Tapella Restaurant at Greenbelt 5, Makati.

When I went there, I was warmly welcomed by its amiable Executive Chef Alexandra Cacho. Muy bonita!

She gamely gave us a chitchat before the food tasting began. She told us that every year she would go home to Spain and be updated on the latest in Spanish cuisine. She would bring what she learned to the Philippines and innovate. She also added that Tapella has new dishes every six months, retaining of course the popular dishes.

Tapella interiors are cosy. The chairs are comfy and even if it’s a bit small indoors, there’s still some room to move around. The outdoor part is also perfect for al serenidad dining. The outdoor bar is perfect for dining and wining at nigthtime and enjoying the greenery of Greenbelt.

After a few minutes, the serving of different Spanish dishes began. We started with white garlic and almond soup shooters. It was my first time to taste some cold soup shooter. The taste was distinctly garlicky and you chew on bits of almonds. When you toss it up, you end up munching on slices of a grapefruit. It warms up the palate for the next dishes.

More appetizers came, whic are equally a delight to the palate.

the camembert with caramelized onions

chorizo stewed in red wine ~ yum!

cocido meat on fluted bread

garlic sauteed shrimp the modern way

el Bulli - calamari with black ink - this was topped with aioli dip

and my fave among the appetizers served was the octopus with paprika salt & virgin olive oil ~ twas my first time to taste octopus, and never thought I’d love it.

After the appetizers were the paella in different flavors. I must admit it was also the first time I tasted paella that I liked. I even texted Wizheart to tell him about it. The rice was perfectly cooked, and the flavors of salmon (the salmon paella was for the non-meat eaters), meat blended well together.

picadillo paella

creamy seafood paella

Alaska king crab paella

manchego cheese, chicken, asparagus, and shrimp paella

They have about five varieties of paella. You should check each one out!

The paella was served with the yummy steak! Burners were set up on the table, and beef strips were served. It was up to us if we wanted the meat to rare, medium rare, or well done.

Too bad, I had a meeting at 2:30pm so I didn’t stay for the desserts. But I know Tapella desserts are to die for. If their appetizers and main dishes tickled my palate, how much more the sweets.

Friday “Wine Nights” from 6 to 9, wine lovers can enjoy overflowing wine served with tapas for only Php600.

Indeed, at Tapella, there is a new way of dining. It’s fine dining on yummy innovative Spanish cuisine at popular prices.

As Tapella’s dining principle says:

“Start with a traditional base, pour an infusion of unique contrasting flavors and a spoonful of intense passion, a dash of talent and a sprig of innovation. Finish off with disconcerting textures and illusion.”

Getting there

Tapella Restaurant is at the ground level, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center Makati. For the uninitiated, the resto is nearer Greenbelt 1.  You take the Greenbelt 1 exit going to Greenbelt 2. Right at the exit doors, you turn left right away, and you won’t miss Tapella.

Call for reservations: 757-2710 OR email at inquiry@tapella-restaurant.com.

Vamos a comer! =P~

Wendy’s Wrap & Roll

I haven’t been to Wendy’s for a long while now. So when I passed by Greenbelt 1 yesterday, I thought of dropping by for Frosty.

Then I saw their new offering, the Wrap & Roll. It’s chicken breast fillet and lettuce wrapped in pita bread. You have a choice of ranch or honey mustard for the dressing, and you can have it in regular or spicy.

I chose the spicy honey mustard dressing. I didn’t regret it. The chicken breast fillet was tender, juicy, and crunchy on its sides. The veggies are crunchy, the pita bread prepared just right, and the dressing, good! Overall, the wrap was yummy and filling, considering it was a bit small compared to other wraps I’ve sampled. =P~

The wrap & roll costs Php59.00. Frosty regular is Php35.00.

Check out Wendy’s new Wrap & Roll!

Revisiting Tokyo Tokyo Metro on Valero Street, Makati

Finally got to sample Tokyo Tokyo Metro’s food last week with Wizheart. One word about our experience: YUMMY!!!

Related post:
Tokyo Tokyo Metro on Valero Street, Makati

Bacolod’s Aida’s Chicken House is Now in the Metro!

Yes the famous Aida’s Chicken House of Bacolod City is now here in Makati. It’s at the basement 1 of Makati Cinema Square.

I sampled their chicken inasal (tender, juicy, and not at all oily, yummy!), stuffed spicy squid (equally yum!!), and chopsuey (lots of liver, veggies, yum!!!)

The ambiance is also good: cool jazz music and artworks (pen and ink, watercolor, wood sculpture) on the walls.

Check it out!

Getting there:
Makati Cinema Square is on Pasong Tamo, Makati. Nearby establishments are Waltermart, Don Bosco Technical School, Don Bosco Church on Pasay Road.

You can take a jeepney or cab in going there.