It was the Holy Week break and I’m back in San Fernando, La Union for a much needed break. One of the things I looked forward to is savoring a freshly cooked Buridibud, a vegetable soup I so love that is just not available in Metro Manila. I enjoyed it so much that I volunteered this Philippine food piece to Tsibog so that visitors will be aware of Ilocano food and recipe as found and practiced in my hometown of San Fernando, La Union.

Christmas Dinner in the Philippines is called the “Noche Buena”. This is the one dinner in the entire year when the entire family eats together; from the parents to the their children to their grand children. Every member of the Filipino family is required to be in the noche buena. Here is a photo log of our family’s noche buena last Christmas 2008. Enjoy viewing these Noche Buena photos.

Panna Cotta is an Italian Dessert which means “cooked cream” according to wiki, the free encyclopedia.

Whenever we dine out especially at Italian restaurants I make sure I have room for dessert especially for Panna Cotta. So far there are only two restaurants in Makati that I love their Panna Cotta; Nielsens at Manila Peninsula and Carpaccio Ristorante in Yakal St.. I love their Panna Cotta simply because the texture and taste is perfect for me.

That is the challenge of making the Panna Cotta, achieving the perfect blend of cream, milk, and gelatin making it not too soft and not too hard.

Lechon is arguably one of the favorite specialty foods for Filipinos in and outside of the Philippines. If the sight and smell of a whole pig roasted to perfection brings pleasure, what more the taste of it? I have tasted many types and variants of lechon from different places in the Philippines - from North to South - but last week it was my first time to taste the Native Lechon made by the Cotta family in Lucena City, Quezon Province.

Inside, read my attempt to describe the taste of the Cotta Native Lechon. Crispy outside. Tender and juicy inside. Sounds like a commercial huh? I dare you to try Cotta Native Lechon and tell me if you think otherwise. Just take a look at the pictures of the lechon inside I guarantee you will want to taste this lechon, too.

The TIKOY (Chinese New Year pudding) is a standard delicacy for Filipinos especially during the celebration of Chinese New Year. Filipinos, even those without Chinese lineage, to enjoy a slice of tikoy during Chinese New Year and even during the Christmas holidays.

The Zabala family in Lucena City, Quezon province are well known inthe country and other parts of the world because of their special TIKOY delicacy. Yes, TIKOY Lucena.

By Valerie Tort

Watching movies in your favorite theatres is considered more enjoyable than viewing a pile of the latest DVD series of your much-awaited shows and anthologies in your pad.

Alas! It is movie theatre popcorn—the missing ingredient for the ultimate satisfaction of movie viewing at home. You miss the crunch and the buttery taste it fills your mouth in every crunch. Due to the large market for fast, convenient, and instant meals and snacks, anyone can enjoy movie theatre popcorn in minutes.

More Jolly Time Microwave Popcorn flavors

By Valerie Tort

Tea is a great morning starter and a calming herbal concoction to cater people from different age groups. Tea is the next most popular drink to water. Just like morning or mid-afternoon coffee breaks, drinking tea is usually associated with healthy and satisfying rituals or get-togethers.

Different researches show that drinking approximately two to four cups of tea per day may cut down the risk of developing cancers and heart disease, and at the same time increase the level of antioxidants in the body. In addition, a cup of tea can lessen the cravings for high fat and sugar laden foods.

Find the perfect Tea type for you

By Valerie Tort

Crepe is a break in the routine of a fast food nation since it is easy to prepare and quick to cook. Crepe is also a versatile choice for diners who wanted to try something new most of the time.

Making crepes can utilize those leftovers in the refrigerator and transform them into another dish. Crepes vary according to their fillings. Fillings may be a dessert-like treat glazed with caramel, chocolate, or your choice of sauce or a sumptuous savory lunch/dinner packed with protein-rich meat and vegetables.

Get great Crepe Recipes for dessert

By Valerie Tort

The charisma of Middle Eastern cuisine continues to invade the streets of Malate as Luckyway Chicken and Kebab Restaurant served authentic Arab dishes.

The family-style restaurant is appealing since it has a casual and homey ambiance that can accommodate all walks of life as opposed to an upscale fine dining establishment. Diners are afloat in a gastronomic sea of culinary cultural influence in Luckway Chicken and Kebab Restaurant as it focused not only on the Arab cuisine but also the Filipino, Chinese, American, and Italian cuisine.

Savor Middle Eastern Cuisine at Luckway Chicken and Kebab Restaurant

By Joel Pinaroc

Mang Jimmy’s, an eatery at the MWSS compound in UP Diliman near Katipunan Avenue, remains an institution when it comes to how to best serve sizzling food, fast, and efficient, without straining one’s budget.

For quite sometime now, Mang Jimmy’s continues to provide a unique, and satisfying way to give diners money-for-value items, that are simply unbeatable.

If not for the long queue of vehicles outside its premises, first time visitors will not immediately notice Mang Jimmy’s.

More on Mang Jimmy’s mouthwatering sizzlers