Let Me Count The Ways...

Two of the most versatile ingredients in our kitchen are ground beef and ground pork.  Over the years, I've used them for Pork Balls in Tomato Sauce

Burgers with Mushrooms and Gravy

Brickfire Oven-Roasted Steaks & Chops

Hubby and I are always on the lookout for affordable mouthwatering steaks.  We fell in love with Snackaroo in Quezon City and we were jumping with joy when we discovered Brickfire which is so much closer to us.

On our first visit, we zeroed in on two of their Specials.  I claimed the Cowgirl Annie for myself.  

Cowgirl Annie P145
a little bit sweet, a little bit tangy. everything you're looking for in a t-bone steak

Banapple

I can't believe I'm a Banapple latebloomer.  I've been hearing and reading raves and great reviews about this place.   A few months ago, we attempted to eat at their Katipunan branch.  We were lucky enough to find a parking slot but the entire first floor was packed.  We were with seniors and they didn't feel like waiting or walking up the flight of stairs.  A couple of weeks after, we were in the Makati area and headed straight for the Banapple branch in Ayala Triangle.

I was overwhelmed when I went through the menu.  I couldn't decide right away then I spotted the Bacon Fried Chicken Steaks with Milk'shroom Gravy.

Bacon Fried Chicken Steaks with Milk'shroom Gravy P175
crisp chicken fillets smothered in a creamy milk and mushroom gravy, topped with  yummy bacon pieces, served with corn relish

My Kitchen by Chef Chris

Just like any other holiday or special occasion, mother's day weekend was hectic for us.  My sister and I were in Bulacan the previous week campaigning full force for our uncle.  The parentals picked us up saturday night (the last day for campaigning) and brought over Purple Oven cakes.  Sunday lunch was with my in laws in Nanbantei of Tokyo (food photos on my instagram page or read about my first visit here) to celebrate mother's day and my niece's 3rd birthday.  Sunday dinner was with my mom's side of the family and since we were pretty late I wasn't able to take any photos.  Monday, election day, was a holiday so we had a post mother's day celebration with my immediate family at My Kitchen by Chef Chris.

This was hubby and my first time to troop all the way to The Oasis Paco Park Hotel.  My family immensely enjoyed their previous visits that they always purchase Deal Grocer vouchers whenever they're available.  We used up 2 panizza vouchers and sampled the Paco and the Verena.

Original Paco P790
fine slices of herbed chicken fillet, smoked bacon, portabello and golden mushrooms, capers and slices of kalamata olives

Original Verena P790
tomato and white truffle oil enhanced cheese sauce topped with scallops, prawns and sun dried tomatoes

Follow me on Instagram!

I've been MIA for the past couple of months because I've been preoccupied with personal stuff.  I just didn't have the heart to write as much or as often.  But I'm back and intend to share more food adventures with everyone.  In the meantime, do follow me on instagram!