The Okonomiyaki

The word okonomiyaki literally means “cook what you like”. In Japan, the okonomiyaki is associated with two regions: namely Osaka and Hiroshima. And with that, these two regions have different styles. But basically, it’s just made from a mixture of cabbage, batter, meat, eggs, and veggies. But then, they didn’t call it “cook what you like” if you couldn’t add any personal touches to the damn thing. Anyway, you could also add noodles, chicken, cheese, potatoes, octopus, squid, shrimp, leftovers, whatever. As long as it tastes good (at least for you), then that’s alright.

Okay, since I’ve already started to talk about this thing, I guess it’s my responsibility to at least teach you how to make one. So get your cooking hat on and heat up your griddle, coz we’re makin’ an okonomiyaki.

Note: I suggest you make this on a weekend, given that this recipe could take a bit of time (especially for first-timers). In any case, let’s start.

First of all, you’d need this:

Okonomiyaki (Serves 1)

Main Ingredients:

A cup of shredded cabbage

One small-sized egg

A couple of tablespoons of water (or broth) (or milk)

A couple of tablespoons of pancake batter (I ain’t got time to do the whole batter shit thing)

A few slices of bacon, or ham, or chopped leftover meat (such as bbqs, roasted meat, etc.)

A dash of salt and pepper to taste

Add-ons:

2 tablespoons of chopped green onion

Some yakisoba noodles

Seaweed flakes and dried shredded meat (condiments)

shredded carrots

The sauce:

1 part worcestershire sauce

2 parts ketchup

a dash of soy sauce

1. Once you’ve scrounged up all that you want to add in your pancake, here’s what you do next. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the pancake batter and water (it’s better if you follow the batter’s instructions, but in my case, I have a significantly higher batter/water ratio). Mix until the batter is free of lumps.

2. After that’s over, start adding in the cabbage, ham, and all the add-ons you can think of in the batter. Mix well.

3. Then, heat up your iron griddle, skillet, frying pan, or omelette pan. Then brush some canola oil on it, and when it gets hot enough, pour in the okonomiyaki mixture. Pretend that you’re making pancakes and fry that nasty son of a bitch for 5-8 minutes.

4. When bubbles start to form (or you start smelling burnt pancake), make a little hole in the middle of the okonomiyaki and crack an egg over it. Then, flip the damn thing over. Okay, don’t worry about the egg breaking off–coz that’s alright. Fry for another 5 minutes on medium-to-low heat.

5. When you start smelling burnt pancakes or eggs again, it’s about time you plate that tasty bastard. So go ahead and grab one and place it on a nice, white plate.

6. Now it’s time to make the sauce. Just mix the worcestershire and ketchup together and that’s it. After doing so, pour it on top of the okonomiyaki. If you want, you can add some mayonnaise (but that’s too fattening).

7. Then, sprinkle some benito and/or seaweed flakes or some shredded meat.

And voila, that’s what you call an Okonomiyaki. For optimum results, serve to your girlfriend… naked.

Ikizukuri: Eaten Alive

ChoppedToothpicks: The following article contains images that could disrupt your appetite. As a suggestion, we think it’s better that you read this article AFTER your meal time. But in any case, should you still wish to continue, hey, we’re not stopping you. But don’t think we didn’t warn you…

Alright.

It’s about Japan, so I guess you know this would get a bit freaky…

You still sure about this?

Okay, let’s start.

If you’re a sushi fan, then you know that when it comes to eating raw food freshness is the key. The less it’s been refrigerated, the better, more succulent, and softer the fish would be. So if that’s the case, then nothing could beat what the Japanese call Ikizukuri.

Well, it’s basically this:

Ikizukuri is a sushi-making process that basically means “served alive”. A highly-trained sushi chef would surgically slice off the flesh of a live fish, leaving all the necessary guts and organs to keep the hapless creature alive. He then quickly cuts the flesh into paper-thin sheets, “reassembles” it back to the fish’s body, and then serves it to you. Like this:

"Oh my God, I can't feel my legs!"

If you’ve watched the video, you could see that the little creature is still twitching, squirming, and finally trying to say “fuck all of you” in Japanese while the customer readies his wasabi and soy sauce. Some say that it’s still alive and breathing; others say that it’s just the fish’s bodily reflex that causes it to twitch; while others (probably Japanese) say that “fuck it, it’s just food.”

"Hey, there's this lose-weight-quick thing..."

In any case, Ikizukuri is a traditional Japanese cooking method. Just like tempura and sukiyaki, Ikizukuri is basically one of the many cooking methods that the Japanese use to prepare their meals. However, before you get all PETA and WWF on the comments section, this method of cooking is also controversial in the country that created it. So yeah, some of them don’t like their sushi alive and breathing as well.

Personally, I believe that once you ordered a fresh-off-the-tank fish, it’d be better if you hammer or slice off its head quickly so it’d die peacefully. I mean, I know we’re on top of the food chain and all, but a little respect on what we kill is something that’d go a long way. Hell, to take it a bit further, Lummi Indians even say sorry to their preys.

You're next.

So the next time you order a sashimi, try to make sure that the fish died a happy, peaceful and quick death.

Chicken Saucer Power Meal @ Nutrilicious

Ortigas could be a very unforgiving place if you’re the type of person who loves to eat hearty and filling servings. After all, you’d have to spend a lot of cash at some restaurants just so you could get your stomach to stop grumbling. However, this place isn’t so bad when it comes to grabbing great eats – as long as you know where to look. There’s the office canteen, the hidden carinderias, the food court, the numerous stalls beside St. Francis Square, and there’s…

Nutrilicous.

Yes, that juice-making, nutrition-advocating, pulp-beating beverage has got its own restaurant in Ortigas. It’s located at the 1^st floor of St. Francis Square. And yes, if you know that area, that means one thing: cheap and extremely tasty food.

Like this:

It’s the Chicken Saucer Power Meal. Priced at 88 pesos flat, you’d get 8 chicken saucers, 2 cups of beta-carotene rice, 2 eggs over-easy, and your choice of red or green iced tea. Also, you could choose your meal’s sauce. They’ve got mushroom gravy, Szechuan, barbecue, and Chinese asado. And oh, did I tell you that you’d get one hell of a serving?

In any case, let me discuss this meal a bit further. First, don’t think that you’d get 8 pieces of McDo-like chicken nuggets, ‘coz they’re not; because these “saucers” are more similar to chicken burger patties. With regard to the beta-carotene rice, you really couldn’t tell the difference between it and regular rice – only that this type is a bit more “nutritious”. And the eggs – well – they’re eggs.

So here’s the verdict. Price wise: they’re cheap. Taste: I’d give them 7.5 out of 10. Will I be back? Of course. So all in all, this meal is something you could opt for. Enjoy!

Pasalubong @ Banchetto

Aside from the great food you can find at the Banchetto, you could also grab some pasalubong for your family. As promised, here are some other foodstuffs you can buy whenever you’re feeling to share the bounties of Emerald Ave:

Yes, for 170 Pesos you could easily get some crabs – and not just ordinary crabs – they’re spicy crabs. Though we don’t think that this is the sort of crabs that’d make you itch for days, after all, these are the tasty kind (shame on you, you dirty, dirty boy/girl).

Now if you don’t like the look of crustaceans, then you can get the more – eye-friendly kind. Like these:

Or, if you want something sweet, then you could opt for some of these delicacies:

And yes, they also have old-fashioned charcoal-baked bibingka.

So if you’re still planning to go there to buy some of these, well we’ve got good news for you. You don’t have to wake up at the wee-hours of the morning just to buy some of these treats; the Banchetto extends up till 11am Saturday. So yeah, that’ll save you some sleep and coffee. Enjoy!

Banchetto @ Emerald Ave (A Saan Tayo Kakain Special)

Note: Alright. I spent a lot of time, money, cigarettes and coffee for this entry. And yes, I’m glad to say that it was all worth it. Oh how I love Ortigas.

Somebody said that you can’t deny a soldier his meal. Apart from its nutritional value, a humble meal is one of the only sources of pleasure a soldier could get after a trying day on the battlefield. I guess the same goes for call center agents. After putting up with a lot of heated phone calls, it’d be nice to sit down with a warm, succulent and filling serving of food.

But sadly, most call center agents don’t have enough choices when it comes to their midnight lunch. They either have to grab something at the nearest convenient store or join in on the office “catering” service (care of the local manang). Sometimes, if they’re lucky enough, they could eat at a 24-hour fastfood restaurant. And lastly, when there are no other options left, they could just settle by packing their own lunch. Yes, I know they’re there to work, but who says they can’t reward themselves with a good meal?

Lacking sleep? Take it out on food.

And so, that is why every Saturday at around 12:01 am, Emerald Avenue closes down just to give way for the Banchetto. It’s a weekly food fair, specially organized for call center agents who need to take their stress out on food. It’s been going on for quite some time now, and yes, it’s still growing in popularity.

The event hosts a number of different cuisines, consumers could choose from food items ranging from traditional Filipino food, grilled meat & seafood, Japanese sushi and rice bowls, burgers, different types of pasta, shawarma, spicy crabs, and even cakes, pastries, and the oh-so-rare lechon, puto bumbong and bibingka. And yes, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

With a budget of around 100 pesos, it’s a guarantee that you’d get more than what you would expect. A good example here is this giant grilled squid. For 80 pesos, you’d get this bad boy PLUS rice.

Same goes for this Lechon with rice meal:

and these:

And if you’re a bit on a budget, say 50 pesos, you could snack on these:

Also, the Filipino food that evokes childhood memories: the Lugaw

Personally, it was my first Banchetto experience and by the time I got to Ortigas, I could already smell the food a hundred meters away. Yes, the event had its own inviting feel to it – and yes it definitely was tempting. So if you’ve got the time and the energy, go ahead and visit Ortigas’ Banchetto. After all, you might be missing out what these hungry call center agents are already enjoying.

And oh, you don’t have to visit there at the wee-hours of the morning; the event extends up till 11 am. So if you’re really interested, I’d strongly suggest you give it a shot. Anyway, I hope you enjoy!

PS: I took a lot of photos, knowing that I can’t review them all in one entry, I’ll just post them on the succeeding issues. And if ever you’re still looking for some more information, just click here.

Milkshake (Frostee) @ Snowstorm

One of the most under-appreciated desserts (or snacks) most Filipinos don’t usually buy is the simple milkshake. Despite the fact that the Zagu-craze has already died down for over a few years now, the thing is, their milkshakes are artificially produced. I mean, an original milkshake usually consists of only two ingredients: ice cream and milk. That’s it. Zagu, on the other hand, uses some powdered material for theirs.

Now I’m not saying that’s bad, but then there’s a world of difference between an ice-cream milkshake and a powdered milkshake. So if you’re tired of slurping on the latter, I suggest you try this one:

It’s Snowstorm’s Ice Cream Milkshake (aka Frostees). Basically, Snowstorm is a wallet-friendly version of Dairy Queen. And I don’t have any qualms about that (seeing that they’re cheaper). However, Snowstorm’s ice cream is a lot different from Dairy Queen’s and that of other, even cheaper, ice cream stands.

Snowstorm’s milksh – I mean — Frostee costs about 55 pesos. Okay wait, before you say anything, I’d like to say that it’s hard to get a freakin’ milkshake that costs 30 pesos or below these days – so go figure. Anyway, their milkshake is basically 75% ice cream and 25% milk. And in a medium-sized cup, that’s almost about 2-3 ice cream cones worth of ice cream already. So yeah, it’s basically worth it.

I can't think of any witty remark here.

Now let’s talk about the taste. Well, to keep it short, it’s better than Zagu. And no, it’s not like sipping on melted ice cream either. Rather, it’s like drinking a cloudy (in a good way), creamy, soft-served vanilla ice cream. And personally, I had a freakin’ brain-freeze coz I couldn’t stop sipping on it. So hey, if you could squeeze out 50 pesos for a Snowstorm milkshake, I’d suggest you try this one. Enjoy!

Note: Snowstorm could be found in Megamall’s bridgeway (the thing that connects bldg A to B), 2^nd floor.

Vodka & Bacon for Breakfast

On my last post, someone commented on a particular burger named the Baconator. However, that isn’t what I’m going to tackle today. You see, since someone mentioned a dish that has bacon as its star ingredient, I pondered on what other dishes could be made with such a simple and greasy cut of meat.

And yes, Google came up with this:

That, my friend, is bacon-infused vodka. As you can obviously see now, this isn’t a restaurant review. Rather, I just want to share that somewhere in this world – somebody was brave enough to combine two ingredients that you usually consume at different times of the day (or night).

The french may call it "Le Creme de Bacon"

I wonder what this thing tastes like? Okay, before some smartass types something on the comments section, let me clarify what I said. Vodka is a neutrally-flavored liquor, and on the other hand, bacon is – well – salty and meaty with a hint of honey (or maple). And so, it’s quite obvious to assume that this thing tastes like the sweat of some drunk pig. Mmmm…

Upon knowing there wouldn't be any sequel, Babe felt he had to drown his sorrows with vodka.

No, I’m not saying that it would taste bad. After all, there are a lot of good mixed reviews in the net about this unique infusion. Rather, what I’m trying to say is that this bacon-vodka is considerably avant garde in the culinary (and bartending) world. I’ve never seen a spirit that’s meat-flavored (or maybe I just don’t go out too much). In any case, should I start making one, I think it’d be better if I use a small bottle.

Oh well, I guess this’d go great with eggs and pandesal. :p

Note: For more information, click here.

Double Cheeseburger @ Slammer Burgers

While surfing the net, my cat started asking for cheeseburgers. I don’t know why, but maybe she’s been abusing her internet privileges far too much and it might have brainwashed her little kitty brain. But then again, she must’ve just seen this pic:

Comical and grammatically-challenged lolcats aside, I was lucky enough to stumble into this burger joint located at the 3^rd floor of Robinson’s Galleria. It’s called Slammer Burgers, and yes, they’re reminiscent of the US-based fastfood restaurant: White Castle. Anyway, Slammer Burgers are famous for their kid-sized burgers and Belgian fries. Hungry as I was, I ordered this combo meal:

It’s the Slam Meal 4. At 145 Pesos, you’d be munching on a bag of Belgian fries (your choice of dip), 2 double cheeseburgers, and a can of coke. Not bad, if you ask me. In any case, despite the size of their burgers, I have to admit that these little babies are quite tasty.

Even though you’d get 2 100% beef patties per bun, what makes these double cheeseburgers taste like calorie-heaven is the cheese. Yes, the cheese. It’s melted. Oh yes, the cheese. It’s so good, now I can’t think of anything to type anymore but cheese cheese cheese and some more cheese. But in any cheese, the cheese and cheese of the cheese cheese cheeeeeeeeese mmmm… mmmm… mmmm… (sulks into a corner)

Okay, lemme explain that. The cheese on each burger is already melted, and yes, it’s as easy as tipping that burger sideways, squeezing it, and letting all the cheesy goodness drop to your mouth (more on that later). In any case, lemme do justice on the other ingredients. The buns are very soft and moist too, and as said earlier, you’ll get 2 beef patties per bun – so yeah, each burger is damn good. And yeah, if you’re still wondering about the size of each burger, well it’s roughly 3 inches tall, 4 inches long, and 2 inches wide. So yeah, it’s bigger than your cellphone.

In any case, here’s a tip. It’s easy for the cheese and mayo sauce to slowly spill from your burger buns. So if you’re not eating it, might as well place it on top of your Belgian fries so all that sauce drops on to your fries. Like so:

And so, here comes the obvious verdict. If you want something a little more interesting than McDonalds or Jollibee, Slammer Burgers is really worth a try. I know you’d be saying that you can get a cheeseburger meal at a lower price, but hey, if you could squeeze out 20 pesos more – then Slammer Burgers would surely reward your faith. So go ahead, enjoy!

And to end, yes cat, you can has cheezburger. :p

Katsudon @ the Venue

It’s definitely 2009. And with the New Year comes the new pounds of solid fat and grease that you’ve gobbled up this past Christmas. That additional inch on your waistline really is a bummer isn’t it? Yeah, especially if that inch once came from a live animal that’s been impaled, roasted – and to add insult to injury – had its mouth crammed with a freakin’ apple. Yes, we Filipinos really do have a sense of humor. But in any case, we know you wouldn’t follow-up on your New Year’s resolution on losing weight (read: liars). And so, our nasty little blog continues… hehe.

Anyway, here’s our selection for the day:

Yes, friends, that — believe it or not — is edible. For all of you who don’t know what this is, well, that is a Katsudon. It’s  from a restaurant that is creatively named The Venue[1], here in Ortigas. I know it doesn’t look as appealing as it should be – but hey – this is a blogsite about cheap (and possibly good) food. We didn’t say it’s about freakin’ art. In any case, this complete meal is priced at Php 109 pesos – and yes, the 9 pesos there is for the iced tea.

Anyway, if you didn’t know, a Katsudon is a bowl of rice topped with a deep-fried pork cutlet, a fresh egg, some scallions and then smothered with sauce. To put things in a clearer perspective, it’s just breaded porkchop – Japanese style.

No, really, this is what it actually looks like.

Alright, for a restaurant that deliberately took an ambiguous name, their Katsudon isn’t that bad – and it’s not that good either. It’s not bad in a sense that you’d get a hefty serving for a reasonable price, and it ain’t that good since you’d also get something that is reasonably edible. Yes, reciprocity is such a bitch.

With regard to the taste, this Katsudon could be classified like your everyday office meal. It’s a step below Tokyo-Tokyo, and it’s a little step above your neighbor’s cooking. Hmm… how should I say this? Okay, if Katsudons (singular: Katsudon) were action stars, then I guess this one would be Jeric Raval – he’s okay, but he ain’t no Robin.

Editor: "No, this ain't Jeric. This shit is for another action star. Don't you guys have a freakin' heart?!?"

In any case, you could both live with and without this meal right here. Now, for those smartasses out there who’s thinking: “Why the hell are you featuring this then?!” Well, before I answer that, I suggest you take that tampon out of your ass first and understand that we feature cheap and edible food. If it’s good we’d recommend it to you, and if it isn’t we’d still post it here and let you know that it isn’t. In any case, enjoy!

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[1] Located at 2^nd Floor Pearl Plaza, Pearl Drive.

The 2x Quarter Pounder: twice the beef, twice the fun

Yup, you know this bad boy?

It’s the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese from your friendly neighborhood fastfood: McDonald’s. Now before anything else, this baby costs about Php 170+. And as usual, this includes both a regular softdrink and some fries. Now, the first thing you might be thinking is that the actual burger wouldn’t even look anywhere near this mother of a picture. Well, fuck that.

To keep things real, this is a big burger. The patties are so big that it’s opt to creep out through the edges of the buns – and that’s okay. And yeah, it’s so big that you’d already be burping halfway through this burger. When it comes to the taste, well, again, it tastes like your usual McDonald’s burger – all with its fatty goodness. It’s got two layers of cheese, some onions, pickles, and ketchup. And oh, did I mention that you’re about to eat half a freakin’ pound of beef?

If you ordered two of these babies, it’s hard not to notice that you’re carrying about a pound of meat on your tray. :p

Yeah, half a pound of beef in your stomach in 7 more bites.

Anyway, the bad side about this burger is that it’s so freakin’ oily. Yeah, we ordered one of these and whenever you grip the buns, liquid cholesterol goodness starts to seep through… mmm… And if you tilt the burger sideways and squeeze, drops of fat, oil, or whatever greasy juices would come out. And what more, it solidified only after a few minutes!! Goddamn! In any case, if you’re about to eat this thing, better be sure to grab a few Nesvitas after – you’d be needing it.

“What?? You want a quar—Aaaarrrghh! That hurt!!”

So would I buy it again? Well, despite the fat fact that it’s a very filling and tasty burger, it’s deemed to be too unhealthy for my already dying system. But to answer the question: No, I wouldn’t. For a 170 peso burger, I’d rather buy mine at Kenny Roger’s or at Wham, their burgers are grilled – and a lot healthier.

Oh, I have to give thanks to the owner of the “actual” pic I posted here. Thanks! :D