Shangri-La's Beetroot Menu!

Beetroot contains no fat, very few calories and is a great source of fibre. Beetroot has for many years been used as a treatment for cancer in Europe. Specific anti-carcinogens are bound to the red colouring matter which supposedly helps fight against cancer and beetroot also increases the uptake of oxygen by as much as 400 percent. 

Shangri-La Mactan's team of chefs represented the Visayas region for Chef Wars Classical European Category. Chefs Coleen Gay Mikin, Karima Ilupa and Gypsy Amores competed  at  the National Food Showdown held last Sepember 10-11 at the A. Venue Events Hall, Makati City. The team was given 2 kilos of beetroot and with only an hour to prepare and cook. Shangri-La prepared 3 dishes and was presented with the highest medal awarded during the competition which was a Silver! 

Shangri-La invited me to join their team of Chefs together with print media people Jude Bacalso and Jigs Arquiza to a dinner at their Italian Restaurant "Acqua" and sampled the award winning Beetroot Dishes! 

The original winning entry had only 3 dishes but to complete a 4-course meal, the chefs  decided to add  a dessert. 

We started the meal with Beetroot Symphony. Beetroot and Sea Bass Carpaccio marinated in citrus juice, garlic, extra virgin olive oil and thyme, served with beetroot ice cream. I usually dont' eat raw anything but I just had to try this, and it wasn't bad at all! It was actually good!

We then had "Moon Harvest". Beetroot Arborio (Italian Short Grain Rice) Rice with porcini mushrooms and cheese fondue. Risotto goodness!

Beetroot Beef Pursuit . Herb crusted beef tenderloin with beetroot and balsamic vinegar reduction served with rosemary-flavored apple-mashed potatoes in a bed of sautéed beetroot. My Fave  among the dishes!

For dessert we had Purple Pears. Beetroot juice-poached pears served with mascarpone ricotta and walnuts. Just love how the ricotta melts in my mouth! Yum!

It was a sumptuous dinner indeed and it was such a great experience! Congratulations to Chefs Coleen Gay Mikin, Karima Ilupa and Gypsy Amores. And Thank you to Shangri-Las Rica Rellon for the invite! 

For Shangri-La Acqua reservations and inquiries you may call (63 32) 231 8224

Hours

Breakfast: 6am – 10am
Lunch:     noon – 2:30pm
Dinner:     6pm – 10pm

Location

Poolside Ocean Wing

Dress Code

Smart casual

Smoking Policy

Acqua has separate smoking and non-smoking areas.

Ipar's Spanish Bistro

Restaurant: Ipar's

Food:  Authentic Spanish

Address: 157 F. Ramos Street, Cebu City, Cebu 6000

Telephone number: (032) 410-7727

Mode of Payment: Cash/Card

Uncomplicated and straight to the point, that's how I would describe the flavorful Spanish dishes served at Ipar's! Sunstar Editor and foodie Sir Jigz Arquiza invited me to join him for dinner with RCTV's Alexis Yap featuring of course Chef Ipar Miranda's bestsellers.

It was a scheduled dinner at 7pm but I was 15 minutes late battling off traffic in Mango Avenue on a weekend. It was drizzling and as I parked my car and got off, the guard was already holding an umbrella making sure I don't get wet! Pretty cool huh? hehe. For a few seconds I felt like a prince.

As I stepped in the restaurant, I noticed the interiors and decors are very homey and very hacienda-like, very much similar to the Spanish soaps we used to love during the early 2000's! We started the dinner with a few "Tapas" or appetizers in english!

The first "tapa" served was the "Croquettas de Pollo" or Chicken Croquettes which I loved. Crunchy breaded chicken crust fried to golden brown with cheese on the inside! 80php per serving. Serves around 1-2 persons.

The Spanish Chorizo was then served. Sweet with a bit spicy smokey flavor. Priced at 180php. Serves 1-2persons.

Gambas Al Ajillo. Shrimps sauteed in garlic. Very simple yet very appetizing. Priced at 180php. Serves 1-2 persons.

Now for the main course! :) 

"Chuletas de Cerdo Al Ajillo" was the first entree served. Porkchops sauteed in garlic topped with mushroom. Tender and juicy porkchops with the right hint of garlic! Priced at 180php. Serves 1 person.

One of Ipar's house specialty is "Pollo Asado Al Horno". One whole roast chicken served juicy and tender. Take note that when you order this, it'll take an hour and a half so better call Ipar's ahead if you're ordering this one. Priced at 480php. Serves 3-4 people.

Spanish favorite Paella was also served! Chef Ipar made "Paella De La Casa" which was a combination of seafood, meat and rice. Serves 4-6. Priced at 850php.

Chef Ipar Miranda preparing "Chuletas de Cerdo Al Ajillo"

NOTE: PRICES ARE INCLUSIVE OF 12% TAX BUT EXCLUSIVE OF 5% SERVICE CHARGE! 

Thanks to Sir Jigz Arquiza, Alexis Yap and Chef Ipar Miranda! 

Greenwich Bigatin Party

The Peehgs got a Bigatin Treat Party at Greenwich SM giving us a a foretaste of their new offering, their 18inch Overload Bigatin Pizza! Shake, Edd, Nike, Ryan, Wilbur and I picked Hungarian Sausage and Bacon overload pizza with 2X more sausage and bacon.

 

Greenwich 18inch rolled  edge thick crust retails at 749php. Perfect for a group of 5-6! Hungarian  Sausage pizza tastes very Filipino with sweet tomato sauce topped with layers of  Hungarian sausage and bacon. Best eaten when hot! Can't wait to try the other new flavor Shrimp and Garlic Overload!

Edd, Shakey, WIlbur, Nike, Ryan, Doyzkie and Ryan with our

18inch Greenwich bigatin pizza!

Big Thanks to Greenwich SM and Ms. Charo Baller!

Peehg's 100php Foodcourt Challenge on my 100th food blog entry

Peehgs on the go! We had been busy with our own stuff lately; Nowie-with her studies, Edd - with his photoshoots, Nike - with HOBCON 2010 Sponsorships, Reymond with his IT work, Shake - with Callgirl work, hehe and as for me event coverages. So we decided to have a quick lunch together at SM foodcourt and added a little twist,  buying lunch without spending over 100php!

 

Sizzling Plate had always been a personal favorite when it comes to foodcourt chows! Above is Sizzling Porkchop with Java Rice and Egg for 75php paired with small Thirsty lemonade for 25php and your good with your 100php! Soft porkchop slices drizzled with semi sweet peppery gravy  served on a sizzling plate.

Nike and Noe shared the bill for the challenge with their 1/4 lechon meal with rice, soup and drinks for 195php which they bought at Marina Seafood Grill. Lechon tasted good but CNT is still better. :)

My brother Reymond had the Sizzling beef tips over at Sizzling Plate at 70php paired with Thirsty priced at 25php totaling to 95php!

Another personal Fave of mine over at SM Cebu foodcourt is The Chicken Company. They serve BIIIG Parts of chicken without a BIG bill! Shakey bought a 1pc chicken meal with drinks at 80php! 

Peehgs as we are,we got full, satisfied and happy even on a tight budget! ;)