Chowking re-introduces a #DeliciouslyDifferentChicken
Chowking, the Philippines’ top Chinese quick-service restaurant, has redefined the fried chicken experience with their deliciously different Chinese-Style Fried Chicken. Recently, it revealed this delightfully flavorful fried chicken at a mystery pop-up event recently held at Capital Commons, Pasig, leaving attendees eagerly savoring a delectable surprise.
A Taste Test Adventure
Curiosity…
Chicks and dudes, please welcome back our very own Alfa, who flew in from Los Angeles to come hang out with her fans in the Philippines!
Welcome back, Alfa!
Alfa’s got a pretty busy schedule today until Friday, as she makes the rounds of FM radio stations and TV stations. You may, however, catch her perform live at the following venues:
May 13 | Wednesday
Burger & Brewskies, Capital Commons,…
Burgers & Brewskies Opens Its 2nd Branch at Capital Commons
I got my first taste of Burgers & Brewskies' awesome gourmet burger creations last year at their always jam-packed outlet at Burgos Circle in Bonifacio Global City. I had heard and seen so much about their innovative and heart-pounding burger combinations and I was truly impressed when I finally got to try one of their burgers for myself. That short visit made such a lasting impression on me and I had wanted so long to go back again so I can try their signature burger, one which I was too afraid to order the last time for reasons you will find out later. Well, that time has finally come as Burgers & Brewskies has just opened their second branch and The Hungry Kat was invited to join them at their remarkable new location.
Burgers & Brewskies opened in late 2013 and immediately got the attention of every burger-chomping and beer-chugging foodie across the metropolis. It has since become a favorite hangout spot for yuppies and barkadas looking for a great place to unwind and has been making raves throughout the foodie community with the almost unbelievable mouthwatering photos of its burgers. It opened its much-awaited second branch last January 28 at the ground floor of the new Estancia Mall inside Capital Commons in Pasig City. The restaurant is right along the main street of Capital Commons, one of the trendiest new commercial hubs in Metro Manila, and you can easily see it as you drive along. It was finally time for me to return to Burgers & Brewskies and as I entered its new branch, I already knew what I wanted to order this time.
The Estancia Mall branch has a bigger and more refreshing dining area compared to the one in Burgos Circle which usually feels cramped especially with the huge number of guests there. This one has more open spaces with a high ceiling and much brighter lighting. It still has the same laid back atmosphere where you can just relax after a hard day's work. Their unique beer chandelier can still be found here and you definitely know that they serve alcoholic beverages just by looking at their decors.
The bar area is wider and there are several video screens all around the place so you could watch your favorite sports events right here with your friends.
I came here for the burgers but that is only half of what makes Burgers & Brewskies so popular. They offer a extensive lineup of imported signature and craft beers as well as several unique cocktails that you can choose from to pair with your burgers. As I sat down to make my orders, I noticed that their video screen was flashing several Instagram photos sent by their followers, and I was suddenly surprised when I saw my own collage which I posted last year.
This was the photo I posted on my Facebook and Instagram account from last year's walk-in visit and I was delighted that they actually included it on their highlight reel. I fervently remember enjoying my cocktail last time so I knew that I had to get it again.
I was happy to see my friend Jill, or more popularly known as The Food Scout, who I first met in 2012 when we were both Dove Girls and part of the Dove Glowing Skin campaign. Time definitely flies. With my signature cocktail in hand, I was now ready to face the monster creations of Burgers & Brewskies.
The Strawberry Cheesecake Martini (P190) is a dessert and alcoholic beverage all rolled into one. It is shaken with Absolut Kurant, a touch of creme de cacao, and strawberry puree with graham crackers on the rim. I really love its creamy texture with a sweet and bitter taste and just a little alcoholic kick to it. Perfect for the ladies!
You can also try the Ginger-Lychee Martini (P160) (upper left) with its ginger infused vodka, little orange liqueur and lychees. Or try the Jack's Drunk Cousin (P190) (upper right) which is their twist on whiskey sour, made with Jack Daniels and beer. Ever had watermelon and beer? Then try the Summer Hoedown (P140) (lower left) and see if it is a good mix. If you just want a good bottle of beer, then get the Brew Kettle (P65) which is a locally made wheat beer.
As an opening treat, Burgers and Brewskies is offering a special promotion for the month of February where you can get the Classic Mojito, Classic Margarita, and Lychee Martini for only P60 during their very long happy hours. That should make a lot of people very very happy.
There are several appetizers on the menu but one that really stood out for me is the Bacon Chicharon (P210). These are freshly brined thin slices of pork belly, dusted with starch and crispy fried, then served with a sweet spicy vinegar dip. OMG! This is the crispiest ever bacon chicharon I have ever eaten! The ones that I had tried before usually have thicker cuts and are a bit tough, but these are really so soft and crispy that you can break it off with your fingers, just like how real chicharon should be. Definitely a must try!
Another great appetizer you could get is the B&B Sausage Platter (P585) which consists of grilled Bavarian Smokies, Hungarian, and Thuringer Bratwurst served with B&B curry ketchup & spiced mustard aioli. This thick juicy sausages can really fill you up fast.
I also liked the Fish Poppers (P220) which are tempura-style sea bream nuggets deep fried and served with steak fries and chipotle aioli. These appetizers would make for great pulutan with the beer if you don't want something too heavy.
They also offer several types of chicken wings like the Angry Korean (P205) which have gochujang chili paste mixed with soy sauce and a touch of honey and sesame. Other variants include the Buffalo, Sesame Sriracha, Honey Garlic, Salt & Pepper, Zesty BBQ, and Sweet Chili wings. Most of their chicken wings are spicy so you better be prepared.
One new appetizer that is not yet on the menu is the Tikboy or Sisig Sliders. These new sliders have a sisig patty and you can definitely taste the smokey sisig flavors with each bite. Watch out for this new addition soon.
Now it was time for the moment of truth, coming face to face with the meanest of their burgers, aptly named Call The Nurse! All the burgers here are made with 1/3-pound 100% US beef patties made fresh everyday and cooked Medium to preserve its tenderness and distinct flavor, encased in a soft brioche bun.
Call the Nurse (P280) is a monster burger that comes with with spiced mustard aioli, dripping B&B cheese sauce, topped with seared macaroni and cheese and finished off with honey sriracha bacon. This is the bestseller and the most Instagrammed item here at Burger & Brewskies and it is easy to see why. Despite my medical condition, I still have a fear of doctors and nurses so I had my worries when I saw the burger's name. I should not even be eating too much meat and proteins but I just can't help it. One could get a heart attack just my looking at this burger so this is only for the adventurous and the hungry.
Well, I am definitely hungry so it's time for me to devour this monster. I don't know how I will be able to bite this without making a mess, so make sure you are with good friends when you do this. Otherwise, just use the fork and knife. The burger itself was smokey and tender and you can get lost with all the matching flavors around, but its a good way to get lost. Would you believe that they also have an even bigger version of this, a double patty, double mac and cheese version named Call the ER! That is where you might be heading if you are brave enough to finish that.
There are many other gourmet burger combinations on the menu. The Heisenberg (P250) comes with bleu cheese sauce and jicama celery slaw tossed in bacon vinaigrette.
On the other hand, the Walk of Shame (P340) is a breakfast burger turned literally upside down. Aside from its quirky-looking upside down whole wheat bun with a fried egg buried in the center, it also comes with spiced mustard aioli, B&B cheese sauce, crispy bacon, crisp potato hay and B&B lemoinaisse. It is a fun and silly looking burger but I won't mind having this for breakfast, or lunch, or dinner.
The Hector Salamanca Burger (P240) is the one for the spicy-loving diners. This Mexican-themed burger comes with B&B chili oil, B&B cheese sauce, jalapeno crema, tomato salsa and crisp nacho chips. Contents are hot!
For those with a sweet tooth, the Kandi (P265) will be more to your liking. It has several huge strips of spiced candied bacon with roasted garlic aioli, B&B cheese sauce, and onion confit.
If you like chicken more than beef, then the Winner Winner Chicken Dinner (P230) is for you. It comes with a 1/3 pound B&B chicken patty, roasted garlic aioli, B&B cheese sauce, rum barbeque sauce, and fried onion strings. I actually liked this burger a lot, especially with the crunchy onion strings that go so well with the sweet tender chicken patty.
They also offer a couple of side dishes to go with their burgers. The Kick-Ass Spuds (P85) is a fried marble potato salad with bacon, chili pepper, and scallions, while the S.P.F. (P65) or sweet potato fries that come as an alternative to the usual potato french fries.
Another interesting side dish is the Cuban Missile (P120) which is grilled sweet corn slathered with mayo and spiced shredded cheese. The cheese component makes this unlike any other corn you have tasted. Finally, for desserts, you can get the Creamy Soy Panna Cotta (P85) which is a smooth soy milk panna cotta topped with B&B spiced candied bacon bits, or try the Chocolate Pudding (P105) which is a rich dark chocolate custard topped with crunchy cinnamon oatmeal streusel. I personally liked the chocolate pudding more with its rich taste.
I would like to thank owners Donny Elvina and Marc Nocon for hosting our small get together and indulging us with all these wonderful gourmet burgers and treats. I first met Donny last Christmas at Divine Lee's crazy Christmas party and it was nice to see him at a more "normal" setting. Marc's creativity in the kitchen has propelled Burger and Brewskies to unexpected heights and the way things are going, we might see a couple more new B&B branches soon.
BURGERS & BREWSKIES
Ground Floor Estancia Mall, Capital Commons, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City
Burgos Circle, Forbes Town Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Because this is the perfect time to try the Tipsy Pig. The boyfriend is working late.
Now. now, We are Starving. I am dead hungry. While the attorney had his orders already, I cannot seem to pick what I want. So I decided to order the drinks first.
I was devastated. I wanted two flavored beers: Salted Caramel, which is their best seller and the Green Apple. Good thing I have this wonderful…
