Mommy Eats : Chef Tatung at Acacia Estates

I have been hearing and reading good reviews about Chef Tatung.  As you know, I love good deals, that's why I subscribe to groupons.  I came across Chef Tatung's anniversary promo in Ensogo and grabbed the opportunity to finally try out this restaurant.

Tatung's Garden Cafe  became a hit a few years back when Chef Myke Sarthou opened his home for private dinners in Quezon City.  However, by word of mouth, people started to flock his place and it became a foodie's haven.  Tatung's Garden Cafe was then opened to the public.

A year ago, Chef Mike opened his new restaurant in Taguig.  It is located in the sprawling property of the DMCI group called Acacia Estates.   For this restaurant,  he  concentrated on serving Filipino heirloom dishes.

Going to Chef Tatung was quite a travel for us, coming from the LA, aka lower Antipolo (lol) especially on a Saturday.  However, when you get to Acacia Estates, it's pretty easy to spot the restaurant. Set amidst the low rise condominiums and some greenery, it automatically feels like you are far away from the city.  Upon entering the restaurant, you are greeted by Filipino arcticrafts and furniture.  The dining hall is huge but still gives a homey feel.  There was also a big function room to the right of the main wing where they hold their Sunday buffet and Sugbahan. 

We quickly scoured the menu to place our orders.  There were some items though that we're not available like the Lumpiang ubod, Lemongrass Chicken Relleno and Sago't gulaman.  We settled for the Tamarind Glazed Butterfly tilapia, Pokipoki Gratin, Binagoongang Pork Skewers, and Tatung's Fried Rice.  For dessert, we ordered  the Warm Tsoknut Chocolate Cake and the Pichi-pichi with Quezo de bola.  

Among all the food that we ordered, what stood out was the Pokipoki Gratin and Chef Tatung's rice.  Pokipoki is an Ilocano cuisine.  I love Chef Tatung's version of this with layers of vigan longganisa, eggplant, egg, tomatoes, and carabao mozarella cheese.  Mouth watering, indeed!  Tatung's fried rice on the other hand reminds me of Kiampung Rice (Chinese fried rice cooked in Pork Stew).  It was so good and filling and was already a meal itself.   For the dessert, both had a unique taste and were really good.  My son devoured the Warm Tsoknut Chocolate Cake like there was no tomorrow, that's why I was not able to get a picture of it because I was stopping him from eating it too fast!  The Pichi-pichi with Quezo de Bola blew me away.  It has a different texture compared to the other Pichi-Pichi's out there.  It is slimy and that's what made it perfect!  The melted Quezo de Bola  gave it a different twist. I was totally sold!

I cannot wait to go back to Chef Tatung soon and try out the famous Slow Roasted Lechon Belly and another serving or two of that Pichi-pichi!    

Chef Tatung's Garden Cafe is part of  Manila's 115 Restaurants we love.

Facade of Chef Tatung at Acacia Estates.

R checking out the banga at the entrance.

Spacious dining area.

Chef Tatung.

The ladies' washroom mirror.

Love the mix and match chairs.

Our Saturday Lunch.

The very filling Tatung's fried rice.

You have to try the Pokipoki Gratin.

Chicken Inasal

Tamarind Glazed Butterfly tilapia

Binagoongang Pork Skewers.

Pichi Pichi with Quezo de Bola is bliss!

Now this is what you call a super highchair.  Nice concept, but it was way too high and is pretty unsafe for the kids.

R and my niece on the mini stage.

Mommy finds: my favorite pregnancy lotion

One of the things that a lot of pregnant women are weary about would be stretch marks.  One of the things that I cannot live without when I am pregnant is Mothercare's it's your body stretch mark cream.  I totally swear by this product and it only costs P350!  I have used this in my two pregnancies and I can only count the number of stretch marks (around five in the tummy area) that I had sustained in my two pregnancies.  To be honest, I felt I was the stretch mark prone kinda preggy woman because I have stretch marks even before I got pregnant (most likely due to some yo-yo dieting back in the days). Ok, that's just TMI!  But I just wanted to share my experience with this cream that has become my best friend and has worked wonders.  Not only is it good to your skin, but to your pocket as well.  Believe me, once upon a time I shelled out P10k for a popular stretch mark cream that didn't work!    

Mommy finds: Jergens' Ultra Healing lotion

One of the things that I do not like when I am prgenant is having super dry skin, leaving me with cracked heels.  I have tried different lotions in the market and it was only Jergens' ultra healing lotion that did the job.  I am so glad I discovered this after 2 years of searching for the product that would solve my nasty cracked heel problem.  To be honest, I was not expecting that it would do the job.  I mean for P90 for 100ml, my expectations were low.  I even got the locally produced Jergens because its imported counterpart that I saw at the grocery store was close to P300!  However, after only three days of using it, I was seeing a difference!  Boy was I amazed and couldn't help but share this new discovery with you!  Cracked heels no more for me! 

Where did time go?

I was browsing through my hard drive and saw my son's dedicated folder.  I browsed through the gazillion photos that I took of him ever since he was a baby and boy did it make me nostalgic!  I look at him now and I cannot fathom that I already have a very energetic toddler.

Once a upon a time he was this tiny little creature, so fragile at 5.10 pounds.  All he did was cry, sleep and drink milk.  Those days seemed like eternity and my husband and I were itching to get some normalcy in our lives (in the sleeping department, that is).  Well, that took quite a while .  But those sleepless nights, although it sucked out all our energies, were actually the times that I treasure the most. There was somehow a sense of calmness despite all the crying.  I felt like I could be anything and would do anything for my son.

As he turned one, we have already established his sleeping habits. When the clock strikes nine, he's a goner.  Sleepless nights were replaced by never ending  muscle pains as he attempted to explore the world with his own two feet, with us trying to run after him.  He learned the alphabet and numbers and attended his very first summer class.  I was one proud teary eyed momma during his 'graduation day' as I watched him perform the songs that they learned in class.

He is now two and I honestly need to keep up with his energy, which has made me think about how physically fit I am now a days (more on that on a separate post).   He is starting to affirm his independence.  As a mother, all I can do is try to let him be and explore the world on his own even if I am already at the edge of my seat, wanting to help him or do it for him.  


Soon, he will be going to school, have friends of his own. One day, his hands will no longer look for mine in every step that he makes. And so now that I have all the time to be with him, I am trying to savor every moment of it, regardless how annoying sometimes he can get.

To my little Pippo, do not be in a hurry to grow up. May you learn to enjoy your childhood and be able to appreciate the simple things that make life worth living. Remember that I will forever be your greatest fan. To me and you Dad, you are already perfect and we are truly blessed to have you. We love you so much!

From birth to three months.  Look at the (weight) transition.

Barely a year old.  Stopping to smell the orchids in the garden.

At Summer school, climbing the fence!

  

Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

Below is a guest post from Michele Gill of  mommybloggerdirectory.com.  Cool ways on how to save money on school supplies!

Ways to Save on Back-to-School ShoppingProviding your children with the appropriate supplies for school may seem simple, but each year it seems that parents are required to buy more notebooks, more pencils and more miscellaneous items that teachers feel are essential for students. Fortunately, it is also possible to save by following a few simple tricks.

Buy in Bulk

Items like pencils, notebooks and tape do not go bad, so it is possible to purchase a large number of items and stock up for several years. Buying in bulk will help bring down the per-unit cost so that the actual expense for each item is reasonable. 

Purchase Non-Brand Name Items

Instead of reaching for the big brands, select a store brand or an off-brand alternative. Crayons, colored pencils and similar items will have the same basic colors, even if the brand is different.

Buy it Used

If it is necessary to purchase a book for reading projects or similar items, then buy it used or check it out from the library. The cost of new books can add up, but used copies are usually a fraction of the cost.

It is not necessary to spend a small fortune on back-to-school notebooks, folders and pencils. By taking measures to cut back, it will be easier to stay in budget. Also keep in mind, many banks offer cash back rewards on their credit cards. Take advantage of these types of programs.

Mommy Eats: Gavino's Japanese Donuts

I came to discover Gavino's from a friend, who I bumped into SM Megamall one Saturday afternoon.  She made me taste the mochi-like donut.  I liked the unique texture (gooey and oh so chewy) and the fact that unlike other donuts out there, it not too sweet!

I  quickly headed to their kiosk at the Basement of building B, just outside the entrance of SM's Department store and ordered away!  The donuts come in 24 flavors and are very affordable.  Price for the regular donuts are at P29 a piece, the premium donuts at P39 a piece and the mochi balls at  P15 a piece.  If you order by the bulk, it comes out cheaper.  

I ordered the choco almond, glazed, strawbery sprinkle, green tea cheesecake, old fashioned cinnamon and choco crunched.  I have always loved my donuts plain and boring and that's why the Glazed donut topped my list.  For me, no amount of fancy flavors can hide a good donut.  My little R on the other hand devoured the Old fashioned cinnamon donut like there was no tomorrow (and that was because I was also taking a bite on his donut).  They also have mochi balls, which I believe are the mini version of the donuts.  In addition to that, they also sell coffee and chocolate drinks! Perfect combination, a must say.

I did some research to find out where Gavino's originated.  I did not know that it is not an international franchise. The owners were inspired by their travels in several Asian countries that  served such donuts.   They started selling these babies at the Mercato Centrale weekend market two years ago and because of the demand, they have expanded their business and now have five branches.

Alright, I am now salivating and craving again! Boy am I glad that these pon de rings have found their way to Manila.  I now have a go to place to satisfy my donut cravings!

                       

                                      

  

                                      

Find your way to the Gavino's branch nearest you!

Quezon City:

Unit 5, Greenhills Town Center, 2 Granada Street, Brgy. Valencia, Quezon City

808 Banawe Avenue, Quezon City

Ground Floor, Il Terrazzo, Tomas Morato, cor. Scount Madrinan, Quezon City

Manila:

4/F Pedro Gil Wing, Robinsons Place, Ermita, Manila

Mandaluyong:

Lower Ground Floor, Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City

Lower Ground Floor, Building B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City

Mommy Eats: Maple

I completely forgot to post pictures of the desserts that we ordered from Maple Shangri-la!  Shame on me.  Maple is Pancake house's high-end sister restaurant.  For me, a visit to Maple will not be complete without pancakes, being that Pancake House is one of our favorite restaurants for ages.  They just serve  the best pancakes (second is the Maya hotcake mix, hahah).We were just there for dessert and ordered the Bourbon Bread Pudding and Maple Buttermilk Pancakes with coffee.  Yum!  Boy were we in dessert heaven.

Bourbon Bread Pudding

Maple Buttermilk pancakes with coffee.