Underrated Cooking Channels on YouTube: They deserve more hype!

As we live in our modern lives, we are privileged to have almost unlimited access to anything. It makes it possible for anyone to learn new things. With that being said, what better hobby there is to learn than cooking? Who doesn’t love learning how to cook and being able to feed not just yourself, but to your loved ones too? Not only do you learn how to cook, you also get entertained by the visuals and aesthetics of their cooking videos. A lot of channels like these exist on YouTube.

Famous channels like Food Wishes or Tasty have their own creative ways and techniques in teaching their viewers how to make the recipes they create. Food Wishes’ style is focused on teaching basic meals but with their unique take. It has 2.9+ million subscribers! One of their popular uploads was “Inside-out Grilled Cheese Sandwich” video with 9.7+ million views! Who doesn’t want creamy cheese on the inside and crispy cheese on the outside of their sandwich? It’s genius! (and fattening). But still genius. Perfect for those (like myself) cheese lovers out there who can’t have too much cheese.

Inside-out Grilled Cheese Sandwich

On the other hand, Tasty has a similar style. Basic meals, but creates more than one dish in one video. So this gives their 14+ million viewers more options just by watching a single video. It cuts time for those who are in a rush and just want to cook something for a short period of time without sacrificing the creativeness and deliciousness of the dish! They also do food challenges like hiding a mysterious ingredient in a dish or making insanely spicy dishes. This channel has lost to offer and is suited for different types of viewers. One of their fun videos is “10 Creamy & Satisfying Pasta Dishes” with 3.7+ million views!

10 Creamy & Satisfying Pasta Dishes

Food Wishes and Tasty are just a few from the numerous creative food channels on YouTube, and a lot of them aren’t even famous or hyped enough.

Byron Talbott

Byron is a young adult chef that is just passionate for cooking and has a fun and creative way of showing it to his 1.4+ million viewers (including myself). He cooks, bakes, and even teaches proper knife skills! (and MORE!). He goes back and forth with creating modern and complex dishes like his “The Cookie Cup” video (1.7+ million views) to simplified dishes such as his “Crispy Eggs” video (2.4+ million views), and both viewed by millions of people. I subscribed to Byron years ago and he has never changed his style of cooking, it only became better. There is something about Byron’s aesthetic in cooking that makes you want to watch his videos and even attempt to try out his recipes. This guy definitely needs more fans like I am!

and lastly….

Kdeb Cooking

This channel is run by a young kid (too young to cook delicious-looking dishes). His style is cooking very exotic foods! From snail, to duck heart, pig’s kidney, and the like! (he also cooks with normal ingredients haha) It’s not everyone’s cup of tea if you would hear it the first time, but just by seeing him cook, reminds me of how every Filipino mom cooks. It’s very heart-warming and entertaining to see his way of cooking. It’s something very different and I believe uniqueness is very important in the food industry. I love his style, especially how he cooks outdoors! One of my first couple of videos I’ve watched from his channel were the “Easy Crispy Pork Belly Cooking” and “Delicious Duck Heart Boiling in Pineapple“. Truly, an enjoyable content he has (a fan indeed!). Plus, a very inspiring young chef! Considering that he’s still a kid, tells us that he has a long way to go and that anyone could fulfill their passion in life anytime.

Easy Crispy Pork Belly Cooking
Delicious Duck Heart Boiling in Pineapple

Channels like Byron Talbott and Kdeb Cooking deserve more hype and love because these channels really stay true to their style of cooking. And as viewers we have to appreciate the hard work, time, and effort that these channels do for the their viewers while fulfilling their dreams. It is our job to also help them become more known so that more people will appreciate their own delicious recipes and styles of cooking.

Start supporting them by watching and liking their videos; and subscribing to their channels:

Kdeb Cooking https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC49jksLkSkmetiZv2p7uYNg

Byron Talbott https://www.youtube.com/user/ByronTalbott

Anatomy of Coffee: Know your Coffee

Have you ever stare at the menu for too long while deciding on what coffee to get? 
Here's a list on what you need to know about the common types of coffee.
-Magada, Phoebe-

1.Espresso

Espresso is typically a rich, concentrated beverage. If you are a fan of rich and stronger flavor of coffee this is for you. It has a higher content of caffeine than any other coffee that is why it is recommended to gulp it rather than sipping on it

2. Macchiato

“Macchiato” is an Italian word meaning staining the coffee. It basically staining the espresso with froth and milk crema. The milk would calm the harshness of the espresso coffee.

3. Latte

Latte means “coffee and milk” it a very milky coffee which consist of thick layer of steamed milk and a little bit of foam.

4. Cappuccino

Cappuccino means “little hood” which contains 1/3 deep layer of milk foam, 1/3 milk, and 1/3 espresso. They are traditionally serve in ceramic, and a proper cappuccino has a chocolate sprinkle on top.

5. Cafe Mocha

Mocha 2/3 of steamed milk, one part of espresso, and one part of chocolate syrup or powder. This type of coffee is usually sweet which is good to those who can’t drink stronger flavor of coffee.

6. Cold Brew

The method in making the cold brew is by soaking the grounds in cold or room-temperature water for 12 to 24 hours. The filtered final product is diluted with two or three parts hot or cold water and milk or dairy substitute to one part coffee. It basically contains less acid and caffeine than a regular coffee, that is why it is good to consume to those who are experiencing heart burn, hyperacidity, and palpitation.

Vegan and Vegetarian restaurants in Cavite

Nowadays, more and more people are becoming health conscious and some decided to become vegans or vegetarians. From working out 3 to 4 times a week, to having a healthy diet. Being vegan isn’t easy, especially when you are to eat in restaurants because you have to check each ingredient in a dish you are to order. Also, there are time where vegans and vegetarians missed the taste of the food we usually eat from our childhood up to this day. Well, good news! because in this blog I will be sharing you vegan food and restaurants that serve food that is 100% plant based and guiltless.

Daniel’s Choice is a vegan restaurant based in Bacoor, Cavite, that is known in the vegan community with their best-seller meaty (meatless) spaghetti and burgers. They also have sisig, fried chicken, isaw, lechon kawali, and other filipino dish that are purely made of vegetables. It is a dream come true for vegans and vegetarians to have their hands on these food and satisfy their taste buds. Here are some of the food in their menu!

Vegan lumpia
Photo from: Astig Vegan
Meaty Spaghetti
You would never get tired of eating it! That is how good it is. You would not even notice that it is made of vegetable because it has meat like textures that are mushrooms.
Photo from: Astig Vegan
Lechon Kawali
It is absolutely mind-blowing! It almost has the same texture as the real lechon kawali, it is also really crunchy.
Photo from: Astig Vegan

Tasti Health Buffet serves vegetarian food although there are vegan options too. It is located in Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay, Cavite. They serve different kinds of cuisines that their customers would surely enjoy eating. There are many options to choose from! Japenese, Chinese, Mexican, and more! Desserts too are safe to eat and you wouldn’t have to worry about the dairy.

Photo from: Happycow.com
Image result for tasti health vegetarian buffet
Photo from: Happycow.com
Image result for tasti health vegetarian buffet
Photo from: Happycow.com

Sentro Botaniko Eco-Farm is a vegetarian cafe located in 217 Buck Estate Rd, Brgy. Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite. They serve coffee, tea, and meals in a rustic, countryside environment built mostly from recycled, pre-owned and natural materials. Their ingredients are mainly from their own farm. Many of their dishes are vegan, apart from the chili cheese sticks, puto pao, sisig, and shahi paneer. They also sold some bottled products like pickled vegetables, condiments, and sauces.

Thai _ish at Sentro Botanikos Eco-Farm in Cavite
Photo from: Happycow.com
Sisig! at Sentro Botanikos Eco-Farm in Cavite
Photo from: Happycow.com

This is also a great place to buy organic ingredients for salads and other recipes you wish to make.

Callos at Sentro Botanikos Eco-Farm in Cavite
Photo from: Happycow.com

FOOD REVIEW: Entrada Tagaytay

Entrada Tagaytay

For food enthusiast out there trying to find an affordable, delicious and instagrammable food in Tagaytay. Entrada is your one stop restaurant for your favorite home dishes, pastas, pizza and desserts. Moreover, the place also offers alcohols, great for reunions and casual talks.

First time I ate, it made me inflate. I looked upon my fate and the second time I ate, it was also great.

Neil Joshua Pangilinan

Entrada’s Famous Bulalo

Entrada’s Bulalo

Nothing beats the famous Bulalo that Tagaytay is known for. The combination of soft luscious meat and hot salty soup is what anyone can crave for. Entrada offers this for 250 pesos which are good for 6-8 persons. But be careful because it is high in cholesterol even it is satisfyingly delicious.

Sizzling Sisig

Entrada’s Sizzling Sisig

One of our favorite Filipino dish of all is sisig and it will keep you seeking for more! The combination of green and red peppers in this dish will surely make your salivas drip. This dish by Entrada costs 180 pesos good for 3-5 person which comes in a sizzling plate. You can also ask for eggs if you wish to in order to add flavor to the dish.

Entrada’s Sinigang sa Miso

Entrada’s Sinigang sa Miso

If you are looking for the sour packed variety of food, their Sinigang sa Miso is the way to go. Combinations of different fresh vegetables in this dish will make you sip the soup like crazy. Coming at 200 pesos, this top of the class dish is good for friends of 4-6 persons. Not bad for a 200 peso dish.

Entrada’s Authentic Home-Made Bagnet

Entrada’s Home-Made Bagnet

The north has made its way to Entrada with their famour bagnet. Served with a special sauce and full of crispiness, their bagnet will make your tastebuds swell and I can tell it. With a price tag of 300 pesos, their bagnet is one of the best I tasted so far and it is good for 5-6 persons. A must try when you visit this resto!

Beat the Heat whilst Staying Fit ft. Healthy Summer Treats

by: Sofia Kyla O. Marasigan

During summertime, the temperature rises and it can be unbearable. Sometimes, even our air conditioning units are not enough to cool our bodies down. And so, we start filling our tummies with the coolest snacks that we can eat. However, this method of eating cold sweets may have in return cost us our figures. So here’s our top 5 list of healthy summer treats you can make and enjoy that will help you stay cool and fit!

1. Fruit Pops

Photo by: Stephen Johnson via Food Network

Fruit Pops, short for “fruit popsicles,” are made of fruit mixtures shaped using popsicle molds. Fruit mixtures can range from any fruit choices – as simple as watermelon fruit pop to a combination of mango-strawberry. It tops our list because it’s yummy, healthy, easy to make, and can really cool your body amidst great summer heat! So for your weekend afternoon, start making this a night before using the following ingredients and instructions (via Food Network):

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 bag frozen mangos
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • 1 bag frozen strawberries
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions:

  1. Start by combining 1 cup water with the sugar in a small saucepan. Turn the heat to medium and let it warm while the sugar dissolves.
  2. Pour half the sugar syrup into a blender with the frozen mangoes and lime juice. Puree until totally smooth. Pour the mango mixture into the bottom quarter of some ice pop molds and freeze for 20 minutes.
  3. Add the other half of the syrup to the blender with the frozen strawberries and lemon juice. Puree until smooth and pour it into the molds to the halfway mark. Freeze for 20 minutes.
  4. Repeat with another layer of mango and strawberry. Freeze until solid

2. Frozen Yogurt

Photo by: Lisa Bryan via Pinterest

Yogurt is a dairy product made through milk fermentation and is famous for its amazing health benefits. One of which is strengthening your immune system that is extremely necessary due to the abundance of a variety of viral infections you may catch during summer season. Additionally, if you add a fruit or two into your frozen yogurt, you get to enjoy not only additional flavor to make it more delicious but also additional benefits to make you healthier! Strawberries are only one of many fruit variants that you can mix with your frozen yogurt. Moreover, if you are suffering from weathered skin due to intense summer heat, strawberries can help because they are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C. To learn how to make your own homemade strawberry frozen yogurt, use and follow the ingredients and steps listed below (via Food Network) :

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups strawberries hulled and chopped
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon rum
  • 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise and seeds scraped
  • 1 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt

Instructions:

  1. A full 24 hours before you make your frozen yogurt, place your ice cream maker insert into the freezer.
  2. Add strawberries, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and rum to a bowl and toss. Cover with plastic wrap and let the strawberries macerate at room temperature for 1 hour.
  3. Add the strawberries with their juices to a food processor. Pulse the berries, and then add the vanilla beans seeds and yogurt. Continue to blend until smooth.
  4. Place in the refrigerator to chill for 1 hour.
  5. Turn your ice cream machine on and pour in the chilled yogurt mixture. Churn until the mixture looks slushy like soft serve, about 12 to 15 minutes.
  6. Place in the freezer for several hours until hard enough to scoop.

3. Snow Cones

Photo by: Food Network

Snow Cones are probably the easiest to DIY on this list with only ice and a fruit or two needed to make one of these. Nonetheless, they are perfect for summer because they’re also undoubtedly refreshing and healthy. Snow Cones can be flavored with a variety of food but based from our research it goes well with fruits, specifically with our favorite, mango and strawberry. The following list contains the ingredients and instructions needed to make a Mango-Strawberry Snow Cone (via Food Network):

Ingredients:

  • Ice
  • 2 mangoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 lime juiced, plus wedges for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Fill a food processor with ice and process until the ice is very fine, like snow.
  2. Add the mangoes and strawberries and pulse to blend.
  3. Pile the crushed ice into dessert glasses or dishes and squeeze over the lime juice.
  4. Garnish with lime wedges; serve immediately.

4. Slimmed-Down Ice Creams

Photo by: Sandhya’s Kitchen via Pinterest

Traditional ice creams are the yummiest dessert that you enjoy devouring when you were a child and maybe up until this age on the hottest days of the year. However, your favorite flavor of ice cream can get as much as 300 calories per scoop. Thus, for people who are not as young as they were before when they can easily finish a pint of ice cream, a slimmed-down ice cream can be a good alternative. Slimmed-down ice creams are ice cream companies’ solution for adults who are in tight calorie watch. These ice creams claims to be low in calories with as few as 70 calories per two scoops. The following are list of ice cream variants that are slimmed-down for you (via Shape):

  • Arctic Zero Light Ice Cream – Made from real milk, cream, and cane sugar, these pints contain no sugar alcohols, are non-GMO, and have a boost of prebiotic fiber.
  • Halo Top – 280 to 360 calories per pint
  • Breyers Delight  – 260 to 330 calories per pint
  • Talenti – 120 per half cup serving
  • Enlightened – 60 to 100 per half cup serving
  • Ben & Jerry’s Moo -Phoria Light Ice Cream – 60% to 70% less fat and 35% fewer calories than their traditional ice creams.
  • Sweet Habit – under 80 calories per half cup serving.

5. Sangria

Photo by: Food Network via Pinterest

Last but not the least is a healthy summer treat or rather drink that may or may not ring a bell to you. Sangria is a drink that originated from Spain and is made of red wine, fruits and spices. It gets on our list because it’s not only a cure for summer heat but also for a couple of things due to the fact that red wine contains antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids and resveratrol which are good for the body. Furthermore, since Sangria is composed of a variety of things including fruits and spices, it only makes this drink even more beneficial for our health. Nonetheless, we advise you to drink moderately! The following list below is how you can make your own Watermelon-Strawberry Sangria (via Food Network):

Ingredients:

  • 1 small seedless watermelon, rind removed, flesh cut into large chunks (about 4 cups)
  • 1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced, 1 cup reserved for garnish
  • 1 bottle rose wine, cold
  • 1 cup vodka
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 cup orange liqueur
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 lime, sliced

Instructions:

  1. Combine the watermelon and strawberries in a blender and blend until smooth; add a splash of the vodka if needed to get the fruit pureed.
  2. Strain into a large pitcher; you will need about 4 cups total juice. Add the rose, vodka, orange juice and liqueur and stir to combine. Add the orange and lime slices, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours. Just before serving, add the reserved strawberries. Serve in glasses over ice.

Largest Filipino Buffet in MOA

La Fiesta: Largest Filipino Buffet is a buffet concept located at the SM Mall of Asia Complex just beside the MOA Eye.

Actual photo of the front of the restaurant (ctto)

As we all know, Filipinos like to eat different varieties of food which give great deals in our stomach.


Photo taken by: Louise Lyn Arga
(ctto)

When buying something to eat, we do not like it being limited in one seat. Being in La Fiesta restaurant solves the problem since they are know as the largest Filipino buffet in Mall of Asia and by that, customers are able to choose several varieties of dishes/foods for a great price deal. The costs just differ depending on the time of the day customers are going to eat.

La Fiesta Table Setting

The interior of this buffet restaurant gives a “Wow” factor when we step-in on this Buffet Restaurant and also it is very classy as if you are eating in a 5 star hotel. You can really feel the ambiance of the Filipino Theme in this Restaurant.


(See for more image below)
(Photos are not mine. ctto)

Last but not the least, La Fiesta also prepared a mini live show for the customers. Everyone is serenaded by the acoustic band that plays different kinds of music. They even accept song requests from the audience such as Buwan by Juan Carlos and everyone get along with the band.

(Photo Below showed the Performance of the Acoustic Band. ctto)

It was a great opportunity to try the wide selection of Filipino and foreign foods/drinks in this Buffet Restaurant. We really liked the ambiance of La Fiesta. Really recommend for those people who like to eat different varieties of food which give great deals in their stomach.

HIDDEN BUDGET-FRIENDLY PLACES TO EAT AROUND SILANG-TAGAYTAY

Food trip shouldn’t be a burden if you want to try different types of foods whether you are with your family, friends or even just alone. So here are the top 3 budget friendly places that you must try when you go to Tagaytay:

Craving and searching for an authentic Japanese food? Your long search is over! Just right in, Silang Bayan, Cavite wherein you can find

Actual photo of the front of the restaurant (ctto)

KOJIRO SNACK & FOODHOUSE

This restaurant serves a variety of authentic Japanese snacks that can definitely satisfy your cravings. Their dishes are from the recipes of the owner which is a japanese named Seigo “Kojiro” Sasaki. Through this, they made their dishes satisfyingly delicious that you can taste the taste of Japan with a friendly budget.

Starting off with their most famous signature dish, Koroke — this is made up of potato, breaded, fried and topped with a tomato sauce and mayonnaise and for final topping some garnish. A lot of their customers fell in love with the taste it offers to you the moment that you savored the flavor. This became famous not just because of its taste but also because of its being uncommon to all the Japanese restaurants that we have here in the Philippines. We commonly know takoyaki but not koroke. It is worth 12 pesos per piece only.

 
Photo taken by: Katherine Mae Bautista
Photo taken by: Katherine Mae Bautista

                                                                  Next, is their signature ramen that can be served from 3 different amount of spiciness, which are regular just a plain ramen if you’re not into spicy at all and just want to taste and eat some warm Japanese ramen, while for others who ate not really into spicy but wants some spice they’ve got some mild spicy ramen for you and for the adventurers and tough the spicy one is perfect for you. That is worth 120 pesos only!

Photo taken by: Katherine Mae Bautista:  Mild Spicy Ramen  

I just featured two (2) of their signature dishes but I also tried their shawarma, cold champorado, and special coffee jelly as well but so far from what I have tried that I truly enjoyed and will recommend for everyone to try are the two foods that I featured! But they still got a lot on their menu, that is surely flavorful and worth trying for as well.

Photo taken by: Katherine Mae Bautista

(see for the photo below for their menu list)

They are open during Sunday to Friday from 12pm to 7 pm and is closed every Saturday. You can visit their facebook page for more: https://www.facebook.com/KojiroKoroke/.

Searching for a place to eat an authentic Bulalo dish that you don’t want to miss when you go to Tagaytay? But budget is the problem or searching for a great taste and quality of bulalo? That’ not a problem any more because I recommend to you

Tito Bee’s Eatery

This restaurant is famous among tourist, locals, especially to cyclers. This is located beside the Bells and Whistles along the Mahogany road.  This Restaurant started from a small eatery until they expanded and recently open their new store.

This is their old store
New store located beside the Bells and Whistle’s

 Wherein in through this jump up to a newer and bigger place, they serve better to their customers maintaining a low priced with high quality of food. You can enjoy the tasty flavor of warm soup, tender meat and crispy vegetables in you Bulalo with the price of 400 pesos and just add rice that cost 20 pesos and you are all set!

ctto

If you want something crispy, fresh and flavorful fish, you can have and enjoy their crispy tawilis with the price of 150 pesos that is already good for 5-6 person.

ctto

Aside form their famous dishes, Tito Bee’s eatery also serves a lot of choices for you. From beef, to pork, to sea foods, to vegetables, to chicken whether you like it with sarsa, grilled, fried, a little warm soup, marinated and many more that will truly satisfy your cravings for Filipino foods in a friendly price. You can check their facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tito-Bees-Eatery/653794591448227

ctto

After a heavy meal wherein, you just want to chill and grab a cold drink and rest and have a chat time with your friends while enjoying your quality time then here is a great place for you that is just around Tagaytay

DOUGHKNEAD CAFÉ

This Café is just located near the City Market of Tagaytay along the Tagaytay-Sta.Rosa Road that offers a friendly price of beverages and foods that you can enjoy along together in their cozy and pretty café interior.

In this café you can enjoy your favorite milktea drink in very friendly price along side with your favorite pastry that compliments the drink very well.

Sick and tired of your common coffee shop and want to try something new in a cheaper price then Dough Knead Café is perfect for you, it is the coffee shop that you’ve been searching for. For a cheaper price but a high quality and flavorful drink,  you’ve got your favorite Frappuccino already

These two are just samples from their menu.

But if you are more into hot beverages, they’ve got some teas and coffee that can offer to you as well.

These are just some from their menu.

There are also drinks for you if you are not into drinks with caffeine this drink are perfect for you. But these are not just that, these are just samples from what they got for you, if you go and visit their café.

And if you are looking for something that will compliment you drink, hey, don’t go anywhere because they have it as well just like our favorite macaroons, doughnut or even pasta. This is available in their menu

You can go and check their Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/doughkneadcafe/

So, what are you waiting for, go and visit Silang-Tagaytay and try these budget friendly restaurants to suffice you craving and enjoy you stroll with a full stomach while enjoying the view of Taal Volcano.  These are just some of the must try budget friendly restaurants for you!

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I take all the credits for all the owners of the photos that I have used to their respective owners. Just for educational purposes.

Amira’s Best

When I was young, I got really fond of eating sweets which became one of the reasons why I am chubby today. One day, my mom and I got hungry and we were wondering what to eat, also considering the hot weather here. We happened to passed by an Amira’s Buco Tart store and decided to order one Buco Tart box. While we were on our way home, I tasted one and WOW it was so delicious! The tart is made of buco, condensed milk, dough, butter, sugar and flour. Maybe you’re wondering why do I have an idea of its ingredients, well simply because I also know how to bake! As a student who has a background in baking, I can say that the Amira’s Buco Tart is a bomb! Every bite counts so you should really savor each and every bite in the pie. It is also affordable that is why it is very recommended to many. If I were to rate it, I can say that it is 9/10.