Rockwell’s 3rd Ultimate Taste Test on September 14.

Certified foodies are all set again to rejoice as Rockwell’s 3rd Ultimate Taste Test (UTT) event takes place on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at the Rockwell Tent, in partnership with the famous lifestyle blog Our Awesome Planet and in cooperation with San Miguel Lifestyle Brews. Enjoy a fun and delicious chance to become food critics for a day.

Have the ultimate food tasting adventure from Rockwell’s restaurants, home-based food businesses and other up-and-coming food concessionaires. Lookout for curious-but-cool Choco Ampalaya Delight Cake by Amy’s Fruit and Vegetable Cakes, Truffled Tuna Crudo from BITE by Chef Jam Melchor, Premium Duck Burgers from Goldenduck’s Premium Meat Products, and Jalapeno Alfredo from Flavors on Fire Catering. Dessert and drinks like the Oatie Granolie treats by 2407 Weekend Bakery and Café, Black and White Cupcakes by Everyday Mom, plus a Green Cayenne Reboot by the Juice Barista are also up for grabs. 

AUTT ticket entitles foodies to a wristband and a passport to enjoy a one-time sampling from all the participating concessionaires. In line with this, foodies get to critic and rate the product on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being the highest. The Top 10 highest rating participants will be featured in Our Awesome Planet and will get other exciting prizes from Power Plant Mall.

Buy your ticket to Rockwell’s 3rdUltimate Taste Test at the North Court Concierge Desk, R1 Level of Power Plant Mall. Tickets are sold at Php585, and each ticket comes with a free San Miguel Lifestyle Brews beer. The Rockwell Tent will be open from 11AM-9PM.For more information/inquiries, please visit www.facebook.com/PowerPlantMall or call 898-1702.

Wooden Spoon Restaurant Now at Power Plant Mall

Wooden Spoon Restaurant by Sandy Daza opened a new branch at Power Plant Mall, located right beside Ganso Shabuway. Visit the place now and taste your local dishes here.

Ikkoryu Ramen and Quirks Store now at Power Plant Mall

Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen and a bigger Quirks store just opened at Power Plant Mall. Visit the place and taste some authentic ramen.
Find Quirks at the R3 level in their bigger store and buy your favorite novelties items.

THE BEST OF FILIPINO FOOD FIESTA AT MERCATO CENTRALE !

Starting this September 7, everyone is up for an overwhelming festival held by FOOD magazine to celebrate the unique culinary culture of the Philippines in “The Best of Filipino Food Fair”, featuring the “Adobo Cook-off” at Mercato Centrale, Bonifacio Global City.

This year, FOOD magazine will be gathering families around to present a collection of the best of the best selections that the country has to offer. FOOD Magazines’ experts have personally hand-picked the best in casual Filipino cuisine—and in the local tradition of sharing, these dishes will be presented to the public in a highly-curated, one-stop food fiesta of the most delectable delights.

Booths of the finest in Filipino food will be set up to deliver a wide range of flavors for everyone—including food samples!

Aside from all that, FOOD’s “Adobo Cook-off” will be taking place—a live exhibition of a battle among both amateurs and professionals to produce one of the Philippines’ most recognizable and beloved signature dishes.

To up local flavor, FOOD will also be bringing in performances by Ukulele Manila, making “The Best of Filipino Food Fair” a treat for all the senses.

Don’t miss out on FOOD magazine’s “The Best of Filipino Food Fair”, featuring the “Adobo Cook-off” as it happens on September 7 at Mercato Centrale, Bonifacio Global City.

FOOD magazine, the largest-selling culinary magazine in the country, is published by ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. and is available at all major bookstores and newsstands nationwide.

Valentines treat with Kylie Padilla, Alden Richards and Bela Padilla in Sarap Diva

Learn the special Valentine recipes of three of GMA’s hottest properties – Alden Richards, Bela Padilla and Kylie Padilla this Saturday's Sarap Diva episode (February 9).

Bela prepares her specialty, Salmon Zuchinni, while Kylie teaches her Halal recipe, Pininyahang Manok. Alden shows off his resourcefulness with his Lechon Paksiw recipe.

Meanwhile, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid shares the latest trend replacing flowers as a first date gift, the Fruiquet or Fruit bouquet.

The surprises never end as one of Regine’s twitter followers wins a date with Alden.

Love is truly in the air with another Saturday morning filled with good food, talk and music in Sarap Diva, 9:45am on GMA.

The Countdown to 2013 at Marriott Manila

No local worthy of the name would let December go by without coming to Marriott Manila for a night of luxurious and outrageous New Year’s Eve countdown party. Aside from the dining deals from Marriott Café to Cru Steakhouse, the lobby will be transformed into a hip hangout to welcome 2013! With a menu that is one big staple and a selection of seafood and meat dishes that offers a welcome variety, why not avail the P3, 888 net buffet cocktail package at The Garden Room? Coupled with a complete access to the countdown party from The Lounge to The Hub, it’s a year-ender party guaranteed to leave everybody feeling good.

Style-savvy clubber would be thrilled to know that two floors of the hotel is occupied with music of In Session with live DJ at The Lounge while Belvedere’s Blue Bubble Room takes charge to the party ambience at The Hub. Party with us from 9 PM to 1:00 AM for only P1550 net cocktail package, featuring an open bar stocked up with beers and wines matched with easy-to-handle-entrees for a perfect boogie-down experience.

There’s nothing quite a satisfying meat indulgence before making your way to the party, so have Cru Steakhouse for dinner if rooting for a happy place for carnivores.  With well-prepared steaks as the main star on the table for only P5, 300 net, the menu features an indulgent 4-course set dinner in an intimate atmosphere with swift and polite service.

Make this most happening event your memorable last hurrah for the year. Whether with family or friends luxuriate over a good meal on December 31 and make your way to 2013 socializing, dancing, and enjoying good music in this biggest countdown party ever.

For inquiries or reservations, call Festive Season trunk line at 988-9980.

MOCHI SWEETS Products Now in Manila!

Popular MOCHI SWEETS has made its way into the local food scene and is sure to create a mochi craze as seen in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and China. Now it will surely one of the craze products we must  

“Mochi” is a well-loved Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice flour pounded into shape. Mochi Sweets has taken this traditional dessert further by creating small balls of luxurious and flavorful cream and wrapping it in chewy mochi skin.  Think dessert dumplings with frozen cream or mousse in the center and a mochi covering made with just the right thickness, moistness and stickiness. 

Business partners Jason Yap and Samatha Paz chanced upon Mochi Sweets in their trips to Malaysia and Vietnam and saw the store drawing huge crowds. Both only in their early 20s but with entrepreneurial exposure from their parents, they decided to write to J Sweets in Hong Kong and were soon awarded the official franchise for Mochi Sweets in the Philippines. 

Garry Cheng, President of J Sweets was in Manila to grace the unveiling of the first Mochi Sweets store in the SM Mall of Asia. He was very excited for Filipinos to try Mochi Sweets. He says their dessert is superior to other desserts which loosely uses mochi but don’t produce the right texture and experience. Cheng offers a clue on how premium their product and standards are: “We learned from Japan. We had a Japanese chef who creates these delectable concoctions for us and we use only 100% Japanese mochi.” 

Just looking at the cute and colourful balls of Mochi Sweets neatly placed in its classic gift box and you understand why it has earned raves abroad. “First impression counts,” says Jason Yap, president of Mochi Sweets Philippines. “Mochi Sweets first tempts you with how it appeals to the eyes. But the real pleasure is the taste and experience once you bite into it. This is because Mochi Sweets is made from the best ingredients. There is meticulous control to ensure consistency of quality. We do not short-change our customers. We aim to satisfy each customer and make them enjoy life’s simple indulgent treats.”

Hence, the real test is resisting the urge to sink your teeth into these decadent sweets. Mochi Sweets comes frozen and you have to wait 10-15 minutes for it to thaw before you can bite into its gummy goodness. But unlike those with ice cream filling, Mochi Sweets is not prone to messy meltdowns as you eat it. It is also a perfect to-go or bring-home treat since it does not melt all the way through and will be thawed and just-ready by the time you meet your family and friends. 

Jason Yap further shows how Mochi Sweets will be enjoyed: “We are a gifting society. A box of Mochi Sweets has 6 to 12 pieces and will definitely be a fun gift for sharing during those special moments and celebrations. Customers can pick different colors and flavors of Mochi Sweets based on the personality and preference of the lucky recipient and this makes each box of Mochi Sweets special and personal.”

Mochi Sweets indeed has a wide array of flavors – from the classic favorites to inspired special concoctions. Clear winners for chocolate lovers are the wickedly good Chocolate Mousse, Cream Chocolate and Dark Chocolate. Coffee aficionados will find delicious comfort in Caramel Macchiato. Kids and kids-at-heart looking for something wholesome will enjoy the fruity confections: Strawberry Mousse, Mango Yoghurt and Honey Lemon Cream. Those who want something different and exotic can try Sakura (or cherry blossom, which is very popular in Japan), Green Tea and Durian Mousse. Currently, Mochi Sweets offers 17 flavors and will continue to dish out cool and yum variants that will make customers think Mochi Sweets when they crave for desserts and comfort food. 

From the first Mochi Sweets kiosk in SM Mall of Asia (beside the Skating Rink), the team of Jason Yap and Samatha Paz will open three more Mochi Sweets stores this quarter. The next two stores will be at Robinsons Galleria and Eastwood Mall. They promise rapid expansion in 2013 with the biggest Mochi Sweets shop already slated at SM Aura which will open at BGC.

You can check their products and follow them:

Facebook Page:  Mochi Sweets

Twitter:  MochiSweetsPH

BAGA (Barbecuers and Grillers Association) Manila's 1st Anniversary Celebration, "Grill & BBQ Fest - November 16, 2012

WHAT: BAGA (Barbecuers and Grillers Association) Manila's 1st Anniversary Celebration, "Grill & BBQ Fest 2012"

Organizer:  d'dendar organizer

WHEN: November 16, 2012, Friday, 7:00PM

WHERE: A. Venue Open Parking Lot, Makati Ave., Makati City

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Grill & BBQ Battles - Pork BBQ on Skewer, Pork Belly, Pork Baby Back Ribs, Chicken Inasal, Kebabs and Sates.

2. Launching of BAGA Manila's Theme Song

3. Bands

4. Many more!

Mark your calendar now! See you all there!

Special Photo Shoot with Semerad twins and Down to Mars for Chef’s Noodle

Despite of  the heavy rain, a special photo shoot is done last Thursday, October 25, 2012 at Elite Studio, 3rd floor, A. Venue Mall, in Makati Avenue, Makati City.

Featuring hardcourt hotties Anthony and David Semerad and fast-rising inter-pop group Down to Mars, Chef’s Noodle has exclusively invited bloggers for this unique event wherein Doc Marlon Pecjo is the featured photographer. 

 Anthony and David Semerad (uh! and I'm in the middle :)

Having recently opened its first branch in the country, Chef’s Noodle is now excited to present another fun event for its fans which features two of its latest endorsers, the Semerad twins as well as the country’s first inter-pop music group, Down to Mars.

Some of the members of DOWN TO MARS

Treat your tummies and enjoy the true taste of Korea with these Chef’s Noodle specialties like the:

• bibimbap (traditional Korean steamed rice with seasoned vegetables, beef, and egg)

bulgogi leek jun (deep fried bacon sliced beef with leeks mixed with eggs and seasoned vegetables) 

the restaurant’s signature dish, Chef’s Noodle (Korean fresh noodles with beef and anchovy broth topped with leeks, bean sprouts, fried tofu, spring onion, red pepper, egg roll and bulgogi)

• bulgogi leek kimbap (seaweed rice rolls with beef and leeks), curry dupbap (or Curry Donburi Warm rice topped with beef curry and seasoned vegetables), and many more! With prices set at P95 and up, sampling the Chef’s Noodle menu is sure to fit any budget.

Being two of the most popular hardcourt celebrities right now, the Semerad twins make for exciting additions to Chef’s Noodle’s lineup of celebrity endorsers as well as the presence of the country’s first inter-pop group, Down to Mars, who, with their varied musical backgrounds and artistic influences have created a unique type of music that has created a buzz especially among the youth.

Already endorsed by celebrity chef Choi In Sun and model/host Grace Lee, Chef’s Noodle is the latest Korean franchise to have entered the local food industry and is already making a name for itself through its fast casual style, mouthwatering menu, and affordable price points.

Having already set up shop in University Mall along Taft Avenue, Chef’s Noodle offers a smorgasbord of Korean dishes that are sure to entice not just fans of K-pop and Korean cuisine in general, but anyone who can appreciate good food.

Bring your friends and loved ones along and get to enjoy a delightful dining experience from one of Korea’s most popular restaurant chains!

Visit Chef’s Noodle’s branches

2nd floor of University Mall, Taft Avenue, Manila  

Call:  7089520 / 405012

ground floor of Atlanta Center, Annapolis St., Greenhills, San Juan 

Call: 2340266 / 2340840

For more details about Chef's Noodle, visit:

Chef's Noodle Phils.

My First Food Contest Winners

Hi there! I'm happy to announced the 2 winners of my giveaway from my first food contest. Thank you so much everyone who joined. 

Victor Cruz

Clare Justine Perez

Until next contest. Probably, you will be the next winner.

I'm back and my site is getting better

Hello everyone! 

I miss you all. Been busy at work, blogging and other stuffs. By the way, thank you for following my blog.

I will be launching my newest blog and for its launching, I will be giving you prize. Oh, by the way, who loves Korean food or burgers? Want to create your own burger? 

Here are the simple mechanics to follow:

Like my blog:  curlydianne.blogspot.com

Like my facebook fanpage:  https://www.facebook.com/CurlyOnTheRun

Follow me: Twitter  https://twitter.com/curlydianne

Like Chef's Noodle Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/chefsnoodlephils

Like Brgr: The Burger Project Taft:   https://www.facebook.com/brgr.burgerproject.taft

Watch out for my upcoming blog:  www.curlydianne.com (probably next week)

and answer this question:

What food you like most and why? Choose from Chef's Noodle or BRGR: BURGER PROJECT and get a prize. 

NOTE: Please answer in the COMMENT BOX Below together with your NAME, Email Address and Facebook name for easy access. Thank you.

1 winner for Chef's Noodle Gift Certificate worth Php 500

1 winner for BRGR: Burger Project Gift Certificate worth Php 450

winners will be announce on Saturday. Hurry! join this contest now. 

NOTE: Please answer in the COMMENT BOX Below together with your NAME, Email Address and Facebook name for easy access. Thank you.

Disclamer: This contest is hosted by me only.

Chef's Noodle of Korea now on Philippines

With that in mind, Simisim Group of Companies is proud to present Chef’s Noodle, a popular fast-casual Korean restaurant, which is set to make waves in the Philippines.

For its grand launch, held at University Mall along Taft Avenue (Chef’s Noodle’s first branch in the country), both Chef Choi In Sun and Grace Lee were present to show their support for the brand and of course, promote all the delicious Korean fare that they have to offer.

Having acquired the master franchise of Chef’s Noodle, the company already has big plans for the hip, new dining outlet, already partnering with popular Korean expats, like model/TV personality/DJ Grace Lee and Korean celebrity Chef Choi In Sun to be its local endorsers.

With a great range of Korean specialties that ranges from the traditional menu items that are unique to the restaurant, Chef’s Noodle definitely has something delicious for everyone.

Korean specialties for the Pinoy palate
Delicious, fast, and affordable, hot Korean franchise Chef’s Noodle is now ready to start serving its signature dishes toPinoy foodies.

From Kpop to kimchi, anything Korean is definitely hot right now. This is why it’s not surprising that a lot of Korean restaurants have started to grow all over the country. While it usually caters to Korean expats who’ve already made the Philippines their home, Pinoy foodies who have already developed a taste for Korean dishes have also been frequenting such places to get their fix of  kimchi, bibimbap, and so many mouthwatering Korean specialties.

Delicious, hearty, Korean specialties

From the restaurant’s signature dish, aptly named, “Chef’s Noodle” (freshly-made Korean noodles with beef, anchovy broth topped with leeks, bean sprouts, fried tofu, spring onion, red pepper, egg roll, and bulgogi) , the restaurant is also proud to serve hearty portions of appetizers, rice and noodle dishes. 

Take a look at some of the yummy treats that Chef’s Noodle has in store, bibimbap (traditional Korean steamed rice with seasoned vegetables, beef, and egg), bulgogi leek jun (deep fried bacon sliced beef with leeks mixed eggs and seasoned vegetables), bibim noodle (Korean spicy cold noodle mixed with sweet and sour blend sauce topped with egg roll, bean sprouts, andbulgogi), bulgogi leek kimbap (seaweed rice rolls with beef and leeks), curry dupbap (or curry donburi warm rice topped with beef curry and seasoned vegetables),  jjampong (spicy Korean seafood ramen), and so much more.

It’s also interesting to note that Chef Choi In Sun had a hand in developing some of Chef’s Noodle’s mouthwatering specialties, something that should make your visit to the restaurant even more exciting.

Expansion in the Philippines

Given its timely entry in the Philippine market, Chef’s Noodle Philippines has also considered venturing in offering franchising opportunities for Filipinos. Relying on the brand’s good reputation and a strong and efficient support system from Chef’s Noodle Korea, the local management behind the franchise is very confident that they’ll be a great partner to their local franchisees.

Chef’s Noodle Philippines is very excited about its plans of expanding nationwide, provided that it offers a good business model, especially for startup businesses, interested parties who want to share the best of Korean fast-casual dining to the rest of the country wouldn’t have a hard time setting up their very own Chef’s Noodle franchise in their hometown.

Through rapid expansion especially through major malls and other commercial establishments, Chef’s Noodle will become more accessible to anyone who has an appetite for delicious, hearty, and reasonably-priced Korean dishes. Doesn’t matter whether you’re into Kpop or not, savor and enjoy the taste of what the hype on Korean food is all about by visiting Chef’s Noodle’s first-ever branch in the Philippines.

Chef's Noodle is located at the 2/F University Mall, Taft Avenue. 
For more details and updates on upcoming branches visit www.chefsnoodlephils.com and like their page http://www.facebook.com/chefsnoodlephils.

Julie's Bakeshop: Share your Happy Moments in a Photo Contest Way!

Julie’s Bakeshop, the country's leading bakeshop chain launched a competition dubbed as "Julie'scious Smile National Digital Photo Contest"; all photo enthusiasts - amateur or professional photographers are invited to join this contest and as much as Php 25,000 worth of cash to anyone who can shoot scenes of cheerfulness and delight, either with individual or group subjects. 

The deadline for submission of entries is on August 31, 2012, 5:00 pm. The announcement and awarding of winners was on September 5, 2012. 

I'm excited to know what are the winners of:


PRIZES

(6) Six winners will be chosen to win the -
Grand Prize of Php 25,000
2nd Prize of Php 15,000 
3rd Prize of Php 10,000
3 consolation prizes worth Php 3,000 each.
All winners will also be given Julie’s Bakeshop bread certificates and trophies. 

Boost Your Energy Level by NESTLÉ

Want to get fit? Want to get tips to boost your energy level? 

To get through a very busy day, you need energy – lots of it. But if your own fuel tank is nearly empty, your day doesn't pause and wait for you. And so to keep up with it, to boost your energy level, you need to refuel and recharge. Here are some easy ways to do just that.

Reduce stress and negativity

Fear and anxiety as well as stress sap your energy. They make you feel tired not just physically but also mentally, so relax. Banish those bad vibes by actively finding time for fast relaxation every day. Do what makes you happy, be it playing your favorite song, drinking a glass of warm milk, or chatting with a good friend.

Eat right

Eat whole grains and magnesium-rich food to keep your energy levels high. Whole grains – found in food like NESTLÉ Breakfast Cereals – help in the steady release of energy, keeping your energy level balanced and consistent. That's much better than the sugar high you get after indulging in a sweet snack; you do get a burst of energy, but it suddenly drops. 

As for magnesium, it also aids in releasing energy. If you don't get enough of this mineral, your body works harder to accomplish physical tasks, according to the Human Nutrition Research Center of the US Department of Agriculture. Get your daily fill of magnesium from a handful of nuts like cashew, whole grains, and fish.

Meditate for a moment

Got a minute? Good. Recharge your tired brain through minute-long meditation. Find a quiet spot in the office, at home, or wherever you find yourself. Take five deep breaths, and focus on each as you inhale and exhale. Do this exercise at the start of your day and right after lunch; meditating can ward off that afternoon drowsiness.

Take a walk

Why walk when your energy level is already low? Walking actually boosts it.  A brisk, 10-minute walk can energize you for two hours, according to a California State study. Do it every day for three weeks and you'll experience an overall energy – and even mood – boost. Stroll outdoors if you can, or choose to take the stairs at the office to get your daily dose of walking.

Learn more tips! Like Nestlé Philippines
https://www.facebook.com/nestle.ph

References

10 energy booster

5 Tips Energy

Womens Health Magazine

Health Article

MANANG'S CHICKEN: ZONTA BAZAAR in ROCKWELL TENT

Love shopping? Want to help others? This is one exciting event to all!

Manang’s Chicken will be at the Zonta Bazaar 2012 in Rockwell Tent, Makati City on September 8-9, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It’s a charity event brought to you by Zonta Club of Makati & Environs Inc. with Woman Today.

It’s a shopping haven that offers an affordable holiday gift ideas for the entire family. Food, live entertainment and informative talks are just among the many things that await the shoppers at the Zonta Bazaar.

Manang's Chicken are giving away 8 free tickets to the Zonta Bazaar via our Twitter page, follow us  @manangschicken .  Tell us what do you look forward to in the bazaar with a hashtag #ManangsChickenAtZonta.

8 lucky followers will be randomly chosen tonight. Join now! Just a tweet away!

Is Brown Sugar Better than White? Let's Compare!

Who loves sweet? What do you prefer? ... white... or brown sugar?

Chocolate is made from cocoa derived from cocoa beans, which contain antioxidants called polyphenols, more specifically epicatchins. Cocoa is quite bitter on its own, so sugar and cocoa butter are usually added to develop the smooth taste of chocolate you know and love! Cocoa contains antioxidants and generally, the more cocoa in a product, the more antioxidants. 

That’s why dark chocolate is a better source of antioxidants when compared to regular milk or white chocolate. So why not try our Club 70% cocoa rich and intense dark chocolate! The richer flavour of dark chocolate can help you satisfy that chocolate craving while eating less – an added bonus!

Despite its benefits, dark chocolate is still high in fat and sugar and should be considered a treat to be enjoyed in moderation. This means when you want to indulge, do so using a small amount of high quality chocolate and savour every bite! Like choosing from a selection of Club, which combines the velvety smooth texture of rich dark chocolate with a range of classic and sumptuous flavours to create an intensely pleasurable chocolate experience!

Set the record straight once and for all, and find out what nutrition myths have been busted.

Adding milk to coffee does not impact the antioxidant activity 

• TRUE     Evidence suggests that adding milk to coffee does not have an impact on the antioxidant activity. You can still enjoy your cup of coffee the way you usually have it and still absorb the antioxidants naturally found in coffee.  

Green leafy vegetables are a good source of calcium 

•  FALSE     Green leafy vegetables absorb minerals from the soil, so they can contain small amounts of calcium, although this is much less than dairy products. For example 1 cup of spinach provides 30mg of calcium, where 1 glass of milk provides 300mg of calcium. You can see you would have to eat huge amounts of green leafy vegetables to get your daily calcium needs of 1000mg. So, while green leafy vegetables are important for folate, fibre and antioxidants, make sure you eat other foods for calcium. Foods like reduced-fat dairy, canned salmon with the bones and calcium-fortified soy milk contain calcium. 

If something is low in fat I can eat more of it 

•  FALSE     Focusing solely on a food’s fat content is only telling half the story. That’s because a low fat food might still differ in essential nutrients or be high in sugar, and therefore its kilojoule content – or how much energy a food has – might be higher than you expect.

Rock salt is better for you than ordinary salt 

•  FALSE     There’s is no difference between the two types of salt except their name and that they can have a different crystal size. Both have the same effect in your body. Too much salt can affect your heart health, so it is best to be used sparingly. Most Australians already eat more than the recommended amount of salt each day. Most of the salt that we eat comes from manufactured foods like bread and snacks, so there’s no need to add any extra.

Aspartame causes cancer 

•  FALSE     Aspartame is one of the most thoroughly tested ingredients used in food. Recent safety reviews by scientific committees in Canada, Europe, France and the UK all confirm that aspartame is safe for use and does not cause cancer. Food Standards Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ), therefore allow it to be used as a sweetener in foods like diet drinks and snacks. Foods sweetened with aspartame are lower in kilojoules and can help reduce energy intake and control blood glucose levels.

Eating too much sugar causes type two diabetes 

•  FALSE     Even though one of the symptoms of diabetes is high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood, eating sugar doesn’t directly cause diabetes. Type two diabetes is a lifestyle disease caused by a number of things, such as family history, lack of exercise and becoming overweight or obese. Someone without the genetic predisposition would not develop diabetes, no matter how much sugar he/she consumed.

Brown sugar is better for you than white sugar 

•  FALSE     The only difference between brown and white sugar is that brown sugar contains molasses, which has a caramel aroma and flavour, while white sugar has been refined to remove the molasses. Both of these sugars provide the same amount of energy (kilojoules), so the truth is that your body can’t really tell the difference.

Skipping meals is a good way to lose weight 

•  FALSE     It may seem logical that skipping a meal will help you lose weight because you eat less, but it’s not that simple. Missing out on meals can actually have the opposite effect. Your body goes into ‘survival mode’, slowing down your metabolism and conserving energy rather than using it up.

Skipping meals can also make you hungrier, and more likely to snack on high fat or sugar foods. A better way to reach and maintain a healthy weight is eat small meals regularly throughout the day and find ways to be more active.

Raw vegetables are always better than cooked vegetables 

•  FALSE     Not so. The amount nutrients you get from vegetables can differ for a number of reasons, such as how long you store them and how (or if) you cook them. Although cooking vegetables can lose nutrients, cooking can sometimes increase the amount of nutrients available to the body. An example of this is the antioxidant lycopene in tomatoes. Cooking tomatoes releases more lycopene than is available in raw tomatoes.

Loss of nutrients can occur in cooking because some vitamins, like Vitamins B and C dissolve in water. Some can be lost if the vegetables are boiled for too long. Steaming or stir-frying helps retain the vitamins when you cook vegetables. The fact of the matter is vegetables are powerhouses of nutrition, no matter which way you eat them. Whether raw or cooked, five serves of vegetables a day are recommended for good nutrition.

Sugar makes kids hyperactive

•  FALSE     Does your child come home from birthday parties bouncing off the walls? Do you think it’s all the sugar in the party food? It’s actually not the party food. The reason they’re hyped-up is more likely due to all of the excitement and activity at the party rather than the sugar in the party food. Studies have shown no direct link between consumption of sugary foods and increased hyperactivity in children. It is important to note however, that the Australian Dietary Guidelines for children and Adolescents advise to “consume only moderate amounts of sugar and foods containing added sugars”

Note:  Information from Nestle website

First-ever Baked Fried Chicken launched by Stackers Burger Café

Stackers Burger Café, one of the country’s leading fast-casual food concept, recently introduced another groundbreaking gastronomic treat that is sure to become the next best thing in chicken: “Baked Fried Chicken.”

This breakthrough chicken masterpiece was launched first at the Franchise Asia Philippines 2012 Expo held recently at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The Stackers Burger Café Baked Fried Chicken is another food innovation from Bryan Tiu, founding owner of Teriyaki Boy before he sold 70% of the brand to the Pancake House Group in 2005. A prime restaurateur with several known food brands under his I-Foods, Inc., Tiu is at the helm of other homegrown brands like Tokyo Café, Peri-Peri Chicken and Kogi Bulgogi.

The newest thing to ever happen to chicken, Stackers’ Baked Fried Chicken is Tiu’s latest take on the all-time Pinoy favorite. Mastered after months of careful research by the I-Foods Inc. research & development team, Stackers’ Baked Fried Chicken surprised all with 80% less oil so it’s lighter and healthier than the usual fast food fried chicken. A definite treat to the more health-conscious food lovers who just love their fried chicken. Dare to compare Stackers’ Baked Fried Chicken with your usual fastfood fried chicken and enjoy the healthier difference. 

In the Franchise Asia 2012, I-Foods, Inc. gave away complimentary Baked Fried Chicken gift certificates to expo attendees and other prospective franchisees in order to provide them with the opportunity to try out this new and exciting offering. 

Try this out-of-the-ordinary chicken delight available in all Stackers Burger Café outlets located at Eastwood City, Resorts World and McKinley Hill Venice Piazza in Bonifacio Global City, Alabang Town Center and also at its newly opened branch at the Promenade Mall in Greenhills, San Juan City. 

Also exhibited at the Franchise Expo was Tiu’s Tokyo Café, which showcased the Japanese way of preparing coffee. Coffee connoisseur Atsushi Yoshizawa’s coffee creations are the main reasons why coffee-loving Pinoys continue to troop to Tokyo Café to sample its brewed treats like its famous “Tokyo Blend.” For their delectable food pleasures, Tokyo Café boasts of its “creamy ebiko pasta,” “chicken and cheese roll,” and “Tenju.”

I-Foods Inc.'s other food retail brands include: Peri Peri Charcoal Chicken and Kogi Bulgogi. Tiu said opening possible franchise opportunities to business-minded individuals like himself will enable more Filipinos to enjoy his company’s pioneering and inventive food brands and its outstanding value offerings.

For more details about the Stackers Burger Café’s Baked Fried Chicken and information on franchising, call 723-6033 or 09178779909

or email ifoodsincfranchise@gmail.com

Indulge Your Taste Buds in FOODGASM

The UP Economics Society, together with a number of organizations and other sponsors, brings you FOODGASM -- a food-tasting event and competition happening on August 25, 2012 at 7:00 PM in Mercato Centrale. Up and coming food businesses will be exhibiting their best selling product and will provide free samples of these to 1,000 foodies in attendance. Moreover, the participants will beselling additional fare for the food enthusiasts to patronize and try.

The overall winner of the Foodgasm competition will win Php 10,000 in cash, a trophy, a feature in Appetite magazine, as well as in the blogs of the partner bloggers judging the event. Of course, there will also be games and freebies from the sponsors to be enjoyed by everyone.

The participants consist mainly of student entrepreneurs, fairly new food businesses existing for less than 4 years, and those who just previously launched a new product. Their product entries, ranging from appetizers all the way to desserts, will be carefully judged by 1,000 foodies that include food bloggers and people from Knorr and San Miguel Foods.

For ticket reservation; please call or text:  +639178850738

Hurry! Limited slots only!