Frannywanny

As much as I love to try new restaurants, there are just some that I do not mind going back to again and again. These restaurants are part of my list of favorites and they're the same ones I'll always trust when it comes to having consistently the yummiest dishes and the best service to boot. I've mentioned a few when Cathie interviewed me for her blog and I realized that I missed out on the one that I love the most -- Lolo Dad's Cafe . My love affair with Lolo Dad's began in 2011 when Paul and I went on a double date with friends R and I. We went back the year after and months after that . To date, I've been to Lolo Dad's for a total of 5 times and perhaps if only I don't live a thousand miles away from Manila, I would have probably been able to visit the restaurant more frequently. Recently, I went home to celebrate the birthday of my first love -- my Papa . As early as April, I booked my flight home as I wanted to make sure that I'll be t...

*SPONSORED POST* As much as I hate to admit it, I do appreciate surprises. Well not the kind that would make my hair stand on its ends or those that would make my heart run a million miles per minute. I love sweet surprises. Those that would make me go “awwww” and get all giddy and smiley all throughout the day. Surprises that involves food is also a good thing. A few weeks ago, I was invited to a Myster Dinner . I’m no stranger to this kind of dinner as Paul and I were recently able to join one by Pinoy Eats World and we both had a blast. The invite simply instructed me to head to the Bonifacio Global City where I, together with other food bloggers, will be picked up and whisked away to our undisclosed location. The ride was quite long and guesses were thrown here and there as to where we’re exactly heading. Finally, as the van made a turn towards Quirino Avenue , I suddenly had a strong feeling we’re heading to somewhere familiar. A place that I truly love and have grown f...

Remember the first time Paul and I dined at Lolo Dad's with friends Richard and Irene ? Let's say that it was indeed love at first bite and just like how one gets struck by cupid's arrow, both Paul and I have been wanting to go back to Lolo Dad's for more. Finally, we made time for our much awaited return and there we were back at a place so familiar and once again truly warm and inviting. This time, I tried the Tasting Menu (Php. 2,220++) as I wanted to try more of Lolo Dad's specialty and I think this is the best way to go. Paul, on the other hand, wanted to order ala carte as he wanted more variety. During this visit, we saw Chef Ariel Manuel and I couldn't help but request for a photo op with him. I'm glad he was so nice to accommodate my silly request. You can say I was indeed chef-strucked! Our meal began with a basket of Lolo Dad's homemade bread. I really love this and had it not for the 6-course meal ahead, I would have requested fo...

I feel very lucky that I have a grandfather who's an excellent cook. He can whip up even the most complicated Chinese dish for his family of 5 kids and 7 grandchildren to enjoy. Kongkong , as we call him, was first introduced to the kitchen during the World War II . Together with his siblings, they were abducted by the Japanese invaders and while my other grand uncles were put to do rigorous work; my Kongkong, being the Mr. PR that he is has immediately endeared himself to the Japanese who made him a kitchen assistant at a very young age. From that day on, he continued to find enjoyment in cooking and eventually influenced my Mom to have that same love for cooking as well. Kongkong even once opened his very own restaurant and I still have that photo of that one-year-old me happily sitting on top of the cashier counter. Mommy always tells me that I take after my Kongkong especially when it comes to our love for food . I initially didn't quite believe her but it was when I s...