by admin | Sep 18, 2024 | culture, food and drink, food culture, foodies, tourist attractions
If real matcha “tastes like grass,” then consider us cows when it comes to how our matcha girls keep sipping it, LOL. Honestly, there’s definitely something special about it.
That
A girl relishes some peaceful moments sipping matcha at a charmingly decorated café. Wanting to enjoy authentic Japanese green tea?
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Take a look at this selection of cafes across the Metro known for their outstanding matcha offerings:
Tsujiri
Location: Floor 2, S Maison at The Conrad, Pasay City; Ground floor entrance, SM Aura, Taguig City; Floor 2, The Podium, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City; Floor 2, Greenbelt 5, Makati City; Unit R3, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City; Floor 2, SM City Clark, Pampanga
Although they launched their initial branch in Metro Manila way back in 2017—seven long years prior—they’ve stayed prominent among matcha enthusiasts. This isn’t surprising when you consider the excellence of Tsujiri’s matcha drinks. The company was established in 1860 by
Riemon Tsuji
, who enhanced the techniques for cultivating
gyokuro
(high-grade Japanese green tea) using a technique that continues to be employed by various teahouses even today.
Today, you can savor this premium matcha via Tsujiri’s extensive range—should you prefer your matcha in its most authentic state, treat yourself to a comforting Signature O-Matcha, made from ceremonial-grade matcha, or opt for a revitalizing Iced Yuzu O-Matcha instead. Known equally for their visually appealing matcha treats, Tsujiri offers delights such as the layered Tsujiri Sundae.
genmai
(brown rice crispies), matcha soft serve, red bean, chestnut, and
shiratama dango
(mochi balls).
Matcha Mama
Location: B1 Mitsukoshi Fresh, Mitsukoshi Mall, Taguig City; Level 4, Food on Four at SM Aura, Taguig City (offering grab-and-go bottles exclusively); 2nd Floor, WPL Building, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
Matcha Mama doesn’t just offer premium matcha sourced from Uji, Japan; they also boast an adorable pink decor perfect for those who love something dainty and cute. Relax in their cozy space on White Plains Road, which mirrors their sleek minimalistic design featuring shades of green and pink, or pick up bottles of their popular beverages such as Matcha Latte, Spanish Matcha Latte, or Lavender Matcha Latte at their takeaway station inside Mitsukoshi Mall. Additionally, Matcha Mama builds a community around matcha enthusiasts through events like pop-up shops, gatherings, and themed workshops including matcha-making sessions and tastings.
Shizu Matcha Bar
Location: 9 General Tinio, Morning Breeze Subdivision, Caloocan City
The Shizu Matcha Bar offers an ideal setting for a tranquil solo rendezvous over a cup of matcha, thanks to its pristine and welcoming Japanese-themed decor. Described as a “modern teahouse,” this spot provides traditional matcha beverages along with innovative mixes such as the Cold Whisk Dango, featuring matcha blended into cold milk and paired with a dango skewer.
dango
or sticky rice dumplings, or the revitalizing Matcha Tonic which includes matcha,
yuzu
, along with soda water. These places often hold workshops and pop-up events where you can back local artists.
Matchanese
Address: Ground Floor, The Block at SM North, Quezon City
Initially known for offering various matcha blends online, Matchanese recently opened a brick-and-mortar store at SM North EDSA and plans to expand further. For those new to matcha, their signature Matchanese Latte offers customization options ranging from Level 1 to 5, allowing adjustments based on preference for both intensity and sweetness. Additionally, customers have the option to replace regular cow’s milk with alternatives such as oat or coconut varieties. If you prefer a sweeter and creamier experience, try their Spanish Matchanese Latte instead. Besides beverages, they sell merchandise including t-shirts emblazoned with phrases like “That Matcha Vibe” and “Powered by Matcha,” ideal for expressing one’s affinity towards Japanese green tea culture.
ITO
Address: Aguirre Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City (by reservation only)
If you’re searching for an exclusive experience with fellow matcha enthusiasts, book a tea ceremony at ITO. Sessions last about an hour and resemble a tasting menu centered exclusively around Japanese teas. You can choose from two options: The Japanese Tea Series includes Matcha Usucha, Hojicha Tea Soda, a seasonal tea, and a small bite; whereas the Matcha Series 2.0 offers Matcha Usucha, Matcha Soda, Matcha Ice Cream, along with a treat. Given the limited space—ITOs hosts up to five guests in afternoons and six in evenings—the events remain quite personal. And let’s not forget the stylishly minimalistic decor of ITO, perfect fodder for those Instagram moments.
Matcha Later
Address: 5385 Don Pedro Street, Poblacion, Makati City
Seek out their adorable sleeping dog emblem, and you’ll discover Match Later. A relatively recent addition to the matcha world, Matcha Later offers a serene escape from the hustle of Makati City. Dubbed as a “matcha slow bar,” this place focuses on high-quality ceremonial-grade matcha and top-tier hojicha sourced from Kyoto, Japan. These ingredients form the base for various beverages and confections they serve. For instance, try the Kumo available in both matcha and hojicha flavors; it’s a soothing beverage featuring frothy warmed milk. Alternatively, satisfy your dessert craving with the Caramiso—a chilled matcha or hojicha latte topped with caramel and crowned by a layer of miso-infused creamy foam. Should you prefer richer fare, opt for the Kyoto-Style Tiramisu offered here under names like Matchamisu or Hojichamisu, boasting alternating layers of ladyfinger biscuits dipped in either matcha or hojicha along with mascarpone custard cream.
The Matcha Tokyo
Location: Ground Floor, Mitsukoshi Mall, Taguig City; Ground Floor, Gateway 2, Cubao, Quezon City; Ground Floor, Opus Mall, Bridgetowne, Pasig City; Ground Floor, Ayala Malls Vertis North, Quezon City
In November 2022, The Matcha Tokyo inaugurated its inaugural branch in Metro Manila, swiftly gaining popularity amongst aficionados of matcha. Originating from Japan, this international label boasts multiple outlets across Japan and various Asian cities such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Dubai, and now Manila. For an authentic experience of their entirely organic matcha sourced directly from their farms, try out the Japan Premium or Kyoto Uji varieties available in hot or cold forms—you can also observe your barista executing a traditional Japanese tea ritual. Don’t miss out on the distinctive Manila-exclusive beverage: the Matcha Ube Latte layered delightfully.
ube
creamy froth. Their latest outlets at Opus Mall and Ayala Malls Vertis North now offer a special menu for dining in as well.
kakigori
, perfects, and a delightful Matcha Carrot Cake topped with a matcha cream cheese glaze.
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by admin | Sep 14, 2024 | cuisine, dining, food and drink, food culture, foodies
Greece is famous for its delectable Mediterranean fare, combining freshness, flavor, and simplicity. Below is a selection of must-try dishes during your upcoming visit.
Greece
Famous for its rich historical background and stunning vistas, this place is also a must-visit spot for gastronomy enthusiasts. Transitioning from the gleaming shores of the Aegean Sea to the quaint white-washed hamlets nestled in the hills, every area presents distinctive gourmet delights infused with regional tastes. The essence of Greece’s cuisine, brimming with genuine flavors and locally sourced ingredients, mirrors thousands of years of tradition and welcoming customs. Delectable meals crafted with zeal and passed through generations can be found at nearly every turn, whether in idyllic taverns or cozy eateries run by families.
Planning a trip to Greece? Learn more about the destination to get ready for your journey:
-
Greece: 30 Essential Phrases to Master in Greek for a Smooth Trip
-
Greece: Most Stunning Islands to Explore Within Each Archipelago
-
Greece: 6 lesser-known spots to explore away from typical tourist attractions
Moussaka
Moussaka is a signature delicacy from Greek cooking. This layered casserole features eggplants, ground mutton, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various spices, topped with a savory Béchamel sauce and cooked until it turns golden and creamy.
Souvláki
Souvlaki is a cornerstone of Greek street cuisine. Typically made from chunks of meat such as pork, chicken, or lamb that have been seasoned with various spices, then threaded onto skewers and cooked over an open flame. This dish is commonly enjoyed wrapped in pita bread along with crisp veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce.
Tarama
Taramasalata is a delightful appetizer prepared using fish roe (typically from cod), combined with olive oil, lemon juice, onions, and occasionally potatoes. This dish is commonly enjoyed alongside fresh bread.
Horiatiki (Greek salad)
The classic Greek salad known as Horiatiki is a straightforward yet delicious dish. It consists of ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, red onions, green bell peppers, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, all complemented by a dressing of olive oil, oregano, and various herbs.
Dolmadakia
Dolmades consist of vine leaves filled with a blend of rice, onions, fragrant herbs, and olive oil. These small delights make for an excellent appetizer or starter.
Gyros
Gyro dishes resemble Souvlaki but feature meat (such as pork, chicken, or lamb) roasted on a vertical spit. After being carefully shaved into thin slices, this meat is wrapped in pita bread along with vegetables and condiments such as tzatziki sauce.
Fried squid
Surrounded by the ocean, Greece naturally features plenty of seafood dishes. One beloved option across the nation is fried calamari, which is enjoyed for its crispiness and typically accompanied by wedges of lemon.
Spanakopita
The dish consists of a spinach and feta tart crafted from sheets of flaky phyllo pastry filled with a blend of freshly chopped spinach, onions, crumbled feta cheese, eggs, and aromatic herbs. It offers a delightful veggie choice.
Baklava
Why not indulge in baklava for dessert? This delightful treat features layers of flaky phyllo dough filled with ground nuts and drizzled with a sweet syrup infused with hints of cinnamon and orange blossom water, resulting in a crisp yet sugary delight.
Loukoumades
Loukoumades are tiny spheres of fried batter akin to doughnut holes. After frying, they’re soaked in honey and dusted with cinnamon. An irresistible dessert you should definitely sample.
by admin | Aug 15, 2024 | food preparation, foodies, healthy eating, recipes, salmon
I could share all the things I adore about this honey-garlic salmon, but the truth is that this recipe became one of our favorites.
top recipes of 2022
And an enduring, trusted classic that resonates with SANGGRALOKA readers needs no further explanation. This umami-rich, sweet-and-savory dish speaks volumes.
salmon
is fast and simple enough for
weeknights
(prepared in less than 30 minutes), yet elegant enough for special events. If you’re a
seafood
Beginner, don’t worry: Cooking fish may appear daunting, but armed with my best advice, you’ll master it swiftly. Below is all the information required to nail this salmon meal:
Ways to Prepare Honey-Garlic Glazed Salmon
INGREDIENTS
•
Honey-Garlic Glaze:
Darling, blending honey, low-sodium soy sauce, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and red pepper flakes yields this easy yet delicious glaze. To keep the glaze from becoming too salty, use low-sodium soy sauce; however, feel free to experiment. You could substitute the lemon juice with lime, increase the spiciness with Sriracha, omit the red pepper flakes entirely if they’re not your thing, or include some finely grated ginger for extra zest.
•
Salmon Fillets:
The typical package of pre-portioned supermarket salmon usually does not contain leftover pinbones, but it’s always wise to verify this step. To inspect for bones, lightly glide your fingertips across the fish’s skin until you detect a small protrusion. Then, with a set of cooking or fishing forceps, securely hold the bone and extract it following its natural alignment.
•
Garlic & Lemon:
Slices of lemon and freshly grated garlic serve as the final touch for this recipe. For those who really love garlic, you can add extra according to your preference.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
To start, mix all the components in a little bowl until they blend together nicely. Our special honey-garlic sauce uses just a handful of basic items: honey, reduced-sodium soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes for some spiciness. Not only is this straightforward sauce incredibly tasty, but it’s also very adaptable, so be sure to try it out and tweak according to your preference.
Next, warm up some oil in a frying pan until it’s very hot but not smoking. Ensure that the pan is scorching hot (yes, really) and evenly covered with oil across the base. When the fish goes into the oil, expect an audible hiss; otherwise, your pan needs more time to reach temperature. Pro tip: As soon as the pan gets extremely hot, so does the oil. Place your fillets gently away from yourself to avoid spattering. Put the salmon skin side down first, followed by seasoning with salt and pepper (though you could sprinkle these spices even prior to adding the salmon to the pan). Let them cook till they turn dark gold, then carefully turn each piece over and pour additional oil around them if needed.
Place garlic in the pan, then one minute later, add your honey mixture along with the cut lemons. Continue cooking until the sauce has decreased by approximately one-third.
Once the salmon is done and the sauce is thickened, spoon your glaze over the salmon until it coats every fillet very well. Add any reserved sliced lemons as a garnish, then serve!
Full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe below.
Recipe Tips
•
How to cook the best salmon.
Allow the fillets to cook without interference for several minutes. This technique, combined with using high heat, helps form that yummy crust. Once around three minutes have passed, carefully nudge an edge of one fillet with a spatula. Should it come off effortlessly, it’s prepared correctly; otherwise, let it sit longer until it does release smoothly. Turn them over next, continue cooking briefly till the skin turns crispy and the fish becomes fully cooked throughout, then serve!
What To Serve With Honey-Garlic Glazed Salmon
This dish goes well with many side options, such as
roasted asparagus
,
bok choy
, or any of our beloved items
side dishes for salmon
, but I especially love it with
coconut rice
to absorb all of the tasty honey-garlic sauce.
Storage
Should you happen to have any remnants, store them in an airtight receptacle within your refrigerator for as long as three days.
Yields: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Ingredients
-
1/3 c.
honey
-
1/4 c.
low-sodium soy sauce
-
2 tbsp.
lemon juice
-
1 tsp.
red pepper flakes
-
3 tbsp.
extra-virgin olive oil, divided
-
4
6-ounce salmon fillets, gently dried using a paper towel
-
Kosher salt
-
Freshly ground black pepper
-
3
cloves garlic, minced
-
1
lemon, sliced into rounds
Directions
-
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine and whip up the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes using a whisk.
-
In a big frying pan set at medium-high temperature, warm up two spoonfuls of oil. Once the oil becomes hot without starting to smoke, place the salmon with the skin side facing downward and sprinkle some salt and pepper for seasoning. Continue cooking until the salmon turns darkly golden, which should take around six minutes, before flipping it over and adding another spoonful of oil.
-
Add garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add the honey mixture and sliced lemons and cook until sauce is reduced by about 1/3. Baste salmon with the sauce.
-
Top with cut-up lemon slices before serving.
Glazed Salmon Variations
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Made This?
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by admin | Apr 24, 2024 | beautiful places, dining, food and drink, foodies, restaurant recommendations
Since a great dining experience at a restaurant hinges on more than just the cuisine, we present these five beautifully designed eateries.
Regardless of whether they focus on color, material choices, or are situated in a distinctive or historically significant place, these five eateries promise to impress with their stylish ambiance.
The top 5 most stunning restaurants globally
Luma, Australia
At Luma, lighting takes center stage. This eatery in Adelaide, Australia, was honored with the award for Best Lighting at the 2023 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards.
Stunning neon sculptures decorate the ceiling in an impressive manner, gradually dimming during the evenings to create a more subdued ambiance. Majestic pillars featuring bold patterns provide definition within this expansive area adorned with contemporary Art Nouveau elements and inviting, delectable hues accentuated by golden highlights.
Queen, Miami Beach
The Queen, a dining establishment housed within the historic Paris Theatre—one of the city’s iconic spots—has undergone extensive renovations to breathe fresh life into the space.
Get ready to marvel at the interplay of light that truly amplifies the dramatic essence of the expansive chamber, featuring a striking chandelier at the entryway and a balcony brimming with illumination, all mirrored in the majestic gold-toned mirror that captures everyone’s attention. The elegant, cozy banquette seating, terrazzo floors, and brass details provide a perfect finishing touch to this enchanting space.
Frescohallen, Norway
A distinctive and grand location in Norway can be found at the Frescohallen restaurant, situated within an impressive classic-style structure dating back to approximately 1860. The ceiling, adorned with paintings from the 1920s by renowned Norwegian artist Axel Revold, adds further elegance to the ambiance. These features alone make for a remarkable setting.
On the contrary, the chairs and tables infuse a hint of modernity into the area, establishing a contemporary atmosphere that preserves its elegant heritage.
Baovan, in Spain
Colors take center stage at Baovan, a bao bun specialty restaurant in Valencia, Spain, featuring distinctively color-themed ambiance across its three sections.
Upon entering what resembles a “forest,” you’re greeted by various hues of green, represented through dangling ropes suspended from above. Next, you come across a depiction of a beach bathed in rich oranges as the sun sets. An additional element includes a display mimicking the shifting colors of twilight. In the last area, contrasting deep and pale blue tones mirror nearby ocean waters, complemented by cloud-filled skies overhead that draw your eyes upward. This evocative environment has the power to transport you into an entirely new realm.
Va Bene Cicchetti, located in Warsaw, remains unchanged as it includes names of establishments or locations which should not be altered. However, I can help you with a contextual rephrased sentence focusing on the location aspect:
This establishment named Va Bene Cicchetti is situated in Warsaw.
Va Bene Cicchetti, a tapas spot in Warsaw, emphasizes color as an integral part of its brand image. Inside, you’ll find unexpected aqua-green paired with cozy terracotta hues adorning the walls, ceiling, and even the barstools—creating a distinctive ambiance. These bold colors infuse the space with character. Additionally, golden details lend an air of sophistication to this beloved neighborhood eatery.
These colors weren’t selected arbitrarily: the red and gold match those of the Venetian flag; aqua-green represents the canal waters that inundate the city’s roads and plazas multiple times annually; and the red and white from the mooring posts seen throughout Venice inspire the table hues.
