The Big Chefs Visit

Eating has been one of the greatest hobbies of Filipinos around the world. And when we Pinoys are eating, we're likely to talk about food as well. As for my family, we like to try out varieties of food, we enjoy it too much I decided to start blogging about foodventures or restaurant review again. 

From what I observed, even here in Jeddah, Filipinos love to hang-out in restaurants. Going out with family and friends or just family is a nice way to relax after work related stress or to fight homesickness or probably just want to hang-out.

After trying out the same food from other restaurants, it seems the crave for a new taste has to be satisfied again. After looking around on the net, we decided it was Big Chefs turn this time. I remember back when they were still new, their employees used to be our neighbor. We lived opposite their building but we never really tried until the crave for something new came to us. We want a new environment, a fresh restaurant layout, but most of all we craved for a new taste. 

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Lunch with Family at Uptown

Last Aug 27, I treat the family for a lunch at Uptown Restaurant here in Jeddah. Uptown was formerly known as Casper & Gambinis. We've been to Casper & Gambinis before and I can pretty much say that they both have the same ambiance. It's seldom we eat lunch on an upscale restaurant so I can't tell if the crowd is pretty much the same at night and during noon time -- that particular lunch time, it was mostly a business crowd. I thank God til now for granting me the privilege to be with my family and also the privilege of having to dine-out with them from time to time. I know not all OFWs have the same privilege as I have now.

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A Great Birthday Experience at Sakura

Last May 30, my wife gave me a treat at Sakura Japanese restaurant here in Jeddah. Sakura Japanese restaurant is Crowne Plaza Jeddah Hotel's signature restaurant. It's not my first time to eat at a Japanese restaurant so I can definitely say that compared to my previous experience, we had a great experience even for my wife who just had her first Japanese food experience. Their price is quite reasonable compared to my past experience.

Nothing really beats Japanese food presentation and with regards to the ambiance, although the place is small, it still looks elegant. I just wish that they have something to offer children too. I am quite afraid to let my eldest son try the Japanese food because of the raw ingredients mixed into it and it might upset his stomach. The only food I made him try was the ramen and dumplings.

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An Unscheduled Fine Dining Experience

Friday - December 7, while meeting a long-time friend who we haven't seen for awhile in Balad, we received a call from another friend from Riyadh (Sir Allan, thank you very much!) and was eventually invited for a dinner at Al Diwan Restaurant in Radisson's Blu Hotel. It was actually an event held by the company we are in business with. The organizers have also prepared a presentation and we were given pointers on how we should take care of our business. The presentation was really educational and inspirational as well.

After the presentation, we were invited to go to the lounge for the buffet dinner we have been waiting for. We have tried eating at a hotel restaurant in Hongkong before but the experience at Al Diwan's was more exciting, not just because it was free but the food was much tastier and probably because of wider varieties and some were quite exotic too.

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Birthday Lunch @ Steak House

It was always a dream for me to have a very loving family and I am so blessed to have one. Yesterday is a special day for me and it feels great to spend it with my family. The original plan was to go to American Corner in Khaledyah but it was too crowded when we got there and there are a lot of smokers too, can't believe we were on the family area. The funny thing was, the place was crowded with locals--and I thought they hate the Americans.

After witnessing the over-rated restaurant (me sour-graping), we then decided to go to Thalia and visit our old favorite place - Steak House Restaurant. I was so hungry that time. Thank goodness we reached them on time. As I opened their door I heard the first call for Dhuhr prayer, we even managed to order our food and get our soups and salads. It has been a long time since we ate at the Steak House.

Their place still looks amazing as how we remembered it, the ambiance and they still are a favorite to locals too. And since we're all hungry (even Noah agrees to that), we decided to order a heavy meal - the Black Rock Steak. It's a good thing that they have a lunch promo which is very timely for us hungry people. I still can't believe how tender and juicy their steaks are, so yummy!

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Night Out with Mom

28th of October-2011, One fine Friday in Jeddah. After a long stay-in at home, Leah has fully recovered and to celebrate it, we went to family's favorite dine-in restaurant, Applebee's. Here in Jeddah, the nearest branch to us is located along Andalus Street near US Embassy. Wow! I suddenly realized why famous international restaurants were located around Andalus area.

When I told Ize that we'll be going outside and going to Applebee's, he was quite excited and asked if his mom was coming along with us. I assured him that his mom will be coming with us and he was so happy. It's been a long time since we all went out together.

We ordered Leah's favorite - Oriental Chicken Salad, Ize's favorite - Chicken Quesadilla and as for me, I ordered something new like their Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs and tried their Strawberry Daiquiri if I remember correctly.

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Dinner With The Family

Due to the hot weather season here in Saudi Arabia and my wife's previous health condition, we seldom get out anymore and dine-in to our favorite restaurants or try out different restaurants. Me and my wife decided to have another experiment and let our taste buds explore a new food adventure, this time our taste buds suggested seafoods.

Nearest to our place was The Manhattan Fish Market. It's along Andalus Road and just beside Ruby Tuesday's. Before we even went there, my son was already complaining and telling us that he likes to go to Applebee's Restaurant which is only a few blocks away from The Manhattan but the moment we stepped in front of the restaurant he changed his mind immediately. He was fascinated by the small fountains which were setup at the small pond just in front of the restaurant.

The moment we stepped out of the elevator, we were greeted by friendly Filipino waiters and managers (or supervisors) and supervised us immediately to where we desired to stay. There is a smoking area for smokers but of course we went to the non-smoking area. The place is clean and the seats were very comfortable.

Welcome area of The Manhattan.

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