Wandergirl Speaks

Archive for the ‘Food & Dining’ Category

Last Saturday, while many Filipinos were still enjoying their Holy Week observance in the countryside or just lazing around the beach, my husband and I didn’t have so much choice but go malling.

As it is, I am already fast approaching my delivery date, and so the safest options are either to just stay home or stroll out at a nearby mall. And speaking of nearby malls, the most convenient we can go to is SM Mall of Asia.

For one, it’s the nearest we have in Makati (aside from Glorietta) and second, it has the longest stretch we can take advantage of walking as part of my acceptable form of exercise.

It was already past 2 PM when we arrived at the Mall of Asia and since we didn’t eat lunch at home I prodded my husband to grab some bite first, and that’s where Carlo’s Pizza came into the scene.

I’ve actually read a couple of good reviews online about Carlo’s Pizza, but being a rice-lover that I am, I’ve never really displayed so much interest in trying their food, since they mostly cater pasta and pizza dishes.

There weren’t too many people in their place when we came in, which was good. At least, we won’t have to wait too long before someone could take our orders. The waitress who approached us was very friendly and I like that. We were seated at the corner of the restaurant and since it was our first time with them we took our time browsing their menu.

Normally, you’d ask for recommendations if it’s your first time in a certain restaurant and that’s just exactly what we did. We were offered with their bestseller pizza called Capriccioso.

The pie is peppered with salami, ham, Italian sausage, olives, and so much more. Since there were only the two of us, we ordered the 9″ size for only P270 and is good for 2-3 persons.

Capriccioso

My husband who’s so into salad ordered their Chicken Ceasar salad (P220) and to be honest, their version was yummy, not to mention the generous servings of chicken. We also tried their Lasagna ala Carlo (P165) and Fettuccini Alfredo (P195).

There isn’t so much special with their lasagna and fettuccini, but they weren’t bad likewise. It’s probably just that they tasted much like any other versions I’ve already tried before.

Chicken Ceasar salad

Lasagna ala Carlo

Fettuccini Alfredo

Carlo’s Pizza has limited branches for now. Aside from the one in SM Mall of Asia, they also have one in Tomas Morato, Quezon City and another in both BF Homes and Moonwalk Village (Parañaque City). And if you happen to be somewhere in Pasig City, you can drop by their place in Metrowalk Meralco Ave., Ortigas.

Menudo has been an all-time favorite Filipino food of mine. In fact, when I started having my own family it’s one of the first I’ve learned and mastered to cook and has become a favorite of my hubby.

Below is my own version of pork Menudo which I’m happy to share with you:

Ingredients:

1/4 kg pork (menudo cut)
4 small potatoes (cut in small cubes)
2 carrots (cut in cubes)
2 tbs. Maggi liquid seasoning
Butter
Garlic (chopped)
1 medium size onion (chopped)
1 1/2 cup water
Maggi magic sarap (sachet packet)
2 laurel leaves

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat butter and saute chopped onion and garlic. Then add pork and 2 tbs. Maggi liquid seasoning.

2. Simmer for 3 mins. and then add 1 1/2 cup of water. Cover and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 20 mins. until pork is tender.

3. Add carrots and potatoes. You see, I’m so into potatoes and carrots (plus they’re healthy choice for extenders). Boil for another 2-3 minutes.

4. Add laurel leaves and half pack of Maggi magic sarap and boil for another 2 minutes at a low heat.

Finally, serve hot with a cup of rice and ice-cold Coke either for lunch or dinner…and momentarily bid goodbye to your diet…lolz