Simple and Easy Sushi Bake

Hello November! How is everyone holding up? I hope that most of you are in good spirit and in good health. 

At the start of the Covid19 pandemic, a lot of great recipes and "HIT" "IT" dishes came to life to make most of us famish. For me, it was the Sushi Bake craze that got me thinking why the heck are people going crazy about it? Why is everyone making some and selling it? 

People are actually making profits from it and I don't know why it took almost 7 months for me to come up with my own easy twist. I have made sushi recipes before (learned it from my Turkish friends and recipes are readily available online) and so after months of contemplation, I came up with a super simple and super easy Sushi Bake with 3 kinds of toppings - Tuna, Kani, Sweet Ham. 

Ingredients:

1cup   White Rice (Japanese Rice, if it's available)

1cup   Frozen Mixed Vegetables (optional)

5cups  Water

1cup   Sliced Cucumber

1cup   Kani 

1cup   Sliced Sweet Ham (any meat will do - bacon will do well - even spam)

1cup   Japanese Mayo

1pc    Canned Tuna

1tbsp Sesame Oil

3tbsp Hoisin Sauce

3tbsp Fermented Korean Chili Paste

2tbsp Sesame Seeds

1tsp   Dried Basil

1tsp   Garlic Powder

1pack Nori Seaweeds

*Wash and drain Rice with running water. In a pot, pour in water and add Rice. Cook for 20 minutes then add frozen mixed vegetables. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes while adding water. I'm cooking the Rice in this recipe the Dutch way but to make it easier - Asian style is the best - Rice cooker :D 

*In a bowl, mix drained Canned Tuna with Hoisin Sauce and Dried Basil. Set aside.

*In a different bowl, mix Kani with Garlic Powder and Japanese Mayo. Set aside.

*In another bowl, mix Sliced Sweet Ham with Fermented Korean Chili Paste. Set aside.

*Let the Rice cool for a few minutes before placing it in an oven safe dish ware. Spread evenly to the bottom of the dish ware then place sliced cucumber on top. Since this recipe is of 3 kinds of toppings, divide your topping placement 3 parts. First Tuna, Kani then Sweet Ham. 

*Once all is placed, drizzle with Sesame Oil. 

*Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.

*Once bake, garnished with Japanese Mayo, Sesame Seeds and Nori Strips (you cut them into strips - Nori Seaweeds are sold in big pieces).

Serve with Soy Sauce with Lemon and Nori Seaweeds Wrappers. But seriously, the topping choices for this one is endless. I want to try some mushrooms next time. Happy mid-week everyone! 

Soi

I have always been a fan of Thai cuisines, I think it's because of the spicy blends and sweet sour with salty taste that goes so well. I've dined at Soi in MOA and finally they're here in Cebu. What makes them different from the usual Thai restaurant we have in the city, is that they're more refine with their dishes. Less oily stuff, more flavour.

Lemon Grass, authentic and really good. They served it warm, so you have the option to have it as it is or have it on ice.

Fried Rice with Seafoods and Basil, this is a complete solo meal. I like the seafoods combination on it. 

Seafood in Yellow Curry, if you don't want the typically soupy/saucy curry dish then this one's for you. It's a mild curry but you also have the option to make it spicy hot.

Tom Yam Talei, this is my favourite among the dishes we ordered. Well, I have to admit that no matter what happens, Tom Yam will always be on top of my lists of favourite soups.

Thai Iced Tea, my favourite drink. I love the burst of flavours in it, milk and the tea. So good.

Shrimp Pad Thai, I think that any Thai restaurant isn't complete without Pad Thai. I love the rice noodles they're using. The texture is really good and I love how they presented the dish.

Overall, it was a good experience. Price is worth it and the ambiance is laid back and nice, not to mention they do play Thai pop songs which makes it more authentic. Soi, Eat Thai, Love Thai is located at the lower ground floor of SM City Seaside Cebu at the mountain wing (just near the entrance). For more ideas on their menu, check their website at http://www.soi.ph/soiweb/

Brique

Finally, after months of wanting to try out Brique, I had the chance to try out their dishes and it didn't fail me at all. Located at the Garden Rooftop of Ayala Center Cebu lies this resto/cafe that offers exciting platters that's sure to satisfy anyone's graving and the place is cozy too :) 

Spinach Gorgonzola Dip, to die for. I like the salty taste which lingers to your mouth after every bite. If you're on a diet - you'll do good with this starter.

Sunrise, orange and lemon fresh juice.

Hungarian Sausage, the very traditional served mashed potato on the side - gives you that European vibe.

Lamb Adobo, surprisingly good.  I love the plate presentation for this one. Love the garlic topping, I think it's very creative. The rice was fried well and the lamb was nom! It's a MUST TRY.

Island Breeze, banana watermelon mint leaves smoothie. Taste really good but have to say it's better paired with brunch dishes :)

Eggplant Fries with Anchovy Aioli Dip, I'm seeing eggplant in a whole new level on this one. Probably the most satisfyingly healthy substitute for regular fries. The dipping was absolutely tasty. It's a MUST TRY. 

Mizo Glazed Salmon, topped with gorgeous onion rings. I'd say this is hotel like dish and presentation. It tasted so good and the Salmon was cooked perfectly. It's a MUST TRY. 

All in all, it was a great experience. I love the dishes that we had and I'm looking forward to dining back. Price wise, it's worth it. I like the ambiance but have to say, it does get crowded on weekends, which I would suggest going in upon opening or make some reservations to avoid waiting. For more, check out their Facebook page https://web.facebook.com/BriquePH/?_rdr

Lava by Fudge (SM City Seaside)

I have been a fan of Lava by Fudge for some time now. I like their cafe settings, their friendly service crew and their cakes - let me just say it this way - I love all the dishes that they serve. They're known for their Lava Cakes but there's more to their specialty and with every bite - I assure you it's really good.

Quesadillas, I love how it was grilled and presented. The dough was textured perfectly as well as the sauce. 

Chili Fries, this is a personally favourite. I'm a lover of potatoes and this one right there is amazingly good. I love the chili con carne sauce and the melting cheese topped on real baked/fried potatoes. It's a MUST TRY for me.

Cheesecake, the choices for cakes are endless. If you want chocolate all the way - they have it or if you prefer the neutral looking colours of plain ones - they also have it. 

Original Lava Cake, it never gets old. It's like eating it for the first time even though you've been digging it for more than a year. It also comes in other flavours but I prefer this one.

I love my Lava by Fudge experience everything. Their coffees are well blended as well. It's like a hotel mixture with a flare. Apart from the dishes that I posted, don't forget to try out their Lasagna which is meaty and cheesy in one, Tuna Bagel for the health conscious, Pasta Carbonara for the pasta lovers like me, the Chicken Curry Pie which is bursting with good flavours and all those other dishes in their menu which I think I've tried mostly but have not photographed. Price is average and ambiance is really good. For more check out their Facebook page via https://web.facebook.com/Fudge-Restaurant-131552172809/

PS for Christmas, also look out for their Fruit Cake. They have branches at Ayala Center Cebu, Banilad, SM City Cebu and SM City Seaside and to which ever branch you choose, be assured that you'll be greeted by friendly staff.<3 p="">

Gusto Mare

A few months ago, I've written an entry about Gusto Urban Cafe + Wine Bar and had mentioned a whole loads of good stuff because they're serving really good stuff. The cafe that I blogged about is at the heart of the Cebu and now we're heading down south - SRP for their other branch - Gusto Mare. I've never been into a beach themed restaurant before and have to admit - the interiors, views, vibes and food was fantastic.

*They have a small function area for goods who prefers a little private hang out chill.

Caramel Cheesecake, talk about putting cheesecake into a whole new level. The taste was authentically different from the usual cheesecakes we're used to - the caramel taste gives it an extra boast of caffeine like texture.

*The decors heading to the restroom til the toilet itself was beautiful. It had that home vibe by the beach which I'm pretty sure a lot of people envied and would want for their own place.

Scaloppine, is a thinly sliced pork with coating paired with rice (placed in a funky dish ware) - and I have to say, it was super delish. 

*The hanging lights were made from steel buckets, it was very DIY feels and it looks really cute.

*The cake corner was lined with sweets treats, to which people like me would end up drooling. I also tried their Chocolate Eclair and it was yummy. 

Ravioli, it is by far my favourite pasta from a local restaurant here in Cebu. The authenticity of the flavours was great and how the pasta was made was perfection. It's got the Italian vibe.

*The view is spectacular, specially during day time.  I suggest people should drop by during lunch or past lunch and have the option to stay indoor or outdoor to see such view.

Pesce Alforno, is baked whole Lapu-lapu fish topped with mashed potatoes and paired with rice and again, it is delicious. Perfectly baked and the rice is also seasoned well.

All in all, I love the Gusto Mare experience. By far in both branches, I couldn't complain on anything. Everything is neat, the food is great, the servers are fantastic and the place is superbly decorated in a very relax way. Price is a bit pricey on certain dishes and on some bottles of wines but it's worth every penny. I highly recommend checking out any of their branches around Cebu for that laid back, intimate experience after a day's work or on weekends with love ones.

For more, you can check out their Facebook page https://web.facebook.com/GustoUrbanCafe/?fref=ts

Birdseed Breakfast Club + Cafe

There's a new Breakfast Club and Cafe in town and it's one of the neatest and inviting cafe I've been into - Birdseed Breakfast Club + Cafe offers more than just coffee and breakfast meals. It offers an ambiance of home with good music and interiors.<3 p="">

Eggs Benedict, really good eggs benny and the sauce was delish. Hotel like quality if I may say.

Green Tea Latte

French Toast, with fruits that taste so good - feels like home.

Beef Tapa, rice was good and the beef was perfection.

Salmon Silog, so good and good and good.<3 font="">

Overall, it was really a good experience. Their place is located at Axis Building Escario and it opens at 7a. Price ranges from 35php to 360php. Plus, they have the quirkiest restroom I've seen. For more, please check their Facebook page https://web.facebook.com/BirdseedBreakfastClub/

Stuffed Bell Peppers

A few years ago, I got to taste a very interesting dish that was made by my friend's mother. It was Stuffed Bell Peppers (rice, beef and spices). I thought it was a clever recipe and an easy one. Being Asian, it felt like I was somewhere in the Mediterranean. Since, we're having a long weekend and I don't have much to do, I've decided to give it a go and make my own version of it. It taste as a good and I'm proud of it. Here are the steps and what you need to make your own Stuffed Bell Peppers.

You will need:

2 Large Bell Peppers

3 Cups Hot Water 

1 Cup Ground Beef

2 Tomatoes (Cubed)

1 Onions (Cubed)

1 Tbsp Crashed Garlic

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Tbsp Tomato Paste

1 Tbsp Ricotta Cheese (or any cheese you prefer)

4 Tbsp Couscous

1 Tbsp Butter 

2 Tbsp Mixed Vegetbales (optional)

Dash of Salt and Black Pepper 

Dash of Tarragon

Preheat oven at 300 degrees C

1. In a medium pan, Sautee Beef, Onions, Garlic and season with Salt and Black Pepper. Once Beef is brown, add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

2. Pour 1 Cup of Water in cooking ware, add Mixed Vegetables and Couscous. Stir continuously when water starts to dry up, add Butter and mix. Simmer for a few minutes.

3. Mix Beef and Couscous together - this will serve as your stuffing.

4. Clean your Bell Peppers through running water. Make a hole at the center and take off seeds and even the bottom edge by slicing a thin layer. Soak in 2 Cups Boiling Water for 5 mins. 

5. Once Bell Peppers are soft to the touch, stuff with Mixed Beef and Couscous. Place in bake ware and top with Choice of Cheese and Baked for 25 minutes.

Bon Appetite <3 p="">

Ramen Sora

As breakfast cafes and coffee shops boom in Cebu, so does the Ramen craving. Officially tried Ramen Sora at the new opened Robinson's Galleria Cebu and was thrilled to know that their Ramen are perfectly seasoned.

What we had was Salmon Sashimi, Tokutaruo Gyoza, Japanese Fried Rice, Tsukune with poached egg, Pork Belly, Deluxe Sora Ramen (Spicy Miso) and Deluxe Sora Ramen (Spicy Shio). I have to say, all these dishes were good. I love the pork cuts - they were juicy and full of flavours. I just didn't like the lighting of the place but the experience on food was good and I'm looking forward to dining back. Price ranges from 100php up and they also offer rice toppings, salads, sushi and Japanese beers.

A closer look of their Deluxe Sora Ramen (Spicy Miso)

For more check out their Facebook page https://web.facebook.com/ramensora.com.ph/ 

Visit their webpage http://www.ramensora.com.ph/

Yolk Coffee and Breakfast

For the past years, Cebu has definitely grown into a breakfast hub with different cafes popping out of nowhere that offers good tasting meals and with really cozy ambiance. Finally, got a taste of a new cafe in town that has been making headlines because of their cute space.

What we had was Salad, Chorizo and Eggs in a Pan and Eggs Benny Bacon. I have to say everything was good. I like the interiors and they make one of the best Eggs Benedict I've tasted. Not to mention the crew are friendly. Price ranges from 80php up. Apart from the ones we ordered, they also offer sandwiches, good cup of coffee based lattes and smoothies.

Perfectly poached the way I liked it <3 p="">

For more check out their Facebook page https://web.facebook.com/YolkCafePH/?ref=ts&fref=ts

Ramen Yushoken Cebu

Ramen, noodles and all sorts of it has been part of my life since I could remember. There was an era in my life were all I ate was noodle soup from morning 'til night and that really gave my parents some serious worried faces - I was 3 years old then. Thus, whenever I feel vulnerable or sick - Ramen or Noodles makes life better. Dropped by a new ramen place in Cebu earlier was it was amazingly good - Left Over take aways are not allowed but rest assured there's no left over once you start chowing.

What we tried was Tantan- Men which is one of their best sellers and I LOVE IT! The ground pork was perfect and the ramen was perfect as well. Shoyu Maze Saba with Raw Eggs which was also good and Karai Takusei which was good but for this one the ramen is separate from the soup, so you have to dip the ramen on the soup. 

Ambiance was really nice. Very modern Japanese. Price ranges from 300php up for their Ramen Dishes. For more details, check their https://web.facebook.com/ramenyushokencebu/

Abaca Baking Company

There's a new bakery in town that has been making headlines for their delish breakfast servings and good tasting breads of all sorts and finally I got a chance to dine in a few weeks ago and I have to say, it was worth the wait to drop by and try out their limitless choices.

What I love about the place is the relax homey ambiance and smell of freshly baked breads and the interiors were really beautiful. The personalised painted menu board, the artsy paintings and wooden tables - gives it that New Yorker - European Vibe. Apart from breads and pastries, they also sell some spices at good reasonable prices. Price ranges from a 100php up. We tried, The Corned Beef Hash, Hand Rolled Bagel with Salmon and Crossroads American Omelette (which I forgot to take a photo of). Have to say I really enjoyed everything. Looking forward to trying out their other offers soon.

For you more, you can check out https://web.facebook.com/AbacaBakingCo/ or like their Instagram Account @AbacaBakingCo

Gusto Urban Cafe + Wine Bar

Cebu is officially a city where one will never go hungry or has no reason to be hungry at all with all the new cafes and restaurants that are popping out of nowhere. Gusto Urban Cafe + Wine Bar has been around but like always - I always check in late on these gastronomical places. Good thing their Cebu Business Park Branch opens at 7a and I got to dine in without the hassle of a crowd. And seriously, I love the interiors and the ambiance - it's a perfect place for coffee meet ups or brunch.

Just look at all the customised details of the interiors. It's so cozy and organised. I love the idea of hanging the wines on the wall and the wood meets concrete designs. Price for their dishes are average and I have to commend them for really nice servers. I think what really makes up a good restaurant is when they have staff who considers the place as their own - making sure the customers are well pampered and not to forget - they were all smiles. 

 

What I had was Bacon Steak Breakfast and my dad ordered a dish which I forgot to take a photo of and a Salami Panini which was to die for and my mom also ordered another sandwich which again I forgot to take a snap of but was also delish. What makes their sandwiches special are the kind of cheeses they use. And for a cheese lover like me - this place is heaven. I like how they present the sandwiches. I think that they should have made it a uniform thing to serve the dishes in wooden plates and stuff but over all it was totally worth trying. Apart from hot and cold drinks, they also serve fine wines by glass or by bottle for a very reasonable price. Price ranges from 150php up.

Leaving you with this emoterang photo :D Looking forward to dining back soon. For more details, check their Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/GustoUrbanCafe/?fref=ts

Mismukuno Teppanyaki

Haven't written in a while but let me start my post for this year (which happens to be a late post from last year) with a food entry. Have passed by and had seen photos of FB friends dining in at this place but never had a chance until they opened at Ayala Center Cebu's new wing. Mismukuno Teppnayaki is everything that you imagine Japan to be like. And I love it.

The ambiance is really nice. I love the wall painting and the open kitchen where you get to see your order being cooked by the chefs and it also doesn't hurt that they dance once the Voltes Five song comes to life. It's a busy resto but it brings in the Japan vibe into it.

What I basically come back for again and again is the beef teppanyaki and sashimi. I think they're all too delicious for words. Price wise, it's average for a Japanese restaurant but the experience, service and food is something that's beyond average <3 p="">

Mismukuno Teppanyaki is located at the new wing of the Ayala Center Cebu for more details check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/mismukunoteppanyaki If you wish to avoid the client rush dine in before or pass lunch time - same with dinner :) 

Bacon Chinese Sausage Breakfast

So, I am basically a breakfast - lunch person. Those are the meals that I think are so important that I always try to make sure that my dishes are full packed for it. I did a little experiment a few weeks ago for a breakfast combo and I love it. Totally love the food texture. Sharing my recipe for it now. Procedures are below the photo and ingredients follows after :) Enjoy!

1. In a small pan, add half cup water and add Bacon and Chinese Sausage. Bring to boil until natural oils from both meats are out and Bacon is crisp. Season with Black Pepper, Rosemary and Basil.

2. Add in Garlic, Onions, Tomatoe, Red Bell Peppe and Black Olives. Sauté until Tomatoes and Onions becomes soft.

3. Add in Eggs and let it cook for a few minutes.

4. Dashed with Tarragon, Grated Cheese and Scallion.

5. Add Bread on top.

Ingredients

Half cup water 

Strips of Bacon (cut into cubes)

Chinese Sausage (cut diagonally) 

Two Fresh Eggs

Tomatoes 

Onions 

Red Bell Pepper

Black Olives (sliced; it's readily available in supermarkets)

Traditional Cheese (any cheese will do - grated)

Crashed Garlic

Dash of Black Pepper

Dash of Basil

Dash of Rosemary

Dash of Cayenne Powder

Dash of Tarragon 

Scallion (sliced, optional)

Bread (any bread will do but I opted for the traditional Filipino Pandesal aka Salt Bread)