Baking from Valenzuela to Pampanga: Patchi's Oven of Brgy. Balangkas

Patchi's Oven started way back in 2004. Counting it all together, two decades of home baking would really refine one's skill over the years. Eugene Serapio, the owner and home baker, recalls that she began frequenting the kitchen way back in her childhood days where they were given roles in the cooking process as kids. She carried her love for baking until today, sharing her passion through Patchi's Oven. The baking business is named after the owner's daughter, "...term of endearment sa anak ko. Parang patchdoll na naging Patchi," Eugene explains.

Patchi's Oven Egg Pie slice

Other than taking orders of cakes and pastries, Eugene also bakes for their coffee shop located at SM Clark, Angeles, Pampanga named La Nilad Coffee and Tea House. La Nilad refers to the nilad shrub (Yamstick Mangrove) to which the city of Manila is named after. It also serves as their family's patriotic tribute to the country. She mentions that they once had a coffee shop in Fatima before but they had to close it - eventually setting up La Nilad in Pampanga together with another business venture that her better half oversees. 

The bestsellers of Patchi's Oven are their egg pie and sans rival. "Paborito nung mga foreigners yung dalawang yun," Eugene mentioned. "Different nationalities. Especially yung mga Koreans," she added. 

Patchi's Oven Choco Mio will make your heart sing.

Look at that. Luscious.

Unlike the traditional egg pie that one can buy commercially, Patchi's Oven's egg pie (P200) has that hint of lime (dayap) and is truly very creamy. One Valenzuela was also able to sample their homebaked Choco Mio (P310) which is a deep dark chocolate cake that is filled with Patchi's Oven's signature chocolate frosting. Both of these are best partnered with a mug of coffee - a combination that anyone would want to have to start the morning.

Another must-try from Patchi's Oven: their brownies!
Photo Credit: Patchi's Oven

Now that Christmas season is in, One Valenzuela believes that these baked goods are worth giving to your loved ones and would bring that much-needed sweetness on any festive table.

Thank you, Patchi's Oven!

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Patchi's Oven
Address: Balangkas, Valenzuela City
Contact Number: 0935-7140261 (Viber)
Follow Patchi's Oven on Facebook here.
Follow La Nilad Coffee and Tea House on Facebook here.

Need to Fuel Your Cravings? Dine at Krave of Brgy. Gen. T. De Leon, Valenzuela City

Craving for something really good to eat? Now, exactly a month old since it opened last July 28, 2019, Krave, a family-owned restaurant, of Brgy. Gen. T. De Leon is quite busy in continuously serving diners with their very own rice meals, pasta, snacks, and sweet treats. 

A part of Krave's dining area. The whole place can be reserved for intimate functions, parties, and gatherings of 20-25 people.

To travel is to love.

Another cozy spot in the restaurant.

 "Lumaki kami sa pamilya na kapag may handaan, lahat ay kasama na mag-prepare ng pagkain. Kaya halos kaming lahat ay inclined sa pagluluto," Cath mentioned. Majority of the dishes on Krave's menu are the crowd favorites during their reunions and gatherings: her ate's carbonara, bunso's embutido, and her partner, Chef Chy's Malunggay Pesto (Admiringly, Chef Chy has won and was awarded a bronze medal in the Chef Wars competition at the World Trade Center back in college for the Filipino Fusion Cuisine category). Meanwhile, the boys of the family were tasked to work on the restaurant's interior. Thus, Krave is the result of everyone's efforts, bringing in their talents on cooking and designing together.

Munch on some crackers while waiting for the food to come.

Or maybe get a basket of nachos for a good start. Krave's nachos can be shared or eaten solo.

Good food is here na. Where na you?

For its rice meal line up, Krave has Breaded Pork, Tapa, Embutido, and Leny's Laing as its bestsellers. The pasta plates are also well received by diners, having adobo flakes, tuna pesto, carbonara, and mac & cheese as their favorites. The chicken wings of Krave is also a crowd drawer which comes in 6-pieces or 12 pieces. To end a good meal, churros, coffee jelly, and waffle may be ordered. "My nieces and nephews love waffles," Cath shared, further explaining that kids will definitely like the mentioned dessert.

Moreover, the meals that are served in Krave are all from scratch so you can be assured that what you are eating are all made with TLC.  For example, their tapa and embutido are all made from raw ingredients, not store-bought.

Leny's Laing is a favorite of One Valenzuela. Mommy Leny, the owners' mother, makes this signature dish out of gabi leaves and coconut milk as its main ingredients.

Adobo Flakes Pasta. An interesting twist where you will enjoy eating Classic Pinoy Adobo served with spaghetti. Adobo is a star among Filipino viands and this fusion dish nailed it so far.

Chicken Wings. The chicken wings come in three flavors: Original, Teriyaki, and Buffalo. The buffalo wings are really good - savory and just a bit spicy. "We adjust the spice level depending on our customer's request," the Krave team mentioned.

Finally ended the meal with a tall glass of Krave's creamy Coffee Jelly.

Look at those coffee jelly cubes! Sarap di ba?

Just like a car which needs some gas after a long drive, dining here will make you happy and all fueled up! So the next time you drop by Gen. T. De Leon, try this new dining spot and fill up that craving tank up to the brim. 

Thank you, Krave! 

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Krave: Fuel Your Cravings

Location: 3004 Gen. T. De Leon, Valenzuela City (Landmark: across San Roque Supermarket)

Open Hours: 12:00nn-9:00pm, daily

Contact Number: 0927-6045165

Like and follow Krave on Facebook here for updates.

How to Go to Krave:

If you are coming from Valenzuela City Hall in Malinta, ride a jeepney (i.e. Monumento/Pier/Divisoria) which will pass by Karuhatan. Go down Karuhatan Jeepney Market and cross the road via bridge. Pass by the Karuhatan Wet and Dry Market. Go to the Jeepney Terminal which will go to Ugong (P9.00 as of this writing). Ask the jeepney driver to drop you near San Roque Supermarket. Krave is just a few meters across the said supermarket.

Local Snacks! Having Merienda at the Valenzuela City People's Park

One of the best times to be at the Valenzuela City People's Park would be during the Christmas season. Other than having a number of festive activities for all ages, the area between the Senior's Garden and Children's Playpark becomes your local merienda hub. Here are the well-loved stalls which come from the different barangays of the city.

Eat like a local at Valenzuela City People's Park.

Arra’s BBQ (Pasolo)

Arra's Barbecue began way back 35 years ago as a humble barbecue stand with Arra's aunt, "Mama" Oyie Quintana in Barangay Pasolo. The business was then passed on to Arra's parents. At present, it is already managed by the couple, Ian and Arra. People would flock and wait eagerly for their orders of pork barbecue, isaw, tenga, bulaklak, bituka, bahay-guya, balat, and hotdog to be cooked fresh on the grill. On regular days, the stall grills about 15 kilos of pork barbecue and about 20-25 kilos of offal. As of present, the price of the barbecue ranges from P15-P18.

You may also find Arra's BBQ at No. 444 Pasolo Road, Pasolo, Valenzuela City everyday at 2:00pm.

Arra's Pork Barbecue at P18/stick.

 Mam Rose Puto Bumbong (Malinta)

As you may have read from the previous article on puto bumbong and bibingka, Mam Rose is one inspiring Valenzuelana. Why? Because she teaches students in Dalandanan High School in the morning and then sells puto bumbong from late afternoon until night time. Napakasipag!

Mama Rose Puto Bumbong at P20.00 (regular)

Customers would line up to buy puto bumbong from her stall - available in two varieties: the regular one for P20 (with sugar and coconut shavings) and special variety for P40 (with additional cheese and condensed milk). Mam Rose Puto Bumbong is among the pioneer stalls which sell snacks at the park.

The stall of Mama Rose also sells pancakes at P6.00 each.

Mang Delfin's Putong Polo (Polo)

According to Mang Delfin Gutierrez, Jr., they are already the fourth generation of Putong Polo makers in the family. The pioneers of the commercial Putong Polo maker in the city were his grandparents, Olimpio Gutierrez and Felissima Guzman-Gutierrez. Cooking puto became another source of income for the Gutierrez family which began way back in 1944. It was then passed on to Olimpio’s sister and husband, Virginia Gutierrez-Gerona and Jesus Gerona (1968-1982) then to his father, Delfin Gutierrez, Sr. before Mang Delfin Gutierrez, Jr. and his wife finally inherited the trade in 2001.

Mang Delfin's Putong Polo in giftable boxes.

Putong Polo is a rice cake which originated in Polo, Valenzuela. In 1931, this Filipino delicacy that Valenzuela calls its own was awarded with the Manuel Quezon Presidential Award in the 1931 Manila Carnival. It is praised for its taste and long shelf life of about 3 days (without refrigeration).

Pair putong polo with pansit!

You may purchase Mang Delfin’s Putong Polo at the following locations as well: (1) Polo Public Market, 6am-11am, daily; (2) South Supermarket Malinta, 9am to 8pm, daily; (3) Bancal, Meycauayan (in front of St. Peter Chapel).

Soleng's Special Bibingka (Lawang Bato)

This particular stall surprised One Valenzuela when she met the owner, Soleng. She never thought that Soleng is a 19 year old girl from Lawang Bato! She learned how to cook bibingka from her mother. Soleng then eventually started her own stall of bibingka. You can buy a freshly cooked bibingka at P40 each.

Soleng's also has a stall at Manotoc which opens during Simbang Gabi.

Soleng's Bibingka at P40/each. Very fluffy!

Polomig (Poblacion)

Polomig first served its refreshing drinks way back 1995. It only started with two flavors: Gulaman and Fruit Salad. From there, the variants of their palamig eventually expanded with flavors like Chocolate, Blue Lemonade, Four Seasons, Buko Melon, Buko Pandan, Coffee Jelly, Ube Macapuno, and Iced Tea.

One can purchase a cup from P10 to P20. When in Poblacion, the Polomig stall is near the barangay's basketball court and is open from 9am to 9pm.

Fruit salad of Polomig. Sarap to end the day!

The food stalls are open from 2:00-11:00pm at the Valenzuela City People's Park (in between the Senior's Garden and the Children's Playpark) beginning November 3 to January (1st week).

More than Just Food: Melo's Dine In and Take Out at Marulas, Valenzuela City

"Good Food. Good Times. Good Memories." Those are what the Cabrera family would like to share among diners, especially us Valenzuelanos, who will enter their newly opened restaurant. "It's a big dream... Having a restaurant! Mahilig kami sa pagkain and, yes, I love to cook," Mrs. Cabrera expressed enthusiastically. 

She vividly recounted what they have gone through as they try to establish the restaurant which takes its name after her husband. It took them months of searching for that one spot to build on this dream of putting up a dining place where they can share their passion for food and cooking. They eventually set their eyes at the bustling Pio Valenzuela Street of Barangay Marulas. Converting an old pawnshop to a restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere was another challenge which they had to go through.

Each detail of  the restaurant is given ample attention, ensuring that the space will give you a sense of belongingness. 

There is a saying which tells us that we have to "Eat well. Live simply. Laugh often."

"May vault pa ngang naiwan noon!" Mrs. Neldelaine Escaner-Cabrera detailed how difficult it was to develop the place. Going around every corner of Melo's now, customers will be delighted to see and experience the transformed space. You will also notice that the Cabreras have placed their heart in making this humble restaurant reminiscent of home.

These photos on the wall depict the meals that Melo's Dine-in and Take Out serves its diners. 

Mrs. Cabrera is also passionate about cacti. She can even give tips on how to grow one. Some of the cacti that she owns are displayed near the entrance of the restaurant, giving customers a warm welcome.

From their family to yours: sharing good memories and good food on the table.

Melo's Dine-In and Take Out offers Filipino fusion cuisine. Home-cooked style Filipino dishes have consistently brought about comfort, allowing one to recollect good-old memories. The restaurant showcases the Cabreras' well-loved recipes as well as the head chef's ingenuity. It was indeed a wonderful opportunity to meet and talk with the chef who whips up the good food served on the tables. Chef Jerry "Jheng" Lopez, a Valenzuelano from Marulas, has 18 years of cooking experience at well-established hotels in the Philippines (like Manila Hotel and G Hotel) and in popular restaurants in the Middle East. He has also previously handled a 450-seater restaurant in Bahrain.

Teamwork makes the dream work. The whole Melo's team on their soft opening day. Still all smiles after long hours of serving diners. The Cabreras recognize the genuine effort that each of the Melo's team members gives.

It's always good to pause for a while and celebrate life. Happiness starts from within the team.

You can sometimes hear Zac play some music, giving Melo's a spirited energy. He plays the organ by ear. 

Being surrounded with such a vibrant environment makes you wonder about what's served on your plate. Pork Humba, something similar to the Pinoy Adobo, is among those main dishes which one should try at Melo's. Cooked for three hours with fresh pineapple, the pork is really tender to the bite. Sweet, sour, and savory - just the exact blend which anyone who loves this stewed meat dish would want to taste. Sarap!

This Pork Humba dish will definitely steal your heart. Melo's makes use of every ingredient to the fullest - the dish is made more appealing by being served on a fresh pineapple bowl (Php120.00 per order). 

There are more dishes to try at Melo's which will definitely require a few more visits to satisfy one's palate. Here are some of the must try for starters: the Sinigang na Tinapa,  a dish which Chef Jheng and his Filipino colleagues cook in the Middle East; the Crispy Gatang Dinuguan and Melo's Bicol Express which hail from Chef Jheng's Bicolano roots; and of course the Cabrera's Pares which One Valenzuela will try in a future visit. Want a Pares twist? Grab the Philadelphia Cheesy Beef among the Melo's sandwiches - it also makes use of the same beef from the pares but is now served with bread and three types of cheeses.

Meals, of course, are best eaten with dessert at the end. The Halo-halo Turones is a must have. Unlike the cold halu-halo cup that we are used to, this one's served enveloped in crunchy spring roll wrappers and a scoop of ice cream. You'll be amazed with what's inside the unassuming golden brown wrapper: vanilla biko, ube, jackfruit, sweet potato compote, some bananas, red and white beans. You may also opt to have some Fresh Fruit Cuts, Mango Crepe, or a plate of Battered Oreo to satisfy that sweet tooth craving.

A closer look at the Halu-halo Turones dessert (Php120.00). It is served with a scoop of ice cream which seals the whole experience.

There are still other things to discover on the menu: appetizers (the Mashed Potato Balls Stuffed with Cheese Pimiento is chef-recommended), silog meals (which are plated beautifully - saw how one looks by peering from another table), and soups and noodles (the Bulalugaw, the Cabreras mentioned, is a must-have). For drinks, Melo's have milkshakes and milk tea variants.

Shakes at Melo's (Php80-100.00).

This family-owned casual dining restaurant has served many groups of satisfied diners since its soft opening last September 15. Staying true to its word of delivering good Filipino food with refreshing tastes and combinations, Melo's have received good reviews from the public highlighting their great tasting yet inexpensive food,  stylish interiors, and cozy ambiance. One even mentioned that Melo's provides a "fine dining experience" to everyone.

Happiness in every table, in every plate, in every bite.

Who wouldn't love Melo's? MELOvers await on their respective tables.

Melo's grand opening celebration is set tomorrow, September 29, 2018. Let us support the Melo's team by joining them on this memorable event. 

Special thanks to the Cabrera family and the rest of the Melo's team for sharing your story with us, Valenzuelanos. 

#eatlocal #supportlocal #SarapngMarulas #ValenzuelaCity

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Melo's Dine-In and Take Out

Address: No. 90 Pio Valenzuela Street, Marulas, Valenzuela City

Open Hours: 2:00pm to 12:00mn, daily

Be updated by following Melo's Dine-In and Take Out on Facebook here.

It's Everyone's Fiesta!: Eatsploring the Valenzuela Food Fiesta and Christmas Bazaar 2017 (GIVEAWAY ALERT!)

Filipinos love to eat and Valenzuelanos are no exception. One Valenzuela observed a very steady food movement in the city and this trend culminates on the month of December with the annual Valenzuela Food Fiesta and Christmas Bazaar which is organized by the City Goverment of Valenzuela.

Picking up from the very successful event last year, the Valenzuela Food Fiesta and Christmas Bazaar 2017 came in with a huge buzz which left Valenzuelanos and city visitors hungry after shopping or after going to the Valenzuela City People's Park but very full right after going to the food fiesta. C.J. Santos Street (Old City Hall), the location of the food festival, is very easy to spot since it is just across the park and City Hall Complex. Thus, it is also very accessible via McArthur Highway or Maysan Road.

Valenzuela Food Fiesta and Christmas Bazaar 2017. This huge sign will greet you at C.J. Santos Street.

Everyone is welcome to eatsplore the food fiesta from 5:00 in the afternoon up to 1:00 in the morning every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday this December. The street turns into a foodie's paradise once the clock turns 5! As of this writing, you can still catch up on the following dates: December 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30. There are new food stalls and trucks on each weekend so there's always something new to discover.

Laugh at jokes and sing along with comedians on the stage. Look at that big crowd! 

What to expect at the food fiesta? A variety of food which will make you go loco on what to try! One Valenzuela suggests that you bring your barangay with you because it is more fun to eat and share plates of food with family and friends. Now, let One Valenzuela guide you amongst some of the food stalls at this year's food fiesta through a picture walk below. WARNING: The following graphic content will make you hungry. Really hungry.

Sweet Surprise!

Hungry for hungarian? These sausages are literally hogging the limelight at Php50.00 a stick. 

Gotta slice 'em all! There are three flavors to choose from: Ham & Cheese (Php70), Hawaian (Php89), and Special (Php99).

This plate of burger and fries goes for Php100 from RM Grill Hauz Burger. There are other varieties. Choose between Autobots and Decepticons burgers (Php100 to 170). They also have a humongous burger named Nemesis Prime which can feed  4 to 6 persons (much like a big family! or the crew!) and is priced at Php555.

Chef Yu's Fried Siopao (Php22 a piece). Chef Yu is only open until 8pm in the evening so try to be early at the food fiesta if you want to get some of these soft and fluffy buns.

Ethan's Cafe is also at the food fiesta! Look at these gorgeous boneless bangus ensalada (Php150/piece)

One of the things that One Valenzuela likes about the food fiesta is that it brings together many of the local burger joints, bakeshops, food stalls, and restaurants which are located in the various barangays in Valenzuela City. Some of these are the following: Big Bad Burger (Malinta),  Chef Yu (Malinta), Ethan's Cafe (Marulas), Hakobe Takoyaki & Food Hub (Arca Yard - Karuhatan), Lucky Garage Grilled Burger (Pariancillo Villa), and RM Grill Hauz Burger (Pariancillo Villa). Thus, you no longer need to travel from one barangay to another just to have a taste of Valenzuela.

Love Ice Cream's (LIC) fried ice cream is a labor of love. Watch as they work on your ice cream (Php60/cup). Flavors? LIC has: oreo and mallows, strawberry and graham, blueberry and graham, mango and graham, banana and chocolate, rainbow and mallows, popcorn and caramel (interesting!), cookies and chocolate, coffee and chocolate, and matcha and caramel. LIC also has crepes: mango nutella, banana nutella, blueberry caramel, and peanut butter caramel.

A line of takoyaki babies! (4 pieces for Php50). Want okonomiyaki? Get it from Hakobe at Php120.

Snapped at a Lucky Garage Grilled Burger order before it was delivered to its rightful owner! Burger price range is Php65 to PHp300+ depending on the size. 

Wagyu Steak Rice? Malcolm's Burger truck is also in the house!

There are also a number of stalls and food trucks which are from neighboring cities in Metro Manila. This makes the food fiesta a diverse place to find something to eat! The food fiesta boasts of a variety of cuisines like Filipino, American, Italian, Japanese, and Chinese. You would spot a number of fusion food too. 

If you are up to a challenge, One Valenzuela found this tapang kabayo (Php90) at one of the stalls.

Some shawarma action on a beautiful night! Rice and pita varieties are offered.

A taste of Bacolod in Valenzuela City? Other than the popular chicken inasal, you will also find several other meat for grilling in this stall. And of course, where there is smoke, there's good food!

Boodlefight Fiesta by Syiesha has three sets of boodlefight meals which you can choose from. Set A (Seafood with Pork Bundle), Set B (Seafood Bundle), and Set C (Chicken and Pork Bundle). Syiesha is a local boodlefight restaurant in Valenzuela City. 

Big Bad Burgers offers these gourmet burgers which you will want to sink your teeth into. Do you know that they also have a spot at the Malinta Jeepney Terminal along C.J. Santos which is open every weekend? One Valenzuela loves their epically-grilled burgers and she knows that you will love 'em too. Big Bad Burgers also churns out unique dishes from their kitchen which will make you think that the chef-owner is a wizard with a passion for cooking!

Other than the savory meals and snacks, there are also sweet pastries and desserts which one can also try out. There were yema cakes, red velvet cake, sinful chocolate cake, brazo de mercedes, crinkles, and blueberry cheesecakes slices from different stalls. J.Co donuts were also sold at the food fiesta which are good for pasalubong.  

After eating a good meal, you might want to bite on something sweet. Here is a snapshot of EJ Cakes' table of sweets and pastry goodies.

Little Joy has a beautiful rack of blueberry cheesecake slices (Php90/slice).

J.Co, anyone? Php250 per half dozen box and Php45 a piece. Half wishing that there is already a J.Co outlet in the city! 

Did you get hungry? One Valenzuela bet you did.

Feasts like this make One Valenzuela appreciate the fact that the local government extends its arms to make the city a liveable city. Its residents are provided with not only the basics in life but also the opportunities to spend quality time with their family and friends through good food and wonderful places to visit in the city. Hindi mo na kailangang umalis pa ng Valenzuela (You no longer need to go outside Valenzuela.).  

Here's a bright suggestion. Why not share the Valenzuela City experience with the people you know who come from other places? Bring them at the Valenzuela Food Fiesta and Christmas Bazaar. After all, it's everyone's fiesta!

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GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Thank you, readers for a great 2017! From one foodie to another, One Valenzuela is having a giveaway!

Blogging this 2017 has been awesome. Salamat po for accompanying One Valenzuela this year. As a way of thanking you, dear readers, One Valenzuela is having a year-end foodie giveaway. Three lucky winners will be drawn from the people who will be leaving answers to the question:

Ano ang THE BEST na nangyari sa iyo ngayong 2017? 

(What is the best thing that happened to you this 2017?) 

Just leave an answer as (1) a comment below, (2) on Twitter (Retweet + Comment), or (3) on the One Valenzuela Facebook page (Comment + Share post). You are only allowed to leave one (1) answer on each platform (a maximum of three entries per person). So, what are at stake? One Sieyesha Set C Boodlefight, another will win three Big Bad Burgers' Shaka Burgers, and one will win a Lemon Square Round Chocolate Cake. 

   

1 Winner: Big Bad Burgers' Shaka Burgers (3 pieces) (to be claimed at the Food Fiesta)

1 Winner: Set C Boodlefight by Syiesha (to be claimed at the Food Fiesta)

1 Winner: Lemon Square's big round chocolate cake (to be claimed at the Lemon Square Bakeshop along Maysan Road, near CMIC; a few meters walk from the Food Fiesta site.) 

One Valenzuela will be announcing the winners on December 23, 2017, Saturday and will be contacting the winners via Facebook, e-mail, or Twitter, whichever is available.

Hope that you will join the giveaway!

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GIVEAWAY WINNERS!

Please check the link HERE for the full post on the winners.