Brian Ong: A Bite of the Sandwich King

A Bite of the Sandwich King
by: Brian Ong

Who would have thought I would be meeting the Sandwich King himself, Jeff Mauro, the winner of the Food Network Star's 7th season, and the host of Sandwich King on Food Network (US/Asia). The other night, I had the chance to talk to him in a private function, together with other food bloggers.

We were introduced to the Sandwich King, and the premiere of a new season of his show. We also had some lessons on how Jeff "makes any meal into a sandwich and any sandwich into a meal." It is not just putting meat in between two slices of breads, but it also takes some consideration on color, texture and imagination.

He's such a character beyond his sandwich making skills. He's down to earth, entertaining and creative. He definitely knows how to capture his audience, that's probably why he became successful in bringing mouthwatering and tasty sandwich meals and an awesome show together.

After showing us a few tricks up his sleeves, we were able to do and replicate some sandwich creations he made. This is my version of his Brisket Sandwich with Smoked Mozzarella. Slow cooked juicy beef brisket, red cabbage slaw, onions, several slices of homemade smoked mozzarella, with mustard. With carrot cranberry salad on the side. I would prefer this in between a baguette or sourdough, but all in all, it's an amazing bite! Try it :)

Catch Jeff Mauro's The Sandwich King, Wednesdays, 8pm on the Food Network, brought to you by Cignal. Be sure to watch the Season 3 premiere this June 19, 8pm. Jeff also appears on $24 in 24, premiering on Food Network Asia in the 4th quarter of 2013.

COCINA by UP JMA Great food with great company

SAVE THE DATE 

25 January 2013  at Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman from 11am- 10pm

Contact Sarah Ampil for more details 09178464517

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I miss going to these food events. Granted that a good number of booths have not-so-good food, it's always interesting to see what they have to offer! People who are already around the Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City area might be interested in dropping by.

Tiffy

Corks and Forks

Most of you probably don't know this, but Nicole and I went to Spain (on a scholarship!) last year. While there, we had a wine appreciation class. At that time (and well, until now actually), I didn't know anything about wine, I wasn't used to drinking it, and I didn't know which would go best with which food. I also couldn't really tell the flavors apart. They all tasted quite the same for me.

Nicole, I hope you don't mind that I'm posting these pictures. Hee!

Fast forward to a couple of months ago, some of my international friends suggested we drink red wine. It was the first time I drank (and actually somehow enjoyed) wine. Maybe I'm growing up and... becoming more cultured? Haha! At least that's how I see it. I appreciate it more now.
The Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce is holding a food and wine event at Makati Shang this Saturday (June 23), from 10AM-6PM. They will be featuring a lot of premium wines from Australia and New Zealand, as well as dishes from said countries. Aside from these, there will also be prizes to be raffled off, contests and other activities throughout the day. If you're free, and you want to experience an event such as this, go on over to Makati Shang's Rizal Ballroom.

Here's the poster for further information:

... but wait! There's more! (infommercial at its finest)

There's a deal in CashCashPinoy wherein you can get discounted tickets for the event! It's expiring in 9 hours though so you better hurry if you want to get tickets!

Restaurant Review | OMG Kawaii Bento

Before the Plurkfiesta happened, there was the UP Anime Manga Enthusiasts first. Bong, Tiffy and Jeric met up at the UP Bahay ng Alumni to check out the event before heading to Libis. While making rounds in the event, OMG Kawaii Bento really got our attention!

This was the first time Foodistas Bong and Tiffy have ever seen a bento - so they were pretty much intrigued and excited! Apparently, OMG Kawaii's booth at UP AME was some sort of launch for them since it was their first time to sell their food. They don't have a restaurant as of yet, but they are already making rounds in different events.

They had three designs -- a dog, a bear, and cute little chicks. The dog is made from potato croquette, pork tonkatsu, and some veggies; the bear, from potato croquettes and Japanese fried chicken; and the chicks, from potato croquettes and chicken teriyaki.

All bento meals are priced at Php 150 (USD$3). The Foodistas, together with Jeric and Osmond, got to taste the yummy doggie bento. From the rice, to the veggies, the potatoes and the pork tonkatsu, everyone really loved it.

All in all, it's a well-decorated dish that doesn't forget that it's actually edible (and yummy, to say the least). But unfortunately, it's not something that Osmond would crave for (apparently). It's one for the special occasions, probably.

Reviewed by Bong and Tiffy.
Special thanks to Jeric and Osmond for their inputs.
Photography by Tiffy.
Contact Hershey Ang for more info on OMG Kawaii Bento.