"It's Fortune, or nothing at all!"...this was what our mother used to tell us when she was still alive.  And by Fortune, she means Fortune Hong Kong Seafood Restaurant. According to the best cook in my life,  this resto serves the best Chinese cuisine in Pampanga, and maybe even better than those found in NCR or Metro Manila.  As I've mentioned, my Mother does the cooking in the house.  And her expertise?  You've guessed it right...Chinese Food.  Therefore, according to her,  no one beats her cooking except...(drumroll)...the Fortune Restaurant.

The Best Sweet & Sour Pork

        Fortune Restaurant is located in downtown Balibago area in Angeles City.  Balibago is considered as the nightlife center of our city.  The famous strip of resto, bars and cafes along McArthur Hi-way is at the heart of Balibago. And also,  the world famous Fields Ave. of Angeles city is also found in the area.  In October,  in lieu of the city's Fiesta celebration,  the dance party "Tigtigan, Terakan queng Dalan"  is also held at the same area.  During this party, for a minimal entrance fee, people get to drink beers Unli-style!  Lots of stalls in the event sell food or pulutan that you can pair up with your beer.  If you're a beer addict, then you have to visit our city every October.  Haha!

Shrimp with Broccoli

Kris & Bam wannabees.

        Going from Angeles city's Poblacion or city proper,  you will find Fortune along the left side of the McArthur Hi-way road going to Mabalacat.  It is a couple of blocks away before Fields Ave. and the road leading to Clark Freeport Zone.  Before mama passed away, we had to eat in this restaurant for at least once a month...it is because according to her, it is not just the best Chinese resto, but it also is the only resto that satisfies her "taste impairment", being a senior citizen that has stepped-in on the old aged segment of our society.  When we visit Fortune with her,  we must and always have to order the Steamed Eel specialty.

Eight Treasures soup

        According to Chinese medicine, Eels boosts stamina and provides additional energy that is very beneficial to old/senior people like my mother.  Almost the same way that drinking ginseng tea or ginseng infused food servings benefit us.  I'll talk about the Steamed Eel Entree when we get to order it in the future.  Another mother's favorite is the resto's Seafood Tofu in Hotpot.  This one is served sizzling hot in a "hotpot" or an oriental ceramic "pot".  A handful of seafood tidbits are sautéed and slow cooked with Tofu slices and choice vegetables in the pot before being served.  Since it was me who my parents used to go to Fortune when mama was alive,  I also get to order my favorite......the Chinese Style Beef Tenderloin.  This meal offers tender Beef slices cooked to perfection with a sweet, tangy sauce and is also served in a sizzling plate.  In the past, they didn't used sizzling plates in presenting this entree...but for the past four years, when they had a new Lead Chef, the started to serve the Beef sizzling style.  It is far better than before...so I liked it more than ever!

Patatim or Stewed Pork Leg

        We ate at Fortune last Saturday.  Together with the kinakapatids, my father and a cousin.  We had the opportunity to eat with the kinakapatid who came from Austria to visit our father.  Just like traditional Chinese restaurants, our table is round with a lazy Susan glasstop that rotates for our convenience.  We ordered Shrimp with Broccoli, the bestselling Sweet & Sour Pork, Eight Treasures Soup, YangChow Fried Rice and our Father's favorite.....the Patatim or Chinese Pork Leg Stew.

Yang Chow Fried Rice

        The best thing about YangChow Fried rice, is that you can eat it as it is even without toppings.  But since we are in the Philippines, we can't eat with rice alone...we need to have other ulam.  Eight Treasures Soup features 8 very special ingredients cooked in a broth based soup.  Father's favorite, Patatim, on the other hand, is a slow cooked Pork Leg with assorted authentic ingredients such as White Fungus, Mushrooms and sliced Bamboo shoots.  But if it's your first time to try Fortune,  never fail to pick their Sweet & Sour Pork......it is the best in all of Pampanga and Metro Manila imho.  Yes, the best!

Quan Kong Chinese Business deity

Live Lobsters

Live Lapu-Lapu or Grouper fish

        After the sumptuous meal, I chanced upon the resto's "aquariums" featuring the highly honored or priced Lobster and Lapu-lapu(grouper).  Sometimes, you also get to see their live Horseshoe Crab, unfortunately that day, they were sold out!  I also took a shot with the resident deity in almost all Chinese businesses...Quan Gong or Kwan Kong.  A famous Chinese general who was so popular that he leveled-up and became a mini-god or deity that governs businesses or more specifically, strategic competition or in line with the applied Sun Tzu's concept of business wars.   Given the opportunity,  I also was able to take a selfie with the Resto's celebrity icon/Manager/endorser/mascot, Ms. Janette.

        Fortune Hong Kong Seafood Restaurant is the best place to eat when your craving for an authentic Chinese cuisine taste!  They offer a lot of choices in their menu that is more affordable for family get-togethers and group party celebrations.  For birthday celebrations, you may also request their waiters/attendants to perform a very special Happy Birthday song for the celebrant!  Don't forget to visit this resto if you're here in the city of angels like me.  You'll surely come back for the best of the best in Chinese Food. 

Fortune Restaurant Frontage

        It was a Saturday when we had a delivery service to a town called Bulaon in San Fernando, Pampanga.  Surprisingly,  the downtown market area of Bulaon was not any different from what happens in our Angeles city counterpart.  It was a busy place like in our business area.  However, the only difference I believe is the width of the sidewalks and streets.  Bulaon had narrower ones compared to Angeles City.  On the way back,  we stopped over at a local Filipino-style eatery.  In english, they call it cafeteria or canteen...but for us, we call them Carinderia.

        The Carinderia that we visited is called Manok's Canteen...well yes, it used the English counterpart given the influence of western culture in the Philippines. Haha!  This is a staple carinderia for us when we deliver goods in different areas of Pampanga.  The place used the word Manok's or Chicken since it specializes in fried chicken that is sold on-the-go...however, they only offer this specialty in the late afternoon and evening where their target are those customers who buy these to pair up with beers or other alcoholic beverages.

        In the morning, Manok's offer early brunch or lunch food menu where Rice & Ulam combo is lined-up by students, workers and walk-in families. The Carinderia has a very local ambiance with walls painted in candy-green color while the chairs & tables are red.  Manok's also offers sari-sari store items such as chichiryas, candies and cigarettes.

        By 9:30 in the morning, the canteen already has several ulam or viands available.  In the Philippines it is very common for people to eat rice paired with an ulam of their choice. On that day, I chose to eat Rice and an ulam called Dinuguan while my sidekick chose Rice and the world renowned Filipino Sisig.  Dinuguan is made from Pork's Blood or Dugo ng Baboy...thus the name "D-in-UGO-an".  The ulam also utilizes Pork as a main  ingredient plus vinegar and lady finger chillies.  There are two main types of recipe for Dinuguan, the first makes use of liquid/quashed Pork's blood while the second uses clotted, solidified Pork's blood.   The first is the more expensive recipe given that it uses Pork meat as a main ingredient while the second is a cheaper alternative where solid Pork's blood is coupled with chopped pork intestines.  Personally, I like the cheaper version not just because it is half the price, but I also love eating ulam with pork intestines. 

        On the other hand, the world famous Pinoy Sisig is made from thinly chopped pork ears and pisngi or pork "cheeks".  The chopped meat are mixed with a generous amount of chopped sibuyas or onions; then is seasoned with spices before being sautéed to perfection.  Some modern innovations of this putahe/ulam are variants with egg and chicharones for a more crunchy feeling in every bite!  Sisig is believed to be a specialty of Angeles City Pampanga.  This year in 2017, the local government of Angeles city decided to formally organize the first Sisig Festival in the country.  So if you're planning to visit Angeles City in 2018, be sure to stop by in June to catch exciting activities and events.  

        Other ulam that Manok's canteen offers are Kaldereta, Giniling, Tortang talong, Kamansi, Pork in tausi sauce, Chopsuey, Kilayin, Paksiw na Bangus and Sipo Egg.  They also offer hotdogs, fried egg, Tocino and fried galunggong (fish) as alternative ulam.  Traditionally, in Carinderias like Manok's Canteen, people line-up in front of a counter where ulam varieties are viewed via a glass covered display area.  The food server then scoops up the ulam into a platito(saucer) and cups rice onto your plate.  Carinderias also offer specialty drinks such as softdrinks, bottled orange juice and other packed fruit juices.  But remember, to save up some moolah, drinking water is 100% free!

        The next time you find yourself in Angeles City,  don't forget to try out some ulam from Manok's canteen.  You may opt to take it out, packed in clear biodegradable plastics or simply eat your lunch on one of their cool tansan(bottle cap) shaped monoblock tables.  Don't forget to take a selfie by the Sprite Lebron's mix poster if you still find it there.  Haha! Ingat and eat well. 

        I craved for a Bibimbap meal this morning. Since my dad won't be having his dinner with us, I decided to go and eat(again) at my favorite Korean buffet restaurant in Angeles city pampanga.  The place is called Korean Restaurant Manchoo or we fondly call Manchoo Buffet Restaurant.  It is located at the 2nd floor of the newly built Central Mall along the corner of Angeles-porac road and Friendship Hi-way.  The said mall is still under construction as of today, the 25th of July year 2017.  Looking from the road, you will find the place to be complete and "visitable".  However, inside, it has yet to fill up a lot of stalls and biz slots.  Thru the stairs leading to the 2nd Floor,  you will find Manchoo to the left.  

        Manchoo offers the standard Unlimited Korean Samgyupsal menu, complete with fresh lettuce leaves, pork and beef meat slices both cooked and uncooked servings.  If you intend to personally grill you Samgyupsal, you will be offered to sit on the tables outside.  This makes sure that smoke from grilling will not stay within the air-conditioned areas which may cause suffocation, given that Manchoo doesn't have the ergonomic suction/exhaust pipes that other grill themed Korean restaurants in town.  Aside from the unli Samgyupsal, there are buffet selections that you may also try.  These offers may vary weekly, but you will surely encounter the all-time favorite fish fillet, Korean bulgogi, Spicy Tofu, Kakeakedon and Chicken cordon Bleu.  

        On the other side of the buffet table, you will find a set of Maki and Kimbob servings and a self-service Bibimbap menu, complete with sliced carrots, cucumbers, beans sprouts, pork ginilings and dried seaweed strips. I particularly loved the concept of their Bibimbap menu since I like beansprouts, carrots and dried seaweed. And when you combine these with rice and a special sesame oil based seasoning, a flavorful taste explodes in your mouth as you eat your first spoonful of bibimbap concoction.  Drinks are also offered Unli-style. You may choose from four(4) cold drinks namely, Pineapple juice, Orange juice, Home blend Iced tea & Iced coffee.  Iced coffee is my preferred drink in Manchoo.  The desserts menu offers Fruit salad, Minatamis na Saba or Sweetened banana(saba variety), Marshmallows and biscuits with Hershey's chocolate syrup for an amazing dip. 

        As I've mentioned before, my hipag taught me on not starting a meal with cold drinks as it makes our tummy feel full and/or discourages our appetite.  Thus, it is better to start with a hot soup to spark up our appetite before the long fight of eating unli-style.  In my experience, I avoid eating a lot of sushi, maki, Kimbap since it is rather heavy for the tummy, or it is what Filipinos call "Mabigat sa Tiyan" (Heavy for the stomach. I go for the basic buffet sets first, then I follow it up with Makis and Kimbap.  Then, from there I stop and go for bibimbaps, Samgyupsal and the basic buffet.  I then finish my "Unli meal" with their salad and sweets.  While doing the eating,  I make sure that I am reading something be it a magazine or a book.  From this, I don't just fill up my tummy with food, I also am able to gain additional knowledge for my brain while enjoying the food in restaurants. 

Next time you visit our Bayan, Angeles City of Pampanga Philippines.....try Manchoo for a change...its a the right size buffet for a big-sized Macho me. 

Halina't 

Mabuhay!

        Anyeong Hasseyo! Kickstart, first post ko ngayon ay tungkol sa Dinner Adventure Adventure ko sa Kim's Grill along Friendship Hi-way sa Angeles City Pampanga. Nalaman ko ang tungkol sa resto na ito mula sa Facebook sponsored feeds. Mygadz...sangkatutak na ang mga nagBuBuffet na resto dito sa Angeles ngayon! Kulang na lang eh malalaos na ang mga Fastfood establishments, magiging BuffetFood establishments na...hehehehe! May iilan-ilan na rin akong nasubukan na mga restong Buffet pero ngayon ko lang naisipang gawan ng blog ang mga Gastroventure experiences ko.

        

        

        Dumating ako sa Kim's mga 8:30pm...nabasa ko na hanggang 10:30pm silang open sa gabi... Pagdating ko sa entrance, binuksan ng isang mamang binata yung two-door na pintuan nila. Tinanong ko sa bago ako pumasok..."Kuya, magkano yung buffet nyo?"...aba ang sagot, "Pasok po kayo, sa loob nyo na lang po itanong..."....hahahaha! sa loob-loob ko naisip kong gusto siguro nya itanong ko sa loob para mahiya na akong lumabas ng resto nila kung mahal. Bwahahahaha! Hindi lang nya alam, eh may pagka-walang-hiya itong si Jamos the Explorer or JamoX na lang for short. :D
        Pagpasok ko, 350.00 pesoses daw pala ang buffet nila....kasama ang UNLi SamgyupsaL na uso sa mga Korean Buffet restos tulad ng Kim's. Bali may UNLi SamGyupSaL, UnLi Buffet Dishes at Drinks. Sabi ni Kuya Waiter, 'di lang daw yun....may FREE one piece Korean Ice Cream!!! Yehey!!! Sa iba kasing mga nakainan ko eh may bayad yung Ice Cream. Haha! Nang maupo na ko sa table, may Grilling station....kumbaga, sabi nga ni Ate waitress, Self-Service lahat pati ang pagluluto ng SamgyupsaL, ikaw lang ang gagawa at wala nang iba. :D Syempre nung ready na ko kumain, naisip ko yung natutunan ko sa hipag kong KusinaQueen din ang peg, na dapat unahin ang mainit na sabaw para hindi mabigla ang tiyan at lumakas ang pagkain...pero sa kasamaang palad, sabi ni Ate, "Sorry po, wala pong soup sa buffet...kung gusto nyo po may bayad..." sabay pakita nya ang Flip-card sa may table na nakasaad ang flavor and price ng mga soup nila. Hindi ko naalala ang price kasi nung makita ko kinilabutan ako...parang half ng 350.00 entrance ang isang order ng Sabaw nila!!! EdiWoW! Pasimple na lang ako at sinabing "ah sige, huwag na lng po." 

        Kung medyo naBadTrip ako sa payable Soup nila...natuwa naman ako nang makita ko ang mga available drinks na BottomLess!!! Dahil Bottomless ang paborito kong ICED COFFEE! Meron ding Iced Tea at Lemonade sa drinks nila. Sinimulan ko na din ang pakuha sa main buffet dishes nila, sabi ko ihuhuli ko na lang yung Samgyupsal kasi hindi ko talaga alam ang tamang pagkain ng samG korean style. haha! Sa naalala ko, ang mga paborito kong dishes nila ay yung spicy Korean Chicken, yung JapChae o Korean noodles  at yung Spicy Chicken Stew. Meron din silang Salad Station, kaso rin ako mahilig sa gulayan...meats talaga hilig ko kaya konti na lang mababara na siguro ang mga ugat ko. hehehhe! Kaya ganun na lang ang dalas kong kumain sa mga resto ngayon eh dahil sa habang bata pa, susubukan ko nang kumain ng masasarap na putahe at magEnjoy na rin nang kaunti kaysa yung ipon nang ipon tapos pagtanda hindi na rin maE-Enjoy yung buhay. 

        Ang isang strategy na ginawa ko sa Kim's ay yung kumuha na rin ako ng mga iihawin kong mga karne na pangSamGyupsaL. Tapos habang slow cooking/ihaw sila sa grill-pod ng table.....Lamon naman ako nang lamon sa mga buffet dishes na kinuha ko. Kaya nung maubos ko na yung dalawang plato ng assorted items....haha...Ready to eat na ako ng SamG!!! Kung meron mang kakaiba sa SamG ng Kim's, ay malalaki yung hiwa nila sa karne, kumbaga hindi nagmumukhang tinitipid yung customers. Hindi rin naman dapat mabahala kasi may binibigay namang gunting na pwedeng gamitin para putul-putulin yung mga karne. Kaya ako, ginawa kong bite-sizes yung mga karne sabay balot ko sa pirasong gulay o Lettuce at NomNomNomNomNomNomNom! 

        Umabot ako hanggang 9:45pm sa Kim's....pero kasabay kasi ng lahat ng pagLamon na ginawa ko......nagbabasa din ako ng isang national geographic na magazine...kaya napatagal ang stay ko sa resto. Yan din siguro ang dahilan kung bakit madami-dami akong nakain sa Kim's Grill...goodbye diet na talaga. hehe. Kung ipapa-Rate nyo sa akin ang Kim's Grill from 1-10, 10 being the highest.......nasa 7.0 ang Grade nya kay JamoX. Don't Like is the "limited" buffet dishes, puro pika-pika tulad ng egg roll, baked Kamote, Fried Talong at Kimbab. Plus or Likes are the ICED COFFEE and Big sized SamGyupSal meats...dito ko lang naEnjoy ang SamGyupSaL.

        

        Pagkatapos kong magpaBill-out...syempre hindi ako nahiyang hingin ang aking.........FREE KOREAN ICE CREAM!!! Mango Flavored MeLoNa ang pinili ko. Wow.....Saaaaraaaap!!!

P. S.  Pagkatapos magpakabusogsa Kim's.....dumiretso muna sa Woori Korean Mart para bumili ng favorite Korean Ice Cream namin ni papa daddyow! 🤗

        Kayo anu ang experience nyo sa Kim's o kaya sa mga UnLi Samgyupsal resto na nakainan nyo na?