Ochi In The City

Homemade Korean Dinner

We're no stranger to Korean culture; from Korean songs to Korean drama and of course--Korean food! I wasn't into anything related to Korea until my former manager introduced me to K-food. At that time, I wasn't familiar with what Samgyeopsal was, and all I wate whenever she would ask me out would be Korean Fried Chicken ala Bonchon. Out favorite go-to place that time was this Korean restaurant along Don Antonio in QC. It wasn't until I tried Samgyeopsal in Don-Day that I absolutely fell in love with it. And while it's always a treat, it can also get pretty expensive.

A few days ago, my sister asked if I can cook for them so I decided to go Korean. Fortunately there's a Korean store near the condo which has specific cuts of meat meant for Samgyeopsal. If I'm buying from the grocery, I usually get the bacon cut but it's not quite the same. I also decided to cook Cheesey Ttteokbokki with Odeng (fish cake). I decided to add more cheese so it can counter the spiciness since my younger sisters are eating. I also bought Leek Dumplings, Kimchi and Spicy Ramyeun. For the specifics, I'll be listing them below.

Okay, let's begin! I will be listing the ingredients you'll be needing for the following dishes. For the Samgyeopsal : pork, lettuce, garlic, onion, perilla leaves and Samjang paste. You know the drill, just combine everything together on a bed of lettuce or perrilla or both and you're good to go. For the Spicy Ramyeun : you can buy any Ramyeun you ant, I prefer spicy, I just add a few crab sticks, egg and top it with cheese for that gooey, creamy ending. For the Cheesey Tteokbokki : tteokbokki sauce, tteokbokki, Odeng, onion, cabbage, mozzarella and cheddar cheesse! Just cook based on package instructions and add the cheese. The Kimchi dumplings : I pretty much just fried them and made sauce out of soy sauce, honey, gochugaru (red pepper flakes), mirin, vinegar and sesame seeds! For the sides I prepared onions, garlic, kimchi and pickled radish.

I usually just go with Samgyeopsal if we're having a Korean night at home but this time I wanted to be a little extra hence all the other add-ons. I'm pretty sure we all have our own unique ways of preparing a korean dinner at home and I definitely want to hear yours! The only downside to going Korean at home would be all the dishes you'd have to wash after because of all the side dishes, lol. But anyway, please share with me how you guys personalize your homemade korean dinners. Looking forward to all your delicious recommendations. Have an awesome week!

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, by Ochi Bernadas

camping

Top 3 Camping Destinations In The World

Camping destinations offer something for every adventurer. For some, it is high mountain peaks and hiking trails, other campers simply love a calming appearance and backdrop to enjoy a gorgeous sunset. No matter what your “idea of camping” is, these are three great destinations to consider for your next camping trip, if you have the opportunity to plan them anywhere in the world. (As I don't, lol)

Devon, England is one of the finest destinations in the world and offers one of the premier camping destinations for camping enthusiasts to add to their bucket list of must-visit destinations. Exmoor and Datmoor offer excellent camping sites, and gorgeous cliffs, valleys, and vistas, offer a wide range of scenic views to choose from.

Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand is a must-visit destination. Landscapes will leave you breathless, and the country’s highest mountain range offers the perfect challenge to skilled hikers. You can’t beat the views from South Island.

The French Alps, a third must-visit camping destination, especially for hiking enthusiasts. Skiers love the destination during the winter months, and hikers flock to the area in spring and summer months for the captivating views. The fresh alpine air, foothills, and scenic at every corner you turn, will make for one of the most gorgeous camping trips imaginable.

There are far too many camping sites to name around the world, for enthusiasts, and individuals who love and want to experience the world’s most iconic destinations and views. If you’re planning a trip to Europe, or a hiking adventure, these are among the top destinations to add to your itinerary around the world. The great weather, hiking and camping sites, and a scenic backdrop for any palette, makes for a truly spectacular trip for your family’s next camping vacation together or the next backpacking trip you have planned.

Remember before you go camping you need to make sure you have all the correct gear for your trip. I would recommend reading some articles on camping in the area you wish to go. Here is one example of a basic camping guide by outdoorser.com. I remember going through all the basic mountaineering boot camp first before I had my first climb in college, being a member of the UP Mountaineers, hehe. It may not look like it but I made it. Anyway point is, be safe always and happy camping!

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, by Ochi Bernadas

50's diner

When in Baguio | 50's Diner

I was in Baguio for over a week last month because my sister finally graduated from Med School! I mean, the entire 4 years was a struggle for all of us, especially financially but we all pulled through with flying colors! The family decided to stay for a week since she was having her Gabi ng Parangal on a Tuesday and the actual graduation rites on a Saturday. A week in Baguio also means time to revisit most of the places I loved when I was in college! And of course, another gastronomic trip. I thought of vlogging the entire trip but while I was there, I totally just wanted to be in the moment so most of the photos I'll be sharing are from my phone so forgive the quality!

First up on the list, I wanted to bring my Dad to 50's Diner because it's the ultimate bang for your buck--I PROMISE. My Mom was busy having her face done for my sister's Parangal so she wasn't with us, which is a total bummer 'cause she would've enjoyed the selection of food. And now on to the food, let's dig in!

The Place

The original 50's Diner was located in Leonard Wood. It really had the authentic, vintage Diner feels one would usually look for in a place like this. But when I passed by that direction, they've already demolished the entire strip and are looking to build a different establishment. The new location is located inside Porta Vaga mall. It's way smaller than the original and I don't know, being located inside a mall just takes out the entire Diner feel to it. Good thing the food is really worth it. If you're bringing a car, you can park at the Cathedral for a fee.

The Food

Here's what we got : Boneless Bangus (P145.00), Guys on the hood (P160.00), Mama's Kidd (P115.00) and Wings and Rice (P110.00). You guys can actually see the serving size, right?? It's insane! I got the Boneless Bangus and can you just take a good second and look at how huge that Bangus is? It almost occupied the entire freakin plate. I also love the side salad; veggies can't get any fresher than this. Mama's Kidd hasn't changed--it's always been the same since college! For P115 you get chicken, spaghetti, fries, kropek and rice. I wasn't a fan of the wings, I've tasted better. But surely for the price, you still come out a winner. And now, on to the crowning glory of this feast--Guys on the hood! In a plate you get a combination of pork chop, spaghetti, fried chicken, a slice of pizza and rice! Not really sure why they call it guys in the hood though, cause this plate pretty much sums up my appetite lol.

Would I come back? Always. I mean, it's insane how they can keep the price at a relatively low rate given the price of goods nowadays. The place may have changed and the location may not entirely be the same anymore, but you know it will always be that place that'll give you that fluttering feeling whenever you come in. Memories of my first date with an ex, eating a pancake tower covered in maple syrup; memories of celebrating a little win over my biology exam; memories of bonding with my dorm mates since the old location was just a stone's throw away from my dorm; memories of finally finishing my thesis; and pure, lovely memories of Baguio. So yes, I will always go back.

GLENN 50'S DINER
Budget : P100-150/person

Monday - Sunday | 8AM - 9PM

92 Gen. Luna Road, Baguio City