Zharnss Grill

Two years ago, I was introduced to a native restaurant located at what used to be Bilbao-Goldenfields. I thought it was just another replica of the popular "cansihan" since they also serve the same specialty; bulalo, cansi and soup #5, dishes that are quite famous to the locals of Bacolod City. 

Since I am very fond of the deadly bone marrow, I am a regular patron of cansi although I am not really a "soup person." So when I tried their cansi, I noticed that the soup was clearer than what is usually served by other establishments. Although I know that atsuete seeds add to the flavor, I would still prefer a clearer broth with just a little of the yellow effect. The meat was very tender and tasty, unlike others that are so chewy that I have to exert a lot of effort to make sure of an easy digestion (I later found out that some would mix carabao meat which is noticeable because of its darker color.) From then on, I became a regular at Zharnss. 

"Cansi"

Only P160 per bowl of Cansi and P190 for Bulalo, it is so worth it. Frankly speaking, even if I am served a bowl full of stacked meat if it is mixed with tough ones that I could hardly chew, I'd go for the modest serving for as long as I am sure it's pure and tender beef shank. Here's a tip for those who would give it a try, ask for some of their home-made chili oil for a spicy version of the soup. It's really made out of fresh siling labuyo or "katumbal". A couple of drops and you will surely work on a sweat.  

First-timers would often get surprised that Zharnss Grill have so much more to offer than just their popular soups. They also serve , among others, Sizzling Boneless Bangus (P120 reg and P150 large), Crispy Pata (P320), Sizzling Cansi Steak (P200) and the very promising Lechon Belly (P500 per kilo), made from young pork belly and seasoned with herbs and spices that makes it burst with flavor like no other! For the record, I had my fair share of the Lechon Belly on New Year's Eve and the family just can't get enough of it. 

According to Auggie Ledesma, one of the owners of Zharnss Grill, the Lechon Belly will soon be a regular on their menu. And not only that, they will also put a "SUTUKIL" (SUgba, TUla and KILaw) counter for those who love seafood. I hope they include big oysters on the choices.

Currently, Zharnss Grill accepts food orders for lunch and dinner. So if you are thinking of a native lunch at the office or a lechon belly dinner party in the comfort of your home,good for 30-50 persons, Zharnss Grill could prepare it for you. They also have a "Turo-Turo" during lunch time that boasts their Pork BBQ, Bakareta, Dinuguan among others at very affordable prices.

Zharnss Grill is open 24 hours a day, 6 days a week. They are closed on Sundays but give special consideration on exclusive reservations.

Little's Plate

Bacolod City, the City of Smiles. The locals are known to give the sweetest smiles amidst the adversities of life. Is it because we are the sugar capital of the Philippines? Hmmm... maybe but one thing's for sure, we smile because of the great food that can be found in our city.

Our city may have been known because of our famous MassKara Festival but we are starting to make another mark, this time with our very promising food tourism. Bacolod's Chicken Inasal may be gaining its popularity by the second but I personally take pride on our versatility when it comes to pleasing the palate. From the charming food carts lining up the sidewalks, home-cooked meals of famous carinderias, quaint coffee and pastry shops, to upscale restaurants, and so much more, I'm pretty sure that the young and the young at heart will find dishes that will make them come back for more. 

I love food. I think it's very obvious with how I weigh. Nevertheless, my body fats can't discourage me to appreciate great dishes. So in this particular category, I will be writing about the different dishes that I get to try from outside my kitchen. This way, I can share not only my opinion about the food but also the experience and learning I'd gain as I go along. It's definitely going to be a special journey for me.

Please take note that I am not a professional food critique but I can certainly guarantee to give objective points of view of every dish and establishment that I will write about. I want this blog to be a helpful guide for anyone and everyone who would want to  indulge themselves with great food to satisfy their tastebuds.

Let's experience the bounties of Bacolod's Food Tourism together!

Little Happy Christmas Thoughts

"And so I'm offering this simple phrase...

  To kids from one to ninety-two,

 Although it's been said many times, many ways,

 Merry Christmas to you."

My most favorite Christmas song ever. The lyrics are simple and the music, fills the air with sincerity. I know that my Christmas won't be the same if I don't get to sing this song in every chance I get.

I get all fuzzy every December. I'm not sure if it's just the longer nights, the crisp breeze, the sparkling Christmas lights, the smell of rice cakes every time I pass by the Cathedral or even getting stuck in the bustling traffic but still with a smile on my face. 

This year, I plan to enjoy my holidays in a more subtle way. Parties may be good but I would prefer to spend it with my children, cuddle with them while enjoying pirated DVDs and munching chips until we all get loaded. 

I think all of us have a wishlist right? I would say I only have a few this year and that includes starting my blog. Despite of the challenges I've been through lately, the yuletide season seem to distract me from all negative thoughts and just let me play along with good vibes. 

Happy Thoughts will be about the goodness of life despite adversities, happiness from simple things like having a new friend or frying the perfect sunny side-up, enjoyment from finding the best bargains, pleasure from gastronomic adventures, discovering treasures from common places, finding bliss from making others happy and grateful. 

This blog does not aspire to be complex, instead, simple thoughts that we tend to take for granted but end up searching for them if we feel trapped in a what seems to be a black hole full of life's uncertainties.

As my daughter would always tell me, "Sit back, relax and check things out." 

Happy Thoughts!