All roads this weekend should lead to Podium for Pinoy Eats World’s “Manly Eats”.

I was already in the area to try out three different workouts (- more on that at another time). Between workouts #1 and 2, I walked over to Podium to see what was on offer.

I spotted galpal, Vicky Lauchengco, right away, representing Kitayama Meatship. “One order of wagyu tapsilog, please.” Ohmigawd. If I didn’t have two other workouts scheduled in the afternoon, I would have had another serving. This was to die for and is worth all the calories in the universe.

Then I bought a box of Chona Ayson’s cheese rolls and ensaimadas (plus her almond-Speculoos cookies and blueberry-cream cookies.). And, after trying all the free samples, I bought one of Miguel Vargas’ buckies (brownie-cookie). The gluten-free one with chia seeds and coconut sugar. I also bought a nutella-stuffed chocolate chip cookies with sea salt and a cupcake made with tablea.

After workout #3, I was back for more! I ordered an amped-up grilled cheese sandwich from Nomama and asked the chef if I could combine it with the bacon-hotdog I had bought from Mr. Delicious (- I also purchased his applewood smoked bacon and ready-to-eat homemade corned beef). He was very kind and accommodated my request. Before he served it to me, I think he too was impressed by it because he took photos of the sandwich before serving it to me.

The sandwich was nothing short of amazing. And – surprisingly – what made it so was the tomato-chorizo jam that was in the grilled cheese (emmenthal) sandwich. I had my friends, Jason and Vanessa, try it and they ended up ordering just the amped up grilled cheese – because, yes, IT WAS THAT GOOD! (Too bad they don’t sell that jam! Not yet, at least.)

I also bought chili flakes, chili salt and sweet chili salt from VL Farms, and a banana-macademia jam from Antonio’s, that I want to try with crepes in Siargao. I also bought another box of cheese rolls/ensaimadas. Eek!

Edgy Veggy, in partnership with Marco Lobregat’s Ministry of Mushrooms, does this awesome pre-packaged mushroom risotto and mushroom biryani. All the ingredients are in a pack and you empty it into a pan or rice cooker, follow the instructions and you have an instant meal for three to four people. I bought three packs each and will let you know how they turn out.

I finally met Edylyn Gamboa of Fog City Creamery, who I’ve been ordering my Paleo and non-Paleo ice creams from. For Independence Day, she made this wonderful mango-rum ice cream made from Don Papa Rum… I had a scoop but, to take home, I thought I’d try the Ferrero Rocher-nutella flavor.

I failed to try the morcon sandwich and the kamias-malunggay concoction, but my stomach and my bags were already too full for anything more.

I wish I could go back tomorrow but, alas, I can only have one Cheat Day a week. I might head back before going to meet Joel tonight for more food. The Cheat Day ain’t over!