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@robyn: Cafe 81 in Manhattan is actually pretty good already, and closer to where you probably work! Don't forget about Ihawan 2 also, in Long Island City. I actually like some of their dishes better than the original Ihawan and it is just 1 stop on the 7 train! You could probably buy that in bulk also at the Phil-Am grocery across the street from Ihawan.

@krista: I definitely agree that the wider audience for Filipino food lies in the Bay Area and in LA. But I think you might agree that Filipino food isn't necessarily as exotic as other cuisines that have been accepted into the mainstream in NYC such as Ethiopian food. The success of Purple Yam in a neighborhood with very little Filipino presence (Ditmas Park, Brooklyn) shows that mainstream Americans are ready to try the cuisine.

@PaigeBW: unfortunately, Kuma Inn and sister restaurant Umi Nom don't really count for authenticity. While both are good, they are very far off from traditional Filipino food already that most of my friends don't usually eat there. I think Purple Yam is close to what I had in mind, but I find the quality of the food so-so. The best in NYC for me are still Engeline's and Ihawan. Cafe 81 and Grill 21 in Manhattan are pretty good, too. But I haven't been really wowed by a Filipino restaurant in NYC, yet.

This is awesome! Now if only someone would bring this to New York and camp out in the Flatiron District every lunchtime. I would be a super regular customer!

This looks yummy and quite easy to make, too! Thanks for the tip!

No shake shack?

If you are going to go to Cebu in the Philippines, eat lechon... not donuts! There is also the local Go Nuts Donuts chain, which I think is much better than Mr Donuts or Dunkin (at least locally in the Philippines).

I would love to see Mike V's reaction when he's eventually dumped!

@Chew: Mike V needs to chill about this whole "I'm the best chef in this season" attitude. It was almost like Stefan last year, except Stefan was winning challenge after challenge. Mike V even looks down on his own brother!

I really feel the top 2 would be Kevin and Brian. But who knows! I never thought Josea had any chance of winning last season!

hah, my predicted top 4 for this season was the top 4 of today's episode! they have been the most consistent ones. Mike V's cocky attitude is starting to come out. Bryan just seems much more secure in his skills and cooking. Jen made a good comeback and being classically trained by Eric Ripert really tells me that she has what it takes. But more and more, I think Kevin will eventually end up on top.

I think I'll always stick by my prediction that the top 4 would be: the brothers, Kevin, and Jen. Last night just obviously did not turn out well for Mike V.

You might want to throw in Panera Bread bagels along with the Lender's!

This looks yummy!