No Place Like Home: IKEA Presents The Flavors Of Home Festival For The Holidays

These are exciting times for the local dining scene with the release of the inaugural list for the Philippine edition of the acclaimed Michelin Guide. The country's culinary landscape continues to evolve now with a much larger presence at the global table while deeply rooted in tradition preserving our heritage and identity. Yet after all is said and done, the fact remains that the best seats in the house for a comforting and hearty feast will always be found at home...

Home is a destination where the most meaningful celebrations happen, and IKEA lets you rediscover the infinite possibilities in transforming your space with the Flavors of Home Festival. Explore both style and value with the extensive array of innovative, functional and creative products and design solutions for both the home and kitchen this holiday season at IKEA after all, there really is no place like home... 

Menya Kokoro Unveils Three New Savory Offerings With The A5 Wagyu Mazesoba, A5 Wagyu Don And Iekei Ramen

Staying ahead of the game means continuous innovation. And Menya Kokoro has been doing exactly that since it arrived in Manila back in 2019 with its constant roll-out of creative culinary expressions. Known for their distinctive and award-winning mazesoba or "brothless ramen", Menya Kokoro continues to flex its creative culinary muscle with new seasonal offerings. One new ramen and two sumptuous bowls with mazesoba noods and another with rice topped with premium Wagyu A5 beef from Kagoshima. Ready for a tasty peek?

Menya Kokoro unveils three new seasonal offerings available only for a limited time led by the Wagyu Mazesoba, Wagyu Don and Iekei Ramen available in all branches starting this November. A savory trio of rich and indulgent notes await diners at Menya Kokoro reflecting the brand's commitment to continuous innovation. Now let's grab a bowl...

Celebrating International Chefs Day With The Michelin Selected Gordon Ramsay Bar And Grill Take Over At The CCA Show Kitchen October Mixer

The spirit of collaboration, establishing strong connections over shared advocacies with a common goal of uplifting the local dining scene brings culinary professionals from various sectors together at the monthly gathering hosted by CCA Manila Culinary Director Chef Philip John Golding at the CCA Show Kitchen in BGC. But this monthly mixer becomes even more special coinciding with the International Chef Day celebrations along with the much anticipated announcement of the Philippine edition of the acclaimed and highly coveted Michelin Guide. Milestones were celebrated that evening, forging new alliances strengthening the community with renewed focus on elevating the local dining experience. 

Recently minted as one of 74 local restaurants with the prestigious Michelin Selected recognition by the Michelin Guide, world-renowned Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill at Newport World Resorts solidified its enviable position as one of the top dining destinations in the metro. That evening, the world-class offerings of Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill graced the monthly affair for another memorable edition of the mixer series hosted by the CCA Show Kitchen (for more on the continuing mixer series at the CCA Show Kitchen, see my posts Oysters, Wine, Sake, Sausages, Sharing Of Knowledge And Building Relevant Connections At The CCA Show Kitchen from August this year and What's Cookin' At The CCA Show Kitchen September Mixer from September).

Michelin Selected: MaMaCiTa BGC Makes The Cut For A Rightful Place In The Philippine Edition Of The World Class Guide

A day after the Michelin Guide announced its list, the stars aligned and the star dust settled the following morning as the local dining scene celebrated a significant milestone with culinary professionals enjoying the much deserved recognition. Familiar and expected names made it to the list while some surprisingly didn't. As with all creative endeavors, there will be opposing viewpoints. Taste is after all subjective. But after all is said and done, no one can deny it's impact on the country's evolving restaurant landscape that's finally recognized on the global stage with the release of the Michelin Guide for the Philippines. In the end, this is a win for the local food community. And to honor the first ever inaugural class of local restaurants with the enviable nod of approval from Michelin, we'll be featuring a few of the chosen establishments on the blog celebrating each recognition as a win toward moving the local dining experience forward...

The country's rich and diverse culinary landscape is now on the global dining map with the release of the Philippine edition of the celebrated and much coveted Michelin Guide. One Two-Star establishment, eight One-Star restaurants, twenty-five Michelin Bib Gourmand picks and seventy-four Michelin Selected dining destinations worthy of the recognition. It's an impressive haul no matter how you look at it. While others lamented the limited scope covering "Manila and environs and Cebu," it still is a comprehensive list reflecting value and comforting cuisine all the way to casual and fine dining concepts. Despite the omissions and somewhat limited regional scope, the inaugural listing still represents the very best of Manila and Cebu. And these include all seventy-four Michelin Selected restaurants like MaMaCiTa BGC. "Celebrated for their quality cuisine, Michelin Selected restaurants showcase culinary creativity and consistency," and you'll find all that served with each dish along Forbestown Road with the specialty Mexican offerings at MaMaCiTa BGC...

All Hail The Queen Of Wagyu: Teppanya Welcomes Japan's Famed Matsusaka Beef To Manila

There's Wagyu Beef, then there's Matsusaka Beef. Often referred to as the "Queen of Wagyu," Matsusaka Beef is one of the world's most coveted beef in the world prized for its exquisite marbling and rich butter-like texture and mouthfeel. And it's now in Manila. Soon you can indulge in the savory richness of the world famous beef at Teppanya and Sicilian Roast. The secret's out...

Straight from Ito Ranch in Japan's Mie Prefecture to Manila, the world acclaimed Matsusaka Beef is poised to elevate your Wagyu Beef dining experience in selected establishments. In partnership with local importer Prime Cuts by Doubleday, the rare Matsusaka Beef from the revered Ito Ranch Matsusaka Beef Farm will be made available to partner establishments starting with Teppanya and Sicilian Roast. Ready for a taste of the best? Then, read on...

At the formal launch in Shangri-La Plaza, Prime Cuts by Doubleday showcased its latest and probably most indulgent and luxurious offering to date with the arrival of Matsusaka Beef from Ito Ranch. That afternoon, the lucky guests experienced the rare savory richness of one of the world's legendary cuts of beef prepared by the skilled master chefs of Teppanya. 

At the event, Mark Pineda of Teppanya joined management of Prime Cuts by Doubleday, Ito Ranch and Sicilian Roast for the ceremonial toast festivities... 

...as wooden masu containing sake were distributed to guests. The rhythmic beat of taiko drums formally celebrated the much anticipated arrival of Matsusaka Beef to Manila. One of the acclaimed "Big Three" or Sandai Wagyu which includes Ōmi Beef and Kobe Beef, Matsusaka Beef are reared in extremely controlled conditions resulting in its buttery high fat-to-meat ratio, beautiful marbling, pure flavors and real fork-tender texture with only a small amount processed each year thus its premium prices due to its rarity and limited availability. It's called "Queen of Wagyu" simply because Matsusaka Beef comes only and exclusively from Japanese black female cows. 

Now let's take a closer look at Matsusaka Beef. The export of Matsusaka Beef is closely controlled and regulated thus its exclusive status. And with extremely limited quantities as opposed to commercial beef, you really can't blame the locals from wanting to keep this culinary gem for their own consumption. But thanks to Prime Cuts by Doubleday, diners can soon experience the rarest of premium beef. But this isn't the first time Matsusaka Beef was made available in the country. Previously, certain local establishments offered the premium beef but the partnership between Ito Ranch and Prime Cuts by Doubleday marks a milestone first. Ito Ranch is selective when it comes to its partners for worldwide distribution and Prime Cuts by Doubleday makes the cut as the enviable exclusive and official source of Japan's famous Matsusaka Beef. 

Established in 1953, Ito Ranch is Japan's most decorated Matsusaka producer with over 35 competition awards including a historic three year Grand Champion honors consistently ranking it as top-tier farm. It's a historic feat no other Japanese Matsusaka producer can claim. The formula for success? Simple. Pedigree and lineage, raising Japanese black cattle in a stress-free environment and fattening cattle much longer than the usual 25 months with its standard 35-month program resulting in high oleic concentration allowing the meat to melt at a low 12 degrees Celsius for that unmistakable butter-like texture. And lastly, a proprietary feed that remains a closely guarded family secret. 

All these combine for one of the world's best Wagyu beef experiences with its high fat, oleic acid concentration, intricate marbling and low melting point delivering an indulgent savory richness like no other. And that's why Matsusaka Beef is the rarest, most exclusive and expensive beef in the world. 

And soon, diners will experience a taste of the very best at Teppanya (for more on Teppanya, see my posts All Hail The Emperor: A Royal Feast With The New Emperor Set Menu At Teppanya In SM By The Bay from two years ago, Super Premium Unlimited Madness, The Ultimate Teppan Feast Upgrade At Teppanya In SM By The Bay from 2023, Fired Up For All-Out Teppanyaki: Teppanya Celebrates Its 5th Anniversary With The Insane Unlimited Madness Promotion from 2019 and Fire And Flavor: Setting The Stage For A Culinary Performance At Teppanya from six years back). What can diners expect at Teppanya? Imagine opulent bites of the special Nigiri and a lavish and sumptuous teppanyaki dining experience featuring Matsusaka Beef at Teppanya. 

And the moment guests eagerly waited for is finally happening as whole slabs of Matsusaka Beef are prepped by Teppanya for everyone to sample...

At the Teppanya booth, the prized Matsusaka Beef are delicately carved and sliced...

...lightly seared on a teppan grill and portioned for sampling servings...

...like the Sukiyaki with a light yet rich broth, tofu and fresh vegetables. The broth is immediately transformed by the decadent savory richness of the Matsusaka Beef draping the palate with its elegant lingering notes in just one sip and bite. The familiar and comforting flavors of sukiyaki teases the palate yet the flavors are nothing quite like previous experiences. It's sukiyaki taken a whole new level with Matsusaka Beef. 

Simply seasoned and garnished with thin slices of crisp garlic, Matsusaka Beef grilled to medium rare perfection is the best way to enjoy its pure, clean and unrestrained flavors as it slowmy melts in your mouth releasing even more intense notes. 

This is where all the tedious and meticulous protocols in raising Matsusaka Beef with generations-old family practices and traditions pays off in one juicy bite. 

And one bite just leads to another. The flavors are not overwhelmingly strong but elegantly refined and nuanced with its buttery richness. It's premium beef in a class all its own. 

And if you can't wait to secure a couple of premium slabs of Matsusaka Beef, you can order online via the Prime Cuts by Doubleday website and online store (link details at the bottom of the post).  

At the launch, the Matcha Latte by Maison Midori was the perfect libation with each sip cutting through the richness preparing your palate for another indulgent bite of Matsusaka Beef. 

Teppanya and Sicilian Roast will soon render their own lavish culinary expressions using the famed Matsusaka Beef in their menus, and that's definitely something to look forward to in the coming weeks. 

Access to the world's finest produce is slowly opening up and transforming the local dining scene. And with access to a constant supply of Matsusaka Beef, things can only get better. The rarest, most exclusive and expensive beef in the world isn't something you easily shrug off nor pass up. And thanks to Prime Cuts by Doubleday, Teppanya and Sicilian Roast, the new menus offering Matsusaka Beef provide new and memorable dining experiences without requiring a plane ticket. 

There's Wagyu beef, and there's Matsusaka Beef. And sooner than you think, you too can experience and savor the world's best at Teppanya and Sicilian Roast with the arrival of the "Queen of Wagyu". 

For more on Matsusaka Beef at Prime Cuts by Doubleday, visit their website and online store at https://dprimecuts.com/

For more on Teppanya and the availability of Matsusaka Beef, visit their FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.facebook.com/teppanyaphserendrabgc/, https://www.facebook.com/TeppanyaSMNorth, https://www.facebook.com/teppanyaevia, https://www.facebook.com/TEPPANYAPHMOA, https://www.facebook.com/TeppanyaPHShangriLaPlaza and https://www.instagram.com/teppanyaph/ for updates.

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Late Breakfast, Cocktails And The Proper Pour Over Coffee: A Day At H Proper Coffee Roasters In The Podium.

Spending half a day in one place isn't the usual plan, but H Proper Coffee Roasters isn't your usual coffee specialty shop. In addition to a stellar artisan coffee selection plus an innovative pour-over bar, you can also enjoy a variety of savory meals, fresh baked and sweet bites and even cocktails all in one place. Step inside and explore the possibilities all day at H Proper Coffee Roasters...

Now with two locations, H Proper Coffee Roasters brings an extensive and solid dining menu and cocktail offerings to enhance your coffee experience all-day long. Start with a late brunch followed by dessert, a round of cocktails and a pour-over session to cap your H Proper Coffee Roasters episode for a day well spent. Coffee? Pick your seat...

And Your Winners Of The Marriott International Sinagtala Philippine Culinary Arts Cup Are...

Sinigang, Kare-Kare, Inasal, Adobo and Sisig, classic and iconic Filipino staples that have defined our culinary heritage and identity on the global table. The challenge? Create the best rendition of each dish for possible inclusion in the global recipe database accessed by over 9,000 Marriott properties worldwide. And the result? Exquisite executions reflecting both tradition and a creative contemporary interpretation of comforting and familiar flavors. At the Marriott International Sinagtala Philippine Culinary Arts Cup... 

The best culinary talents from Manila Marriott Hotel, The Westin Manila, Clark Marriott Hotel, Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort and Sheraton Manila at Newport World Resort converged at the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom to showcase their best versions of traditional dishes and move Filipino cuisine forward to a much wider global stage. The Marriott International Sinagtala Philippine Culinary Arts Cup is a novel and unique initiative from the prestigious property group going beyond just another mere competition by taking the next step in institutionalizing core Filipino recipes as a valuable reference and resource among Marriott kitchens around the world. And it all begins with Sinigang, Kare-Kare, Inasal, Adobo and Sisig... 

Ribeye Done Right: Canada Beef Goes Global With The 6-Hands Dinner by Chefs James Antolin, Maverick Javier And Jovan Dungon At Ikomai

Three chefs, one epic dinner. Chef James Antolin of Ikomai along with Chefs Maverick Javier and Jovan Dungon share their creative renditions of Canadian Beef with the Canada Beef Goes Global 6-Hands Dinner for a culinary collaboration at Ikomai. From the amuse bouche and appetizers to the savory main ribeye courses and dessert, the lavish dinner celebrated both the finest produce and the chefs behind each exquisite course. The collab also highlighted the recent wins of Chefs Maverick Javier and Jovan Dungon at the Global Chefs Challenge Asia Semi-Final in Kuala Lumpur and when you have some of the country's creative culinary minds in one place, something truly amazing transforms a late week evening...

Canada Beef, Hightower, Mida Food Specialists, Arla and the LTB Chefs Association recently hosted the Canada Beef Goes Global 6-Hands Dinner led by Chefs James Antolin, Maverick Javier and Jovan Dungo at Ikomai in one memorable evening. Fresh from their successful stint at the Global Chefs Challenge in Malaysia, Chefs Maverick Javier and Jovan Dungo showcased their exquisite competition level dishes featuring Canada Beef guided by Chef James Antolin and his team at Ikomai. Read on and take your seat at Ikomai...

Bar None: Sebastian's Ice Cream Raises The Bar Once More With The New Candy Bar Inspired Dive Bar Collection

Just when you thought the unconventional wizard of decadent frozen treats in the local ice cream scene is done with one innovative new creation, he's back with another. Sebastian's Ice Cream introduces his most decadent Dive Bar collection yet, and here's a sneak peek...

Bar none, this is probably the most indulgent and opulent Dive Bar collection by Sebastian's Ice Cream. The new collection features five hand dipped ice cream bar creations in Polvoron, Cookie Dough, Dark Chocolate Asin Tibuok, Butter Pecan and Hazelnut Heaven inspired by candy bars. Introduced a few months back, read on for the five best-selling Dive Bars at The Podium Shop and on-line store of Sebastian's Ice Cream...

Got The Card? Cold Storage Seafood Rewards Loyal Customers With Exclusive Membership Card

For over 29 years, Cold Storage Seafood has been the trusted name when it comes to the freshest premium seafood sourced from around the world. It's a reputation built on consistent quality as the brand continues to blaze new trails in the retail sector with innovative programs and initiatives. As it nears yet another milestone built on three decades of premium seafood freshness, Cold Storage Seafood shares this bountiful ocean harvest with its loyal customers with the new exclusive Cold Storage Seafood Membership Card. 

Loaded with special benefits, privileges and unique deals available only to members, the new Cold Storage Seafood Membership Card takes your seafood shopping experience to a whole new level with unbeatable offers and value. How to sign up? Read on for a tempting peak at how to maximize your seafood shopping routine at the most trusted name in premium seafood since 1996...