A Cool Lunch at LoLa Cafe+Bar

Unexpected rains and an unexpected new find, it was definitely one of those days when the unexpected seemed most welcome... 

Hidden along one of the many narrow streets crossing Tomas Morato is a cool culinary gem, secluded by lush gardens from the busy commercial strip. So near, yet one feels so far away. It's discovering places like these that add so much pleasure to dining and tasting the cool dishes at LoLa Cafe+Bar.

The Fine Art of Noodles at Mitsuyado Sei-Men, The House of Tsukemen

There's nothing more comforting than a bowl of noodles. And having some authentic, handmade noodles in its purest and simplest form can sometimes spell the difference between a good bowl of noodles and a memorable dining experience. At Mitsuyado Sei-Men, The House of Tsukemen, you can have some of the best noodles in the metro, just the place for a proper introduction to Japanese dipping noodles.

Mitsuyado Sei-Men, The House of Tsukemen, specializes in traditional Japanese dipping noodles or "Tsukemen", dry noodles served with a flavorful dipping broth. The subtle yet rich notes of the handmade noodles dipped in a special broth bursts with flavors that is both familiar and new, hearty and comforting. Tsukemen allows you to taste the full flavors and textures of the noodles, with the dipping broth simply enhancing the noodles.

A Warrior Smash Lunch at P.F. Chang's

P.F. Chang's brings its cool take on Asian cuisine to The Fort with the recent opening of its newest location, just in time for the coming Chinese New Year celebration. And it's pretty cool seeing the familiar terracotta warriors and horses invade The Fort. 

With over 200 locations worldwide, including Mexico, Puerto Rico and the United Arab Emirates, P.F. Chang's opens its second restaurant in the metro at Bonifacio Global City. Known worldwide for its modern Asian-inspired cuisine and signature cocktails, the new location is a welcome addition to the growing number of dining establishments at The Fort.

Food News: P.F. Chang's Opens at The Fort

After the successful launch of its first branch in Alabang, the popular US-based chain opens a second location at the Bonifacio Global City.

Food News: Oriang by Cafe de Bonifacio Opens in Market! Market!

The quiet rumblings of a revolution seemed to fill the air, as Cafe de Bonificaio opens its new dining establishment at Market! Market!. Oriang by Cafe de Bonifacio, the newest spin-off from the popular Cafe de Bonifacio, brings its signature Filipino dishes to its new location. 

Named after Gregoria de Jesus, the wife of revolutionary leader and national hero Andres Bonifacio,  Oriang by Cafe de Bonifacio offers classic Filipino comfort food at affordable prices. Great food with more bang for the buck, sounds like a pretty cool revolution. With the success of Cafe de Bonifacio, the first restaurant of brothers Vicente and Alfredo Wencesalo, naming their second dining establishment after the wife of Andres Bonifacio seemed appropriate. Patriotism runs deep, as the Wenceslao brothers were at the forefront during the Martial Law era as activists and ardent nationalists. 

Quick Bites: Eye Candy at Fairmont Makati's Cafe Macaron

After a sumptuous buffet dinner at Fairmont Makati's Spectrum, I felt like I had enough desserts to last me an entire week. Until we passed by Cafe Macaron...

Located at the Lobby Level of the new Fairmont Makati and Raffles Makati, it's the perfect spot for gourmet sandwiches, elegant cakes and exquisite handcrafted pastries, a great addition to the many dining options within the twin properties. 

One Spectacular Dinner at Fairmont Makati's Spectrum

Two prestigious names in one location. The Fairmont Makati and Raffles Makati are the newest twin hotel properties in the metro, and there's no better way to get acquainted with these new hotels than checking out the sumptuous buffet at Spectrum...

The new development consists of three properties, the luxurious Raffles Makati with 32 elegant suites, the Fairmont Makati with 280 deluxe rooms and the Fairmont Residences with 237 one to four bedroom units. With the grand opening set for February, I was fortunate to be part of a group of bloggers invited for a sneak peek...

Singapore Slings, Gold Flakes and Peanuts at the Long Bar

The legendary Long Bar of Raffles Hotel, birthplace of the iconic Singapore Sling, is now in Manila. And when at the Long Bar, there's absolutely nothing better than a couple of Singapore Slings, real 24K gold and some peanuts. 

The classic Singapore Sling was concocted way back in the early 1900s, and credit goes to Raffles Hotel's Long Bar bartender, Ngiam Tong Boon.  The legendary cocktail includes fresh pineapple juice giving it a distinct tropical flavor. You can have a Singapore Sling anywhere in the world, but nothing beats having a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar. History, tradition and nostalgia simply gives the Long Bar's original Singapore Sling a cool edge. Seriously.

Uno Lounge: Late for Dinner, Just in Time for Cocktails

A sudden downpour late Friday evening meant only one thing...heavy traffic. And good luck with the 7pm dinner, not with this traffic... 

You may be familiar with Uno's signature Ovale pizzas, so I was really curious to see Uno Lounge, their version of a bar lounge, and one cool joint in the newly developed Greenfields District. Pizza and cocktails, very cool. 

Food News: K-Pop Your Chicken with McCormick Korean Fried Chicken Recipe Mix

Something new for the New Year...everybody loves Korean-style Fried Chicken, and now you can do it at home...very cool.

McCormick recently launched its line of Korean Fried Chicken Recipe Mixes with an actual hands-on cooking demo at The Cookery Place. Quick and easy, now you can recreate and experience the flavors of Korean-style fried chicken at home, and there's nothing better than crisp fried chicken fresh off the fryer. The new line of McCormick Korean Fried Chicken Recipe Mixes come in Soy Garlic, Bulgogi, Kimchi and Spicy variants, and here's the best part, each flavorful pack has no added MSG. Nice.  

Ma Maison: Cool Japanese Comfort Food

Cool Japanese food in a French-style bistro? Why not.

Ma Maison, which means "my house" seems appropriately named. Japanese home-style comfort food with a cool western touch for a totally unique dining experience.

Health and Wellness: All Straightened Up for the New Year at Karada Japanese Body Therapy

It's a brand new year, and a perfect time to get all straightened up. And at Karada Japanese Body Therapy, I rediscovered what it feels like to be renewed and revitalized in just one session. And there's really no better way to start the new year... 

With over 100 branches in Japan, Taiwan and Thailand, Karada Japanese Body Therapy recently opened a new branch at the New Glorietta Mall offering a full range of Seitai body therapy sessions based on balance and alignment. And staffed by expert therapists trained in Japan led by its General Manager, Hiroaki Naruse,  you're in very good hands.