Flavors of Ilocos: A Fusion of Flavors at Bigaa GastroPub

Pizza, pasta, and quesadillas with a surprising and flavorful local twist, and the comfortingly familiar become new, exciting, and different. And that's what you can expect at Bigaa GastroPub. 

A visit to Vigan allows you to experience the rich history and culture of the capital, but there's nothing quite like local flavors to get you in the proper Vigan vibe. Bigaa GastroPub offers its own unique take on classic favorites infused with local flavors, completing your Vigan experience.

Flavors of Ilocos: Sun, Sand, and Sea and a Boodle Feast at Vitalis Resort & Spa

Sun, sand, and sea. And great food. The calm and serene Sabangan Cove in Santiago, Ilocos Sur, was just the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch by the sea.   

And the second time's a charm. My second visit to the north's newest summer destination was marked by the clearest and bluest skies, along with a cooling breeze for a perfect day for lunch overlooking the beach.

Flavors of Ilocos: Infinite Possibilities to Start Your Day Hotel Luna

The start of a new day represents infinite possibilities. And at Hotel Luna, it all begins with breakfast...

Waffles and bacon. Vigan longanisa and fried rice. Beef tapa and pork tocino. Corned beef. Dried fish. Limitless combinations make for interesting mornings. And you can try something different every morning during your stay at Hotel Luna.

Flavors of Ilocos: Paella, Vigan-Style at Hotel Luna

Our culinary journey of authentic Ilocano flavors continue at Vigan's Hotel Luna, with a lavish dinner spread showcasing unique and distinct regional notes as well as inventive twists on classic Spanish dishes. History and a rich culinary heritage combine for an evening of bold local flavors, served daily at Hotel Luna.

Hotel Luna's Executive Chef Raymond Quitilen impresses once more with his signature dishes, from traditional and rustic starters to comforting and hearty mains, to mark our arrival in Vigan.

Flavors of Ilocos: Irene's Vigan Empanada

Finally, we arrived at Vigan. And there's no better way to celebrate your arrival than a freshly made, crisp and savory, authentic and true-blue Vigan-style empanada.

After a long 6-7 hour drive from Manila, less the food stops, coffee stops, and pit stops, nothing like a taste of local flavors to get you back in the groove. Welcome to Vigan...

Flavors of Pangasinan: Matutina's Seafood Haus & Restaurant

They say the best part of any long road trip up north are the food stops. And on an epic road trip from Manila to Vigan, you'll find some pretty good stops for a leisurely lunch along the way.

Long known for its bangus, or milkfish, a food stop in Pangasinan is almost mandatory on any long road trip up north. In fact, missing it makes your road trip, well, just an ordinary road trip. One worthy stop is Matutina's Seafood Haus & Restaurant and their wide variety of bangus dishes. So trust your tummy and make that turn...

Casa Marcos: Classic Heritage Dishes since 1945

An iconic name in the metro's restaurant scene returns to Quezon City, bringing back its classic heritage dishes to its loyal customers and a whole new generation of diners. Since it first opened in 1945 along then Dewey Boulevard, Casa Marcos has been known for its gambas, almejas, paella, and steak ala pobre, dishes that still bring you back to simpler times. And now you can relive those days with a visit to Casa Marcos at Quezon City's Il Terrazo.  

Ever since Senor Marcos de Guisasola, a Spanish Jai-Alai player, opened his restaurant in the original Dewey Boulevard location, Casa Marcos has been the place to celebrate family milestones, business meetings and other important gatherings, when Senor Marcos often cooked and even sang for his loyal guests.  When he returned to Spain, a  close friend and loyal customer, Ben Del Rosario, acquired the restaurant and managed Casa Marcos during its heydays in the fifties to the early eighties. Today, the third generation of the Del Rosario clan continue to manage the restaurant with one goal, to bring back its storied past with its classic heritage dishes (for more on Casa Marcos, check out my previous posts on the classic all-time bestsellers here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2014/08/traditional-heritage-recipes-at-casa.html and its return to the restaurant scene here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2012/01/bringing-back-good-times-at-casa-marcos.html).

Sweet, Smoky & Hot Flavors at Chili's

Sweet. Smoky. And refreshingly hot. Bold flavors comprising Chili's distinct and comforting Southwestern-inspired menu, masterfully blended in new and exciting dishes. 

Chili's introduces its new Sweet, Smoky & Hot line of signature dishes to spice up your summer, with starters and mains to complete your sweet, smoky and hot feast.

Food News: Epic Dining Curations by Visa

Exclusive perks, freebies, discounts, and memorable dining experiences. Visa once again brings irresistible epicurean experiences with its Epic Dining Curations for Visa cardholders...

Simply pull out your Visa card, and experience the very best culinary delights through a carefully crafted and curated list of the biggest names in the dining industry. All these, with just one card.

Conquering the Digital Age at the Zomato Restaurant Summit

The internet and the emergence of social media can be considered one of the greatest equalizers yet, allowing small businesses to compete and engage their market on equal footing with the leading players. With it comes new challenges and opportunities, shifting from traditional strategies to innovative marketing solutions. Zomato, the world's largest online and mobile restaurant discovery service, held the first ever Restaurant Summit last May 19, 2015, with the country's leading local restaurateurs, industry experts, and foodies converging at Shangri-La Hotel in Makati.  

The one-day summit was a unique forum to share ideas and insights, discuss trends and issues, and learn best practices bringing the industry to the digital age.

Tempura Tendon Tenya Unleashes the Tendon Invasion at SM Megamall

The Japanese food trend continues to gain momentum with the opening of a new and flavorful  offensive, this time, the spotlight is on authentic Tendon dishes. And Tempura Tendon Tenya leads the charge with its first branch in Manila. 

Tokyo's largest and number one specialty tendon chain, Tempura Tendon Tenya boasts a full line of tendon (short for "tempura donburi" or ricebowls topped with tempura) offering local diners yet another authentic and real taste of Japan (for more on Tempura Tendon Tenya, check out my initial sneak peek on my previous post here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2015/03/a-peek-at-next-japanese-food-trend.html).

Friday Night Classics at The Nostalgia Dining Lounge

A steak dinner is always special. And Fridays are even more special at The Nostalgia Dining Lounge...

The Nostalgia Dining Lounge presents Friday Night Classics, with its sumptuous offerings of premium US Angus steaks. Part of the continuously unfolding culinary stories at The Nostalgia Dining Lounge (for more on The Nostalgia Dining Lounge, see my previous post here), Friday Night Classics brings back the timeless appeal of an elegant steak dinner, and another memorable dining experience at the Oakwood Premier-Joy Nostalg Center.

National BBQ Month: Get Your BBQ Essentials with ManCrates

Summer's here, and it's National BBQ Month. Time to pull out your old trusty grill for some barbecue...

Beef brisket, pork ribs, pork belly, chicken or maybe just a few wieners or thick and juicy beef patties, there's just nothing quite like grilling slabs of meat on a fiery grill (photo from my previous post on Burger Company, more here at http://dude4food.blogspot.com/2013/10/burger-company-impressive-portfolio-of.html). And half the fun is rounding up all the essentials for that perfect BBQ experience. And if you want to give yourself a well-deserved reward, or share some BBQ love, you can check out some unique gift ideas from ManCrates.

It's Miller Time...

"All over the world, when we say "It's Miller Time", we immediately think of incredible, unforgettable nights out in great cities. We think of limitless possibilities and how the search for new experiences is something that unites fun-loving people across the globe. It's Miller Time."  

Steve Arkley, Head of Miller Genuine Draft-Global Brand, perfectly described the modern beer experience. And it's finally here in Manila. It's Miller Time at 71 Gramercy...

Bangkok Comes to Manila with Tastefully Thai at The Peninsula Manila

Experience the rich culinary heritage of Thailand with a lavish spread of authentic dishes based on recipes passed down over the centuries by the noted chefs of the Thai Royal Palace...only at The Peninsula Manila.

From May 20 to 26, 2015, The Peninsula Manila offers a true and authentic taste of Thailand with Tastefully Thai, a week-long festival showcasing elegant Thai dishes prepared by Chef Chamnan Thepchana at Spices.

Mama Mia! Mom's Day Lunch at Tapenade

Great food always adds that special touch to any Mother's day celebration. At Discovery Primea's Tapenade, my mom's day was was made even more special with a range of flavorful dishes by Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco.
  

Discovery Primea's Tapenade showcased a special Italian and Mediterranean-inspired menu for Mother's Day, with a set menu from antipasti, primi, secondi, and dolci, including a stop at their now popular The Salad Room.

A Cookie in a Jar from Scout's Honor

After the innovative Craft Cookie Milkshake, Scout's Honor is back with another inventive spin on cookies...

Chef Miko Aspiras and Scout's Honor takes cookie love to yet another level with the comforting and indulgent Star Scout's Raw Cookie with Molten Center, packed in convenient jars to satisfy any cookie craving.

Flavours Cafe by Chef Fham Redux

After trying out a new restaurant, it's always a good idea to come back for a second visit. There's always something new to discover and experience, and Chef Fham Sarmiento always has something up her sleeves...

...and I find myself back at Flavours Cafe by Chef Fham one late Sunday afternoon.

Cocktails, Bar Chow, and a Cool Vibe at The Gilarmi Lounge

Classic cocktails with an inventive spin matched with curated bar fare for perfect pairings...just can't get better than that.

But it does. Discovery Primea's Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco collaborates with one of the metro's top mixologists, Lee Watson, for an evening of classic cocktails and curated bar fare at The Gilarmi Lounge. Take a peek at one of Makati's newest and best kept secrets...

The Flavors of Japan Baked Daily at Kumori

Soft, light, delicate and indulgent, these distinct qualities have long been associated with premium Japanese breads, cakes and pastries. Now you can experience freshly baked and authentic Japanese breads and pastries at Kumori...

Kumori, one of Japan's biggest and largest bakeries comes to Manila with two branches at the lower ground floors of Landmark Makati and SM Makati, bringing its line of signature breads, cakes and pastries baked fresh daily using the finest ingredients with that distinct Japanese quality.

Ming Kee Live Seafood: Singapore's Best Comes to Makati

It's been said that one can find the freshest and delicate flavors of the best seafood along Singapore's Macpherson Road. And you can credit all that to Ming Kee Live Seafood Restaurant...

Ming Kee Live Seafood opens its first branch outside Singapore in the heart of Makati, offering its well-known and authentic Southern Chinese specialties for a true taste of Singapore. At the top of the list is Singaporean Chef and owner Ivan Tan's signature Ming Kee's Crab Beehon, acknowledged as one of Singapore's best dishes. Read on and discover more of Ming Kee Live Seafood's signature dishes...

French Cuisine with an Asian Spin at Le Petit Souffle

The delicate and fragile souffle may look deceivingly simple, but making the perfect souffle is an entirely different thing. "Puffing up" a perfect souffle poses a real challenge, and noted culinary author, James Beard, even said "the only thing that will make a souffle fall is if it knows you are afraid of it." 

Following the success of Scout's Honor, Chefs Miko Aspiras and Kristine Lotilla are back with a new culinary concept offering a distinct and creative take on French cuisine. Le Petit Souffle offers an impressive line of savory dishes and indulgent desserts for a whole new flavor experience. And 'puffing up" the perfect souffle happens everyday at Le Petit Souffle.

Food News: Philly Cheesesteak on a Pizza from Shakey's

A Philly Cheesesteak on a pizza? Sounds like a great idea, tastes even better... 

Shakey's adds its newest variant, the Philly Cheesesteak Pizza, to its line of signature pizzas, recreating the classic flavors of premium beef, peppers and cheese on a signature thin crust. Its a combo that works, and its a welcome addition to the growing list of signature pizza at Shakey's.

A Toast to The Perfect Pint's First Anniversary

Craft Beer + Fine food = Good Times...

It's a simple and straightforward equation that guided Alec Tempongko and his partners behind the concept of The Perfect Pint. A year later, the concept remains a winning formula as The Perfect Pint celebrates a milestone in its advocacy of serving the very best local craft brews paired with fine food.