Urban Comfort Food, Hot Off the Griddle at Flatiron 1771

The heavy cast-iron griddle, also known as a Flatiron, needs very little care, yet it's virtually indestructible lasting for years. And you can cook almost anything with a griddle, fast and hot. It's also the inspiration behind 1771 Group of Restaurants' newest dining concept serving their own take on urban comfort food and served, you guessed it, hot off the griddle...

Flatiron 1771 serves its own cool take on comfort food using the versatile cast-iron griddle, dubbed Urban Comfort Food. Here's a look, and a taste, of Flatiron 1771...

Redefining the Japanese Dining Experience at Koku

Just how do you measure a memorable dining experience? Let Bambi and Michelle Meer show you how...at Koku. 

The name Koku is derived from a Japanese unit of measure, historically defined as enough rice to feed one person for a year, roughly about 150 kg of rice. At Koku, it's redefined as a measure of a memorable dining experience, with comforting Japanese classics, cozy interiors with a millenial edge, and excellent value for money. Welcome to Koku...

Prime Rib Weekends and Porterhouse for Two at Wolfgang's Steakhouse

USDA Prime Grade Angus Beef, dry-aged for twenty-eight days in their very own massive dry-aging box, perfectly grilled to your preference...

Rated as one of the best steakhouses in New York, Wolfgang's Steakhouse offers local diners a taste of some of the very best USDA Prime New York sirloin, ribeye, fillet mignon, and its signature Porterhouse steak, each one personally handpicked by Wolfgang's Steakhouse for superior marbling, tenderness, flavor, and texture. Named after Wolfgang Zweiner, a former head waiter of New York's iconic Peter Luger's Steakhouse for over forty years, Wolfgang's Steakhouse brings its expertise in the dry-aging process of USDA Prime quality beef for a dining experience like no other. A cut above the rest, take a peek at Wolfgang's Steakhouse...

More Reasons To Celebrate...at Applebee's Eastwood City.

At Applebee's, there's always a reason to celebrate...and a new branch brings the celebration closer to home for those up north.

After the successful opening of their Bonifacio Global City branch (more on my previous post, There's Always A Reason To Celebrate...at Applebee's), Applebee's opens its second branch in Eastwood Citywalk 1 in Eastwood City, adding even more options for that special celebration. Or any reason to celebrate. Or simply satisfy your craving for Applebee's Sriracha Shrimp, Green Bean Crispers and more...

The Best of the Region with Southeast Asian Night at Cafe Belmont

Laksa. Beef Rendang. Lechon Kawali. Chili Crabs...it's Southeast Asian Night at Cafe Belmont.

My weekend staycation at Belmont Hotel Manila goes into high gear with Cafe Belmont's Southeast Asian Night, a sumptuous dinner buffet spread showcasing the region's iconic dishes. Offered every Friday and Saturday, time your next weekend staycation at Belmont Hotel Manila and indulge in the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia all in one place, at Cafe Belmont.

A Weekend Staycation and Filipino Flavors for Lunch at Belmont Hotel Manila's Cafe Belmont

All set and ready for a weekend staycation...

...at Resorts World Manila's newest four-star hotel, the Belmont Manila Hotel. More than a business hotel, Belmont Hotel Manila redefines hotel luxury with an efficient and streamlined approach ideal for business travelers or those seeking a quick escape from the city. And a comforting lunch is the perfect way to jumpstart your weekend staycation at Belmont Hotel Manila.

Carnivorous Journeys at Raging Bull Chophouse and Bar

Premium beef sourced from sustainable farms, prepared and customized the way you want it. This is where carnivorous journeys begin...

Raging Bull Chophouse and Bar at Shangri-La The Fort may very well be the next hottest thing in the metro's food scene, where diners can indulge without any restraint in their primordial carnivorous desires amidst elegant interiors of the newest steakhouse in town. Set to open in August, here's a sneak peek at Shangri-La The Fort's new Raging Bull Chophouse and Bar...

Cavite Food and Heritage Tour with Transitions Optical: A Closer Look At The Filipino Experience In The Best Light

Retracing the roots of the revolution and the site of the birth of the new republic leads to Cavite, less than an hour's drive from the metro. And seeing the historical sites up close adds a whole new and personal perspective to history, and appreciating the Filipino experience in a new light.  

Noted food writer, book designer and magazine editor, Guillermo "Ige" Ramos; and event host, speaker and entrepreneur, RJ Ledesma, in collaboration with Transitions Lenses, led our full day expedition with the Cavite Food and Heritage Tour with Transitions Optical for a closer look at the Filipino experience. And seeing it all in the best light with Transitions Lenses made it even more special.

Cavite Food and Heritage Tour with Transitions Optical: Traditional Cuisine and Pretty in Pink All in One Place at Calle Real and The Pink Table

Traditional local flavors reinvented with a creative twist, and a charming spot for an afternoon cup of thick hot chocolate and churros, two dining hotspots in one location. Welcome to Calle Real and The Pink Table along Sta. Cruz Street in Tanza, Cavite...

Noel and Millie Lozada, the dynamic couple behind Calle Real and The Pink Table, offer both locals and visitors a taste of comforting dishes inspired by cherished family recipes at Calle Real. And you don't have to go far for an intimate spot for coffee and chocolate, just a few steps above at the second floor at The Pink Table. The rustic interiors of Calle Real contrasts with the bright colors of The Pink Table, permeating with a youthful vibrance for two distinct dining experiences in one place, and one of the culinary highlights in our Cavite Food and Heritage Tour with Transitions Optical...

Cavite Food and Heritage Tour with Transitions Optical: Cavite's Best with Ka Julia's Kakanin

Muche, Alikaya, and Sinudsod...the best of Cavite by Ka Julia.

With an agrarian economy based on rice, the fertile lands of Cavite have yielded bountiful rice harvests for generations. And the locals have transformed this staple into sweet treats, unique to the province of Cavite.

Cavite Food and Heritage Tour with Transitions Optical: A Rebel Breakfast at Malen's

Retracing the roots of the revolution, a bite into history, and seeing it all in the best light. It's the Cavite Food and Heritage Tour with Transitions Optical...

No appreciation of history can be complete without immersing one's self completely, being in the place, tasting the local cuisine, and seeing it all with absolute visual clarity for a proper experiential perspective. The sense of sight is, after all, the most important as we perceive 80% of all impressions through our eyes, engaging the four other senses through the sense of sight. And with Transitions Lenses, wearers can experience #LifeInTheBestLight, protecting their eyes and enhancing their vision, maximizing all other senses for the very best in each experience.

Pina Mania: The Flavors of Manila, Cebu, and Davao Converge at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cucina

Pina Mania. Mango Bango. Oh! Pomelo. Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cucina offers a sweet and fruity selection of local dishes for a unique taste of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao with their new signature fruit-based menu...

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila celebrates the fruity flavors of Manila, Cebu, and Davao with sweet and savory creations at Cucina, created in collaboration with Marco Polo Plaza Cebu and Marco Polo Davao. Pineapples, mangoes, and pomelos offer limitless possibilities, and the Marco Polo Hotels infuses the local fruits for savory dishes and indulgent desserts that's unique and refreshing yet comfortingly familiar. And it all starts with Cucina's Pina Mania for July and August, along with Mango Bango for July and Oh! Pomelo on August. Take a peek at the inventive fruit-based dishes at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cucina and their new Pina Mania menu...

He's Back. The Chef Next Door with Jonas Ng Season 2 Launch at Le Jardin.

Chef hacks and insider tricks of the trade, recreating restaurant quality output at home, and an in-depth look at the industry's upcoming movers and shakers..it's all happening at the second season of Chef Next Door with Chef Jonas Ng.  

The Group Entertainment and iSnap Creatives presents the second season of Chef Next Door with Jonas Ng on the Lifestyle Network every Wednesday at 9:30 pm. And if you enjoyed the premier season of Chef Next Door, prepare for another wild ride with the new season's exciting episodes. And there's just no better way to kick-off the new season than with an ice-cold glass of Kraken Baltic Porter by Baguio Craft Brewery and the Carnivore Lechon by Leonardo's Lechon at Le Jardin...

Extra Rice, Please: The International Rice Buffet at Seda BGC's Misto

From starters to dessert, this culinary staple is highlighted in one of the metro's unique buffet spreads... 

Seda BGC's Misto showcases the versatility of rice with traditional local, Asian, and western dishes in a wide variety of colors, flavors, and textures. It's the International Rice Buffet at Misto...

A Chirashi Sushi Lunch at Minami Saki by Astoria

The freshest seafood, some torched sushi, grilled salmon, and some oysters. It's a winning gameplan for an all-seafood feast...

And it's game on at Minami Saki by Astoria, with their impressive range of Japanese dishes using the freshest seafood and their signature Aburi sushi. 

An Outdoor Affair: Eat Well, Live Well at The Gourmand Market Preview

Eat well. Live well. It's the driving philosophy and mantra behind The Gourmand Market by nawwTy's Kitchen, now on its seventh run in almost two years... 

The much awaited return of The Gourmand Market by nawwTy's Kitchen to Bonifacio High Street on July 22 to 24, 2016, was kicked-off by a special preview showcasing the metro's best gourmet finds. This year's edition, co-presented by Globe Platinum, along with Nestea and McCormick, showcases a wide range of artisanal product selections. Take a tasty sneak peek at The Gourmand Market by nawwTy's Kitchen...

Spice Trades: The Road to Gurgaon Starts At The Cafe

The rich and legendary flavors from the spice trades of the east converge at The Cafe with an array of authentic dishes made from a blend of exotic spices...the Road to Gurgaon starts at The Cafe. 

The Cafe at Hyatt City of Dreams Manila features authentic Indian cuisine as part of its sumptuous buffet spread starting July 17 to 24, 2016 with Road to Gurgaon. The week-long festival of Indian cuisine will highlight traditional Indian dishes prepared by Chef Ajith Kumar from Hyatt Regency Gurgaon, India. 

Flame Restaurant Fires Up For Lunch

Flame Restaurant continues to challenge culinary boundaries with its modern take on European cuisine spiced up with an Asian spin, with a new menu specially curated and developed exclusively for lunch...

Discovery Primea's Flame Restaurant recently unveiled its new Lunch Menu in a special preview featuring its unique culinary style, promising diners a unique lunch experience high above the Makati commercial and business district adding even more options for that perfect business lunch.

All Roads Lead to Main Street in Kapitolyo

Hearty and comforting cuisine, real food with real flavors inspired by VanCity and Jet City, comes to Kapitolyo... 

Main Street opens its second branch along Kapitolyo, one of the metro's blossoming foodie destinations, bringing its own comforting culinary style recreating the flavors of Vancouver and Seattle. My first ever dining experience at Main Street happened with a food tour three years ago at Tuscany in Mckinley Hill (more on my post, An Awesome Secret Foodies Tour at McKinley Hill), and I was impressed with their line of signature burgers and their take on the classic Poutine. Classic comfort food is now much closer to home...at Kapitolyo. 

A Preview of Chef Ben Lam's New Dishes at Shang Palace

The comforting notes of Asian-inspired influences and spicy Sichuan cuisine add even more flavors to Shang Palace's repertoire of authentic Cantonese dishes with the arrival of Chef Ben Lam...

Growing up in Hong Kong, Chef Ben Lam brings with him classic homestyle comfort food from cherished family recipes, with touches of Asian hints and the comforting heat of Sichuan spices. "We are more than happy to have Chef Ben Lam and his Hong Kong style in the classic Shang Palace. His creations evoke the same as the Filipinos' Adobo or Sinigang. Each dish has a familiar flavor that creates a comforting feeling," said Agnes Chuah, Shang Palace's Operations Manager.

Oishi Snacktacular 2016: Just Press Play...

Three amazing days of fun-filled games and activities with your favorite all-time snacks and your favorite stars...can anything get better than that?

This year's much awaited edition of Oishi Snacktacular kicks off on July 15, 2016, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall with its wide array of interactive booths, fan-favorite snacks, and Oishi's iconic celebrity Team O members, young stars Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo, Ramon Bautista, Alex Gonzaga, Slater Young, and Elmo Magalona. And you can bet this year's Oishi Snacktacular will be bigger and better...    

Classic European Waffles at Pegi Waffles

Liege. Brussels. Gaufrette. Sweet or savory. The versatility of waffles have made it an all-time favorite, and no one does European-style waffles better than Pegi Waffles.

Since 1952, the Pegi Waffle factory in Brussels, Belgium, has been making Liege waffles using its own proprietary and traditional recipes, lovingly preserved and served fresh to the delight of pastry lovers. And since 1997, local diners have discovered authentic European-style waffles with the arrival of Pegi Waffles. Now you too can enjoy authentic Liege, Brussels, and Gaufrette waffles at the comforting Pegi Wafflerie in old San Juan...

Pitmaster's Smokehouse BBQ: The Undisputed Master of the Pit in Kapitolyo

Premium slabs of pork, beef, and chicken, smoked for hours using fragrant local wood and a unique blend of spices...welcome to Kapitolyo's undisputed master of the pit. At Pitmaster's Smokehouse BBQ.

Pork ribs, beef brisket, bacon slabs, chicken, and even salmon, each one transformed by Pitmaster's Smokehouse BBQ's dedicated team of pitmasters led by Chef Raffy Sunico, Ben Donato, and Mike Floro. Recently opened last May of this year, what started as the usual "ihaw-ihaw' barbecue concept has evolved to become a more technical and legit "smoking" barbecue establishment and a welcome addition to East Capitol Drive's emerging food scene.

A Late Afternoon Breakfast with IHOP's Fried Chicken Dinner

When it's way past lunch and too early for dinner, it's time for some breakfast and a fried chicken dinner...

...at IHOP. Where else can you enjoy a late afternoon breakfast with a fried chicken dinner and a never-empty pot of freshly brewed coffee?

Pho, Banh Mi, and Vietnamese Coffee: Authentic Vietnamese Flavors at Annam Noodle Bar

A steaming hot bowl of comforting Pho, light and crisp Banh Mi with freshly-baked French baguettes loaded with a savory fillling, and the bold robust notes of Vietnamese coffee sweetened with thick condensed milk...popular staples of Vietnamese street food come to the metro at Annam Noodle Bar. 

Annam Noodle Bar's menu is inspired by traditional old-world recipes and cooking styles from Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam using the freshest and authentic ingredients for a true taste of Vietnamese street food. And it's now here, with its first branch located at Eastwood City.

Subversive Collaborations: Pia Y Damaso at the Good Food Tour with Foodpanda and Discover MNL

One of the country's leading online food delivery websites and social media influencers collaborate with some of the metro's best restaurants for a unique taste of Filipino cuisine...it's the Good Food Tour by Foodpanda and Discover MNL.   

Foodpanda Philippines and Discover MNL recently hosted the Good Food Tour showcasing the best local flavors with a stop at Restaurante Pia Y Damaso for a taste of their unique "subversive Filipino cuisine." My Good Food Tour began with Pia Y Damaso's flavorful Chinese Lumpia Salad,  their inventive take on the classic dish reinvented and executed with that distinct "subversive" spin. Fresh and clean flavors, comfortingly familiar yet refreshingly different (more on Pia Y Damaso's innovative culinary style on my previous posts, Back for More at Pia Y Damaso with their unique take on subversive Filipino cuisine, more on their signature dishes at A Subversive Filipino Feast at Restaurante Pia Y Damaso, and sweet treats on Merienda with a Seditious Spin). And there's more...

Quick Bites: A Taste of America at The Cafe

A premium selection of savory beef, pork, lamb and turkey fresh from the oven and grills, and the freshest seafood...

...it's the Taste of America at The Cafe. And just in case you missed it last July 2, 3 & 4, read on for a quick rundown on the fresh and savory dishes served at The Cafe's buffet spread...

Igniting the Next Culinary Standard at Discovery Primea's Flame Restaurant

Creating new culinary and memorable experiences though classic yet modern, innovative and inventive dishes is the driving inspiration behind Discovery Primea's newest dining destination... 

...and it's a passion burning with intensity that's seen, tasted, and experienced at Discovery Primea's Flame Restaurant. Read on and ignite your own culinary curiosity and craving at the metro's hottest new dining destination...

Late Afternoon Indulgences at Vask

A lazy weekend afternoon gets a sugary shot with innovative desserts...at Vask.

At Vask, each dish is a flavorful experience with its contrasting yet balanced flavors, skillfully prepared with modern culinary techniques. And desserts are prepared with the same level of passion, transforming lazy weekend afternoons with an indulgent spoonful from one of their signature desserts.

A Spanish Evening: La Cena by Gas3nomic Culinary Events

An evening of fine wine and Spanish cuisine...it's La Cena by Gas3nomic Culinary Events.

Gas3nomic Culinary Events recreates a festive Spanish evening showcasing traditional Spanish cuisine paired with fine wine in another exciting pop-up dubbed La Cena, a Spanish food and wine pairing dinner. And just like the previous pop-ups by Gas3nomic, it was another unique culinary experience, this time with a distinct Spanish spin.

What's New at The Fireplace...

There's always something new to discover and rediscover in old Manila by the bay, and when it comes to iconic culinary favorites, it remains high on the list. 

And there's one place that evokes memories of classic steak dinners, skillfully prepared in an open kitchen with its classic wood-fired oven. The Fireplace at New World Manila Bay Hotel fires up once again with new dishes, re-establishing it as a top culinary destination this side of the metro...

Optimizing Nutrition with a Full and Healthy Lifestyle with Nestle' Health Sciences

Father's Day may have passed, but its never too late to remember the importance that nutrition plays in the quality of his life. Leading a full and healthy life, with optimized nutrition, is one of the keys offered by Nestle Health Science to counter the effects of ageing. 

Today's fast-paced lifestyle may be accelerating their body's decline, and optimizing nutrition, combined with an active lifestyle, begins with Nestle Health Science's various products, starting with breakfast.

Comforting Rainy Day Dishes at Mama Rosa

There's just something about rainy days that make it special. Like the way it triggers fond memories of comforting flavors, a sudden craving that just comes out of nowhere when the skies turn grey.

A steaming hot bowl of Halaan, or a hearty dish of Guinataang Manok, and a rainy day is made so much better. And it always is...at Mama Rosa.

#TakeMeToBoracay...With Pedro Brewcrafters, Rieseling Boracay Beach Resort, and SkyJet Airlines.

You can stop dreaming. You can be there with an ice-cold brew and a simple click...and you're at the other side of Boracay.

Pedro Brewcrafters, the brewers behind Endless Summer Wheat Ale, Procrastination Pale Ale, and Elementary English Ale, collaborate with the newest luxury resort on the other side of Boracay, Rieseling Boracay Beach Resort, and the country's first leisure boutique airline with the fastest flights to your dream destination, SkyJet Airlines, for a unique social media promotion dubbed #TakeMeToBoracay.  The promotion is set for the entire month of July, where you get a chance to win a 3-day/2-night stay at Rieseling Boracay Beach Resort in secluded Bulabog Beach, the other side of Boracay, with travel accommodations via SkyJet Airlines. And all you have to do is snap and post a photo of yourself with an ice-cold bottle of any of Pedro Brewcrafters' three beer styles on social media with the hashtag #TakeMeToBoracay. Sounds easy? It is. Now snap open a bottle of Pedro and post your selfie on social media...and see you on the other side of Boracay.

Let's Do Lunch...Locavore Style.

The bustling Kapitolyo district in Pasig has long been known as a foodie hub, with many of the familiar names in the local restaurant industry tracing its roots back to this iconic street. And here's one of them... 

Locavore offers a new kind of Filipino comfort food, taking it to the next level with its inventive culinary approach, transforming the familiar into something refreshingly new and different. Using locally grown, locally produced, and locally made ingredients in all their signature dishes, Locavore presents not only a modern culinary style, but an advocacy. Using local means supporting local, and this is experienced in all their signature dishes. Locavore shares its unique take on Filipino cuisine at its second and newest branch at BGC, offering even more diners their own refreshing spin on Filipino comfort food...

A Weekend Brunch at Locavore

Locavore takes its innovative approach to local cuisine with a playful spin on brunch at its second and newest location at Bonifacio Global City...

Locavore's take on brunch with creative dishes inspired by local cuisine offers a whole new flavor experience, reinventing familiar favorites with refreshing new twists. It's brunch, Locavore style...