Food Trips: A Boodle Fight at Isdaan Floating Restaurant in Gerona

Road trips and boodle fights. It's one of those enduring culinary traditions perfected at Isdaan Floating Restaurant for a unique dining experience...

There's just no slowing down Rod Ongpauco, the inventor of Barrio Fiesta's iconic Crispy Pata back in the early sixties and second generation to one of the country's noted culinary clans. Rod Ongpauco's Isdaan Floating Restaurant is his latest innovation, the first Filipino restaurant theme park established in 2005 representing the culmination of years of experience with the family's famed restaurants, including Barrio Fiesta, Bakahan at Manukan, Ihaw-Ihaw, Kalde-Kaldero, Kawa-Kawali at Aawitan Kayo Restaurant, and The Singing Cooks and Waiters, Atbp. Isdaan Floating Restaurant combines an experiential dimension to dining, taking the very best of local cuisine to grand scale with its impressive theme park vibe. Food trips and boodle fights simply don't compare with Isdaan Floating Restaurant's many offerings, just let Rod Ongpauco show you the way to a proper boodle fight...

Pamana: A Legacy of Filipino Cuisine

Tradition, heritage, legacy. It's the foundation of Pamana Restaurant's signature dishes, preserved by the third generation in a continuing story of an iconic and illustrious clan's culinary journey... 

Pamana Restaurant is yet another chapter in the family tradition of good food, going as far back as Barrio Fiesta and their signature Crispy Pata in the early sixties, to the Bakahan at Manukan chain of the seventies and eighties, the Singing Cooks and Waiters of the nineties to the popular Isdaan Floating Restaurants. Happy Ongpauco ventures on her own with Happy Concepts Group offering a balanced mix of innovative dining concepts and traditional cuisine. At Pamana Restaurant, the comforting dishes of Barrio Fiesta along with other family recipes are recreated for a new generation of diners while preserving the family's culinary legacy.

Luau in the Metro: A Hawaiian Feast at The Original Hawaiian BBQ

A wide selection of fruit-infused meats and seafood delicately grilled, time for a Hawaiian-style luau in the metro...

The Original Hawaiian Barbecue offers a wide selection of signature dishes celebrating traditional Hawaiian cuisine, each reflecting diverse influences and the fusion of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Polynesian, Portuguese, and even Filipino flavors for uniquely Hawaiian notes. Happy Ongpauco, the dynamic young entrepreneur from one of the country's noted culinary families behind such iconic institutions as Barrio Fiesta, Isdaan Floating Restaurant, and Singing Cooks and Waiters, established her own food business led by the innovative dining concepts of Happy Concept Group's Bento Box, World Topps, Pamana, Tsokolateria, Private Dining by Happy Concept Group, I Love Backyard BBQ Grill, The Boutique Bed & Breakfast and The Original Hawaiian BBQ. Read on for a tasty peek at The Original Hawaiian BBQ's savory offerings...

Five Years Running: The LuzViMinda Ika-Limang Serye Gastronomical Fusion Filipino Food Festival at F1 Hotel Manila

For the past five years, I've seen this special annual food festival evolve showcasing the very best of Filipino flavors in another month-long celebration of good food and good vibes at F1 Hotel Manila... 

I always look forward to the annual LuzViMinda Filipino Food Festival at F1 Hotel Manila, with each edition offering yet another layer in the country's culinary tapestry of rich flavors. Molded and defined by history and indigenous resources, Philippine flavors takes the spotlight once more with tradition reinterpreted by noted young chefs in this year's edition of LuzViMinda Ika-Limang Serye: Gastronomic Fusion at F1 Hotel Manila...

Street Food with Italian Flair: Takin' It To The Street with Cibo di Strada...

Street food takes on a cool Italian vibe and Asia's best female chef, Margarita Fores, shows the way at Cibo...

Drawing inspiration from her frequent travels to Italy, no Italian experience is complete for Margarita Fores without enjoying their traditional street food. From pizza, panini and a whole lot of golden and crispy fried food, Margarita Fores takes it to the street with her own take on Italy's favorite street food. Meet the new line of Italian-style street food prepared in that classic Cibo style, the Cibo di Strada.

Afternoon Tea with a Local Twist: The Fiesta Filipino Merienda Buffet at The Peninsula Manila

Think of it as afternoon tea with an all-Filipino spin. All your all-time childhood favorites served at one of the metro's most photographed spots. It's another memorable afternoon at The Lobby...  

The food, the vibe, and the place, it's just one of many classic #PenMoments. The Peninsula Manila celebrates the 119th Philippine Independence month of June with The Fiesta Filipino Merienda Buffet at The Lobby offering a sumptuous array of traditional and local dishes created by Executive Sous Chef Ed Maddela. Starting June 10 to 21, 2017, indulge in a feast of local flavors at one of Makati's iconic venues, The Lobby at The Peninsula Manila.

Savory and Spicy: Tasty Bites at Applebee's...

Refreshing notes, tasty seafood with a spicy kick and a savory burger inspired by the old west, it's all here at Applebee's...

There's always a reason to celebrate at Applebee's, and their selection of comforting American cuisine always hits the spot. Here are some tasty bites not to be missed at Applebee's...

Rustic and Authentic Italian Flavors at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Fiesta Italiana

A rich culture, impeccable art, and a heritage of good food, experience a true Italian feast of rustic flavors at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila...

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila celebrates authentic Italian flavors with Guest Chef Andrea Delzanno at Cucina with Fiesta Italiana, an Italian food festival from June 7 to 18, 2017. The week-long festival highlights authentic Italian flavors infused with Guest Chef Andrea Delzanno's modern and innovative twist while preserving the true and vibrant notes of the sunny Mediterranean. It's la dolce vita...at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila's Cucina.

Pure Chocolate Indulgence: ChocoLiquor Cakes by Maricar

Decadent, luscious and velvety smooth chocolate gets even more sinful with the infusion of liquor...

Actress, doctor and home baker Maricar Reyes takes chocolate cakes to the next level with Choco Liquor Cakes by Maricar. Rich chocolate with a whisper of liquor, it just doesn't get better than that. Get ready for pure, real and sweet chocolate indulgence...with Choco Liquor Cakes by Maricar.

Variety and Value at Madison Commons Food Park

A sudden craving for kebabs, callos and tacos can be a real challenge, and the only way to satisfy it is to head on over to Madison Commons...

Madison Commons is one of the newest food parks this side of the metro, boasting of well over thirty food stalls offering a wide variety of flavorful options, from Korean, Japanese, Mexican, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Filipino, and everything in between including a selection of beverages and ice cream all in one place. Craving for kebabs, callos and tacos? No problem. A stop at Madison Commons should do the trick...

Rare Delights and A Tomahawk at The Fireplace

Some beefy rare delights and a serious Tomahawk. It's just another memorable evening at The Fireplace...

The warm amber glow from the ovens provide that unique ethereal radiance that defines The Fireplace at New World Manila Bay Hotel, and you just know dinner is going to be special...

Flavors of Pampanga: The Kanyaman Filipino Food Festival by Chef Sau del Rosario at Novotel Manila's Food Exchange

The colorful and rich culinary heritage of Pampanga takes the spotlight at Novotel Manila's Food Exchange. Prepare yourself for some real serious kanyaman moments...

One of the country's highly regarded and much respected culinary icons returns to his roots with a lavish Capampangan feast on a grand scale. Chef Sau del Rosario shares his modern take on traditional Capampangan cuisine at Novotel Manila's Food Exchange in a colorful feast of fresh and authentic flavors dubbed the Kanyaman Filipino Food Festival from June 8 to 22, 2017 (for more on Novotel Manila and the Food Exchange, see my previous posts, Novotel Manila: Luxury Comes to Quezon City and International Flavors at Novotel Manila's Food Exchange). Read on for a tasty peek at the Food Exchange's Kanyaman Filipino Food Festival...

Celebrating Twenty Years of Italian Classics at Cibo SM Aura Premier

A bowl of pasta prepared with the finest ingredients and served the classic Italian way, it's pasta that way it should be. And that's how it's been at Cibo for the past twenty years...

Real flavors and nothing less, Cibo has been at the forefront of bringing authentic Italian-style pasta to mainstream palates since 1997 led by Margarita Fores. Chosen as Asia's Female Chef for 2016, Margarita Fores remains one of the country's innovative icons transforming the local culinary landscape with her dining concepts. At the newest branch of Cibo located at SM Aura Premier, this single-minded vision and passion is reflected in their menu of authentic pasta dishes, like the Penne Al Telefono (P 375/P 660 La Famiglia), a vegetarian pasta dish with stewed tomato, mozzarella, white cheese, basil, and cream. Fresh and clean flavors, each bite delivers the richness of every ingredient, coming together in bold and vibrant notes.

Savor the Flavors of the Philippine Archipelago by Chef Myke "Tatung" Sarthou at Corniche

The month of June marks the country's independence day celebrations, and it's also a good time to rediscover local and regional flavors...

Noted chef, award-winning author, and culinary TV Host Myke "Tatung" Sarthou showcases the diverse flavors of the Philippines with a flavorful gastronomic celebration at Diamond Hotel's Corniche with a Filipino Food Festival dubbed Philippine Archipelago starting June 2 to 12, 2017. Chef Tatung takes diners on a unique culinary journey, reflecting how both the east and west came together in a melting pot of flavors. The sumptuous spread will also feature local indigenous cuisine and other distinct flavors that make up the colorful tapestry of Filipino cuisine. Read on and take a tasty peek at a distinctly Filipino feast of local flavors at Corniche...

Sticks and Skewers: Eat City's Signature Sampler Cookout and New Skewer Meals

A variety of skewered meats delicately grilled, generous servings, value-added group meals and reasonable prices, looks like a winning formula...

Eat City offers its unique Signature Skewers, by the stick or group meals, for a flavorful and satisfying dining experience. Drawing inspiration from global flavors, you'll find a mouth-watering array of delicious options at Eat City.  

Let it Rain: Wine and Oysters at Fairmont Lounge

A sudden afternoon downpour signaled the onset of the rainy season, a welcome relief to the summer heat but a damper on any plans for the evening. And with the rains comes the legendary metro traffic. Like they say, just add water and the entire city stops. Thankfully, there's Wine and Oyster Night at the Fairmont Lounge, so let it rain...

A never-empty glass of wine and fresh oysters, just what you need to end the day on the right note. Indulge in free-flowing wine with a platter of oysters at the Fairmont Lounge's Wine and Oyster Nights, and simply let the rain and metro traffic takes its course.

A Date with Dad: Celebrate Father's Day at Myron's New Home in Ascott Residences Makati

Everyone's favorite since 2008 now has a new home...

For Ramon and Monica Eugenio, it's a culinary journey that began at the long-running Salcedo Market more than twelve years ago with their ready-to-eat gourmet items like US Certified Angus Roast Beef, Roast Australian Leg of Lamb, and a selection of pastas, signature dishes that formed the core for the menu of Myron's when it opened back in 2008 at Greenbelt 5. Since then, Myron's has been a favorite among local diners, its reputation built by its signature steaks.  Now, Myron's is the lead dining concept in an expanding group that includes Miguelito's in SM Mega Mall's Fashion Hall, Franco's in Rockwell, and Flying Pan at Citadines Salcedo (for more on The Flying Pan and Franco's, see my previous posts, The Flying Pan Has Landed: Now Serving Comfort Food Daily at the Heart of Salcedo and Franco's: Reconnecting with Comfort Food). At the very core of each dining concept of Myron's Group is the single-minded culinary philosophy and vision, to make a difference in the dining experience of every guest by committing the highest quality and greatest value for every client, every team member, and every shareholder. And this is taken to heart at Myron's newest location at Ascott Residences in Makati. With Father's Day coming up soon, there's nothing quite like the classic dishes of Myron's to celebrate another family milestone...

Leonardo's Lechon Goes Prime Time...

The Carnivore Lechon takes the spot light in yet another TV feature...

Leonardo's Lechon, one of the metro's iconic names with a solid reputation going as far back as 1947, goes on prime time with another TV feature. And it's the Carnivore Lechon that's hugging the spotlight, an innovative variation of the classic Lechon Tagalog stuffed with sausages, bacon, and potatoes for pure pork love on national television.

Progressive Chinese: A Tasty Peek at Ping Pong Diplomacy's New Dishes

Who would've thought that the game of table tennis would pave the way in re-opening Sino-American relations back in the seventies? A milestone in international diplomacy, it's also the inspiration behind one of the metro's newest restaurants serving modern Chinese cuisine...

The wittingly named Ping Pong Diplomacy at SM Aura Premier offers its own inventive take on modern Chinese cuisine, described as "Progressive Chinese," for a new flavor experience that's unique and different. Fusion? Not quite. It's Chinese flavors that's fresh and bold that can only come from the out-of-the-box philosophy of maverick techpreneur Charles Paw and Chefs Him Uy de Baron and Noel Mauricio. Come and step back in time, back to the seventies when Nixon and Chairman Mao shook hands for the first time thanks to the game of ping pong, and experience Chinese cuisine like nothing you've tried before at Ping Pong Diplomacy...