From Taichung to Manila: Meet the New Kid on the Milk Tea Block, Mizusawa Milk Tea

 It's said to be one of Taiwan's best kept secrets. And it's now here in Manila...

Taiwan's popular Mizusawa Milk Tea of the World and Specialty Coffee opens its very first branch in Manila showcasing the best of Taiwanese tea culture with its specialty product offerings. Read on for a sneak peek at the newest kid on the milk tea block...

Farm-Fresh To Your Table: Make It Real Fresh with Holly's

Happy cows, they say, provide the best milk. And when cows are pampered with the soothing symphonies of Bach and Beethoven, you can expect some exceptional milk...  

You won't find happier cows than the pampered herd at Holly's from Real Fresh Dairy Farm producing some of the purest and freshest cow's milk. In fact, it's the creamy base for the much-loved local ice cream brand, Carmen's Best Ice Cream which uses only 100% pure fresh milk in its growing portfolio of premium ice cream products.  Located at a sprawling 27-hectare farm property in Laguna, Real Fresh Dairy Farm produces a wide variety of farm-fresh dairy products with over 200 Holstein-Sahiwal dairy cows from New Zealand (for more on the premium dairy products of Holly's, see my previous post, At The Source of Carmen's Best's Freshness at Real Fresh Dairy Farms). And when you want it real fresh, just look for Holly's at your nearest supermarket or selected dealer...

That Buttery Ooze with the Specialty Chicken a la Kiev by Kaia's Kitchen

A nostalgic and indulgent dish, Chicken ala Kiev is one of those all-time favorites that still triggers fond memories from countless childhood summers. Everyone remembers their Chicken ala Kiev from Manila Polo Club or Club Filipino, but another home kitchen brings the enduring classic back with a cool modern spin...

The long days of quarantine saw the emergence of home-based food businesses where the kitchen once again became the center of family activities. The family-run Kaia's Kitchen is one those new entries in a growing category responding to changing consumer habits such as dining at home, the rise of the food delivery culture and increased online usage due to the lingering pandemic. What started as a simple project to introduce new dishes to the family soon blossomed into one of the metro's inspiring new food businesses built around the traditional Chicken ala Kiev, reinvented for the new normal. 

Just Chill: Al Fresco Cocktails in the New Normal at The Lounge of New World Makati Hotel

The renewed optimism from the gradual easing of quarantine restrictions is one positive sign from the lingering quarantine experience. Dining out means dining al fresco following the latest health and safety guidelines in this new normal, and that includes enjoying soothing cocktails to end the day right. At The Lounge of New World Makati Hotel, experience a refreshing tipple for the road at the spacious open air area by the lush gardens and tranquil koi pond...

The General Community Quarantine guidelines now allow dining at restaurants with increased capacity, and outdoor al fresco dining remains the preferred option. And when you think about it, it's also a cool way to enjoy refreshing cocktails. Cocktails take on a breezy outdoor vibe at The Lounge of New World Makati Hotel with a selection of exciting new cocktails along with tasty new savory dishes for a unique experience beginning June 1.

Reinventing the Basics: Carmen's Best Brings Quality and Value with Their New Value Line, Arctic Ice Cream

Carmen's Best Ice Cream goes back to basics with its newest range of products offering both value and quality with Arctic Ice Cream...

In a competitive landscape made even more challenging with the new normal, Carmen's Best Ice Cream remains committed to its promise of offering the finest ice cream using the freshest premium ingredients. A rapidly changing environment forced many food businesses to evolve and adapt as Carmen's Best continues to engage with its customer base for continuous improvement. In response to the needs of its customers, Carmen's Best recently launched its newest value line, Arctic Ice Cream created specifically for institutional accounts such as hotels, restaurants and caterers known collectively as Horeca. Offering simple basic flavors such as Vanilla, Chocolate and Ube with many more in the pipeline, Arctic Ice Cream reflects Carmen's Best's continuous commitment in rolling out superior world-class products. And for Carmen's Best's founder, Paco Magsaysay, Arctic Ice Cream is part of an evolving strategy to remain relevant with the times.

Summer Means Enjoying Gelato Cakes by Indulge At Home From Novotel Manila Araneta City

Everyone knows that some of the finest gelato comes up north from Gelato by Indulge at Novotel Manila Araneta City. But have you tried their equally indulgent Gelato Cakes?

Indulge Gelato by Novotel Manila Araneta City has long been one of the metro's best kept secrets for their exquisite and silky smooth Italian style frozen treats made with premium ingredients and absolutely no preservatives. Indulge Gelato takes it a step further with their decadent Gelato Cakes packed and sealed in tins...

Naughty & Nice in Black with J & M Naughty & Nice Cream by Carmen's Best

Innovation never stops at Carmen's Best Ice Cream, one of the country's leading artisanal ice cream brands. Tapping new markets with fresh, novel products is one way of keeping in step with the ever changing consumer to remain relevant in this new normal, and Carmen's Best is one step ahead of the game.   

Carmen's Best Ice Cream expands its growing product portfolio of specialty offerings with the launch of J & M Naughty & Nice Cream, a unique line of premium alcohol-infused ice cream. Ice cream with a spirited shot of alcohol makes it naughty and nice for a refreshingly new way of enjoying the ice cream experience. Ready to raise a toast for the newest member of the Carmen's Best family? Then, read on...

Carmen's Best Ice Cream: The Story Behind Each Pint, Each Scoop and Each Indulgent Bite

What's the real secret behind one of the best ice cream brands in the country? It all begins with the finest ingredients. That means, the best quality fresh milk, real pistachios from Sicily, premium chocolate from Switzerland and prized vanilla beans from Madagascar. And a clear, single-minded vision. Take a closer look behind the brand through the words of its trailblazing founder, Paco Magsaysay...

Each flavor from the local ice cream company's growing portfolio has a story drawing inspiration from the travels of its founder, Paco Magsaysay. It's these experiences that formed the foundation for the success story that would become Carmen's Best Ice Cream. But the story of Carmen's Best began with an unexpected opportunity, how to deal with excess milk from their family's Laguna-based dairy farm. For Paco, the answer was crystal clear. Ice cream. And the rest, they say, is one of the inspiring and best stories yet from the pioneering ice cream brand that continues to innovate and lead the way with one indulgent pint and scoop at a time.   

Pick Your Signature Bundle for Delivery by Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse makes your food delivery options even easier with their sumptuous Signature Bundles and Combos that's perfect for sharing at home, simply choose what you love...

Texas Roadhouse takes on the new normal by offering even more food delivery options with their Roadie's Bundles and Combos exclusively for delivery as it celebrates five flavorful years in the country. The sweeping changes and the emergence of new consumer habits such as dining at home, the rise of the food delivery culture and increased online usage due to the quarantine experience continue to define another year in the new normal. Texas Roadhouse keeps in step with the times as restrictions on mobility remain enforced to curb the spread of the pandemic. Staying home presents unique opportunities for a memorable dining experience, just leave it to Texas Roadhouse...

#FoodHallYouCan: The Buffet Dining Experience in the New Normal at The Alley by Vikings at BGC

The wide selection of dishes and all-you-can-eat format have always appealed to Filipino diners, and the buffet dining concept remains a popular and enduring option for families and groups. As more restaurants open in the GCQ with limited capacity, the popular buffet dining experience is transformed with the mandatory health and safety protocols in place. Buffet dining may be slightly different from what you remember with social distancing strictly enforced, but the numerous kitchens of The Alley by Vikings in BGC are all fired up once more to welcome you back.

Considered a national sport by many Filipinos, the popularity of buffet dining continues even in the new normal. And no one does it better than one of the leading buffet innovators in the country. The Alley by Vikings takes the food hall experience to a whole new level with a unique concept by literally taking it to the street. From the linear flow of the spacious design to its creative execution of the street-inspired theme, The Alley by Vikings in BGC lets your palate explore the much-loved flavors of the world with just a few steps. Read on and take a peek at buffet dining in the new normal at The Alley by Vikings in BGC...

In The Bag: Start Your Day with a Soothing Cup by Bag-A-Brew

A refreshing cup of coffee now becomes a much anticipated part of the day, more so in the long days of quarantine. But your daily coffee ritual doesn't have to be too tedious or overly complicated. It's all in the bag with Bag-A-Brew...

Staying home in the new normal doesn't mean skipping the coffee experience. With the innovative single-serve coffee drip bags of Bag-A-Brew, you can enjoy a soothing freshly brewed cup of coffee in minutes without the fuss. Happiness in a cup, that's what you can expect from Bag-A-Brew.

Want In On A Secret? Probably One of the Best Sisig Dishes Plus Big, Bold Flavors from Tiny Al's Kitchen

Big, bold and unrestrained flavors are fired up daily from Tiny Al's Kitchen, one of the best kept secrets in the metro...

Big flavors with nothing held back and probably one of the best pork sisig dishes yet, Tiny Al's Kitchen shares their lavish take on comforting dishes like Baked Sole Fillet with Aioli Gratin, Angus Beef Cheeks and Lengua Estofado and the Sisig Aburi packed, sealed and conveniently delivered to your doorstep. All it takes are a few taps on your mobile device and the specialty dishes from Tiny Al's Kitchen are soon on its way to you...

Spread the Summer Vibe on the Home Table with Capitan Del Mar and Embark on Adventures from Home

The new normal doesn't mean putting summer on hold. When you can't go out, why not bring the outdoors in?

Set sail and embark on exciting summer adventures with a sumptuous spread from Capitan Del Mar at home and bring in the summer vibe in this new normal. Have a picnic at home with family with special packed meals in your garden or balcony or simply open the windows and let the outdoors in. The new normal calls for a fresh new perspective and some creativity to fully enjoy the simple pleasures we all missed in this lingering quarantine. When you're stuck at home in the long days of quarantine, let Capitan Del Mar take you and your family on a cool summer adventure without leaving home (for more on Capitan del Mar, see my previous posts, Set Sail for Adventures from Home with Capitan Del Mar on their exciting new promotion and Freshness in a Can: The Day's Freshest Catch from Capitan Del Mar on my first experience with the brand four years ago). 

Hello Again. A Flavorful Reunion with the Chocolate Cake You've Always Loved from Cakes by Louise...

You always remember the first time. Like your favorite chocolate cake from childhood. And in a nostalgic throwback to carefree summers from so many years back, it's good to see an old favorite again...

Since 1977, the iconic Chocolate Cake was a regular staple for any family celebration. Like a flavorful blast from the past, the daughter and granddaughter of the founder continues the family legacy with the revival of the classic chocolate cake exactly as you remember it at Cakes by Louise. Take a step back in time with a slice and bite of the chocolate cake you've always loved...

Pop Some Happiness to Your Weekend with Chef Tony's Gourmet Popcorn

The weekend's coming up, time to bring out your tubs of happiness...

Everyone's favorite all-time snack, the popular popcorn, gets a lavish makeover by Chef Tony's with their extensive line of Gourmet Popcorn in a variety of flavors like Jalapeño Cheddar and White Chocolate Parmesan. Weekend movie nights? Game on...

Cravings Satisfied: Mix-and-Match All Your Cravings From Different Restaurants with One Delivery from GrabKitchen by GrabFood

Ever wished you could order from several restaurants with only one delivery transaction? Now you can, with the new Mix-and-Match feature of GrabKitchen by GrabFood. For residents down south of the metro and in old Manila, GrabFood now has GrabKitchen branches in Parañaque and Malate all fired up to satisfy your mix-and-match cravings...

There are days when you're craving for a crusty and savory Bǎnh Mi Gió Lua from So Mot Vietnamese Cuisine. And some crisp and juicy Salt and Pepper Wings from Frankie's. And a refreshing and hearty SGT Steak Salad from Go! Salads. And don't forget the indulgent Mille Crepe creations from Paper Moon for dessert. Now, if only you can do one single delivery transaction for all your orders. Sounds familiar? Now you can with the novel and unique Mix-And-Match feature of GrabKitchen by GrabFood. With two new branches in Malate and Parañaque, go ahead and mix-and-match to your heart's content without worrying about multiple delivery transactions and fees. It's like having a virtual food court with all your favorites in one place. Imagine, all your cravings from different restaurants in one go only from GrabKitchen. 

Legit. Meet the New Batchoy D-I-Y Kit from The Pork Project by Chef Redd Agustin

Chef Redd Agustin is at it again with, this time with an easy and convenient, fuss-free D-I-Y Kit for an iconic local noodle dish...

Chef Redd Agustin of The Pork Project recreates a much-loved local noodle dish with the new Batchoy D-I-Y Kit packed with real unrestrained flavors in his familiar culinary style. And it's so easy to prepare at home too. It's innovations like this that keeps The Pork Project by Chef Redd well ahead of the game in the new normal...

The Sisig Sotanghon is the Best from Betty's Best

When my favorite foodie aunt says she discovered something new, then it's definitely worth trying...

Everyone has a favorite foodie aunt that shaped the way you enjoy good food. My aunt's specialty Lengua and Kilayin are still tops on my list. And when my aunt says she discovered a tasty new find, you know it's a sure thing. Like the Sisig Sotanghon from Betty's Best...

A Weekend Spread Delivered by North Park

Comforting and sumptuous meals at home just takes a quick phone call or a few taps on your mobile device and you're all set for a festive spread...

Dining at home in this new normal brought exciting and new flavorful finds to the table, but sometimes all you want are the familiar favorites for a fuss-free yet sumptuous meal at home. Like the always dependable bestsellers from North Park...

This Mother's Day, Leave it to The Peninsula Manila...

Still wondering what to serve for that special festive feast for mom at home? No worries. Just leave it to The Peninsula Manila...

All Photos provided by The Peninsula Manila

Despite the sweeping changes to our daily routine due to the global pandemic, honoring mom on her special day remains a much-anticipated celebration even in the new normal. Read on and let The Peninsula Manila show you the countless ways of celebrating mom's special day with their lavish offerings available for pick-up for the whole month of May. 

Bringing Regional Southeast Asian Flavors Home from Pandan Asian Cafe

Asian flavors come alive at Pandan Asian Cafe, geared up for the new normal with breezy al fresco dining...

Chef Myke "Tatung" Sarthou shares his comforting palette of colorful and vibrant southeast Asian flavors at Pandan Asian Cafe for pick-up, take-out and delivery in the new normal. Drawing inspiration from the wide array of iconic regional dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines all converging at Pandan Asian Cafe, diners can now enjoy al fresco dining at its spacious second floor and ground floor veranda area on a limited capacity following the latest health and safety protocols (for more on Pandan Asian Cafe by Chef Myke "Tatung" Sarthou, see my earlier posts, Southeast Asian Flavors Shine at Pandan Asian Cafe by Chef Tatung from last year and Keeping it Simple: Chef Myke "Tatung" Sarthou Launches Simpol The Cookbook at Pandan Asian Cafe on his latest recipe book also from late last year). Or you can always opt for pick-up and take-out for your peace of mind and bring home the flavors you missed...

Have It All with the Croissant Lady PH Product Sampler

Croissants, pain au chocolat, cinnamon rolls and spinach puff pastry, all in box. You too can have it all with the Sampler Box from the Croissant Lady PH...

There's just nothing like the aroma and flavors of buttery baked Viennoiserie packed in a box. The Croissant Lady PH introduces her new Sampler Box containing a lavish assortment of fresh-baked Croissants, Cinnamon Rolls, Pain Au Chocolate and Spinach Puff Pastry conveniently delivered to your doorstep. When you just can't have enough of the light and flaky baked creations of the Croissant Lady PH, all you need to do is call or send a quick message with just a few easy taps on your mobile device (for more on the Croissant Lady, see my earlier post, The Lady Bakes Too. Fresh Baked Croissants and Pain au Chocolat Delivered to Your Doorstep by the Croissant Lady PH).

Set Sail for Adventures From Home with Capitan Del Mar

The new normal may have limited our options for celebrating summer, then again, you just need to be a little more creative and set sail for Adventures From Home with Capitan Del Mar...

When you can't go out and enjoy the outdoors due to quarantine restrictions, why not bring it home? Capitan Del Mar, a proudly Filipino brand offering canned and smoked milkfish and canned sardines, launches their innovative Adventures From Home promotion on May 1, 2021 where you can showcase your creative ideas in bringing your favorite outdoor activities inside your home. At Capitan Del Mar, the brand is guided by a single-minded vision built around the idea that Filipinos deserve a better seafood experience. And Capitan Del Mar seamlessly weaves their vision of a better seafood experience with memorable family activities. With its premium selection of seafood products, Capitan Del Mar is ready to transfer your outdoor activities indoor with its novel Adventures From Home promotion. To kickstart your creative juices, winners will receive attractive cash prizes and gift packs by simply sharing their entries. Game? Read on...