Flavors of Tagaytay: Say Hello to Hello Cafe...

Long associated with the local coffee culture, Tagaytay is home to another new player in the southern destination's vibrant café scene. Say hello to Hello Café...

Far from the famed views of Tagaytay is another new and hidden gem tucked behind the ridge for another visual spectacle. And some seriously good coffee and tasty bites too. The third in a series of blog posts documenting the new wave of restaurant concepts and cafés in Tagaytay born out of the pandemic, the evolving culinary landscape is reshaped and redrawn by daring new restaurateurs adding yet another colorful layer in its storied tapestry of flavors. Step inside Hello Café...

Flavors of Tagaytay: Rewriting the Usual Narrative for Filipino Cuisine at Gregorio's

Is there room for yet another Filipino restaurant in Tagaytay? Now with four dining concepts under his belt, Dr. Kim Fajardo believes there's always more than enough space for good restaurants.

A new restaurant emerging from Tagaytay's post-pandemic culinary scene promises a unique and creative spin on traditional Filipino cuisine at Gregorio's. For Dr. Kim Fajardo, it's this inventive twist that will set his restaurant apart from the usual options in the southern destination. The second in a series of three posts exploring the new wave of restaurants opened late last year, Tagaytay's culinary landscape is reinvigorated with a refreshed optimism injected by daring restaurateurs adding to the changing and evolving flavors down south. 

Flavors of Tagaytay: Kool Times at Klara's Bulalo Kafe

A hearty and comforting bowl of bulalo along with classic Filipino dishes in Tagaytay is straight out of anyone's usual playbook, a mandatory stop any time of day. While there are countless and even literally thousands of options for local cuisine in this southern dining destination, here's one more to add to your list...

In the first of three blog posts, a trip down south explores the inspiring stories of faith, resiliency and optimism from the long days of the quarantine experience to some of the promising new dining destinations in Tagaytay adding yet another layer to its colorful culinary tapestry. Three new restaurants lead the pack in a new wave of exciting new offerings, each one born from the pandemic injecting new life to Tagaytay's culinary landscape. The three new restaurants may not offer spectacular views of the lake, but the menu shines and more than makes up for this. As one would expect, the obligatory bowl of bulalo kicks off the three-part series on Tagaytay. First stop, Klara's Bulalo Kafe...

The Gilarmi Lounge Goes Beyond Gin & Tonic with Exciting New Culinary Discoveries at Discovery Primea

The classic Negroni, new editions from The Burger Library and decadent ice cream creations in a creative collab with one of the country's best. The Gilarmi Lounge goes beyond the classic gin & tonic with tempting new culinary discoveries to tease your palate...

The Gilarmi Lounge at Discovery Primea unveils a lavish selection of tasty offerings from a refreshing tipple with barrel-aged Negroni to savory bites with the new editions from The Burger Library and indulgent ice cream-based desserts made with one of the country's premium artisan brands, Sebastian's Ice Cream for new culinary discoveries and flavor experiences. That's three good reasons to revisit The Gilarmi Lounge if you ask me. Read on for a sneak peek at the new culinary discoveries at Discovery Primea...

Coffee n' Chill: Breakfast is Served At Elephant Grounds...

Perfect mornings mean the perfect breakfast. Known for their specialty coffee, Elephant Grounds completes your morning with their sumptuous breakfast offerings... 

Elephant Grounds now serves breakfast daily from 7am to 11am with a new and tempting menu selection of Light Bites, Breads, Sandwiches, Plates, Eggs Benny, Toasts and Waffles for that perfect start. The new menu is inspired by comfortingly familiar and iconic western breakfast staples as well as distinctive Asian flavors pairing well with the craft coffee selection of Elephant Grounds. Ready to Coffee n' chill for breakfast? Then, read on... 

A Taste of Love: Upgrade Your Local Noods Cravings with Locannia Premium Pancit Palabok

A serious craving for local noods can keep you up all night. And not just any noods, but the all-time classic Pancit Palabok generously loaded with all the toppings. Fix your craving with the Premium Pancit Palabok by Locannia...

Succulent shrimps and squid, juicy and crunchy pork lechon kawali, fresh spring onions, crisp and chewy tofu and eggs neatly arranged and lined up on soft noodles slathered in that signature sauce made from a rich and briny shrimp broth. If you've ever wondered how love tastes like, this is the closest you can get to pure and unrestrained noodle love. Meet the Premium Pancit Palabok by Locannia... 

Flavorful Encounters at UnFrench Bistro

There's always something new to discover and experience at UnFrench Bistro. For Chef Michelle Adrillana, UnFrench Bistro is her playground for both traditional and even unexpected label-defying culinary creations. Like the Burrata Salad and the Laing Lobster Thermidor...

Not one to be limited or boxed in by labels, Chef Michelle Adrillana boldly takes a creative and progressive approach to her culinary style combining classic French techniques with real and honest flavors at the aptly named UnFrench Bistro. Take her Laing Lobster Thermidor, just one of her new creations for the Pescatarian Bistro Prix Fixe Menu for another pleasantly unexpected encounter at UnFrench Bistro. Curious? Then, read on...

The Journey to the 2023 Jeunes Talents Escoffier Asia Competition Begins...

August Escoffier, the French culinary icon declared that "good food is the basis of true happiness." Continuous education and the transfer of knowledge remains a key pillar in the mission and advocacy of Disciples of Escoffier, a global movement inspired by the legacy of one man. In the true spirit of Escoffier, the mentoring of young talents for the upcoming 2023 Jeunes Talents Escoffier Asia Competition remains a critical component for the Philippine delegation's rationale for existence, a raison d' etre that's at the heart of the culinary fellowship. 

The much awaited annual culinary competition showcasing promising young talents from around the world continues a long tradition of culinary excellence by Disciples of Escoffier with the 2023 Jeunes Talents Escoffier Asia Competition set for April. As part of the Philippine delegation's preparations, key officers of Disciples of Escoffier Philippines along with Chef Works Philippines and the Croissant Lady PH paces this year's young and talented contingent of Lance Ang-Santo and Nicole Chua for the Asian qualifying leg of culinary competitions to advance to the global finals. Here's a peek at the spirit of Escoffier in action...

#EatWell: The Seafood Dinner Buffet at Seasonal Tastes in The Westin Manila

A familiar name returns to Manila, and it's back with a refreshingly unique brand of hospitality built around your well-being for a rewarding and fulfilling experience. 

A wellness-inspired premium hotel in Ortigas, The Westin Manila redefines the hotel experience anchored on six key pillars of Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well and Play Well with its premium brand of hospitality, state-of-the-art facilities, services and programs purposely designed with each guest's well-being in mind helping you be the best version of yourself. It's a welcome change of pace setting it apart from other properties marking the return of an iconic brand to the competitive local landscape. Dining remains an integral part of any hotel experience, and The Westin Manila introduces its lavish Seafood Dinner Buffet every Friday and Saturday as part of its Eat Well program at the property's all-day dining restaurant, Seasonal Tastes. 

And here's even more good news. Enjoy a value-packed 20% Off on Lunch and Dinner Buffet and a la carte orders at Seasonal Tastes valid until June 30, 2023 by using the special promo code detailed on the blog. Now that's one cool deal you just can't pass up. Read on and find the code...

Afternoon Delights at Home with the New Lemon Iced Loaf by Ollie's Kitchen

 Bring out a pot of freshly brewed coffee. The Lemon Iced Loaf by Ollie's Kitchen is served...

Draped in indulgent lemon icing, the new Lemon Iced Loaf is one more enticing treat from the ovens of Ollie's Kitchen. Best known for his award-winning cookies like the Pistachio Dark Chocolate and Macadamia Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies, Ollie's Kitchen now offers a wide selection of decadent fresh-baked creations from Butter Croissants and Pain Au Chocolate to Ensaimadas, Butter Rum Cake and English Sticky Toffee Pudding. And now, Ollie's Kitchen tempts you once more with the new Lemon Iced Loaf...  

The Perfect Start: Breakfast at Flavors Restaurant of Holiday Inn & Suites Makati

Dining is one of the many highlights of any hotel stay, and breakfast always ranks high on everyone's list. At Flavors Restaurant of Holiday Inn & Suites Makati, a hearty buffet breakfast of comforting staples caps a memorable weekend getaway...

After the sumptuous buffet feast at Flavors Restaurant celebrating a decade of joy and the milestone tenth anniversary of Holiday Inn & Suites Makati last night, it was time for breakfast early the next morning (more on the dinner buffet on my post, Holiday Inn & Suites Makati Celebrates A Decade of Joy with Special Deals and Offers). The signature all-day dining restaurant of the 5-Star property from IHG Hotels & Resorts, Flavors Restaurant lays out impressive buffet spreads for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. After a good night's sleep at Holiday Inn & Suites Makati, a good breakfast completes the experience. Breakfast after all is the most important meal of the day, and Flavors Restaurant has got you covered. 

Holiday Inn & Suites Makati Celebrates A Decade of Joy with Special Deals and Offers

Ten years of service and hospitality, milestones and celebrations, memorable moments and dining experiences in a continuing tradition of excellence. One of the metro's five-star deluxe hotels celebrates a decade of joy with special deals, packages and offers for an unforgettable escape right at the heart of the Makati commercial and business district. And no, you don't pass on limited time deals like these...

Holiday Inn & Suites Makati, a part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts, turns ten this month launching a series of tempting offers to celebrate a decade of joy from dining to value-packed staycation packages starting April. Ready to celebrate milestone moments at Holiday Inn & Suites Makati? Then, read on and book your getaway...

Afternoon Tea Turns Japanese with Sakura Afternoon Tea at The Writers Bar of Raffles Makati

Through the years, the tradition of afternoon tea has been a much anticipated event at The Writers Bar of Raffles Makati. The creative concept-driven themes for afternoon tea are what sets The Writers Bar apart from the usual, and this year Raffles Makati presents yet another inspired twist...

The tradition of afternoon tea is reinterpreted once more by The Writers Bar at Raffles Makati, weaving an elegant Japanese spin for Sakura Afternoon Tea. The vibrant hues of cherry blossoms are a recurring theme in a unique and elegant afternoon tea experience, translated in a lavish three-tiered indulgence created by Swissotel Nankai Osaka's Chef de Cuisine Hiroto Yoshida and Executive Pastry Chef Yuki Nakamura paired with soothing Japanese tea blends by Grand Tea Master Kenta Ikeda from Japan's famed tea house Ikeda Senchado. Turning Japanese for afternoon tea is another chapter in a continuing story as The Writers Bar at Raffles Makati reinterprets tradition with another refreshed concept, running all the way until the end of May.