One Smashing Year: Smashing Lemons Celebrates Milestone First Year Anniversary

It's that time of the year when being stuck in the usual afternoon rain isn't new, but a spot of sunshine in a cup never fails to brighten up a cloudy day with the promise of a refreshing pause. Where? At your nearest Smashing Lemons outlet... 

Hong Kong's No. 1 Lemon Tea Franchise, Smashing Lemons Lam Heung Ling celebrates its milestone first year anniversary in the Philippines with its signature line of refreshing libations. Freshly steeped with real tea leaves and infused with zesty smashed Bergamot lemons, one sip instantly soothes and rejuvenates your palate and spirit transforming any rainy day. Ready for a sip of sunshine? Then, read on...

Mark Your Wednesdays For Authentic Indian Flavors, It's Spice & Soul at Seasonal Tastes in The Westin Manila

Love Indian food? Let's have lunch. It's Spice & Soul at Seasonal Tastes in The Westin Manila every Wednesday...

Known for its extensive selection of sumptuous offerings including the freshest seafood and purposeful emphasis on wholesome food options, The Westin Manila takes its buffet dining game up a notch with its themed spread highlighting Indian cuisine for lunch every Wednesday with Spice & Soul at Seasonal Tastes. Experience authentic Indian flavors recreated by Guest Chef Abhishek Kabrawala of Manila Marriott Hotel for a unique and memorable taste of the famed subcontinent in a lavish lunch buffet dining format with its own stations plus an innovative One Dish Wonders Station where five featured dishes are freshly prepared a la minute and served to your table at its flavorful peak. Ready for a hearty Indian feast? Then, read on...

Cocktails, Tapas And Hearty Euro-Asian Plates At Mita Kitchen + Lounge In Molito Lifestyle Center

For southies, it's a familiar name associated with soothing brews of freshly brewed coffee paired with comforting cuisine in a quaint casual neighborhood setting. Now, there's more than just coffee behind the name as Mita Kitchen + Lounge presents an entirely new dining concept to highlight a sumptuous menu with their Euro-Asian Plates at Molito Lifestyle Center...

Going beyond and building on the original café dining concept in Parañaque, the family behind Mita Kitchen + Café spins off a new concept with Mita Kitchen + Lounge at Molito Lifestyle Center showcasing an expanded menu. The "lounge" label in the new concept is expressed with an extensive selection of cocktails, tapas and hearty dishes inspired by their culinary take on Euro-Asian Plates. It's a concept that fits in nicely with the Molito Lifestyle Center's market profile as Mita Kitchen + Lounge is poised to be the next exciting dining and bar destination down south. Step inside for some soothing libations. And a comforting meal...

Celebrating An Enduring Family Tradition: The Bacon Elegance Dinner by Jones Dairy Farm at Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar

Imagine the best bacon and ham from Wisconsin transformed as the base for an elegant feast. In a creative culinary collaboration, three chefs transform bacon and ham into a lavish multi-course feast unlike any other for a one-time only dining experience. It's the Bacon Elegance Dinner by Jones Dairy Farm at Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar...

Known as America's Dairyland, Wisconsin is also home to other iconic staples from the American Midwest with its  famous line of all-natural bacon, ham and sausages. And when it comes to bacon, ham and sausages, one name stands above the rest. For over 136 years, Jones Dairy Farm continues a proud family tradition with its growing range of pork products made with the Jones Difference. That means no fillers, binders, preservatives, nitrites and MSG with only pork, salt, spices and water as the primary ingredients with absolutely no artificial additives or antibiotics. The result? Pure, clean and richer flavors with every bite just the way it should be (for more on Jones Dairy Farm, see my earlier post Let's Talk Bacon. And Ham And Sausages Too By Jones Dairy Farm... from a few months back). The enduring brand's storied history is celebrated in a lavish feast featuring modern, creative and contemporary renditions of bacon and ham honoring tradition with The Bacon Elegance Dinner, a one-time culinary experience at Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar. Love bacon and ham? Then, read on...

What's Cookin' At The CCA Show Kitchen September Mixer

The sauces are simmering, the pot is steaming and the lamb is gently warmed in the oven. The CCA Show Kitchen is once again humming with activity for the on-going mixer series...

The September Mixer is underway at the CCA Show Kitchen bringing together food professionals, chefs, the academe, entrepreneurs and suppliers from the local food industry in another memorable gathering celebrated with sumptuous dishes. The spirit of collaboration, spotting new trends and strengthening relevant connections brings all of us closer together moving ever forward in a changing culinary landscape. Read on and step inside the CCA Show Kitchen and see what's cookin'...

Dare To Join The Magic: We've Got Magic To Do At The Magic Table Preview In Grand Hyatt Manila

Smoke and mirrors, a sprinkling of pixie dust, a sleight of hand here and there and the alluring seduction of magic becomes the mystifying elements for a spectacular and unique dining performance at Grand Hyatt Manila...

Following the success of its long-running Le Petit Chef series, the Grand Hyatt Manila unveils yet another bold, immersive, entertaining and engaging dining experience dubbed The Magic Table high above the BGC skyline at The Penthouse. Imagine a spellbinding new encounter where culinary artistry meets magic with an intimate personal engagement as active participants. That's right, guests and diners are part of the show at The Magic Table. If you've experienced Le Petit Chef, prepare to take your next dining experience at the Grand Hyatt Manila up a notch with The Magic Table...

Plating Nostalgic Stories With The Autumn Tasting Menu At The Little Grace Pop-Up By Chef Sharwin Tee

The story of food is the common thread that binds our past and identity celebrated with each dish in a continuing tale that's constantly evolving with fresh renditions. Chef Sharwin Tee shares his own stories of comforting Chinoy flavors shaped and molded by nostalgic memories from childhood, reinterpreted with a refined and contemporary spin with his pop-up series at the CCA Show Kitchen. Experience and savor the flavors of Chef Sharwin's colorful stories retold in exquisite courses with the Little Grace Autumn Tasting Menu...

Noted chef, columnist and restaurateur Sharwin Tee brings his nostalgic childhood memories to life in an elegant feast with his private dining Little Grace Autumn Tasting Menu at the CCA Show Kitchen in BGC. It's been said many times before that food triggers a memory or an emotion and even transports you to another place or time. Let Chef Sharwin Tee reintroduce you to familiar flavors from the past, reimagined in fresh, contemporary renditions reflecting his take on Progressive Chinese Filipino cuisine at Little Grace for a unique, novel and memorable private dining experience.

Pacific Bay Celebrates A Milestone Decade Of Trusted Quality And The Freshest Seafood Catch At Papillon

The freshest, finest and prized succulent catch of the day masterfully executed in vibrant Asian renditions marks a milestone moment for one of the country's premium purveyors of quality seafood. From Chilean Seabass to baby squid, Black Tiger Prawns to plump US Scallops and soft shell crabs, Pacific Bay shares its bountiful ocean harvest in celebration of ten flavorful years at Salcedo Village's Papillon for a sumptuous seafood feast. In one afternoon, a journey that began exactly a decade ago continues its course in providing access to quality seafood you can trust not only to dining establishments and institutional outlets but to your home kitchens too...

Access to premium quality seafood is no longer a challenge as Pacific Bay brings its impressive ocean harvest from around the world to your table uninterrupted for the past ten years. A decade of consistent and trusted quality is no small feat, but Pacific Bay stays true to its mission to support the needs of the home kitchen. To celebrate its tenth anniversary, Pacific Bay hosted an exquisite seafood feast inspired by fresh, bold and vibrant Asian flavors at Papillon. Known for their authentic take on traditional Asian cuisine, Papillon weaves its signature culinary style with its exquisite culinary creations for Pacific Bay's milestone tenth anniversary celebration. Step inside for a tasty peek...

Come Home To Comforting Local Flavors At Apo Filipino Heritage Restaurant Cafe Bar

It's been said many times before that food is a flavorful collection of stories and nostalgic memories defining our identity with each plate and bite. Welcome home to Apo Filipino Heritage Restaurant Cafe Bar...

Successful restaurateur Kian Kazemi always believed that a dining establishment is an extension of home with its repertoire of comfortingly familiar dishes. Staying true to his roots, his various restaurants have always reflected the cuisine he grew up with made from cherished family recipes as reflected on the Persian-inspired menus of Persia Grill and Kite Kebab Bar. His latest concept is yet another homage to his family with local dishes inspired by his mother and grandmother showcased at Apo Filipino Heritage Restaurant Cafe Bar...

The Culinary Elite Series Presents A Culinary Exploration Of Sustainable Dining With Farm Gastronomy At The Maya Kitchen

Clean, bold and vibrant, hearty flavors are on today's table highlighted by garden fresh produce. Long-time advocates and pioneers in the slow food movement, sustainability and support for local farming communities, Chefs JayJay and Rhea Castro-Sycip of The Fatted Calf and Flour Pot Manila recently shared their fresh take on sustainable dining for The Culinary Elite Series of The Maya Kitchen... 

More and more, food provenance is increasingly becoming part of the decision-making process in our daily food choices. No longer just another passing trend, choosing fresh, natural and sustainable produce goes a long way in providing real flavors while supporting local farmers. Culinary icon Nora Daza's enduring legacy continues as renowned food writer and youngest daughter Nina Daza-Puyat brings The Culinary Elite series to The Maya Kitchen with a renewed purpose and mission. Established way back in 1964, The Maya Kitchen preserves a timeless culinary tradition of inspiring chefs with its regular line-up of classes featuring some of the country's best and brightest. In its latest edition, The Culinary Elite series showcased sustainable dining with Chefs JayJay and Rhea Castro-Sycip with their sumptuous renditions in Farm Gastronomy. Read on for a taste of farm-fresh flavors...

Say Prost To Beer, Bites & Beats As Brotzeit Celebrates Oktoberfest 2025

Time to raise a toast with your stein. Seasonal Oktoberfest beers, savory Bavarian specialties, pretzels and lively weekend games, it's Oktoberfest at Brotzeit... 

The only authentic German beer garden and restaurant in the metro for over twelve years, Brotzeit brings the festive Bavarian tradition to Manila once more with this year's edition of Oktoberfest 2025. Starting September 7 to November 10, 2025, Brotzeit branches in BGC, Alabang West Parade and The Podium will be displaying the colors of the world's largest volksfest or folk festival along with its full repertoire of Bavarian beers including special seasonal brews, sumptuous and traditional cuisine plus new dishes and entertaining weekend games honoring the annual celebration. Ready for Oktoberfest at Brotzeit? Then, read on...

The Spirit Of Culinary Collaboration And Giving Back For A Cause at CoCreate At Julyan Hub In Poblacion

An intimate space in the heart of Poblacion finds renewed purpose and spirit where creative culinary collaborations and giving back for a cause is celebrated, shared and experienced with a communal vibe. And maybe, this is just what the eclectic neighborhood needs as it evolves and changes with the times...

The many layers of the colorful neighborhood are enriched by its diversity with new establishments alongside old haunts as it presents yet another new concept to add to its mix of dining options. But the new space isn't your usual establishment, it doesn't offer the "next big thing" in cuisine nor does it have the flashy buzz of a new bar. Instead, the space is whatever you want it to be for your own culinary event. This is your stage. Step inside CoCreate at Julyan Hub in Poblacion... 

Legacy, White, Aged: Experience The Refined Taste Of Heritage & Excellence with Bonifacio Pot Still Rum By Destileria Limtuaco

Heritage and innovation are fused in a meticulous weave as the country's oldest distillery leads the way once more introducing the country's very first pure pot distilled rum made entirely from local molasses. More than just a new product line in a growing portfolio of brands, it's a continuing story that's been quietly distilling for over 173 years...

With a new generation of innovators at the helm of the family-run Destileria Limtuaco ushering a fresh wave of groundbreaking products led by the latest offering from their recently acquired cognac pot still, the Bonifacio Philippine Pure Pot Still Rum draws inspiration from both the distillery's proud and long history with inventive spins on classic spirits. Available in Legacy, White and Aged variants, the new rum expressions represent the famed distillery's bold vision moving forward backed by tradition since 1852. Read on for a peek at the Bonifacio Rum Masterclass at Three Dots MNL in Greenhills...

Up High At Aire32 Bar And Events Venue At The Top Of The Westin Manila

Located high above the Ortigas skyline is the busy and ever changing commercial and business district's newest dive. Now on its soft opening phase, head up the 32nd floor for a sneak peek...

Nearing its final stage of completion, Aire32 at the top of The Westin Manila will soon take flight as one of the metro's premier bar destinations with its sweeping views of the sunset and the Ortigas cityscape. More than just another al fresco space high above the city, Aire32 brings its own distinct vibe and character to the evolving bar scene this side of the metro. 

The Project Vino Reserve x Urban Farmers Collab Presents The Farm To Table Experience

They say the appreciation of good wine is a personal journey with multi-layered experiences in every single moment. Unhurried and at your own pace, Project Vino Reserve lets you celebrate these moments in an elegant yet intimate setting at the Proscenium Retail Row in Rockwell. Along with great wine, complete the experience with exquisite cuisine to complete the experience. In an exciting and creative collaboration, Project Vino Reserve and Urban Farmers takes your wine pairing experience up a notch with the Farm to Table experience...

The timely collaboration isn't just a mere trend, but a sign of the times where food provenance becomes a key consideration in our food choices. Fresh, sustainable organic produce is at the very heart of the advocacy of Urban Farmers, and this is masterfully rendered in a variety of exquisite dishes at Project Vino Reserve with the Farm to Table experience. 

City Cafe Coffee With A View? 7-Eleven Albay Branch With Mount Mayon As Its Backdrop Becomes A Must-Visit Spot

I remember seeing the once viral images of a 7-Eleven store against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Fuji in Japan and thought to myself, could there be a more stunning image of the world's favorite neighborhood convenience store? Happily there is. Our very own Mount Mayon in Bicol becomes the eye-catching setting for your paboritong kapitbahay's newest location...

Photo provided by 7-Eleven

7-Eleven has always been your reliable and dependable go-to spot for satisfying quick bites, refreshingly drinks and everyday essentials, it's a part of every Filipino's daily routine. With one conveniently located near you, you can be sure 7-Eleven is right there for you 24/7 anytime, everyday. But your paboritong kapitbahay takes its mission of bringing an elevated consumer experience quite seriously, literally taking it a notch higher with its new location in Albay. Located with breathtaking views of the famed Mount Mayon behind its familiar tri-colors of orange, green and red, enjoy a soothing cup of City Cafe coffee with a view...

Oysters, Wine, Sake, Sausages, Sharing Of Knowledge And Building Relevant Connections At The CCA Show Kitchen

It was a gathering of friends in the industry that became an extended classroom for culinary students and a base for establishing and reconnecting partnerships and alliances anchored on shared goals. Welcome to the CCA Business Networking Evening at the CCA Show Kitchen...

CCA Culinary Director Philip John Golding and the Business Development team recently hosted the CCA Business Networking Evening at the CCA Show Kitchen in what could be a scalable template for future collaborative events. The impressive show kitchen is an elegant state-of-the-art space featuring an intimate dining area with its own open kitchen ideal for demos and rows of actual cooking/work stations for a unique private dining experience, pop-ups, collaborations, product launches, brand activations and events. That evening, the space lit up with an engaging exchange of knowledge and ideas among restaurateurs, suppliers, entrepreneurs and industry partners as the CCA Show Kitchen kicked off the first in a series of networking events showcasing its full potential and infinite possibilities...

Keeping It Real, Twenty-Five Years And Counting At Tender Bob's

Food trends come and go and as the local restaurant scene continues to evolve, the more we get to appreciate the comforting flavors that have endured wave upon wave of the "next big thing". Change is good and even vital in the continued growth of the local dining landscape. But sometimes, all you want is the comforting familiarity of the dishes you've always loved like steaks, ribs and burgers with honest, pure and real flavors.  At Tender Bob's...

Now celebrating its milestone 25th year of serving its own brand of comforting cuisine anchored on American style steaks, ribs and burgers, Tender Bob's remains a familiar and even nostalgic name when it comes to sumptuous dishes that's uncomplicated and downright honest. And you can always expect that bite to take you back to the very first time you visited Tender Bob's. That's what endears Tender Bob's to many of its loyal customers, twenty-five flavorful years and counting. Let's do steaks, ribs and burgers at Tender Bob's...

7-Eleven Brews A Fun SIPrise With The New City Cafe Blind Cups

If there's one rock-solid truth in these changing times, you can always be sure of having a soothing cup of coffee with City Blends at 7-Eleven. Anywhere. Always. And without the fuss and none of the drama. But did you know your favorite neighborhood convenience store is also brewing up some playful fun with your coffee? Ever reliable and exciting just as you'd expect from your paboritong kapitbahay, leave it to 7-Eleven to always be there with that refreshing brew and even some fun in a cup to lighten the load of a busy and oftentimes stressful day...

7-Eleven brews up an exciting SIPrise with the cool new limited edition City Cafe Blind Cups where you get to enjoy a great cup of coffee plus a chance to find a hidden charm. Mystery and a playful element of fun transforms your coffee experience in what could be a highlight in a long day. Game? Then read on...

7-Eleven Owns The Brainfreeze Moment With The Bold New Flavor, Treat And Look Of The Iconic Slurpee

Everyone's all-time faves at your paboritong kapitbahay are always refreshed and creatively updated with novel and exciting new twists, it's really no wonder why loyal customers keep coming back to 7-Eleven for both the comfortingly familiar and fun new variations. Like the reinvented Slurpee®...

Photo provided by 7-Eleven

That's right, your reliable go-to neighborhood convenience store shakes things up with some innovative new offerings for your next brainfreeze moment. 7-Eleven brings the chill with the surprising new flavor and reinvented look of its enduring Slurpee® with its unique brand of refreshment inspired by a nostalgic local staple. Curious? Then, read on...

Crunch It With 7-Eleven Crunch Time's Hype Man, Crunchito

Who doesn't love fried food, like fried chicken, fried chicken fillet or fried siomai? That's right, fried food is more than just a craving. It's comfort food that warms your palate and makes any day, specially those bad ones that creep up on you so much more bearable. It's about celebrating even the small wins, like a hearty and satisfying meal of Crunch Time Fried Chicken. Or the Crunch Time Crunchy Pan Pepperoni and Creamy Spinach Pizza. And your favorite neighborhood convenience store hears you loud and clear serving their signature Crunch Time for every kapitbahay's daily craving. 

Photo provided by 7-Eleven

From fried chicken, chicken fillet, siomai, Crunchy Pan and more, 7-Eleven knows your cravings and never stopped at simply providing the ultimate fried food fix for less. The Crunch Time FRYmily is getting a solid boost in the form of its newest brand character, Crunchito just to remind you that 7-Eleven is serious about its winning fried food game. With his signature fried chicken suit, Crunchito is every 7-Eleven customer's go-to hype man. Think of Crunchito as your daily Crunchy Motivator to ensure even the most ordinary moments are certified FRYnalo. And that's a win. Like the 7-Eleven Crunch Time Crunchy Pan Pepperoni Pizza...

All Aboard The Aussie Lamb Caravan By Meat And Livestock Australia For A Savory And Flavorful Ride At Participating Restaurants

From biryani, lamb chops, kofta and roasts to burgers, stews and tacos, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) brings the fresh, clean and bold savory flavors of world-class Aussie Lamb to some of the metro's top restaurants. Hop aboard the Aussie Lamb Caravan for a flavorful ride...

Renowned all over the world for its flavor, Aussie Lamb boasts of the "all-natural advantage" with its free range, pasture-raised, grass-fed qualities with absolutely no artificial additives and growth hormones making it the top choice among restaurants and home kitchens in over 100 countries. Building on the success of its novel Lambassador program led by acclaimed Chef Robby Goco (see more on my post, Lambtastic: Meat And Livestock Australia Appoints Chef Robby Goco As The First "Lambassador" For The Philippines from early last year), the campaign is expanded by partnering with even more of the country's top restaurants. It's a clear sign that Aussie Lamb ranks high in the growing list of protein options now widely embraced by more Filipino chefs and diners who are discovering its premium quality, unique and distinct rich flavor and remarkable versatility. Ready to hop aboard the Aussie Lamb Caravan? Then, read on...

7-Eleven Plus Three: Your Favorite Neighborhood Convenience Store Opens Three New Dine-In Stores In Bacolod And La Union

With over four thousand locations nationwide and counting, your favorite neighborhood convenience store continues to expand its reach bringing both comfort and convenience to thousands of Filipinos everyday. And it continues to grow to serve even more kapitbahays as 7-Eleven opens three new dine-in stores in Bacolod down south and La Union up north...

Driven by its goal and mission of serving even more kapitbahays, the growing network of the convenience pioneer and giant adds three new locations in line with their push to elevate the customer experience. 7-Eleven recently opened three brand new dine-in stores in Bacolod and La Union serving up their signature bites and beverages. Read on for a peek at the the 7-Eleven branches up north and down south...

Located in the famous surf town of Sebay Surf Central along the National Highway in Brgy. San Juan, the new 7-Eleven !+? Cafe Reserve is your new go-to destination for a refreshing cup of coffee after an exhilarating day on the surf. Designed and outfitted with surfing inspired décor including surfboards, the newest addition to 7-Eleven's ever-expanding network fits right in at the famed surfing destination of the north. And they have the goods too for that after surf break. Think premium coffee brewed from 100% Ethiopian beans in Americano, French Vanilla, Spanish Latte and Mochaccino. And there's more. Iced Matcha, Iced Coconut Latte and Iced Orange Coffee offer refreshing and tempting options at the surfer's paradise of La Union. 

Rustic rattan chairs and wooden tables complements the coastal province's seaside aesthetic and cool surfing vibe. Pair your signature coffee with tasty bites from the crew-served store like fresh-baked treats including Butter Croissant, Chocolate Drizzled Croissant and savory Sausage Rolls. Or go for your usual picks likes the Big Bite Hotdogs, 7-Fresh Siopao and Slurpee. 

While beach lovers, sun chasers and surfers enjoy 7-Eleven's new !+? Cafe Reserve at Sebay Surf Central, Bacolodnons aren't left out as 7-Eleven opens its new !+? Cafe Reserve at One Regis Condominium, Megaworld Upper East for that much needed coffee fix without busting your wallet and the exciting and innovative Crunch Time Concept Store in Lopez Jaena corner Rizal Street. Fried chicken fans, time to celebrate at your new fave hotspot...

Fans of 7-Eleven's popular Crunch Time brand can enjoy their signature Fried Chicken, Chicken Fillet, Nuggets, Chicken Siomai, Fries and Fried Bread at Bacolod's new Crunch Time Concept Store. 

The new locations aren't just mere additions to a growing network of branches but a reflection of continuous innovation cementing 7-Eleven's position as your paboritong kapitbahay. It's also a clear sign that their own specialty brands like Crunch Time and !+? Cafe Reserve along with Big Bite, 7-Fresh and Slurpee can stand on its own setting 7-Eleven apart from the rest. 

And that MassKara themed wall design? Very cool. The Bacolod stores were formally launched last July 11 coinciding with 7-Eleven's milestone birthday as it continues to widen and extend its reach and presence in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. And this may be just the beginning as your paboritong kapitbahay is yet another three stores closer to making convenience possible in every corner of the country. 

Triple the convenience, 7-Eleven sums up its winning formula with three new locations offering its signature products highlighting both value and variety. And there's more yet to come from everyone's favorite neighborhood convenience store...

For more updates on 7-Eleven, visit their FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.facebook.com/711philippines and https://www.instagram.com/711ph/.

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Lasa x Lahi: A Stellar Culinary Cast Shines At The Marriott Grand Ballroom For The International Manila Food Festival

Pride in the local culinary heritage and national identity were celebrated in four days of vibrant flavors and creativity redefining Filipino cuisine. And a fitting ending was in order. Last Sunday, August 10, the country's best and brightest culinary stars both here and abroad converged to cap the first International Manila Food Festival on a high note with an impressive Grand Tasting at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport World Resorts. And what a finale...

Fresh perspectives drawn from countless memorable and nostalgic stories highlighted a renewed commitment in further elevating Filipino cuisine at the recent International Manila Food Festival at Newport World Resorts. It's these stories and traditions that binds and links us in a tight weave despite the complex tapestry of culinary diversity and regional variations. The four days of the festival proved that the time for Filipino cuisine is now, in all its creative renditions as showcased by 12 renowned chefs at the Grand Tasting in the Marriott Grand Ballroom. 

The Meat Of The Matter: Insightful Talks And An Elegant Rising Sons Dinner At The International Manila Food Festival in Newport World Resorts

Some food for thought to initiate engaging dialogue and a luxurious dinner by emerging chefs with Filipino roots from Orlando and Toronto marks the itinerary for the day. It's a full day at the International Manila Food Festival with a series of panel discussions and a sumptuous feast taking you to the meat of the matter at the first ever major international culinary event in the metro since Madrid Fusion Manila...

After a memorable inaugural dinner to formally open the International Manila Food Festival last August 7 at Casa Buenas in Newport World Resorts (more on my post here at Food For Thought: Rediscovering Filipino Cuisine With A Fresh Perspective At The First International Manila Food Festival in Casa Buenas), the festival gets down to business with some real talk on the current state of Filipino cuisine from industry stalwarts and a lavish dinner featuring contemporary expressions of traditional Filipino flavors by Chefs Lordfer Lalicon of Kaya Orlando and Danny Cancino of Mineral Toronto at Yawaragi in Hotel Okura. Both chefs, rising stars from the US and Canada, offer yet another fresh and creative perspective on modern Filipino cuisine for even more colorful layers in the evolving story of our culinary heritage. 

Food For Thought: Rediscovering Filipino Cuisine With A Fresh Perspective At The First International Manila Food Festival In Casa Buenas

In the biggest culinary event since Madrid Fusion Manila, Filipino cuisine once again takes the spotlight in a lavish spectacle spread out in four days at Newport World Resorts. The first ever International Manila Food Festival headlined by the country's best chefs both here and abroad shared a variety of flavorful expressions inspired by nostalgic memories and creativity in celebration of the local culinary heritage. 

Any local cuisine, they say is an eclectic collection of stories and memories passed down from countless generations retold in a dish. It's our identity and DNA, exquisitely plated representing who we are in multiple layers of comforting notes. At the launch and opening dinner of the International Manila Food Festival last August 7 in Casa Buenas of Newport World Resorts, guests were served a sumptuous preview of Filipino cuisine reimagined by the country's very best chefs joined by a new generation of rising stars from abroad with their own fresh, novel and creative perspective on traditional flavors. With a free reign on interpretations unbound by unwritten rules yet rooted in tradition, the formal media dinner opened up exciting possibilities on the state of Filipino cuisine on the global table. That memorable evening, new stories on local cuisine were shared and elegantly served...

7-Eleven x Mister Donut Collab: Ever Imagined Your Favorite Slurpee® In A Doughnut?

Your favorite kapitbahay does it again. An innovative reimagining of a classic transformed in the newest and perhaps most creative snack time treat yet awaits at your trusted and always dependable neighborhood convenience store...

It's the often unexpected yet delightful surprises that keep you coming back again and again to your friendly neighborhood hotspot just to check on what's new or simply satisfy your cravings. This time, 7-Eleven pulls out one more tasty surprise from its bag of tricks with a bold and sweet take on Slurpee® for some indulgent bites with the Slurpee® Donuts in collaboration with Mister Donut. Available in Cotton Candy and Iskrambol, the new Slurpee® Donuts are an exciting addition to the tempting array of treats at 7-Eleven. Ready for a bite? Then, read on...

A Private Omakase Feast By Chef Daniel Ken Miyamoto At Kappo In The Exclusive PVT Members Lounge

Shhhh...can you keep a secret? Spilling the tea on one of the metro's best kept dining destinations, revealed one exquisite course and plate at a time high up the vibrant Ortigas cityscape...

Exclusive. Members only. Private. Located forty floors above Ortigas at the elegant Exquadra Tower, Kappo at PVT Members Lounge offers an intimate and elevated dining experience unlike any other. Think of it as your own personal sanctuary far away and high above the hectic urban pace. And that view changes with the shifting light accompanying each dish to complete the experience. Membership does have its perks...

Love Lamb? Meat & Livestock Australia Lambassador Chef Robby Goco Serves Five Savory and Inventive Renditions at Souv by Cyma

I love lamb. Though it remains low on the protein hierarchy following pork, beef and chicken in local consumption, there are certain establishments that are leading the way in serving up excellent lamb renditions. One of the most common meats in global cuisines, lamb offers unique and hearty flavors yet it is rarely part of the home table's repertoire of savory dishes. And that's where Chef Robby Goco comes in. Meat & Livestock Australia Lambassador Chef Robby Goco fires up the kitchen at Souv by Cyma presenting countless flavorful possibilities with premium lamb for a satisfying alternative.

Renowned culinary personality and acknowledged master of everything lamb Chef Robby Goco presents his exquisite renditions inspired by a variety of cuisines including Spanish, Mexican and even local flavors for a fresh take on savory lamb dishes. Recognized as the country's first "Lambassador" for Meat & Livestock Australia, Chef Robby Goco flexes his culinary prowess with five inventive lamb creations deviating from his signature Greek style to showcase the versatility of the premium protein at Souv by Cyma (for more on Meat & Livestock Australia and Lambassador Chef Robby Goco, see my previous posts Lambtastic: Meat and Livestock Australia Appoints Chef Robby Goco As The First "Lambassador" For The Philippines from April last year and Lambtastic Quartet of Savory Richness At Souv by Cyma from late last year).

A Fresh Chapter Unfolds At The New Location Of Sugi Japanese Restaurant in Garden Towers Makati

Few restaurants in the metro's local and constantly evolving culinary scene have endured the test of time, and fewer still have reached the four decade milestone serving their signature cuisine. One of them is a very familiar name. For over forty years and counting, Sugi Japanese Restaurant has always been on the top of any list for exquisite and authentic Japanese cuisine, and a new chapter unfolds bringing the freshest flavors of the season...

Timeless, nostalgic, classic. Since the eighties, Sugi Japanese Restaurant led the upward trend in Japanese restaurants anchored on both quality and authenticity deeply embedding itself in Manila's culinary mainstream. Everyone I know has a story from the revered Japanese dining establishment from many years back including my own fond memories. But like the changing of seasons, a fresh and exciting chapter in its continuing story begins at its new location in Makati's Garden Towers. Read on for a reunion of familiar flavors and discover new dishes at Sugi Japanese Restaurant...

Tagaytay Food Festival 2025 Day 3: Bring On The Beef At Sinta

My culminating dinner at the Tagaytay Food Festival 2025 caps a memorable and successful second edition of the annual event with an exquisite savory feast at one of the southern dining destination's picturesque  locations. It was a fitting ending to solid and immersive three-day experience of vibrant flavors, celebrated and anchored on community and local pride. Welcome to Sinta...

The dramatic setting effortlessly weaves the place, cuisine and service in one elegantly effortless and seamless weave with panoramic views of the lake below. Delicately perched on a hillside slope for unobstructed views, Sinta by the PYC Foods Corporation (the same group behind high-end dining establishments in Manila including One World Deli, One World Butchers, The Tattooed Baker and Pardon My French) is one more chef-driven restaurant that's elevating the dining scene in Tagaytay. A purveyor of world-class gourmet products including premium beef in their restaurants and retail stores, it's no surprise Sinta curated an all-beef menu for the Tagaytay Food Festival 2025. Read on for a peek at the savory dishes from Sinta...

Tagaytay Food Festival 2025 Day 3: From Cebu To Tagaytay, Anzani Ville Sommet's Mediterranean Flavors Shines At The Premier Southern Dining Destination

Acclaimed and award-winning Chef Marco Anzani leads the latest wave of chef-driven restaurants in the southern dining destination with the opening of Anzani Ville Sommet in Tagaytay. The entry of yet another stellar culinary institution to the growing roster of Tagaytay's dining attractions reaffirms its undisputed and much envied position as the culinary haven south of Manila. 

From Cebu to Tagaytay, Chef Marco Anzani brings his modern and contemporary spin with his bright and vibrant New Mediterranean Cuisine to Tagaytay's colorful tapestry of diverse flavors at Anzani Ville Sommet. This is Day 3 at the Tagaytay Food Festival 2025, by far the most immersive experience yet while unraveling the region's many complex layers of exquisite flavors. Read on for a taste of the sunny Mediterranean high up in foggy Tagaytay at Anzani Ville Sommet...