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...