Learn. Shop. And Indulge. At The Kakanin Kain! A Rice Cake Festival From North To South By Chef Reggie Aspiras of The Philippine Heritage Kitchen And CCA Manila

Food has always been a continuing story of local culture enriched with memories that have become part of tradition. Any deep dive into the complex multi-layered and colorful weave of Philippine culinary heritage has to include the enduring and popular kakanin or native rice cakes with its deep connection to both history and geography. And there are as many unique variations of the ubiquitous rice cake as there are islands and regions in the archipelago. From suman to puto, biko, kalamay and tamales to kutsinta, sapin-sapin to bibingka, rediscover the comforting flavors that continue to shape and define our identity on the global table. It's time to learn, shop and indulge at Kakanin Kain! A Rice Cake Festival From North To South...

The Philippine Heritage Kitchen led by Chef Reggie Aspiras and CCA Manila presents yet another page from the rich and diverse book of our evolving culinary heritage focusing on the rice cake culture with Kakanin Kain! A Rice Cake Festival From North To South at The Glasshouse of New World Makati Hotel. The continuing series reflects a shared advocacy by Chef Reggie Aspiras and CCA Manila in preserving local culinary heritage, as many traditions and even ingredients are slowly fading due to modernization. For one memorable day, time stops in celebration of the local rice cake from high up north to down south with sweet renditions of the Filipino staple made with generations old practices and traditions into indulgent expressions of our identity. Read on, and celebrate the rich and abundant harvest of the land transformed in an impressive variety of kakanin...

Firing Up The Famed Japanese A5 Ohmi Wagyu Beef At The Yakiniku Dining Room of Tsukiji

The finest ingredients flown in from Japan and nothing less, that's what diners have come to expect from Tsukiji. For over 37 years, Tsukiji remains at the top of its game when it comes to exquisite Japanese cuisine in the metro recognized as the first local restaurant to directly buy, import and serve fresh seafood sourced directly from Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Market three times a week. And now you can enjoy the famed A5 Ohmi Wagyu Beef from Japan's Shiga Prefecture. Ready to fire up the tabletop grill?

The key to Tsukiji's success is an open secret. The uncompromising commitment to quality and authenticity with the finest ingredients flown in from Japan has long been the core philosophy defining Tsukiji since 1989. Named after Tokyo's world famous market, quality and freshness remains at the heart of the family-run restaurant's identity with thrice-weekly deliveries flown in straight from Japan for its extensive menu offerings. With two dining areas, a Sushi Bar and Yakiniku Dining Room plus private rooms for intimate gatherings and an al fresco option, the enduring Japanese dining destination takes you on a culinary journey with its masterful array of culinary expressions by Chef Takashi Harima. And Tsukiji is ready to tease your palate once more with its impressive A5 Ohmi Wagyu Beef menu for Sukiyaki, Shabu-Shabu or Yakiniku at the tabletop grill. Fire up the tabletop grill as Japan's oldest and revered Wagyu brand takes the stage at one of the metro's pioneering and enduring Japanese restaurants. 

Let's Talk Tacos. At Antro Kitchen & Tap...

Cravings never run on a fixed schedule. It never does. It just hits you when you least expect it. And if its tacos that's high up on your list, there's a quick fix and a satisfying solution. Why wait another day when you can head on down to Antro Kitchen & Tap at Greenhills Mall?

Antro Kitchen & Tap brings its solid taco game to Greenhills Mall with its savory beef, pork, chicken and seafood renditions on the classic Mexican staple. A part of The Morning After restaurant group known for its comforting cuisine, Antro Kitchen & Tap brings the vibrant and festive Mexican and Latin American flavors expressed in the distinctive and comforting style of the restaurant group's flagship brand anchored on real, honest, casual and sumptuous culinary offerings (for more on the The Morning After, see my earlier post Satisfy Your Cravings With Comforting Cuisine And Breakfast All-Day At The Morning After from last month). Now it's time to satisfy your taco cravings. Let's talk tacos at Antro Kitchen & Tap...

Nostalgic Flavors And Cool Deals with the P 385 All Yours All Day Menu Options At Italiannis

The comforting notes from the fresh and vibrant tartness of tomatoes, soft yet firm spaghetti noodles and the savory juicy meatballs with bold beefy notes never fails to warm the palate with its rustic and honest yet hearty simplicity. The uniquely Italian-American one-dish meal of spaghetti and meatballs always hits the spot. And there's one place that continues to serve it the same way since 1996...

Italiannis and its repertoire of all-time Italian-American classics remains one of the premier brands from The Bistro Group. In a constantly changing local dining scene, Italiannis has endured increasingly fickle palates and a new generation shaped by passing trends and social media with its signature dishes that continue to be popular through the years. Like the Spaghetti and Meatballs. And the fourth edition of the P 385 All Yours All Day menu featuring sumptuous meals with unbeatable value. It's time to revisit Italiannis...

European Organic Day 2026: Moving Forward With Organic Agriculture Through Meaningful Partnerships

From farming and civil society organizations, sustainability and environmental advocates and small and medium scale food businesses to the government, academe and private sectors, development partners and food chain experts, a diverse and multi-sectoral coalition united with a shared cause advancing organic farming as a viable and timely alternative in a modern real world setting takes the stage. It's a cause that's been around for decades, yet its impact and value has never been as relevant as it is today. From its pioneering beginnings, the movement has grown and now embedded in the cultural mainstream through awareness and education. That day, partnerships and alliances were strengthened with a renewed spirit to further drive meaningful change...

No longer a mere trend, sustainable and organic farming is a conscious and deliberate lifestyle choice that benefits not only the environment but goes much deeper into our daily personal routine being an integral part of a healthier and nourishing mindset. Through the European Union-supported European Organic: Nurturing Every Juan campaign, a gathering of key players and advocates led by Naturland brings the spotlight to organic farming at Conrad Manila for European Organic Day 2026 with the theme From Pioneer to Mainstream: Creating Organic Pathways and Partnerships for the Philippines. Take your seat and be part of a growing movement that's more relevant and meaningful than ever in these changing times...

A SPAM-Tacular Collab: Time To Sizzle, Pork And MMM At The SPAM Take-Over In Public Eatery of Robinsons Magnolia

"Spiced Ham" or "shoulder of pork and ham" and "special army meat," the story behind the iconic brand has many theories debated and argued for over 89 years. But one fact remains clear, everyone knows and recognizes its name long associated with hearty meals. It's time to sizzle, pork and mmm...

...as the beloved SPAM brand takes over Public Eatery in Robinsons Magnolia. Starting August 1, 2026, the renowned brand takes centerstage at the upscale and curated food hall north of the metro with a tempting array of savory renditions from eight participating food stalls with seventeen SPAM inspired dishes for a limited time run. From noodles to tacos and more, enjoy SPAM in fresh and innovative ways in a novel and unique collaboration at Public Eatery. 

The Arita Wagyu Experience With Arita Wagyu: An Okura Collaboration At Yawaragi in Hotel Okura Manila

From the pristine Miyazaki Prefecture on the southeastern coast of Kyushu, the famed Arita Wagyu formally announces its arrival to the elegant local fine dining scene with a luxurious feast at Yawaragi in Hotel Okura Manila. Masterfully executed, here's a rare peek at one of the world's finest beef lavishly executed by renowned Grand Chef of Japanese Fine Dining of Okura Hotels & Resorts, Chef Tadashi Sawauchi...

In celebration of the 70th Philippine-Japan Friendship Month, Hotel Okura Manila in collaboration with Arita Farm and Okura Hotels & Resorts hosted a series of memorable dinners showcasing world class Japanese produce and ingredients including the coveted Arita Wagyu by Okura Hotels & Resorts Grand Chef of Japanese Fine Dining Tadashi Sawauchi at Yawaragi in Hotel Okura Manila. The sumptuous 7-Course feast paired with exquisite sake highlighted the legendary savory richness of the acclaimed Japanese Arita Wagyu in a variety of creative and imaginative renditions for a proper celebration of the 70th Philippine-Japan Friendship Month. 

Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory Brings Italian Flair With Its New And Indulgent Tiramisu Cheese Puff

Rich, creamy, lusciously decadent and irresistibly satisfying, Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory tips the scale of indulgence once more with its latest seasonal offering inspired by classic Italian notes. Meet the new limited edition seasonal expression of pure pleasure, the Tiramisu Cheese Puff...

It's been said countless times before that the Italian dessert creation is a "love letter in layers." Drawing inspiration from the beloved Italian classic, the delicate choux pastry filled with silky smooth cream made from premium Hokkaido milk, Mascarpone and coffee combine for yet another elegant rendition of pure and unrestrained indulgence by Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory. Available only for a limited time, the new Tiramisu Cheese Puff is poised to become your next love letter expressed in the signature style of Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory. Ready for a bite? Then, read on...  

Satisfy Your Cravings With Comforting Cuisine And Breakfast All-Day At The Morning After

The morning after always calls for a satisfying and hearty meal. That craving comes with a complex rundown on how to properly address the situation, starting with where and what to eat. And it gets more complicated when you decide as a group. But the equation is surprisingly simple, and it's as easy as heading down to The Morning After in Greenhills Mall... 

We've all experienced the same dilemma countless times. You and your friends are out for an early start for breakfast, a quick lunch or a well-deserved dinner after a long day at work and rarely is there a clear and common pick on the choice of restaurant or even the cuisine. That changes with a simplified solution guaranteed to satisfy any craving all in one spot. From Filipino and international breakfast and brunch all-day staples like Breakfast Bagnet, House-Cured Tocino, Crispy Chicken & Waffle, Steak & Eggs and the Full English Breakfast to sumptuous and comfortingly familiar classics for lunch and dinner including pasta, pizza, sandwiches, Lechon Kawali, Binagoongan Porchetta, Barbeque Ribs and other grilled specialties, The Morning After by the The Morning After Group simplifies the breakfast, lunch and dinner situations with its extensive menu. Step inside The Morning After in Greenhills for a tasty peek...

A Foraged Feast: Philippine Heritage Kitchen And CCA Manila Presents A Forest Table Of Sagada At The Glasshouse Of New World Makati Hotel

"Mushroom foraging is an art of active perception that deserves to be studied with patience, taught with rigor, and passed onto future generations with contagious enthusiasm." 

The forests of Sagada high up north is a virtual pantry of natural nourishment that's been part of the tradition and cultural identity of indigenous communities for centuries. From mushrooms to fruits, vegetables and herbs, the bountiful harvests of Sagada not only sustains life, it's a page from countless stories passed down for generations. Roope Oskari Kaaronen, a post doctoral researcher at Finland's prestigious University of Helsinki acknowledges the importance of preserving tradition and keeping the fragile link with the past intact. At A Forest Table of Sagada, these traditions are proudly showcased by a new generation of culinary trailblazers in a memorable afternoon at The Glasshouse...

There's no better way to fully understand and appreciate one's culture than experiencing its many flavors on the table. The flavors of Sagada offers an insightful peek at tradition and a real connection and respect for the land. The Philippine Heritage Kitchen led by acclaimed Chef Reggie Aspiras and CCA Manila brings to light another regional flavorful weave from the colorful tapestry of Filipino cuisine with A Forest Table At Sagada at The Glasshouse of New World Makati Hotel. Read on for a tasty and insightful peek at Sagada's foraged flavors...

Sakagura x Mida Food Specialists x Philippine Wine Merchants Presents A Taste Of Japan: Takumi Grand Omakase Seafood And Sake Pairing

Golden Eye Snapper, Japanese Barracuda, White Trevally, and Japanese Flounder. Its isn't often one can enjoy the freshest, even uncommon seafood flown in straight from Japan. And when you get to pair it with some of Japan's finest sake, the dining experience becomes an elevated and memorable taste of Japan's rich culinary traditions. Fresh and premium Japanese seafood from Mida Food Specialists, exquisite sake by Philippine Wine Merchants and masterful execution by the chefs of Sakagura, indulge in A Taste of Japan: Takumi Grand Omakase Sake and Seafood Pairing...

Indulgent bites and soothing sips. Sakagura becomes the stage once more for an epic feast highlighting Japan's freshest premium and even rare and seasonal seafood paired with exceptional sake with A Taste of Japan: Takumi Grand Omakase Seafood And Sake Pairing. Available for a limited time, Sakagura in collaboration with Mida Food Specialists and Philippine Wine Merchants offers local diners a taste of the prized seasonal catch of Golden Eye Snapper, Japanese Barracuda, Striped Jack or White Trevally and Marbled Sole or Flounder imported by Mida Food Specialists paired with the finest sake from Philippine Wine Merchants. A rare ocean catch, this is one pairing that should be on your list. 

Redefining Familiar Flavors With A Fresh New Spin: San Juan's Eraya Unveils New Menu Additions Driven By Modern And Comforting Asian Inspired Cuisine

Chefs Henry Manglo and Migel Florida takes a crack at familiar and comforting flavors with a fresh perspective from continuous R&D, a creative process that's part of its daily operations at Eraya. The result? New dishes highlighting comforting cuisine with familiar ingredients adding to its unique medley of creative dishes infused with pleasantly unexpected twists. Judging from my first visit a few months back, dining at Eraya always presents new ways to enjoy familiar flavors executed with a creative flair making each succeeding visit feel like the first time. The new menu additions strengthens the vibe. 

How can one forget the savory KFC Poppers, Aligue Pasta and Pork Chashu at Eraya from that memorable first encounter? Soon, that nagging craving finds you back on the road for a much-awaited return visit to San Juan's progressive dining destination for modern Asian cuisine (for more on Eraya and their creative culinary renditions, see my earlier post Fresh, Bold And Progressive Modern Cuisine At Eraya In San Juan from May this year). And Chefs Henry Manglo and Migel Florida have more surprises from the kitchen reimagining familiar and comforting flavors on the menu at Eraya.  Read on for a tasty peek...

CCA Manila and Sine Haraya Team Up For The Photography 101 And Content Planning Workshop Series

You've heard it before, the social media landscape just leveled the playing field. For businesses and organizations, particularly small food businesses, social media provides an engaging space to reach more potential customers than ever without the prohibitive cost of traditional media. It's a game changer, with so much more possibilities to unlock and discover. It's time to embrace the inevitable wave of change. But you need to do it right...

CCA Manila and Sine Haraya collaborate for a timely perspective in a fast changing and evolving food scene with a series of instructional workshops to effectively navigate the world of social media. For both large and small food businesses, the Photography 101 and Content Planning Workshop series by CCA Manila and Sine Haraya lets you break into the cluttered social media space with a well-defined yet purposeful approach guided by the basics while achieving relevant differentiation. Ready to dive in deep into the emerging and now pervasive world of content creation? Then, read on...

Chotto Matte Picks At The Split: Super California Roll And Truffled US Steak Don

A nagging craving for rice and sumptuous Japanese food has you thinking of lunch, and it's not even past 10am. Hang in there, and your lunch situation has a quick fix. At The Split...

The cool concept featuring four restaurant brands and cuisines in one spot should simplify any lunch situation. And if it's the Truffled US Steak Don and some Super California Rolls of Chotto Matte that's been on your mind since mid-morning, The Split at BGC should fix your cravings in no time. It's 12:00 noon, and you're off to The Split...

The Crossroads Of Southeast Asian Flavors Leads You To Makan Makan Singapore Hawker at Century City Mall

I first met H.K. Tan thirteen years ago at one of his earlier restaurant ventures showcasing the comforting cuisine of his Singaporean roots. After a long and successful run, he's back in the restaurant game. Step inside Makan Makan Singapore Hawker at Century City Mall..

Drawing on childhood memories, H.K. Tan recreates the flavors of his youth with his newest restaurant Makan Makan Singapore Hawker at Century City Mall with classic dishes like Hainanese Chicken Rice paired with soothing Teh Tarik for a familiar and nostalgic dining experience. Long known as a culinary hub for global cuisine, Singapore has been the stage for the best Southeast Asian cuisine from Malaysian, Indonesian, Vietnamese and Chinese staples. At Makan Makan Singapore Hawker, you'll find specialties like Laksa, Beef Rendang, Bahn Mi and even Old Town Coffee as H.K. Tan returns to the local restaurant scene...

Once Upon A Time In Malabon: The Philippine Heritage Kitchen And CCA Manila Unveil The Flavors Of Malabon At The Glass House Of New World Makati Hotel

In a continuing series showcasing local regional flavors, the Philippine Heritage Kitchen led by Chef Reggie Aspiras and CCA Manila takes you north of the metro to experience the flavors of Malabon. Known for its famous Pancit Malabon, lechon, crispy pata, okoy, tinapa and wide variety of native kakanin or glutinous rice cakes, the Philippine Heritage Kitchen and CCA Manila reveal yet another layer in the colorful tapestry of Filipino cuisine with Once Upon A Time in Malabon...

The Glass House at New World Makati Hotel becomes the elegant setting for yet another culinary spectacle of traditional local flavors as the Philippine Heritage Kitchen and CCA Manila presents Once Upon A Time in Malabon. Following the success of previous editions in its continuing series, Once Upon A Time in Malabon brings to life the enduring stories and flavors of the city with a lavish buffet feast at The Glass House (see more from the previous editions by the Philippine Heritage Kitchen and CCA Manila on my previous posts The Filipino Story On A Plate: Acclaimed Chef Reggie Aspiras And CCA Manila Brings Traditional Local Flavors To BGC At The Launch Of The Philippine Heritage Kitchen from April this year featuring the flavors of Ilocos and From Salad To Sizzling, Retracing The Origins Of Pampanga's Sisig And Its Place In The Filipino Culinary Experience At The Sisig Festival By The Philippine Heritage Kitchen And CCA Manila from early this month highlighting Pampanga's iconic pork dish). Take your seat and prepare to embark on another culinary journey led by Chef Reggie Aspiras of Philippine Heritage Kitchen and CCA Manila up north of the metro at New World Makati Hotel... 

Flavor And Design Innovation In One Cool Package: El Born La Pastisseria Presents The Cremós Collection

In one of the rare instances when a food trend goes beyond the initial curiosity phase and becomes deeply embedded in the culinary mainstream, the Burnt Basque Cheesecake phenomenon remains one of the brightest examples emerging from the quarantine experience. And El Born La Pastisseria keeps the local Burnt Basque Cheesecake wars raging with its latest indulgent innovation... 

Chef David Amoros and El Born La Pastisseria turns up the heat in the local cheesecake wars with its newest collection combining flavor, design and packaging innovation in one seamlessly decadent experience with the Cremós Collection. Available in Original (P 950), Catalan Cream (P 995) and Coffee & Cacao (P 995), the lavish new creations promise a whole new way of enjoying cheesecake in that elegant El Born La Pastisseria style. Read on for a tasty peek... 

The Flavors Of Home, Remembered: Chef Myke "Tatung" Sarthou Takes You Home At Tatung's Gateway 2 Mall In Araneta City

They say food is memory, transporting you back to a different time and place. For many, food becomes a taste of home for a memorable reunion of comfortingly familiar flavors. At Tatung's in Gateway 2 Mall, Chef Myke "Tatung" Sarthou invites you to a flavorful homecoming with the flavors you've always loved...

Home, remembered. In his most personal restaurant concept yet, Chef Myke "Tatung" Sarthou recreates the nostalgic flavors of home at Tatung's in Gateway 2 Mall. Food trends come and go in the constantly changing and evolving local dining scene, yet there are flavors that continue to warm the palate with its pure honesty and sincerity. Take your seat and rediscover the flavors home at Tatung's...

Cool Deal Pick: Free Coffee With Every Sandwich At Deli by Chele Robinsons Magnolia

Known for their New York deli style sandwiches, Deli by Chele has always been high up on top of any fave go-to sandwich list. Chef-driven using only the finest ingredients built around their artisanal sourdough bread baked fresh in-house, Deli by Chele takes their winning sandwich game up a notch with one cool deal you can't pass up...

Exclusive to the Robinsons Magnolia store, Deli by Chele introduces an offer to complete your deli sandwich experience. How does free coffee with every whole sandwich sound? That's right, now you can enjoy a freshly brewed Americano with your favorite New York deli style sandwich. It's time to visit Deli by Chele in Robinsons Magnolia for another encounter with your favorite sandwich. And your Free Americano...

Inspired by Italy, Crafted by Chele: Meet The Cheesecake Mafia, The Parmesan Cheesecake And Nutella Tarta de Queso From Burnt Basque Cheesecake By Chele

The local cheesecake wars continue to tease and delight the palate with innovative and inventive renditions showcasing infinite possibilities. For Chef Chele and Teri Gonzalez, the continuous creative process allows the unrestrained exploration of flavors and textures as they push the envelope once more with the introduction of their latest decadent duo of Burnt Basque Cheesecake creations inspired by Italian flair...

Burnt Basque Cheesecake by Chele unveils two exquisite cheesecake expressions dubbed "The Cheesecake Mafia: Inspired by Italy, Crafted by Chele" with the Parmesan Cheesecake and the Nutella Tarta de Queso reflecting traditional Italian notes inspired by Parmesan and Nutella. Teri Gonzalez brings the comforting and indulgent sweetness of Nutella with each decadent slice while Chef Chele plays on the rich and creamy flavors with mildly salty savory hints with his blend of Parmesan, Grana Padano and a secret third cheese for two unique and contrasting options at Burnt Basque Cheesecake by Chele. Following the successful campaign from their recent collab (see my previous post Decadent Duo: Meet The Seasonal Christmas Cheesecake Offerings From The Auro Chocolate x Burnt Basque Cheesecake By Chele Collab from December last year), Burnt Basque Cheesecake by Chele maintains the tempo and momentum with a decadent duo for the next round of the local cheesecake wars. Read on for a virtual slice and bite of the Parmesan Cheesecake and the Nutella Tarta de Queso...