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...

Tagaytay Food Festival 2025 Day 1: Celebrating The Food That Binds with Tradition and Creativity

How far would you go for the food you love? Three memorable days in Tagaytay proved that no distance is far enough to deter you from the food you love, not even the constant rains and fog could dampen your craving. More than nourishment, the food that sustains us also binds us together shaping and defining our culture and identity. In a celebration of creativity and community, the Tagaytay Food Festival 2025 edition reminds us once more how food reconnects us with the land, produce and local culture from the simplest staple to intricate expressions. 

From July 18 to 20, the famed southern region showcased its full tapestry of colorful flavors from traditional local and international cuisine to modern contemporary executions in a lavish display of regional pride. Chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, producers and brands eagerly responded to the call to represent the very best of Tagaytay as the premier dining destination down south of Manila in a unified and collaborative celebration. The first in a series of five posts, here's a look back at the Tagaytay Food Festival 2025 retracing the memorable events from Day 1...

Vibrant New Stories Emerge at Makati's Poblacion...

An eclectic neighborhood in the midst of change and transition ushers in a new chapter in its on-going story. Familiar and new names in the 'hood paint a colorful tapestry constantly evolving yet remaining as diverse Poblacion has always been known for with its own distinctive pulse and creative vibe. Let's take a walk around the neighborhood...

It's been years since I last visited Poblacion, but the same spirit remains just as unique and proudly rebellious even defiant staying true to its non-conformist nature. Despite the changes and absence of former establishments, a new batch of hotspots takes their place continuing a tradition that has long defined the neighborhood alongside the enduring dives of Poblacion. It's this continuous wave of change that breathes and injects new life to the neighborhood forever in transition. Welcome to the latest chapter of Makati's iconic neighborhood...

Meet Me at Podium Social for Coffee, Cocktails and Beer to Sumptuous Cuisine...

One floor with five exciting restaurants is bringing a new, refreshing and cool kind of energy to redefine the mall scene in Ortigas. The top of The Podium is transformed to become the next dining destination with its curated array of offerings all in one place. Welcome to Podium Social...

The Podium unveils its bold and innovative concept with Podium Social, a culinary hub that's bound to reshape the mall and dining landscape in the vibrant and ever changing commercial and business district. With a distinct vibe that sets it apart from the usual, this new hotspot is a much needed shot revitalizing the mall's evolving culinary character. And it's happening. Read on and head up to Podium Social...

Pick Your Day and Choose Your Bowl with the Menya Kokoro 2025 Calendar

It's the middle of the year, what's your Menya Kokoro bowl for today? Time to pick your day and your bowl at Menya Kokoro...

Admit it, there are days when you just want a bowl of Tokyo style mazesoba or the classic ramen from Menya Kokoro. The days may have come by so fast, yet you remember those days when a sudden craving for a comforting bowl strikes. And as summer slowly transitions to the rainy season, a sumptuous bowl becomes the perfect fix for any craving. Pull out your Menya Kokoro 2025 Calendar and simply pick your day and your bowl...

Prost! Raise A Toast to the New Home of Brotzeit at The Podium

For over 12 years, Brotzeit in its original location was home. Months before, its relocation had been announced leaving a bittersweet feeling with so many memories. But that much anticipated moment has finally arrived. I'm home and back again once more in Brotzeit at its new location in The Podium...

Bigger, better and more elegant, Brotzeit pulls all the stops for its triumphant return to the Ortigas commercial and business district with its new home at The Podium. Round up the gang, the good times are back. It's time to raise a toast, shall we? 

Now On Tap: Apartment 1B x Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits Now Open in BGC

Comforting cuisine meets wicked libations in BGC's coolest dive yet. Step inside the Apartment 1B x Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits Tap Room...

Apartment 1B opens a new chapter in its enduring story with Apartment 1B x Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits in collaboration with the renowned local craft brewery at the heart of BGC. Long known for its elevated take on classic comfort food, Apartment 1B brings its well-loved menu along with new bar chow to Apartment 1B x Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits Tap Room for a whole new vibe in the bustling commercial and business district. Comfort food, bar chow and craft beer? Count me in. Read on for a round of tasty bites and refreshing libations at BGC's newest dive...

Vikings Invade The North: Vikings, The Alley Opens in Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces

Buffet dining has always been a popular option in the local restaurant scene and no other brand has has transformed and elevated the experience in the past decade than The Vikings Group. Bannered by fast growing concepts like Niu by Vikings, Four Seasons Buffet and Hotpot, Nords Bread Hub and Vikings, The Alley, the restaurant group launches an aggressive expansion up north of the metro with the recent opening of Vikings, The Alley Fairview Terraces...

A rampaging Nordic horde claims the north with the opening of Vikings, The Alley at Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces with its signature culinary concept highlighting excellent value and variety all in one place. It's a winning formula that has driven the brand since it first opened back in 2011 and continues to remain at the very core of the Vikings dining experience. Prepare to scroll and drool for a virtual tour of the impressive buffet spread at Vikings, The Alley Fairview Terraces...

The Lunch Situation, Simplified: Introducing the New Lunch Menu at Brotzeit

Nowadays, even the simple question of where to have lunch can be a complicated, long and over analyzed process with so many tempting options in the metro. More so with a large group where a consensus is rarely ever achieved. The new lunch specials at Brotzeit should settle the case with something for everyone on the menu. But if your group of lunch mates still isn't convinced, then ditch the group and enjoy your lunch the Brotzeit way... 

No need to complicate the lunch situation, simply follow your cravings for a satisfying and stress-free meal without the drama. And Brotzeit has just the right dish for you with the new Lunch Menu. From sandwiches and burgers to savory beef, chicken and even seafood options, simplify your lunch situation with value and variety you just can't beat and head on over to Brotzeit... 

Afternoon Tipple and Bites: Bar Pintxos Lights Up White Plains with its Savory and Authentic Spanish Offerings

The road along White Plains is dramatically transformed, soon emerging as an exciting new dining hotspot. And one of the reasons for this excitement has to be the opening of the newest branch by Bar Pintxos, long known and acknowledged for its authentic take on Spanish pintxos...

The heart and soul of traditional Basque culture and cuisine, the tasty bite-sized pintxos with the  distinctive "spike" or skewer on a piece of bread offers more than just savory nibbles. For many, it's the cornerstone of the rich social fabric that binds our links and connections with friends and family. It's this tradition that Bar Pintxos celebrates with each of their exquisite pintxos creations, and now you can experience the wide range of tasty small plates from one of the best tapas bars in the metro up north along White Plains in Quezon City at Bar Pintxos. Read on for a tasty peek...

What's Your Beef? The Four Hands Happy Hour Collab by Chefs Edward Buguia and Chris Oronce at Wolfgang's Steakhouse

When Chefs Edward Buguia of Flipside Burgers and Chris Oronce of Wolfgang's Steakhouse get together for a creative culinary collaboration using some of the world's finest beef for the innovative Happy Hour Series, you know you just have to mark it down on your calendar. It's Happy Hour the Wolfgang's Steakhouse way...

The second edition of The Four Hands Happy Hour collaboration at Wolfgang's Steakhouse featuring the culinary tandem of Chefs Edward Buguia and Chris Oronce brings comfortingly familiar local flavors executed in the elegant style of the renowned steakhouse for a unique Happy Hour experience. Paired with equally inventive cocktails, Wolfgang's Steakhouse brings small plates of exquisite creations for a sumptuous feast redefining the Happy Hour tradition. What's your beef? Read on and find out...

Catch the Next Culinary Wave with the Filipino Barbecue Buffet Every Thursday Night at Wave in City of Dreams Manila

Unlimited Pinoy-style barbecue. Unlimited tusok-tusok. Unlimited pulutan. And Unlimited beer. City of Dreams Manila takes Filipino Street Food up a notch to the pool deck at Wave. Get ready for the Filipino Barbecue Buffet and catch the latest wave in the metro's buffet scene...

From sundown all the way to 9pm every Thursday until April 25, City of Dreams Manila brings the comforting and even nostalgic flavors of popular Filipino street food to the pool deck at Wave with its latest and sumptuous buffet concept. The Filipino Barbecue Buffet at Wave is the latest culinary offering by City of Dreams Manila drawing inspiration from iconic street food staples including Pares, Batangas Goto, Sisig, Kinilaw, Inasal and even the ubiquitous and popular fish balls on skewers set in the elegant open air space next to Nobu Hotel's infinity lap pool. Read on for a tasty peek at the Filipino Barbecue Buffet and rediscover all your favorite street food for the perfect sunset feast...

Beast Mode On: Unleash The Beast at Burger Beast, Now Open at SM Mall of Asia

Chef Carlo Miguel has a real passion for burgers. And this passion is ignited with every single specialty burger served at Burger Beast...

Beastly artisan burgers, prepared to perfection at Burger Beast. That's what burger fans can expect at the newest burger destination in the metro. From the juicy beef or chicken patty to the premium cheeses, sauces and fixings down to the pillow soft bun, Chef Carlo Miguel nails it with his lavish and unrestrained take on the perfect burger. What began as an online delivery operation back in 2020 at the height of the pandemic through his innovative CloudEats is now a solid chef-driven concept with branches in Uptown Mall, Eastwood Mall, UP Town Center and its newest location at SM Mall of Asia. Ready to unleash your inner beast? Let Chef Carlo Miguel show you how...

All Hail the Emperor: A Royal Feast with the New Emperor Set Menu at Teppanya in SM by the Bay

The finest seafood and prized beef from around the world, served fresh off the teppan grill. Teppanya pulls all the stops for a royal feast on a grand and epic scale. Come hungry for the new Emperor Set Menu at Teppanya...

Teppanya unveils its most lavish menu yet with the new Emperor Set Menu showcasing a premium selection of the finest and freshest seafood and prime beef for the teppan grill. From Hokkaido Scallops to Spanner Crabs and Maine Lobsters to Hokkaido A5 Wagyu Beef, Iberico Secreto and Australian Duck Breast Fillet, Teppanya rolls out the best from around the world for a next level teppanyaki dining experience. 

Take it to the Lawn: Al Fresco Dining at the Garden Lawn by Apartment 1B at The Henry Hotel Manila

Dining al fresco? Take it out to the garden lawn. Let Apartment 1B show you how at The Henry Hotel Manila...

As the cool weather sets in with the coming of the holidays, al fresco dining becomes a welcome option for the season of feasting. Apartment 1B recently hosted a lavish grand food tasting event at the lush and verdant garden lawn of The Henry Hotel Manila showcasing a luxurious and sumptuous spread in an elegant outdoor setting. Al fresco dining? Take it to the lawn...

Chef's Signature Series: Wednesday Nights Means Simply Thai At Brasserie on 3 in Conrad Manila

From sweet and sour to salty, savory and bitter notes capped by a soothing heat, Thai cuisine is known for its diverse and contrasting yet seamless play on fresh and bold flavors. On Wednesday nights, diners can embark on a flavorful culinary journey to Thailand at Brasserie on 3 in Conrad Manila...

As part of its ongoing themed buffet offerings under the Chef's Signature Series, Brasserie on 3 in Conrad Manila presents Simply Thai every Wednesday night showcasing authentic Thai cuisine in a lavish buffet spread. Priced at P 2,850++ per person inclusive of welcome mocktail, Simply Thai at Brasserie on 3 is your ticket to the diverse and vibrant flavors from the Land of Smiles in one elegant setting by the bay. Read on for a virtual peek in a series of images at the sumptuous buffet offerings of Brasserie on 3... 

The Perfect Pint Craft Beer + Fine Food Is Your Perfect Spot in The Proscenium at Rockwell

Now you can find the perfect spot for that soothing perfect pint of masterfully brewed craft beer in an equally perfect setting at Rockwell. And just in time too for summer...

The Perfect Pint Craft Beer + Fine Food brings its motto of celebrating life one pint at a time to The Proscenium at Rockwell with its biggest and probably its most elegant branch to date. With over thirty award-winning craft beers on tap brewed on-site and a sumptuous array of curated dishes like wings, ribs, pork knuckles and more conceptualized by Chef Gene Gonzalez, The Perfect Pint is your perfect spot at Rockwell. It's an inspiring story that began nine years ago with a simple idea of serving the finest beers long before the craft beer culture emerged paired with hearty and flavorful cuisine in a cozy hangout you could call your own. Read on and raise a toast at your newest perfect spot by the Tempongko brothers in The Proscenium at Rockwell...

One More Round: Crazy Carabao Craft Beer Now On Tap at Sunae Asian Cantina

Vibrant Southeast Asian flavors paired with a soothing cold brew from one of the country's finest local craft brewers fresh from the tap, now that calls for another round.

You'll have to agree that the flavorful richness of modern Asian cuisine is best paired with a glass of premium craft beer. But not just any beer. You deserve a premium craft beer from an established player in the growing category serving up their specialty brews since 2015. And now you can indulge with endless rounds of libations all-day long to complete your dining experience without busting your budget. And just in time for summer too.

Enjoy sumptuous Asian-inspired dishes paired with refreshing rounds of artisan Pilsner Draft, Golden Ale Draft and IPA Draft from Crazy Carabao Craft Beer at Sunae Asian Cafe starting only at P 88. Game? Absolutely. Fix me up a round, please. 

Pour the Love with the New Love Beer by Brotzeit

 It's the month of love and Brotzeit has just the right brew to get you in the mood...

Pure love poured out of a bottle, Brotzeit introduces their latest limited edition brew to their stellar roster of Bavarian beer with the aptly named Love Beer for the month of February. And just in time for Valentine's too. So pour on the love at Brotzeit...