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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Fragrance And Flavor: Award-Winning Local Perfumer Wren Atelier And Chef Michelle Adrillana Introduce The New Acid Rain Fragrance With The Invisible Palate Feast

That fleeting moment after the rain leads to the fragrant release of gentle mist rising from the damp concrete with hints of comforting tropical greens and the mildly acidic notes of tomato leaf and tamarind. And the nostalgic whiff of sinigang. It's these in-between and transitory moments that trigger and open up a sensory realm taking you to the distant past and far away place long hidden and stored away in memory. Wren Atelier and Chef Michelle Adrillana transform these memories into a feast of fragrance and flavor in one elegant and seamless weave with the launch of Acid Rain at Hilltop by Everyday Coffee Roasters...

In a series of creative collaborations dubbed The Visible Invisible art and scent exhibition, Wren Atelier explores the tightly knit relationship between the olfactory and visual arts. And now, a culinary component is added to the complex weave highlighting how scent and taste are equally deeply embedded for a memorable sensory experience. Chef Michelle Adrillana brings her unique style of conscious cuisine and wellbeing with her creative culinary expressions capturing the essence of Wren Atelier's newest scent celebrating our cultural identity, Acid Rain. Read on for a taste and whiff of The Invisible Palate...

The Next Chapter In A Family's Culinary Legacy Continues With New Dishes At Carmelo's Steakhouse

Since 1987, one name stands as the undisputed pioneer in the Certified Angus Beef steak dining experience. Today, Carmelo "Melo" Santiago's legacy continues with Carmelo's Steakhouse helmed by Chef Cristina Santiago. The upscale establishment maintains the same high standards and fine dining tradition honoring the founder's vision complemented by Chef Cristina Santiago's own unique and modern culinary style. Step inside Carmelo's Steakhouse and rediscover one man's legacy preserved and maintained for a fresh new chapter and a continuing story in the local dining scene...

Opened back in 2024, Carmelo's Steakhouse in The Proscenium Retail Row marked yet another milestone honoring Carmelo "Melo" Santiago's culinary legacy as a fitting tribute to the growing number of restaurants that bears his name. This tradition is now passed on to the founder's daughter, Chef Cristina Santiago following the same culinary journey with even more flavorful stories to share. A modern and contemporary approach to flavors grounded on tradition becomes the foundation for the Michelin Selected Carmelo's Steakhouse's own identity, presented in a variety of dishes from their catering operations as well as new offerings from their a la carte menu. Read on for a tasty peek...

#AllDayMornings And Comfort Food Served Every Day At Cafe Mabini In San Juan

It always happens. Each time you think of comfort food, familiar breakfast staples always pop up. Why? Maybe because it's the sense of nostalgia and even that emotional connection from countless memories of starting the day right with sumptuous flavors. As dayparts associated with mealtimes continue to blur driven by the popularity of all-day breakfasts, restaurateur Kelvin Yu and Chef Consultant Kalel Chan share their own inspired take on everyone's favorite meal of the day at Cafe Mabini. 

Popular all-day breakfast and brunch staples from elevated renditions of the ubiquitous "silog" meals to traditional in-between meryenda fare supplemented by an extensive selection of coffee-based beverages has a name in San Juan. And that's Cafe Mabini. Cafe Mabini offers all your mid-morning and mid-day cravings you'd expect from an all-day breakfast restaurant. And then some. But leave it to Kelvin Yu and Chef Consultant Kalel Chan to change up the usual breakfast game with some creative and even unexpected tweaks. From the same group behind Francesco's in San Juan, it's always all-day mornings any time of day at Cafe Mabini. Breakfast food for lunch or dinner? Count me in...

Fresh, Bold And Progressive Modern Cuisine At Eraya In San Juan

Discretely and unobtrusively perched on an elegant white structure along San Juan's busy P. Guevarra Street is a culinary oasis where familiar Asian flavors are elegantly elevated with a modern contemporary spin. Step inside Eraya...

Inspired by the Sanskrit word for "beautiful, noble and pure at heart," Eraya translates this nuanced state with an imaginative repertoire of creative dishes threading bold Asian flavors in a seamless and purposeful weave complemented by their impressive selection of cocktails, spirits and coffee in an elegant setting. Read on for a tasty peek at Eraya...

Sundays Mean Sunday Roast. At L'Opera Ristorante Italiano...

Sundays are always special. At L'Opera Ristorante Italiano, Chef Paolo Nesi pulls all the stops for the lavish Sunday Roast. And with Mother's Day just a few days away, the Sunday Roast at L'Opera Ristorante Italiano is one tempting option you can't pass up...

Imagine a carving station loaded with Porchetta, Roast Beef, Roast Pork Belly, Roasted Leg of Lamb and Roast Chicken plus salads, tasty starters and sides. It's a rustic and savory feast in the Tuscan tradition orchestrated by Chef Paolo Nesi at L'Opera Ristorante Italiano. Book your table and pick up a plate...

In San Juan, Francesco's Is Still The Spot For Sumptuous Italian Flavors

The culinary scene in the quiet San Juan neighborhood is quietly emerging as one of the most popular dining destinations in the metro. One of the key drivers of this resurgence is Francesco's by consultant Chef Kalel Chan and owner Kelvin Yu. If you still haven't dined at this little spot of Italy in San Juan, now's the time with Mother's Day just around the corner...

Since my first visit two years ago, Francesco's full transition under consultant Chef Kalel Chan brings a renewed focus to Italian culinary tradition and innovation in a seamless weave with its impressive repertoire of classic Italian offerings. Step inside Francesco's and experience a taste of Italy in San Juan...

The Midday Dining Experience, Refined With An Elegant French Connection: The Parisian Brunch At Bistrot Le Coucou

The elegantly muted stone grey tones are washed in bright natural light, in stark contrast to the usual amber warmth from the glow of its modern light fixtures at dinner revealing another facet to Bistrot Le Coucou's many faces. It's time for brunch at Bistrot Le Coucou with the new Parisian Brunch menu...

The allure of indulgent sweet notes and comforting savory bites in between breakfast and lunch remains as popular as ever. Admit it, "brunch" just has a much better ring to it than say, "lunch." And that short window in between meals offers unique renditions for tasty bites and a culinary style all its own. Luis Martinez takes on this popular mealtime tradition with that elegant French flair with the Parisian Brunch at Bistrot Le Coucou... 

Four Of A Kind: Four Restaurants In One Cool Spot At The Split In BGC

Providore, Friends & Family Upside Down, Saboten Express and Chotto Matte. Four innovative culinary brands in one convenient location. Step inside The Split in BGC...

Raintree Hospitality, one of the country's leading restaurant groups, unveils yet another innovative concept in its growing portfolio. Four brands for split cravings and a shared vibe with a totally new and unique personality, The Split in BGC presents interesting dining options all from one kitchen. Ready to step inside the four-in-one concept? Then, read on...

Doubled Up Burgers, Pizza, Happy Hour And Good Times At Big Belly Burgers

Happy Hour starts early at Big Belly Burgers. Starting at 12:00 nn to 6:00 pm and 9:30 pm till closing, it's never too early or too late to enjoy three cocktails for only P 595+. Then there's the burgers, pizza and other savory bites to keep the good times rolling...

Almost three years since it landed in Manila straight from Siargao, Big Belly Burgers continues to ride the wave anchored on the specialty char-grilled Wagyu burger creations by the Catalan duo of Chef Miguel "Mingu" Marcelino and Marc Alberich. Now with an expanded menu featuring their newest obsession in the form of pizza and many more dishes, Big Belly Burgers rides the next wave in its continuing journey and exploration of savory flavors. Plus, there's Happy Hour too in two shifts so you don't miss out...

Sunday Flavors: Book Your Table For The Sunday Roast At L'Opera Ristorante Italiano

Porchetta, roasted pork belly, roast beef, roasted lamb leg and roast chicken. Plus salads, soup, cheese and charcuterie too. It's a savory and sumptuous all-roast feast with Italian flair for Sunday's best. Take a peek at the Sunday Roast in L'Opera Ristorante Italiano, and come hungry...

Since 1994, L'Opera Ristorante Italiano helmed by Italian Chef Paolo Nessi delighted our palates with his comforting and rustic take on traditional Tuscan cuisine using the finest Italian ingredients masterfully executed with each dish. And on Sundays, Chef Paolo Nessi draws inspiration from fond childhood memories of family gatherings celebrated with a savory medley of sumptuous roast meats recreated once a week for one of the restaurant's popular attractions. Grab a plate. A big plate. It's time for the Sunday Roast at L'Opera Ristorante Italiano...

Mabuhay Craft Coffee, Now Brewin' Coolness 24/7 Along A. Mabini In San Juan

The San Juan neighborhood gets a cool caffeine fix from Chef Kel Zaguirre and his team. Creative, contemporary and proudly local, come in for a soothing cup of coffee and hearty bites fresh off the oven at Mabuhay Craft Coffee...

After the successful opening of Binondo Boys in Quezon City (see more on my post That Cool Chinatown Vibe With Sumptuous Dim Sum, Noods, Rice Toppings And An Inventive Secret Menu By The Binondo Boys from early January this year), Chef Kel Zaguirre is back with yet another innovative cool 24/7 concept with Mabuhay Craft Coffee in San Juan. This time, Chef Kel Zaguirre takes a deeper dive into the local coffee culture injecting his team's creative and even playfully inventive and quirky style adding a unique element to your coffee experience. The enjoyment of coffee is intensely personal, and Chef Kel Zaguirre knows this as Mabuhay Craft Coffee is poised to be your neighborhood go-to spot for exquisite local coffee, tasty fresh-baked bites and even cocktails. So pick your seat and enjoy a moment of cool at one of the metro's true chef-driven coffee destinations...

Boldly Flavored By Fire And Smoke, At Burnt Bean In The Podium

Almost two years since it formally opened, Burnt Bean continues to fire up the vibrant dining scene at The Podium anchored on a deceptively simple yet complex concept: to build flavor by fire and smoke. And it's definitely still smokin' hot... 

From its wood-fired grills and ovens, Burnt Bean brings rich savory flavors to smoky perfection with food gently kissed and touched by fire. From their signature steaks and delicately grilled seafood and charred vegetables, Burnt Bean flexes its mastery of the grill with their extensive menu (for more on Burnt Bean, see my previous post Holy Smokes, Burnt Bean Fires Up The Culinary Scene At The Podium from 2024). Fire up your appetite, it's time for lunch at Burnt Bean...

Plating Fresh Stories With A New Menu By Chef Jay Jay Sycip At The Fatted Calf In Tagaytay

When Chefs Jaj Jay and Rhea Castro Sycip first opened The Fatted Calf Farmhouse Kitchen down south back in 2021, the passionate and pioneering couple embarked on a deeply personal journey driven by a culinary philosophy anchored on sustainability, the slow food movement, farm-to-table freshness and an uncompromising honesty on real flavors while supporting local farming communities. To this day, the mission continues with renewed purpose and spirit as Chef Jay Jay Sycip unveils a new menu with many inspired and highlighted by comforting Filipino flavors for another chapter in its culinary journey...

One couple's culinary dream continues to flourish with vibrant new stories expressed in a lavish new menu inspired by fresh produce and local flavors. Rendered in creative and imaginative expressions, the sumptuous repertoire of new dishes remains true to the couple's culinary vision with the freshest and finest ingredients for real flavors. As Chef Rhea Castro Sycip weaves her own unique style with her indulgent cakes and desserts, Chef Jay Jay Sycip brings his own culinary experiences into play with meticulously executed savory dishes. Just like the biblical prodigal son and the inspiration behind the name of the dining destination, pick your table and prepare to feast. At The Fatted Calf...(for more on The Fatted Calf, see my posts Feast And Celebrate Once More, The Fatted Calf Farmhouse Kitchen Re-Opens At Its New Location In Tagaytay from two years ago). 

Ten Years Strong: The Philippine Sustainability Movement Celebrates A Milestone Decade With Renewed Purpose In Transforming Food Systems

Ten years ago, Christian Schmidradner and Claudia Rose Mendez of Pristine Solutions raised the alarm warning of a looming global crisis often disregarded even shrugged off by many. It began with sustainable seafood, but the advocacy has expanded to cover entire food systems matched by a wider cast of engaged multi-sectoral communities in the F&B industry from restaurants, hotels and chefs to retail and trade, suppliers and importers including the academe, private as well as government agencies and NGOs. The advocacy that began a decade back has grown to become a movement for systemic change in the appreciation of food. That evening, the Philippine Sustainability Movement celebrated a major milestone engaging even more sectors to the cause presenting a new chapter in its decade long history. Now let's shuck some fresh and succulent Irish Gallagher Oysters...

The Philippine Sustainability Movement takes the lead once more in its advocacy for sustainability, building trust through traceability, institutionalizing certified responsibility, ethical sourcing, collaboration and advancing organic food and produce with renewed purpose bringing together various communities with a shared advocacy. For over a decade, the Philippine Sustainability Movement presented viable steps for real systemic change in transforming perceptions and practices on food provenance.  At the 10th Anniversary of the movement held at the innovative coworking space, The Collab by Sheraton Manila, pioneering advocates Christian Schmidradner and Claudia Rose Mendez of Pristine Solutions takes environmental stewardship and transparency in food systems at the very top of the agenda with the goal of making sustainability more achievable and directly impacting communities and consumers. Stronger than ever, the Philippine Sustainability Movement embarks on a new chapter with strengthened alliances towards responsible food systems.