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. 

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 2: Unveiling The Food That Binds At The Fatted Calf x Restaurant Fiz Singapore Dinner Collaboration

The rich, diverse and multi-colored tapestry of Southeast Asian cuisine with distinct threads of culinary traditions paint a vivid palette of bold flavors that define the region in the global table. Yet behind all the complex blend of spices, aromatics and indigenous ingredients lies a subtle even nuanced and seemingly invisible weave that ties and links our unique culinary cultures in a much larger more complex quilt. This is the food that binds, masterfully executed with each exquisite course at The Fatted Calf x Restaurant Fiz collab...

Chefs JajJay Sycip and Rhea Castro Sycip of The Fatted Calf and Hafizzul Hashim of Singapore's Restaurant Fiz take us on a deep and immersive exploration with Malaysian and Filipino cuisine finding common threads in an exquisite collaboration for the recent Tagaytay Food Festival. In a lavish multi-course feast, the chefs revealed threads of shared ingredients, techniques and flavors that ties Malaysian and Filipino cuisine together in a mutual homage and respect for tradition. Read on and find your seat for a unique one-time only dining experience at The Fatted Calf...

Experience Dining Reimagined As Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts Unveils A New Chapter In Flavor And Craftsmanship

Starting July 24, Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts embarks on a bold new chapter in its culinary journey redefining and elevating the dining experience across its signature outlets. The hotel-wide program features exciting new flavors, immersive stations and reimagined menus for an elegant yet approachable experience deeply rooted in popular guest favorites, seasonal ingredients, refreshed spaces and a renewed commitment to sustainability and culinary excellence. Step inside Hilton Manila and experience dining reimagined...

The exciting new chapter uncorks the infinite possibilities and full potential of Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts' creative culinary team, unleashing a world of exquisite, rich and diverse flavors at Madison Lounge & Bar, Hua Yuan Brasserie Chinoise, Port Bar and Kusina Sea Kitchens. Bigger, better, leveled up and elevated, the extensive and lavish new offerings presents a vibrant new perspective on refined culinary expressions inspired and refreshed by unrestrained creativity. Read on for a tasty peek at dining, reimagined at Hilton Manila...

#BoldEscape at Hann Resorts, The First Fully Integrated Resort Up North Day 1

Its massive size and scale with multiple layers of gaming, dining, wellness, retail and leisure all seamlessly linked in an elegant weave makes it a premier destination in itself for an immersive and memorable fully integrated resort experience. In an emerging lifestyle sector where going big means everything, one luxurious property up north cuts through the competitive clutter with its unique proposition. And when you need a well deserved break from the hectic urban pace, one name immediately comes to mind... 

Three days of memorable and luxurious experiences in one massive property, it's an insightful peek at the exciting developments north of the metro. Hann Resorts, the first high-end fully integrated resort in Central Luzon where the casino, hotel, restaurants, wellness and shopping experience is intricately threaded in one luxurious destination is at the very top of anyone's list seeking the ultimate escape just a few hours from Manila. But not just any escape. It's time to go all in and play bold, live bold. Ready for your #BoldEscape at Hann Resorts? Then, roll the dice for a sure bet and read on for the first of three posts...

Savor the Flavors of Pampanga with Mangan Tamu at Cucina in Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

The flavors of one of the country's famed culinary regions are celebrated and showcased in a lavish buffet alongside international dishes for a memorable dinner experience. Reconnect with the comforting and nostalgic flavors of Pampanga at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila with Mangan Tamu at Cucina...

Bulanglang, Pulutok, Kilayin Babi, Bringhe, Betute, Sisig and Burong Hipon, that's just some of the Capampangan delicacies you can enjoy in an elegant buffet setting at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. With its always impressive buffet spread featuring international cuisine, the freshest seafood and a mouthwatering Carving Station with the day's savory roasts, buffet dining at Cucina has always been top-of-mind among local diners in this part of the metro. And it gets better with its themed selections focusing on local regional cuisine. Starting March onwards from Thursdays to Saturdays, Cucina at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila includes the famed dishes of Pampanga in its Dinner Buffet offerings. Explore the rich and diverse flavors of our culinary heritage with a sumptuous dinner buffet featuring Capampangan cuisine with Mangan Tamu at Cucina in Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. Mangan Tamu!

Feel Right At Home with the Comforting Spanish Mediterranean Flavors of Sala Martinez at Streetscape in Shangri-La Edsa Plaza

From Valencia to Manila via Siargao, the storied culinary journey of Chef Luis Martinez continues with the opening of another restaurant at Streetscape in Shangri-La Edsa Plaza. Come on in and feel right at home at Sala Martinez...

Nostalgic memories of home are served and plated at the newest restaurant from The Nikkei Group and Chef Luis Martinez at Sala Martinez with its repertoire of traditional and comforting Spanish-Mediterranean cuisine. Think of the new location as an extension of the Valencian chef's home where hearty Spanish staples teases and warms the palate like a comforting hug replicating the mood and vibe of Terraza Martinez in BGC and Alma Poblacion in Makati (for more on Alma Poblacion, see my earlier post The Soul of Spanish and Mediterranean Cuisine Shines at Alma Restaurant Poblacion from early this year). This time, Chef Luis Martinez brings his extensive menu of classic Spanish flavors along with interesting and creative spins to Mandaluyong in the rejuvenated Streetscape of Shangri-La Edsa Plaza.  

Authentic Cantonese And HK Cuisine With A Touch of Japanese at Spice and Soy in Mitsukoshi Mall

Comforting traditional takes and inventively creative executions of Pan Asian flavors take centerstage at this spot in Mitsukoshi Mall. It's also the latest chapter in one chef's culinary journey...

Sumptuous Chinese flavors in a Japanese mall? And that's just one of many unique features of this emerging new dining destination in BGC. Executive Chef Lam Lim Kui shares his exquisite modern Cantonese and Hong Kong inspired classics at Spice and Soy in Mitsukoshi Mall as well as savory offerings from their specialty teppanyaki bar for a colorful weave of Asian flavors. Step inside Spice and Soy and experience one chef's remarkable culinary journey...

Delight Your Palate With Both New And Familiar Flavors at Jasmine in New World Makati Hotel

A tempting array of exciting new dishes alongside popular bestsellers await diners at New World Makati Hotel's signature Chinese restaurant. Prepare for an epic feast at one of the metro's enduring dining establishments long known for its authentic Chinese cuisine...

Jasmine at New World Hotel Makati never fails to pops up on everyone's list of dining options when it comes to authentic Chinese cuisine. And that's no surprise. Through the years, Jasmine has earned its much deserved recognition as one of the top restaurants among both local and foreign guests of the prestigious property. From Cantonese and regional Chinese dishes to its popular dim sum selections, Jasmine brings even more flavors to the table with the arrival of Executive Chef Brandon Ng as he weaves his own culinary style on the extensive offerings with new a la carte dishes. Read on for a tasty peek at what's new as well as all-time bestsellers at Jasmine...

A Culinary Flame Rekindled: Rediscover Modern Asian Flavors at Discovery Primea's Flame Restaurant

One of the metro's enduring dining destinations continues to shine its brightest as Flame Restaurant reignites its elevated and refined dining experience. It's time to rediscover the rich and sumptuous flavors of Flame Restaurant at Discovery Primea...

For nearly a decade, Flame Restaurant at Discovery Primea has sparked the local culinary scene with its distinctive blend of modern elegance and exquisite culinary innovation. After a brief refurbishment, Flame Restaurant is back shining brighter than ever with the masterfully executed repertoire of dishes by Executive Chef Luis J. Chikiamco. From elegant Asian-inspired courses, local flavors and global cuisine to fork-tender and juicy premium steaks straight off the charcoal Josper Grill, Flame Restaurant is all fired up for a memorable feast. Read on and rekindle your love for Flame Restaurant's burning passion to create and innovate flavors in a luxurious setting...

Luxe at 180 Degrees: The Tagaytay Food and Wine Festival 6-Hands Dinner at 180 by Chef Sau

Three chefs, a lavish dinner with caviar and black truffle, wine and cocktails in one elegant setting. It's Luxe at 180 Degrees down south at 180 by Chef Sau for the Tagaytay Food and Wine Festival...

Sunsets in Tagaytay becomes even more spectacular with creative handcrafted cocktails followed by an elegant dinner at one of the south's newest dining destinations. Chef Sau del Rosario along with Chefs Oliver Buenviaje and John Buenaventura recently hosted a 6-Hands Dinner last July 20 dubbed as Luxe at 180 Degrees at 180 by Chef Sau as part of the Tagaytay Food and Wine Festival. The first ever festival aims to showcase Tagaytay's transformation from a scenic retreat to a gastronomic hotspot anchored by its unique culinary traditions and diverse flavorful offerings in an epic celebration. Read on for a peek at destination dining elegantly reinterpreted at 180 by Chef Sau...

Perfecting the Delicate Balance Between Quality and Quantity at Corniche in Diamond Hotel Philippines

The buffet dining format has long been a popular option among local diners promising both variety and value all in one place. That final decision on where to dine often comes down to the long-running debate on quality versus quantity, and you can safely mark a big check on both at Corniche in Diamond Hotel Philippines...

Ever since my very first time at Corniche in Diamond Hotel Philippines over a decade ago, I knew then that the fine balance of variety and value, quality and quantity were perfectly aligned at one of old Manila by the bay's enduring all-day buffet dining restaurants (more on that first visit on one of my earliest posts, Awesome Lobster Buffet at Diamond Hotel's Corniche from 2013). The on-going Galleon Trade: A Culinary Journey Filipino Food Festival by Guest Chef Christopher Carangian is just one more reason why Corniche remains at the top of the buffet game this side of the metro with its impressive selection of both local and global cuisine (see more on my post, Rediscover Culinary Connections with the Galleon Trade: A Culinary Journey Filipino Food Festival at Diamond Hotel Philippines from a few days back). 

With the nostalgic and faithful recreations of classic Filipino cuisine alongside Asian and western dishes each meticulously prepared by Guest Chef Christopher Carangian and the culinary teams of Diamond Hotel Philippines, the fine balance of quality and quantity is showcased at Corniche daily for lunch and dinner. Read on for the full lowdown on buffet dining at Corniche...

The Soul of Spanish and Mediterranean Cuisine Shines at Alma Restaurant Poblacion

Modern and inventive yet familiar and even nostalgic, Chef Luis Martinez shares the rich flavors of his heritage and childhood in a quiet spot of Makati's eclectic Poblacion neighborhood. Originally based in Siargao, the island's emerging and fast-rising culinary star was temporarily dimmed by typhoon Odette. But that's just the beginning of the story, as Chef Luis Martinez transports you to his sun-soaked memories of Spain and Siargao once more served in each small plate of tapas, sumptuous paellas and cocktails at the Makati neighborhood's newest dining destination. 

From Siargao to Manila, Chef Luis Martinez shares his inspired and deeply personal take on hearty Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine at Alma Poblacion with an extensive menu of tapas frias, tapas calientes, savory mains, paella, pasta and desserts alongside handcrafted cocktails. Just like his original restaurant in Siargao, Alma Poblacion is neatly tucked away in a quieter and secluded part of the busy neighborhood exuding the very same feel and vibe. It's here where Chef Luis invites you to go deeper into the intricate and flavorful layers of Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine revealing both the heart and soul of one of the world's enduring culinary traditions. 

Fire Up The Grills: The Grand Buffet Returns to The Grand Kitchen at Grand Hyatt Manila

Nine esteemed chefs mark the return of the much anticipated comeback of the daily lunch and dinner Grand Buffet at The Grand Kitchen in Grand Hyatt Manila. Ready for a global gastronomic dining experience? 

Executive Chef Mark Hagan is joined by a team of chefs offering a curated and extensive buffet spread for the much awaited revival of the Grand Buffet dining experience at The Grand Kitchen of Grand Hyatt Manila promising a lavish array of authentic global flavors. The rich and diverse offerings include Thai, Balinese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and even familiar local specialties including a delectable and savory selection fresh off the grill. Celebrate the return of the Grand Buffet at The Grand Kitchen, the grills are all fired up and waiting for you...

Celebrate Chinese New Year with Luxe Comfort Food by Nawwty's Kitchen

Your Chinese New Year feast at home gets an elegant spin with the luxurious yet comforting weave of flavors from Nawwty's Kitchen. The lavish menu ushers in the Year of the Dragon presented in Nawwty's Kitchen's signature luxe comfort food style for a proper welcome. And lasting memories...

Inspired by the traditional themes of good fortune, luck and prosperity, Nawwty's Kitchen unveils its Chinese New Year Menu at its plush café located at The Makati Tuscany Condominiums along Ayala Avenue in Makati. Transform your dinner table at home, simply sit back and let Nawwty's Kitchen take care of everything with her indulgent repertoire of dishes so you can enjoy Chinese New Year without the fuss. Read on for an exclusive peek at the tempting selection of dishes for the Year of the Dragon...

Rooted in Flavor: The Lasa Supper Club Private Tasting Dinner Preview at La Vie En Rose

Young chef Joaquin Rivilla Carsi Cruz of Lasa Supper Club teases your palate in a pop-up showcasing his inventive take on distinctive global fusion cuisine at one of Poblacion's best kept secrets... 

A memorable and intimate evening of flavorful discoveries led by a rising culinary talent awaits at Poblacion's hidden gem. Chef Joaquin Rivilla Carsi Cruz of Lasa Supper Club presents Rooted in Flavor, a lavish six-course dinner paired with cocktails by Kat's Cocktail Kariton at La Vie En Rose in Makati's Poblacion on November 26 and 27. Weaving rich flavors, masterful culinary techniques and inspired creativity, here's a sneak peek at Rooted in Flavor...

Head Up to the Flavorful North of Chiang Mai at Mango Tree

A layer from the multi-colored tapestry of the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Thailand is revealed with a repertoire of new dishes at Mango Tree. Embark on a culinary journey to Northern Thailand at the cultural heart of The Land of Smiles...

The vibrant flavors of Chiang Mai are celebrated with exciting new menu additions as Mango Tree showcases the distinct cuisine of the north starting October 15. The new dishes were inspired by a recent trip by the chefs of Mango Tree Global and Mango Tree Philippines to Northern Thailand to learn about the culture and cuisine of Chiang Mai. They returned with a collection of new recipes and flavorful experiences to supplement the existing menu. And for fans of Mango Tree, it's yet another insightful peek and taste of Thailand's culinary heritage. The path to flavors points north and it all begins right here at Mango Tree. 

Sunday's Best at Spectrum in Fairmont Makati Hotel and a Rediscovery of All-Day Dining Elevated

The much-awaited reopening of Spectrum after its refurbishment marks the return of elegant all-day dining in a luxurious setting. Sundays at Spectrum is the perfect time to reacquaint yourself with its wide and extensive array of international cuisine served in the signature style the Fairmont Makati Hotel is known for... 

The renowned all-day dining spectacle at Spectrum in Fairmont Makati Hotel debuts its upscale and environmentally mindful dining experience with its elevated buffet spread for its grand reopening. A more polished ambience and a mouthwatering array of gastronomic delights await diners at the high-quality international buffet complemented with fresh and sumptuous additions with a renewed emphasis on sustainable produce for a green dining experience. Step inside Spectrum once more and embark on a culinary rediscovery of fresh, real and indulgent flavors... 

Timeless and Enduring Flavors at Ilustrado Restaurant in Intramuros

Culinary trends come and go, the opening of new restaurant concepts are now part of the daily routine and the search for unique dining experience continues. As the local restaurant scene adapts and evolves with shifting consumer palates, that old adage where change is the only constant comes to mind. Yet there a few names and establishments that remain deeply ingrained in our memory that have withstood the test of time.   

And one of those timeless institutions is Ilustrado Restaurant, serving its specialty offerings of Spanish, Filipino and global cuisines since 1989. Located in the historic Walled City of Intramuros, time stops after just a few steps on the cobblestoned streets of the centuries-old colonial district. As you walk deeper inside the interior behind its massive stone walls, you also go back further in time taking you to comfortingly familiar and nostalgic flavors you've known and loved. Welcome back. To Ilustrado Restaurant...

Super Premium Unlimited Madness, The Ultimate Teppan Feast Upgrade at Teppanya in SM by the Bay

The setting sun by the bay becomes the stunning backdrop for a culinary spectacle. There's the usual buffet, then there's the Unlimited Madness All-You-Can-Eat Teppanyaki feast. One name comes top-of-mind when it comes to eat-all-you-can teppanyaki and the teppan grills are fired up at Teppanya in SM by the Bay for the Super Premium Unlimited Madness...

Long known for its sumptuous all-you-can-eat teppan, Teppanya levels up its signature Unlimited Madness with a wide selection of premium offerings elevating your teppan dining experience with the Super Premium Unlimited Madness upgrade starting July 14, 2023. 

Just when you thought no one can top their Unlimited Madness edition, Teppanya at SM by the Bay adds an elegant and lavish upgrade with the Super Premium Unlimited Madness with succulent Hokkaido Scallops, Wild Alaskan Snow Crab, an impressive and mouthwatering array of prized Wagyu Beef from Japan and Australia and the much sought after Spanish Iberico Secreto along with imported Duck from Australia and so much more. Plus, enjoy an extravagant line-up of sashimi, rolls, nigiri and aburi too to complete your Super Premium Unlimited Madness at Teppanya. Over the top? That's how they roll at Teppanya. Ready for the Premium Unlimited Madness version 2.0? Then, read on for a sneak preview...