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. 

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...

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...

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...

Culinary Traditions And Fond Memories Of Home, Plated And Served By Luis Martinez At La Taperia Martinez In BGC

Small plates of savory nibbles associated with Spanish tapas paired with an extensive wine selection and soothing cocktails are the main draw at the hottest new dining destination in Bonifacio Global City. But this isn't your usual tapas bar. Fresh from the kitchen, the traditional small plates are upgraded and beefed up for a sumptuous meal in itself. The newest concept by Luis Martinez and the Nikkei Restaurant Group, each not so small plate becomes a full and hearty meal to be celebrated with wine and cocktails for that perfect Spanish afternoon or early sundown feast extending late into the evening. Experience Spain's vibrant and enduring tapas culture with heftier renditions of small plates at La Taperia Martinez...

Each tasty bite releases comfortingly familiar notes, faithfully recreated from fond childhood memories by Luis Martinez with each course at La Taperia Martinez. Food is memory, intricately brought to life and served on a plate transporting you back to a different place and time. Anchored on tradition, the menu at La Taperia Martinez mirrors the flavors of home for Luis Martinez which include dishes his grandmother used to prepare. Step inside for a satisfying meal, and maybe stay awhile for some refreshing libations and experience the flavors from the home of Luis Martinez at La Taperia Martinez in Bonifacio Global City. 

Sunday Best: The Tomahawk Sunday Lunch At Michelin Selected Cru Steakhouse in Manila Marriott

For steak lovers, Sundays are now a red-letter day to mark on your busy calendar. Why? It's Tomahawk Sunday Lunch at Cru Steakhouse in Marriott Manila...

Normally open exclusively only for dinner service, Sunday lunch becomes a rare exception for Cru Steakhouse. Following its impressive inclusion in the inaugural list of Michelin Selected establishments last year, Cru Steakhouse begins the year on a high note with the Tomahawk Sunday Lunch. Is there any better way to spend a leisurely Sunday than a savory Tomahawk Steak lunch with friends and family? Then head on over to Cru Steakhouse...

At The Peak Of Flavor High Up At The Peak In Grand Hyatt Manila

A specialty grill restaurant, speakeasy, whisky bar and music lounge, a sumptuous dining experience awaits at The Peak in Grand Hyatt Manila...

Located high up at the sixtieth floor of Grand Hyatt Manila with breathtaking views of the evolving BGC cityscape, The Peak is also the destination for elegantly bold and sumptuous flavors and the perfect spot for an intimate dining experience. At The Peak, diners can sample their creative culinary style with the Signature Menu (P 4,100 per person), a five-course set feast with starters to mains and dessert. Ready to savor flavors at its flavorful peak? Then head up sixty floors above the bustling pace of the BGC scene at The Peak... 

Secret Recipe Unlocks More Tasty Secrets...

It seems the kitchen never runs out of tasty secrets. And that's a good thing. Step inside Secret Kitchen and discover more flavorful secrets unveiled, one dish at a time... 

That intricate and distinctive weave of Asian and Western flavors at Secret Recipe combine for a sumptuous dining experience from the Malaysian based concept making it a go-to spot for comforting cuisine. From The Bistro Group's impressive repertoire of international and local restaurant brands, Secret Recipe offers familiar flavors inspired by Malaysia's diverse culinary heritage along with excellent value, just what you need in the mad holiday rush at the malls (for more on Secret Recipe, see my post The Secret's Out. The Bistro Group Unveils Secret Recipe At One Ayala... from the launch early last year). It's time reveal even more tasty secrets. At Secret Recipe...

Come Home To Comforting Local Flavors, A Homecoming Feast Awaits at Siklab+...

Food they say triggers both memories and emotions taking you to a different place and time with each dish and bite. And if it's home that's on your mind, you'll find it firing up daily at Siklab+ for a flavorful homecoming...

Known for their extensive array of international dining concepts, The Bistro Group takes your next culinary experience much closer to home with the familiar and nostalgic offerings at Siklab+. From all-time and enduring Filipino classics to regional staples, you'll find all the bold yet comforting notes and  flavors you've always loved from the menu prepared fresh from the kitchen. And this holiday season, it's time to come home to traditional local flavors. At Siklab+... (for more on Siklab, see my post Bold Local Flavors Ignite at Siklab+ In Shangri-La Plaza from late last year).

#Ilustrado36Years: Ilustrado Restaurant Celebrates Thirty-Six Years Of Flavorful Stories With The Exquisite Wine Pairing And Degustation Menu

Inside the historic walled city of Intramuros, the stories and flavors from the past continue to be celebrated, honored and remembered in a timeless memorial to our heritage and culture. And for three and a half decades, the flavors of Ilustrado Restaurant has been part of our own story weaving its traditional and comforting notes of timeless classics. Step inside Ilustrado Restaurant and savor the flavors you've always loved... 

In celebration of its milestone 36th anniversary, Ilustrado Restaurant reinterprets its signature Filipino-Spanish specialties in a lavish seven-course Degustation Menu with the option of a curated wine pairing experience for a memorable and nostalgic step back in time in the famed walled city. Though offered only until the end of November, the new menus represent another chapter in its journey with more Degustation Menus in the pipeline. The enduring dining establishment's colorful stories are retold with each course, offering diners a glimpse of the many exciting chapters ahead in a continuing journey of nostalgic flavors. Head on over to your table and celebrate a feast of inspired flavors at Ilustrado Restaurant...

Time stops the minute you enter the historic walled city of Intramuros. A witness to the country's many pivotal moments, Intramuros also is at the heart of a culinary renaissance anchored on tradition with a refreshed and contemporary perspective. These are indeed exciting times as the culinary landscape continues to evolve inside the walls of Intramuros, where creativity and modern expressions are enhanced by tradition, heritage and legacy. 

One of the many epicenters in this vibrant culinary revival can be found along the cobblestoned street of General Luna at Ilustrado Restaurant. Since 1989, the revered institution has taken the lead in championing traditional and local cuisine while infusing subtle modern expressions in pace with the times. It's this delicate balance that defines Ilustrado Restaurant's cuisine reflecting both timeless and comfortingly familiar notes in a fresh new way (for more on Ilustrado Restaurant, see my post Timeless And Enduring Flavors At Ilustrado Restaurant In Intramuros from two years ago). 

Inside Ilustrado Restaurant, your journey back in time is completed by the warmth of wood and stone as the perfect setting for a sumptuous meal in Intramuros. An open Hispanic-inspired garden courtyard leads you to the elegant interior dining space thick and rich with old world charm. The space becomes one of many intertwined layers that make dining in the walled city a memorable experience. 

A light and crisp finish drapes the palate with the lingering hints of grapefruit, peach and honeydew to begin your Degustation Menu experience at Ilustrado Restaurant. And yes, let's have another pour of the Pounamu Special Selection Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand please. 

The first course for the Degustation Menu at Ilustrado Restaurant, the Empanada, Kinilaw and Baked Oyster teases and delights the palate with a medley of contrasting textures and rich notes with a trio of savory bites...

...led by the fresh and bold notes of Kinilaw with Bacalao a la Vizcaina in a delicate pastry shell with vinaigrette crema, caper crisps, Spanish mackerel, succulent scallop and shrimps, lime, cane vinegar, leche de tigre, bintong kamote, grilled corn and cilantro. The intricate bite-sized creation delivers a flavorful burst with each component complementing the other in a lavish play on fresh and clean flavors. 

The Empanada warms the palate with its hearty and savory notes taking you back to countless childhood summers. Ilustrado Restaurant doesn't reinvent the beloved local staple. And rightly so. There's just no need to overcomplicate the empanada, and Ilustrado Restaurant nails it. 

The Baked Oyster, a gratinated succulent oyster draped in Miso Champagne Sabayon brings an opulent burst of briny sweetness smoothened by the cheesy crust for even more vibrant yet balanced flavors. 

For the second course, Illustrado Restaurant served its rustic Kalabasa Lentil Soup in a "palayok" baguette with creamy squash purée, yellow lentils and XO shreds enriched with silky smooth coconut milk. 

Each soothing sip leads to another with the subtle nutty sweetness and creamy richness combining for a flavor-loaded spoonful of indulgence. And the "palayok" baguette? It's the perfect vessel for the soup course, absorbing all the flavors. Try dipping the "palayok" lid on the soup and enjoy the rest of the baguette once you finish the Kalabasa Lentil Soup for a flavorful surprise. 

A glass of Wakefield Taylors Family Wines Jaraman Chardonnay announces the pairing for the third course of Prawn Laing Udon, a beautifully plated dish with butter-poached baby prawn, taro leaves, red and green chilies and coconut milk. 

With a deeper golden hue and pronounced rounded notes, the Wakefield Taylors Family Wines Jaraman Chardonnay from Australia prepares the palate for the savory richness of the Prawn Laing Udon for another masterful pairing with each sip highlighted by creamy vanilla and bright apple notes. Ilustrado Restaurant creatively reimagines the local taro leaf dish with soft and mildly chewy udon noodles for another inspired dish from the Degustation Menu. The familiar creamy, nutty, savory and spicy heat of the regional dish are complemented by the fresh butter-poached baby prawn with the udon noodles completing the elegant rendition. 

A glass of New Zealand's Pounamu Pinot Noir sets the flavorful tone for the next course with its bold hints of summer fruits, honey, coffee and cloves with just a whisper of soft pepper spices...

...for the fourth course of Bagnet Kare-Kare with thrice-cooked pork belly, roasted peanuts, toasted and ground rice, achiote and bagoong alamang. The plate becomes a colorful canvas...

...for the rich savory notes of another classic dish from Ilustrado Restaurant's repertoire of all-time bestsellers. The thrice-cooked pork belly with its delicately light and crisp texture may be the star of the plate but the equally stellar supporting cast of kare-kare sauce and fermented shrimp paste completes the colorful palette of flavors in another masterfully executed dish. Elegantly elevated, the Bagnet Kare-Kare by Ilustrado Restaurant is just one of many reasons why the dining destination remains relevant as it keeps in step with the times. 

For the fifth course, Ilustrado Restaurant refreshes one of its menu mainstays with the Kambing Kaldereta. Served in a crisp phylo shell, the fork-tender goat meat stew just melts in your mouth releasing clean savory notes. If one didn't know, the clean flavors of the Kambing Kaldereta is almost like beef without any gamey hints. The dish is served with soft and moist Mountain Rice drizzled with kaldereta oil cooked with red bell peppers. The bold flavors of the dish are matched with the Australian  Wakefield Taylors Family Wines Jaraman Shiraz with its full-bodied notes and bright hints of cherries and plums. Enjoy a bite of the stew with a spoonful of rice followed by a sip. Just perfect. 

In between courses, a refreshing Calamansi & Tanglad Granita was served to cleanse the palate for the next course...

...the Wagyu A4 with tarragon garlic butter and gratinated bone marrow with fresh parsley, crisp panko and Edam with its mild nutty, creamy notes and just a hint of saltiness to temper the richness of the beef and bone marrow. The Wagyu A4 course is paired with the Chilean duo Court Rollan "Filius" Blend De Blends and the Court Rollan "Pater" Cabernet Sauvignon with their own nuanced notes coming into play.

The legendary buttery and melt-in-your-mouth finish of the Wagyu A4 is a treat in itself made even richer by the tarragon garlic butter. Perfectly grilled to medium rare with its juicy pink center, the Wagyu A4 course caps the savory feast at Ilustrado Restaurant with its pure, clean and uncluttered beefy flavors. The gratinated bone marrow adds that final indulgent and savory finishing touch washed down perfectly by another sip of the refined Court Rollan "Pater" Cabernet Sauvignon with its bold hints of deep wood, spices and black fruit

Six courses in and the Degustation Menu recreates and captures the spirit of Ilustrado Restaurant's culinary journey anchored on traditional Filipino Spanish flavors. But save room for dessert. The indulgent trifecta of Salted Egg Brazo, Tocino del Cielo and Chocolate Bar ends the Degustation Menu on a sweet and high note. Each delicately crafted dessert delivers unrestrained pure indulgence in three variations, from the delectable creamy notes of the light pillow soft Salted Egg Brazo to the sinfully rich Tocino del Cielo and the deep flavors of the soft Chocolate Bar. 

The dessert trio is paired with the Spanish Eminencia Pedro Ximenez Jerez Sherry for an apt and fitting sweet ending to the Degustation Menu at Ilustrado Restaurant. But it gets better...

Renowned for its intense sweetness with distinctive hints of caramel, raisin and dates, the Eminencia Pedro Ximenez Jerez Sherry is best enjoyed with a light soothing sip...

...or poured on homemade Mantecado Ice Cream for added depth and complexity in flavor. But why stop there? Order up a freshly brewed Americano and drizzle a few teaspoons for even more indulgent notes. From starters to mains and dessert, the Degustation Menu at Ilustrado Restaurant is a lavish representation of imaginative storytelling behind the beloved dining destination inside the historic walled city of Intramuros. It's a story that retraces a thirty-six year journey in seven courses. And soon, you can expect even more as Ilustrado Restaurant introduces more tasting menus in the future for even more flavorful chapters in its storied journey. As food trends come and go, timeless classics endure. Like Ilustrado Restaurant in Intramuros...

Ilustrado Restaurant is located at 744 General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila. You can also visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/ilustradorestaurant/ and IG Feed at https://www.instagram.com/ilustradorestaurant/ or call 0939 920 6822 for more information and inquiries.

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Cocktails, Tapas And Hearty Euro-Asian Plates At Mita Kitchen + Lounge In Molito Lifestyle Center

For southies, it's a familiar name associated with soothing brews of freshly brewed coffee paired with comforting cuisine in a quaint casual neighborhood setting. Now, there's more than just coffee behind the name as Mita Kitchen + Lounge presents an entirely new dining concept to highlight a sumptuous menu with their Euro-Asian Plates at Molito Lifestyle Center...

Going beyond and building on the original café dining concept in Parañaque, the family behind Mita Kitchen + Café spins off a new concept with Mita Kitchen + Lounge at Molito Lifestyle Center showcasing an expanded menu. The "lounge" label in the new concept is expressed with an extensive selection of cocktails, tapas and hearty dishes inspired by their culinary take on Euro-Asian Plates. It's a concept that fits in nicely with the Molito Lifestyle Center's market profile as Mita Kitchen + Lounge is poised to be the next exciting dining and bar destination down south. Step inside for some soothing libations. And a comforting meal...

New Stories Plated and Retold with a Fresh New Tale at Fable Cafe + Lounge

Inspired by its playful and whimsical fairy tale thematic look and vibe, few establishments in BGC offers a distinctive sensory immersion to an otherworldly realm as envisioned by one of the country's acclaimed designers. A stand-out destination known for its uniquely elegant space, exquisite and imaginative design and equally inventive dining experience, Fable Cafe + Lounge adds a new page in its story highlighted by the spirit of collaboration. 

Conceptualized and conceived by internationally renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue, you already know this isn't your usual café lounge. It's a step outside the ordinary taking you deep inside the creative mind of visionary designer Kenneth Cobonpue. As you enter Fable Cafe + Lounge, free yourself from the conventional and take the bold plunge into the proverbial rabbit hole of pure imagination. Completing the experience is an evolving menu anchored on the spirit of creativity, seasonality and collaboration for an exciting new tale in the never-ending story of Fable Cafe + Lounge.

Head Up North for Exquisite Flavors: Red Lantern at Solaire Resort North Presents Elevated New Menu to Celebrate First Anniversary

The north of the metro is poised to become the next culinary epicenter with a tempting and lavish array of dining options at Solaire Resort North. And when it comes to authentic Chinese cuisine, Red Lantern comes top-of-mind. Take a peek at the north's exciting new dining hotspot...

The signature Chinese restaurant of Solaire Resort North in Quezon City, Red Lantern brings a new culinary era in authentic Chinese cuisine to the north with its much anticipated elevated menu in celebration of the resort's first milestone anniversary. At Solaire Resort North, you can expect the same world-class amenities and facilities made standard down south at Solaire Resort Entertainment City in Parañaque. And that includes impeccable dining experiences and yes, excellent Chinese cuisine at Red Lantern. Read on and rediscover the north of the metro with a fresh new perspective at Solaire Resort North...

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...

Bold Local Flavors Ignite at Siklab+ in Shangri-La Plaza

One of the country's leading progressive restaurant groups with its impressive portfolio of international chains turns its focus on local flavors. And it's ablaze with unrestrained yet comforting notes to warm and tease your palate...

The Bistro Group launches its own homegrown concept highlighting comforting local flavors at Siklab+ at the East Wing of Shangri-La Plaza. Known for their popular international casual dining restaurant brands, The Bistro Group's inspiration for its latest concept is much closer to home with its repertoire of all-Filipino classics. Kuhol ni Tanggol, OK na Okoy, Pinatisang Fried Chicken and Crispy Pata-rrific. Get ready to reignite your love for local flavors with the bold and contemporary take on local classics by Siklab+, now fired up at Shangri-La Plaza...

Embark on an Adventure in New Flavors with the Pepper Collection by Paragon Cordial

Made by bartenders for bartenders, Paragon Cordial takes you on a flavorful journey of exploration with single botanical cordials for innovative, natural and authentic notes. Pushing the boundaries of flavor, Paragon Cordial takes you on a wild ride as you discover and experience new all-natural  experiences with each soothing sip elevating the local bar scene. 

White Penja Pepper from Cameroon, Rue Berry from Ethiopia and Timur Berry from Nepal, Paragon Cordial explores the world for single botanicals in search of elusive and rare flavors to elevate your cocktail experience. The new Pepper Collection by Paragon explores new frontiers of flavors that's pleasantly surprising and often unexpected, adding intricate layers of bold natural notes to any cocktail. Ready for an adventure in flavor? 

A Feast for the Eyes and Palate at TAG 4120 Art Gallery, Café and Restaurant in Tagaytay...

Vibrant colors and comforting flavors combine for a unique sensory experience down south in Tagaytay. An art gallery, café and restaurant, welcome to TAG 4120...

Former PR practitioner and passionate art collector Philip Abadicio leaves the hustle and bustle of Manila for the tranquil and serene sanctuary of Tagaytay. But he brings with him his love for art, opening an art gallery in a hidden spot surrounded by a former pineapple plantation. It wasn't long before Philip and his partners decided to open a café and restaurant to complete their "art nook and nibbles" concept. Art and comforting cuisine in a secluded tree-lined road leading to a cozy spot off the beaten path, that's one sensory experience that's just too good to pass up. Step inside for a feast for the eyes and palate at TAG 4201. 

A Spot of Italy in San Juan, at Francesco's...

The rustic and traditional flavors of Italy shine at the heart of the idyllic San Juan neighborhood with its lavish selection of homemade pasta, brick oven pizza, hearty dishes and indulgent desserts, each one masterfully executed for a comforting and sumptuous feast. Step inside a hidden spot of Italy in San Juan. At Francesco's...

The quiet neighborhood of San Juan is slowly emerging as a vibrant dining destination transformed by its growing number of establishments weaving flavorful layers to its charm with its tempting selection of tasty restaurant options. Fresh from a round of renovations, Francesco's reinvents itself with a renewed commitment to authentic Italian cuisine, warm hospitality and impeccable service since it opened back in 2017 in a smooth transition.

Culinary consultant and renowned chef Kalel Chan brings his flair and passion for both classic Italian flavors and creative innovation to the kitchens of Francesco's and Cafe Mabini (more on Cafe Mabini on my post, A Comforting Taste of Nostalgia and Innovation Served Daily at Cafe Mabini) helmed by Chef Francis Lacson, a collaborative partnership resulting in a wide array of sumptuous and hearty medley of Italian dishes. Read on for a peek at Francesco's tasty offerings...

Comforting Combo: Deli by Chele Introduces New Truffle Cheese Melt and Tomato Soup Pairing

Bacon and eggs, pepperoni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, beer and sausages and grilled cheese and tomato soup. It's flavorful combos like these that completes any tasty meal time break without fail. And Deli by Chele adds its own inspired take on an all-time duo with the new Truffle Cheese Melt with Tomato Soup for the ultimate comfort meal... 

They say the only thing that makes a classic grilled cheese even better is more cheese. And a bowl of tomato soup. Deli by Chele does one better with the new Truffle Cheese Melt and Tomato Soup combo. Rain or shine, the newest addition to the menu of Deli by Chele is guaranteed to make your day better with just one bite. And a dip. 

Comforting Classics Reinvented with a Cool Modern Twist at Xi by Cafe Guilt

Discovering a new culinary find offering creative and refreshingly inspired spins on traditional and comforting staples is one secret you'd like to keep for yourself. But since it's the season of giving, here's a quick rundown on Quezon City's newest secret hidden gastronomic gem...

Progressive, innovative and unapologetically modern with an emphasis on fresh, bold and real flavors, Quezon City is now home for hearty and sumptuous cuisine with hints of playful inventiveness expressed in a lavish menu at Xi by Cafe Guilt. And no, you don't have to go far down south the usual dining hotspots to find the same level of masterfully executed dishes. You'll find it right here in Quezon City. Xi by Cafe Guilt brings its extensive repertoire of familiar and comforting classics reinvented with a contemporary twist for a unique dining experience in a quiet Scout area neighborhood away from the usual commercial and business districts. And about time too...