Sunday, December 31, 2017

East Meets West at Alter Ego European-Asian Fusion Bistro

Fusion doesn't have to be confusing. In fact, it makes a whole lot of sense...here at Alter Ego.


A savory Pork Curry Salpicao, a comforting Pumpkin & Mushroom Soup Souffle, and a decadent Pate Au Choux filled with Leche Flan, you just don't find that anywhere. But you can find it here at Alter Ego in New Manila where east meets west (for more on Alter Ego, see my earlier post, Fusion Without Confusion: Discover A Unique Brand of Fusion Cuisine at Alter Ego European-Asian Fusion Bistro on the recent opening of New Manila's newest dining destination).

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Honey or Smoked? Have Your Old-Fashioned Both Ways at Churchill...

"Sir, you are drunk," said Labour MP Bessie Braddock to Winston Churchill, to which the iconic prime minister replied "And you, madam, are ugly. But in the morning, I shall be sober." In true Churchillian style, his eloquence cuts through the clutter like a dramatic mic drop, helped no less by a refreshing tipple. History remembers the iconic leader with his famous speeches from "This was their finest hour" at the onset of the lost battle in France to "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few" after a defiant victory against all odds at the Battle of Britain. His words galvanized an embattled nation and shaped the world, and that deserves a toast... 


Drawing inspiration from the quintessential British statesman, Churchill at Estancia in Capitol Commons brings back the stately elegance of a gentleman's bar from a long bygone era. It's an homage to the cigar and brandy loving former prime minister who shone brightest during the second world war, with its dark masculine interiors and a wide selection of handcrafted cocktails and spirits. Understated and subdued yet exuding refined grace and style, it's the perfect spot for a tipple right here at Capitol Commons...

New Concept for the New Year with Highlands Bistro

The Highlands name remains synonymous with prime quality steaks, and the recent rebranding of its branch in Estancia Mall still bears the name associating it with Highlands Prime Steakhouse. With a more casual and laid-back vibe, Highlands Bistro offers its signature quality steaks along with a new menu to match the new concept...


It may have a new name, but you can expect the same level of quality you loved through the years. The new Highlands Bistro at Estancia Mall by Highlands Prime Steakhouse takes on a more relaxed and easy-going character with a new menu highlighted by their signature steaks. Read on for a peek at Highlands Bistro's tasty new offerings... 

Friday, December 29, 2017

Rediscovering Layers of Indulgence with Chef Cyrille Soenen's Classic Kouign Amann

The round Breton pastry with its intricately layered and croissant-like buttery bread dough and indulgent caramelized sugar slow-baked to perfection brings back so many fond memories...


...and a temptingly sweet way to end another year. And Just like Cyrille Soenen's CroNaps (more on the CroNaps on my previous posts, A Sweet Reunion with Chef Cyrille Soenen's CroNaps and Meet Chef Cyrille Soenen's New CroNaps!), it was good to see the Kouign Amann one more time...

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

A Savory Feast for the Palate and Soul with the New Bacon Crusted Pork Ribs from Racks

 Pork ribs and bacon. Can it get any better?


At Racks, it gets a whole lot better. Racks introduces it newest seasonal variant, the Bacon Crusted Pork Ribs with its signature fork-tender, flame-grilled and fall-off-the-bone pork ribs draped in crispy bacon. And throughout the holiday season, Racks will be donating a portion of the proceeds from this limited offer Bacon Crusted Pork Ribs to Habitat for Humanity. Your love for pork gets a double dose with the new Bacon Crusted Pork Ribs, and help build homes. Now that's a cool deal...

Serving What You Wished For: Tenya Serves Up The New Winter Seafood Tendon For Make-A-Wish Foundation

Black Tiger Prawn. Soft-Shell Crab. Norwegian Salmon. Kani Stick. Nori. Green Beans. It's everything you wished for, and you can have it at Tenya. It's a Tenya Christmas feast in a bowl...


For a limited time, Tenya serves up its new Winter Seafood Tendon with the freshest and finest catch from the sea. And what makes this new tempura donburi special is that part of the proceeds will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation throughout the holiday season. Think of it as an all-star cast of pure tendon perfection coming together for a noble cause, masterfully prepared with that unique Tenya touch (for more on Tenya, see my previous posts, A Peek at the Next Japanese Food Trend... on a special sneak preview of Tenya,  A Tenya Stopover: Tenya Opens Second Branch at Bonifacio Stopover on the brand's expansion, #DiscoverNewMOAEats: Delectable Discoveries at SM Mall of Asia's New North Wing on its third branch, and Tempura Tendon Tenya Unleashes the Tendon Invasion at SM Megamall on its first branch at SM Megamall). It's everything you wished for, and you'll find it at Tenya. 

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

#CraveCelebrations: Wicked. Smores by Wicked.

Chocolate and marshmallows. Get ready for some wicked Smores from Wicked...


This holiday season, The Cravings Group gears up for the joyous merry-making festivities of the season with a variety of sumptuous packages from Cravings, C2, Epicurious, B & P and Wicked. Simply pick your package and leave everything to The Cravings Group for a hassle-free holiday feast. But there's one indulgent treat not to be missed, the wicked Smores by Wicked...

Bring Home Some Holiday Cheer from Cafe Macaron

Cookies, chocolate, and a gingerbread man, it's what makes the holidays so much sweeter...


...and Cafe Macaron's got the goods. Head on over to Fairmont Makati and see what's new at Cafe Macaron...

Monday, December 25, 2017

The Novotel Experience: A Christmas Weekend Staycation at Novotel Manila Araneta Center

Elegance and simplicity, it's the enduring trademark of any Novotel experience. Whether traveling alone or with family, on holiday or a business trip, the Novotel experience weaves a tapestry of rich memories that make each visit special.


A part of the LeClub Accor Hotels, Novotel has well over 400 hotels and resorts in 61 countries, each one with the distinct hospitality combining both elegance and simplicity for a unique and memorable experience. My staycation at Novotel Manila Araneta Center allowed me to experience this signature hospitality of Novotel in one memorable Christmas weekend...

Friday, December 22, 2017

It's A Green Christmas with Palm Grill's Signature Green Chicken...

It's beginning to look like a green Christmas...


...with Palm Grill's popular signature Green Chicken. Tender and juicy grilled chicken marinated, seasoned and simmered in coconut milk and seven Asian spices, it's the dish that propelled Palm Grill into the metro's culinary spotlight and chosen as this year's Best Filipino Restaurant by Let's Eat Magazine of Philippine Star (for more on Palm Grill, see my previous post, Green Chicken and Good Vibes: Discover Mindanaoan Flavors at Palm Grill). And I have a whole Green Chicken from Palm Grill all to myself for the Christmas weekend. It's a green Christmas...with Palm Grill's best-selling Green Chicken.

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Love Dim Sum? You'll Love Dim Sum Unlimited Nights at Xin Tian Di...

Steamed or fried? Savory or sweet? Have them all. In fact, why not feast on all 55 dim sum varieties...


Crown Plaza Manila Galleria offers dim sum lovers the ultimate quick fix for sudden dim sum cravings with Dim Sum Unlimited Nights at Xin Tian Di. Steamed, fried, savory and sweet, go all-out with Xin Tian Di's Dim Sum Unlimited Nights from Monday to Friday, 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, for only P 1,388++ net per person. Hungry? Read on for some dim sum love...

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Latin Vibes: A Christmas Feast with Peruvian Flavors at Samba.

The world is finally discovering Peruvian cuisine with its rich gastronomic heritage deeply rooted in tradition infused with diverse influences from more than five hundred years of historic cultural exchanges including Spanish, African, Chinese, Japanese and Italian notes for a truly unique culinary experience.


This Christmas day, discover the flavors of Peru and South America with a special holiday dinner at Samba at Shangri-La at The Fort for a taste of one of the world's distinct and emerging cuisines. The festive five-course meal, masterfully prepared by Chef Carlo Huerta Echegaray, include iconic Peruvian seafood starters and mains, a savory beef dish all the way to an indulgent dessert to cap your Peruvian dining experience for a unique Christmas day feast.

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Sweet or Savory? Have Both at Bizu Creperie...

Deciding whether to go sweet or savory isn't a difficult decision. Not at Bizu Creperie...


The versatility of soft, flat, and thin crepes are highlighted at Bizu Creperie offering a wide selection of tasty options, including both sweet and savory, for a light yet comforting and satisfying meal. Bearing the name of one of the metro's pioneering and enduring patisseries known for their intricate pastries, cakes and desserts for over seventeen years (for more on Bizu, see my earlier post, Bizu Patisserie & Bistro Brings Its Signature Joie de Vivre to Christmas...), the focus shifts to the traditional French crepe at Bizu Creperie. Basic, simple, rustic and uncomplicated, Bizu Creperie transforms the crepe into into an elegant dish that will have you coming back for more. Sweet or savory? Have it both ways... 

Saturday, December 16, 2017

A Bowl of Ramen and a Michelin-Star Dining Experience at Tsuta

When the world's first Michelin-starred ramen house opens in Manila, it's definitely news.


Foodee Global Concepts, the culinary group behind Tim Ho Wan, Todd English Food Hall, Pound by Todd English, Hook by Todd English, Mesa Filipino Moderne, FOO'D by Davide Oldani, Llaollao, and Sunnies Cafe, brings another much-acclaimed brand to the country adding to its growing portfolio of prestigious dining concepts. Tsuta has the enviable distinction as the world's first Michelin-starred ramen house, and it's now open at Bonifacio High Street.

Time For Pancakes with the Original Buttermilk Pancake Mix from Rustic Mornings by Isabelo.

It's a Saturday morning, time for some pancakes...


Family gatherings become even more special as the holidays near, and there's no better way to start the day right with a sumptuous breakfast at home. A hearty breakfast with soft, thick and fluffy buttermilk pancakes drizzled with pancake syrup paired with a freshly brewed cup of coffee sets the tone for the rest of the day. And you can prepare it all at home with the Rustic Mornings Christmas Breakfast Basket from Rustic Mornings by Isabelo.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Pasta Gets Creative with The Pork Project

You can have the usual pasta this holiday season. Or go for some playfully inventive and refreshingly innovative pasta dishes for a change. Just leave it to Chef Redd Agustin and The Pork Project to take you on a wild and flavorful ride with their not-your-usual pasta offerings...


Chef Redd Agustin and The Pork Project shares their new pasta dishes in time for the holiday season, and if you know Chef Redd, you can expect flavorful spins to make you love pasta even more. Penne Screams Adobo and Linguine Who Wants To Be A Paella, you just know it's not your usual pasta dish. It's the way it is at The Pork Project, and his latest pasta project gets another green light (for more on The Pork Project, see my previous post, Perfecting Pure Pork Love with The Pork Project).

Reyal Unveils New Look For Its Sauce-Sarap, Sauce-Sulit Litson Manok

Tender and juicy roast chicken served with that comforting sweet, spicy and garlicky sauce, you just know this one's another winner chicken dinner from Reyal Litson Manok.


Great tasting chicken needs a good sauce, and you get both in a flavorful one-two punch with Reyal, a name synonymous with the saucy and flavorful litson manok that's become a well-loved brand in just two years. The local brand has given local consumers a tasty new alternative, proving again and again that a great chicken meal is always better with sauce, consistent with its tagline "mas masarap 'pag may sauce!" And one juicy and savory bite is all you need to absolutely agree with Reyal. 

Oishi Holidays with Oishi's Cuckoo Bag, Weeshee Bag and Smart C+

That audible crunch followed by a refreshing sip, the snacking sounds and flavors of the season goes into high gear with Oishi...


The bright and colorful Cuckoo and Weeshee Bags of Oishi add more color to the festive holiday season, containing some of their all-time favorites and new offerings. Craving for munchies? Simply open up a bag from Oishi...

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Swirled For The Season: Get into the Holiday Spirit with the McDonald's Holiday Desserts

Oreo. Matcha. And Sans Rival. This Christmas, your favorite McFlurry just got swirled for the season with holiday-inspired flavors...


McDonald's offers three more reasons to visit this holiday season with its indulgent Holiday Desserts featuring the return of three classic flavors guaranteed to get you in that sweet and festive holiday vibe. The new McDonald's Holiday Desserts include the all-time favorite Oreo McFlurry, the sweet Sans Rival McFlurry, and the refreshing Oreo Matcha McFlurry. Let's go? Kita-kits ulit!

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

A Sweet Reunion with Chef Cyrille Soenen's CroNaps

It's been so long, way too long, since my last bite. And you can just imagine my surprise at another chance encounter with Chef Cyrille Soenen's CroNaps...


The delicately layered, buttery and flaky dessert with a sweet glazed top and creamy custard filling brings together the unique textures of the classic croissant with the local Napoleones for a decadent fusion unlike any other. It's the kind of pastry you can only expect from the country's very own Master Chef of France (for more on the unique and inventive CroNaps by Chef Cyrille Soenen, see my previous post from two years back, Meet Chef Cyrille Soenen's New CroNaps). And that day, I get a box of an old favorite for a sweet reunion...

Monday, December 11, 2017

Be Prepared For The Season of Giving: Scout's Honor's Tempting Holiday Cookie Sets

This Christmas, it helps being prepared at all times for the festive season of giving. And just like the scout's motto, being prepared takes on an indulgent twist with Scout's Honor's Holiday Cookie Sets...


And what better way to spread some love this Christmas than with a dozen decadent Cub Scout Cookies from Scout's Honor, right? Scout's Honor's Holiday Cookie Sets are the perfect holiday gifts this Christmas with a dozen more reasons to celebrate the season of giving. Read on for a sneak peek at Scout's Honor's Holiday Cookie Sets...

Sunday, December 10, 2017

A Taste of Nostalgic Modern with LeTao

Freeze-dried strawberries draped in white chocolate, white chocolate puffed wheat with raspberry, black tea infused chocolate cookies, it's just some of the inventive and elegant treats that make the holidays more special...


Cheese. Chocolate. Rich flavors that add that festive vibe to the holidays, and here's an indulgent line-up of fresh new offerings for even more reasons to celebrate the season. LeTao, the renowned Japanese brand behind the popular Double Fromage Cheesecake, introduces its all-new product line-up for 2017 in a series of pop-ups. It's nostalgic modern, recreating traditional sweets with modern techniques, that make these products from LeTao special. Based in Hokkaido, LeTao offers a refreshing yet comforting take on traditional desserts. Here's a tasty peek at what's in store for you from LeTao...

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Mornings Made Better with Rustic Mornings by Isabelo

Coffee and pancakes, there's nothing quite like a leisurely breakfast prepared at home to start the day right. And mornings just got a whole lot better...with Rustic Mornings by Isabelo.


Soft and fluffy pancakes drizzled with dark and sweet syrup paired with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, it's what breakfast should be. Gather the family for a hearty breakfast and celebrate the holidays with the signature Original Buttermilk Pancake Mix, Classic Pancake Syrup, and soothing Breakfast Blend Coffee from Rustic Mornings by Isabelo...

Holly's Cafe Latte: Coffee with Farm-Fresh Goodness in a Bottle.

Milk and coffee. It's just one of those pairings that make life so much sweeter. And Holly's has got it all conveniently bottled and packed just for you...


Holly's Milk introduces their latest dairy variant, Holly's Cafe Latte, made from 100% premium local farm fresh coffee and the freshest pasteurized milk. Need a caffeine fix? Simply twist the cap and enjoy for a refreshing new daily habit...

Friday, December 8, 2017

Fusion Without Confusion: Discover A Unique Brand of Fusion Cuisine at Alter Ego European-Asian Fusion Bistro.

Refreshing, innovative, creative and intriguing. And an exciting new culinary find in Quezon City...


Drawing inspiration from "the other I" referring to a person's secondary or alternative personality, Alter Ego European-Asian Fusion Bistro takes a flavorful look at nature's duality crossing borders with its unique culinary style. Classic European dishes and cooking techniques combine with distinct Asian flavors for an exciting and new dining experience that will leave you satisfied. It's fusion without the confusion...at Alter Ego European-Asian Bistro.

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Joyeux Noel: Christmas Flavors with a French Accent at Resorts World Manila's Impressions

Indulge in a French-inspired holiday feast prepared by one of the country's internationally acclaimed chefs...


Resorts World Manila's Director of Culinary Arts and the country's first and only Master Chef of France, Cyrille Soenen, shares his French-themed holiday feast, the Christmas Special, at Impressions for a unique holiday dining experience. The Christmas Special Set at Impressions will only be available for dinner on December 23 and 25, and for lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve. Read on for a tasty peek at Chef Cyrille Soenen's Christmas Special at Impressions...

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Freshness and Authenticity: The Yakumi Saturday Brunch at Solaire Resort & Casino

Fresh salmon and tuna, succulent scallops and juicy US ribeye, it's the celebrated quartet for a lavish Japanese feast. And you can have it all and more and go for seconds and thirds at the Yakumi Saturday Brunch. Saturdays just got a whole lot better...


Solaire Resort & Casino's flagship Japanese restaurant, Yakumi, takes you on an epic culinary journey of authentic Japanese flavors with its Saturday Brunch, a special weekend buffet offering an impressive spread with all your favorites for a memorable dining experience. Salmon, tuna, scallops, premium ribeye and more, you'll find it here at Yakumi's Saturday Brunch.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Wearable Contemporary Style and Comfort with Clarks, Now Open at SM Aura

On your next food crawl or food trip, you'll need one more essential aside from a hefty appetite. Often overlooked, comfortable footwear comes in handy in between multiple dining venues. Walking the pavements and the streets of the concrete jungle all day long can take its toll on your feet. But thanks to the expert shoemakers since 1825 at Clarks, walking can be a breeze while looking good too. It's all about "wearable contemporary style and comfort" at Clarks...


Clarks recently opened its newest store at SM Aura Premier showcasing its latest collection of classic footwear. At the newest store of Clarks, you'll find timeless designs like the The Batcombe Wing and many more, designs that have made the Clarks name synonymous with comfort and style the world over. A rich tradition and history that began in 1825 has made Clarks one of the enduring brands from the United Kingdom, and the newest store at SM Aura reflects the brand boldly moving forward with the times...

Monday, December 4, 2017

#LivinLovinLocally: Quench Your Thirst with Homegrown Local Flavors from Locally

Local is the new premium, and there's one homegrown beverage brand that allows you to embark on a tasty culinary journey around the Philippines with every sip...


NutriAsia recently launched its unique homegrown beverage brand, Locally Blended Juice Drink, offering distinctly local flavors. It's the first of its kind, with all-Pinoy flavors you've never had in juice before. Rediscover comfortingly familiar flavors in a fresh, exciting and new line of juices and begin #LivinLovinLocally...  

Sunday, December 3, 2017

Celebrate The Flavors of the Season at Novotel Manila Araneta Center's The Food Exchange

With the holidays just around the corner, it's time to gather and celebrate...at Novotel Manila Araneta Center.


Novotel Manila Araneta Center introduces its special staycation packages including a sumptuous buffet spread at The Food Exchange with the Gather N Celebrate offer for the holidays. Make this year's celebration even more special...at Novotel Manila Araneta Center.

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Mama Knows Best: Introducing the All-Day Italian Dining Culture at Uptown Mall's Mamma Mia.

The best way to enjoy an authentic Italian meal is to do exactly what Italians do, enjoy it at your own leisurely pace and let time roll by without a care in the world, one tasty bite and satisfying course at a time. Now you can do exactly that and indulge in a hearty Italian meal too...at Mamma Mia.


Just think of it. Authentic and rustic Italian dishes paired with memorable drinking moments with friends from morning all the way to past midnight, it's the Italian way. And it's this uniquely Italian dining and drinking culture that one can experience at Mamma Mia, now open at BGC's Uptown Mall. The authentic home-style cuisine and the drinks, from an extensive selection of fine Italian wines to handcrafted cocktails, will make you want to stay just a little while longer...

Friday, December 1, 2017

Bizu Patisserie & Bistro Brings Its Signature Joie de Vivre to Christmas...

For over seventeen years, Bizu Patisserie & Bistro has shared its trademark joie de vivre with its signature desserts and bistro dishes. This Christmas, experience both the sweet and savory flavors of Bizu Patisserie & Bistro...


Bistro Patisserie & Bistro recently launched their new bistro menu and their much-awaited Christmas Collection at their Greenbelt 2 branch offering its loyal customers even more tasty options in time for the holidays. Read on for a peek of the tasty new offerings at Bizu...