Level Up Your Sushi Game at the JETRO World Sushi Skills Seminar 2025

Pull out your sharpest knives, it's time to elevate your skills at the JETRO World Sushi Skills Seminar...

Japanese cuisine, particularly sushi and sashimi continue to gain in popularity among local diners. For aspiring chefs and culinary professionals, elevating the sushi game by refining the traditional skill sets and mastering the craft becomes necessary and even mandatory to stay both competitive and relevant in the restaurant scene. And here's your chance to do exactly that. The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) hosts the prestigious World Sushi Skills Institute Seminar 2025 in partnership with Sanriku and Hightower, Inc. from February 5 to 7 at Enderun College. Designed to provide participants with advanced techniques as well as culinary insights to raise the bar in the country, the three-day seminar also aims to foster appreciation for the art of Japanese cuisine on a global platform. The seminar is part of an integrated program by JETRO to promote Japanese products and ingredients in the country with its long-term seafood campaign (for more on JETRO, see my previous post It's A Go For A Taste of Japan with GO! Japanese Seafood! by JETRO from late last year). Ready to take the next step? Then read on...

BGC Got Bagels: Booya Bagels Opens Second Store in Serendra

There's no stopping Chefs Aaron and Nikki Lau when it comes to spreading bagel love in the metro. And for bagel lovers, that's good to know. You can now enjoy their specialty bagels in Serendra at Bonifacio Global City...

Fresh from the successful opening of their first mall-based store in Glorietta 3 (more on my post, Booya Bagels Hits The Mainstream with the Formal Opening of its Glorietta 3 Branch back in June last year), Booya Bagels aims its sights on the bustling BGC commercial and business district with its second branch at Serendra. Time to grab some bagels...

Spilling The Tea On One of Makati's Unique Tea Experiences: Afternoon Tea and Cocktails at La Casa Del Habano

Acclaimed author Henry James once shared that "there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea" in reverence to the enduring British tradition. Afternoon tea has seen a resurgence in popularity in the local culinary scene these past few years, becoming a regular offering in many establishments. But have you experienced afternoon tea at a cigar bar? The afternoon tea tradition is elegantly celebrated at the very first branch of La Casa Del Habano in the country for yet another inspired take on the well-loved ritual with sweet and savory bites paired with soothing cups of tea. Step inside La Casa Del Habano for a cup and good times...

With over 155 locations in 60 countries around the world, La Casa Del Habano aims to spread and expand the Cuban cigar legacy with its very first store in Manila. Boasting the first ever walk-in humidor in the country complete with personalized individual lockers where loyal patrons can store their prized cigar stash, La Casa Del Habano raises the bar for the pleasures of premium hand-rolled cigar experience at its exclusive space in The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens. La Casa Del Habano weaves its own tradition with another for a unique experience with its own take on afternoon tea. Cohibas, tea with sweet and savory bites? Read on and pour me a cup...

Savor the Exquisite Flavors from Japan on the Shelves, Chillers, Restaurant Table and Sushi Bar Counter at Konbini Store

For over 18 years, one store has been the enduring go-to and trusted destination for everything and anything Japanese. From the long well-stocked grocery shelves and chillers to the in-store dining tables, the rich and diverse flavors from Japan are celebrated and enjoyed in a memorable shopping and dining experience. Welcome back to Konbini Store in Greenhills...

Everyone's favorite Japanese neighborhood convenience store remains top-of-mind when it comes to the freshest quality Japanese produce with their wide and impressive selection from imported beverages, fresh fruits, premium Wagyu beef and seafood or even just a bowl of comforting Tonkotsu Ramen all in one place. It's no wonder the Konbini Store along Connecticut in Greenhills is still the undisputed spot for everything Japanese and then some. But did you know that Konbini Store has a hidden and soon not-so secret oyster and sushi bar too? Konbini Store has been elevating the convenient store scene with its restaurant quality offerings, and the addition of the new and still unnamed oyster and sushi bar further sets it apart with the continuing success story of the timeless and well-loved iconic Greenhills establishment. Step inside Konbini Store for some fresh Sakoshi Oysters and read on...

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

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

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

A Fresh Salmon Run with Maki, Sushi Bake and Salmon Cake Dispatched Straight from Salmon HQ

The day's freshest catch has always been a part of countless celebrations, and premium salmon remains at the top of any list. Guaranteed fresh, Salmon HQ brings their bountiful catch straight to your doorstep...

Anyone and everyone who loves salmon knows they can always enjoy the freshest catch everyday of the year from a trusted source that goes by the name Salmon HQ. From fresh premium sashimi and sushi grade salmon to indulgent cakes and bakes, Salmon HQ's creative and inventive renditions of the prized catch along with other seafood specialties never fails to amaze and tease the palate. Salmon cravings? Leave it to Salmon HQ to satisfy all your cravings. And find out why Salmon HQ remains at the very top of every salmon lover's list...

All Set with the Meal Sets at Ramen Santouka

You're craving for ramen. And some crisp and juicy pork cutlet with rice too. Ramen Santouka has you covered...

Big cravings? No worries. The sumptuous Meal Sets at Ramen Santouka should satisfy any appetite with ramen and a savory main of your choice in one cool deal. Hungry? Then, read on...

Hearty Meals and Indulgent Desserts Await at Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory Café in Ayala Malls by the Bay

You love their famous Nama Doughnuts, Cow Cow Ice Cream, Soufflé Pancakes and Milk Pies made with the finest dairy products like Jersey milk fresh from Hokkaido at their countless stalls and kiosks in the metro. But Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory is more than just indulgent creamy desserts. Savory dishes also take the spotlight made with the same intricate and meticulous touch as their flagship dessert creations. Welcome to Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory Café in Ayala Malls by the Bay...

With so many tempting options at Ayala Malls by the Bay, it's becoming increasingly rare to enjoy your main courses, dessert and even coffee all in one place. Until you find Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory Café. That's right, it isn't your usual kiosk but a full service café with an extensive menu from savory mains all the way to desserts and coffee. Step inside Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory Café for a satisfying meal followed by their popular sweet offerings in Ayala Malls by the Bay... 

A Four-Hands Happy Hour Special the Wolfgang's Steakhouse Way with the Third Edition of What's Your Beef Featuring Chefs Chris Oronce and Sebastian Barcudes

Afternoon tapas, bar bites, happy hour, call it what you want. And no one does it better than Wolfgang's Steakhouse with their sumptuous take featuring a wide variety of inspired USDA Prime Black Angus Beef renditions paired with handcrafted cocktails. It's time for What's Your Beef...

Bold and vibrant South American flavors take the spotlight with the latest edition of What's Your Beef, a novel Four-Hands Happy Hour collab by Chefs Chris Oronce and Sebastian Barcudes at Wolfgang's Steakhouse. The curated  menu features different prime cuts of beef with a unique South American spin for refreshing and hearty bites and libations. Think anticuchos, lomo saltado, feijoada and even empanadas. And Pisco Sour and Caipirinha. Ready for a round? Read on for more on the third edition of What's Your Beef at Wolfgang's Steakhouse...