Michelin Selected: MaMaCiTa BGC Makes The Cut For A Rightful Place In The Philippine Edition Of The World Class Guide

A day after the Michelin Guide announced its list, the stars aligned and the star dust settled the following morning as the local dining scene celebrated a significant milestone with culinary professionals enjoying the much deserved recognition. Familiar and expected names made it to the list while some surprisingly didn't. As with all creative endeavors, there will be opposing viewpoints. Taste is after all subjective. But after all is said and done, no one can deny it's impact on the country's evolving restaurant landscape that's finally recognized on the global stage with the release of the Michelin Guide for the Philippines. In the end, this is a win for the local food community. And to honor the first ever inaugural class of local restaurants with the enviable nod of approval from Michelin, we'll be featuring a few of the chosen establishments on the blog celebrating each recognition as a win toward moving the local dining experience forward...

The country's rich and diverse culinary landscape is now on the global dining map with the release of the Philippine edition of the celebrated and much coveted Michelin Guide. One Two-Star establishment, eight One-Star restaurants, twenty-five Michelin Bib Gourmand picks and seventy-four Michelin Selected dining destinations worthy of the recognition. It's an impressive haul no matter how you look at it. While others lamented the limited scope covering "Manila and environs and Cebu," it still is a comprehensive list reflecting value and comforting cuisine all the way to casual and fine dining concepts. Despite the omissions and somewhat limited regional scope, the inaugural listing still represents the very best of Manila and Cebu. And these include all seventy-four Michelin Selected restaurants like MaMaCiTa BGC. "Celebrated for their quality cuisine, Michelin Selected restaurants showcase culinary creativity and consistency," and you'll find all that served with each dish along Forbestown Road with the specialty Mexican offerings at MaMaCiTa BGC...

All Hail The Queen Of Wagyu: Teppanya Welcomes Japan's Famed Matsusaka Beef To Manila

There's Wagyu Beef, then there's Matsusaka Beef. Often referred to as the "Queen of Wagyu," Matsusaka Beef is one of the world's most coveted beef in the world prized for its exquisite marbling and rich butter-like texture and mouthfeel. And it's now in Manila. Soon you can indulge in the savory richness of the world famous beef at Teppanya and Sicilian Roast. The secret's out...

Straight from Ito Ranch in Japan's Mie Prefecture to Manila, the world acclaimed Matsusaka Beef is poised to elevate your Wagyu Beef dining experience in selected establishments. In partnership with local importer Prime Cuts by Doubleday, the rare Matsusaka Beef from the revered Ito Ranch Matsusaka Beef Farm will be made available to partner establishments starting with Teppanya and Sicilian Roast. Ready for a taste of the best? Then, read on...

At the formal launch in Shangri-La Plaza, Prime Cuts by Doubleday showcased its latest and probably most indulgent and luxurious offering to date with the arrival of Matsusaka Beef from Ito Ranch. That afternoon, the lucky guests experienced the rare savory richness of one of the world's legendary cuts of beef prepared by the skilled master chefs of Teppanya. 

At the event, Mark Pineda of Teppanya joined management of Prime Cuts by Doubleday, Ito Ranch and Sicilian Roast for the ceremonial toast festivities... 

...as wooden masu containing sake were distributed to guests. The rhythmic beat of taiko drums formally celebrated the much anticipated arrival of Matsusaka Beef to Manila. One of the acclaimed "Big Three" or Sandai Wagyu which includes Ōmi Beef and Kobe Beef, Matsusaka Beef are reared in extremely controlled conditions resulting in its buttery high fat-to-meat ratio, beautiful marbling, pure flavors and real fork-tender texture with only a small amount processed each year thus its premium prices due to its rarity and limited availability. It's called "Queen of Wagyu" simply because Matsusaka Beef comes only and exclusively from Japanese black female cows. 

Now let's take a closer look at Matsusaka Beef. The export of Matsusaka Beef is closely controlled and regulated thus its exclusive status. And with extremely limited quantities as opposed to commercial beef, you really can't blame the locals from wanting to keep this culinary gem for their own consumption. But thanks to Prime Cuts by Doubleday, diners can soon experience the rarest of premium beef. But this isn't the first time Matsusaka Beef was made available in the country. Previously, certain local establishments offered the premium beef but the partnership between Ito Ranch and Prime Cuts by Doubleday marks a milestone first. Ito Ranch is selective when it comes to its partners for worldwide distribution and Prime Cuts by Doubleday makes the cut as the enviable exclusive and official source of Japan's famous Matsusaka Beef. 

Established in 1953, Ito Ranch is Japan's most decorated Matsusaka producer with over 35 competition awards including a historic three year Grand Champion honors consistently ranking it as top-tier farm. It's a historic feat no other Japanese Matsusaka producer can claim. The formula for success? Simple. Pedigree and lineage, raising Japanese black cattle in a stress-free environment and fattening cattle much longer than the usual 25 months with its standard 35-month program resulting in high oleic concentration allowing the meat to melt at a low 12 degrees Celsius for that unmistakable butter-like texture. And lastly, a proprietary feed that remains a closely guarded family secret. 

All these combine for one of the world's best Wagyu beef experiences with its high fat, oleic acid concentration, intricate marbling and low melting point delivering an indulgent savory richness like no other. And that's why Matsusaka Beef is the rarest, most exclusive and expensive beef in the world. 

And soon, diners will experience a taste of the very best at Teppanya (for more on Teppanya, see my posts All Hail The Emperor: A Royal Feast With The New Emperor Set Menu At Teppanya In SM By The Bay from two years ago, Super Premium Unlimited Madness, The Ultimate Teppan Feast Upgrade At Teppanya In SM By The Bay from 2023, Fired Up For All-Out Teppanyaki: Teppanya Celebrates Its 5th Anniversary With The Insane Unlimited Madness Promotion from 2019 and Fire And Flavor: Setting The Stage For A Culinary Performance At Teppanya from six years back). What can diners expect at Teppanya? Imagine opulent bites of the special Nigiri and a lavish and sumptuous teppanyaki dining experience featuring Matsusaka Beef at Teppanya. 

And the moment guests eagerly waited for is finally happening as whole slabs of Matsusaka Beef are prepped by Teppanya for everyone to sample...

At the Teppanya booth, the prized Matsusaka Beef are delicately carved and sliced...

...lightly seared on a teppan grill and portioned for sampling servings...

...like the Sukiyaki with a light yet rich broth, tofu and fresh vegetables. The broth is immediately transformed by the decadent savory richness of the Matsusaka Beef draping the palate with its elegant lingering notes in just one sip and bite. The familiar and comforting flavors of sukiyaki teases the palate yet the flavors are nothing quite like previous experiences. It's sukiyaki taken a whole new level with Matsusaka Beef. 

Simply seasoned and garnished with thin slices of crisp garlic, Matsusaka Beef grilled to medium rare perfection is the best way to enjoy its pure, clean and unrestrained flavors as it slowmy melts in your mouth releasing even more intense notes. 

This is where all the tedious and meticulous protocols in raising Matsusaka Beef with generations-old family practices and traditions pays off in one juicy bite. 

And one bite just leads to another. The flavors are not overwhelmingly strong but elegantly refined and nuanced with its buttery richness. It's premium beef in a class all its own. 

And if you can't wait to secure a couple of premium slabs of Matsusaka Beef, you can order online via the Prime Cuts by Doubleday website and online store (link details at the bottom of the post).  

At the launch, the Matcha Latte by Maison Midori was the perfect libation with each sip cutting through the richness preparing your palate for another indulgent bite of Matsusaka Beef. 

Teppanya and Sicilian Roast will soon render their own lavish culinary expressions using the famed Matsusaka Beef in their menus, and that's definitely something to look forward to in the coming weeks. 

Access to the world's finest produce is slowly opening up and transforming the local dining scene. And with access to a constant supply of Matsusaka Beef, things can only get better. The rarest, most exclusive and expensive beef in the world isn't something you easily shrug off nor pass up. And thanks to Prime Cuts by Doubleday, Teppanya and Sicilian Roast, the new menus offering Matsusaka Beef provide new and memorable dining experiences without requiring a plane ticket. 

There's Wagyu beef, and there's Matsusaka Beef. And sooner than you think, you too can experience and savor the world's best at Teppanya and Sicilian Roast with the arrival of the "Queen of Wagyu". 

For more on Matsusaka Beef at Prime Cuts by Doubleday, visit their website and online store at https://dprimecuts.com/

For more on Teppanya and the availability of Matsusaka Beef, visit their FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.facebook.com/teppanyaphserendrabgc/, https://www.facebook.com/TeppanyaSMNorth, https://www.facebook.com/teppanyaevia, https://www.facebook.com/TEPPANYAPHMOA, https://www.facebook.com/TeppanyaPHShangriLaPlaza and https://www.instagram.com/teppanyaph/ for updates.

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Late Breakfast, Cocktails And The Proper Pour Over Coffee: A Day At H Proper Coffee Roasters In The Podium.

Spending half a day in one place isn't the usual plan, but H Proper Coffee Roasters isn't your usual coffee specialty shop. In addition to a stellar artisan coffee selection plus an innovative pour-over bar, you can also enjoy a variety of savory meals, fresh baked and sweet bites and even cocktails all in one place. Step inside and explore the possibilities all day at H Proper Coffee Roasters...

Now with two locations, H Proper Coffee Roasters brings an extensive and solid dining menu and cocktail offerings to enhance your coffee experience all-day long. Start with a late brunch followed by dessert, a round of cocktails and a pour-over session to cap your H Proper Coffee Roasters episode for a day well spent. Coffee? Pick your seat...

And Your Winners Of The Marriott International Sinagtala Philippine Culinary Arts Cup Are...

Sinigang, Kare-Kare, Inasal, Adobo and Sisig, classic and iconic Filipino staples that have defined our culinary heritage and identity on the global table. The challenge? Create the best rendition of each dish for possible inclusion in the global recipe database accessed by over 9,000 Marriott properties worldwide. And the result? Exquisite executions reflecting both tradition and a creative contemporary interpretation of comforting and familiar flavors. At the Marriott International Sinagtala Philippine Culinary Arts Cup... 

The best culinary talents from Manila Marriott Hotel, The Westin Manila, Clark Marriott Hotel, Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort and Sheraton Manila at Newport World Resort converged at the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom to showcase their best versions of traditional dishes and move Filipino cuisine forward to a much wider global stage. The Marriott International Sinagtala Philippine Culinary Arts Cup is a novel and unique initiative from the prestigious property group going beyond just another mere competition by taking the next step in institutionalizing core Filipino recipes as a valuable reference and resource among Marriott kitchens around the world. And it all begins with Sinigang, Kare-Kare, Inasal, Adobo and Sisig... 

Ribeye Done Right: Canada Beef Goes Global With The 6-Hands Dinner by Chefs James Antolin, Maverick Javier And Jovan Dungon At Ikomai

Three chefs, one epic dinner. Chef James Antolin of Ikomai along with Chefs Maverick Javier and Jovan Dungon share their creative renditions of Canadian Beef with the Canada Beef Goes Global 6-Hands Dinner for a culinary collaboration at Ikomai. From the amuse bouche and appetizers to the savory main ribeye courses and dessert, the lavish dinner celebrated both the finest produce and the chefs behind each exquisite course. The collab also highlighted the recent wins of Chefs Maverick Javier and Jovan Dungon at the Global Chefs Challenge Asia Semi-Final in Kuala Lumpur and when you have some of the country's creative culinary minds in one place, something truly amazing transforms a late week evening...

Canada Beef, Hightower, Mida Food Specialists, Arla and the LTB Chefs Association recently hosted the Canada Beef Goes Global 6-Hands Dinner led by Chefs James Antolin, Maverick Javier and Jovan Dungo at Ikomai in one memorable evening. Fresh from their successful stint at the Global Chefs Challenge in Malaysia, Chefs Maverick Javier and Jovan Dungo showcased their exquisite competition level dishes featuring Canada Beef guided by Chef James Antolin and his team at Ikomai. Read on and take your seat at Ikomai...

Bar None: Sebastian's Ice Cream Raises The Bar Once More With The New Candy Bar Inspired Dive Bar Collection

Just when you thought the unconventional wizard of decadent frozen treats in the local ice cream scene is done with one innovative new creation, he's back with another. Sebastian's Ice Cream introduces his most decadent Dive Bar collection yet, and here's a sneak peek...

Bar none, this is probably the most indulgent and opulent Dive Bar collection by Sebastian's Ice Cream. The new collection features five hand dipped ice cream bar creations in Polvoron, Cookie Dough, Dark Chocolate Asin Tibuok, Butter Pecan and Hazelnut Heaven inspired by candy bars. Introduced a few months back, read on for the five best-selling Dive Bars at The Podium Shop and on-line store of Sebastian's Ice Cream...

Got The Card? Cold Storage Seafood Rewards Loyal Customers With Exclusive Membership Card

For over 29 years, Cold Storage Seafood has been the trusted name when it comes to the freshest premium seafood sourced from around the world. It's a reputation built on consistent quality as the brand continues to blaze new trails in the retail sector with innovative programs and initiatives. As it nears yet another milestone built on three decades of premium seafood freshness, Cold Storage Seafood shares this bountiful ocean harvest with its loyal customers with the new exclusive Cold Storage Seafood Membership Card. 

Loaded with special benefits, privileges and unique deals available only to members, the new Cold Storage Seafood Membership Card takes your seafood shopping experience to a whole new level with unbeatable offers and value. How to sign up? Read on for a tempting peak at how to maximize your seafood shopping routine at the most trusted name in premium seafood since 1996...

Go All Out For The Insane Mad For Wagyu Feast at Kuroniku in Greenhills Mall

Imagine an all Wagyu beef feast including premium A5 Wagyu and A5 Kobe Takami grilled right on your table in an eat-all-you-can setting. You can stop drooling, and head on over to Kuroniku at GH Mall...

A new concept takes the popular Japanese themed unlimited dining format up a notch with premium offerings like the coveted Japanese Wagyu Beef for a unique and memorable dining experience setting it apart from the usual all-you-can-eat grill set-up. Yakiniku? Add slabs of premium Wagyu Beef and you have Kuroniku. Grilled right at your table, Kuroniku elevates the yakiniku game with the all-out Mad For Wagyu offer showcasing the prized and legendary Wagyu beef from Japan. And you can enjoy as much as you want. Ready to fire up your table-top grill? Then, read on...

A New and Refined Dining Experience Comes To Quezon City at Michael Dubois Restaurant

A French chef's bold vision takes shape in the heart of Quezon City's culinary scene, adding to the colorful tapestry of diverse flavors this part of the metro. Deviating from the usual tried and tested casual and value-driven format common in the area, Chef Michael Dubois charts his own course offering an upscale dining experience at Michael Dubois Restaurant...

The promise of an elevated dining experience never fails to entice those constantly on the search for the newest culinary destination. And finding one in the most unexpected of places up north in the residential neighborhoods of Quezon City adds to the thrill and excitement of discovering one more restaurant to your growing list. But fine dining can be tricky, setting expectations both perceived and imagined. Opened just a few months back, there are still rough edges to smoothen and iron out, but Michael Dubois Restaurant offers some interesting possibilities. Managing expectations with an open mind becomes key in unveiling the countless possibilities at Quezon City's newest dining attraction. Curious? Then, read on and step inside Michael Dubois Restaurant...

One Smashing Year: Smashing Lemons Celebrates Milestone First Year Anniversary

It's that time of the year when being stuck in the usual afternoon rain isn't new, but a spot of sunshine in a cup never fails to brighten up a cloudy day with the promise of a refreshing pause. Where? At your nearest Smashing Lemons outlet... 

Hong Kong's No. 1 Lemon Tea Franchise, Smashing Lemons Lam Heung Ling celebrates its milestone first year anniversary in the Philippines with its signature line of refreshing libations. Freshly steeped with real tea leaves and infused with zesty smashed Bergamot lemons, one sip instantly soothes and rejuvenates your palate and spirit transforming any rainy day. Ready for a sip of sunshine? Then, read on...

Mark Your Wednesdays For Authentic Indian Flavors, It's Spice & Soul at Seasonal Tastes in The Westin Manila

Love Indian food? Let's have lunch. It's Spice & Soul at Seasonal Tastes in The Westin Manila every Wednesday...

Known for its extensive selection of sumptuous offerings including the freshest seafood and purposeful emphasis on wholesome food options, The Westin Manila takes its buffet dining game up a notch with its themed spread highlighting Indian cuisine for lunch every Wednesday with Spice & Soul at Seasonal Tastes. Experience authentic Indian flavors recreated by Guest Chef Abhishek Kabrawala of Manila Marriott Hotel for a unique and memorable taste of the famed subcontinent in a lavish lunch buffet dining format with its own stations plus an innovative One Dish Wonders Station where five featured dishes are freshly prepared a la minute and served to your table at its flavorful peak. Ready for a hearty Indian feast? Then, read on...

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...