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...

Culinary Art Meets Pop Culture: Say Hello to the Hello Kitty Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula Manila

When the world's most famous anthropomorphized white cat with a distinctive red bow celebrates her milestone 50th anniversary, that's special. Better yet, why not join Hello Kitty for a spot of afternoon tea? 

Photo provided by The Peninsula Manila

Fifty years of adorable cuteness deserves a proper celebration. And The Peninsula Manila has just the right treat for countless fans of the iconic white cat with the Hello Kitty Afternoon Tea in commemoration of her five enduring decades and continued popularity cutting through countless generations. Ready to fall in love all over again with Hello Kitty? Then say hello to the Hello Kitty Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula Manila...

Decadence Unleashed: Solaire Resort Entertainment City Launches Solaire Chocolate Month in Collaboration with Auro Chocolate

Long known in history and culture as the "food of the gods," our love affair with chocolate is as old and enduring dating back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations from the Mayans and Atzecs. To this day, the much prized cacao and its indulgent pleasures in a wide variety of countless forms and shapes continues to tease our palate and insatiable appetite for more. For one month, Solaire Resort celebrates pure and unrestrained chocolate decadence unleashed...

In the most lavish expression of pure chocolate indulgence yet, Solaire Resort in collaboration with Auro Chocolate launches Solaire Chocolate Month for a grand and memorable celebration of decadence unleashed with a full calendar of chocolate inspired activities. For the month of July, guests and diners can indulge in an unforgettable chocolate feast at Oasis Garden Cafe, Finestra Italian Steakhouse, Waterside, Yakumi and Fresh with a creative menu for a unique dining experience. Love chocolate? Then, read on...

Homecomings, Breakfast and Brunch at Maker and Made BGC

When a group of skilled Filipino expats from Singapore's vibrant culinary scene returns home, it's a homecoming of sorts and a celebration guaranteed to warm everyone's hearts. But the story gets even better when these same talented chefs and baristas decide to open their own restaurant bringing with them a modern, refined and conscientious perspective on comforting cuisine adding yet another layer to BGC's bustling culinary landscape. Welcome home to Maker and Made BGC...

In an inspiring story that's still unfolding, Filipino Expat Chef Rue Ribon and her team of baristas and F&B professionals have returned home from Singapore in pursuit of a dream of owning their own restaurant. Mastering western culinary techniques specifically Australian style brunches from their stints abroad, Chef Rue and her culinary partners brings their wealth of experience with popular and hearty western style breakfast and brunch staples infused with creative local touches and a newfound passion for local and sustainable produce to the metro at Maker and Made BGC. Read on for a tasty peek at their wide selection of innovative specialty dishes...

Feast and Celebrate Once More, The Fatted Calf Farmhouse Kitchen Re-Opens at its New Location in Tagaytay

There are so many truly inspiring stories in the culinary world, stories of faith and resilience despite seemingly insurmountable odds that marked the past three years. Challenges, hurdles and obstacles are nothing new to Chefs Jay Jay and Rhea Castro Sycip overcoming a volcanic eruption, a global pandemic and life's rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. And just like the biblical verse, the inspiration behind the restaurant's name, it is time to to feast and celebrate the return of The Fatted Calf in Tagaytay's culinary landscape once more...

Chefs Jay Jay and Rhea Castro Sycip reintroduce themselves to the southern destination's culinary scene with the much-awaited return of The Fatted Calf Farmhouse Kitchen at its new location along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road. Established before the Taal eruptions and the long days of the quarantine from its previous location in Silang, Chefs Jay Jay and Rhea Castro Sycip embark on yet another chapter in the continuing story of their culinary vision, philosophy and dreams with The Fatted Calf Farmhouse Kitchen at its new home. 

Ollie's Kitchen Spins Cookie Stories Inspired by the Big Apple with the Indulgent New York Style Cookies Collection

Cookie cravings are now much easier to fix with access to countless options now in the metro. But if you're after large, chunky and moist cookies from an award winning cookie master, Ollie's Kitchen comes top-of-mind. Inspired by the Big Apple, Ollie's Kitchen unveils his New York Style Cookies collection...

Big, thick, oversized, chunky, soft on the inside and delicately crisp on the edges with its scone-like craggy appearance, the New York style cookie from the West 74th Street neighborhood has been an iconic staple for years. Award-winning baker Ollie's Kitchen shares his own take on the cult classic with his own New York Style Cookies Collection with six decadent flavors, namely Almond Toblerone, Double Chocolate, Classic Chocolate Chip, Macadamia Pastillas White Chocolate, Walnut Dark Chocolate Chip and Pistachio Dark Chocolate. Read on for a virtual bite of New York from one of Manila's best bakers...

Primetime Dining at 22 Prime in Discovery Suites Manila

The setting sun leaves a golden afterglow inside the elegant space of 22 Prime. That's primetime dining at Discovery Suites Manila...

The spacious interiors with panoramic views of the Ortigas CBD and the setting sun becomes your backdrop to a memorable dining experience at 22 Prime in Discovery Suites Manila. Long known for their sumptuous and award-winning steaks, Executive Chef Gerwin Bailon recently showcased his popular dishes along with new creations at 22 Prime and Discovery Suites Manila becomes the perfect setting once more for an intimate feast.

Chef's Signature Series: Wednesday Nights Means Simply Thai At Brasserie on 3 in Conrad Manila

From sweet and sour to salty, savory and bitter notes capped by a soothing heat, Thai cuisine is known for its diverse and contrasting yet seamless play on fresh and bold flavors. On Wednesday nights, diners can embark on a flavorful culinary journey to Thailand at Brasserie on 3 in Conrad Manila...

As part of its ongoing themed buffet offerings under the Chef's Signature Series, Brasserie on 3 in Conrad Manila presents Simply Thai every Wednesday night showcasing authentic Thai cuisine in a lavish buffet spread. Priced at P 2,850++ per person inclusive of welcome mocktail, Simply Thai at Brasserie on 3 is your ticket to the diverse and vibrant flavors from the Land of Smiles in one elegant setting by the bay. Read on for a virtual peek in a series of images at the sumptuous buffet offerings of Brasserie on 3... 

Flavors of Tagaytay: Say Hello to Hello Cafe...

Long associated with the local coffee culture, Tagaytay is home to another new player in the southern destination's vibrant café scene. Say hello to Hello Café...

Far from the famed views of Tagaytay is another new and hidden gem tucked behind the ridge for another visual spectacle. And some seriously good coffee and tasty bites too. The third in a series of blog posts documenting the new wave of restaurant concepts and cafés in Tagaytay born out of the pandemic, the evolving culinary landscape is reshaped and redrawn by daring new restaurateurs adding yet another colorful layer in its storied tapestry of flavors. Step inside Hello Café...

Flavors of Tagaytay: Rewriting the Usual Narrative for Filipino Cuisine at Gregorio's

Is there room for yet another Filipino restaurant in Tagaytay? Now with four dining concepts under his belt, Dr. Kim Fajardo believes there's always more than enough space for good restaurants.

A new restaurant emerging from Tagaytay's post-pandemic culinary scene promises a unique and creative spin on traditional Filipino cuisine at Gregorio's. For Dr. Kim Fajardo, it's this inventive twist that will set his restaurant apart from the usual options in the southern destination. The second in a series of three posts exploring the new wave of restaurants opened late last year, Tagaytay's culinary landscape is reinvigorated with a refreshed optimism injected by daring restaurateurs adding to the changing and evolving flavors down south. 

The Gilarmi Lounge Goes Beyond Gin & Tonic with Exciting New Culinary Discoveries at Discovery Primea

The classic Negroni, new editions from The Burger Library and decadent ice cream creations in a creative collab with one of the country's best. The Gilarmi Lounge goes beyond the classic gin & tonic with tempting new culinary discoveries to tease your palate...

The Gilarmi Lounge at Discovery Primea unveils a lavish selection of tasty offerings from a refreshing tipple with barrel-aged Negroni to savory bites with the new editions from The Burger Library and indulgent ice cream-based desserts made with one of the country's premium artisan brands, Sebastian's Ice Cream for new culinary discoveries and flavor experiences. That's three good reasons to revisit The Gilarmi Lounge if you ask me. Read on for a sneak peek at the new culinary discoveries at Discovery Primea...

Flavorful Encounters at UnFrench Bistro

There's always something new to discover and experience at UnFrench Bistro. For Chef Michelle Adrillana, UnFrench Bistro is her playground for both traditional and even unexpected label-defying culinary creations. Like the Burrata Salad and the Laing Lobster Thermidor...

Not one to be limited or boxed in by labels, Chef Michelle Adrillana boldly takes a creative and progressive approach to her culinary style combining classic French techniques with real and honest flavors at the aptly named UnFrench Bistro. Take her Laing Lobster Thermidor, just one of her new creations for the Pescatarian Bistro Prix Fixe Menu for another pleasantly unexpected encounter at UnFrench Bistro. Curious? Then, read on...

#EatWell: The Seafood Dinner Buffet at Seasonal Tastes in The Westin Manila

A familiar name returns to Manila, and it's back with a refreshingly unique brand of hospitality built around your well-being for a rewarding and fulfilling experience. 

A wellness-inspired premium hotel in Ortigas, The Westin Manila redefines the hotel experience anchored on six key pillars of Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well and Play Well with its premium brand of hospitality, state-of-the-art facilities, services and programs purposely designed with each guest's well-being in mind helping you be the best version of yourself. It's a welcome change of pace setting it apart from other properties marking the return of an iconic brand to the competitive local landscape. Dining remains an integral part of any hotel experience, and The Westin Manila introduces its lavish Seafood Dinner Buffet every Friday and Saturday as part of its Eat Well program at the property's all-day dining restaurant, Seasonal Tastes. 

And here's even more good news. Enjoy a value-packed 20% Off on Lunch and Dinner Buffet and a la carte orders at Seasonal Tastes valid until June 30, 2023 by using the special promo code detailed on the blog. Now that's one cool deal you just can't pass up. Read on and find the code...

Holiday Inn & Suites Makati Celebrates A Decade of Joy with Special Deals and Offers

Ten years of service and hospitality, milestones and celebrations, memorable moments and dining experiences in a continuing tradition of excellence. One of the metro's five-star deluxe hotels celebrates a decade of joy with special deals, packages and offers for an unforgettable escape right at the heart of the Makati commercial and business district. And no, you don't pass on limited time deals like these...

Holiday Inn & Suites Makati, a part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts, turns ten this month launching a series of tempting offers to celebrate a decade of joy from dining to value-packed staycation packages starting April. Ready to celebrate milestone moments at Holiday Inn & Suites Makati? Then, read on and book your getaway...

Afternoon Tea Turns Japanese with Sakura Afternoon Tea at The Writers Bar of Raffles Makati

Through the years, the tradition of afternoon tea has been a much anticipated event at The Writers Bar of Raffles Makati. The creative concept-driven themes for afternoon tea are what sets The Writers Bar apart from the usual, and this year Raffles Makati presents yet another inspired twist...

The tradition of afternoon tea is reinterpreted once more by The Writers Bar at Raffles Makati, weaving an elegant Japanese spin for Sakura Afternoon Tea. The vibrant hues of cherry blossoms are a recurring theme in a unique and elegant afternoon tea experience, translated in a lavish three-tiered indulgence created by Swissotel Nankai Osaka's Chef de Cuisine Hiroto Yoshida and Executive Pastry Chef Yuki Nakamura paired with soothing Japanese tea blends by Grand Tea Master Kenta Ikeda from Japan's famed tea house Ikeda Senchado. Turning Japanese for afternoon tea is another chapter in a continuing story as The Writers Bar at Raffles Makati reinterprets tradition with another refreshed concept, running all the way until the end of May. 

Drive Down South for a Taste of Italy at the New Home of Villa Parmigiano

For southies, there's only one restaurant when it comes to hearty and rustic Italian cuisine. And the enduring restaurant has moved to a much bigger and grander place...

Villa Parmigiano is now open along Daang Hari Road in Alabang West serving the same comfortingly familiar Italian dishes in its biggest branch yet with its distinctive bright orange and brick faċade to its elegant and spacious interiors. One of the few establishments that remained open during the long days of the quarantine experience, loyal customers shifted to take-out and delivery to enjoy their favorite Italian dishes from their old location (for more on Parmigiano, see my previous post A Taste of Italy Down South at Parmigiano Ristorante Italiano in Alabang's Molito Lifestyle Center on their old location from 2021). 

Bigger, grander and more elegant, Villa Parmigiano is firing up the kitchen once more for their bestselling specialties including exclusive dishes you'll only find at their new branch. Come on in and feel at home. At Villa Parmigiano...

Sundays at Kobe Jones by Chef Tom Hines Means Prime Rib & Sushi Sundays

If prime rib and sushi makes your day, then Sundays at Kobe Jones is your kind of day. It's Prime Rib & Sushi Sundays at Kobe Jones...

The refined elegance of Japanese cuisine and the grit of a classic steakhouse come together in a seamless weave orchestrated by Chef Tom Hines at Kobe Jones in Makati. Known for their creative and inventive sushi creations and savory premium steaks, Chef Tom Hines brings the best of east and west in a unique dining experience at Kobe Jones. And once a week, it's Prime Rib & Sushi Sundays at Kobe Jones with a sumptuous four-course menu featuring their signature sushi and fork-tender prime rib to cap the weekend on a high note. 

Chef Fernando Aracama Presents Lasa ng Negrense at Sawsaw by Sau

In one memorable weekend, a leading culinary icon returns to the spotlight at Sawsaw by Chef Sau del Rosario for a feast of authentic and comforting Negrense flavors...

After a long hiatus, Chef Fernando Aracama takes the stage once more with his inspired take on the flavors of Negros showcased in a hearty four-course menu dubbed Lasa ng Negrense last weekend at Sawsaw by Chef Sau del Rosario. The first in the much anticipated Lasa Culinary Series at Sawsaw by Sau, it also marks the return of one of the country's leading culinary figures making the first in a series of culinary offerings even more special. Read on for a peek inside the kitchen with Chefs Fernando Aracama and Sau del Rosario at Sawsaw by Sau... 

Meatless Friday? The Feisty Fin Smoked Salmon from Deli by Chele is Just What You Need, Now Open for Dine-In or Take-Out at Robinsons Magnolia

Meatless Fridays are a breeze with the sumptuous gourmet sandwich offerings at Deli by Chele. And here's even better news, Deli by Chele is now open at Robinsons Magnolia for dine-in and take-out...

Bannered by their bestselling and signature pastramis and other savory gourmet sandwiches, Chef Chele Gonzalez embarks on an aggressive expansion program with the opening of yet another Deli by Chele at Robinsons Magnolia. For those in the 'hood, now you don't have to go far for your sandwich fix. And just in time too for Meatless Fridays in this season of Lent. One Feisty Fin Smoked Salmon Sandwich coming right up...

The Perfect Pint Craft Beer + Fine Food Is Your Perfect Spot in The Proscenium at Rockwell

Now you can find the perfect spot for that soothing perfect pint of masterfully brewed craft beer in an equally perfect setting at Rockwell. And just in time too for summer...

The Perfect Pint Craft Beer + Fine Food brings its motto of celebrating life one pint at a time to The Proscenium at Rockwell with its biggest and probably its most elegant branch to date. With over thirty award-winning craft beers on tap brewed on-site and a sumptuous array of curated dishes like wings, ribs, pork knuckles and more conceptualized by Chef Gene Gonzalez, The Perfect Pint is your perfect spot at Rockwell. It's an inspiring story that began nine years ago with a simple idea of serving the finest beers long before the craft beer culture emerged paired with hearty and flavorful cuisine in a cozy hangout you could call your own. Read on and raise a toast at your newest perfect spot by the Tempongko brothers in The Proscenium at Rockwell...