A Very French Affair At Bistrot Le Coucou

A refined French bistro brings both elegance and warmth to the dining experience inspired by the affectionate greeting to close friends and family in Bonifacio Global City. Welcome to Bistrot Le Coucou...

Exquisite cuisine and exceptional wines are celebrated at Bistrot Le Coucou with a lavish French flair by Chef Luis Martinez. From the Nikkei Group of Restaurants led by Carlo and Jackie Lorenzana, Bistrot Le Coucou brings both rustic French style and flavor to a growing portfolio of restaurant concepts for a welcome addition to Bonifacio Global City's dynamic and vibrant dining landscape. 

Backdoor Libations Up Front And Center: Penang's Backdoor Bodega Takeover At The Bar In The Peninsula Manila

One of the world's acclaimed bars from Penang takes centerstage at The Bar of The Peninsula Manila in one memorable evening for yet another edition of the successful and long-running The Bar Takeover series. Step inside The Bar and experience one of Asia's 50 Best Bars at the Backdoor Bodega takeover...

Yun Shen Koh and Thaneshkumar Sivakumar of Penang's acclaimed Backdoor Bodega headline the latest bar takeover series at The Bar of The Peninsula Manila. Voted one of Asia's 50 Best Bars in 2022 and 2024 and 2025's Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award winner, Backdoor Bodega brings its distinctive style and flair expressed in imaginative cocktail creations reflecting Malaysia's progressive cocktail culture. The latest edition in the unique and novel bar takeover series, The Bar at The Peninsula Manila brings you Asia's very best in four creative libations for one evening (for more on The Bar Takeover Series at The Peninsula Manila, see my previous post The Bar Takeover by Bee's Knees Tokyo At The Peninsula Manila from last year). 

Admiral Hotel Manila-MGallery Introduces New A la Carte Menu at the Admiral Club

Dining at the Admiral Club in Admiral Hotel Manila-MGallery brings more tasty options to the table with its new A La Carte Menu. And here's a sneak peek...

There's an old saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Or you can make a good thing even better with more of the good stuff. And you'll find exactly that at one of the rising dining destinations along the famed boulevard in Manila. With its extensive and impressive array of offerings in its current buffet spread, Admiral Club at Admiral Hotel Manila-MGallery adds even more flavorful options with its sumptuous new A La Carte Menu. From savory starters to a wide selection of premium steaks and seafood, Chef Loic Brun pulls all the stops for a lavish and memorable dining experience at the Admiral Club. 

An Afternoon of Art and Flavors with Harmony in Forms Afternoon Tea at The Writers Bar in Raffles Makati

A feast for the eyes and palate is celebrated once more at The Writers Bar in Raffles Makati with yet another creative and inspired rendition of the afternoon tea tradition...

Inspired by the art of Impy Pilapil and Hans Brumann, The Writers Bar at Raffles Makati unveils Harmony in Forms Afternoon Tea starting January 26, 2024 showcasing the seamless fusion of elegant culinary expression with the visual arts. The latest edition in the art-themed afternoon tea offerings of The Writers Bar, Harmony in Forms reflects the prestigious brand's unwavering commitment to the arts. And it's a culinary and visual treat not to be missed. 

Tea Time by the Bay: Festive Afternoon Tea at El Atrio Lounge in Admiral Hotel Manila-M Gallery

Afternoon tea with an elegant spin set against one of the metro's spectacular backdrops brings an indulgent new light to a timeless afternoon tradition. It's time for tea by the bay at the El Atrio Lounge of Admiral Hotel Manila-M Gallery... 

The mad holiday rush formally begins as the cool December breeze cools the city. The frenetic scramble shifts to high gear as every hour becomes rush hour leading up to the holidays. It's times like these when you need to take it slow. The say afternoon tea is about stopping time, with the elegant setting and indulgent medley of flavors completing the experience for a much needed break. And afternoon tea by the bay sheds new light on this enduring tradition with the decadent Festive Afternoon Tea at El Atrio Lounge in Admiral Hotel Manila M-Gallery. Step inside for a spot of tea and enjoy magic hour by the bay..

Rainy Afternoons and an Off-the Menu Tasting Menu at UnFrench Bistro

Grey overcast skies, just like the day before didn't dampen my much awaited return to UnFrench Bistro for a satisfying meal with their Apple Walnut Salad and 8-Hour Roast Beef with Pommery Smash. But Chef Michelle Adrillana was in an inventive mood in the kitchen, transforming familiar Japanese flavors into new plated executions the UnFrench way. It rarely is just another rainy day at UnFrench Bistro...

Expect the unexpected, that's been the norm ever since Chef Michelle Adrillana opened UnFrench Bistro in the Greenhills neighborhood. Untraditional and unconventional, the very name of the restaurant clearly defines the concept, mood and tone at UnFrench Bistro. That rainy day, an off-the-menu Tasting Menu inspired by the distinct flavors of Japanese cuisine was one of many tasty highlights that brightened the cloudy afternoon.

Super Premium Unlimited Madness, The Ultimate Teppan Feast Upgrade at Teppanya in SM by the Bay

The setting sun by the bay becomes the stunning backdrop for a culinary spectacle. There's the usual buffet, then there's the Unlimited Madness All-You-Can-Eat Teppanyaki feast. One name comes top-of-mind when it comes to eat-all-you-can teppanyaki and the teppan grills are fired up at Teppanya in SM by the Bay for the Super Premium Unlimited Madness...

Long known for its sumptuous all-you-can-eat teppan, Teppanya levels up its signature Unlimited Madness with a wide selection of premium offerings elevating your teppan dining experience with the Super Premium Unlimited Madness upgrade starting July 14, 2023. 

Just when you thought no one can top their Unlimited Madness edition, Teppanya at SM by the Bay adds an elegant and lavish upgrade with the Super Premium Unlimited Madness with succulent Hokkaido Scallops, Wild Alaskan Snow Crab, an impressive and mouthwatering array of prized Wagyu Beef from Japan and Australia and the much sought after Spanish Iberico Secreto along with imported Duck from Australia and so much more. Plus, enjoy an extravagant line-up of sashimi, rolls, nigiri and aburi too to complete your Super Premium Unlimited Madness at Teppanya. Over the top? That's how they roll at Teppanya. Ready for the Premium Unlimited Madness version 2.0? Then, read on for a sneak preview...

Take Me Home to My Country House Tagaytay

Fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs mostly harvested from their very own gardens, oven-fresh baked bread and hearty dishes with an elegant touch await diners after a leisurely drive. A sumptuous feast of "heritage classic" cuisine in a verdant and lush garden setting down south, could it get better than that? It does, when it's part of the Raintree Hospitality Group. Welcome home to My Country House Tagaytay...

Drawing inspiration from bountiful countryside escapes and the freshest ingredients sourced from local farmers, My Country House Tagaytay from the Raintree Hospitality Group raises the bar for destination dining with its lavish yet comforting menu of "heritage classic" cuisine in an elegant garden setting down south in Tagaytay. Read on and come inside for a fresh and satisfying feast to recharge both palate and body at My Country House Tagaytay...

Sunday Brunch is Back in Style with the Mireio Brunch Society at Raffles Makati

A sumptuous brunch highlighting quality over quantity in an intimate setting marks the return of one of the metro's luxurious Sunday brunches at Raffles Makati...

Mireio Brunch Society is back in style at Raffles Makati, showcasing an impressive brunch buffet spread of French and continental cuisine along with live stations complemented by curated beverage options for an elegant dining experience. The Sunday Brunch tradition at Raffles Makati's Provencal-inspired Mireio is one of the most anticipated culinary offerings after the long days of the quarantine experience, and Sundays are once again elevated with a luxurious touch at one of the metro's top dining destinations. Read on for a virtual taste of Mireio Brunch Society, and rediscover Provencal style at Raffles Makati... 

#PenMoments: Classic Cuisine, Elegantly Refined and Revisited at The Peninsula Manila's Enduring Old Manila

Another chapter unfolds in the evolving story of Old Manila at The Peninsula Manila with a new Chef de Cuisine at the helm. And the long tradition of elegant fine dining spanning forty-two years and counting continues...

The Peninsula Manila marks the return of elegant fine dining at Old Manila with newly appointed Chef de Cuisine Domenico Nicolino showcasing his own innovative and elegant spin on contemporary market cuisine. Old Manila becomes the perfect stage once more for a memorable fine dining experience, adding one more lavish layer to your unforgettable #PenMoments. Read on and experience fine dining from the Peninsula perspective and create new memories with the exquisite dishes created by Chef de Cuisine Domenico Nicolino at one of the metro's finest dining destinations...  

DPA X LJC: Celebrating Two Decades of Culinary Partnership with Elements of Flavor at Flame in Discovery Primea

Behind each unique and memorable culinary creation at one of the metro's prestigious properties is an enduring partnership that has defined the Discovery Primea experience. Starting November 17, this creative gastronomic partnership is celebrated with the Elements of Flavor series...

The story of an epic culinary journey unravels high above Discovery Primea along Ayala Avenue in Makati, retold and celebrated with each dish. Discovery Primea's General Manager, David Pardo de Ayala and Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco highlight two decades of creative partnership with an elegant and lavish four-hands dinner to kick-off the Elements of Flavor series at Flame Restaurant. The series showcases unique collaborations between Discovery Primea's culinary team and renowned local and international chefs and personalities reflecting modern cuisine in an elegant setting at Flame Restaurant. With the aim of presenting gastronomic innovation by bringing together unique culinary ideas, special techniques and a passion for fine flavors for even more memorable experiences to the property's loyal patrons and guests, Elements of Flavor is a snapshot of the very best redefined with each course in a collaborative experience. Here's a peek at Elements of Flavor in Discovery Primea...

A Bar, Speakeasy, Patisserie, Deli and French Fusion Restaurant in the Basement at Somm's Table

Where to find Makati's newest and coolest bar, speakeasy, patisserie, deli and restaurant? Just head down the basement at Somm's Table...

Michelin-star trained chefs Raphael Gries and Julien Sobolewski bring their own unique take on creative and innovative French cuisine, traditional patisserie and deli with a cool speakeasy and contemporary bar vibe at Somm's Table. Makati's newest dining and bar destination, Somm's Table is located at the basement of the Corner Exchange Building along Bolanos Street in Makati. The unique location becomes part of the charm and experience in this bar, patisserie, deli and restaurant. At Somm's Table, going down the basement is the surest way to an elevated bar and dining experience.

Raising the Bar: The Omakase Private Dining Experience by Bambi's Gourmet Kitchen

Bambi's Gourmet Kitchen does it again, raising the bar once more for home-based food businesses with her latest offering...

For Barbara Ann Reyes-Javelosa, taking her home-based food business to the next level is part of the game setting Bambi's Gourmet Kitchen apart from the rest. In a bold move, Bambi's Gourmet Kitchen adds an Omakase Private Dining experience to her growing repertoire of culinary offerings showcasing elegant Japanese dishes made with the finest and freshest ingredients. Hotel and restaurant quality dishes masterfully prepared with the best ingredients, it's the secret formula to Bambi's Gourmet Kitchen's continued success. And now, she's taking it a notch higher with private dining. Read on for an exclusive peek...

Inspired and Creative Dining: Samira by Chele Gonzalez at Anya Resort Tagaytay

Tucked away amidst the lush pineapple fields and gently sloping hills is the newest dining destination down south. And it's a culinary experience that's definitely worth the drive outside of the metro...  

Anya Resorts Tagaytay unveils its newest partnership with one of the country's noted chefs with the opening of Samira by Chele Gonzalez showcasing an elegant tasting menu and creative a la carte offerings. The impressive bamboo-lined path leading to the resort's entrance is just the start in a continuous chain of sensory experiences in one of Tagaytay's prestigious properties. And it's the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. Nourish your mind, body and palate at Tagaytay's newest dining destination, at Samira by Chele.

Bambi's Gourmet Kitchen Raises the Bar for Home-Based Food Businesses. Again.

Bambi's Gourmet Kitchen aims for a bigger slice of the homebased food business pie with her lavish and elegant Japanese inspired offerings along with a new line of decadent cakes and soon, even private dining.  

And Bambi's Gourmet Kitchen raises the bar. Again. Using premium ingredients mostly flown in direct from Japan, Bambi's Gourmet Kitchen sets the standard for home-based food businesses with her luxurious take on Japanese cuisine and it doesn't stop there. Bambi's Gourmet Kitchen also unveiled her line of indulgent cakes available soon on her expanding menu as well as plans for intimate private dining. 

Kampai! Chef Mikel Zaguirre Redefines Japanese Bar Food at Kampai in Makati's Poblacion

One of the popular bars and dining destinations of the vibrant Poblacion neighborhood returns with its own creative take on Japanese cuisine...

After a long hiatus made longer by the quarantine, Kampai quietly comes home to the neighborhood of Poblacion. At its new location, the old regulars of Kampai will find the same familiar vibe of the original but in a much larger space. Without fanfare, the comeback is tempered by guarded optimism as the lingering pandemic continues with no clear end in sight. But it still is cause for a celebration, though muted, as the entire neighborhood presses the reset button. And the extensive new menu is just one of many reasons to revisit one of the best bars in the 'hood. 

A Tasty Peek at the New Premium Japanese Offerings by Bambi's Gourmet Kitchen

When only the freshest premium Otoro and Chutoro, Hamachi and Kampachi straight from Japan's Toyosu Market and prime Wagyu beef will do, you know you're in for a lavish treat that can only come from Bambi's Gourmet Kitchen...

Bambi's Gourmet Kitchen elevates your home dining experience with her new Omakase Menu of premium Japanese offerings made with the finest and freshest ingredients. From sashimi to nigiri and savory mains, Bambi's Gourmet Kitchen brings restaurant quality dishes to your home dining table for any special occasion. In this new normal. we've seen home-based food businesses emerge during the quarantine and a few have left quite an impression with the use of premium ingredients. Bambi's Gourmet Kitchen is one of them. And she gets it straight from the source, air-flown twice a week from Japan for her luxurious take on inspired Japanese flavors (for more on Bambi's Gourmet Kitchen, see my earlier posts, Turning Japanese with Bambi's Gourmet Kitchen and A Holiday Feast by Bambi's Gourmet Kitchen). 

Set Course Lunch or A La Carte, Enjoy a Sumptuous Lunch at Raffles Makati Hotel's Mireio

When a simple set course or a la carte lunch becomes an elevated dining experience, you know you're in a special place. From the food to the service and the elegant space itself, Mireio at Raffles Makati Hotel transforms any meal with its distinctive Provencal spin...

Seared Hokkaido Scallops, Emerald Sauce, Fresh Mango Condiment

Mireio at Raffles Makati Hotel is one of those rare places in the metro that transports you faraway to the sunny countryside of Provence with its graceful interiors, impeccable service and exquisite cuisine (for more on Mireio, see my posts, A Provencal Lunch with Chef de Cuisine Herve Clair at Mireio showcasing Chef Herve's Provencal-inspired dishes, Brunch Redefined at Mireio's Luxe Sunday Brunch on their lavish brunch buffet and A Very Raffles Weekend on a memorable staycation with breakfast at Mireio). A lunch date at Mireio becomes equally special, with Chef de Cuisine Herve Clair's classic and elegantly-plated dishes. Simply choosing a starter can become challenging with so many tempting options. Seared Hokkaido Scallops (P 1,150) on Emerald sauce with a side of Fresh Mango Condiment for starters? Yes, please...

#FourScenePicksFour: Four Memorable Dining Experiences That Made Our List

It's often said that what makes dining so memorable are the fond memories triggered by comforting dishes, discovering new flavors that widen your palate's perspective, being transported to a far-away place with just a bite, a simple plate masterfully executed or a chef who tells an engaging story behind each dish. These are what makes dining special and as another year comes to a close, here's four picks that made our list... 

The mandatory list of favorites is one way to celebrate and recap a year of good food and good times, and looking back, our group FourScene certainly has a few. And what a year. Manila's culinary scene continues to evolve adapting to the fickle and ever-changing palate of local diners. But there are a few that remain relevant in a market where trends come and go. Here's four that made our list driven by the metro's best and passionate chefs, in no particular order or ranking, with FourScene Picks Four...

Embark on a Flavorful Journey of Global Culinary Creations by Chef Carlo Miguel at The Food Hall in SM Aura Premier

From comforting pasta dishes to buttermilk battered fried chicken and mouthwatering burgers, Chef Carlo Miguel unveils his Global Culinary Creations at The Food Hall in SM Aura Premier...

Chef Carlo Miguel takes your palate around the world with his new dishes, Global Culinary Creations, high up in Skypark Dining at SM Aura Premier. Over the past several months, The Food Hall served as Chef Carlo Miguel's test kitchen. Drawing inspiration from various cuisines from around the globe, the results are as flavorful and diverse as one can expect from the lavish offerings at The Food Hall. Hungry? Read on for a tasty peek at Global Culinary Creations by Chef Carlo Miguel at The Food Hall...