Inspired by Italy, Crafted by Chele: Meet The Cheesecake Mafia, The Parmesan Cheesecake And Nutella Tarta de Queso From Burnt Basque Cheesecake By Chele

The local cheesecake wars continue to tease and delight the palate with innovative and inventive renditions showcasing infinite possibilities. For Chef Chele and Teri Gonzalez, the continuous creative process allows the unrestrained exploration of flavors and textures as they push the envelope once more with the introduction of their latest decadent duo of Burnt Basque Cheesecake creations inspired by Italian flair...

Burnt Basque Cheesecake by Chele unveils two exquisite cheesecake expressions dubbed "The Cheesecake Mafia: Inspired by Italy, Crafted by Chele" with the Parmesan Cheesecake and the Nutella Tarta de Queso reflecting traditional Italian notes inspired by Parmesan and Nutella. Teri Gonzalez brings the comforting and indulgent sweetness of Nutella with each decadent slice while Chef Chele plays on the rich and creamy flavors with mildly salty savory hints with his blend of Parmesan, Grana Padano and a secret third cheese for two unique and contrasting options at Burnt Basque Cheesecake by Chele. Following the successful campaign from their recent collab (see my previous post Decadent Duo: Meet The Seasonal Christmas Cheesecake Offerings From The Auro Chocolate x Burnt Basque Cheesecake By Chele Collab from December last year), Burnt Basque Cheesecake by Chele maintains the tempo and momentum with a decadent duo for the next round of the local cheesecake wars. Read on for a virtual slice and bite of the Parmesan Cheesecake and the Nutella Tarta de Queso...

Through The Years, At Discovery Primea's Tapenade...

For over a decade, the fresh and vibrant notes of the sun-kissed Mediterranean cuisine at Tapenade lit up the ever-changing dining scene in Makati. And it continues to shine bright as ever with its repertoire of Mediterranean inspired dishes. Since my very first visit back in 2015, Tapenade in Discovery Primea has always been top-of-mind for Mediterranean flavors. Eleven years later, it still is...

For establishments to reach its milestone eleventh year says a lot, and that's a big deal in the competitive food and beverage industry that's forever changing, adapting and evolving. Helmed by Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco since day one, Tapenade at Discovery Primea stayed true to its promise of serving the freshest flavors of the Mediterranean. A recent visit revealed new dishes for Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco's own picks for the month as well as enduring bestsellers from the menu. Read on to see what's on the table. At Tapenade in Discovery Primea...

Sundays Mean Sunday Roast. At L'Opera Ristorante Italiano...

Sundays are always special. At L'Opera Ristorante Italiano, Chef Paolo Nesi pulls all the stops for the lavish Sunday Roast. And with Mother's Day just a few days away, the Sunday Roast at L'Opera Ristorante Italiano is one tempting option you can't pass up...

Imagine a carving station loaded with Porchetta, Roast Beef, Roast Pork Belly, Roasted Leg of Lamb and Roast Chicken plus salads, tasty starters and sides. It's a rustic and savory feast in the Tuscan tradition orchestrated by Chef Paolo Nesi at L'Opera Ristorante Italiano. Book your table and pick up a plate...

In San Juan, Francesco's Is Still The Spot For Sumptuous Italian Flavors

The culinary scene in the quiet San Juan neighborhood is quietly emerging as one of the most popular dining destinations in the metro. One of the key drivers of this resurgence is Francesco's by consultant Chef Kalel Chan and owner Kelvin Yu. If you still haven't dined at this little spot of Italy in San Juan, now's the time with Mother's Day just around the corner...

Since my first visit two years ago, Francesco's full transition under consultant Chef Kalel Chan brings a renewed focus to Italian culinary tradition and innovation in a seamless weave with its impressive repertoire of classic Italian offerings. Step inside Francesco's and experience a taste of Italy in San Juan...

Sunday Flavors: Book Your Table For The Sunday Roast At L'Opera Ristorante Italiano

Porchetta, roasted pork belly, roast beef, roasted lamb leg and roast chicken. Plus salads, soup, cheese and charcuterie too. It's a savory and sumptuous all-roast feast with Italian flair for Sunday's best. Take a peek at the Sunday Roast in L'Opera Ristorante Italiano, and come hungry...

Since 1994, L'Opera Ristorante Italiano helmed by Italian Chef Paolo Nessi delighted our palates with his comforting and rustic take on traditional Tuscan cuisine using the finest Italian ingredients masterfully executed with each dish. And on Sundays, Chef Paolo Nessi draws inspiration from fond childhood memories of family gatherings celebrated with a savory medley of sumptuous roast meats recreated once a week for one of the restaurant's popular attractions. Grab a plate. A big plate. It's time for the Sunday Roast at L'Opera Ristorante Italiano...

Day One, Four Restaurants: The I Love Aussie Lamb Experience Takes Over Tagaytay For A Month-Long Festival

From rustic Greek and Mediterranean notes to tasty Mexican bites, comforting Filipino and vibrant Thai flavors to elegant Italian and Moroccan renditions, just how many ways can you enjoy premium Aussie Lamb? Four chefs show you the different ways to enjoy Aussie Lamb with their creative executions. It's Day 1 of the month-long I Love Aussie Lamb fest in twelve of Tagaytay's finest chef-driven restaurants...

Meat and Livestock Australia and Aussie Beef & Lamb PH brings world-class and premium Aussie Lamb to Tagaytay for a month-long dining experience in twelve leading chef-led restaurants with the I Love Aussie Lamb campaign starting February 16 to March 15, 2026. Following the success of the previous campaign in Manila's top restaurants, the I Love Aussie Lamb program finally comes to the southern dining destination (for more on the previous Manila run, see my earlier post All Aboard The Aussie Lamb Caravan By Meat And Livestock Australia For A Savory And Flavorful Ride At Participating Restaurants from late last year). Ready for another flavorful and savory ride, this time down south in Tagaytay? Then, read on...

#ILoveAussieLamb: Twelve Top Chefs From Tagaytay's Finest Restaurants Celebrate The Versatility Of Aussie Lamb

Lamb rack, shank, top sirloin, leg, shoulder, loin, tenderloin, neck and breast, just how many ways are there to create a sumptuous dish using world-class and premium quality Aussie Lamb? Meat and Livestock Australia gathers all the top chefs from Tagaytay's best restaurants to create inspired renditions showcasing the versatility of Aussie Lamb to kick off the I Love Aussie Lamb campaign down south. Prepare for an epic all Aussie Lamb feast...

In another masterful collaboration, Meat and Livestock Australia brings the I Love Aussie Lamb campaign to another famed regional dining destination celebrating rich flavors of premium Australian lamb. And starting February 16, you too can savor and experience the exquisite flavors of Aussie Lamb in participating Tagaytay restaurants. From classic, hearty and even nostalgic expressions to boldly inventive and imaginative interpretations, the chef-driven creations offer an insightful peek at how Aussie lamb can be transformed across cuisines, techniques and dining concepts. Ready for a flavorful preview? Then read on...

Love Ferrero Rocher? Unboxing The New El Born La Pastisseria Burnt Basque Cheesecake Ferrero Rocher

Chef David Amoros of El Born and El Born La Pastisseria pulls out yet another decadent surprise from his seemingly bottomless bag of tricks. The local cheesecake wars heats up for the final salvo of the year...

Chef David Amoros draws inspiration from an iconic Italian chocolate classic, Ferrero Rocher for his latest rendition of the Burnt Basque Cheesecake. Imagine the roasted hazelnut chocolate treat encased in a thin wafer shell filled with hazelnut chocolate draped in milk chocolate and chopped hazelnuts incorporated in the silky smooth and luscious cheesecake creation of El Born La Pastisseria. You can stop imagining, and unbox your prized haul from the latest indulgence of Chef David Amoros...

Pep & Ronnie Brings Rustic Italian Flavors With Filipino Soul To Makati's Salcedo Village

Makati's busy Salcedo Village never fails to surprise wandering palates with its wide array of sumptuous dining spots. Like a perfectly good slice of brick oven pizza. Tucked away in the narrow backstreets of Makati is one real gem of a find...

Inspired by rustic Italian flavors infused with Filipino soul, Pampanga-based Pep & Ronnie Pizza House heads south with its first branch in Makati showcasing its tempting selection of both traditional and playfully inventive brick oven pizza creations and more. Ready for a slice? Then, read on...

All Aboard The Aussie Lamb Caravan By Meat And Livestock Australia For A Savory And Flavorful Ride At Participating Restaurants

From biryani, lamb chops, kofta and roasts to burgers, stews and tacos, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) brings the fresh, clean and bold savory flavors of world-class Aussie Lamb to some of the metro's top restaurants. Hop aboard the Aussie Lamb Caravan for a flavorful ride...

Renowned all over the world for its flavor, Aussie Lamb boasts of the "all-natural advantage" with its free range, pasture-raised, grass-fed qualities with absolutely no artificial additives and growth hormones making it the top choice among restaurants and home kitchens in over 100 countries. Building on the success of its novel Lambassador program led by acclaimed Chef Robby Goco (see more on my post, Lambtastic: Meat And Livestock Australia Appoints Chef Robby Goco As The First "Lambassador" For The Philippines from early last year), the campaign is expanded by partnering with even more of the country's top restaurants. It's a clear sign that Aussie Lamb ranks high in the growing list of protein options now widely embraced by more Filipino chefs and diners who are discovering its premium quality, unique and distinct rich flavor and remarkable versatility. Ready to hop aboard the Aussie Lamb Caravan? Then, read on...

When It Rains, Fire Up The Table Top Grills for the All-You-Can-Eat All Day, Everyday Yakiniku Feast at Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ and Dessert at Morelli's Gelato

The regular afternoon downpour can just ruin any plan for the day. You can simply wait out the rain or better yet, fire up the table top grill. See you at Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ and let it rain...

Known for its grilled thinly sliced meats, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ which translates to "bull's horn" brings traditional yakiniku with an unlimited, all-you-can-eat twist all-day long guaranteed to satisfy any carnivorous craving. Priced at P 1,249 (adults) and P 598 (children), enjoy a lavish selection of appetizers, homemade pickles, fresh salads, soups, yakitori, eight savory options of beef, pork and chicken ready for grilling and desserts. And when it rains, the table-top grills at Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is ready to warm your palate and serious cravings (for more on Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, see my posts Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, Now Grillin' at GH Mall in Greenhills on the formal launch from early last year and Fire Up Your Table Top Grill. It's Eat-All-You-Can All Day, Everyday at Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ in GH Mall...from late last year). Rain or no rain, come hungry at Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ...

Meet Me at Podium Social for Coffee, Cocktails and Beer to Sumptuous Cuisine...

One floor with five exciting restaurants is bringing a new, refreshing and cool kind of energy to redefine the mall scene in Ortigas. The top of The Podium is transformed to become the next dining destination with its curated array of offerings all in one place. Welcome to Podium Social...

The Podium unveils its bold and innovative concept with Podium Social, a culinary hub that's bound to reshape the mall and dining landscape in the vibrant and ever changing commercial and business district. With a distinct vibe that sets it apart from the usual, this new hotspot is a much needed shot revitalizing the mall's evolving culinary character. And it's happening. Read on and head up to Podium Social...

#BoldEscape at Hann Resorts, The First Fully Integrated Resort Up North Day 2

The second day of a #BoldEscape at Hann Resorts brings a full itinerary for the fully integrated resort experience. Dining, gaming, wellness and maybe a bit of shopping and rockin' all in one place? Let's get started...

Day 2 at Hann Resorts reveals even more layers in the casino, hotel, restaurants, wellness and shopping lifestyle from the first fully integrated resort in Central Luzon with a wide variety of activities scheduled to showcase the immersive one-stop integrated resort concept. After a memorable first day (more on Day 1 of my #BoldEscape at Hann Resorts on my previous post here at #BoldEscape at Hann Resorts, The First Fully Integrated Resort Up North Day 1), you're ready for another round of exciting discoveries, new flavors and experiences at the luxurious premier destination up north of Manila. Ready to play bold, live bold? Then, read on...

New Stories Plated and Retold with a Fresh New Tale at Fable Cafe + Lounge

Inspired by its playful and whimsical fairy tale thematic look and vibe, few establishments in BGC offers a distinctive sensory immersion to an otherworldly realm as envisioned by one of the country's acclaimed designers. A stand-out destination known for its uniquely elegant space, exquisite and imaginative design and equally inventive dining experience, Fable Cafe + Lounge adds a new page in its story highlighted by the spirit of collaboration. 

Conceptualized and conceived by internationally renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue, you already know this isn't your usual café lounge. It's a step outside the ordinary taking you deep inside the creative mind of visionary designer Kenneth Cobonpue. As you enter Fable Cafe + Lounge, free yourself from the conventional and take the bold plunge into the proverbial rabbit hole of pure imagination. Completing the experience is an evolving menu anchored on the spirit of creativity, seasonality and collaboration for an exciting new tale in the never-ending story of Fable Cafe + Lounge.

Vikings Invade The North: Vikings, The Alley Opens in Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces

Buffet dining has always been a popular option in the local restaurant scene and no other brand has has transformed and elevated the experience in the past decade than The Vikings Group. Bannered by fast growing concepts like Niu by Vikings, Four Seasons Buffet and Hotpot, Nords Bread Hub and Vikings, The Alley, the restaurant group launches an aggressive expansion up north of the metro with the recent opening of Vikings, The Alley Fairview Terraces...

A rampaging Nordic horde claims the north with the opening of Vikings, The Alley at Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces with its signature culinary concept highlighting excellent value and variety all in one place. It's a winning formula that has driven the brand since it first opened back in 2011 and continues to remain at the very core of the Vikings dining experience. Prepare to scroll and drool for a virtual tour of the impressive buffet spread at Vikings, The Alley Fairview Terraces...

The Little Wolf Takes a Big Bite of the Local Italian Restaurant Scene with the Opening of Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener at Opus Mall

There are Italian restaurants, then there's Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener. The newest dining concept from the Wolfgang's Steakhouse Group, this "little wolf" is out for a big bite of the local Italian restaurant scene with its elegant and refined renditions of classic and traditional Italian cuisine...

That lavish and flamboyant flair and tasteful style of the Zwieners, the successful family of restaurateurs behind one of the world's best steakhouses bannered by Wolfgang's Steakhouse brings their unique and distinctive stamp to an elevated Italian dining experience with the opening of Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener in Opus Mall. From the impeccable service to the sleek and sophisticated interiors and the extensive menu, the newest Italian restaurant in the metro intricately binds all the elements for a memorable dining experience in a perfectly seamless weave. Come inside Il Lupino Prime Manila Trattoria & Wine Bar by Peter Zwiener and experience Italian flavors gracefully redefined and elevated...

Always Amore di Merrier at Italianni's with New Dishes to Add to Your Growing List of Top Picks

Do you remember your first time at Italianni's? Known for their sumptuous Italian-American cuisine and hearty family-style servings, the enduring restaurant has been home to countless family milestones and celebrations. Decades later, Italianni's continues to be the perfect gathering spot for festive get-togethers with new dishes on the menu...

Loyal fans can always count on the comforting and hearty fare of the timeless and enduring Italian-American chain but if you think you've tried everything from the extensive menu of Italianni's, think again. Fresh from the kitchen, Italianni's introduces new menu items to add to your already long list of favorites. Read on for a tasty peek at everyone's all-time fave, Italianni's...

Meet Me At Lobby 385 by Chef Kalel Chan

The narrow winding streets of the quiet San Juan neighborhood leads you to some of the metro's many hidden culinary gems. One of them is Lobby 385 by Chef Kalel Chan. Exciting things are happening at the 'hood in San Juan adding to your list of must-try dining destinations. Meet me at Lobby 385...

Food trends come and go, but the classics endure. Acclaimed Chef Kalel Chan brings back a comforting and impressive repertoire of traditional flavors to the table in an elegant new setting in San Juan at Lobby 385. From soothing cocktails to tasty starters, savory mains and decadent desserts, Lobby 385 weaves a sumptuous array of tempting dishes with Chef Kalel's own inspired take on the classics that just never goes out of style. And yes, premium steaks too.

Cloudy With A Chance of Cheesebomb Meatballs in Fennel & Tomato Sauce and Greek Beef Stifado: Comforting Cuisine Defined by Xáncho

Comforting cuisine comes in many forms and flavors, influenced by the rich diversity of global culinary traditions. Chef driven and inspired paired with a rustic and homestyle vibe and masterful technique, the gourmet food to go offerings become more than just a convenience but a ticket to the world's classic cuisine. Let Xáncho show you a world of comforting flavors conveniently delivered to your doorstep. 

The transition from the sweltering summer heat to frequent afternoon rains is a seasonal cue triggering a craving for comforting cuisine. That craving for a hearty meal with fresh, bold, real and deep unrestrained and even nostalgic flavors transports you to another time and place. And the sumptuous offerings of Xáncho with its impressive array of gourmet frozen tubs for take-out and delivery has the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. If a sumptuous bowl of slow-cooked beef stew or savory meatballs in a rich and tangy sauce are on your list of comfort food cravings, then read on...

The Star Signs Point to Vibrant Mediterranean Flavors at Kas & Poly in BGC

It was one of those seemingly ordinary and routine afternoons when the stars conspired for a tasty rendezvous at one of BGC's culinary gems. At Kas & Poly...

Named after two of the Gemini constellation's brightest stars Castor and Pollux, Kas & Poly shines its inventive take on rustic and hearty Mediterranean cuisine with its extensive menu of salads, savory mains, pasta, pizza and sandwiches at the center of BGC. A sudden afternoon downpour didn't realign the day's star signs, and the path to Kas & Poly remained clear driven by thoughts of a sumptuous meal of vibrant Mediterranean flavors (for more on Kas & Poly, see my earlier post Stellar Food + Cosmic Drinks: The Stars Align for a Zodiac-Inspired Culinary Experience at Kas & Poly from their formal opening three months back). Clearly, the stars were in perfect alignment that day...