Chef Jay Jay Sycip Unveils A New Season Of Fresh And Vibrant Flavors With A New Menu At The Fatted Calf

There's always a compelling reason to visit The Fatted Calf down south in Tagaytay. A solid repertoire of masterfully executed dishes with the finest farm-to-table ingredients. And a new menu. Chef Jay Jay Sycip gets creative with a lavish new menu at the Tagaytay dining destination. Fifteen exquisite new expressions. That's fifteen more reasons to visit The Fatted Calf...

The consistent roll-out of new menus is integral to The Fatted Calf's continuous creative cycle helmed by Chef Jay Jay Sycip resulting in flavorful new stories. Sourcing produce and ingredients from local farms, Chef Jay Jay Sycip's culinary philosophy is driven by an advocacy for the freshest farm-to-table harvest lavishly prepared in modern and classic techniques. With new menus, Chef Jay Jay Sycip adds even more pages and chapters to a continuing story in the deep exploration of flavors. The new menu takes diners on a memorable journey around Asia and Southeast Asia as inspirational pegs for The Fatted Calf's impressive new repertoire of culinary creations. Step inside The Fatted Calf for a tasty peek...

Nostalgic Flavors And Cool Deals with the P 385 All Yours All Day Menu Options At Italiannis

The comforting notes from the fresh and vibrant tartness of tomatoes, soft yet firm spaghetti noodles and the savory juicy meatballs with bold beefy notes never fails to warm the palate with its rustic and honest yet hearty simplicity. The uniquely Italian-American one-dish meal of spaghetti and meatballs always hits the spot. And there's one place that continues to serve it the same way since 1996...

Italiannis and its repertoire of all-time Italian-American classics remains one of the premier brands from The Bistro Group. In a constantly changing local dining scene, Italiannis has endured increasingly fickle palates and a new generation shaped by passing trends and social media with its signature dishes that continue to be popular through the years. Like the Spaghetti and Meatballs. And the fourth edition of the P 385 All Yours All Day menu featuring sumptuous meals with unbeatable value. It's time to revisit Italiannis...

European Organic Day 2026: Moving Forward With Organic Agriculture Through Meaningful Partnerships

From farming and civil society organizations, sustainability and environmental advocates and small and medium scale food businesses to the government, academe and private sectors, development partners and food chain experts, a diverse and multi-sectoral coalition united with a shared cause advancing organic farming as a viable and timely alternative in a modern real world setting takes the stage. It's a cause that's been around for decades, yet its impact and value has never been as relevant as it is today. From its pioneering beginnings, the movement has grown and now embedded in the cultural mainstream through awareness and education. That day, partnerships and alliances were strengthened with a renewed spirit to further drive meaningful change...

No longer a mere trend, sustainable and organic farming is a conscious and deliberate lifestyle choice that benefits not only the environment but goes much deeper into our daily personal routine being an integral part of a healthier and nourishing mindset. Through the European Union-supported European Organic: Nurturing Every Juan campaign, a gathering of key players and advocates led by Naturland brings the spotlight to organic farming at Conrad Manila for European Organic Day 2026 with the theme From Pioneer to Mainstream: Creating Organic Pathways and Partnerships for the Philippines. Take your seat and be part of a growing movement that's more relevant and meaningful than ever in these changing times...

Once Upon A Time In Malabon: The Philippine Heritage Kitchen And CCA Manila Unveil The Flavors Of Malabon At The Glass House Of New World Makati Hotel

In a continuing series showcasing local regional flavors, the Philippine Heritage Kitchen led by Chef Reggie Aspiras and CCA Manila takes you north of the metro to experience the flavors of Malabon. Known for its famous Pancit Malabon, lechon, crispy pata, okoy, tinapa and wide variety of native kakanin or glutinous rice cakes, the Philippine Heritage Kitchen and CCA Manila reveal yet another layer in the colorful tapestry of Filipino cuisine with Once Upon A Time in Malabon...

The Glass House at New World Makati Hotel becomes the elegant setting for yet another culinary spectacle of traditional local flavors as the Philippine Heritage Kitchen and CCA Manila presents Once Upon A Time in Malabon. Following the success of previous editions in its continuing series, Once Upon A Time in Malabon brings to life the enduring stories and flavors of the city with a lavish buffet feast at The Glass House (see more from the previous editions by the Philippine Heritage Kitchen and CCA Manila on my previous posts The Filipino Story On A Plate: Acclaimed Chef Reggie Aspiras And CCA Manila Brings Traditional Local Flavors To BGC At The Launch Of The Philippine Heritage Kitchen from April this year featuring the flavors of Ilocos and From Salad To Sizzling, Retracing The Origins Of Pampanga's Sisig And Its Place In The Filipino Culinary Experience At The Sisig Festival By The Philippine Heritage Kitchen And CCA Manila from early this month highlighting Pampanga's iconic pork dish). Take your seat and prepare to embark on another culinary journey led by Chef Reggie Aspiras of Philippine Heritage Kitchen and CCA Manila up north of the metro at New World Makati Hotel... 

Cool Deal Pick: Free Coffee With Every Sandwich At Deli by Chele Robinsons Magnolia

Known for their New York deli style sandwiches, Deli by Chele has always been high up on top of any fave go-to sandwich list. Chef-driven using only the finest ingredients built around their artisanal sourdough bread baked fresh in-house, Deli by Chele takes their winning sandwich game up a notch with one cool deal you can't pass up...

Exclusive to the Robinsons Magnolia store, Deli by Chele introduces an offer to complete your deli sandwich experience. How does free coffee with every whole sandwich sound? That's right, now you can enjoy a freshly brewed Americano with your favorite New York deli style sandwich. It's time to visit Deli by Chele in Robinsons Magnolia for another encounter with your favorite sandwich. And your Free Americano...

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...

The Next Chapter In A Family's Culinary Legacy Continues With New Dishes At Carmelo's Steakhouse

Since 1987, one name stands as the undisputed pioneer in the Certified Angus Beef steak dining experience. Today, Carmelo "Melo" Santiago's legacy continues with Carmelo's Steakhouse helmed by Chef Cristina Santiago. The upscale establishment maintains the same high standards and fine dining tradition honoring the founder's vision complemented by Chef Cristina Santiago's own unique and modern culinary style. Step inside Carmelo's Steakhouse and rediscover one man's legacy preserved and maintained for a fresh new chapter and a continuing story in the local dining scene...

Opened back in 2024, Carmelo's Steakhouse in The Proscenium Retail Row marked yet another milestone honoring Carmelo "Melo" Santiago's culinary legacy as a fitting tribute to the growing number of restaurants that bears his name. This tradition is now passed on to the founder's daughter, Chef Cristina Santiago following the same culinary journey with even more flavorful stories to share. A modern and contemporary approach to flavors grounded on tradition becomes the foundation for the Michelin Selected Carmelo's Steakhouse's own identity, presented in a variety of dishes from their catering operations as well as new offerings from their a la carte menu. Read on for a tasty peek...

Fresh, Bold And Progressive Modern Cuisine At Eraya In San Juan

Discretely and unobtrusively perched on an elegant white structure along San Juan's busy P. Guevarra Street is a culinary oasis where familiar Asian flavors are elegantly elevated with a modern contemporary spin. Step inside Eraya...

Inspired by the Sanskrit word for "beautiful, noble and pure at heart," Eraya translates this nuanced state with an imaginative repertoire of creative dishes threading bold Asian flavors in a seamless and purposeful weave complemented by their impressive selection of cocktails, spirits and coffee in an elegant setting. Read on for a tasty peek at Eraya...

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...

Farm-To-Table Goodness Down South At Farmer's Table Tagaytay

Any mention of the farm-to-table concept always leads to one dining destination down south where it just seems right. Blessed by an abundance of local produce, Tagaytay remains high up on any list for comforting flavors using local, sustainable ingredients. And Farmer's Table is one of those restaurants where you can enjoy and experience the freshest ingredients transformed into exquisite dishes by Chef Kalel Chan...

Raintree Hospitality and Chef Kalel Chan adds their creative and inventive take on the farm-to-table dining experience to Tagaytay's evolving restaurant scene with Farmer's Table with its extensive menu of Filipino and Western cuisine with a local spin. Like who else can pull off dishes like Burrata & Gourmet Tuyo Pesto Cream Linguine and the Kalderetang Osso Bucco? But having the freshest and finest local produce is one thing, executing and interpreting these ingredients into elegant and flavorful renditions is another. Let Chef Kalel Chan show you how it all comes together at Farmer's Table...

Culinary Traditions And Fond Memories Of Home, Plated And Served By Luis Martinez At La Taperia Martinez In BGC

Small plates of savory nibbles associated with Spanish tapas paired with an extensive wine selection and soothing cocktails are the main draw at the hottest new dining destination in Bonifacio Global City. But this isn't your usual tapas bar. Fresh from the kitchen, the traditional small plates are upgraded and beefed up for a sumptuous meal in itself. The newest concept by Luis Martinez and the Nikkei Restaurant Group, each not so small plate becomes a full and hearty meal to be celebrated with wine and cocktails for that perfect Spanish afternoon or early sundown feast extending late into the evening. Experience Spain's vibrant and enduring tapas culture with heftier renditions of small plates at La Taperia Martinez...

Each tasty bite releases comfortingly familiar notes, faithfully recreated from fond childhood memories by Luis Martinez with each course at La Taperia Martinez. Food is memory, intricately brought to life and served on a plate transporting you back to a different place and time. Anchored on tradition, the menu at La Taperia Martinez mirrors the flavors of home for Luis Martinez which include dishes his grandmother used to prepare. Step inside for a satisfying meal, and maybe stay awhile for some refreshing libations and experience the flavors from the home of Luis Martinez at La Taperia Martinez in Bonifacio Global City. 

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. 

In Sync With All The Right Beats, Notes And Flavors At Got Soul MNL

Imagine a sanctuary-like space where cool tunes and flavorful notes come together in a seamless weave in perfect rhythm with the same beat for a sensory experience. Think Hi-Fi analog audio elegantly humming on a vintage Altec Lansing A5 loudspeaker and a curated menu by one of the metro's finest chefs in one place. Pull out your favorite vinyl, and come hungry...

Chef Chele Gonzalez and Manolet Dario team up along with other partners for one of the metro's newest and coolest concepts, a high-fidelity listening bar dishing out sumptuous tapas paired with soothing cocktails for a refreshing break from the usual. In fact, this is exactly the kind of space where you'll find Chef Chele Gonzalez for that late night chill session after long hours in one of his many kitchens as Manolet Dario spins a few tunes on the turntable. Step inside Got Soul MNL and enjoy the vibe. And stay for the sumptuous flavors and soothing libations...

Enduring Authenticity: Azuthai Restaurant Unveils An Exciting New Specials Menu by Chef Leo Chaladdee

For more than eighteen years, no other local Thai restaurant has achieved the acclaimed spot as the consistent go-to Thai dining destination as Azuthai Restaurant. The very first establishment recognized by the Thailand Ministry of Commerce with the coveted ThaiSelect seal of authenticity in 2017, Azuthai Restaurant starts the year with yet another milestone in its storied history with its timeless and popular bestsellers and exciting new dishes by Chef Leo Chaladdee...

The vibrant tapestry of diverse and authentic Thai flavors are celebrated with each dish at Azuthai Restaurant as a colorful new chapter in a continuing story that began back in 2008 opens the new year. Chef J. Gamboa and Malu G. Lindo continues the family's culinary tradition with a savory new repertoire of Thai dishes by Chef Leo Chaladdee inspired by both heritage and creativity for a fresh take on Thai cuisine. Take your seat and prepare for a flavorful Thai culinary journey at the heart of the Makati CBD...

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...

Plating Fresh Stories With A New Menu By Chef Jay Jay Sycip At The Fatted Calf In Tagaytay

When Chefs Jaj Jay and Rhea Castro Sycip first opened The Fatted Calf Farmhouse Kitchen down south back in 2021, the passionate and pioneering couple embarked on a deeply personal journey driven by a culinary philosophy anchored on sustainability, the slow food movement, farm-to-table freshness and an uncompromising honesty on real flavors while supporting local farming communities. To this day, the mission continues with renewed purpose and spirit as Chef Jay Jay Sycip unveils a new menu with many inspired and highlighted by comforting Filipino flavors for another chapter in its culinary journey...

One couple's culinary dream continues to flourish with vibrant new stories expressed in a lavish new menu inspired by fresh produce and local flavors. Rendered in creative and imaginative expressions, the sumptuous repertoire of new dishes remains true to the couple's culinary vision with the freshest and finest ingredients for real flavors. As Chef Rhea Castro Sycip weaves her own unique style with her indulgent cakes and desserts, Chef Jay Jay Sycip brings his own culinary experiences into play with meticulously executed savory dishes. Just like the biblical prodigal son and the inspiration behind the name of the dining destination, pick your table and prepare to feast. At The Fatted Calf...(for more on The Fatted Calf, see my posts Feast And Celebrate Once More, The Fatted Calf Farmhouse Kitchen Re-Opens At Its New Location In Tagaytay from two years ago). 

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...

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...