Next Level Buffet Dining, Reimagined: The Vikings Group Transforms The Buffet Dining Experience Once More With The Opening Of NYX At Opus Mall

Ever since the buffet dining concept was introduced in the early seventies by the pioneers in the local restaurant scene, it's remained by far the most popular dining format in the metro. More than just variety and value, the format reflects the intrinsic celebratory nature of many Filipinos while offering some flexibility to accommodate a wide range of preferences in large groups. And the format still tops the list virtually unchanged since it was first introduced in the early seventies. But everything changed when The Viking Group disrupted the dining landscape with their novel and elevated take on the buffet dining concept and the opening of NYX at Opus Mall...

Since 2011, the Viking Group has been redefining the buffet dining experience with its innovative and next level take on the popular dining format. By building on the variety and value equation, the Vikings Group has democratized its high-end luxury buffet experience with its hotel style spread at affordable price points. And so far, it's been a successful business model. But the Vikings Group is about to rock the local restaurant scene once more with the opening of the second location of NYX at Opus Mall. The second location is more than just an elevated spin on the buffet dining concept, it's a bold statement by the Vikings Group as it transforms buffet dining once more...

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...

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...

#AllDayMornings And Comfort Food Served Every Day At Cafe Mabini In San Juan

It always happens. Each time you think of comfort food, familiar breakfast staples always pop up. Why? Maybe because it's the sense of nostalgia and even that emotional connection from countless memories of starting the day right with sumptuous flavors. As dayparts associated with mealtimes continue to blur driven by the popularity of all-day breakfasts, restaurateur Kelvin Yu and Chef Consultant Kalel Chan share their own inspired take on everyone's favorite meal of the day at Cafe Mabini. 

Popular all-day breakfast and brunch staples from elevated renditions of the ubiquitous "silog" meals to traditional in-between meryenda fare supplemented by an extensive selection of coffee-based beverages has a name in San Juan. And that's Cafe Mabini. Cafe Mabini offers all your mid-morning and mid-day cravings you'd expect from an all-day breakfast restaurant. And then some. But leave it to Kelvin Yu and Chef Consultant Kalel Chan to change up the usual breakfast game with some creative and even unexpected tweaks. From the same group behind Francesco's in San Juan, it's always all-day mornings any time of day at Cafe Mabini. Breakfast food for lunch or dinner? Count me in...

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...

Doubled Up Burgers, Pizza, Happy Hour And Good Times At Big Belly Burgers

Happy Hour starts early at Big Belly Burgers. Starting at 12:00 nn to 6:00 pm and 9:30 pm till closing, it's never too early or too late to enjoy three cocktails for only P 595+. Then there's the burgers, pizza and other savory bites to keep the good times rolling...

Almost three years since it landed in Manila straight from Siargao, Big Belly Burgers continues to ride the wave anchored on the specialty char-grilled Wagyu burger creations by the Catalan duo of Chef Miguel "Mingu" Marcelino and Marc Alberich. Now with an expanded menu featuring their newest obsession in the form of pizza and many more dishes, Big Belly Burgers rides the next wave in its continuing journey and exploration of savory flavors. Plus, there's Happy Hour too in two shifts so you don't miss out...

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...

Celebrating International Chefs Day With The Michelin Selected Gordon Ramsay Bar And Grill Take Over At The CCA Show Kitchen October Mixer

The spirit of collaboration, establishing strong connections over shared advocacies with a common goal of uplifting the local dining scene brings culinary professionals from various sectors together at the monthly gathering hosted by CCA Manila Culinary Director Chef Philip John Golding at the CCA Show Kitchen in BGC. But this monthly mixer becomes even more special coinciding with the International Chef Day celebrations along with the much anticipated announcement of the Philippine edition of the acclaimed and highly coveted Michelin Guide. Milestones were celebrated that evening, forging new alliances strengthening the community with renewed focus on elevating the local dining experience. 

Recently minted as one of 74 local restaurants with the prestigious Michelin Selected recognition by the Michelin Guide, world-renowned Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill at Newport World Resorts solidified its enviable position as one of the top dining destinations in the metro. That evening, the world-class offerings of Gordon Ramsay Bar and Grill graced the monthly affair for another memorable edition of the mixer series hosted by the CCA Show Kitchen (for more on the continuing mixer series at the CCA Show Kitchen, see my posts Oysters, Wine, Sake, Sausages, Sharing Of Knowledge And Building Relevant Connections At The CCA Show Kitchen from August this year and What's Cookin' At The CCA Show Kitchen September Mixer from September).

The Spirit Of Culinary Collaboration And Giving Back For A Cause at CoCreate At Julyan Hub In Poblacion

An intimate space in the heart of Poblacion finds renewed purpose and spirit where creative culinary collaborations and giving back for a cause is celebrated, shared and experienced with a communal vibe. And maybe, this is just what the eclectic neighborhood needs as it evolves and changes with the times...

The many layers of the colorful neighborhood are enriched by its diversity with new establishments alongside old haunts as it presents yet another new concept to add to its mix of dining options. But the new space isn't your usual establishment, it doesn't offer the "next big thing" in cuisine nor does it have the flashy buzz of a new bar. Instead, the space is whatever you want it to be for your own culinary event. This is your stage. Step inside CoCreate at Julyan Hub in Poblacion... 

Crunch It With 7-Eleven Crunch Time's Hype Man, Crunchito

Who doesn't love fried food, like fried chicken, fried chicken fillet or fried siomai? That's right, fried food is more than just a craving. It's comfort food that warms your palate and makes any day, specially those bad ones that creep up on you so much more bearable. It's about celebrating even the small wins, like a hearty and satisfying meal of Crunch Time Fried Chicken. Or the Crunch Time Crunchy Pan Pepperoni and Creamy Spinach Pizza. And your favorite neighborhood convenience store hears you loud and clear serving their signature Crunch Time for every kapitbahay's daily craving. 

Photo provided by 7-Eleven

From fried chicken, chicken fillet, siomai, Crunchy Pan and more, 7-Eleven knows your cravings and never stopped at simply providing the ultimate fried food fix for less. The Crunch Time FRYmily is getting a solid boost in the form of its newest brand character, Crunchito just to remind you that 7-Eleven is serious about its winning fried food game. With his signature fried chicken suit, Crunchito is every 7-Eleven customer's go-to hype man. Think of Crunchito as your daily Crunchy Motivator to ensure even the most ordinary moments are certified FRYnalo. And that's a win. Like the 7-Eleven Crunch Time Crunchy Pan Pepperoni Pizza...

Experience Dining Reimagined As Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts Unveils A New Chapter In Flavor And Craftsmanship

Starting July 24, Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts embarks on a bold new chapter in its culinary journey redefining and elevating the dining experience across its signature outlets. The hotel-wide program features exciting new flavors, immersive stations and reimagined menus for an elegant yet approachable experience deeply rooted in popular guest favorites, seasonal ingredients, refreshed spaces and a renewed commitment to sustainability and culinary excellence. Step inside Hilton Manila and experience dining reimagined...

The exciting new chapter uncorks the infinite possibilities and full potential of Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts' creative culinary team, unleashing a world of exquisite, rich and diverse flavors at Madison Lounge & Bar, Hua Yuan Brasserie Chinoise, Port Bar and Kusina Sea Kitchens. Bigger, better, leveled up and elevated, the extensive and lavish new offerings presents a vibrant new perspective on refined culinary expressions inspired and refreshed by unrestrained creativity. Read on for a tasty peek at dining, reimagined at Hilton Manila...

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...

East Eats: Eat Pizza Heads East with the Opening of its Fourth Location at SM City East Ortigas

SM City North Edsa. SM Mall of Asia. SM City Grand Central. And now SM City East Ortigas. There's just no stopping the sensational single serve 10-inch pizza from Korea as it heads east for its fourth and newest branch...

Eat Pizza turns to the east as it expands its presence in key high-density commercial areas in the metro with the opening of its fourth branch at SM City East Ortigas. And that's just the beginning. The raging K-Food pizza revolution continues its aggressive expansion with even more planned in the pipeline. More than just another passing trend, Eat Pizza is poised to take the unique concept straight into the local culinary mainstream sliding out innovation, value and quality with rich savory notes in every 10-inch pizza. Ready for your own tasty slide of bold flavors in a novel and non-traditional pizza? Then, read on...

#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...

Slidin' Down in Caloocan at Eat Pizza SM City Grand Central

There seems to be no stopping the Korean pizza revolution as Eat Pizza opens its third branch down in Caloocan. And the third branch is just be the beginning of even more stores in the metro. Let's take a peek, shall we?

Since it opened late October last year, Eat Pizza has been on a roll with the opening of branch number three further up north at SM City Grand Central in Caloocan. Following the success of its SM North Edsa (see more on my post Slide Into The Latest Craze from Korea with the Unique 10-Inch Pizza Creations at Eat Pizza from early this year) and SM Mall of Asia locations (more on my post, Say Annyeong as the Pizza Revolution Expands South with the Second Eat Pizza Branch at SM Mall of Asia from two months back), it was just a matter of time when the sliding pizza sensation from Korea expanded its territorial reach in the metro. So what's with the Korean 10-inch pizza phenomenon? Let's slide in for a bite...

A Full English Breakfast For Lunch at Boudica Cafe Bar's Second And Newest Location in SM Mega Tower

Café by day, bar by night. The multi-faceted moods of Boudica Cafe Bar are revealed at its newest and second location at the new SM Mega Tower beside SM Mega Mall. From breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner to coffee and cocktails, Boudica Cafe Bar is your own own private spot in the city any time of day. It's time for the Full English Breakfast for lunch...

Boudica Cafe Bar reveals her many captivating and colorful layers at its newest location in SM Mega Tower adding to the wide array of tempting culinary options in SM Mega Mall. Comforting cuisine done exquisitely well is Boudica Cafe Bar's ace in their sleeves setting it apart from the usual dining options in the forever busy mall. Plus, an equally impressive selection of specialty coffee perfect for those mid-afternoon breaks and handcrafted cocktails when the sun slowly sets on the horizon. Whatever the time, Boudica Cafe Bar is just where you need to be. 

Say Annyeong as the Pizza Revolution Expands South with the Second Eat Pizza Branch at SM Mall of Asia

Sweet potato, bulgogi, samgyeopsal, Korean sausage, sweet corn cheese and sweet milk, that's just some of the ingredients you don't normally find in a usual pizza. Then again, the 10-inch rectangular pizza that's currently all the rage in Korea isn't your typical pizza. It's time to slide out some pizza goodness and discover a new way of enjoying pizza at the second location of Eat Pizza at SM Mall of Asia...

Round, square, thin or deep dish, pizza in all its unique renditions continue to satisfy all our cravings for the enduring and beloved staple. And now, a new and exciting pizza revolution heads down south of the metro by the bay with the opening of Eat Pizza at SM Mall of Asia. The 10-inch rectangular pizza sensation from Korea with both classic and non-traditional pizza flavors with a distinct Korean spin presents a whole new and exciting way to enjoy the world's favorite pie. And you too can experience it at the second location of Eat Pizza in SM Mall of Asia. 

Grab Your Passport and Discover a World of Flavors at Kusina Sea Kitchens in Hilton Manila

The experience and enjoyment of food is a journey and a destination in itself. Good food is often transformative, transporting you to a different place or time with just a few tasty bites. At Kusina Sea Kitchens in Hilton Manila, prepare to embark on a memorable expedition of global flavors without leaving the city. And get your special passport ready...

For the entire month of March, Kusina Sea Kitchens at Hilton Manila takes you on an extraordinary journey as you discover A World of Flavors where each station becomes a global culinary destination in a luxurious buffet dining experience. And like any journey, diners are given a special passport earning stamps along the way and at each station in Kusina Sea Kitchens for the A World of Flavors Passport Challenge. Ready for a flavorful global spin at Kusina Sea Kitchens? Then, grab your passport and read on...

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...

Slide Into The Latest Craze From Korea With The Unique 10-Inch Pizza Creations At Eat Pizza

Not content with its domination of the music and entertainment scene as well as the culinary front, Korea unveils yet another savory sensation with its unique pizza creation. K-Pop, K-Drama, Korean barbecue and Korean fried chicken, add one more item on your list with the signature 10-inch pizza creations from  the popular Korean chain Eat Pizza... 

Who doesn't love a slice of pizza in all its varying forms, styles and renditions? Korea's Eat Pizza shares its own novel twist on the beloved pie with its own creative spin neatly packed in a special box. Simply slide open the box for a tasty bite of pure pizza goodness at Eat Pizza...