A Foraged Feast: Philippine Heritage Kitchen And CCA Manila Presents A Forest Table Of Sagada At The Glasshouse Of New World Makati Hotel

"Mushroom foraging is an art of active perception that deserves to be studied with patience, taught with rigor, and passed onto future generations with contagious enthusiasm." 

The forests of Sagada high up north is a virtual pantry of natural nourishment that's been part of the tradition and cultural identity of indigenous communities for centuries. From mushrooms to fruits, vegetables and herbs, the bountiful harvests of Sagada not only sustains life, it's a page from countless stories passed down for generations. Roope Oskari Kaaronen, a post doctoral researcher at Finland's prestigious University of Helsinki acknowledges the importance of preserving tradition and keeping the fragile link with the past intact. At A Forest Table of Sagada, these traditions are proudly showcased by a new generation of culinary trailblazers in a memorable afternoon at The Glasshouse...

There's no better way to fully understand and appreciate one's culture than experiencing its many flavors on the table. The flavors of Sagada offers an insightful peek at tradition and a real connection and respect for the land. The Philippine Heritage Kitchen led by acclaimed Chef Reggie Aspiras and CCA Manila brings to light another regional flavorful weave from the colorful tapestry of Filipino cuisine with A Forest Table At Sagada at The Glasshouse of New World Makati Hotel. Read on for a tasty and insightful peek at Sagada's foraged flavors...

And Your Winners Of The Marriott International Sinagtala Philippine Culinary Arts Cup Are...

Sinigang, Kare-Kare, Inasal, Adobo and Sisig, classic and iconic Filipino staples that have defined our culinary heritage and identity on the global table. The challenge? Create the best rendition of each dish for possible inclusion in the global recipe database accessed by over 9,000 Marriott properties worldwide. And the result? Exquisite executions reflecting both tradition and a creative contemporary interpretation of comforting and familiar flavors. At the Marriott International Sinagtala Philippine Culinary Arts Cup... 

The best culinary talents from Manila Marriott Hotel, The Westin Manila, Clark Marriott Hotel, Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort and Sheraton Manila at Newport World Resort converged at the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom to showcase their best versions of traditional dishes and move Filipino cuisine forward to a much wider global stage. The Marriott International Sinagtala Philippine Culinary Arts Cup is a novel and unique initiative from the prestigious property group going beyond just another mere competition by taking the next step in institutionalizing core Filipino recipes as a valuable reference and resource among Marriott kitchens around the world. And it all begins with Sinigang, Kare-Kare, Inasal, Adobo and Sisig... 

The Hearty, Healthy and Comforting Flavors of Nonie's Boracay Finally Arrives at Molito Lifestyle Center

Known for their inventive renditions of familiar flavors with a healthier spin using locally sourced and sustainably produced ingredients, Nonie's of Boracay has since become one of the island's beloved culinary destinations. With a refreshed and new vision for the future, Nonie's brings its vibrant island vibe and creative cuisine to Manila with the opening of its very first location at Molito Lifestyle Center in Ayala Alabang.

Expanding from its island base in Boracay to Manila marks a milestone moment for the proudly homegrown brand as it takes on a much wider audience in the metro's competitive and cluttered culinary landscape. Bannered by its unique approach to fresh local flavors, Nonie's opens its first ever location outside of Boracay at Molito Lifestyle Center south of Manila as it embarks on an exciting and transformative journey with a renewed commitment to the brand's original vision of inclusivity, sustainability and a fresh and innovative take on comforting cuisine. Take in the cool island vibe with a fresh reinterpretation of comfortingly familiar local flavors at Nonie's without leaving the city, now open at Molito Lifestyle Center...

Fresh: Urban Farmers PH at PassionFest BGC

What happens when two Polish chefs visit the Urban Farmers PH booth in BGC's PassionFest? You get some amazing pesto made from the freshest local ingredients harvested straight from the garden. 

Fresh basil and oregano harvested just a few minutes earlier from the garden, calamansi, extra virgin coconut oil, pili nuts, garlic and salt. That's all you need to create a refreshingly different spin on the classic pesto. And when you have the freshest ingredients, the flavors simply drapes the palate with its clean and all-natural notes. Urban Farmers PH presents infinite and flavorful possibilities with its fresh and bountiful harvest of fresh herbs and vegetables at PassionFest in BGC. And when two noted Polish chefs visit Urban Farmers PH, something truly amazing happens...

Vegetarian. Vegan. Homemade. Bangin' Bagels Hits the Spot.

Nowadays, it's easy to find bagels in the metro. But finding a good bagel is the real challenge. Vegan, vegetarian and homemade bagels more your jam? Now you can find it at Bangin' Bagels...

From down south in Parañaque, Bangin' Bagels adds its own homemade, vegetarian and vegan bagel offerings to your list of artisan fresh-baked options. Hand-rolled, boiled and baked the old-fashioned way, Bangin' Bagels' sourdough creations hits the spot with a bang guaranteed to satisfy all your bagel cravings. Ready for a bangin' bite?

Flavors of Boracay: Reinterpreting Filipino Cuisine with an Inventive and Healthy Twist at Nonie's

A wave of change brought about by the sweeping pandemic forced many of the island's businesses to adapt and pivot to a new normal along with the entry of new establishments making its mark on Boracay's culinary scene. For Patrick and Shria Florencio, change was all part of the vision behind their innovative dining concept...

Changing perceptions on food and healthier dining is no easy task, a challenge boldly taken up by young restaurateurs Patrick and Shria Florencio in the complex weave and culinary diversity of Boracay. Established back in 2017 when the young couple decided to make that leap from the corporate world and pursue their passion for food, Nonie's stands out from the restaurant scene of the island with its fresh and inventive take on healthy Filipino-inspired cuisine. And it's a formula that's worked with the unique dining concept for over five years, through the island's rehab and quarantine experience. Transforming familiar local flavors with a healthy yet flavorful spin is what diners can expect at Nonie's, adding one more colorful layer to the island's culinary landscape. Come inside for a refreshing taste...

Healthy Can Be Delicious as Kenny Rogers Roasters and Beyond Meat Introduces New Plant-Based Offerings

The continued popularity of plant-based offerings is a positive development in the local culinary scene with more access as well as options for diners to enjoy and experience healthier meals. Kenny Rogers Roasters goes one step further with its expanded menu of plant-based options...

Kenny Rogers Roasters in collaboration with Beyond Meat introduces savory new plant-based options with the Kenny's Beyond Bolognese and Kenny's Beyond Basil Bowl to supplement their existing Kenny's Beyond Burger and Kenny's Mashed Potato offerings in the current menu. The expansion of the plant-based menu builds on the success of the previous collab between Kenny Rogers Roasters and Beyond Meat launched last year with the Kenny's Beyond Burger and Kenny's Beyond Mashed Potato (for more on the initial collab, see my post ECQ Eats: Kenny Rogers Roasters Goes Beyond Deliciously Healthy with Plant-Based Options from Beyond Meat from September last year). Kenny Rogers Roasters goes beyond deliciously healthy once more with exciting new plant-based dishes to suit your appetite and craving. Curious? Then read on...

Celebrating the Plant-Based Option at the Umani Thanksgiving Dinner in Granville Cafe

The rising popularity of plant-based offerings is both timely and relevant in a strange new normal that's here to stay. Now becoming part of the culinary mainstream, greater access to plant-based options online as well as availability in retail and dining establishments makes it easier for everyone to enjoy a healthier and more environmentally responsible lifestyle. And it's now a movement that's slowly finding a voice. In one memorable dinner, plant-based dishes are celebrated and enjoyed with new friends with a shared vision...

The challenge of turning vegetables into something fit for meaty cravings has long been an elusive and almost impossible dream. Until now. Going meatless with plant-based options is fast gaining traction and is now finding a place in the local culinary scene. No longer just another food trend, it's a growing movement with numerous options now available in the metro. Umani recently hosted a thanksgiving dinner at Granville Cafe in San Juan with trade partners and influencers in celebration of a vision and promising prospects for the future. And the future looks good...  

Let The #UmaniFlavorCookOff Begin with Plant-Based Sausages by Umani

A cold brew and some juicy and savory sausages with bold notes and that fresh snap with every bite, all without the guilt. That's enough motivation to bring out the trusty pan and home grill.

Smoky, juicy and tender with that delectable snap, who doesn't love sausages? But here's one sausage that will love you right back. That's right, sausages that are good for you made without meat. 100% plant-based, a good source of protein with absolutely zero cholesterol yet packed with all the flavors you love, meet the Umani Plant-Based Sausage...

#CraveGoodFood: It's Always Worth The Health with the Plant-Based Offerings of WTH Foods

Ground Meat, Shredded Meat, Corned Beef, Nuggets, Spring Rolls, Sausages, Holiday Ham and more. All plant-based for healthier food options in this new year. In a lingering new normal, it's always worth the health and WTH Foods helps you take that first step toward a healthier lifestyle... 

The plant-based movements continues to grow and flourish with the introduction of innovative new products for a healthier lifestyle, and Worth The Health or simply WTH Foods shares its extensive range of savory and tasty options recreating well-loved and popular Filipino dishes with a healthier spin. Plant-based Ground Meat, Shredded Meat, Corned Beef, Nuggets, Spring Rolls, Sausages and even Holiday Ham? Believe it. Good food, both literally and figuratively is finally here. Read on for a refreshing and healthy bite of WTH Foods' wide variety of plant-based options...

Green Days and Vegan Holiday Platters by Green Bar Cafe

Hearty and savory sliders, tacos, burritos and even desserts, all without the guilt. Your long search for vegan dishes ends at the newest dining destination along Aguirre Street in Makati. From starters to mains and even desserts and beverages, enjoy an all vegan feast at Green Bar... 

This holiday season, discover and experience healthy cuisine at Green Bar Cafe with its wide selection of vegan and plant-based comfort food for a unique and flavorful dining experience guaranteed to satisfy any carnivorous palate. And you won't even miss the meat in the meatless dishes at Green Bar. 100% plant-based and vegan, going green for the holidays may be the best thing you can gift yourself to end the year on a healthier note. Curious? Read on for a tasty peek at green days at Green Bar...

Fresh Advocacy On The Table: Supporting Pangasinan's Local Producers with Lola Pering's Heritage Recipes

Savor the rich flavors and diversity of our culinary heritage with authentic regional delicacies conveniently delivered to your doorstep with just a few quick taps on your mobile device and in turn, support local producers in preserving tradition. It's an advocacy relived every day with the cherished family recipes of Lola Pering's Heritage Recipes...

The massive and sweeping impact of the quarantine experience continues to change and transform our daily routine affecting small local producers. Lola Pering's Heritage Recipes does its share by preserving culinary traditions with their regional offerings using local produce to support local communities. Known for their specialty Boneless Bonoan Tinapang Bangus, Boneless Bangus Belly and Boneless Marinated Bonoan Daing Bangus, popular staples from the Bangus Capital of the country, Lola Pering's Heritage Recipes takes the lead in showcasing the very best of Pangasinan with even more tasty offerings. Read on for a peek at regional delicacies from up north and lend a hand in supporting local producers and communities...

What's New at The Mercato United Kitchen? Have a Tasty Peek...

All nineteen kitchens and counting are fired up for familiar favorites as well as tasty new finds...

The popularity and relevance of the cloud kitchen concept continues to gain momentum in a changing culinary landscape marked by emerging new consumer habits due to the quarantine experience. One cloud kitchen is all fired up serving a variety of sumptuous offerings from a growing base of merchants. A recent visit to The Mercato United Kitchen at Circuit Makati becomes a reunion of sorts for familiar favorites, as well as an opportunity to discover tempting new finds. Here's a quick peek at what's cookin' at The Mercato United Kitchen...

ECQ Eats: Kenny Rogers Roasters Goes Beyond Deliciously Healthy with Plant-Based Options from Beyond Meat

Access to healthy alternatives isn't easy, more so in a challenging new normal. The choice of eating healthy gets a boost with the new and flavorful plant-based options from Kenny Rogers Roasters...

Healthy food with rich and vibrant flavors? Absolutely. And that's not all. Low in cholesterol, saturated fats and free of antibiotics and hormones from animal-based counterparts, the newest plant-based offering is a refreshing and beyond deliciously healthy option from one of the leading global fast food chains. Starting September 14, discover healthy yet bold savory flavors as Kenny Rogers Roasters and Beyond Meat introduce their Beyond Deliciously Healthy line-up in all branches nationwide for an exciting and unique flavor experience with the Kenny's Beyond Burger and Kenny's Mashed Potato.

Let the Good Times Roll with Liang Crispy Roll, Now Open at SM Aura...

Fresh, crisp and savory rolls fresh from the kitchen are ready to wrap up your appetite with vibrant flavors from the newest snack in town. Time to take your appetite on a flavorful ride and let the good times roll with Liang Crispy Roll...

Liang Crispy Roll brings its specialty savory rolls to the metro offering even more tasty options to shoppers at SM Aura. With over 12,000 branches around the world, Manila becomes the latest addition to a rapidly growing global network with its very first branch located at Level 4 of SM Aura. Read on for a tasty peek at the newest entry in the local food scene.

Serendipitous Journeys: Feast and Celebrate at The Fatted Calf Farmhouse Kitchen

"Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate." 

The familiar verse from the bible perfectly describes what one can expect from The Fatted Calf. For chefs Jay Jay and Rhea Castro Sycip, they've seen it all. From volcanic eruptions to the lingering pandemic, the culinary couple behind The Fatted Calf in Silang, Cavite continue to create both inspiring and flavorful stories with every dish served at their farmhouse restaurant. Going back to basics while keeping in step with the times with modern methods and techniques, The Fatted Calf is a deeply personal expression of the couple's culinary journey. Serendipitous in more ways than one, chefs Jay Jay and Rhea's passion project in the south blossoms despite the challenges of the new normal with their unique culinary philosophy using the finest and freshest local ingredients for a comfortingly rustic and wholesome dining experience. Read on for a taste of The Fatted Calf and celebrate with a sumptuous feast south of the metro... 

Summer's Here with Take Me Out by Novotel Manila Flavors of Summer

Celebrate summer in the new normal with fresh and bold flavors. Bring the vibrant notes of summer to your table with the new and sumptuous offerings from Take Me Out by Novotel Manila Flavors of Summer for a healthier yet flavorful home dining experience.

Novotel Manila Araneta City brings hearty, bright and refreshing flavors to your home with more new dishes available for pick-up, take-out and delivery with Take Me Out by Novotel Manila Flavors of Summer. The expanded menu now includes veggie-friendly and plant-based options for a healthier yet flavorful home dining experience. Emerging consumer habits such as dining at home, the rise of the food delivery culture and increased online usage continue to transform the culinary landscape, and Novotel Manila Araneta City adapts to the new normal with its innovative offerings (for more on Take Me Out by Novotel Manila, see my previous post, Dining in the Next Normal: Enjoy #NoovotelManilaAtHome with Take Me Out by Novotel Manila). Who says dining at home can't be special? Read on for a tasty peek at the healthy summer-inspired selection of Take Me Out by Novotel Manila...

#BarDoughPH: Vegetarian Fresh Basil Lasagna and Mint Deep Dark Chocolate Cookies Delivered To Your Doorstep by Bar Dough

A year in the fight against the pandemic, the entire country is once again experiencing tighter restrictions to curb the spread of the virus along with its new variants. Amidst the much dreaded surge, one home-based kitchen opens up and shares cherished family recipes to warm the palate and hearts of the city's weary residents...

One more tasty entry to your essential list of food delivery options, Bar Dough offers homestyle dishes bannered by sumptuous vegetarian and pescatarian Lasagna creations to indulgent New York style cookies from family recipes available for pick-up and delivery. For over a year, the team behind Bar Dough waited for just the right moment before joining the metro's growing number of food businesses. And just in time too. Here's a tasty peek at the lavish Vegetarian Fresh Basil Lasagna and Mint Deep Dark Chocolate Cookies by Bar Dough to brighten up your day at home in the NCR Plus Bubble...

Dining in the Next Normal: Rich and Authentic Flavors, Packed Frozen and Straight to the Pan by Ya Chou Foods

Do you Ya Chou? Say yes to fresh frozen noodles, dumplings and savory steamed buns by Ya Chou Foods...

Preparing sumptuous meals at home takes away any doubts you may have on the sanitation quality of food deliveries, more so now in the time of a viral pandemic. Frozen foods addresses this concern, packing all the flavors and convenience with each pack for home storage. Ya Chou Foods specializes in a variety of frozen Taiwan delicacies like fresh noodles, dimsum and dumplings, mantho and steamed buns, betso-betso, sausages, scallion pancakes and many more that's easy to prepare and cook at home. You don't even have to thaw the items, just place it on a hot pot, steamer or pan and your hearty meal is ready in minutes. Who knows, this could be the start of your home-based food business. We recently found out just how easy it is to prepare some of Ya Chou Foods specialty Taiwanese products, and even got creative with some of the dishes...

Persian Flavors Soar High at Kite Kebab Bar

Authentic Persian flavors fly high over Poblacion...

Kian Kazemi's latest dining concept, Kite Kebab Bar, offers authentic Persian cuisine adding another colorful layer to the culinary scene of Makati's Poblacion. The name is inspired by his own family's experience, rising above challenges and adversity. It's an apt name, as Kian draws from his own family's Persian roots with sumptuous Persian and Mediterranean style dishes. Kian shared his new restaurant's signature specialties, and some new dishes, in a sumptuous dinner. Turn to the wind and let your appetites soar for some authentic Persian flavors...at Kite Kebab Bar.