Staycation at B Hotel Alabang and Bellevue Manila [Day Three]

I was under the impression that the third day of our hotel staycation and food tripping at B Hotel Alabang and Bellevue Manila will be way "lighter" in terms of food consumption compared to the past two days.

It wasn't.

The first day was a beautiful prelude to the weekend that was, and filled with a lot of food and thoughtful accommodation from the people behind Bellevue Hotels and Resorts, the second day was equally epic.

The third day was all about eating while waiting to eat yet again.

We only got few things on our itenerary since we are scheduled for a check out on the third day. But it doesn't mean that we went easy on the eating spree. Who could blame me really? We were given an impressive accommodation and impeccable service at B Hotel, such experience calls for celebration.

Staycation at B Hotel Alabang and Bellevue Manila [Day Two]

Our second day of hotel staycation at B Hotel in Alabang started with a breakfast buffet spread completely devoid of bacon.

My cousin Euge was already giving me an evil stare while contemplating on literally dragging me to the nearest establishment that could give him his daily bacon fix.

I feared for my life at some point. Those stares were gut wrenching, I tell you.

Good thing though that despite the bacon’s illuminating absence on the buffet spread of B Hotel’s Prime Café, it can be had.

All you need to do is ask.

While I was being glared at with an evil stare, I was already fumbling through my phone in an attempt to contact my ever reliable friend, The Pickiest Eater, the bacon aficionado himself to save us from an impending doom of bacon-less world when another good friend Abet of The Food Alphabet came in to the rescue.

Staycation at B Hotel Alabang and Bellevue Manila [Day One]

The news about a weekend hotel staycation at B Hotel and Bellevue Hotel Manila both located in Alabang, Muntinlupa came in a form of an enthusiastic email from one of my blogger friends Jane of Sugar and Spice blog. I just came from a week of meatless diet and I was dead set on slowly introducing my system to meat again. Slowly was the operative word. But then the Universe had another plan.

Jane’s email held a promise of fun and food-filled weekend with some of Manila Food Bloggers I consider my friends. While the entire itinerary presented to us was downright enticing, I was on a fence. Mainly because I feared that three days of non-stop eating would screw up my system big time after having had the meatless diet the previous week. Good thing though that my good friend Pickiest Eater’s unwavering enthusiasm was and is always contagious. Also, Jane’s undeniably entertaining email of an invite was too charming to reciprocate with regrets. Hence, I fired an en email to Jane with a big yes. Best decision, I must say.

We are a group of more than 10 bloggers. Due to the season when hotels are mostly booked for the upcoming holidays, half of our group was assigned to stay at Bellevue Manila while the other half was assigned to B Hotel, the Bellevue Manila’s sister hotel. I was part of the group who was assigned to B Hotel and while I have not yet experienced a staycation in a “business hotel” (save for one overnight stay at some 3-star hotel wherein I was assigned to write a feature about their renovation) and was a bit apprehensive about it, I was confident that given the company I will be joining, not to mention the exciting itinerary, I knew that it will be an epic weekend staycation. And it was.

Kettle Restaurant at Shangri-La Mall East Wing

I have heard a lot of good things about Kettle Restaurant at Shangri-La East Wing prior to my visit. Most of the food bloggers in Manila which blogs I constantly read echoes the same sentiment that Kettle is indeed one the best restaurants in Manila we have these days. While I trust the judgement of these food enthusiasts, I know for a fact that I must pay a visit. 

Despite the impossibly erratic schedule I been dealing with for the past couple of months, I took some time out to join some friends to check out Kettle Restaurant. There are things worth moving mountains for, and during that time I can sense that Kettle is one of them.

My friend Richard of Tales From The Tummy whose palate I trust was the one who arranged the luncheon at Kettle. He was also the one whose definitive description about the food that Kettle dishes out almost drove me to my wits end. And you know the thing about people you trust? They are most of the time right. 

Tablea Cheesecake of Indulgence by Irene

I saw it coming. Playing the oldest albeit tried and tested trick on the book, chocolate cheesecake is after all a classic. But Indulgence by Irene knows better than to settle for the usual. Hence, Tsokolate Tablea Cheesecake was born and taken under her arsenal of well-loved line of cheesecakes. Opting for the local chocolate variant instead of hyped imported ones, Irene’s penchant for combining ingredients close to the hearts of many Filipino to her cheesecake made her products speak not only of talent but of passion and love.

Indulgence by Irene’s famous Queso de Bola Cheesecake that can rock anyone’s world, the Choc-Nut Cheesecake that tickles the kid in all of us, and the Ube Cheesecake that features a bond between two talented home bakers are all well worth celebrating for. Equally impressive is the Tablea Cheesecake, home baker Irene’s interpretation of the richest thing that resulted from marrying her preferred brand of cream cheese and the traditional Filipino cocoa.

In hindsight backed up with shameless honesty, excitement did not rear its head upon learning of this new variant. Jaded by encounters with various grades of mediocre tablea cheesecakes in the past, I knew I have had enough. So when I was handed this Tablea Cheesecake of Indulgence by Irene, it was a shame to admit that I was struggling to fend off the usual impulse to turn away from it. 

WeChat and Lazada Philippines Partnership: More Discounted Gadgets and Best-Selling Items Up For Grabs!

It was only recently when we learned about the partnership of WeChat, the leading social mobile app to an online shopping mall, Lazada Philippines. The 2nd Year Anniversary Sale of Lazada wherein they surprised WeChat users with the Php 999 priced 7" Android Tablet was a success. Hundreds of specially marked down tablets were sold within hours.

This proves that the partnership between WeChat and Lazada Philippines is definitely noteworthy. Now in the event that you missed the previous promo, worry not because WeChat and Lazada Philippines is still on a roll in providing best deals we all should not miss.

Currently, there are a lot of discounted items at Lazada Philippines that anyone can purchase through WeChat. Big discounts on your favorite gadgets and other items are currently up for grabs so better hurry. 

Vikings Megamall: Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant at SM Megamall

I think one of the best food related news I ever received this year by far is the opening of Vikings Luxury Buffet at SM Megamall. Vikings Buffet is one of the few restaurants  my family would always get excited about. So it is always easy to drag them on a food trip if it is Vikings Buffet we are talking about.  

Vikings Buffet rates and promos are always enticing plus the fact that they do offer wide selection of International cuisine is an added points. Since they opened their first branch at SM MOA (Mall of Asia) they have further branched out and now has five branches and is still yet to add other branches soon.

Prior to my visit at Vikings Buffet at SM Megamall, it was their branch at SM MOA which my family and I frequent to. Birthdays and other special occasions were held at Vikings Buffet especially when no one in our household are up for intense cooking in the kitchen. 

I will be writing about my Vikings MOA experiences here at YedyLicious but I will still sort out my photos since most of them comprised of personal photos with family (which I do not post here on my blog for privacy reasons) and just some snapshots which were mostly chaotic albeit happy scenes at Vikings. For now, let's focus on their newest branch, Vikings Buffet in Mega Fashion Hall at SM Megamall.

New Dishes on the Menu of Yomenya Goemon Japanese Spaghetti House, Greenbelt 3 Makati

Yomenya Goemon Japanese Spaghetti House is a Japanese restaurant here in Manila that specializes in Japanese-style spaghetti. Located at Greenbelt 3, Yomenya Goemon opened its door last 2012 and still making a lot of food enthusiasts happy. There are other restaurants and foodie places that serve Japanese-style pasta as part of the menu but I think none of them offers wide variety and extensive selections the way Yomenya Goemon does (If you know of any other restaurants, the comment section is open for you to share your thoughts.)

Not a lot of us are well acquainted with this rather unique rendition of what most of us know as an Italian specialty. For some, it might be weird. I myself was a little adamant about Japanese-style spaghetti at first, I guess that is why upon hearing of the opening of Yomenya Goemon, it doesn't really enticed me. Until I had my first taste of Mentaiko pasta at Diamond Hotel's The Cake Club and Lobby Lounge. Boy did I fell head over heels! This year I thought it is high time to explore other options and expose myself to other delicious possibilities with regard to Japanese spaghetti. Good thing we have Yomenya Goemon here in the Philippines.

East Café in Rustans Makati City

I remember way back my pre-food blogging days, my mother would always talked me into trying East Café located inside Rustans Department Store at Makati every time we visit the area to shop. It is one of her favorite dining destinations when in Rustans because that is where she usually meets up with her friends. I never heeded to such call because in all honesty, I found the feel of the restaurant a bit classy for a taste of a youngster like me during that time. I always wanted my usual burger, soda, and fries so why would I bore myself to death to something that for me only mature women like my mom seem to enjoy?

Little did I know, I was missing on something great. Fast forward to the semi-mature me days, after trying out East Café at Rustans Makati, I would say that I should have listened to my mom and gave it a go even before. The things we learn too late in life, eh?

Good thing though that after a decade in the business, East Café is still standing strong amidst competitors in Makati area so I got to try some of the dishes that East Café is proud of. 

Cinq Dessert Boutique along Jupiter St. in Makati City

Along Jupiter St. in Makati City, a new French dessert place named Cinq Dessert Boutique opened its door to cater to dessert loving food enthusiasts. Desert places in Manila are aplenty but not all are well worth the calories, I must say. Bumping into ones that shook my world inside out is like finding a gold mine, well at least for me. Being introduce to Cinq Dessert Boutique is one of those happy moments of having gold at hand.

Cinq (pronounced as Sank) is a French word for “Five” that according to owner Angela Villoria Tolentino stands for the five basic ingredients namely flour, eggs, sugar, milk or cream, and butter which are all used in baking.

Weeks ago, we were invited to sample some of the delectable desserts they offer at Cinq Dessert Boutique. It was their soft opening during that time but this quaint dessert place was already gaining thumbs up to some of the foodies in Manila I consider the best.

Grab That 7" Android Tablet for only Php 999 Exclusive Price for WeChat Users!

I am really excited to share this good news to my fellow WeChat users because seriously, 7" Android Tablet for Php 999 only? Wow, I know!

WeChat, the country's leading social mobile app in partnership with an online shopping site Lazada Philippines is rolling out discounted Android tablets in line with Lazada Philippine's 2nd Anniversary celebration.

This special promo is available for 1,000 WeChat users following Lazada Philippines's official WeChat account. The original price of the 7" Android Tablet is at Php2,499 and if you are one of the chosen WeChat users, then you can have it for only Php999.

I suggest that you do not miss out on this celebration so, if you are a WeChat user, be sure to follow Lazada Philippines on WeChat (Official WeChat ID: Lazada_PH) and if you have not joined the WeChat community yet, now is the right time to create your account.

Ginza Bairin Philippines: New Dishes on the Menu

When tonkatsu craze hit Manila the past years, Ginza Bairin which first Philippines branch is located at Glorietta 2 in Makati City was one of the restaurants that offer what Manila food enthusiasts craved for. Since it opened last year, Ginza Bairin remained to be one of the Tonkatsu Restaurants with glairing positive reviews. Now with another branch located at UP Town Center, Ginza Bairin step up a notch higher on its league by introducing new items on their menu.

Weeks ago, I got to visit Ginza Bairin at Glorietta 2 with some friends to try some of these new additions. The fact that they are considered as the Home of The Number 1 Donburi in Japan plus the positive reviews I have read, I kind of have high expectation as to what we are going to feast on that afternoon.

Osaka Ohsho Megamall: The King of Gyoza Now Serving The World's No.1 Gyoza in the Philippines

Osaka Ohsho located at SM Megamall Mega Fashion Hall in Mandaluyong City is one of the newest international franchise restaurants that landed Manila which offers what they dub as "The World’s No. 1 Gyoza." Most of the food bloggers in Manila which I follow have already written their opinion about Osaka Ohsho, even Kris Aquino raved about the goodness of Osaka Ohsho on her T.V. program. I deem that most of them believed that indeed, Osaka Ohsho is the King of Gyoza. 

Osaka Ohsho’s humble beginnings can be traced back in Japan during the year 1969. Fast forward to 2014, Osaka Ohsho boasts of 300+ stores worldwide including the one here in the Philippines, all thanks to the same group that brought Wee Nam Kee here in our country. Its signature gyoza is the main highlight of Osaka Ohsho’s menu, the very same reason of its popularity.

Jollibee KIT KAT Mix-ins: Take a Break and Beat the Heat

Have you noticed the weather lately? I know. It seems like summer is upon us. Although it is usually perpetually cold where I live, stepping outside home these days could mean a struggle not to have a heat stroke.  Yeah, that is why I am writing about Jollibee KIT KAT Mix-ins right now. You see, this relatively new product of the number one local fast food chain in the Philippines is one of the cold desserts I have been digging lately.

One of the reasons why Jollibee KIT KAT Mix-ins sits well with me is the fact that well, it has Kit-Kat Chocolate, one of my favorite products by Nestle Philippines, in it. I love Kit Kat Chocolate, I love ice cream, therefore Jollibee KIT KAT Mix-ins is just perfect way to combat the heat while enjoying in the process.

As with any other Jollibee Mix-ins introduced by Jollibee, this new mix-ins variant has Jollibee creamy vanilla soft serve as its base. Thrown into the mix for a good measure is crushed Kit Kat Chocolate that lends palatable chocolaty flavor and pleasant texture to the entire deal.

Plan Party in Five Days Through WeChat

Are you one of those who loves to plan party? I am not talking about one-thousand-guests-big-event-kind-of-party though, I am referring to the usual chill out party amongst you and your friends. I do. I love cooking and having friends around to feast on the dishes I prepared. These small parties used to be my usual weekend fix especially when I was in college and early on my corporate world stint. I also love having staycation on some hotels with my friends and just have a good time over food and shared stories. Then I got busy and rarely got the liberty of time to plan parties again. So, for a time, I stopped creating these little parties because I cannot afford to deal with stress that party planning entails. But then there’s a comeback.

Enter WeChat.

Yes, the mobile app I have been talking about here on my blog for the past few weeks. WeChat and planning parties, what’s the connection you ask. Well, by the time that I am writing this I am cooking a party, a small gathering over food with my old time friends that will happen in five days. Yes, party planning in five days is now possible. With the help of WeChat.

WeChat: Of Storage and History Backup

I have this thing about storage devices. Because really, wouldn’t it be so much easier if we could stash and keep away our things for future usage? Like say for instance, food. I am a fan of those nifty storage containers we can by from the market. I love its usability and the fact that it helps me keep things and food in my pantry organize made me love it all the more. 

And this affinity for storage extends to most important things in life. I am a photographer, hence, heavy duty external hard drive is a must for safekeeping the photos I shoot for my clients. I am a blogger, so I appreciate online services that can back up datas from my blog. As for mobile conversation through chat, I am happy that WeChat has History Backup feature that enables user to save their conversations histories and restores them to any device for up to seven (7) days.

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know for a fact that I am a WeChat user. I use it both for personal and business purposes. And I couldn’t stress enough how WeChat features help me in my line of work and day to day life. One of the features that I find indispensable is this History Backup.

Tex-Mex Food Feast at TGIFridays Philippines

It was only recently that I visited the newest TGIFridays Philippines’ branch located at Greenbelt 3 in Makati City to check the new look it is sporting. Weeks after that visit, I found myself at the same TGIFridays branch to try their take on Tex-Mex dishes. TGIFridays is one of the restaurants I have high respect for since the way they execute Western dishes, not to mention the impressive line of cocktail drinks, is well suited to my liking. Now that they are taking their game on a different level by giving highlight on Texas-Mexican dishes, I deem that my visit with few friends must happen. 

“The Taste of Texas. The Passion of Mexico.” Is the tag line that is suggestive of how seriously TGIFridays Philippines takes Tex-Mex dishes. It also holds the promise of what their patrons must expect should they opt to pay a visit and indulge themselves with the goodness of these two cultures merged into one by means of gastronomical feast.

Ube Cheesecake of Indulgence by Irene

By the time that I am writing this, a lot of my favorite food bloggers in Manila have raved about the Ube Cheesecake of Indulgence by Irene. Who could blame these food enthusiasts dubbing this awesome cheesecake as one of the best ube cheesecakes in Manila when in reality, it really is.  

This well-loved Ube Cheesecake is a product of Irene Co's collaboration with equally talented homebaker, Chona Ayson of Homemade Treasures known for delicious ensaymada. Chona is responsible for making the ube jam used for the cheesecake.

I could not count how many times have I raved to my friends how much I love Irene's Quezo de Bola Cheesecake. As a matter of fact, if heaven permits, I would have that for a wedding cake. I am not even kidding. Irene's ChocNut Cheesecake was also notably delightful especially for those who has an affinity for this peanut-chocolate bar of our childhood days. This Ube Cheesecake of Indulgence by Irene, is no exception to the fact that Irene Co bakes the best homemade cheesecakes in Manila.

WeChat 5.2 Upgrade with 6 New Features

For the past couple of days, I am developing this new morning ritual that revolves around coffee and WeChat. I was the big breakfast kind of girl but since I have been dealing with some recipe development and food photography projects lately, I have to make do with what my little time could accommodate. Ditching coffee is out of the question. Logging on to my WeChat account to communicate with some of my clients, all the more. So yeah, every morning, it’s just usually the three of us in my studio-slash-kitchen. 

Couple of days ago, upon logging on to my WeChat, I was prompted with a message from WeChat Team notifying me that the new WeChat 5.2 upgrade is now available. I tell you this, save for my Instagram account where I showcase most of my kitchen works, WeChat is one of my most used mobile app. Needless to say, I am excited with this new upgrade.

I could not stress enough how indispensable WeChat to me especially now that I am slowly trying to incorporate it in my works as a freelancer and as well as a blogger. Means of communication with clients, friends, and loved ones used to be within the confines of text messages, phone calls, and emails. Now that WeChat’s 5.2 upgrade for Android and iOS matches my drive and energy to get through the day with all my activities at hand, I am confident that communication while I am on the go will be so much easier, not to mention fun!

B&B Burgers and Brewskies at Burgos Circle, BGC

B&B Burgers and Brewskies is a gastro pub located at the Forbes Town Center, Burgos Circle area of the Fort in Bonifacio Global City wherein if you hear the phrase "Call the Nurse" you have the excuse not to resort into an immediate panic. Yes, because apparently, one of the carefully crafted burgers at this new addition to the best burger joints in Manila is called "Call the Nurse."

An epic burger variant that boasts of honey cured sriracha bacon and seared mac and cheese on top of a 1/3 lb 100% imported beef patty generously smothered with spiced mustard aioli and bnb cheese sauce, Call the Nurse is one of the many reasons why you must visit Burgers and Brewskies pronto.

Burgers and beers may sound like the usual combination most of us like but with numbers of joints offering the marriage of these two, how else can you elevate such a treat? Judging by the recent experience I had at Burgers and Brewskies, it seems to me that despite being a new player in the field, they have already mastered this league.

Love in the Time of WeChat

We are through with the love month couple of days ago and here I am still talking about Love. But really who could blame me when everything else around speaks of the wondrous things about Love? Especially in this day and age of technology when communicating with our loved ones is made easier. Just like the services that WeChat offers to its users. 

While I am a firm believer of the fact that technological advances like WeChat are not meant to replace human communication but to merely enhance it, I am aware of the advantages it brought to us. 

Through this world’s most searched social mobile application, people can communicate to each other even if one is at the far side of the world while the other is at the other.

Undoubtedly, this notable feature of technology is being relied upon especially those who are in a relationship and wants to be constantly connected with their significant others while doing their respective responsibilities in life. One good example is WeChat endorsers and real life newly married couple, Iya Villania and Drew Arellano.

Miso-Ten Ramen and Tempura at Robinsons Magnolia

Let’s admit it, there are a lot of ramen places in Manila but not all of them are created equal in terms of quality and pricing.  Miso-Ten Ramen and Tempura located at Robinsons Magnolia is one of the affordable ramen places I usually go to when craving for a good bowl of ramen but would have to deal with limited budget. For less than Php300 I am assured that a good bowl of ramen will be served. When asked to name some affordable and good ramen places in Manila, I would say Miso-Ten Ramen is definitely on my list.

There are some ramen places that entice Manila foodies with their downright cheap prices but fall short when it comes to quality. There are also some that boasts of great quality but will burn a hole in your pocket. There are some however that strikes a balance, in my opinion. Miso-Ten is one of them.

I Am Mr. Egg! How About You? What's Your WeChat Sticker Personality?

So, lately I have been fiddling with my mobile phone more than usual after being introduced to the efficiency and entertainment that WeChat provides. You see, before it was just my Instagram account that I was busy with aside from the usual calls and sms, but WeChat made my means of communication through mobile phone way interesting.

My Friend Rina of Rinasrainbow.net for one is also a WeChat user and since I created a WeChat account, we rarely send sms to each other because our conversation through WeChat is far more interesting with the use of WeChat Animated Stickers. These Stickers are the equivalent of your usual emoticons, only better.  

I always believed that emotions can be translated through words, but the use of these cute little stickers on chat conversation adds life to virtual conversation, not to mention some flair of entertainment too.

TGIFridays in Greenbelt 3, Now Open and Sporting a New Look

It was late last year when I heard that TGIFridays, one of my favorite American restaurants here in Manila opened another branch at Greenbelt 3 in Makati City. In line with this opening, TGIFridays at Greenbelt 3 is already sporting a new look, different from the TGIF restaurants in Manila we all are used to.

This change, I was told is in compliance with the global revamp happening at all TGIFridays all over the world. Slowly but surely, every TGIFridays here in the Philippines will follow suit with the said change.

It is their branch at Robinsons Galleria that I usually frequent to, but I guess this new branch as well as the change is well worth checking out.

Hanamaruken Ramen in Trinoma: Serving Happiness in a Bowl

Hanamaruken Ramen located at Trinoma Mall in Quezon City is one of the new additions to the perpetually growing list of ramen places in Manila. With over 40 branches in Osaka Japan, Hanamaruken Ramen boasts of its Tonkotsu-Shoyu based soup ramen topped with a slab of slow-braised tender pork rib. This signature dish aptly called "Happiness Ramen" is said to be the reason of Hanamaruken Ramen's fame.

For the first time in 30 years, Arakawa Pork Company, the strong force behind Hanamaruken Ramen, decided to branch out this Osaka's favorite ramen place and land at the shore of Manila. Having their first branch outside of Japan, founder Takaku Arakawa aims to spread happiness in Manila by means of their carefully crafted ramen.

Most of the ramen enthusiasts I know got excited with the coming of Hanamaruken Ramen here in the Philippines, and I could not blame them. This has been claimed to be one of Osaka's favorites therefore it holds a certain honor to it. So, while I am not the one who can go crazy over ramen, I wouldn't pass up on having my fair share of a promise of happiness in a bowl.

WeChat: Giving Away an iPad Air This Valentine Season!

Happy Valentines Day everyone! Having fun yet? I know most of us are feeling already extra special this day of hearts. Thanks to our loved ones who never fail to brighten our days huh. And thanks to the evolving generation that we are in now because Valentines Day is no longer exclusive to those who are in a relationship (read: coupledom). I have no significant other, but I sure am having a blast today, and I sincerely hope that you are too.

That is right, for me and I am hoping that for most of us, Valentines is a celebration of all things we love the most. Family, friends, significant other, pets, food, and even things that we love dearly. Reason to be equally thankful for is the fact that we are now in this day and age wherein communication is possible even if your loved ones are million miles away. Take for instance this innovative mobile social communications application designed for smartphone users called WeChat.

For sure, most of us would love to get in touch with out loved ones located somewhere around the globe especially today that is a Valentines Day. WeChat can make that happen for us, for free. All we need is the proverbial internet connection and we’re good to go.

Toasted Pastillas by MAJ Sweet Shoppe

Of all the sweet native Filipino delicacies there is, I would have to say that Pastillas is definitely my favorite. I always admire it for its simplicity and delicately sweet taste. Pastillas recipe usually calls for sugar and milk, and that's it. While you cannot do much about it, you can have it toasted. Just like what MAJ Sweet Shoppe dishes out for their customers; Toasted Pastillas.

It was weeks back when I was given packs of Toasted Pastillas by MAJ Sweet Shoppe to try. Purist may say that pastillas should be delicately soft with just enough resistance to the bite for its sugar-laden outer covering. But then in Bulacan, one of the places I know that take their pastillas seriously, they do have this pastillas "tostado". This is pretty much the same thing.

Mrs. Graham's Macaron Café at Sct. Rallos in Quezon City

First time I have encountered Mrs. Graham’s Macaron was during the Best Food Forward last year. I could still remember how their Pancake with Maple Buttercream left a pleasant impression on me. Fast forward to 2014, Mrs. Graham's finally opened a café at Sct. Rallos in Quezon City.

There are plenty of restaurants and desserts places around Tomas Morato area, but Mrs. Graham's Macaron Café is definitely a welcome addition as it offers not just your ordinary macarons, but those which you cannot find else where. That is alongside many other delectable sweets and pastries they are offering.

This newest and most innovative macaron place I have encountered by far brings standard and not-so-standard macarons in the metro. It offers a handful of creative spin to the ordinary macaron, some more appealing than others, but all are worth trying out.

Xin Tian Di Restaurant at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria: Celebrate Chinese New Year with Prosperity Toss

Xin Tian Di, signature Chinese restaurant of Crowne Plaza Hotel Manila Galleria is currently offering set menus of auspicious dishes perfect for Chinese New Year celebration this 2014. Impressive Chinese cuisine that are known to bring good luck this Year of the Wooden Horse can be enjoyed at Xin Tian Di starting today, January 30, 2014 to February 13, 2014. 

One of Xin Tian Di’s Chinese New Year auspicious entrees is the Yu Sheng Salad which is more known as the CNY “Prosperity Toss Salad.” This Chinese delicacy when translated to English means “abundance of wealth and long life.” 

I have been participating to Chinese New Year gatherings for quite a while now but it was only this year that I got to try the wonders of Yu Sheng Salad Ceremony. And trust me, it’s fun. “A good excuse to play and have fun with your food” one of my dinner mates noted during the preview of the CNY dinner celebration at Xin Tian Di. The fact that it can bring prosperity is an added bonus.

Black Olive Cerveceria at Capitol Commons, Pasig City

Black Olive Cerveceria is a new restaurant by Chef Carlos Miguel which is located at the Capitol Commons, a new foodie hub along Shaw Blvd. in Pasig City. It offers Mediterranean cuisine coupled with impressive line of beers, wines, and spirits in a relaxing ambiance conducive to having a great time over good food. 

Capitol Commons is slowly but surely becoming the favorite of foodies in Manila, with several food trucks and new restaurants up on its sleeve. Black Olive Cerveceria is one of those which should not be missed when visiting the area.

Some weeks ago, I along with some foodie friends visited Black Olive to meet Chef Carlos Miguel, the genius mind behind Draft Gastropub, Opus, Beso and Publiko and try his offerings served at Black Olive Cerveceria. It was a holiday season and there could not be more apt way to relax amidst the busy season than to feast on good food and great beers.

Oakroom Restaurant's Saturday Night Fever Dinner Buffet at Oakwood Premier Manila

Oakroom Restaurant, the signature restaurant of Oakwood Premier Joy-Nostalg Center Manila in Ortigas is known to dish out themed hotel buffet offerings every quarter. For the first quarter of this year, they give a flavorful touch of delectable goodness to their buffet spread through their Saturday Night Fever Dinner Buffet which started last January 11, 2014.

During the launch of the dinner buffet at Oakroom, we sampled some of the offerings on the spread which comprised of delightful international dishes. While the spread, particularly the quality of the food is enticing enough, this special buffet promo is further elevated with the inclusion of Chef Jerome Cartailler's Cronuts Station. 

'Cue Modern Barbecue at BHS The Fort: New Porch Menu and Cocktail Drinks Pairing

Whenever I ask some of my trusted and favorite food bloggers in Manila for their recommendations on best restaurants that serve downright good meat dishes, 'Cue Modern Barbecue located at Bonifacio High Street at BGC The Fort is always on top of the list. A lot of these foodies vouch for the goodness and the quality of food that 'Cue serves. After having tried some of their offerings recently, I could say that now, I am one of those who could recommend 'Cue Modern Barbecue in a heartbeat.

'Cue Modern Barbecue opened their doors to the hungry public couple of years back when an array of new restaurants at BGC, The Fort is starting to make waves in foodie radars. I couldn't count how many times have I let the opportunity to visit them passed. I think I kinda missed half of my life for that if I do say so myself. Then again, there's the whole stretch of a lifetime to make up for the lost times. So let's begin with their new porch menu and cocktail drinks pairing, shall we?

Our visit happened during a busy week reeking of cool fresh breeze of the holiday season. It was a busy week alright, but just the sound of delectable dishes paired with cocktail drinks especially developed by Enzo Lim made all the moving of schedules well worth it. Enzo Lim as you may have known, is a bartender-turned-restaurateur, the same creative genius behind the famed restaurants Maharlika and Jeepney in New York City. 

Aristocrat Restaurant at Subic Bay Freeport Zone

After our visit to Aristocrat Restaurant and Bakeshop at Jupiter St. which is a great addition to the 24 hour restaurants in Makati, we headed to their branch at Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Prior to the visit, I have little knowledge as to where to eat at Subic since I rarely frequent the place. All I know was that most restaurants at Subic Bay area are mostly Korean Restaurants. Little did I know, there are plenty others, including Aristocrat Restaurant.

So, when in Subic, and you are suddenly hit with mean cravings for all-time favorite Filipino cuisine, there is Aristocrat there you can always visit. The menu is pretty much the same as with all other Aristocrat branches there is. The ambiance is very spacious which can accommodate big groups, and very conducive to a pleasant dining experience, location-wise.