THE BUFFET International Cuisine, Quezon City

I have to admit, I am one of those who is in constant search for the best and affordable buffets in Manila. So, when the chance to try The Buffet International Cuisine along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City presented itself, it became a persistent call that I couldn't bend my conscience quite enough to ignore. A handful of Manila food bloggers have shared their experience about The Buffet so, I figured it was high time to try it myself.

The Buffet specializes in international dishes with emphasis in interactive approach to dining experience brought about by several buffet sections. This interactive spin on the buffet encourages diners to create their own food based on their liking and have the friendly chefs prepared it for them. There is also a buffet section wherein diners can cook their own food on their respective tables.

The location of The Buffet is hard to miss. Standing along the busy street of Commonwealth Avenue, right beside Nissan Commonwealth. It's facade holds big signage of its name visible even if you are situated right across the location or even in a moving vehicle. 

Jet 7 Bistro in Timog Ave. Quezon City, An Ode to Good Times

Night out with friends, good food and drinks, live bands, these are just some of the things I thought I would outgrow in no time after graduating college to explore the so-called-dreaded “real adult life”, the very thing we were warned about. I thought wrong. Our visit to the press/bloggers night of Jet 7 Bistro located along Timog Ave. in Quezon City made me realized that these things that made my college days all the more exciting and well worth remembering are still the same things that could well, make me happy.

I love places like that. Those places that reminds me of the happy past and still makes me giddy  this present times. After all, don’t we all love good food and good times? That night, Jet 7 Bistro got me covered.

The media launch of Jet 7 Bistro, a new restaurant that just opened March of this year to join the ever growing number of restaurants in Timog Ave. area prompted me with the fact that although I have sometimes exhausted myself in trying out different restaurants all for the love of writing and my work, there are still so much to explore and reconsider (i.e. live bands, especially those you adore makes dining experience downright pleasantly unforgettable.)

Cheese Festival at Sofitel Philippine Plaza

Sofitel Philippine Plaza, the only French luxury hotel here in the country, and the home of what most of us tagged as the best hotel buffet in Manila (Spiral Buffet), is celebrating its French heritage culminating during Bastille Day through a Cheese Festival. This festival which started on July 9 and will last only until the 13th of this month features never before tasted artisan cheese from France. Over 100 kinds of cheeses are set to make any cheese aficionados heart beat faster than they can say J’Adore Le Fromage!

In line with Sofitel’s Cheese Festival, Maître Fromagier Gérard Poulard joins the Sofitel team to present variety of artisan cheeses cultivated from different regions of France for their guests to enjoy. Aside from the glorious cheeses to feast on, wines are also thrown in the mix for an ultimate French experience.

Vikings Buffet SM Marikina: Feast of American Dishes Special Menu

Vikings Luxury Buffet, tagged by many foodies as one of the Best Buffets in Manila celebrates the Fourth of July by adding and highlighting special menu boasting of special American dishes every weekend of this month.  This month long celebration holds a promise that in all branches of Vikings Luxury Buffet, new dishes will be added to the buffet spread. To make it more exciting, new menu additions will vary in each and every Vikings Buffet branches.

This week, I got a preview of the new menu which will be rolled out at Vikings Buffet in SM Marikina. Headed by Vikings Buffet Markina Executive Chef Jenny Gumboc with the aid of Sous Chef Gerard Torre and Pastry Chef Michael Ecogo (not in photo), a special American menu set was developed and will soon hit the already enticing selections of the buffet for the diners to enjoy.

Snow Ice at Tokyo Tokyo Philippines #MakeItSnow @tokyotokyoPHL

Rain or shine, cold icy treats is something I could not get enough of. Ice cream, shakes, frappuccinos, etc. are something I would not mind having even during rainy season. That is why ever since Tokyo Tokyo, a well-loved Japanese restaurant here in the Philippines released their Snow Ice, I m still enjoying it even if rainy season has been declared now here in our country.

Snow Ice is Tokyo Tokyo’s take on traditional Japanese iced dessert called Kakigori. It is essentially made up of creamy layers of vanilla shaved ice topped with all things delicious. There are three flavors available; Choco Sensation, Mango Peach Medley, and Halo-Halo. 

Early today, I paid a visit to Tokyo Tokyo to get my Snow Ice fix for the day. I was dead set on getting all three flavor but unfortunately, the Mango Peach Medley was not available. Good thing though that I equally loved the other two flavors which my family also loves.

Koko Buri Restaurant at BGC, The Fort

After being one of the most successful restaurants in Pampanga, Koko Buri has finally opened its door for their followers in Manila by opening a Koko Buri Restaurant branch at The Fort, Bonifacio Global City. Famous for their Korean style fried chicken, Koko Buri is also known for serving variety of asian and Western Cuisine.

I remember having a taste of their famous fried chicken during one of our family trips to Subic and I sincerely hoped that they also branch out in Manila. It was the first Korean-style fried chicken I have tried and I instantly fell in love with the crisp skin and flavorful chicken meat. Now that they are already here in Manila, we need not to wait for another trip to Subic just to have a taste of Koko Buri. 

Koko Buri's branch at The Fort exudes a well designed ambiance compared to their flagship store at Clark. The area is spacious and well lit coupled with impressive interior design which spring forth from the fact that the owner is an architect and interior designer as well. Aside from the main dining space there are al fresco dining area and a private area which can be reserved for functions.

Mad For Pizza in Tomas Morato: Create Your Own Pizza with Toppings-All-You-Want!

Mad For Pizza is a new pizza restaurant located at Il Terrazzo Center in Tomas Morato, Quezon City that specializes in Create-Your-Own-Pizza concept with Toppings-All-You-Want up its sleeves to boot. Several Manila food bloggers have raved about Mad For Pizza PH in the past week that caused an excitement for pizza lovers like myself. Do-It-Yourself Pizza with unlimited toppings at an affordable price? Why not?

Restaurants along Tomas Morato area are aplenty, but with the kind of food that Mad For Pizza offers, it is indeed a welcome addition.

I got to visit Mad For Pizza at Il Terrazzo one afternoon to try their Create-Your-Own-Pizza and have fun with the Toppings-All-You-Want concept of it. I was not expecting too much prior to the visit because all I really wanted was to check out their pizza offerings. Little did I know, that afternoon at Mad For Pizza, I am in for one of the best dining experiences I have had by far, all things considered.

Dishanel's Heavenly Homebaked Cakes and Pastries

First time I have tried a product of Dishanel's Heavenly Homebaked Cakes and Pastries was way back my high school days. Dishanel was not yet a business that time, rather, homebaker Dianne Ronelle Reyes-Bona was just celebrating her love for creating magic in her kitchen. It was a homemade baked rice cake, the first creation of Dianne which I have tried. To say that it was indeed heavenly would be an understatement. I remember ditching the dinuguan that came with it, and savor the goodness of the puto as it is.

Certainly, I was not into food blogging yet at that time. However, right at that moment, aside from the pleasure-induced explicit that may have came out of my mouth (at high school, yes, sorry!) I wished that I could put into words the goodness of that immaculate homemade rice cake with the eloquence of a food writer to give it justice.

Needless to say, Dianne's creations made repeat performances in most of our family gatherings. Her arsenal of baked goodies ranges from that rice cake that made me a believer, to cookies, to cupcakes, and to cakes with impressive art decorations to boot. Fast forward to 2013, Dianne took the leap of faith and transformed her love for baking into a home business.

Weekend Dimsum Buffet Feast at Crystal Jade Dining IN, BGC The Fort

Crystal Jade Dining IN Weekend Dim Sum Buffet Feast is another delightful addition to the growing number of eat-all-you-can dim sum promos available here in Manila. With our deep-rooted love for this known Chinese cuisine, Dim Sum All-You-Can-Eat is the kind of feast we want to indulge in.  Who cannot say no to unlimited dim sum? Definitely not I. Especially when it is a good quality dim sum that Crystal Jade Dining IN at Bonifacio High Street Central BGC The Fort, local franchise of Crystal Jade Singapore serves.

“Little morsels of love” is said to be the literal meaning of dim sum. At Crystal Jade Dining IN, they make it a point that by not compromising their quality ingredients and the impeccable way they prepare their food. This ensures them that they are making their diners feel that indeed, what they are feasting on are little morsels of love.  With a band of skilled culinary team spearheaded by experienced master dim sum chef, diners can be confident that what they are feasting on are of unparalleled high quality. After all, Crystal Jade wouldn’t have CNNGo Culinary Award for Best Dim Sum Category under its helm for nothing.

Sariwon Korean Barbecue at Greenhills Promenade

When conversation about the Best Korean Restaurants in Manila occurs, I always notice that Sariwon Korean Barbecue Restaurant which now has branches at BGC and Greenhills is almost always part of the discussion. Some of my favorite Manila food bloggers and other food enthusiasts have raved about Sariwon being one of the best when it comes to well executed Korean dishes. I cannot blame them, I myself is a fan.

Sariwon which originates in North Korea pride itself for being named as the Best Korean Restaurant by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. This success was brought outside Korea for the first time when they opened their first branch in the Philippines, specifically at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig couple of years ago. Its presence at our local restaurant scene soon picked up and this year they have opened another branch located at Greenhills.

Online food sites and other media outfit have talked about the legendary bulgogi recipe of Sariwon’s Mrs. Boon-Im Koo which uses 12 kinds of fruit for marinade in lieu of the usual sweeteners. Most of us are also well acquainted with Sariwon’s history from way back 1938 by now. Hence, this time, let me just show you my recent visit to Sariwon Korean Barbecue’s newest branch at Greenhills Promenade.

Filipino Food Festival at F1 Hotel Manila: LuzViMinda 2014 Buffet Feast

From June 12 to 26, 2014, everyone is  invited to partake to this year’s LuzViMinda 2014, a Filipino Food Festival at F1 Hotel Manila. This buffet feast  spearheaded by F1 Hotel’s very own chef Sau del Rosario features well-loved dishes from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Guest chefs Tristan Encarnacion of Epicurious, Editha Singian of Pino Restaurant, and Victor Barangan of Marco Polo Davao also take part of the festival representing each geographical division respectively. 

This Filipino Eat-All-You-Can buffet feast at F1 Hotel's F Restaurant All Day Dining Buffet is priced at Php1,700 only.

Last year, during the first roll out of LuzViMinda Filipino Food Festival, we were there to witness the wonders of Filipino food as it amazed food enthusiasts in Manila. This year, we once again took the gastronomical journey from the northern part to the southern part of the Philippines without leaving the comfort of F1 Hotel Manila.

Madison's Bistro Moderne at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel

Madison's Bistro Moderne is a new restaurant located at the ground floor of Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City. They pride themselves for serving international comfort food in a fine dining ambiance sans exorbitant price. Located next door is Madison's Delicatessen where people may buy high quality food of reasonable price.

Madison's Bistro Moderne has an ambiance that screams fine-dining restaurant from the get go. But diners should not be intimidated. This bistro does not hold a strict dress code policy, it does not aim to burn a hole in one's pocket as everything on their menu is reasonably priced, and anyone who wants to enjoy their good food is very much welcome.

Having just opened early this year, Madison's Bistro Moderne has a band of followers already. Talks in social media about this newly opened restaurant resulted to a good feedback for a business that has just started.

Italian Feast Buffet at Oakroom Restaurant, Oakwood Manila

Oakroom, the signature restaurant of Oakwood Premier Joy-Nostalg Center Manila located in Ortigas Center, Pasig City is currently holding Sabato Cena Italiana ~ an Italian buffet promo every Saturday night. This Italian feast will run for three consecutive months which will start today, June 7, 2014.

Variety of unlimited Italian dishes that ranges from pasta, cheeses, desserts, and chef Jerome Cartailler's famous hand-tossed pizza among many others are set to amaze diners and guests who craves for one of the most celebrated cuisine most of us love. Oakroom at Oakwood Ortigas is known to showcase themed buffet every quarter. This time, Italian cuisine lovers like myself is called to celebrate.

Last Wednesday, media launch of Sabato Cena Italiana at Oakroom was held where we sampled some of the delectable Italian dishes that diners may expect the entire duration of the buffet promo. I enjoyed my previous buffet experience at Oakroom especially that it involved foie gras and Philadelphia cheese steak cronuts. Their current promo on the other hand reminded me why I have deep affinity for Italian cuisine.

Chef's Specials Ala Carte Menu at Phoenix Court of Bellevue Manila

I have mentioned in my previous post about the Dimsum-All-You-Can at Phoenix Court in Bellevue Manila that this Chinese fine-dining restaurant in Alabang is known for their delectable Chinese dishes. Their Unlimited Dimsum promo is always a hit to food enthusiasts but let me tell you that the Chef's Specials on their ala carte menu are equally impressive.

Our visit at Phoenix Court happened on the last day of our staycation at B Hotel and Bellevue Hotel.  We just had a light brunch at Caviar Restaurant and a breakfast buffet at Prime Cafe prior. But it's not an excuse to skip the lunch at Phoenix Court because otherwise, doing so would mean missing so much good food and fun.

Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken, a Portuguese Restaurant in Kapitolyo, Pasig City

Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken is a Portuguese Restaurant that recently joined the ever growing line of restaurants and eateries in Kapitolyo, Pasig City. Specializing in Portuguese cuisine specifically piri piri chicken which recipe can be traced back from previous generations of the owner chef Joao Braquinho, Gostoso Piri-Piri Chicken Restaurant is a new addition to few Portuguese restaurants here in Manila.

Gostoso which means "delicious" in Portuguese is apropos in describing this delicious chicken dish which uses piri piri, more popularly known as bird's eye chili, for its marinade. 

Chef Joao's Piri Piri Chicken is not really new in the market. He started as one of food purveyors in weekend food markets in Manila dishing out his take on traditional Portuguese food. People started getting acquainted with chef Joao's piri-piri chicken and even raved about it. Come 2014, chef Joao alongside other friends put up the very first branch of Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken in Kapitolyo.

The Phoenix Court: DIMSUM Eat-All-You-Can

Phoenix Court is a fine-dining Chinese signature restaurant of The Bellevue Manila located in Alabang. It features their creative take on well-loved Chinese cuisine spearheaded by their Chinese chef. Phoenix Court is also known as one of the best restaurants that offers an All-You-Can-Eat-Dimsum promo alongside other delectable ala carte dishes such as their Chef's specials line.

Phoenix Court is located at the second floor of tower wing of The Bellevue Hotel and has a seating capacity of 250 person and can accommodate private diners for group. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 2:30pm and 6pm to 10pm.

During our epic staycation in Alabang where we get to stay at B Hotel and do some food tripping at The Bellevue Hotel, Phoenix Court was one of our gastronomical destination. Our first dinner at Bellevue was spent with loads of freshly-made dimsum care of the Phoenix Court. We also tried their Chef's Specials on our third day which I will be also blogging about soon. But first, the Dimsum Eat-All-You-Can.

Villa Del Conte Cioccolato Sublime of Padova, Italy

While enjoying a box of Villa Del Conte chocolates, I remember that quote from Forrest Gump; "Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you'll gonna get." Don't get me wrong, this blog post is not about deciphering the meaning of life in all its glory, I just want to talk about Villa Del Conte Cioccolato Sublime.

Villa Del Conte's namesake is a town in Padova Italy wherein this 70+ year old family business of artisan chocolate-making hails from. For generations now, they are making hand crafted fine chocolates in their factory in Italy.

Recently my sister was given a box of Villa Del Conte chocolates to try. Being the kind sister that she is, she shared it with me so that I can write about it here on my blog. It was my first time to try these chocolates and I must say that I was impressed.

Love Food and Travel? Be the FOOD HERO of Asia Food Channel (AFC) and Food Network Asia

Who doesn’t love to eat and travel? I know I do! And I am pretty sure most of you share the same passion. So here’s a good news for you guys.

If you are passionate about food and traveling, if you have a great personality, and if you want to be on TV, then Food Network Asia and Asia Food Channel is looking for you to be their Food Hero!

Food Hero is a region wide talent search that may open a door for aspiring TV hosts or TV talents to be part of either Food Network Asia or Asia Food Channel team.  Joining is fairly simple;  you may join them for a live audition this coming Saturday, May 31 or you may upload your video on Youtube convincing Food Network Asia and AFC Team why you should be the next Food Hero.

Read on and check out the mechanics below.

Word of Advice When Reading Rogue Magazine's Appetite Issue

Friends, I got a word of advice for all of you. When planning to read Rogue Magazine’s Appetite Issue (May Issue) consider hoarding all the best food you can get. The more food the better. Then with your food on hand, set aside ample of time where no one may disturb you so that you may read the magazine to your heart’s content.

Trust me on this. Especially on the hoarding of food part. Because once you started reading the hunger-inducing Rogue Magazine’s Appetite Issue, you will salivate like there’s no tomorrow. I am speaking based on personal experience. My only fault was, I read the thing on a lazy morning which contagious indolence permeates my entire being that I could not muster enough courage to cook a decent breakfast meal, so I settled for a simple toast and butter with coffee.

Wrong freaking move.

For their appetite issue this month of May, Rogue Magazine is peppered with loads of food-related article that will, like what I have said, make you salivate and be well-informed to the latest food trend in Manila and then some. This month's cover is that of beautiful model Isabel Roces photographed by the extremely talented photographer, Neil Oshima. 

Samalamig at Mesclun Restaurant: Beat the Summer Heat with Halo-Halo, Milkshakes, and Ice Cream Sandwich!

Ice cream, halo-halo, fruit shakes, milkshakes, these are just some of the refreshing goodies that most of us probably crave for especially now that it's summer. Good news is, Mesclun Restaurant and Cafe (Ortigas) and Mesclun Bistro (Serendra and Eastwood) introduce new line of cold and refreshing items perfect for summer season aptly called SAMALAMIG. 

Samalamig or palamig in vernacular pertains to cold prepared beverages here in the Philippines that usually comprised of tapioca pearls, gelatin, mixed with cold water flavored with sweet syrup and/or fruit extracts. In the past, when one talks about samalamig, Sago't Gulaman is the first thing that will pop up in mind since it is the most popular and can be found in every street corner here in the country. But as time goes by, the term is now use to pertain to any prepared cold drinks that is distinctly Pinoy. Think buko pandan juice, ice candy, halo-halo, buko juice, melon juice, and the likes. Those are just some of the well-loved samalamig.

The talented mind behind Mesclun, chef Katrina Kuhn-Alcantara takes this samalamig into a whole new level this time and created four impressive line of goodies that will surely make this summer enjoyable for foodies. 

Caffe Pascucci Shop: Italian Coffee Shop at Robinsons Galleria

Caffe Pascucci Shop is an Italian brand of coffee shop that branched out here in Manila just last year. It prided itself in serving high quality standard of coffee in different variants and pastry goodies that go perfectly well with their coffee selection. Currently, Caffe Pascucci Shop already have two branches here in Manila; one in Glorietta 2 in Makati City and the other one in Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas, Pasig City.

It was said that Caffe Pascucci Shop is popular in Italy and Korea with an impressionable number of patrons. If the green siren stands to be the most popular here in Manila and to most part of the world, Caffee Pascucci Shop is noted as its Italian equivalent in terms of followers.

I remember the first time I tried Caffe Pascucci was during the launching of our book EATS 2014 which was held at the Glorietta Activity Center. Caffe Pascucci Glorietta branch was just a stone's throw away from the area, just right beside Ginza Bairin. So before heading home, we grabbed some coffee and pastries from Caffe Pascucci just to last us through dinner time. I remember that the place left a great impression on me with its artsy ambiance.

Buffet at Café d’Asie of Bellevue Manila

Our lunch buffet at Café d’Asie of Bellevue Manila happened on the second day of our epic staycation at B Hotel in Alabang. It literally transpired after yet another buffet, albeit breakfast, that we devoured during that weekend. I wouldn't call it epic weekend for nothing. I even have proof that doesn't involve weighing scale, I tell you. Read, that's all you have to do.

Café d’Asie, one of the signature restaurants of Bellevue Manila in Alabang features an all-day buffet and ala carte offerings for both the hotel guests and walk-in diners. This 180-seaters boasts of an elegant ambiance coupled with impressive buffet selections meant to make people with deep affinity for an Eat-All-You-Can restaurants, like me.

Whether you decides to go an a feast of the senses on lunch or dinner, you'll be charged of Php 1,390 net per head and Php 695 for kids ages 6 to 12. Those who are below 6 years of age can dine for free. Breakfast buffet costs Php 770 net per head and half the price for kids 6 to 12. Kiddos under 6 of course, can have their little brekky for free.

Bulgogi Brothers Korean BBQ Restaurant: 7 New Korean Classics

This year, Bulgogi Brothers Korean BBQ Restaurant added new items on their menu, the seven classic Korean dishes. Although known for dishing out well-executed Korean fares with use of quality ingredients, Bulgogi Brothers step up its game by expanding their menu with main focus on well-loved classic Korean dishes that food enthusiast here in Manila will love. 

A visit to Bulgogi Brothers' Greenbelt branch introduced me to this seven classic Korean dishes. I already have some favorites at Bulgogi Brothers menu which are default orders when visiting any of their branches. These new additions to the menu however expanded my list of favorites and gave me more reasons to visit Bulgogi Brothers again and again.

Kimukatsu at East Wing of Shangri-La Mall

My visit at KIMUKATSU Japanese Restaurant located at the East Wing of Shangri-La Mall was a long time coming. Their famous take on tonkatsu which is a 25-layered Mille-feuille-style pork cutlets was something new to me. Having read good write ups about Kimukatsu from fellow food bloggers in Manila, I figured I should really make a time to visit.

There are a lot of katsu restaurants here in Manila ever since the katsu craze hit us, but Kimukatsu, a Japanese franchise takes pride being unique from the rest because of their unusual rendition of a katsu dish. Add to that, a list of other Japanese dishes on the menu that's equally impressive.

When I finally had the time to visit Kimukatsu, my mother and I visited their branch at the East Wing of Shangri-La Mall. It was lunchtime during our visit and the store is still near empty. But a minute or so, people started coming in until there's already a waiting list.

Benassi Ristorante Italiano: An Authentic Italian Restaurant in Ortigas Center, Pasig City

Benassi Ristorante Italiano is a family-owned restaurant tucked in Ortigas Center that serves no non-sense Italian dishes. Home-cooked Italian cuisine which inspiration rooted from the little town of Massa in Tuscany of Central Italy, Benassi Ristorante's arsenal of heirloom recipes claimed to be nothing but authentic.

Owner Katia Benassi-De Guzman, together with her husband DJ De Guzman partnered with Katia's mother Rolyn who has an impressive culinary training and a 20 years of residency in Italy. Together, they created a line up of authentic Italian cuisine that Benassi Ristorante Italiano is now proud of.

A visit to Benassi one afternoon opened my eyes to the wonderful gastronomical world of the Benassi. The place is modern and minimalistic with little reminders that you are in an Italian restaurant. Majority of the diners are expats and office workers coming from the Ortigas business district.

Dulcelin Gourmet at U.P. Town Center, Katipunan Ave.

When talking about Dulcelin Gourmet the very first thing that comes to my mind is their famous and downright impressive Mango Torte. Now that they have opened their very first restaurant which is located at U.P. Town Center in Katipunan, Dulcelin Gourmet proved that they are more than just that famous dessert. Their take on different dishes could also be mind blowingly good, and I agree.

 

While I have tried some of their savory dishes offerings during food fairs and events such as The Ultimate Taste Test, Dessert Comes First Anniversary Party, and some occasions, it was still their Mango Torte which was almost always present in our family gatherings that left a strong impression on me. With the opening of their new restaurant, I am glad that other dishes at Dulcelin Gourmet are now more accessible than ever.

5 Good Reasons Why You Should Attend POWER OF PEN 4, a Food, Travel, and Lifestyle Writing Workshop

So recently I heard a good news that Power of Pen 4 will be staged this year, on May 8-9 at the Top Shelf of Fully Booked, The Fort BGC. For those who don’t have any idea what Power of Pen is, it is a workshop which started way back 2009 that aims to provide learning opportunities for new writers. Initially, it focuses on basic tools needed for food writing but as time passed, it now taps related topics which are closely related to the aforementioned subject such as travel and lifestyle writing.

Power of Pen is known to have seasoned writers and esteemed speakers under its helm. These people are all generous in sharing their knowledge and expertise which can greatly help new writers to be equipped with necessary knowledge in the world of writing.

Last 2011, I was lucky enough to be one of the workshop attendees during the 3rd staging of Power of Pen. Fresh out of the corporate world, I deemed that taking Power of Pen workshop can help me decide whether to take food writing seriously or just leave it as a hobby and go back to my day job.

Gratitude

I still have loads of restaurant blog posts to write about but I figured the best way to start the month is to show gratitude. The weekend staycation we had at B Hotel Alabang and Bellevue Manila was by far one of the best weekends I had with some of my blogger friends. All thanks to the generous and kindly people of Bellevue Hotels and Resorts and of course, to Jane Go and Family.

Now if you've read my staycation series (first day, second day, third day), you would know that it was also made all the more sweet with the generous people behind different brands that shared with us their products. And with that, I am truly grateful.

These sponsors kindly showed us their generosities and provided some of their products while we were having our Alabang staycation. Some of them I am already familiar with, while the others I was just introduced to during that time. Please mind however that this is not a blog post for product reviews, rather, this is a gratitude blog post.

Affordable Friday Lunch Buffet at Prime Café, B Hotel Alabang

Our first meal during our weekend staycation at B Hotel in Alabang was at Prime Café. We were invited to partake of their Friday Lunch Buffet right after checking in to our respective suites and rooms. We came from a long drive from Rizal area to Alabang and we're happy upon knowing that we will be feasting on a spread of good choices of food.

Prime Café is the in-house restaurant of B Hotel that can house 64 person. Located at the ground floor of the hotel, Prime Café which is open from 6am to 11pm from Monday to Saturday, and 6am to 10pm during Sundays, serves breakfast buffet in the morning, ala carte dishes all day, and come Wednesday to Friday, it turns into Prime Bistro where guests may enjoy cocktail drinks and good food while enjoying acoustic band. 

Prime Café's Friday Lunch Buffet is priced at Php 600+ net. for adults and Php300+ net.for kids ages 6 to 12. Drinks are not included on the buffet rate good thing though that those were also affordable compared to other hotels that sells drinks meant to create a hole in your pocket. We were told that Prime Café uses quality organic ingredients for their dishes and menu varies every six months. 

John Lloyd Cruz Invites Everyone to Enjoy Pizza and Pasta at the New Greenwich Pizzeria in SM City North Edsa

Last week, we were invited to check out the newly opened Greenwich Pizza and Pasta at the second floor of SM North Edsa. This Greenwich's newest concept features the newest look that people behind Greenwich is most proud of. Actor John Lloyd Cruz was present during the event and was very enthusiastic as he invites everyone to check out Greenwich Pizzeria. And oh, he served pizzas to the diners too!

With the combination of rustic and modern look, Greenwich at SM North Edsa is aptly tagged as Greenwich Pizzeria. This is the first Greenwich branch to sport the new look but we were told that they are looking forward to roll out the same vibe to other branches.

Sebastian's Ice Cream New Products: Fruitsicles Artisan Ice Pops and Ala Mode Ice Cream + Cake on a Stick

Sebastian’s Artisanal Ice Cream, a local ice cream business by the genius artisan ice cream maker Ian Carandang needs no further introduction. Some food bloggers in Manila raved about it and everybody seems to love it. I for one is a fan right after I got my first bite of Sebastian’s Artisan Ice Cream creation. 

Now the good news is that they got new products; Sebastian’s Fruitsicles and Sebastian’s Ala Mode Bars.

Couple of weeks ago, we were invited to try these new creations. Sebastian’s Fruitsicles boasts of eight flavors same numbers for the Sebastian’s Ala Mode Bars. We got to try all 16 of them, and as great as all Sebastian’s Artisan Ice Cream, all of it was downright impressive and just perfect for summer. 

I could re-tell the stories as to how Ian Carandang come up with these products but nothing explains better than the man himself. Hence, I will be quoting him here, then give my take on each of the flavors.

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.