The Lobby Lounge at Diamond Hotel Philippines

There are a lot of times when Diamond Hotel impressed me with the gastronomical fares they offer.  Their Yurakuen's Teppanyaki All-You-Can blew me away, Corniche was equally impressive, while the sublime desserts at The Cake Club Bonifacio High Street rocked my world. Now, with the recent opening of The Lobby Lounge at Diamond Hotel, I could only expect five star dining experience, and undoubtedly, they exceeded it.

Located at the main lobby of Diamond Hotel Philippines in Roxas Boulevard, The Lobby Lounge is not just merely a dining attraction, it's a comfortably luxurious abode for people who craves for satisfying meals and indulgent desserts. 

The place exudes sophistication without overbearingly so.  It does not foster an air of intimidation rather, it invitingly beckons. With its enticing contemporary feat coupled with welcoming and warm service, who wouldn't be teased? 

Wine Depot's Wine Festival 2012

Last October 13, 2012 I attended Wine Depot’s The Festival 2012 held at the main ballroom of New World Hotel in Makati City. This festival is in line with the celebration of Philippine Wine and Food Week that happened from October 8 to 14, 2012.

Wine Depot’s The Festival offers its guests with the best taste of the world through bringing in wine makers and gourmet experts from most celebrated brands in one venue.  On their 8th year, The Festival boasts of wine booths with 200 fine wines from 27 regions.  Gourmet booths that served variety of high quality cheeses, homemade breads, and Iberian cured ham were also present during the festival.

It was my first time to attend Wine Depot’s The Festival and I noticed that it has somehow similar to the usual food festivals that I have been to. Guests are given a paper bag containing a wine glass which will serve as their access to tasting the wines being served, a little booklet they called passport which contains information about the participating brands, an order form for those who would want to purchase wines, and a pencil they can use to fill up their forms. 

Papa John's Pizza and Big Time Treat

Despite several pizza places sprouting all over the metro, there are few favorites which I would usually go to whenever a mean pizza cravings would hit me. One of them is Papa John’s Pizza.  Known for using only better ingredients to produce better pizza, Papa John’s Pizza has been serving Filipinos with its quality pizza through its 13 branches all over Metro Manila.  

Since Papa John’s Pizza opened its first branch in Robinson’s Galleria on 2010, there are several occasions that I found myself not minding dining alone as long as I can have my fair share of good pizza with a serving of pepperoncini and garlic butter dip on the side.  But then again, good food are always best shared with your loved ones that is why Papa John’s Pizza introduces its on-going promo aptly called Papa John’s Big Time Treats.

Ang Mo Kio Singaporean Hawker Cuisine at The Podium

I have always been a fan of Singaporean cuisine, but with numbers of Singaporean restaurants in Metro Manila which I have tried, there are only few that really satisfy me in terms of quality of food and the comfort of ambiance.  That is why I am in constant search for something truly worth the money and time I will be spending.  Recently, I was introduced to Ang Mo Kio Singaporean Restaurant that specializes in hawker cuisine located at The Podium.

Most of the Singaporean restaurants I have been to carry prices that are quite steep.  While I don’t mind spending more than my usual food budget, it has to be something which of high quality.  Some of these restaurants are decent enough in that respect, while the others are just plain blah. 

One of the reasons why I am impressed with Ang Mo Kio is that it introduced me to reasonably priced Singaporean dishes made from the scratch out of fresh ingredients sourced both locally and from nearby countries. I do not claim to be an expert, but based on my preferences, Ang Mo Kio really stood out.

Cravings Celebrates 24th Anniversary with Cake and Coffee Festival

On their 24th year in the business, Cravings Group of Restaurants celebrated their anniversary by giving back to their loyal followers and community through Craving’s Coffee and Cake Festival. This delicious and sweet affair was held at Shangri-La Mall Atrium last October 25, 2012.

What started as a simple bakeshop in Quezon City has now evolved into a celebrated abode of delicious food and delectable sweets that every Filipino loves.  I remember having written about Center for Culinary Arts Manila’s anniversary at The Philippine Daily Inquirer late last year and since Cravings is under in one roof with CCA, I heeded to Craving’s invite.

Aiming to stay true to their goal of giving back, this event is in partnership with Operation Smile, an organization that provides free surgeries to repair cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities for children throughout the world.   Incidentally, Operation Smile is also celebrating its 30th year of providing assistance to the aforementioned children in need.  The festival serve as their gateway to further introduced the program they have launched called “The Journey Home”.  This program aims to help 4,500 Filipino children and young adults in different parts of the country.