Diplahan Lechon: A Taste of Zamboanga in Manila

In a perfect world where high level of cholesterol can get us nowhere near six feet under, lechon rules. We will surely eat our way to oblivion without giving flying hoots to our own mortality because hey, it’ll be pure porcine bliss, buddy.

But we are not in a perfect world. So, occasional glimpse to the perfect world that a perfectly roasted pig could bring will do. And a glimpse to that perfect world we were given indeed, when we were introduced to Diplahan Lechon of Zamboanga City weeks ago.

No plane ticket required to experience the wonder that is Diplahan Lechon, all thanks to the great people who brought them here in Manila. Yes, Diplahan Lechon from the south made its way to Manila, ready to rock our world inside out.

High Tea Wednesdays at Wine Depot Featuring French Tea Brand, La Maison Du The

Afternoon High Tea. Big words. It sounds so royal and regal; it’s a thread away from intimidating. For some it can be a total strange concept. But with the emergence of restaurants and cafes in Manila offering afternoon high tea packages, our culture that is rather familiar with coffee is now slowly being introduced to what started as a social event for upper class men in Europe. Recent addition to the establishments offering afternoon high tea is Wine Depot with branches at Alabang, Makati, and Greenhills. Yes, Wine Depot does not just sells wines, they also have café with good selections of gourmet food and drinks.

Wine Depot, in partnership with La Maison Du The, a tea brand of delicately handcrafted premium French tea, celebrates the beauty of tea culture through their High Tea Wednesdays. Although rooted from the much celebrated tea gathering, Wine Depot’s High Tea Wednesdays suggests a different tea culture but not devoid of respect for the traditional ritual.

For a start, High Tea Wednesdays at Wine Depot is priced at Php500 only. An affordable feat considering most high tea packages served in Manila are not as friendly in terms of its price. Second, Wine Depot has this “not just tea” feature thrown in the mix for a good measure. Indeed, it’s a different tea culture that Wine Depot is introducing, so intimidation may take a back seat.

A Beautiful Breakfast at Malcolm's Deli, The Fort BGC

Drowsy run of egg yolk, glistening pieces of fat laden sauteed slices of beef flirting with mushroom and beautifully wilted spinach, freshly baked bread, bountiful greens of impeccable hue, and crisp cubes of perfectly fried potatoes with color reminiscent of golden sunset. It was a beautiful breakfast on a plate. So beautiful that it made my first visit at Malcolm’s Deli located at The Fort almost a communion with the sublime. The experience may be fleeting, but the palatable memories remained ephemeral.

That breezy morning at Malcolm’s Deli, the comforting jolt from freshly brewed coffee prompted me with the fact that breakfast was meant to remind us what our daily ways of survival lured us to forget. Breakfast was that merciful flicker of sustenance before we head for the hunt amidst the meandering chaos we sometimes called life.  

Breakfast should always be beautiful. And that morning, it was. Not that it mattered in the grand scheme of human history, but it was a late breakfast disguised as brunch. Nevertheless, it was the breakfast fares at Malcolm’s Deli we feasted on, and sticking with the definite word breakfast could never break a bone. The great company I was with should be given credit for that beautiful morning feast. However, I am confident that no one would disagree if I said that the food deserved majority of the recognition. 

Epicurean Singapore at Circles Event Cafe of Makati Shangri-La Hotel

From August 1 to 10, 2013 Circles Event Cafe of Makati Shangri-La Hotel will run a 10-day Singaporean Food Festival called Epicurean Singapore. Known as one of the best hotel buffets in Manila, Circles Event Cafe will feature various Singaporean specialty dishes prepared by guest Sous Chef Tan Kheng Boon and Assistant Sous Chef Ricky Young Soon Khiong from Traders Hotel Singapore.

Aside from the Singaporean feast at Circles Event Cafe, a cooking demo class will be held on August 7, 2013 hosted by Chef Tan Keng Boon. This demo is priced at Php2000 nett inclusive of a buffet lunch at Circles Event Cafe.

Prior to the food festival that started August 1, a media event was held where we sampled some of the dishes which are included on the line up for the Epicurean Singapore feast. Singaporean dishes are known for its rather spunky flavor that leans on the spicy side of the spectrum. However, the chefs were considerate enough to tailor fit the dishes to the Filipino palate without assaulting its authenticity.

Bono Artisanal Gelato at The Podium Mall in Ortigas

Even before I got to try Bono Artisanal Gelato, most of the food bloggers in Manila I know were dishing out raves left and right. Most of them even tagged it as the best gelato in Manila, rightfully so, since Bono Gelato deserves such distinction. After tasting some of its flavors, I considered it my benchmark when it comes to really good gelato.

Their first branch located in SM Makati is rather far and out of way considering my usual route, and their branch at SM Aura is even more so. Despite the fact that Bono Gelato is worth trekking that uncharted path, it still a good news to me that they opened a new store located at The Podium in Ortigas.

Located at the ground floor, literally a stone's throw away from Wildflour, Bono Artisanal Gelato at The Podium is a tad bigger compare to the flagship store in Makati. Half of the space is occupied by the glass enclosed space where the magic of gelato making happens.