Chelsea Kitchen at SM Megamall

My visit to Chelsea Kitchen located at SM Mega Fashion Hall in SM Megamall happened amidst the time when attending to pressing matter at hand hinders me from throwing affirmative response to dining engagements. I guess luck was on my side the time a friend, Ramil of Pinasmuna.com asked me to join them for an intimate lunch at Chelsea Megamall.

The luncheon schedule indicated was the exact time I was free to do blog related things. That rarely happen these days, truth be told.  So I guess I was destined to dine at Chelsea Kitchen for the first time to finally experience the creations of the talented chef Kalel Chan. Meeting new people and catching up with some blogger friends – the proverbial icing on top.

Under Raintree Group of Restaurants, Chelsea Kitchen at Megamall is the laid back version of Chelsea Grand Café in Serendra. It occupies the space at the ground floor, EDSA side entrance of the bustling SM Mega Fashion Hall.

Oliva Bistro Cafe along Marcos Highway, Pasig City

The thing about moving far away from what is considered as the mecca of restaurants in Manila, you sometimes concern yourself with other options within reasonable proximity. That is if you write about food and do not always have the liberty of time to battle the horrendous traffic jam on the road. I should know. It's the story of my life.

So when I learned that one of the restaurants I admire most, Oliva Bistro Cafe opened its branch along Marcos Highway in Pasig City, I know a visit must ensue. The area can be easily accessed if you are from Antipolo City through Sumulong Highway and other nearby location such as Cainta, Cogeo, and Marikina since it is basically located right beside Barrio Fiesta near Sta Lucia East Grand Mall and Robinsons Mall Metro East.

It was exactly two years ago when I wrote about the first time I experienced dining at Oliva Bistro Cafe Visayas Avenue branch. That time, I was introduced to the talented chef Kanan's kitchen creations. It opened my eyes on chef's take on making each dish that hails from different countries stand on its own instead of resorting to the confusing and overused "fusion." After all these years, Oliva Bistro Cafe still believes in celebrating different culture on plate.

McDonald's Coke Modern Glass Collection 2014: Classy, Stylish, and Fun

Recently, kind people from McDonald's Philippines and EON sent me this McDonald's Coca-Cola 2014 Modern Glass Collection coupled with some good news about it. I am one of those who collects the iconic McDonald's and Coke glasses memorabilia and I am guessing some of you are too. So, this news really got me excited most especially when I saw that this years' iconic glasses are sporting contemporary design in sophisticated hue of light gray.

The strong partnership between McDonald's and Coca-Cola has once again sealed through the introduction of the modern glass collection this year. This tradition between the two big brands has already spanned for seven wonderful years and still counting.

The package I got came in a big box that housed the six design variants of the glass collection. Although I believe that the box is for media promotional purposes only, diners can be assured that the glass/glasses they will be availing at McDonald's will be encased in its usual paper casing just like the previous collections made available commercially.

No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake by Pellegrino's

The email that proposed an introduction to No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake held an enthusiastic tone I could not ignore. The name Pellegrino's was not mentioned. Instead, the letter suggests the excitement of a home baker eager to hear opinion about her product. Recipes for no bake cheesecake usually call for gelatin which I am not a big fan of, hence the apprehension.

Yet, there was something about the sincerity of the letter that got me. After all, one cannot go wrong with an open mind, so I said yes. Days after, Pellegrino's No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake arrived in our doorstep, hand carried by a charming lady named Abbie, the one who wrote me the email.

Abbie is the better half of Erwin, owners of a food stall called Pellegrino's Roasted Chicken Station located at PhilamLife Tower in Makati. They have been in the business for four years now serving roasted chicken, pork bbq, liempo, best paired with side dishes they also mastered such as baked macaroni, eggplant salad, potato salad, coleslaw, among many others. In the hope of expanding their menu, they opened their door to cheesecake making business.

Bhe'st Lasagna, It's Nice to Finally Meet You.

Lately I have been talking about Bhe'st Lasagna, one of the best lasagnas I have tried here in Manila. One reason is that with the Christmas season unfolding before us, I deem it can be the best option for an edible gift and potluck share during parties. 

Another reason is that Bhe'st Lasagna and I, we kinda have a history together. Well, sort of.

Before diving ahead on the story telling, let me just give credit where it is due. I was not in Manila when the awesome package from Bhe'st Lasagna arrived home, so I had my sister took these photos for me. Merci beaucoup!

Going back to the story, to the day I almost met Bhe'st Lasagna for the first time. Almost, being the operative word, we never crossed path the day we intended to. But as with all things in life, if it is destiny, ways will unfold itself no matter what.