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.