Chili's Philippines: Chili's Your Way to Food Feast Because More Life Happens Here!

My recent visit at Chili's Bar and Restaurant SM Megamall branch to check out new items on their menu reminded me that the last time I wrote about them here on my food blog was way back 2009. That was five years ago (pardon the small photos and the writing style, if you're going to check out that post) and I could not believe that despite several visits within that span of time, I am only writing about them again just now. I guess, I have a lot of catching up to do.

Recently, Chili's launched its new tagline, "More Life Happens Here" which I deem apt since I myself, is one of those who could testify that indeed, more life happens at Chili's. Since it opened its door here in the Philippines way back 1996, I cannot count how many times have I dined at Chili's, specifically at their branches at Tomas Morato and Greenhills. Whether its a celebration of some sort or just plain meeting up with friends, Chili's is definitely one of those restaurants that my loved ones, friends, and I frequent to.

While it would be funny to admit that their unlimited Tostada Chips and Salsa have something to do with our frequent visits, the truth is, more than the free refils of these addicting treats, it is Chili's overall appeal that endears it to us. From the good food that they serve to the cool ambiance they have and to the warm and friendly service they give, Chili's is definitely proved all through these years that they deserve all the thumbs up they get.

Dads World Buffet: A Feast of Flavor on Your Plate Through Dads, Kamayan, Saisaki Buffets

It was late last year when Dads Ultimate Buffet (which includes Saisaki and Kamayan Buffet), one of the pioneer when it comes to buffets here in Manila, added an exciting spin to its buffet offering that resulted to its conversion to Dads World Buffet. Dads Buffet has always been considered as one of buffets here in the country that offers wide variety of choices, yet, to keep up with the demands of our times, they decided to take their game to a notch higher by adding more food selections to their spread.

These additions features variety of international dishes from all over the world, thus Dads World Buffet. It is literally a culinary journey translated to your plate for every dishes represents the country it hails from. The conversion of Dads Ultimate Buffet to Dads World Buffet started at their SM Megamall branch last year, and this year all Dads Buffet branches are expected to carry this new spin come August 1, 2014 when their newest branch at West Avenue opens.

Aside from West Avenue, Dads World Buffet branches includes SM Megamall, Glorietta 3 Ayala Center, Manila, and EDSA. Dads Buffet is also known to carry and host different promos for their patrons. Discounted price on buffet rates including birthday promos are dishes out from time to time, hence, Dads Buffet is encouraging people to check out their website and their Facebook page for updates on promos. Each branch carries different promos from one another, hence, better to like all of their Facebook pages for updates.

Jollibee Amazing Aloha Champ is Back! #AmazingAlohaChamp @jollibee

Few days ago I got a news from our friends at Jollibee, one of the leading fast food chains here in our country, about the big come back of Jollibee Amazing Aloha Champ. The word “big” is indeed an apt word since compared to its previous resurfacing in Jollibee’s menu, this time, the amazingness that is Amazing Aloha comes in big size, hence considered a champ burger.

I remember being quite sad when Jollibee Amazing Aloha was re-introduced to the market last year since it is just in a form of regular burger. It was delicious alright, but for something downright enjoyable, you would really want to have it in hefty servings. 

Today, Jolibee Amazing Aloha Champ boasts of a 1/3 pound 100% pure beef patty topped with a juicy pineapple slice, crispy bacon strips, honey mustard dressing, lettuce, and cheese.  As with the usual Jollibee Champ Burger, Amazing Aloha Champ is big enough to satisfy even those who has manly appetite.

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.