Italian Feast Buffet at Oakroom Restaurant, Oakwood Manila

Oakroom, the signature restaurant of Oakwood Premier Joy-Nostalg Center Manila located in Ortigas Center, Pasig City is currently holding Sabato Cena Italiana ~ an Italian buffet promo every Saturday night. This Italian feast will run for three consecutive months which will start today, June 7, 2014.

Variety of unlimited Italian dishes that ranges from pasta, cheeses, desserts, and chef Jerome Cartailler's famous hand-tossed pizza among many others are set to amaze diners and guests who craves for one of the most celebrated cuisine most of us love. Oakroom at Oakwood Ortigas is known to showcase themed buffet every quarter. This time, Italian cuisine lovers like myself is called to celebrate.

Last Wednesday, media launch of Sabato Cena Italiana at Oakroom was held where we sampled some of the delectable Italian dishes that diners may expect the entire duration of the buffet promo. I enjoyed my previous buffet experience at Oakroom especially that it involved foie gras and Philadelphia cheese steak cronuts. Their current promo on the other hand reminded me why I have deep affinity for Italian cuisine.

Chef's Specials Ala Carte Menu at Phoenix Court of Bellevue Manila

I have mentioned in my previous post about the Dimsum-All-You-Can at Phoenix Court in Bellevue Manila that this Chinese fine-dining restaurant in Alabang is known for their delectable Chinese dishes. Their Unlimited Dimsum promo is always a hit to food enthusiasts but let me tell you that the Chef's Specials on their ala carte menu are equally impressive.

Our visit at Phoenix Court happened on the last day of our staycation at B Hotel and Bellevue Hotel.  We just had a light brunch at Caviar Restaurant and a breakfast buffet at Prime Cafe prior. But it's not an excuse to skip the lunch at Phoenix Court because otherwise, doing so would mean missing so much good food and fun.

Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken, a Portuguese Restaurant in Kapitolyo, Pasig City

Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken is a Portuguese Restaurant that recently joined the ever growing line of restaurants and eateries in Kapitolyo, Pasig City. Specializing in Portuguese cuisine specifically piri piri chicken which recipe can be traced back from previous generations of the owner chef Joao Braquinho, Gostoso Piri-Piri Chicken Restaurant is a new addition to few Portuguese restaurants here in Manila.

Gostoso which means "delicious" in Portuguese is apropos in describing this delicious chicken dish which uses piri piri, more popularly known as bird's eye chili, for its marinade. 

Chef Joao's Piri Piri Chicken is not really new in the market. He started as one of food purveyors in weekend food markets in Manila dishing out his take on traditional Portuguese food. People started getting acquainted with chef Joao's piri-piri chicken and even raved about it. Come 2014, chef Joao alongside other friends put up the very first branch of Gostoso Piri Piri Chicken in Kapitolyo.

The Phoenix Court: DIMSUM Eat-All-You-Can

Phoenix Court is a fine-dining Chinese signature restaurant of The Bellevue Manila located in Alabang. It features their creative take on well-loved Chinese cuisine spearheaded by their Chinese chef. Phoenix Court is also known as one of the best restaurants that offers an All-You-Can-Eat-Dimsum promo alongside other delectable ala carte dishes such as their Chef's specials line.

Phoenix Court is located at the second floor of tower wing of The Bellevue Hotel and has a seating capacity of 250 person and can accommodate private diners for group. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 2:30pm and 6pm to 10pm.

During our epic staycation in Alabang where we get to stay at B Hotel and do some food tripping at The Bellevue Hotel, Phoenix Court was one of our gastronomical destination. Our first dinner at Bellevue was spent with loads of freshly-made dimsum care of the Phoenix Court. We also tried their Chef's Specials on our third day which I will be also blogging about soon. But first, the Dimsum Eat-All-You-Can.

Villa Del Conte Cioccolato Sublime of Padova, Italy

While enjoying a box of Villa Del Conte chocolates, I remember that quote from Forrest Gump; "Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you'll gonna get." Don't get me wrong, this blog post is not about deciphering the meaning of life in all its glory, I just want to talk about Villa Del Conte Cioccolato Sublime.

Villa Del Conte's namesake is a town in Padova Italy wherein this 70+ year old family business of artisan chocolate-making hails from. For generations now, they are making hand crafted fine chocolates in their factory in Italy.

Recently my sister was given a box of Villa Del Conte chocolates to try. Being the kind sister that she is, she shared it with me so that I can write about it here on my blog. It was my first time to try these chocolates and I must say that I was impressed.

Love Food and Travel? Be the FOOD HERO of Asia Food Channel (AFC) and Food Network Asia

Who doesn’t love to eat and travel? I know I do! And I am pretty sure most of you share the same passion. So here’s a good news for you guys.

If you are passionate about food and traveling, if you have a great personality, and if you want to be on TV, then Food Network Asia and Asia Food Channel is looking for you to be their Food Hero!

Food Hero is a region wide talent search that may open a door for aspiring TV hosts or TV talents to be part of either Food Network Asia or Asia Food Channel team.  Joining is fairly simple;  you may join them for a live audition this coming Saturday, May 31 or you may upload your video on Youtube convincing Food Network Asia and AFC Team why you should be the next Food Hero.

Read on and check out the mechanics below.

Word of Advice When Reading Rogue Magazine's Appetite Issue

Friends, I got a word of advice for all of you. When planning to read Rogue Magazine’s Appetite Issue (May Issue) consider hoarding all the best food you can get. The more food the better. Then with your food on hand, set aside ample of time where no one may disturb you so that you may read the magazine to your heart’s content.

Trust me on this. Especially on the hoarding of food part. Because once you started reading the hunger-inducing Rogue Magazine’s Appetite Issue, you will salivate like there’s no tomorrow. I am speaking based on personal experience. My only fault was, I read the thing on a lazy morning which contagious indolence permeates my entire being that I could not muster enough courage to cook a decent breakfast meal, so I settled for a simple toast and butter with coffee.

Wrong freaking move.

For their appetite issue this month of May, Rogue Magazine is peppered with loads of food-related article that will, like what I have said, make you salivate and be well-informed to the latest food trend in Manila and then some. This month's cover is that of beautiful model Isabel Roces photographed by the extremely talented photographer, Neil Oshima. 

Samalamig at Mesclun Restaurant: Beat the Summer Heat with Halo-Halo, Milkshakes, and Ice Cream Sandwich!

Ice cream, halo-halo, fruit shakes, milkshakes, these are just some of the refreshing goodies that most of us probably crave for especially now that it's summer. Good news is, Mesclun Restaurant and Cafe (Ortigas) and Mesclun Bistro (Serendra and Eastwood) introduce new line of cold and refreshing items perfect for summer season aptly called SAMALAMIG. 

Samalamig or palamig in vernacular pertains to cold prepared beverages here in the Philippines that usually comprised of tapioca pearls, gelatin, mixed with cold water flavored with sweet syrup and/or fruit extracts. In the past, when one talks about samalamig, Sago't Gulaman is the first thing that will pop up in mind since it is the most popular and can be found in every street corner here in the country. But as time goes by, the term is now use to pertain to any prepared cold drinks that is distinctly Pinoy. Think buko pandan juice, ice candy, halo-halo, buko juice, melon juice, and the likes. Those are just some of the well-loved samalamig.

The talented mind behind Mesclun, chef Katrina Kuhn-Alcantara takes this samalamig into a whole new level this time and created four impressive line of goodies that will surely make this summer enjoyable for foodies. 

Caffe Pascucci Shop: Italian Coffee Shop at Robinsons Galleria

Caffe Pascucci Shop is an Italian brand of coffee shop that branched out here in Manila just last year. It prided itself in serving high quality standard of coffee in different variants and pastry goodies that go perfectly well with their coffee selection. Currently, Caffe Pascucci Shop already have two branches here in Manila; one in Glorietta 2 in Makati City and the other one in Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas, Pasig City.

It was said that Caffe Pascucci Shop is popular in Italy and Korea with an impressionable number of patrons. If the green siren stands to be the most popular here in Manila and to most part of the world, Caffee Pascucci Shop is noted as its Italian equivalent in terms of followers.

I remember the first time I tried Caffe Pascucci was during the launching of our book EATS 2014 which was held at the Glorietta Activity Center. Caffe Pascucci Glorietta branch was just a stone's throw away from the area, just right beside Ginza Bairin. So before heading home, we grabbed some coffee and pastries from Caffe Pascucci just to last us through dinner time. I remember that the place left a great impression on me with its artsy ambiance.

Buffet at Café d’Asie of Bellevue Manila

Our lunch buffet at Café d’Asie of Bellevue Manila happened on the second day of our epic staycation at B Hotel in Alabang. It literally transpired after yet another buffet, albeit breakfast, that we devoured during that weekend. I wouldn't call it epic weekend for nothing. I even have proof that doesn't involve weighing scale, I tell you. Read, that's all you have to do.

Café d’Asie, one of the signature restaurants of Bellevue Manila in Alabang features an all-day buffet and ala carte offerings for both the hotel guests and walk-in diners. This 180-seaters boasts of an elegant ambiance coupled with impressive buffet selections meant to make people with deep affinity for an Eat-All-You-Can restaurants, like me.

Whether you decides to go an a feast of the senses on lunch or dinner, you'll be charged of Php 1,390 net per head and Php 695 for kids ages 6 to 12. Those who are below 6 years of age can dine for free. Breakfast buffet costs Php 770 net per head and half the price for kids 6 to 12. Kiddos under 6 of course, can have their little brekky for free.

Bulgogi Brothers Korean BBQ Restaurant: 7 New Korean Classics

This year, Bulgogi Brothers Korean BBQ Restaurant added new items on their menu, the seven classic Korean dishes. Although known for dishing out well-executed Korean fares with use of quality ingredients, Bulgogi Brothers step up its game by expanding their menu with main focus on well-loved classic Korean dishes that food enthusiast here in Manila will love. 

A visit to Bulgogi Brothers' Greenbelt branch introduced me to this seven classic Korean dishes. I already have some favorites at Bulgogi Brothers menu which are default orders when visiting any of their branches. These new additions to the menu however expanded my list of favorites and gave me more reasons to visit Bulgogi Brothers again and again.

Kimukatsu at East Wing of Shangri-La Mall

My visit at KIMUKATSU Japanese Restaurant located at the East Wing of Shangri-La Mall was a long time coming. Their famous take on tonkatsu which is a 25-layered Mille-feuille-style pork cutlets was something new to me. Having read good write ups about Kimukatsu from fellow food bloggers in Manila, I figured I should really make a time to visit.

There are a lot of katsu restaurants here in Manila ever since the katsu craze hit us, but Kimukatsu, a Japanese franchise takes pride being unique from the rest because of their unusual rendition of a katsu dish. Add to that, a list of other Japanese dishes on the menu that's equally impressive.

When I finally had the time to visit Kimukatsu, my mother and I visited their branch at the East Wing of Shangri-La Mall. It was lunchtime during our visit and the store is still near empty. But a minute or so, people started coming in until there's already a waiting list.

Benassi Ristorante Italiano: An Authentic Italian Restaurant in Ortigas Center, Pasig City

Benassi Ristorante Italiano is a family-owned restaurant tucked in Ortigas Center that serves no non-sense Italian dishes. Home-cooked Italian cuisine which inspiration rooted from the little town of Massa in Tuscany of Central Italy, Benassi Ristorante's arsenal of heirloom recipes claimed to be nothing but authentic.

Owner Katia Benassi-De Guzman, together with her husband DJ De Guzman partnered with Katia's mother Rolyn who has an impressive culinary training and a 20 years of residency in Italy. Together, they created a line up of authentic Italian cuisine that Benassi Ristorante Italiano is now proud of.

A visit to Benassi one afternoon opened my eyes to the wonderful gastronomical world of the Benassi. The place is modern and minimalistic with little reminders that you are in an Italian restaurant. Majority of the diners are expats and office workers coming from the Ortigas business district.

Dulcelin Gourmet at U.P. Town Center, Katipunan Ave.

When talking about Dulcelin Gourmet the very first thing that comes to my mind is their famous and downright impressive Mango Torte. Now that they have opened their very first restaurant which is located at U.P. Town Center in Katipunan, Dulcelin Gourmet proved that they are more than just that famous dessert. Their take on different dishes could also be mind blowingly good, and I agree.

 

While I have tried some of their savory dishes offerings during food fairs and events such as The Ultimate Taste Test, Dessert Comes First Anniversary Party, and some occasions, it was still their Mango Torte which was almost always present in our family gatherings that left a strong impression on me. With the opening of their new restaurant, I am glad that other dishes at Dulcelin Gourmet are now more accessible than ever.

5 Good Reasons Why You Should Attend POWER OF PEN 4, a Food, Travel, and Lifestyle Writing Workshop

So recently I heard a good news that Power of Pen 4 will be staged this year, on May 8-9 at the Top Shelf of Fully Booked, The Fort BGC. For those who don’t have any idea what Power of Pen is, it is a workshop which started way back 2009 that aims to provide learning opportunities for new writers. Initially, it focuses on basic tools needed for food writing but as time passed, it now taps related topics which are closely related to the aforementioned subject such as travel and lifestyle writing.

Power of Pen is known to have seasoned writers and esteemed speakers under its helm. These people are all generous in sharing their knowledge and expertise which can greatly help new writers to be equipped with necessary knowledge in the world of writing.

Last 2011, I was lucky enough to be one of the workshop attendees during the 3rd staging of Power of Pen. Fresh out of the corporate world, I deemed that taking Power of Pen workshop can help me decide whether to take food writing seriously or just leave it as a hobby and go back to my day job.

Gratitude

I still have loads of restaurant blog posts to write about but I figured the best way to start the month is to show gratitude. The weekend staycation we had at B Hotel Alabang and Bellevue Manila was by far one of the best weekends I had with some of my blogger friends. All thanks to the generous and kindly people of Bellevue Hotels and Resorts and of course, to Jane Go and Family.

Now if you've read my staycation series (first day, second day, third day), you would know that it was also made all the more sweet with the generous people behind different brands that shared with us their products. And with that, I am truly grateful.

These sponsors kindly showed us their generosities and provided some of their products while we were having our Alabang staycation. Some of them I am already familiar with, while the others I was just introduced to during that time. Please mind however that this is not a blog post for product reviews, rather, this is a gratitude blog post.

Affordable Friday Lunch Buffet at Prime Café, B Hotel Alabang

Our first meal during our weekend staycation at B Hotel in Alabang was at Prime Café. We were invited to partake of their Friday Lunch Buffet right after checking in to our respective suites and rooms. We came from a long drive from Rizal area to Alabang and we're happy upon knowing that we will be feasting on a spread of good choices of food.

Prime Café is the in-house restaurant of B Hotel that can house 64 person. Located at the ground floor of the hotel, Prime Café which is open from 6am to 11pm from Monday to Saturday, and 6am to 10pm during Sundays, serves breakfast buffet in the morning, ala carte dishes all day, and come Wednesday to Friday, it turns into Prime Bistro where guests may enjoy cocktail drinks and good food while enjoying acoustic band. 

Prime Café's Friday Lunch Buffet is priced at Php 600+ net. for adults and Php300+ net.for kids ages 6 to 12. Drinks are not included on the buffet rate good thing though that those were also affordable compared to other hotels that sells drinks meant to create a hole in your pocket. We were told that Prime Café uses quality organic ingredients for their dishes and menu varies every six months. 

John Lloyd Cruz Invites Everyone to Enjoy Pizza and Pasta at the New Greenwich Pizzeria in SM City North Edsa

Last week, we were invited to check out the newly opened Greenwich Pizza and Pasta at the second floor of SM North Edsa. This Greenwich's newest concept features the newest look that people behind Greenwich is most proud of. Actor John Lloyd Cruz was present during the event and was very enthusiastic as he invites everyone to check out Greenwich Pizzeria. And oh, he served pizzas to the diners too!

With the combination of rustic and modern look, Greenwich at SM North Edsa is aptly tagged as Greenwich Pizzeria. This is the first Greenwich branch to sport the new look but we were told that they are looking forward to roll out the same vibe to other branches.

Sebastian's Ice Cream New Products: Fruitsicles Artisan Ice Pops and Ala Mode Ice Cream + Cake on a Stick

Sebastian’s Artisanal Ice Cream, a local ice cream business by the genius artisan ice cream maker Ian Carandang needs no further introduction. Some food bloggers in Manila raved about it and everybody seems to love it. I for one is a fan right after I got my first bite of Sebastian’s Artisan Ice Cream creation. 

Now the good news is that they got new products; Sebastian’s Fruitsicles and Sebastian’s Ala Mode Bars.

Couple of weeks ago, we were invited to try these new creations. Sebastian’s Fruitsicles boasts of eight flavors same numbers for the Sebastian’s Ala Mode Bars. We got to try all 16 of them, and as great as all Sebastian’s Artisan Ice Cream, all of it was downright impressive and just perfect for summer. 

I could re-tell the stories as to how Ian Carandang come up with these products but nothing explains better than the man himself. Hence, I will be quoting him here, then give my take on each of the flavors.

Staycation at B Hotel Alabang and Bellevue Manila [Day Three]

I was under the impression that the third day of our hotel staycation and food tripping at B Hotel Alabang and Bellevue Manila will be way "lighter" in terms of food consumption compared to the past two days.

It wasn't.

The first day was a beautiful prelude to the weekend that was, and filled with a lot of food and thoughtful accommodation from the people behind Bellevue Hotels and Resorts, the second day was equally epic.

The third day was all about eating while waiting to eat yet again.

We only got few things on our itenerary since we are scheduled for a check out on the third day. But it doesn't mean that we went easy on the eating spree. Who could blame me really? We were given an impressive accommodation and impeccable service at B Hotel, such experience calls for celebration.

Staycation at B Hotel Alabang and Bellevue Manila [Day Two]

Our second day of hotel staycation at B Hotel in Alabang started with a breakfast buffet spread completely devoid of bacon.

My cousin Euge was already giving me an evil stare while contemplating on literally dragging me to the nearest establishment that could give him his daily bacon fix.

I feared for my life at some point. Those stares were gut wrenching, I tell you.

Good thing though that despite the bacon’s illuminating absence on the buffet spread of B Hotel’s Prime Café, it can be had.

All you need to do is ask.

While I was being glared at with an evil stare, I was already fumbling through my phone in an attempt to contact my ever reliable friend, The Pickiest Eater, the bacon aficionado himself to save us from an impending doom of bacon-less world when another good friend Abet of The Food Alphabet came in to the rescue.

Staycation at B Hotel Alabang and Bellevue Manila [Day One]

The news about a weekend hotel staycation at B Hotel and Bellevue Hotel Manila both located in Alabang, Muntinlupa came in a form of an enthusiastic email from one of my blogger friends Jane of Sugar and Spice blog. I just came from a week of meatless diet and I was dead set on slowly introducing my system to meat again. Slowly was the operative word. But then the Universe had another plan.

Jane’s email held a promise of fun and food-filled weekend with some of Manila Food Bloggers I consider my friends. While the entire itinerary presented to us was downright enticing, I was on a fence. Mainly because I feared that three days of non-stop eating would screw up my system big time after having had the meatless diet the previous week. Good thing though that my good friend Pickiest Eater’s unwavering enthusiasm was and is always contagious. Also, Jane’s undeniably entertaining email of an invite was too charming to reciprocate with regrets. Hence, I fired an en email to Jane with a big yes. Best decision, I must say.

We are a group of more than 10 bloggers. Due to the season when hotels are mostly booked for the upcoming holidays, half of our group was assigned to stay at Bellevue Manila while the other half was assigned to B Hotel, the Bellevue Manila’s sister hotel. I was part of the group who was assigned to B Hotel and while I have not yet experienced a staycation in a “business hotel” (save for one overnight stay at some 3-star hotel wherein I was assigned to write a feature about their renovation) and was a bit apprehensive about it, I was confident that given the company I will be joining, not to mention the exciting itinerary, I knew that it will be an epic weekend staycation. And it was.

Kettle Restaurant at Shangri-La Mall East Wing

I have heard a lot of good things about Kettle Restaurant at Shangri-La East Wing prior to my visit. Most of the food bloggers in Manila which blogs I constantly read echoes the same sentiment that Kettle is indeed one the best restaurants in Manila we have these days. While I trust the judgement of these food enthusiasts, I know for a fact that I must pay a visit. 

Despite the impossibly erratic schedule I been dealing with for the past couple of months, I took some time out to join some friends to check out Kettle Restaurant. There are things worth moving mountains for, and during that time I can sense that Kettle is one of them.

My friend Richard of Tales From The Tummy whose palate I trust was the one who arranged the luncheon at Kettle. He was also the one whose definitive description about the food that Kettle dishes out almost drove me to my wits end. And you know the thing about people you trust? They are most of the time right. 

Tablea Cheesecake of Indulgence by Irene

I saw it coming. Playing the oldest albeit tried and tested trick on the book, chocolate cheesecake is after all a classic. But Indulgence by Irene knows better than to settle for the usual. Hence, Tsokolate Tablea Cheesecake was born and taken under her arsenal of well-loved line of cheesecakes. Opting for the local chocolate variant instead of hyped imported ones, Irene’s penchant for combining ingredients close to the hearts of many Filipino to her cheesecake made her products speak not only of talent but of passion and love.

Indulgence by Irene’s famous Queso de Bola Cheesecake that can rock anyone’s world, the Choc-Nut Cheesecake that tickles the kid in all of us, and the Ube Cheesecake that features a bond between two talented home bakers are all well worth celebrating for. Equally impressive is the Tablea Cheesecake, home baker Irene’s interpretation of the richest thing that resulted from marrying her preferred brand of cream cheese and the traditional Filipino cocoa.

In hindsight backed up with shameless honesty, excitement did not rear its head upon learning of this new variant. Jaded by encounters with various grades of mediocre tablea cheesecakes in the past, I knew I have had enough. So when I was handed this Tablea Cheesecake of Indulgence by Irene, it was a shame to admit that I was struggling to fend off the usual impulse to turn away from it. 

WeChat and Lazada Philippines Partnership: More Discounted Gadgets and Best-Selling Items Up For Grabs!

It was only recently when we learned about the partnership of WeChat, the leading social mobile app to an online shopping mall, Lazada Philippines. The 2nd Year Anniversary Sale of Lazada wherein they surprised WeChat users with the Php 999 priced 7" Android Tablet was a success. Hundreds of specially marked down tablets were sold within hours.

This proves that the partnership between WeChat and Lazada Philippines is definitely noteworthy. Now in the event that you missed the previous promo, worry not because WeChat and Lazada Philippines is still on a roll in providing best deals we all should not miss.

Currently, there are a lot of discounted items at Lazada Philippines that anyone can purchase through WeChat. Big discounts on your favorite gadgets and other items are currently up for grabs so better hurry. 

Vikings Megamall: Vikings Luxury Buffet Restaurant at SM Megamall

I think one of the best food related news I ever received this year by far is the opening of Vikings Luxury Buffet at SM Megamall. Vikings Buffet is one of the few restaurants  my family would always get excited about. So it is always easy to drag them on a food trip if it is Vikings Buffet we are talking about.  

Vikings Buffet rates and promos are always enticing plus the fact that they do offer wide selection of International cuisine is an added points. Since they opened their first branch at SM MOA (Mall of Asia) they have further branched out and now has five branches and is still yet to add other branches soon.

Prior to my visit at Vikings Buffet at SM Megamall, it was their branch at SM MOA which my family and I frequent to. Birthdays and other special occasions were held at Vikings Buffet especially when no one in our household are up for intense cooking in the kitchen. 

I will be writing about my Vikings MOA experiences here at YedyLicious but I will still sort out my photos since most of them comprised of personal photos with family (which I do not post here on my blog for privacy reasons) and just some snapshots which were mostly chaotic albeit happy scenes at Vikings. For now, let's focus on their newest branch, Vikings Buffet in Mega Fashion Hall at SM Megamall.

New Dishes on the Menu of Yomenya Goemon Japanese Spaghetti House, Greenbelt 3 Makati

Yomenya Goemon Japanese Spaghetti House is a Japanese restaurant here in Manila that specializes in Japanese-style spaghetti. Located at Greenbelt 3, Yomenya Goemon opened its door last 2012 and still making a lot of food enthusiasts happy. There are other restaurants and foodie places that serve Japanese-style pasta as part of the menu but I think none of them offers wide variety and extensive selections the way Yomenya Goemon does (If you know of any other restaurants, the comment section is open for you to share your thoughts.)

Not a lot of us are well acquainted with this rather unique rendition of what most of us know as an Italian specialty. For some, it might be weird. I myself was a little adamant about Japanese-style spaghetti at first, I guess that is why upon hearing of the opening of Yomenya Goemon, it doesn't really enticed me. Until I had my first taste of Mentaiko pasta at Diamond Hotel's The Cake Club and Lobby Lounge. Boy did I fell head over heels! This year I thought it is high time to explore other options and expose myself to other delicious possibilities with regard to Japanese spaghetti. Good thing we have Yomenya Goemon here in the Philippines.

East Café in Rustans Makati City

I remember way back my pre-food blogging days, my mother would always talked me into trying East Café located inside Rustans Department Store at Makati every time we visit the area to shop. It is one of her favorite dining destinations when in Rustans because that is where she usually meets up with her friends. I never heeded to such call because in all honesty, I found the feel of the restaurant a bit classy for a taste of a youngster like me during that time. I always wanted my usual burger, soda, and fries so why would I bore myself to death to something that for me only mature women like my mom seem to enjoy?

Little did I know, I was missing on something great. Fast forward to the semi-mature me days, after trying out East Café at Rustans Makati, I would say that I should have listened to my mom and gave it a go even before. The things we learn too late in life, eh?

Good thing though that after a decade in the business, East Café is still standing strong amidst competitors in Makati area so I got to try some of the dishes that East Café is proud of. 

Cinq Dessert Boutique along Jupiter St. in Makati City

Along Jupiter St. in Makati City, a new French dessert place named Cinq Dessert Boutique opened its door to cater to dessert loving food enthusiasts. Desert places in Manila are aplenty but not all are well worth the calories, I must say. Bumping into ones that shook my world inside out is like finding a gold mine, well at least for me. Being introduce to Cinq Dessert Boutique is one of those happy moments of having gold at hand.

Cinq (pronounced as Sank) is a French word for “Five” that according to owner Angela Villoria Tolentino stands for the five basic ingredients namely flour, eggs, sugar, milk or cream, and butter which are all used in baking.

Weeks ago, we were invited to sample some of the delectable desserts they offer at Cinq Dessert Boutique. It was their soft opening during that time but this quaint dessert place was already gaining thumbs up to some of the foodies in Manila I consider the best.

Grab That 7" Android Tablet for only Php 999 Exclusive Price for WeChat Users!

I am really excited to share this good news to my fellow WeChat users because seriously, 7" Android Tablet for Php 999 only? Wow, I know!

WeChat, the country's leading social mobile app in partnership with an online shopping site Lazada Philippines is rolling out discounted Android tablets in line with Lazada Philippine's 2nd Anniversary celebration.

This special promo is available for 1,000 WeChat users following Lazada Philippines's official WeChat account. The original price of the 7" Android Tablet is at Php2,499 and if you are one of the chosen WeChat users, then you can have it for only Php999.

I suggest that you do not miss out on this celebration so, if you are a WeChat user, be sure to follow Lazada Philippines on WeChat (Official WeChat ID: Lazada_PH) and if you have not joined the WeChat community yet, now is the right time to create your account.

Ginza Bairin Philippines: New Dishes on the Menu

When tonkatsu craze hit Manila the past years, Ginza Bairin which first Philippines branch is located at Glorietta 2 in Makati City was one of the restaurants that offer what Manila food enthusiasts craved for. Since it opened last year, Ginza Bairin remained to be one of the Tonkatsu Restaurants with glairing positive reviews. Now with another branch located at UP Town Center, Ginza Bairin step up a notch higher on its league by introducing new items on their menu.

Weeks ago, I got to visit Ginza Bairin at Glorietta 2 with some friends to try some of these new additions. The fact that they are considered as the Home of The Number 1 Donburi in Japan plus the positive reviews I have read, I kind of have high expectation as to what we are going to feast on that afternoon.

Osaka Ohsho Megamall: The King of Gyoza Now Serving The World's No.1 Gyoza in the Philippines

Osaka Ohsho located at SM Megamall Mega Fashion Hall in Mandaluyong City is one of the newest international franchise restaurants that landed Manila which offers what they dub as "The World’s No. 1 Gyoza." Most of the food bloggers in Manila which I follow have already written their opinion about Osaka Ohsho, even Kris Aquino raved about the goodness of Osaka Ohsho on her T.V. program. I deem that most of them believed that indeed, Osaka Ohsho is the King of Gyoza. 

Osaka Ohsho’s humble beginnings can be traced back in Japan during the year 1969. Fast forward to 2014, Osaka Ohsho boasts of 300+ stores worldwide including the one here in the Philippines, all thanks to the same group that brought Wee Nam Kee here in our country. Its signature gyoza is the main highlight of Osaka Ohsho’s menu, the very same reason of its popularity.