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Category: Manila

  • Review of Fantastic Chef Taft (Leon Guinto, Manila)

    Review of Fantastic Chef Taft (Leon Guinto, Manila)

    Taft Avenue in Manila is filled with food stalls and restaurants that cater mostly to students and thus offer items that are budget-friendly. Walk every five feet and literally you’ll wind up in a great dining spot. Walk some more and you’ll find Fantastic Chef in Leon Guinto Street. A sister company of Fantastic Baka, Fantastic Chef Taft is a swish restaurant that’s perfect for giving friends an intro to the joys of unlimited samgyupsal and savory banchan. Check it out.

    Review of Fantastic Chef Taft (Leon Guinto, Manila)

    Ambiance:

    Fantastic Chef Taft is one of the newest entrants to the Korean bbq craze in the metro. The restaurant is bright and spacious, and the earthy tiles making up a rustic backsplash look chic and attractive. Orange chairs and yellow accents on the sides of the table are a nice change of pace as pop of colors in the seemingly mundane setup. All tables are equipped with a grill stove and a hanging induction equipment to take care of proper ventilation and make sure you don’t smell of smoke after a few rounds of sizzling meat. K-POP songs played on the background, which made the ambiance feel more Korean.

    Food:

    Haven’t tried Korean grilled bbq before? You can’t go wrong with pork, chicken, or beef cooked on the tabletop grill at Fantastic Chef Taft, where quality cuts of top-notch marinades and a good variety of sides combine into a memorable meal.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv_nVnFlYfF/

    Food is prepared by Chef Jang Jungyun, a 3-star Michelin awardee and one of Korea’s A-list chefs, the same chef responsible for the food in Fantastic Baka. With this, you can order with confidence and choose from different cuts of meat, ranging from your usual suspects like pork belly and spicy pork bulgogi to some less routine stuff such as jowls and skirt meat. When in doubt, come with your friends or family so you can order and share everything, like we did. 🙂

    We started lunch with steamed egg which was fluffy and light. Then we had kimchi, japchae, cabbage salad, fish cake and soup as appetizers and enjoyed them as well with meat. For mains, we got one serving each of skirt meat, seasoned pork neck, cheek, rack, pork belly, spicy pork bulgogi, jowls meat, thin pork belly, spicy chicken bbq, seasoned chicken bbq, and beef plate.

    Like in any Korean bbq place, you don’t need to be a master chef to cook. My husband did most of the cooking and cut the meat with scissors to serve. We were pretty satisfied with the tender and tasty pieces of meat that came out with beautiful char. Meat with a hint of smoky notes and those marinated with sweet and spice stood out most for me. 🙂

    In the interest of doing Korean bbq right and getting the most out of your meal, here are some tips to consider:

    • Eat Korean bbq with banchan. When cooking, place meat on the center of the grill plate for about two minutes on each side. While waiting, dive into your banchan and feel free to snag pieces of meat to eat right off the grill.
    • Banchan is not merely an appetizer. These side dishes are usually served at the start of the meal, but they’re meant to be sampled all throughout, as they typically have acid and vinegar. Try it and you’ll appreciate when the acid cuts through all the rich flavor and fats of meat. For the ultimate flavor rapture, eat kimchi with pork belly in a single bite. Be adventurous!
    • Balance meat with some veggies (and maybe rice). Take some lettuce and aim to make each wrap a two-bite affair, not an overstuffed burrito. Wrapping meat in lettuce with rice and kimchi also wouldn’t hurt.
    • Order enough for the first round before asking for another. Don’t worry if you’re confused on which and how much meat to order. Unlike at a steakhouse where you might order an 8-oz steak for yourself, here you’re ordering for the group. The portion per course is enough for 1-2 people to share, so if you think you can’t finish all, take your time and don’t hoard food quickly. Later you can decide which item you would want seconds of. Fantastic Chef Taft charges PhP 200 if you have leftovers. So love food, don’t waste!
    • Ask for a new grill if you need one. In Fantastic Chef, the server swapped out the grill for us as it looked burned.
    • Dip grilled meat into the special melted cheese. If you love cheese, you’ll be happy to savor the best ever cheesy samgyupsal with special melted cheese dip.

    📢 To wash all food down, take advantage of their promotion until May 18, 2019: buy 1 fruit soju worth PhP 280 and get 1 free soju fresh. To catch all the latest offers and discounts, follow Fantastic Chef Taft on Instagram and Facebook.

    Price for Value:

    Craving for samgyupsal? Fantastic Chef Taft can be your next regular stop. It’s reliable for platters and platters of meat and all the good stuff. The good news? There’s no time limit!

    At PhP 499, you get unlimited orders of skirt meat, seasoned pork neck, cheek, rack, pork belly, spicy pork bulgogi, jowls meat, thin pork belly, spicy chicken bbq, and seasoned chicken bbq. Just add PhP 50 and take beef plate and seasoned beef plate to match your appetite. Overall, we’re pleased with the quality of food and the reasonable and affordable price. Fantastic Chef Taft is a must-try foodie destination and it’s certainly worth a shot! 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/FantasticChefTaft/” name=”Fantastic Chef Taft” description=”2472 Leon Guinto Street Taft, Manila, Philippines” rev_name=”For inquiries, email fantastictaft@gmail.com” rev_body=”Famous unlimited premium Korean BBQ at an affordable price!” author=”Roch Sioco” pubdate=”2019-04-08″ user_review=”4.8″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Binondo Food Tour: Best Recommended Places to Visit in Manila’s Chinatown

    Binondo Food Tour: Best Recommended Places to Visit in Manila’s Chinatown

    The last time I went on a food tour in Binondo was when I was four months pregnant. We were back with another bunch of my sister’s friends last Saturday, when my son is already four months old. Yas! 🙂 We’re Binondo gals who were born and raised here, so we pretty much have already dined in every single restaurant in the area. I haven’t blogged a single post about restaurants in Binondo though, because I’ve already grown too accustomed and I never realized how special they would be for other people.

    Nonetheless, arranging an itinerary for our Binondo food trip was easy. Instead of bringing our friends to each tried-and-tested place, we decided to bring and introduce them to our perennial favorites–some prominent and noteworthy destinations in Chinatown. We intended to dine in five restaurants, but our stomachs couldn’t take any more food, so after four hours of munching, we settled on four. 😛 Our experience was definitely fun like always, as we together explored our way through Binondo’s much-alive food scene.

    manila chinatown binondo ongpin street

    Binondo Food Tour: Best Recommended Places to Visit in Manila’s Chinatown

    1. The Great Buddha Cafe

    2F UBE Tower, 628 Ongpin St, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila
    Phone: (02) 288 8888, (02) 241 9999
    Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

    The Great Buddha Cafe is very different from Buddha Bar in Makati, although both have “Buddha” in their names and a large statue of Buddha inside the restaurants. If you’re familiar with the original Eng Bee Tin store in Binondo, then you’ll find the wonderful cafe on the second floor interesting. The renovated place is now called the Grand Buddha Cafe, where mouthwatering Chinese food are served beside a souvenir shop selling trinkets of Filipino and Chinese culture. Soon, there will also be a museum showcasing the history of the famous hopia brand and the process on how hopia is made.

    This was our first stop and our meeting place. The Great Buddha Cafe is like a sister of Mr. Ube and Cafe Mezzanine. It has a modern ambiance, a casual setting housed in an expansive floor. Interior-wise, it’s a step up from a hole in the wall. We shared an order of xiao long bao (PhP 248, 10 pieces)–soup dumplings that burst in your mouth with a memorable explosion of flavor, especially when paired with the black vinegar and ginger condiment. We also tried stir-fried radish cake with pork floss (PhP 220). The nice golden crust was a delight to bite into!

    Having a party at your house? The Great Buddha Cafe is present in the Honestbee app or website, so you can enjoy great food delivered at your doorstep. To immerse in the full dining experience, visiting the place itself is more ideal of course.

    2. Big Bowl Noodles

    Address: 517 Yuchengco Street, Binondo, Manila
    Closes at 9 p.m.
    Phone: (02) 244 8755

    Chinese noodles and noodle soups and classic small plates are what it’s about at this quaint stop. Fans excuse the nondescript decor and turn to this terrific under-the-radar food joint for the limited yet unique and exciting lineup of noodle specialties. With a low-key, mellow vibe, Big Bowl Noodles has no crazy waits and nice simple digs. We had Seafood Hofan (PhP 180) and also enjoyed the Sliced Beef Fried Noodles (PhP 170). These are two solid choices at a reasonable price.

    3. Sincerity Café and Restaurant

    Address: 497 Yuchengco Street, Binondo, Manila
    Phone: 241-9991, 241-9990
    Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

    Sincerity Cafe and Restaurant is one of the oldest and most known restaurants in Binondo. Must-orders include the Sincerity Fried Chicken (PhP 180 half, PhP 360 whole) and Fried Oyster Cake (PhP 240 small, PhP 280 big). You can’t miss these when dining here! Sincerity Fried Rice (PhP 70 small, PhP 110) and Kikiam (PhP 60) are also your best bets.

    Aside from these staples, this restaurant is cherished for adobo frog (PhP 320) and deep fried frog legs (PhP 320). Unfortunately, these were unavailable when we visited since they’re seasonal. Unlike Big Bowl Noodles, Sincerity can get really crowded and waits can be long at prime meal times, but it works well when you have a craving. It’s best to go with family and friends to soak up the vibrant and bustling mood and enjoy dining at the tables.

    4. Wai Ying Fastfood

    810 Benavidez Street
    Phone: 243-6665, 242-0310
    Open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.

    For our final dining stop, we visited Wai Ying Fastfood, saving the best for last. At any time and on any day, this place can be a madhouse packed with both tourists and locals alike. But be patient, the food is worth the wait! Wai Ying is one of the best restaurants in Chinatown and you don’t need to burn a hole in your wallet to enjoy delicious Chinese fare.

    From dim sum to rice toppings and noodles, this two-story building with royal-blue walls doesn’t disappoint. It’s truly a magical pick when you’re looking to impress your guests. Order anything with confidence and you’ll nod with amazement in every bite. Elbow-to-elbow seating may be a downside, but the undeniably great food with intensely delicious flavors ensure everyone leaves happy. We ordered lemon chicken, hakaw (PhP 120), lava buns (PhP 90), fried mantou with condensed milk, milk tea jelly (PhP 85), and sugar cane juice (PhP 55).

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BvMNm8qlKPK/

    5. Eng Bee Tin Mall and Flagship Store

    Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli is the home of the BEST hopia, tikoy, and ube pao. It’s a grocery store along Ongpin that was established in 1912 and was reconstructed last year. It started as a simple stall, but now, the flagship store looks like a supermarket cafe. The sleek glass exterior allows customers to see the appealing shelves filled with recognizable hopia and tikoy variants.

    Eng Bee Tin is known for innovative and exciting flavors of hopia like buko custard, mochaccino, and golden pork floss. Premium flavors of tikoy are for those with an adventurous palate. Ube, strawberry, butterscotch, sweet corn, pandan, and muscovado tikoy are all available in different sizes. It’s too easy to fill your shopping cart with all these delicious finds! I got frozen xiao long bao (PhP 120, 10 pieces), which my sister tried from here before. Let’s see if it also gets my nod of approval. 😛

    Manila Chinatown is one of the most historic neighborhoods in Binondo, Manila. It is the oldest Chinatown in the world! For this reasons and many more, visitors flock here in droves. Despite its accessibility, it still can be hard to figure out where and what to eat. Each restaurant offers its own list of specialty dishes, so if you’re not content with one, it’s okay to move on and try another. 🙂

    Manila Chinatown: List of Other Restaurants in Our Rotation: 👍

    1. King Chef Seafood Restaurant (Lucky Chinatown Mall)
    2. Lord Stow’s Bakery (Imperial Sky Garden)
    3. Quik Snack (Carvajal Street)
    4. Lan Zhou La Mien (Benavidez Street)
    5. Awi’s Cafe & Restaurant (Yuchengco Street)
    6. Ling Nam (T. Alonzo)
    7. Uno Seafood Wharf Place (Escolta)
    8. Tasty Dumplings (Norberto Ty corner Yuchengco Street)
    9. President Grand Palace (Ongpin)
    10. Café Mezzanine (Ongpin)
    11. Quan Yin Chay Vegetarian (Ongpin)
    12. Chuan Kee Chinese Fast Food (Ongpin)
    13. Wan Chai Tea House (Ongpin)
    14. David’s Tea House (Tomas Mapua Street, Santa Cruz)
    15. 1919 Grand Cafe (Juan Luna corner Plaza Cervantes Street)
  • Review of 1919 Grand Cafe (Binondo, Manila)

    Review of 1919 Grand Cafe (Binondo, Manila)

    The site of the old HSBC building has now been transformed to a very beautiful and elegant cafe in Binondo. After restoration and retrofitting done last year, it’s now called 1919 Grand Cafe. For a bit of history, the old Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) was built from 1921 to 1922 and it was inaugurated on September 22, 1922. It’s located on a quiet and dark street frequented by filmmakers near our home. We could literally walk towards it with ease but for utmost convenience, we decided to just drive to the massive cafe for lunch one day before the New Year. 🙂

    Review of 1919 Grand Cafe (Binondo, Manila)

    Ambiance:

    The interior design looks upscale but not stuffy. It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for almost any occasion, as it can accommodate large groups and even has function rooms with TVs on the second floor. These private rooms are great for hosting meetings, birthday celebrations, and other intimate events for four to about 20 people. The cafe accepts a minimum fee (differs per room) that’s consumable for food and drinks.

    1919 Grand Cafe has a high ceiling and there’s a long bar at the far side making for a strong solo diner option. Behind the bar, you’ll see how the staff prepares and makes food in action. The dark walls with dark wood panels and polished floors give a nice warmth to the ambiance. Seats serve as accents and they’re upholstered in bright, Skittle-colored fabrics. I also love that their pillow cases have different witty statements on. 🙂

    The walls are filled with built-in shelves displaying various decors, vintage stuff, and some wine bottles. The crowds were mostly made up of families who were slightly dressed up, fitting in right in this refined setting.

    Food:

    It was my first time to encounter the word “Albondigas” (PhP 450) on the menu. I asked the waiter and he said it’s vegetarian balls with pomodoro sauce. Inside, there’s white fungus, potatoes, and mushrooms. Served fried in a richly tart tomato sauce, these meatless balls are the ultimate comfort food for vegetarians. With a bevy of textures, it’s a healthy adaptation of a classic Spanish dish. Suddenly, I got interested to try creating these myself at home. I found a recipe here. It’s a must-try for vegans!

    We were warned that the pizza would take about 45 minutes to serve, so it’s best to order it right away if you intend to. Hence, it was a delight to have the Assorted Flavor of Pizza (PhP 680) on the table before half an hour passed. The four flavors were: cheese, vegetarian, seafood, and Hawaiian (bacon and pineapples). We each got a thin slice of everything and were thoroughly pleased. The crust was pretty good. It had the exact right balance of soft, chewy and crunchy. Taste-wise, the pizza was perfect on its own, no need to beg for condiments. So yes, it was worth the wait!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsfm9UAFPE5/

    Baked Rice Caldereta (PhP 490) is one of the house specialties. Packed with rice and topped with cheese, the baked beef caldereta was extremely flavorful. Showing off savory essence, the beef was tender and lean, while the chopped carrots imparted a balancing sweetness. Order with confidence.

    Wonderfully plated with garlic bread, Pasta Negra (PhP 430) or the Squid-Ink Pasta was another striking dish. Imbued with a noticeable brine from the squid ink, the pasta consisted of clams, squid, and shrimp. Each one contributed to more notes of the ocean. Love it!

    Crisp, tender, and tasty are probably the best three words to describe 1919 Grand Cafe’s Salt and Pepper Spareribs (PhP 380). These are always a crowd-pleaser as a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. The flavors of salt and pepper seemed to temper and complement each other.

    Price for Value:

    The next time you’re planning to go on a food trip in Chinatown, make sure to include 1919 Grand Cafe in your list. The sleek interior design, attentive service, and food are spot on, with reasonable prices to boot. Here, you can’t expect to get generous portions of authentic Chinese food when in Binondo, but you’ll be equally satisfied with their nicely executed dishes. Check it out!

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/1919-Grand-Cafe-356900175145154/” name=”1919 Grand Cafe (Binondo)” description=”117 Juan Luna St, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila For inquiries, call (02) 429 7068″ author=”Roch Sioco” pubdate=”2019-01-26″ user_review=”0″ min_review=”4″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Mabuhay Palace Dimsum Buffet (The Manila Hotel, Manila)

    Review of Mabuhay Palace Dimsum Buffet (The Manila Hotel, Manila)

    In celebration of Father’s Day this year, we had lunch at Mabuhay Palace and dug into plates after plates of dimsum. Hakaw, siomai, congee, dumplings…you know it. We saw this restaurant the last time we went to The Manila Hotel (read Review of Café Ilang-Ilang). We were all enticed with their dimsum buffet offering (only at Php 888 net per head) and promised to try it in our next visit to experience “the most luxurious Chinese dining in the city.”

    We’re happy that this restaurant also offers a la carte dishes including vegetarian (for my dad). Mabuhay Palace’s quality of food is good and its consistency is tough to dispute. With its lavish menu of authentic Cantonese cuisine, there’s 100% your palate will be delighted. It’s one of the best we had so far. Come hungry, and you won’t leave disappointed. 🙂

    Review of Mabuhay Palace Dimsum Buffet (The Manila Hotel, Manila)

    Ambiance:

    Mabuhay Palace is decorated with imperial Neo-Classical interiors highlighted by rich hues of bright red, orange, and gold, with chinoiserie carved Chinese dividers. Panels are padded with dragon-pattern fabric and glass that you surely won’t miss right off from the entrance. The walls are adorned with hand-crafted panels made of jade and precious stones, which narrate the tale of the philosopher Confucius, opulent art works that took a family of artisans two decades to complete. The dining room felt cozy and the seats were comfortable. Each table will make you feel like you’re own private space.

    Service:

    The staff were warm and professional. Orders were quickly noted, but it took some time before food arrives on the table since they’re prepared and cooked only upon order. Main courses will only be served after finishing all dimsum entrees. We had to request for them to be presented at the same time alongside other items. Service was not perfect and there were items we ordered but didn’t get. Despite the service hiccup, we had an awesome meal. We received a sincere apology and some free drinks in return.

    Food:

    Unlike regular buffet setup where people queue at the buffet stations and get food from the counters, in Mabuhay Palace, patrons order food from the waiters while seated by ticking items on a checklist. It’s simple: just let the food come to you. There’s no need to wait in line or consider the movement (or appetite) of other people in the restaurant or select dimsum entrees stacked high with bamboo or metal steamer baskets from steam table trolleys as in a typical Chinese restaurant. Rather, it’s more of a formal dining encounter where guests just have to sit, relax, and enjoy food served on the table.

    Dimsum is the ancient Chinese art of making a whole lot of damn fine food, served small plate-style. Why settle on one dish when you can sample dozens? To make the most out of our dimsum buffet experience, we tried everything that’s available on the dimsum menu checklist: steamed pork and shrimp siomai, vegetable and chicken spring rolls, steamed seafood spinach dumpling, no mai gai (deep-fried glutinous rice dumplings with black pepper chicken and leeks), ma lai gao (steamed cup buns), seafood taro puff, seafood nori roll, deep-fried wonton, ham sui guk (baked pork barbecued puff), steamed buns chocolate and walnut, steamed crystal skin shrimp dumpling (hakaw), steamed pork and shrimp dumpling with zhen jiang vinegar sauce pan-fried pork and shrimp dumpling, pan-fried me chai and dong po pork buns, volcano buns, and mushroom bun.

    Aside from dimsum, cold cuts are also part of the all-you-can-eat menu. We had century egg seaweeds and golden fried crispy smooth tofu. For the main course, each person is allowed to choose one. My mom, sister, and I ended up choosing: crispy-fried shrimp glazed almonds, honey-glazed chicken, crispy ginger, and crispy fried pork spareribs. We could have ordered another main course (for my grandfather) but we were already too full to finish everything! While waiting for the mains, we were served with sweet corn coup with crab meat and Zzechuan hot and sour soup. For desserts, we had deep-fried chocolate buchi, blueberry jelly, and red bean jelly.

    Everything was excellent and we were so impressed. This must be the gold standard of dimsum restaurants in Manila. If I were to choose my favorite, it would still be hakaw. It’s the best. Fresh, juicy shrimps encased in a transparent dumpling wrapper looked and tasted amazing! Yum. 🙂

    Price for Value:

    Mabuhay Palace at The Manila Hotel is an elegant restaurant where nobody’s trying to flip tables or rush you out the door. It’s ideal for big group dinners or luncheons, with easy-to-share dimsum for everyone at a relatively fair price. If you’re into Chinese food, it’s hard to go wrong spending a special occasion here. Look forward to a whole table full of plates crammed with dumplings, steamed buns, and Chinese pastries. Go with people with a large appetite and make a reservation by calling (02) 527 0011. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/TheManilaHotel/” name=”Mabuhay Palace Dimsum Buffet” description=”The Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila 0913″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2017-07-01″ user_review=”5″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Sweet Avenue Cafe (Malate, Manila)

    Review of Sweet Avenue Cafe (Malate, Manila)

    Whether you’re trying to supply sweets for your family and friends, or just need to wind down with some coffee after a rough day, Sweet Avenue Cafe along Leon Guinto Street can be your new go-to. It’s an extremely warm and friendly environment in a rather more quiet neighborhood in Malate, Manila. Their cupcakes are excellent, as are the cookies and cakes. Made-to-order cakes with cute designs for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings are available as well.

    Review of Sweet Avenue Cafe (Malate, Manila)

    Ambiance:

    Sweet Avenue Cafe is what you might call “homey” or “lived in,” a charming place to grab a drink, have a casual low-stakes dinner, get your sugar rush fix, and host some other situations—reunion with old friends, party with a group of about 30 people, or your next first date. A large glass pastry display counter stands at the center, immediately welcoming guests from the entrance. Paintings on the wall show nature and places the owners have visited. Wooden furniture further add warmth, sophistication and character in the room.

    Food:

    Any of the sweets and pastries here are a safe bet.

    Love matcha? The Matcha Chocolate Cake (whole cake-PhP 1200, slice-PhP 125) is quite good. Featuring four layers of dense and rich chocolate cake, the matcha in it wasn’t too overpowering. Instead, it brought both rounded sweetness and a pleasant bitterness, providing a depth that’s light and refreshing. With the top layer outfitted with whipped cream, this cake is a delicious hit.

    The Raspberry Cupcake (PhP 55) almost got me in the mood for Valentine’s Day. 😛 This pretty in pink, berry-luscious, moist cupcake had a tart and tangy flavor in a thick melt-in-your-mouth cloud of buttercream. I enjoyed it a lot!

    Sweet Avenue Cafe’s Assorted Squares (PhP 120 for 9 pieces, PhP 220 for 18 pieces) and Cookies (Chocolate Chip-PhP 20, White Choco Macadamia-PhP 25, Matcha Almond-PhP 28) are presentable gifts to bring home this holiday season. Light in consistency, they are tasty in bite-size pieces and the flavors are interesting.

    As far as pairing goes, you can go with ice blended drinks, enjoy a few with hot coffee, or go bold with fresh guyabano shake or halo-halo. Other recommended drinks are as follows: Cafe Americano, Cafe Latte, Cappucino, Cafe Mocha, Caramel Machiato, White Mocha, Irish Mocha (PhP 80-120).

    Price for Value:

    Sweet Avenue Cafe is a cafe/coffee shop shoot off with reliable cakes and pastries. Average price per head at PhP 100-200 is considerably affordable. If you work or live in the area, consider yourself lucky to be in the vicinity. (Note: Closed on Sundays) Gotta try their rice meals on my next visit! 🙂

    Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday 7:30AM-9:00PM

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/sweetavenuecafe/” name=”Sweet Avenue Cafe” description=”1970 Leon Guinto Street, Malate, Manila 1004″ rev_name=”For inquiries, call 02 2469069 ext:944 or (02) 668 2340 Ext 5238547″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-12-28″ ]

  • Review of Café Ilang-Ilang (The Manila Hotel, Manila)

    Review of Café Ilang-Ilang (The Manila Hotel, Manila)

    My sister surprised us when she booked seats for four (via Deal Grocer) at Café Ilang-Ilang, Manila Hotel in celebration of her 24th birthday last November 26, 2016. We only learned about it when she dropped us at the hotel entrance on the day itself. 😛 Happily, we went around the lobby and corridors to have a glimpse of the grandeur of “The Grand Dame” (for the first time) and then experienced a scrumptious lunch in the spacious buffet restaurant. 🙂 My heart raced with excitement. Everything looked sooo beautiful! Christmas adornments and sparkly decorations were all over the venue.

    Review of Café Ilang-Ilang (The Manila Hotel, Manila)

    Ambiance:

    Café Ilang-Ilang is one of the most famous and highly raved restaurants housed in a hotel in Manila. The interior exudes a casual elegance that fits in with the decor in the rest of the theme. The color palette is mostly brown shades, ranging from delicate beige to rich chocolate brown hues. What made it interesting to look at is the wonderful play of textures and patterns in different types of fabrics. It’s these architectural and design touches that create such a sense of old world sophistication with a twist of modernity. Lovely!

    Food:

    Serving an array of cuisines from across all continents in well-positioned buffet counters, Café Ilang-Ilang for the most part looks like a renaissance of chic casual dining. Designed artfully to satisfy the distinguishing palate, it features an extensive selection of food delights with a fresh spin on various open kitchens and a delectable desserts space that highlights its tradition of unique and excellent dining.

    We started our culinary adventure at the Italian section, where we picked up some deli and made our own fresh pasta and pizza. The spinach ravioli was captivating! We savored every bite. Italian food induced so much pleasure that we had to remind ourselves to save space in our tummy as we had to visit over 10 more food stations next.

    We headed to the appetizers section which displayed wows and rows of tables with tantalizing cheese, bread, salads, and cold meat—all nice for the eyes and savory for the taste buds.

    Café Ilang-Ilang’s central stations serve a mix of Chinese, Thai, Filipino, Korean, and Mediterranean specialties. The range covers from Thai Tom Yang and flavorful Kare Kare, Patatim, Peking Duck, Tandoori Lamb Chops, Steak Rendang, and a plethora of Korean side dishes such as kimchi to even a dedicated spread of Halal food. There’s also a meat corner where we each had a slice of smoking Churrasco with Prime Rib, Wagyu Beef, and finger-lickin’ Baby Back Ribs.

    Just when we were so full and about to leave, we visited all corners of the restaurant once more and were struck to find out that there’s also a Japanese food section situated in another dining hall. The sushi and sashimi were presented neatly and colorfully. This was one of those times when we wished we could take some food home ’cause our stomachs can’t take it anymore. 😛

    For desserts, we especially enjoyed ALL the flavors of gelato, which were not too sweet but really, really good. The cakes, chocolate fountain, and other pastries were also excellent.

    Price for Value:

    The variety and the number of food selections at Café Ilang-Ilang may not surpass Sofitel’s Spiral or EDSA Shangri-La Hotel’s HEAT, but these are soulful food that takes a journey through the brain yet doesn’t for a second forget its purpose: to delight and dazzle, sure, but also to comfort and please on a deeper level. With the classy atmosphere and friendly customer service to boot, price for value is fair. Rate per person was discounted at PhP 1,195.5 from a total of PhP 4790 in Deal Grocer’s awesome deal: Lunch Buffet for 4 at Café Ilang-Ilang (Monday-Saturday). Thanks, again, to my sister for her treat!

    The Birthday Girl

    If you’re interested to try and take advantage of the deal, please note that the Deal Grocer offer is redeemable Monday to Saturday for Lunch (11AM to 2:30PM) only from October 31, 2016 to March 25, 2017 EXCLUDING declared holidays and NOT valid on Sundays.

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://www.manila-hotel.com.ph/” name=”The Manila Hotel” description=”One Rizal Park, 0913, Manila, Philippines” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 527 0011″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-12-27″ ]

    Opening hours
    Breakfast: Daily 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM
    Lunch: Daily 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
    Dinner: Daily 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM

    Café Ilang-Ilang Rates:
    Breakfast Buffet (Mondays to Sundays): PhP 1,450.00 NET per person
    Brunch (Sundays only): PhP 2,400.00 NET per person with bottomless chilled juices
    Lunch (Mondays to Saturdays): PhP 2,150.00 NET per person
    Dinner (Themed Nights):
    Mondays – International Buffet: PhP 2,450.00 NET per person
    Tuesdays – Mediterranean Night: PhP 2,450.00 NET per person
    Wednesdays – Asian Night: PhP 2,450.00 NET per person
    Thursdays – Surf And Turf Night: PhP 2,995.00 NET per person
    Fridays – Seafood Night: PhP 2,995.00 NET per person
    Saturdays – American Night: PhP 2,995.00 NET per person
    Sundays – International Buffet: PhP 2,450.00 NET per person

  • 4-Course Dinner with Robert Mondavi Wine at The Fireplace (New World Manila Bay Hotel)

    4-Course Dinner with Robert Mondavi Wine at The Fireplace (New World Manila Bay Hotel)

    As was true for us, the first time you wind up at The Fireplace Steakhouse & Grill will likely be for a special event or some momentous occasion. Indeed, this fine-dining restaurant at the New World Manila Bay Hotel (formerly Hyatt Manila Hotel & Casino) is an amazing place to hold an event to remember. If we give it a grade for vibes alone, it would get an A! The Fireplace looks like an ideal date spot to get excellent food and wine. This is one of the better places to eat in Manila.

    New World Manila Bay’s Executive Chef James Williams partnered with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Manila to prepare and present an opulent four-course dinner paired with a fine selection of wines by Robert Mondavi from Napa Valley, California last Aug. 18. Dinner was awesome. People who share the love for wines gathered and the mood was quite contagious. James Du Vivier (CEO of FTI Wines), Eric Khan ( Marketing Director for FTI Wines), and Samantha Befus of Constellation Brands (distributors of Robert Mondavi) were also present to host and support the event.

    It was also a good chance to learn about the interesting life story of Robert Mondavi and how he came about developing a number of premium wines fifty years ago. His vision? To make wine a daily staple on the table like salt and pepper shakes. Grand! Mondavi’s tireless promotion of Napa and his wines is a big factor in transforming the way Americans buy and drink wine. It also helped turn the valley into a tourist mecca as it is today.

    4-Course Dinner with Robert Mondavi Wine at The Fireplace (New World Manila Bay Hotel)

    Ambiance:

    The design concept of Fireplace at New World Manila Bay looks pretty much exactly as how the name describes. A classy fireplace takes center stage, and with the beautiful backdrop highlighting this part of the dining room, it can’t go unnoticed. With floor-to-ceiling glass panels, impressive wall of wines, minimalist artworks, stone walls, brass accented decors and leather furniture, the ambiance is upscale. It’s a dream restaurant that should sit on top of your bucket list, especially if you’re into steak and wines. 😉

    Food:

    We started with a simple yet balanced salad composed of beetroot, chevre, asparagus, and broad beans. This elegant salad showcases earthy pink-toned beet and greens that tasted sharp and tangy with the vinaigrette.

    Paired with the salad was the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi (Sauvignon Blanc 2014). Lifted by hints of grass and green pepper, this white wine is a bouquet of citrus fruits and tropical fruits, especially merinda and ripe mango. The palate contains tropical fruits, grapefruit, lemon and pineapple.

    For the main course, we had the confit belly pork which was so tender and full of flavor. The confit was a little crispy on the outside, and I just loved how the pork fat held the concentration of rich flavors together. With white bean cassoulet and lentil vinaigrette in the mix, this dish turned out as a good alchemy of complex tastes that exploded with each bite.

    The dark-hued Pinot Noir 2012 from Robert Mondavi Private Selection was recommended to be paired with the confit pork belly. It’s a seductively smooth wine which features ripe black cherry and blueberry aromas on the nose, backed by notes of violets, spices, and plum. The palate is silky and smooth with gentle fruit and a hint of oak in the background.

    Fireplace’s slow-cooked USDA flat iron with potato fondant, spinach puree, confit onions was truly decadent. Steaks at Fireplace translates to a buttery tenderness on the plate, and I strongly suggest you head in that direction if you see one on the menu. It’s a solid star of the meal.

    As a complement, the Robert Mondavi Napa Range (Cabernet Sauvignon 2010) was served. It’s a Napa Valley Classic made with dense tannins that are soft and silky. It’s a rich setting for juicy fruit flavors of dark plum mingling with notes of dark chocolate and vanilla oak.

    Rounding up our meal perfectly was the vanilla bean panna-cotta with macerated fruits. Light, velvety and luscious, this creamier-than-cream and not-too-sweet dessert was impeccable and almost moan-worthy. It’s so pillowy soft and smooth that it melts in the mouth. Yummy! 🙂

    Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi (White Zinfandel) was my favorite among all. It’s a delicate, low alcohol, slightly sweet pink-colored wine with summer fruits and cranberries for the palate. The nose is filled with red apples, raspberries, and orange blossom, with hints of cashew.

    Looking for a can’t fail spot for a private party, date night or a business dinner with VIP guests? Get high hopes on Fireplace Steakhouse & Grill. Its tasty entrees will get your attention and there’s always a good bottle of wine to share. And if you’re in the mood, try one of Mondavi’s quality wine selections to keep you company.

    [schema type=”review” url=”http://manilabay.newworldhotels.com/en/dining/fireplace/” name=”The Fireplace at New World Manila Bay Hotel” description=”Level 5, New World Manila Bay Hotel, 1588 Pedro Gil Corner M.H. Del Pilar Street, Malate, Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries/reservations, call 02 2526888″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-08-20″ ]

  • Culinaria Filipina Filipino Food Festival at Corniche (Diamond Hotel, Ermita, Manila)

    Culinaria Filipina Filipino Food Festival at Corniche (Diamond Hotel, Ermita, Manila)

    Looking for fine and diverse Filipino food? You might not know it, but the answer is yes. 😉 From May 19 to 29, 2016, the Diamond Hotel’s Corniche restaurant commemorates the festivals of May by serving Filipino cuisine for both lunch and dinner buffet-style. With renowned Filipina chefs and advocates of Philippine cuisine, Chef Myrna Segismundo and Chef Jill Sandique, there’s no doubt that this one will be exceptional. The KTG (Kain Tulog Gang) had dinner here last week to sample flavors from different regions of the Philippines. Truly, Corniche is one of the places where you can feel thrilled and satisfied with a meal that can bring joy, warmth, and comfort.

    Culinaria Filipina Filipino Food Festival at Corniche (Diamond Hotel, Ermita, Manila)

    Corniche at Diamond Hotel showcases international cuisine in a refined dining room where you can enjoy a great upscale meal composed of familiar recipes and dishes close to your heart. The vibe in the restaurant is comfortable and quiet so consider it for any date night or family affair. In normal occasions, both a la carte and buffet are available (Chinese, Filipino, Western, Indian, Japanese and more).

    Since we are celebrating the Culinaria Filipina Filipino Food Festival, it would be best to take the chance to go buffet-dining and go heavy on fancy and delicious Filipino regional specialties that are a breath of fresh, exotic air and away from ordinary.

    Chef Myrna Segismundo leads the presentation of well-prepared dishes with a contemporary twist and enhanced by select ingredients. Must-tries include Kinilaw na Salmon, Oysters on a Half Shell and Shrimps, Prime Roast Beef Tagalog, Caramelized Onions, and Basi Wine Sauce; Kesong Puti, Cherry Tomato and Pako Lato Salad; U.S. Beef Tenderloin Morcon a la Emilia, and more. Everything looked stunning with different colors and textures plated artistically.

    Chef Jill Sandique makes desserts that can melt your heart. Most people don’t save room for dessert…but you should! Don’t miss luscious sweets such as the Dulce de Leche Cake, Tableya Cake, Peanut Chocolate and Muscovado Coconut Masi, and Suspiros de Macapuno con Natilla. The selections are wide enough that will let you hide in cake and ice cream if you want, but go in with an open mind and expect to try something outside of your comfort zone. 😛

    It’s hard work keeping a buffet style constantly fresh and stocked. Diamond Hotel does as good a job you can expect. At Corniche’s Culinaria Filipina Filipino Food Festival, be enchanted by the flavors of the Philippines yet again with the unequaled creations of skilled chefs for only PhP 2,288 net per person.

    To add excitement to the food fiesta, there will be a lucky draw where two diners will each win a two-night stay in Baguio for two when they spend a minimum of PhP 5,000 at the buffet!

    If you’re in Metro Manila, you don’t have to drive too far. Diamond Hotel Philippines is located at Roxas Boulevard corner Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila. Buckle up, settle in, and grab yourself some fond memories of Filipino food. For reservations, please call (02) 528-3000 ext. 1121 or email restaurant_rsvn@diamondhotel.com.