DUDE FOR FOOD

Extra tasty, extra filling, and extra long...

Six long inches of fresh and tasty ingredients and special sauces for extra flavor, Burger King's X-Tra Long Chicken Burger definitely rules all other chicken burgers. Nothing like starting the new year right with one of last year's favorites...

And here's the new ruler of chicken burgers, Burger King's X-Tra Long Chicken Burger with an extra long chicken patty that's juicy and tender and perfectly crisp with its outer layer of breading, topped with shredded fresh lettuce and creamy mayo on an extra long sesame seed bun. Take it Solo (P 99) or with American Cheese (P 129), or better yet, go for a winning combo with fries and a drink (P 149 and P 179 with Cheese) for a complete meal. And this one's a worthy addition to Burger King's signature line up (for more on Burger King, see my previous post here).

One bite delivers contrasting textures with the soft sesame seed bun followed by the crisp lettuce, the soft cheese, and finally, the juicy chicken patty with its crisp layer of breading. The fresh and clean flavors of the lettuce and creamy cheese blend well with the richly seasoned chicken patty, rounded out by the creamy mayo dressing. It's everything you like about a chicken burger, with so much more. Pair your X-Tra Long Chicken Burger with thick-cut fries, or Burger King's signature Onion Rings, a personal favorite.

And here's what's cool with Burger King's X-Tra Long Chicken Burger, extra long means you get extra bites. With Burger King's X-Tra Long Chicken Burger, you get all the extras. And you always end up the winner...with each extra bite.

For updates and more information on Burger King, check out their FB Page here.

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It's been an amazing journey, with yet another year ahead of exciting and new flavor experiences, and good friends along the way...

Since I started my food blog some years back, I've met some amazing people who shared the same passion for good food, known collectively and simply as the KTG, as well as some inspiring entrepreneurs and key movers in the food industry. And through the years, they've become good friends. And for one day, they all came together with their families for a post holiday celebration at F1 Hotel Manila for an opportunity to look back, and look forward to another awesome year ahead...

At the post holiday celebration, it was great to see some of the familiar dishes that made last year a memorable one. The year-end celebration included some of the past year's tasty favorites, including The Plaza Premium Baked Ham (for more on The Plaza and their line of signature dishes, see my previous post here). A family-run business by the same clan that's an institution in the local food industry, Mrs Millie A Reyes and Karla A Reyes, a mother and daughter team, manages the business and ensures you get the quality and flavors you expect from The Plaza.

This is the ham that built The Plaza's reputation as one of the metro's leading caterers for over fifty years. The Plaza's Premium Baked Ham was skilfully carved (L), stuffed in soft pan de sal, and served with a variety of sauces including Premium Glaze, Gutsy Garlic, Sweet Mustard, and Wasabi Mayo (R).

It was also good to see another favorite from last year at the post holiday celebration, Leonardo's Lechon, with their signature charcoal roasted whole native pigs. It's a family tradition that goes as far back as 1947, and it's comforting to know that time-tested methods remain the same. Just take a bite of the lechon, and you'll be glad good things don't change.

The family's third generation now manages and runs the business, with good friend Leonard Aquino at the helm (for more on Leonardo's Lechon, see my previous posts on the family-run business here and a unique behind-the-scenes look at a usual day preparing the holiday orders here). In addition to the traditional native lechon, Leonard infuses a modern innovative touch with his Carnivore Lechon, a whole roasted native pig stuffed with sausages, bacon slabs, herbs, and potatoes (more on the Carnivore Lechon on my previous post Round 2 with the Carnivore Lechon).

One of the metro's best hams and lechons, but there's more. F1 Hotel Manila's Head Chef, Decker Gokioco, shared his Spicy Lechon Duck, just one of his many signature dishes from the hotel's F All-Day Dining Restaurant (for more on Head Chef Decker Gokioco and F1 Hotel Manila's F All Day Dining, see my previous post here). Coming back to F1 Hotel Manila was also special for me, I had my first ever hotel staycation featured on my blog for F1 Hotel Manila back in 2013 (see my first post on F1 Hotel Manila here), and every year since then, I've been fortunate to be invited back (more posts on previous staycations at F1 Hotel Manila here and here, and memorable culinary experiences on local cuisine with the first LuzViMinda Festival, followed by LuzViMinda 2, and LuzViMinda 3 Pistang Pinoy, a closer look at local regional cuisine with Mindanao's Lotlotan style of cooking using bamboo tubes, and classic All-American flavors with the United Taste of America Buffet and All-American Dinner Buffet).

For the kids, F1 Hotel Manila's Head Chef Decker Gokioco made sure they had some good eats too, like the Pinoy Spaghetti (L) and Cocktail Hotdog Skewers (R) served with bottomless iced tea...

...and some Crispy Fried Chicken (L) and Pork Barbecue Skewers (R) to round out the post holiday feast. As an added treat, F1 Hotel Manila even screened an animated movie for the kids. It's little touches like this made the post holiday celebration even more special.

And it's time to eat. I start with F1 Hotel Manila's Pancit Molo, a hearty soup with soft pork dumplings...

...followed by Head Chef Decker Gokioco's Spicy Lechon Duck. Tender and juicy with a crisp layer of skin, the rich flavors of the duck are punctuated by the sweet sauce for balanced flavors.

Next, a soft pan de sal stuffed with slices of The Plaza Baked Premium Ham draped in Sweet Mustard sauce, along with more slices of Baked Premium Ham covered in Gutsy Garlic. Seconds? Absolutely.

A bowl of pork blood stew, the local Dinuguan from Leonardo's Lechon, is served next. At Leonardo's Lechon, nothing is wasted, with every part of the pig, including offals and blood, used. Great as is, even better with steamed white rice.

A few slices of Leonardo's signature lechon, with its tender and juicy meat and crisp crackling, with a side of homemade liver sauce, completes my post holiday feast at F1 Hotel Manila. This, and a glass of Don Papa Rum...perfect. It's a great way to cap a year, and my personal journey with my blog continues with even more to come in the new year. Thanks to industry friends, and many of you readers who joined me for the ride. Hold on to your seats, and prepare for another wild and flavorful ride...

F1 Hotel Manila is located at 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City or call (02) 928-9888 for inquiries and reservations. For online booking and more information, please visit http://www.f1hotelmanila.com/.

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A good steak, cold beer, and some sausages...time for a quick lunch at Draft Gastro Pub.

And it's not your usual lunch. It's comforting pub grub with a beefy punch for lunch, at Draft Gastro Pub.

Start with the Sausage Platter (P 450), with pork & fennel sausage, bratwurst and Hungarian sausages with roast garlic potatoes and sauerkraut. Wash it down with a cold Stella Artois (P 150-330ml/P 210-500ml) or Hoegaarden (P 180-250ml/295-500ml) for a perfect pairing (for more on Draft Gastro Pub and their signature dishes, see my previous post here).

For the main course, Steak and Frites (P 780), 200 grams of US Beef Tenderloin served with crisp fries, green peppercorn sauce and a side of fresh salad. Tender, and perfectly grilled to medium rare with a juicy pink center, nothing like a good slab of beef for a quick lunch. Pair it with another cold Hoegaarden...and it just can't get better than that. Comforting pub grub...at Draft Gastro Pub.

Draft Gastro Pub is located at Unit C, The Fort Entertainment Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

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New cookie creations to kick off the new year. Ready for Cookie Camp...

Chefs Miko Aspiras and Kristine Lottilla open the year with new and inventive cookie creations at Scout's Honor Craft Cookie Shop, promising new flavor experiences to start the new year right.

Scout's Honor Craft Cookie Shop recently held its Cookie Camp, a casual and fun session to introduce their newest cookie creations for bloggers. It was also a good time to catch up with chefs Miko Aspiras and Kristine Lotilla (R) who shared their plans for the year, and you can expect to hear more from this dynamic duo...

In a series of special sessions, dubbed Cookie Camp, Chefs Miko Aspiras and Kristine Lotilla unveiled their newest cookie creations, elevating the cookie experience to a whole new level of indulgence (for more Scout's Honor Craft Cookie Shop, see my previous posts on their innovative cookie creations here and their Craft Cookie Milkshakes here, and their innovative cuisine at Le Petit Souffle here). Creativity and innovation never stops at Scout's Honor Craft Cookie Shop...

...as Chefs Miko Aspiras and Kristine Lotilla explore unique flavors with their new Salt & Pepper Cookies. Salt & Pepper in a Cookie? Definitely different, and that's what you can expect from Scout's Honor Craft Cookie Shop.

Soft, chewy and buttery, the new Salt & Pepper Cookies offer a rich blend of distinct notes, yet each flavor complements the other in a seamless balance. The creamy chocolate is tempered by the deep and mildly spicy notes of the pepper, punctuated and rounded out by the sharp notes of the salt for a surprisingly flavorful cookie.

And if you want it big, Scout's Honor Craft Cookie Shop has the perfect cookie for you. Scout's Honor Craft Cookie Shop's new Monster Cookies are impressive, large and chunky, in Dark Chocolate Cherry Sea Salt, Milk Chocolate Chai & Cashew, Dark Chocolate Cranberry & Walnuts, and Green Tea Hazelnut & Nutella flavors.

Served fresh from the oven, take a big bite of the new Monster Cookies for a burst of flavors as it melts in your mouth. Dark chocolate with cherries and sea salt, dark chocolate with cranberries and walnuts, milk chocolate with cashew, and green tea with hazelnut and Nutella, the flavor combinations are both fun and playful, each one distinct from the other. And the sheer size makes this one an experience in itself.

Pair your Craft Cookie at Scout's Honor Craft Cookie Shop with their line of Craft Milk in Horlicks, Almond Ginseng, Nutella, Matcha Oreo, Fruit Loops, Salted Caramel, Bamboo Charcoal, Corn, Black Sesame, and Strawberry flavors. You can also choose from Whole Milk and Non-Fat Milk too. Cookies and milk. Perfect. At Scout's Honor Craft Cookie Shop.

I go for Scout's Honor Craft Cookie Shop's Craft Milk in Horlicks flavor, with its creamy and malty notes complementing the rich flavors of the new Monster Cookies.

Or you can go for Scout's Honor Craft Cookie Shop's new version upgrade of their popular Craft Milkshakes (more on the new Craft Milkshakes on my post here). Head on over to Hole in the Wall at Century Mall for a meal, and cap your dining experience with a stop at Scout's Honor Craft Cookie Shop. You'll be glad you did...

Scout's Honor is located at Hole in the Wall, Century Mall, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City.

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And just when you thought a good thing couldn't be topped and made even better...it does. At Scout's Honor Craft Cookie Shop.

Scout's Honor Craft Cookie Shop presents the version upgrade of their signature Craft Milkshakes, literally and figuratively topping the previous original version with its new look.

The new Craft Cookie Milkshake is enhanced with an added feature, topped with your favorite cookie (for more on the previous original version of Scout's Honor Craft Cookie Milkshake, see my earlier post here). And like the original version, you choose your milk, cookie and ice cream for your own customized Craft Cookie Milkshake.

And at Scout's Honor Craft Cookie Shop, the combinations are limitless. With so many cookies to choose from, including Craft Milk in both Whole Milk and Non-Fat options, plus an equally impressive selection of ice cream flavors, you can have your own customized Craft Cookie Milkshake freshly prepared in minutes. During Scout's Honor Craft Cookie Shop's Cookie Camp, some the flavorful combinations included Dark Chocolate Potato Chip Craft Cookie with Ovaltine Whole Milk and Salted Caramel Ice Cream, Matcha Miso S'mores Craft Cookie with Teh Tarik Whole Milk and Salted Caramel Ice Cream, S'mores Craft Cookie with Strawberry Whole Milk and French Vanilla Ice Cream, and Matcha Sesame Cookie with Black Sesame Milk and Matcha Oreo Ice Cream. Pair your customized Craft Milkshake with Scout's Honor Craft Cookie Shop's new cookie creations like the Salt & Pepper Cookies and impressive Monster Cookies (more on my previous post here).

I go for the Deep Dark Secret Craft Cookie blended with Ovaltine Whole Milk and Maltesers Ice Cream topped with another Deep Dark Secret Craft Cookie. Bite and sip, and enjoy. And chefs Miko Aspiras and Kristine Lotilla never fails to impress with their continuous innovation and creations at Scout's Honor Craft Cookie Shop. Craving for a new and indulgent cookie experience? Simply bite and sip...at Scout's Honor Craft Cookie Shop.

Scout's Honor is located at Hole in the Wall, Century Mall, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City.

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You can enjoy the comforting and familiar flavors of traditional Bibimbap, or you can Rock the Bap with some inventive Bibimbap dishes...at Rock & Seoul Bibimbap Bar.

The Relish Group, the same group behind Osaka Ohsho, Wee Nam Kee, Kumori Japanese Bakery , Seoul Station, and Bird House, introduces their newest dining concept to rock the local food scene, Rock & Seoul Bibimbap Bar. A homegrown concept, Rock & Seoul Bibimbap Bar rocks the bap with its inventive take on the traditional Korean Bibimbap...

Located at the Ground Floor of The Block at SM North Edsa, Rock & Seoul Bibimbap Bar adds its own fun and playful touch to the iconic Korean Bibimbap for exciting and new flavor experiences. Nothing like a little rock & roll to spice things up...

With fifteen signature Baps ranging from Classic, Vegetarian, Beef, (Bulgogi and Teriyaki), Chicken (Soy Garlic, Teriyaki, Korean), Pork (Hamburg, Korean Pork BBQ), Seafood, and creative fusion World Baps like American Breakfast, Pork Salpicao, Mexican Taco, Shawarma, and Bistek, or you can also Make Your Own Bap...

...and the combinations are endless. You can definitely rock the bap at Rock & Seoul Bibimbap Bar. But it's the unique and proprietary Kimchi Butter topped on egg in all of Rock & Seoul Bibimbap Bar's line of signature bap dishes that add a flavorful punch, setting it apart from the usual bap.

Go traditional with Rock & Seoul Bibimbap Bar's classic Original Bibimbap (P 210), simply mix up all the ingredients for rich flavors...

...or indulge in even more Korean-style flavors with the Korean Fried Chicken Bibimbap (P 260), with juicy and crispy chicken, vegetables and rice topped with egg served on a hot stone plate. Rock & Seoul Bibimbap Bar also offers other chicken-based baps like the Soy Garlic Chicken (P 245) and the Chicken Teriyaki (P 245). Other classic Korean and Asian-inspired flavors include the Beef Bulgogi Bibimbap (P 260) and Beef Teriyaki Bibimbap (P 260).

Or you can rock the bap and go for some of Rock & Seoul Bibimbap Bar's innovative bap creations like the American Breakfast Bibimbap (P 270) with a trio of American breakfast staples like bacon, hash brown, and hamburger on a hot stone plate.

The versatility of Bibimbap is reflected in the range of Rock & Seoul Bibimbap Bar's signature bap dishes, like the Pork Salpicao Bibimbap (P 270), combining tender, galicky pork with vegetables...

...and the Mexican Taco Bibimbap (P 270), with its rich play on flavors and textures with lettuce, cheese, chips, and ground meat with vegetables. Bibimbap infused with global flavors. And it works.

Traditional Korean appetizers, or Banchan (L), were also served, with a unique Rock & Seoul Twist, with their Noodle Salad, Green Salad, Rolled Kimchi, and Korean Fried Chicken. Then, my bap dish was served, sizzling hot and fresh from the kitchen...

Rock & Seoul Bibimbap Bar's Persian Shawarma Bibimbap (P 270), topped with tender beef slices, cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, onions and a creamy cilantro sauce. The familiar flavors of shawarma are recreated, and reinvented in a totally new dish for a whole new flavor experience. The kimchi butter-topped egg and Rock & Seoul's special house sauce complete the rich blend of flavors. Definitely not your usual bap, and I'm enjoying each spoonful.

For a healthier option, you can go for the Vegetarian Tofu (P 195) or the Mixed Seafood Bibimbap (P 260), with plump shrimps, tender squid and vegetables. Drizzle some of Rock & Seoul's proprietary house sauce, and you've got another winner. And if you really want to rock the bap, go ahead and Make Your Own Bap (P 290), simply choose your protein, vegetables and sauce. Make it a real Korean feast by adding some of Rock & Seoul's other Korean dishes, like Chap Chae (P 140), Spicy Silken Tofu (P 120), Korean Fried Chicken (P 170-3pcs/P 260-5pcs), and Pajeon (P 140), and wash it all down with their signature Korean drinks like Mango Oolong Tea (P 55), Sikhye (P 45), a sweet Korean rice drink, Corn Tea (P 40), and Barley Tea (P 40). To complete your rock the bap dining experience at Rock & Seoul Bibimbap Bar, you can relive the golden era of rock and roll with memorabilia from old school vinyl turntables, records, electric guitars, and amplifiers displayed along the walls of Rock & Seoul Bibimbap Bar. You can go for Bibimbap, or you can rock the bap...at Rock & Seoul Bibimbap Bar.

Rock & Seoul Bibimbap Bar is located at the Ground Floor, The Block, SM North Edsa, Edsa corner North Avenue, Quezon City.

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Rice, noodles, or soup. Your call. Simply pick up your chopsticks and get ready for comforting Asian flavors at Mian...

The new and impressive Marriott Grand Ballroom not only features the country's largest ballroom, but several options for a tasty meal or a light snack that's equally big on flavor at reasonable price points. And if it's Filipino or Asian flavors you're after, head on over to Mian...

Located at the new Marriott Grand Ballroom, Mian offers a variety of noodle, rice, and soup dishes with distinct Filipino and Asian flavors (for more on the tasty offerings at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, see my previous post here and take a tour of the country's largest ballroom on my other blog here).

And everything at Mian is prepared fresh, from noodles to dim sum. As the courteous staff lead you to your table after choosing your order, the open kitchen then comes to life, firing up your orders. At Mian, you can enjoy rich and comforting Asian flavors with generous servings that's both fast and affordable.

Start with Mian's "small plates," or appetizers like the refreshing Shrimp Lumpia Sariwa (P 195), fresh spring rolls with shrimps and vegetables and served with a thick and sweet peanut dressing...

...and the savory Pork Jiaozi (P 150), soft and chewy dumplings with a light and crisp outer layer stuffed with Chinese chorizo and served with soy calamansi lime dip. Small bites that's big on flavor, perfect starters before the main course. Mian also offers a Sausage Empanada (P 195) for even more options.

Nothing can be more comforting than a bowl of noodles, and Mian's Chef's Beef Noodles (P 395) should satisfy your craving for noodles. Fork-tender chunks of slow-braised beef add a beefy punch to the dish, along with the distinct notes of coriander and fresh vegetables like bokchoy, bean sprouts, and spring onions with soft, flat white rice noodles in a flavorful broth. And if you're after even more flavors, add some of the special Sriracha-based sauce for a spicy kick in every sip. And just like Marriott Grand Ballroom, the servings at Mian are large and equally impressive, and great for sharing.

In the mood for ramen? No worries, Mian's got that covered too. Mian's Pork Miso Ramen (P 295), loaded with tender pork belly, ground pork, soft-boiled egg, sweet corn, vegetables, and firm and chewy ramen noodles in a rich miso-based broth. The flavors are both familiar and comforting, everything you'd expect from a bowl of good ramen, and reasonably priced too. Mian also offers other soup dishes including Chicken Dumplings (P 295), with soft dumplings, mushrooms, bokchoy, and egg noodles in a light yet flavorful chicken broth; and the Shrimp, Pork, and Vegetable Lomi Soup (P 275), a local classic with egg noodles.

And there's more. Mian's Braised Pork Belly (P 375), with tender and juicy braised pork with pickled vegetables in a mildly sweet sauce with thick and chewy udon noodles, a rich blend of flavors in a bowl. The richness of the braised pork belly is perfectly tempered by the sharp notes of the pickled vegetables for balanced and contrasting flavors, rounded out by the thick sauce with hints of both sweet and spicy notes. The fresh spring onions and red peppers add even more flavors to the dish. Mian's other noodle dishes include Stir-Fried Clams (P 395), a mildly spicy dish with clams, bean sprouts, and egg noodles with a dark soy-based sauce; Vegetable Noodles (P 275), with shiitake mushrooms and glass noodles; and Pancit Canton (P 295), recreating local flavors with chicken, pork, shrimp, and egg noodles. Mian also offers hearty Rice Bowls, including their popular Beef Caldereta (P 395), with slow-braised beef and root vegetables; Pork Adobo (P 325), with fried quail egg and pickled vegetables; and Chicken Guinataan (P 325), with tender chicken and sprout salad topped with crisp egg and draped in a rich coconut lime sauce.

Cap your Asian feast at Mian with dessert, like their creamy Fruit Salad (P 120), with coconut, palm fruit, cream, and condensed milk; or the indulgent Mango Pudding (P 120), with tapioca, pomelo, and mango. Or you can go all-out with Mian's special Halo-Halo that's great for sharing, and good for four. The finely shaved ice adds to the creamy texture of the Halo-Halo, and the generous portions of sweet preserved beans, jackfruit, sweet corn, and nata de coco topped with leche flan, ube (purple yam), and ice cream complete the flavors. It's an impressive way to cap your meal on a high note, and you can find all these at Mian.

Big servings and big on flavor, with reasonable prices. Looking for Filipino and Asian flavors? Step inside the country's largest ballroom facility, and discover comforting and familiar flavors in large servings. Only at Marriott Grand Ballroom's Mian...

Mian is located at the Ground Floor of the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Marriott Hotel Manila, Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay City or call 988-9999 local 5055 for inquiries and more information.

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Rising high above Araneta Center, a new standard of luxury comes to Quezon City...

The first Novotel property in the country and part of the global ACCOR Hotels group, Novotel Manila Araneta Center brings its own distinct brand of luxury to Quezon City. Read on and step inside the newest luxury hotel this side of the metro...

Located at the very heart of Quezon City's business and leisure district, Novotel Manila Araneta Center provides guests easy, convenient and direct access to both LRT and MRT Stations, the Gateway Mall, and the iconic Smart Araneta Center. Inside (L), one is greeted by a modern and visually stunning lobby, and courteous staff (R).

An impressive inventory of more than 400 suites, an impressive ballroom that can accommodate close to 1,400 persons, large function rooms, and a scenic garden deck offering a 360 degree panoramic view of the metro with an olympic-sized pool await guests at Novotel Manila Araneta Center, the first phase in an ambitious transformation development plan of the Araneta commercial complex. Each well-appointed suite features modern European design combining comfort and luxury.

Like a personal sanctuary at the heart of Quezon City, each suite offers impressive views of the metro.

Modern touches are incorporated in the design of each suite, including a variety of ports (L) for all your gadgets to ensure you stay connected with the rest of the world. Electrical outlets are also conveniently located right by the bedside table (R), so there's no need to grope around the room.

Novotel Manila Araneta Center is also the perfect venue for business, with numerous function rooms for meetings and conferences, each one following the elegant and modern European design Novotel is known for around the world. Business or leisure, Novotel Manila Araneta Center is the venue in Quezon City.

Novotel Manila Araneta Center also boasts of a spacious ballroom that can be configured to fit your needs, perfect for weddings or conventions. Novotel's staff will be more than glad to assist you and ensure your event is a success.

At the Garden Deck, one can take a few laps at the pool, or enjoy a few cocktails, high above the busy commercial and business district.

Nearly complete, outdoor structures at the Garden Deck make it ideal for weddings and other celebrations, and a large outdoor tent will also be constructed.

But there's nothing stopping you from enjoying the pool right now, and a few cocktails, as you catch the sunset slowly fade against the skyline.

At the lobby, one can find Novotel Manila Araneta Center's convenient Web Corner, just in case you need to shoot out a quick e-mail, or book some movie tickets at the nearby mall.

And you can do it all on a MAC. Nice.

Luxury and high-tech connectivity combine in a seamless blend, making your stay at Novotel Manila Araneta Center a memorable experience. And bring the kids too. They'll definitely enjoy the interactive screens at the lobby while you enjoy a relaxing session at the spa.

To complete your experience at Novotel Manila Araneta Center, you can indulge in freshly brewed coffee, a refreshing drink, tasty tapas, mezze, and bocadillos at the Gourmet Bar by Novotel.

And you can enjoy your snack or light meal in your own intimate space. And there's more. Novotel Manila Araneta Center also offers a wide range of international dishes at the Food Exchange (more on the international cuisine of Food Exchange on my next post). The landscape, and the vibe, at Quezon City is definitely changing. Experience this transformation first-hand at Novotel Manila Araneta Center...

Novotel Manila Araneta Center is located at General Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center, Quezon City or call 990-7888 for inquiries and more information.

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Discover the best of international cuisine, at Quezon City's newest luxury hotel...

Novotel Manila Araneta Center brings the best of the world to Quezon City with its elegant buffet selection at the Food Exchange.

Novotel Manila Araneta Center is the newest luxury hotel property this side of the metro, transforming the landscape, and the vibe, of Quezon City with its own brand of elegance (for a peek at Novotel Manila Araneta Center, check out my previous post here and see even more on my travel blog here).

The modern European design includes space as a design element in itself, and the wide open interiors allow you to move freely in and around the spacious Food Exchange. The space also highlights the interactive culinary theater concept with the different stations at the Food Exchange, showcasing the best of international cuisine.

Splashes of vibrant color accentuate the clean and elegant lines of the interiors, adding to the experience. The vibe may be relaxed and casual, but there is a subtle elegance to the Food Exchange that makes dining here memorable. I also liked the simple linear layout of the buffet spread, making it so much easier to navigate the whole stretch.

At Novotel Manila Araneta Center's Food Exchange, you can virtually travel and explore the world with your plate...

Start with some freshly prepared sashimi, sushi, maki and rolls at the Sushi Station, like the colorful Salmon Belly Maki (L) and the Spicy Salmon Skin Maki (R) with its unique and contrasting play on texture and flavor. Fresh and clean flavors, and the perfect way to kick off your global culinary journey...

At the Chinese Station, you'll find tasty starters like the soft and lightly crisp Fried Mantao...

...and a wide selection of savory dimsum like Prawn Spring Rolls (L) and crisp Vegetable Dumplings (L). You also have the option to have a bowl of noodles with soup, vegetables, seafood, and dumplings if you're in the mood for it, just ask the station chef for his recommended combinations.

At the Italian Station, you'll find a variety of freshly made Pasta (L) in all shapes and colors and you can have the station chef whip up your own customized pasta dish ala minute. Or have a slice or two of the Salsiccia Pizza (R), fresh from the oven. Other fresh baked items that day included Pizza Margherita and Quiche.

At the Food Exchange, you'll also find a wide variety of Homemade Catsup in different flavors, like the Asian-inspired Sweet and Spicy Korean Catsup with just a whisper of heat and Sweet Charsiu Catsup, the playfully inventive and uniquely flavored Bell Pepper Catsup and Beetroot Catsup, with even more surprises...

...like premium gourmet salt, including Himalayan Pink Salt, Roasted Garlic Salt, and Herb Salt. I have yet to see a buffet spread with a selection of homemade catsup and gourmet salt, so be sure to have some on your next plate.

At the Carving Station, a rustic Herb Roasted Chicken with roasted vegetables was featured that day. All the main dishes at the Food Exchange are rotated daily, so each visit becomes a new dining experience.

At the Food Exchange, the main courses are served in pots and placed on flat glass-ceramic stove tops integrated in the buffet spread so the dishes are always hot and fresh. And there's really nothing quite like seeing the dishes gently simmering and bubbling when you lift the lid, releasing an aromatic and fragrant aroma. Dining at the Food Exchange becomes a complete sensory experience, where you first feed your eyes and take in the aroma of the different dishes before taking a bite. That day, the spread included a hearty and comforting Pork and Chorizo Goulash...

...soft and tender Baked Snapper with Caper Anchovy Salsa, with the anchovies and capers adding a flavorful punch to the delicate notes of the snapper...

...juicy Grilled Italian Chicken on a rich bed of tomato-based sauce...

...and Beef in Horseradish Cream Sauce, with tender beef chunks in a creamy white sauce with a mildly intense bite from the horseradish. And that's just the first part of the impressive buffet spread at the Food Exchange.

For your second round, rediscover familiar Asian flavors with the Crispy Garlic Chicken, crisp and juicy chicken with a sweet glaze and nutty hints of garlic...

...Stir-Fried Spicy Seafood with shrimps, squid and vegetables with a mild and soothing heat from the chili...

...tender Beef in Oyster Sauce with peppers and leeks...

...and the classic Sweet & Sour Pork with Smoked Peppers and Crispy Onions, perfect with some steamed white rice.

Continue your culinary journey with a stop at the Indian Station and let Chef Rajan introduce you to probably one of the better options for authentic Indian cuisine this side of the metro...

At Chef Rajan's station, you'll find traditional Indian dishes like Garlic Chicken Tikka (L) and Shrimp Tandoori (R) prepared with a rich blend of spices. Other savory selections that day included Chef Rajan's Tandoori Potatoes and Lamb Sheekh Kebab, served with a variety of sauces and condiments.

Chef Rajan's Chicken Curry is a popular dish, with chunks of tender chicken slow cooked with a traditional blend of Indian spices. The deep and rich color of the thick and creamy sauce gives you an idea of the complex spice blend and its intense flavors. Indian cuisine is all about building layers of flavors, with just enough heat to bring out even more flavor. And Chef Rajan perfectly recreates traditional Indian flavors combining the distinct notes of each spice in a delicate balance. I was told Chef Rajan's Lamb Curry is another popular dish.

Pair your Chicken Curry with the Shrimp Biryani (L), with long-grain basmati rice cooked with ghee or clarified butter and a blend of spices, and Vegetable Curry (R), a mix of fresh vegetables cooked with curry spices.

Start your culinary journey of traditional Indian flavors with Papadam, Tandoori Potatoes, Garlic Chicken Tikka, Shrimp Tandoori, and Lamb Sheekh Kebab along with a variety of colorful and flavorful sauces. The flavors are rich and intense, but do not overwhelm, with the different spices blending seamlessly for balanced notes.

Chef Rajan even served some freshly baked Roti, fresh from the tandoori oven. Soft, chewy with a layer of crispness, it's great for scooping up the rich sauces.

For the main course, a mound of Shrimp Biryani and Chicken Curry complete my culinary journey of Indian flavors, with Roti, Indian Salad, and Raita, a yogurt-based side dish to round out the flavors. Authentic Indian flavors, and probably the best Indian cuisine this side of the metro. And that's what the Food Exchange is all about, where you can discover global cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients.

Cap your feast with indulgent desserts, like the colorful Raspberry Panna Cotta with Passion Fruit Jelly (L) and Mango Panna Cotta (R) at the equally impressive Dessert Station. The extensive selection includes fresh fruits and pastries, arranged in a tempting display.

With so many options to choose from, it's a good idea to have a cup of freshly brewed coffee and ponder your next move. At the Dessert Station, you'll also find the local Puto Bumbong and Spanish Churros (R) for even more options.

Churros paired with thick Spanish Chocolate and Leche Flan, a creamy custard, caps my feast at the Food Exchange. The buffet lunch at Novotel Manila Araneta Center's Food Exchange is priced at P 1,088 (Mondays to Saturdays), and Sunday Brunch at P 1,588 per person. Novotel Manila Araneta Center is definitely transforming the Quezon City landscape, with its authentic global cuisine adding to the rich flavors of the northern commercial and business district. Take a bite of the world's best, at Novotel Manila Araneta Center's Food Exchange...

Novotel Manila Araneta Center is located at General Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center, Quezon City or call 990-7888 for inquiries and more information.

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Seafood or Pork? Why not have both...

And my craving for seafood and pork ramen leads me back to Go-en Ramen (for more on Go-en Ramen, see my previous post here).

Start with Go-en Ramen's O-Gyoza (P 250), soft, chewy and crisp pan-fried dumplings stuffed with ground pork and minced vegetables...

Then, the first bowl of ramen arrived, the Go-en Ramen (P 350), the chef's very own creation with seafood and vegetables in a light yet flavorful broth, with squid, hosomen, cabbage, carrots, naganegi, negi, and moyashi topped with prawns. The blend of seafood and vegetables combine for fresh and clean flavors, rounded out by the mild notes of the refreshing broth. Light yet satisfying, the Go-en Ramen should satisfy your seafood craving, but if you're up for another bowl...

...there's Go-en Ramen's classic Shoyu Ramen (P 350), a traditional style ramen with hosomen, nori, menma, naganegi, naruto, ajitsuke tamago, and smoky pork chashu in a dark soy-based broth. The deeper, darker color of the shoyu soy-based broth delivers richer and more intense flavors, pairing well with the delicate and mildly smoky notes of the tender pork chashu. The Japanese marinated soft-boiled egg completes the flavors, adding that layer of richness to cap the dish. Seafood and pork cravings? No worries, Go-en Ramen is just a short drive away...

Go-en The Japanese Ramen Shoppe Plus is located at Jardin de Zenaida, Unit B1, #34 Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City or call 441-4636 or 376-5761 for more information. You can also visit their website at http://www.goenramen.com/. For more on Kendama, visit http://goenkendama.com/.

Christmas may be over, but why not let the Yuletide vibe linger just a little while longer...

You can, with J. Co Donuts & Coffee's new Forest Glam donut. And why not, extending some good vibes is always a pretty good idea...and it tastes pretty good too.

Imagine J. Co Donuts & Coffee's signature dough topped with Black Forest, Chocolate Flakes, and Sugar Ice Glaze for rich and indulgent flavors, capped by dark cherries with its vibrant sweet and deep tart notes to temper the richness for balanced flavors. One bite of J. Co Donuts & Coffee's new Forest Glam (P 42/pc. P 252 for a half dozen, P 380 for a dozen, and P 595 for two dozen) and the comforting flavors of the Yuletide season is relived all over again. And J. Co Donuts & Coffee's creative seasonal donuts are always something to look forward to (for more on J. Co Donuts & Coffee's seasonal donuts, see my previous post here).

J. Co Donuts & Coffee combines both glam and glaze with their new Forest Glam. Pair it with a refreshing Iced Mocha Espresso, and enjoy some good vibes at J. Co Donuts & Coffee.

And if you're up for it, go for yet another of J. Co Donuts & Coffee's other new creations, like the new White Velvet Donut with cream cheese and cashews. At J. Co Donuts & Coffee, you'll always find your favorites, and exciting new flavors too. Here's to even more good cheer and good vibes this year...at J.Co Donuts & Coffee.

J. CO Donuts & Coffee is located at Unit 107, Ground Floor, Promenade, Greenhills Shopping Center, Greenhills, San Juan City.

You've probably entertained thoughts of packing an overnighter and going away, at a whim, for a new adventure. Seeing the world is a scenario that's both captivating and fascinating, yet sadly, sometimes the demands of the real world make it nothing more than just a pleasant thought. But the emergence of a vibrant culinary scene right here in the metro can virtually transport you anywhere in the world...

Instead of a passport or plane ticket, simply pick up a plate and a bowl and taste the world at Dad's World Buffet. And the best part, you can be back to the real world after lunch. Or dinner. Start with some Spanish style Gambas and plot your next culinary destination with another plate. It's that simple, and tasty too, at Dad's World Buffet (for more on Dad's World Buffet, check out my previous post here).

And Japan seems like a good place to start. Skip the four hour direct flight to Tokyo, just load up on sushi and sashimi at Dad's World Buffet's Japanese Station. And the selection is extensive and fresh, with all the good stuff in a wide range of colors, shapes and flavors.

Continue on your culinary journey of Japanese flavors with with some Gyoza and Tempura...

...followed by some hearty Chawanmushi, a creamy egg custard topped with Kani. Your journey goes into high gear with the next round of Japanese dishes...

More comforting flavors complete your culinary experience, like this Seafood Hot Pot with noodles and vegetables.

Then, have an ice-cold beer ready by your side to pair with some Yakitori, with skewers of tender chicken, beef and pork draped in a sweet teriyaki glaze. Great as is, even better with some Japanese Chahan.

On your next round, come home to local flavors with Dad's World Buffet's selection of Lechon and Bagnet for some pork love. It's what makes coming home even more special, reunited with familiar and comforting flavors.

But don't forget to make a quick stopover at the Carving Station for some US Roast Turkey, US Roast Beef, and New Zealand Roast Leg of Lamb.

Cap your feast at Dad's World Buffet with an equally impressive spread of desserts from all over the world. The sweet, tart, and creamy Yogurt topped with a variety of sprinkles does it for me. And just like the pure joy of travel, sometimes it's the journey, more than the destination, that makes the experience so much more memorable. Your Japanese food trip leaves you satisfied, with still so many more flavorful destinations to explore and discover. China, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea, India, Europe, Mexico, Brazil and the US, where to next? Plan your next culinary itinerary by visiting Dad's World Buffet...

Dad's World Buffet is located at the Fourth Floor, Bridgeway, SM Megamall, Ortigas Centre, Mandaluyong City or call 633-1758 for inquiries.

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The soothing heat of authentic Thai spices under the cool and star-filled evening sky...it's Spices Under the the Stars at The Peninsula Manila.

The Peninsula Manila's Spices takes Thai dining to a whole new experience, with Spices Under the Stars with traditional Thai cuisine by the pool side. Spicy green papaya salad and some savory sate under the stars...and I'm there.

Spices, The Peninsula Manila's iconic Thai restaurant, starts the year with Spices Under the Stars. Choose from a selection of small plates from the special ala carte satay grill menu, live som tam station, and lechon cochinillo carvery, prepared by Spices Thai Specialty Chef Phaitoon Atthasarn and his team (R)...

...and dine under the stars at the outdoor Spices Garden by the pool. There's nothing quite like the soothing heat of Thai cuisine tempered by the cool breeze of the season. A Live Action Somtam is conveniently set-up at the al fresco dining area outside Spices where you can select from a wide variety of fresh Thai salads. The fresh ingredients are mixed and pounded in a mortar and pestle blending all five main taste sensors of sour, spicy, salty, savory and sweet, all in one comforting salad dish. It's the seamless blend of distinct flavors that really sets Thai cuisine apart, and a fresh salad is the best way to rediscover authentic Thai dishes. Start with the sour and tart Yam Pla Duk Fu, the signature Spices catfish and green mango with shallot salad. The salad delivers a rich blend sharp notes, made even better with contrasting textures from the crunch of the crispy catfish flakes playing with a variety of fresh vegetables that snap with every bite.

Follow it up with Som Tam Karakor (P 540), a refreshing green papaya salad with its comforting heat and clean flavors. The chefs can prepare your salad according to the spice level you want, but you got to have this salad dish with even just a whisper of heat to experience real Thai flavors. Besides, the cool evening should more than compensate for the fiery chili, as you dine under the star-filled skies. Another salad option at the Live Action Somtam station is the sweet and sour Somtam Mamoung (P 540), another spicy salad dish with green mangoes (for more on The Peninsula Manila's Spices, see my previous post here).

After your salad course, have a taste of the uniquely flavored Sai Qua (P 640), grilled Northern Thai pork sausages with lemongrass, kaffir lime, chili and fish sauce. One bite releases bold flavors, from the richness of the pork balanced by the fragrant and distinct notes of the lemongrass and fish sauce, the citrusy sharpness of the kaffir lime, punctuated by a mild layer of heat from the chili. Unlike the usual sausages, Sai Qua infuses traditional Thai flavor elements of savory and sour, salty and spicy, to complement the mild flavors of the smoky pork.

Your Thai feast under the stars continue with Tom Kha Gai, a creamy and comforting bowl of tender chicken in coconut milk. Each sip brings a burst of both creamy and citrus flavors accompanied by a mild layer of heat, pairing well with the tender chunks of chicken. The diverse notes coat your mouth with vibrant flavors, setting you up for the next dish...

...authentic Thai-style sate, grilled skewered meat draped in sweet and spicy sate sauce. Make sure to sample Chef Phaitoon Athassarn's savory Sate selection of Gai Sate (chicken), Near Sate (beef), and Moo Sate (pork) served with peanut sauce (P 600-6pcs/P 980-12 pcs). The bite-sized morsels of grilled skewered meat delivers rich flavors with a smoky hint, capped by the thick peanut sauce. Great as is, even better with some steamed white rice.

At the Carving Station, the Cochinillo (P 980 per 1/4 kilo) was the dinner's highlight, with organic suckling pigs from Holy Cow Farms. Holy Cow Farms brings you back to simpler times long before processed foods, with its clean flavors. The mild yet rich flavors of the tender and juicy pork becomes immediately apparent with the first bite, with its subtle and natural sweetness.

Spices serves three kinds of sauces for the Cochinillo, be sure to try the clear Chili Lime Dip for contrasting notes to balance the richness of the pork. It also brings the signature Thai blend of flavors into play, combining well with the Cochinillo.

A lighter option is the Pla Trod, deep-fried fish served with Lime, Chili, and Garlic Sauce. The mild flavors of the soft and almost creamy texture of the fish with its crisp outer layer comes out with the spicy, tart and sour lime, chili, and garlic dip, adding bright notes to the dish.

And if you're craving for premium beef, go for the Nur Yang Nam Tok (P 1,450) grilled tender and juicy beef striploin served with mint, onion, Thai chili, and lime sauce. The slab of perfectly grilled beef is punctuated nicely by the sour, spicy and tart notes of the sauce, giving this dish a distinct Thai touch and a whole new flavor experience with beef. Salads, soup, and savory main courses, a world of Thai flavors await your al fresco dining experience at Spices Under the Stars.

Cap your feast at Spices Under the Stars with traditional Thai desserts, like the intricate Mango Sticky Rice...

...and Crispy Fried Turon with Langka Ice Cream to end your Thai feast under the skies at Spices on a high note. Sprinkled with sesame seeds, the crisp spring rolls are the perfect ending for a memorable al fresco dining experience (more on this signature dessert of The Peninsula Manila on my previous post here). Simply dip it in the sweet and thick caramel sauce and take a bite, along with a spoonful of homemade Langka Ice Cream. Spices Under the Stars at The Peninsula Manila's Spices is available on Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm to 11pm. With Valentine's coming up next, al fresco dining with authentic Thai flavors at Spices Under the Stars is one more flavorful option at The Peninsula Manila. See you Friday. Or Saturday...at The Peninsula Manila's Spices Under the Stars.

The Spices Garden is located outside Spices, near the pool, at The Peninsula Manila, corner of Ayala and Makati Avenues, 1226 Makati City. For inquiries and table reservations, you can call The Peninsula Manila at 887-2888, extension 6694 (Restaurant Reservations) or visit http://www.peninsula.com

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Pizza and pasta that's big on flavor, at The Big Cheese! Pizza...

The Big Cheese! Pizza introduces its own brand of bold and upfront flavors with its line of signature pizza and pasta, offering both flavor and superior value.

Located at D. Tuazon in the heart of Quezon City, The Big Cheese! Pizza is definitely the real deal. Inside The Big Cheese! Pizza, you'll find an open kitchen layout where you can observe the signature pizza and pasta prepared with the freshest ingredients. The bright interiors exude a casual and cool vibe, just the spot for some pizza and pasta.

Start with a refreshing Blue Lemonade (P 35/12 oz) and pair it with The Big Cheese! Pizza's signature starters...

...like the Garlic Parmesan Fries (P 150), crisp twist-shaped potatoes topped with crunchy garlic bits and Parmesan cheese. Fresh from the fryer, the fries are perfectly crisp, with the sharp notes of the Parmesan and the nutty hint of garlic weaving in its own distinct layers of flavors with each bite. The unique "twist" shape of the fries, crispy at the thin portion and soft at the thicker edges, combine for contrasting textures.

Then, the signature pasta dishes of The Big Cheese! Pizza were served, starting with the classic Puttanesca (P 150), a rich and flavorful tomato sauce-based pasta with black olives and capers. The soft yet firm and chewy pasta, draped in the rich and tart tomato sauce, bursts with sunny and vibrant flavors in your mouth. Hearty and comforting, it's the kind of dish that makes any bad day right. But there's more...

If it's rustic and creamy notes you're after, The Big Cheese! Pizza's Carbonara (P 170), is the one for you. A homestyle and comforting white pasta, the sharp smoky notes of the bacon are perfectly tempered by the cream sauce and tender mushrooms.

The traditional Meatball (P 180), a rich tomato sauce pasta topped with tender and succulent meatballs, a personal favorite. The beef and pork blend of the meatballs add that flavorful punch to the pasta, punctuated by the Parmesan to complete the dish. Homey and uncomplicated, just downright tasty and comforting. And the serving portions should satisfy hefty appetites.

We also got to try some new items still not on the menu, like The Big Cheese! Pizza's Herb Chicken Tenders, tender and juicy boneless chicken with a crisp layer of breading richly seasoned with herbs and spices. Tender, juicy chicken with a crisp outer layer, the tasty blend of herbs make this one different. Great as is, and great too with the sweet and smoky barbecue sauce or creamy garlic sauce. And if you're lucky, this dish should be available within the week. This one's a real winner...

Why go for the usual four cheeses when you can go for ten with the impressive 10-Cheese Overload (P 430-12"/P 590-16"), the ultimate cheese fix from The Big Cheese! Pizza with Cream Cheese base, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Parmesan, Feta, Ricotta, Monterey Jack, Provolone, Blue Cheese, and Gruyere topped with fresh basil. One bite reminds you why you love cheese, and this pizza has ten. Surprisingly, the rich blend of cheeses do not overwhelm the palate, with the different notes of the various cheeses combining for balanced flavors. And the pizza dough pairs well with the rich flavors, crusty and crunchy, and deliciously chewy. This is definitely the pizza for the ultimate cheese fix.

If you still can't decide on your pizza, The Big Cheese! Pizza makes it easy and simple, with everything on it. Go all-in with The Big Cheese! Pizza's All-In Supreme (P 520-12"/P 690-16") topped with everything, including your favorite proteins and greens like Pepperoni, Ham, Bacon, Italian Sausage, Beef, Onions, Red and Green Bell Peppers, Black Olives, and Button Mushrooms.

And not surprisingly, the flavors do pop out with each bite, with the wide range of flavorful notes from the generous portions of the different toppings. Going all-in pays off big time, with The Big Cheese! Pizza's All-In Supreme.

But The Big Cheese! Pizza has even more surprises up its sleeves with a brand new pizza. Meet the new Barbecue Bacon Cheese Pizza, with the smoky and sweet notes of barbecue chicken and bacon. You can also taste a hint of honey, tempered by the sharp bite of the red onions. And this one's another favorite.

The wide range of flavors in this new pizza represents the bold style and approach to flavor by The Big Cheese! Pizza, and I'm liking every bite. Big, bold, upfront flavors and big value, it's a winning combination. Go big, and be the big cheese, at The Big Cheese! Pizza...

The Big Cheese! Pizza is located at the 2nd Floor, SJD Building, 62 D. Tuazon, Quezon City or call 714-8111 for inquiries and delivery. You can also check out their FB Page for more information at https://www.facebook.com/thebigcheesepizza.

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It's one of those Sunday afternoons when a sudden craving for lamb chops kicks in, and you know just the right place...

...and your unexpected craving leads you to Discovery Primea's Tapenade to end the week on a high note.

A refreshing welcome drink sets the tone for a late lunch at Tapenade, along with the excellent service, and you just know your sudden craving will be satisfied in that distinct and elegant Tapenade style (for more on Discovery Primea's Tapenade, see my previous posts here, their memorable Mother's Day special here, and their signature Salad Room here).

Warm bread, fresh from the oven, is served as your orders are prepared. Dip the soft, warm bread in the garlic olive oil for rich flavors in every bite, setting up your palate for even more flavors yet to come.

Roy suggested I pair my main course with their signature starter, the rustic Croquetas Cremosas (P 390), delicate croquettes stuffed with Chicken-Chorizo (L) and Serrano Ham (R). And Roy was right. The croquettes are perfectly executed, soft and creamy with a lightly crisp outer layer for contrasting texture. The mild flavors of the croquettes are nicely punctuated by the Chicken-Chorizo and the Serrano Ham stuffing.

After quick work on the starter, my main course arrived, Tapenade's signature Australian Lamb Chops "Charmoula" (P 1,200-200g), tender and juicy lamb with cilantro, cumin, cucumber, and yogurt, served with a side salad drizzled with a tart vinaigrette.

The bold notes of the Moroccan marinade, the "charmoula," adds a flavorful layer of flavor to complement the lamb. Made with herbs, lemon, cumin, garlic, salt, and other spices and seasonings, the upfront flavors tempers the richness of the premium Australian lamb.

Perfectly grilled to medium with a juicy pink center, each bite releases intense flavors, and the side salad, with its tart and citrusy vinaigrette, balances the flavors. At Tapenade, you just can't go wrong with their Australian Lamb Chops "Charmoula."

With your craving for lamb chops satisfied, complete your dining experience with freshly brewed coffee. A sudden craving for lamb chops? No worries. Simply head on down to Tapenade and ask for Roy's recommendations for a satisfying dining experience...

Tapenade is located at the Ground Floor of the new Discovery Primea, 6749 Ayala Avenue, Makati City or call 955-8888 or visit http://www.discoveryhotels-resorts.com/discoveryprimea/ for inquiries and reservations.

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The best of the metro's innovative homegrown flavors and concepts converge at the Mandala Park...

The Mandala Park transforms into an oasis of fresh and inventive flavors showcasing a curated listing of merchants with their locally sourced and crafted produce. It's the Mandala Park Weekend Market, read on and take a virtual tour of the metro's best homegrown products...

The Mandala Park Weekend Market is Litton & Co.'s way of giving back to the community by providing a venue for bringing people together to start the new year right with a hand-picked selection of the metro's finest offerings.

At the Mandala Park Weekend Market, you can find more about your luck, fortune, and wealth with a tarot reading by Mysterium Philippines (L), or rock to the acoustic blues sound of Mikki Gozon, AKA Hoochie Coochie (R), for even more good vibes.

Start your tour of the Mandala Park Weekend market with a refreshing beverage from one of the park's many offerings, including a soothing bottle or glass of Ginger Ale from Stanford & Shaw, made with fresh ginger and lemon.

Need a caffeine fix? Out-of-the-Box Bullet Proof Coffee at the Mandala Park Weekend Market shares their own take on coffee with a flavorful, and healthy, punch to boost your coffee experience. Have a shot or a cup, and discover the difference.

It was also great to see familiar favorites at the Mandala Park Weekend Market, like Pedro Brew Crafters and their line of artisan craft beer. And it was a good time to get reacquainted with their light and refreshingly crisp Endless Summer Wheat Ale, the hoppy Procrastination Pale Ale, and the traditional style Elementary, English Ale dark beer.

The people behind Pedro Brew Crafters (R) would be more than happy to take you through the finer points of craft beer and rediscover beer in a new light (If you haven't met Pedro yet, see my previous post here).

Other beverages at the Mandala Park Weekend Market include Bayani Brew with their line of all-natural and refreshing beverages made with purely local and indigenous ingredients sourced from organic farming communities.

You can also find an assortment of products consistent with the holistic wellness mission of the Mandala Park Weekend Market, like fresh juice blends prepared with all-natural ingredients for an energy boost.

Then, nibble your way through the Mandala Park Weekend Market with some tasty Parmesan Crisps (L) from Trigo PH, the same artisan bakery used exclusively by Jeremy Slagle and Mister Delicious for their soft brioche buns, along with some equally tasty snacks and bottled products from Asiong's Carinderia and Cafe (R).

Choose from a wide variety of fresh, organic vegetables from the Good Food Community (R), or indulge in one of the metro's best artisan ice cream, Fog City Creamery (L), with their line of signature flavors like Ferrero Rocher with Nutella Swirl, Butterscotch Pecan, and Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate.

And you can't pass on the famous Polish Pierogi from Babci Kuchnia, the original and first pierogi in the metro. Savory or sweet, the freshly prepared pierogi at Babci Kuchnia never fails to satisfy, and a quick bite fresh from the flat grill does not disappoint.

Choose from a wide selection of savory pierogi, including the classic meat, beef & sauerkraut, sauerkraut & mushroom; and sweet pierogi like chocolate, cheese & rum raisin, and caramelized apple and cinnamon to prepare you for another round at the Mandala Park Weekend Market.

As you pick up the pace, you can find even more tasty offerings at the Mandala Park Weekend Market, like Beef Nachos from Punta (L) and delicious Pares from Jonas Manila (R).

Have a taste of D' Famous Imus Longganisa, a garlicky pork sausage, with fresh links sizzling on the grill releasing its fragrant aroma throughout the park. The homestyle goodness of this regional delicacy is another one of those good finds at the Mandala Park Weekend Market.

Enjoy a boxed meal of Imus Longganisa with steamed white rice, or take home a pack or two. It's comforting flavors like this that make a visit to the Mandala Park Weekend Market an experience in itself.

And there's more. Chefs Miko Aspiras and Kristine Lotilla bring their own creative and inventive take on French cuisine with a distinct Asian spin at Le Petite Souffle and their signature dishes.

Familiar flavors are recreated and reinvented with a refreshing French-Japanese fusion for a whole new flavor experience (for more on Le Petite Souffle, see my previous post here). Delicately plated, each dish tastes as good as it looks, with that signature style from chefs Miko Aspiras and Kristinne Lotilla.

After a savory meal, you just have to have dessert from Scouts Honor by chefs Miko Aspiras and Kristine Lotilla. Sample their intricate cookie creations...

...or go for an indulgent Craft Cookie Milkshake for a unique "bite and sip" experience (for more on Scout's Honor's Craft Cookie Milkshake, see my previous posts here and its cool version upgrade here, and inventive new cookie creations here).

You can also find some 'shrooms at the Mandala Park Weekend Market from Perfect Mushroom, all-natural and organic mushrooms. The guys at Perfect Mushroom have taken mushrooms to a whole new level with their inventive Mushroom Chili Sauce and Spicy Adobo Mushrooms...

...or have a bite of freshly steamed Dumplings (R) stuffed with finely chopped mushrooms. You can even purchase bags of fresh 'shrooms (L) and prepare your own dishes at home (for more on Perfect Mushroom, see my post on their collaboration with Mister Delicious and Craft Point Brewery, that's 'shrooms, bacon, and beer, here).

Craving for beef? Stop by Mister Delicious for their signature Corned Beef Brisket...

...or take home some Applewood Smoked Bacon (L), a personal favorite. Mister Delicious also offers Naturally Fermented Sauerkraut (R), perfect when paired with the Corned Beef Brisket (more on Mister Delicious on my previous post here). Mister Delicious Bacon and Corned Beef...just perfect.

At Wrapped Shawarma, you'll find savory beef shawarma and this beauty, their signature Lechon Belly with tender and juicy pork capped with a layer of crisp crackling. Seriously good.

Then, your nose picks up a savory scent, leading you to the source at the other end of the Mandala Park Weekend Market. The charcoal grill of Gostoso Piri-Piri is fired up, loaded with chicken, pork, and seafood and drizzled with their signature piri-piri sauce. It's always great to see some familiar favorites from last year at the Mandala Park Weekend Market.

The tender and juicy grilled chicken (L), with its mild smoky notes, are punctuated by the sharp flavors of the piri-piri sauce. You can try their grilled pork (R), a complete meal in itself, or go for a combo (for more on Gostoso Piri-Piri, check out my earlier post here).

At the other end of the Mandala Park Weekend Market, Ribs Manila fires up their grill with their hefty slabs of pork ribs, draped in a thick barbecue glaze.

Serious comfort food, right here at the Mandala Park Weekend Market. And with 24 other merchants to choose from, you'll never run out of tasty options at Mandala Park.

After a satisfying meal or snack, pick up some cool finds at Yakang Yaka Barter for some great deals. And you can find all these at the heart of Mandaluyong, at the former site of the Litton Textile Mills, recalibrated and relaunched as a new integrated 3.2-hectare mixed-use development called Mandala Park. A new Mandaluyong is definitely in bloom, and experience it first-hand and up-close at the Mandala Park Weekend Market.

For more information on the Mandala Park Weekend Market Series, follow Mandala Park on their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/mandalaparkph/ and Instagram Feed at https://www.instagram.com/mandalaparkph/

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The freshest, all natural milk. It's what makes Carmen Best Ice Cream special, the way ice cream should be...

...and in one memorable day trip, I get a rare chance to visit the very source of Carmen's Best's near legendary creamy freshness at the Real Fresh Dairy Farm and Laguna Creamery Processing Plant located in Bay, Laguna.

The wide, sprawling landscape presents ideal conditions for yielding high-quality milk, providing more than enough grazing for the farm's 264 dairy cows from New Zealand. And this is where great ice cream begins...

It's a chain of complex and delicate links masterfully orchestrated by the farm's staff that ensures the high quality of milk used in every batch of Carmen's Best Ice Cream. More than any other ingredient, it's the milk that makes the ice cream. Real, pure, natural, and fresh milk. And nothing less.

At the farm's processing plant, we get a rare peek behind the complex and numerous steps with each batch of fresh milk collected from the dairy cows at 4am and 4pm daily.

Paco Magsaysay (L), Carmen's Best's founder and owner personally toured the group around the farm's facilities along with his staff. After Paco's father, Ramon Magsaysay Jr. left the senate back in 2007, they set up their own dairy farm. And with the dairy farm, Paco Magsaysay conceived the idea for making ice cream.

And not just any ice cream, but real ice cream made from 100% fresh cow's milk and cream delivered daily at dawn from the farm. From there, the volume of ice cream depends on the amount of fresh milk, since Carmen's Best uses no prepared mixes, artificial flavorings, coloring, or thickeners. What sets Carmen's Best Ice Cream apart from the others is the use of pure, natural, and fresh milk as the base to give it a distinct velvety smooth texture that UHT (ultra high temperature processed milk) or powdered milk cannot replicate.

And the source of the fresh milk comes directly from the farm's 264 dairy cows. The grass-fed cows feed continuously until their next milking cycle in the afternoon. At the other end, young cows are housed separately in the same idyllic conditions.

Based on the acidity level of the milk, each batch is selected for use in ice cream, bottled fresh milk, or cheeses. At the end of the tour, we sampled some of the farm's fresh cheeses, including their signature Kesong Puti (R). Firm yet soft to the bite, with clean and fresh flavors that's indulgently creamy.

One bite of the Kesong Puti makes it immediately clear how real fresh milk makes the difference. And this is confirmed with a sip of the farm's fresh milk, produced under Real Fresh Dairy Farm's Holly label. The fresh milk is creamy with a mild sweetness coating your mouth, noticeably richer than the usual commercially available milk products.

The farm produces four fresh milk variants under the Holly label, including Full Cream, Low Fat, Chocolate, and Low Fat Yoghurt. The Low Fat variant is equally creamy, with the same rich mouth feel and subtle sweetness, proving once again that real fresh milk makes all the difference. The Low Fat Yoghurt is also a personal favorite, with its mild sour notes tempered by a whisper of sweetness for fresh and balanced flavors. And this is the source of Carmen's Best Ice Cream's velvety smooth creaminess, with the freshest, all-natural milk from the farm.

With the family's dairy farm, it seemed only natural for Paco Magsaysay to pursue his hobby and create his own ice cream. From the time he bought his first ice cream maker to the time he finished Penn State's Ice Cream Short Course and earning the top prize with The Keeney Award, what started with small batches of ice cream for family and friends turned into a successful small business. And he's more than ready to raise the bar on how premium ice cream should taste. For Paco Magsaysay, the secret to amazing ice cream is quite simple. Absolutely no compromises. Quality means taking no easy short cuts, and getting no substitutes for the finest ingredients. And that remains at the very core of Carmen's Best Ice Cream's passion and philosophy, experienced and enjoyed with each pint of ice cream displaying its label. And it all begins with real, fresh milk.

After the farm tour, Paco Magsaysay led the group to Dalcielo for lunch located inside UP Los Banos, just a short drive from Paco Magsaysay's farm. Dalcielo is known for using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients for its wide variety of dishes.

And there's no better way to cap a hearty and sumptuous lunch than with a few pints of Carmen's Best Ice Cream (for more on Carmen's Best Ice Cream, check out my previous posts here and here). Carmen's Best Ice Cream comes only in small tubs, since only small batches are produced in the classic handcrafted and old-fashioned way.

No air, no added water, no additives, no mass-producing, just good old-fashioned craftsmanship with the finest ingredients available, including real, fresh milk from the family's dairy farm. And it just doesn't get better than that. Like they say, the proof is in the pudding. A trio of Carmen's Best's all-time bestsellers should settle the matter with just one bite. A spoonful of Carmen's Best Ice Cream's Malted Milk (P 370 Pint/P 98-100ml) takes you back in time to carefree summers with Horlicks, Maltesers, and chocolate. The nutty and buttery notes of roasted pistachios bursts with each bite of Carmen's Best Ice Cream's Pistachio (P 420 Pint/P 110-100ml). And still the leading favorite in terms of volume, Carmen's Best Ice Cream's Salted Caramel (P 370 Pint/P 98-100ml), the one that started it all. The visit to the dairy farm just put everything in perspective, giving you a better appreciation of why each pint of Carmen's Best Ice Cream is just so indulgently rich and dense yet velvety smooth.

With a growing portfolio of flavors, you can't help but notice some of their witty names, like He's Not Worth It (P 420 Pint/P 110-100ml), with a rich dark chocolate base infused with Oreo cookies, pecan, walnuts, and indulgent swirls of thick caramel fudge. You won't stand a chance against this little tub with your girlfriend...

Then, there's the new Secret Breakfast (P 420 Pint/P 110-100ml) with cereal spiked with whiskey, my kind of breakfast in a pint. And if you're flying Business Class via PAL to the US, Canada, London, and Japan, you can enjoy Salted Caramel, Rocky Road and Malted Milk for a flavorful upgrade. The young brand is definitely on the rise, with real, fresh milk driving it a notch higher above the rest.

For more information on Carmen's Best, visit their website at http://www.carmensbest.com/ or call (+632) 809-2042 or +63917-567-BEST (2378).

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Take a 6-pack for an extraordinary beer flight and boldly embark on a journey far away from the usual beer experience...

Craftpoint Brewing Company introduces The Beer Explorer Club, an innovative monthly beer subscription club showcasing the very best local artisan brews. As a member of The Beer Explorer Club, you will receive a boxed 6-Pack from Craftpoint Brewing Company every month, but not just any ordinary 6-Pack. Each package will contain three of Craftpoint Brewing Company's signature brews, plus three new brews for the month. Ready for a unique beer adventure? Read on...

And there's no better place to try Craftpoint Brewing Company's signature beer and take out the new brews on a test run than at Edsa Beverage Design Group located along Edsa. The guys behind EBDG are at the forefront of innovative coffee, cocktails, sodas, and beer, pioneering the pursuit of the noble beverage.

And every month, you get to experience and discover Craftpoint Brewing Company's innovative and creative approach to the art of brewing with their inventive new beers for the month (more on Craftpoint Brewing Company on my previous posts here at Drink Up Philippines and their collaboration with Mister Delicious and Perfect Mushroom, that's 'shrooms, burgers and beer, here). Each month, Craftpoint Brewing Company flexes their creative muscles with exciting new brews, constantly challenging the norm with their traditional and non-traditional brews. Once you sign up for a short trip with a 3-month subscription or a full-on expedition with a 6-month subscription, Craftpoint Brewing Company replenishes your beer provisions with a random mix of their signature beers and their exclusive small-batch brews, the new "mystery beer" for the month. Every month. Each month becomes a totally new adventure, and an exciting new experience with The Beer Explorer Club. It's a whole new and unchartered world out there with craft beer, with so many possibilities.

And the guys behind Craftpoint Brewing Company are dead serious in ensuring a memorable journey with their craft beer creations. Chip Vega, Aldous Bernardo, and Marvin Moreno of Craftpoint Brewing Company shared their signature brews paired with some of EBDG's signature pork dishes with its sinfully rich notes...

...perfectly tempered by Craftpoint Brewing Company's Liberation Revolutionary Pale Ale, a Belgian-style ale with its upfront and citrusy American hops and fruity, aromatic yeast blend with just a whisper of nutty caramel sweetness to complete the flavors. But that's not all you get with The Beer Explorer Club's 6-pack of brews...

Included in The Beer Explorer Club's 6-Pack for the month of January is Craftpoint Brewing Company's new brew, The People's Champ, an exciting new brew that can only come from the inventive minds of Chip, Aldous, and Marvin. Aptly named, The People's Champ is a Champurado Milk Stout, infused with Malagos Cacao shells, premium chocolate from Davao (more on Malagos Chocolate on my previous posts of their premium 65% Dark Chocolate and the Davao Gourmet Collective) in a rich milk stout base. Who would've thought that the traditional chocolate rice porridge could be reinvented and transformed into a refreshing new brew? And that's exactly what makes your journey with The Beer Explorer Club special, with surprising and unexpected yet satisfying new flavor experiences. The deep, nutty chocolate notes pair well with the mild caramel sweetness of the dark stout, coating your mouth with a richness that lingers long after the first sip. This is definitely the people's champ, and one cool take on the homey champurado.

For the month of February, Craftpoint Brewing Company concocted a special brew that's indulgently creamy with a soothing layer of heat, my good friend The Last Don described it as love and lust, bottled and ready to please. Complex yet balanced notes weave in for a new beer experience. And it works. And if you can't wait to try this new brew, simply sign up with The Beer Explorer Club to receive this new flavor for February (for more on Craftpoint Brewing Company's The Beer Explorer Club, visit their website here with details on subscription options and prices, payment plans, and delivery or pick-up arrangements). Ready to embark on a unique journey of craft beer? Boldly venture away from the usual beer experience, and sign up to experience the exciting new flavors of craft beer with The Beer Explorer Club by Craftpoint Brewing Company...

Edsa Beverage Design Group is located at 209 EDSA CLMC Building (between the Shell station and Kamayan Building), Greenhills-Mandaluyong, 1900 Metro Manila or visit their website here for more information)

For more information on Craftpoint Brewing Company, their signature brews, product updates and promotions, visit their website here.

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There's nothing quite like a comforting serving of paella prepared in the traditional and rustic style from the kitchen of Chef Chele Gonzalez. Now you can have rich and authentic Spanish flavors delivered directly to your home...

You can enjoy Arrozeria's extensive line of signature paellas and Spanish dishes at home, with just one phone call.

Modern Spanish cuisine is recreated daily at Arrozeria, with Chef Chele Gonzalez at the helm (for more on Arrozeria, see my previous posts on their signature dishes here and inventive new paella dishes here). Chef Chele Gonzalez is also the culinary force behind Vask (more on Vask on my earlier posts here, another post on their Weekend Brunch at Vask's Tapas Bar, and their previous holiday brunch, Comida de Navidad). And now, you can enjoy Chef Chele's Spanish dishes at home too...

Arrozeria's signature Paella Valenciana (P 1,130-15"/P 1,720-18"/P 2,190-21"), with chicken, rosemary, green and white beans on soft and fluffy tinawon heirloom rice, is boxed in a large flat carton and delicately wrapped in paper and foil to keep it moist and fresh. It's the classic and comfortingly familiar paella, prepared in the traditional style that Chef Chele Gonzalez grew up with, with each spoonful releasing a burst of rich flavors. The rice absorbs all the flavors of the different ingredients, with the fresh French beans adding its distinct notes and "snap" to the dish. Arrozeria offers a wide variety of paella, including De Verduras with seasonal vegetables, Abanda with boneless fish and seafood, Del Sonorito with boneless chicken and peeled seafood, Pato y Setas with duck and mushrooms, and Rossejat with beef shank, pork knuckles, chorizo and chickpeas, as well as different paella styles like Meloso or saucy paellas, Fideua with thin noodles instead of rice, creamy Risottos and Arroz Gratinado or gratin.

To order, simply choose your paella, choose your size (15" good for 4-5, 18" for 6-8, and 21" for 8-10), and dial 2121212, and your paella is delivered directly to your home, hot and fresh from Arrozeria. Enjoying authentic Spanish cuisine at home has never been this easy. And you can too. It's just a phone call away...

Arrozeria is located at Level 4, Century City Mall , Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City or call +63920-974-4742 or visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/arrozeriamnl/ for more updates. For deliveries, simply call 2121212 or visit http://www.twoanyone.com/.

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Jamon Iberico. Australian Rack of Lamb. US Angus Ribeye. Bagnet. And free-flowing champagne...it's the Weekend Champagne Brunch at Alfred.

The new Makati Diamond Residences will soon be launching its indulgent and impressive Weekend Champagne Brunch at Alfred, the hotel's elegant 24-hour all-day dining restaurant, at a special introductory price. It's a deal worth booking a reservation as early as now for the January 31, 2016 launch.

Located along Legazpi Street at the heart of the Makati CBD, the new Makati Diamond Residences combines the features of a full-scale serviced apartment with the amenities of a luxurious business hotel. As you enter the lobby, the impressive high-ceiling greets you along with the warm smiles of the staff, and your experience begins...

...at Makati's newest luxury property. A short walk around the lobby leads you to Alfred, the hotel's elegant restaurant surrounded by panoramic floor-to-ceiling glass windows letting in soothing natural light. Named after the fictional butler, you can always count on exceptional service, and exceptional food, at Alfred.

And there's just nothing quite like free-flowing champagne to elevate the brunch experience. At the Weekend Champagne Brunch, Alfred pulls all the stops with unlimited rounds of champagne to get you in the groove in no time.

Way before the 11:30am opening, the final touches were laid on the impressive buffet spread, with a wide assortment of dishes fresh from the kitchen. And you're never too far from a chilled bottle of champagne for a second round. And a third.

At the preview of Alfred's Weekend Champagne Brunch, Makati Diamond Residences PR & Marketing Supervisor Karina Marie Leal (L) welcomed guests, as Sommelier Gerard Savigny (R) described the champagne selection, which included Besserat de Bellefon, Jean Vesselle, Delamotte, and Pierre Peters.

Start your Weekend Champagne Brunch at Albert with a selection of the finest Jamon Serrano and Jamon Iberico from Spain. Pair it with some champagne, wine and cheese, and it just doesn't get better than that.

Four types of the premium Spanish ham were served, made from pure breed Iberian Pig, including the Jamon Serrano Gran Reserva Montenevado, Jamon Iberico Extremedura, Jamon Iberico Salamanca, and the Jamon Iberico Bellota from Guijuelo, Spain.

The Jamon Serrano and Jamon Iberico are an experience in itself, and one of the many reasons to check out the Weekend Champagne Brunch at Alfred. Each variant offers its own distinct flavor, from the mild yet sharp buttery salty hint of the Jamon Serrano Gran Reserva Montenevado aged for 18 months, the fragrant and aromatic Jamon Iberico Extremadura aged for 24 months, the nutty Jamon Iberico Salamanca aged for 24 months, and the deep, rounded and intense flavors of the creamy melt-in-your-mouth Jamon Iberico Bellota aged for 36 months. Where else can you find not one, but four types of premium Jamon Serrano and Jamon Iberico, all in one amazing champagne brunch?

At the buffet spread, you'll find indulgently rich pasta dishes like the Uni Pasta with Crabmeat, Crumbs, Basil, and Pepperoncini (L) and the equally rich Foie Gras Raviolini with Sage Butter and Truffle Foam (R), each with its own unique and comforting flavors. But it gets better...

On one side of the buffet spread, you'll find a pair of Cochinillo, roast suckling pig, slow-roasted for hours with tender and juicy pork capped by perfectly crisp crackling. Take it with a thick and traditional liver sauce, a spicy chili vinegar dip, or as is, the delicate and mildly sweet flavors of the cochinillo will have you going back for seconds...

Beside the Cochinillo, you'll find Alfred's inventive take on a regional classic, the Bagnet Rice (L), topped with vegetables and crispy strips of deep-fried pork belly mixed with shrimp paste. And if you just can't help having another piece of crispy Bagnet (R), you'll find more right next to the Bagnet Rice, so dig in.

After some starters (don't pass on the Raclette at the Appetizer Station, trust me), it's time for a stop at the Carving Station. For the main course, your choices include Grilled Prawns with roasted vegetables...

...tender and juicy Australian Rack of Lamb, ready for carving...

...and premium US Angus Ribeye with grilled peppers and marble potatoes.

Alfred's Carving Station is loaded with so many options, so have another glass of champagne. The chefs on station will carve your US Angus Ribeye to your specified thickness, and grill it your desired doneness.

Then, simply pick up a slice and enjoy. At Alfred's Carving Station, you'll find a variety of sauces, but for beef this good, you don't need any gravy at all.

Here's my version of surf and turf at Alfred's Weekend Champagne Brunch, with Australian Rack of Lamb, Grilled Prawns, and US Angus Ribeye with roasted asparagus, cherry tomatoes and marble potatoes. You'll also find some grilled cauliflower and carrots, drape it with some of the Carving Station's creamy cheese sauce... perfect.

And since it's a weekend, go ahead and have some pork with Alfred's Bagnet Rice and Cochinillo. Pure pork bliss...at Alfred's Weekend Champagne Brunch.

Cap your Weekend Champagne Brunch with a freshly brewed Latte (Makati Diamond Residences uses premium coffee from Toby's Estate Coffee) and some of their signature and indulgent desserts, like the thick and moist Bouchon, the decadent Limoncello Tiramisu (R)...

...or the sweet and tart Rhubarb Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream, just perfect with Alfred's Latte. The mildly sour yet vibrant notes of the rhubarb are tempered by the smooth and creamy ice cream for balanced flavors, ending your Weekend Champagne Brunch at Alfred on a high note.

One more round of champagne for the road, and its a weekend made perfect at Alfred. The Weekend Champagne Brunch at Alfred will start on January 31, 2016 until March 20, 2016, from 11:30am to 2:30pm and priced at only P 1,000 net per person (only for regular weekends except holidays like Valentine's or Holy Week, with the Weekend Champagne Brunch priced at P 2,000 net per person). And with a deal this good, reservations are absolutely recommended to guarantee a table for your party, so pick-up the phone and call, and prepare for one awesome Weekend Champagne Brunch experience at Makati's newest luxury business hotel.

Alfred is located at the Lobby Level of the Makati Diamond Residences, 118 Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati or call +632 317-0999 local 1114, +63917-636-4875 or email alfredmakatidiamond.com for inquiries and more information. You can also visit their website at http://makatidiamond.com/.

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Quick Bites: Going for a Winning Pair at Go-en Ramen

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Plates and Bowls at Dad's World Buffet

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Mediterranean Flavors: A Late Sunday Lunch at Tapenade

Homegrown Flavors Bloom at the Mandala Park Weekend Market

At The Source of Carmen's Best's Freshness at Real Fresh Dairy Farm

Take Off with Craftpoint Brewing Company's The Beer Explorer Club

The Taste of Spain Right at Your Doorstep with Arrozeria's Paella Valenciana

A Bubbly Brunch: A Weekend Champagne Brunch at Alfred