Eat – Page 24 – Jellybeans in the City

From fear to flour power: overcoming baking anxiety at IDIM DIY Bakery

Baking is a beautiful artform that brings joy and warmth to people’s homes (not to mention a lot of sweetness!). However, it can be an intimidating task for newbies.

One of the biggest reasons for this is the precision involved in baking. Unlike cooking, where you can adjust the seasoning and taste as you go along, baking requires precise measurements and timing. A small mistake in the measurement or timing can lead to a disaster, and this can be daunting for newbies who are not used to working with such precision.

Another reason why baking can seem daunting to wannabe bakers is the number of ingredients involved. Baking often requires a long list of ingredients, some of which may not be familiar to newbies. This can be overwhelming and lead to a sense of confusion and anxiety. Plus, some ingredients may be expensive, and newbies may be hesitant to invest in them, especially if they are not sure if they will use them again.

Lastly, the equipment needed for baking can also be intimidating to newbies. Baking requires a range of specialized equipment, such as mixers, baking pans, and measuring cups. Newbies may not have all the equipment they need and may be unsure of what they need to buy. Moreover, some equipment can be expensive, and newbies may be hesitant to invest in them, especially if they are not sure if they will continue baking.

Yes, baking can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to it. However, there are many joys to be found in overcoming that newbie’s fear. Here are some of them:

The sense of accomplishment.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of successfully baking your first loaf of bread or a batch of cookies from scratch. Overcoming your fear of baking can give you a sense of pride and accomplishment that will carry over into other areas of your life.

Learning new skills.

Baking is a skill that can take time to master, but the process of learning can be a lot of fun. Discovering new techniques and tricks to make your baked goods even better can feel very rewarding.

The satisfaction of creating something delicious.

Baking is a creative process, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about creating something that not only looks beautiful but tastes amazing too. You’ll have the opportunity to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, and create something truly unique.

Sharing with others.

Baking is a wonderful way to bring people together, whether it’s sharing a warm loaf of bread with your family or bringing a batch of cookies to share with your coworkers. Overcoming your fear of baking can open up new opportunities for you to share your creations with others.

Developing a new hobby.

Baking can be a great hobby to take up, especially if you’re looking for something that’s both fun and rewarding. You’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills and techniques, and develop a passion for baking that can last a lifetime (to the delight of your fam and friends, I’m sure!).

With such benefits awaiting the baking newbie, any fear of baking should be overcome right away! Well, a recently opened bakery in SM Megamall is ready to help do just that!

IDIM (I Did It Myself) DIY Bakery is the first Do-It-Yourself Bakery in Asia which originated in Taiwan and recently made its way to our shores. Currently the number one DIY bakery, it provides a welcoming and supportive environment that helps newbie bakers address their baking fears and build their confidence.

One way in which IDIM DIY Bakery addresses the fear of precision is by providing step-by-step instructions and guidance. Tablets with detailed yet easy-to-understand recipes, complete with demo videos, are provided to the newbie bakers. Experienced baking coaches are also on-hand to help newbies understand the importance of measuring ingredients precisely and guide them through the process. These help newbies feel more confident in their abilities and reduces their anxiety.

On the other hand, IDIM DIY Bakery addresses the newbie’s fear of having to stock up on so many ingredients is by providing a range of premium ingredients already on-hand, easily accessible within the bakery. These include pre-mixes, separated eggs and pre-squeezed juices that newbies need to create delicious baked goods, without having to worry about difficult preparation techniques. This reduces the complexity of the baking process and makes it more accessible to newbies.

Lastly, IDIM DIY Bakery addresses the fear of having to invest in costly baking tools by already providing all the necessary equipment for baking. Newbies do not need to buy expensive equipment or worry about not having the right tools. The bakery provides a wide range of equipment, including mixers, baking pans, and measuring cups, as well as baking coaches to guide newbies through the process of using these gizmos. This helps newbies feel more comfortable and confident in their abilities, and reduces the barriers to entry for baking.

So go ahead and whip up your baking masterpiece that you can bring home to your family and friends; you’ll have all you need at IDIM DIY Bakery.

Please note the following:

No entrance fees will be charged other than the price of your desired cake. Prices listed on IDIM DIY Bakery’s website and menu already cover the fee for the baking session, the ingredients needed for creating the desired cakes or pastries, as well as the usage of equipment. Add-ons like cake toppers, milk tea drinks, etc. are subject to additional charges.
Two people are allowed to bake on a single cake while one person only is allowed for an order of pastry or cookie.
Children need to be at least six years old and 1.2m or taller to enter and bake. To ensure compliance to safety precautions, the child’s height will be measured before entry.
Personal items should be stored in the lockers which are provided free of charge.

IDIM DIY Bakery is located at 4th Floor Mega Atrium, SM Megamall, Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 10am to 10pm (cut-off at 8pm). Walk-ins and reservations are accepted.

For more information about IDIM DIY Bakery, visit its website or follow it on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Disclosure: A free baking session at IDIM DIY Bakery was provided to facilitate this feature.

9 reasons why Hashi Donburi is a must-try restaurant for Japanese food lovers

If you’re a Japanese food lover and you’re looking for a new restaurant to try, you can hie yourself off to this hidden gem along Mother Ignacia Avenue in Quezon City.

Here are nine reasons why you should dine at Hashi Donburi:

1. Japanese flavors made accessible

Hashi Donburi offers an extensive menu of Japanese dishes including rice bowls, sushi, sashimi, tempura, ramen, and more, all of which are prepared using traditional techniques and ingredients that the owner – ex-OFW Aldy Mancio – learned from Japanese mentor during his overseas stint setting up one of the first Japanese restaurants in the Middle East back in the 80s.

He parlayed his kitchen prowess into a thriving business back home when he opened a ramen and donburi shop in Dapitan, Manila, catering to the students in the area.

The restaurant’s name is a combination of two Japanese words. “Hashi” means chopsticks, which are a common utensil for eating Japanese food, while “donburi” refers to a bowl of rice topped with various ingredients.

Soon, another branch opened along Mother Ignacia Avenue in Quezon City to cater to the professionals and families in the area. Despite going through a rough patch during the lockdowns brought about by the pandemic, Andy and his team kept Hashi Donburi open, ready to serve their loyal clientele and new foodie fans with the restaurant’s takes on Japanese food.

2. Cozy and inviting atmosphere

The restaurant has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with wooden furniture, Japanese-inspired decor, and warm lighting that exudes a minimalist-industrial ambiance but also creates a comfortable and relaxing dining experience. It’s the perfect spot for a casual lunch or dinner.

3. Friendly and attentive service

The staff at Hashi Donburi are friendly and attentive, making sure that every customer feels welcome and satisfied. They are always happy to answer any questions about the menu and offer recommendations based on your preferences. Plus, the restaurant recently migrated to a digital ordering system, allowing guests to scan a QR code browse through and order from an online menu and which also totals their bill.

4. Wide variety of rice bowls

Rice bowls, or donburi, are a staple in Japanese cuisine, and Hashi Donburi specializes in a wide variety of flavorful and satisfying rice bowls. Whether you prefer meat, seafood, or vegetables, there is a donburi for everyone on their menu.

5. Fresh handmade sushi

If you’re a fan of sushi you won’t be disappointed at Hashi Donburi. They use fresh and high-quality ingredients to create their beautifully plated handmade rolls.

Here are some tips for sushi lovers at Hashi Donburi: If you’re dining solo, treat yourself to an Onigiri, an Okinawan nori sandwich filled with katsu, Spam and tamago. On the other hand. if you’re dining with a group, go all-out on the sushi and order a Maki Boat which already features a delicious combo of mixed maki and sushi rolls great for sharing.

6. Comforting ramen bowls

Ramen is a popular Japanese dish that consists of noodles served in a savory broth with various toppings. At Hashi Donburi, the ramen bowls are made with care and attention to detail, resulting in a rich and flavorful bowl of comfort.

7. The classic faves

Pinoys have quite a special affinity for Tonkatsu and Ebi Tempura. After all, these are dishes that are easy to appreciate and enjoy, and they go so well with that Pinoy staple: steamed rice. Additionally, they are versatile dishes that can be served as a simple snack or as a more substantial meal, making them perfect for practically any occasion.

8. Refreshing drinks

Whether you’re up for something to help you cool down on a hot day, or want a drink to complement your meal, Hashi Donburi has the beverage you want, available by glass or by pitcher.

9. Your just desserts

For sweet-tooths, there’s no better way than to end a meal on a high note with something sweet. Hashi Donburi’s got them covered with its Tempura Ice Cream.

Japanese food lovers in the Quezon City area who are looking for a satisfying dining experience should definitely add Hashi Donburi to their list of must-visit restaurants. Its wide variety of Japanese dishes, fresh sushi, comforting ramen bowls, refreshing drinks and a cozy and inviting atmosphere as well as its friendly and attentive service make it a welcoming haven to any Japanese food aficionado.

Hashi Donburi is located 139 Mother Ignacia Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 11pm for dine-in, takeout and delivery. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 77206040.

Hashi Donburi also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Stay updated on its promos and offers by following Hashi Donburi on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous post about Hashi Donburi:

Revitalizing the #ReturnToOffice day with lunch at Ombu Kusina

I’ve finally (and with quite a bit of resistance) returned to the office.

While I may gripe about the traffic and the long commute from my home to my workplace near Tomas Morato in Quezon City, I honestly can’t complain about the expanded variety of dining choices come lunchtime.

So when the lunch hour came, my officemates and I trooped to our go-to place for modern Filipino cuisine to revitalize ourselves for the rest of our workday with good food and good vibes.

Modern Filipino cuisine is a contemporary take on traditional Filipino food, fusing together traditional Filipino dishes with modern cooking techniques and ingredients, resulting in new and exciting flavors and presentations.

Modern Filipino cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, innovative cooking techniques, and creative plating.

All these and more can be found at Ombu Kusina.

With its warm and inviting ambiance, it has the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the meal with my coworkers. Plus, the interiors are tastefully decorated, creating a cozy and welcoming environment that made us feel right at home.

The staff are also friendly and attentive, providing us with updates on the restaurant’s menu and even gamely snapping some photos of our #HappyLunch experience.

But, of course, Ombu Kusina’s main draw is its food and we lost no time in satisfying our taste buds with its tasty and comforting offerings:

Binakol (₱390). Chicken soup flavored with ginger, lemongrass and coconut water.

Gising-gising (₱300). Sauteed green beans and ground pork in spicy coconut sauce.

Crispy Tilapia Fillet (₱460). Crispy breaded tilapia fillet served with soy vinegar dipping sauce.

Thrice-Cooked Crispy Pata (₱895). Deep-fried pork leg served with soy vinegar dipping sauce. A true Pinoy fave!

Frozen Brazo de Mercedes (₱220). Layers of frozen soft meringue, custard filling and ice cream on a crumbly graham cracker crust.

Tres Leches Halo-Halo (₱180). TBH, this is what I came here for: a refreshing dessert made with sweetened beans, fruits, ube halaya and leche flan covered with a milk-flavored finely shaved ice.

Having our happy lunch Ombu Kusina is a superb experience, thanks to the restaurant’s fresh takes on Filipino cuisine, warm and inviting ambiance and excellent service.

My coworkers and I might not all be in favor of returning to the office, but at least, we have delicious moments like this to savor with each other and give us some new vigor for the rest of our office day.

Ombu Kusina is located at Ground Floor, Sequioa Hotel, Mother Ignacia Street, Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily for dine-in, delivery and pickup from 6.30am to 9pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 84410518or +63 969 5972249.

Stay updated on its menu and offers by following Ombu Kusina on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about Ombu Kusina:

Modern Filipino Cuisine at Ombu Kusina, Tomas Morato

Say hello to a great summer with Ombu Kusina’s Flavored Ice Halo-Halo

5 reasons to have your Sunday family lunch at Panda Express, Green Meadows

Sundays are a time for family, am I right?

Whether you devote your Sundays to attending Mass, watching a movie or running errands together, what you don’t want to do is spend the entire day preparing your meals.

If only there was a way for the fam to have a tasty Sunday brunch that caters to everyone’s tastes while not busting the fam’s budget, right?

Well, look no farther than Panda Express’ Greenmeadows branch in Bagumbayan, QC.

Here are five reasons why this branch of the popular Chinese-American fastfood chain should be your fam’s go-to lunch place:

1. Convenient location

Panda Express Greenmeadows is conveniently located along one of the metro’s main thoroughfares, making it easily accessible to locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re coming in from Mass at Christ the King Church or plant-shopping in White Plains, or on your way to go malling at Eastwood City, this Panda Express branch is a great place to stop over for a quick and delicious family meal.

2. Comfy and welcoming surroundings

This outlet has a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family. The restaurant is clean, well-lit, and spacious, decorated, of course, with Panda Express’ signature red, black and white colors.

The staff are also friendly, accommodating, and quite efficient in serving your food.

3. Wide selection of dishes made with quality ingredients

Panda Express Greenmeadows offers a wide selection of ChineseAmerican dishes that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences.

Its entree choices include the fan-fave Orange Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, Beijing Beef, Brocolli Beef, Savory Shrimp, Asian Grilled Chicken, Eggplant Tofu, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Mongolian Pork, Black Pepper Steak, Kung Pao Fish and Wok-seared Steak & Shrimp.

On the other hand, appetizers like Veggie Spring Roll, Chicken Egg Roll and Cream Cheese Wonton, as well as side dishes such as White Steamed Rice, Fried Rice, Chow Mein and Mixed Vegetables go so well with any entree.

Craving for something sweet? You can always for a Mango Sago, Ube Pastillas and Fortune Cookies.

Panda Express also prides itself on using high-quality ingredients in its dishes. The chain sources fresh produce and high-quality meats to ensure that every dish is delicious and nutritious.

4. Affordable and customizable meal options

Whether you’re game for a light meal or hankering for a monster-sized feast, Panda Express can cater to your appetite, thanks to its customizable options, allowing diners to create their own meal according to their appetite and preferences.

Individuals can start by choosing a meal size:

Bowl (starts at Php285), consists of one entree and one side dish
Plate (starts at Php385), consists of two entrees and one side dish
Bigger Plate (starts at Php485), consist of three entrees and one side dish

However, you can get big savings as a group when you opt for a Family Feast (starts at Php1,495) which consists of three large entrees and two large side dishes, enough to satisfy four to five people.

Panda Express’ portion sizes are generous, making it a great value for money. Customers can enjoy a filling and satisfying meal without breaking the bank and can even take leftovers home, thanks to those cute take-home boxes that the restaurant provides.

5. Fast service

Being a fast-food restaurant, Panda Express can guarantee that diners won’t have to wait long for their meal. In fact, frontline servers already plate the entrees, sides and other food items while the customers are ordering. After payment, the meals are ready to be taken to the table to be enjoyed.

You’ve got a lot on your plate, even on Sundays, so take a load off on meal prep and kitchen work, and hie the fam over to Panda Express Greenmeadows for Sunday lunch, okay?

This Panda Express branch is located at the corner of Greenmeadows Avenue and Eugenio Rodriguez Avenue, Bagumbayan, Quezon City, open daily from 9am to 9pm. For inquiries, contact +63 2 85595491.

Other branches are located at:

Las Pinas: SM Southmall
Mandaluyong: SM Megamall
Marikina: Sumulong Highway
Muntinlupa: Shell SLT Southbound SLEX, Molito Lifestyle Center
Panaranaque: Soledad Place Betterliving
Pasay: DoubleDragon Center East
Quezon City: Holy Spirit Drive Don Antonio, SM Starts. Mesa, SM City North EDSA
San Juan: Greenhills Shopping Center

Panda Express also delivers via its website, as well as through GrabFood and FoodPanda.

To stay updated about its menu and offers, follow Panda Express on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous post about Panda Express:

Chinese American fast-food at Panda Express

Balikbayans’ re-introduction to Pinoy cuisine at Locavore Kitchen & Drinks

We Pinoys have a special relationship with our food.

For many of us, Filipino food is synonymous withe comforting home-cooked meals lovingly prepared by our nanays, or special heritage dishes passed down through generations in our family.

All of these delicious food is always best enjoyed in the company of our kin.

This is why when our tita and pinsan from the States came over, our extended family hosted a dinner for them at Locavore Kitchen & Drinks in Kapitolyo.

The restaurant was established in 2014 by a group of friends who shared a passion for food and sustainability. Since then, it has gained a loyal clientele and eventually expanded its operations to multiple locations.

Its cozy and laid-back vibe also makes it a perfect spot for our family get-together.

Locavore got its name from a restaurant concept that emphasizes the use of locally sourced ingredients in their dishes. This means that the restaurant sources their ingredients from local farmers and producers, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and supporting the local economy.

Locavore’s menu is inspired by traditional Filipino cuisine but with a modern twist, using locally sourced ingredients, including fresh vegetables, fruits, and meat.

To re-introduce our balikbayan relatives to the tasty possibilities of Filipino food, we ordered our tried-and-tested favorites:

Fried Oyster Sisig (₱450). Aklan oysters fried with chopped white onions and green chilis.

Sugpo con Mayonesa (₱990). Prawns stir-fried with garlic in butter, crabfat amd mayonnaise.

Gising Gising (₱370). Julliened sigarilyas, French beans, garlic, spring onions and shallot confit simmered in coconut milk.

Sizzling Sinigang (₱660). Locavore’s deliciously fresh take on the classic sinigang made with beef short ribs in tamarind gravy with sauteed garlic confit and French beans.

Tuna Panga (₱520). Baked jaw of tuna drizzled with bagging java glaze and served with shredded radish and lime slices.

Sizzling Pandesal Pudding (₱260). Cheese pandesal soaked in custard with salted egg and dulce de leche topped with vanilla ice cream.

With its mouth-watering showcase of the possibilities present in Filipino cuisine, is it any wonder that we chose to Locavore to re-acquaint our balikbayan relatives to Pinoy food and reconnect them to their Pinoy roots?

This Locavore Kitchen & Drinks branch is located at 10 Brixton Street, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City, open daily from 10am to 9pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 6842014.

Other branches are located in the following areas:

GF 1880 Eastwood Ave Bldg, Bagumbayan, Quezon City (Tel: +63 917 5120159)
Forbes Town Center, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (Tel: +63 917 5742017)
Ground Level, Three Central, Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati (Tel: +63 917 1782018)
Ground Level, S’Maison, Seaside Blvd, Pasay (Tel: +63 917 8472747)
Upper Ground, SM Bacoor, Bgy Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Highway corner Tirona Highway, Bacoor, Cavite (Tel: +63 917 1472022)

To stay updated on its menu and offers, follow Locavore Kitchen & Drinks on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous post about Locavore:

Classic Filipino dishes with a twist at Locavore, Kapitolyo

Not your ordinary Filipino food at Locavore, BGC

Pasalubong from Pampanga: Cheesebread from LBS Bakeshop

During one of our get-togethers, my boss gave each member of the team something really special: a box of those famous Pampanga cheesebread from LBS Bakeshop.

This Pampanga cheesebread is a beloved local specialty that has made a name for itself, not just within Pampanga, but also beyond, with city slickers from the metro clamoring for it whenever friends would venture north.

This soft and fluffy bread has a lovely mix of milky, sweet and salty flavors from the soft and fluffy bread to the fragrant sugary cheese streusel topping. The combination of these flavors and textures creates a taste sensation that is hard to resist.

It is also quite affordable, a treat that can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life, regardless of their budget.

Pair it with some local hot chocolate and you’ve got a delicious combination of comfort foods for your breakfast or coffee break, or to enjoy during cold and rainy days. Count on the sweet and slightly salty taste of Pampanga cheesebread to complement the rich and creamy flavor of hot chocolate.

It’s no wonder, then, that the cheesebread is such a well-loved staple and a point of pride among Kapampangans. It has become a symbol of the province’s culinary expertise and a must-try for anyone visiting the area.

So, where do you go to get your hands on this celebrated local delicacy? Well, if you’re in San Fernando, Pampanga, just proceed to J. Abad Santos Street in Barangay Sto. Rosario to get a box (or two… or three!) to bring home with you or for your pasalubong to family and friends back in the metro.

A mini box of 18 pieces costs just Php180 while a regular box of 30 pieces will set you back just Php210.

Aside from cheesebread, you may also like to check out LBS Bakeshop’s other pastry offers such as Spanish Bread, Coconut Pie, Pan de Coco, Special Pan de Sal, Pan de Lemon, Putok, Monay and Hopia Kundol.

Call in your orders for pick-up via +63 45 9613457 or +63 917 5747594. To stay updated on its products and offers, follow LBS Bakeshop on Facebook and Instagram.

5 reasons to celebrate birthdays at Vikings Luxury Buffet, SM Marikina

Quick question: Where do you usually take the fam or the barkada when it’s someone’s birthday?

Chances are: Vikings Luxury Buffet is right at the top of your shortlist, right?

And why not? Celebrating someone’s natal day here calls to mind the grandiose shindigs that the legendary Vikings held where food and drink overflowed for days until everyone is fully satisfied.

If you’re still on the fence on whether you should hold birthday festivities at Vikings Luxury Buffet, here are five reasons why:

1. Festive atmosphere

The restaurant is designed to create a cheery yet elegant atmosphere that makes your group’s dining experience even more enjoyable.

Equipped the largest buffet areas found in the country, Vikings brings and ambiance of splendor and opulence to its diners.

The spacious dining area is decorated with elegant fixtures and comfortable seating, and the staff is friendly and attentive. They provide excellent service, ensuring that your needs are met throughout your dining experience.

2. Wide selection of dishes

Vikings offers a variety of international cuisines, including Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and more, all specially prepared by its team of world-class chefs. The entire party can find everything they crave for – whether appetizers, entrees, seafood, meats or desserts – one plate at a time among the different stations for each cuisine:

Japanese: fresh sushi, sashimi and tempura
Chinese: dim sum and noodles
Filipino: classic dishes like adobo, sinigang, and lechon
Carving: various roasted meats
Pastas and Pizzas
Desserts

With such an extensive array of dishes, the birthday celebrant, and the whole group, will be able to enjoy old favorites as well as try out new cuisines to explore.

3. Eat all you can!

Vikings Luxury Buffet is an all-you-can-eat restaurant, which means the entire party can enjoy as much food as they want for the fixed adult rate of Php988 on weekdays and Php1,088 on weekends.

This way, everyone can savor their favorites or try out different dishes without having to worry about the cost.

Bringing the young ‘uns with you? Here are the buffet rates for the kiddos:

Kids below 3 feet: FREE
Kids 3 feet to 4 feet: Php338 (weekday lunch and dinner) | Php388 (weekend/holiday lunch and dinner)
Kids 4 feet to 6 feet: Php598 (weekday lunch and dinner) | Php698 (weekend/holiday lunch and dinner)

(All buffet rates subject to 5% service charge)

Be mindful of food waste, okay? Make sure that everyone takes only what they can eat and go back for seconds if needed.

4. Birthday celebrants eat for FREE!

Who can forget Vikings’ much-loved promo which allows birthday celebrants to tale full advantage of the restaurant’s delicious buffet spread – from its signature dishes to unique local flavors – absolutely FREE!

All they have to do is a bring a full-paying adult on their actual birthday or four full-paying adults if their visit falls within their birth month. (Be sure to bring a valid government-issued ID).

5. Cheers all you can too!

Go ahead and pair your food with your own alcoholic beverage. You can bring as many bottles as you want with no corkage fee.

So the next time someone’s birthday comes around, you know where to take them and the entire party to eat like a Viking, celebrating great times with great company and great food!

This Vikings Luxury Buffet branch is located at the 2nd Floor, SM City Marikina, Barangay Calumpit, Marikina City, open for lunch service daily from 11am to 2.30pm, and for dinner service Sundays to Thursdays from 5pm to 9pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 5pm to 10pm.

Other Vikings Luxury Buffet branches in Metro Manila are located at:

SM Mall of Asia
SM Megamall
SM North EDSA
SM Jazz Mall
SM BF Paranaque
The Venue

For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 88454647 (8-VIKINGS) or book your table online.

An Exquisite Saga-gyu and Wine Adventure at The Manila Hotel’s Champagne Room

Have ‘A Taste of Japan’ as The Manila Hotel’s Champagne Room invites you to an evening of epicurean journey with its exclusive Saga-gyu dinner paired with bespoke wine.

The most discerning meat fans and wine enthusiasts will be treated to a 7-course dinner featuring dishes curated by our special guest chef from Japan, Hiroki Samata—a classically-trained chef and master butcher whose impeccable knife skills are admired by many.

Saga-gyu at The Manila Hotel — Guest Chef Hiroki Samata. Book your The Manila Hotel stay here.

Chef Samata will exhibit his culinary creativity with a menu that puts the spotlight on Saga-gyu beef which is one of the world’s most revered delicacies. But what makes this illustrious meat stand out among the rest? Saga beef cows live a life of comfort and luxury, nurtured using expert breeding techniques, and are free to relish the infinite beauty of Saga’s natural surroundings. As a result, the cows produce a perfect balance of fat marbled in lean meat, known in Japanese as tsuya-sashi or “glossy marbling” which is the key to its melt-in-your-mouth texture and unparalleled flavor.

To make the dining experience more enjoyable, our partner Titania Wine Cellar will guide our diners with wine pairing nuances using their extensive range of quality wines such as Piccini Memoro Italia Bianco and Chateau Loyasson Bordeaux AOC, to name a few.

This elegant night of fine dining and wine pairing will be held exclusively on March 15, 2023 at 7PM at the Champagne Room. Seats are limited to 40 persons and are priced at Php 10,000 nett per person.

For inquiries and reservations, call (+632) 85270011 or (+632) 53015500 locals 1262-1266, 1300. You may also send an email to restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com or r.champagneroom@themanilahotel.com.

About The Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel is situated in the heart of the City of Manila. Defined by its history, elegance, and world-class service, the Manila Hotel maintains to be the choice hotel of the most distinguished clientele. Over the years, The Manila Hotel continuously provides the best services and amenities for a truly memorable experience. It has more than 500well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms. Apart from these, the hotel offers five-star relaxation and wellness experiences with the Manila Hotel Spa and Manila Hotel Health Club. It has 6 dining outlets, each offering a unique culinary adventure: Café Ilang-Ilang which is a favorite spot for its extensive selection of international buffet delights; The Champagne Room with its Old European style fine dining and also hailed as the most romantic room in Manila—it features French cuisine in a posh, fine-dining setting; Tap Room, an Old English pub-inspired outlet where one can enjoy an evening of jazz music; Lobby Lounge which is ideal for casual dining, aperitif, post-dinner nightcaps, or leisure meetings; Red Jade, a fine dining restaurant that serves authentic Chinese cuisine; and The Deli that offers the hotel’s signature pastries, breads, chocolates, and pralines.

Book your stay at The Manila Hotel via Klook.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

Sweet somethings from Big Al’s Cookie Jar

Every once in a while, I get that irresistible craving for something sweet.

I normally give in to this craving because:

Doing so brings me so much joy (and yes, a bit of sugar rush!)
It’s so easy to get something sweet and delish from Big Al’s Cookie Jar!

Since 2004, Big Al’s Cookie Jar has been whipping up delightful desserts from its home kitchen or from its four branches conveniently located in the metro.

It also conveniently delivers its confections via GrabFood, enabling sweet-tooths like me easy access to it sugary offerings such as:

Triple Decker Cookie Jar (Php459).

This prettily packaged jar of cookies contains sixteen cookies of all three of its chewy soft-batch cookie variants: Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Macadamia and Chocolate Oatmeal Walnut. Each cookie generously laden with chocolate chips and chunks.

Decadent Chocolate Cake (Php409/loaf | Php749/junior).

Big Al’s best-selling moist chocolate cake generously covered with rich and smooth chocolate icing.

Butter Caramel Cake (Php449/loaf).

Moist butter cake topped with Big Al’s signature caramel sauce.

With these delicious delights so easily accessible, there’s no reason not to give in to my cravings, is there?

So if you’ve got sweet cravings like I do, why deny yourself such decadent pleasures?

Order your decadent desserts from Big Al’s Cookie Jar today via GrabFood.

You can also pick up your Big Al’s Cookie Jar treats at its branches located at:

G/F MaxFill Gas Station, Marcos Highway, Mayamot, Antipolo City
G/F Regray Bldg., 30 Matino St. cor. Malumanay St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City
G/F CEO Flats Jupiter, 27 Canopus St. cor. Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati City
Blk 3 Lot 13 President’s Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque City

To know more about Big Al’s Cookie Jar, visit its website or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Enjoy delish Filipino hotplate your way at Butter Grill, The Landmark

Who would have thought that dining at a mall food court would give you such a superb dining experience?

Sure, food courts have their own appeal due to a variety of reasons: the variety of cuisines offered at affordable prices, easy accessibility, fast service and liveliness and bustle of the crowd.

However, the entrance of a brand new concept stall at The Landmark’s Supermart Foodcenter presents an exciting possibility for diners: personalization!

Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter

Butter Grill offers sizzling plates classic Filipino dishes and foodcourt faves but with a fresh twist: the diner can mix and match various items on the menu to craft a hotplate according to their specifications.

Here’s how:

First, choose your meat among Butter Sliced Pork (Php159), Butter Sliced Beef (Php249), Mixed Seafood (Php285), Peppered Bangus (Php298), Angus Burger Steak (Php315) and Beef Tendon (Php345).

Second, choose a free sauce to complement your meat: Pares Sauce, Bicol Express Gravy, Kare-Kare Gravy, Honey Binagoongan Gravy, Steakhouse Gravy, Sinigang Gravy, Kaldereta Gravy and Salted Egg Gravy.

Lastly, choose a free side to complete your meal: Butter Rice, Pancit and Sourdough Pan de Sal.

Combining items from this menu produces tasty hotplates such as:

Butter Sliced Beef in Kare-Kare Sauce with Buttered Rice

Angus Burger Steak in Steak House Gravy with Buttered Rice: my absolute fave!

Sliced Pork in Kaldereta Sauce and Pancit

Beef Tendon in Honey Binagoongan Gravy and Buttered Rice

Beef Tendon in Sinigang Gravy and Buttered Rice

Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcourt

With the Lenten Season coming in, you’d be happy to know that Buttergrill’s got your back for Meatless Fridays with a Buy 1 Get 1 Offer on its seafood hotplates for just Php298. Promo is available every Friday from February 24 to April 7, 2023.

Peppered Bangus in Salted Egg Sauce with Buttered Rice

Mixed Seafood in Pares Sauce with Pancit

Mix things up a bit and try some of the dishes with Butter Grill’s Sourdough Pan De Sal!

Cap your meal with something sweet and refreshing: Buttergrill’s Clear Gulaman available in Bulilit (Php49) and Giant (Php99) sizes!

Here are some tips to further enhance your Buttergrill experience:

Unsure of which combination to try? Ask the servers for their recommendations!
Mix the hotplate contents well to distribute the flavors from the sauces evenly.
Allow some of the rice and gravy to caramelize (forming a flavorful tutong I’m you’ll love!)

So if you fancy a fresh take on your favorite Pinoy dishes and more, be sure to drop by Butter Grill!

Butter Grill is located at the Supermart Foodcenter of The Landmark, Makati Avenue, Ayala Center, Makati City.

Stay updated on its promos and offers by following Butter Grill on Facebook and Instagram.