390 degrees – Jellybeans in the City

6 reasons to staycation at Bayview Park Hotel Manila

With the loosening of quarantine restrictions, we Metro Manila denizens are now able to venture out of our homes and explore more of the metro.

If sight-seeing in Manila is in your itinerary, why not eliminate the hassle of long drives and traffic jams by booking a staycation at Bayview Park Hotel?

Let me share with you six reasons why this would be a good idea.

1) You can situate yourself in its historic and happenin’ backdrop

Situated along Roxas Boulevard, the hotel is at the hub of the action, with rows of restaurants and scenic attractions only short distances away.

2) You can relax and unwind in comfort in one of its well-appointed rooms.

Whether for a short visit or a fairly long stay, Bayview Park Hotel’s rooms are furnished and stylishly designed to keep you happy and comfortable.

Its 30sqm Superior Room, for instance, comes with either a queen-size bed or two single beds and is equipped with airconditioning, cable TV, WiFi access, NDD/IDD telephone, 110/120V electric outlets, a safety deposit box for your important items and a coffee and tea maker.

Bottles of mineral water and daily newspapers are also provided.

The rooms also comes with full toilet and bath equipped with tub and shower (hot and cold water available), and provisioned with consumables such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, dental kit and tissue paper.

When you look out from your window, you can take in the view of the stretch of Roxas Boulevard, overlook the US Embassy and survey the expanse of the glittering Manila Bay.

3) Staying inside the hotel also affords you with opportunities for physical activity.

There’s no need to feel cooped up in your hotel room in between your sight-seeing adventures. Take a revitalizing dip in the hotel’s roof deck swimming pool, or workout some sweat in the fitness gym equipped with a treadmill, stationary bikes, a stair climber and strength training equipment.

Your little ones can also enjoy some fun play time in the Children’s Activity Center which is open on Saturdays and Sundays.

4) You can feast on great eats in the area!

Foodies will definitely get their fill of gustatory delights from restos easily accessible from the hotel.

Bayview Coffee Shop

The hotel’s cafe, located at the lobby, serves international cuisines as well as local favorites. It’s perfect for breakfast or quick snack breaks during your staycation.

It is open daily to serve hotel guests from 6am to 10pm.

Ilustrado Restaurant

For a taste of Filipino cuisine, carefully crafted with European influences, check out Ilustrado Restaurant.

It is located at 5440 General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, open daily from 11.30am to 2.30pm and from 6pm to 9pm. For queries and reservations, call +63 2 5273674 or +63 939 9206822, or email catering@ilustradorestaurant.com.ph.

More information on Ilustrado Restaurant here.

Garden Dining by White Moon Bar

For Asian fusion dishes and a distinguished wine menu that you can enjoy al fresco, drop by Garden Dining by White Moon Bar.

It is located at The Barnyard, Manila Ocean Park, Luneta, Manila, open for outdoor dining Thursdays to Sundays from 11am to 8pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 85677777.

More info on Garden Dining by White Moon Bar here.

390 Degrees

For imaginative takes on Western dishes served in generous portions while in a luxurious setting, hop on over to 390 Degrees.

It is located at the Ground Floor, Sequioa Hotel Manila, Aseana City Business Park, Entertainment City, Paranaque, open daily from 10.30am to 8pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 82845110 or +63 921 2446502.

More info on 390 Degrees here.

5) There are so many exciting sights to see!

Manila is the site of many historic, cultural and entertainment attractions that can be easily visited from the hotel.

Rizal Park, for instance, houses the Rizal Monument (to commemorate the execution site of national hero Jose Rizal) as well as an Open-Air Auditorium, Independence Flagpole and the Central Musical and Dancing Fountain, along with the National Museum Complex which, in turn, houses the National Museum of Natural History and National Museum of Anthropology.

Within its grounds, you will also find Manila Ocean Park, the country’s first world-class marine theme park and premiere educational entertainment destination.

Manila Ocean Park Reopening — Jellies Exhibit

More info on Manila Ocean Park here. Click here to book your tickets.

With just a short drive separating Bayview Park Hotel and Rizal Park, checking out these attractions is a breeze!

6) Enjoy an exciting deal when you book your staycation online!

Book your stay in Bayview Park Hotel’s Superior Room for just Php2,222/net. This promo will run until January 31, 2022 (with stay period until June 30, 2022, and is exclusively available at its website.

With this awesome deal, you can enjoy a comfortable stay in the hotel with great savings, plus all the interesting sights and delicious foodie adventures that the area has to offer.

Clearly, exploring the delights that Manila has to offer is even more enjoyable if you do so from #YourHomeByTheBay, Bayview Park Hotel.

Bayview Park Hotel Manila is a 3-star hotel located at 1118 Roxas Boulevard corner United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila. With a 75-year history as the preferred destination for both leisure and business travelers, it provides unparalleled service and exclusive privileges for its guests at affordable and friendly rates.

To know more about Bayview Park Hotel’s offers, visit its website or follow it on Facebook and Instagram. For bookings and reservations, contact the hotel via:

+63 2 85261555

bookings@bayviewparkhotel.com

Photo Credit: Photos of Rizal Park and National Museum of Natural History by Erykah Rose Raton on Unsplash

Pictures of the hotel were taken during my stay before the COVID-19 pandemic.

DIY Black Burger Kit from 390 Degrees

Earlier this year, I had my first taste of the novel black burger when I dined with my fellow bloggers at 390 Degrees.

Black has always been at the top of my list of favorite colors (as is apparent in my wardrobe) but seldom do I see and fancy it on food.

390 Degrees’ black burger is an exception, though. Not only is this creation so beautifully presented, the flavors and textures from the black bun, beef patty, sauces and veggies all meld together into one irresistible burger.

I wish I could have shared this unique burger experience with the fam (who are all burger connoisseurs in their own right), but, alas, the resto is situated on the other far end of the metro and is quite distant from our home.

To make matters worse, the pandemic struck and the resulting quarantine imposed restrictions on inter-city mobility and dining out.

Still, I held out hope that I can get another taste of 390 Degrees’ black burger as well as share the experience with the fam.

And wouldn’t you know it: my prayers were answered and, earlier this month, 390 Degrees launched its DIY Black Burger Kit.

For just Php850, you can have a box containing four quarter pound Wagyu beef patties, 4 black charcoal infused buns, 390 Degrees’ in-house tomato sauce and signature mustard sauce. (Note: if you will not cook the burgers immediately, store the buns and patties in the freezer and the sauces in the chiller.)

Preparing your 390 Degrees black burgers is super easy:

Thaw the buns and patties prior to cooking.
Season each side of the patties with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. (Truth be told: I forgot to season the burger patties before I cooked them and they were already flavorful so I think you can further temper the seasoning or skip this step altogether.
Place the patties in an oiled hot grill or pan and cook for a minute and a half in medium high heat. Flip and do the same on the other side until the patties are medium well done. Set patties aside to allow them to rest.
Slice the buns and place in a preheated grill or pan and toast for one minute in low heat.
To assemble a burger, spread the tomato sauce on the one half of the bun and the mustard sauce on the other half of the bun.
Place any veggies (such as lettuce, tomato or onions) you want to add to your burger on the bottom bun, place the patty on top of the veggies, then add other toppings. Cover with the top bun.

The best thing about 390 Degrees’ DIY Burger Kit is that you can customize your burgers to suit your cravings. So I made four different types of burgers for myself and the fam by adding different toppings:

A cheese slice to make a Black Cheeseburger for Hubby.

Toasted Fiesta Ham for a Black Christmas Burger for my daughter #ExhibitA.

Crispy Bacon for a Black Bacon Burger for my son #ExhibitB.

A sunny-side-up egg for a Black Breakfast Burger for me.

Each burger is definitely a thing of beauty, worthy of immortalizing in my IG feed. Plus, the Wagyu patties are so juicy, tender and flavorful (Yoy should have smelled them as they cook! The aroma was simply mouthwatering!) The black buns are not just pretty but are also fluffy and serve as great frame for the patties.

How about making and posting your own IG-worthy black burger creation using the DIY Burger Kit for a chance to win a Php10,000 gift certificate from 390 Degrees?

Simply purchase a DIY Black Burger Kit and post a pic of your creation on Instagram (tag @390degrees.resto and use the hashtag #390burgerkitchallenge). Be sure to keep your receipt or a pic of DIY black burger kit if you received it as a gift. Deadline for posting is January 31, 2021.

390 Degrees is located at Ground Floor, Sequoia Hotel Manila, Aseana City Business Park, Entertainment City, Parañaque City. It recently re-opened for dine-in from 10am to 10pm daily. It also offers ready-to-cook frozen meals and its DIY Burger Kit for takeout or delivery via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

The Jelly List: Top Metro Manila Restaurants for your Valentine’s Day Date

What? It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow you haven’t decided on where to take your beloved yet?!?

Oh, honey…

Let your Tita Jellybeans share with you my top picks among the metro’s restaurants to serve as the romantic setting for your intimate get-together for two.

How did I come by this list? Well, to narrow down the choices, here are the criteria I used:

The resto should be away from the madding crowd so it can sustain an intimate and romantic mood. I recommend establishments situated away from the crowded malls frenetic with the Valentine’s Day (and payday) rush.
The resto should have well-appointed interiors, because special moments deserve special settings.
Most importantly, the resto should offer great food. I’m sure you know that food is oftentimes used as the language of love (it is one of mine!). Nourishing our beloveds with something that pleases their senses makes for a memorable time together. (And if the resto has a special Valentine’s Day offer, all the better.

Valentine’s Day is the time to go all-out on romance and spoil that special someone with good food and a good time. Check out the restos that made it to this month’s Jelly List for your date on Valentine’s Day.

Bistro Manuel, Poblacion

Bistro Manuel was opened in 2016 by Chefs Ariel and Mia Manuel of Lolo Dad’s. It is a quiet establishment, almost hidden being situated away from Poblacion’s more casual (and noisier) bars and restaurants.

Here, diners can look forward to a fine-dining experience featuring award-winning culinary masterpieces.

A real treat to the taste buds is the Lolo Dad’s Baked Oysters in which each oyster is accompanied by delicate angel hair pasta under a layer of melted cheese, and accompanied with a cube of foie gras.

This week, diners can enjoy a special five-course Valentine’s menu featuring the resto’s signature takes on European cuisine for just Php1,980 per person (+10% service charge).

Bistro Manuel is located at Second Floor, Six Axis Center, 4347 B. Valdez Street, Poblacion, Makati City, open daily from 11am to 2pm and from 6pm to 11pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 88718566, +63 926 7341067 or +63 998 3423566.

Get the romance burnin’ this February at 390 Degrees, Entertainment City

At last January is over and done with. Now, let’s get ourselves in gear for the month of hearts – February!

And what better way to celebrate this month than to spend time with our Significant Other in a special place, one that can provide not only a venue for a romantic outing but also good food that can make the experience truly memorable?

Well, venture into the still seemingly uncharted Aseana City Business Park in Paranaque and there you will find the newly opened 390 Degrees.

Operated by the same team that brought about Ombu Kusina in Quezon City, 390 Degrees brings the same hearty servings and imaginative takes on comfort food in an elegantly well-appointed setting that Ombu Kusina does.

Here, though, the restaurant’s concept centers around its charcoal brick oven which influences all of its dishes. In fact, the resto’s name 390 Degrees refers to the temperature that restaurant’s oven must maintain to produce its delectable dishes.

In a special foodie meetup hosted by 390 Degrees’ head chef Mark Griffin Oraiz and marketing head Tammy Lim, my fellow food bloggers and I were treated to a sneak peek into the resto’s exciting Valentine’s offering.

Curious yet? Imagine dining with your special someone on a special meal for two which consist of:

Tomato Soup with Ravioli. Thick soup of pureed tomatoes topped with spinach-cheese ravioli to warm your tummies and your hearts.

Chicken Ceasar Salad. Get your taste buds ready with this hearty salad made with lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers and sliced hard-boiled egg tossed in a creamy Ceasar salad dressing topped with a dash of paprika and topped with sliced charcoal-grilled chicken.

Pepper Crusted Steak. Juicy steak with peppery seasoning charcoal grilled to a medium doneness. You can choose two side dishes to go with this dish (and the chef recommends Sweet Potato Mash and Cauliflower and Cheese.

Two Mini Salted Caramel Cream Puffs. Finish off the meal with these cute and not-too-sweet pastries.

Two Glasses of Shiraz Red Wine. All the better to drink to more wonderful times ahead!

This special Valentine’s meal is available from February 3 to 29 for only Php2000! So what are you waiting for? Book your Valentine’s date today!

The tasty eats don’t stop at Valentine’s, though. Check out the other yummy viands you can enjoy with your family and friends:

Vegetable Chowder (Php200). A cream-based soup with mixed vegetables served inside a charcoal-baked bread bowl.

Seafood Marinara (Php270). Mixed seafood tossed with fusili pasta in a savory tomato sauce.

Margherita Pizza (Php290). Tomato, basil and mozarella top a hand-stretched charcoal-baked pizza.

The Black Burger (Php530). A hefty and juicy charcoal-grilled burger patty sandwiched in charcoal activated burger bun with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, caramelized onions and cheese.

Blackened Salmon (Php880). A charcoal-baked salmon fillet with creamy dill sauce which go so well with Rice Pilaf as a side dish. I usually look for a cream cheese topping for baked salmon but this dish has no need for it.

Tiramisu. 390 Degrees’ take on the coffee-based Italian dessert.

All those good food will work up quite a thirst. Fortunately, 390 Degrees has a bevy of refreshing drinks to quench your thirst:

390 Signature Iced Tea (Php120). House-brewed black tea given some zest by the addition of lemon and pineapple.

Tropical Lagoon Soda (Php120). A fun and citrusy fizzy drink made with blue curacao, orange juice and soda water.

Mountain Mojito (Php130). A herb-flavored drink made with lime, mint leaves and soda water.

With such delish dishes and drinks, 390 Degrees is slated to be one of the hottest foodie destinations this side of the metro!

Many thanks to Tammy, Chef Griffin and the staff of 390 Degrees for the warm and fun welcome and the delightful food and to Kaycee of Date For Two for extending the invitation!