asian fusion – Jellybeans in the City

A taste of old Beijing at Dragon Court, Manila Prince Hotel

Ever since the Manila Prince’s Dragon Court reopened its doors last September, I’ve been wanting a taste of its esteemed menu. After all, this gastronomic destination is on a worthy mission: to preserve the restaurant’s cherished signature flavors while introducing a tantalizing array of new dishes, an endeavor that foodie who’s always on the lookout for delicious adventures fully supports.

Old-World Beijing Charm

The Manila Standard aptly described Dragon Court as emanating “old Beijing feels,” a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with. Stepping into this restaurant transported me to a realm that seamlessly blended old-world Beijing charm with the excitement of contemporary Chinese cuisine.

Immersed in hues of red and gold, Dragon Court exudes an unmistakable aura of traditional grandeur. Dragon motifs, lanterns, and traditional arches gracefully adorn the restaurant, creating an ambiance that’s both regal and inviting. High-backed chairs encircle round tables equipped with iconic lazy Susans, ensuring an enjoyable, communal dining experience.

Well-Suited for a Myriad of Celebrations

Dragon Court proves to be an ideal venue for a myriad of celebrations. From intimate family dinners to larger get-togethers, this restaurant effortlessly caters to diverse occasions, making it a versatile destination for Chinese food enthusiasts seeking not just a meal but a memorable experience.

For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, Dragon Court offers private rooms that elevate the dining experience. I discovered that these spaces are not only perfect for intimate gatherings but also serve as splendid venues for Filipino-Chinese engagement ceremonies known as tinghun, adding a cultural and personal touch to special events.

Chinese Culinary Journey

The heart of Dragon Court lies in its culinary offerings, a diverse menu curated by Chef EJ Yap and her team. This tasty collection takes diners on a journey through classic and innovative Chinese delights, some of which I was able to enjoy during a recent visit with a friend.

Dimsum Delights

The dimsum offerings are a testament to the craftsmanship in Dragon Court’s kitchen. From the delicate folds of Xiao Long Bao (Php300/3pcs) to the burst of flavors in the Shrimp and Pork Siu Mai with Crab Roe (Php280/3pcs), each bite is a symphony of taste. The Steamed Shrimp Dumpling (Php240/3pcs), more commonly known as Hakaw, with its generous and succulent filling, further elevated our dimsum experience.

Savoring Soups

I can say that Dragon Court’s soul-warming soup selections certainly started our meal right. The Eight Treasure Wintermelon Soup (Php390), a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, and the Braised Assorted Seafood and Fish Maw Soup (Php320), a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients, showcase the culinary prowess behind each creation.

Satisfying Mains

The main courses at Dragon Court are a celebration of the diverse possibilities inherent in Chinese cuisine. I can’t imagine a Chinese meal without Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php280), and this was no exception, as it pairs well with other delicious dishes such as another classic like the Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple (Php380).

The Vegetarian Stewed Eggplant in Clay Pot (Php320) offered a hearty and flavorful option, while the Braised Grouper Fillet and Vermicelli in Hotpot (Php420) was quite a sensory delight. On the other hand, the Fried Shrimp Ball with Mozzarella Cheese (Php680) presented a delectable surprise.

Sweet Endings

No culinary journey is complete without a sweet denouement, and Dragon Court delivered it in style with its Hot Almond Cream with Glutinous Rice Ball (Php120), a warm milky embrace for the taste buds, and the Mango Tapioca Pudding (Php220), which provided a refreshing and delightful conclusion to the feast.

Want a similar Chinese feast? Dine in at Dragon Court and take yourself on sumptuous journey through classic and contemporary Chinese cooking.

Dragon Court is located at Manila Prince Hotel, #1000 San Marcelino Street, Ermita, Manila near UN Square, open daily for lunch service from 11am to 3pm and dinner from 6pm to 10pm.

For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 53282222 local 1231 or email fnb@manilaprince.com.

Keep updated on Dragon Court’s menu and offers by visiting Manila Prince’s website or following the hotel on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Menu items were served at no charge in exchange for honest feedback and to facilitate this feature story.

Gourmet Food Trippin’ at Manila Ocean Park

How’s your summer going so far, foodies?

If you’ve got a hankering for some #VitaminSea but are not keen on leaving the city, then Manila Ocean Park is definitely the place to be!

Having just reopened after nearly two years of being closed to the public, Manila Ocean Park is reinforcing its positioning as the all-season holiday destination with eight exciting attractions now ready for the hordes of urbanites like you who are raring for fun and adventure.

All that walking around and sight-seeing is sure to work up an appetite, though. Well, don’t worry, dear foodies, because Manila Ocean Park also serves up gastronomic delights that will satisfy even the most discerning gastronome.

These culinary creations are all curated by Manila Ocean Park’s Executive Chef Ranuka Hettiarachchi, who brings his extraordinary skill sets to bear in bringing distinctly gourmet dining experiences for the park’s visitors through its in-house restaurants.

MOP Food Trip — Chef Ranuka Hettiarachchi, Manila Ocean Park and Hotel H20’s Executive Chef

Garden Dining by White Moon Bar

Garden Dining by White Moon Bar came about in May 2021 when the lockdowns were beginning to ease up but indoor dining was not yet allowed. By making use of Manila Ocean Park’s Barnyard area to offer al fresco dining, and serving up a refreshed menu of Asian fusion dishes, this newly opened eatery became a bright spot for foodies looking for restaurant-quality fare during quarantine.

Looking at these mouth-watering dishes, you would be hard-pressed to imagine Chef Ranuka whipping these up using just a griddle and stove, which was all he had available when this restaurant first opened.

While feasting on these dishes, you can quench your thirst with refreshing shakes and cocktails.

Garden Dining by White Moon Bar is located at the side entrance of Manila Ocean Park near The Barnyard and Sea Lion pool.

Read about my previous experience here.

Makan Makan Asian Food Village

Makan Makan Asian Food Village got its name from the Singaporean expression that invites people to eat.

Located at the second floor of Hotel H2O off to the side of Manila Ocean Park, this restaurant presents an extensive array of tasty Singaporean hawker fare, staple Chinese dishes, and Pinoy classic faves, giving hotel guests and park visitors a viable option for their midday or evening meal.

With both familiar and exotic dishes on offer, Makan Makan Asian Food Village is a worthy food stop during your Manila Ocean Park adventure.

For more details and updates on its food offerings, follow Makan Makan Asian Food Village on Facebook and Instagram.

Garden Cafe by Hotel H2O

If you feel like you want to take a coffee break in the middle of your wanderings around the park, drop by Garden Cafe by Hotel H2Oo. Here, you can relax amidst a refreshing backdrop of foliage and open air, while you sip your handcrafted coffee or smoothie.

You may as well indulge yourself with some pastries while you’re at it. These confections are usually sea-themed and lovingly crafted by Chef Ranuka’s pastry chefs.

Mirror Glazed Sea-Themed Cake.

Aqua Bavarian Donut.

Other Pastries.

Want something to help you combat a hot day? Go for some iced coffee, then.

Don’t hesitate to sit down and take a break with your pals while having some coffee and pastries in this comfy (and very Instagrammable) nook.

Garden Cafe by Hotel H2O is located at the ground floor of Hotel H2OO, easily accessible from Manila Ocean Park.

Follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

White Moon Bar

Want to end your Manila Ocean Park adventure on a high note?

Then, proceed to the second floor deck of Hotel H2O to catch the gorgeous sunset while you hang out at White Moon Bar.

Nibble on some appetizing bar chow while listening to chill music.

Of course, your sunset chillout sesh wouldn’t be complete without some of White Moon Bar’s Classic and Signature cocktails.

So take the time to enjoy good food and great company at White Moon Bar as you wind down from your activity-packed day at Manila Ocean Park.

Follow White Moon Bar by Hotel H2O on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on its offers.

Watch out for more foodie destinations that Manila Ocean Park will be launching soon!

Manila Ocean Park is located behind the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta along Roxas Boulevard, Ermita Manila. Book your tickets via Klook or visit its website.

To stay updated on its promos and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: I attended food tastings held at these restaurants during my recent tours in Manila Ocean Park. Food items here were served at no cost to the attendees.

Check out my previous posts about Manila Ocean Park:

Manila Ocean Park's Francis Low — Profile: Manila Ocean Park’s Francis Low

Manila Ocean Park Reopening — 6 reasons to bring the fam to Manila Ocean Park

Garden Dining by Whitemoon Bar

It’s been more than a year into the quarantine, and while we have gone back to less stringent restrictions, there are many of our life’s former pleasures that some of us still can’t enjoy.

One of these is dining out, isn’t it?

The excitement of venturing outside our home, discovering a new place to try or a new dish to enjoy, and hanging out with our friends – all these and more make up the experience of dining out that we used to take for granted.

Thankfully, more of our favorite haunts are re-opening, albeit while adopting new ways to operate so that they could keep us, the dining public, as well as their staff safe from the still present threat of pandemic.

One of these pivoted but still very welcome returns to the local food scene is Manila Ocean Park’s Whitemoon Bar which recently launched its Garden Dining.

Situated in The Barnyard, Garden Dining by Whitemoon Bar offers a delectable array of Asian fusion dishes that can be enjoyed in a relaxing al fresco setting.

Here, diners can take a brief escape into the outdoors, surrounded by greenery and interesting bric-a-bracs, while they enjoy their meal amidst the gentle breeze from Manila Bay and chirping birds from the aviary.

Sri Lankan Chef Ranuka Hettiarachchi brought his considerable skill sets to bear in whipping up dishes for Garden Dining’s refreshed menu using just a griddle and a stove in The Barnyard’s recently converted kitchen.

Safely served in to-go containers yet still retaining the visual appeal of gourmet food, these dishes put a fresh spin on our old favorites. Together with fellow food, bloggers Jen of sandundermyfeet.com, Anj of anjcolumna.com and Nix of ieatandiwander.com, I was able to check out samples of Garden Dining’s offerings such as:

Onion Rings (Php120). Large slices of onions battered and deep-fried for an appetizing start to the meal.

Corned Beef and Cheese Toast (Php140). Truth be told: I’m not a fan of corned beef sandwiches but this made me change my mind. The combination of grilled cheese and corned beef is a highly snackable treat.

Kimchi Fried Rice (Php190). A blend of tangy and spicy flavors, this fragrant rice complements the viands served.

Pork Satay (Php180) and Chicken Satay (Php160). Seasoned meats grilled to smoky deliciousness and served on skewers with sauce on the side.

Pineapple Glazed Pork Liempo (Php190). Tangy pineapple tidbits complement the savory grilled pork belly.

Spicy Asian-Style Seafood Spaghetti (Php250). A hearty and delicious taste of the sea with loads of seafood and noodles tossed in a slightly spicy sauce.

Whether you’re looking for refreshments or in the mood to imbibe, Garden Dining by Whitemoon Bar also has a great selection of drinks for you, such as:

Watermelon Shake (Php130).

Pineapple Shake (Php120).

Ginger Honey and Citrus Immune Booster (Php100).

A variety of red and white wines from its wine list such as this 2014 Elfo Salento Negroamaro from Italy (Php230/glass).

We’re still a long way from enjoying everything we used to enjoy before the pandemic, but with places such as Garden Dining by Whitemoon Bar, we can recreate those experience we look back on so fondly and even make new memories to cherish.

Garden Dining by Whitemoon Bar is located at The Barnyard, Manila Ocean Park, Luneta, Manila, open for outdoor dining Thursdays to Sundays from 3pm to 9pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 85677777.

To know more about its latest promos and offers, follow Manila Ocean Park on Facebook or Instagram.

Disclosure: Together with fellow food bloggers, I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to facilitate this feature article

Best Asian fusion dishes from Bistro Charlemagne

Ever since I had my first taste of Bistro Charlemagne‘s celebrated dishes during a foodie meetup held at its Ayala Feliz branch two years ago, the restaurant has occupied a special place in my heart.

Then, the flavors my fellow foodies and I tasted were at once familiar and novel to our palates. This is because this high-end restaurant offers to its clientele a fusion of Asian and European cuisines.

I was also able to introduce this resto to Hubby and the kids, and a family favorite came to be. Bistro Charlemagne became our go-to restaurant for family celebrations, including birthdays and get-togethers with visiting relatives.

It was forced to pause its operations during the enhanced community quarantine but re-opened in the second half of the year for delivery. It was just in time for my daughter #ExhibitA’s birthday, who has declared Bistro Charlemagne as her favorite restaurant so I had some her favorite dishes delivered to our home for her birthday lunch.

As community quarantine restrictions have lessened, Bistro Charlemagne has also re-opened for dine-in service but with safety protocols in place.

I’m looking forward to dining in at Bistro Charlemagne soon. However, since my son #ExhibitB is below 18 years old and can’t enter malls, I decided to have our holiday lunch from Bistro Charlemagne delivered to our home for the whole family to enjoy.

Our family feast included:

Pares Rice (Php365). Slow-braised shredded beef shank with anise-sweet soy in fried rice topped with fried beef.

Japanese Beef Fried Rice (Php145). The fam’s favorite fried rice made with Japanese rice, ground beef, vegetables and egg.

Scallop Gratin (Php445). Baked bay scallops with garlic-chorizo cream sauce topped with cheese.

Golden 17 Chicken (Php375). Traditionally prepared soy chicken perfumed with an intricate blend of seventeen herbs and spices and served with yummy ginger sauce. Hubby discovered that its mild flavor is a perfect match with the Pares Rice.

Drunken Lengua in Brown Mushroom Sauce (Php445). Pan-seared ox tongue with mushrooms, asparagus and white wine. I’ve been raving about this dish for years now. It goes so well with the Japanese Fried Rice that these two dishes are my automatic orders.

Lengua in White Sauce (Php445). I decided to also introduce Bistro Charlemagne’s other lengua dish to the fam. Made with braised ox tongue with rich cream sauce and sautéed mushrooms. While this is an exceptional dish, the fam’s loyalty is still with our favorite Drunken Lengua.

The fam’s holiday lunch was so special because we were able to taste our old favorites and discover new ones as well.

Hoping that things normalize soon so we can all dine in at Bistro Charlemagne soon.

This Bistro Charlemagne branch is located at Fifth Floor, Ayala Malls Feliz, Dela Paz, Pasig City, open daily from 10am to 8pm. Orders may also be called in via +63 956 4507704. Digital payments via BDO and GCash are accepted.

Other branches are located at:

Paranaque: Third Floor, Cinema Building, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Parañaque City
Laguna: Solenad 3, Ayala Malls Solenad, Nuvali, Don Jose, Santa Rosa, Laguna

Bistro Charlemagne also delivers via FoodPanda, GrabFood and Mangan.

Fam fave Bistro Charlemagne opens third branch in Ayala Malls Manila Bay

It is rare for my entire family to agree on food. Oftentimes, our tastes differ to such a degree that eating out has become a tedious process of elimination, narrowing down the list of options where everyone’s food preferences and cravings are assuaged.

But there’s one resto name that shortcuts all that because we know we will all agree on it: Bistro Charlemagne.

I introduced my immediate and extended fam to the joys of dining at Bistro Charlemagne in Ayala Malls Feliz and the in-laws at its branch in Solenad, Nuvali early last year. Since then, we have enjoyed its Asian fusion cuisine time and time again, making this resto our go-to place for intimate family celebrations or get-togethers.

And now, with the opening of its third branch in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, it just got easier and more enjoyable to meet up with family and friends in the South for great food and great times.

You might be wondering what constitutes Bistro Charlemagne’s appeal to me and my family. Well, let me break it down for y’all…

1. Its elegant but homey premises.

I’ve noticed that although its branches are inside malls, they are usually situated near the outdoors (near gardens or balconies). Its floor-to-ceiling glass windoes allow a lot of natural light to enter the dining area, further enhanced by decorative light fixtures. The lighting also brings out the colors and textures of the resto’s darkwood tables and snakeskin-and-velvet plush chairs and couches.

The well-appointed surroundings may be posh but not at all off-putting. There is a warm and homey atmosphere to the place that puts its guests at ease.

2. Its Asian fusion cuisine brings together the East and West, the familiar and the new.

Dining at Bistro Charlemagne always feels like an adventure. Its extensive menu is chock-full of exciting dishes to try as well as old favorites that I, personally, do not tire of.

Take, for example, the dishes that my foodie friends and I enjoyed when we visited its newest branch:

Bistro Sisig Fries (Php315). Thrice-cooked pork cheeks sauteed in creamy chicken liver sauce on top of freshly cooked fries.

Ox Sisig (Php355). Tender slow-cooked ox tongue mixed with Bistro Charlemagne’s special toyomansi-mayo sauce topped with chicharon bulaklak.

Shrimp Poppers (Php435). Lightly battered deep-fried shrimps tossed in a sweet chili mayo sauce and chili oil and served with a side salad.

Octopus Ala Pobre (Php395). One of Bistro Charlemagne’s seasonal dishes, this is made of slow-braised octopus in a garlic butter sauce and garlic confit.

Little Asia’s Crispy Chicken (Php355). This is the crispy fried chicken dish developed by the owner’s grandfather and passed down through three generations of restaurateurs.

Beef Tenderloin Rolls (Php415). Tender, thinly sliced beef wrapped around cheese and sauteed in teriyaki sauce.

Lengua in Mushroom White Sauce (Php415). Braised ox tongue with cream sauce and sauteed mushrooms.

Drunken Lengua in Mushroom Brown Sauce (Php415). Tender pan-seared ox tongue with mushrooms and asparagus in white wine sauce.

Cantonese Prawns (Php565). Sauteed prawns covered in melted cheese and cream sauce.

Creamy Seafood Baked Rice (Php415). Shrimp, squid, fish fillet and crabstick tossed in a rich cream sauce slathered over rice and topped with melted cheese.

Smores (Php265). Ghirardelli chocolate ganache topped with a thick layer of roasted marshmallows and served with graham crackers.

Reese’s Smores (Php265). Peanut butter chips ganache topped with a thick layer of roasted marshmallows and served with graham crackers.

3. Its imaginatively designed drinks

Quench your thirst or pair your viands with Bistro Charlemagne’s blended drinks, which include:

Blueberry Banana Shake (Php185).

Four Seasons Shake (Php165).

Choco Peanut Banana Shake (Php165).

Vietnamese Coconut Drink (Php155).

4. Its affordable set meal options

Eating solo? You can dine on single servings of your favorite viands along with rice, soup and iced tea for as low as Php235.

5. Its party trays for your large gatherings

Planning your New Year celebrations with the clan? How about an office party after the holidays?

I’m happy to discover Bistro Charlemagne has party packages that can feed large groups.

My wish list for my dream Bistro Charlemagne party includes:

Tuna Tataki (Php1,575, good for 15 persons). Hubby’s favorite!
Little Asia’s Crispy Chicken (Php1,420, good for 12 persons).
Beef Tenderloin Rolls with Cheese (Php1,660, good for 15 persons).
Drunken Lengua in Mushroom Brown Sauce (Php2,075, good for 15 persons)
Salt and Pepper Squid (Php1,875, good for 15 persons)
Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php1,775, good for 15 persons)

So check out Bistro Charlemagne’s tasty dishes at its newest branch!

Many thanks to Charlemagne Lim and his crew for the warm welcome and wonderful meal, and the Francis G for extending the invitation!

This Bistro Charlemagne branch is located at Lot 2, Third Floor, Cinemas Building, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Entertainment City Paranaque, open Mondays to Thursdays from 10am to 10pm and Fridays to Sundays from 10am to 11pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 79149082.

Other branches are located at:

Fifth Floor, Ayala Malls Feliz along Marcos Highway, Dela Paz, Pasig City
GFF-6, Building B, Ayala Malls Solenad 3, Nuvali, Don Jose, Santa Rosa, Laguna

Great games and grub at Grid x Griddle, Greenfield District

Being a foodie, dining out and the discovery new and tasty dishes are synonymous to having fun.

But what if the food was only part of the fun?

At Grid x Griddle Gastrolounge and Gaming (also known as GxG), diners can enjoy delicious Asian-Western fusion dishes while enjoying their favorite board or card games.

Together with my foodie friends from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH, I visited GxG to check out its food offerings.

Opened in 2017, the restaurant is owned by avid board gamers. Its name even gives a clue to this fact: “grid” comes from the network of squares found in boardgames, while “griddle” refers to the flat metal plate used in cooking burgers, bacon and pancakes, among others.

Step inside and you will enter a world where gamers reign supreme. (Note: By gamers, I mean analog ones who use cards and boards, rather than those who use consoles or PCs.) The first floor is dominated by the bar and a high shelf of games, while the second floor give the diners a choice between dining and gaming on the floor seated on colorful cushions, or at regular tables and chairs. Either way, you have access to an expansive array of board games and card games, some of which were part of the owners’ private collection while others were acquired specifically for the resto.

To play, each person just has to order one dish (not including soups, salads or desserts) or pay Php250 consumable.

Curious about the grub available here? Check these out:

Truffle Mushroom Soup (Php170). Sauteed mushrooms in truffle-flavored cream. Its rich truffle aroma got us salivating.

GxG Fries (Php270). Crisp deep-fried potato fries topped with gently swaying bonita flakes, an American dish cooked and presented in a Japanese way.

Calamari (Php275). Strips of giant squid marinated in salt and pepper, lightly battered then deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown and served with GxG’s own house-made bagoong aioli and vinegar.

Longganisa All-Day Breakfast (Php290). Flavorful links of longganisa from Isabela served with two sunny-side-up, garlic rice, buttered vegetables and iced tea.

Sweet Basi Adobo Glazed Chicken (Php340). A juicy quarter leg of chicken cooked sous vide glazed in GxG’s special adobo sauce made with basi, an alcoholic beverage originating from Ilocos made from fermented sugarcane, and served with garlic rice, vegetables, demi-glace sauce and strips of mango which provide a sweet-sour counterpoint to the salty adobo.

GxG Pasta (Php250). The pasta dish with a decidedly local flavor due to the salted egg and tinapa (smoked fish) incorporated in the sauce.

Truffle Pasta (Php290). A creamy truffle pasta topped with bacon and parmesan cheese.

GxG Pizza (Php260). Native ensalata ingredients such as dilis, eggplant, tomatoes, onions, bagoong and ripe mango on top of a crisp thin pizza crust. This is (surprisingly!) best enjoyed when dipped in vinegar.

Durian Espresso Ice Cream (Php150). The infamously odoriferous fruit is only (thankfully!) subtly hinted at in this house-made frozen confection. What really stands out is its coffee flavor, well-complemented by a generous drizzling chocolate sauce, as well as crushed graham crackers and polvoron for added texture.

GxG also boasts of coffee- and non-coffee-based beverages such as Chocolate Frappe (Php140), Dark Hazelnut Latte Frappe (Php160) and Cafe Mocha (Php140).

If you’re looking for a refreshingly cool drink to go with your meal, you can’t go wrong with the Fresh Lemonade (Php80) or Iced Tea (Php70).

Whether you’re here for the games or the grub, you’re definitely in for a good time.

Thanks to Chef Gerard Martial and the GxG staff for the warm welcome and the good food!

Grid x Griddle Gastrolounge and Gaming is located at The Hub, Mayflower Street, Greenfield District, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City, open daily Tuesdays to Thursdays from 11am to 12 midnight, Fridays to Saturdays from 4pm to 2am, and Sundays from 4pm to 12 midnight. For inquiries, reservations or to order food for delivery, call +63 927 8794686.

Disclosure: Together with my fellow foodies, I attended a foodie meetup held here. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.