AniLag at Café Ilang-Ilang: Exploring Laguna’s rich flavors and heritage cuisine

Prepare your taste buds for a delightful adventure that will transport you to the beautiful province of Laguna, where rich flavors and centuries-old recipes await. The Manila Hotel recently unveiled a delectable collaboration that brings together two culinary powerhouses, Café Ilang-Ilang and Calle Arco, for an extraordinary dining experience like no other. Get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey that celebrates the vibrant tastes of Laguna and its captivating culinary heritage.

Café Ilang-Ilang, the legendary dining destination at The Manila Hotel renowned for its extensive international buffet spread, has joined forces with Calle Arco, a historic ancestral home in Pagsanjan, Laguna, that has been transformed into a restaurant of Filipino food wonders. Together, they have crafted a culinary masterpiece that pays homage to Laguna’s annual food festival, Anilag or Ani ng Laguna, a splendid celebration of the region’s rich culinary traditions.

ANILAG (1)

EJ Yap, The Manila Hotel’s Assistant Director for Food & Beverage, can barely contain his excitement about this collaboration. “We are absolutely thrilled to introduce AniLag to all the wonderful patrons of Café Ilang-Ilang. This partnership allows us to honor our cultural heritage in the most delectable way possible,” he shares.

Throughout the entire month of July, Café Ilang-Ilang will be your gateway to experiencing the magic of the Anilag festival. Brace yourselves for a carefully curated menu that showcases the authentic and time-honored recipes of Calle Arco, passed down through generations. From the very first bite, you will be transported to the heart of Laguna, where flavors dance on your palate and whisper tales of culinary tradition.

Anilag at Cafe Ilang Ilang

Prepare to indulge in a feast fit for royalty as you savor some of the festival’s highlights. Let your taste buds revel in the crispy, succulent goodness of Binagoongang Crispy Pata, a dish that combines the irresistible allure of crispy pork leg with the rich flavors of bagoong. Experience the regal delight of Hurnong Lechon, a roasted pig prepared with meticulous care and secret ingredients that elevate it to the status of a true gastronomic masterpiece.

But wait, there’s more! Brace yourself for a parade of flavors that will dazzle and delight. Savor the velvety richness of Kare-Kare (Galapong), a traditional Filipino stew made with a unique twist. Dive into the luscious depths of Pancit Habhab, a stir-fried noodle dish that will have you coming back for seconds. Indulge in the comforting embrace of Sinigang na Baka na may Langka, a tangy beef soup infused with the sweetness of ripe jackfruit. And that’s just the beginning!

Enseladang Talong & Pako Salad

Grilled Pla-Pla with Pako will take you on a journey to the lush landscapes of Laguna, with its perfectly grilled fish adorned with a refreshing fern salad. And for the grand finale, let the divine flavors of Kamote de Leche enchant your senses, as this delightful dessert made from sweet potatoes and creamy milk leaves you craving for more.

Are you salivating yet? Well, the good news is that these mouthwatering dishes will be available on a rotating basis throughout the month at Café Ilang-Ilang’s lunch and dinner buffets, ensuring that you have ample opportunities to indulge in Laguna’s culinary treasures. So, gather your fellow food enthusiasts, bring your appetites, and let the flavors of Laguna whisk you away on an unforgettable culinary adventure.

For more information and to secure your spot at this extraordinary celebration of flavors and culture, call (+632) 8527-0011 or (+632) 5301-5500, or simply shoot an email to restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com. Don’t miss out on this chance to experience the culinary wonders of Laguna right here in the heart of Manila. AniLag at Café Ilang-Ilang awaits you!

Naked Patisserie launches Naked Spreads, Party Trays, and Gift Sets in time for the Holidays

Naked Patisserie made its debut at the most important event for Christian Mark Jacobs – his very own wedding with celebrity fashion designer Francis Libiran. It was an opportune time to let their guests experience the recipes that his closest family and loved ones have enjoyed over the generations, evoking good memories and shared joys.

Naked Patisserie

Fast forward to the present and Naked Patisserie has become one of the most sought-after cake suppliers for celebrity weddings, with its offerings of sweet and savory recipes using signature combined “naked ingredients.” The Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake Truffles, which Christian has been making since he was a teenager, has become a well-loved crowd favorite and a benchmark for great desserts.

Naked Patisserie

Recognizing how much Christmas means to Filipinos, Naked Patisseries has chosen the holiday season to launch its newest offerings, representing the next step in its continuous evolution as a mainstay in the Philippine food scene.

The exciting holiday line-up was launched at Naked Patisserie’s thanksgiving event held at Marquis Events Place in BGC, whose elegant set-up and personalized service definitely heightened the guests’ experience as they discovered Naked Patisserie’s offers for the Holiday season.

Naked Patisserie

Naked Patisserie

Naked Patisserie

The premier venue for grand experiences opens its Marquis Christmas Joy Regale festivities with a delightful Yuletide banquet created around Naked Patisserie’s “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” celebration. They’ll be offering affordable festive banquets; sweet and savory holiday gifts; party platter pleasures; and Yuletide outside catering packages are sure to bring joy in many celebrations.

Among the products launched are the Naked Spreads—the perfect addition for any gathering. Not only are the grazing tables Instagram-worthy with its signature rustic aesthetic, but it is peppered with Christian’s Southern roots recipes made with naked ingredients. One can choose the Build-Your-Own Naked Spread package, which allows the client to customize the spread based on budget and number of guests. Special add-ons (premium cheese, premium deli meats) and upgrades are also available, giving one the opportunity to curate a spread.

Naked Patisserie

Baked Patisserie

There are also the Celebrity Naked Spread packages designed for actual celebrity weddings and events. One can also opt for Luxe Celebrity Spreads, including the actual spreads used by celebrities Julia Barreto, Marian Rivera, Jinkee Pacquiao and Vern and Verniece Enciso.

For those who want a memorable Yuletide spread, Naked Patisserie’s Southern Roots Party Trays is sure to create new memories while bringing back a taste of home. It features the Breaded Italian Pork Chops with the Naked Foodie signature breading, seasoned to perfection with creamy Southern bacon gravy as a side; Italian Sausage with Bell Pepper & Onions, which are sauteed and served with grilled bell peppers and red onions on a petite bed of creamy mashed potatoes; the irresistible Sriracha Chicken is a crispy boneless skinless breast chicken tossed in the signature Sriracha Honey Sauce and topped with red pepper flakes and spring onions; and the Tuscan Chicken is a beautifully roasted chicken coated in premium olive oil, Italian herbs and spices, and finished with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and zest.

Naked Patisserie

Naked Patisserie

Naked Patisserie

Naked Patisserie

Naked Patisserie

Even the sides are sure to make every foodie drool: The Baked Brie Mac n Cheese, which is a sinful 4-cheese dish comprised of an explosion of flavor of pepper jack, sharp cheddar, parmesan, and baked brie with a creamy, structured texture; the Frittata is a baked egg casserole filled with feta cheese, steamed spinach and vine ripened tomatoes and parmesan cheese; and Buttered Corn is a premium roasted corn with butter and signature spices. Just as memorable are the Sweet and Sour Green Beans and Roasted Broccoli.

To complement the savory dishes, Naked Patisserie also offers Made-to-Order cakes with unique flavor combinations to choose from: Strawberries & Cream (winner of Inquirer’s Best Desserts of 2019), Chocnut Cheesecake, Chocolate Chip Calamansi Cheesecake, Toasted Coconut Cream Dulce de Leche, Pick-me-Up Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake, Chocoholic Truffle Cake, Pucker Up Lemon Cheesecake, and its Signature Red Velvet Cake.

Naked Patisserie

Naked Patisserie

Naked Patisserie

Naked Patisserie

Naked Patisserie

Naked Patisserie

Other goodies that Naked Patisserie is offering this holiday season are the Luxe Wine Gift Sets, and Gingerbread Houses; Limited edition offerings are the White Chocolate Red Velvet Truffles, Christmas cake, and the Holiday Snacker.

Naked Patisserie

Naked Patisserie

Naked Patisserie

Naked Patisserie

Naked Patisserie

Naked Patisserie

“I’ve always loved the way food brings people together like nothing else can –– breaking down barriers and creating new friendships through telling stories and sharing in laughter. Southern Roots by Naked Patisserie Party Trays is the byproduct of my love for cooking, which I stems from my mother and grandmother, and is my way of inviting you into my kitchen to share in my family’s traditions and recipes, some of which span back to three generations. My promise to you is always: good food, naked Ingredients,” says Jacobs.

People love Naked Patisserie because it is more than just a bake shop – it’s a place where people know they are valued, and where they can have delicious and photo-worthy cakes and pastries. They return, too, because of the defining and memorable experience which they want to experience again and share with friends and family, especially this Christmas.

For your holiday celebrations, you may order online through their website www.nakedpatisserie.com or message them on Viber at 09454685141 and/or 09651396609. Stay up to date with their offerings and promos by following Naked Patisserie on social media at www.instagram.com/nakedpatisserie.

Event details provided in a recent press release.