In the shopping and entertainment haven of Promenade Greenhills, Cowrie Grill stands tall as a beacon of culinary excellence, celebrating a remarkable 10 years of serving discerning connoisseurs and food enthusiasts alike. What was once nestled within the historic walls of The Manila Hotel has evolved into a destination for exquisite cuisine, maintaining its legacy as an epitome of fine dining.
A Culinary Legacy Unveiled: The 10 Most Popular Dishes
To mark this milestone, Cowrie Grill joyfully unveils its “Decade Favorites” — a collection of the 10 most beloved dishes that have defined a decade of gastronomic brilliance. Guests are invited to indulge in the timeless elegance of tableside Caesar Salad, the comforting embrace of French Onion Soup, the rich flavors of Fettuccine Al Funghi E Tartufo, and the sumptuousness of Grilled Chilean Sea Bass. The celebration also features a culinary journey through Saga Wagyu Beef Rib Eye, Chateaubriand U.S. Angus, Bone-In Tomahawk Ribeye, Iberico Pork Loin, U.S. Angus Beef Tournedos Rossini with Foie Gras, and concludes with the spectacular Baked Alaska flambéed with brandy.
“We are truly grateful for the continuous support and loyalty of our guests since the restaurant’s early days at The Manila Hotel. Our 10th anniversary is a tribute to our commitment to culinary excellence and the cherished relationships we’ve built over the years,” expressed EJ Yap, F&B Director of Cowrie Grill by The Manila Hotel.
An Elegant Venue for Every Occasion
Beyond its exquisite culinary offerings, Cowrie Grill is an ideal venue for private events and intimate gatherings. The restaurant’s elegant interior and customizable space provide the perfect setting for those seeking refinement and exceptional service for their celebrations. Whether it’s a milestone birthday, an anniversary, or a corporate event, Cowrie Grill’s versatility ensures an unforgettable experience for its diners.
Cowrie Grill is open seven days a week from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM, ready to welcome patrons to a world of culinary delight. For inquiries and reservations, please contact +632 8477 6385, send a Viber message to 0977 641 8815, or email r.cowriegrill@themanilahotel.com.
Details and images provided in a recent press release.
As September draws to a close, so does the vibrant celebration of Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival. This annual event is a time for gratitude, togetherness, and indulgence in delectable Korean cuisine. If you haven’t seized the opportunity yet, there’s no better time than now to immerse yourself in the festivities and make the most of Ball Katsu’s Pick A Prize Promo.
Ball Katsu, a brainchild of the esteemed Korean chef Paik Jong Won, adds an exciting twist to the classic katsu by transforming it into delightful katsu balls. Before this month concludes, dive into the world of Korean flavors and savor the chance to win amazing prizes at Ball Katsu.
The Korean Twist: Explore Ball Katsu’s Innovative Katsu Balls
Visualize the traditional katsu – a succulent, crispy-on-the-outside yet juicy-on-the-inside pork cutlet. Now, imagine that same katsu, expertly shaped into charming, flavorful balls. That’s the magic of Ball Katsu.
Korean chef Paik Jong Won, renowned for his culinary ingenuity, took the beloved katsu and transformed it into delightful balls. Each ball encapsulates the flavors of katsu within a convenient, bite-sized form. It’s a fusion of textures and tastes that’s both unique and appetizing, adding a Korean twist to a well-loved classic.
A Delicious Korean Foodie Adventure at Ball Katsu
Located in Mega Fashion Hall’s Food Hall, Ball Katsu is your gateway to a yummy adventure. The unassuming setup might belie the gastronomic delights that await you, but don’t you worry, you’ll find a tantalizing array of options, including katsu balls, rice bowls, and curry rice dishes.
The katsu balls, of course, steal the spotlight. Each bite-sized sphere is a burst of flavor, showcasing the perfect harmony of tender meat and crispy coating. Ball Katsu launched its hottest flavor, the Hot Pepper Ball Katsu (Php159/pc), proving the versatility of these bite-sized delights!
For those seeking a heartier meal, the Regular Ball Katsu Rice Bowl (Php189) presents an equally satisfying experience.
The Cheese Ball Curry Rice (Php269), on the other hand, offer a comforting and aromatic journey through Korean flavors.
The Pick A Prize Promo: Seize the Last Moments of Excitement!
As the clock ticks towards midnight on September 30, 2023, seize the last chance to be part of the Pick A Prize Promo at Ball Katsu. Celebrate Chuseok as you savor the delectable katsu balls and potentially win incredible prizes.
Here’s how to join:
Make a minimum purchase of 350 pesos in a single transaction to qualify for the promo.
Like and follow Ball Katsu’s Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok Pages, and share the promo post.
Present a screenshot showing that you’ve followed and shared Ball Katsu’s social media pages.
Show the receipt as proof of purchase to the Ball Katsu staff.
After verification, pick a prize from the Ball Katsu Box/Bowl.
Each customer can avail of the promo once during the entire promo period.
Instant prizes can be redeemed on the same day or at the end of the promo period. Prizes are transferable but not convertible to cash.
Fill up the acknowledgment form for your prizes.
Staff will stamp the receipt to verify the promotion.
Make the Most of Chuseok: Hurry and Join Ball Katsu’s Celebration!
For Korean pop culture enthusiasts and food lovers alike, the last day of September is the last call to partake in this unique celebration. Chuseok is a time to immerse yourself in Korean traditions, and Ball Katsu offers not only a delightful gastronomic journey but also a chance to win exciting prizes through their Pick A Prize Promo. Don’t let this opportunity slip away; be part of the Chuseok festivities at Ball Katsu.
Ball Katsu is located at 5th Floor SM Mega Food Hall, SM Megamall, EDSA corner Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.
Disclosure: I attended a food tasting event held at this restaurant. Food items were served at no cost in exchange for honest feedback and to facilitate this feature.
Ernest Hemingway once cited The Manila Hotel as “the perfect representation of the city, if not the country’s resilience, vitality, versatility and hospitality.”
This certainly is true as the iconic Grand Dame not only evokes the prestige and nostalgia of the old city, but, as its current president Joey Lina put it, it also “is a repository of culture and history.”
And one of the exciting facets of Filipino culture that the hotel regularly sheds light on is Pinoy cuisine.
Fresh off its successful homage to Laguna’s annual food festival, Anilag or Ani ng Laguna, the hotel’s legendary dining destination, Cafe Ilang-Ilang highlights Western Visayan cuisine for the whole month of August.
A Collaboration in Heritage Cuisine
For this month’s feature on regional culinary traditions and innovations, Cafe Ilang-Ilang collaborated with Chef Rafael “Tibong” Jardeleza, Jr. Hailing from Western Visayas himself, Chef Tibong is a champion of heritage cuisine and brings the region’s diverse culinary delights to join the cafe’s buffet offerings.
Chef Tibong Jardeleza
Chef Tibong with The Manila Hotel’s chefs
Western Visayas, known as the Food Haven of the Philippines, boasts a vibrant food culture that reflects its rich history, geography, and cultural influences. The partnership between Cafe Ilang-Ilang and Chef Tibong showcases a tapestry of flavors, offering a contemporary twist to classic dishes as well as the region’s local recipes, distinct ingredients, and time-honored cooking techniques.
Top Picks Among the Flavors of Western Visayas
Together with fellow bloggers, I attended a special preview of the Flavors of Western Visayas at The Manila Hotel’s Cafe Ilang-Ilang.
Curious about the heritage dishes to be savored there? Check out my top picks below:
Lechon Cerveza
Guimaras Mango Lobster Salad
Kinilaw na Tanigue
Grilled Lambchop with Tamarind Sauce
Duck ala Mangga
Callos
Diwal
Pineapple-Glazed Ham
Chicken Galantina
Paella Negra with Chiperones
Dulce de Gatas
La Paz Baboy Ice Cream
These are just a sampling the delicious flavors of Western Visayas, available on rotation at the Filipino food station of Cafe Ilang-Ilang until August 31.
The International Buffet
If you want to venture out from our homegrown flavors, you can also check out Cafe Ilang-Ilang’s extensive array of cuisines from around the globe. Brace yourself for a mouthwatering journey as you visit each station:
Salads and Breads Station: Vibrant, crisp salads, freshly baked bread, an assortment of cheeses, and delicatessen treats await your eager taste buds.
Churrasco Station: Portuguese-style grilled beef, pork, chicken, lamb, sausages, and seafood skewers, accompanied by a variety of delectable sauces, promise to satisfy your cravings.
Pan-Asian Station: A delightful selection of dim sum, sushi, sashimi, noodles, dumplings, and stir-fries will transport you to the streets of Asia.
Italian Station: Indulge in mouthwatering pizzas and pastas, freshly prepared and cooked to perfection.
Mediterranean Station: Refreshing salads, fresh seafood, halal dishes, and perfectly grilled meats evoke the coastal charm of the Mediterranean.
American Station: Sink your teeth into juicy steaks and tender roasts, epitomizing the hearty flavors of the United States.
Dessert Station: Satisfy your sweet tooth with luscious cakes, pies, pastries, and creamy ice cream that will leave you longing for more.
The dinner buffet at Cafe Ilang-Ilang is available daily from 6 pm to 10 pm. On Sundays to Wednesdays, it is priced at Php3,145 for adults and Php1,572 for children. On Thursdays to Saturdays, the price is Php3,790 for adults and Php1,895 for children. To secure your table, make inquiries, or reservations, contact +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, or send an email to restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.
Stay updated on The Manila Hotel’s news and offers by following it on Facebook and Instagram.
Check out my previous posts about The Manila Hotel’s Cafe Ilang-Ilang:
Are you on the hunt for a taste of authentic Taiwanese cuisine that will leave your taste buds singing? Well, look no further than Din Tai Fung. This award-winning Taiwanese restaurant, renowned for its exquisite Xiaolongbao, has found its way to the heart of the Philippines, and it’s not just a restaurant – it’s an experience!
The Moment Group brought the magic of Din Tai Fung to the Philippines in 2015, opening its first branch at the ever-vibrant SM Megamall. Since then, this food haven has expanded to other locations, including BGC, Power Plant Mall, Greenbelt 3, SM North EDSA and SM Mall of Asia, delighting the metro’s foodies.
During a recent shopping trip with my Hubby and son at SM Megamall, we treated ourselves to a Taiwanese feast for lunch at Din Tai Fung.
The Meaning Behind the Name
Ever wondered about the meaning behind Din Tai Fung’s name? Each character holds significance that aligns perfectly with the restaurant’s vision. “鼎” (Din) stands for Wok, symbolizing the traditional cooking method used to create some of their delectable dishes. “泰” (Tai) represents Peace, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Din Tai Fung – a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere for you to indulge in Taiwanese goodness. Finally, “豐” (Fung) stands for Abundance, promising a dining experience that leaves you fully satisfied and wanting more.
The Concept and Ambiance
Similar to other Din Tai Fung restaurants, the ambiance of its SM branch is marked by simplicity and understated charm.
While waiting for our table, we watched the expert chefs busily crafting the dimsum and rolling noodles from scratch.
The newly renovated interiors feature light wood walls elegantly adorned with LED screens and anime-style posters, minimalist wooden tables and chairs, and a relaxed dress code which set the stage for a laid-back yet elegant dining experience.
Whether you’re here with friends, family, or just treating yourself, Din Tai Fung promises an atmosphere that allows you to focus on what truly matters – the food.
Efficient Ordering, Serving, and Payment Process
One of the most unique aspects of dining at Din Tai Fung is the efficient and interactive ordering process. As my Hubby, son, and I settled into our seats, we were handed a clipboard with a list of mouthwatering dishes. Excited to explore the menu, we ticked off the dishes we craved, specifying the serving size and quantity we desired. Our choices were swiftly logged into the restaurant’s system, and a printed list was posted on our table to guide the servers in delivering the dishes we ordered.
After our meal, we settled our bill at the counter where payments via cash, credit or debit cards, Maya e-wallet are accepted.
The Mouthwatering Taiwanese Feast
Our lunch feast at Din Tai Fung was a combination of our all-time Taiwanese food faves as well as new dishes we wanted to try. The resulting symphony of flavors whisked us away to the streets of Taiwan.
Din Tai Fung’s iconic Pork Xiao Long Bao (Php375) are delicate parcels of heaven. Thanks to a visual guide shown by the wait staff, we were able to savor the full experience of eating our xiao long bao. This involved dipping our dumpling in a sauce made with made with ginger slivers, soy sauce and vinegar, placing it on a spoon and poking a small home into to release the broth, and then gently biting into it to get the full flavor explosion from the soup and the luscious pork filling.
Hubby couldn’t resist the Hot Sour Soup (Php215). The tangy, spicy, and savory broth filled with vegetables and tofu warmed him up for the rest of the meal.
Apparently, I also couldn’t resist the temptation of the Pork Roasted Garlic Bun (Php175), thanks to the rich, savory flavor of its pork, garlic, and scallions filling combined with the fluffy, steamed bun.
The Shrimp Shao Mai (Php255), on the other hand, is a treat to the eyes and tastebuds, thanks to its delicate wrapper and the sweetness of shrimp mingled with pork and mushrooms.
To balance our indulgence, we savored the Organic Spinach (Php285), lightly stir-fried with garlic and scallions. This simple yet delightful dish was a refreshing break, adding a dose of health to our feast.
The Salted Egg Squid (Php465), made with crispy, tender squid slices coated in a salty, savory egg batter, is an old favorite that we can always go for.
The 3 Cups Chicken (Php305), on the other hand, was a delicious viand cooked to perfection in a soy sauce, ginger, and scallion sauce; the chicken was tender and juicy, complemented by the rich sauce.
Of course, we couldn’t skip the Shrimp Fried Rice (Php275), a delightful combination of shrimp, chicken, and vegetables tossed in a fragrant soy sauce, ginger, and scallion base. The crispy rice and the medley of flavors complemented the other dishes in our meal.
Din Tai Fung at SM Megamall is quite worth a visit, with every dish is crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail. The ambiance is inviting, the service impeccable, and the flavors unforgettable.
So, foodies, if you’re looking for an authentic Taiwanese dining experience that’s full of peace and abundance, Din Tai Fung is the place to be. Head over to their branches across Metro Manila and embark on a culinary adventure with your loved ones while savoring some of the finest Taiwanese cuisine around.
This Din Tai Fung branch is located at Level 2, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, EDSA corner Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries, call +63 2 89971935 or +63 919 0845376.
There are few dining experiences that will have had me braving the July’s heavy monsoon rains, the threat of flooding and the metro’s infamous traffic jams, but that’s exactly what happened that particular Thursday evening, when I met up with fellow foodies to enjoy Cafe Ilang-Ilang’s much-celebrated dinner buffet spread.
A Legacy of Culinary Excellence
Named after the ilang-ilang tree which symbolizes love and romance, Cafe Ilang-Ilang is a much-beloved spot that transports diners to a world of culinary excellence. The Manila Hotel’s flagship restaurant has undergone several renovations and is now an architectural masterpiece. With a legacy spanning over half a century, Café Ilang-Ilang has become synonymous with exceptional dining experiences in Manila.
Global Flavors on Your Plate
Café Ilang-Ilang prides itself on offering an extensive array of cuisines from around the world. Here, my fellow foodies and I were able to explore the buffet spread that spans continents and satisfies every palate with a delightful showcase of diverse flavors.
Salads and Breads Station. Whet your appetites with Cafe Ilang-Ilang’s assortment of vibrant, crisp salads, freshly baked bread, cheeses and delicatessen. This station offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures to complement your buffet experience.
Churrasco Station. Immerse yourself in the tantalizing aroma of grilled meats and seafood. Indulge in succulent grilled beef, pork, chicken, lamb, sausages, and seafood skewers, accompanied by a variety of delectable sauces.
Pan-Asian Station. Embark on a culinary journey through Asia with a wide selection of dim sum, sushi, sashimi, noodles, dumplings, and stir-fries.
Italian Station. Indulge in classic Italian dishes that will transport you to the heart of Italy. Savor mouthwatering pizzas and pastas, freshly prepared and cooked to perfection.
Mediterranean Station. Delight in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Sample refreshing salads, fresh seafood, halal dishes and perfectly grilled meats.
American Station. Experience the best of American hearty fare. Let loose your inner carnivore juicy steaks and tender roasts.
Dessert Station. Indulge your sweet tooth with a delectable array of sweet treats. From luscious cakes and pastries to creamy ice cream, the dessert station offers a delightful finale to your culinary adventure.
Anilag Festival: A Celebration of Culinary Heritage
The true showcase of that evening’s luxurious repast is the Anilag Festival, a carefully curated menu that showcases revered recipes from Calle Arco, an ancestral home in Pagsanjan, Laguna, renowned for its authentic Filipino dishes. Café Ilang-Ilang collaborated with Calle Arco in bringing the vibrant flavors of Laguna’s annual food festival, Anilag or Ani ng Laguna on a rotating basis to the restaurant’s Filipino buffet station throughout this month of July. These include:
Binagoongang Crispy Pata. A fusion of two Filipino classics, crispy pata and binagoongan made cuts of deep-fried pork leg braised in flavorful stew made with shrimp paste.
Fried Itik. A signature dish from Victoria, Laguna wherein a duck is marinated in special seasonings then deep-fried to a crisp.
Kare-Kare (Galapong). A rich and flavorful oxtail stew with vegetables, simmered in a peanut sauce made from ground peanuts, chili peppers, spices, and glutinous rice.
Pancit Habhab. A stir-fried noodle dish made with miki noodles, shrimp, pork, and vegetables.
Sinigang na Baka na may Langka. The tangy and refreshing flavors of a sour soup made with beef, vegetables, and tamarind with some sweet notes from jackfruit.
Grilled Pla-Pla with Pako. Grilled tilapia served with pako leaves, adding a hint of sweetness and bitterness.
Adobong Kangkong. A staple in many Filipino homes, this dish is made with a combination of water spinach (kangkong) and classic adobo elements such as pork belly, garlic, bay leaves, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, oil, and black pepper.
Café Ilang-Ilang at The Manila Hotel is a haven for food lovers seeking a remarkable buffet experience. With its rich history, stunning ambiance, and an exquisite selection of global cuisines, it promises an unforgettable dining adventure. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the diverse flavors from around the world while celebrating Laguna’s culinary heritage during the Anilag Festival.
Personally, the trek across the metro’s congested streets in the midst of a deluge for this feast was well worth it.
Cafe Ilang-Ilang serves dinner buffet from 6pm to 10pm daily, priced at Php3,145/adult and Php1,572/child from Sundays to Wednesdays, and Php3,790/adult and Php1,895/child from Thursdays to Saturdays.
For inquiries or reservations, please contact +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500 or send an email to restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.
Cafe Lang-Ilang is located at the Ground Floor of The Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila.
Jellybeans in the City 