hotel restaurant – The Jellybeans Edit

Misto at SEDA Manila Bay’s Weekend Lunch Buffet for Family Celebrations

Momentous occasions celebrated with family deserve a setting as extraordinary as the memories being made – a place where laughter echoes, bonds strengthen, and the flavors of togetherness linger long after the last bite. Fortunately, Misto at SEDA Manila Bay hosts Weekend Lunch Buffets, providing families a venue to gather and celebrate life’s special moments over a sumptuous spread of culinary delights.

Situated within the vibrant Entertainment City in Paranaque, SEDA Manila Bay provides the perfect backdrop for family gatherings. Its picturesque location offers stunning views of the sunset, setting the stage for unforgettable moments with loved ones. It also stands as a beacon of hospitality, offering not just accommodation but also unforgettable dining experiences.

At the hotel’s lobby level lies Misto, a destination for food enthusiasts and families seeking memorable celebrations.

Creating Memorable Family Moments

Misto envelops its guests in an ambiance of warmth and hospitality. The restaurant’s spacious interiors, comfortable seating, and modern yet cozy décor create an inviting atmosphere.’

With its elegant yet cozy ambiance, the restaurant provides a sophisticated setting for family celebrations, accommodating gatherings of all sizes with ease. Its prime location next to Ayala Malls Manila Bay offers easy access and ample parking for guests. And thanks to its regular weekend lunch buffet service, Misto provides families the convenient time and place in which to hold their gatherings.

Delicious Delights for Every Palate

Behind Misto’s culinary creations stands Executive Chef Joey Miguel, a master of his craft with a passion for delighting guests of all ages. With each dish, Chef Joey and his team infuse their collective expertise and creativity, transforming simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces.

Appetizers.

Fresh salads, soups and various hors d’oeuvre to get guests started.

Italian.

Freshly made pizzas, tasty sausages and customizable pasta dishes with a range of sauces and ingredients.

Filipino.

Traditional Filipino dishes and street food, showcasing local flavors.

Fruits.

A healthy array of fresh, imported and local fruits.

Japanese.

Sushi, sashimi, and other delicacies that showcase the flavors of Japan.

Carving.

An appetizing selection of roasted meats including prime US steak and crispy lechon belly.

Seafood.

Fresh selections that highlight the bounty of the sea.

Desserts.

Decadent sweets and pastries to finish the meal.

Every Occasion is a Cause for Celebration

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, reunion, or graduation, the restaurant’s versatile venue and attentive staff ensure that every detail is taken care of so families can relax and enjoy the festivities.

Clearly, Misto’s Weekend Lunch Buffet is the perfect choice for families looking to celebrate in style and comfort. And with each visit, guests are invited to savor the magic of togetherness and good food.

So why wait? Experience the magic of family togetherness by booking your table at Misto’s Weekend Lunch Buffet today. Call +63 917 8160741 or 63 2 53048888, email dining.manilabay@sedahotels.com or fill out this form.

Misto’s Weekend Lunch Buffet is served Saturdays and Sundays at 11.30am to 2pm. Buffet rates are Php1,400 net for adults and Php750 net for kids 7-12 years old. Kids 6 years old and below are free of charge.

Misto Restaurant is located at Lobby Level, SEDA Manila Bay, Aseana Avenue corner N. Abueva Street, Aseana City, Barangay Tambo, Paranaque City.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant. Food items are served free of charge in exchange for this feature.

Ombu Kusina ushers in the season of feasting with 4 flavors of its Thrice-Cooked Crispy Pata

There’s no doubt that for most people, the most wonderful time of the year is defined by feasting and merry-making. Of course, a great part of any festivity is the food served.

Filipino holiday parties always have that centerpiece dish: a show-stopping viand that excites guests and hosts alike.

And just in time for this season of feasting, Ombu Kusina re-introduces its Thrice-Cooked Crispy Pata, now with four flavors to titillate the taste buds of true-blue Pinoy food lovers!

The destination for modern Filipino cuisine

For quite some time, Ombu Kusina has been championing “modern Filipino cuisine.” It takes the flavors that we have grown up with, then breaks the rules in preparation and cooking, even incorporating foreign influences, resulting to new and exciting experiences with tastes and textures that are quite familiar to us.

Having discovered for myself Ombu Kusina’s tasty offerings five years ago, I found myself returning time and again to enjoy new ways to enjoy Filipino food. Whether I’m with my coworkers, family or foodie friends, I know that a meal shared at Ombu Kusina will always be memorable.

Ombu Kusina, Tomas Morato — Foodie Friends

Thrice-Cooked Crispy Pata in Four Flavors

Crispy Pata holds a special place in many a Pinoy’s heart (and taste buds!), wouldn’t you agree?

Seeing this flavorful dish on a party spread ensures a happy and festive meal that can be thoroughly enjoyed by everyone at the table. After all, with its crispy skin giving way to tender and savory meat, accompanied by dipping sauces that allow diners to customize every bite, Crispy Pata can be counted on to bring people together while sharing their favorite Pinoy flavors.

Ombu Kusina takes this much-loved Filipino dish to the next level by marinating then deep-frying the succulent pork leg three times, locking in the meat’s rich flavors and creating that perfect crunchy texture on the skin.

This holiday season, Ombu Kusina showcases new facets to this dish by offering it in four flavors:

Whether you prefer to stick to the classic or venture to new flavors, you can be sure that Crispy Pata will always be a welcome addition to your table.

Want to bring its flavorful and crispy goodness to your home or office parties? the good news is that it’s available for delivery and pick-up. Ombu Kusina’s Thrice-Cooked Crispy Pata comes in a specially designed packaging that seals in its flavors and freshness and makes it handy to carry to your shindig. The box also includes easy-to-follow reheating instructions so you can enjoy your crispy pata hot and delicious. Adding a show-stopping dish to your potluck has never been easier, right?

Make any of its variants a part of your holiday meal for just Php895!

A celebration of Pinoy flavors

At Ombu Kusina, you can enjoy an array of Filipino flavors, all lovingly prepared with your enjoyment in mind. Whether you’re game for a quick snack, meeting up for a meal or gathering for a big celebration, you can sate your appetite for Pinoy food here.

With such a mouthwatering celebration of the myriad possibilities inherent in Filipino cuisine available here, is it any wonder that it has remained among my favorite restaurants for the past few years?

So celebrate the great flavors of Pinoy food at Ombu Kusina. Don’t miss the chance to experience the goodness of modern Filipino cuisine with your family and friends through intimate meals or large, boisterous gatherings.

Ombu Kusina is located at Ground Floor, Sequioa Hotel, 91-93 Mother Ignacia Street, Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily from 7am to 9pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 84410518 or +63 969 5972249, or email omburestaurant@yahoo.com.

Disclosure: Together with other food content creators, I attended a food tasting event held at this restaurant. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare in exchange for honest feedback.

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

Revitalizing the #ReturnToOffice day with lunch at Ombu Kusina

Get the #LubdExperience at Lub d Makati (because you didn’t come for the normal)

Whether you’re a foreigner backpacking in the Philippines and looking for a place to serve as your “base of operations” while you’re touring the capital, a domestic traveler who wants to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the metro’s busiest district or an urbanite who’s seeking for a change of scenery, Lub d Makati is the place for you.

The biggest hostel in the Philippines, Lub d Makati is part of the Lub d hotel chain which also has presence in other buzz-worthy Asian destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand, and Siem Reap in Cambodia. Its concept reimagines the experience of traveling, whether you’re on a solo trip or wandering with your buddies. Lub d prides itself on giving its guests a memorable and comfortable stay as they dive into the local scene.

Center of the action

Located along Makati Avenue in Makati City, the hostel is conveniently located near the high rises of the central business district as well as shopping malls that house dining and entertainment establishments such as movie theaters, restaurants, designer shops and supermarkets.

It’s within walking distance from Poblacion, Makati’s cultural and heritage district, as well as a short ride away from Bonifacio Global City (where you can find some of the hottest night spots) to the east and Old Manila (where you can immerse in the old capital’s colonial history) to the west.

Comfy stay

After a busy day of touring the metro, you can take your rest at your choice from Lub d Makati’s 153 private rooms and ten shared rooms.

Indulge yourself in an air-conditioned private sanctuary in a Deluxe Room which comes with either a king-size bed or a two single beds, as well as an en-suite bathroom with toiletries and hair-dryer. Other amenities include: keycard system, TV, power outlet, safety box and complimentary coffee and tea.

Until July 31, 2022, you and a companion can enjoy a stay at a Deluxe King Room with complimentary breakfast and internet for just Php1,999.

Digital nomads can also use a Deluxe Room during the day (9am to 5pm) for remote work or for day trips in the city for just Php1,999.

Traveling with family or a small group of friends? A Barkada Room provides your group with an air-conditioned private retreat with a king-size bed or two single beds plus two single bunk beds, along with an en-suite bathroom. Other amenities include: safety box, TV, a mini-fridge and complimentary kettle and coffee.

If you’re traveling with a larger group of people you can opt for a Mixed Dorm Room which comes with eight bunk beds so you can enjoy time togather yet retreat into your private space, thanks to privacy curtains and reading lights. Other amenities include: shared bathroom with towels and toiletries, as well as a wardrobe with lockers.

Do more at The Space

Besides providing you with a space to rest your head for the night, Lub d also provides you with venues for other activities and to meet new friends. Its second floor houses The Space which has meeting rooms for conferences, a WiFi-equipped co-working space for remote work as well as common area where you can hang out and play games with fellow guests.

Taste global flavors with Pinoy flair

Of course, you wouldn’t want to miss the great eats that Lub d’s roodeck bar and restaurant, Essential goodness for Pilgrims, has in store for you.

You can have your meal at the deck where you can enjoy the amazing view of the Makati skyline…

…or you can enjoy your meal in the lush comfort of its posh interiors.

As Lub d’s Cluster General Manager Reycie Gutierrez puts it, the restaurant is guided by the philosophy of food being essential as the nourishment that fuels everyday lives and provides the feeling of satisfaction.

Helming the kitchen is Chef Jinggoy Fernando who translates this philosophy through an updated menu for the restaurant that introduces Filipino food to foreigners. His team achieves this by adding a Filipino twist to typically western dishes or ingredients.

This is also a great way to introduce Pinoys to new ways to enjoy old favorites, such as in the restaurant’s latest offerings:

Mushroom Chicharon. Crispy oyster mushrooms served with a tangy ranch sauce.

Nachos. House-made nacho chips with a side of fresh gracamole, pica de gallo and calamansi crema.

Garlic Bread. A new experience of spreading roasted garlic on buttered toast and sprinkling a bit of flaky salt for an explosion of flavor.

Bicol Express Wings. Chicken wings covered in a spicy coconut milk sauce served with charred lemon for a bit of zest with each bite.

Bistek Tagalog Sliders. Grilled 100% beef patties with calamansi mayo and topped with caramelized onions and local cheese in fluffy toasted buns.

Soft Shell Crab Palabok. Thin rice noodles covered with palabok sauce and topped with a soft shell crab, served with a charred lemon for zest.

Sisig Fried Rice. A variation of the Pinoy staple sinangag (garlic fried rice) mixed with house-made sisig (chopped pork cheeks sauteed in chilis and onions), topped with scrambled egg.

Salted Egg Tostada. House-made crispy flat tortilla topped with bits of salted egg and cucumber salad with citrus dressing.

Corned Crispy Pata. Brined pork trotters which are deep-fried then served with soy vinegar dipping sauce.

Desserts include Pandan Cheesecake with mango coulis and Tres Leches Bread Pudding with vanilla sauce.

Refreshing drinks include house-made Four Seasons and Iced Tea.

No matter what kind of traveler you are, make Lub d Makati one of your stops for a truly extraordinary and memorable adventure here in the metro. After all, you didn’t come for the normal, did you?

Lub D Makati is located at 7820 Makati Avenue, Brgy Poblacion, Makati City, Philippines.

For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 85416358 or email contact.makati@lubd.com.

Know more about Lub D Makati at its website or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held here. Food items mentioned in this post were served free of charge to facilitate this feature.

Luxe intercontinental dining at Cafe Romancon, Hotel Benilde

During my recent staycation with my mom and my daughter at Hotel Benilde, we had our meals at Cafe Romancon.

Our staycation at Hotel Benilde was extra special as my daughter, #ExhibitA, and I were looking forward to spending some quality time with my mom. For some time, Mommy has also been requesting for an outing where “three generations” – her, me and my daughter – can just be together.

So, #ExhibitA and I definitely took advantage of the opportunities to catch up on the goings-on with my mom that the staycation provided, especially when we sit down together to eat at Cafe Romancon.

Named after its patron saint, St. Benilde Romancon, it is a sprawling yet cozy coffee shop located at the ground floor of Hotel Benilde, a 4-star property situated in the bustling Malate area. It serves as the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant that offers its diners with a well-curated intercontinental menu in casual and modern setting.

For our dinner on the first day of our stay, we were treated to a sumptuous feast that included:

Gambas Al Ajillo (Php280). Succulent prawns sauteed in a garlic, tomatoes, onions and chilis. A perfect start to our meal.

Mushrooms Ala Pobre (Php180). Plump champignon mushrooms sauteed in olive oil, garlic and herbs.

Cream of Butternut Squash (Php130). A creamy soup of pureed squash and other vegetables topped with bacon.

Kani Mango Salad (Php190). Shredded crabsticks and dried mango bits top mixed greens and crunchy vermicelli noodles and drizzled with Japanese mango dressing.

Seafood Linguini (Php280). Shrimp calamari, mussels and fish sauteed in olive oil, garlic, onions and tomatoes tossed into pasta.

Norwegian Salmon (Php390). Pan-fried salmon with creamy leek sauce and garden vegetables served with mashed potatoes.

Gloucester Supreme (Php370). Two juicy and flavorful pieces of grilled marinated beef patties served with a rich mushroom gravy, mixed vegetables and steamed rice.

We were quite impressed with the quality of the food – the Norwegian Salmon, the Gloucester Supreme and the Gambas Al Ajillo we clear favorites! – as well as the superb service provided by the wait staff.

By the next morning, while my baby girl was enjoying her sleep, my mom and I had our breakfast at Cafe Romancon as well. The breakfast offerings are a bit limited we didn’t mind as we like our starting meal for the day to be light and fuss-free.

My mom helped herself to the fruits and beef tapa available in the buffet stations while I took advantage of the wide array of savory cheeses and sweet jams at the bread station.

These luxurious meals gave us the much-needed time to catch up on each other’s news, exchange chismis (hahaha!) and just enjoy each others’ company, definitely one of life’s priceless experiences.

Many thanks to the wonderful folks of Cafe Romancon and Hotel Benilde for the wonderful bonding mealtime moments that three generations of women in our family enjoyed!

Cafe Romancon is located at the Ground Floor, Hotel Benilde, Arellano Avenue corner Estrada Street, Malate, Manila, open daily from 6am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 2305230.

Disclosure: Dinner and breakfast were included in our complimentary overnight stay at Hotel Benilde in exchange for an honest review.