Italian cuisine – Jellybeans in the City

Savor la dolce vita at Le Stelle, Timberland Highlands Resort

Planning a trip to Timberland Highlands Resort in San Mateo? You’d be glad to know that a new foodie destination has opened up in your favorite getaway, bringing simple yet mouth-watering Italian dishes made from scratch with fresh and wholesome ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Le Stelle “(Italian for “the star”), a fresh concept by Timberland Highlands Resort’s Executive Chef Ranuka Hettiarachchi, recently had its soft opening. This well-appointed restaurant offers an elegant yet cozy casual dining atmosphere along with stunning mountain views that the resort is known for.

Garden-to-table goodness

Central to Le Stelle’s culinary philosophy is the use of the freshest ingredients, and what can be fresher than produce that are being grown within the resort’s grounds?

Chef Ranuka converted unused spaces in the premises to house a plant nursery where the resort staff grows organic greens and herbs used in the Le Stelle’s signature dishes, including the crisp arugula in salads, the basil leaves that flavor pasta sauces and the butterfly pea flowers that garnish some of the refreshing drinks served to resort guests.

A delicious taste of tradition

Peek into Le Stelle’s kitchen and you will find staff busy preparing Italian favorites using traditional methods. These include three types of focaccia – olives & onion, tomatoes garlic & thyme, and rosemary & sea salt – along with handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas and house-made sauces, all bringing wholesome and fresh flavors in portions made for sharing among family and friends.

Want a sampling of what Le Stelle has in store for you? Check these out:

Focaccia. Pieces of light and pillowy bread served with a dipping oil made with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Insalate alla Cesare (₱390 solo | ₱730 sharing). Crisp hearts of romaine lettuce tossed in house-made Caesar dressing which chips of toasted prosciutto, anchovies, croutons and freshly grated parmigiano.

Lasagna al Forno (₱660). Twenty sheets of lasagna layered with minced beef ragu, creamy bechamel, parmigiano pecorino cream, mozzarella and basil pesto.

Cannelloni (₱650). Crunchy egg-based pasta stuffed with a mixture of walnuts, mozzarella, parmigiano, basil and spinach on a bed of house-made tomato sauce.

Ciopino (₱890). A medley of seasonal seafood such as shrimp, squid and mussels, simmered in a tomato and white wine broth and served with a few sprigs of fresh parsley and a slice of toasted sourdough bread.

Tiramisu (₱420). Espresso dipped savoiardi layered with mascarpone and bittersweet chocolate.

Drinks. Quench your thirst with a Sparkling Lemonade (₱200) or perk up with an Iced Latte (₱170).

Savor these and more as you embark on your own Italian culinary adventure at Le Stelle.

Reserve your table by calling +63 999 8892659 (or dial “0” from your room when you’re3 checked in at Timberland Highlands Resort).

Le Stelle is located at Basement 2, Timberland Highlands Resort, inside Timberland Heights, Barangay Guitnang Bayan II, San Mateo, Rizal 1850 Philippines, open daily from 11am to 10pm.

Stay updated about Le Stelle by following it on Facebook and Instagram or check out Timberland Highlands Resorts website.

Other dining options at Timberland Highlands Resort include:

Book your stay at Timberland Highland Resort via Klook and use my code JELLYBEANS to score discounts.

Check out my previous posts about Timberland Highlands Resort:

8 reasons to have your family weekend getaway at Timberland Highlands Resort

Timberland Highlands Resort’s Ridge Cafe introduces Arabic Dinner Buffet

Discover Mamma Mia: Home of the 6-foot Pizza Lunga and Italian Culinary Magic!

If you’re seeking to transport your taste buds straight to Italy, Mamma Mia in Uptown Mall, Fort Bonifacio is your ultimate culinary destination. From the moment you step through its doors, you’re greeted by an ambiance reminiscent of an Italian villa, exuding warmth and rustic charm. The airy outdoor dining area, the brick-walled interiors adorned with colorful knickknacks and the dynamic energy from the open kitchen set the scene for an Italian feast straight out of a movie.

A Taste of Italy in BGC

Mamma Mia doesn’t just stop at its decor; it aims to bring the full Italian resto-bar experience to its patrons. The brainchild of Giulius Iapino, owner of Rigatoni Corp., this place offers a one-stop-shop experience. As the day progresses, the atmosphere evolves – from morning coffee to lively nights with dim lights, louder music, and DJs spinning tracks, mirroring the dynamic ambiance of Italy.

The core of Mamma Mia’s mission is to encapsulate the essence of a family-owned trattoria in Italy, a place where great food brings people together for social gatherings, much like a mother’s kitchen. The owner, Giulius, noted the gap in all-day offerings in the Philippines and decided to bring a piece of Rome to the country. This concept allows customers to enjoy meals throughout the day and even transition seamlessly into a party vibe as the night unfolds.

Italian Comfort Food: A Mother’s Love on a Plate

Gulius has noted that in the Philippines, a mother’s love often translates to sumptuous meals that leave you feeling welcome and satisfied. Mamma Mia aims to encapsulate this comfort within its restaurant, presenting a diverse array of Italian classics that range from wood-fired pizzas to hearty entrees. Each dish is meticulously prepared using top-tier ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, embracing the heart and soul of Italian comfort food.

Every bite at Mamma Mia takes you on a culinary journey through the regions of Italy. The commitment to authenticity extends to the use of fresh herbs, imported meats, cold cuts, cheeses, and premium olive oil. These elements ensure an unparalleled dining experience that captures the true essence of Italian cuisine, making Mamma Mia a haven for Italian food enthusiasts.

The Great Pizza Eating Contest: Are You Up for the Challenge?

Recently, Mamma Mia introduced a thrilling challenge to the #WeLoveToEatPH community, a group of dedicated foodies in the metro. The challenge was to conquer the Great Pizza Eating Contest featuring the star of the show – the Pizza Lunga, a remarkable 6-foot long pizza. This colossal pizza is divided into three mouthwatering sections: Margherita with Anchovies, Crema Tartufo, and Pepperoni.

Teams were tasked to devour as many slices of the Pizza Lunga as possible within a 30-minute timeframe. Though no team managed to polish off their pizza slices entirely (given its impressive size!), the event was a delightful and entertaining experience for both the contestants and the supportive audience, including myself.

Think you can outdo my foodie friends? Take on the challenge yourself and savor the Pizza Lunga for just Php1950.

Beyond the Pizza: Other Italian Culinary Delights

At Mamma Mia, the Italian gastronomic adventure doesn’t end with the Pizza Lunga. The menu boasts an enticing selection of Italian dishes, promising a delightful journey for your taste buds. It includes:

Formaggi Misti (Php770). Indulge in a traditional variety of Italian cheeses, a treat for cheese aficionados.

Antipasti Fritti (Php450). Immerse yourself in the crispy delight of deep-fried suppli (rice balls), croquettes di patate, and mozzarella bites.

Fettuccini Alfredo Con Pollo (Php420 single | Php1,400 sharing). Enjoy homemade sauce combined with cream and perfectly sliced chicken, a creamy pasta delight.

Vongole Php420 single | Php1,400 sharing). Delight in sautéed clams, garlic, and a slightly spicy white wine sauce, a taste of the sea and Italy combined.

Stinco di Miale al Forno (Php990). Experience succulent meat taken off the bone of a twice-cooked pork leg served with seared apples, apple gravy, and Mamma Mia’s special stico sauce.

Aperol Spritz. A light and refreshing cocktail made with prosecco, aperol, and soda water.

Buon Appetito at Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia at Uptown Mall is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey through the heart of Italy. From the inviting ambiance to the extensive menu featuring traditional and modern Italian dishes, it’s a haven for food enthusiasts seeking genuine Italian flavors. Don’t miss the chance to savor the diverse Italian dishes that Mamma Mia has to offer. Buon appetito!

Mamma Mia is located at Ground Floor, Uptown Mall, 9th Avenue corner 36th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, open daily from 11am to 9pm.

For more information on its menu and offerings, visit its website or follow Mamma Mia on Facebook or Instagram.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting event hosted by Mamma Mia. Food and drinks were served to attendees were served at no cost in exchange for honest feedback and features.

A culinary journey at the International Buffet of The Manila Hotel’s Café Ilang-Ilang

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.

Know more about Manila Hotel and its offers by visiting its website or following it on Facebook, Instagram or Youtube.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting event held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served at no cost to the attendees.