seafood – Jellybeans in the City

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.

#ShareTheSpice with Chowking’s new fiery delight: Introducing the Spicy Chao Fan

Indulging in delicious and affordable Chinese cuisine has always been a delightful experience for Pinoy foodies. In its quest to tantalize taste buds and ignite culinary adventures, Chowking, the leading chain of Chinese quick-service restaurants specializing in Filipino-Chinese cuisine, has introduced its newest masterpiece: the Spicy Chao Fan, ready to take you on a spicy flavor journey that will leave you craving for more.

A Celebration of Spice: The Grand Launch

Chowking recently held an exhilarating product launch event for its Spicy Chao Fan at the prestigious Atrium of Enderun Colleges, nestled in the vibrant McKinley Hill of Taguig City. The air was charged with anticipation as Chowking’s esteemed celebrity ambassador, the charming Kim Chiu, graced the occasion. With her infectious energy and love for Chinese cuisine, Kim Chiu took center stage to present the fiery sensation to an enthusiastic audience of media and fans. The event, aptly billed #ShareTheSpice, marked the beginning of an unforgettable adventure in flavor.

Chowking: A Legacy of Flavorful Fusion

Chowking has become a household name, combining the best of Filipino and Chinese flavors into delectable creations. With over 600 branches across the Philippines and a presence in the United States, Canada, and Saudi Arabia, Chowking has established itself as a leader in the highly competitive fast-food industry. Renowned for its affordability and an extensive menu featuring Chinese favorites, such as Beef Wonton Noodles, Lauriat, and Siopao, Chowking has captured the hearts and palates of millions.

Introducing the Spicy Chao Fan: A Fiery Twist to a Classic Delight

Prepare to ignite your taste buds with the Spicy Chao Fan, Chowking’s newest sensation that takes the beloved stir-fried rice dish to new heights of spiciness. Crafted with precision, this flavorful delight combines day-old rice, a medley of crisp vegetables including carrots, peas, and onions, and meat for that signature Wok-Sarap flavor. Stir-fried to perfection in a wok and seasoned with a tantalizing blend of sauces and seasonings, and just the right amount of salt and pepper, each bite delivers a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.

“When we were creating the Spicy Chao Fan, we deliberately wanted it to have the right level of spice that everyone can enjoy. It’s not soicy for spicy’s sake, it has just the right Spicy Wok-Sarap kick that will leave you wanting more,” said Jonathan de Quitoz, Chowking Brand Director for Chao Fan and Brand Operations.

Kim Chiu: The Perfect Spicy Companion

In the world of showbiz, one name stands out as the perfect embodiment of charisma and relatability: Kim Chiu. Known for her captivating performances in television shows and movies, Kim Chiu has captured the hearts of Filipinos with her infectious energy and genuine love for food. As Chowking’s beloved celebrity ambassador, Kim Chiu’s vibrant personality, spicy charm and way of reinventing herself make her the perfect match for the Spicy Chao Fan. Her presence adds an extra layer of excitement and authenticity to Chowking’s newest creation.

Savor the Spice, Anytime, Anywhere

Craving a fiery feast? Whether you prefer the cozy ambiance of dine-in, the convenience of take-out, the on-the-go experience of drive-thru or the sheer ease of ordering online or via the Chowking App, Chowking has got you covered. The Spicy Chao Fan is available at a Chowking branch near you, ready to be savored at your convenience. Gather your friends, bring your appetite, and embark on a taste adventure that will leave you craving for more.

#ShareTheSpice Challenge

During the event, Kim Chiu also introduced the #ShareTheSpice Challenge. For a chance to win gift certificates and special prizes from Chowking, all you have to do are:

Try the Spicy Chao Fan.
Post about it on any social media platform with the hashtag #ShareTheSpice and #SpicyChaoFan.
Tag two of your friends who you want to share the spice with.

Chowking’s Commitment to Excellence

Beyond delivering mouthwatering flavors, Chowking takes pride in its commitment to customer service, quality, and sustainability. Recognized for its dedication to excellence, Chowking ensures that every dining experience is a memorable one. From the warm smiles of their staff to the cleanliness of their establishments, Chowking goes the extra mile to create an atmosphere that resonates with their customers.

Ignite Your Senses with Chowking’s Spicy Chao Fan

Get ready to ignite your taste buds and embark on a thrilling culinary journey with Chowking’s Spicy Chao Fan. This fiery twist on a classic stir-fried rice dish combines affordability, flavor, and an unmistakable touch of spice. From the grand launch featuring the vibrant Kim Chiu to the legacy of excellence behind Chowking, every element comes together to create an unforgettable experience. So, head to your nearest Chowking branch, and let the Spicy Chao Fan take you on a mouthwatering adventure you won’t soon forget.

To know more about its menu and offers, follow Chowking on Facebook and Instagram.

Amah Restaurant’s student-chefs collaborate with Chef Donovan Cooke on a 14-course gourmet dinner

We often hear of restaurants referred to as “hidden gems,” those little-known or undiscovered dining spots that offers exceptional food, service, or ambiance that is worth discovering.

Often tucked away in some out-of-the-way location, these spots may be hard to find but but once discovered, they offer a unique and unforgettable dining experience that makes them stand out from other more well-known restaurants.

It’s no wonder then that foodies like me are always on the lookout for hidden gems; aside from the delicious and unique eats, we greatly enjoy the feeling discovering a hidden treasure that is not widely known, and we take pride in sharing our discovery with others who share our passion for great food.

One such discovery is Amah Restaurant in Taguig City.

A quarantine venture

Amah Restaurant was founded by Chef Jose Villarreal, a young culinary prodigy who parlayed his childhood interest in cuisines into a budding career as a chef. While on lockdown in 2020, he and his classmates at the prestigious Enderun Colleges set about gaining real-world experience in their field by launching their own food business headquartered in Jose’s family home in Taguig.

From researching, test cooking and initially selling food products online, Jose and his team eventually opened AMAH Restaurant, named after his maternal grandmother, situated at the roof deck of his family home in 2021. By October 2022, the restaurant gained accreditation from Enderun Colleges as an establishment where its students can undergo their on-the-job training.

Amah Restaurant is known for its heirloom Filipino-Chinese dishes with a twist such as Sisig Stuffed Chicken Wings, Smoked Char Siu Pork Belly with Bao Buns and Bibingka Cheesecake. These delicacies are prepared by the young chefs who made it a point to use local ingredients and put their own unique twists to heirloom recipes.

The restaurant also treats its patrons to a breathtaking view of the Makati and BGC cityscapes. Sunsets were definitely amazing on the upper roofdeck, making it a favorite for engagement proposals, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

A dream collaboration

Chef Jose recently led his team of fellow student-chefs for a dream collaboration with Chef Donovan Cooke from Melbourne, Australia on a two-night dinner event which featured 14 specially-curated gourmet courses from Chef Donovan’s menu. These dishes were prepared by Chef Jose and his Amah team under the supervision of Chef Donovan himself.

Chef Donovan is known for his exceptional culinary skills and his extensive experience in the fine dining industry. He has worked in some of the most prestigious restaurants around the world and gained recognition for his expertise in seafood as well as for his innovative and creative approach to cooking, which combines classic French techniques with modern Australian flavors.

“This was such an honor for Amah and a great treat for our clientele,” Chef Jose shared. “We were so excited to have had the opportunity to work in the same kitchen as Chef Donovan and to have him guide us as we prepared dishes he developed. It was definitely a major milestone for all of us at Amah. And our guests for those two nights were so lucky for the experience that was in store.”

Chef Donovan Cooke was just as excited about the dinner event. “These young chefs are very dedicated and passionate about their craft. They could have taken it easy during the pandemic, found an excuse to just lay around and rest like many of us did during the lockdowns. But they forged ahead because they’re all determined to continue learning and honing their talents. It was my privilege to be one of their mentors, to encourage them as they make their marks in the business.”

A symphony of flavors

The 14-course dinner took Amah Restaurant’s guests on an exciting flavor journey, with each dish thoughtfully designed to showcase the interplay of ingredients.

The meal startsedwith a refreshing Chilled Oyster Truffle Soup with cos lettuce, followed by the delicate balance of Mud Crab with pomelo, coriander, and ginger. The Torched Sardines with escabeche olive offered a burst of smoky and umami flavors, while the Seared Spiced Tuna with Watercress, pickled mushroom, and truffle dressing offered a combination of spice and earthy notes.

The dinner progressed with the richness of the Mussels Mariniere with parsley and white wine sauce, and the Baby Squid with Pear, Parma Ham, and olive oil emulsion that offered a delightful play of sweet and savory flavors. The Grilled Octopus with Piperade and Spanish chorizo brought a smoky touch to the table, while the Slow Roast Free Range Chicken with celery heart and sauce Bois Bourdain offers a comforting and savory indulgence.

The Hibachi Grilled King Prawn with asparagus and shellfish citrus vinaigrette added a burst of freshness, while the Curry Roast Mahi-Mahi with cauliflower, capers, raisins, and apple offered a unique blend of sweet and spicy flavors. The Spiced Roast Duck with fig compote and spice jus brought a depth of flavors with its combination of sweet and savory notes, while the Braised Beef Shin with balsamic onion and bordelaise sauce offered a rich and succulent experience.

The meal came to a close with the delightful Mango and Almond Cake with Mango Salad and Banana Passionfruit Sorbet, followed by the Spiced Pineapple with Pain Perdu and gingerbread ice cream, offering a sweet and tangy finale to the flavor journey.

To fully appreciate the intricacies of each dish, diners were encouraged to savor each bite, to allow the flavors to linger on the palate while taking note of the unique combinations of ingredients, the textures, and the subtle nuances of flavors that Chef Jose and his team have masterfully crafted. Each dish tells a story, a culmination of culinary expertise and creativity, meant to be savored and enjoyed to the fullest.

After successfully executing a challenging 14-course menu in collaboration with Chef Donovan Cooke, it’s clear that Chef Jose Villareal and his team of student-chefs from Amah Restaurant are ready to take the local food scene by storm. This unique culinary experience allowed them to showcase their skills and creativity in the kitchen, while learning from a master chef like Donovan Cooke.

It sure is exciting to anticipate what more these enterprising young restaurateurs will be able to come up with in the future with the hidden gem Amah Restaurant as the backdrop for these culinary adventures!

Amah Restaurant is located at 27 F. Segundo Street, Phase 4, AFPOVAI, Taguig City, open Tuesdays to Fridays from 5pm to 10pm and Saturdays to Sundays from 10am to 10pm.

To know more about its regular menu, visit its website or follow Amah on Facebook and Instagram. To reserve your table, call +63 998 9721198 or +63 917 5101368, or visit heirloomamah.com/reserveme.

Disclosure: Together with fellow content creators, I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to us at no cost.

Seafood feasts cooked at home, thanks to Mundo’s Seafood

Do you like seafood? Hubby and I do, and we’ve been trying to get the kiddos to develop a taste for them.

After all, seafood can be quite delicious: there are countless ways to prepare these bounties from the sea, from grilling to frying to baking, and they can be easily paired with a variety of different flavors and ingredients that make for exciting gustatory adventures for the fam.

However, eating seafood at restaurants can cost you a pretty penny. While a great way to get around this hurdle is to cook seafood at home, this presents another obstacle to overcome: how can we source seafood for delicious home meals that are fresh yet won’t burn a hole through our pockets.

Well, my ever-resourceful Hubby solved this problem the last two weekends when he had a strong hankering for some seafood.

He simply got in touch with one of his former schoolmates who now operates Mundo’s Seafood and ordered fresh items for our Saturday dinners:

3 kilos of Aklan oysters (“talaba”): ₱160/kilo (and another 2 kilos a week later because we liked it so much!)
2 pcs of tuna jaw (“panga”): ₱380/pc
2 kilos of wild prawns (“sugpo”): ₱750/kilo

Cheesy Baked Oysters

Mundo’s Seafood delivers fresh seafood to anywhere in Metro Manila and nearby areas, thereby bringing the pleasures of the sea to the plates of the metro’s seafood lovers.

All it took was for Hubby to place his orders and send his playments via GCash, then, voila! Fresh seafood was delivered right to our doorstep, allowing us to enjoy these benefits of cooking fresh seafood at home:

Freshness. Since the seafood were delivered the same day that we will cook them, these were not sitting around nor stored in the freezer for too long, ensuring that they seafood retain their flavor and texture. (Although we did get quite a workout when, together with Yaya, we shucked all those oysters and deveined those prawns!)

Health Benefits. Fresh seafood are loaded with nutrients, such as protein, vitamins, and minerals, that are essential for maintaining a healthy body. Cooking seafood at home allowed you to prepare them in healthy ways, like grilling or baking, which helped to preserve the nutrients and reduce the fat content. (Still, there’s nothing wrong with a little – or a lot of – deep-fried prawn tempura every once in a while, right?)

Cost savings. Since we were able to source our seafood ingredients from Mundo’s Seafood’s affordably-priced options, our delectable seafood feasts didn’t break the bank.

Grilled Tuna Panga

Variety. Cooking seafood at home allowed us to experiment with different recipes and cooking techniques. I was able to flex my culinary muscles by whipping up some Cheesy Baked Oysters and Wild Prawn Tempura (I learned the recipe from Chef Gene Gonzalez of the Center of Asian Culinary Studies) while Hubby showed off his grill-master prowess with his signature Grilled Tuna Panga.

Basically, we proved that cooking fresh seafood at home is a great way to enjoy healthy and delicious meals that give us a break from our usual weekend ulams. Plus, thanks to Mundo’s Seafood, we were able to enjoy our sumptuous seafood feasts without spending so much.

By the way, if you’re planning a party, you can wow your guests with freshly shucked oysters with the help of Mundo’s Seafood’s Oyster Bar. With packages ranging from ₱8,999 (good for 50 persons) to ₱15,999 (good for 100 persons), your guests can enjoy unlimited oysters for two hours along with free sauces and other inclusions depending on the package (such as baked oysters, wagyu cubes, shrimp cocktail and lobster rolls). Plus, the oyster cart can be decorated to match your party’s theme.

Wild Prawn Tempura

Now, what are the chances I can get Hubby to sponsor this for me for my birthday party? Hehehehe…

To know more about Mundo’s Seafood or to place your orders, send a message through its Facebook or Instagram pages, or call +63 918 3524786.

New Rice Baked Oysters at Seafood and Oyster Bar, The Grid Food Market

Craving for fresh oysters?

Well, the shuck-ingly good news is that you can simply hie yourself down to The Grid Food Market to eat your fill of these tasty samples of the sea’s bounty.

Seafood and Oyster Bar (SOB) operates an Oyster Cart which serves up freshly shucked oysters you can slurp right off the shell.

Yep, you can savor their briny taste and silky texture – whether raw with spiced vinegar, doused with garlic butter, heated with a few drops of tabasco or as an oyster shot – as easy as walking up to an SOB Shuck Buddy and ordering your preferred variant.

And why not?

Oysters, after all, are quite good for you. They are low-calorie sources of Vitamin B12 (said to help in keeping your brain healthy) and micronutrients Vitamin D, copper, zinc, and manganese (which help in keeping osteoporosis at bay).

But wait, there are more reasons to enjoy them: Seafood and Oyster Bar is launching three new rice baked oyster flavors.

Check them out:

Truffled Mushroom (Php280/3pcs | Php550/6pcs). The best of the land and sea meet up with oysters topped with cheese and earthy truffle-flavored rice with mushroom bits.

Herbed Chili Garlic (Php280/3pcs | Php550/6pcs). Oysters topped with cheese and herb-and-garlic flavored rice with that subtle heat from the chilis.

Creamy Sisig (Php280/3pcs | Php550/6pcs). The savory, fatty and citrusy flavors of every Pinoy’s favorite dish gets mixed in with all those fresh oyster goodness.

Curious yet? Be sure to give these a try!

Catch these fresh bites of the ocean Wednesdays to Sundays by heading straight to Stall No 8 at The Grid Food Market, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati.

(PS: They will also soon be available at Public Eatery in Robinsons Magnolia.)

For more details on its menu items and offers, follow Seafood and Oyster Bar on Facebook and Instagram.

The Grid Food Market is the resident food hall of Powerplant Mall which offers a wide range of flavors to cater to various cravings.

Check out my previous posts on other cuisines available at The Grid Food Market:

#ChinoyComfortFood at White Flower Tea House

America’s BEST BURGER of 2022 available at The Grid Food Market

Treat mom to Manila Ocean Park’s Under the SEAfood Buffet for an advanced Mother’s Day celebration

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I’m sure we’re all looking for ways to make it a day to remember for our moms.

The most important women in our lives deserve nothing but the very best on their special day, right?

The traffic jams during the mad scramble for our go-to restaurant haunts on May 8 will also stress our mamas out.

So why don’t we treat our moms to a truly memorable time at Manila Ocean Park the day before Mother’s Day?

On May 7, from 4pm to 9pm, with Manila Ocean Park’s Under the SEAfood Buffet (Php2,299/adult | Php1,839/kids 11 years old or younger), our moms and our loving families can look forward to:

A Scrumptious and Sustainable Seafood Dinner.

The whole fam can feast on the sea’s bounty with a delicious buffet spread laden with classic faves and fresh takes on Philippine and Asian seafood dishes as well as local produce, all ably catered by Hotel H2O’s Makan Makan Asian Food Village.

A Tour of the Park’s Well-Loved Attractions

Awaiting the family’s enjoyment – both the young and the young-heart – are six of the park’s educational and interactive attractions. From a trip into the watery depths at the Oceanarium and Jellies Exhibit, a sojourn to Antarctica for the Penguin Exhibit and the Christmas Village, to the playful forays into the Super Toy Collection and World of Creepy Crawlies, there’s something to catch everyone’s fancy.

Manila Ocean Park Reopening — Christmas Village

Meet and Greet with Manila Ocean Park’s Mermaid

Let’s make our moms’ fairytale fantasies come true with an encounter with Manila Ocean Park’s mesmerizing and magical mermaid.

Plus, our moms also get their very own special flower souvenir from Manila Ocean Park to commemorate their special day.

A pre-Mother’s Day celebration at Manila Ocean Park is a great way to trear our mamas to new and exciting experiences while showing them our love and appreciation.

So what are you waiting for?

Set up your family’s advanced Mother’s Day celebration at Manila Ocean Park today. Book your tickets here.

Do take note of these details:

Event will be held on May 7, 2022 from 4pm to 9pm at the Oceanarium Area.
Registration starts at 3pm.
Tour of attractions starts at 4pm and ends at 6pm.
Dinner buffet will be served from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Children below 2 feet are free of charge.

Manila Ocean Park is located behind the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. Book your tickets for your Manila Ocean Park visit via Klook.

For more news and updates on its attractions and offers, follow Manila Ocean Park on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about Manila Ocean Park:

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

Photo Credits: Images of the Seafood Buffet and Mermaid were taken from Manila Ocean Park’s Facebook Page. Used with permission.

Dining indulgence at Cowrie Grill

Sometimes, the occasion calls for you to indulge in the finer things in life – and what better to splurge on than an unforgettable meal? Paying homage to its former home with old world opulence, The Manila Hotel-managed Cowrie Grill delights guests by offering the choicest selection of meats and seafood.

Fine dining goes one step further at Cowrie Grill. It is a gem of a restaurant located at Promenade 3 Mall, Greenhills on Missouri Street. It is upscale and impressive, coupled with warm service reserved for VIP guests like you. Explore our distinctively flavored steaks handcrafted by our chefs, as well as tantalizing menu that includes main entrees, appetizers, healthy greens, and desserts!

As a start, go for the French Onion Soup, or try the Maitre D’ Caesar Salad – freshly prepared greens with crunch from romaine lettuce, croutons, generously drizzled in olive oil, cheese and bacon complemented by the sweet and zesty Caesar salad dressing. Pair it with the flavorful pan-seared scallops on mushroom risotto.

Menu standouts here are the Surf and Turf set duo of Pitik Lobster Thermidor [fresh slipper lobster] and US Angus Beef Tenderloin with baked garlic and garden vegetables. Go for US Angus Beef Rib or the US Angus Chateaubriand that are seasoned and grilled to perfection. Complement this with any of Cowrie Grill’s fine selection of red wines. You also have a choice of a generous serving of certified Angus Beef Tomahawk [best shared by two].

When it comes to the food, Cowrie Grill is a great place to go for variety. Aside from meat cooked to perfection, the seafood is much more than an afterthought. Pescatarians will enjoy our mouth-watering sweet and silky Chilean Sea Bass, or the Grilled Norwegian Salmon Steak.

You must also try other good choices like the Symphony of Scallops, Baked Oysters, Iberico pork loin, and Angus Beef Burger.
An excellent ending to your hearty meal is our Chuao Chocolate Gateau, a rich four-layered cake served with Crème Anglaise.

Then, there’s the crowd favorite, Baked Alaska, with its perfectly browned meringue, flambéed with brandy, mouthwatering moist sponge cake with strawberry ice cream in the middle, and layers of different textures and flavors all in one bite.

With scrumptious food and impeccable service, Cowrie Grill’s guaranteed to impress. For table reservations, please call (02) 84631993 or email r.cowriegrill@themanilahotel.com.
Cowrie Grill may also be booked for exclusive functions for up to 30 guests.

About Cowrie Grill

Cowrie Grill used to be an in-house restaurant in The Manila Hotel but had to be transferred to San Juan in 1993 to give way to the famed Café Ilang-Ilang. With its classic and elegant interior, Cowrie Grill is perfect for celebrating special occasions like Father’s Day. It caters best to families and friends looking for a good intimate fine-dining place to relax and have a good meal after work or shopping. Guests can book the entire restaurant for an exclusive small function in strict compliance to the heath and safety protocols in the guidelines of the IATF.

The Jelly List: Top breakfast finds at Lamp Quarters, Marikina

Foodies in Marikina and nearby places, it’s time to rise and shine, especially with the sumptuous breakfast choices awaiting you at Lamp Quarters!

This food hub nestled in the quiet suburb is a perfect place to enjoy the first meal of the day because:

It houses a diverse collection of restaurants offering various cuisines
It has a spacious outdoor dining area where you can meet up and dine with family and friends in comfort (you can also bring your fur-babies with you)
Its San Diego-inspired decor will make you feel like you’ve stepped into sunny Southern California

So if you’ve been feeling cooped up at home for the past few months, you can definitely step out and enjoy the morning in the great outdoors with these fab breakfast finds from Lamp Quarters’ restaurants.

Dampa sa Cogeo Marikina Branch

Get a taste of the sea’s bounty with Dampa sa Cogeo’s various seafood dishes plus more for a wonderful start to your day.

Breakfast Bilao (Php599, good for 2-3 people). What’s Pinoy breakfast without the silog? Enjoy a hearty meal with this breakfast staple along with daing na bangus, tocino and beef tapa, all classic flavors we just love to wake up to!

Seafood Stir-fry (Php699, good for 2-3 people). For breakfast with a bit of zing, check out this sumptuous seafood dish made with fresh crab, squid, mussels and shrimp stir-fried with veggies in a slightly spicy tomato sauce. You’d definitely be asking for extra rice to go with this!

Dampa sa Cogeo also delivers its seafood bilao and party trays. For more details, call +63 945 8646423 or +63 961 4207400 or follow it on Facebook.

Night & Day Restorante

A fusion of Italian and American flavors await you at Night & Day.

With its Breakfast Buffet (Php299, available on weekends from 8am to 11am), you can feast on a whole slew of tasty, all-you-can-eat breakfast dishes. This July, the breakfast buffet consist of beef salpicao, corned beef, daing na bangus, aglio olio, pancakes and waffles, sanwiches and sliders, eggs, roasted sesame salad and breads, accompanied by iced tea, lemonade or hot chocolate.

Night & Day is open everyday from 8am to 10pm. To reserve your slots for its Breakfast Buffet, call +63 917 1079678.

For updates on its offers and promos, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Kebomb

A wise man once said “Why have abs when you can have kebabs?”

Why, indeed, when you can indulge yourself with delicious yet very affordable Mediterranean-inspired food that will also appeal to Pinoy tastebuds!

Widen your morning meal horizons with Kebomb’s breakfast dishes such as beef shawarma tapa, kebab longganisa meal and chicken tocino meal, as well as its best-sellers like beef or chicken kebab rice plates, keema, keemadilla, hummus, Persian burgers in shawarma wrap and my newest favorite: chicken skin nachos!

Kebomb also delivers via Grabfood and FoodPanda. Pickup options are also available. For more details, call +63 956 9781805 or follow it on Facebook or Instagram.

So if you want to catch the sun’s early morning rays as you fill up on tasty breakfast meals with family and friends, drop by Lamp Quarters in Marikina!

Lamp Quarters is located along Gil Fernando Street, Centro de Buenviaje, Bgy Santo Nino, Marikina City. For updates on its special promos and events, follow Lamp Quarters on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Together with my foodie friends, I attended a food tasting held at this venue. Food items mentioned here were served to elicit honest feedback and were not paid for by the attendees.

Shrimp Bucket delivery via Pick•A•Roo!

It’s been a year since the quarantine took place, and while I don’t miss the hellish commute from my home to Tomas Morato, I do miss the lunchtime foodie adventures that my officemates and I used to have around the area.

One of our favorite haunts, especially for our payday splurge, is the Shrimp Bucket branch in Il Terrazzo Mall, a short walk away from the office.

Here, we would binge on shrimps and mussels by the pound, drenched in flavorful sauces that would leave us wanting more.

It’s been quite some time since our last foodie adventure at Shrimp Bucket but today, I was able to relive that experience with the family thanks to a new app called Pic•Ka•Roo!

This new all-in-one and on-demand lifestyle delivery app features all possible essentials for the home and more, delivered in a hygienic, contactless and stress-free. Aside from groceries, medicines, household appliances and gadgets, it also delivers from the metro’s restaurants, which is how I was able to get my hands on my Shrimp Bucket faves.

White Shrimp in Salted Eggsperience (Php785). Plump shrimp coated with a creamy savory sauce made with salted egg yolks.

Mussels in Mardi Gras (Php575). Mussels coated in a flavorful sauce made with pork chorizo blended with spices.

Both dishes are tasty by themselves but together, they’re dynamite!

Have a lot of steamed rice ready when dining on this winning combination of shrimps and mussels. You’ll be reaching for more again and again!

This Shrimp Bucket branch is located at Ground Floor, Rockwell Business Center, Sheridan Corner United Street, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City.

Other branches that deliver via Pic•Ka•Roo are located at:

Ground Floor, Bridgeway Shops, Across Connecticut Carpark Arcade, Greenhills Shopping Centre, Greenhills, San Juan City
Ground Floor, Grand Hamptons Tower 1, 31st Street Corner 2nd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Want to give Pick•A•Roo a try? Get a Php250 PICK•A•ROO voucher and have your groceries, food & more delivered when you register with my referral code: ANGE7726. Download the app here.

#TheBistroGroup Trinoma Food Crawl: Fish & Co.

Truth be told: Fish & Co. was not among my go-to restaurants. Being a carnivore, I gravitated to restaurants centered on steaks, ribs and meat. And boy, have I been missing out on quite a lot!

This I discovered when my foodie friends and I went on an epic food trip at Trinoma Mall of which Fish & Co. was the second stop.

Fish & Co. is a casual dining restaurant that serve fresh seafood in a pan. Drawing inspiration from the practices of Mediterranean fishermen who cooked their freshly caught seafood on board their boats and ate directly off the pans where they cooked their food to ease their hunger pangs while they’re at sea.

The restaurant prides itself on offering the freshest seafood, prepared with natural and wholesome ingredients and served in generous portions.

Fish & Co. is one of the restaurants managed by The Bistro Group, a collection of international and local hospitality brands.

In response to the need of the times, The Bistro Group has instituted safety protocols for safe dining-in at its restaurants. These include: regular health checks for all its personnel, compliance of all outdoor and indoor seating to physical distancing guidelines, hand sanitizers available at the entrance and on every table, as well as contactless menu ordering and payment.

These protocols require diners to submit to temperature checks, provide contact tracing details and using the hand sanitizers and sanitation mats prior to entering the restaurant premises, as well as wearing their personal protective equipment (PPEs) while inside. Would-be diners who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to people who do, have underlying health conditions or have concerns about contracting the disease when dining out are advised to stay home and avail of the restaurant’s contactless delivery options.

With safety concerns adequately addressed, diners can fully get down to getting hooked by Fish & Co.’s sumptuous dishes such as:

Ceasar Salad with Ramen Egg (Php295/Php495). Romaine lettuce tossed with croutons and parmesan cheese in house Caesar dressing and topped with marinated egg.

Crispy Fish Skin (Php195). Deep-fried salmon skin served with cocktail vinegar and spicy mango vinaigrette.

Singaporean Fried Chicken (Php795). Deep-fried marinated chicken served with house gravy.

Seafood Spaghetti Marinara (Php355/Php595). Clams, prawn and fish cubes, tossed in our homemade tomato-basil sauce.

The Best Fish in Town (Php395/Php525). A slab of lightly battered fish deep-fried to a beautiful and crispy golden brown and served with tartar sauce.

At Fish & Co., you get a delicious taste of the sea’s bounty and more!

You can also get great savings with the BFF Card, The Bistro Group’s loyalty program that gives members exclusive perks across 15 restaurant brands such as:

30% off on Mondays
20% off on Tueadays
Complimentary coffee or hot tea single-serve with entree purchase
Online seats reservation
Six Php250 e-vouchers with minimum purchase of Php1,000 per voucher

This Fish & Co. branch is located at Fourth Floor, Trinoma Mall, Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 8pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 79162028, +63 2 7916 0105 or +63 977 2414903.

Other branches are located at:

Ground Floor, Venice Grand Canal Mall, Upper Mckinley Road, Taguig City
4th Floor, The Deck, Uptown Place Mall, 36th Street Corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
G/F Entertainment Mall, MOA Complex, Pasay City

Fish & Co. delivers via FoodPanda.

Check out my posts about other restos of The Bistro Group: