sinigang – Jellybeans in the City

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.

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.

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!

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!

HAPAG: Your destination for comforting Filipino food during your Manila Ocean Park adventure

If you’re on your way to enjoy the exciting attractions at Manila Ocean Park with your friends and family in tow, food should be the least of your worries.

After all, Manila Ocean Park is home to quite a number of gourmet eateries, the latest of which is its Filipino restaurant, HAPAG.

The restaurant’s name is derived from Tagalog word which translates to “table” in English. In Filipino culture, the table holds a special significance as it is often the focal point of gatherings and celebrations, where families and friends come together to share meals and create cherished memories.

Just like its name suggests, HAPAG at Manila Ocean Park aims to be a place where people can gather around the table and indulge in the comfort of Filipino cuisine, creating a sense of warmth, togetherness, and hospitality. Its name not only pays homage to Filipino traditions but also reflects the restaurant’s commitment to providing a welcoming and memorable dining experience for its guests.

Ready for your foray into Filipino comfort food? Be sure to include these down-home delicious dishes when you dine at HAPAG:

Soups

Sinigang na Hipon (Php700). This classic Filipino dish features succulent shrimp cooked in a tangy tamarind broth, with vegetables like kangkong (water spinach) and radish adding a refreshing crunch. The sourness of the soup paired with the sweetness of the shrimp creates a comforting and satisfying bowl of goodness.

Sinigang na Baboy (Php650). For pork lovers, Sinigang na Baboy is a must-try. Tender pork chunks are simmered in a sour tamarind soup, along with vegetables like kangkong and eggplant. The savory and tangy flavors meld together, making it a perfect dish to warm your soul.

Vegetables

Pinakbet (Php250). This popular vegetable dish from the northern regions of the Philippines features a medley of fresh vegetables like eggplant, okra, and bitter gourd, cooked in a shrimp paste sauce. The combination of flavors and textures in Pinakbet creates a comforting and healthy dish that is perfect for vegetarians, those looking for a lighter option or as a side dish to complement other viands.

Mains

Beef Caldereta (Php550). A rich and hearty stew, Beef Caldereta is a Filipino comfort food that is perfect for meat lovers. Tender beef chunks are simmered in a slightly spicy tomato-based sauce with vegetables, potatoes, and carrots, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish that is best enjoyed with steamed rice.

Whole Fried Chicken (Php800). Crispy, juicy, and flavorful, Filipino-style Fried Chicken is a comfort food staple. HAPAG’s version is sure to satisfy your fried chicken cravings, with its golden-brown crust and succulent meat. Perfectly seasoned and fried to perfection, it’s a timeless classic that will surely hit the spot.

Crispy Pata (Php1,200). This version of the classic Pinoy dish is a true delight for meat lovers, featuring perfectly deep-fried pork knuckles that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It is served with a dipping sauce made with vinegar and soy sauce, which adds a tangy and savory contrast to the rich flavors of the pork.

Charcoal-grilled

Grilled Boneless Bangus (Php350). Known as the national fish of the Philippines, Bangus or milkfish is a beloved ingredient in Filipino cuisine. HAPAG’s Grilled Boneless Bangus is marinated then grilled, resulting in a moist and flavorful fish dish that is both comforting and delicious.

Grilled Liempo (Php500). A delicious way to enjoy pork belly is through HAPAG’s Grilled Liempo. Marinated in a special blend of spices and grilled to smoky juiciness, the result is a flavorful pork dish that is sure to please your taste buds. It’s a comforting and satisfying choice for meat lovers.

Chicken Inasal (Php260). This flavorful grilled chicken dish from the Visayas region of the Philippines is known for its distinct marinade made with calamansi, lemongrass, and vinegar. HAPAG’s Chicken Inasal is tender and juicy, with a tangy and savory flavor that is perfect for satisfying your chicken cravings.

Sizzling Plates

Sizzling Liempo Steak (Php500). HAPAG’s Sizzling Liempo Steak is grilled then served sizzling hot on a cast-iron plate, with a savory gravy that complements the pork. The sizzling presentation and the mouthwatering aroma make it a truly comforting and indulgent dish.

Sizzling Pork Sisig (Php450). A popular appetizer or pulutan in Filipino cuisine, Sizzling Pork Sisig is a sizzling plate of chopped pork face and ears, seasoned with spices and served with a tangy sauce. HAPAG’s version is crispy and flavorful, with a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors that will surely make your taste buds dance.

Rice

Bagoong Fried Rice (Php310). Bagoong, or fermented shrimp paste, is a staple condiment in Filipino cuisine. When used to flavor fried rice, it results to a savory staple that’s sure to complement your favorite Pinoy dishes.

Beverage

Sago’t Gulaman (Php120). Sago’t Gulaman is a popular Filipino beverage made with tapioca pearls (sago) and agar-agar jelly (gulaman) soaked in a sweet syrup made from brown sugar, water, and vanilla. HAPAG’s Sago’t Gulaman is a refreshing and nostalgic drink that is perfect for quenching your thirst and cooling down during a hot day. The combination of the chewy tapioca pearls, slippery agar-agar jelly, and sweet syrup creates a unique and satisfying texture that is both fun to eat and drink.

So, after a day of thrilling adventures and exciting discoveries at Manila Ocean Park, take a moment to unwind and treat yourself to the comfort of Filipino food at HAPAG. Indulge in the rich flavors, warm hospitality, and cozy ambiance that this newest restaurant has to offer, and create lasting memories of comfort and culinary delight with your family and friends.

HAPAG is located at Ground Floor, Manila Ocean Park Complex, behind the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta along Roxas Boulevard, Ermita Manila, open daily from 10am to 7pm. Book your Manila Ocean Park tickets via Klook or visit its website.

To stay updated on Manila Ocean Park’s attractions and dining establishments, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant during my recent tour in Manila Ocean Park. Food items here were served at no cost to the attendees.

Check out my previous posts about Manila Ocean Park:

6 reasons to bring the fam to Manila Ocean Park

Profile: Manila Ocean Park’s Francis Low

Summer fun with the barkada at Manila Ocean Park

Gourmet Food Trippin’ at Manila Ocean Park

How to make the most of your visit to Manila Ocean Park

Enjoy delish Filipino hotplate your way at Butter Grill, The Landmark

Who would have thought that dining at a mall food court would give you such a superb dining experience?

Sure, food courts have their own appeal due to a variety of reasons: the variety of cuisines offered at affordable prices, easy accessibility, fast service and liveliness and bustle of the crowd.

However, the entrance of a brand new concept stall at The Landmark’s Supermart Foodcenter presents an exciting possibility for diners: personalization!

Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter

Butter Grill offers sizzling plates classic Filipino dishes and foodcourt faves but with a fresh twist: the diner can mix and match various items on the menu to craft a hotplate according to their specifications.

Here’s how:

First, choose your meat among Butter Sliced Pork (Php159), Butter Sliced Beef (Php249), Mixed Seafood (Php285), Peppered Bangus (Php298), Angus Burger Steak (Php315) and Beef Tendon (Php345).

Second, choose a free sauce to complement your meat: Pares Sauce, Bicol Express Gravy, Kare-Kare Gravy, Honey Binagoongan Gravy, Steakhouse Gravy, Sinigang Gravy, Kaldereta Gravy and Salted Egg Gravy.

Lastly, choose a free side to complete your meal: Butter Rice, Pancit and Sourdough Pan de Sal.

Combining items from this menu produces tasty hotplates such as:

Butter Sliced Beef in Kare-Kare Sauce with Buttered Rice

Angus Burger Steak in Steak House Gravy with Buttered Rice: my absolute fave!

Sliced Pork in Kaldereta Sauce and Pancit

Beef Tendon in Honey Binagoongan Gravy and Buttered Rice

Beef Tendon in Sinigang Gravy and Buttered Rice

Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcourt

With the Lenten Season coming in, you’d be happy to know that Buttergrill’s got your back for Meatless Fridays with a Buy 1 Get 1 Offer on its seafood hotplates for just Php298. Promo is available every Friday from February 24 to April 7, 2023.

Peppered Bangus in Salted Egg Sauce with Buttered Rice

Mixed Seafood in Pares Sauce with Pancit

Mix things up a bit and try some of the dishes with Butter Grill’s Sourdough Pan De Sal!

Cap your meal with something sweet and refreshing: Buttergrill’s Clear Gulaman available in Bulilit (Php49) and Giant (Php99) sizes!

Here are some tips to further enhance your Buttergrill experience:

Unsure of which combination to try? Ask the servers for their recommendations!
Mix the hotplate contents well to distribute the flavors from the sauces evenly.
Allow some of the rice and gravy to caramelize (forming a flavorful tutong I’m you’ll love!)

So if you fancy a fresh take on your favorite Pinoy dishes and more, be sure to drop by Butter Grill!

Butter Grill is located at the Supermart Foodcenter of The Landmark, Makati Avenue, Ayala Center, Makati City.

Stay updated on its promos and offers by following Butter Grill on Facebook and Instagram.

The Jelly List: Fresh takes on Filipino food

The Philippine Independence Day is just around the corner and despite having a lot of restrictions on movements and dining out, there are still enough reasons to celebrate the flavors and ingenuity of Filipino cuisine.

Characterized by the interplay of sweet (tamis), sour (asim) and salty (alat) flavors, Pinoy food is rich in tradition and history, with many recipes passed down from one generation to the next.

Every once in a while, however, a kitchen maverick adds an unheard-of twist to an established Pinoy dish or adapts a foreign recipe by incorporating local ingredients or cooking styles which will result in an entirely new way to enjoy an old favorite.

In this edition of The Jelly List, let me share with you fresh takes on Filipino food from innovative restaurants. And since the community quarantine is still in effect in many areas in Metro Manila, I’ve chosen dishes from restaurants that are open for pickup or delivery.

Manam’s Caramelized Patis Wings (Php180)

Just when you thought that there couldn’t be another twist to fried chicken wings, Manam brings out this zesty appetizer flavored with patis (fish sauce). Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it!

To order, visit MomentFood.com.

Sarap-to-the-Bones Fried Chicken at Max’s, Tomas Morato

While I consider myself adventurous when it comes to food, I get a hankering for familiar and comfortable flavors every once in a while.

That’s why I dragged my officemates to a branch of Max’s Restaurant near our office for lunch. Aside from offering no-frills but exceedingly flavorful fried chicken, this branch also has sprawling grounds with some green spaces, which provided our eyes with a welcome break from our computer and gadget screens.

Max’s Restaurant had its start in 1945 when Stanford-educated teacher Maximo Gimenez befriended the American GIs stationed in Quezon City and invited them to his home for a drink or two. These visits led to their patronage of the cafe Maximo decided to build, with his sister, Ruby, developing a special recipe for tender, juicy and crispy fried chicken that won the hearts of both the Americans and Pinoys.

During that lunch break, Max’s is where my officemates and I were able to enjoy fuss-free yet tasty fried chicken (best enjoyed with Max’s Banana Ketchup!) and other Pinoy classics such as:

Chopsuey (Php249). The Pinoy’s go-to vegetable dish made with pork and shrimp bits sauteed together with fresh vegetables and chicken liver.

Half-Regular Chicken (Php216). The keto choice for the dieter in the group (spoiler: it wasn’t me!).

Basic Meal (Php199). A quarter fried chicken served with steamed rice, a glass of iced tea or soft drinks and a Caramel Bar.

Fiesta Plate (Php289). The Basic Meal plus choice of fresh or fried Lumpiang Upod (I prefer it fresh :-))

Chicken Leg Quarter with Rice Pork Sinigang and Pepsi (two for Php499).

Not a bad deal for a work day lunch break, yeah?

This Max’s Restaurant branch is located along Scout Tuazon Street, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City. During the Enhanced Community Quarantine, it will be open from 10am to 5pm and serving a limited menu for delivery. You may course your orders directly through its delivery numbers +63 2 83751032 05 +63 2 83751052, Max’s delivery website, GrabFood and Food Panda.

Other Metro Manila branches still operating during the Enhanced Community Quarantine include:

North Manila: Mindanao Avenue (+63 2 88916535), EDSA Caloocan (+63 2 86346501 | +63 2 86346502), Banawe (+63 2 83548804 | +63 2 83548805), Matalino Street (+63 2 89318958), Commonwealth (+63 2 89320810 | +63 2 89520841), Regalado / Robinsons Townville (+63 2 82820476), Taytay (+63 2 68606642 | +63 2 86606643), Antipolo Sumulong (+63 2 84705846), Congressional Avenue (+63 2 89280648), EDSA Eats Main Avenue (+63 919 0883844 | +63 2 79091911)
South Manila: Valero (+63 2 85198924), Las Pinas (+63 2 88730210), Sucat (+63 2 88252902 | +63 2 88252904), Malacanang (+63 2 77357925 | +63 2 74047365), Ermita (+63 2 85221076 to 77), Pasig Kapitolyo (+63 2 86969806), Market! Market! (+63 2 88867784), Shell C5 Heritage (+63 2 79785724), Forbestown (+63 998 9603867), Baclaran (+63 2 88321991)m Dona Soledad (+63 950 6574682 | +63 975 3665633 | +63 2 77533306)

Family-style dining at 121 Restaurant, Allegro Center

Makati is a pretty bustlin’ place during weekdays but come the weekend, many of its happenin’ venues turn into relatively quiet spots where you and the fam can go for a meal.

Take 121 Restaurant at Allegro Center for example. After hours during weekdays, it may be a watering hole for Makati’s young urban professionals.

During one Saturday, however, it was the setting for a nice family-style lunch where my fellow foodies and I enjoyed 121’s take on down-home Pinoy dishes, such as:

121 Pork Sisig (Php289 solo | Php1,029 barkada). The staple of any Filipino dine-out experience, 121’s version is meaty and crunchy.

Empanada (Php39 per piece | Php159 for 5-piece sampler). Available in vegan steak picado, ham and cheese, chicken pastel, pulled pork and beef picadillo flavors.

Lumpiang Shanghai (Php219 solo | Php839 barkada). Remember those lumpias that are practically all wrapper? Well, these are overflowing with minced pork, surrounded by a thin layer of golden brown crispy lumpia wrapper.

Pork Sinigang (Php279). The Pinoy’s go-to soup dish!

Grilled Liempo (Php249) and Grilled Porkchop (Php249). We Pinoys sure are fans of inihaw! These are juicy, smoky pork belly and pork chop pieces that go so well with good ole’ steamed rice and 121’s very own secret sauce!

Champorado Cheesecake (Php119). The Pinoy’s favorite breakfast cereal is now in cheesecake form! Need I say more?

These specialties are best enjoyed surrounded by your nears-and-dears during a boisterously happy lunch, just like we did!

Many thanks to Daryl and Issa of 121 Restaurant for having us!

By the way, with Zomato Gold, you get a dish free when you dine at 121 Restaurant with a friend. Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 (Buy 1 Get 1) deals on food or 2+2 (Buy 2 Get 2) deals on drinks. All you have to do is sign up for a Zomato Gold membership here. Use the code JELLYB to get 45% off the membership fee.

This 121 Restaurant branch is located at Second Floor, Allegro Center, Pasong Tamo Extension, Magallanes, Makati City, open Mondays to Saturdays from 9am to 1am. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 88560529.

Other branches are located at:

121 L. P. Adamson building, Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Ground Floor, Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill, Taguig
Third Floor, BGC Stopover Pavillion, Rizal Drive corner 31st Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Eastwood Citywalk 1, Libis, Quezon City

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I was invited to attend a food tasting held in this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Manam Comfort Filipino, Trinoma

Comfort food are fare that provide the diner with a feeling of consolation or well-being and are oftentimes associated with the food enjoyed at home or during childhood.

While these evoke nostalgia and sentimentality, they also excite the taste buds and stir anticipation.

After a typical morning at the office, my officemates and I opted to get some comfort and good eats at the newly opened branch of Manam in Trinoma.

We were welcomed by Manam’s friendly and accommodating wait staff as well as its well-appointed yet cozy interiors.

Manam was formerly known as NamNam, and it boasts of a menu that offers both the classic renditions as well as fresh twists on Pinoy cuisine.

That day, we feasted on these dishes:

Adobong Kangkong (Php98). Kangkong (water spinach) shoots sauteed in garlic and soy-vinegar.

Gising Gising (Php125). Sigarilyas and kangkong sauteed with pork and chilis in coconut cream and bagoong (shrimp paste).

Pinakbet (Php130). Okra, string beans, eggplant, squash and tomatoes sauteed in with pork bits and shrimp in bagoong.

Mangga at Bagoong (Php140). Sliced green mango and shrimp paste, this combo is famous for that sour-salty dynamic.

Caramelized Patis Wings (Php170). A twist on fried chicken, patis (fish sauce) flavors the zesty wings.

Crunchy Salt and Pepper Squid (Php280). Lightly battered squid pieces tossed in a crunchy mixture of stir-fried garlic and chilis.

House Crispy Sisig (Php398). Ranked as the No. 1 Sisig in Manila for two consecutive years, this dish features chopped pork jowl and cheek served sizzling.

Sinigang na Beef Short Rib and Watermelon (Php775 for family size). The sour broth of the beef sinigang is given a slightly sweet twist with the addition of watermelon.

Bibingka de Leche (Php125). A layer of leche flan (caramel egg custard) tops a pancake-like rice cake.

Kape, Sago at Gulaman (Php105). The samalamig (Filipino version of slushy drink) given a twist with the addition of coffee flavors.

Puto Bumbong with Muscovado Butter (Php80). The classic purple rice cake traditionally steamed in bamboo tubes accompanied by grated cheese, grated coconut and a bar of muscovado-enriched butter.

What a delicious way to get some comfort on a work day!

This branch of Manam Comfort Filipino is located at Ground Floor, Trinoma Mall Garden Wing, Bagong Pag Asa, Quezon City, open daily from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 79005750.

Other branches are located at:

Powerplant Mall, Rockwell, Makati
Net Park, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
O Square, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan
South Wing, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay
Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Entertainment City, Paranaque
SM North EDSA, Bago Bantay, Quezon City
SM City Fairview, Novaliches, Quezon City
Ayala Fairview Terraces, Novaliches, Quezon City

Comfort food elevated at ALTA by Relik, San Juan

Weekend brunches have grown popular lately, with many establishments offering hearty comfort dishes that can be leisurely enjoyed by diners.

At ALTA by Relik at Santolan Town Plaza, families can enjoy the flavorful comfort food amidst vibrant and colorful surroundings.

The restaurant is an offshoot of the popular BGC restaurant Relik. Restaurant owner Gen Mortel and Chef Jam Laboriente collaborated on a Filipino-Spanish menu to provide an elevated dining experience to San Juan’s foodies.

Last weekend I had brunch together with my fellow foodies from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH at ALTA by Relik where we had a taste of its comfort food elevated with fresh twists such as:

Relik’s Nachos (Php350). Homemade tortilla chips topped with meat sauce, crisp lettuce, tomato and cucumber relish, cheddar cheese and sour cream.

Chilean Mussels Croquettes (Php495). Chilean mussels topped with thick bechamel sauce and bread crumbs and served a with a lemon slice.

Pulled Pork Quesadilla (Php235). Tender pulled pork, cheddar, mozzarella, corn kernels, lettuce and source cream encased in homemade flour tortillas.

Watermelon and Kesong Puti Salad (Php265). Mixed greens, arugula, watermelon cubes, bits of kesong puti and candied walnuts tossed with balsamic reduction.

Longanisa Flatbread with Salted Egg Cream (Php375). Crisp flatbread topped with sweet pork longganisa, tomato salsa and salted egg dressing.

Seafood Chowder (Php295). Shrimp, squid and herbs incorporated in a flavorful cream soup and garnished with croutons and parsley.

Bagnet Sinigang (Php395). The classic sinigang dish deconstructed into pieces of bagnet and vegetables served with a broth made of fresh sampaloc dialed up to its asim-est level.

Lamb Pares (Php355). Slow-cooked shoulders of grass-fed New Zealand lambs in garlic soy sauce served with garlic rice.

Sizzling Bulalo Steak (Php489). Tender beef shank with its decadent bone marrow served sizzling in a garlic bulalo gravy together with fried potatoes, green beans and garlic bits.

Seafood Paella (Php995). Rich saffron-infused medium-grain rice with white shrimp, squid, Chilean mussels and roasted bell peppers served in a special paellera pan that helps it develop a nice toasty crust at the bottom. (Fun fact: that flavorful toasty crust is called socarrat in Catalan. Paella connoisseurs consider this the key to paella’s fabulous flavor).

Mango Tapioca Trifle (Php215). Fresh sliced mangoes, caramel,sauce and tapioca pearls top a layer of lady fingers.

Milo Dinosaur Cheesecake (Php195). A chocolatey frozen cheesecake flavored with Milo and garnished with sprinkled with Milo powder.

So if you feel like enjoying an elevated brunch experience or dine on an excellent selection of Filipino-Spanish fusion dishes, drop by at Santolan Town Plaza to experience ALTA by Relik!

Many thanks to Gen, Jam and the staff of ALTA by Relik for the warm welcome and the fabulous food!

ALTA by Relik is located at Santolan Town Plaza, Col. Bonny Serrano Avenue, Little Baguio, San Juan City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 8am to 12 midnight and Fridays to Saturdays from 8am to 2am. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 917 3172582.

Here are more reasons to head to ALTA by Relik:

DJ Nights every Thursday night at 8pm.
Live music every Friday and Saturday at 8pm.
All-You-Can-Eat buffet breakfast every Sunday from 8am to 11.30am.

Disclosure: Together with my fellow foodies, I attended a foodie meetup held here. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Buy One Dish, Get One at 50% Off at Tres

From ‪August 13-16‬, buy 1 dish and get another at 50 per cent off at Tres located on the 2nd Level, The Annex, SM North EDSA and along Rufino Street corner Ayala Avenue, Salcedo Village, Makati.

The offer includes all the menu items and is available all day everyday from ‪August 13-16‬ only. The discounted dish must be equal or of a lesser value than the 1st dish. Only 1 redemption is allowed per single transaction. No minimum purchase is required. The offer is good only for dine in and cannot be used with other existing promos, discount and gift check.

Tres is home to good old home Filipino cooking serving the original dishes and those inspired by the late culinary figure Chef Ed Quimzon.

Some of the bestsellers include Kare-Kare-Kare served 4 ways – Classic Beef with flank steak and tripe; Seafood with prawns, squid, fish, shellfish, and clams; Crispy Beef Tadyang, Crispy Pata and Crispy which is a combination of chuck, flank steak, and tripe. The Kare-Kare-Kare Platter is a big order of beef ribs, pork knuckles, prawns and vegetables.

TRES coined the term Kare-Kare-Kare because they give you extra sauce to pour, peanuts to top, and the original TRES bagoong as an accompaniment.

The TRES Crispy Pata is another bestseller. It is soaked in a secret marinade and fried twice for that double delicious crispy crackling goodness. The meat is tender and steeped with flavor. It is served with thinly sliced sweet potato crisps and a sweet and spicy soy sauce and vinegar dip.

Binagoongang Lechon Kawali combines the crispiness of lechon and the spiciness of the Bicol Express sauce. Sizzling Crispy Beef Tadyang is simmered in soy sauce with garlic, onion, laurel leaf and pepper.

For dishes with Spanish and English influence, there is Lengua con Setas, Hickory Baby Back Ribs and Lamb Adobo. Roast Iberian Chicken is the Spanish version of the more familiar roast chicken but this time, the whole chicken is slow roasted in olive oil and spices. There is also Gambas Al Ajillo with fresh prawns sautéed in garlic, green peppers and olive oil. Classic Beef Salpicao is beef tenderloin sautéed in olive oil, chili, roasted minced garlic and then grilled to coax the natural sweet flavor of the meat to come out.

If you are looking for hot delicious soup, there is Beef Bulalo, slow cooked beef marrow until its almost fall-off the bone tender and made more flavorful with corn, green beans, cabbage and potatoes.

The Sinigang comes in 4 variants. Sinigang na Salmon sa Miso, Sinigang na Spareribs, Sinigang na Bangus and Sinigang na Hipon.

There is more. Sugpo at Aligue is fresh prawns sautéed in crab roe, garlic and chili. TRES Bagnet Sampler comes with 3 slices each of Classic, Kare-Kare-Kare and Mantecado with matching sauces. Sizzling Adobo Belly, Lumpiang Shanghai, Bangus ala Pobre, Calamares, Crispy Tilapia, Crispy Ginataang Hito are some of the other choices.

For vegetable dishes, the Gising-Gising is a crowd favorite with ground pork sautéed with Baguio beans, chili and coconut milk. You decide if you want it real spicy. Pinakbet is more decadent with Bagnet, Ampalaya Ensalada has no bitter taste with crispy dried shrimp and a light dressing. Ensaladang Talong, Laing and Monggo round up the choices.

Of course a Filipino table will not be complete without rice. There is the standard Pandan Rice with an aromatic smell, Kalkag Rice with crispy dried shrimp and Lechon Rice with crispy lechon skin and sauce.

There is Halo-Halo that is super thick and creamy and overflowing with macapuno, beans, milk, leche flan, ube and grated ice. For more desserts, try the Ube Macapuno Royale Cake Chocolate Lava Cake, Leche Flan, Biko and Banana-Ube Turon.

For reservations, catering and other inquiries, visit TRES on the 2nd floor, The Annex, SM City North EDSA or call ‪352-7032‬ or ‪0917-529-0837‬; and TRES on the ground floor of Keyland Ayala SLC Building, Rufino near the corner of Ayala Avenue, Salcedo Village, Makati or call ‪0927-791-5489‬. You may also visit facebook.com/trescuisineph.

#TasteMagic at Salamangka, Eastwood City

Salamangka translates to “sleight of hand” in Tagalog. It is a word wrapped in magic and mystery, calling to mind enchantment and wonder.

The restaurant and bar in Eastwood Citywalk that bears that name lives up to it by offering coffee, cocktails and craft beer, as well as its own reimagining of Filipino food, against a welcoming backdrop laden with a hefty dose of mystical appeal.

Together with my foodie friends from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH, I stepped inside Salamangka’s doors for a taste of magic.

In the late morning, Salamangka is awash with light, the black murals of mythical creatures and the balete tree on the wall wonderfully offset by the clean white background. Furniture made with native materials and a huge table and bench set made from solid pieces of wood provide ample seating for the diners.

Salamangka’s menu consists of its own take of classic Filipino dishes, such as:

Kamote Chips (Php199). Crispy deep-fried slices of of sweet potatoes that go so well with its dip of condensed milk reduction.

Piknik (Php199). Crispy hand-cut potato slivers served with three different sauces (but they’re ok without the sauce as evidenced by the way I keep popping them into my mouth, hehehe!)

Coca Cola Wings (Php259). Fried chicken wings simmered in a Coca Cola reduction and served with piknik.

Itlog na Maalat Wings (Php349). Fried chicken wings covered in a sauce of salted eggs and served with piknik.

Vegan Nachos (Php199). Toasted pita chips topped with ground tofu and drizzled with a mixture of Yummza pesto hummus, lemon and oil. Live a little and add Php20 for additional topping of grated cheese.

Tinapa (Php189). A bowl of smokey tinapa flakes on top of garlic rice and paired with salted egg, a side of tomatoes and burong mangga.

Bawang na Bangus (Php189). Fried bangus marinated in garlic served on top of garlic rice with salted egg and atsara.

Sinigang sa Manggang Hilaw (Php279). Beef sinigang with a sour sauce instead of broth on top of steamed rice and served with sour mango and bagoong.

Once you’ve eaten your fill, how about lettin’ loose and sampling Salamangka’s much celebrated alcholic concoctions? Impress your friends with your knowledge of native folklore when you identify the entities that give their name to these intense spirits.

Wakwak (Php99 per glass | Php349 per pitcher). Named after a vampiric bird-like creature that makes the noise “wak-wak” as it flaps its wings, this cocktail is mixture of rum, lime juice, mango puree and mint leaves.

Mambabarang (Php99 per glass | Php349 per pitcher). Made with gin, lime juice, cucumber slices and mint leaves, this cocktail got its name from the warlock or sorceress that cast malevolent hexes on people

Ibong Adarna (Php99 per glass | Php349 per pitcher). Named after the mythical bird whose song has healing qualities, this drink is made with tequila, pineapple, calamansi and chili placed in a salt-rimmed glass. A sip of this drink is multi-layered: you get the citrus flavor from the calamansi, the spiciness from the chili, the saltiness from the rimmed glass and the fire of the tequila as it travels down your throat.

What really got me excited was Pitong Elemento (Php350). A flight of seven intense native infusions inspired by legendary elementals, this consists of seven shot glasses of flavored spirits that pack quite a punch.

Duwende (dried mango rhum – named after the mischievous house spirit)
Sigbin (orange vodka – named after the mythical creature that suck its victims’ blood from the shadows)
Kibaan (raisin gin – named after the mythical creature that lead travelers astray with its backward feet)
Tiyanak (Thai chili tequila – named after the creature that takes the form of a crying baby to attack folks who pick it up)
Undin (roasted bell pepper vodka – named after the water sprite that drown people who disturb it)
Santelmo (lemon vodka – named after St. Elmo’s Fire, balls of fire that appear as portents of doom)
Nuno sa Punso (spearmint chocolate vodka – named after the dwarf-like creature that dwell in mounds of earth).

You can also opt to get these infusions individually by the shot glass at Php50 each, except for Nuno sa Punso which is at Php99.

(Note: I only attempted to try Nuno sa Punso and, really, a few sips were more than enough for a lightweight like me.)

Fans of the local craft beer Engkanto would really go for a Beer Flight (Php249) a four variant sampler consisting of lager, pale ale, IPA and double IPA.

Salamangka also prides itself on its Single Origin local coffees at Php99/cup such as those from Bukidnon and Batangas. These are freshly ground upon order and then brewed using pour over cups. Until August 31, get a Buy 1 Get 1 deal on these local coffees from 7am to 10am, thanks to Salamangka’s ongoing Hiwaga ng Umaga promo.

Salamangka’s Bulletproof Coffee (Php190), which is made with brewed coffee, coconut oil and unsalted butter, would probably be great for chasing away a hangover given the coffee’s touted properties for enhancing alertness. I would just prefer the residual flavor from the coconut oil to be tempered down a little bit more so that the creaminess and the slight sweetness from the butter would be more pronounced.

So if you want a great time with your friends tinged with magic and mystery, head on to Salamangka.

Thanks to Darryl, Issa, Veni and Kevin of Salamangka for having us!

Join Salamangka’s Hocus Focus Facebook contest by posting a picture of you posing in one of Salamanka’s Kreature Kutouts. Make sure your post is public, tag @salamangkamnl, use the hashtags #IsangTaongHiwaga and #TasteMagic, for a chance to get a freebie.

Feel like pitting your knowledge against other Salamangka guests? Join the Gabi ng Pagsusulit, a quiz night held at Salamangka every second and fourth Thursday of the month.

Salamangka is located at Eastwood Citywalk 1, Libis, Quezon City, open daily from 7am to 3am. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 5518557.

Did you know you can buy two drinks and get the same two drinks for free at Salamangka through Zomato Gold? Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 deals on food or 2+2 deals on drinks.

Disclosure: Together with my fellow foodies, I was invited to join a foodie meetup held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.