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Adam’s Seriously Good Ice Cream

May 8, 2015 by Janey

Last March, I connected with Adam again and finally got to visit his kitchen lab slash factory in Makati. I first met Adam Lieberman at his restaurant at the Fort, called Rose, 3 years ago. Although the food at Rose was superb, I couldn’t forget that dinner mainly because of the dessert, which was ice cream. Not a whole lot of sweets strike me, but Adam’s homespun ice creams are really remarkable to say the least.

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Rose Restaurant at the Fort

Adam decided to concentrate on churning out these tubs of spectacle which birthed into the brand, “Adam’s Seriously Good Ice Cream.” Quite long for a name but it was simply and purely that, SERIOUSLY GOOD ICE CREAM.

I remember describing it this way, “their collection of signature ice creams are like designer clothes walking down the runway –original, distinct and in this case, tongue-catching.” His ice cream held me. This is the perfect season for ice cream and in this extreme roast of summer, I don’t want anything else to comfort me.

Nomama Bids Adieu with Php 1 Ramen

March 23, 2015 by Janey

Nomama will always have a big fan in me. Whenever I am dining there, there is zero willpower to resist their Wagyu Beef Cheek Ramen or the Spicy Tongue Dry Noodle. I also cannot dine there without ordering their tasty gyoza, which I think is one of the best in Manila.

Their gyozas do not require any dipping sauce, just a splash of Tabasco and you’d have the best appetizer or accompaniment to your ramen. I love their mushroom gyoza which is just brimming with this rich woodsy flavor but their beef curry rib gyoza is nothing short of awesome too, like the Wagyu Beef Cheek Ramen.

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One Friday Afternoon in Anilao

May 26, 2014 by Janey

Instead of doing the usual summer trip, we’ve decided to just chill and try to enjoy each other’s company over drinks, good food and music. Rented a boat for 4 hours at a rate of P22,000.

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We left Ortigas around 930am that Friday and drove to Tagaytay to get brunch at Tootsie’s. After lunch, all 4 cars including Ray’s spanking new toy, Mini Cooper (which I wanted to try driving), headed to Acacia Resort in Anilao, Batangas.

This is how you rock a boat.

It was our take-off point and where we will be picked up by the dinghy to be brought to the boat. A dinghy is a small, open boat, similar to a life boat that transports you to a larger boat or ship.

By 3pm, all 12 of us have boarded the stunning Catamaran boat.

New Palate Gems at Crystal Jade Shanghai Delight

April 29, 2014 by Janey

Their restaurant frontage can barely be seen in 2010 with the long queues outside that wait to get seated. Flocks of families and foodies have trooped to Crystal Jade for their famed Xiao Long Bao and authentic Chinese dishes. You cannot spell authentic any less with the Chinese expats that are rebased here to head and run the Crystal Jade kitchen to ensure quality standards.

Crystal Jade is one of the largest restaurant chains and is just about everywhere in Singapore. They have established a strong presence in San Francisco and across the Asia Pacific region –in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Qingdao, Guangzhou among numerous places. The successful opening in Manila added to that portfolio, bringing in that passion of dishing out the finest delicacies served contemporarily.

We usually think of comfort food in the form of burgers, fries, and wings but when I want to eat a little more stylishly minus the grease and the common taste of diner items, I find my comfort at Crystal Jade.

Whenever I’m in the Greenhills area, there’s a magnetic pull to eat at Crystal Jade. I’ve been a long fan of their original Xiao Long Bao, Cantonese barbecue meats and noodles. In fact, I don’t order outside my usual of two orders of Xiao Long Bao, Noodle with Beef in Chili Oil (P228) and my all-time favorite Noodle with Dried Shrimp and Peanut in Spicy Sauce (P328 for sharing and P198 for snack portion).

I have visited again some weeks ago and noticed that they have renovated their interiors. It has maximized their seating capacity to serve more patrons and have shifted to vibrant welcoming hues of purples and pinks. I’m happy to report that their menu still retained their classic dishes and happier to tell that it has expanded to add more dishes that are surefire imminent bestsellers. Cuisine has delved into an authentic mix of Cantonese and Shanghai offerings that get your palate incessantly interested.

On the Table

Crispy Eel in “Wu Xi” Style P288

Prior to the recent visit, someone has made me try this before and it’s an appetizer that’s a staple on the table. It’s wonderfully crunchy that it cackles biting into it. The crispy eel has a dark sweet soy coating leaning towards a barbecue taste.

Hillsong United LIVE Concert in Manila 2014

March 25, 2014 by Janey

Lord, You are more than worthy to be praised!

Thank You for Your overwhelming love!

Hillsong United LIVE Concert in Manila 2014

June 13, 2014, 730pm

Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City

Ticket Prices:

Patron – Php 1,500

Lower Box – Php 1,500

Upper Box A – Php 1,000

Upper Box B – Php 500

General Admission P300

Ticketnet is handling the ticket distribution and will soon have the Hillsong United Concert tickets available at Ticketnet outlets nationwide.

Black Olive Cerveceria at Capitol Commons

November 7, 2013 by Janey

The two-level restaurant with an outdoor patio dining area only has its yellow signage as its spot of color. Stepping inside, the dimly lit dining room akin to a beer cellar is decorated in warm tones of beige and rich brown wood surrounded by glass walls. The long bar fronting the kitchen and the high ceiling add a dramatic touch to the interiors. Diners can enjoy cocktails or beers while waiting for a table or right before dinner –or vice versa.

After getting cooped up at home for 2 days due to fever and colds and working until 7pm last night, I was only glad to get a last minute invite to dinner. I was supposed to catch One Republic’s concert but ended up not going. Dinner alone wouldn’t have been what I wanted to do. Good thing Carol called and invited to check out a restaurant at Capitol Commons with Rizza and Rizza’s boyfriend Ken.

Exhausted from that day’s ongoings, I sunk into my seat perusing the menu. Something about the menu felt familiar and I asked the wait staff if my theory was correct. Menus sometimes feel like a chef’s penmanship and you tend to recognize the writing. In this case, Black Olive is another venture of Chef Carlo Miguel of Opus, Draft and Beso fame.

On the Table

Squid Ink, Battered Prawns with Jalapeno-Honey Aioli P390

The introduction to our dinner started with two hot small plates. We immediately dug in as soon as the first tapas was brought out. The prawns were covered in squid ink batter, slightly crispy, and served with a delicious jalapeno honey aioli dip on the side. Gone in 60 seconds.

Diplahan Lechon

August 7, 2013 by Janey

A few Saturdays ago, I met with the Kain-Tulog-Gang somewhere in Quezon City to try Diplahan Lechon. That’s the first time I’ve heard of it but I learned that Diplahan comes from a small town in Zamboanga of the same name where like most fiestas and family celebrations, lechon is the star of the show. It’s under the radar for now but that town in down south makes one mean tasty lechon that urged Wee to bring it to Manila.

Las Flores Tapas Bar, Fort

March 21, 2013 by Janey

Barcino’s founders, after selling their business shares, have given birth to a new baby, Las Flores Tapas Bar. Partners Uri Singla, Dani Aliaga and Sergi Rostoll ventured into another tapas bar that offers modern Spanish cuisine heavily tinted with Catalan influences.

Last March 5, the team trooped to Las Flores for dinner. It was a birthday treat for me and Karen from dee boss. We walked into Las Flores’ contemporary interiors with industrial-looking lamps and chandeliers and settled on our table. I felt easy on the chair and ready for a relaxing dinner that awaits us.

On the Table

Ensalada Las Flores con queso de cabra, tomatoes, patatas paja y manzanas caramelizada Php 325

Freshly locally grown greens topped with goat cheese, tomatoes, and shoestring potatoes and caramelized apples

I loved their salad a lot that when no one was getting anymore, I finished what was left off the bowl. Dee boss wanted more and ordered another Ensalada Las Flores. The greens were crispy, fresh tasting, the goat cheese giving that tangy slightly sharp yet mild taste. Tomatoes and potatoes and caramelized apples provide a crunchy texture other than semi sweet elements to the starter. One of the better salads in the Metro.

New Attractions at Nomama

February 19, 2013 by Janey

I wanted to start this entry with some claps and pointing fingers singing, “I want Nomama Nomama (clap clap) but you (gun hands)!” but since Spanky beat me to it in a shout-out (and prolly a few other blogs), I will walk the road less taken and begin in a more dramatic flair. I struggle to remember when the last time I wept tears of unsustainable joy… but that evening at Nomama……. does that work? Okay, so maybe I don’t know have enough flair in me to sustain a take off like that.

Decorated with lots of wood element in a rich industrial scheme and an open kitchen, Nomama continues with its commitment to use the very best ingredients each time, usually locally sourced, towards a bold direction. Inherent is its style highlighting Japanese flavors, frequently borrowing influences from Asian neighbours.

READ MORE:

Nomama Artisan Ramen

Chef Him Uy de Baron collaborated with people who share the same passion and commitment as he has in food. Ever since Nomama opened, Kitayama has been their choice of beef, one of the best local suppliers, dubbed as the supplier of local “USDA” and simply, because they’re very good at what they do.

New dishes in the menu can make vegetarians have a field day with many options for their preference. Ministry of Mushrooms, another supplier, paved the way for this.

On the Table

Beef Tataki with Uni and Chips

Blend of Kitayama tenderloin tips and Ribeye, seasoned with uni butter and lime. It was served garnished with micro-greens and tomato confit and roasted shitake.

There are no slow starters here. My palate was immediately unlocked by the brine velvety taste of the uni butter, faintly rich yet reclaimed by the hint of lime. The tender cubes of beefy integrity eased the tension on my shoulders for this dinner and helped me relax back on my seat. I knew good things are to come.

Thai Spiced Tri Tip with Jasmine Rice and Pineapple Salad, Herbs and Red Curry Dressing

I love watching Iron Chef and it’s a lustful fantasy of mine to imagine myself as one of the judges savoring the dishes prepared by the chefs using the secret ingredient. I no longer have to wipe the drool off my gaping mouth staring at the screen with a pitiful “Puss in Boots” look. Nomama somehow makes me feel I’m being served something really special.

The round plate comes bearing seared tri-tip crusted with cilantro, coriander seeds and sliced very thin. It’s leaning over what seems like risotto tossed with cashews, glazed pineapple, tomatoes and cucumber and dressed with spicy red curry dressing, pickled onions.

The lean cut of meat, although lacking that marbling that gives that rich fatty flavor but definitely healthier, was flavorful and tenderly wonderful to put inside my mouth. I mop the plate with the beef, take a bit of the rice and tomato and… it just beckons a smile. Receiving it on the other end is Gerry, my dinner partner that evening sitting across me. He is smiling as well but oblivious to mine and more obvious to the food.

Aria’s Afternoon Delight Discount

September 14, 2012 by Janey

Enjoy 20% discount on ANY of Aria’s pizzas from 3pm-6pm Mondays-Thursdays*!

READ THE STORY HERE: Aria Cucina at Fort

Go pizza crazy at Aria!

Chow Fun, Putting a Spin of Fun and Flavor to Chinese Fares

August 6, 2012 by Janey

When Bubba or I finish late in the office or get to my neighborhood area past dinnertime, we scour immediately the Wilson-Little Baguio-GH area for a good place to dine in. Just last week, I commented how Wilson should have more interesting restaurants like the ones in Greenhills Town Center in Gilmore. In short, we are running out of options.

Chow Fun enters the scene and spruces up my energy to dine again within the area. The well-lighted dining area ushers you to go in. Inside it is quite spacious and has that eclectic vibe from the seemingly barren unpainted walls adorned with pop art frames, rows of modern stylish drop lights, red upholstered couches and the mix and unmatched chairs. Cute, quirky and fun.

The menu is simple. They are on their soft opening so the advise was that the menu can still change.

On the Table

Oriental Duck Rolls Php 165

Duck-filled fried spring rolls served with three kinds of dipping sauce

We ordered two kinds of appetizer. One is their version of fried spring rolls with minced duck meat. Biting into the crispy wrap reveals a tasty filling that has a salty shade. Dip into any of the sauces served on the side to cut through that salty undertone.

Chinese Fun-Due Php 155

Seafood Balls, Fried Squid and Vegetable Cakes with a choice between two different fondue dips: Cheese and Curry and Spiked Sweet Chili

To deviate from the usual appetizers, order the Chinese Fun-Due. It’s a play on traditional Swiss or French fondue, but at Chow Fun, it is oriental styled. There’s a communal pot over a spirit lamp and inside is the dipping sauce where long-stemmed forks are lowered to bathe the bite-size battered squid, fish ball or radish cake.

Diamond Hotel’s The Cake Club at Bonifacio High Street

May 11, 2012 by Janey

The Cake Club by Diamond Hotel is one of the many things that make the hotel’s name sparkle among foodies with delight. Diamond Hotel made it even more accessible to its patrons by opening The Cake Club in Rockwell Powerplant a few years ago.

Now, city dining in Bonifacio High Street has become exciting as Diamond Hotel Philippines opens The Cake Club in the area. Located at the posh Bonifacio High Street in Bonifacio Global City near the same location as Aria Italia Cucina, guests are welcomed by the restaurant’s cozy and sophisticated interiors matched with Diamond Hotel’s signature cuisines and delicacies – providing 5-star dining experience in a relaxed setting.

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As mentioned in this blog a few times, I’m a big fan of Yurakuen in Diamond Hotel that’s why I’m always open to what other offerings they still have in store for us. Set to satisfy discerning taste buds is a sublime selection of savory dishes at The Cake Club. Starters include Red Beet Soup, Truffle Fries and the much-loved GM’s Salad.

I’m not a huge desserts person and before we go to the sweet part of the subject, I’ve lined up the signature must-try dishes below. Other than various cakes and sweets, the Cake Club also offers savory dishes that can whet your appetite.

On the Table

Truffle Fries PHP 180

We’ve seen truffle fries creep up in restaurant menus more and more in the recent years with the growing exposure and awareness of truffle. Some can get it right and The Cake Club did with its packed finger-size cut fries served in a modern “steel” cone that emits the enticing truffle aroma. I feel it’s such a steal at P180 when most are pricing the same over P220.

Aria Cucina Italia, Fort

April 3, 2012 by Janey

Aria Cucina Italia has made its mark in Boracay shores and it’s aiming to bring the same success to Manila when they opened a branch at the Fort last January. The light and airy ambience of Aria Cucina’s interiors brings the same summery vibe it has from its first store, including a wooden web-like net that serves as partition of the dining area.

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Chef Marino Leonardis who originally was from Leguria, Italy was flown in by Aria Cucina’s owners Juan Elizalde (husband of Bianca Araneta-Elizalde) and Paolo Occhionero to head the kitchen ensuring that only the freshest of Italian fares are always brought out.

It was the first restaurant that Bubba and I checked out in the recently opened East Superblock at Fort a few weeks ago. It was a beautiful Saturday morning that weekend of March 10^th. We stopped at Ethan Allen first to drop off the items I used for the challenge and then we headed to Aria Cucina Italia for a quick lunch before heading to Kids Ministry orientation at the Church.

Modern Tapas Terrific at Relik

February 8, 2012 by Janey

A good memory might not just be the result of what you put in your eyes and ears but what you put in your mouth as well. I have been looking for a great Tapas Bar in Manila since August last year –after I came back from Spain and tasted the most delicious tapas with wine and cocktails. I can still remember how divine the tapas were as if it’s still inside my gaping mouth. There aren’t that many in Manila but the food landscape is starting to look promising with the newly opened Relik Tapas Bar and Lounge at the Fort.

The dining interior of Relik has a casual yet sophisticated vibe. The unfinished ceiling with vintage touches like an old radio, typewriter and refurbished turntable-turned DJ booth is somewhat like an extremely posh diner meet a jazz bistro meet a gentleman’s underground cigar club.

Indulgence by Irene’s Queso de Bola Cheesecake

January 24, 2012 by Janey

Irene has something strongly in common with Bubba. That is, the love for cheese. When Bubba had a short vacation in Canada last year, a Cheesepedida (Fran’s play on cheese and despedida/send-off) was collaborated by the Food Club to send Chris off with loads of love –and yes, that yellow thing.

Each Food Club member brought a special cheese dish for Chris. It was a cheese-loaded celebration and one of the main highlights is Irene’s homemade queso de bola cheesecake.

This wasn’t our first introduction with Irene’s cheesecake as she really loves to bake in her spare time, from brownies that her daughter’s school friends and teachers love to gelatin surprise and now to her famous and beloved cheesecake. Irene gifted me and Chris with her queso de bola cheesecake and it was love at first bite.

The cheesecake is thick and rich with a velvety smooth texture, at times flecked with bite-size chunky queso cheese. The chunky parts add depths to the bite while overall taste has segments of contrasting mild cheese and fairly sharp cheese. The creamy consistency can be so addicting.

Mad Dash to Diamond Hotel for the Culinary Flavors of Indonesia

August 19, 2011 by Janey

Last Tuesday, I sauntered to Corniche like a mad woman to catch the Indonesian feast happening at Diamond Hotel. I fell in love with Indonesian food after my Bali trip sometime March last year. I heard though that there are more I have to discover about Indonesian food from other parts of the country. What I have tasted in Bali, I already have thumbs up for but I’m also curious about other dishes outside Bali.

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Indonesia, as a tropic country, is abound with various spices across its islands and is known for their unique and colourful culture marked by their delectable dishes. From August 16-28, Diamond Hotel Philippines features the vivid flavors of Indonesia’s cuisine as it continues its remarkable series of food festivals with Selamat Menikmati: A Culinary Journey of Indonesia’s Best.

Corniche will be featuring the finest of Indonesian cuisine as this period coincides with the celebration of Indonesia’s national day. The event showcases authentic culinary masterpieces prepared by master chefs from Bandung, Indonesia to be served at the Corniche restaurant’s lunch and dinner buffet.

Basically, the many stations of Corniche famous buffet spread are still available but they have thrown in Indonesian dishes into the irresistible mix.

Three of Hilton Bandung’s most talented Indonesian chefs were flown to Manila to recreate their nation’s flavors at the Corniche buffet and I was really happy to meet and talk to Sous Chef Ovan Prahoro, who heads the team. He is a master chef who has an extensive background in cooking, not only from his native land but also from other countries such Riyadh, Dubai and Bahrain.

The Indonesian flavors are present in the curried meat and vegetables to indigenous samplings, from mild to intensely spiced up fares that includes Beef Rendang (Beef Stew with Sumatra Sauce), Mie Goreng (Stir-fried Noodle Dish), Sate Ayam and Sapi (Skewered Grilled Chicken and Beef), and Gado Gado (Mixed Vegetable Salad with Peanut Dressing).

Photo Credit: Abet of http://foodalphabet.blogspot.com/

Gado Gado became a favorite for me in Bali –one of the local dishes that I truly appreciated other than the Nasi Goreng Campur. Mixed veggies are shredded or roughly chopped tossed with this light and tasty peanut dressing that plays on sweet and nutty.

Photo Credit: Abet of http://foodalphabet.blogspot.com/

MORE THAN 1 WEEK LEFT!! Satisfy your Indonesian cravings and all other cravings for steak, fresh seafood, appetizers and mounds of desserts until August 28, 2011 for only Php 1,588 nett per person. This much anticipated festival also gives each guest a chance to WIN roundtrip tickets for two to Jakarta, Indonesia, courtesy of Cebu Pacific Air!

Particular to Corniche that other hotels cannot offer is the slow-paced cozy ambience that doesn’t feel stuffy and crowded. I distinctively like their high ceilings and warm modern interiors.

Diamond Hotel Philippines

Roxas Boulevard cor. Dr. J. Quintos St., Manila

For inquiries and reservations, (632) 528 3000 local 1121

www.diamondhotel.com

http://www.facebook.com/diamondhotelphilippines

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1 Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, 2011, 50, 50% off, address, Astralis, Astralis restaurant, August 2011 promos, Bar, best, best buffet in Manila, blogger, budget, buffet date place, Buffet discount, companies, contact number, Contest, Cornich, Corniche, Corniche buffet, Corniche menu, Cornish, date, date place, deal grocer, deals, Diamond Hotel, Diamond Hotel Group, Diamond hotel manager, discount, discounted price, ensogo, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, groupon, how much, how much buffet, list, location, Mad Mondays and Thrifty Tuesdays, Makati, Manila, Manila Diamond, Map, menu, Metro Manila, minimum of 4 persons, net price, other promo, owner, Philippines, phone number, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, promotion, reservation number, restaurant, Restaurants, rockwell, room rates, schedule, service, Sofitel luxury hotel, Sofitel Philippines, Spiral, Spiral buffet, Spiral buffet lunch or dinner, Steak buffet, Steak nights, Steak nights at Corniche, Steak nights at Diamond Hotel, Taste Manila, tax, Thursday night, time, until when, Venue, where, Wine and Raclette Buffet

Astralis by Diamond Hotel

June 13, 2011 by Janey

Astralis was supposedly inspired by an expensive wine of the same name. Astralis in Latin means stars or anything relating to stars, which translates to high standards of service –aptly named as such since Astralis is under the same management as Diamond Hotel.

Prawn Napolitana 🙂

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The first time I was in Astralis in 2008, I thoroughly enjoyed their wine and raclette night. They have changed most in their line-up and introduced a recently launched menu. I was with Spanky, Richard, Glenn, Yedy, Jonel, Melanie and Lian last week to uncover the new digs at Astralis in Powerplant Mall.

READ MORE:

Wine and Raclette Night at Astralis

On the Table

Pan fried Chicken Quesadillas PHP 415

Grilled chicken breast, mozzarella cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream

We had two plates of this and it was a goner in a matter of minutes. The Quesadilla was gorgeously toasted that it gave a crunchy exterior. The filling of grilled chicken breast, mozzarella cheese and diced tomatoes never fail to satisfy, especially when scraped with pico de gallo and sour cream.

Lobster Bisque PHP 275

Generous slivers of succulent lobster with lemon foam

This was my order but had Richard take a spoonful while I took a spoonful of his order of double-baked wild mushroom which I liked more, it turned out. Richard also preferred the taste of the lobster bisque which was on the salty side for me. The pureed lobster is good but I really prefer the saltiness toned down a bit.

Double-baked Wild Mushroom PHP 255

Served crowned with phyllo crusts and Gruyere cheese

If you’re thinking of soup, I suggest you go right ahead and order the double-baked wild mushroom soup. It’s fool-proof for me. I love the semi-thick creaminess of the soup and the evident woodsy taste of the wild mushrooms that complements the nuttiness of the gruyere cheese.

GM’s Salad PHP 285

Sautéed fresh mushrooms, Mesclun greens, cucumbers, fresh basil, and sweet coconut-lime dressing

The GM’s Salad is named after the General Manager of Diamond Hotel who likes this salad a lot. It arrived sexily inside a parmesan crisp bowl with sweetened balsamic dressing on the plate. The broken leaves of Mesclun provided a soft-crisp texture and a distinct leafy taste to the cluster of cucumber and mushrooms.

Caesar’s Salad PHP 255

Fresh hearts of Romaine, shaved Parmesan, bacon and croutons

The Caesar Salad was much tastier than its presentation.

Seafood Risotto PHP 495

Shrimps, Mussels, Blue Marlin and Calamari in Spanish Saffron

Creamy seafood risotto was cooked right, had the right bite and yet softness flavored by Spanish saffron and probably seafood broth.

US Choice Porterhouse Steak PHP 1,195

14 oz. With grilled asparagus PHP 75

This was my choice of entrée. Yes, I’m a man-eater… I mean, meat-eater. A BIG meat-eater at that! My preferred doneness was medium and the kitchen got it perfectly with the most geometrically paralleled grill marks! BRAVO! The meat was soft, juicy and flavorful – the three words IMPORTANT to me for any steak description.

I love my grilled steaks with grilled asparagus on the side. I was a happy camper.

The porterhouse was huge, while the earlier dishes were filling, so I was able to finish the tenderloin part of the cut and 1/3 of the strip / rib steak.

The rest was polished off by Richard, who is a great dining partner, especially that night. We were 2 seats apart across the table and still can communicate when it comes to sharing delicious food. Foodies unite!

Roasted Norwegian Salmon PHP 435

Crusted with fresh dill sauce and rice mélange

Glen ordered the salmon, which I was eyeing too while perusing the menu but told myself, I got to be true and order what my heart beats for. Har-har.

Prawn Napolitana PHP 615

Spicy, crushed tomatoes, and grilled buffalo mozzarella

This was Jonel’s order and it looked yummier in real life more than this photo. I’m probably ordering this next time I’m at Astralis.

US Choice Rib-eye

Spanky’s order I think

Lamb Shank Kaldereta PHP 545

Braised in tomato and liver sauce with carrots and sweet red capsicum

Lamb Shank Baby!

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Very interesting. I also saw lamb shank kaldereta in another restaurant a few days before this Astralis dinner. Chefs seem to like making our Pinoy Kaldereta stew with lamb shank.

Australian Baby Lamb Chops PHP 1,145

This was Ricardo’s order. He gave me 1 or 2 chops which I finished in a sec. The lamb chops had intense flavor without the gamey taste. I’m sure Bubba would have enjoyed this too.

Trio Sorbet PHP 195

Mango, coconut and strawberry sorbet

I was so full towards the end of the dinner that I almost couldn’t move. When Melanie and Ricardo asked if I wanted to have dessert, I almost declined. YES, ALMOST! At this point, Spanky Spanx already skipped the scene for a drinking sesh so I was spared any additional teasing.

Richard and I decided to share the Trio Sorbet. I prefer sherbets over the more refined sorbet and only liked the mango sorbet in this trio roster.

Overall, Astralis still provides consistently quality service that is inclined to your needs and dishes that echo equally high quality ingredients and cookery. Whenever at Powerplant Mall and you want a quiet dinner that doesn’t fall short of satisfaction, Astralis should be your stop.

Astralis by Diamond Hotel

R1/Lvl. Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Dr. cor. Estrella St.

Makati City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(632) 890 7124

Astralis Album

Wine and Raclette Buffet at Astralis

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1 Comment Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, 50, 50% off, address, Astralis, Astralis Diamond Hotel, Astralis Powerplant, Astralis restaurant, Astralis review, Astralis Rockwell, Bar, best, best buffet in Manila, blogger, budget, buffet date place, Buffet discount, companies, contact number, Cornich, Corniche, Corniche buffet, Corniche menu, Cornish, date, date place, deal grocer, deals, Diamond Hotel, Diamond Hotel Group, Diamond hotel manager, discount, discounted price, ensogo, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, groupon, how much, how much buffet, list, location, Mad Mondays and Thrifty Tuesdays, Makati, Manila, Manila Diamond, Map, Melanie Samonte, menu, Metro Manila, minimum of 4 persons, net price, other promo, owner, Philippines, phone number, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, promotion, reservation number, restaurant, Restaurants, rockwell, room rates, schedule, service, Sofitel luxury hotel, Sofitel Philippines, Spiral, Spiral buffet, Spiral buffet lunch or dinner, Steak buffet, Steak nights, Steak nights at Corniche, Steak nights at Diamond Hotel, swiss, Swiss Raclette, Taste Manila, tax, Thursday night, time, until when, Venue, where, Wine and Raclette Buffet

Corniche Steak Nights at Diamond Hotel, More than a One Night Stand

March 4, 2011 by Janey

The last time I was at Diamond Hotel was when I attended a wedding of a former colleague about 2 years ago but I’ve been to their Astralis restaurant in Rockwell more recently than that. When I visited Diamond Hotel last week, it was a good surprise and refreshing to see that they have renovated their lobby level.

Located at the same level is Diamond Hotel’s restaurant, Corniche, which welcomes guests with its chic contemporary interior design. It’s hard not to catch the chandelier springing “migrating birds” concept suspended over the central area.

There are other elements in the interior that exudes both a Zen ambience and luxury. The full height windows draw attention to the lush landscaped garden while the scenic view that includes the picturesque rock formation with a cascading waterfall completes the stunning restaurant design.

Corniche is a French word that refers to a roadside of a cliff or ledge, attributing to its location beside Roxas Boulevard parallel to a waterfront promenade.

But more than its elegant interiors, Corniche showcases an exceptional buffet spread that is a class of its own. I used to frequent different hotel buffets in the past but since late 2008, buffets have lost its charm to me somehow. Too many dishes cooked altogether in big batches and most left sitting for long periods exposed to breathing people.

I’ve probably grown more finicky about my food (or its preparation). In the past 2-3 years, I only visited 2-3 buffet-concept dining spots. However, Corniche’s spacious interiors coupled with carefully prepared stations (and of course, glorious steaks) invigorate my lust again for a limitless range of scrumptious eats.

This hollow oven is where freshly made Naans (Indian bread) are baked.

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Corniche’s lay-out is evenly spaced, with enough breathing room that avoids accidentally knocking off the dormant person in front of you staring at another “cuisine” station deliberating whether he/she had enough hands to carry 4 more plates.

That could be me, by the way.

More notable is the several on-the-spot cooking stations that guarantee your food is freshly cooked as ordered. One of the things I truly appreciated about Corniche. I also liked that some dishes are presented in small amounts to shelter quality assurance.

Richard started with fresh oysters. If you want your oysters anything but boiled, Corniche can cook it based on your cooking preference. I think more Pinoys enjoy baked oysters than the fresh ones. You can also get the oysters or other seafood tossed in butter, sautéed, lightly seasoned, or anything that will please the eating mood.

I started with sushi and sashimi from the Japanese cold bar. And I also got a plate of different cheeses on the cheese board on the way back to our table. I had substantive lumps of brie and goat cheese on my plate side by side with dried apricots, dates and nuts.

Obviously, the goat cheese is no longer in this photo 🙂

I went nuts with the goat cheese. It was so pristine white and had this crumbly texture that was specked with a dust of saltiness, creamy, ever so slightly sweet, and tangy taste that made me speak in softer tones.

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Corniche’s Indian selection was surprisingly really good!

Savory and good taste of authenticity

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I couldn’t help NOT to get pizza.

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I loved the pasta cooking station 😉

Pick the ingredients you love. Create your own

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Richard and I hovered by the steak station, eagerly anticipating… and I restrained to rub my hands together and chuckle an evil laugh like how movie villains do it just when they are about to conquer the world. Unique to Corniche, they offer different cuts and kinds of beef for your meat-ing pleasure.

Get a limitless fill of steaks grilled to your delight with a line-up that includes US Strip Loin, US Rib Eye, US Hanger Steak, Beef Tenderloin and Roasted Prime Rib. The huge blocks of meat on display are chilled, ready for your favored thickness, whether ends, middle or fatty portion.

Richard and I picked Rib Eye because good marbling was evident from the raw beef. For our second steaks, my good friend and I went alternate routes when he picked Beef Tenderloin and I went for the Porterhouse.

These Savoring Steak Nights (PHP 2,285 nett/head) at Corniche happen every Thursday night where you get a mouthwatering line-up of appetizers, entrées, desserts and an all night free flow of robust red wine ON TOP OF the infinite number of grilled succulent choice cut steaks you can have. The buffet price is already inclusive of 10% service charge and local government tax.

Salmon Pizza with Capers

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This is the real fountain of youth… CHOCOLATE! 😉

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It makes me want to belt out an MJ song, “Don’t stop until you get enough. C’MON! And you don’t stop… you don’t stop ‘til you get enough…”

Interestingly, there was a bigger crowd than I anticipated that particular Thursday night but the place was still manageable and service was still top-notch minus the clang and clatter. I guess the crowd probably caught wind of the newest buffet scene to invade and there they were.

Ring them up for a reservation especially if it’s during weekends, just to be sure. When steaks this good come at a value price like Corniche’s, I’d start my love affair with steaks once again. And it definitely would be more than just a one night stand.

Corniche

Lobby Level, Diamond Hotel Philippines

Roxas Boulevard. cor Dr. J Quintos St. Manila, Philippines

(632) 528 3000

Corniche Album

Photo courtesy:

Richard of www.talesfromthetummy.com

Thanks Spanky Spanx for the invite! 🙂 I missed you kiddo!

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11 Comments Filed Under: Inside Dish: A BITE of Food Tagged With: 2010, 50, 50% off, address, Astralis, Astralis restaurant, Bar, best, best buffet in Manila, blogger, budget, buffet date place, Buffet discount, companies, contact number, Cornich, Corniche, Corniche buffet, Corniche menu, Cornish, date, date place, deal grocer, deals, Diamond Hotel, Diamond Hotel Group, Diamond hotel manager, discount, discounted price, ensogo, Filipino, food, food blog, food blogger, groupon, how much, how much buffet, list, location, Mad Mondays and Thrifty Tuesdays, Makati, Manila, Manila Diamond, Map, menu, Metro Manila, minimum of 4 persons, net price, other promo, owner, Philippines, phone number, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, promotion, reservation number, restaurant, Restaurants, rockwell, room rates, schedule, service, Sofitel luxury hotel, Sofitel Philippines, Spiral, Spiral buffet, Spiral buffet lunch or dinner, Steak buffet, Steak nights, Steak nights at Corniche, Steak nights at Diamond Hotel, Taste Manila, tax, Thursday night, time, until when, Venue, where, Wine and Raclette Buffet

Justin Bieber Concert in Manila on May 11, 2011.

January 10, 2011 by Janey

Bieber fans are probably all psyched up with the fact that their beloved Justin Bieber or “JB” is having a concert in Manila on May 10, 2011. Good thing that May 10, 2011 is not an election day this year. Justin Bieber fans definitely vote to go to the concert whether rain or shine.

Smart Telecommunications is producing the Justin Bieber concert in partnership with Music Management International and AEDI. The Justin Bieber Manila Concert will be held at SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

Justin was supposed to be linked to a Filipina-American singer Jasmine Villegas but E! News recently showed a photo of Justine Bieber steamy with Selena Gomez in Cabo.

Poreotix, which is America’s Best Dance Crew, is also going to perform during the Justin Bieber Manila Concert.

Justin Bieber Concert in Manila

May 10, 2011 (Tuesday)

Venue: SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds

Ticket Price:

Note:

*VIP section is now closed for reservation

*Gold-A section is now available at all TicketWorld outlets.

Gold-A P 5, 268 – Reserved Seating

Gold-B P 5, 268 – Free Seating (First Come First Served)

Silver P 3,688 – Standing Only

Bronze P 2, 107 – Standing Only

General Admission P 790 – Standing Only

Are you one of the Justin Bieber fans? I cannot wait to see that hair up close.

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9 Comments Filed Under: Press Play Tagged With: 2010, 2011, 891-9999, ABS CBN, access, Adam Levine, admit, Airport, Album, America’s Best Dance Crew, area, arrival, arrives in Manila, arriving, audience, back up singers, band, Betamaximum Events and Music Management, Bieber fans, Bronze, cancelled, Comment, concert, Concert in Manila, Concert in Manila postponed, concert live in Manila, concert map, concert photos, concert venue, concert videos, confirmation, confirmed, confirms, Contest, controversy, correct, couple, crooner, dance crew, dance group, dancing, denied rumors, discount, E! News, early bird rate, Fil-Am band Legaci, Filipino, first come first served, floor plan, General Admission, get free tickets, Globe, guest, hook up, Hotel, INC, international concerts, Interview, item, Japan, Jasmine Villegas, JB, JB fans, JT, July 9, Justin Bieber, Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez photo, Justin Bieber concert contest, Justin Bieber crew, Justin Bieber dating Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber fans, Justin Bieber manager, Justin Bieber Manila Concert on May 10, location, Manila Concert, Manila concert photo, Manila concert video, Map, Maroon 5 2011 Concert Manila, Maroon 5 album Hands All Over, Maroon 5 coming back to Manila concert, Maroon 5 Concert in Manila, Maroon 5 Concert May 23, Maroon 5 FREE tickets, Maroon 5 pre-selling tickets, Maroon 5 promo, Maroon 5 singer, Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine, Maroon 5 ticket price, May 10, May 23, media partner, meet and greet fans, Metro Manila, Misery, MOA, Monday, music channel, new album, opening act, performance, Philippines, phone number, photos, picture of Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, pictures, pinoy, Poreotix, postponed, press con, Press Conference, Promo, radio show, radio show contest, reason, refunds, regular rates, report, reports, reservation, reserved seating, retracted, reveal, right, scandal, selling, signing of album, Silver, singing, SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, SM MOA open concert grounds, Smart, SMX Convention Center, sponsor, sponsors, Sun, ticket, ticket discount, ticket price, ticket prices, ticket selling, Ticket World outlets, ticketing hotline, ticketnet, ticketworld, ticketworld contact number, Ticketworld outlets, Ticketworld pre-selling VIP tickets, time, Tokyo, TVX, tweets, Twitter, US release, usher, Usher Concert in Manila, Usher Concert in Manila 2010, Usher Concert on July 9, VIP, VIP tickets, website, with seats. 2011, youtube link

Lugang Café AGAIN and AGAIN

December 20, 2010 by Janey

Ever since I first opened the dramatic massive wood door of Lugang Café in Connecticut Street in Greenhills, I have been back quite a lot in the short span. And I think a lot of other people have returned too with an injection of first time goers since the line seems to never end.

READ MORE:

Lugang Café Love at First Bite

Thankfully, the two times that we walked in without a reservation amidst the bustling dining crowd, we were able to secure a table –thanks to Bubba’s hustling and luck of timing I guess.

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The ambience of this contemporary Chinese restaurant creates the immediate affinity that also transcends to their warm and delicious dishes that give an excellent medley of flavors.

On the Table

Stir Fried Beef with Chili Peppers PHP 280

This has become a favorite of mine and I don’t fail to order this each time I’m dining at Lugang Café.

I still very much enjoyed the flavorful thin slices of beef with slivers of fat. Add marble potatoes to that equation and some dried out chilies whose spiciness is tapered a bit so no need to get intimidated. This sautéed dish is perfect with at least 2 bowls of steaming white rice.

Taiwanese Minced Pork PHP 160

Since the Taiwanese Stewed Pork didn’t impress much the first time, we deviated a bit and ordered the Taiwanese Minced Pork, which is a house specialty. It’s minced pork in a pleasant brown sauce with a surprise of stewed whole hard-boiled egg inside the bowl.

Taiwanese Minced Pork Bowl

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Bubba ordered this again on our 3^rd visit.

Three Cup Chicken PHP 290

As expected, my family loved the Three Cup Chicken that was cooked in a cup each of the three fundamental ingredients: sesame oil, rice wine and soy sauce.

The relatively small chunks of rough chicken chops, a little disconcerting to people who don’t like accidentally biting into tiny bones, has flavors of Asian barbecue that’s sweet and savory.

Stir Fried Spinach PHP 250

The Stir Fried Spinach retained its beautiful green color which leafy part was soft and stalk-part crunchy –just the way you’d want to eat it.

Kung Pao Chicken PHP 280

Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Sichuan Cuisine dish initially prepared with a special marinade. The cubed or diced chicken are typically flash fried in a wok with unroasted peanuts, stir fried diced vegetables and Sichuan peppercorns.

Winter Melon Clam Soup PHP 180

The medium bowl of clear soup with extremely thin slices of winter melon and numerous medium-sized clams can be described in three words: clean, simple, soothing.

Wintermelon Soup with Clams

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Steamed Xiao Long Bao 6pcs PHP 158

This is also one of the things I continue to order at Lugang Café but I noticed that in the last 2 visits, quality has become only acceptable and not really overall satisfying. I can barely taste the soup inside anymore.

Folding

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Right before the steaming room

I terribly miss Din Tai Fung’s version which had beautiful and stunning folds of the incredibly thin wrapper that can hold a good amount of soup and meat inside.

Steamed Xiao Long Bao with Loofah PHP 158

I debated whether to get the one with crab roe or loofah and the latter won. It didn’t win my heart though.

Xiao Long Bao with Loofah

Pineapple Fried Rice PHP 280

Fried rice with shards of pineapple and cashew nuts served inside a small pineapple and garnished with pork floss on top.

Taiwan Steamed Rice PHP 50

Countless bowls of steamed rice have passed the tables of Lugang Café

Peanut Smoothie PHP 160

The last visit was the first time we ever got around to ordering dessert since we are always full by the end of the main dishes. The peanut smoothie in size can be shared by 3-4 people. It’s rich yet not overwhelming and pleasingly smooth. You can taste the freshly grounded peanuts in it. Makes me think we should always order dessert in the future visits.