XO46's Philippines on a Plate: A Food Tour Like No Other

A well- researched story reliving the evolution of Filipino food way back our very first ancestors learn how to cook,  XO46 Bistro Filipino, a restaurant located at the very heart of Makati City is now offering a Filipino food tour that is definitely like no other. With 8 beautifully plated dishes representing every historical turning point of our culture's evolution, Philippines in a Plate Food Tour is created for every Filipino food lover who seeks unique and distinct flavor - Filipino flavors that will change how you look to our way of eating.

Instead of taking us to different regions showcasing the most pride dishes of the 80 provinces of the Pearl of the Orient, Philippines on a Plate will take us back in time reliving the most distinct dish that molded the kind of Filipino eater we are now.

Educational, entertaining and truly filling, with Gabe Mercado as the host guiding every diners back in time, the most delectable story telling started through an audio-video presentation with Yoyoy Villame's Philippine Geography.

Vigan's Cafe Leona, Must Experience!

Vigan, a city of cobblestone, old houses, delicious empanadas, garlicky longganisas, crunchy bagnets, and many more - things that I will never get tired experiencing in this humble and peaceful place. And as I rediscover this humble town up north, Cafe Leon served as our relief and dining room away from home ready to fill one's tummy with the irresistible Ilocano dishes that are truly world-class.

Taking its name from the famous Ilocana poet, satirist and playwright, Leona FLorentino, Cafe Leona is located right at the very heart of the city offering all the famous Ilocano dishes that you could think off, as well as some unique international cuisine fusion, to all tourists spending time taking a walk back to the past. 

From morning til late at night, after the enjoyable their stroll along the famous Calle Crisologo, one can find relief through the delicious Filipino food offerings here at Cafe Leona.

And I, together with some friends, who took time off from work and appreciate the beauty of the Philippines from the far north, spent some quality dinner time here in Cafe Leona after our long and enjoyable walk at the historic Calle Crisologo.

Tiaong, Quezon: Ugu Bigyan Potter's Garden

It was like discovering an amazing gem the moment we stepped inside their garage. With the fiery red bricks calling me, I know that I am in for a great treat in this place. After visiting two other restaurants here in Quezon Province, I somehow have an idea how blessed - how beautiful - this province is, but the time we reached our third restaurant destination, Ugu Bigyan Potter's Garden gave a whole new fun to our food adventure in the humble city of Tiaong, Quezon.

Located at the very heart of Tiaong lays a pottery garden turned restaurant, which is owned by one of  Quezon's greatest potters, Augusto "Ugu" Bigyan. If you love Thailand's artistry, well, you really don't have to go that far to experience that because right here in Quezon, you can recently feel the fusion of the Philippines and Thailand's artistry by simply going in and dining in their most relaxing and most unique dining area.

But before we go in to that part, let me tour you around first by sharing some the interesting items/art pieces around the place. Despite of the very humid weather, I managed to enjoy every brick and every stone around me. I, being a huge castle lover, find the  place really homey probably because of the plants and trees that compliments well with everything in here - such a masterpiece you ought to see in person.

Tayabas, Quezon: Kamayan sa Palaisdaan sa Bay

Despite of having a city located at the foot of Mount Makiling, Tayabas, Quezon didn't let the goodness of the Philippines' bodies of water be out of their system just like that. And with a restaurant carrying the name Kamayan sa Palaisdaan sa Bay, anyone will surely feel the love of our natural resources may it be from the top of the mountain or from the bottom of a fish pen with their amazing contribution to the rich and delicious Filipino food finds here in Quezon Province.

Located near the boundary of Tayabas and Lucena, after we had that enjoyable and colorful experience at Pahiyas Festival 2013, as we head back to Lucena to check-in to our hotel, our group had our last food stop at this nature-ish place called Kamayan sa Palaisdaan sa Bay - Bay is what I believed a colloquial term for Tayabas.

Blending with the beautiful mountain of Makiling, Kamayan sa Palaidaan boasts a photographic and peaceful ambiance with lots of plants, trees, fountains and of course, fish pens around. You have an option to dine on a top of a tree, or in their cabanas floating on top of their fish pens, as well as plain dining areas, for those who don't to worry about anything.

Zarzuela: No Dancing, Just Eating

To most of us, when we heard of the term Zarzuela, the first thing that comes to our mind is the stage play brought to us by Spaniards way back when. But today, as EDSA Shangri-La Mall opens its new wing, they are giving Zarzuela a new meaning, something that will take us back to our first love - Filipino food - while treating to us a classy service and ambiance enough to say it's more fun in the Philippines!

A few days back, I was invited by a friend to join her on a lunch in this new place called Zarzuela. It is located at the 6th level of the newly opened wing of Shangri-La Mall in EDSA. And since I haven't been to this so-called posh wing, which is the East Wing, I said yes with my palette ready to do some adventure!

Reminding of that one restaurant scene from the TV show Sex and the City, Zarzuela imbibes this modern, minimalist look that has this sexy and purist appeal that glistens under the morning sun. It you're going to ask me, I think this is a nice place to start your day. With its simple yet beautiful fixture, Zarzuela takes a modern approach to its name making more elegant and chic at the same time.

And despite of it being in a soft opening that time, my overall experience here was good and worth it. The place is more of a fine-dining restaurant, so expect some pricey dishes, but on the other hand, the serving size are mostly good enough for two person, so yeah, its quite fair enough.

Electrolux Philippines' Discover-E Goes to Quezon Province! (Day 2)

Our second day here in Quezon Province was unexpectedly more relaxing but still filling than what we've thought. And if our food discovery from the first day were more homey and comforting, these food finds that we had on the second day of Electrolux Discover-E Quezon Province leg, well, they are more of sophisticated or classy in a way that these are presented in "sossy" way. Hihihi.

After having a hefty breakfast at Queen Margatette Hotel in Lucena City, which is mostly composed of Lucban Longganisa and fried rice, the group pushed to our next destination for this gastronomic adventure worth-sharing! Are you ready for some Discover-E?

A place that at first glance will immediately make your heart skip a beat through its vibrant color that is brought by its bricked walls, UGU Bigyan Pottery Garden is located at the innermost part of the town of Tiaong, peacefully hidden in its sanctuary of amazing art pieces and wonderfully crafted pots.