From Lucia with Love

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and with restaurants, hotel and some other romantic spots already booked, do you still know a place where you and your loved one could enjoy this romantic day? Well, if you have some budget and ready to indulge on to some Italian romance, Lucia Ristorante at Hotel Celeste in Makati City has prepared something for lovers that they could really enjoy!

Sweet Spot, available on February 14 only

For a fair price of Php1,800+ (good for two), Lucia Ristorante has put up an incredible dinner date offering that is just so hard to resist. Consist of 4 heart-warming and tummy-filling Italian dishes, this Valentine promo comes with  live piano acoustic and a complimentary glass of Prosecco sparkling Italian wine that you could share on during your date.

Executive Chef Davide Lombardi

Available beginning February 12 until February 15, this sparkling Valentine is prepared exclusively for the occasion by Executive Chef Davide Lombardi. For those who are coming on the exact Valentine's Day, February 14, a sweet spot will be prepared for lovebirds to indulge on assorted dipping fruits, pretzels, and aphrodisiacs like fondue-covered strawberries, marshmallows, and petite biscuits. Find what the future holds for you through their personalized Fortune Chocolate Bowl.

Melting with the La Piadina's Heart & Soul

When speaking of delicious and affordable "Food Court" food, I bet mall rats would have La Piadina on top of their lists. With its heartwarming and almost authentic Italian look and flavor, Filipino's love for Italian food was hyped up even more when Chef Giorgio Matera, La Piadina's heart and soul - opened its first store at the food court of Glorietta in Ayala Center, Makati City.

T'was 12 years ago when our favorite Italian dishes were launched in a hole-in-a-wall concept at Glorietta's food court, Food Choices. Featuring new and exciting menu from four select regions in Italy - Puglia, Emilia Romagna, Piemonte and Toscana - La Piadina's Chef Giorgio shares his greatness in cooking Italian dishes together with his wife, who by the way love our country so much.

Fueled by his passion for Italian food, he took the challenge of venturing into the fast food business, believing that food whether expensive or inexpensive, fine, casual or fast food must always be fresh and of the best quality.

Heavenly Brunch at Heaven & Eggs Glorietta

"All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast."

– John Gunther

Serious question, when was the last time you had a fun, filling and relaxing breakfast time with your family or friends? In a city where everyone is so busy, it isn't really surprising to know that you cannot remember it anymore. That's why there are a lot of restaurants now that are offering all-day breakfast sets to let us still enjoy the food that give us smile in the morning.

And last weekend, together with some of my favorite blogger-friends, we re-experienced the heavenly goodness of Heaven & Eggs in Glorietta, Ayala Center, Makati along with some fun stories and friendly jokes.

I honestly cannot remember when was the last time I dine here in Heaven & Eggs but I'm pretty sure that it wasn't that bad. And now that it has a new owner, well, I'm just glad that it wasn't as intimidating as before. Plus, the fact that the dishes now are more diverse - meaning they are now offering Eastern and Western cuisines - I can't wait to go back and indulge on these heavenly goodness again.

Malbec World Day 2014

It may not be the biggest wine event in the world now, but soon, I'm pretty sure that Malbec World Day will conquer the world and make a noise that deserves to receive some attention and respect.

Last April 24, I spent a night enjoying and discovering Argentina, specifically it's region Mendoza, through a showcase of Argentine wines popularly known as Malbec. Hosted by the Argentine Embassy in the Philippines, Malbec World Day 2014 in Manila took place at the Top of Citi in Makati City.

A number of wine enthusiasts and sommeliers filled the venue along with the stalls of wine cellars from Metro Manila that offers the best of Argentina, when it comes to wines. If I'm not mistaken there were about 10-20 stalls that night that shared the best of Argentine wine - including sparkling, white and red.

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.

Business Lunch at Buddha Bar Manila for only P790!

Started last July 15, meticulously prepared by Chef Soc Santos, Buddha Bar Manila recently launched an appetizing and worth-every-peso Business Lunch Menu that is suit for all kinds of business lunches. And for only Php790.00, one can indulge to a hearty luncheon set in one of the stylish bar in Makati City.

Whether it is meant to impress a new client and land a coveted account or to celebrate a colleague’s promotion, there's definitely a good reason why one should pay a visit to this lavish bar at Picar Place, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City. 

And as I got a chance to fill not just your tummy but as well as my eyes with its rich and distinguished heritage, ears with soothing music and soul with its comfortable yet very stylish interiors, Buddha Bar Manila takes business and leisure to another level as it present delectable offerings all for the unbelievable price of Php790.00 (net).

Music and Tea at Moonleaf Makati's 1st Anniversary

Time is indeed flying so fast, and from one cup of tea to almost a million being sold now, the first and so far the only Moonleaf Tea Shop in Makati celebrates its first year with something that goes perfectly well with their offerings, music! And with Ebe Dancel, LM Cancio, Ai del Cruz and Anyo all lined up for this special day, Moonleaf Tea Shop shares Moonleaf Beats.

One relaxing week was experienced by Moonleaf Tea Shop patrons as they pay a visit to their favorite store in Makati last July 1 to 5. Teas that are just so right and sweet treats that are perfect to have more reason to smile were complemented well with soothing music that came from up and coming artists that are truly Pinoy.

From great music from LM Cancio, Ai del Cruz and Anyo, guests were treated to a night of alternative music and original compositions that complement well with the wide array of flavors offered here in Moon Leaf Tea House.

One Fine Luncheon at Watami, Glorietta

If there's one thing that I really love about Japanese culture and heritage, that is definitely the simplicity of everything. The meaning of the phrase "what you see is what you get" is embodied by this culture, and the fact that it is so evident on their cuisine, no wonder a lot of people all over the world adore this unique Asian culture. And last week, I had a wonderful taste of that lovely culture when I visited this newly opened Japanese restaurant in Glorietta called Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant.

Watami, which is said to be the number one casual restaurant in Japan, is finally here in Manila and is glad to introduce their new lunch set menu that will whet the appetite of office workers and diners alike who are looking to experience an authentic taste of Japan at the convenience of their hectic schedules.


Propped up with a homey, low-key lighting and booth-style seating, this was my spot for my lunch break last week as I enjoyed their whooping 50% off on these new lunch set menu. The lunch set menus start at Php275.00 (Php137.70 at 50% off), and are served with salad and miso soup. With options that cater to a wide array of gastronomes, from raw foodies to noodle nibblers to rice lovers, it was really a good choice!

My First Bite on Chops Chicago Steakhouse

I've been working in Makati City for many years now and I've been hearing a lot of good things about this steak place here in Greenbelt 5 for more than a year already, and finally - FINALLY! - I had the chance to sunk my fangs on their delicious offerings! And guess what, if you think this place is quite expensive, wait till you hear about their Matinee Lunch offering!

Last week, before I satisfy my cravings to the sumptuous and lip-smacking lechons of Cebu, I had a great chance to enjoy the cozy place of Chops Chicago Steakhouse, which is located at the 4th Level of Greenbelt 5 in Ayala Center, Makati City. I was able to indulge on their juicy and chewy and good-tasting steaks that are uninmagineable pocket-friendly price!

Chops Chicago Steakhouse made it to the mouth of every carnivore in town almost a year ago when it started offering their delectable and truly heavenly steaks. Though their area is kinda posh, I can assure you that since I got a chance to try their offerings last week, the price of their Matinee offering is really affordable and worthy of every hard-earned money.

Angel's Pizza's Lenten Share

Not that to make Lenten Season more exciting, since we all know that this season should be all bout repenting for our sins and practicing abstinence and fasting, but after tasting these delectable offerings from Angel's Pizza Pasta Combo, I guess, eating a non-meat pizza is somehow to keep us going.

Last week, I had another pizza indulgence at Angel's Pizza Pasta Combo in Makati Avenue, Makati City. I'm honestly doubtful if I'm gonna enjoy it because I'm really controlling myself from eating a lot, but when I saw how mouthwatering these two new flavors - Garlic and Shrimp and the Margherita - I couldn't help but to ask for more hot sauce! Haha!

Great to make your hard-work days a little relaxing, the Margherita offers a nice bite of freshness from its hot out-of-the-over crust perfectly giving the red sauce and basil leaf that nice bite that any vegetarian could appreciate. I was able to taste something like this before, and I must say that no matter what, may it be thick crust or thin crust, the burst of healthiness from the aroma of the basil leaf is something that I will always enjoy.

Marciano's - More than just a Pizza Parlor

I guess once you experienced this place, you will agree to me when I say that this the most sophisticated pizza place here in the metro. With an ambiance fit for sophisticated style and palette, Marciano's Pizza Pasta Steak in Greenbelt 3 offers not just a wide array of Italian and American dishes suit for the ever-demanding taste of Filipinos, but it also shares a one wonderful "New Yorker" experience that is hard to forget.

A few days before Christmas, just before we indulge to a sumptuous feast prepared by our family, I was invited to join two of the metro's best writers to dine in this blooming name in the food industry. With a name that depicts nothing but Italian, Marciano's is one of the many restaurants owned by the 2012 MVP Bossing awardee, 2012 Young Entrepreneur of the Year and 2012 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Mr. Marvin Agustin.

Creating a new concept out from his greatly Asian-inspired restaurants like John and Yoko, Marciano's on the other hand offers a Western experience that is just hard to resist. And that day, we indulge to a luncheon of pizza and pasta with matching some chicken and shrimp with fries that fill our tummy and let it feel the festivity brought by the Holidays.

Food Trucks and More at Cucina Andare!

Imagine all the Autobots and Decepticons join forces in one night to give the best of the best foods that you'll ever have while on the road. It was, I guess, the idea behind the hippest and newest attraction in Makati City now, because with Cucina Andare's food trucks ready to fill every hungry tummy in town, I'm sure you are ready to fight and conquer the delicious and most appetizing treats of Cucina Andare!

Few days before Christmas, Mercato Centrale's Anton Diaz and RJ Ledesma opened up another food venue masterpiece that is sure to bring delight to every food lover in town. With food trucks all over the place, this is one concept that is set to rev up your appetite in its most amazing way.

I was there on its opening night, and despite the fact that the place was a little crowded, it was so nice to know that there were really a lot of great choices therea- actually all of them were great! And albeit the seats and tables were limited too, since the people here just come, eat and go a little fast than expected, we had a great time dining and enjoying what this place has to offer.

A Filling Tender Bob's Experience at Greenbelt 2

A few weeks ago, I was invited by our friends from OpenRice.com to dine with them. Together with some food bloggers whom I met for the first time, including some folks from Table for Three, Please,  I never knew that a simple dining invitation would turn out to be this big - and I mean BIG!

They asked us to meet them at Tender Bob's at Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Makati City. I've been hearing and reading a lot of good stuff about this place, like their food were really great and the serving size was really generous and all, but I haven't really tried the place, so with curiosity and appetite all ready to indulge, together with my one-week old DSLR, I answered the said invitation and appeared just on time.

Rai Rai Ken: The Best of Both Worlds

The last time I’ve been to a Rai Rai Ken: Ramen House and Sushi Bar branch was like sometime between “I can’t remember when” and “I already forgot”. It’s been some Jurassic years in which I can’t really remember. I dunno why, but the only excuse that I have in my mind is, I barely see a Rai Rai Ken: Ramen House, that’s why.

And last week, I’m glad and surprised at the same time to receive an invitation to dine in its Finlandia, Makati branch. I was like, “Really? Rai Rai Ken? The Ramen House?”

I didn’t know that they have this huge-space branch there. So, when I finally arrived at the said venue, I was really shocked to see that there was indeed a Rai Rai Ken there. Hahaha. Stupid me, I’ve been passing on that area from time to time and never notice this establishment. Hahaha!

Malcolm’s Burger: Not Just Some Hole in the Wall

Last payday, as I and my officemate Rio usually do, we treat ourselves to something nice and tummy-filling. This time, our hungry stomach and freshly-packed wallets led us to this new burger joint in Makati - Malcolm’s Burger.

It may seem your typical hole-in-the-wall burger joint, but wait till you get a taste of their offerings.

I believe Malcolm’s Burger has been in the business for quite some time now, unfortunately, last week was just my first time to try their dishes, and I’d say that it’s worth the wait.

Kanin Club at Ayala Triangle

After that wonderful dining experience that I had at Kanin Get it! at Nuvali, Laguna, it’s about time to have a taste of its sister store – the store that made its name so remarkable not just because of its appetizing name but rather its delectable dishes that every Pinoy will surely love – The Kanin Club.

We, Filipinos, being one of the world’s largest consumers of rice can’t say no to this place, that’s why when I heard that they’ve just open their store here in Ayala Triangle (just some few steps from my workplace), I immediately asked my officemates to dine in here and have a taste of this popular club.