Quarantine Favorite: Motorino

I have a great fondness for Italian cuisine. Its practice of using the freshest ingredients never fails to give the most memorable dining experiences. And the best thing is that you don't even have to spend thousands to get it. Traveling to Italy made me realize that whether it's a Michelin-starred restaurant or a ready-made dish at the supermarket, everything was downright superb! I'm so glad that such quality is brought to Manila by Motorino.

Hello, Motorino.

Motorino has been around for years. It was one of the restaurants R and I had our early dates. I recall loving its gelato! This time around, I enjoyed a delicious feast composed of pizza, pasta, salad, and dessert. 

Food Delivery: Food Tray 2 Go

With the community quarantine still in place, occasions are never like it used to be. Gone are the days of big and merry gatherings. But it doesn't mean that we can't have a sumptuous feast. And with Food Tray 2 Go, things are so much more convenient.

Hello, Food Tray 2 Go.

Food Tray 2 Go has been around for years offering delicious party dishes good for groups of five, ten, or even twenty! Its extensive menu also guarantees that there's something for everybody. Yes, even for the pickiest guest. 

Bugana Beach and Dive Resort: A Paradise in Negros Occidental

Negros Island is one of our favorite destinations. Just thinking about enjoying its great food and fresher air makes me want to plan my next visit. I realized though that there aren't a lot of great resort options here as Negros isn't one of the prime tourist spots in the country. But I was glad to have found Bugana Beach and Dive Resort.

Hello, Bugana Beach and Dive Resort.

Bugana is known as one of the best resorts in Negros. With its marvelous view and spacious rooms, it was not surprising for guests to stay here for days or even weeks.

First Bite: La Vita Ristorante Italiano

Ever since it reopened, Podium has been busy upping its dining options. With some of my favorites in place, this mall brought in a few more international brands as well as new names. One of which is La Vita, an Italian restaurant headed by Chef Maurizio Gabillini. It may be new in the neighborhood but word that it offers authentic Italian fare spread out fast making this new spot very busy during lunch and dinner.

Hello, La Vita Ristorante Italiano. 

Visiting Italy last year made me realize why Italians are very particular with the food they eat. Most, if not all, restaurants take pride in using only the freshest and finest ingredients in the market. Hence, it wasn't that hard to come across good tasting food. In fact, we didn't even have to go to fancy places to indulge. However, pizza and pasta in Manila are too influenced by other cuisines. You'd encounter several fusions here and there with many not working at all; it just happen to be pretty and Instagram-worthy. La Vita, on the other hand, aims to be different and promises to deliver authentic Italian cuisine. 

First Bite: Cold Layers

Rainy days in Manila doesn't necessarily mean sweater weather. With the humid air we have in the city, it's not surprising to see people feast on ice cream, shaved ice or boba. And since a cold treat is always a good idea, I decided to swing by Cold Layers.

Hello, Cold Layers.

Cold Layers is known as a shaved ice shop. But it offers more than just those fluffy snow-like treats. Aside from it joining the boba craze, it also offers savory dishes perfect for breakfast, lunch, merienda and dinner!

First Bite: Boa Kitchen + Socials

Breakfast spread never fail to make my eyes sparkle and mouth drool. And when I got word that Boa Kitchen + Socials offers some of my favorites, I made sure to visit this new foodie haven along Scout Rallos. 

Hello, Boa Kitchen + Socials.

Boa is one of the newest establishments in Quezon City's foodie district. Located on the mezzanine floor of ABDC building, make sure to look for a purple signage when you get to the corner of Scout Rallos and Scout Tuazon. 

First Bite: Eatogether Food Hall's L'Italiano

I miss Italy and its wonderful flavors. Just visiting a local supermarket could score you a five-star meal. And I was happy to discover a new place to get Italian pasta close to the ones I've fallen in love with. 

Hello, L'Italiano. 

L'Italiano is one of the many food concepts housed by Eatogether Food Hall. It focuses on three items--bread, pasta and pizza. 

Nono's Launches New Favorites

July was a stressful month for me. I had to learn new things for work and keep up with having new content for my blog. I'd often find myself sleeping so late just so I could have everything done. Now that I'm starting to get the hang of it, there's no better way to reward myself than with good food at Nono's. 

Hello, Nono's.

I used to think that Nono's is just a place for desserts knowing that the person behind this dainty shop is the wonderful Baba Ibazeta-Benedicto of Classic Confections. But I was totally wrong when I got a bite of Nono's Fried Truffle Cheese Wontons. Crunchy and packed with umami, this amazing starter made me smile from ear to ear! And I couldn't help myself from wanting more. My sister also had a Cooking Master Boy moment with Nono's when she had its cheesy Mac N Cheese.

Fly to Rome for Free with Cibo

Italy is a beautiful country filled with so much history. But one thing I absolutely love about this place is its intense passion for great food. Italians take pride in its cuisine and its use of the finest and freshest ingredients. Many too continue to practice the traditional way in preparing food. And though I miss all the trattoria, ristorante and deli shops, I'm happy that I could have a taste of Italy here in Manila at Cibo. 

Hello, Cibo.

Cibo has been our go to restaurant whenever we're craving for good Italian food. I'd often get Patatine Fritte and Spinaci Zola for starters, Penne al Telefono and Panino Porchetta as mains and Panna Cotta for dessert. And don't get me started with my love for its Pomelo Shake! 

The Common Good Launches Lunch Sets

Enjoying a meal or two at a hotel always sound fancy and rather expensive. But more and more of these lavish establishments come up with options that appeal to yuppies and to those who want good value food with great ambiance to match. And this is exactly what I'm Hotel's The Common Good did with its lunch packages. 

Hello, The Common Good.

The Common Good is I'm Hotel's food playground which showcases different cuisines to satisfy everyone's palate. It has been one of the bang for the buck dinner buffet options in Makati and it has further pushed the envelope by offering lunch sets to cater to the Makati professionals. 

The Red Crab Alimango House opens in El Nido

Crab is probably the only seafood I have a love-hate relationship with. I love eating its fresh and slightly sweet meat, not to mention that divine crab fat. But getting all those could be a pain. And more often than not, I avoid ordering crab if it's not de-shelled as I've developed a bit of trauma from being hurt while cracking open those long legs. Then again, seeing ginormous ones could be too hard to resist especially when its a restaurant's specialty. 

Hello, The Red Crab Alimango House. 

If you've been to The Red Crab Alimango House in Manila, you'd know that this establishment takes "crab" seriously as it is one of the best places to satisfy your hunger for this delectable crustacean. 

First Bite: Buca di Beppo

Manila food scene has been getting busier and busier each day. With more restaurants opening here and there, locals now have more options on where to dine. One of the cuisines that continues to remain strong is Italian. After all, who could resist a tempting slice of pizza or a fragrant plate of pasta? (I can't.) And last November, a new Italian restaurant found home in Manila. 

Hello, Buca di Beppo. 

This famous Italian restaurant chain is no stranger to well-travelled foodies. Starting out as a hole in the wall restaurant in Minneapolis, USA, it became a household name for those who love Italian cuisine. Known for its family-style feast, Buca di Beppo offers a dining experience that would make you feel right at home. 

First Bite: Cable Car

If you have been partying for the past two decades then Cable Car won't be a stranger to you. Considered as one of the pioneers in the restaurant and bar industry, Cable Car has been around since 1992 satisfying late cravings of night owls and party goers. And to celebrate its 25th year, it prepared a handful of surprises that will delight even the morning foodies and non-drinkers.

Hello, Cable Car.

I always see Cable Car whenever I pass by Fort Strip but for some reason, I found it to be a place for pre-game and post-game drinks and meals. Since I don't really go out late at night to party, I didn't find the place appealing. I had no idea though that Cable Car is more than just beer and small bites. In fact, it is known for its sisig rice. 

Foodie Alert: The Shrimp Fever is on at Blue Post Boiling Crabs

Love shrimps and don't care to have your hands messy for the sake of good food? Then you'd definitely like what I have to share with you. Blue Post Boiling Crabs & Shrimps has something up its sleeves to make Halloween and your November yummier.

Hello, Blue Post Boiling Crabs & Shrimps.

Just when I thought I'd be living an anti-social life and not go out given the unpredictable weather and horrendous traffic, I went out. There's only two words that made me brave Greenhills traffic and that's "unlimited shrimps". Yes! You read that right! Unlimited fresh and delectable crustaceans. How can you resist that?

First Bite: Runner's Kitchen

I've been hearing a lot about this restaurant offering organic dishes for more than a year now. Though it has been getting mixed reviews, I can't help myself from wanting to visit the place that makes healthy eating look so photogenic. And two weeks ago, I finally got to drop by with R and his vegetarian supplier S. 

Hello, Runner's Kitchen.

Located along the busy foodie stretch of Tomas Morato, you have to keep your eyes open as its facade is not easy to find. But thanks to Waze, we found it. 

First Sip: Cafè Barbera

Italians are known to be particular with what they eat and drink. To some extent, they can be what millennials describe as savage when they eat anything non-Italian. I can't blame them though as they have been spoiled by the finest ingredients. However, not everything that Italians love and rave about is well received by the local market. But for something universal as coffee, it's a different story. 

Hello, Cafè Barbera.

This Italian cafè has been around for over a century and has grown from a small street coffee vendor on the streets of Naples to a global franchise. You'd think that this place would most likely have the best coffee. After all, espresso is something deeply rooted into the Italian way of life. 

First Bite: Le Jardin Café

First impression lasts and Le Jardin sure knows how to charm. I still remember my full course dinner at this spectacular restaurant and I often find myself craving for its superb Dessert de Gils. And I regretted not going back sooner when I found out that they finally closed their huge French doors. But great things never fail to make a comeback and Le Jardin opened once again but as a casual café.
 
Hello, Le Jardin Café.

I was greeted by familiar garden inspired interiors and a menu that is a lot more affordable than its fine dining predecessor. Focusing more on comfort food and breakfast must-haves, Le Jardin has charmed me once again. 

Love at First Bite: Tiny Teapot Bakery Cafe

Those neighborhood cafes never fail to lure me. I always get curious with what they offer and if it's a gem worth finding. Yesterday, I decided to swing by this new cafe along Pioneer street.

Hello, Tiny Teapot Bakery Cafe.

Restaurant Love: Amici

Amici used to be one of my go to restaurants when I want comfort food like pasta and cake. I still remember frequenting its pioneer branch in Don Bosco just to get a scoop of its sweet dessert. But the crazy number of new restaurants popping here and there made my trips less frequent and the insane traffic surrounding Makati and SM Megamall made me hesitant to be a mile near those areas. Those were true till I got to sample its new dishes. 

Long time no taste, Amici!

First Bite: Main Street

I always see Main Street whenever I pass by Tuscany. I also noticed it while making my rounds in Kapitolyo when I hunt for new restaurants. But for some reason, I was never lured to pay this restaurant a visit. It may be because I was in the mood for something else whenever I see it or perhaps because of the several lukewarm reviews about its food I've read online. But food gods paved the way for me to find out myself if I'm missing out or not at all. 

Hello, Main Street! 

I was greeted by a well lit black and white signage and a dining area with warm yellow lights. The brown tables, lovely natural stone tiles and tan couches added warmth to the space making it quite homey and quite fitting in Kapitolyo. 

We were in for a treat as we were served a lot of dishes!