Bistro Manuel: Bringing back Lolo Dad's Signature Dishes

Lolo Dad's has been one of the most iconic fine dining restaurants in Manila. Tucked inside Malate, this place used to be packed, with most looking forward to the restaurant's signature dishes. And many tears were shed when this well-loved establishment closed its doors in 2014. You'd know too that it was truly missed when people still crave for its delectable foie gras and steak to this day. This is why many were thrilled when the brilliant chefs Ariel Manuel and Mia Ayuyao Manuel decided to make a comeback and opened Bistro Manuel. 

Hello, Bistro Manuel. 

Bistro Manuel is a contemporary take on Lolo Dad's. With its more modern yet still sophisticated interiors, it serves as a great place for dates or celebrating milestones. 

When in Cebu: The Pig and Palm

We often associate Cebu with its world famous lechon. But Cebu grew to become more than just a capital of roasted pig. It has blossomed into a more complex foodie destination with the opening of several homegrown and foreign restaurants. And one of the most anticipated restaurant openings a few years back was The Pig and Palm.

Hello, The Pig and Palm.

The opening of Michelin-starred British chef Jason Atherton first restaurant in the Philippines created much buzz in the foodie world. They opted to open it in Cebu as it is his wife, Irha's hometown.

Foodie Alert: Noche Dine in the Dark Manila

It is absolutely fascinating how social media changed our dining habits. Back when phones are bigger than the remote control, we start the meal with a prayer. These days, we start with a flatlay. Just 5 years ago, we choose our meals based on taste; now, we choose base on appearance. We have been so concerned with how dishes look and if it'll generate a lot of likes or regrams. We take so many shots that we get used to cold food and lukewarm drinks. And in the age of digitalization, most of us simply have lost the ability to enjoy food the right way. And this is one of the issues Dine in the Dark aims to address. 

Hello, Dine in the Dark! 

I was so thrilled when P messaged one weekend informing C and I that we will be the looloo representatives for Noche Dine in the Dark's VIP Preview. I have been eying to try it out with R ever since I saw its teaser. Though I've tried dining in the dark before, I know that it'll be a totally different experience when you're with different company. 

Days before the preview, C and I had to choose among fish, meat, vegetarian and chef's surprise for our 3-course meal. We both chose chef's surprise because it sounds exciting!

And finally, it was 10.05.16!

Noche is located at the 4th floor of A.Venue Suites Hotel and before entering the dark realm, one had to proceed to the holding area where diners will be briefed. 

While waiting for everyone, several braille cards were given and we tried to learn how to read using it. I actually enjoyed memorizing each letter and I plan to master it soon. It was also a very engaging way to introduce us to the world of the visually impaired.  

Steak Night: Melo's Home of Certified Angus Beef

It has been months since I purchased my Deal Grocer vouchers for Melo’s Foie Gras and Steak Set and finally, R and I were able to use it one Friday.

Hello, Melo’s.

I don’t exactly remember the last time I dined in Melo’s but it must have been more than a decade ago. All I know is that this is one of the established steak places in Manila. So when I saw a good deal in Deal Grocer, I nabbed the chance to enjoy a foie gras and steak set for only PHP999.

I made a reservation for two at 7 p.m. and when I got there 10 minutes earlier, the place was empty. Well, there was a table occupied outside but there were no other diners around. To think that it was Friday and pay day, it made me realize why Melo’s was offering this irresistible deal.

I asked the server to prepare our steaks 15 minutes before R arrives. While waiting, I was given some soft buns and butter.