First Bite: Catch of the Day by Cold Storage

I could never say no to salmon. I love this seafood a lot that I'm willing to give up steak for it. And when I spotted it one at Catch of the Day, it attracted me like fly to light. 

Hello, Catch of the Day by Cold Storage.

Catch of the Day is Cold Storage's paluto-type stall at The Corner Market.  

When in Boracay: Discovery Shores Boracay

I've been so excited to go back to Boracay after hearing that the island is back in shape. As a place I associate with relaxation and good food, R and I decided to celebrate our anniversary there. And to make things a bit more special, we stayed at Discovery Shores Boracay. 

Hello, Discovery Shores Boracay.

Hailed as one of the best luxury resorts in the island, Discovery Shores Boracay is usually fully booked with local and foreign tourists alike. I can't blame travelers though as this place offers top notch service and its pandan water is something else!

First Bite: Red Ginger

City of Dreams Manila has become a destination of choice for several locals and tourists alike with its top-class hotel amenities. Aside from the striking suites and the popular DreamPlay, City of Dreams is also known for its great selection of restaurants. And a few weeks back, I was able to visit Red Ginger. 

Hello, Red Ginger.

A trendy Southeast Asian restaurant tucked inside City of Dreams Manila, Red Ginger is a melting pot of cuisines from different neighboring countries. From Thai to Malaysian to our very own Filipino dishes, Red Ginger offers it all.

Seafood Paradise: Seascape Village

Fresh seafood is one of the things the Philippines is known for. As an archipelago composed of 7107 islands, we never run out of mouthwatering fish, shrimps, crabs, lobsters and what-have-yous. But just when we thought we're fine with good ol' dampa, Seascape Village put seafood feast on a whole different level. 

Hello, Seascape Village.

Sandwiched between Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel and Manila Film Center, this huge compound is divided into four phases. To date, the first Phase is open to the public but there are still a few establishments that are yet to open. The other three areas (that are yet to open) are dedicated to lifestyle and wellness, events and entertainment, and hotel + retail complex.

I was invited to a gastronomic seafood experience a few weeks back and we visited a handful of restaurants and were able to sample its bestsellers.

First Bite: Impressions

Unlimited foie gras. Those sweet words made me go "ooooh" longer than holding my breath to win the "happy birthdaaaaaaaay" contest. 

Hello, Impressions!

This classy buffet restaurant in Resorts World Manila is headed by celebrity chef Cyrille Soenen and its layout is meant to impress.

The slightly dim lit restaurant had a minimalist signage in front that also serves as the reception desk. 

As soon as you enter, you are greeted by several numbered tables with the first buffet bar on the right which serves the meats. 

We got table #18 reserved for us which was perfect as it was in front of the buffet table that prepares foie gras, scallops and lobsters. It was also near the sweet corner a.k.a. desserts and sashimi.

My first plate had a lot of salmon sashimi, a few maki and foie gras. 

The foie gras bits were bite size and it was... just okay. It wasn't spectacular but it wasn't bad. It had the usual slightly grainy texture of foie gras and the delectable oiliness per bite. But it lacked richness in flavor.

A Four-Course Meal Made For Four

I got an invite to attend the launch of Samsung’s latest line of air conditioners (let’s welcome Boracay and Maldives in our own homes) which was held at the posh Marriott Hotel. I was surprised that for a 5PM event, the waiting area in front of the ballroom was already filled with people. Some of them were from the provinces… all eager to know more about the latest innovations of the popular Korean electronics brand. Who says that one cannot have health, comfort, and savings at the same time? Clue? Virus Doctor.

Thanks to Samsung, we now have more options to choose from. But the cherry on top of the night was the great dinner they served. Let me enumerate what we ate and had difficulty burning throughout the night.

For appetizer, we had Seared Yellow Fin Tuna Nicoise with capers, red onion, black olives, and saffron aioli. Yes, I am a bit clueless to what the last one was. But it was good. I loved the tangy taste of the dressing. The tuna is also soft and fresh. I just find it to have too much pepper. But aside from that, I would have asked for another plate given the chance.

Next served was Lobster Bisque. This soup is drool worthy (okay, it might have been the least appetizing description). The soup was creamy. I find it a bit thick though and it made my throat itch. *Water Alert!* I think that this dish is best served with bread since the soup was a bit salty.

On to the main course, *tada!* Grilled Australian Ribeye with grilled tiger prawns, asparagus, potato dauphinoise and truffle sauce. The meat was tender and the potato dauphinoise was a good alternative to the typical mashed potato. Unfortunately, I finished the first two dishes and I was a bit too full when this was served. I managed to take a bite of everything though. The asparagus was steamed and it made the taste of the meat stand out. Same goes for the grilled tiger prawns. It was a bit bland and I think they did this to highlight the ribeye’s flavor.

Finally, dessert… Cappuccino Caramel Cheesecake with Mulberry Compote. I find the small chocolate chip a short trip to chocolate heaven. That thin sheet of dark chocolate was dessert nirvana.  I am so in love with dark chocolate. *Ahem* Moving on. The sour taste of the strawberry complemented the sweet taste of the caramel. How I wish I saved more space for this delectable dessert.

Verdict: I will go back for more salad and desserts. Probably steak as well but I have to bring someone with me.