A Celebration Must-Have: S.A.L.O. Lechon Belly Kitchen

Christmas is just around the corner, yet I could barely feel it. Sure, the breeze is a bit cooler than usual. But the lack of festive and colorful lights make it seem like galaxies away. The coronavirus coupled with damages caused by several typhoons has dampened our high spirits. But we should not let it stop us from celebrating this special occasion with our loved ones. And I'm so glad to discover the perfect Filipino spread that will surely tickle everyone's taste buds!

Hello, S.A.L.O. Lechon Belly Kitchen.

Its name says it all. S.A.L.O. is a food concept that specializes in Filipino dishes that are great for gatherings and potlucks. Its highlighted product, lechon belly, is a sure hit at any party with its perfectly crispy skin and succulent meat. 

The Perfect Alibi for a Night Out

You don't need to find an excuse to get a drink or two and bar chows to pair it with. You deserve it after surviving a grueling week at work or simply living in chaotic Manila. And if you do, we have the perfect alibi which is Alibi.

Hello, Alibi.

Alibi is one of the newest speakeasy bars in Tomas Morato. Located in the basement of Geonbae, one could easily miss this new gem in the city.

Filipino Restaurant Favorite: Ombu Kusina

I find it so fascinating how our own Filipino cuisine evolved throughout the years. We've seen and tasted several new and innovative interpretation on classic dishes. And though our grandparents' recipes have a special place in our hearts (and tummies), the modern take on adobo, lechon and so on deserve applause. And speaking of modern Filipino restaurants, one of my new favorites is Ombu Kusina. 

Hello, Ombu Kusina. 

Ombu Kusina has been known for serving modern Filipino dishes. It has been around for slightly over a year and it continues to be patronized by locals and tourists alike. 

First Bite: Friends & Family

Today's food scene has never been this dynamic. There are so many new and innovative concepts that would intrigue anyone. But one thing that trumps all trends and gimmicks is familiarity. And that is what Friends & Family focused on.

Hello, Friends & Family.

Friends and Family made its mark in the foodie community with its nostalgic take on several Filipino dishes such as Birthday Spaghetti and. It grew even more popular when The Raintree Group's Executive Chef Kalel Chan came up with Ube Champorado. And when it launched a very tempting Buy One Get One deal on two of its comforting dishes perfect for this rainy weather, I've decided that it's time to stop delaying my visit.

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.

First Bite: Pepeng Hapon

I'm a purist when it comes to Japanese food and I usually automatically dislike Japanese fusion dishes as soon as I see it or get a whiff of its strong aroma. But all that changed when I got to savor Ooma's crazy good dishes. And when a Filipino-Japanese restaurant reached out to me, I quickly said yes.

Hello, Pepeng Hapon. 

Pepeng Hapon is a Filipino-Japanese restaurant in Malate offering pocket friendly maki, takoyaki, and more. With some of its dishes at under PHP200, it isn't surprising for this place to become a popular spot for students and workers in the area. 

Tipsy Pig Launches New Favorites

Tipsy Pig's Beer Can Chicken was one of the many dishes that turned this place as one of the hot spots for night out with friends. Fast forward to 2019, we've seen several restobars close down in less than a year but Tipsy Pig stayed relevant in the market by offering crowd favorites like wings, salmon steak and rib eye steak. Yes, Tipsy Pig offers superb bar chow and a lot more. 

Hello, Tipsy Pig.

Tipsy Pig started when Capitol Commons was still unheard of. It was challenging for a new player in the restobar industry to market itself when it's in a low traffic location. But its scrumptious dishes and bang for the buck drinks made it an easy favorite by the young ones and young at heart. And now, it is three branches strong!

New Bites at The Corner Market Food Hall

With several food concepts and brands popping here and there, dining out has never been so complex. I'd often find myself presenting my friends several options whenever we eat out. And when someone isn't into any of the choices, I had to go back to the drawing board. Thankfully, there are food halls that make it easier for friends with different tastes in terms of food. Everyone gets to eat what they want without having someone compromise. And one of the popular food hall picks in the metro is The Corner Market Food Hall. 

Hello, The Corner Market Food Hall. 

This spacious foodie haven houses several concepts that would make you drool for days. Rounding up unique non-competing brands, you get to have more options to choose from. Made even better with its picturesque interiors and well-lit dining hall, this place is must visit for anyone who wants a few more snaps for their social media feed while making their bellies happy. 

First Bite: Skippy's Gastropub

I usually associate pubs with mediocre bar chows disguised as good food under dim lights. With such impression, I hardly visit pubs. But spending time with friends in one isn't such a bad idea. And so, I found myself spending late afternoon at Skippy's Gastropub with some of my favorite foodies. 

Hello, Skippy's Gastropub. 

This Australian gastropub has been a popular drinking joint by several yuppies around the area. I've never seen it empty from the past couple of years I've been working in BGC. Though I've seen Skippy's since 2015, it was only a few weeks ago when I've finally step foot inside this sports bar. 

First Bite: JT's Manukan Grille

Bacolod is one of my favorite cities in the Philippines. It is a foodie paradise with its practically overflowing great restaurants offering superb food at pocket friendly prices. However, I couldn't visit this city of smiles as often as I could or would want to given the demand of what we call "reality" and "adulthood". Thankfully, I found a place that would quickly transport me to my happy place without having to board a plane (or roro). 

Hello, JT's Manukan Grille!

I've always loved chicken inasal even before visiting Bacolod. I enjoy its slightly tangy taste enveloped by this smoked flavor from the grill. But trying the ones from Bacolod made me realize that I was actually missing a lot. The ones I've had before couldn't even compare to the ones from Manukan Country or classics like Aida's or Chicken House. 

First Bite: Pink Panda

Don't you just love it that traveling the world is becoming more  affordable and easier? There are countless websites and apps that would make exploring a breeze. In fact, with the blossoming Manila restaurant scene, one doesn't even have to leave the country to feast on his or her favorite international cuisine. And I was happy to come across this Asian fusion restaurant that offers local favorites from Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, China and of course, Philippines. 

Hello, Pink Panda.

Located at the former Crisp on 28th, Pink Panda would be hard to miss with its neon pink signage of panda eyes staring at each one that passes by its facade. 

First Bite: Bench Cafe

Bench Cafe?! Who would have thought that the retail giant Bench would open its own restaurant? The well-loved local brand that has an impressive global presence has finally got inside the food scene with its first ever restaurant in its flagship store in Bonifacio Global City. 

Hello, Bench Cafe.

Located at the busy Bonifacio High Street, it would be very easy to spot the Bench flagship store. Just look for a building with red lighted signage. 

First Bite: Kusina Juan Republika

I always get overwhelmed with restaurant options whenever I'm in Quezon City. With several options along Tomas Morato and Teachers Village, I often rely on my foodie friends' suggestions on the best places to eat. And last weekend, I got to visit this new food complex along the busy street of Mother Ignacia that houses a Filipino and Japanese restaurants, tapas bar, cafe and a pastry shop. First stop, Kusina Juan Republik. 

Hello, Kusina Juan Republik.

This Filipino restaurant serves local favorites such as sisig, sinigang, kare-kare and even the street classic balot. 

First Bite: Finnians Irish Pub

St. Patrick's Day is a worldwide celebration of the Irish culture. It is also the day synonymous to October Fest. Known to be the day everyone dons a green garment, the night ends till  your face turns green as well with alcohol. It just comes once a year so it's fine. But what if I tell you that there's a place that makes one feel like you're in Ireland and gives the St. Patrick's Day vibe year round?

Hello, Finnians Irish Pub.

Tucked inside the foodie jungle San Juan, this quaint restaurant and bar is right beside the classic Calderon. 

Dark fixtures are the first thing you'll notice when you enter Finnians. Right beside the staircase is its bar filled with liquor, Irish beers and whiskeys that will make anyone fond of drinking giddy with joy. 

Southern Chronicles: B Hotel Alabang's Prime Cafe Launches New Dishes

A menu reveal never fails to excite me. Aside from being one of the first to sample new dishes, I get to spend time with my favorite foodies. This time, it was the launch of B Hotel Alabang's new dishes. 

Hello, B Hotel Alabang.

Fondly called B Culinary Soiree, it was indeed a meet up of several food enthusiasts and media. 

First Bite: After All

I love knowing every restaurant's back story as it gives it more character and allows me to have a better grasp on what it aims to be. Some started out as passion projects while others wanted to fill the market's unmet needs or wants. One establishment I've recently visited sprung from the idea of the owners wanting a place to hang out and enjoy their favorite dishes. It turns out though that the food they always crave would be a hit with people outside their circle. After all, their favorites are classics.

Hello, After All Bar & Grill. 

This restaurant and bar in SM Jazz opened its doors to the public last month and it has been getting a steady following since then. It isn't surprising as After All offers a wide variety of dishes and drinks. 

I was greeted by dim lights and dark hued furniture when I stepped inside After All. It was still very quiet around 6 pm with only some of the owners at the other side of the restaurant. Diners came in around 7:30 pm and the place became very busy around 8 pm. 

First Bite: The Broken Oven

Comfortable dining experience, value for money dishes and ample parking are just some of the important elements to consider for a food park to be successful. Thankfully, the newest food park in Ortigas, Industrie Food Loft got all these covered. Located on the second floor of City Golf's party (or drinking) strip, we were greeted by a colorful wall mural and bright signs. The hippie industrial interiors makes the place very young and vibrant. And our first stop here was The Broken Oven, under the same owners of Olive Treat. 

When in Pampanga: Bale Dutung

As much as I love to eat out, I also enjoy staying at home and experimenting in the kitchen. Lately, I find attending events a bit too much especially when all my loose clothes are starting to be fit. But an invite to Bale Dutung is too good to resist. And before my brain cells could even process the pros and cons of attending, I already click the send button with yes as my reply.

First Bite: Pista Food Hall

As much as I love exploring Manila, I never had the chance to visit Baclaran. I know that’s where the famous Baclaran Church is located but I also know that the place is chaotic, crowded and not really a good place to be roaming around without a reason. But I finally got a reason to visit the area a few months ago.

Hello, Pista Food Hall.

Located on the 5th floor of Victory Food Mall across the busy Baclaran Church, Pista Food Hall’s ambiance is a refuge from the chaos of the streets below it. In fact, it may seem like it’s a bit out of place considering its location. But not quite. Especially when you hear what Chef JV Mangibin has to say about his vision for Pista.

Restaurant Love: 7107 Restaurant

I’ve been a fan of 7107 Culture + Cuisine ever since I visited it last year. I still remember the lovely pesto pasta with sweet tocino dish I ordered as if it was from yesterday’s lunch. As much as I would like to dine here again, my busy schedule was against my plan of visiting this colorful restaurant sooner. Thankfully, one weekend finally cleared up and I was able to drop by for more delectable local fare with a twist!

Hello again, 7107 Culture + Cuisine!