Highlands Prime Steakhouse Now Grilling at Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons

Ribeye Steak 14-Ounce from Highlands Prime Steakhouse at Estancia Mall Capitol Commons

“Is this the same Highlands as the one in MOA?” asked one of the four undecided women who walked into the restaurant while I was busy taking pictures for the blog. After the server who opened the door said yes, the ladies promptly requested for a table for four. – Well, that’s the kind of marketing no money could ever buy!

Highlands Prime Steakhoust at Estancia Mall in Capitol Commons

Highlands Prime Steakhouse at SM Mall of Asia has already established its name as one of the best steakhouses in the Metro, so it’s no surprise that expectations were ridiculously high when they decided to put up a second branch. Fortunately, their newest branch at Estancia Mall in Capitol Commons, Pasig City did NOT disappoint.

 

Highlands Prime Steakhouse at Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons

The new place is not as spacious as their MOA branch, but they both sport a laidback country house vibe. It has no direct entrance from inside the mall, so you have to brave the heat outside to get to their restaurant – a minor inconvenience easily compensated by their great food and service.

Interior of Highlands Prime Steakhouse at Estancia Mall Capitol Commons

Their dining area is divided into 4 sections. Coming in from the main entrance, you will be welcomed by tables with cushioned seats on the left and a big display of imported wines on the right. At the far end of the room, stands a fireplace that adds to the modern cabin theme of the restaurant. If you take a left turn from the main entrance, you’ll find a small dining area where the restroom and the kitchen are located. The wall leading to the kitchen is made of glass, which gives you a good view to leisurely watch the chefs in action.

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McCormick Flavor Nation Festival: Feast for the Senses

If you search your cupboard at home right now, there’s a big chance you’ll find a McCormick product just lying around. Their products are true Filipino household staples. McCormick has also played a big part in my home-based pastry business since I use their high-quality food colorings, spices, and extracts to whip up my bestselling cupcakes. These are the very reasons why I immediately accepted their invitation to attend this year’s McCormick Flavor Nation Festival.

Cupcakes by Chef Ken of Certified Foodies for McCormick Flavor Nation Festival

 

McCormick Flavor Nation Festival

Mark your calendars! On May 16, 2015 (Saturday), McCormick Philippines will be hosting their first McCormick Flavor Nation Festival at the Activity Center of Bonifacio High Street in BGC, Taguig.

McCormick Flavor Nation Festival 2015 at Bonifacio Global City Taguig

This summer’s biggest foodie festival will let you experience a one-of-a-kind gustatory adventure with the Flavor Nation Specialty Food Stalls and the Spiced Beverage Bar, where guests can experience a variety of gastronomic dishes and cocktails all infused with McCormick herbs, spices, and meal mixes. There are even stalls that will be pairing their dishes with the 3 variants of McCormick Rice Cookers: Hainanese Chicken Rice, Biryani Rice, and Nasi Lemak Coconut Pandan Rice. Flavored rice? Count us in!

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Experience Japan’s Sakura Season at Tokyo Bubble Tea

For hundreds of years, the Japanese people have been observing their “Hanami” tradition, where they enjoy picnics under the blooming cherry blossom trees during Japan’s spring season. Travelers all over the world are packing their bags to join in on the celebration. But like the most of us, we don’t have the free time and—let’s admit—the financial capacity to splurge on a trip just to witness Japan’s iconic Sakura Season. But don’t fret; Tokyo Bubble Tea has finally brought the Sakura Season right to the Philippines with their newest offerings—the Sakura Bento Trays and Sakura JCC Milk Teas.

Facade of Tokyo Bubble Tea in SM North EDSA The Block Quezon City

 

Tokyo Bubble Tea at SM North EDSA The Block

I dragged my good friend, Rose Ann, with me since she’s more familiar with the Japanese culture. She’s an online English tutor and it’s her amazing job to talk with Japanese people all day. We visited the Tokyo Bubble Tea at SM North EDSA The Block in Quezon City for it’s the branch nearest to us.

Interior of Tokyo Bubble Tea SM North EDSA The Block Quezon City

Upon entering their store, we were greeted by their very accommodating staff. One was even game enough to strike a pose for a picture. This branch has limited seating capacity. I remember my family deciding to have dinner here one time, but we had to wait 15 minutes to get seated because the place was jam-packed with customers. I was also quite surprised with their cake display, since the last time we were here, they only had a handful of cakes to choose from. Now they’re selling more than 10 varieties of cakes, and they all look so sweet and delicious!

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Pamper Your MOMspiration at Discovery Country Suites

Exactly a week from now, we will be celebrating the day of the most important woman in our lives. Since no amount of money can ever match how much hard work our mothers have put into raising us, one way we can repay them is by making them enjoy a truly relaxing experience they will never forget, like treating our beloved “MOMspiration” to an amazing Mother’s Day weekend at Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay City.

Facade of Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay

 

MOMspiration at Discovery Country Suites

Give your mother the ultimate royal treatment with an overnight stay at any of the Deluxe, Premiere, and Master Suites that all come with country breakfast and 60-minute massage sessions for 2 persons, wine and cheese sundown cocktails, and a 10% discount on food and beverage at Restaurant Verbena. You are also free to use their Jacuzzi with a beautiful view of the Taal Lake.

Outdoor Garden and Jacuzzi Area at Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay

 

Deluxe Suites (Andalucia, Saint Tropez, and Ceylon)

We were given a tour at one of their Deluxe Suites, the French-inspired Saint Tropez Suite, which features two queen-size beds, a spacious bathroom, and an impeccable view of Discovery Country Suites’ garden.

Saint Tropez Deluxe Suite at Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay

A night at any of their Deluxe Suites starts at PHP 8,838 nett, including all the services and amenities mentioned above.

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Hole in the Wall: Not Your Typical Food Court

Filipinos love dining at food courts for three main reasons: variety, convenience, and affordability. However, there also exists two major drawbacks that are quite off-putting to diners. First, most food courts allow similar food concepts to compete with each other, so it’s a familiar scene to see 2-3 sizzling or Filipino cuisine concepts in one food hall. Secondly, some of the food being offered are so mediocre that one would wonder how they were permitted to put up their shops in the first place. What if we tell you that there’s a new food spot in Makati that has all three reasons why we love food courts, minus all the drawbacks? Yes, there is and it’s Hole in the Wall at Century City Mall.

Hole in the Wall Food Court at Century City Mall Makati

 

Hole in the Wall

Hole in the Wall at Century City Mall is redefining the term, “food court,” by featuring a curated and hand-picked list of food purveyors in a space one would not typically associate with a food court. At first glance, the place would remind you of hawkers in Singapore, but once you’ve taken a good look around, you would know that food courts don’t look as fancy and modern as Hole in the Wall.

The Greenhouse Dining Area at Hole in the Wall Century City Mall

The Greenhouse

The dining area is divided into 5 sections: The Greenhouse, The Den, The Barn, Al Fresco area, and the whole second floor. The Greenhouse is the first area that would greet you once you come into Hole in the Wall. The tables and seats here are a good mix of plush couches, wooden chairs, and benches.

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Discover Adventure at Farmers Market Day Tour

For over 40 years, Farmers Market, a landmark at the Araneta Center, has been distinguished as an unparalleled source of fresh meat, seafood, and produce in Metro Manila.  Now they’re setting the bar even higher as they officially launch the Farmers Market Day Tour, a major first in the history of the Philippine market.

Farmers Market Facade at the Araneta Center Cubao

 

Farmers Market Day Tour 

Farmers Market holds its first Farmers Market Day Tour, in participation to the gastronomic feast, “Flavors of the Philippines,” by the Department of Tourism for the whole month of April. This project aims to transform our old and boring market day into a fun and interactive adventure, where you get to discover new things and experience Farmers Market anew.

Farmers Market Day Tour Map

 

Farmers Market for Madrid Fusion

On April 23, Farmers Market will be welcoming the elite chefs featured on Madrid Fusion Manila 2015 - the most anticipated event of the year that will bring together renowned chefs from Spain and the Philippines in a single culinary stage.

Madrid Fusion Manila 2015

I consider myself fortunate for being invited, together with some select local bloggers, to be the very first people to experience the Farmers Market Day Tour before the arrival of the participating chefs and international press for Madrid Fusion. And as an avid fan of local beauty pageants, I was even more delighted to find out that our tour guides will be none other than Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2015) and Hannah Ruth Sison (Binibining Pilipinas First Runner-Up).

Binibining Pilipinas 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach and Hannah Ruth Sison for Araneta Center

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Enjoy Instagram-Ready Persian Food at Dweet Gastropub

The weekend before Holy Week, we were invited by Dweet Gastropub to give their revamped menu a try. Since they’re only a few blocks away from where Mhel is staying in Makati, we accepted their offer.

Special Kebab - Dweet Gastropub

Dweet Gastropub first opened their doors November of 2014. After almost two months, they decided to update their menu to better accommodate the palate of their target customers, which were mostly Makati office workers.

Facade of Dweet Gastropub The Collective Makati

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Our Top Favorites from Merry Cremas Festival 2014

We’re sure many of you would agree that it’s the most wonderful time of the year. We kicked off our Christmas celebrations last weekend at the Merry Cremas Festival 2014 at Eastwood Mall Open Park. We were at last year’s event, so we already have a yummy idea of what’s in store for us.

Merry Cremas Festival 2014 at Eastwood Mall

Merry Cremas Festival is a yearly event where various food purveyors showcase their products that they made using Alaska Crema All Purpose Cream. Ken and I didn’t have breakfast before going to the event since we know we’ll be full by the end of our food tasting. 😀 Here are our top favorites:

 

Pumpkin Soup from Kuya Pao’s Grill

Creamy, with bold, spicy flavors. We couldn’t get enough of their soup, and the chunks of pumpkins that came with it. It’s the perfect hearty dish for the cooler days ahead. 🙂

Pumpkin Soup from Kuya Pao's Grill with Alaska Crema

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See You At The 12th Ultimate Taste Test in Rockwell

The much-awaited food event of the year – the 12th Ultimate Taste Test – is happening this coming Saturday, September 27th, at the Rockwell Tent. And if you haven’t bought your tickets yet, you still got time! 🙂

2014 Ultimate Taste Test in Rockwell Tent at the Power Plant Mall

This year, there are over 40 food purveyors who will be there, so just imagine how much food you get to taste and discover in this 1-day event. You can see the full list of Ultimate Taste Test 12 concessionaires here.

Last time we were at the Ultimate Taste Test, here were our favorites:

Premium Roast Angus Corned Beef from The Plaza

The Plaza Premium Roast Angus Corned Beef

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Where to Eat in Malabon : A Food Tour

Malabon City Food Tour

Growing up in Navotas and then moving to Malabon almost a decade ago, my bro and I have always had easy access to really good food. This has shaped our lives, which is why we now have this unconditional love for food and cooking.

Malabon, in particular, is known for hearty and flavorful dishes, so it’s no wonder that there are many hole-in-the-wall places here that would surprise you with their straightforwardly delicious food.

Malabon Food Tour

I’m sure many of you are already familiar with Dolors Kakanin (a staple in parties here), Pancit Malabon and Arny-Dading’s Peachy-Peachy. To be honest, we’ve been busy scouring the Metro for new restaurants that we haven’t finished discovering all the local and must-visit food places here in Malabon (we’ve already started since we were planning on a The Burp Society Malabon food tour).

After the successful Malabon Kulinarya Festival that we attended in 2012, we were more than glad to help out when we were contacted by Cleah (from the Office of the Mayor) about organizing a bloggers food tour in time for the 400th anniversary of San Bartolome Church, one of the oldest churches here in the Philippines.

Early Sunday on Mother’s Day, we met our fellow bloggers at the city hall. Ken and I didn’t have breakfast since we knew we were going to be stuffed by the end of the tour. Well, ‘stuffed’ is an understatement. Let me just say that we all underestimated what Cleah and the participating food places had planned for us. 😀 Read on.

Update: We know there are many other places here in Malabon that we weren’t able to cover because we had limited time to go to all of them during the food tour. We’ll have a separate post to feature the rest of the ones that have been around for ages and other scrumptious dishes you can find here in Malabon. 🙂

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