Category: Restaurant Features

Tradisyon Restaurant: Pinoy Comfort Food at Azalea Baguio

You know a Filipino restaurant is good when their food reminds you of your mom’s cooking and you feel right at home. There are but a few restaurants in the country that were able to make us feel that way, and we never really thought we would find one tucked inside Azalea Baguio Tradisyon Restaurant.

Tradisyon Pinoy Comfort Food Restaurant in Azalea Baguio

 

Tradisyon Pinoy Comfort Food Restaurant

If you’re looking for good eats in Baguio, you don’t really have to go far, really. One elevator ride from your hotel room in Azalea Baguio is Tradisyon Pinoy Comfort Food Restaurant, where they offer their guests a good mix of all-time Filipino favorites, local Baguio fare, and a few international dishes.

Dining Area of Tradisyon Restaurant in Azalea Residences Hotel in Baguio City

Tradisyon delivers a homey feel with colors and textures similar to that of a bahay kubo. The plush chairs, bright yellow lighting, and intricate wall decor all contribute to that appeal. The restaurant has a seating capacity of 70 persons, which can easily handle the influx of diners during their operating hours.

 

Breakfast Buffet at Tradisyon Restaurant

Guests staying at Azalea Baguio can fuel up and jump-start their day at the hotel’s daily breakfast buffet that starts from 06:00 to 10:30 in the morning.

Daily Breakfast Buffet Plate at Tradisyon Restaurant in Azalea Residences Baguio Ciity

They have all kinds of breakfast food you can think of – from breads and pastries to fresh salads or from piping hot arroz caldo to delicious Pinoy delicacies.

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Highway Ribbery Grille: Haven of Criminally Delicious Comfort Food

After a long and exhausting day at work, most people combat stress by stuffing their mouths full of delicious and filling food. We are guilty as charged! My sister and I are big stress eaters, and it’s  a crime we’re more than happy to repeatedly commit at restaurants that serve straightforward comfort food like Highway Ribbery Grille in Quezon City—the latest brainchild of Chef Niño Runas, who is the same chef behind El Cangrejo in Tomas Morato.

Highway Ribbery Grille Restaurant in Quezon City

 

Highway Ribbery Grille

Highway Ribbery Grille first opened its doors May of 2015 and has become one of the newest and hippest hangout place to hit La Loma, Quezon City. Its industrial-themed interior design, together with the wooden tables and chairs, delivered a rustic yet modern appeal. The restaurant is not air-conditioned, but don’t worry; they have enough cooling fans to keep the area at a tolerable and comfortable temperature. They also have more tables on the second floor, including a rentable function room that can accommodate up to 35 people.

Highway Ribbery Grille Restaurant Dining Area in Quezon City

For our refreshments, my Nanay and I ordered two glasses of their House Blend Iced Tea (PHP 125), which arrived ice-cold and had this super refreshing citrusy flavor. Mhel, on the other hand, asked for a bottle of the Belgian craft beer, Brew Kettle (PHP 55), that turned out to be incredibly light and tasty. Highway Ribbery Grille has a limited line-up of alcoholic beverages, since they want the restaurant to become more of a dining joint than an inuman spot. Aside from Brew Kettle, the other beer they offer is San Miguel Light for PHP 50 a bottle.

Beverages at Highway Ribbery Grille Restaurant Quezon City

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Celebrate Batangas Food Festival at Matabungkay Beach Hotel in Lian, Batangas

Summer is finally over in the Philippines, but being a tropical country means that we can still get perfectly sunny days even during the rainy season. Add the fact that there are a number of pristine beach resorts just a short drive from Manila, like Matabungkay Beach Hotel in Lian, Batangas, which will also be hosting the Batangas Food Festival (BFF) from October through December 2016, featuring traditional fare picked from a sea of dishes that have culinary roots in Batangas.

Facade of Matabungkay Beach Hotel in Lian Batangas

 

Matabungkay Beach Hotel

If you’re a 90s kid like me, you have probably spent a few summers at Matabungkay Beach Hotel with your family. You will be shocked to find out that nothing much have changed, especially in the main lobby.

Amenities of Matabungkay Beach Hotel in Lian Batangas

The only thing that have obviously changed in this area was the now tiled floor. Previously, it had pebble wash floors. The wooden interior from the tables up to the ceiling is the same since it was built in the 1980s. And it’s kind of nostalgic and comforting for me to know that a part of my childhood has remained the same.

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Azalea Baguio: Your Home in the City of Pines

When you think of summer in the Philippines, you would immediately imagine white sand beaches and crystal blue seas. But did you know that the place that racks up the most local vacationers every year—even beating El Nido and Boracay—is actually high up the mountains and boasts of a year-round cool and breezy climate, making it the perfect escape from Manila’s scorching heat? It is no other than the City of Pines itself, Baguio City! And we’re so elated that we were able to cap off our summer in this lovely city, all thanks to Azalea Baguio!

Azalea Baguio Hotel Facade

One wonderful Tuesday in May, top fashion, food, and lifestyle bloggers were all hurled into three different vans for a long, butt-numbing 5-hour drive! Our destination? Azalea Hotels and Residences Baguio! Our mission? To visit the Summer Capital of the Philippines and enjoy one last summer getaway before we officially welcome the rainy season!

 

Azalea Hotels & Residences Baguio

Azalea Baguio is the first and only 4-star serviced apartment hotel in Baguio City. They have luxury suites that each come complete with their own kitchen, living, and bedroom areas. What I love most about Azalea Baguio is its proximity to the city’s top tourist attractions BUT, because it is far from the busyness of the city and not located directly along a major road, it is the best place you can book if you’re searching for some peace and quiet.

Azalea Baguio Hotel

The front desk welcomes you as you enter the main door into the hotel lobby. Behind it are their incredibly friendly staff who would be more than happy to assist you with your inquiries and requests.

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Taal Vista Hotel Tagaytay: A Relaxing Escape from Manila’s Summer Heat

Aircon on full-blast and electric fans on their maximum speed, yet here we are still soaking wet in a pool of our own sweat. It is days like this that a quick getaway to some place colder like Tagaytay is more than a welcome respite from the scorching heat in Manila. And that is exactly what we did last March when we packed our bags and fled to spend a weekend at one of the oldest and quintessential hotels in Tagaytay City, Taal Vista Hotel.

Facade of Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City Philippines

 

Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City

From the year it was established in 1939, Taal Vista Hotel has been recognized for having the best vantage point to enjoy a mesmerizing view of the Taal Volcano—famous for being the world’s smallest active volcano within a lake, which is within a volcano in the middle of a larger lake. It’s truly a breathtaking sight that has never failed to amaze foreign and local tourists alike.

Taal Lake View at Taal Vista Hotel Tagaytay Philippines

The English Tudor Mansion-style hotel perfectly marries timeless architecture and design with modern amenities. The spectacular view of the Taal Lake and the crisp, cool climate of Tagaytay just add to the magical appeal of Taal Vista Hotel, making it the top choice for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Manila.

 

Rooms at Taal Vista Hotel

The rooms of Taal Vista Hotel are divided into two areas – the Lake View and the Mountain View wings. The Lake View Wing, the older between the two buildings, boasts of rooms with a gorgeous view of the Taal Lake.  The Mountain View Wing may not have a view of the lake from its windows, but it makes up for being located closest to the hotel’s amenities like the outdoor swimming pool, gym, playroom, spa, game room, the view deck, and it’s only a short walk away from Taza Fresh Table Restaurant.

Lake View Building and Viewing Deck of Taal Vista Hotel Tagaytay City Philippines

We stayed at the Deluxe Queen room in their Lake View Wing. Our room had one single bed and one queen-size bed with clean linens and plush pillows.

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Polo Bistro Restaurant of Marco Polo Davao Hotel for USPB Potato Safari 3

I was invited December of 2015 to participate in the US Potato Board’s (USPB) Potato Safari 3 in Davao City. Their aim was to promote the high-quality frozen potatoes from the U.S., showcasing how they can be best used in a hotel or professional kitchen setting without compromising the quality and flavor of the dishes. One of the popular food establishments they have partnered with was the Polo Bistro Lounge of Marco Polo Davao Hotel in Davao City.

Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City

Standing on a carpet of city lights and embracing the cool winds while serving signature inter-continental Ala Carte, the glistening Polo Bistro Pool Lounge leaves customers coming back for more. Its menus change with the seasons as the restaurant is committed to using only the best and freshest ingredients.

Polo Bistro Restaurant at Marco Polo Hotel Davao City

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Cafe Uno of Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao for USPB Potato Safari 3

Last December 2015, I was invited by the US Potato Board (USPB) to join their Potato Safari 3 in Davao City. We stayed at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, a beautiful beachfront hotel which was only 20-30 minutes away from the airport. On our first night at Davao City, we had dinner at the hotel’s Cafe Uno.

Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao City for USPB Potato Safari 3

The cozy and classy Cafe Uno at the Waterfront Insular Hotel is a perfect place to chill with great friends while relishing cocktails after a hard day’s work. It is a setting ideal for enjoying great conversations while listening to comforting jazz and R&B music.

Cafe Uno at Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao City

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Claude’s Le Cafe de Ville for USPB Potato Safari 3

Last December 2015, I was invited by the US Potato Board (USPB) to join their Potato Safari 3 in Davao City. After a brief introduction to frozen US Potatoes, we were then into vans, traveled back in time, and landed at the front gate of Claude’s Le Cafe de Ville Restaurant.

Facade Claude’s Le Cafe de Ville Restaurant Davao City

Claude’s Le Café de Ville has become a household name in Davao City and Davaoeños recognize it as the quintessential fine-dining restaurant in the city. A colonial house transformed into a dining spot, its atmosphere evokes a laid back and relaxing feel. It is known for its unparalleled French and Mediterranean cuisine and excellent service.

 

Chef Claude Le Neindre

After looking around this Instagram-worthy locale, we were introduced to owner and chef, Claude Le Neindre, from Loire Valley in France. He started his culinary career at the Hotel de L’Univers and the L’Etoile d’Potel in Paris. He soon went on to work with five-star chains such as the Hilton, the Inter-Continental, and the Sofitel and Novotel of the Accor Group. After a short three-year stint managing a 16th century property called Hotel Du Dauphn in L’Aigle, Normandy, Claude sold his shares and decided to settle down in Davao City with his wife. He worked for two years as the resident manager of Pearl Farm Resort before he started building his namesake restaurant in November 1995. The restaurant officially opened on the 1st of May 1996.

Chef Claude Le Neindre of Claude's Le Cafe de Ville Restaurant for USPB Potato Safari 3

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My US Potato Board (USPB) Potato Safari 3 Experience in Davao City

While everyone was busy with their holiday preparations last December 2015, I, together with other Manila food bloggers, flew to Davao City to join the Potato Safari 3, coordinated by the US Potato Board (USPB), the organization who handles the promotion and marketing for US Potatoes across the globe.

United States Potato Board (USPB) Potato Safari 3

 

About US Potatoes

The third of the Potato Safari began with the Global Marketing Manager of USPB, Susan Weller, giving us a brief and informative introduction to US Potatoes.

Susan Weller Global Marketing Manager of USPB

The potato is an integral ingredient used in cuisines all over the world. It is so versatile that it can be used in appetizers, soups, main entrées, or even desserts. But do you know what the world’s favorite way to eat potatoes? Of course, as French fries!

The most important thing I learned from Susan was that it’s NOT true that fresh local potatoes are superior over frozen potatoes in terms of quality and nutritional content. Frozen US Potatoes are, in fact, a whole lot better because they meet strict FDA and USDA specifications—a reason why they have become the top choice of renowned chefs all over the world.

US Frozen Pototoes from USPB

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Celebrate Christmas Early at Vask Tapas Room’s Sunday Brunch Buffet

Only in the Philippines can you witness people embracing and celebrating the Christmas spirit as early as September. And it’s not unusual at all to see decorated Christmas trees and hear joyous holiday jingles in homes, malls, and anywhere else in the country. Joining in with the Filipino’s contagious holiday vibe, Vask Tapas Room in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig has opened their doors for people who wish to celebrate Christmas early with their ‘Comida de Navidad’ Sunday Brunch Buffet.

Vask Tapas Room Comida de Navidad Spanish Tapas Brunch Buffet BGC Taguig

 

Comida de Navidad Sunday Brunch at Vask Tapas Room 

Vask Tapas Room launched their ‘Comida de Navidad’ Sunday Brunch Buffet last November 15, 2015 and it will run until the 27th of December, making Vask the perfect venue for a pre- or post-Christmas celebration with your friends and family.

Facade of Vask Tapas Room Spanish Restaurant BGC Taguig

Allow us to walk you through the delectable spread of holiday favorites you can enjoy at Vask this Christmas season.

Dining Area of Vask Tapas Room Restaurant BGC Taguig

After making ourselves comfortable in our seats, our server asked us to choose between their free-flowing white or red wine sangrias. Since Mhel’s palate is more familiar with the flavors and tannins in wines, she went for the red wine sangria, while I played safe with the white.

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