Entries Tagged 'Bar/Grills' ↓

By good fortune and friend Rowena, I recently had a satisfying lunch at 22 Prime in Discovery Suites at Ortigas, Pasig.

22 Prime Wines

I was ecstatic when the invitation came as I am aware of 22 Prime‘s reputation including a recent distinction including the recent Gold Spot Awards recognizing Manila’s Best Restaurants which I also covered. 22 Prime won in the Best Steak House category, as they also did the previous year.

The star of the day was 22 Prime’s Australian Tomahawk Chop.

It all begun when Discovery Corporate Chef – Chef David Pardo de Ayala, presented the Tomahawk Chop in its raw form and enormity – including the extra-large rib bone (in photo).

“Wow, that’s what we’re having for lunch in a while!” I said in my mind. 🙂

Australian Tomahawk Chop

It’s a 1 kilogram 6-star tenderplus Australian Beef Rib Eye Steak. You don’t actually order it by ‘serving‘ since each individual will have varying capacity to consume the Grilled Tomahawk Chop. But I say, on the average, you could share it with 4 of your other friends. 🙂

Chef David Pardo de Ayala

Chef David adds that meat should be prepared in room temparature before cooking.

This helps the cook have more control on the cooking temparature and hence achieve the desired browning of the outside meat.

When asked about his secret, “It’s all about the meat – quality, sourcing, and how it’s prepared“.

And so the Grilled Tomahawk Chop was finally served.

It came sliced with a casserole of baby vegetables and a bowl of Caesar Salad of which 22 Prime is also famous for.

Grilled Tomahawk Chop with Vegetables and Caesar Salad

Verse 1 by Brookland Valley

As expected, the beef rib eye steak was juicy and its prime cut meat, tender.

The sides and the Caesar Salad are also commendable.

At P4800, this specialty menu is paired with a bottle of Verse 1 Cabernet Sauvignon wine by Brookland Valley to complete the meal.

22 Prime in Discovery Suites

Get your power lunch or filling dinner of the Grilled Tomahawk Chop as this is only available starting today, June 1 until June 15, 2010.

22 Prime is located at the 22nd Floor of Discovery Suites. For reservations, call 683-8222.

ManilaQ's Corned Beef Pansigang

The Ultimate Taste Test 4.0 was concluded a  few hours ago – May 14 – at the NBC Tent in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

I’m usually slow in publishing my stories taking a few days or more. So, I’m first releasing some of the photos I took earlier in the Ultimate Taste Test 4.0 foodie event organized by Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet and hosted by foodies Ivan Man Dy and Spanky Enriquez.

Marty's Baconette Strips Snack (chichirya)

A lot happened and so much food consumed within the three solid hours of food tasting by more than 1000 foodies being served by about 50 food suppliers.

There’s even a voting / ranking system of the best tasting food in the UTT.

For now, feel free to feast on some photos of the Ultimate Lamon, este, Tasting event:

Main Courses / Entrees

Denim Kitchen

Ultimate taste Test Lechon

The Fruit Garden (leftmost top), Happy Green (Right bottom)

Ultimate Taste Test 4.0 - ManilaQ

Empanada Avenue

Roast DucK Siopao

Desserts:

Chocolate Moist Cake

Purple Dough Desserts

Frozen Meringue by Tina Raines

Divinr Drsserts (Leftmost Top ); Dulceline Gourmets (Leftmost Bottom); Monterey (Upper Right)

Kraze Kitch Bakeshop

Ultimate Taste Test Desserts (I forgot the dessert place name) 🙂

More Brands

ManilaQ, Crave Burger, Muscovy, Swirls

The People / Crowd

Mombloggers (upper left); Performers (lower left); Bobby Yan (lower right)

Arpee Lazaro of Aqua Health Alkaline Water

Ella Ganda's Liempo (upper left); college orgmates (upper center); Crave Burger (upper right)

Ivan Man Dy of Old Manila Walks (night's host with Spanky Enriquez)

Ultimate Taste Test 4.0

The stories behind the photos and my recommendations of the Ultimate Taste Test 4 will follow in a few days so visit this blog again to check out which servings made it to NomNom‘s top list. 🙂

After the successful Ultimate Taste Tests in the previous years, Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet, with the participation of about 50 food suppliers invite you to the Biggest Ultimate Taste Test in the Philippines!

To be held on May 14, 2010, 7 to 10pm at  1,000 foodies are expected to troop to the NBC Tent, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. The foodies-turned-food critics will taste-test some of the upcoming food concoctions of tomorrow and newest young brands.

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May 13 5pm Update
The 1000 foodie slots are all filled up; even for walk-ins on the day itself
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Not to be dismissed as a simple buffet, it’s like taking a peek inside a foodie’s kitchen and getting a taste of their food. Moreover, participants can rate them and provide feedback.

The event will be hosted by Old Manila Walks food-culture guide and foodie Manila Boy Blogger Ivan Man Dy and Spanky Enriquez, respectively. The Comedy Cartel will also be there a s a special guest.

A contribution fee of P230/head includes a P200 contribution to MASED (Macario Arnold for Socio-Economic Development) Foundation’s Out-of-School Youth Program and P30 for one bottle of any of the San Miguel Lifestyle Brews: San Miguel Super Dry, Premium All-Malt and Cerveza Negra(on ly for 18 yrs old & above) . For children who are 3-6 years old, the contribution fee is only P100.

Participation mechanics through registration as one of the 1,000 foodies in the event is not included in the article anymore since it is two days away. You are encouraged to try coming early as walk-ins. For more details, you may email Rache at rache@diaz.ph

Note: Parking is available at The Fort Strip or around the NBC Tent.

Food Suppliers as of last week

Appetizers / Starters (9)

1. Brazo by Ces Lopez
St. Francis Quiche (with Portobello and Asparagus)
Chicken Pork Adobo Quiche
Classic Quiche Lorraine in Gruyere Cheese

2. Denim Kitchen
Bangus Sardines in Canola Oil
Smoked Mackerel in Olive Oil, Crunchy Garlic, Mango Chutney

3. Chile Vitas
Chile Cheese, Chile Vinegar, Chile Mustard & Chile Pepper sauce

4. Maison de Valere‘s chicken liver pate on toasts.

5. The Fruit Garden Assorted Fruit Jam

6. Joax Ingredients & Food Development Corporation‘s Fried cured meat and Dimsum

7. Emapanada Avenue‘s Empanadas

8. Oishi Smart C+ lemon variant and Marty’s Baconnette Strips

9. Anla’s Congee

Main Course / Meat (13)

10. Lattize’s Lengua Sulipena and Corned Beef

11. Pepita’s Kitchen Lechon

12. Sunrise Bucket Chicken Wings

13. Dulcelin main course + 1 dessert

14. Sakae Sushi Spider Roll Sushi

15. Pepetons Grill
Kapalmuks – deep-fried pig face, it’s like crispy pata
Sinuman na tyan ng Bangus – Bangus belly wrapped in banana leaves
Binalay – Ibanag’s kakanin
Bundok rice – Pinoy version of Thai bagoong rice

16. Goodles Pasta

17. Crave Burger

18. JAM Foods‘ Angus Beef Tapa

19. True Santos Duck Farm’s Muscovy Duck Ham (with special ham sauce)

20. Jay’s Caldereta

21. The Classic Roast Whole Roast Duck and Roast Duck Siopao

22. Qasa 61‘s Marikina Cuisine

Desserts (16)

23. Kraze Kitch Bakeshop
Lengua de Gato – original, almonds, oatmeal raisin, ube
Flourless Chocolate Cake

24. Adee’s Caramel Bars

25. Savoury Pies
Frozen Lemon and Herb Pie plus Frozen Strawberry Pie

26. Marveron Enterprises
Macaroons, apple pie, food for the gods and fresh lumpiang ubod

27. Purple Dough
Chocolate Chip Cookies/Peanut Butter Cookies

28. Heidi’s Taiwan Snowflakes Ice

29. Craveman Food Ventures Inc.
Shaved Snow with toppings/flavors: Strawberry, Mango,
Chocolate, Banana-choco, Ube-Munggo, Sweet Corn, Peanut

30. Better Sweet Spot’s Cakes & Cupcakes – Dark Chocolate Cheese,
Red Velvet, Chocolate Lava, Chewy Chocolate

31. Crepes & Cream Fiesta Halo Crepe

32. The Bandana Baker Mango Bars, Mega Chocolate Cookies, Cranberry & White Chocolate cookies

33. Anne Hilario‘s Chocolate praline ganache cake

34. Benzi‘s Cheese Brownies, Apple Bavarian Torte Cheesecake Lollipop or Cheesecake Truffle

35. Divine Desserts

36. Jeren‘s Kefir for Vegan from Coconut Kefir Dressing

37. Boracay’s Frozen Swirl Kefir

38. Fruits in Ice Cream Summer Cafe (FIC) Sansrival

Drinks (6)

39. San Miguel Lifestyle Brew’s San Mig Dry, Cerveza Negra, Premium All-Malt

(Tasting Portions for FREE, P50/bottle during the event)

Note: Beer will only be served to Foodies 18 years old and above

40. SodaStream by Max.Ideas Marketing Corporation

41. Conlins Coffee by Conlins Coffee World Inc.

42. El Kapitan Coffee

43. Arpee Lazaro’s Aqua Health alkaline ionized water

44. Paco Magsaysay‘s Holly’s Milk

See you at the Ultimate Taste Test 4.0 on May 14 and let’s take on the food critic’s hat. Everybody’s input will be essential. 🙂

It all started last Saturday, April 24 with the B.G.C Summer Passion Fest 2010 Food Tour at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig with renowned food and culture guide Ivan Man Dy lead the BGC food tour.

It was followed by a personal impromptu Tagaytay trip turned Tagaytay food tour three days later (April 27 & 28).

And now, I’m on the first day of the three-day Davao Food Appreciation Tour (DFAT) here in, where else – Davao City.

Yes, I didn’t realize it until today. In a span of seven days, I’ve been to three food tours across the Philippines while I’m now on the third one in Davao.

More details on NomNom‘s foodie adventures for the whole month of May from this three foodie escapades.

Good News

For now, check this out as the aforementioned Bonifacio High Street Food Tour has a part 2 tomorrow – May 1, 2010. Come and join tomorrow as it is open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Walk-in registrants start 1pm. Event proper starts 2pm.

Briefly, last week, we had desserts at Sonja’s Cupcakes and Miss Desserts. This was followed by the main course in Sao. We also went to Pasto, Yoh-gurt Frost, and The Establishment. This week’s line up would be different with new restaurant-participants and some of the spots repeating.

Be prepared for Polu Kai, Italianni’s, Stock Market, Ice Cream Bar, Trio and Amber.

The registration concierge B8 along Bonifacio High Street is located near the front of Coffee Bean Tea Leaf BHS Branch. Tell the reception you were invited through NomNomClub and Ivan Man Dy. Again do take note that slots are limited and is available on a first come first serve basis.

*Photo from http://www.ayalaland.ph/article/bgc_passionfest2010 used for event promotion purposes.

Have a fun and stomach-filling PassionFest BGC Food Tour.

Another adventure in Legazpi Sunday Market is set as they organize the first “Grilla In Manila” grilling contest and festival on April 25, 2010.

Although registration for the contest is already closed, you can still join us as we witness the actual contest this weekend from 8am to 11am. Teams just had their debriefing last Sunday. Aspiring cooks, chefs and entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend.

Here is a backgrounder on the contest:

The contest is open to non-professionals, foodies, student chefs, starting out entrepreneurs, etc. (amateurs).  Teams with a maximum of 3 members will be allowed.

a. The teams will submit a total of 3 dishes prepared in its entirety at the market (preparation and cooking time is a total of 3 hours).

1. Grilled Beef Dish – 2.5 kilos of Angus  beef will be provided by the LSM courtesy of sponsor Tenderbites.
2. Specialty Grilled Dish (choice of team)
3. Side Dish (produce to be purchased at the LSM by the team). Produce (vegetables, fruits, protein etc.) must be purchased at the LSM by the team on the day of the event  for only P200 (to be sponsored by the market). It must also be prepared in its entirety at the market (preparation and cooking time is a total of 3 hours)

b. Preparation and cooking time is a total of 3 hours. All 3 dishes should be ready for tasting at 11am.

c.  All grilling and cooking equipment, unless specified, will be provided by the team. No electricity will be provided.

Legazpi Sunday Market's Grilla In Manila

d.  All ingredients will be provided by the teams except where specified.

e.  5 gallons of water will be provided for each team’s use.

f.  Teams should be at the venue by  8:00 am.

g.  Teams must provide all cutlery, dish towels, utensil , grillers and any appliances or Ingredients not specified.

h.  Cleanliness and safe food handling is of at utmost importance.

i.  The amount of food prepared must be enough for:
– 40 small tasting portions
-  5  full portions for judges (plated)

Judging Criteria
Presentation/Visual Appeal        15%
Palatability/Flavor            50%
Tendreness                15%
Originality/Creativity            20%

Awards
The Market Griller (people’s choice)
The Grill King (overall winner)

For inquiries on Legazpi Sunday Market‘s “Grilla In Manila“, you may call Maan at (632)425.0851 or email Legazpi_SundayMarket@yahoo.com

The Venice Piazza‘s newly opened restaurants Kuse and Old Vine has a new alfresco dining promo.

Customers of both Kuse and Old Vine both gets 30% off on all drinks and pica-pica 9pm onwards everyday!

Kuse serves traditional Filipino cuisine while the term, which originated from the Filipino word ‘Kusinero’, means ‘chef’. Old Vine offers Mediterranean dishes with a wide variety of wine collection.

Among the pica-pica and dishes you could order for the alfresco dining include Buffalo Wings with tomato-coriander (P210), Hot and Spicy Dynamite Roll (P190), and Tokwa’t Baboy (P200), and of course, beer.

For inquiries on Kuse and Old Vine, call: 836.4966, 836.4969 or 0920.9243044. Email at larrycortez_chefsquarter@yahoo.com.

Tapella Restaurant will celebrate Easter with kids and family this Sunday – April 4, 2010.

Jump for joy and have a blast from 4pm-7pm with magics, mimes and clowns! Games and tricks, egg painting contests, balloon twisting, fun filled activities and loads of prizes await kids in the much awaited Easter Egg Hunt.

Tapella Restaurant Easter Sunday

Gather the most number of eggs and get prizes from Star Paper. Kids will be delighted with Dunkin Donuts upon registration. Spaghetti and other kiddie snacks will also be available during the event. For only Php500 nett, kids and family will have a holistic Easter Sunday.

Kids at heart will also enjoy a sumptuous Easter special starting from Php300 and delight in the comforts of Tapella’s serene ambiance.

Tapella is a Spanish dining creation by Gaudi located at Greenbelt 5. Headed by executive Chef Alexandra Cacho, the restaurant specializes in tapas and paellas with a wide range of salads, pasta ,dessert and wines. For inquiries and reservations you may call 7572710.

From a list of almost 500 restaurants endorsed and nominated by Spot.ph readers last year, the judges thereafter shortlisted the nominees. This lead to the announcement  of 13 admired restaurants in each of their categories recently concluded at the Nescafe Gold Spot Awards 2009.

Encore (previous Embassy Superclub) was filled with food industry players, food enthusiasts and the media for an afternoon of foodie glamor and tasty anticipation for the would-be winners of Nescafe Gold Spot Awards 2009.

Nominees, Foodie Enthusiasts and Guests

This year’s judges include Chef Aileen Anastacio, Yummy editor-in-chief Becky Kho, Chef Him Uy de Baron, award-winning blogger Franco of Table for Three Please, food writer and blogger JJ Yulo and actress Cherie Gil.

Ms. Myrza Sison, Editr-in-Chief of Spot.ph with Jonel Uy of NomNomClub.com Food Blog

Mr. Logan O’Brien, Consumer Marketing Manager, Coffee Business Unit, Nestle Philippines

Sponsored by Nescafe, online voting via Spot.ph ended last January 31, 2010. With more than 250,000 votes cast for 55 restaurants in 11 categories (2 categories were purely by the judges), without further adieu,

Manila’s Best Restaurants for 2009 are:

Best Japanese Restaurant – Inagiku
Best Filipino Restaurant – Abe
Best Steakhouse – 22 Prime
Best Delicatessen – Santi’s Delicatessen
Best Bar – Cav Wine Bar and Bistro
Best Chinese Restaurant – Shang Palace
Best Italian Restaurant – Paparazzi
Best Buffet – Spiral
Best Dessert Place – Cupcakes by Sonja

*Best Restaurant Chain – Cibo
*Best Service – Cibo

*New Restaurant of the Year – Lusso
*Restaurant of the Year – Lolo Dad’s

*Best Restaurant Chain and Best Service was solely determined by readers through mobile and online votes while New Restaurant of the Year and Restaurant of the Year were purely from the panel of judges.

22 Prime - Best Steakhouse

Inagiku - Best Japanese Restaurant

Cav Wine Bar And Bistro - Best Bar

Santi's Delicatessen - Best Deli

Abe - Best Filipino Restaurant

Cupcakes By Sonja - Best Dessert Place

Best Buffet - Spiral

Best Chinese Restaurant - Shang Palace

Paparazzi - Best Italian Restaurant

Cibo is the only one which brought home the bacon for two categories while Lolo Dad’s got the most coveted title of Restaurant of the Year.

I have tried Lolo Dad’s Brasserie in Makati where I met Chef Ariel Manuel but I haven’t been to their main branch in Malate. I hope to do so soon.

I shared these information earlier online on-the-spot during the event through my twitter, plurk, and facebook network accounts. Among my networks, Shang Palace got the most cheers which tinkled my fancy about the restaurant.

I want to visit Shang Palace very soon! Congratulations to this year’s Nescafe Gold Spot Awardees!