Entries Tagged 'Fine Dining' ↓

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!

Remember last month’s feature on ‘Food Spots this Valentines‘ with ‘All You Need is Lamb‘ promo? It’s extended until March 31, 2010!

It was actually a follow through of the successful ‘In Love With Lamb‘ campaign by Meat and Livestock Australia.

‘All You Need Is Lamb‘ encourages diners to make every day special with the “celebration meat.” Dishes made with delectable Australian Lamb can bring a festive mood to holidays and any occasion such as Graduation Day.

Lamb is actually versatile in the kitchen, it can be an alternative to the Filipino classics like Caldereta, Adobo and Inihaw.

All You Need Is Lamb

Mechanics:

Visit any Metro Manila branch of Monterey Meat Shop and purchase at least 1 kilo of fresh meat products. Every single receipt entitles you to a limited edition All You Need Is Lamb recipe card and fridge magnet set.

You can also visit partner restaurants and hotels, order two (2) dishes, including existing Lamb offers and specials made with Australian Lamb Shank or Shoulder. As a treat, you’ll receive a limited edition All You Need Is Lamb 2010 planner. Quite late for a planner this time of the year, but still doable. 🙂

Participating Metro Manila restaurants and hotels include: Annabel Lee, Lolo Dad‘s, AzuThai, Ascott Makati (Café On The 6th), Café Mediterranean, Cav Wine Shop & Café, Chateau 1771, Chef Laudico’s Bistro Filipino, Dinelli Gourmet, Gilak By Hossein, Hossein’s Persian Kebab, Shomal by Hossein, Hossein’s, Hotel Rembrandt, Ilustrado, La Régalade, La Tienda, Marriott Hotel, Old Swiss Inn, People’s Palace Thai, Persiana, Purple Feet, Sala Bistro, Sentro 1771, Highlands Steakhouse, and Thai at Silk.

Participating Metro Cebu restaurants and hotels include: The Tinderbox, Bistro Ecila, Don Merto’s, Fine Cuisine, La Tegola, Olio Steak and Seafood Restaurant, and Cebu Country Club.

More on Australian Lamb

The Australian Lamb’s lean meat is obtained from young sheep less than 12 months old. The sheep are raised in ideal conditions with lush, green pastures, clean water, and fresh air. strict quality and hygiene control ensures that the Australian Lamb is safe. It is also rich in protein, zinc, vitamin B12 and iron.

Australian Lamb is imported by Werdenberg International, PTC and Melbourne Prime. Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) is a producer owned organization that carries out marketing, research and development for the Australian meat industry. Through education and promotion, MLA seeks to increase the awareness of Australian Beef and Lamb among consumers, trade, retailers and food service sector.

Lamb Menus from Partner Establishments

Annabel Lee
• Braised Lamb Shank

Azuthai
• Gaeh Sauce Prik Thai Daem (P495) -Braised Australian Lamb Shank with Black Pepper Sauce
• Gaeh Kao Lea (P495) -Braised Australian Lamb Shank in Southern Style Red Curry
• Massaman Gaeh (P395) -Massaman Lamb Curry with Shallots, Potatoes, Peanuts

Ascott Makati (Cafe On The 6th)
• Red-Braised Lamb Shanks – Served with crispy fried noodles and roasted peppers and fried shallots
• Lamb Tenderloin – With fruit and mint chutney and pesto mashed potatoes

Cav Wine Shop & Cafe
• 48 hour Lamb Shank – Moroccan Spices. Garlic. Okra. roasted Vegetables. Couscous
• Glazed Lamb Belly – Saffron Parmantier. Roasted Eggplant. Zucchini & Mint.
• Lamb Ragu – Eggplant. Zucchini. Portobello. Saffron Foam
• Baked Lamb Ziti

Chef Laudico’s Bistro Filipino
• Lamb Kaldereta: -Stewed Lamb Shank in Kaldereta Porcini Mushroom, Sauce served with Blue Cheese Sweet Potato Puree and Grilled Vegetables

Ilustrado
• Braised shank of Australian Lamb in Barako-Coffee Cabernet Reduction with chestnut and sweet potato mash.
• Schnitzel of Australian Lamb shoulder with arugula boquet, Fetta cheese and lentil salad in balsamic-pesto dressing.
• “Bombe” of Australian Lamb Shank filled with Duck Liver mousse in Rosemary aujus, gratin potato and roasted garlic

La Regalade
• Roasted Rack of Lamb crusted with dijon and bread crumbs served with ratatouille and whole-grain mustard demiglace

La Tienda
• Caldereta de Cordero (lamb stew)
• Zancarron de Cordero Estofado con Crema De Ajo (Stewed lamb shank w/ Garlic Sauce)
• Lamb Shoulder Casserole Andaluza Style

Lolo Dad’s
• Pizza lamb Shawarma – Rolled roast Lamb Pizza with Cucumber, Tomatoes, Onion serve with Yoghurt and Chili sauce
• Roast Saddle of Lamb- Roquefort cheese Quiche
• Lamb Chops

Meat and Livestock Australia

Marriott Hotel (Marriott Cafe)
• Osso bucco style lamb shanks
• Lamb shanks Provencal with black olives
• Indian style Rogan josh lamb shanks
• Slow baked lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic
• Harrisa rubbed lamb shoulder with cous cous
• Greek style lamb shoulder with garlic and lemon

Mr. Rockefeller
• Lamb BBQ

People’s Palace Thai
• Mussaman Curry Of Lamb Potatoes + Peanuts + Shallots
• Stir Fried Lamb With Holy Basil And Fried Egg

Persiana
• Roasted Lamb Khouzi
• Lamb Kofta
• Lamb Curry
• Lamb Shawarma
• Lamb Chop Steak

Sala Bistro
• Braised Lamb Shank With Green Beans And Parmesan Mash
• Confit Lamb Shoulder With Potato Gratin And Ratatouille
• Lamb Shoulder Tagine With Couscous
• Shepherd’s Pie
• Lamb Kofta Pita Bread Sandwich

Highlands Steakhouse
• Lamb Cutlet Saint Tropez – Best lamb cutlet with Herb Crust originated in French Riviera

Thai At Silk
• Kae Mutsaman – Boneless Lamb Mutsaman Curry

Somal By Hossein // Gilak By Hossein // Hossein’sPersian Kebab // Hossein’s
• Lamb Kebab – Two juicy strips of charbroiled seasoned ground lamb
• Lamb Shish Torsh Kebab – Charbroiled lamb tenderloin marinated in a special pomegranate sauce with a hint of Persian spices
• Lamb Shish Kebab – Two sticks of lamb back strap cubes marinated in Hossein’s special blend
• Chelou Lamb Shish – Two sticks of lamb shish topped with saffron rice & tomatoes
• Chelou Lamb Kebab – Two sticks of ground lamb charbroiled served with saffron rice & tomatoes
• Pakadmaswi- One whole leg of lamb seasoned in Hossein’s special sauce charbroiled into perfection *Good for 4 to 6 persons
• Roasted Ribs -Ribs of lamb marinated in Hossein’s signature blend of Persian, Arabian and Indian spices *Good for 4 to 6 persons
• Shishlik Kebab- Lamb chop kebab marinated in a Persian sauce
• Lamb Steak-Lamb marinated in a Persian sauce, grilled into perfection and served with mushroom sauce
• Lamb Kheema-Ground lamb sautéed in tomatoes and onions
• Lamb Kheema with vegetables-Ground lamb sautéed in a medley of vegetables
• Lamb Palak-Lamb cooked in a special spinach sauce with a hint of Persian spices
• Lamb Bamia-Lamb with okra cooked in a creamy curry sauce mixed with Indian spices
• Lamb alo korma-Lamb cooked with potatoes in a light yet creamy curry sauce
• Lamb Curry-Lamb cooked in a rich curry sauce with a blend of Indian herbs and spices
• Raan Masala-Lamb cooked in Hossein’s signature creamy and thick curry sauce mixed in a mélange of special herbs and spices
• Mache Polo-Shank of the lamb cooked in a saffron and tomato sauce with a hint of Persian spices
• Lamb Kopta Curry-Meatballs cooked in a rich curry sauce
• Lamb Rojanjost-Lamb in a medley of bell peppers cooked in a thick and creamy yet savory curry sauce
• Malaysian Lamb Curry-Lamb cooked in a rich curry sauce with both Malaysian and Indian spices
• Thai Lamb Curry-A sweet curry of lamb cooked delicately in Thai spices and herbs
• Lamb Bhouna-Lamb with tomatoes cooked in a light curry sauce with a medley of Indian spices
• Lamb Vindaloo-Lamb cooked in a sour and tangy sauce with a hint of vinegar
• Lamb Dopiaza-Lamb with pepper and onions cooked in a rich yet thick curry sauce with a mélange of Indian herbs
• Lamb with yoghurt-Lamb cooked with homemade yoghurt and curry sauce with a hint of Indian spices
• Lamb with masala-Lamb cooked in masala with a miscellany of Indian Spices

Hurry, catch the ‘All You Need is Lamb‘ promo until the end of March!

With the Valentine season just around the corner,  Valentine’s Day promo are everywhere. And this article will serve to confuse you all the more – haha!  (just kidding).

Valetine's Day Food Spots

I actually posted a little survey a few weeks ago through a NomNom Club social networking thread and one of the resulting recommendation was Chateau 1771.

The Chateau 1771’s Lunch Box is available even on weekdays for lunch. The price is about 500+ according to the suggestion. This is actually a good deal given that it’s Chateau 1771 and it already includes appetizer and dessert.

Jozu Kin, Burgis Circle in Fort Bonifacio

Melo’s along Jupiter street in Makati and Florabel in The Podium were also mentioned. The Podium is a small upscale mall located at  the back of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong.

Jozu Kin along Burgos Circle at Fort Bonifacio is another. They serve Japanese dishes with a contemporary twist. The tranquil ambiance is also suitable for a private Valentine’s date. 🙂

Lolo Dad's Brasserie Valentine Music

Another alternative for those in Makati would be the Lolo Dad’s Brasserie at 6750 Ayala Ave. near Shangri-La Makati Hotel.

Although the price range is above average, food quality and ambiance matches it. Lolo Dad’s will also host live string music on the 12th, 13th, and 14th entitled “Strings Attached on Valentines.”

Check out Lolo Dad’s Australian Lamb dish as well where upon ordering two, you get a limited edition “All You Need is Lamb Planner“.

Lolo Dad's Australian Lamb

Reserve now in your favorite romantic restaurants! With the Valentine’s colliding with the Chinese New Year, I hope there are still slots/spaces for your dates. 🙂

Lolo Dad’s has gained its gastronomical reputation long before among Malate‘s finest. And now in Makati, foodies such as NomNom just has no excuse of trying it out.

Now in the form of a brasserie, Lolo Dad brings the experience closer to busy metropolitans.

A brasserie in Makati

Aside for the price range, Lolo Dad’s Brasserie exudes the same trademark quality of food and service at Ayala 6750 for about a year now.

“We created a Brasserie in order to give a more affordable Lolo Dad’s dining experience to the people,” said Ding Ayuyao, general manager of the Brasserie.

A brasserie is an affordable restaurant that serves wine, fine meals and beer.

Lunch Special Menu

With the holiday season, Lolo Dad’s Brasserie reinvented its Lunch Special.

At just P495 per head(exclusive of service charge), the Lunch Special Menu includes Mussels or Beef Cheeks specially prepared by Ariel Manuel himself, owner of Lolo Dad’s and Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secrets Best Chef awardee. This menu already includes three choices of appetizers, and for dessert, indulgent Vanilla Almond ice cream sitting on top of home-style banana bread.

For tapas aficionados, the Brasserie has prepared a tapas menu that won’t cost over P200*. Enjoy this delightful Spanish treat anytime of the day.

Lolo Dad’s Brasserie is open from Mondays to Saturdays at 11:00 am to 10:00 pm at Ayala 6750 in Makati City

Photo above (left to right):
1) Kebab of boneless Chicken Leg (with Garlic rice)
2) Mussels, Prawn and White Flesh pasta (in Chardonnay, Garlic and Anchovy pasta)
3) Stewed Beef Cheeks (baked with Puff pastry)

End your meal with a sweet note with the delectable Vanilla Almiond Banana Split consisting of Vanilla and Almond Selecta Ice cream with Banana bread.

Last night’s dinner was made of Yummy, figuratively and literally. Yummy foodie magazine invited a group of foodies, including Nomnom, for an intimate dinner at Tosco in Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City.

Tosco, Dusit Thani Hotel

And who would say no to an intimate dinner invite by a food magazine? It’s almost sure, the food would be great. And I was not mistaken.

Potato Sour Creme Soup

Potato-Sour Creme Soup

For soup appetizer, we had potato-sour creme soup.

It was good and creamy. The lemon grilled shrimp slices even made it better.

I found the initally served bread complimentary to its rich taste and I cleaned up my bowl to the last drop.

I think the leaves on top is tarragon – an aromatic Eurasian herb for seasoning.

Tosco Bread

Stuffed Chicken Breast

Chicken Breast with a Surprise

The main entree looked like a simple chicken breast but I found a surprise marinated apricot and orange cinnamon couscous at its center. The serving of rice is also worth mentioning with its citrus-like aftertaste and scent. It was something new to my taste buds and I found it pleasing. Stems of green asparagus lined the plate.

Couscous is a north African dish usually characterized by steamed semolina and meat; in this case chicken meat.

Chicken breast with Orange Cinnamon and Apricot

Trilogie

Yes, you read it right – it ended with ‘gie.’ The dinner was concluded with a trilogie of vanilla, red wine creme, and caramelized mango. It was the goodness of dessert times three.

Tosco Trilogie: Vanilla, Red Wine Creme, & Caramelized Mango

The vanilla was prepared light and covered with shreds of crispy barquillos. Lovely.

It was my first time to taste a red wine creme and I loved its softness with hint of strawberry. Although I think I’m alone with this conclusion since the plates of those around me left the red wine creme half-consumed.

The caramelized mango was, well, caramelized mango.

Although a combination of three desserts sound overwhelming, I surprisingly found it wanting. The three were all sweet but it was not overdone. Simply said, I cleaned the plate.

Tosco's Caffe Latte

And just like after any sweets, a good cup of coffee is always appreciated after.

Yummy Planner 2010

Yummy Magazine - December Issue

It was a good way of celebrating the holidays and the blessed year of 2009 for Yummy Magazine as they release the Yummy 2010 Planner and 3 new cookbooks namely YUMMY Meals in Minutes, YUMMY So-easy Sweets, and YUMMY Weekend Cooking.

The Yummy Planner 2010 is now sold in major bookstores at P250 while the cookbooks are at an affordable price of P100 each.

Their December issue is also now out with cooking tips for Christmas like how to have a delicious and inexpensive Noche Buena. They are also adding new sections to the magazine and website Yummy.ph. Something to look forward to in 2010. Check it out here.

Tosco Wine Bar, Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City

More photos of Yummy Christmas Dinner.

We also shared a good chat over dinner with fellow foodies Fran, Az, and new friends Oggie & Ferdz of HappyFoodies.com, among others. It was also nice to see Anton of Our Awesome Planet again and Joey of Table for Three Please, for the first time. It was a Yummy dinner indeed!