Fuego Mexican Steakhouse y Tequila Lounge

I could still remember how Chef Tom Hines left me in awe with his culinary creativity that blew me away when I first dine at LuLu Restaurant in Rockwell.  Memories are as vivid and as delightful as the succeeding visits where further improvement and menu development was very apparent.  When a dinner invite for Fuego Mexican Steakhouse y Tequila Lounge located at Makati City came months ago, mountains were moved just so I can fit it into my schedule. After all, it’s Chef Tom Hines new restaurant in partnership with businessman Mahesh Mirpuri.  I knew right there and then, it should not be missed.

Situated in the same building as KYSS bar fronting Makati A.Venue Mall parking lot, Fuego is more than just a place to enjoy cocktail drinks and socialize as its ambiance suggest.  Diners can revel in the restaurant’s innate energy as they dance the night away with the Latino music in the background while indulging on delightful contemporary Mexican dishes and steaks.  Fuego melds the charm of steakhouse with the elegance of an upscale Tequila lounge.

With its sleek interior, Fuego Mexican Steakhouse y Tequila Lounge has an atmosphere unrivaled for a Mexican restaurant not to mention a menu to match.  Chef Tom Hine’s culinary talent adds modern flair to the rather usual Mexican dishes that captures the pulse of both adventurous palates to the traditional.

The Linden Suites Opens Mesclun Restaurant and Cafe

One of the best places to stay while you're in Ortigas area, The Linden Suites launched its in-house gastronomical attraction called Mesclun Restaurant & Cafe last October 18, 2012.  Together with their top accounts, media friends and industry partners, the celebration was filled with beautiful music and great food.

The launching hosted by the lovely Kathy Manuel-Salenga, Director of Marketing at The Linden Suites started with welcome remarks from General Manager Lawrence Wee and resident Chef Katrina Kuhn-Alcantara.

“Mesclun means mixture, and the menu we created is a mix of local & international favorites.  Creations inspired by my personal travels and experiences and collaborations with my team of talented chefs.  It is a mix of what makes the old world classic & the new world refreshing.  We are  thrilled to offer the Ortigas business community and its residents, a different level of dining experience now available in the heart of Ortigas.”  Said Chef Katrina Kuhn-Alcantara.

The Lobby Lounge at Diamond Hotel Philippines

There are a lot of times when Diamond Hotel impressed me with the gastronomical fares they offer.  Their Yurakuen's Teppanyaki All-You-Can blew me away, Corniche was equally impressive, while the sublime desserts at The Cake Club Bonifacio High Street rocked my world. Now, with the recent opening of The Lobby Lounge at Diamond Hotel, I could only expect five star dining experience, and undoubtedly, they exceeded it.

Located at the main lobby of Diamond Hotel Philippines in Roxas Boulevard, The Lobby Lounge is not just merely a dining attraction, it's a comfortably luxurious abode for people who craves for satisfying meals and indulgent desserts. 

The place exudes sophistication without overbearingly so.  It does not foster an air of intimidation rather, it invitingly beckons. With its enticing contemporary feat coupled with welcoming and warm service, who wouldn't be teased? 

Wine Depot's Wine Festival 2012

Last October 13, 2012 I attended Wine Depot’s The Festival 2012 held at the main ballroom of New World Hotel in Makati City. This festival is in line with the celebration of Philippine Wine and Food Week that happened from October 8 to 14, 2012.

Wine Depot’s The Festival offers its guests with the best taste of the world through bringing in wine makers and gourmet experts from most celebrated brands in one venue.  On their 8th year, The Festival boasts of wine booths with 200 fine wines from 27 regions.  Gourmet booths that served variety of high quality cheeses, homemade breads, and Iberian cured ham were also present during the festival.

It was my first time to attend Wine Depot’s The Festival and I noticed that it has somehow similar to the usual food festivals that I have been to. Guests are given a paper bag containing a wine glass which will serve as their access to tasting the wines being served, a little booklet they called passport which contains information about the participating brands, an order form for those who would want to purchase wines, and a pencil they can use to fill up their forms. 

Papa John's Pizza and Big Time Treat

Despite several pizza places sprouting all over the metro, there are few favorites which I would usually go to whenever a mean pizza cravings would hit me. One of them is Papa John’s Pizza.  Known for using only better ingredients to produce better pizza, Papa John’s Pizza has been serving Filipinos with its quality pizza through its 13 branches all over Metro Manila.  

Since Papa John’s Pizza opened its first branch in Robinson’s Galleria on 2010, there are several occasions that I found myself not minding dining alone as long as I can have my fair share of good pizza with a serving of pepperoncini and garlic butter dip on the side.  But then again, good food are always best shared with your loved ones that is why Papa John’s Pizza introduces its on-going promo aptly called Papa John’s Big Time Treats.

Ang Mo Kio Singaporean Hawker Cuisine at The Podium

I have always been a fan of Singaporean cuisine, but with numbers of Singaporean restaurants in Metro Manila which I have tried, there are only few that really satisfy me in terms of quality of food and the comfort of ambiance.  That is why I am in constant search for something truly worth the money and time I will be spending.  Recently, I was introduced to Ang Mo Kio Singaporean Restaurant that specializes in hawker cuisine located at The Podium.

Most of the Singaporean restaurants I have been to carry prices that are quite steep.  While I don’t mind spending more than my usual food budget, it has to be something which of high quality.  Some of these restaurants are decent enough in that respect, while the others are just plain blah. 

One of the reasons why I am impressed with Ang Mo Kio is that it introduced me to reasonably priced Singaporean dishes made from the scratch out of fresh ingredients sourced both locally and from nearby countries. I do not claim to be an expert, but based on my preferences, Ang Mo Kio really stood out.