philstar.com - Food and Leisure

Mar 042015
 
Klub Teapresso brews a perfect cup of tea

Fit to a tea: Locally distributed by HKR Corporation, Klub Teapresso is a brand of state-of-the-art machines from Taiwan used to make fresh brew with just the push of a button. MANILA, Philippines – Locally distributed by HKR Corporation, Klub Teapresso is a state-of-the-art machine from Taiwan used to make fresh brews with just the push of a button. Its Teapressos are equipped with a patent bulk brewing system that extracts the essence of tea in seconds, producing consistently good quality tea with just the right balance of flavor, color and fresh taste. Its adjustable brewing quantity and pressure guarantees the best pre-infusion result; a patent multi-section pre-infusion feature makes it possible to concoct different kinds of beverages using an unlimited choice of ingredients. Other user-friendly features like programmable brewing time and 12 memory settings allow baristas to standardize the brewing process for each kind of tealeaves, thus minimizing wastage while enhancing efficiency and the quality of the beverages. In addition, tea extracts from the Teapresso may also be used as the base for many handcrafted concoctions such as lattes, bubble milk teas, ice blended drinks and even sorbets. Those thinking of getting one for their own teashop may choose from different models of Klub Teapresso machines distributed by HKR. There’s the Tea & Espresso Machines that combine the dual function of brewing tea and coffee; the Steam-Plus Bulk Tea Brewer, the total solution for commercial teashops equipped with a large-volume brewing system; and the 3-in-1 Combo Machines, a versatile Read More …

Feb 252015
 
The other Chiz in Heart’s life

Say “Chiz!”: Heart Evangelista’s heart belongs to Chiz Escudero, but her taste buds pine for Uncle Tetsu’s super delicious cheesecakes.   MANILA, Philippines – Actress and TV host Heart Evangelista reveals the other Chiz in her life: Uncle Tetsu cheesecake! The new Mrs. Chiz Escudero is Uncle Tetsu’s brand ambassador. The popular Japanese cheesecake brand recognizes Heart’s gentle, elegant, and multi-dimensional image as a reflection of the light, delicate, and flexible character of its cheesecakes achieved through a tradition of careful selection of the finest and freshest all-natural ingredients. “We are excited to announce Heart as the brand ambassador for Uncle Tetsu cheesecakes. Being a fine woman, she perfectly represents our fine line of cheesecakes,” says Walter Co, owner of the Uncle Tetsu franchise in the country. Originating from its Japanese hometown, Fukuoka, in 1985, Uncle Tetsu was named after its founder Mizokami Tetsushi. Freshly baked in-store every day, these cheesecakes boast a rich heritage of baking perfection with a reputation for being exceptionally delicious. With its unique flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth goodness unchanged over the past decades, Uncle Tetsu cheesecakes have found their way to China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan. It opened its first store in the Philippines in July 2014. Growing faster than any other Japanese cheesecake franchise in the country, Uncle Tetsu now has seven branches: SM Fairview (tel. no. 374-1339), SM Mall of Asia (831-8690), Alabang Town Center (374-1339), SM San Lazaro (831-8690), SM Bacoor (831-8690), The Podium (374-1339), and SM Manila (831-8690). It will open in SM Megamall Read More …

Feb 192015
 
Healthful diet proposal: Sugary drinks out, coffee, eggs in

A variety of healthy fruits and vegetables are displayed for sale at a market in Washington. AP/J. Scott Applewhite WASHINGTON — Drink less sugary soda. But an extra cup or two of coffee is OK. So are eggs. And as always, don’t forget your vegetables. A government advisory committee is recommending the first real limits on added sugars, but it’s backing off stricter ones for salt and cholesterol. It calls for an environmentally friendly diet lower in red and processed meats. The Agriculture and Health and Human Services departments will use Thursday’s report to write new dietary guidelines, due by the end of the year. The guidelines influence everything from federally subsidized school lunches to food package labels to doctors’ advice. Overall, the new advice doesn’t stray too far from the guidelines issued in 2010: Eat more fruits and vegetables and whole grains; eat less saturated fats, salt and sugar.

Feb 182015
 
Akrame’s creative, complex cuisine

Favorite dish: Raw lobster poached in front of you with edible black charcoal velouté Always on a hunt for new places to dine in, my husband and I were excited to try Akrame in Hong Kong. Recommended by a foodie couple that has tried chef Akrame Benallal’s cuisine both in Paris and in Hong Kong, we were amazed by the fact that the chef de cuisine gained a Michelin star within six months of operation at his Paris outpost. A second Michelin star soon followed and two years later he decided to go global and opened in Hong Kong — his only restaurant in Asia, which recently gained its first Michelin star as well. A great achievement for a chef in his 30s, but I guess being trained by Pierre Gagnaire and Ferran Adria does not hurt at all. Located along hip Ship Street, its nondescript exteriors blend in with the other new haunts in the area. The interior, mostly in blacks and grays, is quite minimalist and gives a sense of calmness — undeniably French but the feeling and impression is Japanese, somewhat Franco-Japanese, which in this case works out well. This union extends to the cuisine, in which you may choose four, six, or eight courses from HK$888 to HK$1,398. That’s as far as the menu goes since the ingredients may change daily depending on the produce they purchase that day, so be prepared to listen closely when they describe each course because, as subtle as it looks, Read More …

Feb 122015
 
Worst chocolates you should never give to anyone this Valentine's Day

Not all chocolates are pleasant, just like this chocolate-coated onion. Photo from Neatorama MANILA, Philippines – People who often give gifts always say that “it’s the thought that counts.” But in reality, that isn’t always the case. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to declare your passionate love for your special someone. So for those who are in a relationship, the hoopla and the pressure get worse as the 14th quickly approaches. Since there are just two days before the overrated holiday, now is probably the time to get going on that gift for your special someone. Experts say that you can never go wrong with chocolates, but here is something to refute their claim. These gifts are so cringeworthy, any girl who would receive any of these would crawl under a rock on February 13th and refuse to emerge until at least the 16th. Anus Chocolate Beef Jerky Chocolate Bugs Chocolate Onion Chocolate Peppers Chocolate Roses Chocolate Squid Chocolate Tabasco Chocolate Photo credits: Neatorama

Feb 112015
 
Love in 50 shades at Marriott Hotel Manila

MANILA, Philippines – This February, Marriott Hotel Manila offers a Valentine experience like no other. Inspired from the best-selling book series, “Fifty Shades” each of the hotel’s restaurants will feature famous elements from the worldwide phenomenon. Hold nothing back and be seduced by luscious treats you would never, ever want to miss. Experience a palm-twitching romance at Marriott Café. Excite your senses as you enter the “Red Room” filled with sinful and sensual desserts.  Have a bite of steamy culinary selections that are mentioned in the trilogy such as oyster, strawberry, cheese, smoked salmon, vanilla ice cream and more surprises. Get into the romantic mood from February 13-15, 2015, dinner buffet is at P2,650  and Sunday brunch for P 2,600. To recreate one of the sweetest moments from the novel, Marriott Cafe gives diners a chance to own the highly coveted Pandora charm bracelet, just like Mr. Grey’s surprise birthday gift to Ms. Steele. Temptation never tasted so good at Cru Steakhouse. For starters, Executive Chef Meik Brammer recreated an iconic dish from one of the couple’s dates – the Charity Ball. Ignite your taste buds with the Salmon Tartare with Crème Fraiche and Cucumber on Toasted Brioche. As for the much awaited ending, submit to your inner sweet cravings with, “The “Dom” a special course that embodies the character of Mr. Grey, tough on the outside but delicate on the inside. This chocolate dome, melts under a lovely chocolate sauce revealing a mouthwatering dessert composing of hazelnut cake, truffle gianduja and chocolate Read More …

Feb 052015
 
Gifts of Good Fortune at Marriott Hotel Manila

Marriott Hotel Manila ushers in the year of the wooden ram with gifts of good fortune. MANILA, Philippines – In celebration of the most important festival on the Chinese Lunar Calendar, Marriott Hotel Manila ushers in the year of the wooden ram with gifts of good fortune. Bestow wealth and tranquility to your loved ones with a luxurious gift hamper filled with Chinese treats such as X.O Sauce, gold coins and Dilyan Green tea for P2,000. For those who wish to share happiness, Marriott Manila’s double prosperity fish are carefully molded into two koi fish at 270 grams each, and are elegantly packed in red oriental boxes sealed with a golden symbol for good fortune. It is believed that tikoy or nian gao gives luck to both the receiver and the giver.  This delicacy is a perfect present for only Php 988 nett. To keep up with the traditions of the Lunar New Year, Marriott Hotel Manila is spreading auspicious blessings by giving away ampao or red envelopes. Enclosed with vouchers from Versace Jeans and Bric’s Milano worth P5,000 and Massimo Bononi worth P7,000. Dine at Cru Steakhouse and Marriott Cafe or order from In-room Dining and Tikoy from Java Plus from February 16-19, 2015 to receive your gift of good fortune. Marriott Manila’s Chinese New Year offerings are available until February 19, 2015. For inquiries and advanced orders, call (02)9889999 or visit manilamarriott.com. To join ongoing conversations, like Facebook.com/MarriottHotelManila,  follow @marriottmanila on Twitter and @manilamarriott on Instagram. 

Feb 052015
 
Date suggestion: Romantic dinner for two at The Nostalgia

At P1,500 per person, you can enjoy a romantic and luxurious dining experience at The Nostalgia Dining Lounge. MANILA, Philippines – Are you still in the process of planning the perfect date for you and your special someone on Valentine’s Day? Have you considered a romantic dinner for two within the metro? At P1,500 per person, you can enjoy a romantic and luxurious dining experience at The Nostalgia Dining Lounge. Created by French executive chef Jerome Cartailler, the romantic set dinner for two starts with a refreshing Frozen Bellini and followed by a light and tasty Seafood Bisque with Garlic Croutons. Next to please the palate is the appetizing choice of Chef’s Terrine, Red Onion and Mango Chutney with Freshly Baked Bread, or the Classic Caesar Salad or the Homemade Potato Gnocchi and Parma Ham. For the entrée, there’s a choice of Char Grilled US Beef Tenderloin with Alfalfa, Gratin Potato and Roast Shallot Sauce; or Chicken Supreme Filled with Mushroom Mousse, and light Gorgonzola Sauce; or a Pan Seared Macadamia Crusted Salmon, with Buttered Vegetables and Chardonnay Sauce. And to cap it off with either coffee or tea, the Fresh Strawberry Macaroon and White Chocolate Whipped Ganache and Superfruit Sherbet are sure to make everything even more memorable.  The Nostalgia is an all-new restaurant that also houses three themed private function rooms namely, Bohemian Paris, Cosmopolitan Shanghai and The Old Manila. Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: The special dining package for Valentine’s Day is available Read More …

Jan 282015
 
Madrid, here we come!

Dynamic duo: Chefs Margarita Forés and Myrna Segismundo will be cooking at Madrid Fusión 2015 in the Spanish capital This is the decade of Philippine cuisine, and one man could be credited for launching it with a big bang: Tourism  Secretary Ramon J. Jimenez Jr. He’s the one responsible for bringing Madrid Fusion Manila,  the Spanish gastronomic summit here, the first ever in Asia. Manila’s culinary world is abuzz with excitement for the forthcoming Madrid Fusión Manila 2015 slated from April 24-26 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. No stone will be left unturned in preparation for what could be the greatest gastronomic event in our history as a nation. This will be preceded by a large Philippine delegation from the government, media (including this writer) and private sectors attending the main Madrid Fusión 2015 conference at the Spanish capital next week, from Feb. 2-4. Not only will Madrid Fusión Manila 2015 be formally launched there, but also two of our kababayan chefs will showcase the wonders of our cuisine. If we have been collectively griping in the past about why Philippine cuisine hasn’t taken off internationally, this could be the singular event that could propel us to new stratospheric heights, surpassing all our Asian neighbors that have long passed their prime. I recall an interview by Carlo Tadiar (Metro Home, June-August 2008) with American author of Eat My Globe and Cutthroat Kitchen judge Simon Majumbar declaring: “I underestimated just how delicious Filipino food is. I can only say Read More …

Jan 282015
 
Splendor in the foie gras & other treats at Sofitel

Good food, good luck: The tossing of the yu sheng noodles is led by Sofitel Philippine Plaza general manager Adam Laker (third from left), executive chef Denis Vecchiato, executive sous chef Mok Chee Wah, director of public relations Yasmine Hidalgo, and director of sales and marketing Alice Jenkins. MANILA, Philippines – Fashion, fusion, good food, good fortune, love, and a lot more are on the menu as Sofitel Philippine Plaza romances Valentine’s Day, Chinese New Year, and chinoiserie (triple sigh!). We just couldn’t take our eyes off Patis Tesoro’s Shanghai beauties. You’re bound to fall in love with Patis’ “La Collection Rouge” for Rustan’s, featuring the dame of Philippine fashion’s signature handwoven piña embellished with a fabulous mix of embroidery, beadwork, and painting, all painstakingly and incredibly done by hand. Patis also spices up her 40-piece collection with luxurious evening dresses and her new line of up-cycled wear made of a mix and match of floral and geometric patterns. In love with handcrafted fashion “This year, fashion will be handcrafted,” reveals Patis, wearing her own exquisitely handcrafted Filipiniana dress. “People are going back to making things. In this time of so much trouble, you need to create, to do things with your hands so you can become more calmado. This is the year we’ll be creating things with our hands and our minds; it will be a good year.” “‘The Chinoiserie a Sofitel Manila: La Collection Rouge of Paris Tesoro for Rustan’s’ is a perfect illustration of our desire to Read More …