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Showing posts with label Ortigas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ortigas. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
MARCO POLO ORTIGAS CUCINA: FROM SKETCHES TO DELICIOUS FOOD

I have no talent when it comes to art. I don't know how to draw and I still can't even get past the stick figures when it comes to making a family portrait. I was pretty much surprised as I heard that Marco Polo Ortigas was bringing in a guy that is both an artist and a chef.
  From PALETTE to PALATE. It was the name of the new promotion of MARCO POLO ORTIGAS CUCINA. 
 Rightly so because the chef is known for making beautiful sketches and drawings of his dishes just before executing them.
 Chef Ramon Antonio is one artsy chef. He creates dishes in his head with the end in mind. Plating and of course flavor and quality that comes with them.
 As you enter CUCINA, you get to see the usual offerings. From the carving station, to the on the spot cooked paella and of course the Salads, sushi and sashimi, and even a make your own pasta.
Because of this new offering, the fun starts. A twist of ideas is created when different dishes were brought out by the chef. 
For starters, he had some GINATAANG SANTOL, KINILAW BISAYA, and BIYARING. The Ginataang Santol is Bicol's version of a santol coconut dip mixed with camote chips. It has a tendecy to be over powering in terms of flavor so it might be a good idea of having this last. The Kinilaw Bisaya is a Cebuano styled mackerel ceviche. Lastly, the Biyaring is a Maranaw version of Shrimp Ceviche. These dishes aren't the usual types that you would see in the metro. In all my years of eating Filipino food, it gives me pleasure to realize that there are something more that the usual sinigang and adobo. Chef Ramon really outdid himself.
For the soup course, the BINAKOL would do the trick. Illongo grilled chicken is mixed with coconut soup to create a balance of flavors. There's a bit of saltiness that's flattened out by the sweet coconut bites mixed into the soup. This one is a must try. 
One of the mains that Chef Ramon is proud of would be the Kaldereta. Made from scratch. He did a little trick. The usual liver sauce came from foie gras and the blackened grain on the side is actually Bugas Mais or corn cooked in squid ink. This is just incredible. The meat is tender and moist while the sauce is perfect with the corn.
 For dessert, the chef also had a few surprises. Old school Filipino rice dishes were turned into works of art. Something that our grand parents would be proud off.
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From PALETTE to PALATE with Chef Ramon Antonio would be available August 22 to 31 in CUCINA of Marco Polo Ortigas. Lunch for Monday-Saturday is pegged at 1,500 while dinner is 1,800 Php for Monday to Friday and Sunday. Saturday dinner and Sunday lunch is at 2,650.

RELATED LINKS:
Chinese New Year at Marco Polo

The In Depth Staycation Guide to Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

MARCO POLO ORTIGAS
Cucina
24th Floor
(02) 720 7777
Meralco Avenue, Pasig City,
Metro Manila



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Friday, March 31, 2017
TOAST ASIAN KITCHEN: A Mix of Everything Good

When one hears the word toast, one can't help but think about whether it's in a celebratory nature or the breakfast kind. At TOAST ASIAN KITCHEN, its the former. Here, they honor different Asian cuisines with the right pairing of drinks.
Located in Ayala Malls the 30th, TOAST ASIAN KITCHEN and TASTING ROOM could be the ideal place to hangout and enjoy. To start one might find the GYOZIG or their version of the sisig gyoza and the Slow Cooked Pork Buns as excellent choices.
Not just that but TOAST also offers yakitori. It's served with either a soy flavor or a lightly sweeter version in the form of teriyaki. Favorite choices would be the shrimps and the chicken wings. On the side, there's garlic and sweet and spicy dipping sauces.
The meal hasn't really begun. Let's just say that all those were just there to entice the palette. A Chicken and Pomelo Salad was thrown in the fray signaling that more things are to come. This is a mixture of grilled chicken and fresh pomelo tossed in salad greens drizzled with coconut vinaigrette dressing.
To warm the stomach, the BLAKSA or Toast's version on the classic Singaporean Laksa was placed on the table. There's a bit of twist here as squid ink was poured on top to enchance the coconut broth. End result would be something richer but not too spicy.
Something to indulge on still would be the TOM YUM MEATBALLS. Here, pork meatballs are flavored with tom yum spices and smothered with its sauce and melted cheddar cheese. It's a bit spicy but perfect to go with any cold drink.
Then they started to bring in all the big guns. A must get would be the WAGYU BEEF with CHINESE BROCCOLI. The stir fried wagyu cubes works extremely well with the teriyaki sauce. To no suprise, this would signal the start of a need of an extra cup of rice.
Speaking of carbs, the Longganisa Pasta might be a better way of spending those points. Instead having just plain rice, this pasta could add more flavor to your meal.
I don't usually do this but the next few dishes would be excellent mains to get. They are perfect to share (or not) to your friends and family. These are definitely crowd pleasers.
Although considered as a small plate dish, the THAI BASIL CHICKEN POPPERS are just delightful. Bite sized chicken pieces that were deep fried. Nuoc mam sauce is used and fresh basil was added to get a sweet and savory finish.
One might say that it would be an overboard to get the CRISPY PORK KNUCKLES and the TWICE COOKED PORK with SALTED EGG FRIED RICE together. On the contrary, they are perfect with one another. The Knuckles are sous vide and boneless. Making it very easy to eat. The Twice Cooked Pork was seriously good. The Pork belly was braised and seared with honey and garlic. Adding the salted egg fried rice just made it more deadly yet spot on.
A definite classic the HAINANESE CHICKEN is smooth and tender. The sous vide chicken is not bland nor is it lacking. There's a savory part that will never go wrong with the rice. Speaking of the rice, it must not be shared.
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TOAST ASIAN KITCHEN and TASTING ROOM is a place to enjoy an afternoon or night away. Cocktails and drinks were tailored made to partner with the dishes. Aside from that, they have an excellent list of bottled beverages that would ensure a night of destressing and relaxation.


 TOAST ASIAN KITCHEN AND TASTING ROOM
AYALA MALL THE 30TH
30 Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center,
Pasig City, Metro Manila
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Monday, January 30, 2017
NADAI FUJISOBA: Japanese Comfort Food in SM MEGAMALL

For a Japanese Food Enthusiast, one has to take note of the flavors and the happy feeling that occurs after each bite. Surprisingly, it has been a while since I went to the same restaurant for two consecutive days. NADAI FUJISOBA did just that. It made me come back for more. There was something about the freshness and the quality with each dish they serve. I needed to have some more.
Nadai Fujisoba in Sm Megamall is the newest branch in their repertoire. Aside from BGC, SM AURA, SM NORTH THE BLOCK, you could definitely have your noodle and rice meal fix here. An interesting fact would be that NADAI FUJISOBA has over a hundred restaurant locations just in Tokyo alone, with some open 24/7. It just goes to show, that this is a restaurant that serves comfort food for the Japanese.
The main choices are actually divided into 3 things: cold and hot noodles,  rice toppings, and platters to share. When it comes to cold noodles, one could pick between the udon / thick noodles or the soba. The cold soba made from buckwheat is a crowd favorite. With a dipping sauce, you are suppose to eat this dish as soon as you receive it. There is a big different between the quality and the taste if it takes you too long before trying it out. After a period of 15 minutes, you get to realize that it will become soggy and soft. A complete turn around from the al dente and firm texture you may get once it is served.
In contrast to traditional ramen, the version of hot noodles in NADAI FUJISOBA is made with a different broth. A little on the sweet and savory side, it a great turn around from the usual noodle dish that we are accustomed to. It's a bit lighter compared to the heavy texture that the ramen broth usually has.
If you aren't into noodles, you may want to go for the classic rice dishes. Aside from having ebi tempura, NADAI FUJISOBA has other familiar yet delicious items on the menu as well. I suggest that you try out their fish cakes. Deep fried in tempura batter, it has a familiar flavor that you might enjoy.
For Rice Toppings, the KATSUDON will be forever in the list of choices. Basically, breaded pork with egg on top rice is served in a bowl of rice. There is simplicity here but the execution resulted into a delicious mix.
An unexpected dish that caught me off guard would be the BUTA BARA KIMUCHI DON. Thinly sliced beef is cooked into a savory, and mouth watering delight. It is a bit strong but the kimchi balances it out. It may not be for everyone but I enjoyed it alongside the cold soba that I had. Might be a worth a try if in case you get tired of your usuals.
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NADAI FUJISOBA is definitely a place that serves Japanese Comfort Food. The execution of the dishes are simple and straightforward that you won't go wrong with any.



NADAI FUJISOBA
Ground Floor
Sm Megamall Building A.
(The Mall Building near Podium).
Oritgas, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila



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Thursday, November 10, 2016
MARCO POLO ORTIGAS: LUNG HIN'S New Dishes

 There is a level of skill that is needed to become an excellent chef. Perseverance and effort also plays a big part in creating dishes that would make people come back for more. AT MARCO POLO'S LUNG HIN, a new executive chef took over. Expectations were more than met, they were obliterated.
Meet Chef Yeung Waai Hoi or Chef RAYMOND to friends. This guy right here has more than 26 years of Chinese Culinary experience. He has showcased his skills through an impressive and intimate lunch gathering. His passion in cooking is shown through using traditional ingredients and skill into creating something different and new.
 With great attention to detail, the meal started with some CRYSTAL DUCK TERRINE. Think pate with a gelatin top. This would wake your taste buds up.
 With a bit of herbal flavors, the DRUNKEN CHICKEN is also another solid start. The moist and tender meat is deliciously cooked.
 An eye catching dish would have to be the CHICKEN CONSOMME with CHRYSANTHEMUM TOFU. Served with matsutake mushroom, the broth is straight forward. It is smooth and unassuming. The dedication and the skill in creating this type of presentation just goes to show the level of focus they have at LUNG HIN.
 Another new dish at LUNG HIN would be the KING PRAWN with EGG. This steamed creation is surprisingly good. The egg is almost pudding like. It has a soft and fluid texture. Deliciously done.
 It was a surprise when the LAPU LAPU was presented. Deep fried and served with mango and sweet chili sauce, each bite would have the flavors of the sea. A bit crunchy on the outside but very soft inside.
The new dimsum dishes were crowd favorites. The reddish wrapped dimsum would explode in your mouth. As you take one bite, you taste a hint of truffle and different vegetables that created the stuffing. The chef, thinking ahead, do not use artificial flavoring and coloring. Everything is natural.
The SEAFOOD PUMPKIN DUMPLING is not to be missed.
 A little late for halloween, these pumpkin shaped balls are crunchy outside but has a gelatinous texture. Kidding aside, one is not enough. You might catch yourself getting the next one, then the next. It is a bit addicting.
To end the meal, FRIED RICE with ASPARAGUS and FIVE SPICE PORK was served. Not overly oily, this is a treat.
For dessert, the SNOW SKIN MOONCAKE was pretty good. Covered with matcha flavored mochi like wrap, monggo is basically its filling. One bite and you are greeted with a cold touch. The consistency is just perfect.
Food In The Bag is now in Facebook. Click Here to follow and like.
If you are into INSTAGRAM Follow me @foodinthebag.
MARCO POLO'S LUNG HIN has done it again. With their new executive chef, guests are assured of delicious creation and an enjoyable meal.

RELATED LINKS:
MARCO POLO: AFTERNOON TEA
MARCO POLO: The in depth staycation guide.
MARCO POLO ORTIGAS: The Cucina Buffet
MARCO POLO MANILA: LUNG HIN Chinese Restaurant


LUNG HIN
44th Floor
MARCO POLO ORTIGAS


(02) 720 7777

Meralco Avenue, Pasig City,
Metro Manila
FACEBOOK
Disclaimer: wrote this based on my experience. was invited to this restaurant.
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Wednesday, September 28, 2016
DIGITAL WALKER'S EARLY CHRISTMAS SALE!!!!

 Who isn't excited for a sale? This coming SEPTEMBER 30-October 2, 2016, DIGITAL WALKER will be holding their CHRISTMAS SALE!!!!!
 Up to 90% discount on different items being offered. Aside from that they have a few deals that are more than worth it check it out.
 Different items from BENRO, MARSHALL, BELKIN, CRUMPLER, URBAN EARS, TAMRON, LOWEPRO, and many more would be up for grabs.
Audiophiles are pretty excited for the sound equipment they have on sale. Cool and awesome gadgets.
 Gadget freaks would enjoy the different power banks and battery options that are on stock!
 Bags would also lure you in as they have as much as 90% OFF!!!
Food In The Bag is now in Facebook. Click Here to follow and like.
If you are into INSTAGRAM Follow me @foodinthebag.
"Let's celebrate Christmas earlier than usual at Digital Walker! All your favorite gadgets will be on sale at up to 90% off! Visit us at SM Megamall - Megatrade Hall 3 on September 30 to October 2."

 Check out DIGITAL WALKER'S FACEBOOK PAGE for more info and updates.


Disclaimer: This is an advertisement. Photos are not mine.
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