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Showing posts with label conrad hotel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label conrad hotel. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
GEN KOREAN BBQ HOUSE NOW OPEN IN MANILA

 Inhale exhale. Imagine the smell of meat being grilled. Each with their own distinct aroma and flavor. That is what GEN KOREAN BBQ HOUSE is all about. Serving different types of premium meat that is best cooked with the grill and eaten KOREAN STYLE.
 Located along SM BY THE WAY and just in front of CONRAD HOTEL, this has got to be the biggest Korean Grill Buffet I have ever been to. With almost 500 seating capacity, it's no joke to keep the place in tip top shape. Hailing from the United States, GEN KOREAN BBQ HOUSE is a classic example of a restaurant that mixes and creates a fusion between culture.
 Right from the get go, guests are given the chance to choose different types of meat. To avoid cross contamination, you could only get a few at a time. It's also to ensure that everyone gets to maximize the food without spoilage. Don't worry though as you could ask for as many refills as you want. Around lunch, 25 dishes are available with a rate of 798++ Php per person. Weekends, holidays, and dinner would have 35 dishes available but at a cost of 1288++ Php.
 Some might argue that it's a bit too much but with all the premium meat that they offer, it's a bargain.
 
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The staff would gladly help and even recommend on how to cook the dishes and what the best sellers are. In all honesty, it was quite a mouthful pronouncing all the dishes. Thankfully, the menu has a description of each. The marinated pork belly and even the premium steak are a hit with the patrons. If you're more adventurous, you could go for the intestine and a pork belly marinated in red wine. Furthermore, they even have some cooked dishes for you try out.
To maximize the flavor of the meat, it's best to mix it with all the unlimited banchan or Korean appetizers served around the table. Going with the lettuce salad and the kimchi works pretty well. A couple of things to keep in mind though: bring an extra shirt just because you might smell a bit from all of the cooking; bring an empty stomach.





GEN KOREAN BBQ HOUSE
BUILDING J. SM BY THE BAY,
Seaside Boulevard, Mall of Asia Complex,
Pasay City, Metro Manila.

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Monday, March 6, 2017
BAKER & COOK and PLANK: S MAISON'S BREAD FEST OVERLOAD

 An important component of any pizza would be its dough. At PLANK, they take pride in what they have developed. Here they create a chewy yet filling type of pizza that has different variants.
 But I'm getting ahead of myself. Located on the ground floor of S MAISON MALL, just underneath CONRAD HOTEL, would be BAKER & COOK and PLANK. Both are owned by the Bistro group and has partnered with the SINGAPOREAN BAKERY.
Here, creations of Dean Brettschneider are served and made fresh daily. To ensure that nothing is wasted, the baked goodies are put on sale as early as 8am. Come night time at around 9pm, the remaining products are sold at a percentage off.
 Aside from a hot cup of joe, the BAKER & COOK has some traditional pastries that are elevated to produce exceptional works of art. One could mix and match one another and would make you a happy camper.
 
If you're into something more of a heavy meal, PLANK got you covered. PLANK specializes with SOURDOUGH PIZZA. Here, they have a number of creations to entice you along with different entrees.
 Just in case pizza is not your main go to dish, you may also want to try out their roasted chicken and their ribs.
 The chicken is marinated to perfection. Different herbs and spices were used to have the guest enjoy everything on the plate. Furthermore, the ribs were masterfully done. Very tender and moist, each bite would tell you to get some more. The sweet and savory flavors blends well in the mouth. For sauce lovers, it might be prudent to ask for extra on the side.
PIZZA is a religion for PLANK. Here they create SOURDOUGH variants with different toppings. If you're craving for an artist interpretation of a pizza, you may want to visit them up.
 Meat lovers would enjoy the parma ham topped pizza (6). Partnered with some arugula and a tomato paste base, you won't go wrong with this one. For someone feeling healthy, the Mushroom Pizza (7) might do the trick. Containing different types of mushroom and spices, there is a subtle taste of umami with all the flavors.

 A surprise favorite though would be the BBQ Chicken Pizza (4). This one is also topped with Strawberry compote. Brie worked well with the bbq flavor.
Just in case you're a bit on the seafood side, the SHRIMPS and SALMON pizza would be for you (3). Littered with smoked salmon and capers, there is a bit of contrasting flavors which you would definitely enjoy.

RELATED LINKS:

BAKER & COOK // PLANK
G/F S MAISON MALL
CONRAD HOTEL
Mall of Asia, Pasay City,
Metro Manila


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Tuesday, February 21, 2017
PARADISE DYNASTY in S MAISON: Returning for Other Dishes.

 For some, the main reason why PARADISE DYNASTY is so popular would be that they're the first and only place in Manila that offers 8 different flavor XIAO LONG BAO in one basket. Being able to try the restaurant in SINGAPORE (see here: Paradise Dynasty: Legend of Xiao Long Bao in Ion Orchard, SINGAPORE) , made me quite happy. As such, when they opened a branch here in Manila, I have been to the place multiple times.
 Located in S MAISON, PARADISE DYNASTY offers comfort, ambiance and straight to the point service. The food is simple and executed rather well. Popular items like the RADDISH PASTRY is a must order just like all the other items I've tried before. When I visited them for one of their press lunches, the best sellers were introduced. (see here: PARADISE DYNASTY NOW IN MANILA: Definitely Delicious)
This time around, other dishes that were not brought out back then were presented. You see, PARADISE DYNASTY has a lot in its menu. You won't go wrong with any that you pick.
For starters, one could try out the PAN-FRIED SHANGHAI PORK BUN. Reminisce of Fried Siopao, there is a crisp bottom layer while the insides were hot and delicious.
 To prepare our stomachs, appetizers like the Chilled Tofu with Century Egg and the Chilled Jellyfish and Seafood in Vinaigrette were served.
 The TOFU had a firm body but was almost pudding like. It wasn't complicated but was delicious. The jellyfish gave out a bit of bite. One would think that the texture would be a little slippery but it wasn't. There was consistency with each strand.
 Unknown to many, PARADISE DYNASTY has a number of noodle dishes. One of them would be the Stir-Fried LA MIAN with shredded pork and black fungus. Very distinct and umami filled, this noodle is a perfect substitute for rice. For me though, I can eat it with rice.
 Another no-frills dish would be the Stir-Fried Beef with Scallions. The meat is tender and rightfully so. To execute such a dish might be trivial to some but the technique and preparations used were evident with the product.
To end the meal, try a Glutinous rice ball topped with grated peanuts. There's a little sesame surprise in the middle. Tasty.

RELATED LINKS:
BIJIN NABE BY TSUKADA NOJO: HEALTHY LIVING
CHINA BLUE: A Notch above the rest. Conrad Hotel Manila

PARADISE DYNASTY: S MAISON'S GO TO CHINESE RESTAURANT
PARADISE DYNASTY in SINGAPORE: The Legend of Xiao Long Bao



PARADISE DYNASTY
2nd level
S Maison Mall,
Pasay, Metro Manila

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Tuesday, December 27, 2016
BIJIN NABE by TSUKADA NOJO in MANILA: Time for Something Healthy


Sometimes more than just taste, food must also be full of nutrition and good for our health too. At BIJIN NABE in S MAISON, they aim to provide collagen filled hotpot that is perfect for our skin and digestive system.
Located on the 2nd floor of S MAISON MALL / CONRAD HOTEL in Pasay, BIJIN NABE by TSUKADA NOJO is a well known brand from Japan and Singapore.
More than just hotpot, they also offer delicious side dishes that accompany the collagen filled soup.
 One could start with the FRIED EGGPLANT. These babies are their healthy version of fries. Almost like potatoes, you won't distinguish between the two texture wise. Very nice way to start the meal.
Cooked to perfection, the CHICKEN NANBAN is a dish that originated from MIYAZAKI. Partnered with homemade tar tar sauce, it wasn't overwhelming and goes well with plain rice. You won't feel that rancid oil flavor here.

Another crowd favorite would be the NIKUMAKI ONIGIRI. These are rice balls wrapped with pork and baked with a special soy sauce. Some would like it with cheese on top but having some Yuzu-Mayo also works.

The main dish of this restaurant though would be the GOLDEN COLLAGEN CHICKEN SOUP. Imported from overseas, a pot is good for one to two persons. Made from Jidori Chicken that is stewed for 18 hours, the broth is both light and healthy.After trying out the broth in its simplest form, the staff would assist the guests by adding more toppings and meat into the hot pot. By putting in different organic vegetables, seafood, and meat, the flavors are absorb and it becomes a bit sweeter.

If it becomes a little too overwhelming or repetitive, you are given different sauces like the yuzu kosho to give everything more depth.
Patrons are also asked for your preference with what type of noodles will be added. You could pick from three choices, egg noodles, thick ones and rice noodles.

Granted that 750Php is a bit too much for two persons, you may want to go in a group so that you could try other dishes as well.
The soup may not be for everybody but the side dishes and other items on the menu are definitely must try when visiting BIJIN NABE by TSUKADA NOJO.



BIJIN NABE by TSUKADA NOJO
2nd Floor S MAISON MALL,
Conrad Hotel, Pasay City, Metro Manila
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Disclaimer:Visited on my own. Paid for my meal. Wrote this based on my experience.
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Thursday, December 15, 2016
PARADISE DYNASTY in S MAISON: Definitely Delicious

I have been waiting for this since ever. I have heard the news and doubted it. Thankfully, I was  wrong. PARADISE DYNASTY is now in MANILA.
Ever since I tried Paradise Dynasty in Singapore a few years back which you can check out here, I prayed for it to open one at home. Although quite far from my place of residence, PARADISE DYNASTY is located in S MAISON MALL down south and is worth the trip.
First things first. If this is your maiden visit to PARADISE DYNASTY, try their 8 flavored XLB set. Here, you will be able to distinguish what you like and what you won't get on your return visit. Personally, the FOIE GRAS and the CRAB ROE are the best flavors.
More than just XLB, PARADISE DYNASTY has a diverse menu that is quite reasonable and priced almost the same as its competitors.
One could start with something healthy just to get rid of the guilt.
 This rolled leafy green vegetable salad is partnered with a peanut sesame dip. Perfect for those that want healthy grab and go options.
 For something more traditional, the PORK DUMPLING with chili vinaigrette might be for you. Believe it or not, the sauce isn't too much that it's tolerable for anyone.
Something light, the chilled PORK with minced garlic and soya sauce is ideal. Perfect to prepare you on your culinary journey.
A crowd favorite, the steamed glutinous rice is stuffed in red dates. It's quite sweet yet it gives off a taste that could play with the flavors in your mouth.
If there was one dish, other than the XLB, to try, it would be the RADISH PASTRY.
Cooked to perfection and executed extremely well, this pastry is crunchy outside yet steaming hot inside. The radish strips are delightful and the shell delicious as well.
The DOUBLE BOILED CHICKEN SOUP was just an okay dish for me. You could skip this in favor of other savory items. BUT, if you are looking for something light to warm up your stomach, this might do the trick.
Surprisingly the dry noodle, LA MIAN is a joy to eat. Being able to absorb the different ingredients and flavors, it is both savory and umami.
A bit different but tasty none the less, the SHREDDED PORK in BLACK BEAN SAUCE is the right snack for pecking duck lovers. This is consumed by wrapping it with Chinese crepe. Just like pecking duck.

Others might find the SCRAMBLED EGG with WHITE FISH and CONPOY bland. For me, I liked it so much that I couldn't help but finish one whole order. The egg white was cooked in a manner that it represented crab meat. This dish was actually created to be similar in texture with crabs. The fish and conpoy flavors would equate to something seafoody. Hence, its creation.
Shrimp lovers would rejoice with the STIR FRIED RIVER SHRIMPS. Each one is carefully removed from their shell and can be easily eaten. Pretty light yet filling.

Moving onto serious dishes, the SPICY SZECHUAN CRISPY CHICKEN is perfect with rice. Although filled with peppers, everything is balanced and well thought off.
 For something more child friendly, the DEEP FRIED GARLIC PORK RIBS would work. Masterfully done, the ribs are tender and flavorful.
For the grand finale, the POACHED BEEF in  SZECHUAN OIL is not for the faint of hearts. The BEEF is moist and tender. IT has absorbed the pepper flavors. Be careful when ordering this as it might burn your tongue. Thankfully, you could ask for it to be mild. Just mind the peppers.
Surprisingly, PARADISE DYNASTY is very competitive and literally a joy to visit. The interiors and ambiance is way better than others and it carries a price tag that isn't as expensive as hotel restaurants. The service is impeccable and the queuing system organized. The food is delicious and is of quality. I would definitely return in a heart beat. If only they would open somewhere up north.

RELATED LINKS:
Paradise Dynasty Experience in Singapore

China Blue: A Notch above the rest. Conrad Hotel Manila

PROTIP: Order your favorite flavor of the XLB instead of the 8 flavors.
They have a promo for diners with regards to parking (until end of December 2016).


PARADISE DYNASTY
2nd level
S Maison Mall,
Pasay, Metro Manila

Disclaimer: Visited this branch twice already. One for an invite while another on my own accord.
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