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Showing posts with label paranaque. Show all posts
Showing posts with label paranaque. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
CRYSTAL DRAGON: A Gem In Plain Sight


 It's not everyday that I get surprised.  Sometimes it could be good, often times, fantastic. But definitely, it is always unexpected. Rather than having something routine, you get to experience another level or dimension if you will. At CRYSTAL DRAGON, I was more than surprised. I was astonished.
 
 Through the looking glass, CRYSTAL DRAGON'S atmosphere is very different from the outside. Here your visual senses are treated to a stylish and contemporary feel. It seems you are transported to a magical place that serves delicious Cantonese and regional Chinese Specialties.
 To start off, different interpretations of the usual dim sum were placed on our plates. The CANTONESE STEAMED THREE DIM SUM COMBINATION had created an interplay between each other. The Scallop and Mushrooms had spinach wrap to give it a more healthier feel. The Crystal Prawn was fluffy and filled with small shrimps, making sure that there was no room for extenders. On the other hand, a bolder dumpling would be the Crab Meat and Abalone. Encased in a squid ink wrapper and topped with a gold flake, this would definitely bring good fortune.
 Making great use of what the sea has to offer, the kitchen produced the BRAISED SUPREME SEA TREASURE BROTH with FISH ROE. This soup was filled with texture and flavors that were not overpowering one another. The crab meat went well with the fish roe while the broth wasn't too heavy. Perfect way to relax the appetite.
 When the WOK FRIED TIGER PRAWN was set on the table, the sense of smell was lighting up. There was a buttery and citrus aroma that filled the room. The Prawn was cooked to perfection. It wasn't dry as one would expect. Rather, it was juicy.
 Something different would be the PORK RIBS with KUAR BOA. Served with Mongolian sauce and vegetables, this is a different take on fine dining cuisine. One could create their own sandwich from the pork ribs or eat it as is. The sauce gave the dish a balanced taste.
 
 A crowd favorite, you must order the HAND PULLED NOODLES with SHREDDED US FARMED DUCK. This course creeps up to you from behind. After one or two slurps, you get a tingling sensation at the back of your tongue. It has a bit of spice in it and yet you would continuously look for it. It wasn't overwhelming and was just right for this kind of dish. Using the US FARMED DUCK made it leaner and gave it more texture to bite on.
Dessert is an excellent way of displaying how Chinese Cuisine could be versatile and yet familiar to the Asian tongue. After the exquisite courses, the kitchen introduced two dessert dishes. The first one was the MANGO SPHERE COCONUT MOUSSE. At first look, you might think of it as an egg. One scoop in and you are greeted by a gelatinous, almost liquid treat. The coconut and mango greets your taste buds making sure that the flavors intertwine. The sweetness is precise. There seems to be a science in this as they created the perfect dessert.
 To celebrate the mid autumn festival, MOON CAKES were prepared by the Chef Bong. Not just any moon cake but SNOW SKIN MOONCAKE. These are actually healthier version compared to the traditional ones which uses more oil and sugar. Almost similar to mochi in terms of texture, three home made flavors namely: WHITE BEAN PANDAN, RED BEAN CHOCOLATE and CUSTARD STRAWBERRY were created. Out of the three, the Strawberry Custard stood out as it was tame and yet refined. The pandan was refreshing while the red bean and chocolate played well with one another.

Speaking of, CHEF BONG JUN CHOI is a natural. Being born in Malaysia, his Chinese Roots brought him back to China and into its culinary world. Being able to study, practice, teach, and even judge proper cuisine is why CRYSTAL DRAGON got him as their executive chef. Having a culinary experience of 39 years would definitely made this man a master in Chinese Cuisine. Believe it or not, most of the chefs in other Chinese Restaurants in the Metro look up to Chef Bong as he is their mentor and friend.
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CRYSTAL DRAGON is an exquisite example of a surprise waiting to be unleashed. Initially intended just for high rollers, this Chinese Restaurant is an exclusive treat to all the guests of CITY OF DREAMS. You could check out and make a reservation to CRYSTAL DRAGON here. 


RELATED LINKS:
Indian Food Festival at The Hyatt
NOBU'S Luxurious Sunday Brunch
5 Dishes to Try at the Cantonese Food Festival 
Cafe at The Hyatt: 2 Culinary Food Festivals

CRYSTAL DRAGON
U/G Crown Tower 1
Asean Avenue Cor Roxas Boulevard
Entertainment City, Paranaque, Metro Manila
Contact them at +632 800 8080


Disclaimer: Wrote this based on my experience. Was invited to try out the new dishes from Crystal Dragon.
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Monday, July 4, 2016
Quick Bites: Pastry Amoire's Emapandas

EMPANADA. Ever since I was a kid, I would always have some snack from my mom's bag. Hence, the name Food in The Bag. One of them being Empanadas. It's basically a whole meal in itself.
No wonder, PASTRY AMOIRE created some and wanted to share it to everyone. From the creators of amazing desserts, 6 different kinds of empanadas greeted me as I returned back home. BEEF QUESO PMODORO, CHICKEN ALA CREMA, PORK BALSAMICO ADOBO, SPICY SPANISH CHORIZO, SMOKED SARDINES PATE and SPICY TINAPA in TOMATO SAUCE.
I would have to say that I enjoyed the Spicy Tinapa. It had a little kick in it and was also a little smoky. In general, the empanadas were flaky and had the right kind of crust. It was actually filing and quite heavy for me. After a couple, I couldn't take it anymore. I would suggest that you eat them fresh and right off the box. If not, place them in the ref and have them in the toaster for a few minutes.
BUT, PASTRY AMOIRE is known more for their buns. I would suggest that you get one with the chocolate chips on top. Moist, and super chocolatey. Perfect to nuke them in the microwave or toaster then add a scoop of ice cream. Deadly. Don't get me started with the one covered with bacon.
Food In The Bag is now in Facebook. Click Here to follow and like.
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These empanadas would range from 65 to 80Php a piece. Of course if you order more, they give a little discount. On July 22-24, Pastry Amoire would be in BGC for the Gourmand Market. 11am-11pm at Bonifacio High Street. Cheers.

PASTRY AMOIRE
09478658634
pastryamoire@gmail.com
2/F Ivory Building El Grande Ave,
BF Homes, Paranaque, Metro Manila
facebook

Disclaimer: wrote this based on my experience. These goodies were compliments of Pastry Amoire.
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Wednesday, June 8, 2016
CAFE AT THE HYATT CITY OF DREAMS: 2 Culinary Food Festival


Variety is an important part of life. Nothing is constant and this is a good thing when it comes to food. This coming June and July, the CAFE at the HYATT in Manila would be serving its patrons two different and very distinct food festivals. The CANTONESE FOOD FESTIVAL starting JUNE 14 and the INDIAN FOOD FESTIVAL starting July 17.  
 The Cafe, located at the ground floor of the Hyatt Hotel City of Dreams, is an excellent place to enjoy and partake of good food and excellent service. Once you enter you are greeted and escorted to your table. As you pass the long buffet line, you can't help but wonder why only now. Cozy circular booths are available and even private rooms for the discerning guests. The Cafe is an interactive kitchen. If one wants something, they make it happen. That is what makes the CAFE special.
 
 Right from the get go, a barrage of appetizers are available in a huge section in the middle of the hall. Different types of salads, greens and dips are placed for your heart's content. Freshness is an important part so I was pleased when I saw a small wooden pot that contains different herbs that you could pluck and get right there and then. If you aren't familiar with the how's, don't worry as you could request the staff to make your very own healthy salad.
 
 The Japanese section is also impressive. Here, you get to ask for your personalized donburis or rice bowl and even pick a couple of edamame to start.
You get to have a choice of aburis and different Japanese rolls. If that is not for you, you could request for some salmon or tuna slices. Here, they don't served it cut on a plate. Rather, they slice it when you request for it. Making sure that the standard of freshness is maintained.
Aside from the different Japanese starters, there are an abundant choice of cheese and cold cuts ready for the taking. More than the crostinis and other delicacies, you have an unlimited supply of JAMON. This salty and thinly sliced pieces of meat is a joy to eat. Partner it with different cheeses, bread and some sparkling wine and you are good to go.
Living up to its fame, they have live action stations. One of the most visited is the pasta and pizza section.
Here, you could ask for any noodle dish you may want to try out. For something light, maybe an Aglio et olio which basically means garlic and oil. Add some chili peppers for some heat.
Aside from the stations that houses the cooked dishes like tempura or that amazing corn dog or even sisig, I enjoyed the fresh seafood area. Here, you could ask for the shrimps, clams and shells to be cooked based on your preference. Personally though, I like them fresh with a little bit of lemon and some hot sauce.
One crowd favorite would have to be the carving area. Here the HUGE BEEF is sliced and even other roast meat are served. The meat are so tender and the sauces so beautifully done, I am seriously drooling right now just remembering it.

Also part of this station are the different skewers, lamb, and other meats that you may want or request to be cooked.

Aside from this lineup, the different food festival would be able to tickle your fancy. You get to have more dishes to choose from. From June 14-19 the CAFE would be having their CANTONESE FOOD FESTIVAL. Chinese food galore.

During this event, the restaurant would be inviting CANTONESE CHEFS Xi Qing and Zhao Pan Fei to cook for the guests and showcase their culinary talents.
We were given a little sneak peak into the different dishes that they plan to serve and I must say the patrons of this buffet would be in for a treat.
I personally enjoyed the roasted part of the meal as they plan to include some pork, chicken and even ribs masterfully cooked into that specific Chinese cooking.
The following month from July 17 to the 24th, the CAFE would be hosting excellent Indian Chefs for the INDIAN FOOD FESTIVAL.
Indian delicacies would be served including Aloo Chat, Paneer Makhani and even kebabs and curries. Don't worry if you don't know or even can't pronounce the different dishes. I can assure you that they taste wonderful as the spices are all legit and excites the senses.
To end the meal, don't forget to browse through the long dessert spread and get from their soft serve ice cream. Also, kids and kids at heart would appreciate the different chocolate based goodies that their pastry chef conjured up. Delicious.
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If you are into INSTAGRAM Follow me @foodinthebag.
Again, I can't wait for CAFE at The HYATT's up and coming food festivals. The Cantonese Food Festival on June 14-19 and the Indian Food Festival from July 17-24. Even without these food festivals, I will definitely return. Hope to see you guys there.

RELATED POST:



CAFE at The HYATT CITY OF DREAMS
G/F HYATT CITY OF DREAMS
Asean Avenue Cor Roxas Boulevard
Entertainment City, Paranaque, Metro Manila
Contact them at (632)691-1234 
Breakfast at 1,188 Php,
Lunch at 1,388/1,488/1,988, 
Dinner at 1,888/1,988 Php Nett.

P.S.
In case you guys want a glass of Iced Tea. Mention the promo code CIT1701-H and follow/like all the social media accounts of @hyattcityofdreamsmanila / @hyattcodmanila
Disclaimer: was invited to this event. Wrote this based on my experience.
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