December 22, 2015

US Potato Safari 3 Vinta Bar at Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao Chef Vic Barangan

The United States Potato Board (USPB) Philippines recently held its third US Potato Safari in one of the safest cities in the world- DAVAO. The campaign follows the success of the previous US Potato Safari held in Cebu last year. This initiative by the USPB aims to promote local restaurants in the country while being able to showcase US Potatoes in the most creative and innovative way possible.


I was lucky to be one of the selected bloggers from Manila who embarked on a 3-day potato safari along with other media and Davao bloggers. I previously wrote about the first restaurant on the list which happens to be one of the most popular fine-dining restaurants in Davao- Claude's Le Cafe De Ville.

We did not travel far for our second stop as it was conveniently located inside the hotel where we stayed during our 3-day trip- at Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao.

We had our dinner at the hotel's Cafe Uno to accommodate our group, but food served was from the hotel's Vinta Bar- a cozy and classy place for great food, refreshing cocktails and captivating entertainment of jazz and R&B music.

Our dinner was exclusively prepared by Waterfront's Executive Chef Victor Barangan who gave a unique presentation of the culinary possibilities of US Potatoes.

Bacon and US Potato Roll w/ Miso Peaches


A simple starter but very pleasing to both the eyes and palate.

US Potato and Corn Bisque


December 18, 2015

US Potato Safari 3 in Davao- Claude's Le Cafe De Ville by Chef Claude Le Neindre

The United States Potato Board (USPB) Philippines recently held its third US Potato Safari in one of the safest cities in the world- DAVAO. The campaign follows the success of the previous US Potato Safari held in Cebu last year. This initiative by the USPB aims to promote local restaurants in the country while being able to showcase US Potatoes in the most creative and innovative way possible. 

I was lucky to be one of the selected bloggers from Manila who embarked on a 3-day potato safari along with other media and Davao bloggers. First on the list was one of the most popular fine-dining restaurants in Davao- Claude's Le Cafe De Ville.


Claude's Le Cafe De Ville is a French restaurant set in a rustic and charming heritage house along JP Rizal. Don't let the words French and fine-dining constrain you as the place was far from formal and intimidating. Chef Claude Le Neindre personally welcomed everyone and enthusiastically explained his specially curated menu that highlights the use of US potatoes.


Chili Potato Cheese with Shrimps


December 10, 2015

Cafe Sanso- Spanish Comfort Food in the Neighborhood of Little Baguio San Juan

Sometimes, meals are best enjoyed in simple places where one can fully appreciate the ambiance, food, and quality time with loved ones. We always look for what's "in" just to keep up with the trend even if it means queuing for hours for something you can devour in 20 minutes. 

Away from the bustling and fast-paced dining scene is a quaint litlle cafe tucked in the quiet streets of Little Baguio called Cafe Sanso

Cafe Sanso is a Spanish cafe named after internationally-renowned artist Juvenal Sanso. For those interested in his masterpieces, his works can be seen at the Sanso Museum just beside the cafe.


The place is ideal for casual dates while still having that private and romantic feel. The menu is quite extensive for a cafe so diners are not limited to just coffee, snacks and pastries.


We had the Bacalao Croquetas (P320)- deep-fried balls of breaded salted cod fish flakes mixed with bechamel sauce.


December 9, 2015

Fire In The Hole Spicy Noodles Pop-Up at Hole in The Wall Century City Mall

There is a new food concept that replaced Kwong's Provisions at the Hole in the Wall in Century City Mall. Fire In The Hole is a pop-up by Wrong Ramen specializing in asian spicy dishes and will be serving signature creations until the end of December.


The menu is limited to three noodle selections, one rice dish and one dessert. Customers can choose from three levels of spiciness: mild, spicy or flaming. 


Krispy Kreme Joy In A Can- Sharing Joy and Creativity, One Sweet Bite at a Time

Krispy Kreme lovers unite as the famous doughnut shop will tap into people’s creativity with an activity titled ‘Crafty Christmas at Krispy Kreme’ this coming Saturday, December 12, at their flagship store in BGC High Street. The event will give Krispy Kreme’s customers the chance to customize their own limited edition Krispy Kreme tin cans which can hold up to half a dozen doughnuts. 

Kumori Japanese Bakery- Christmas Squares as Gifts for the Holiday Season

Kumori Japanese Bakery celebrates a wholesome Christmas with their new product offering perfect for the holiday season. If you have already tried Kumori Japanese Bakery's mouth-watering and melt-in-your-mouth Signature Hanjuku Cheesecake and Toyohashi Pudding, then prepare your palate for something crunchy and crisp. The all new Kumori Japanese Bakery Christmas Squares are freshly baked cookie squares made with the the finest quality of Japanese ingredients. Each pack consists of an assortment of flavors: Original, Cinnamon, Green Tea and Chocolate.


Wee Nam Kee Philippines Celebrates 5th Year Anniversary in Ayala Triangle Gardens

Wee Nam Kee celebrates its 5th year in the Philippine food industry by going back to its roots- the flagship and original store at the Ayala Triangle Gardens.

Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice was established in the Philippines in 2010 by Weiser Co and Linfred Yap. They introduced Hainanese chicken rice to the Filipino palate, along with signature Wee Nam Kee favorites such as Cereal Prawns, Sambal Kangkong, and Sizzling Singaporean-style Hotplate Tofu. 

According to Linfred Yap, it has always been his dream to bring Wee Nam Kee to the Philippines, after first trying it in Singapore. At present, Wee Nam Kee has 6 locations: Ayala Triangle Gardens, Serendra, Alabang Town Center, TriNoma, Greenhills Promenade, and Fairview Terraces.

After 5 successful years in the country, Wee Nam Kee celebrates its anniversary by giving its original Philippine branch a facelift. The flagship store now has a modern, younger feel, but still retains the oriental style their loyal customers love.


Lydia's Lechon Welcomes Mr. International 2015 Candidates in Baclaran Branch

November 30, 2015- Thirty six hunks from around the world competed for the Mr. International 2015 pageant held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila.

During the candidates' stay in the country, they visited several destinations that gave them a glimpse of what the Philippines has to offer. They toured around the historical sites of Ilocos Norte and explored the walls of Intramuros. They were also hosted by Lydia's Lechon for a sumptuous feast of Filipino cuisine favorites at the original branch in Baclaran last November 26, 2015. 


"Filipinos are I think the warmest and loveliest people I've ever met." said Mr. International USA after being graciously welcomed by Lydia's Lechon's owner Mrs. Lydia De Roca.