RAIN AND THE DIN TAI FUNG PHILIPPINES KIDDIE CLUB

              Perhaps the most famous Xiao Long Bao restaurant in the world, is Din Tai Fung. In fact in can be argued that it is the most famous restaurant to come from Taiwan, and despite the numerous food choices available, no trip to Taipei is complete without visiting Din Tai Fung. 

            This rings true even for a foodie such as myself, because I found myself at Taipei late last year, and despite there being two branches of Din Tai Fung in Metro Manila, my friends and I found it mandatory to visit the branch near Yong Kang Street. 

           Rina and I got word of a new promo that Din Tai Fung Philippines came out with that was perfect for Rain, so we thought we would take her to the branch at Bonifacio Square so she could get her fill of her favorite Shao Mai and Xia Long Bao, and earn prizes at the same time with her Din Tai Fung Kiddie Club Passport! 

HOTEL JEN MANILA: WHERE YOU CAN LEAVE BORING BEHIND

          Without a doubt, the Philippines is still a third world country, but you'd never know it from the wide range of internationally renowned luxury hotels scattered around the metropolis. One such hotel often gets lost in the shuffle of the high profiles names is Hotel Jen. Being part of the Shangri-la group, one of the biggest names in hospitality world wide, it's clear to see why Hotel Jen can easily be overshadowed by its higher profile sister companies, but when you cut to the heart of it, when it comes to service and accomodations, Hotel Jen Manila can actually stand side by side with the best in the country today!

MAMA LOU'S: THE LOVE SPREADS TO AYALA MALLS AT THE 30TH!

            One of my favorite success stories, is that of Mama Lou's. From a humble eatery running out of a family household, to one of the most popular Italian restaurant chains in the country today. I was quite relieved that they opened a branch at UP Town Center, since I'm rarely down South. But my friends at Mama Lou's ended up doing me one better. Just a couple of months ago, Mama Lou's opened yet another branch, this time just a few minutes away from my office, at the recently opened Ayala Malls at the 30th in Pasig! 

FIRESIDE IGNITING BONIFACIO HIGH STREET

          I absolutely love the work of Chef Chiloy Santos, the man behind institutions such as Tender Bob's, Kettle and Fireside. I am a fan of American Cuisine, and Chef Chiloy admittedly draws a lot of his inspiration from his travels around the United States. When his latest concept, "Fireside by Kettle" opened at SM Mega Fashion Hall a couple of years ago, I made sure to be there on the first week that it opened with my family to celebrate my birthday. Since then, I've been back a few more times, and each time I've visited, the food has remained consistent, with the food getting better and better each time. 

           The success of the Megamall branch has led to an inevitable expansion, this time at Bonifacio High Street.            

GOING GRINGO: AYALA MALLS AT THE 30TH

         It's not often a restaurant explodes into the scene, and becomes a force to be reckoned with in a little over a year. But that's exactly what Gringo did. After opening their first branch at SM North Edsa in 2016, Gringo now has eight branches scattered across Metro Manila, giving foodie lovers a glimpse of those South Western/Latin flavors that is made with passion and love!

THE ANSWER: ANY ANY AT HOLE IN THE WALL

         I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't tried Your Local yet (I'm rarely ever in Makati, but still, no excuses 😓), but Chef Nicco's reputation from there was he was indeed a chef on the rise. His work with Hey Handsome was the stamp of reaffirmation that the hype around this talented chef was legitimate.  

         It took a few bites from his dishes at Hey Handsome for me to quickly realize that this is one incredibly talented Chef. You see, being a picky eater and all makes me rather adverse to trying ingredients that I'm not familiar with.

       Any Any is a new addition to the Hole In The Wall food paradise, and Chef Nicco takes Malaysia staples Roti and Nasi Lemak, and elevates them to all new heights!