Just a small rave about Cafe Macaron: Here in Manila, this is simply one of the best macarons you will ever find. There’s a fine, delicate way of making these gems, and they got it down pat. Delicate almond crust, giving way to spongy, chewy interiors, then a final sink of the teeth into the tasty fillings with flavors that taste so natural. I’m not sure how else to describe…

How to begin describing this essential nectar of the cocktail gods? Cointreau is nothing new in this blog. Quite a few experiments with doing the proper cosmopolitan and the overly underrated French 75 have yielded very special tipples where using mere substitutes will never do (Believe us. We tried. We have seen the error of our ways). Technically, it is a liqueur taken as an aperitif or digestif, but like…

So much trends in the Manila food scene over the past few years that people have even rated that Manila is one of the best places to be a foodie. Yet, one thing seems to have been neglected in this deluge of gastronomic concepts. The simplest of comfort food, the grilled cheese, has been vastly overlooked. Some people will argue that there’s nothing to change with the classic cheddar on…

The Cheesecake Queen of Manila. After some research, no one seems to have that moniker as of this writing. So it may be best to give it to the lady behind Indulgence by Irene. Time and time again, her cheesecake creations have constantly made it to the list of Manila’s best desserts. Starting with the Queso De Bola Cheesecake, and then that rich Tsokolate Tablea, and the current darling of…

Things really are picking up for the craft beer industry after that big Drink Up! Philippines event. People have a greater appreciation now of the bubbly brew and are now willing to explore the various crafts made by small breweries. Perfect Pint in Fort Bonifacio Global City is one of them, but this one focuses more on the local craft beer scene in the Philippines. Yep. Craft beer makers are…

Look at what came from the mail, courtesy of the great people from KTG! (For those curious about who KTG is, they are the group of some of the most prominent food and travel Philippine journalists and bloggers, and what’s good about this group is that they support various social and charity institutions of society! We are talking of visiting Yolanda victims, to charity dinners to get wheelchairs, to ice…

Did you know: Aside from Singapore, the only other country that has a Wee Nam Kee is the Philippines? Yep. Due to passionate Filipino foodies, Wee Nam Kee of Singapore has determined that this is the best place to test their franchise system before expanding to other places around Asia. With several branches under the Philippine arm, it’s pretty much safe to say that the brand has been received with…

Yes. It seemed surreal. This was shaping up to be something similar to that 650 Euro dinner at L’Astrance. A cognac that is out there in the market that has the value of rare gems. The bottle itself that is made from bespoke crystal makes up a fifth of its value, each bottle in itself unique from every other bottle that holds this precious Louis XIII from Remy Martin. Cognac…

There really is so much more to learn about French cuisine. Normally, people associate French cuisine with elaborate techniques and sticking to the classics passed on by world famous chefs, more haute cuisine (L’ Astrance, anyone?). Some people adore it, while some feel intimidated with the idea. Then that Paris trip showed how the Parisian bistro and cafes bring the charm of the city. Food is simpler, yet still breathtaking. And…

It’s a nice, sunny day to get married! That’s how Tagaytay in the Philippines felt during this June weekend, where it was off to a wedding of two very good friends who elected to have their venue for vows in this crisp retreat so close to Manila. And since the wedding will be finishing late and it would be too tiresome to head back, might as well get an overnight…

When the word “Lush” was being researched for this post, this is what Google gave as the formal definition:   And then there was the informal one: We will be focusing on the latter, particularly its use on the word “Lush Hour” Given some flexibility of defining this term, Lush Hour is now personally defined as a period of the day where you can drink as much as you want…

Yes. Sariwon, a Korean restaurant chain that has existed even before Korea was split into two, marinades their meat (particularly their bulgogi) mainly with fruits. It started long ago with a wife who loved his diabetic husband so much that she figured that the best way to create that same sweetness without getting the complication for Korean grilled beef would be to use fruits as the sweetening portion for the…

Let’s get the facts straight on this Filipino buffet: It’s in a hotel that is known for having some of the best valued buffets in Manila (one visit from before proved it) It’s a buffet by some of the most talented chefs that have pushed the boundaries of Filipino cuisine. It’s limited from May 13 to 23, 2014… … and eating here can get you a plane trip to Coron,…

Without a doubt, summer is on searing mode in Manila. It’s no wonder people flock to the malls more than ever. Serving as some sort of air-conditioned parks, malls in the Philippines like that of SM Aura provide entertaining real estate at comfort cooling temperatures. Still, some look for that extra kick in cooling down. Places like Bono Gelato act like some sort of beacon pinging out a signal that…

After that indulgence overload from Magnum Cafe, it was time for some meaty grub. It is quite acceptable to have desserts first before the meaty goodness after. Done that lots of times, and would like to think we turned out well. So one of the more distinguished food critics who joined us mentioned there is this little unknown shack inside SM Aura that is rarely visited due to its location,…

Look what came out of the occasional visit to the Rustan’s Supermarket’s liquor area: Casa Noble Tequila Tequila, personally, has always been a tricky liquor to deal with, as most of the exposure to this has been in the glorious youthful days where shots after shots are downed with reckless abandon. But something about this Casa Noble Tequila seemed way more different. Might have been the packaging. Now having better knowledge…

Some people have this question: How can one go to Baguio and stay hidden amid the quiet trees while not spending a fortune into country clubs and high star hotels? Well, there is this hidden gem near Mine’s View Park: C Boutique Hotel. It’s very specialized (or personalized if that is the more appropriate word), that it only has about 17 rooms. It’s quaint, and feels almost like visiting someone’s…

If it is starting to sound like a hard sell (this is, after all, the second set of raves about Gino’s Pizza. First was for their very first store back in 2012), then we seek forgiveness. But feel sorry for yourselves also if you have not tasted their pizza yet. This is practically as close as it can get to the old style recipes. One bite, and it’s like returning…

This is something that not a lot of people know about Canada: They apparently make great wine. Most people know only of the famous Canadian Ice Wine, but being exposed to a few more of what they are able to produce in their side of the world offers insight on just how blessed this place is. (Interesting tidbit about Ice Wine. They said the way Canadians produce it is that…

This has got to be one of the sweetest things to happen for Makati Shangri-La this year of 2014. Joining their ranks is a world famous pastry chef. Romain Renard brings with him about 20 years of experience, most of it working in Michelin-rated restaurants and world renowned five-star restaurants. His portfolio extends practically everywhere around the globe, from his birth place in Paris, New York, London, Dubai, and Florence….

The trip is finally over. It has been one hell of a ride, and a dream come true for En Route. It is one thing that we look forward to doing again. And it is all but right to share any tips on how to be able to do our Euro Trip. This all starts with being able to get a Schengen Visa. Note: This How-To will only cover the…

It is obvious that Rustans is not the main shopping destination of the people behind this blog as it was only this year of 2014 was it discovered that there are restaurants in EVERY LEVEL of the Rustans Department Store in Makati. Well how about that? You don’t even have to leave a floor if you need to get some grub after some laborious luxury shopping. But the one that…