The Burger King Plant-Based Whopper is here
ON NOV. 16, Burger King Philippines officially joined the plant-based movement through the launch of Plant-Based Whopper — a burger that’s mainly made with soy proteins, but tastes like smokey, flame-grilled beef. The plant-based patty was made through the partnership with Australia’s V2Food. “What we are offering our customers is an option. Filipinos are such huge meat-eaters, and the insight for this local roll-out is to provide them with an affordable alternative to reduce meat intake with an equally satisfying product,” said Allan Tan, Marketing Director for Burger King Philippines, in a statement. “We’ve seen more developed markets making the shift earlier on, and locally, we see the Plant-Based Whopper as a game-changer, a revolutionary product. We wanted to be at the forefront of that shift here.” The Burger King Plant-Based Whopper is now available in all Burger King Metro Manila branches, and will be coming soon nationwide. It is available through Dine-in, Take-out, Drive-through, and Delivery (#2-22-22/GrabFood/Foodpanda/Lalafood). Prices start at ₱89 for the junior size.
Kuya J opens first new restaurant in new normal
KUYA J has opened its newest branch in Fisher Mall Malabon. The new branch is a milestone as it is the first Kuya J concept store to open since the country implemented the lockdown, making it one of the few restaurants in the Philippines to do so. The opening aims to help boost the Philippine economy by generating income and providing employment as the country pivots into the new normal. “We decided to push through with the opening of this restaurant, despite the ongoing pandemic because we need to help rebuild our economy by generating jobs and encouraging everyone to fully pivot to the new normal,” said Ton Gatmaitan, marketing director of Kuya J Group, in a statement. “Moreover, as we move closer to Christmas, we want to give families in Malabon better access to Kuya J treats which they can enjoy with their families during the Christmas season.” The new store will serve Kuya J’s best-sellers such as Crispy Pata, Lechon Baka, Beef Kare-Kare, and Caldereta. To ensure the wellbeing of the customers, health measures and safety protocols are strictly implemented in the store. The restaurant is at Second Floor, Fisher Mall, C4 Road, cor. Dagat-Dagatan Ave, Longos, Malabon, Metro Manila.
Discovery employees offer gifts through Facebook
AS MEMBERS of the hospitality community continue to band together and innovate ways to uplift each other, the teams behind award-winning destinations Discovery Shores Boracay, Club Paradise Palawan, Discovery Suites Ortigas, and Discovery Primea Makati opened Delightful Discoveries, a new hub for unique finds. Spearheaded by the properties’ management company Discovery Hospitality Corp., the Facebook group aims to provide an avenue for staff to share the small businesses and projects they started during the pandemic including food items, household items, handcrafted products, and other essentials. The group makes it easy (and safe) to shop for thoughtful gifts, while also showing support for the hospitality industry. Transactions are done directly with the sellers, who share their contact details in the group. “It’s our business to care, and we want to show our support to our dedicated employees who have done nothing but care for our guests, the company, and each other throughout these trying times,” said Discovery World Corp. President and Discovery Hospitality Corporation COO Jose C. Parreño. “We’re pleased that we can extend this platform to them and hope that this helps boost their business.” Visit www.facebook.com/groups/delightfuldiscoveries.
Starbucks launches Mobile Order and Pay in the PHL
AS STARBUCKS Philippines navigates through the new normal, the company announced the nationwide availability of Mobile Order and Pay on iOS and Android devices, a new feature of its mobile app that allows customers to place and pay for their order in advance and pick it up at any Starbucks store. Following the successful launch of the new Starbucks Rewards program, mobile ordering is the company’s latest digital innovation providing Starbucks Rewards members a contactless alternative for getting their beverages. Starbucks Rewards members can redeem rewards and collect Stars through Mobile Order & Pay. Starbucks Rewards members can also join the Starbucks Christmas Traditions promotion, earning e-stickers on eligible mobile orders. E-stickers will be credited to their Starbucks Rewards account, which they can use to redeem the 2021 Starbucks Planners & Organizers. Download the Starbucks PH app (via App Store or Google Play) and sign up for Rewards to order on-the-go.
Shake Shack offers truffle flavored items
SHAKE SHACK is now offering the Truffle Trio: the Black Truffle Burger (P315), made of 100% Angus beef with Swiss cheese, crispy ale-marinated shallots, black truffle mayo, and arugula; Black Truffle Chick’n Shack (P285), crispy chicken breast with black truffle mayo, pickled shallots and arugula; and Black Truffle Fries (P205), crinkle-cut fries topped with black truffle mayo, crispy ale-marinated shallots and scallions. The Truffle Trio is available for a limited time only at the three Shake Shack branches. They can also be ordered via Grab and foodpanda.
The Art of Italian Apertivo on Saturday
THE PHILIPPINE Italian Association, The Tasting Club Manila, and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines will be holding a virtual tasting, The Art of Italian Aperitivo, on Nov. 21 via Zoom. Each participant will receive a tasting kit featuring everything they need to enjoy this culinary experience in the comforts of our own home. To reserve a tasting kit and join the virtual tasting, register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWr22xopLRvg5CmpTCLOGPvMpfyej-Hlfzme4168efgtzOFA/viewform. For details, visit https://philippineitalianassociation.org/events/2020/11/21/the-art-of-italian-aperitivo.
Nobu Manila reopens
ALONG with its three hotels, City of Dreams Manila has reopened its signature restaurants at 50% capacity, following government guidelines. The latest to reopen is Nobu Manila, which opens only for dinner, on Wednesday to Sunday from 5 p.m. It serves its signature dishes such as Black Cod Miso, New Style Sashimi, Rock Shrimp Tempura, Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño, and Beef Tobanyaki, among others. Nobu Manila also highlights new dishes on its menu including two that infuse Filipino flavors: Nobu Manila Style Kurobuta Pork Sisig, and Green Tea Leche Flan with homemade mochi pearls, azuki beans and goma tuile. Tofu Sliders, Nori Tacos, and Tomato Matsuhisa Salad, are among the other new dishes. There are also new sushi and sashimi specialties made with sustainably sourced seafood. Nobu’s eight-course Signature Omakase, specialty tempura, toban yaki (Nobu roast specialties), yakimono (grille items), brick oven dishes, kushiyaki (grilled skewers), soup and noodle dishes, and a broad selection of sushi, sashimi and sushi rolls, salads and soups complete the extensive menu. Nobu Manila will be serving dinner guests until 10 p.m., and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The other signature restaurants of City of Dreams that have also reopened are Crystal Dragon, Red Ginger, Jing Ting, and Wave, all operating at 50% capacity in observance of physical distancing. For inquiries and reservations, call 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.
How about a book and wine for Christmas?
KNOW anyone who loves a good book and loves to drink wine? Receive one bottle of Prosecco sparkling wine (from Ralph’s wines and spirits) when you buy with the art book Diosdado Magno Lorenzo: Art Rebel to Legend by Alice Guillermo. The book was published by the Philippine Italian Association (PIA) and Tantoco-Rustia Foundations in 2009. The bundle is available at the PIA’s E-Shop https://philippineitalianassociation.org/e-shop/diosdado-magno-lorenzo-art-rebel-to-legend.
Hong Kong MX Pastries’ holiday gifts
THIS SEASON, Hong Kong MX, iconic makers of traditional gourmet pastries, offers a unique selection of treats in gift boxes, everything from Egg Rolls and Hearty Butter Pastries, to Mille-Feuilles and Cookies. All treats are made using the purest of butter minus preservatives, shortening, margarine, or additives. There is HKMX’s flagship product, the Original Eggrolls Gift Box (32 pieces), packaged in a classic tin box. The newly-launched 15-piece Eggroll Set (P450), has the treats tucked inside dainty paper boxes. Then there is the Assorted Petite Eggrolls Gift Box (P800) — 36 pieces in coconut, chocolate, matcha, and original flavors. The Hearty Butter Pastries Gift Set comes in original, maple syrup, hazelnut, and coconut flavors. HKMX’s Mille-Feuille Gift Set (P950) offers 192 layers of finely crafted puff pastry set on a bed of almonds that comes in a sophisticated gift box. These and many more treats can be ordered via Facebook (facebook.com/HongkongMXMooncakesPhilippines), Instagram (@hkmxproductsph), and the official website (doubledownimportexportinc.storehub.me). They are also available through Lazada (DD Hong Kong MX Products), Shopee (DD Hong Kong MX Products), GrabMart (Double Down PH–Cabatuan), FoodPanda’s PandaMart (Double Down Import and Export, Inc.), and select Rustan’s Supermarket and Robinsons Supermarket Branches. Hong Kong MX will also have pop-up stores at SM Mall of Asia from Nov. 21 to Jan 21, 2020, and at Eastwood Mall from Nov. 25 to Jan 25, 2020. There is also a limited time Official Website Order Promo with free delivery for minimum purchases.
SaladStop! opens cloud kitchen
ENJOYING SaladStop! at home is easier with its wider delivery coverage through the SaladStop! Kitchen and its newest offering of delivering subscription-based meal plans up to seven days a week. The SaladStop! Kitchen, located along Chino Roces Ave., Makati, is the brand’s first cloud kitchen in the Philippines, with a similar menu as the other SaladStop! Branches. Look for the SaladStop! Kitchen — Chino Roces (cloud kitchen) pin on your preferred app — GrabFood, Foodpanda, and LalaFood — and check if the location is within the delivery radius. The SaladStop! Kitchen is also available for long distance delivery through GrabFood and Lalafood. For curbside pick-ups (personal or via courier service), call the SaladStop! Kitchen at 0917-506-2494. SaladStop! is offering 10% off for those who avail of their first seven-day subscription, 15% off on a three consecutive week seven-day subscription, and 15% off on a four consecutive week five-day subscription. Corporate orders are also welcome.
Thanksgiving Feast To Go
The Grand Hyatt Manila is offering Thanksgiving meals to enjoy at home. The hotel’s Thanksgiving menu boasts of traditional turkey large enough to serve eight people, accompanied by giblet gravy, homemade cranberry sauce, roast potatoes and buttered brussels sprouts. Maple and cinnamon-glazed ham, Roast Mulwarra rib eye, and The Grand Kitchen’s popular Roast porchetta are also available. One can choose to take this feast home or have it specially delivered. To place an order online, visit bit.ly/DineAtHomeGHM. For bulk orders and inquiries, call 8838-1234 or e-mail manila.grand@hyatt.com.
