Thanksgiving celebration at The Pen
CELEBRATE friends and family at The Peninsula Manila with a Thanksgiving feast and a favorite buffet. With so much to be thankful for during these challenging times, The Lobby will celebrate Thanksgiving with a three-course lunch prix fixe menu (P1,900, inclusive of taxes) and four-course set dinner menu (P2,600, inclusive of taxes). For more good news, Escolta’s popular buffet has reopened. Fans can expect to enjoy fresh pasta, grilled specialties, pizzas, a salad bar, addictive cheese spreads, calory-defying desserts, and more. Escolta is open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday through Saturday, with brunch served on Sunday (P1,976 for adults and P988 for children from six to 12). It is closed on Monday and Tuesday. For inquiries, orders, and reservations, call The Peninsula Manila at 8887-2888 (ext. 6694 for Restaurant Reservations and 7410 for the Christmas Store), 0917-557-8014, or e-mail diningpmn@peninsula.com.
Christmas begins at Savoy Hotel Manila
SAVOY Hotel Manila has a number of food and celebration offerings for the holidays. The Hotel’s all day dining restaurant, Savoy Café has a carefully curated menu of dishes from various cuisines which may also be enjoyed at the restaurant, and at home through takeout and delivery via Food Panda and Pick-a-Roo. If virtual gatherings are still a preferred way of celebrating or holding meetings, Savoy Café offers set menus inclusive of delivery to participants for a stress-free event. Another choice would be the hearty Savoy Christmas Trays which are platters of dishes delivered in a hot box. Try the Kare Kare, Beef Bourguignon, and Butter Chicken. For an alternative dining option that allows more privacy and personalized service, Savoy Hotel Manila has opened the Hotspot — a cozy restaurant nook can accommodate groups of 20 persons or less. Guests can feast on a five-course meal and enjoy the services of a personal dining butler. For unique gifts, the Savoy Christmas Hamper is now ready for pre-order. This basket of goodies contains freshly baked fruit cake, stolen bread, Christmas scone, pralines, merry berry cookies, and granola clusters with candy canes, soju and red wine vinegar. Sparky the Plushie is also part of the hamper. A large hamper is priced at P2,680 net, while a medium hamper is P1,980 net — they are available at Savoy Café for advance order. Whole cakes are also on offer with three special creations taking center stage: Savoy Mango Delight, Rhum Cake, and the Buche De Noel. To know more about Savoy Hotel Manila and its Christmas offers, visit www.savoyhotelmanila.com, call 5317-2869 or e-mail info@savoymanila.com.
Rémy Martin range in limited-edition coffrets
THIS holiday season, Rémy Martin is boosting the festivities through its Rémy Martin VSOP, Club, and XO, housed in exclusive gift boxes. The illustrated boxes show the odyssey of the Centaur, the emblematic symbol of the House of Rémy Martin. Each coffret comes with a golden key in the form of a QR code that opens the doors to special content on the cognac of choice. These includes tasting tips, food pairings, and a dedicated cocktail tutorial designed to match each product. The Rémy Martin VSOP box includes VSOP cognac glasses. For more information, visit www.remymartin.com.
Chef Ghaello Salva launches Dulong in Olive Oil
CHEF Ghaello Salva is taking inspiration from the Batangueño menu of his childhood. His mission is to elevate Philippine cuisine through crafting local dishes using the haute-cuisine approach. He calls his specialty “Batan-gueño fusion” because his versions of traditional Batangueño dishes are prepared and executed using French techniques. His latest culinary creation, launched just in time for the holiday season, is Dulong in Olive Oil. Inspired by the umami and salty notes of the dulong fish (silver fish), Mr. Salva realized that the native fish would be a perfect complement to the usual smorgasbord of nuts, cheese, and cold cuts. Dulong is abundant in Batangas and is characterized by its miniature size (roughly half an inch) and its rich flavor, and is commonly prepared as a fish omelette (tortang dulong). Chef Ghaello’s Dulong in Olive Oil is now available for pre-order for P250 per jar and P650 for the Christmas box set (which includes one jar of Dulong in Olive Oil, crackers, and wine). For more information visit https://m.face-book.com/Ghaello-112571936794148 or call 0917-817-1277. When serving along with bread or crackers, the chef recommends adding a dollop of honey to add a special kick of sweetness.
Malaysian treats for the holidays
NEARING the Christmas season, the Trade Office of the Malaysia Embassy is holding a Malaysia Fest in 46 Robinsons Supermarket and 11 GoRobinsons online groceries this November to showcase Halal Malaysian foods in the local market. These homegrown brands include Old Town 3 in 1 hazelnut coffee and Julie’s Le-Monde puff sandwich. Looking for halal holiday gifts for Muslim (and even non-Muslim) friends won’t be a hassle as one may find the following Malaysian products in a nearby local Robinsons Supermarket: Chinese Charm surimi and surimi-based products, which are foods that use minced fish paste or other seafood as alternatives to fish and others, reflecting the Chinese influence on Malaysian delicacies; Fusipim’s Rich Mama fish ball flavors and Everbest tofu-based seafood products; Chek Hup coffees and milk teas, and Old Town Coffee. Also available are Indian-inspired items including frozen flatbreads such as plain roti and paratha, a multi-layered bread with onions, and oil, and healthy, oil-less chappati. Uncle Saba’s Poppadoms is a ready-to-eat version of the classic poppadom, deep-fried bean flour dough. A former British colony, Malaysia still has a fondness for puff pastries. The brand Kawan (“friend” in Malay) has readymade pastry shells and wraps waiting to be filled. The lactose intolerant and vegans can enjoy the sweetness of the season with SoyFresh’s Hershey’s diverse catalog of chocolate variants. These are just some of the Malaysian products that can be found this month in Robinson’s Supermarkets.
Rico’s Lechon introduces new dining concepts
CEBU’S Rico’s Lechon is introducing new dining concepts in their newest — and biggest — store in Blue Bay Walk, Pasay and soon in Circuit Makati. Rico’s is bringing the Cebu’s version of dampa — Sugba, Tuwa, and Kilaw (STK) giving customers more options of original Cebuano food. STK at Blue Bay Walk in Macapagal Ave., Pasay, opened on Nov. 23. It can accommodate 160 people, with dining, al fresco, and VIP areas. Soon to come is the Merkado (palengke in Cebuano), the branch’s “paluto” area complete with an aquarium. Highlighting its best seller is the store’s own lechon roasting area. Starting Nov. 23, customers can enjoy two of Rico’s Lechon’s newest offerings — Boodle Feasta and Palayok Hotpot. Boodle Feasta features a fusion of rice, vegetables, choices of sauces, Rico’s iconic lechon, and seafoods. The feast is served in four sets, perfect for sharing. Set 1 costs P750 (serves two to four persons), Set 2 costs P2,500 (serving five to eight), and Set 3 costs P3,500 (serving nine to 12). Meanwhile, the Palayok Hotpot offers several varieties: Seafood and Vegetable, Chicken Tinowa, Fish Tinowa (Tanigue) or Seasonal Seafood, Lechon Pork Bone Soup, and Beef Bulalo hotpots. Each variety is available in medium and large sizes, good for diners, ranging in price from P580 to P1,100. Meanwhile, Rico’s Lechon Circuit Makati is set to open on Dec. 4. Pre-order for pick-up and delivery by contacting Rico’s Lechon Fulfillment Center at 0917-814-7648, 7799-0810 or the Blue Bay Walk branch at 0917-847-7541.
Jollibee launches Chick’nwich
JOLLIBEE has launched a new chicken sandwich — the Jollibee Chick’nwich, which is dropping in selected stores this month. It is twice the size of an average chicken sandwich, made with a 100% whole chicken fillet, double hand-breaded for crunch, sandwiched in a buttery brioche bun, and a special mayo dressing and dill pickles. The Jollibee Chick’nwich will be available at all Mega Manila stores starting Nov. 23 for P130 solo, and P175 with fries and a drink. It can be safely delivered via the Jollibee Delivery App, JollibeeDelivery.com, or #87000. It is also available in drive-through and take out.
Rodolfo Pizzeria opens in Makati
THERE’S a new Italian pizza shop in Makati — Rodolfo Pizzeria. Opened just a few months ago, Rodolfo Pizzeria serves classic Neapolitan pizzas and Italian dishes. “I put it up because I wanted to make handmade Italian Pizzas accessible to Filipinos. At a time where you could barely travel, having a bite of our pizza, always freshly made and straight out of the oven, will transport you to that Italian dream vacation at a fraction of the price,” said owner and chef Jerick Magadia, of his inspiration in launching his pizza shop during the pandemic. Pizzas include the classic Margherita Pizza, Italian Sausage & Pepperoni, Quattro Formaggi, and Pepperoni Pizza. Among the Italian non-pizza classics are Mushroom Truffle Cream Spaghetti and Italian Tomato Basil Pasta (topped with local kesong puti). Rodolfo Pizzeria is at A. Bonifacio Street, Brgy. Bangkal, Makati City, call 0956-025-4686 to place orders for pickup or delivery. The pizza shop is open daily from noon to 9 p.m. To learn more, visit their website at www.rodolfopizzeria.com and follow Rodolfo Pizzeria on Facebook and Instagram.
Over 3,000 items to buy in pandamart
WITH over 3,000 items from favorite grocery stores available, restocking a pantry is easy and fast with foodpanda’s pandamart. To order, tap pandamart on the foodpanda app and enjoy delivery of snacks, drinks, fruits, vegetables, and home care items in as fast as 20 minutes. As a bonus, there is no shopper fee, and there are deals and vouchers that are available every day. Use the code PANDASMART to get P50 off. The service is available until midnight. The service is currently available all over Metro Manila, Angeles City, Antipolo City, Bacoor City, Baguio City, Batangas City, Cainta City, Calamba City, Cebu City, Davao City, General Trias City, Lipa City, Malolos City, Mandaue City, San Pablo City, San Pedro City, San Jose del Monte City, Sta. Rosa City, and Tarlac City. More branches and cities are opening soon, catch the announcement on foodpanda Facebook and foodpanda Instagram pages.
Mang Inasal available for takeout or delivery
MANG Inasal has improved its food preparation and cooking process to achieve consistent off-the-grill goodness for its meals, including the juicy-lock grilling process which seeks to ensure the freshness and juiciness of its best-selling Chicken Inasal. Chicken Inasal meals can be ordered for at home dining via manginasaldelivery.com.ph, Mang Inasal App, GrabFood, and foodpanda.
Celebrate Christmas at Ayala Malls
This holiday season, Ayala Malls reframes the sentiment of what it means “to gather.” Gather hope Ayala Malls is extending its facilities to support local businesses and community vendors through bayanihan bazaars, a series of curated fairs in collaboration with home, food, and fashion vendors from November until the yearend. In Fests and Flavors, a group of food vendors and restaurateurs including Expofairs Management Corp., Mercato, and RestoPH initially affected by multiple restrictions have partnered with Ayala Malls to bring back food night markets for mall-goers. Additionally, the Department of Tourism (DoT) is launching Kain Na! in Ayala Malls once again to support local cuisines from Region IV-A including Calabarzon this festive season. One of the many community vendors to spot at the food market is Manong Rogelio, who serves Pinoy street-style ice cream from his Miro Ice Cream stand in Glorietta. Another is Tatay Felix Endrina, 65, the viral taho vendor whose name had spread far and wide for selling his local specialty in social events in and outside of Metro Manila. This season, catch him at Ayala Malls Circuit to support his business and enjoy a cup of sweet taho. For Feasts and Flavors, ExpoFair will set up at Circuit from Nov. 30 to Dec. 5, at Market! Market! from Dec. 1 to 13, and Alabang Town Center from Dec. 10 to 23. Feasts and Flavors (with local partners) will also be held at Ayala Malls Marikina every Friday, Fairview Terraces until Dec. 31, Centrio from Dec. 4 to 13, TriNoma from Nov. 23 to Dec. 2, Cloverleaf from Nov. 26 to 28, Ayala Center Cebu from Dec. 1 to 15 and Dec. 20 to 31, at Capitol Central from Dec. 1 to 10 and Dec. 16 to 30, UP Town Center from Dec. 2 to 5, and Feliz from Dec. 10 to 12.
Robinsons supermarket’s farm to table event
THE FRESHEST fruits and vegetables will be on sale from November 26 to 30, 2021 at Robinsons Place Galleria and Ermita’s atrium as Robinsons Supermarket holds its, “Farm to Table” event. First 100 customers of each mall with minimum purchase of Php 500 participating products will also get a chance to win a free bayong during the promo period.Robinsons Supermarket’s Farm to Table is a regular activity which features local farmers’ latest harvest with exciting offers or discounts for customers. There’s buy 1 take 1 on select fruits and vegetables, discounts and more. Sample offers include Buy 1 Take 1 on red seedless grapes, apple or chopsuey or pinakbet mixes. Besides fruits and vegetables, plants will also be on sale during this period. The event is possible thanks to Robinsons Supermarket’s partners: Dizon Farms, Organic Options, LiveGreen, Sureleaf, NXTLVL OBP, Chantelle and MCK Flowers. “Thanks to the support of our like-minded partners, Robinsons Supermarket’s Farm to Table project provides local farmers a venue to sell their goods profitably and responsibly. The program also gives consumers easy access to healthy and nutritious fruits and vegetables while supporting the local farming community,” said Ms. Lyn de Jesus, merchandising director of Robinsons Supermarket. Farm to Table is also one of Robinsons Supermarket’s sustainability program which aims to provide more opportunities for local farmers to feature and sell their produce at fair prices. To date, Robinsons Supermarket and its partners support over 700 local farmers in the Philippines. Visit Robinsons Supermarket’s Farm to Table event from November 26-30 at the atrium of Robinsons Place Galleria and Ermita.
