FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

Two (2) schools from Visayas and two (2) schools from Mindanao were recently cited as representatives for the much-awaited National Cooking Showdown of the Ajinomoto® Umami Culinary Challenge (UCC). Apart from cash prizes and medals, said winning school teams will each get a chance to win more prizes and showcase their masterful culinary skills as Ajinomoto® flies them to Manila for the National Cooking Showdown set in the year 2015.  Rows of umami goodness! Contenders for the Best Filipino Umami Dish Competition Category are Hercor College from Roxas City and Green Valley College from Koronadal City. Benedicto College from Cebu City and The Holy Cross of Davao will compete for the My Own Umami Creation Competition Category.  Competition Director Nancy Reyes-Lumen (middle) together with Ajinomoto® Umami Culinary Challenge – Visayas School Teams The Ajinomoto® UCC is an interschool competition organized by AJINOMOTO PHILIPPINES CORPORATION (APC) that aims to help s...

The Filipino history and culture has manifested its richness, diversity, and uniqueness with the distinct cuisine we call our own.  The food that has been identified with us is more than just a staple need; it is our culture ingested.  Pinakbet with Lechon Kawali But Filipino food goes beyond the globally popular adobo.  It is as rich and broad as our multi-cultural lineage.  Pork Adobo sa Achuete If you go to Bauhinia Filipino Cuisine, one of the restaurants in the Avenue Complex, you would taste a loaded showcase of Filipino dishes which may already be deliciously familiar to you,  but given an oh-so good twist by the restaurant which has been offering Iloilo an exceptional taste of Filipino cuisine since 2008.  La Pinay Organic Salad The menu offerings range from refreshing ensalada- all organic, chicken dishes – free range, fusion of classics prepared with a twist like the Pinakbet na Lechon Kawali, and Kare-Kareng Crispy Pata. There’s...

This season, Coffeebreak offers a gourmet treat as it launches latest additions to its pizza and pasta line.    For your pizza, go simple with White Pizza, a rich and creamy pizza with two types of cheeses. If you love salmon, try the Smoked Salmon Pizza complete with two types of cheeses and sweet basil. Coffeebreak also has the new Tomato and Basil Pizza, a terrific gourmet take with fresh Italian basil and tomato slices added with a tinge of lemon juice and with a distinctive olive oil flavor and melted cheese. Its new pasta line also boasts great flavor. Savor the creamy goodness of Salmon Casserole with its mouthwatering rich spaghetti pasta with smoked salmon topped with salmon flakes and parsley. If you’re health conscious, another must-try is Pasta Primavera, pasta and mixed vegetables, a treat for the vegetable lover in you.  (Coffeebreak has outlets at Iloilo Esplanade, The Avenue, Gen. Luna St., Valeria, The Atrium, Jaro, Iloilo Supermart- Molo, ...

Streetside KTV Crispy Pata If you’re a certified KTV addict, you have a new hangout place to display your diva and rock star skills- day and night!  StreetSide recently opened at the entrance of Smallville complex, inviting the Ilonggo crowd for a brand new KTV and entertainment experience. With very affordable rates, starting from Php1000 , you will be indulged with sumptuous dishes from appetizers, pork, chicken and sizzling delights, pizza and pasta, burgers and your favorite drinks while singing your hearts out!  Additionally, customers hooked on PS3 can play anytime with PS3 players at StreetSide, day and night! Whether you are with your family or your barkada, StreetSide will indulge you with a new level of entertainment.  (StreetSide is located at the entrance of Smallville Complex, Diversion road Mandurriao. For reservations, call (033)320-1573 or txt 09228803721/09228803719. StreetSide opens at 10AM) /press release

Salad and appetizer stations Diners will take pleasure in a variety of cuisine that tickle the palate as The Promenade offers not one nor two but five new buffet spreads for its weekday lunch “smorgasbord”. Living up to its name, the Asian Odyssey buffet series at Days Hotel Iloilo, offers a gastronomic voyage featuring the exciting flavors of Asia.  Your food journey starts with the most sumptuous Japanese lunch buffet in town every Monday. Enjoy the tofu-miso soup with appetizers like gyoza (Japanese-style dumplings), and tsukune (meat balls) in teriyaki sauce, on the side. Satisfy your cravings for sushi, freshly-made tempura and other Japanese specialties. Be sure to try the Japanese-inspired desserts and sweets before you say “ sayonara ”. Tuesdays let you appreciate the savory flavors and taste of true Korea. Whet your appetite with the Korean version of dumplings called mandu and of course - kimchi! Also try one of the most popular Korean noodle dishes calle...

Whether you’re a Filipino cuisine die hard or you simply want to satisfy your palate with sumptuous delights, head your way to Bauhinia Filipino Cuisine at the posh Avenue Complex to get a taste of its mouthwatering menu with fresh inclusions that will excite your appetite until you’re satisfied with gastronomic pleasure. To ignite your appetite, sample the more flavorful version of Smoked Lapu-Lapu Sisig, a combination of flaked Lapu Lapu (Grouper), smoked Bangus and a special decadent ingredient; or Bauhinia’s Kinilaw na Tanigue at Tuna, a serving of Marinated Mackerel fish in calamansi and vinegar seared Tuna, carrot slaw, and balsamic reduction.Maybe some Squid ala Pobre Crostini , a medley of sautéed squid in olive oil and chilies on French baguette . W ipe off your hunger with Bauhinia’s Escabeche sa Lapu Lapu, a delicious take of the classic Filipino inspired sweet and sour fillet of grouper, or Bauhinia’s Lamb Caldereta, the mouthwatering spicy lamb stew cooked in tomato – ...

As we usher the most festive season of the year, Coffeebreak launches new delicious Frappe just in time for the cheery season.  Savor Christmas in a cup with the new choices of Dulce de Leche Frappe and Choco Dulce de Leche – iced, sweet and creamy to add merriment to your favorite Coffeebreak time. (Coffeebreak has outlets at The Avenue, Gen. Luna St., Valeria, The Atrium, Jaro, Iloilo Supermart- Molo, Nelly Gardens, Plaza Libertad, Plazuela, Delgado, and Iloilo Airport.)     

COMING off its fresh victory in the inaugural Iloilo leg of the Ajinomoto Umami Culinary Challenge, Hercor College brushed aside the jitters accompanying a visiting team and grabbed a bit of the spotlight in the Ajinomoto Umami Culinary Challenge – Visayas 2013 (UCC-V 2013) last Sept. 21 at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall. Hercor College lived up to its stature as Iloilo champion and turned up the heat on hometown-favorite International School for Hotel and Restaurant Management (ISHRM) as it proved to be more creative in maximizing the full potential and usage of the umami taste to win the Visayas Showdown for the Best Filipino Umami Dish. Ma-Umaming Haligi ng Kalusugan HERCOR College's Winning Entry during UCC-Iloilo Finals   The triumph landed Hercor College a berth in the national finals for the Best Filipino Umami Dish, which will be held in February next year during the 5th Ajinomoto Umami Culinary Challenge in Manila. Expenses of the four-man Hercor College team to...

Nothing compares to a grand dessert treat that satisfies every sweet craving. Always introducing new creations that entice the dessert-loving crowd of Iloilo, Nothing but Desserts at The Avenue brings another set of delights that will make you forget your sugar diet.  Don’t miss the line of the extremely deliciousJapanese Cheesecake with a variety of toppings you can choose from.  If you fancy dulce pralines, Nothing but Desserts has the cream Dulce Rosette (sweet and milky egg custard shaped into a rose). If you want variety, you have the Mango or Chocolate Dulce Praline.  Vanilla will overflow with the classic L’Opera (layer of vanilla roulade, chocolate and coffee cream), and White Velvet (layer of vanilla roulade filled with white chocolate mousse and strawberry filling). Other must-trys are Mango and Sweet Citrus Crostata, a sweet creation of buttery crust filled with cream mango or kalamansi filling topped with fresh mango or kalamansi slices, respe...

Amalfi Cucina Italiana does it again.  Amalfi is once again recognized as one of 2013 Philippines’ Best Restaurants by the esteemed Philippine Tatler.  The magazine launches the 2013 issue of Philippines’ Best Restaurants which, undoubtedly, is the ultimate dining guide in the country; the cream of the crop in the Philippine dining scene.  And true to its label as one of the best, Amalfi is Iloilo’s toast to an unforgettable fine dining experience.   When you dine at Amalfi, the rich delicious aroma of authentic Italian cuisine greets your eager senses. With a taste that’s quite unforgettable, each bite of every tempting dish is   enthralling. A lip-smacking dining fete’ awaits every foodie. Tuna Tartare With the mouthwatering likes of Foie Gras for antipasto, tender juicy steaks, appetizing main dishes like their pan-seared Chilean Seabass (top most photo), a line of pizza and pasta, and so much more.  Amalfi has also been re...

The luxury choice in gelato has now expanded to offer more luscious offerings of gelato flavours, sundaes, Panini, antipasti, gourmet coffee and beverages.  Morelli’s Gelato Caffè has opened its second location at the 2/L of the new Shangri-la Plaza Mall East Wing. The UK-born brand of Morelli’s Gelato brought its grand tradition of gelato made fresh daily to the Philippines last year, when it opened shop at the Power Plant Mall.  Since then, word that the flagship gelato shop of London’s famous Harrods was now in Manila had spread. Brought to the Philippines by Global Restaurant Concepts, Inc. (GRCI), Morelli’s Gelato has over 100 years of gelato tradition behind it.  Italian immigrant to the UK Guiseppe Morelli began by selling his homemade gelato from the back of his bicycle in 1907.  Fifth-generation Bibi Morelli now serves as the continuing family enterprise’s business leader, bringing the brand to exclusive places like Cafe de Paris in Monaco and the ...

It’s not just like your ordinary ice cream.  Those who have savored Nothing but Dessert’s Gelato can attest to its amazing taste. The rich, intense flavor- creamy beyond words- will surely put a smile on your face.  And the secret to its delicious creamy goodness? Nothing but Desserts uses Fresh Organic Whole Milk from Orchard Valley.  With a variety of regular flavors like pistachio, vanilla, almond, hazelnut, Spanish chocolate and a lot more, Nothing but Desserts will surely excite your palate.   And now, you might want to try new flavors that would tickle your interest. Sample tisa, santol, bittergourd, ginger, and many more gelato flavors on your next visit. If you don’t find the fruit that appealing, wait until you try it as gelato. The taste is delightful and creamy up to the last spoonful!   Whether in a cup or in a cone, indulging a few scoops will make your fun  time with family and friends extra delicious. (Nothing but...

ORCHARD VALLEY, home to fresh vegetables, fruits, poultry and other organic products offers Fresh Organic Cow’s Whole Milk. Orchard Valley guarantees that your daily dose of fresh milk is organic and produced without antibiotics, from grass-fed cows.  The farm boasts of breeding high quality imported cattle, Holstein and Sahiwal breed, for its organic milk. The milking cows graze in the farm’s 10-hectare pasture land. After undergoing homogenization process of the milk, the farm supplies for all Coffeebreak outlets, as well as high end restaurants in the city including Amalfi Cucina Italiana, Mojave Grill and Steakhouse, Bauhinia Filipino Cuisine, and Nothing but Desserts.  Operating since 1999 in a 22-hectare farm in, Orchard Valley is the CERTIFIED organic farm in Iloilo, supplying vegetables, selected fruits, poultry and other organic products to the best restaurants and hotels in Iloilo, including Iloilo Supermart branches and Days Hotel Iloilo.   Certif...

Here comes a new delight from Floyd’s! Crunchy, flavorful and with very distinct prawn taste, Floyd’s Cracklings will give additional delight to your delicious dining. While waiting for your order, munch on the tasty prawn crackers and be delighted with every bite.  Floyd’s Cracklings is available in Sour Cream and Cheese flavors. (Floyd’s Famous BBQ has branches at JM Basa, Ayala Technohub, and The Atrium)  /press release

Your meal time at Green Mango will be extra fun with the new CHICHARONE prawn chips! With very distinct prawn taste, crispy and flavorful with every bite, Chicharones prawn crackers will give additional delight whenever you’re at Green Mango. GM Chicharones is available in BBQ, Hot & Spicy and Salt & Vinegar flavors.   (Green Mango has outlets at Valeria, E. Lopez, SM City, Jalandoni, Nelly Gardens, and Plaza Liberta and The Atrium. For deliveries call Green Mango at 508-1818) /press release

Still aiming to offer people-on-the-go a delicious, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal, Rice ‘n More now offers Rice Wraps! You will be satisfied with the rice toppings in tortilla wrap. With a choice between beef, chicken, or pork sisig, Rice Wraps is prepared in delightful rice medley with grilled chicken or beef or pork sisig, mixed veggies, tomatoes, cucumber, cabbage, garlic mayo, with the sauce of your choice.  So on those busy days, whenever you crave for a delicious meal- hot, fresh and ready to go- stop at any Rice ‘n More outlet.  (Rice ‘n More has outlets at Marymart, Robinsons Place,, and Iloilo Supermart outlets)  /press release

With the scorching summer heat, one serving of halo-halo may not be enough. Rush to Green Mango and enjoy its Halo-Halo All You Can promo!  Savor the mouthwatering and unlimited HALO-HALO FIESTA, Green Mango’s version of the classic Pinoy refresher, for only P99!  Enjoy the heaping serving of halo-halo either as a delicious after-lunch or dinner dessert or as a great afternoon refresher. Green Mango has the coolest answer to summertime!  (Green Mango has branches at Valeria, Jaro Plaza, E.Lopez, Jalandoni, SM City, Nelly Gardens, The Atrium, and Plaza Libertad. For deliveries, call 508-1818) /press release

The Visayan region's iconic seafood delicacies and other gastronomical delights take center stage at Mandarin Oriental, Manila's Paseo Uno with a week-long festival, featuring chef Pauline Gorriceta-Banusing. Renowned for representing Iloilo's famous culinary scene, the enterprising chef returns to the hotel for the "Flavors of the Visayas" food festival that will be held from May 6 to 12.  KBL kadyos baboy langka Diners can look forward to indulging in a smorgasbord of Gorriceta-Banusing's signature dishes in the lunch and dinner buffets such as kadios, baboy at langka or more popularly known as KBL (a tangy soup made with kadios beans, pork and jackfruit, soured with batuan seeds); chicken inasal, Iloilo's most popular chicken dish, made even more special with Gorriceta-Banusing's basting sauce; lukon na may aligue kag paho, or fresh Aklan prawns with crab fat in garlic and scallions; and a batchoy station where food lovers and connoisseurs can...