FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

The Philippine Tatler Magazine has recognized Amalfi Cucina Italiana as one of the country’s best restaurants. Already twice on the list, in 2009 and 2011, Amalfi has elevated the standards of an Italian dining experience in Iloilo by offering authentic cuisine using only the finest ingredients, superb dining ambiance and impeccable service. And these accolades inspire Amalfi to come up with even more Italian cookery to satisfy the discerning palate of the Ilonggos. Within the next few days, the restaurant is set to launch new items on its extensive Italian menu. And I had the utmost privilege yesterday to sample ten (10) of them for the first part of the food tasting session organized by Chef Miner del Mundo , food and beverage consultant of Amalfi Cucina Italiana and through the invitation of Ms. Arvi Sumayo , Marketing Manager of Great Foods Concepts Inc. It started with Bruschette con Cannellini, Pomodori e Olio Nuovo , an antipasto of bruschetta of white beans, cheese and tomato...

It was my busiest Dinagyang celebration ever! For 5 days and 4 nights, it was all about food, food and food as I made my way around town joining in the festivities that highlights as the same time "sidelights" the festival. I've discovered new places, new dishes, new events and especially new friends who share almost the same passion. It was indeed an enjoyable and awesome celebration of Dinagyang 2012 . First stop was the home of one of Iloilo's most celebrated chefs, Ms. Maridel Uygongco . I tagged along through the invitation Ms. Regine Algecera , executive producer of two cable tv shows (for both Sky Cable and Cable Star). In her kitchen, Ms Maridel demonstrated the preparation of her YSL recipe she made during the My City, My SM, My Cuisine event. It was a very casual video shoot with all of us enjoying not only the designer ibos she prepared but also the fun of it all. I then rushed to Maki Japanese Restaurant where a friend celebrated his birthday p...

Amalfi Cucina Italiana does it again. Amalfi is once again recognized as one of 2011 Philippines’ Best Restaurants by the esteemed Philippine Tatler. The magazine launches the 2011 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. Amalfi Cucina Italiana is definitely a picture of understated elegance; classy and inviting, and definitely delicious beyond expectation. Imagine a sight of posh furniture sleekly arranged beneath the beautifully swirly lighting fixtures, dimly-lit to the guests’ delight. Or the gentle sound of clicking...

You have to prepare for this. Get ready for a plus plus fun at The Avenue ! These days, Iloilo’s premier dining and entertainment destination treats its diners with an overload of your most valuable indulgence: Beer! Tagged as BEER AVENUE! The Avenue will let Iloilo feast on the best local beers: San Mig Lights, San Miguel Pilsen, and your favorite Red Horse, in a 3+1 promo. Diners who purchase at least three same beers will get another 1 FREE! After savoring the variety of Filipino, American, or Italian dishes at Bauhinia Filipino Cuisine , Mojave Grill and Steakhouse , Amalfi Cucina Italiana , and Bourbon Street , diners can indulge with the 3+1 promo for a fun-filled night! And if you and your friends are in for an amazing clubbing experience, avail of the 3+1 Beer Avenue at Club Aura! Beer, music and the dance floor can just never go wrong! (The Avenue Complex is located at Smallville, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. Call Bauhinia at 329-6951; Mojave at 329-5616; Amalfi at 329-5289; Bour...

As the world celebrated Earth Hour 2011 around two weeks ago, a number of establishments around Iloilo City supported this global effort by turning off their lights for an hour. W ith this, it raised local awareness towards the need to take action on climate change and global warming. Among them was Iloilo’s premier dining and entertainment destination, The Avenue. “We have participated in this event since it became a worldwide endeavor in 2008.” informs Ms. Arvi Sumayo, Marketing Specialist of Great Foods Concept Inc. “For the past three years; our restaurants showed support by switching off most of the lighting fixtures and became candle-lit for an hour”. True enough it was a play of light and dark two Saturdays ago when The Avenue marked this year’s celebration of Earth Hour. At exactly 8:30pm, restaurants namely Bauhinia Filipino Cuisine, Mojave Grill and Steak House, Amalfi Cucina Italiana, Nothing but Desserts, Terra Mediterranean Cuisine and Coffeebreak plunged into semi-darknes...

This feature published by the Manila Standard Today narrates how gastronomy played an important role in the author's recent visit to Iloilo City. It simply shows that food is very much a part of the city's "tourism" and as the title says it's "Beyond batchoy". Enjoy this article (written by Nana Nadal) more with some photos from Flavours of Iloilo archives. Mention Iloilo and batchoy is not far behind. With everyone sending me off to the province with “enjoy the batchoy” messages, I was half expecting to live on the noodle soup for the duration of my three-day stay. After devouring a bowlful paired with soft white puto at Ted’s Old Timer La Paz Batchoy along Valeria Street, I realized that I had nothing to worry about, I would have been perfectly happy eating it for several meals. I’m no batchoy connoisseur but I think Ted’s 65 years in the business and 34 branches nationwide prove that their recipe’s a winner. I had another round of the dish at Days ...