FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

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 – ...

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 fairly cold and rainy Tuesday afternoon didn't hinder us from enjoying the galore of gelato specially prepared for us at Nothing but Desserts at The Avenue Complex. I've tried a number of the Mokkilato gelato offerings at Coffeebreak  and NBD  before like kalamansi, mento, mango cheese cake, caramel and tiramisu among others. But when Ms Arvi Sumayo Sicad, Marketing Manager of Great Foods Comcepts Inc mentioned a host of new local and exotic flavours like santol, ampalaya and my "favorite", ginger, it got me all excited. Good thing Nothing but Desserts has their own gelato machine that they can make any flavours under the sun, anytime. Ampalaya gelato  So, lets start with one of the most intriguing - AMPALAYA. No problem with me, I guess since I eat amargoso as a vegetable and I've tasted dishes having this gourd in all its bitterness. The first taste impression I had with the gelato version of bittergourd was it had hints of guava skin taste. ...

Take your special someone and your family to The Avenue for a sumptuous dinner amidst the wonderful music of Good Vibes band and violin act.  A day before Valentine, February 13, visit The Avenue for a romantic candlelight dinner. A violin performer will color to the already-romantic evening. And on Valentines day, relish the gastronomic delights of Bauhinia, Mojave, Bourbon Street, and Amalfi. Whether you like Filipino, American, or Italian for your romantic date, The Avenue offers the best cuisine that suits your cravings. Visit Bauhinia, Mojave, Amalfi, and Bourbon Street for your dining wants. And to complete your romantic get-away, the bossa nova band Good Vibes will be there to serenade you and your loved ones all night long. /press release  (For reservations at Amalfi, Mojave, Bauhinia, and Bourbon Street, call 501-6262)

So how to start a month the month of Love in terms of gastronomy? I didn't have to try hard as they come on their own terms.After the revelry of Dinagyang, the next big celebrations in Iloilo are the Chinese new Year, Jaro Candelaria Feast and Paraw Regatta. And it was on the mid celebrations (Jaro Fiesta) that February gastronomy marked its start.  I went to two fiestas during Candelaria - the rainforest inspired set up at the Jamerlan residence and one at Afrique's Jaro, where the restaurant business all began. But in between I just got a call informing me of a photoshoot happening at Days Hotel Iloilo and when I got there it was cakes, cakes and cakes all over. Tinapayan was readying for Valentine and the Heart Cakes were at the center of it all. The next day I was out to lunch at the Central Market and got to discover the old way of having Coffee on the Go at De Leonian Cafe . The month also brought in more discovery as for the first time I got to taste a hambu...

Spend your holidays dining at the best restaurants in the city! And when you talk about best restaurants, the array found at the The Avenue Complex easily comes in mind. Featuring a variety of world-class cuisine for the festive vibe, you’ll get to taste the most delicious dishes to celebrate this very special season.  Amalfi Cucina Italiana Thinking of a perfect Christmas date with your loved one? Amalfi is just absolutely terrific.Explore a romantic splurge out with the most delicious authentic Italian dishes. Please your palate with Tuna Tartare and Vegetable Duchess with Prawns and Grape Salad for your starters. Taste authentic Italian dishes like the delicious Chilean Seabass or the Sicilian Lamb Stew for your main course. Bauhinia Filipino Cuisine Taste the best Filipino table delights at Bauhinia and cherish the moment with your family and loved ones this Christmas. Roll your sleeves for the enticing bestsellers: Kare-Kare Crispy Pata and Sini...

Following that afternoon of fine California wines, a degustation dinner followed at Bourbon Street. What else but only the best back ribs in town highlighted the evening’s 4-course menu. Together with the wine connoisseurs of Happy Living Philippines Corporation headed by Kathy Yao-Santos, learning about wine and their respective food pairing continues until the night. Dinner started with one of my fave soups at the American bistro – Cream of Mushroom and Celery. A rich blend of celery and mushroom flavored with basil and accented with chili. It has shitake mushroom that provides a crunch as well as bite contrasting the creaminess of the soup. Salad was next on the menu and I again met another favorite – Southwest Salad. A mélange of citrus marinated (and grilled) beef, Romaine lettuce, tomato confit, roasted bell pepper and French Vinaigrette on a crisp and edible shell. I always like the complementary flavors of the tangy beef, the smokiness of the bell pepper, crisp a...