FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

Don’t bother looking this stall in and around Iloilo City for it’s virtually inexistent. “Michael’s” is colloquial truncated Ilonggo term for “sa may kilid-kilid”. A term for those generic stalls selling food items to almost anything. Very commercialized as they may seem, but it’s really something part of the gastronomic culture anywhere (in the world as a whole). Mostly found in populous areas like plazas, markets, in front of hospitals, rows of stalls selling anything that can be placed on a barbecue stick abound. From the usual pork barbecue to innards to hotdogs and of course chicken, these “Michael’s” offer cheap, quick and sometimes good e ats. Like this chicken inasal, it may not be as big, juicy, and fleshy as those in inasal houses but it smells and tastes good. I may often choose this one over those well marketed (or hyped) chicken barbecues around. It offers plain and simple good taste without much pretension whatsoever. With marinade as simple as soy sauce, ketchup, sugar, ...

An event almost two months in the works and finally it became a reality. Lamesa Grill Iloilo had its grand opening last Thursday, June 2, 2011, with no less than Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan as the guest of honor. The mega senator who is one of the owners of Lamesa Grill just had made a “cut, eat and run” for this literal “ Iloilo food trip ”. He was just in the city for about 3 hours then went back to Manila. But it was enough to give thrill and appeal to grand opening to one of Iloilo City’s up and coming hotspot for good food and entertainment. It was also a gathering of VIP’s as invited guests include Congressman Jerry P. Trenas and Councilor Lex Tupas among others plus added glitter to the event. Other invited guests included businessmen, friend, relatives and the media. Armed with red candles, guests listened to short mass after which the owners together with Senator Kiko and Councilor Lex led the ribbon cutting ceremony. The blessing of the restaurant commenced as guests poure...

You don’t have to journey outside Iloilo to savor the finest steaks. Mojave Grill and Steakhouse will indulge you with its delicious array of Certified Angus Steak . If you have gone to the most fantastic steak restaurants, you would be eagerly told that the steak you were gushing about is a U.S. Certified Angus Beef , the beef industry’s recognized quality leader. All Certified Angus Beef products are produced with stringent standards so you’re guaranteed that all the beef products are juicy, tender, and drowning with an undeniable winning flavor. If a Certified Angus Beef is royally served in your table, then you are certain of the beef’s superior quality and its sinful delight. These, you will surely taste only at Mojave. Steak restaurants may have sprouted around the metro, claiming to be offering the most delicious steaks. But steak aficionados surely know that not all Angus steaks are Certified Angus Beef, thus not all are guaranteed to give you a tender juicy, and abundantly ...

It was a very inspirational day as The News Today, Mezzo Magazine and StepJuan all joined forces to create social awareness to the Ilonggos about the pediatric cancer. The symposium coincided with the Iloilo leg of Tomas Leonor's STEP JUAN "Walking expedition" to help raise funds for the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, where children with cancer seek treatment. A simple forum was held at the Emilion Function Rooms at the Roadhouse along Gen. Luna Street where guests were enlightened about the disease through the resource persons led by Dr. Julius Lecciones, Pedriatric Oncologist and Head of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center . A benefit dinner followed that night at Hotel del Rio wherein proceeds will go for this cause. Here are some literature about the said project. Pediatric Cancer Cancer strikes even the young. In the Philippines, one Filipin o child dies of cancer every three hours. What kills them is not the disease itself but the lack of funds for seek...

The premiere dining and entertainment complex in Iloilo City, The Avenue, recently launched a whole new line up of wines to serve its clientele. From the cellars of Sommelier Selection Inc ., come a total of 10 French wines that will add colour and flavour to the sumptuous specialties served at various restaurants in the comple x. Romain Geitner of Sommelier Selection Inc. A special wine tasting session was held last Saturday at The Astoria of The Venue Function Rooms where invited guests were able to sample each and every wine in the collection. The wine list includes Cotes de Chateau Guibeau, Gueule de Loup, Louis Cheze Syrah, Cuvee de Galets, Rive Haute Merlot Tannat, Cox Pinot Noir, Mescladis, Paulo de Coste Blanc de Blancs, Rive Haute Colombard and Cox Chardonnay. Guests were also served with an array of delectable “cocktail”food including a cheese and cold cuts platter (consisting of “an array of assorted cheeses, salami, prosciutto, cheddar, brie and blue cheese), salmon and m...

Spyco Marketing Productions Manila presents Havaianas Beach Bar 2011, a one night open bar event in the city to be held in three venues! Held simultaneously held at Club Aura, Bourbon Street (The Avenue), and Flow Superclub last May 28, 2011. Top three caliber DJs namely DJ Christian Raeuber, DJ Marie Garcia, and DJ Nikki Taylor will be rockin’ the night, to be joined by two Brazilian Samba Dancers Luane Pasinatto and Alex Pain along with fire dancers and percussionists. The DJS DJ RAEUBER. Christian Raeuber, German-Filipino, is known for his colorful and energetic style of dance music. His multicultural and revolutionary approach to music d id not take him long to hit the big clubs such as Embassy (now referred to as Encore) in 2007. Brainchild of themed nights such as the original Models Night in Manila's known night spot 'Tabu', DJ Raeuber not only entertains with his signature house vibe to his remarkably appealing audience, but is adept in formulating fresh night con...

Brewing up an enthusiasm for the good things in life, Bluejay Coffee and Delicatessen has wisely carved its niche as one of the best coffee shops in Iloilo. Built not just be cause of the owners’ love for coffee but also to answer to Iloilo city’s need for a more sophisticated venue. With two swanky branches located at strategic districts in city, Bluejay was born out of passion and concern - passion for coffee and concern for a developing city that was and still is in need of more top-rank establishments befitting its progressing status. The restaurant has upped the ante by offering the Ilonggos a classier and hipper take on the usual coffee-and-dining experience. Cleverly resisting the compulsion to put all its beans in one filter basket, it did not just limit its market to the java-loving crowd, but has also introduced the deli-cum-coffee shop concept to local food enthusiasts. But as first impressions tend to last, many people still think that one has to have a deep pocket in orde...