Dining In/Out (06/06/24)
Kamuning Bakery’s machang
THIS YEAR, the annual global Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on the 5th day of the 5th month in the Chinese lunar calendar, is celebrated on June 10th. Machang (also known as zongzi; sticky rice stuffed dumplings wrapped in lotus or bamboo leaves) is a traditional delicacy eaten during this festival. The practice dates back 2300 years, honoring classical poet and statesman Qu Yuan. Machang is freshly cooked weekly at the 85-year-old Kamuning Bakery Cafe. Its traditional machang has been immortalized in the Netflix series Street Food Asia. Kamuning Bakery Cafe offers three flavors of machang, all prepared the old-fashioned way: Double Pork (pork belly and shiitake mushrooms), Chicken Pork & Shiitake Mushrooms (tender chicken, pork belly, and shiitake mushrooms), and Taochang (pork belly, shiitake mushrooms, and beans). The heirloom recipes were passed down by the late poet and educator Mary Young Siu Tin. Kamuning Bakery Cafe is located at No. 43 Judge Jimenez St. corner K-1st St., Barangay Kamuning, Quezon City. One can also order through Food Panda or Grab. Bulk orders are accepted via call, text, or Viber at 0917-848-1818, 0918-807-7777, 7757-1120, 8371-7058, or 7919-9105.
Venchi comes to PHL
ITALIAN chocolatier and gelato maker Venchi is coming to the country thanks to a partnership between the SSI Group, Inc. and Venchi S.p.A. As part of Venchi’s expansion into Asia, the first shop is set to be located in Central Square Mall in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Venchi Philippines will feature its original recipes including its hazelnut-based chocolate and gelato, its best-selling product, Chocoviar, as well as its low sugar varieties. Founded in 1878, Venchi uses the finest natural ingredients and traditional Italian techniques to make its wares.
Breville’s new colors
BREVILLE’S espresso machines now also come in the minimalist shades of Sea Salt and Black Truffle. These colors will be available for Bambino Plus and Barista Express Impress models. Priced at P41,999, Breville’s Bambino Plus is equipped with an Auto MilQ hands-free texturing function that allows effortless microfoaming, while the Barista Express Impress, at P69,999, has a reliable Impress Puck System that lets even coffee beginners achieve the perfect dose and precise tamp while also minimizing the grinds on the machine and bench top. The new colorways for the Breville Bambino Plus and Barista Express Impress are currently open for pre-orders. They are only available in select SM Home branches nationwide. Meanwhile, the brand is also running the Brew Buddies promo which lets customers enjoy 50% off the Breville Smart Grinder Pro when they buy the Bambino Plus Stainless Steel Model. The offer is available via Breville’s official e-commerce channels and home appliance partner stores and malls.
Get caffeinated at NWR
Newport World Resorts (NWR) has a slew of signature brews at its various restaurants. At the Garden Wing Cafe (GF Newport Garden Wing), Arabica beans are brewed with organic butter and coconut oil for its Brain Boost Coffee that is a twist on a latte for keto individuals. At Casa Buenas (GF Newport Grand Wing), espresso meets tablea (drinking chocolate) and ube (purple yam) to make a rich and creamy mocha drink that is unmistakably Filipino. At Hotel Okura Manila, order a Matcha Latte at Yawaragi. The new signature drink harmonizes the bold flavors of earthy matcha, silky red beans, and local Benguet-Sablan coffee blend. The Madison Lounge & Bar at Hilton Manila has the Madison Blend, a cup of coffee with hints of roasted nuts and milk chocolate, while the Manhattan Blend has hints of ripe fruits and dark chocolate. At the Sheraton Manila Hotel, The Lounge’s signature brewed coffee is made with Single-Origin beans, sourced from local farms. For something different, The Kitchen by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has new cold brew offers, with the Caramel Cold Brew being an especially sweet deal. A classic that is worth a revisit is the Cappuccino from Mary Grace Cafe (2F Newport Mall). For a quick pick me up there are the Thai Iced Coffee from Mango Tree (2F Newport Mall), and the Cafe con Panna from Parmigiano (2F Newport Mall). There are also multiple branches of standbys like McCafe and Starbucks all over NWR. Or when all else fails, there is a PICKUP COFFEE Truck outside the Eighty One Mall.
Taco Bell’s Father’s Day bundle
TACO BELL marks Father’s Day with the Nacho-Ordinary Dad Pack — two Beef Burritos, two Tacos (crunchy or soft), one Nachos Supreme, and four 12-oz servings of soda, all for P699. The Nacho-Ordinary Dad Pack is available until June 30 only. Available at all Taco Bell branches for dine-in and take-out orders, and also for delivery by calling the 8911-1111 hotline.
Celebrate Father’s Day at Solaire
CELEBRATE Father’s Day with a wide selection of dining specials at Solaire Resort Entertainment City, from a brunch buffet to special set menus, or a relaxing afternoon tea. Have an Italian Sunday brunch at Finestra, with traditional beef tartare, roast leg of lamb, red wine-braised flat iron steak, and authentic carbonara. To make the day even more special, dads dining at Finestra will receive a gift. For a family feast, head to Red Lantern for their Eat-All-You-Can dim sum buffet and try their new set of ala carte specialties. Treat dad for a surprise brunch at Yakumi, which offers authentic Japanese dishes from eight live stations. Dads can also enjoy unlimited drinks, including Japanese shochu, sake, and a special Father’s Day cocktail featuring Japanese whisky Iwai and Horodoke Peach sake served in Highball. For a one-of-a-kind BBQ brunch experience with dad, visit the Butcher’s Block for a premium selection of meats, then visit the carving station for Cebu lechon or pork belly and whole roasted prime rib, paired with Waterside’s signature paella. Every dad receives a special gift to brighten his day. At Fresh, visit a variety of buffet stations showcasing seafood and meats from Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Chinese cuisines, and indulge in unlimited lobster in Homard Tom Yum sauce by chef Goh Fukuyama of La Maison de la Nature Goh, a culinary haven in Fukuoka that boasts a Michelin Star. There will be a walking photo booth and a caricaturist, and diners will be serenaded by a live band and entertained by a magic show. Kids can join in the fun with games, arts and crafts, and visits to various food booths, including a popcorn and hotdog stand. Over at the Oasis Garden Café, watch out for the Whisky pop-up bar for a special toast to dad’s day. Reserve seats by calling 8888-8888 or e-mail restaurantevents@solaireresort.com.
Boracay’s OG Japanese restaurant turns 17
HAMA, Boracay’s top Japanese restaurant, celebrates its 17th birthday, as it continues to offer a unique blend of traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine. Located at the center of the D’Mall, Station 2, Boracay, HAMA provides a Zen-like, casual ambiance that complements its beachfront location. The name hama, meaning “beach” in Japanese, is a fitting tribute to its close proximity to Boracay’s pristine white sands and gorgeous blue seas, which a three-minute walk can access. Owned by the Juan Elizalde and Paolo Occhionero, the same duo behind the island’s other popular dining establishments ARIA Cucina Italiana, Boracay Beach Truck, and Cafe Del Sol, HAMA continues to offer traditional Japanese dishes with innovative modern twists. Signature offerings include the sushi boat with 32 pieces of their bestsellers, teppanyaki udon, and hearty bowls of ramen.